'Batman v Superman' Dominates the Box Office, Opening Over $420 Million Worldwide
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice ruled the box office this weekend, both in international and domestic markets, bringing home an estimated $424.1 million worldwide. The record-breaking performance saw the film set a new domestic March opening weekend record and it also serves as the largest domestic opening for Warner Bros. ever. And while the clash of superhero titans was doing it's thing, Universal's counter-programming release in My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 also performed well as did Roadside's Hello, My Name is Doris and Bleecker Street's Eye in the Sky.
With an estimated $170.1 million, Batman v Superman topped the March opening weekend record previously held by The Hunger Games at $152.5 million. Should estimates hold, and WB seems to be confident they will, this also tops the $169.1 million Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 opened with in 2011, making it the largest domestic opening for the studio. This is also the largest Easter opening, topping the $147.1 million brought in by Furious 7 last year as well as the largest opening for a film based on a DC Comics property, a record previously held by The Dark Knight Rises at $160.8 million. But this weekend's records are one thing, how the film will hold up is another.
Heading into the weekend the swath of negative critical reviews were a major focus as the film now sits at a 29% rating on RottenTomatoes and no film with a rating lower than 63% on the site had ever opened over $150 million. Clearly Batman v Superman bucked that trend as it is now one of only five live action films to have ever grossed over $100 million on opening weekend with a RottenTomatoes rating lower than 30%. So does this say something about critics, about films with baked in audiences... or both?
From an audience perspective, Batman v Superman received a so-so "B" CinemaScore with a "B-" coming from males, which made up 62% of the audience, and "B" from females. Audience members under the age of 18, however, scored it an "A-", which brings our attention to next weekend. Recent films such as Avengers: Age of Ultron and Batman v Superman predecessor Man of Steel saw 59.4% and 64.6% second weekend drops respectively. It's also worth noting a large drop should be expected no matter what, if only because $27.7 million of Batman v Superman's opening came from Thursday previews.
From a historical perspective, a second weekend drop around 62% is a safe bet at this time, and anything better than 60% would show the film is holding well in the face of odds that would otherwise suggest it was in trouble over the long run. Speculation aside, it won't be until we see how far it drops that we can get a good grasp on just how big it may go, but its success doesn't rely wholly on its domestic prospects as it also got off to a very strong start overseas.
The film brought in an estimated $254 million internationally this weekend, giving it the fifth largest international opening weekend of all-time. The global opening of $424.1 million is the fourth largest of all-time. The breakdown by territory shows China leading the pack, delivering an estimated $57.3 million in its first three days, the largest opening ever for WB in China. Results from other territories include the UK ($21.9m), Mexico ($18.6m), Brazil ($12.2m), Korea ($10.5m), Australia ($10.0m), Russia ($8.5m), France ($8.4m), Germany ($8.2m), Spain ($6.3m), Italy ($5.8m) and Japan ($4.4m).
As will be the case domestically, how well the film performs next weekend in all these territories will be of vital importance when it comes to determining just how big a hit this will end up being. At this point, it looks as if Batman v Superman will become the 25th film to cross $1+ billion worldwide as The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is the only film to open with over $158 million domestically and not cross the $1 billion mark worldwide.
RHOA: This Just in Cast Wants Kim Zolciak Back On The Show!
Kim Zolciak was made hugely famous by her status as a Housewife on the Real Housewives of Atlanta, and although she now has her successful spin-off show, Don’t Be Tardy, fans shouldn’t reject the idea of her possibly returning home to the mothership.
During the RHOA season eight reunion, host Andy Cohen asked the Housewives which former co-star they would like to see return and surprisingly Kim got the thumbs up from the current RHOA cast when mentioned by Andy.
In fact, Kenya Moore gushed over bringing Kim back saying, “I live for Kim.”
Even more, surprisingly Porsha Williams agreed with Kenya and nodded in solidarity.
Kenya goes on to admit that she doesn’t see Kim around Atlanta very often they still keep in contact.
“Every now and then we’ll text each other, and she’s always funny and just crazy. She just has her own energy. I just really like her,” Kenya explains.
Oddly enough Kim has also mentioned on social media lately that she wouldn’t mind retuning to her roots. If you recall, Kim hasn’t been on RHOA since she abruptly quit in the middle of filming season 5.
