"Straight Outta Compton," a biopic based on the rise of the rap group N.W.A., won the box office weekend after taking in $56.1 million domestically. Directed by F. Gary Gary and co-produced by members of the group, Ice Cube and Dr. Dre, the film has far exceeded expectations as Universal Pictures only expected $25 million to $30 million for the film's weekend take in. The title is taken from the rap quintet's first album released in 1988.
This represents another victory for the film company, in a year of successful releases such as "Pitch Perfect 2," "Furious 7" and "Jurassic World." These releases have helped the studio cross the $2 billion domestic earnings mark for the year, breaking the record held by Warner Brother's Studios on the fastest time to get to the $2 billion mark by four months.
In second place is "Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation," which eased to $17 million after two weeks at the top of the list. The Tom Cruise-starrer has $138.4 million domestic earnings so far, reports Newser.
"The Man from U.N.C.L.E.," on the other hand, disappoints with only $13.5 million. The movie, which was based on a 1960s spy television series, starred "Man of Steel" Henry Cavill, "Lone Ranger" Armie Hammer, and upcoming actress Alicia Vikander. It reportedly cost $75 million for its production.
Box Office Mojo reported that "Fantastic Four" flopped even further as it took in a paltry $8 million, one of the highest second-weekend drop-offs in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films. The film was described as a movie-long trailer that never arrived.
"The Gift" followed in the list, earning $6.5 million for its second weekend, while Meryl Streep-starring "Ricki and the Flash" eased off to 4.57 million, a slight 31 percent decrease from its $6.5 million opening last week.
Sundance-hit "The Diary of a Teenage Girl" made $122,387 in 22 theaters and is even expected to expand in a few weeks.
