Fox’s 'Alita: Battle Angel' reigned in the US, Australia and 40 other markets last weekend - but the studio’s prospects of turning the lavish James Cameron production into a franchise don’t look great.
Peter Farrelly’s Green Book scored five Oscar nominations including for best picture, lead actor Viggo Mortensen and supporting actor Mahershala Ali following multiple prizes for Ali- so it was a surprise to see the true-life drama open in third place in Australia last weekend.
Shawn Seet's re-imagining of Henri Safran's 1976 classic 'Storm Boy' drew families and older folks last weekend, resonating particularly strongly in South Australia, as takings overall were flattened by the heatwave.
Sony’s psychological thriller 'Escape Room' was the top title last weekend, yet with a mediocre result which would have normally seen the film opening at No. 5 or 6, as ticket sales continued to free fall.
Bruce Beresford’s 'Ladies in Black' has grossed $11.4 million in seven weeks, encouraging Sony Pictures, which acquired worldwide rights, to start devising plans to release the comedy-drama in offshore markets.
Slaviero calls the latest draft of the script, by Justin Monjo ('Spear', 'Jungle'), "One of the better scripts I’ve read in a long time, whether Australian or otherwise. Absolute cracker."
Here is a rarity: Australian exhibitors are extremely positive about the upcoming line-up of Australian films, with one circuit chief rating it as the most commercial in years.
The Australian films and feature documentaries released in cinemas this year including holdovers collectively have grossed $39.7 million.