‘Goosebumps’ knocks ‘The Martian’, rules United States box office

Early Friday afternoon, it looked like the Legendary Pictures ad Universal title had a shot at crossing $20 million, but it quickly fell off and marks the filmmaker’s lowest opening for a major studio film. Then, on October 30th, Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse debuts, but that is a big mistake, as Halloween lands on that Saturday, and horror films shrivel like shrunken heads after October 31st.

However with an R-rating – where those under 17 need to be accompanied by a parent of guardian to see the film – it was expected to have a more limited audience than the PG-rated Goosebumps.

The film succeeded as effective counter-programming against the more horror and science fiction-tinged options at the box office, luring in older audiences who were attracted to the critical acclaim (92% on Rotten Tomatoes).

In the movie, teenager Zach Cooper, played by Dylan Minnette, moves to a small town from the city and meets Hannah (Odeya Rush). After Stine’s creations are unintentionally released from their manuscripts, the two teens and the author/dad must get them back into the books to save the town. In the film, instead of bringing one of the books or an entire series to life, R.L. Stine becomes a part of the story as the monsters in the books he wrote come to life when their books are opened. Now while the set design, cinematography, and atmosphere of Crimson Peak is on par with the classics of gothic-horror, the film is missing what makes those classics great.

“Bridge of Spies” now hold the 3rd spot on the box office while grossing $15.4 million.

Bridge of Spies – During the Cold War, the Soviet Union captures US pilot Francis Gary Powers after shooting down his U-2 spy plane. The Gothic Romance from Guillermo del Toro proved too niche for mainstream crowds, falling flat with a $12.6 million debut. In comparison, WeGoUSA’s arty wax film “The Assassin” also scored a $12K per screen average, but it was on four screens and features no such Hollywood stars as Cate Blanchett and Robert Redford. The film garnered 92 percent positive reviews, according to Rottentomatoes.com. You’d think that that much moviemaking heft, combined with that much quality, would result in enough box office to justify a $40 million budget. “But that’s Steven Spielberg”. And of those two, both have topped the box office at one point. He’s producing a “Jurassic World” sequel and has suggested another “Indiana Jones” sequel might emerge.

“The Martian” was finally knocked out of number one, settling for second place with $21.5 million. A theatrical release is being launched primarily to qualify “Beasts” for awards. It had sales of $50,699.

So, grab your nearest film buff, spring for that overpriced ticket at your favorite movie theater and treat your spooky self to a film that will have you seeing ghosts in the shadows and under your bed again.

Hotel Transylvania rounded out the top 5 as the animated film continued to pull in audiences in its fourth weekend with $12.25 million for a total of $136.4 million.

The following table has USA movie box-office figures provided by studios to Rentrak.