After spending a few years filming her own reality show and scoffing off rumors of ever being a Housewife again, it seems that Kim has changed her mind. Recently Kim hinted at an RHOA return on Twitter saying, “Hmm maybe so @NeNeLeakes and I can cause trouble “ then going to say “Can you imagine like the good ole days .”
It sounds like Andy needs to make Kim an offer to return RHOA ASAP. Bravo needs either Kim or NeNe or both to come back to RHOA to revive the show. I’m obsessed with how over-the-top Kim is and I think she would do a fantastic job of stirring the pot and causing some drama on RHOA.
Do you think Kim would ever return to RHOA? Would you want to see Kim.
#TEAMEMPIRE: The 'Empire' Cast's Best Season 2 Episodes So Far
The imminent return of Fox’s smash hit series, Empire, has us dancing with ourselves, especially after the show’s crazysexycool fall season, which wrapped up on Dec. 2. It was a wild time for the Lyon clan — and those unlucky enough to be in their orbit on a regular basis — as their personal empire, Empire Records, was beset from all sides by boardroom betrayals, familial squabbling, and even a kidnapping or two. We went ahead and picked each major character’s best episode from the 10-track album that was the first half of Season 2 (listed in episodic order). Bring on the next record.
Lucious: “The Devils Are Here”
The dethroned Empire Records exec won’t let a little thing like being in jail keep him from controlling the fortunes of his company. Lucious’s strategic mind has been as instrumental to his success as his deft wordplay, and he plays the two games of mental chess that are unfolding in the Season 2 premiere like a master tactician. While he maneuvers Jamal into being his proxy within the halls of Empire, he also ends the reign of jailhouse king, Frank Gathers (Chris Rock), by allowing him to think he has the upper hand until it’s too late.
Signature Moment: When Frank discovers who his prison bodyguards are actually working for. Well played Lucious… well played.
Jamal: “Poor Yorick”
Poor Yorick? Poor Jamal, you mean! First, the soulful singer has to take part in a Rolling Stone photo shoot with a shutterbug who looks like he crawled out of a dumpster. (J/K Adam Busch!) Then those pictures are turned into a horrifying Hypercolor silkscreen. And then that ugly silkscreen is stabbed by his jealous brother, Hakeem, during a music video shoot. It’s a series of multiple tragedies that’s positively Shakespearean.
Signature Moment: The brother-on-brother brawl is pretty great. Hopefully Jamal has learned that you shouldn’t bring your fists to a baseball bat fight.
Andre: “Be True”
The eldest and most neglected Lyon child can at least take pleasure in knowing that God loves him even if his parents don’t. Andre’s born again spirituality inspires multiple confessions to his various family members and then takes him to the baptismal pool. You gotta feel sorry for the guy: He wants to do good, but as Empire repeatedly proves, being bad is so much more interesting.
Signature Moment: Getting dunked in the baptismal waters and immediately triggering another traumatic Lucious flashback. Even Andre’s big moment isn’t actually about him.
Becky: “A High Hope for Low Heaven”
Lest you think that Lucious’s hard-working assistant never has time to enjoy herself, the sixth episode reveals that she’s been making time with one of Empire’s most promising artists: J Poppa (Mo McRae). She also proves that she and Jamal need to host their own morning show, stat, because they’re awesome together.
Signature Moment: Becky’s rooftop sex scene takes Empire to new heights.
Cookie: “True Love Never”
In case you doubted that the Lyon kids need their mama, Cookie gave both her boys, Hakeem and Jamal (sorry Andre), some much-needed advice. When Hakeem’s handpicked future superstar, Laura (Laura Calleros), was having trouble holding her own in his trio, Menage a Trois, Cookie pushed him to give her a confidence boost. Meanwhile, she lent her experienced ear to Jamal’s latest song, offering advice that flipped his whole perspective and gave the tune the makings of a hit. And because this Cookie can do it all, she also made sure to set aside some “Treat Yo Self” time for her own pleasures…
Signature Moment: Cookie’s lost weekend with Laz, a hilarious three-day binge of take-out, sleep, and sex.
