The Weekend Report

It was a close race between the week’s newcomers with action-comedy Spy pulling ahead with an estimated $29.8 million to horror franchise Insidious Chapter 3 grossing $22.9 million. The third national newbie, Entourage, got a jump start on the weekend with a Wednesday launch that generated a sturdy $7.4 million two-day tally but lost steam going forward with an additional $10.4 million box office. Openingi n limited release, the unconventional Brian Wilson biopic Love & Mercy bowed to $2.1 million.

Best of the exclusive preems were the First World War costumer Testament of Youth with $51,700 at four manses and Venice prize winner A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence from iconoclast Swede Roy Andersson grossing $18,100 at two installations.

In the niches, Hindi Dil Dhadakne Do opened to a solid $1.44 million while Telugu Asura foundered with $26,300. Filipino rom-com You’re Still the One was also soft with an $88,700 box office, while inspirational The Corkville Miracle generated good results of $181,000 from 52 venues.

The session also saw effective expansions for I’ll See You in My Dreams and British period adventure Beyond the Mask.

Revenues for the frame approached $140 million and a 4% decline from the prior weekend. It was additionally 17% behind the 2014 session when the debut of The Fault In Our Stars led with $48 million with Maleficent and Edge of Tomorrow following with respective grosses of $34.3 million and $28.8 million.

Spy was anticipated to lead the weekend, but with a healthier opening gross according to tracking. Nonetheless, it prevailed and studio exit demos that revealed a 60% female audience with 65% aged 25-years and older indicate that it reached its core audience.

The film is in its third weekend internationally having opened in 10 markets two weeks ago, generating $30 million in 14 days. The current weekend saw the addition of 44 territories and an estimated $25 million.

Insidious Chapter 3 led the pack on opening day but wasn’t expected to sustain. It exceeded expectations that predicted top end results of $20 million. The film also hit its target audience with the opening crowd composed 54% female and 69% aged 25-years and younger.

The synergy between Warner Bros. and HBO was put to the test with the theatrical Entourage that picks up the story after its cable demise. With an audience that was 64% male and 71% aged 25-years and older it has to tap into a wider crowd if it hopes to retain screens.

The biggest question mark this weekend was Love & Mercy, which opened to soft numbers but some major endorsements that at this early stage could translate into major award consideration … if it can hold out a la last year’s Boyhood. It demands significant marketing support that may be unparalleled for past indie award contenders.

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