By Lindsey Bahr, Film Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) --Summer blockbusters gave way to the small and highly targeted over a sleepy Labor Day weekend at the box office, with notable performances from the faith-based "War Room" and the Spanish language cartoon "Un Gallo con Muchos Huevos."
Sony's "War Room" fought its way to first place in its second weekend in release, earning $12.6 million across the four-day holiday weekend, according to Rentrak estimates on Monday. The micro-budget family drama, which cost only $3.5 million to produce, has grossed $27.9 million to date.
Financial success for faith-based films is not exactly a surprise at this point, but "War Room's" impressive hold from its opening weekend is significant.
Paul Dergarabedian, Rentrak's senior media analyst, attributes "War Room's" second weekend success to heightened awareness after it nearly usurped "Straight Outta Compton" last weekend.
Also, word of mouth is strong for "War Room." Dergarabedian said according to exit polling, 75 percent of the audience said they would definitely recommend the movie – a substantial and interesting contrast to the dismal critical reception for the film.
"It's just a great story of a film that really filled a void in the marketplace, with a message that the audience could really get behind," he said.
New release "A Walk in the Woods," debuted in third place, behind previous champ "Straight Outta Compton," with $10.5 million from 1,960 screens. The buddy dramedy based on Bill Bryson's memoir starring Robert Redford and Nick Nolte cost a reported $8 million to make and has taken in $12.2 million since its Wednesday opening.
The action pic "The Transporter Refueled," meanwhile, opened in fifth with a lackluster $9 million from over 3,400 screens. Costing only $21 million to produce, this franchise outing subbed in a relatively unknown actor, Ed Skrein, for star Jason Statham, who had helped the previous three films succeed.
Dergarabedian said while both films will likely perform decently in theaters, their VOD earning potential is great.
"Both of those movies will end up being profitable on the small screen down the road," he said.
But, it was Pantelion's Spanish-language animated film "Un Gallo con Muchos Huevos," that truly stood out among the pack, taking in $4.4 million from just 395 locations over the four-day weekend. Although it doesn't come close to the sensational $10.4 million Labor Day weekend debut of Pantelion's 2013 film "Instructions Not Included," it does still illustrate the significant power of an underserved audience.
"Latinos represent 17 percent of the population and buy 24 percent of movie tickets. They go to the movies all the time and they go to movies as families. If we can create a film that resonates with families over a holiday weekend, it tends to do well," said Paul Presburger, CEO of Pantelion.
"Where Hollywood releases big movies that appeal to everyone, we release movies that specifically and culturally appeal to the Latino audience," he added.
They relied on grassroots marketing to get the word out about the film and plan to expand to over 580 locations next weekend.
"It's the highest per-theater average of any film in national release, that film, like 'War Room,' filled a void in the marketplace," said Dergarabedian. "Hollywood is creating a lot of diverse product. It's all about people relating to what's going on on-screen."
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Monday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Rentrak. Final domestic figures will be released Tuesday.
1."War Room," $12.6 million.
2."Straight Outta Compton," $11.1 million.
3."A Walk in the Woods," $10.5 million.
4."Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation," $9.3 million.
5."The Transporter Refueled," $9 million.
6."No Escape," $7 million.
7."Inside Out," $4.5 million.
8."The Man From U.N.C.L.E.," $4.4 million.
9."Un Gallo con Muchos Huevos," $4.4 million.
10."Sinister 2," $4.3 million.
Oscar and Emmy-Winning Composer Kris Bowers Joins Barking Owl For Advertising, Branded Content
Music, audio post and sonic branding house Barking Owl has taken on exclusive representation of Oscar and Emmy-winning composer Kris Bowers for advertising and branded content.
Bowers’ recent film scores include The Wild Robot and Bob Marley: One Love, alongside acclaimed past works such as The Color Purple (2023), King Richard and Green Book. His contributions to television are equally impressive, with scores for hit series like Bridgerton, When They See Us, Dear White People, and his Daytime Emmy Award-winning score for The Snowy Day.
In addition to his work as a composer, Bowers is a visionary director. He recently took home the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject for his directorial work on The Last Repair Shop. The emotionally touching short film spotlights four of the people responsible for repairing the musical instruments used by students in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The Last Repair Shop reflects the positive influence that musical instruments have on the youngsters who play them, and the adults in the LAUSD free repair service who keep them working and in tune.
Barking Owl CEO Kirkland Alexander Lynch said of Bowers, “His artistry, diversity of style and depth of storytelling bring an unparalleled edge to the work we create for global brands. His presence on our roster reflects our continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound and music in advertising.”
Johanna Cranitch, creative director, Barking Owl, added, “Kris first caught my attention when he released his record ‘Heroes + Misfits’ where he fused together his jazz sensibility with a deeply ingrained aptitude for melody, so beautifully.... Read More