The Hollywood Outsider – Film and Television Podcast | Reviews An award-winning film and television podcast for the fan in all of us
Well, even after a nice controversy over critic Rex Reed’s tasteless review of the flick, Identity Thief proved that Melissa McCarthy is no longer a bridesmaid in the eyes of moviegoers. I’m more than a little ashamed I just wrote that.
Regardless, McCarthy and co-star Jason Bateman ruled the box office as Identity Thief opened at #1 with $34.5 million, a tractor-sized opening. McCarthy has one hit under her belt with this film, and looks to have another when The Heat with Sandra Bullock opens this summer. Bateman does too as his newly revived Arrested Development return will be hitting this May. A big year for both of these stars.
The other major opening, Side Effects, managed only $9.3m. Claimed by director Steven Soderbergh to be his last film, Side Effects stars Channing Tatum, Rooney Mara and Jude Law in a mystery thriller about pharmaceutical drugs and the people they make you want to kill. Good reviews, weak opening. Check this one out on video.
The only other release was a re-release from 1986. Top Gun, the most homoerotic naval training film ever released, was sent flying into IMAX 3D theaters to the tune of $1.9m, not bad and a tad higher than the recent Raiders of the Lost Ark release.
In holdovers, Warm Bodies actually held pretty strong, only dropping a heartbeat under -45% from last week to $11.3m for a $36.4m total. Zombies rule. Silver Linings Playbook dropped only -17% to $6.4m for an $89.5m total, en route to $100m.
Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters dropped only -39% to $5.7m for a $43.8m total. The film will end with a little above $50m and with its overseas grosses, it has made money.
To hear more about this upcoming weekend’s releases, be sure to listen to our all new HO – Episode 79 – Warm HO’s: