HOLLYWOOD—Well it looks like animated flicks are the go to guys when it comes to dethroning a box-office titan. The sequel “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of the Water” brought in an impressive $56 million in its three days of release bumping “American Sniper” from the #1 spot. 

“Sniper” should not be saddened as the war flick added another $24 million to its tally. It’s safe to say that before the end of the week the film will cross the $300 million mark at the domestic box-office, which is a huge feat for such a film.  

Other new releases “Jupiter Ascending” and “The Seventh Son” did not impress moviegoers. Both films which cost $150 million and $95 million respectively, delivered disappointing numbers. “Jupiter Ascending” only earned $19 million, while “The Seventh Son” barely crossed the $7 million mark. I’m wondering if “Jupiter Ascending” could affect Eddie Redmayne and his chances to capture Oscar gold for Best Actor for “The Theory of Everything.”

We saw Eddie Murphy lose best Supporting Actor for his work in “Dreamgirls” in the midst of “Norbit” that seemed to turn away plenty of Academy voters. Some suspect the same sentiment for Julianne Moore in the Best Actress race for “Still Alice.” If there were stronger contenders I’d say, “The Seventh Son” could have affected her chances, but she’s such a lock this year if she didn’t win I’d be horrified.

Next week we’re likely to have another new champ at the box-office as the hotly anticipated and steamy adaptation “Fifty Shades of Grey” hits the multiplex in time for Valentine’s Day!