‘American Sniper’ continues Friday box office lead
There is no stopping “American Sniper,†as the film took the top spot in the Friday box office for the third week in a row. The Clint Eastwood-directed war drama pulled in another $10 million and is expected to reign the entire Super Bowl weekend with an estimated take of $35 million to $40 million.
The adaptation of Chris Kyle’s autobiography of the same name cost Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow about $58 million to make. It follows the story of Kyle (Bradley Cooper), a Navy SEAL known as the most lethal sniper in American history. Since its wide release three weeks ago, the film has grossed over $227 million.
With its six Oscar nominations, including for best picture, the film has generated much interest and controversy from both critics and audiences. The movie received a 73% positive rating from critic site Rotten Tomatoes and an A-plus grade from audience polling firm CinemaScore.
In second place, Paramount’s “Project Almanac†led all new releases with $3.2 million. The film, which cost $12 million to make, was produced by Michael Bay, Andrew Form and Brad Fuller. It follows a high school student (Jonny Weston) and his friends after they uncover blueprints for a time travel device.
“Black or White,†released by Relativity Studios, came in third with $2.3 million in its debut weekend. Actor Kevin Costner financed the film, which tells the story of a grandfather (Costner) who is left to care for his granddaughter. Octavia Spencer and Anthony Mackie costar in the film, written and directed by Mike Bender (“Reign Over Meâ€).
Rounding out the top five are Jennifer Lopez’s “Boy Next Door†with $2.1 million and “Paddington†with $1.9 million.
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