Despite Sam Taylor Johnson‘s adaption of E.L James‘ mummy-porn movie 50 Shades of Grey getting generally panned by critics, its huge fan following seemingly rushed out to see it as it bagged a record $158 million at the international box office. With Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan starring in the erotic drama, the flick has been knocking up some pretty impressive statistics after its international release on Wednesday, with UK fans rushing to see it over this Valentines weekend.
With it quickly on its way to breaking foreign box office records, 50 Shades opened at No.1 in 56 out of 57 territories where it was debuted. On Friday, the film grossed $38 million with an early total of $66 million. Variety released the figure news yesterday, noting how the film was on the right path to dominate a huge global debut; “The film is on track for an international weekend take of $158.3 million over the three-day holiday, which would make it Universal’s second highest opening weekend of all time, just behind “Fast & Furious 6” ($160.3 million). This puts it on track for a global debut of $234 million”. Within the UK and Ireland, the film racked in $7.1 million in just a single day, making it the biggest opening day ever in February as well as the biggest opening day for a 18-rated movie.
Taylor Johnson’s film follows a huge sale in James’ novel, which became a global hit after selling more than 100 million copies worldwide after being translated into 52 different languages. While I’m yet to see the film, these figures are impressive and no doubt fans of the book will be delighted to see this kinky story played out on screen. As for quality of the film, there have been less than positive reviews floating around. Head to the movies and make your own mind up, but in the mean time, here’s one of the more colourful reviews of 50 Shades of Grey.
Source: Variety, Jeremy Jahns
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