‘Ford v Ferrari’ speeds to No. 1; ‘Charlie’s Angels’ fizzles

  “Ford v Ferrari” put its competition in the rearview, racing to a $31 million debut at the box office in a No. 1 finish that counted as a win for big-budget originality.

James Mangold’s racing drama rode into the weekend with strong reviews and Oscar buzz for it's for leads, Christian Bale and Matt Damon. And audiences enthusiastically greeted it, giving the $98 million movies an A-plus CinemaScore.

“Ford v Ferrari,” which dramatizes the Ford Motor Co.’s push to unseat the perennial power Ferrari at France’s 24-hour Les Mans race in 1966, has been considered a kind of throwback film, built largely on the story, practical effects, and star power.

Elizabeth Banks’ “Charlie’s Angels” reboot couldn’t keep up. The Kristen Stewart-led film opened below expectations with $8.6 million.