‘After Earth’ could end Will Smith’s box office streak

For years, summer flicks starring Will Smith would surely reach the No. 1 spot. This year’s “After Earth” proved otherwise when it opened with a thud.

The futuristic sci-fi film, co-starring Smith’s 14-year-old son, debuted at No.3, collecting a mere $27 million over the weekend. Box-office analysts expected the film, which cost close to $130 million to make, would line up right behind “Fast & Furious 6”, which has held onto the top spot for a week. Instead, second place went to the film “Now You See Me” starring Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine.

“It just shows you how competitive the summer marketplace is and star power isn’t necessarily what gets you there.” Says Paul Dergarabedian a box-office tracker for Hollywood.com.

Sony’s president, Rory Bruer, however is more optimistic when he stated, “We’re still feeling confident that as the film plays out throughout the world, we’re going to be absolutely fine.”