This past weekend saw the release of four new films in wide distribution, with "PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie" emerging as the top performer. According to studio estimates, the animated family film brought in $23 million in ticket sales. The success of "PAW Patrol" can be attributed to its timing, as it was the first family animated movie to hit theaters since early August. Additionally, its predecessor, released during the pandemic, saw success both in theaters and on Paramount+, leading to the greenlighting of a third installment in the franchise.
In the horror genre, "Saw X" made a strong debut with $18 million in ticket sales. This tenth installment in the long-running series managed to bounce back from a franchise low, bringing in the best opening weekend for the "Saw" franchise in over a decade. The return of Tobin Bell as the serial killer Jigsaw and an emphasis on gore likely contributed to its success.
On the other hand, "The Creator," the biggest film to launch over the weekend, struggled to find an audience. Despite positive reviews and a B+ CinemaScore, the film only grossed a modest $14 million domestically. Directed by Gareth Edwards and starring John David Washington, "The Creator" is set in an AI-dominated future and explores themes of undercover operations.
Sony Pictures' "Dumb Money" also failed to make a significant impact at the box office. The film, which dramatizes the GameStop stock frenzy, brought in a disappointing $3.5 million in ticket sales. Despite a star-studded cast including Paul Dano, Pete Davidson, Seth Rogen, American Ferrera, and Anthony Ramos, the film struggled to generate buzz and missed out on potential promotional opportunities due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike.
In addition to the new releases, the 4K restoration of the Talking Heads concert film "Stop Making Sense" had a notable success, earning $1 million on 786 screens. The film has surpassed $3 million in total earnings so far and is expected to continue drawing audiences.
Overall, the weekend's box office performances highlight the continued popularity of horror and animated franchises, while originality and comedy films faced challenges in finding an audience. The results of "Dumb Money" may serve as a cautionary tale for mid-budget, acclaimed films targeted at adult audiences as Hollywood enters awards season.