Well-reviewed, well-liked and well-promoted, new film “Lone Survivor” was very well-received by moviegoers.
The film, which earned a solid 73% Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes and a rare A+ CinemaScore from audiences, garnered a staggering $14.4 million in its debut Friday.
Enough for a dominant victory at the Friday box office, the total positions “Survivor” to obliterate pre-release expectations. Ahead of Friday’s bow, many analysts were eyeing a debut weekend tally of just $20-25 million.
The weekend was not quite as kind to the other newcomer. “The Legend of Hercules,” that film, disappointed with just $3.1 million and a third place finish on Friday. Holdover “Frozen” claimed second with slightly more than $3.1 million.
“The Wolf of Wall Street” and “American Hustle” followed with $2.7 million and $2.5 million, respectively.
Sixth place belonged to “August: Osage County,” which expanded from five to 905 theaters this weekend. The film earned $2.2 million Friday.
“Her,” which expanded into almost twice as many theaters (1729), did not fare as well. Despite its impressive 93% score on RT, the critically acclaimed film garnered just $1.8 million in its first day of expanded release. It placed eleventh Friday.
