Feb 13 2017

“Fifty Shades Darker” whips in $46M debut weekend, to trail “LEGO Batman”

Published by at 5:18 am under Uncategorized

Between violence, sex, and cartoons, moviegoers had several new films to choose from this weekend.

The LEGO Batman Movie,” “Fifty Shades Darker,” and “John Wick: Chapter 2” were among the films released this Valentine’s Day weekend.

A vast amount of Fifty Shades fans flocked to the theatres to see Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan return as Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey in the second installment to E.L. James’ bestselling trilogy, “Fifty Shades of Grey.”

In the sequel, we delve deeper into protagonists Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey’s S&M, dominate and submissive, and overly complicated relationship. This story is filled with intense, steamy sex scenes, semi-dramatic suspense, and slightly authentic acting.

The newly released, big screen production did not live up to the overly hyped-up expectations.

During the opening weekend, “Fifty Shades Darker” grossed over $46.7 million compared to the first film, “Fifty Shades of Grey,” with $85.2 million released two years earlier.

Even though “Fifty Shades Darker” was not a huge winner this debut weekend, the film whipped in over $145 million worldwide and nearly tripled its budget.

FullSizeRender“Fifty Shades Darker” did not surpass its main competitor from the weekend, “The LEGO Batman Movie.” According to Box Office Mojo, “The LEGO Batman Movie” grossed over an estimated $55.6 million throughout opening weekend with about $37 million worldwide.

Floor staffer for the Classic Cinema Theatre in Fox Lake, Emmanuel Echeverria, said “For Fifty Shades, it hasn’t been too busy.”

With a large turnout from fans, the erotic drama is playing almost completely to the fan base market geared towards adult women.

“Every night it gets busy, but during the day, no one really wants to come,” said Echeverria. “It is a bunch of older women and their husbands.”

20-year-old, Fox Lake Hills resident, and Fifty Shades fan, Lauren Hucker, is among those adult women who turned out to view the second endowment.

“I read all the books and I absolutely loved the first movie,” said Hucker.

Even with mixed results, the film had a strong turnout.

“This movie was very well done,” said Hucker. “I cannot wait to see the third film; I might even have to reread the third book.”

The controversial book turned movie is expected to bring in more money just in time for Valentine’s Day.

“We are anticipating higher traffic on Tuesday than regular,” said Echeverria.

Wanting more? Check out your local movie listings for times and locations to all three films.

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