The children’s fantasy “Imaginary Friends” topped the domestic box office in the US and Canada, earning nearly $35 million in its opening weekend. The production, which stars Ryan Reynolds and CGI creatures, exceeded initial expectations, which projected an opening of US$30 to 31 million. Therefore, his performance was considered a triumph for the original films.
Despite the lead, critics were overwhelmingly critical of the production, with a 49% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes considering it mediocre. But the public gave it an A grade on CinemaScore, which may guarantee a good continuation in the coming weeks, especially with the start of school holidays. The film attracted an ethnically diverse audience, with families representing 56% of the audience and a slight female predominance (54%).
Internationally, “Imaginary Friends” was not as well received, grossing US$24 million in 52 markets for a global total of US$59 million. The start to justify its cost of US$110 million is not the most encouraging.
remaining top 5
After a strong debut last week, “Ring for the Planet of the Apes” dropped to No. 2 at the North American box office with $26 million. This amount was enough for 20th Century/Disney to cross the US$100 million mark in the first 10 days of production. Internationally, the film grossed over US$40.6 million in 52 markets, bringing its global total to US$237.5 million. The amount represents the fourth-highest-grossing film of 2024, behind “Kung Fu Panda 4,” “Godzilla & Kong: The New Empire” and “Dune: Part Two.”
Another debut, the horror “The Strangers: Chapter 1”, finished third with an opening of US$12 million, exceeding expectations of US$7–9 million. Despite this, critics panned the film, giving it only a 14% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The opening story of the popular hit “The Strangers” (2008) will arrive in Brazil on May 30.
“The Stuntman” finished fourth with $8.1 million for a domestic total of $63 million. On the international stage, the film grossed an additional US$7.2 million, bringing its global total to US$127.6 million after three weekends.
disappointment of the week
The top 5 is completed by Amy Winehouse biopic “Back to Black”, which debuted with only US$2.85 million, which was a big disappointment.
Success was greater overseas, where the British production earned US$36.5 million and a worldwide total of US$39.4 million. But reviews were terrible, with the film’s approach to the singer’s life met with overwhelming disapproval. On the Rotten Tomatoes website, “Back to Black” achieved a score of 36%, with a very unfavorable reception. Comparisons with other successful musical biopics, such as “Rocketman” and “Bohemian Rhapsody”, which were widely praised and performed well at the box office, contributed to the negative perception.
Trailers
Check out the trailers for the 5 most watched movies in the US and Canada over the weekend, below.
1 | imaginary friend
2 | Planet of the Apes: Empire
3 | The Stranger: Chapter 1
4 | stubman
5 | back to Black
