By Jake Coyle, Film Writer
NEW YORK (AP) --"Straight Outta Compton" easily maintained its box-office lead with an estimated $26.8 million in ticket sales over a sleepy late summer weekend at North American multiplexes, according to studio estimates Sunday.
Universal's N.W.A biopic, a much buzzed-about hit, dominated over the late August releases that often characterize Hollywood's dog days of summer. It has now made $111.5 million in two weeks, and continued to drive moviegoers, both male and female, despite renewed charges of misogyny in N.W.A lyrics and the film overlooking claims of Dr. Dre's abuse of women.
In a statement Friday, the rapper and producer of "Straight Outta Compton" said: "I apologize to the women I've hurt. I deeply regret what I did and know that it has forever impacted all of our lives."
Of the weekend's new releases, the low-budget horror sequel "Sinister 2" fared best, opening with an estimated $10.6 million for the Blumhouse production — well below the $18 million the 2012 original debuted with. The result was good enough for third place, behind Paramount's "Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation," which made $11.7 million in its fourth weekend of release.
Fox's assassin thriller "Hitman: Agent 47," the second attempt in eight years to adapt the popular video game, disappointed with $8.2 million. It will hope to do better abroad, where the 2007 original made $60.3 million. It began with $8.5 million over the weekend internationally.
Lionsgate's stoner action-comedy "American Ultra," starring Kristen Stewart and Jesse Eisenberg, also failed to spark much interest, opening with $5.5 million.
The three new releases — all violent, R-rated, poorly reviewed options — divided up a similar audience. The box office was down 7.5 percent from the same weekend last year, according to box-office data firm Rentrak.
Without a much-anticipated release scheduled over the next two weeks, the lull is likely to continue through Labor Day weekend.
In limited release, Sony Pictures Classics "Grandma," a well-reviewed comedy starring Lily Tomlin, opened on four screens with a strong per-screen average of $30,214.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Rentrak. Where available, the latest international numbers for Friday through Sunday are also included. Final domestic figures will be released Monday:
1. "Straight Outta Compton," $26.8 million.
2. "Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation," $11.7 million ($25.2 million international).
3. "Sinister 2," $10.6 million.
4. "Hitman: Agent 47," $8.2 million ($8.5 million international).
5. "Man From U.N.C.L.E.," $7.4 million ($8 million international).
6. "American Ultra," $5.5 million ($1 million international).
7. "The Gift," $4.3 million.
8. "Ant-Man," $4.1. million ($2.9 million international).
9. "Minions," $3.7 million ($8.8 million international).
10. "Fantastic Four," $3.7 million ($16.2 million international).
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Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at international theaters (excluding the U.S. and Canada), according to Rentrak:
1. "Terminator Genisys," $27.4 million.
2. "Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation," $25.2 million.
3. "Bride Wars," $23.6 million.
4. "Fantastic Four," $16.2 million.
5. "Go Away Mr. Tumor," $13 million.
6. "Inside Out," $10.7 million.
7. "Veteran," $10.5 million.
8. "Minions," $8.8 million.
9. "Hitman: Agent 47," $8.5 million.
10. "Man From U.N.C.L.E.," $8 million.
The Many Hires Jeremiah Wassom As Group Creative Director
Independent agency The Many has added Jeremiah Wassom as group creative director.
Wassom most recently worked a decade at Deutsch LA where, as SVP/creative director, he led the Taco Bell account and won new business for the agency. His agency past also includes AKQA and TBWAChiatDay. His creative work has touched the QSR, video games, automotive, fashion, and culture brand sectors. He also served eight years with the United States Marine Corps.
“Throughout his career, Jeremiah has helmed work that has not only made me personally jealous but has consistently pushed brands to show up in memorable and innovative ways,” said Josh Paialii, head of creative at The Many. “One look at his body of work and you will see his passion for storytelling and craft has raised the bar for entire categories, driving participation with many brands’ most loyal fans. Beyond being a world-class creative director and maker, Wassom is a proven team player and strategic thought leader. He’ll be a great addition to the leadership team at The Many working across all accounts. His role will be immediately felt as he guides and supports each of the creative leads in the department.”
A 20-year creative with agency, brand, and freelance experience, Wassom has forged a creative approach which focuses on crafting engaging connections rather than simply make ads. He sees the need for advertising to mean more, not simply do more.
The Many believes that true business growth is made possible by harnessing the power of participation and partners with brands to forge deeper connections with consumers, cultivate trust and loyalty, and maximize marketing spend and execution. The agency is built around a flexible model that offers a suite of capabilities, including... Read More