Pixar’s Inside Out was in fewer theaters than Jurassic World but had almost the same per theater average, which means that if the movie had been in more theaters it very likely would have beaten the dino movie. Another surprise for the weekend is Dope’s impressive showing with 6 million. Dope was all the rage at Sundance and could be looking to rally for a screenplay nomination if nothing else. Although we know our pesky Oscar voters pretty well by now, don’t we? One has to psychoanalyze each critic when reading their reviews because there aren’t many trustworthy ones left – which is why the mixed Metacritic rating for Dope will inform its Oscar run only but will have zero impact on how the film sits over time. This is the new normal where film critics are concerned.
Danem, thank you for your thoughtful respinse. I love lots of big studuo movies. My favorite movie ever (“Vertigo”) is a big studio movie. Regatdless, some movies are budgeted and intended to reach a mass audience that are not necessarily that discrimenating, and there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s good for the econony.
Awk I’d missed Paul Hanlin. Missed feeling so superior for a few months there. The squirmy little turd he squirted out at the top of this thread has right restored my faith in my intellect.
For someone who so relentlessly defends that hopelessly-maligned genre of entertainment, the big-budget studio blockbuster, you’d think Paul would understand a bit more about a) branding, b) June / December release gross patterns, c) programming and counter-programming, d) inflation etc.
Also, Dope’s reviews have emerged as more divisive as had been expected by many a few months back. This opening is also nothing to write home about for the film – it’s on the lower end of expectations, and not indicative of a breakout performance. Things could yet change, but its awards chances look to be dead.
Thank you Joe Clinton! But you forgot to mention another mistake: using “same … than” instead of “same … as”! Please be extra careful next time, because I really want my English skills to be perfect!
Joe, what about people who have seen and loved all 3 of Love & Mercy, Jurassic World and Inside Out? Because that would describe my wife and me. Simple folks can also be described as those unwilling to see (or quick to thumb their noses up at) any film that isn’t an indie.
That’s “fewer seats”, not “less seats”.
I totally agree with Rob Y. When a given film reaches the same per theater average as another film being shown in more theaters, it usually means said film is performing below that 2nd film.
Yet, here we have an exceptional situation in which both films are outperforming expectations. So what we really need to know is their respective rate of occupancy. Indeed, we know that not all screens are created equal: the number of seats in front of each screen can vary from a couple dozens to a couple thousands (though the latest are extremely rare).
For example, if Inside Out was playing on smaller screens with fewer seats available, then its rate of occupancy could be bigger than JP’s and some screenings might even reach full capacity, in which case we could definitely conclude it needed more or bigger screens and could have performed even higher thus. But since we don’t have such details available, we cannot draw any such conclusion.
I wish I liked Dope more than I ultimately did. It’s too rare that a film features young PoC as its protagonists (and has a lesbian protagonist who is not treated in any exploitative fashion), but the messy plot, erratic morality, and underdeveloped characters keep it from being truly great.
Not sure why but I just can’t get excited for Inside Out. I’m sure it’s a good movie and all but I just have no desire to see it in theaters. What’s happening with JW is amazing. I never saw that coming.
Paul Hanlin, after watching you vent your spleen about art films with middling box office during awards season, your little blast at Inside Out seems…hmm stupid isn’t the right word…ah…misplaced.
My father is a huge Beach Boys fan and couldnt wait to see ‘Love & Mercy’ tonight after dinner for Father’s Day. Rather surprisingly, he hated it (told me he’d give it a 2/10 and then said “dont ask”). I haven’t seen it yet, but still plan to while in theaters. I’m kinda stunned. Isnt it receiving good reviews? :/
Simple movies for simple folks.
No wonder I had so much elbow room
at my screening of “Love & Mercy”.
That’s “fewer theaters”, not “less theaters”.
Good article; I enjoyed it.
Thanks Rob Y. Wow! That’s truly amazing then. My mind is officially blown.
Al,
Only two films have made over $100 in their first two weeks: Avengers and Jurassic World.
http://www.boxofficemojo.com/alltime/weekends/moreweekends.htm?page=2&p=.htm
So thrilled for the top 2.
I enjoyed the hell out of Jurassic World and I greatly admired Inside Out.
That both are breaking records pleases me to no end. And lets hope Inside Out goes far in the Oscar race.
Also happy for Melissa McCarthy that Spy is chugging along nicely. And it looks like Cinderella will finally cross $200 mill this coming week.
I have to ask this question: How many movies have made $100+ for it’s first 2 weekends?
I was on of those who saw Dope. I loved it. I even wrote a little review: http://letterboxd.com/al_robinson/film/dope-2015/
I don’t think I’ll see Inside Out in theaters, but will for sure see it on iTunes.
Questions:
How could this happen? THIS beat Avatar’s opening weekend?
How could this happen? It’s Herman’s Head, Pixar style.
How the eff could we have been so taken in by a deliriously dense movie?
I don’t know if adding more theaters would have maintained the per screen average. $91M is still nothing to scoff at. It is the best opening week for a non-sequel or non-sourced film. That’s fucking awesome.