The latest Ghostbusters movie, titled Frozen Empire, seems to have had a decent start at the box office. With $4.7M from Thursday night previews at 3,561 theaters, it has shown promise. However, it is essential to note that this figure is only slightly higher than the previews of the previous installment, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, which collected $4.5M. The fact that Frozen Empire is struggling to surpass its predecessor raises concerns about its long-term success.
The audience response to Frozen Empire has been somewhat mixed. While the Thursday night audience, consisting mainly of die-hard fans, gave it four stars, there are some variations based on demographics. Men made up the majority of the audience at 55%, but interestingly, they were also the harshest critics of the movie at 76% positive. On the other hand, women, who comprised 45% of the viewers, had a more favorable view with an 85% rating. This divide in reception could impact the film’s word-of-mouth and overall box office performance.
When comparing the Rotten Tomatoes scores of Frozen Empire to its predecessor, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, there is a noticeable difference. Afterlife received a 64% positive rating from critics and an impressive 94% positive rating from audiences. In contrast, Frozen Empire has started off with a lower 45% Rotten Tomatoes score in reviews, although audiences have rated it slightly higher at 86%. This variance indicates that critics and audiences might have differing opinions on the movie’s quality, which could affect its longevity in theaters.
Despite the anticipation surrounding Frozen Empire, it is crucial to acknowledge the financial aspects of the film. With a budget of $100M, this sequel needs to perform well at the box office to cover its costs and turn a profit. Given the uncertainty in presales and the need for substantial walk-up business, there is a level of unpredictability regarding its financial success. Additionally, the pressure of continuing a successful franchise that has grossed over $1 billion adds to the stakes for Frozen Empire.
In the current box office landscape, Frozen Empire faces competition from other releases like Dune: Part Two and Kung Fu Panda 4. These established franchises have their own loyal fan bases, which could potentially draw audiences away from the Ghostbusters sequel. Moreover, the reception of other recent releases, such as Neon’s Immaculate, further adds to the competitive environment in theaters. Understanding these market trends and audience preferences is crucial for Frozen Empire to stand out and attract viewers.
While Frozen Empire has shown promise in its box office debut, there are several areas of concern that could impact its overall success. From audience reception and demographics to critical scores and financial considerations, these factors play a significant role in determining the longevity of the film in theaters. As the movie enters its wider release and faces stiffer competition, it will be interesting to see how it performs and whether it can live up to the legacy of the Ghostbusters franchise.