The box office results for the weekend that signals the summer movie season has concluded (Labor Day) is filled with mediocre results – similar to the 2012 blockbuster session. The Possession represented the horror genre fairly well while a bunch of holdovers received a little jolt from the extra day off. Here are the studio actuals (including Monday’s tally):

1. The Possession ($21.07 million)

10. Hope Springs ($6.14 million)

Analysis

Before we begin, our condolences to family and friends of actor Michael Clarke Duncan. We’re going to miss that genuine smile.

For a horror flick, specifically an exorcism story, getting released at the end of August that only rang up a $14 million production bill, Lionsgate has to be pleased with the opening weekend result for The Possession (2nd best ever behind 2007’s Halloween re-imagining). The interesting thing is that Warner Bros. chose to release The Apparition – another horror product, last weekend and it completely bombed (this weekend it dropped 72% and has grossed a measly $4.4 million domestically.). Horror fans are a finicky bunch, but they must of had a good feel on this one, because they definitely did not heed the warnings that the majority of the lovely critics gave this sucker. If this can press on and start knocking on the door of a $50 million domestic total, then consider this a nice Sleeper Hit for the genre.

Unfortunately, Lawless is tough to dissect at the moment. The Weinstein Company has yet to reveal the production budget but it has been reported that the total budget (marketing/promo + production) came in at $45 million. Plus, the studio did purchase the distribution rights for the gritty gangster drama based off a true story for around $5 million. Comprised of a “known” cast and given decent reviews, Lawless may be able to steal some extra cash during the weekday showings since there is a lull at the cinemas for the next couple weeks.

The Dark Knight Rises currently holds the longest streak in the top ten with 7 weeks. Domestically it has reached $433.3 million – good for 9th all-time and should end up at #7 in a couple weeks. Worldwide, it has crossed a billion, becoming just the 13th movie to achieve that monumental milestone.

Here’s a record-breaking note that no one involved with The Oogieloves in the Big Balloon Adventure wanted to earn. Releasing in 2,160 theaters across the U.S., the creators of Teletubbies now own the record for the worst opening ever for a wide release (1000 theaters or more). Including the Labor Day gross, the toddler-aimed product amassed just $835,644.00. That’s an average of a mere $282.00 per theater. The producers self-distributed this film and when factoring in the production budget, they invested $40 million to showcase these characters to audiences. Hello, Flop Certainty.

This Friday, The Cold Light of Day and The Words kick-off the Fall movie season. Reviews will be right here my fellow Shockers!