The weekend box office did not reflect kindly on the drawing power of Jason Statham and Taylor Lautner–films from both failed to deliver the goods on Friday.
Though some are touting “Abduction” as a mild success given its limited marketing campaign, the reality is that it featured a supposed hot newcomer in Lautner and yet only earned $3.8 million for fourth place.
Still, that was better than the $3.5 million earned by “Killer Elite,” which featured Robert DeNiro and Clive Owen in addition to Statham.
Although family activity over the weekend might push the 3D release of “Lion King” into first place by Sunday, Friday belonged to Brad Pitt’s “Moneyball.” The Pitt film claimed the top spot on $6.8 million, besting the $6.1 million for “Lion King.”
Critical and Cinema Score darling “Dolphin Tale” started at a modest $5.1 million, earning third place on Friday. Based on positive word-of-mouth and its family appeal, it should see strong performance on Saturday and Sunday.