By George L. Cook III AfricanAmericanReports.Com
Debra Martin Chase, as well as the cast and crew of the Harriet Tubman movie, Harriet, all have reason to celebrate this weekend
Despite an online movement to hurt the films opening weekend Focus Features Harriet over performed and beat predictions of an $8 million opening weekend by opening with $12 million.
The movie opened in 4th place at the box office but with a budget of $17 million should wind up being very profitable. In comparison, Spike Lee's BlackKklansman had a $10 million opening and went on to gross $48.7 million.
The film boasts a rare A+ Cinemascore from audiences, signaling the historical drama could continue to benefit from positive word of mouth. Older female moviegoers drove inaugural sales: 62% were women, and 59% were over the age of 35. African Americans accounted for nearly 50% of ticket buyers.
Another factor helping Harriet going forward is that it’s doing well with older movie goers who tend not to come out on opening weekend, but in the following weeks. So the movie should do well next weekend as well.
Harriet has a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an A+ CinemaScore from audience members which bodes well for the film’s future.