Another week of soft releases amidst a vat of late summer holdovers is leading some to believe that the industry is in store for yet another tepid fall. The Possession banked $17.7 million to lead the pack, but not much else is remotely noteworthy. Even The Weinstein Company’s Lawless did not bring the goods which is a bit odd because a lot of people claimed they wanted to see the movie. Maybe they meant for a buck via Redbox in three months’ time…
Lawless did manage to secure the number two slot though with $9.7 million just barely edging out The Expendables 2 which is now in its third week. The $8.8 million amassed during the three-day by this action ensemble piece brings its total to $66.2 million on the local level. Remember this effort cost about $100 million to make, so that is not exactly a good haul for those demanding a threequel. International markets could carry this one to profitability, but the film’s producers might need to go into budget slashing mode to justify completing the trilogy. Lionsgate cannot exactly afford big box office bombs which gives them every reason to simply take the money and run.
Still playing well in the four spot is The Bourne Legacy with another $7.2 million–a small contraction from the week prior. Now at $96.2 million, this effort could very well go down as a disappointment if the global rollout fails to find Matt Damon-sized success and that is still very much in question.