‘Ghostbusters’ holds its own, but ‘Life of Pets still No. 1

NEW YORK (AP) – After months of pre-release debate, Sony Picture’s female-led “Ghostbusters” reboot finally arrived in theaters as neither a massive success nor the bomb some predicted, as the much-scrutinized film opened with an estimated $46 million in North American theaters, second to the holdover hit “The Secret Life of Pets.”

According to studio estimates Sunday, “The Secret Life of Pets” stayed on top with $50.6 million in its second week.

But all eyes were on Paul Feig’s “Ghostbusters,” starring Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig. Sony called the result “a triumph.” Audiences gave it a solid B-plus CinemaScore.

Yet given its hefty price tag – the film cost $144 million to make, after rebates – it’s a relatively tepid start for “Ghostbusters” that will put pressure on the film to perform well overseas.