As spring break continues, the weekend box office is a mixed bag of offerings, with various films vying for the attention of moviegoers. While most K-12 students are on break, colleges are experiencing a minimal 1% break. This diversity in audience demographics makes for an interesting weekend at the movies until 20th Century Studios’ highly anticipated “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” swoops in with an expected opening of over $50 million. This sci-fi epic is sure to dominate the screens during the second weekend of May, capturing the attention of audiences of all ages.
A24’s “Civil War” is currently holding the top spot at the box office, with earnings of $27 million through Monday. Despite facing competition from Universal’s “Abigail,” directed by Radio Silence, both films are projected to bring in around $12 million each. This represents a 53% decline for Alex Garland’s dystopian thriller, “Civil War,” but it still stands as a significant achievement. “Abigail,” starring Melissa Barrera, Angus Cloud, Dan Stevens, Kathryn Newton, William Catlett, and Kevin Durand, tells the story of a group of kidnappers who target a young ballerina for a hefty ransom. The film promises thrills and suspense as the captors unravel a horrifying mystery while being trapped inside an isolated mansion.
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” and “Civil War” will share screens with other releases such as Sony/Crunchyroll’s “Spy x Family Code: White” and the Nathaniel Kahn-directed documentary “Deep Sky.” These offerings cater to a wide range of audiences, from action-packed adventures to thought-provoking documentaries. “Abigail,” directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, is generating buzz among audiences aged 18-34, with favorable reviews holding an 82% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Lionsgate’s “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare,” directed by Guy Ritchie, is set to make its mark at the box office with its enthralling tale based on declassified files of the British war department. Starring Henry Cavill, Eiza González, Alan Ritchson, Alex Pettyfer, and other talented actors, this film takes audiences on a daring mission against the Nazis during WWII. The story of the first-ever special forces unit formed by Prime Minister Winston Churchill promises a riveting cinematic experience, with early reviews showing an 81% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Exhibitors are optimistic about the film exceeding expectations, adding an element of unpredictability to the box office race.
“Takashi Katagiri’s “Spy x Family Code: White” is another exciting addition to the weekend lineup, offering viewers a blend of action, intrigue, and mystery. Based on the manga series by Tatsuya Endo, this film adaptation follows the adventures of secret agent Twilight, his deadly assassin wife Yor, and their telepathic adopted daughter Anya. With the option of viewing in Japanese with English subtitles or dubbed in English, the film caters to a diverse audience, promising an immersive experience for fans of the original series.
The weekend box office is a playground of cinematic delights, offering something for everyone, from sci-fi epics to thrilling mysteries and historical dramas. As audiences flock to theaters to experience these diverse offerings, the box office becomes a battleground of creativity and entertainment, with each film vying for its moment in the spotlight. Whether you’re a fan of action-packed adventures or thought-provoking documentaries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the movies this weekend.