Last Thursday I saw three films I'd yet to have the chance to screen despite one being open in limited release for almost a month and the other expanding wide after a limited roll out the week before. Both of those films ended up being two of the more affecting experiences I'm sure to have in theaters this year, but of course the third film I saw is the one that made the most money and for that reason, is the one we reviewed on Initial Reaction this week. That isn't to say I wasn't excited for the film-I love a good blockbuster as much as the next person-but while the film promised the beginning of a new cinematic universe and performances from Matthew McConaughey and Idris Elba that might be fun if not career-defining roles it was certainly the least impressive of the bunch. What in fact came out of this experience was a rather middle of the road one where I wasn't mad I sat through The Dark Tower, but it certainly wasn't all it seemed fans of the Stephen King book series were hoping it might be. Charles weighed in on things from this perspective as he's read the novels whereas I was able to give an account from the point of view of someone who had no real idea what they were getting themselves into. All in all, none of it seemed to matter much to general movie-goers as Sony's The Dark Tower finished atop the softest weekend at the domestic box office since early April, garnering less than $20 million in its first three days of release. Delivering an estimated $19.5 million from 3,451 locations this was a rather disappointing debut for the studio's $60 million production as Sony was hoping to kick-off that aforementioned universe in what seems would have been a multi-platform franchise (a TV series is still in the works, sources say). It's hard to say after this soft opening and the lukewarm reception from critics and audiences if the television series will still happen, but while I wasn't necessarily a fan of the film I'd be interested in seeing this universe get some justice in the form of an adaptation led by a different creative team. It's not all bad news though as this is the second largest opening weekend ever for a King adaptation, behind only 2007's 1408, which went on to gross over $70 million domestically. Unfortunately, it seems as if Dark Tower will more than likely end its run closer to $50-55 million mark. As far as international numbers are concerned, The Dark Tower opened in 19 markets for an additional $8 million which brings it's worldwide total to $27.5 million with openings in France, Germany, Italy, Australia, UK, Spain, Korea, Brazil and Mexico still to come. Oh, and if you're wondering what those other two films were that would be A Ghost Story and Detroit which I'll have written reviews up for soon. As always, be sure to follow the official Initial Reaction YouTube channel as well as on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter where you can find a new review (or reviews) each week!
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