Steven Spielberg’s razzle-dazzle reinterpretation of the classic Broadway musical-turned-Best Picture winner, West Side Story, hit a flat note with ticket-buyers, pulling in a lackluster $10.5 million at North American box office over its opening weekend despite being one of the best-reviewed films of the year. As older moviegoers continue to steer clear of multiplexes during what is shaping up to be another long COVID winter, the 20th Century Studios title’s dismal debut is an ominous sign for titles aimed at grown-ups heading into Oscar season. Meanwhile, the frame’s only other rookie wide release, STX Entertainment’s National Champions, was dead on arrival, entering the charts well below the Top 10.   Read full article »