Neill Blomkamp's “Chappie” got a polarizing reaction from critics and moviegoers appear unsure of the final product as well. The Sci-Fi flick opened to just $4.5 million on Friday for what could be a $13-14 million weekend. That was enough for it to take the top spot at the box office, but considering initial pre-release polling had the film debuting over $20 million that has to be a major disappointment for distributor Sony Pictures. “Chappie” is on track to be Hugh Jackman's worst opening since “Australia” in 2008 and Blomkamp's worst ever after “District 9” debuted to $37 million and “Elysium” found $29.8 million in its first frame.
Last weekend's top film, “Focus,” dropped to no. 2 with another $2.8 million and $27.4 million to date. The Will Smith and Margot Robbie hustle looks like it will eventually tap out around $50 million.
Debuting at no. 3 in just 1,573 screens (under half of the number for “Chappie”) was “John Madden's “The Second Exotic Marigold Hotel” with $2.7 million. The sequel to 2012's surprise hit should earn around $9 million over the three-day. It expands into even more theaters next weekend.
Matthew Vaughn's “Kingsman: The Secret Service” dropped to fourth with another $2.2 million and $91.9 million in the U.S. to date. It won't hit $100 million by end of day Sunday, but might during the week.
Bombing in fifth place was 20th Century Fox's “Unfinished Business.” The Vince Vaughn, Dave Franco and Tom Wilkinson comedy found just $1.8 million for what will be a $5 million opening, at best. Produced and financed by New Regency, the critically panned comedy will have a very difficult time making up its $35 million production budget.
Look for complete weekend estimates tomorrow on HitFix.