IF wins the box office race
The John Krasinski-directed picture IF opened to an estimated $35 million this weekend, capturing the top spot at the domestic box office.
The family comedy starring Ryan Reynolds and Cailey Fleming debuted in 4,041 theaters throughout the United States and Canada, earning an average of $8,661 per theater, according to box office tracking company Comscore.
IF revolves around a girl who discovers she can see everyone's imaginary pals — and what she does with that talent — as she begins on a magical journey to reunite forgotten IFs with their children. Krasinski, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Steve Carell, and the late Louis Gossett Jr. also appear in the film, while several more actors provide voices.
The production budget for Paramount Pictures' release was believed to be $110 million, including marketing charges.
Analysts projected the picture to gross at least $40 million, but it fell slightly short.
Audiences praised the film, giving it a "A" CinemaScore. Film critics were less enthused, giving the film a 49 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Reviewers agreed that the film "largely works as old-fashioned family entertainment despite an occasionally unfocused and unnecessarily complicated plot."
IF defeated last weekend's box office champion, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, which grossed $26 million from Friday to Sunday in its second weekend of release.
The horror picture The Strangers: Chapter 1 finished third with a $12 million opening weekend.
The Fall Guy took fourth place with $8.4 million in its third week, followed by Challengers with $2.9 million in its fourth weekend of release.
The box office has generated $2.4 billion so far this year. According to Comscore, this is a 21% decrease over the same period in 2023.