The Clint Eastwood-directed ‘American Sniper’ starring Bradley Cooper rocked the North American Box office over the weekend. The biographical war drama garnered an estimated $90.2 million, smashing James Cameron’s “Avatar” record in the process. The 2010 epic science fiction film previously held the record as the biggest January weekend performing flick with $68 million.
American Sniper Trailer Starring Bradley Cooper Hits The Mark
Clint Eastwood’s ‘American Sniper’ Wins Box Office With $90 Million
Bradley Cooper stars as U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history. But there was much more to him than his skill as a sharpshooter. Kyle is sent to Iraq with only one mission: to protect his brothers-in-arms. His pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield and, as stories of his courageous exploits spread, he earns the nickname “Legend.” However, his reputation is also growing behind enemy lines, putting a price on his head and making him a prime target of insurgents. He is also facing a different kind of battle on the home front: striving to be a good husband and father from halfway around the world. Despite the danger, as well as the toll on his family at home, Chris serves through four harrowing tours of duty in Iraq, personifying the SEAL creed to “leave no man behind.” But upon returning to his wife, Taya Renae Kyle (Sienna Miller), and kids, Chris finds that it is the war he can’t leave behind.
‘American Sniper’
“American Sniper” also stands as Eastwood’s biggest debut to date, and boasts with Academy Award nominations in six categories. The newcomers really stepped up this week to steal the top spots. “The Wedding Ringer” and “Paddington” also made their debut by claiming the Second and Third spots respectively. “The Wedding Ringer” which raked in 21 million, stars Kevin Hart, Joe Gad and Kaley Cuoco. “Paddington”, a British comedy film directed by Paul King trailed behind with an estimated $19.3 million. The film Based on Paddington Bear by Michael Bond is leading 2015 as one of the best rated movies according to review aggregator Rottentomatoes.com. The film stars Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Peter Capaldi, and Nicole Kidman, with Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington.
Liam Neeson-starring “Tak3n” slips down from the top spot to number four after garnering an approximate $14.1 million in its second week. The top five is rounded up with “Selma”, dropping from last week’s second spot to no.5 by collecting an estimated $8.3 million.
Quick look at the top-grossing pictures in North American theaters, courtesy of Box Office Mojo:
- “American Sniper” – $90.2 million
- “The Wedding Ringer” – $21 million
- “Paddington” – $19.3 million
- “Tak3n” – $14.1 million
- “Selma” – $8.3 million
- “The Imitation Game” – $7.2 million
- “Into the Woods” – $6.5 million
- “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” – $4.9 million
- “Unbroken” – $4.3 million
- “Blackhat” – $4 million
