‘Lego Movie 2’ disappoints despite topping box office

“The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part” was easily the top ticket-seller in theaters this past weekend, but the film’s $34.1 million opening failed to stack up to its expected haul.

The animated sequel had been forecast to draw around $50 million. It debuted with half the $69 million the 2014 original did, despite good reviews and an A-minus Cinemascore.

With about a $100 million budget, Warner Bros.’ “The Lego Movie 2” had been pegged as a dependable, star-studded franchise release sure to kick-start a moribund box office. But after record ticket sales last year, Hollywood’s 2019 has gotten off to such a bad beginning that the movie’s tagline of “Everything is not awesome” is looking more like accurate industry analysis.

“The expectations were certainly much higher for ‘The Lego Movie 2’ considering the success of the first installment,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for box office tracker Comscore. “We were all hoping that this would be the weekend that got the momentum of the box office going in the right direction. We’re still waiting.”

Every weekend this year has been down from the same weekend a year ago. That’s a streak sure to continue. Next weekend, the new releases include “Happy Death Day 2U” and “Alita: Battle Angel.” What opened the same weekend last year? “Black Panther.”

Paramount’s “What Men Want,” a loose remake of the 2000 Mel Gibson comedy, debuted in second place with $18.2 million.

Lionsgate’s action movie “Cold Pursuit,” starring Liam Neeson, opened in third place with $11 million.