Taken 2 has been slammed by critics since its release two weeks ago but that hasn’t slowed down its box office performance. The new Liam Neeson thriller topped the box office for the second week, beating out Ben Affleck’s critically praised Argo.
The Associated Press reports that Taken 2 brought in $22.5 million during its second weekend, bringing its domestic total up to $86.8 million. Argo, which made its debut this weekend, came in at a close second with $20.1 million.
Taken 2 may be the top movie this weekend but Argo will likely get the last laugh come award season. The new Liam Neeson movie currently has a 21% rating on Rotten Tomatoes compared to Argo’s 94%.
The Film Journal International writes:
“Suspenseful, astounding true story of an improbable rescue mission during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis. Ben Affleck has directed one of the year’s best films.”
Behind Argo came Ethan Hawke’s new movie Sinister. Sinister brought in an estimated $18.3 million.
Two Kevin James’ movies took the fourth and fifth spot on the weekend box office list. Hotel Transylvania, an animated movie featuring Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, and James, finished fourth with an estimated $17.3 million. James’ new movie Here Comes The Boom finished in fifth with $12 million.
Pitch Perfect, Frankenweenie, Looper, Seven Psycopaths , and The Perks of Being a Wallflower complete the top ten . Atlas Shrugged: Part II made its debut this weekend to a disappointing $1.7 million and an abysmal 0% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Did you go to the movies this weekend?