The Fall of 'Joker: Madness in Two'
The much-anticipated sequel, 'Joker: Madness in Two,' has officially been labeled a box office disappointment. With a staggering budget of approximately $200 million, the film managed to earn only $7 million in its second weekend across the US and Canada, marking an unprecedented 81% drop from its previous weekend's earnings. This dismal performance has relegated the film to third place at the box office, overshadowed by the animated feature 'Robot Rose' and the horror sensation 'Terrifier 3'.
This sequel, which was expected to continue the success of its predecessor, has instead become a cautionary tale in Hollywood. The film's lackluster reception worldwide indicates a premature end to this iteration of the iconic DC villain, leaving fans and critics alike questioning the future of the franchise.
'Terrifier 3' Takes the Lead
In a surprising turn of events, 'Terrifier 3,' a horror film notorious for its graphic violence, has stormed to the top of the box office with over $18 million in its opening weekend. This slasher film follows the chilling escapades of Art the Clown during Christmas and has garnered a reputation for its extreme content, which some viewers find unbearable. Despite not receiving an official rating from the Motion Picture Association, 'Terrifier 3' has managed to secure screenings across 2,514 theaters, showcasing a growing appetite for horror among audiences.
The film's success is particularly notable given its modest production budget of $2 million, significantly lower than the budgets of mainstream horror franchises. The trilogy's previous installments have cultivated a cult following, and the third film's rapid financial success suggests that the horror genre continues to thrive, even as other big-budget films falter.
'Kompromat' Dominates French TV Ratings
Across the Atlantic, the French film 'Kompromat' has emerged victorious in the Sunday evening ratings battle, attracting 3 million viewers on France 2. This success highlights the film's appeal, especially considering its initial theatrical release brought in only 600,000 viewers. Meanwhile, TF 1's rerun of 'Joker' fell short, capturing only 1.98 million viewers. The stark contrast in viewership illustrates the shifting dynamics in audience preferences, with local productions gaining traction over Hollywood blockbusters.
As the cinematic landscape continues to evolve, the contrasting fortunes of these films serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of audience engagement and box office success.
