HOLLYWOOD - Without a superhero movie or new studio sequel in play, this week provides an opening for two smaller films to shine. One is beaming brighter than the other.

That title goes to Lionsgate’s R-rated action comedy “Hitman’s Bodyguard,” It’s had a solid opening, especially during a painful summer for the movie business and the sleepy month of August. It features a trio of stars at the center — Samuel L. Jackson as a notorious hitman, Salma Hayek as an equally threatening wife, and Ryan Reynolds as a bodyguard.

Meanwhile, “Logan Lucky” — a critical darling from Steven Soderbergh and Bleecker Street — is sputtering. The heist comedy relied on an unconventional production and marketing strategy. The film was partially funded through foreign pre-sales and partnering with Amazon for streaming rights.

In the end, “Logan Lucky” ends up in third for the week behind “Annabelle: Creation.”. And “Dunkirk” lands in fourth place behind “Logan Lucky”.

“Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature” rounds out the top five, according to Variety.

Story Date: August 26, 2017