HOLLYWOOD - Warner Bros.’ highly anticipated romantic comedy ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ launched above expectations.

Jon M. Chu’s acclaimed movie — the first studio film in over 25 years since 1993’s “Joy Luck Club” to feature a nearly all Asian-American cast — carries a modest $30 million budget. Enthusiasm has been strong for “Crazy Rich Asians,” which arrives as Hollywood is being pressured to feature greater diversity on screen.

Based on Kevin Kwan’s best-selling book, the movie follows Rachel Chu (Constance Wu), who accompanies her boyfriend (Henry Golding) to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore. Upon meeting his parents, she quickly finds out his family is one of the richest (and most judgmental!) in Singapore. The cast also includes Gemma Chan, Awkwafina, Ken Jeong, and Michelle Yeoh.

‘The Meg’s” second week in second place. Jason Statham stars as a scientist attempting to defend a beach from a prehistoric, 75-foot Megalodon shark.

Mark Wahlberg’s “Mile 22,” opened below estimates. It is the fourth collaboration between Wahlberg and director Peter Berg.

Meanwhile, Tom Cruise’s latest mission is still proving to be a profitable one. “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” tied for fourth place with “Alpha”.

Story Date: August 25, 2018