Entertainment

Toy Story 4 repeats at No. 1 over Annabelle, Yesterday

Published

7 years ago

June 30, 2019

LOS ANGELES (AP) — “Toy Story 4” hung onto the top spot in its second week in theaters and the horror sequel “Annabelle Comes Home” opened in line with expectations, but the Cinderella story of the weekend was actually the third place movie: “Yesterday.”

The Danny Boyle-directed musical romantic comedy featuring the music of the Beatles debuted well over industry expectations, earning an estimated $17 million from North American theaters. In a summer where most films have debuted either under or at industry tracking, which are often lowball projections, and original comedies have struggled to find audiences, “Yesterday” proved to be the exception.

Starring relative newcomer Himesh Patel, “Yesterday” imagines a world where only one man remembers the music of the Beatles and decides to present their catalog of hits as his own.

Although critics were mixed, audiences, who were mostly female (56 and over the age of 25 (75%) have embraced the film with an A- CinemaScore and a 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Universal’s President of Domestic Theatrical Distribution Jim Orr says he tries to use the word “thrilled” judiciously, but that it applies here.

“Among all of the sequels and all of the explosions of the summer, this is a very charming, original, whimsical musical romance with iconic music and amazing performances… (and direction),” Orr said. “All of that adds up to a great, great run at the domestic box office.”

Even Warner Bros., which has the Bruce Springsteen-themed film “Blinded by the Light” coming later this summer was heartened by “Yesterday’s” launch, which motivated a solidly adult demographic to trek out to the movie theater on opening weekend.

As Comscore senior media analyst Paul Dergarabedian put it: “It’s not always the No. 1 film that’s the big story.”

The No. 1 film was once again “Toy Story 4,” which added $57.9 million from domestic theaters, down 52% from its debut last weekend. Globally the film has already netted $496.5 million.

Of the top grossing films of 2019, Disney now occupies the top four spots with “Avengers: Endgame,” ″Captain Marvel,” ″Aladdin” and “Toy Story 4.”

In second place was the third Annabelle film, “Annabelle Comes Home,” which debuted on over 3,500 screens Wednesday. The Warner Bros. horror earned $20.4 million over the weekend and $31.2 million in its first five days.

Although it is a franchise low — the first two opened over $35 million — with a budget of $27 million, it did well enough to justify its existence.

“This was a reasonable movie to make,” said Jeff Goldstein, Warner Bros.′ head of domestic distribution. “You don’t have to exceed on every one.”

He noted that the “Conjuring Universe” is the most successful horror franchise of all time with over $1.6 billion in ticket sales. And after a few back-to-back Conjuring spinoffs, the franchise is taking bit of a breather; “The Conjuring 3″ won’t hit theaters until after Labor Day next year.

“Aladdin” and “The Secret Life of Pets 2″ rounded out the top five. “Avengers: Endgame” also made it back into the top 10 after Disney added over 1,000 screens this weekend. It added an estimated $5.5 million, bringing its domestic total to $841.3 million. Globally, it’s now at $2.76 billion.

While some have viewed the “bring back” campaign as a naked “cash grab” to try to beat the “Avatar” record ($2.79 billion worldwide), Dergarabedian thinks it has more to do with “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” which opens next weekend and picks up right after the events of “Endgame.”

The weekend overall is down nearly 15% from last year and the year to date deficit is around 9.4%.

“We’ve been trying to dig our way out of this deficit for it seems like forever,” Dergarabedian said. “Some of the movies that were expected to be grand slam home runs were more like triples.”

But Sony and Marvel’s “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” which has already earned $111 million from China, Japan and Hong Kong, could help turn the year around.

“There’s a lot riding on Spider-Man’s shoulders,” Dergarabedian said. “I think this will be a real shot in the arm to the industry both financially and emotionally.”

He added: “If Spidey can’t do it, no one can.”

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Where available, the latest international numbers for Friday through Sunday are also included. Final domestic figures will be released Monday.

1. “Toy Story 4,” $57.9 million ($80.6 million international).

2. “Annabelle Comes Home,” $20.4 million ($45 million international).

3. “Yesterday,” $17 million ($7.7 million international).

4. “Aladdin,” $9.3 million ($24.4 million international).

5. “The Secret Life of Pets 2,” $7.1 million ($11.8 million international).

6. “Men In Black: International,” $6.6 million ($11.5 million international).

7. “Avengers: Endgame,” $5.5 million ($2.3 million international).

8. “Child’s Play,” $4.3 million ($1.4 million international).

9. “Rocketman,” $3.9 million ($2.6 million international).

10. “John Wick: Chapter 3 —Parabellum,” $3.2 million ($6.6 million international).
___

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at international theaters (excluding the U.S. and Canada), according to Comscore:

1. “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” $111 million.

2. “Toy Story 4,” $80.6 million.

3. “Annabelle Comes Home,” $45 million.

4. “Aladdin,” $24.4 million.

5. “The Secret Life of Pets 2,” $11.8 million.

6. “Spirited Away,” $11.8 million.

7. “Men In Black: International,” $11.5 million.

8. “Yesterday,” $7.7 million.

9. “John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parbabellum,” $6.6 million.

10. “Parasite,” $3.8 million.

Central Florida News

Dr. Phillips Center Generates $227.6 Million Annual Economic Impact, Supports Nearly 2,500 Central Florida Jobs

Published

1 week ago

July 30, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts generated $227.6 million in annual economic impact, supporting 2,483 jobs and producing $13.2 million in state and local tax revenue, according to a newly released independent study by Tourism Economics.

