“Fifty Shades of Grey” outdid expectations last weekend, opening to a record-breaking $85.1 million and setting a new benchmark for February debuts.
However, most analysts expect that the film will be similar to “Sex and the City” and “The Fault in Our Stars,” two female-driven films that sizzled during their opening weekends but cooled off quickly. Those pictures dropped between 60% and 70% in their follow-up weekends, so “Fifty Shades of Grey” should reasonably expect a similar tumble.
Bad Critical Reviews
According to RottenTomatoes, three out of every 4 reviews (75 percent) have been negative.
Negative Word of Mouth
Word of mouth on Universal and Focus Features’ adaptation of E.L. James’ bestselling phenomenon is lackluster, with audiences handing the picture a humdrum C+ CinemaScore.
By comparison, recent dud “Jupiter Ascending” managed to get a B- grade.
“Fifty Shades of Grey” should do about $30 million in its follow-up frame, which is still a good result for a film that cost $40 million to make.
The picture is expected to cross the $100 million mark in the US on Wednesday, less than a week since it had bowed.
