Ford v Ferrari put its competition in the rearview, racing to a $31 million debut at the box office in a No. 1 finish that counted as a win for big-budget originality. James Mangold’s racing drama rode into the weekend with strong reviews and Oscar buzz for its for leads, Christian Bale and Matt Damon. And audiences enthusiastically greeted it, giving the $98 million movie an A-plus CinemaScore.
A dramatization of the Ford Motor Co.’s push to unseat the perennial power Ferrari at France’s 24-hour Le Mans race in 1966, Ford v Ferrari has been considered a kind of throwback film—built largely on story, practical effects and star power. Elizabeth Banks’ Charlie’s Angels reboot couldn’t keep up. The Kristen Stewart-led film opened below expectations with $8.6 million.
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