‘Don’t Breathe’ keeps box office rivals on toes
This image released by Sony Pictures shows Stephen Lang in a scene from ‘Dont Breathe.’ Staying on top of the North American box office for the second week, the horror film tells the tale of three thieves who break into the home of a rich, blind man. AP
LOS ANGELES, United States — Suspense thriller “Don’t Breathe” held on tight to the top of the North American box office this weekend — keeping rival movies on tenterhooks for a second week running, industry estimates showed Sunday.
Moviegoers plunked down $15.7 million to see the horror twist on a home invasion, box office monitor Exhibitor Relations said in preliminary figures for Friday through Sunday.
The weekend for most people is extended a day by the Labor Day public holiday on Monday, the unofficial end of the American summer.
“Don’t Breathe” tells the tale of what happens when a trio of thieves break into the house of a supposedly helpless rich blind man.
The film has earned $51.4 million since its debut in the number-one spot last week.
“Suicide Squad” remained number-two moneymaker, at $10.0 million. Starring Will Smith, Jared Leto and Margot Robbie as criminals hired to carry out secret missions, it has raked in $297.4 million in its first five weeks, despite poor reviews.
“Pete’s Dragon” jumped from sixth to third place, taking $6.5 million. The Disney reboot of a 1977 family fantasy film tells the story of an orphaned boy, Pete, and his adventures with his best friend, Elliot, a furry — not scaly — dragon.
In fourth place is “Kubo and the Two Strings”, a 3D stop motion adventure fantasy about a one-eyed boy in ancient Japan who must battle the gods with a magical instrument. It made $6.5 million.
“Sausage Party”, a raunchy animated comedy with Seth Rogen as the leading voice, takes fifth place at $5.3 million.
Rounding out the top 10 films of the weekend are:
“The Light Between Oceans” ($5.0 million)
“Bad Moms” ($4.7 million)
“War Dogs” ($4.7 million)
“Hell or High Water” ($4.5 million)
“Mechanic: Resurrection” ($4.3 million)
