So what do the numbers look like? “Knock at the Cabin” brought in $5.4 million on Friday, which includes Thursday previews as well. M. Night Shyamalan’s latest is an apocalyptic thriller about a young family whose cabin is invaded by four doomsday cultists, led by Dave Bautista, who are preparing for the end of the world. It’s currently on track to take the top spot with a box office estimate of $14.5 million or so. The movie has earned mixed reviews from fans and critics alike, (read ours here!) but it could prove to be just the shake-up the box office needs to get the long-awaited “Avatar” sequel off of the top. Jonathan Groff and Ben Aldridge star as the parents of a little girl just trying to enjoy a trip to a cabin in the woods that will, unfortunately, be the opposite of a relaxing vacation.
Meanwhile, the Paramount film “80 for Brady” follows doubly-retired quarterback Tom Brady with Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, and Sally Field playing some of his biggest fans. The movie earned $4.7 million during opening day and preview screenings, putting it just behind “Knock at the Cabin.” Our review from critic Jeff Ewing praised the performers and the film’s heartfelt tone, though if you’re not a Patriots fan, I imagine it could get a little grating. “The Way of Water” is set to take the third spot, with “The Chosen,” a crowdfunded Christian TV series finale, behind that. “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” also continues to draw a consistent audience, with Variety projecting another $7.9 million in its seventh weekend.
February is a weird time for the box office, but it’ll be interesting to see what can take the top spot. What if we all pulled a “Minions: Rise of Gru” kind of thing but for “Puss in Boots” and wearing boots? I’ll see you at the theater!