Carl Roberts 
This week on the Official Chart, Shang-Chi punches his way in, and The Grinch returns but it’s The Suicide Squad who battle their way to the top!
Welcome to The Official Film Chart.
NEW TRAILER FOR SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME ARRIVES!
No, it doesn’t feature Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield. No, it doesn’t feature Venom. But what it does feature is some amazing new footage. And some of which throws up even more questions for us to ponder. The long-awaited new trailer for ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ has webbed itself online. And the fans have already been clamoring to put their thoughts on it online. Some have even gone as far as to analyze the trailer and put their theories about where the other two ‘Spidey’s’ could be. I’m actually glad they haven’t appeared in the trailer. I’d like to see the film clean, without any spoilers. But enough from me. Time to swing from a thread:
GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE FINALLY OPENS!
After what seemed an eternity, Thursday sees the release of the long-awaited comedic sequel ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife.’ The film was due to hit screens back in June of 2020 before COVID put paid to that idea. Several delays later, we are on the cusp of the film hitting the multiplexes. And believe me, you’re in for a treat! Yes, I have seen the film and can confirm it is one of the best films of this year. It fits in perfectly with the previous two films (it ignores the 2016 reboot) and brings a genuine sense of warmth. It also has a great sense of nostalgia. But be warned, if you are one of the older generation who saw the original back in 1984, you will need tissues. No spoilers but it is an emotional ride.
THE OFFICIAL CHART
This week sees one new entry alongside two re-entries. One of which we could have predicted as we are on the run-up to Christmas. As these three make themselves known, it means ‘The Courier’, Snake Eyes: G.I Joe Origins’, and ‘Free Guy’ have to depart. But what is that all-important number one title? Is it a third week at the top for those lovable dogs? Or has something else managed to put them back on the lead and take their place? Let’s take a trip through the placings to find out.
THE SUICIDE SQUAD BATTLE TO THE TOP SPOT!
It has taken them three weeks to make it. But finally, ‘The Suicide Squad’ have battled their way to the top spot. The DC sequel has stormed its way to the number one position thanks to hitting the disc formats last week. The film hit cinema screens here at the end of July before dropping onto PVOD. In the United States, the film was hampered by a day and date simultaneous release on HBO Max. 88% of the film’s sales in the UK this week have come on the physical formats, outselling the top five combined. The film itself is a riot of blood, guts, gore, bad language, and some great comedy. It will also premiere on Sky Movies over Christmas.
PAW PATROL GETS A RUFF DEAL!
Last week’s number one is this week’s number two. But it is still a strong showing from ‘PAW Patrol-The Movie’ that means it only drops a place. After topping the chart for the past few weeks, the film takes a walkies timeout. But despite being put back on its leash, the film remains an entertaining one that will keep the tiny tots and younger children hooked for a few hours.
SHANG-CHI PUNCHES HIS WAY INTO THE CHART!
Our one and only new entry this week sees it punch its way into third place. And it is a warm welcome to ‘Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings‘. The Marvel debut for the character hit screens back in September on its way to becoming a smash hit. Starring Simu Liu, the film tells the story of Shang-Chi. He is a master of weapons-based King Fu. He is forced to confront his troubled past after his family and friends are threatened. The film has been one of the highest-grossing of the year. It has also recently dropped onto Disney+ for all subscribers. However you want to see it, the film is a terrific comic book movie for all the family.
THE BRAKES FAIL ON FAST 9!
Vin Diesel needs to check the brake shoes on his car. They may need replacing. As such, the ninth chapter in the franchise ‘Fast & Furious 9: The Fast Saga’ loses its grip this week and falls a place to become this week’s fourth-placed title. Diesel recently offered an olive branch to Dwayne Johnson. You may recall that the two had a falling out on the set of ‘Fast & Furious 8’. Diesel wants Johnson back in the final two films of the main franchise. So far, Johnson hasn’t responded. But, to be completely honest, I doubt Johnson will return to the franchise.
BLACK WIDOW SLIPS BUT IS HANGING ON IN THERE!
The top five this week is rounded out by Scarlett Johansson in her farewell performance as ‘Black Widow.’ The film remains an all-action, kick-ass ride from start to finish. Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, Natasha’s ‘Sister’ and the woman who will take the character forward from here is exemplary. And makes the film completely fun every time she appears. And the running joke throughout the film regarding Natasha’s crouch remains highly amusing.
THE GRINCH RETURNS TO STEAL SIXTH PLACE!
No, not that version! Returning to the top ten charts for the first time in almost a year (it is Christmas, come on!) is the animated version of ‘The Grinch.’ Benedict Cumberbatch voices the main character in this animated remake, which rises seven places to take the sixth position. Now, I like Benedict Cumberbatch. He is a great actor and his voice in this film actually fits well. BUT…Nothing can possibly top Jim Carrey’s live-action version. We will probably see that version return to the top ten soon enough.
JUNGLE CRUISE RUNNING OUT OF STEAM!
Their anchor has slipped this week. Moving down the chart by two places to become this week’s seventh-placed title, the Disney film ‘Jungle Cruise’ continues to lose steam. The film did premiere on Disney+ last Friday for all subscribers so that may be behind the film’s slight fall.
SPACE JAM DUNKED DOWN ANOTHER PLACE!
The Looney Tunes have suffered yet another setback this week as their sequel ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’ falls another place to become this week’s eighth best-selling title.
HARRY POTTER WIZARDS HIMSELF BACK INTO THE CHART!
It’s been twenty years since the first ‘Harry Potter’ film hit UK cinema screens. Although I’m not a fan myself, I was working for Blockbuster Video when the film hit DVD and VHS (Yes, VHS!). I still remember the mad rush to grab a rental copy off the shelves as well as selling out of the retail copies of the film within an hour. The anniversary of the first film hitting screens has seen ‘Harry Potter-The Complete Collection’ return to the chart again, rising six places to take this week’s ninth spot.
THE CROODS MOVE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE TOP TEN!
And finally, after several months inside the top ten, it may be a case of saying goodbye. Holding up the rest of the top ten, ‘The Croods: A New Age’ drops two places to hang over the chart exit door. However, the film is another one that will be premiered on Sky Movies over Christmas.
FINISHING OFF!
And there we have it. The top ten for this week. My thanks for joining in the trip through the chart. We can expect to see some big films hitting the placings over the next six or so weeks as we move towards Christmas. And we can expect to see some old favorites return again. But for now, until next time…
Whatever you decide. Whatever you buy. Stay safe, be kind, look after each other, and happy viewing!
Anyone wishing to buy any of the titles featured in The Official Film Chart can do so via FindAnyFilm.com. All videos and information have been supplied by Find Any Film and used under authorization.
Future of the Force News Editor,Liverpool F.C fan,Halloween Movie Fan, Friday The 13th movies fan, Star Wars Fan, Star Trek Fan.
