Alec Baldwin animation "The Boss Baby" retains box office lead

PanARMENIAN.Net - Dreamworks Animation/ Fox's "The Boss Baby" stayed solid at North American box office in its second weekend. The animated movie starring Alec Baldwin topped the chart again by gaining an estimated $26.3 million, bringing its domestic total to $89.4 million. The charm of Baldwin, whose star power has been shining thanks to his Donald Trump impersonations on "Saturday Night Live", was seemingly what made the movie unmoved from No. 1 spot, AceShowbiz said.

Sitting at No. 2 was "Beauty and the Beast (2017)". Disney's movie gained an estimated $25 million at weekend box office, bringing its domestic cume to approximately $432.3 million. Internationally, "Beauty and the Beast" earned an estimated total of $977.4 million, which means it's only a matter of time until it crosses a dazzling $1 billion.

Sony's "Smurfs: The Lost Village" surprisingly bowed at the third place of the chart. The 3D computer-animated film originated from Belgian comic franchise only gained an approximate $14 million in its opening weekend. Considering that "The Lost Village" was intended to revitalize the franchise after the success of 2011's "The Smurfs" and 2013's "The Smurfs 2", the cume was not as spectacular as expected. Back then, "The Smurfs" gained $563.7 million worldwide, while "Smurfs 2" made a global total of $347.5 million.

Despite its modest cume, "Smurfs: The Lost Village" nabbed an A+ in CinemaScore. Sony distribution chief Rory Bruer said that "The Lost Village" still had an opportunity to be profitable ahead of Easter week. "['Lost Village'] opened in a realm that was acceptable to us," said Bruer. "Between an A+ CinemaScore from those under 18 and heading into Easter week, we think it has real opportunity. The movie was made for less than half the last one, and we anticipate it being profitable," he added.

Meanwhile, newcomer "Going in Style" entered the box office chart and sat on No. 4 by gaining an estimated $12.5 million. The comedy starring Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine and Alan Arkin follows three retirees who decide to rob a bank when they've got serious money problems. The movie is catering to elders, with 70 percent of its audiences being over the age of 50.

Rounding the top five is "Ghost in the Shell". The movie starring Scarlett Johansson gained a modest $7.4 million in its second weekend at the box office.