The fourth installment in the “John Wick” saga from Lionsgate Studios caused a stir when it was released at the North American box office, grossing $73.5 million between Friday and Sunday, according to specialist firm Exhibitor Relations on Sunday.
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“An excellent release,” commented expert David A. Gross, noting that every “John Wick” film sequel has managed to surpass its predecessor.
Critics universally rave about the film, which Keanu Reeves once again headlines, as a hitman battling an international criminal group.
“If only all action movies were so well and cleanly choreographed,” gushed the Washington Post — even if the very high figure (more than 100 deaths during the film) seems a bit exaggerated to some.
“John Wick: Chapter 4” owes much of its choreography to its director Chad Stahelski, himself a former stuntman. Starring alongside Keanu Reeves are Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgard and Laurence Fishburne.
Second place went to the DC Studios film Shazam! The Rage of the Gods raked in just $9.7 million in its second week of exploitation. According to the trade magazine Variety, the number represents “one of the worst admission figures for a current superhero film”.
Next up is the new $8.4 million installment in the Scream saga, Scream VI.
The boxing film “Creed III” from the “Rocky” universe took fourth place, earning $8.4 million in its fourth week of exploitation.
In fifth place, down one spot from last weekend, $3.3 million sci-fi thriller ’65’ Adam Driver stars in this time-travel tale that juxtaposes spaceships and dinosaurs.
Here are the rest of the top 10:
6. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania ($2.4 million)
7. “Crazy Bear” (2.1 million)
8. “Jesus Revolution” (2 million)
9. “Champions” (1.5 million)
10. “Avatar 2: The Way of Water” (1.4 million)