“Fantastic Four's” underwhelming debut last weekend might have disappointed theater owners hoping to keep the good times rolling at your local multiplex, but they needn't have worried. As they have throughout much of 2015, Universal Studios has come to the rescue once again.
The studio is looking at its sixth no. 1 movie of the year after “Straight Outta Compton” opened to an impressive $24.2 million on Friday and what should be a $55-59 million weekend. Directed by F. Gary Gray, the movie chronicles the unexpected rise of influential hip-hop group N.W.A. that featured notable artists Ice Cube, Easy E and Dr. Dre. Universal did an excellent job marketing the flick, but “Compton” has also earned strong reviews including a 71 grade on Metacritic and an 88% on Rotten Tomatoes. The late summer hit should have long legs after earning an A Cinemascore from audiences as well.
“Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation” continued its strong run in second with another $4.87 million and $126 million to date. The fifth installment in the franchise doesn”t look like it will match its predecessor”s $209.3 million tally, but it could make up for it internationally.
Another adaptation of a classic ’60s TV series, “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” arrived in third with another $4.85 million. The Guy Ritchie directed thriller is looking at a $12-14 million three-day which isn”t a great start considering its reported $75 million production budget. Reviews were mixed to positive and audiences chimed in with just a B Cinemascore grade so this is yet another title hoping for better results overseas.
“Fantastic Four” fell to no. 4 with another $2.4 million and just $36.3 million in eight days. It”s looking like the 20th Century Fox flop will drop over 60% from its opening weekend.
Joel Edgerton”s “The Gift” rounded out the top five with $1.9 million and $19 million so far. The $5 million budgeted thriller could be close to $25 million by Sunday.
Look for complete weekend results tomorrow on HitFix.
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