DUNE Dominates Box Office Two Weeks in a Row
By Moviegude® Staff
After a successful opening weekend for Denis Villeneuve’s DUNE, the sci-fi epic took the No. 1 spot at the box office again in its second weekend, once again proving that movies with biblical undertones bring box office success.
A portion of Movieguide®’s review of DUNE reads:
DUNE is part one of a futuristic science fiction epic based on the classic 1960s novel. In the story, the Galactic Emperor pits one noble faction, the Atreides family, against the Harkonnen family. He removes the Harkonnens from control of a desert planet, which produces a material called spice that gives people long life and powers space travel. The Emperor transfers the planet’s control to Duke Leto Atreides. Angered by this apparent betrayal, Baron Harkonnen invades the planet and has Duke Leto murdered. Leto’s son, Paul, and Paul’s mother escape, however. Paul believes if he can unite the native population, they can overthrow Baron Harkonnen.
DUNE is a powerful, exciting, satisfying epic. It’s worth seeing on a big screen. Even better, the movie has strong Christological themes, excellent dialogue and conservative statements about freedom and individualism. It affirms a father’s love and the importance of motherhood. DUNE has very little foul language, and no explicit crude content. MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution for older children and young teenagers because of intense action violence and references to the hallucinogenic properties of the natural resource called spice.
DUNE also received a simultaneous release on HBO Max. While Villeneuve, like many in Hollywood, shared his displeasure at Warner Bros. deal with the streamer, the simultaneous release has not drastically hurt the movie’s success.
Movieguide® previously reported:
With Warner Bros.’s recent decision to release 2021 blockbuster movies on the HBO Max streaming service in addition to theaters, theaters fear the move will only expedite a permanent collapse of cinemas across the US.
“There’s no question that WarnerMedia is leveraging this pandemic moment, and making a decision for the future of their company by prioritizing streaming. The question is, at what cost to this art form?” Variety reported a C-suite executive at a rival studio asked.
Warner Bros., whose 2021 movie slate includes 17 movies, will still release the scheduled movies in theaters.
However, DUNE’s continued success at the box office not only gives exhibitors hope for the future but also proves that content matters for cinema’s recovery.
Movieguide® previously reported:
Since box office numbers plummeted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, studios relied on streaming services and hybrid deals that saw blockbuster movies released simultaneously in theaters and online, losing profits in the process.
However, as audiences anticipate summer tentpoles and theaters lift pandemic-related restrictions in crucial markets—Los Angeles and New York City—the question remains, what will bring in the biggest audiences?
“This summer is the test kitchen for the industry,” Dergarabedian continued. “It’s competitive for the hearts, minds and wallets of consumers. We’re going to have real-world examples of what each [studio’s] model can bring to the table.”
So far, movies like DUNE, A QUIET PLACE PART II, and F9 have shown that movies with biblical morals and pro-family themes lead the way.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
