Gravity Holds, Captain Phillips Debuts High, Machete Kills Doesn’t – Biff Bam Pop’s Weekend Box Office Wrap-Up Report

It was an outstanding weekend if you happened to be starring in a film called Gravity; it was a very strong weekend if you were headlining a film called Captain Phillips; while if you happened to have your name attached to Machete Kills…it’s the thought that counts? Here’s what happened at the box office:

Gravity didn’t just hold onto the top spot at the box office this weekend with $44.2 million, it did so with only a 21% drop week to week, which is usually unimaginable for a big blockbuster film. Word of mouth is strong for this movie that it is likely on its way to crossing the $200 million mark, proof that with the right story, cast, and director, you don’t need to be franchise film to resonate with audiences.

Find out how the rest of the weekend turned out after the jump!
Opening in second place was Tom Hanks’ Captain Phillips with $26 million, the best showing for a Hanks toplined film in five years. Topically, Hanks’ star power alongside Paul Greengrass’ directing prowess helped bring in an adult audience that had likely already seen Gravity, or didn’t want to wait in the line-ups.

Finally, debuting in fifth place with absolutely dreadful $3.7 million was Machete Kills. No doubt the film will find its audience once it hits DVD, but this is still  a very poor showing.

As for the rest of the top five, Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs 2 was in third place with $14.2 million, while Runner, Runner hit fourth with $3.7.

So, to recap, here were our predictions:

1) Gravity – $35 million
2) Captain Phillips – $25 million
3) Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2 – $13.5 million
4) Runner, Runner – $7 million
5) Machete Kills – $6.5 million

And here’s how the weekend turned out:

1) Gravity – $44 million
2) Captain Phillips – $26 million
3) Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 2 – $14.2 million
4) Runner, Runner – $3.7 million
5) Machete Kills – $3.7 million

Next weekend see the release of Carrie, The Escape Plan and The Fifth Estate. Be sure to check back on Friday to see our predictions.