‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Takes Fifth No. 1 As ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ Takes $14 Million Opening

Sony/Marvel Studios' "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" maintained its reign at the top of the box office for every day of August except for last Friday when "Insidious: Out of the Further" premiered. The Marvel Studios film earned an estimated $22 million this weekend, bringing its total domestic gross to $891 million, just $43 million shy of overtaking "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" as the highest-grossing North American film.

Meanwhile, Ketchup Entertainment/Warner Animation Group's "Coyote vs. Acme" finally hit theaters after facing potential shelving by Warner Bros. for a tax writeoff. Despite a hefty $50 million acquisition cost, the film opened to $5.2 million on its opening day and is projected for a $13-14 million weekend as it goes head-to-head with Universal's "The Odyssey" for second place.

Ketchup paid a significant sum for the film, which has generated buzz among animation enthusiasts despite its turbulent production history. The movie is currently enjoying strong critical and audience reception, holding a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score from critics and 97% from viewers, and achieving an A CinemaScore, a first for a "Looney Tunes" theatrical feature.

Additionally, only two other Warner Bros. animated films - "The Iron Giant" (1998) and "The Lego Movie" (2014) - have ever earned an A CinemaScore rating. The timing of "Coyote vs. Acme" release, just as kids return to school, may determine if it catches the attention of families later in the summer. Meanwhile, 20th Century's "The Dog Stars," which has received poor reviews, is struggling with an estimated $7 million opening weekend after generating only $2.8 million from 3,330 locations.

Ridley Scott's latest film starring Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin has been met with mixed reactions, garnering a 39% Rotten Tomatoes score and a 70% audience rating, and holding a C+ CinemaScore. More updates to follow...