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Denzel Washington is dropping the hammer at the U.S. box office. His new action thriller \u201cThe Equalizer\u201d is aiming for $37 million this weekend although some observers believe it could hit $40 million.<\/p>\nBased on the 1980s TV show, \u201cThe Equalizer\u201d reunites Washington with \u201cTraining Day\u201d director Antoine Fuqua. The R-rated film, according to early estimates, is on track for $14.5 million Friday.<\/p>\n
Sony insiders have conservatively pegged the film in the low-$30 million range all week long, but if Friday ticket sales continue to rise, \u201cThe Equalizer\u201d will snare the highest opening weekend in September ever for a live-action movie. The current record holder is \u201cInsidious Chapter 2,\u201d which bowed to $40.2 million last year.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a much-welcomed spike for the erratic U.S. box office, not to mention a relief for Sony Pictures, which co-financed the film with Village Roadshow and LStar Capital. Despite mixed reviews, the $55 million \u201cEqualizer\u201d already has a sequel in development as the studio continues to look for future franchise properties.<\/p>\n
Co-starring Chloe Moretz, \u201cThe Equalizer\u201d is playing in 3,234 locations nationwide.<\/p>\n
This weekend\u2019s other wide release, Laika\u2019s stop-motion animated \u201cThe Boxtrolls\u201d is expected to draw $17 million through Sunday. It\u2019s a decent showing for the 3D project which is the latest offering from the makers of \u201cCoraline\u201d and \u201cParaNorman, but with its $60 million budget, \u201cThe Boxtrolls\u201d is going to need to be a much broader performance overseas, or at least have longer legs at the U.S. box office, if it wants to turn a profit.<\/p>\n
20th Century Fox\u2019s \u201cMaze Runner,\u201d last weekend\u2019s no. 1 film, is expected to drop 50% for a $16 million sophomore hold.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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