Speaking of talking animal cartoons, audiences can’t get enough of them.
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The Universal and Illumination Entertainment animated film, which gives a glimpse into what pets do when their owners aren’t around, vastly exceeded industry predictions that it would open to about $60 million. The movie will slowly roll out internationally over the next three months, but so far it has earned $42.6 million overseas, giving it a worldwide total of $145.7 million, which is excellent for a $75 million picture. In fact, it seems likely that “Pets” will claim the No. 1 crown again next weekend, barring a breakout performance from “Ghostbusters”. Now, with “Pets” easily topping projections, director Chris Renaud caps a remarkable decade by helping to deliver Illumination an entirely new universe to build sequels on, if not spin off of.
After floating on top of the charts since its record-breaking June 8 premiere, Finding Dory sank to third place with US$20.3 million.
Animated films continue to dominate the top of the box office. This is the highest-grossing animated film of all the time (Domestically) for The Walt Disney Company.
Better yet, Disney has hit $5 billion in global box-office revenue in record time, beating Universal.
In a world where sequels, comic heroes and novel adaptations rule the box office, “The Secret Life of Pets” tops the list this weekend.
Central Intelligence finally passed $100 million domestically this past weekend. The outcome ended the 3-week reign of another animation, “Finding Dory”, at the box office. While families made up 54 percent of the audience, adults without kids made up 25 percent.
“Illumination just has a way of creating “want to see” movies”, said Nick Carpou, Universal’s domestic distribution chief.
Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates was the other new release of the week and it brought in $16.6 million, about what was expected. “They’re building that brand reputation with every movie”. “It’s a relatable concept, and a great escape”. Still, this is a solid opening for Mike and Dave, since the $33 million wasn’t projected to do almost this well in initial estimates prior to release. The film, stars Zac Efron, Adam Devine, Aubrey Plaza and Anna Kendrick. Chernin Entertainment produced the film.
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“Finding Dory” was third, with $20.4 million in weekend sales and $422.6 million in domestic sales over 24 days. Final Monday numbers will determine whether Tarzan or Doryprevailed (most box-office analysts have Dory ahead). The $42.6 million worldwide gross brings the global total to $145.8 million so far, eclipsing the film’s $75 million budget.
