by 
Updated on December 10, 2021
Despite movie critics and, well, nearly everyone else I’ve seen, “Transformers: Age of Extinction” proved that despite being widely hated as a franchise, there’s apparently enough people who do want to see giant robots (that aren’t “Pacific Rim”) fight each other no matter what anyone says. The giant robots film took first place at the box office this Fourth of July weekend, earning $36.4 million. So far, the film’s made $174.7 million domestically and $400.9 million overseas, for a global total of $575.6 million. For those that dislike the franchise, I can safely say it won’t be #1 next weekend, at least…but I would expect “Transformers 5” at some point just based on overseas sales alone (two-thirds of its global take).
Elsewhere, “How to Train Your Dragon 2” came in fifth place, knocked down by newer films like “Tammy” and “Deliver Us From Evil” opening in second and third places respectively. “Dragon 2” made $8.8 million, for a domestic total of $140 million and an overseas total of $152.6 million, or a global take of $292.6 million. Not a flop, but so far, not the runaway success DreamWorks is hoping for after the last few films (“Mr. Peabody,” “Turbo“) didn’t do as well as hoped.
“Maleficent” came in seventh place, earning $6.1 million. The film’s earned $213.9 million domestically, and $416.3 million internationally, for a global total of $630.2 million. Forbes says it’s finally knocked “Frozen” off the top of the box office in Japan, as an indicator of how well “Maleficent” is doing.
Next week sees “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” opening, which should easily make a monkey out of “Transformers” (pun intended).
