Receipts: ‘Inside Out 2’ Record-Breaking Debut
Domestic: Inside Out 2 (2024) broke major box office records during its opening weekend. The Pixar film, released on June 14th, was initially projected to gross $80-$90 million, but it exceeded expectations by grossing $155 million domestically. This achievement makes it the second-biggest animated box office opening for Disney, surpassed only by Incredibles 2 (2018). Additionally, it boasts the biggest box office opening of the year, overtaking Dune: Part Two (2024). Beyond the impressive box office numbers, Inside Out 2 holds a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is praised for being a well-crafted sequel.
Inside Out 2 follows thirteen-year-old Riley as she encounters new emotions typical for teenagers—anxiety, embarrassment, envy, and ennui. However, when Anxiety disposes of the original emotions (Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear), Riley faces the ultimate test as she enters young adulthood: trying to fit in. Although the story centers around a hockey summer camp, Riley's actions and emotions are a universal experience that many young adults will find relatable. The sequel successfully builds upon the foundation of the original Inside Out (2015) by expanding and revisiting the intricate world inside Riley’s head. In the end, the film illustrates how emotions change as a person grows, serving as a reminder of who is truly in control of these emotions.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die continues to hold its own in the box office during its second week since its release. The $100 million budget film has grossed $146 million domestically and $142 million internationally, with a total gross of $289 million worldwide. Although it is not smashing box office records, it is still ranked the sixth highest-grossing film in 2024.
International: Chandu Champion (2024) follows the true story of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist. The film portrays the remarkable journey of Murlikant (Kartik Aaryan) as he overcomes adversity with unwavering perseverance on his path to gold. After suffering injuries during the Indo-Pakistani War, he made a significant recovery and won the gold medal in the 50-meter freestyle swimming event at the 1972 Summer Paralympics in Germany. The film not only highlights Murlikant Petkar's athletic achievements but also inspires viewers with his story of overcoming physical and emotional challenges. The film's cinematography and direction have been particularly commended, capturing both the intensity of competitive sports and the emotional depth of Petkar's journey. Directed by Kabir Khan, the film had a global release on June 14th, showing on 3,200 screens in India and 1,300 screens internationally. It grossed nearly $1 million on opening day and nearly $6 million globally since its release. The film has received high praise from audiences, boasting a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 4.7 rating on Google Reviews.
Streaming: Ultraman: Rising (2024) is an animated action film based on Tsuburaya Productions’ Ultraman franchise and marks Shannon Tindle’s directorial debut. Ultraman is a Japanese science fiction franchise that began as the television series Ultra Q in 1966, later becoming one of the highest-grossing media franchises worldwide. Ultraman: Rising is the 44th film in the franchise and was released on Netflix on June 14th. With 8.9 million hours viewed and 4.4 million views, it ranked 8th on Netflix’s Top 10 this past week. In this film, Ken Sato, a professional baseball player, returns to Japan to continue the legacy of Ultraman. However, the unexpected happens when Ken must raise a newborn kaiju monster, the offspring of his greatest enemy.
Mysteries of the Terracotta Warriors (2024) made its way onto Netflix’s Top 10 this past week with 6.8 million hours streamed and 5.2 million views. Directed by James Tovell, this documentary delves into the life of Imperial China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, who conceived the idea of creating the 8,000 clay sculptures and is also largely credited with initiating the construction of the Great Wall of China. Viewers are guided through the excavation efforts and the history behind the expansive tomb, including the legacy of the Qin dynasty.
The documentary not only explores the technical aspects of the excavation but also provides a deep dive into the cultural and historical significance of the terracotta army. It sheds light on the craftsmanship and the symbolic meanings behind the sculptures, highlighting the emperor's quest for immortality and his vision of an eternal guard for his afterlife. Expert interviews and dramatic reenactments bring to life the era of Qin Shi Huang, providing a comprehensive understanding of his reign and its lasting impact on Chinese history.
