“Avengers: Age of Ultron” held on to its crown as the number one movie in America this weekend and it wasn't even close. The Joss Whedon directed blockbuster pulled in an estimated $77.2 million for a 10 total of $312.5 million. That's down 59% from its opening weekend, the second biggest of all-time. While it's currently pacing $61 million behind where the first “Avengers” was at this point in its record breaking run three years ago, “Age of Ultron” its $27 million ahead of where “Iron Man 3” was 10 days in. That's a positive sign the Marvel Studios tentpole should finish far north of the latter's $409 million domestic gross. Globally, “Age of Ultron” has now earned over $874.9 million and should cross the $1 billion mark next weekend.
Debuting in second place was Warner Bros.' “Hot Pursuit.” The Sofia Vergara and Reese Witherspoon counterprogramming comedy took in just $13.3 million. That might be an OK start considering its reported $35 million production budget, but “Hot Pursuit” earned just a C+ CInemascore rating and the reviews have been tepid to say the least. Obviously, positive word of mouth is going to be tough to come by.
“The Age of Adaline” took the third slot impressively dropping just 9.7% from last weekend with another $5.6 million for $31.5 million so far. The Lionsgate release now has an excellent shot at crossing the $40 million mark.
“Furious 7” continued to show its muscle in fourth with another $5.2 million and $338.4 million domestically. The Universal Studios monster has earned $1.46 billion globally, which makes it the no. 4 highest grossing movie ever worldwide.
“Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2” keeps finding family audiences in fifth with $5.1 million and $58 million to date. With $86.9 million in its coffers worldwide so far, the Sony Pictures release should eventually break even.
Among other new releases, IFC Films' “The D Train” couldn't find many passengers as it earned just $469,000 in 1,009 theaters. Focus Features released “5 Flights Up” in 87 theaters for an OK $234,000 or $2,690 per theater. Roadside Attractions' threw “Maggie” into 79 venues and it took in just $131,000 or $1,658 per screen.
New movies opening on Friday include “Pitch Perfect 2” and “Mad Max: Fury Road.”
Weekend actuals are released on Monday.