In a cinematic conquest reminiscent of the Apes’ rise to dominance, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” ascended to the summit of the North American box office in its debut weekend, securing an impressive US$56.5 million (RM267 million), as reported by industry observer Exhibitor Relations.
The tenth instalment in this gripping action saga, set 300 years post-“War for the Planet of the Apes,” paints a vivid tapestry of a world firmly under simian rule, with humanity reduced to mere remnants clinging to the fringes of civilization.
Owen Teague embodies the youthful and resourceful ape, Noa, alongside Freya Allan, who captivates as Mae, a human possessing the astonishing ability to converse.
Their dynamic performances anchor a narrative brimming with tension and intrigue.
While “The Fall Guy” plummeted by over fifty per cent in its sophomore weekend, raking in a modest US$13.7 million (RM64.7 million), Universal’s daredevil drama fails to match the primal allure of its simian counterpart.
MGM’s “Challengers” maintains its grip on third place for the second consecutive week, with Zendaya’s compelling portrayal of a tennis prodigy navigating the complexities of love garnering critical acclaim and US$4.7 million (RM22.2 million) in ticket sales.
Meanwhile, “Tarot” continues to cast its spell, conjuring up US$3.5 million (RM16.5 million) in its sophomore outing, a testament to its ability to captivate audiences despite its modest budget.
“Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” roars on in fifth place, further solidifying its monstrous reign both domestically and abroad, with a cumulative box office haul of US$191 million (RM903 million) in North America and a staggering US$367 million (RM1.7 billion) in international territories.
Completing the top ten are a diverse array of cinematic offerings, including the poignant “Unsung Hero,” the animated charm of “Kung Fu Panda 4,” the riveting drama of “Civil War,” the timeless allure of “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace,” and the enigmatic allure of “Abigail.”
In the ever-evolving landscape of cinema, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” stands tall as a testament to the enduring appeal of epic storytelling and immersive world-building.
