Aug 18, 2015

Straight Outta Compton is indeed the most surprising surprise hit of the summer, soaring to a whopping $56.1 million in its debut weekend.

The biopic about rap group N.W.A. debuted to a blistering $56.1 million this weekend in 2,757 theaters, surpassing "American Pie 2" to become the biggest ever August debut for an R-rated movie.

It's the kind of opening usually reserved for so-called "tentpole movies" that trade in costumed heroes and special effects, not urban violence.

It also nearly doubles "Straight Outta Compton's" budget of $29 million in a single weekend, meaning the film could be among the most profitable releases of the summer.

N.W.A members Ice Cube and Dr. Dre helped produce the film about the early days of gansta rap and were integral to its marketing campaign.

The total is even more impressive considering that the film comes at the tail end of the summer season and stars relative unknown actors.

After two weeks at the top, Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation [MISS5] took second with $17 million to bring its total to $138.1 million.

The Man from UNCLE [UNCLE] debuted in third place with just $13.5 million. The 1960s set spy actioner didn't appeal to young moviegoers as the audience was 86% over the age of 25.

Fantastic Four [FANT4] tumbled 69% in its second weekend to $8.0 million.
The Gift [WERDO] finished fifth with $6.5 million, down 45% from its opening.