With a budget of $50 million, this month’s bio film about the life of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, rocked the box office hauling over $150 million on its opening weekend. Bryan Singer’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” focuses on the eccentric life of lead singer Mercury, spectacularly played by Rami Malek, and the events that led up to his band’s legendary performance at Live Aid in 1985. Despite mixed reviews, the film still managed to attract crowds. Critics were critical of the film’s take on some aspects of Mercury’s life especially his sexuality, but audiences proved that they came to see the film for other reasons.
In second place at the box office is Disney's “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms”, which finished lower than the company expected. With a budget of $130 million, the fantasy adventure film starring Keira Knightley only made $58 million worldwide. The movie tells the story of a young girl gifted a locked egg from her deceased mother, and sets out in a magical land to find the key. Despite a low haul, it still managed to become the second box office hit.
Meanwhile, Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s “A Star Is Born” sits at the fourth spot for their fifth weekend hold while the “Halloween” reboot, on its third week release, rounds up on fifth place.
With a budget of $15 million, “Halloween” was able to rake in almost $230 million while simultaneously getting positive reviews from critics.