By Chris Kavan - 03/03/21 at 11:41 AM CT
The Croods: A New Age, which has been the lone, true bright spot of the past several months, has finally been topped and, it should come as no surprise at this point, by another family-friendly title. Tom and Jerry, the cat and mouse rivalry that has entranced generations, came out on top with an impressive $13.7 million - the second-best opening of the Covid era behind just Wonder Woman 1984 ($16.7 million) and perhaps signaling people are finally willing to maybe start returning to theaters.
This is exceptionally big news as Tom and Jerry was also available to stream immediately as it premiered on HBO Max at the same time (unlike Croods, which waited a month and then only on paid PVOD). This means people, especially families, were willing to go out rather than stay at home to watch this and they showed up. Indications point to many theaters being rented out by entire family (and friends) groups for the showing. Now, whether this is sustainable or not remains to be seen. This could dip hard and fast like Wonder Woman or it could have a lot of longevity like The Croods. But one thing is certain, it will have competition as Raya and the Last Dragon is coming fast.
In second place we find The Croods, which took a light 29.6% drop (considering it's been out for so long) and added $1.2 million for a new domestic total of $52.4 million and global total of $156.1 million. Heck, as long at this one continues to remain in the top five, I don't see why the studio should pull it.,
In third place The Little Things dipped about 23% and earned $925,000, bumping its domestic total to $12.9 million and a worldwide total of $23.2 million. Fourth went to Wonder Woman 1984 with $710,000 for $43.6 million domestic and a more robust $161 million worldwide. And rounding out the top five The Marksman added $700,000 for a new $12.3 million domestic and $16.3 million worldwide total.
The other big news coming out is that New York is finally going to re-open theaters in limited capacity on March 5. Aside from the current films, Christopher Nolan's Tenet is also going to be shown - so we'll see how things go in the Big Apple.
In ratings news, we have two biographies - one making waves on the streaming front and another that should get a big fall release (one hopes).
Let's start with the biography that is technically already available to stream as it came out on Feb. 26th via Hula, The United States vs. Billie Holiday. We've already had one documentary, Billie, and this time around Lee Daniels (best know for The Butler) takes his stab at bringing the iconic singer to life. Reviews have been decidedly mixed, but what most people can agree on is that lead actress Andra Day is the bright spot with her portrayal of Billie Holiday. Aside from that, though, most are calling the script weak, essentially skimming the story of Holiday while not getting deep enough for any real substance. Likewise, aside from Day, there is a notable lack of depth from the rest of the cast, including Trevante Rhodes as FBI agent and Holiday's one-time lover. And with a dearth of other black-led films - Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Judas and the Black Messiah and One Night in Miami - getting so much more attention and praise, this one looks to slip through the cracks. Rated R for strong drug content, sexual content, nudity, language throughout, some lynching images and violence.
Now we go from a lady singing the blues to a lady preaching the gospel. That's right, we're looking right into The Eyes of Tammy Faye. Jim and Tammy Faye Baker were at the top of the televangelist game in the 70s and 80s, building an empire - and making serious bank - with their televised ministry. But all was not well and their fair facade crumbled in the face of financials, rivals and scandals - but it didn't mean the end for Tammy Faye. The long-lashed iconic personality is portrayed here by Jessica Chastain with Andrew Garfield taking on the role of Jim Baker. Vincent D'Onofrio is on board as Jerry Falwell and the rest of the cast includes Cherry Jones, Fredric Lehne, Sam Jaeger, Gabriel Olds and Jay Huguley. With personalities bigger than life itself, even if you loathe the role televangelists, this one looks entertaining. Rated PG-13 for sexual content and drug abuse.
Those are the two big films this week but you can check out the full MPAA Ratings Bulletin below:
DIANA: THE MUSICAL
Rated PG-13 for strong language and for suggestive and thematic material.
DOG
Rated PG-13 for language, thematic elements, drug content and some suggestive material.
THE DUKE
Rated R for language and brief sexuality.
THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE
Rated PG-13 for sexual content and drug abuse.
FELIX AND THE HIDDEN TREASURE
Rated PG for some cartoon violence and thematic elements.
FOUR GOOD DAYS
Rated R for drug content, language throughout and brief sexuality.
JOEY AND ELLA
Rated G
MISS WILLOUGHBY AND THE HAUNTED BOOKSHOP
Rated PG for violence, thematic material, scary images and brief language.
SALVATORE: SHOEMAKER OF DREAMS
Rated PG for smoking and a suggestive reference.
SUMMERTIME
Rated R for language throughout and sexual references.
THE UNITED STATES VS BILLIE HOLIDAY
Rated R for strong drug content, sexual content, nudity, language throughout, some lynching images and violence.
ZACK SNYDER'S JUSTICE LEAGUE: JUSTICE IS GRAY EDITION
Rated R for violence and some language. (Black and White Version of Zack Snyer's Justice League)
