Much like Hidden Figures suggests, it’s important not to underestimate the underdog. That said, HF‘s impressive financial success remains a great surprise when you consider its competition. Dedicated to the women who helped NASA win the space race, Hidden Figures has retained its #1 box office spot for the second consecutive weekend. The film grossed $20.45 million this last weekend, bringing its total gross to $54,833,100.
Racing behind it is La La Land, which has been steadily rising up the weekend charts for the last couple weeks. The movie’s plentiful amount of award recognition at the Golden Globes likely helped build interest with audiences as it earned more money per theater than any other film in the top 10 ($7,846). The film earned an impressive $14.5 million over this last weekend, bringing its total gross to $74,081,569. Closing out the Top 5 is Sing at #3 with $14.2 million, Rogue One at #4 with $13.759 million, and The Bye Bye Man at #5 with $13.378 million in its first weekend.
Although no movie seemed to really dominate the 1/13-15 weekend, it seemed that moviegoers spread the wealth between plenty of different genres.
In terms of films that are steadily leaving theaters, Fantastic Beasts is nearing the end of its theatrical presence. It’s worth mentioning that the film, up to this point, has successfully earned over $800 million globally, providing Warner Bros with a successful start to what they certainly hope is a sure-fire hit series. If this first installment is anything to go by, Warner Brothers just may have a franchise that can continue to find financial success across each of its five planned installments.
Recommendation of the week: If you’re into movies that provide you with an ambiguous and intense experience, then Nocturnal Animals is a worthy film to check out. From director Tom Ford, NA offers an intense, thought-provoking, and sometimes uncomfortable film that will keep you guessing AND keep you interested throughout its running time. Jake Gyllenhaal is the most interesting character of the bunch, along with Michael Shannon (who is just awesome here) and Aaron-Taylor-Johnson who offers up his best performance yet (a performance that earned him a Golden Globe).
