The animated “Super Mario Brothers” sequel, “Super Mario Galaxy,” opened big and debuted midweek.
And it’s rolling to a whopping $130 million opening weekend, maybe $190 million since Wednesday when all the dust settles at midnight on Sunday.
For those keeping score at home, that’s a tad behind the “Super Mario Brothers” movie ($146 million over its first three-day weekend), and further behind the most recent empty-headed video game adaptation blockbuster, “The Minecraft Movie” (over $160 million over its first weekend).
A $34 million Wednesday, a $24 million Thursday, just over $48 million Friday with a $55-60 million Saturday in store? It adds up.
Reviews have been poor, and really, you couldn’t drag me to this at gunpoint. The video game adaptation crowd is a different beast — “characters” and “story” are of limited importance — and without a Jim Carrey or Jack Black or some human element as a lure, well, you kids have your fun.
“Project Hail Mary” has struck a chord with many (not all) and is holding audience, weekend to weekend. Another $33 million this Easter will push it well over $200 million in just the North American market, closing in on $400 million worldwide.
The smartest movie in theaters this weekend is the corrosive romance “The Drama,” a darker-than-dark comedy that underscores the star power of Zendaya. Pairing her up with Robert Pattinson for an edgy story of a wedding derailed by a pre-nuptials revelation — the bride had plans to stage a school shooting as a teen — it’s earned decent reviews and makes a nice, cerebral counterpoint to the popcorny pictures that are packing them in. It’s on track to clear $14 million, good enough for third place on this bloated April holiday weekend, which is quite good by mid-major studio A24 standards.
“Hoppers” is hopping along in sixth place, adding $5.7 million to Disney’s coffers and taking away the sting of not having “Super Mario Bros.” rights.
The romantic melodrama “Reminders of Him” is hanging in there, claiming a top five spot for one last weekend with $2.3 million in ticket sales.
Wide release “specialized audience” films such as “The Secret Between Us” (meh) and “A Great Awakening” (oy) are opening, with”Awakening” clearing $2.1 and making it’s mark in sixth place.
“They Will Kill You” is on track for 7th with $1.7 million.
“Dhurandar: The Revenge” is collecting leftovers for eighth.
“Ready of Not 2: Here I Come” will take ninth.
“Scream 7” has tenth, pushing “GOAT” out of the top ten. We’ll know as more data comes in later Sat. and Sunday.
