By typical standards, “Fast and Furious 6” underwhelmed in its second weekend of release, trading nearly 65% of its debut gross for just $34.5 million at the box office this frame.
But thanks to a tepid performance from Will Smith’s “After Earth,” it still managed to claim the weekend victory.
With only $27 million in estimated receipts, “After Earth” fell short of the “Fast” total, its own already underwhelming $35 million forecast and lower-profile film “Now You See Me,” which claimed second on $28.1 million in returns.
Numerous factors could explain the poor “After Earth” Performance. The abysmal reviews did not help. Will Smith’s lower-profile in recent years might have contributed to a loss of star power. Some seemed put off by the fact that the film seemed to also serve as a special springboard for pushing Smith’s son Jaden on audiences. Director M. Night Shyamalan, after starting out as one of the industry’s most acclaimed directors, has become one of its most critically-panned, so his involvement might have served as a negative.
Regardless of the culprit, this marks a terrible performance by summer box office standards and particularly one by Will Smith standards.
“Star Trek Into Darkness” ($16.4 million) and “Epic” ($16.4 million) completed the top five. “The Hangover Part III,” which traded 62% of last week’s returns, landed in sixth with $15.9 million.
