Though the horror sequel is undefeated in its second week, the Jennifer Lopez-starring crime movie is dubbed the weekend's biggest winner as it has exceeded industry expectations and its budget.
- September 16, 2019
AceShowbiz - "It Chapter Two" wins the showdown with "Hustlers" at the North American box office this weekend. The horror movie still tops the chart with an estimated $40.7 million in its second weekend, bringing its total domestic gross to $153.8 million so far.
The sequel couldn't match the first film, which had earned more than $200 million at the same point two years ago. Centering on the adults version of the Losers' Club members, "Chapter Two" holds an approval rating of 64% on Rotten Tomatoes, lower that the first movie's 86% positive reviews.
Despite "It" sequel's win, it's "Hustlers" which becomes the talk of the town for its first weekend performance. The movie is dubbed the biggest winner at the domestic chart this week for having exceeded industry expectations and its $20 million budget with an estimated $33 million. The crime drama film was expected to make roughly $25 million, according to the film's studio STXfilms.
Generating quite a buzz since its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival earlier this month, the movie which stars Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu among others received mostly favorable reviews from critics. It has an 88% score on review site Rotten Tomatoes, while audience gave it B- on CinemaScore. The film's audience consisted of 67% female.
"This is exactly the kind of movie that every studio dreams of producing, because it's going to be profitable, prestigious and a long-term performer," says Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for Comscore. "Many (original movies) have had a rough go this year. This is a nice counterbalance to that."
"Hustlers" marks the biggest live-action opening for Lopez, who had her biggest openings with animated films "Home (2015)" and "Ice Age: Continental Drift". The actress/singer has also generated Golden Globe and Oscar buzz for her portrayal of a stripper, who leads her fellow strippers to steal money from their clients.
Elsewhere at the chart, "Angel Has Fallen" drops one spot to No. 3 with an estimated $4.4 million. "Good Boys" trails close behind at No. 4 with approximately $4.3 million, while "The Lion King (2019)" rounds out the top five with approximately $3.6 million.
Top Ten Movies at Weekend Box Office for Sept. 13-15:
- "It Chapter Two" - $40.7 million
- "Hustlers" - $33.2 million
- "Angel Has Fallen" - $4.4 million
- "Good Boys" - $4.3 million
- "The Lion King (2019)" - $3.6 million
- "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw" - $2.8 million
- "Overcomer" - $2.7 million
- "The Goldfinch" - $2.6 million
- "The Peanut Butter Falcon" - $1.9 million
- "Dora and the Lost City of Gold" - $1.8 million
