Key Takeaways:
– The Dennis Quaid-starring biopic, Reagan, set to make around $7-8 million during the Labor Day weekend.
– Despite harsh critics' reviews, Reagan enjoys a stellar 98% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
– Deadpool & Wolverine projected to top the charts with around $12 million.
– AI terror horror film AfrAId bracing for a lackluster $4-5 million weekend.
– Classic comedy film Blazing Saddles celebrates a 50th-anniversary re-release over the slow weekend.
Labor day weekend has rolled in, and it's time to check on the movie theaters. This weekend is a head-to-head showdown with MCU's Deadpool & Wolverine, the biopic Reagan starring Dennis Quaid, and the horror flick AfrAId. We've got our eyes glued to the early box office results. Let's dive into it!
Reagan Biopic vs. Critics
As it stands, Reagan, a tale about the journey of the 40th President of the United States, is doing pretty okay. Even though our predictions weren't too high, the movie managed to make $500k on preview night—not bad, considering it's an indie project. We predict it'll take home about $7 or 8 million in total over the weekend.
Now, critics haven't exactly been kind about it. They're finding issues with the movie for depicting Reagan as a saint-like figure. But here's the surprising part – despite the mixed review, the audience seems to love it. You won't believe it, but the movie has an impressive 98% rating from audience votes on Rotten Tomatoes! So, it's believed that positive word-of-mouth might just push the movie to a higher opening.
Deadpool & Wolverine Take the Lead
There's not much surprise about the success of Deadpool & Wolverine, though. It's likely to leave Reagan in the dust, aiming for a cool $12 million this weekend. Another in its favor, the movie is getting showcased again on top-notch screens this Labor Day weekend. Yeah, the same screens it had to give up for Alien: Romulus.
The Dark Horse: AfrAId
Don't forget about the other newbie this weekend – a movie called AfrAId. It's a Blumhouse production that tells the story of a family being terrorized by AI. Sadly, it looks like it's heading for a rough patch with an expected gross of just $4-5 million. Guess the low-key promotion didn't do it any favors. The movie only made around $400k in previews, and Tyler Nichols, one of our own, gave it a thumb down.
A Glimpse at the Classics
A fun fact to note here, every Labor Day weekend, you'll notice a ton of classics playing at local theaters. A 50th-anniversary re-release of the timeless comedy Western film, Blazing Saddles, being one of them. Also, don't miss the 4K re-release of The Terminator. On a personal note, I caught Blazing Saddles last weekend, and it was a blast! If it's playing in your neighborhood, don't miss out.
That wraps up our weekend movie updates. Whether you opt for the tale of Reagan, the butt-kicking action of Deadpool & Wolverine, the chilling horror in AfrAId, or take a stroll down memory lane with classic cinema, the choice is yours. So, what's your pick for the long weekend?
