Sony’s Goosebumps triumphed at the box office against three other new releases, taking in $23.5 million in its debut weekend from 3,501 theaters.
The film, based on the popular children’s book series, out-spooked Fox’s The Martian, which slid to second place after reigning the top spot for two weeks. The science-fiction blockbuster, about a stranded astronaut, added $21.5 million to its $143.8 million haul.
Goosebumps stars Jack Black as the famous writer R.L. Stine whose plethora of imaginary ghouls and goblins escape from his books and wreak havoc on the world. Directed by Rob Letterman and adapted by Scott Alexander, the 3D horror-comedy also stars Dylan Minnette and Odeya Rush.
‘Goosebumps’ Interview with Jack Black, Dylan Minnette, Odeya Rush and Ryan Lee
“Jack Black was everywhere with his bigger-than-life personality,” says Rentrak box office analyst Paul Dergarabedian. “He really was the best marketing resource, a tireless showman and a large part of the number one opening.”
With a PG-rating, the family friendly feature received a positive 71 percent “fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and an A CinemaScore from audiences.
In third place at the box office is Steven Spielberg’s Bridge of Spies, which opened up to $15.4 million across 2,811 theaters. The Disney Cold War drama, starring Tom Hanks as a lawyer negotiating the release of an American pilot, earned a strong 93 percent “fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and an A CinemaScore from moviegoers.
“The Cold War is especially not an easy sell. So this was a good start,” says Jeff Bock, box-office analyst for Exhibitor Relations. “And Spielberg will have a long run in theaters, especially with any awards considerations. This could play through the year.”
Universal’s Crimson Peak underperformed with a $12.8 million debut from 2,984 locations, finishing in fourth place. The story, about a young bride who moves into her new husband’s haunted mansion, stars Tom Hiddleston, Jessica Chastain and Mia Wasikowska.
Guillermo del Toro’s Gothic romance story earned a 70 percent “fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, while moviegoers gave it a B minus CinemaScore.
Guillermo Del Toro on The Making of ‘Crimson Peak’
“This is a challenging play time for adult-oriented films,” said Nick Carpou, Universal’s domestic distribution chief. “The film is definitely a throwback to an old-fashioned way of creating atmosphere and layering tension. It’s visually stunning and genuinely creepy.”
This weekend’s final new wide release was Woodlawn, the faith-based drama, which debuted to $4.1 million across 1,553 theaters. The film, starring Sean Astin, tells the true story of a 1970s high school football team dealing with racial tensions. It earned an A+ CinemaScore from moviegoers and a stellar 100 percent “fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes from critics.
Rounding out the top five at the box office is the animated feature Hotel Transylvania 2, adding $12.3 million to its $136.4 million domestic haul. The comedy stars Adam Sandler voicing Dracula and Mel Brooks as his vampire father.
Top 10 Films at Weekend Box Office: October 16-18
- Goosebumps — $23.5 million
- The Martian — $21.5 million
- Bridge of Spies — $15.4 million
- Crimson Peak — $12.8 million
- Hotel Transylvania 2 — $12.3 million
- Pan — $5.9 million
- The Intern — $5.4 million
- Sicario — $4.5 million
- Woodlawn — $4.1 million
- Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials — $2.8 million
