Claire Foy had one of those Taylor Kitsch type years where they try to make someone a star prematurely. Someone forgot to tell them the Crown probably isn't one of the top 50 most watched shows in the US

Stars can’t really control their own fates. The can pick the right movies like Will Smith did in his prime, but they need the right projects, and they can’t really guarantee that.

Clair Foy’ movies might not have earned much this year but, she still has as much success as anyone her age or younger besides perhaps for Jennifer Lawrence.

Spider’s Web looks awesome. I’m glad they made it. But the genre isn’t as big as it used to be. You need a huge bestseller for a hit now.

Jesus. It's not like you don't enjoy movies that many would describe as being exactly this. Generic crap does well all of the time. Did someone at Illumination murder your family? Because your vendetta against them seems personal . You have me rooting for it to do well .

I’m rooting for it to make 300m just because it’s now so rare for a sub 100m opener to do so. Plus Hollywood could use all the help it can get.

Spider's Web advertising gave away too much of the movie.

Neither will any one movie.

I’m just mad at the complete lack of any ambition in what they make. Dreamworks is not always successful but at least they try new things, take risks and attempt to tell a story. Illumination is just cute things, slapstick and fart jokes, and they never try for anything more. And why should they when they make boatloads of money?

Precisely. Why should they aim for more? You know, not every animation house needs to be Pixar. They've proven there is an audience out there for straight-up children's fun. If you want more, check out Laika. And dude, it's not like Pixar or other animation studios are producing art cinema. They have there fair share of jokes for kids.

I would say there's quite a few Pixar films (in fact the majority of them) that are much better than the average 'art cinema' film. When is the last time 'art cinema' produced anything as riveting, insightful, and affecting as Finding Nemo, Inside Out, Toy Story 2/3 or Wall-E?

Why shouldn’t every animation studio strive to tell a good story? Movies should be made because someone has a good story to tell, not to exploit a brand. That’s all illumination wants to do. Sell more Minion dolls.

I don’t believe in “straight up children’s fun” either. Entertainment should enrich in some way. I don’t believe it’s good to put your kid in front of a movie just to shut them up.

Says who? Paying attendees dictate why movies should be made, and they are clearly saying they like Illumination's style.

And animation has been mindless fun for decades. Remember Looney Tunes? Wacky Races? Hardly captivating stories. Just a bit of fun. I guess you hate them too because they don't delve into the human psyche and ask questions.

I haven’t seen a lot of those and don’t remember the ones I have.

Another 67% drop for Halloween. Headed for a 2.1 multiplier. The F13 comparison was relevant with the difference being WOM and the fact that opening day was Friday the 13th.