The Weekend Report

Despite a sharp sophomore drop, Solo held the lead with an estimated $29.5 million. A trio of national releases failed to create more than a ripple, with Adrift providing a respectable start with $11.5 million in third. Upgrade exceeded expectations with a $4.4 million start while the stunt hijinks of Action Point pancaked with a grim $2.3 million.

Indian imports generated potent openings, including Hindi Veere di Wedding, bowing to $1.28 million from 121 venues and Punjabi franchise Carry on Jatta 2 grossing $443,000 on 60 screens. Dominican comedy Sanky Panky 3 also had reason to smile with a $169,000 box office. Exclusive debuts were dominated by true-life crime saga American Animals with $133,000 from four local libraries.

Revenues generated about $108 million and dipped 43% from the three-day portion of the Memorial weekend holiday. It was a scintilla deeper at 44% from 2017 when debuts of Wonder Woman and Captain Underpants opened to $103.2 million and $23.8 million.

Despite largely positive reviews Adrift arrived on the low end of predictions with tracking at $14 million on the high end. The fact-based tale of a couple that sailed into Hurricane Raymond back in 1983 and “survived crippling odds” had a familiar quality. Strong word-of-mouth was an asset, but on the downside its appeal was muted by the feeling one had seen this story before.

Upgrade also got critical thumbs-up but lacked the marketing support that might have elevated it to breakout. Tracking suggested a debut of $2.6-$2.8 million and although it significantly overperformed, it failed to reach a level that would secure screens as the likes of Ocean’s 8 and Incredibles and Mission: Impossible sequels arrive.

It was a total blowout for the Jackass-flavored Action Point that did the limbo of albeit low predictions in the area of $6 million or $7 million. Exit demos revealed that the film reached its target audience with an audience that was 67% male and 50% 25 and older.

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