The Grudge opened two years ago to the tune of nearly $40 million. If I remember correctly, it suffered considerable backlash due to its decided lack of substance. Still, it topped out at just over $110 million. I remember enjoying the wild ride of jump scares and creepy atmosphere. Well, now we are two years out from that film and the sequel is here. It seems as if the backlash has lived on and impacted the new movie.

On the plus side, it did top the weekend, and it did top its production budget, but it also opened with roughly half of the box office of the first film. I can't help but think that if they made a better film, they may have been able to get closer to the original's opening numbers. I did see it, doing my part to add to the bottom line. I also believe that it's not a very good film, this coming from someone who did like the original.

Three other films debuted in the top ten this week. First up is the number three film, Man of the Year. I have not yet seen this one, but I have some hope for it. Robin Williams stars as a host of a late night news-comedy show, a la The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, who runs for, and wins, the Presidency. It had a decent showing with its take of $12.3 million, even if it was below studio expectations. Perhaps there isn't as big an audience for this type of comedy as they thought? Move a little further down the list to number six and you will find the sophomore film from WWE Films, distributed by 20th Century Fox, The Marine. The movie is standard action fare that proves to be entertaining, if forgettable. Move even further down, to number nine, and you will find One Night with the King, a film that I did not think would crack the top ten. It had a very good debut considering its release at just 908 locations.