Category: M. Night Shyamalan

Shyamalan back in a big way

M. Night Shyamalan’s psychological thriller “Split” blew away box-office expectations, earning $40.2 million in ticket sales over inauguration weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday. Though many were focused on Friday’s presidential inauguration and Saturday’s nationwide women’s marches, “Split” doubled forecasts to easily lead all films.

‘Split’ scares up a hefty box office lead over ‘xXx: Return of Xander Cage’

M. Night Shyamalan’s low-budget psychological horror film “Split” defied expectations Friday, raking in an estimated $14.6 million and prompting industry estimates of between $36 million and $38 million for inauguration weekend. The Universal/Blumhouse film trounced the other major studio release, “xXx: Return of Xander Cage,” the big-budget Vin Diesel vehicle from Paramount/ Revolution, which only nabbed an estimated $7.2 million and is looking at a weekend plateau of between $18 million and $20 million.

Screen Scene for week of Jan. 20: M. Night Shyamalan returns with a Splita

“Split” – It’s always tough with writer/director M. Night Shyamalan, who seems destined to never again repeat the commercial or critical success of “The Sixth Sense,” and seemed to hit an all-time low with the Will Smith disaster “After Earth,” but seemed to be on the rebound with his last outing, “The Visit.” So there’s a lot riding on “The Split,” and early word is that it’s another step forward.