LOS ANGELES (AP) — “Weapons” scared its way to the top of the box office in its debut and managed to stay there during its second weekend, beating out “Freakier Friday” and newcomer “Nobody 2.”

Zach Cregger’s horror film earned USD25 million in 3,450 North American theaters, a 43 per cent drop from its first weekend. The highly anticipated film benefited from strong audience reviews and social media trends to attract large crowds.

“Freakier Friday,” which lost the battle for first place to “Weapons” during its double premiere, maintained its second spot, bringing in USD14.5 million domestically. The films’ staying power comes during a slower box office weekend, said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for the data firm Comscore.

Both films prevailed against “Nobody 2,” the R-rated action sequel. The Bob Odenkirk-led film earned USD9.25 million across 3,260 North American theaters in its debut weekend.
“August came on strong last year, so it makes comparisons tough,” Dergarabedian said, noting the box office success of movies like “Deadpool and Wolverine” and the horror sci-fi “Alien: Romulus” that premiered this time last year.

This summer is unlikely to hit the USD4 billion benchmark but has provided moviegoers a dynamic and diverse slate of movies, he said.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin