HOLLYWOOD – The domestic box office might want to start sending out an S.O.S.

After a disappointing start to 2019, industry watchers were hoping Warner Bros.’ “The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part” would help turn things around and bring audiences back to their local multiplexes.

The animated sequel did easily top box office charts but it wasn’t able to build the kind of buzz that the studio anticipated heading into the week.

Paramount’s comedy “What Men Want” opened in line with expectations and landed in second place.

Arriving in third is Lionsgate’s “Cold Pursuit,” Liam Neeson’s action vigilante thriller that launched with $10.9 million. Neeson made headlines last week for making racially charged comments about his friend’s rape.

Rounding out the top five is STX’s “The Upside” and Universal’s “Glass.”

Story Date: February 18, 2019