The early weekend estimates are out and, as expected, a family friendly horror movie managed to make it to the top of the box office. Meanwhile, the other big Halloween themed release for the weekend couldn’t find an audience. Here’s what went down:
Goosebumps, the adaptation of the long-running series of R.L. Stine tween horror books, had a solid opening weekend at the box office, hitting the top spot with an estimated $24.5 million. It was a little on the low side compared to our predictions, but it was still good enough to grab number one. The film could have some decent legs over the next two weekends with families who are looking for something with a Halloween flavour.
As for the rest of the top five, The Martian fell to second place with $22 million, raising its three-week total to an outstanding $144.5 million. Bridge of Spies, the latest collaboration between Ton Hanks and Steven Spielberg, debut in third place with an estimated $15.9 million.
Then we come to Crimson Peak, the gothic romance ghost story from director Guillermo Del Toro and starring Tom Hiddleston and Jessica Chastain. The film had what can only be described as a lacklustre debut, landing in fourth place with an estimated anemic $13 million. While Del Toro has his rabid fans, it appears as though even they didn’t come out for Crimson Peak. Former BBP box office pundit Scotty G and I went to the film on Friday night, and the theatre for a 10:30 pm screening was far from full. While the visuals are stunning throughout Crimson Peak, both of us agreed that the script was lacking in a significant way. BBP’s Marie Gilbert had a very different opinion of the film, which could wind up being the most divisive of Del Toro’s career.
Finally, Hotel Transylvania 2 closed things out in fifth place with $12.8 million.
So, to recap, here were our predictions:
1) Goosebumps – $30 million
2) Bridge of Spies – $22 million
3) Crimson Peak – $20 million
4) The Martian – $18 million
5) The Intern – $6 million
And here’s how the weekend turned out:
1) Goosebumps – $24.5 million
2) The Martian – $22 million
3) Bridge of Spies – $15.9 million
4) Crimson Peak – $13 million
5) Hotel Transylvania 2 – $12.8 million
Next weekend sees the release of the final instalment of the Paranormal Activity franchise. Be sure to check in on Friday to see our predictions.
