"The Wolverine" clawed its way to the top of the box-office heap but fell below expectations. The Hugh Jackman superhero flick did much better overseas where it debuted higher than any previous "X-Men" movie. In North America though, "The Wolverine" was $10 million behind expectations and could not match the $85.1 million opening of 2009's "X-Men Origins: Wolverine." Overseas, "The Wolverine" debuted with $86.1 million for a worldwide total of $141.1 million. According to THR, the film posted the strongest opening ever for an "X-Men" title. That should be enough to cover the film's reported budget of $120 million. (Here's my movie review of "The Wolverine)
Still, "The Wolverine" debuted at No. 1 with $55 million beating previous weekend's box-office champ, "The Conjuring" which fell to No. 2 with $22.1 million.
At No. 3 was the Universal animated wonder "Despicable Me 2" with $16 million. So far, the Minions sequel made more than $600 million worldwide in just four weeks!
Another animated film, "Turbo," came in at No. 4 with $13.3 million and Adam Sandler's "Grown Ups 2" rounded out the Top 5 with $11.5 million.
At the specialty circuit, Woody Allen's fantastic new movie, "Blue Jasmine," had a stellar opening. In just six theaters, the Cate Blanchett film debuted with $612,767 which pleased Paul Dergarabedian of Hollywood.com saying it's one of the biggest opening "per-theater averages for non-animated film."
The Sundance and Cannes darling, "Fruitvale Station" from director Ryan Coogler and star Michael B. Jordan, entered the Top 10 at No. 10 with $4.65 million. (Here's my interview wth actor Michael B. Jordan from "Fruitvale Station")
Here's the estimated list of the Top 10 Box-Office champs for weekend of July 26:
1. "The Wolverine," $55 million ($86.1 international).
2. "The Conjuring," $22.1 million.
3. "Despicable Me 2," $16 million.
4. "Turbo," $13.3 million.
5. "Grown Ups 2," $11.5 million.
6. "Red 2," $9.4 million.
7. "Pacific Rim," $7.5 million.
8. "The Heat," $6.85 million.
9. "R.I.P.D.," $5.85 million.
10. "Fruitvale Station," $4.65 million.
