In a highly competitive box office weekend, Arthur the King is expected to make an impressive debut with around $8M-$10M at 3,003 locations. Even though this Lionsgate film is directed by Simon Cellan Jones and features Mark Wahlberg in the lead role, its Thursday previews only generated $825K. The movie is based on a true story about a ten-day adventure race featuring Michael Light bonding with a street dog named Arthur. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 63% fresh, the audience seems to love the film more, giving it a remarkable 93% approval rating. The movie’s production budget of $19M combined with its overseas rights being sold virtually at Cannes, point towards a potentially strong international performance.
Another film making waves at the box office is Love Lies Bleeding, which premiered at Sundance Film Festival and is now expanding to 1,300 theaters. This lesbian crime noir has gathered significant critical acclaim with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 92% certified fresh. Despite a modest weekend take of $2M and a per theater revenue of $33.5K last weekend, the film’s potential for growth is evident. With lead performances by Kristen Stewart and Katy M. O’Brian, Love Lies Bleeding is set to captivate audiences with its unique storytelling and compelling characters.
On the other end of the spectrum, The American Society of Magical Negroes is facing harsh criticism from critics with a dismal 29% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Directed by Kobi Libii and world premiered at Sundance, this satirical comedy delves into the complexities of race and power dynamics. The film follows a young man named Aren who questions the value of using supernatural means to cater to white people’s comfort. Despite the controversy surrounding its premise, the movie is expected to open in the low single-digit millions, indicating a polarizing yet intriguing subject matter.
Legendary Entertainment/Warner Bros.’ Dune: Part Two continues to dominate the box office, winning Thursday with $4.4M and maintaining a strong second-week performance. With a running total of $176.1M, the sci-fi ensemble is expected to see a weekend take of around $27M, down only in the -40% range. Fueled by Imax and PLFs, Dune: Part Two exemplifies the power of immersive cinema experiences in captivating audiences and driving box office success.
Overall, the box office landscape presents a diverse array of films catering to different audiences and genres. While some movies like Arthur the King and Love Lies Bleeding showcase potential for significant growth and audience appreciation, others like The American Society of Magical Negroes encounter challenges in resonating with critics and viewers alike. As the weekend unfolds, it will be intriguing to see how these films fare in a competitive and ever-evolving entertainment industry.