for KING + COUNTRY's "Drummer Boy" opened in third place at the box office with about $9.3 million, topping the roughly $8.5 million projected earlier in the weekend. Audiences gave it an A CinemaScore even though critics were divided.
The Angel Studios release played in 2,850 theaters and landed behind "Godzilla Minus Zero" and "The Cat in the Hat," according to TheWrap. It reportedly cost about $10 million to make, so the opening puts it close to break-even.
The reviews tell two stories. The film sits at 50% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, while audience scores are in the low 90s. RogerEbert.com's review described the film as deliberately gentle and aimed at a broad audience.
Co-directed by Joel Smallbone of the Grammy-winning duo for KING + COUNTRY and his brother Ben, the film took about eight years to reach the screen. Angel describes the story as one about freedom, both physical and spiritual.
"Drummer Boy" is rated PG-13 for war violence and some bloody images, so parents of younger children may want to check the content first.
For many faith-driven viewers, the draw is a story of family, sacrifice, and forgiveness from a Christian duo. The next test is how well it holds up in its second weekend.
Related article: 'Drummer Boy,' Co-Directed by for KING & COUNTRY's Joel Smallbone, Eyes $8.5 Million Box Office Opening
