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The JUICE was still on the loose and moviegoers saw NO EVIL this weekend.

Between them, WB/Plan B Entertainment’s PG-13 fantasy horror comedy BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE and Universal/Blumhouse Productions’ R rated horror thriller SPEAK NO EVIL pumped over $63M in ticket sales into theatres plus millions more for pricey popcorn, candy, etc.

This weekend’s domestic marketplace totaled $94.8M, per Comscore Senior Media Analyst Paul Dergarabedian, down 37.1% from the prior weekend, but up 50% vs. this time last year. Comscore’s year to date tally has 2024 at $6.08B, down 12% from $6.94B in 2023. The previous weekend, 2024 was down 13% vs. 2023.

Meanwhile, back at the multiplexes: BB, directed by Tim Burton, held on to #1 in weekend two with $51.6M (-54%) at 4,575 theatres ($11,279), per Comscore. It reportedly cost $100M to produce and has grossed $188M domestic and $264.3M worldwide to date.

SPEAK NO EVIL opened #2 to $11.5M at 3,375 theatres ($3,407), per Comscore. That’s better than the $10M Hollywood buzz-ards were originally looking for. Having reportedly cost just $15M to produce, Universal & Blumhouse should be okay. It opened internationally to $9.3M, bringing its worldwide cume to $20.8M.

EVIL, starring James McAvoy, is tracking best for first choice with women over 25 (one point over norm). Rotten Tomatoes critics & audiences are both very happy at 85%, which should mean good word of mouth.

The weekend’s only other wide launch, Lionsgate’s R rated action comedy thriller THE KILLER’S GAME, starring Dave Bautista, was dead on arrival in sixth place with $2.6M at 2,623 theatres ($991). It’s tracking for first choice below norm with all demos. Rotten Tomatoes critics hate it at 36% and audiences aren’t excited at 77%.

Although GAME reportedly cost $25-30M, the buzz is that Lionsgate’s customary upfront financial strategizing reduced its risk significantly.

Next weekend (9/20) ticket sales should heat up with Paramount/Hasbro Entertainment’s PG rated animated action adventure TRANSFORMERS ONE. It’s the franchise’s first animated episode in nearly 40 years. Hollywood insiders expect $45-55M at about 3,700  theatres.

TO is tracking best for first choice with under-25 men (five points over norm) and next best with men over 25 (three points over norm). Rotten Tomatoes critics are applauding at 90%.

Sat., 9/21 will see SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY open in limited release via Fathom Events/DC Studios. It’s the story of Reeve’s rise to stardom and the near-fatal 1995 horse-riding accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Rotten Tomatoes critics are cheering at 100%.