It's certainly not “Catching Fire,” but America took a big bite out of “Mockingjay” on Thanksgiving.
The third installment of the “Hunger Games” franchise ruled the box office on Thursday pulling in another $11 million for $168.6 million in its first seven days. That's dramatically below the $222.1 million “Catching Fire” earned at this point in its run a year ago. The good news for Lionsgate, however, is that that international grosses are already at $201.4 million and should end up at least matching “Fire's” $440 take.
DreamWorks Animation's “Penguins of Madagascar” grossed another $3.9 million in second place for $10.2 million in just two days. “Penguins” should have a major bump today and tomorrow when more families are free. It still has a shot at making $50 million over its first five days.
“Horrible Bosses 2” took advantage of antsy under 35-year-olds for no. 3 and another $3 million. The all-star sequel has made $7.3 million and it looks like a $35-40 million five-day gross is the best case scenario. More importantly, a weak B+ Cinemascore should concern the film's studio, Warner Bros., who are hoping for a final domestic gross close to the original's $117 million.
“Big Hero 6” held down fourth place losing to “Horrible Bosses 2” by an estimated $4,000. The Walt Disney Animation blockbuster earned another $3.056 million for $148.4 million in just three weeks. “Hero 6” looks like it will likely surpass “Wreck-it-Ralph's” $189.4 million in the U.S.
“Interstellar” held down fifth earning $3 million on Thursday and $131.2 million so far. Christopher Nolan's Sci-Fi epic should be able to find consistent grosses until “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” steals away its precious IMAX screens on Dec. 17.
Look for more holiday box office updates all weekend long on HitFix.