Sony’s $US175 million bet on rebooting the flagging Spider-Man franchise looks like paying off.
With school students on holiday around the country, it was no surprise to see 'Despicable Me 3' seize the top spot at Australian cinemas last weekend.
There was a lull in Australian films released theatrically in June so the total grosses for local titles this year has ticked up to only $42.95 million.
Moviegoers in Australia and internationally increasingly are showing signs of fatigue with the never-ending procession of Hollywood franchises.
Universal/Illumination Entertainment’s Despicable Me 3 was an emphatic No. 1 at Australian cinemas last weekend, easily beating Sony’s bawdy buddy comedy 'Rough Night'.
Universal’s 'The Mummy' reboot was No. 1 in 45 markets last weekend, ranking as the best debut ever for Tom Cruise worldwide. However, Aussie moviegoers were rather less impressed.
Some exhibitors were hoping 'Wonder Woman' would have the potential to get to $20 million but that now seems unlikely unless there is a strong second weekend.
The Australian films released theatrically so far this year have grossed $42.6 million – nearly double the meagre 2016 calendar year total of $24.1 million.