Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Despite being described as “dreadful’ by The Telegraph and receiving largely
negative reviews on a global scale, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles remake,
secured the top spot in its opening weekend at South African cinemas with earnings
of R4 623 445. Produced by Michael Bay, the flick which stars Will Arnett and Megan
Fox, has grossed US$189 588 745 internationally thus far, surpassing its production
budget of US$125 000 000.
Gone Girl
Produced by Leslie Dixon and Reese Witherspoon, Gone Girl is an adaptation of
Gillian Flynn’s best-seller of the same name. The Times Media Films release is down
one position to the number two spot in its second week running on the local circuit.
Starring Ben Affleck, the David Fincher thriller has earned R3 382 098 nationally
with 61 prints, a 38% drop in earnings on opening weekend.
The Equalizer
Director Antoine Fuqua has struck box office gold with the action packed blockbuster
The Equalizer. The film, which is up two spots to number four at the local box
office, has raked in R6 839 719 in earnings in four weeks since its release. Initially
described as “more stylishly violent than meaningful’ by international critics, The
Equalizer continues to defy these labels with cumulative global box office earnings
sitting at US$89 101 287 in four weeks since its release.
Dracula Untold
Rounding up the local top five, is Gary Shore’s Dracula Untold. The film, which
explores the origins of Dracula, is shedding new light on the age-old story of the
infamous vampire. The United International Pictures release was screened locally
on 72 screens in its third week, down by three from the previous weekends 75.
Dracula Untold has earned R5 194 079 nationally thus far.
Dolphin Tale 2
Morgan Freeman and Ashley Judd star in part 2 of the real-life tales of rescued
dolphin Winter. Receiving positive reviews both locally as well as globally, the
heartwarming drama has garnered R4 885 007 in earnings at the South African box
office in its third week running.
This Is Where I Leave You
Tina Fey, Jane Fonda and Jason Bateman star in this comedic family drama adapted
by screenwriter Jonathan Tropper from his own novel. The film finds a dysfunctional
brood reunited for seven days in the wake of their father’s death, with Fonda
delivering her own feisty brand of humour. Despite receiving fairly positive reviews,
This Is Where I Leave You earned an uninspiring R495 174 at the local box office.
