Notable Openings This Weekend: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2
I’m sure right now many Warner Brothers executives (and Zack Snyder) are held up in Burbank, California drinking whiskey with the lights dim talking about the deeper meaning of life, while in deep reflection. Their worst nightmare is coming true. The response to Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is bad. There’s no dancing around it. There’s no way to spin it. The critical response is overwhelmingly negative, and so far the audience reaction, at best, is mixed. As someone who loved this movie, and wants these types of superhero films, I’m obviously very saddened. Everyone had been talking about how terrible this film was going to be for three years, and it looks like in the eyes of many, that’s what happened. I’ll have plenty more to say about this topic as the weeks go on, as I already have very strong feelings on the state of film criticism, audience expectations, and the perception of superhero movies, but that’s for another time. We’re here to analyze the box office, and that’s what we’re going to do.
For the opening weekend, things should be okay for Batman v Superman. It’s still the two most iconic superheroes of all time, and I got to believe curiosity will still get people in the theater. However, there’s no doubt the Rotten Tomato score will affect what could have been. If the reviews were glowing, this would have a legit chance to crack $200 Million. I have no doubt the huge critical response for Deadpool helped propel that to record breaking status. I see no way that happens right now. Word of mouth is just too terrible. The opening weekend will be massive, likely getting past $160 Million. It’s crazy to say a number like that is a disappointment, but it’s the truth.
Let’s not beat around the bush. This movie had pressure on it unlike anything we’ve ever seen. Warner Brothers staked their claim with a DC Movie universe, and while Man of Steel was technically the first film in it, this is the true jumping off point. With so much doubt and hate, and everyone loving Marvel on the other side, this needed to get off on a unanimous right foot. It has already failed. Its chance of $1 Billion are unlikely, which it really needed to do. Warner Brothers was smart to release this outside the summer. It has no competition right now. We’ll know more about how successful or unsuccessful this movie is next week, as well as a clearer picture of what the future holds for DC on film. As for this weekend, the number will be huge, but it could have been so much better.
Oh, there’s also another movie opening this weekend. Let’s keep this short. My Big Fat Greek Wedding was the quintessential surprise hit of the early 2000’s. A sequel fifteen years later? Do people care? I think enough will for one decent weekend, but that’s about it. This will do fine.
HOW WILL IT ALL BREAK DOWN…
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice will no doubt bring in a massive haul. The real question will be next week. How much whiskey will Warner executives need a week from now?
1. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice – $170 Million
2. Zootopia — $26 Million
3. My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 — $18 Million
4. The Divergent Series: Allegiant — $14.5 Million
5. 10 Cloverfield Lane — $10 Million
