The headline for the premier weekend of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 is that it has brought in a franchise low in the box office. Early returns show that it is on its way to bringing in roughly $48 million for the first day, followed by a $110 million overall weekend. The critics have had a slight influence for the final film of the franchise. There really haven’t been any gushing reviews coming in, in fact it’s been the opposite. It’s been far disappointing from the ending of the actual book it was based on. Some are even saying they were bored to death by the end of the film.
It’s also quite a tricky time to open up a film during the holidays in North America. As the domestic crowd are celebrating Thanksgiving, it diverts them away from heading to the movies as travel plans get in the way. However, overseas numbers may still impress.
Most observers questioned the filmmakers who decided to split the final book into two seperate films, highlighting the fact it was absolutely unnecessary for a second part. Opening next to The Hunger Games franchise is the holiday comedy The Night Before, starring Seth Rogan, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Anthony Mackie and the drama-driven, The Secret in Their Eyes starring Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
The Secret in Their Eyes is estimated to bring in a humble number, nowhere challenging the other two favoured films during the holiday season. When all is said and done, the film is set to struggle in the box office, disregarding the stellar cast. The Night Before, however, might bring in a surprising number, surpassing the other premiering competition.
To round up the top five, it’s safe to say that The Peanuts Movie and The Martian will stay in a very strong position at the box office. These two films continue to impress both film critics and fans alike.