The analysis, conducted by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company specializing in economic impact and tourism research, measured the direct, indirect and induced economic activity generated by the arts center’s operations, performances, visitors and related spending throughout Central Florida.

The findings underscore the Dr. Phillips Center’s role as both a premier performing arts destination and a major contributor to the region’s economy.

“For more than a decade, we’ve seen firsthand how the arts inspire people, bring communities together and create lasting value,” said Kathy Ramsberger, president and CEO of Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. “This study confirms that our impact reaches far beyond our stages—supporting thousands of jobs, driving business growth, attracting visitors from around the world and helping position Central Florida as a more vibrant, competitive and connected region.”

Economic Impact by the Numbers

According to the Tourism Economics report, the Dr. Phillips Center generated:

$227.6 million in annual economic output
2,483 jobs supported across Central Florida
$70.8 million in total labor income in Orange County
$13.2 million in state and local tax revenue
$73.1 million in off-site spending by event attendees, performers and production crews
61,600 hotel room nights generated annually

The study highlights the ripple effect created by visitors attending performances, benefiting nearby hotels, restaurants, retailers and other local businesses.

A Global Destination for Arts and Entertainment

Now in its 11th year, the Dr. Phillips Center welcomes more than 910,000 guests annually, attracting visitors from all 50 states and more than 80 countries.

Since opening in 2014, the venue has hosted:

More than 6.2 million guests
More than 6,200 performances and events
Programming presented 99% of the year
Venue occupancy rates ranging from 82% to 97%

The center has become one of the world’s busiest performing arts destinations while helping position downtown Orlando as a leading hub for arts, culture and entertainment.

Community Investment Beyond the Stage

In addition to its economic impact, the Dr. Phillips Center continues investing in arts education, community outreach and cultural programming throughout Central Florida.

According to the organization, it has:

Served 935,920 students and community participants
Supported and hosted 202 regional arts organizations
Received support from 24,085 donors
Benefited from $256 million in philanthropic contributions since its inception

Through partnerships with schools, nonprofit organizations, community groups and touring productions, the center continues to expand access to the performing arts while strengthening the region’s cultural and economic vitality.

Looking Ahead

Eleven years after opening, the Dr. Phillips Center continues to demonstrate that investment in arts and culture produces measurable returns through tourism, employment, education and community engagement.

As Central Florida continues to grow, the independent analysis reinforces the performing arts center’s importance as both a cultural landmark and an economic engine for the region.

Additional information about the economic impact study is available through the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

Entertainment

Blue Man Group Orlando Launches $25 Kids Ticket Offer at ICON Park Through Dec. 31

Published

1 month ago

July 6, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Families can enjoy Blue Man Group Orlando for less this summer and fall thanks to a new ticket promotion that allows children to attend performances for $25 with the purchase of a full-priced adult ticket.

The limited-time offer is available for online purchases through Dec. 31, 2026, making one of Orlando’s newest live entertainment attractions more affordable for families.

Special Kids Ticket Offer

Under the promotion, guests who purchase a full-priced adult ticket may purchase a children’s ticket for $25.

The offer is valid for performances:

Monday through Thursday
Fridays at 5 p.m.

The promotion is not valid for:

Saturday performances
Sunday performances
Fridays at 8 p.m.

New Orlando Production at ICON Park

Blue Man Group opened its new resident production at ICON Park in May inside a custom-built theater located along Orlando’s International Drive entertainment district.

The production blends music, comedy, technology and audience participation, while featuring many of the signature moments fans expect from Blue Man Group alongside new material created exclusively for the Orlando production.

Global Entertainment Phenomenon

Since debuting in 1991 at New York’s Astor Place Theatre, Blue Man Group has entertained more than 50 million people worldwide through resident productions and international tours.

The show continues to expand with performances in Orlando, Las Vegas, touring productions across North America and an upcoming tour in Japan.

Blue Man Group is owned and operated by Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.

Central Florida News

Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Presents ‘HYPE HAIR’ Exhibit by Peppermint Sandy in Downtown Orlando

Published

2 months ago

June 8, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs will present “HYPE HAIR,” a new exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Peppermint Sandy, in the Atrium Gallery at the Orange County Administration Center in downtown Orlando.

The exhibit will be on display from June 11 through June 25, 2026, showcasing Sandy’s wearable sculptures and mixed-media works that explore beauty, fashion, culture, and identity through the lens of Black hair and lived experiences.

Opening Reception Scheduled June 11

An opening reception will be held Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Orange County Administration Center.

Doors open at 5 p.m.
Program begins at 5:45 p.m.
Admission is free
Advance registration is requested

Exploring Beauty, Culture and Identity

Peppermint Sandy is a multidisciplinary artist whose work incorporates fabric, hair, textiles, and mixed media to examine cultural and societal perceptions of beauty, fashion, and personal identity.

“HYPE HAIR is a series of wearable sculptures inspired by not just my relationship with Black hair, but a dedication and love letter to all Black women and girls everywhere with our hair as well,” Sandy said. “From the beginning of time, Black hair is not only art, but a form of communication.”

The exhibition highlights the artistic, historical, and cultural significance of Black hair while celebrating self-expression and identity through contemporary art.

Exhibit Information

The exhibition will remain on display through June 25, 2026, in the Atrium Gallery at the Orange County Administration Center, located at 201 S. Rosalind Ave. in downtown Orlando.

The Administration Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., excluding holidays.

The exhibit is presented by Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs as part of its ongoing commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices and cultural perspectives throughout Central Florida.