Thursday, March 28, 2024

Box Office Final: “Happytime Murders” is Melissa McCarthy’s Lowest Grossing Opening Weekend of Her Career, Public Rejects Muppet Raunch

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Melissa McCarthy broke out as a star in “Bridesmaids” in 2011. That was seven years ago. Since then she’s starred in plenty of movies, including a wonderful dramatic turn in “St.Vincent” with Billy Murray.

After a lot of successes, this weekend she really got hit big time. “Happytime Murders” is the lowest opening weekend she’s ever had– just $10 million. Ripped by reviewers, “Happytime” is made by Brian Henson, son of the “Muppets” creator Jim Henson. It’s an almost X rated version of Muppets, with puppets who look like them doing and saying raunchy things.

No one–really no one– wanted to see this– let alone the people from “Sesame Street” who’ve complained strenuously. The Muppets are sacrosanct. It makes you wonder how much Brian Henson hated his father, or hates him now. Why do this?

At least there will be no sequel. McCarthy, who’s smart, will bounce back. Henson, I don’t know. Again, what was the purpose? I’m sure “Happytime” is funny, like fart jokes and whoopie cushions. But at $40 million, it may not seem so funny when it loses $20 million.

“Crazy Rich Asians” had a great weekend, finished first, made another $25 million, is now at $76 million. Two sequels are coming, and then undoubtedly a TV series. “Mission Impossible: Fallout” is up to $538 million internationally, worldwide, US included. The last one, “Rogue Nation,” made $682 million all in.

Roger Friedman
Roger Friedmanhttps://www.showbiz411.com
Roger Friedman began his Showbiz411 column in April 2009 after 10 years with Fox News, where he created the Fox411 column. His movie reviews are carried by Rotten Tomatoes, and he is a member of both the movie and TV branches of the Critics Choice Awards. His articles have appeared in dozens of publications over the years including New York Magazine, where he wrote the Intelligencer column in the mid 90s and covered the OJ Simpson trial, and Fox News (when it wasn't so crazy) where he covered Michael Jackson. He is also the writer and co-producer of "Only the Strong Survive," a selection of the Cannes, Sundance, and Telluride Film festivals, directed by DA Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus.
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