We’re off to the races with the main Oscar movies so far hitting the box office big time.
Will Smith’s “King Richard” took in $1.920 million Friday night as it begins a long journey to awards season. “King Richard” is also playing on HBO Max, which will temper its box office numbers. But the story of Serena and Venus Williams and their father, Richard, is a MOVIE and really should be seen in a theater for the experience. There are so many terrific performances in it, and they will all be rewarded with nominations in the coming weeks.
In a limited release so far, Kenneth Branagh’s “Belfast,” also top lined for the Oscars, is bringing audience to theaters. Last night “Belfast” moved up to $2.8 million with a strong $462 per theater. “Belfast” is a must-see, with Judi Dench, Jamie Dornan, and the music of (the previously sane) Van Morrison making for a glorious film.
Blockbuster buffs will be commenting on “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” which looks headed for a $38 million weekend. That’s less than the huge numbers for the last “Ghostbusters” movie in 2016, but nothing to worry about. I’m looking forward to seeing it on an airplane one day.
And “The French Dispatch” is hanging in there, with almost $13 million total so far.
More tomorrow. It’s a beautiful day. Go to the movies this weekend!
