NEW YORK (AP) — The summer box office is booming — but not because of the usual suspects. After three weeks of indie horror dominance, the slasher spoof 'Scary Movie' topped ticket sales with $55 million over the weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday.
The film, a parody of the horror genre, outperformed 'Masters of the Universe,' which opened with $28 million. 'Scary Movie' marks the first major comedy hit of the summer, drawing audiences with its blend of humor and scares.
Industry analysts noted that the success of 'Scary Movie' reflects a shift in audience preferences, with moviegoers seeking lighter fare after a string of serious horror films. The film's strong opening suggests a profitable run ahead.