Freddie Mercury biopic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ exceeds box office expectations

Sorry, Michael Myers but Halloween has come and gone. The brand new Freddie Mercury biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody” is off to a strong start after its debut weekend. Originally, the expectations were that the new film would have an opening weekend take of around $35 to $40 million. However, the numbers were higher and the movie is holding the No. 1 spot at the box office.

According to Hot New Hip Hop, new estimates indicate that “Bohemian Rhapsody” took in $50 million for opening weekend. The film is now ranked second-highest in terms of an opening for a music biopic too. Previously, “Straight Outta Compton,” the biopic about California-based rap group NWA, brought in $60.2 million during just the first week it was in theaters.

In terms of other movies that opened this past weekend, the Disney film “Nutcracker and the Four Realms” made just $20 million which seems to show a major flop. The movie reportedly cost $120 million to bring to life on the screen. Tyler Perry’s new film, “Nobody’s Fool” made around $13.5 to $14 million for its debut, which is considered one of the lowest takes for a film in Perry’s career.

“Bohemian Rhapsody” gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the British rock band Queen and its frontman, the late Freddie Mercury. Bryan Singer was at the helm with Rami Malek (“Mr. Robot”) taking on the role of Mercury. In the film, audiences receive a good look at Mercury’s life as he and the band moved towards their Live Aid performance at Wembley Stadium back in 1985.

While “Rhapsody” will claim this weekend’s box office top spot, “Nutcracker” and “Nobody’s Fool” will take the second and third spots, respectively. The Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga remake of “A Star is Born” and the horror film “Halloween” will claim fourth and fifth, respectively. It should also be interesting to see what awards recognition will go to the two music-based films that are in the top five right now.

Malek’s portrayal of Freddie Mercury is receiving plenty of praise already. The movie reviews are also giving the film its props. While Rotten Tomatoes has awarded the movie a 60 percent aggregate rating, website users have their audience score at 95 percent. It seems to bode well for more viewers to head out to theaters and see “Bohemian Rhapsody” based on word of mouth from friends, family, and colleagues.