It was only a year ago that the domestic box office numbers kept going down and pundits were seriously talking of the theatrical experience turning into something reserved for major franchises and for the new crowds of ticket-buyers in China and other territories. But as 2015 has entered into its second half, and after major hits such as Furious 7, Avengers: The Age of Ultron, Pitch Perfect 2 and Jurassic World, we can now safely say that those reports about the imminent demise of the traditional theater were, as Mark Twain would say, greatly exaggerated. And now comes Minions, the spinoff from the two previous Despicable Me films. With Pixar’s Inside Out still doing strong business after four weeks, the cute yellowish characters, who find a new master in Scarlett Overkill voiced by Sandra Bullock, managed a debut of $115 million. To put that number in perspective, this makes it the second biggest animated film of all times, right behind Shrek the Third and above Toy Story 3.
 
With a voice cast that also includes Allison Janney, Michael Keaton, Jon Hamm, Steve Coogan and Geoffrey Rush Minions attracted a viewership mostly female (59%) and young (65 % under the age of 25, 32% under the age of 13). Overseas, the success is just as remarkable. The film opened in a few markets four weeks ago, this week it added thirty new ones and just France was good for $12.2 million, the biggest debut since 2012. Mexico generated $20 million, Russia over $14 million. The overall global take is now already around $400 million and this is another film that could join the suddenly not so exclusive billion-dollar club. And talking about billions, Minions is another film distributed by Universal, the studio that this year can do no wrong. It started the year with Fifty Shades of GreyFurious 7, Pitch Perfect 2 and Jurassic World. Halfway through the year, it already has revenues of $1 billion domestically, $3 billion globally. Minion’s terrific numbers did not prevent several holdovers from continuing their successful run. Jurassic World added $18 million domestically and is now close to hit the $600 million mark, a milestone reached by only three other productions: Avatar, Titanic and The Avengers. With just above $17 million, Inside Out was number three, with a domestic total of $284 million. Overseas, it grossed $19.1 million in 44 territories, for a global cumulative take of $435 million. Over $27 million come from Mexico alone, where Inside Out is the highest grossing Pixar and/or Disney’s animated movie of all times. Major markets such as China, Japan the UK and Italy are still to come in the next few weeks or months.
 
Next was Terminator: Genisys, good for $13.7 million on its second weekend for a domestic total of $68.7 million. Internationally, Genisys grossed close to $50 million from 60 markets, for a world cumulative of $224.8 million. A lot of money, but that’s also approximately the amount needed to produce the fifth in the iconic franchise starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and these numbers may put into question the idea of two extra sequels.
 
Rounding up the top five was The Gallows, a horror film that is not going to face this kind of problems. The numbers are much lower, with a $10 million dollar debut. The reviews were really bad. But with a production cost in the $1 million range this is going to be a highly profitable venture.
Bollywood drama Baahubali, with a $40 million budget the most expensive film ever produced in India, did very well in its opening week in its native country and also in the U.S.: With just 170 theaters, it had very good $3 million start.
 
Another film opening this past week was Self/less and things here did not work out so well: With $5.4 million it ended up at number eight, renewing questions on whether Ryan Reynolds can carry a movie. The big test will come with the release of Deadpool. And if the fans’ early reaction at Comic-Con is any indication, Reynolds has reasons to feel hopeful.
 
Next week will see the day and date release in 50 countries of Ant-Man, with Paul Rudd in the title role. The big question will be if Minions will have enough power to make Ant-Man the very first Marvel movie not to rule the box office in its first outing. No matter what happens, one thing by now is for sure: The box office, here in the U.S. and worldwide, is alive and kicking.
Lorenzo Soria