Anika: “My Bad Parts”
Rejected by not just one, but two Lyon men, Anika “Boo Boo Kitty” Calhoun is reduced to looking and acting like a hot mess. But the discovery that she’s carrying Hakeem’s child gives her a renewed lease on life. Cozying up to Andre’s own expecting baby mama, Rhonda, she learns just how much Lucious values the gestating generation of Lyons. But she doesn’t want to do this thing solo, which means breaking up Hakeem’s current love affair with Laura. Psycho kitty… qu'est-ce que c'est?
Signature Moment: Anika posing as Laura’s Uber driver in a blond wig may just be the single best image of the entire half-season.
Hakeem: “Et Tu, Brute?”
Hakeem could handle being kidnapped. He could handle being dissed by his father’s new favorite rapper, Freda. He could even handle seeing his brother memorialized in terrible art. But he simply can’t abide the return of his old lover Camilla, who reveals how his parents’ ruined their precious, age-inappropriate love. His fury gives the fall finale the perfect cliffhanger.
Signature Moment: Hakeem voting against the family and once again deposing Lucious from his perch atop of Empire’s kingdom. You do you, kid.
Empire premieres March 30 at 9 p.m. on Fox.
#NEWRNB: STREAM IT: Anthony Hamilton Releases New Album ‘What I’m Feelin’
One of music’s most distinguished voices, Anthony Hamilton returns today with his ninth album What I’m Feelin’.
The LP, which is lead by the single “Amen,” features production from Salaam Remi, James Poyser and reunites Hamilton with longtime collaborator Mark Batson, who produced some of his biggest hits including “Charlene” and “Comin’ From Where I’m From”.
Recorded mostly in Nashville, Hamilton delivers a soulful and emotionally driven album about love, life and growth as a man and father. The album comes after a recent divorce from his wife of 12 years.
“What I’m Feelin’ is a special album for me,” says Hamilton. “I reconnected with one of my favorite producers, Mark Batson, who produced my most career-defining records so it made sense. Alongside my engineer Bruce Irvine, we all decided to record in Nashville so we could really focus on creating a special sound. While in Miami with Salaam Remi and James Poyser, we came up with ‘Amen’. I’m really proud of this album. I think it’s a must have for R&B and soul lovers.”
Stream the album via Spotify below, and pick it up on iTunes now!
STREAM HERE
YESSSSSS!
#HOTNEWHIPHOP: Fat Joe & Remy Ma ft. French Montana – “All The Way Up” [VIDEO]
Dancing geishas, fur coats and French Montana on the hook; that would be the video fro Remy Ma and Fat Joe’s “All The Way Up.”
There are plenty of Luc Belaire and Royal Elite vodka plugs, and a break for some major keys from DJ Khaled, as well. The song will be landing on Remy Ma and Fat Joe’s collab album, titled Platas O Plomo and due out later this year.
Watch the Eif Rivera-directed video for “All The Way Up” below
WATCH HERE
HOTT!
HipHopNews: Busta Rhymes Pays Tribute To Phife Dawg
When the news of Phife Dawg's death broke, many rappers took to social media to share their thoughts on the legacy of the A Tribe Called Quest rapper. He died on (March 22) of complications from diabetes.
Busta Rhymes joins the legion of those paying tribute to the Five Foot Assassin with an Instagram post. The New York rapper says he needed a few days to process the fact that he lost a friend and mentor.
"I had to spend the last 2 days going thru a lot of honest thoughts and emotions b 4 I spoke because this one hurts soooo fucking much," he writes for the caption of a picture of him performing with the group. "I can't begin to explain what @iamthephifer and @qtiptheabstract and @jarobiwhiteand @alishaheed means to me and how much they have done for my life. These guys are my big brothers, my friends, and the dudes that always protected me frm the bullshit that came with life both personally and professionally in a way that only big brothers can do it."
Busta Rhymes then takes a moment to reflect on the impact that A Tribe Called Quest had on his career, starting with his work as a member of Leaders of the New School. He says the photo is from December's "Hot For The Holidays" show in Newark, New Jersey of Leaders of the New School and A Tribe Called Quest performing "Scenario" together. Busta explains how Phife Dawg was an emotional support for him as he processed everything he had accomplished.
