'Thor,' swinging his mighty hammer, smashes Hollywood's slump

LOS ANGELES: After a dismal Oct for Hollywood, Disney and Marvel Studio's Thor: Rognarok proved a smashing success over the weekend, pulling in US$122.7 million (RM518.6 million) in North American theaters for a global total of US$306 million, industry figures showed Monday.
How big was the film's three-day opening? The latest Thor episode, boosted by strong reviews and the self-mocking humor of Chris Hemsworth as the powerful Norse god (with Cate Blanchett as Hela, goddess of death), netted more than seven times last week's take for then-leader, Lionsgate's Jigsaw.
That movie, which has police investigating a string of horrific murders carried out in the style of supposedly long-dead killer Jigsaw, dropped this weekend to third place at US$6.6 million, according to box office tracker Exhibitor Relations.
In second was A Bad Moms Christmas, from STX Entertainment, at US$16.8 million. The comedy stars three women – Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell and Kathryn Hahn – whose plans change when their mothers (Christine Baranski, Cheryl Hines and Susan Sarandon) drop in unexpectedly for the holidays.
In fourth position was Lionsgate's Boo 2! A Madea Halloween at US$4.5 million. The light comedy has actor/director Tyler Perry and buddies heading to a campground that – surprise! – turns out to be haunted.
In fifth spot was Geostorm from Warner Bros., at US$3.2 million. The sci-fi disaster thriller follows Gerard Butler as he struggles to save the world from an apocalyptic storm caused by climate-controlling satellites run amok.
Rounding out the top 10 were:
Happy Death Day (US$2.7 million)
Blade Runner: 2049 (US$2.3 million)
Thank You for Your Service (US$2.2 million)
Only the Brave (US$1.9 million)
Let There Be Light (US$1.7 million) — AFP