Everyone knew it was going to be hot, but few predicted exactly how well it would perform.
“The Conjuring” topped its $30-35 million forecasts with an impressive $41.5 million this weekend, which represented a take of nearly double that grossed by any fellow new release.
With interest low and “Despicable Me 2” ($25.1 million) still attracting moviegoers’ dollars, new animated release “Turbo” was anything but at the box office. Its $21.5 million, which comes on the low end of forecasts, was only good for a third place finish.
“Grown Ups 2” followed with $20 million, topping newcomer “Red 2” and its $18.5 million. The latter debuted with $3 million fewer in receipts than its predecessor, and insofar as it has neither strong reviews nor the sleeper momentum of the first film, it is not likely to have the same shelf life that helped “Red” earn more than $90 million domestically.
“Pacific Rim” placed sixth with $16.0 million, besting flop newcomer “RIPD” and its $12.7 million.
