The recent previews for Zoë Kravitz’s Blink Twice and The Crow, both coming in at $820K and $650K respectively, did not generate much buzz. These previews indicated that both movies are likely to have single-digit openings, which is disappointing given the talent involved. Blink Twice in particular is surprising, as it boasts a star-studded cast including Channing Tatum and received solid reviews with a 78% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Despite the critical acclaim, Blink Twice only managed to garner a lukewarm response from audiences, with three stars on PostTrak and a 50% definite recommend. On the other hand, The Crow fared even worse, receiving just one star. The prospect of another D+ CinemaScore for Lionsgate is a cause for concern, indicating that the film may struggle at the box office. However, initial tracking suggests that Blink Twice has a chance at an opening weekend of $10M-$13M.
In contrast to the lackluster performance of Blink Twice and The Crow, Sony Affirm’s The Forge has been receiving positive feedback from moviegoers. The faith-based film received five stars from audiences and an 88% definite recommend. Despite only costing $5M before marketing expenses, The Forge seems to be resonating with viewers and has the potential to replicate the success of previous faith-based films like War Room.
This weekend is poised to be dominated by Disney, with two major releases vying for the top spot. Alien: Romulus and Deadpool & Wolverine are expected to perform strongly, with Alien: Romulus projected to have the edge with an estimated $18M compared to Deadpool & Wolverine’s $17M. Alien: Romulus has already accumulated $56.3M from 3,885 locations, putting it in a strong position to lead the box office race this weekend.
As the box office landscape continues to evolve, it is evident that certain trends are emerging. Movies like Alien: Romulus and The Forge demonstrate the power of engaging audiences through unique storytelling and compelling characters. On the other hand, films like Blink Twice and The Crow serve as a reminder of the challenges that filmmakers face in capturing the attention of viewers in a crowded marketplace.
The box office landscape is a competitive and ever-changing environment where success is not guaranteed. While some films may exceed expectations and resonate with audiences, others may struggle to find their footing. By exploring the factors that contribute to box office success or failure, filmmakers can better understand what audiences are looking for and tailor their projects accordingly.