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| ▲ This still of film "28 Years Later" is provided by Sony Pictures Korea. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, June 20 (Yonhap) -- This weekend, theaters are gearing up for a three-way battle among the zombie thriller "28 Years Later," Disney-Pixar's animated feature "Elio," and the fantasy favorite "How to Train Your Dragon."
According to the Korean Film Council’s box office data on the 20th, director Danny Boyle’s "28 Years Later" drew over 56,000 moviegoers on its opening day, topping the box office with a 34.4 percent revenue share.
The film is the third installment in the "28 Days Later" series and the first chapter of a new "28 Years Later" trilogy. Set 28 years after the rage virus outbreak that turned humans into zombies in the UK, the story follows 12-year-old Spikey (played by Alfie Williams), who leaves his island home for the first time only to find himself chased by evolved zombies.
Coming 18 years after "28 Weeks Later" (2007), the sequel has been highly anticipated, though audience reactions have been mixed. It holds a 69 percent rating on CGV’s Golden Egg Index, which reflects actual viewer feedback. Some have criticized the film for dragging in the second half and having contrived plot points, while others have praised it for offering a fresh take on the zombie genre and effectively setting the stage for a new trilogy.
Meanwhile, "How to Train Your Dragon" and the Korean superhero film "Hi-FIVE" drew about 20,000 (14.0 percent) and 19,000 (12.5 percent) viewers respectively, placing them second and third.
"Elio," which had topped the box office upon its June 18 release, fell to fourth place with 17,000 viewers (10.4 percent). The film, Disney-Pixar’s first major new project since the global hit "Inside Out 2," follows a lonely Earth boy named Elio who is accidentally transported to an alien planet, where he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and connection. The film has received acclaim for its touching story and beautiful visuals, earning a 96 percent Golden Egg rating.
As of 9 a.m. on the 20th, ticket pre-sales showed a tight race among the top contenders.
"28 Years Later" leads with an 18.1 percent pre-sale share and over 52,000 reserved seats.
"Elio" follows with 14.6 percent (42,000 reservations), and "How to Train Your Dragon" comes in close behind at 13.6 percent (39,000).
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