Female-directed films rule a weekend box office topped by ‘Spectre,’ ‘Peanuts’

  • By Tre’vell Anderson Los Angeles Times
  • Sunday, November 15, 2015 8:00pm
  • LifeGo-See-Do

LOS ANGELES — Women owned this past weekend’s theaters as directors of three high-profile premieres opened across the country — Jessie Nelson’s “Love the Coopers” and Patricia Riggen’s “The 33” nationwide and Angelina Jolie Pitt’s “By the Sea” in limited release. But last week’s powerhouses “Spectre” and “The Peanuts Movie” won at the box office.

In its second week at the top, the Sony, MGM and EON Productions film “Spectre” added $35.4 million in ticket sales in the U.S. and Canada. Though nearly a 50 percent drop in week-to-week comparisons, the 24th film in the super-spy franchise and fourth led by Daniel Craig, has grossed an estimated $130.7 million domestically. Considering its continued success at the global box office — the film has already broken countless records and is on pace to set more in China — it is well on its way to surpassing its $245 million price tag.

“The Peanuts Movie” finished second once more, adding $24.2 million to last week’s debut. The 20th Century Fox picture suffered an estimated 45 percent drop in sales though it continues to be one of the few pictures targeting families and youth.

Coming in third and leading all new releases was Nelson’s “Love the Coopers.” The CBS Films movie, distributed in partnership with Lionsgate, came in well over projections at an estimated $8.4 million for the weekend.

The comedy about four generations of a family coming together on Christmas Eve stars Diane Keaton, John Goodman and Olivia Wilde among others. Its star power, however, received only a B-minus grade from audience polling firm CinemaScore and a 16 percent critics approval rating on review site Rotten Tomatoes.

As the season’s first premiere with a holiday theme, costing less than $18 million, expectations are that its performance will improve as the Thanksgiving weekend nears. “Love the Coopers” will be joined next week by “The Night Before” as seasonally themed movies.

Warner Bros. and Alcon Entertainment’s “The 33” is a Hollywood dramatization of a 2010 Chilean mining accident that left 33 people trapped underground for 69 days. Starring Antonio Banderas, it landed in the fifth spot, behind “The Martian,” which grossed an additional $6.7 million in its seventh week. “The 33” debuted with $5.8 million in ticket sales, well below projections of $8 million.

Audiences gave the Riggen-directed film an A-minus, despite only 40 percent positive Rotten Tomatoes reviews. The film, which cost $25 million to make, tracked the best among adult Latino moviegoers in the West and South.

Rounding out the female-directed weekend, Jolie Pitt’s Universal Pictures drama “By the Sea” opened in 10 theaters. The French-flavored movie, which stars real-life spouses Jolie Pitt and Brad Pitt as a couple coming apart, took in more than $95,000 in ticket sales, almost $40,000 below its first weekend projections, for a per-screen average of about $9,500. For comparison, “Spotlight,” Tom McCarthy’s drama about the Boston Globe’s 2003 Pulitzer Prize-winning investigation of priest sexual abuse, averaged $60,455 on five screens in its debut last week.

This week, the Open Road Films movie extended to 60 screens, pulling in almost $1.4 million.

Just missing the top 10 was fellow new release “My All American,” about University of Texas football star Freddie Steinmark and his battle with cancer. Acquired by Aviron Pictures for nearly $1million, the picture took in an estimated $1.4 million from 1,565 screens, $2 million less than projections. The film, written and directed by Angelo Pizzo, received an A CinemaScore grade despite poor critic reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.

Next week begins the much-anticipated surge in moviegoing already kickstarted by “Spectre” and “The Peanuts Movie.” On the horizon are “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 2,” which arrives Friday, followed by Pixar’s “The Good Dinosaur” on Nov. 25 and Disney’s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” on Dec. 18.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Children play and look up at a large whale figure hanging from the ceiling at the Imagine Children’s Museum (Olivia Vanni / The herald)
Fun for all ages: The best places for family adventures

From thrilling activities to relaxing outings, here’s where to make unforgettable family memories!

Everett P. Fog, 15, in front of an Everett mural along Colby Avenue on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Hello, Everett! No escape when your name is same as the town

Everett P. Fog, 15, sees and hears his first name wherever he goes. His middle name is also epic.

2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek edition (Provided by Nissan).
2025 Nissan Rogue has new Rock Creek edition

Enhanced outdoor capability is a boon for the more adventurous.

Futuristic Kona Limited Photo Provided By Hyundai Newsroom.
2025 Hyundai Kona Limited SUV Gets Roomier

All-Wheel Drive Option Add To All Trims

Jared Meads takes a breath after dunking in an ice bath in his back yard while his son Fallen, 5, reads off the water temperature on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Chill out: Dive into the cold plunge craze

Plungers say they get mental clarity and relief for ails in icy water in tubs, troughs and clubs.

Schack exhibit to highlight Camano Island watercolorists

“Four Decades of Friendship: John Ebner & John Ringen” will be on display Jan. 16 through Feb. 9.

Provided by Bridges Pets, Gifts, & Water Gardens.
Discover where to find the best pet supplies in town

Need the perfect store to spoil your furry friends? Herald readers have you covered.

XRT Trim Adds Rugged Features Designed For Light Off-Roading
Hyundai Introduces Smarter, More Capable Tucson Compact SUV For 2025

Innovative New Convenience And Safety Features Add Value

Sequoia photo provided by Toyota USA Newsroom
If Big Is Better, 2024 Toyota Sequoia Is Best

4WD Pro Hybrid With 3-Rows Elevates Full-Size

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser (Provided by Toyota).
2025 Toyota Land Cruiser revives its roots

After a 3-year hiatus, the go-anywhere SUV returns with a more adventurous vibe.

Enjoy the wilderness in the CX-50. Photo provided by Mazda USA Newsroom
2025 Mazda CX-50 Adds Hybrid Capability to Turbo Options

Line-Up Receives More Robust List Of Standard Equipment

Practical And Functional bZ4X basks in sunshine. Photo provided by Toyota Newsroom.
2024 bZ4X Puts Toyota Twist On All-Electric SUV’s

Modern Styling, Tech & All-Wheel Drive Highlight

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.