Box Office Buzz: Holiday Hits and Misses

The holiday movie season is in full swing, and the box office is buzzing with new releases and returning favorites. James Cameron’s latest sci-fi epic, \"Avatar: Fire and Ash, \" continues to dominate, adding a solid $64 million over the weekend and $88 million since Christmas. This brings its total domestic earnings to $217. 7 million and worldwide to $760 million after just two weekends. The film’s strong hold, with only a 28% decline from its debut, is a testament to its enduring appeal. Comparatively, its predecessor, \"The Way of Water, \" saw a 52% drop after its opening weekend. Meanwhile, new releases are making their mark. \"Marty Supreme, \" a sports dramedy from A24, enjoyed a strong debut, pulling in $17. 4 million over the weekend and $27. 1 million through the holiday frame. Starring Timothée Chalamet, the film has resonated with audiences, earning a \"B+\" grade on CinemaScore. The movie’s success can be attributed to its compelling storytelling and the star power of Chalamet, who has been instrumental in promoting the film. \"Anaconda, \" a meta-reboot starring Jack Black and Paul Rudd, landed in fifth place with $14. 6 million over the weekend. The film, which starts to unravel when life imitates art, has received mixed reviews, with a 51% Rotten Tomatoes average and a \"B\" grade on CinemaScore. Despite the mixed reception, the film’s unique premise and star power have helped it find an audience.\"Song Sung Blue, \" a musical tear-jerker directed by Craig Brewer, opened in eighth place with $7. 6 million over the weekend. The film, featuring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, tells the true story of two musicians who form a Neil Diamond tribute band. The film has earned an \"A\" grade on CinemaScore, indicating strong audience approval, particularly among older viewers. Disney’s animated sequel \"Zootopia 2\" continues to outpace newcomers, adding $20 million over the weekend. Since its debut around Thanksgiving, the film has generated $320 million domestically and $1. 42 billion globally, making it the highest-grossing Hollywood release of the year. The film’s success highlights the enduring appeal of animated sequels and the power of Disney’s brand. Another holdover, \"The Housemaid, \" a psychological thriller starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, notched the No. 4 spot with $15. 4 million over the weekend. The film has earned an impressive $46. 6 million domestically and $64. 9 million worldwide to date, showcasing the appeal of psychological thrillers and the star power of its leading ladies.