Liam Neeson’s HONEST THIEF Bodes Well Future Releases

Liam Neeson’s HONEST THIEF Bodes Well Future Releases

By Cooper Dowd, Staff Writer

Distributed by Open Road, Liam Neeson’s HONEST THIEF snagged a noticeable $225K opening night and $3.7 million weekend debut, despite a struggling domestic box office.

Many distributors are wary about releasing their box office earnings due to low numbers. However, Open Road’s honesty helps exhibitors and other distributors better evaluate the market.

“Open Road is proud to support U.S. theatres with Liam Neeson in a role that audiences will love,” Open Road founding CEO Tom Ortenberg said. “We know many Americans across the country are excited to be back at the movies.”

And HONEST THIEF could be a worthwhile watch for your family.

According to the Movieguide® review:

Despite some plot holes, HONEST THIEF is a terrific, well-acted thriller. Ultimately, it’s an inspiring story of justice, second chances and redemption. In fact, the movie was filmed in an Irish section of Boston where there’s practically a church on every corner. Images of these churches serve as a deliberate Christian background. Love and doing the right thing are positive messages. HONEST THIEF has some intense action violence, including gun violence. However, it’s free of lewd content, and the foul language is kept to a minimum. HONEST THIEF is a satisfying redemptive thriller for mature viewers, but MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution for older children.

Neeson’s other signature action movies, which target a mostly adult male audience, made twice or even triple what the HONEST THIEF made on opening night; save for TAKEN. Neeson’s COLD PURSUIT posted $540K on its Thursday debut last year, THE COMMUTER earned $700K, and RUN ALL NIGHT grossed $455K.

Along with HONEST THIEF, Robert De Niro’s THE WAR WITH GRANDPA saw similar box office success. According to Box Office Mojo, THE WAR WITH GRANDPA is leading this weekend’s box office numbers, earning $3.6 million.

With counties and the cities in California able to accommodate 50% in their movie theaters, the promising ticket sale numbers of HONEST THIEF and THE WAR WITH GRANDPA could mean a quicker return to a healthier box office.