Friday Report: 'Spectre' Takes Off with Second-Best Opening Day for the Franchise while 'The Peanuts Movie' Soars

     As expected, the box office was reinvigorated by the likes of 'Spectre' and 'The Peanuts Movie', both of which look to have stellar debuts in store this weekend.
     Easily taking the #1 spot, the $240-million Daniel Craig led spy film 'Spectre' grossed a respectable $28 million on Friday. That marks the second-largest opening for a Bond film, ahead of the $27 million start of 'Quantum of Solace' and behind the $32.7 million gross of 'Skyfall', its predecessor. 'Skyfall''s Friday gross, however, is actually $30.5 million, with the extra $2.2 million coming from exclusive IMAX showings on Thursday. Reviews are very modest this time around (62% on Rotten Tomatoes), similar to 'Quantum of Solace' back in 2008 (that film had a 65% score). 'Solace' opened to a great $67.5 million over the weekend, but was at a fairly weak 2.5x weekend multiplier. That film, however, earned more negative word-of-mouth (58% Flixter score and 'B-' on CinemaScore). 'Spectre', on the other hand, boasts a 71% Flixter rating and an 'A-' CinemaScore, although audiences were more satisfied with 'Casino Royale' and 'Skyfall'. Still, it should have a weekend multiplier between 'Solace' (2.5x) and 'Skyfall' (2.9x), which would translate into anything from $70m-$81m, which would represent a solid debut for the 24th outing for James Bond.
     In a still respectable second place, $100-million family film 'The Peanuts Movie' landed an excellent $12.1 million. Although that's a few million dollars less than 'Big Hero 6' ($15.8m), it is at least nearly on par with 'Wreck-It Ralph' ($13.5m) and 'Megamind' $12.5 million. Among Blue Sky (its production company) releases, 'Peanuts' ranks sixth behind only 'Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!' and the 'Ice Age' franchise. With strong reviews (86% on RT) and audience reception (86% on Flixter), it should hold up very well throughout the weekend. With a weekend multiplier that will likely beat 'Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs' (3.02x) (compared with its Wednesday opening) and 'Dr Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!' (3.39x), a weekend of around $43 million is the most likely scenario here.
     Finally relinquishing its throne at the #1 spot, 'The Martian' eased 25.6% from last Friday, grossing $2.6 million. It was up 170.6% from Thursday's take, and with a new total of $190.4 million, a weekend of $9.5 million is likely.
     In fourth place, 'Bridge of Spies' fell a light 28.6% from last week, making $1.8 million and increasing 139% from Thursday. With $50.6 million in the bank, 'Spies' should earn around $6 million for the three-day weekend.
     Rounding out the Top 5, 'Goosebumps' rocketed up 216.9% from Thursday and decreased 45.2% from last Friday, making $1.7 million for its troubles. Its current domestic cume stands at a healthy $61.2 million, and a fourth weekend of about $6 million is a lock.

Weekend Forecast (Updated)

1. Spectre - $72.8 million

2. The Peanuts Movie - $43.6 million

3.The Martian - $9.4 million (-19.7%)
4. Goosebumps - $6.2 million (-37.4%)
5. Bridge of Spies - $6 million (-28.6%)