The boys from Compton smashed opening weekend expectations, while the stylish “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” struggled to find its footing.
(AP) – The boys from Compton smashed opening weekend expectations, while the stylish “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” struggled to find its footing.
Universal’s N.W.A. biopic earned an astonishing $56.1 million in its debut, according to studio estimates Sunday.
Director F. Gary Gray’s well-received film charts the formation and rise of the influential rap group. It cost just $29 million to produce.
N.W.A. members Dr. Dre and Ice Cube served as producers on the film, which has Ice Cube’s real son O’Shea Jackson Jr. playing his father. Dr. Dre also released the companion piece “Compton,” – his first new album in 16 years.
Nick Carpou, Universal’s president of domestic distribution, said they were “elated” with the results. Universal had previously predicted a very conservative $25 to $30 million opening.
“It really struck a chord with audiences. It’s a story that is resonating right now,” said Paul Dergarabedian, Rentrak’s senior media analyst. “It was one of those records that was an important work and a very important expression of a particular viewpoint. To this day, that album has so much power.”
Source: ‘Straight Outta Compton’ goes to the top of the box office