"If u look at this picture closely, on the night of one of my my most magical moments in my 25 year journey in music DEC.5th 2015," he says, "I was able to have a dream come true in a way that it never had and that was to perform What's the scenario (original and the rmx) for the 1st time ever back to back with all of the original members of Leaders of the New School and A Tribe Called Quest since we recorded these songs in 1991 & 1992. That night was so magical with all of the love that was under one roof that it's too much to get into the details of but again please take another look at this picture, if u notice @iamthephifer had his hand on my back consoling me as I kneeled down to give thanks crying tears of joy because of how proud of a moment that was for me being able to end a 4 hour set with brothers who put me in a position where I was able to tell my mother she will not have to work for anyone over 20 yrs ago. The belief that they had in me puttin' me and Leaders on that record, putting me last on the record because back then being last on the record meant EVERYTHING, I had no idea at that time what they were setting me up in life to be but thru out the years it was so consistent their love and concern for my well being that it was no way I couldn't see it."
Despite his grief at losing his friend, Busta has a sense of peace about his relationship with Phife and says that he was happy at the time of his passing.
"Ever since that concert I have had the opportunity to spend time with Phife way more than I have been able to in over 10yrs," he says. "I've known this man for over 28yrs and I think I've seen him in the last 4 months the happiest that I've seen him in a very long time. It was apparent that every wish that he had was coming true and I can honestly say that I was witnessing the anointing frm a bird's eye view 1st hand. Until we meet again King, RIP"
View Leaders of the New School performing "Scenario (Remix)" with A Tribe Called Quest and Busta Rhymes' tribute to Phife Dawg HERE
MAD RESPECT!
Mariah Carey Cancels Brussels Concert Due To Security Concerns
Mariah Carey canceled her Brussels concert due to security concerns following this week’s terror attacks in the Belgian capital; the Grammy-winning singer announced to fans on Twitter.
“I love my fans in Brussels and at this time I am being advised to cancel my show for the safety of my fans, my band, crew and everyone involved with the tour,” wrote Mariah. “I hope to see you soon and send my prayers and eternal love, laughter and light to my Lambs.”
Belgian police arrested three people in Brussels in separate raids on Friday, including one man carrying explosives in a backpack sitting at a tram stop.
Terror attacks at the Brussels airport and subway station claimed 31 lives – including two siblings from New York – and nearly 300 were wounded, on Tuesday.
Exposed! Khloe Kardashian Hooking Up With New ‘Go-To Booty Call’ The Game
'Lamar Odom 'has no idea she's fooling around behind his back!'
“He’s been her go-to booty call ever since James Harden cheated on her,” an insider revealed.
Despite the fun she’s having with the 36-year-old bad boy rapper, whose real name is Jayceon Terrell Taylor, the hookups have created “a delicate situation” for the still married reality star.
“The last thing she wants to do is hurt Lamar, but the truth is that she has needs and he’s in no position to help her right now,” explained the insider.
“Lamar’s recovery is ongoing, but his sex drive is non-existent and he’s crashed out asleep as early as 6 p.m. every night,” said the insider of the former NBA player.
Kardashian, 31, recently opened up about why she decided to stay away from Odom, 36, before his nearly fatal overdose last year at a Nevada brothel.
“You need a break, so you can process everything, and you need to respect yourself and your own emotions,” Kardashian said.
However, countered the insider, “Lamar has no idea Khloe’s fooling around behind his back, this will destroy him when he eventually finds out.”
Chrissy Teigen’s West Coast Baby Shower
Over the weekend, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend hosted their second baby shower, for the upcoming arrival of their baby girl. A few weeks ago, they had a shower in NYC and their second shower was hosted in LA. A ton of famous faces showed up for the bash including Kris Jenner, Stevie Wonder, Kanye West and wife Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Malika Haqq and a few others. Check out some candid moments from their special day.
How cute!
What Divorce? Warring Exes Halle & Olivier Hit The Beach With Their Kids
Halle Berry’s divorce from Olivier Martinez seemed to be getting nasty, but the pair teamed up to take a family vacation together for Spring Break and here’s some pics of their Mexican getaway.
Lovely!
#EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Fernando Milano.
Meet that Brazilian Hunky Cub Fernando Milano. Folks here’s that adorable handsome Cub you like. And he like you undress him! Ya wanna? Then GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS! Remember NSFW!
AND FINALLY FROM THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART FILES
‘THE HAIRY HAT’
Welcome to America’s new game that I honestly never thought would exist – “Is It Hair or A Hat?”
HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD EVERYBODY!!!
EFREM
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