2014 has found its first critical and financial breakout film of the year. Assembling in 3,775 theaters, The LEGO Movie opened to an estimated $69.1 million this weekend. The animated film from Warner Bros. features the voice talents of Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Ferrell and Morgan Freeman.
World War II ensemble film, The Monuments Men debuted in second place with $22.7 million. The film stars George Clooney, Cate Blanchett, Bill Murray and John Goodman who protect art from the Nazis. Three-week champ Ride Along slid down to third place for another $9.4 million. Ride Along has pulled in over $100 million in four weeks of release.
Animated juggernaut Frozen wrapped up its 11th weekend with another $6.9 million. The Disney film currently stands at $368.7 million, surpassing Despicable Me 2 domestically. That Awkward Moment finished in fifth, edging out newcomer Vampire Academy.
Note: These #’s are based on Sunday’s projections and can change with Monday’s actual #’s.
#1 – The LEGO Movie (NR)
$69.1 million / $69.1 million total
Yes, everything was awesome for The LEGO Movie over the weekend. After a $69.1 million weekend, a sequel became inevitable. The LEGO Movie is the largest opener of 2014, surpassing Ride Along’s $41 million opening last month. It’s also the biggest animated opener since last summer’s Despicable Me 2. While The LEGO Movie missed the February record held by The Passion of the Christ ($83.8 million) , second place isn’t too shabby.
#2 – The Monuments Men (NR)
$22.7 million / $22.7 million total
For the adults that didn’t see The LEGO Movie over the weekend, The Monuments Men was the only other new release option. The negative critical consensus didn’t stop the George Clooney film from a respectable $22.7 million opening. This is his seventh best opening behind Gravity, Batman & Robin, The Perfect Storm and all three Oceans films.
#3 – Ride Along (1)
$9.4 million / $105.2 million total
After three weeks on top, Ride Along dropped to third place in its fourth frame. The cop comedy is now the first film of 2014 to cross $100 million. With minimal competition in the comedy department, Ride Along could roll on for a few more strong holds. A $135 million finish shouldn’t be ruled out.
#4 – Frozen (2)
$6.9 million / $368.7 million total
The Nut Job failed to put a dent in Frozen’s week-to-week drops a few weeks back. Neither did The LEGO Movie this weekend. Despite being in direct competition with the new animated flick, Frozen dipped another 23% in its 11th weekend in wide release. Frozen has now surpassed Despicable Me 2 as the highest grossing animated film of 2013 domestically. Frozen looks to cross the billion dollar mark worldwide in a few weeks. It currently stands at over $900 million.
#5 – That Awkward Moment (2)
$5.5 million / $16.8 million total
After a lackluster start last weekend, the Zac Efron comedy held decently in its sophomore frame. With several romantic releases due out this Friday, That Awkward Moment faces an uphill battle. A steep decline next weekend could send That Awkward Moment packing to a $25 million finish.
Opening Next Week: Robocop (Wednesday), About Last Night, Winter’s Tale, Endless Love
Source: Box Office Mojo
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Matt Marshall is a YouTube movie reviewer who hosts MNMreviews. He has a B.A. in Communications/Journalism from St. John Fisher College and resides in Rochester, NY.
