HORROR FLICK TAKES "POSSESSION" OF BOX OFFICE

Still from The Possession

Horror Flick The Possession rockets to the top of the Box Office in its debut for Lionsgate/Alliance Films. Starring Kyra Sedgwick, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Matisyahu, the Film earns $17.7 million this Labour Day weekend (Friday to Sunday) from 2,816 theatres; it was made for $14 million already making back its Production costs.  In Canada alone this weekend, Alliance Films accounts for all top three Films.

Western Lawless opens with $9.6 million from 2,888 theatres for The Weinstein Co. and Alliance Films, a positive showing boosted undoubtedly by its all-star Cast including Tom Hardy, Shia Labeouf, Guy Pearce, Gary Oldman and Jessica Chastain. The Film which premiere at Cannes in May, has received positive reviews, garnering 65% on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer.

Former Champion The Expendables 2 earns $8.8 million it its third week of release, now earning a cumulative total of $69.3 million, just ahead of The Bourne Legacy in fourth with $7.2 million.

Family-focused Films occupy the fifth and sixth spot with ParaNorman and The Odd Life of Timothy Green respectively. The former earns $6.5 million this weekend, while the latter earns $6 million.
 

2016 Obama's America, continues to gain feverish buzz in the U.S., expanding to 1,750 theatres and earning $5.1 million in ninth. The anti-Obama Documentary to date has earned $19 million thus far all on word-of-mouth with its micro-budget.

Sony Pictures' Hope Springs rounds out the Top Ten with $4.7 million in its fourth week of release. It now has earned $52.5 million domestically.

"THE EXPENDABLES" ON-TOP A SECOND WEEK: TEPID WEEKEND OVERALL

Still from The Expendables 2

It's a tepid weekend at the Box Office, but not enough to stop The Expendables 2 from firing their way back to number one again .. even with a meager $13.5 million. The Action Blockbuster in two weeks has earned a cumulative $51.2 million in North America.

The Bourne Legacy once again finds itself at number two this weekend with $9.3 million and a total $84.9 million banked in three weeks of release - just enough to edge-out ParaNorman in third with $8.5 million in its second week.

Sony Pictures' Premium Rush is one of only a few Films opening this weekend, but could muster only an seventh-place debut with $6.3 million, despite solid reviews on Rotten Tomatoes (76% on the Tomatometer).  This raises some questions about talented Joseph Gordon-Levitt's bankability as a Lead Actor with Looper coming out next month.

2016 Obama's America debuts in eight spot with $6.2  million, impressive for a small-budget Documentary opening in only 1,091 theatres this weekend in the U.S.  The Film asks what America would be like if President Obama were to be re-elected once again; it is said to be anti-Obama.

Meanwhile, Hit and Run, the Comedy starring (and directed by) Dax Sheppard and Wife Kristen Bell debuts in tenth spot with $4.6 million.

"THE EXPENDABLES 2" OPENS STRONG ON ACTION-PACKED WEEKEND AT BOX OFFICE

Still from The Expendables 2

It was no match for The Expendables 2 at the Box Office this weekend as the Sequel with an all-star Cast debuts at number one for Lionsgate/Alliance Films with $28.7 million, from 3,316 theatres across North America. Audiences and Critics also are responding well with the Film receiving many positive reviews, tallying a 66% on Rotten Tomatoes. This result falls just-shy of the previous Film in the Series, earning $35 million back in 2010 in its opening.

Slipping to second this weekend is Universal Pictures' The Bourne Legacy with $16.8 million, for a two-week total of $69.4 million.

Sony Pictures' Musical Sparkle opens at number three this weekend, with the distinction of being Whitney Houston's last Film ever. It opens with $14 million, already recouping its production costs back. Reviews also have been fairly decent despite perceptions, rating a 55% on Rotten Tomatoes. There is much praise for Mike Epps' performance in the Film.

ParaNorman, from the same Creators as Coraline, debuts in fourth spot with $14 million from 3,429 theatres, with the misfortune of opening on a crowded weekend of new releases. Like Coraline, it has also has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, rating 87% on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Odd Life of Timothy Green which opened mid-week for Disney also had a decent opening in seventh, earning $10.9 million from 2,598 theatres. Its five-day total is $14.9 million.

Hope Springs is proof that there indeed is a market for mature audiences, slipping to eighth spot in its second week with a respectable $8.7 million, a two-week tally of $34.6 million. I did actually see the Rom-Com starring Tommy Lee Jones and Meryl Streep and can vouch that it is entertaining, with strong performances all around.

Total Recall rounds out the Top Ten with $3.5 million in its third week, which surprisingly almost is being out-performed by Hope Springs - also from Sony Pictures - costing about an eighth ($30 million) of what it cost to make Total Recall ($250 million).

On a side note, Toronto-filmed Cosmopolis also has a strong bow in a U.S. limited release. The David Cronenberg Film starring Robert Pattinson earns $97k from three theatres, an average of $24.1k per theatre.

"THE BOURNE LEGACY" CONTINUES TRADITION AT TOP OF BOX OFFICE



Still from The Bourne Legacy

If there was every any doubt that the Bourne Series would survive without its most recognizable face, Matt Damon, then away with that as The Bourne Legacy tops the Box Office this weekend in its debut with $40.3 million in North America for Universal Pictures. Opening in 3.745 theatres, the Film starring brilliant Jeremy Renner, is the third-strongest opening for the Franchise behind the second and third installments released in 2004 and 2007 respectively.

The Campaign starring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis seems to have benefited from its ambitious and rowdy Whistle Stop Tour, including a stop in Toronto recently, earning $29 million for Warner Bros. The Political-Comedy opened in 3,205 theatres to a positive 66% on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer.

Three-week Champion The Dark Knight Rises finally falls to number three in this its fourth week of release, earning $19.5 million this weekend also for Warner Bros., just ahead of Sony Pictures' Hope Springs starring Thespian Queen Meryl Streep and Steven Carrell. It made $15.5 million this weekend after opening solidly on Wednesday; strong reviews for this one also with 74% on the Tomatometer.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days, the third in the Franchise finds itself in fifth spot this weekend with $9 million, ahead of a disappointing Total Recall which in its second week only earned $8.1 million despite some high expectations with its $250 million budget. Still waiting on Overseas numbers where it continues to expand and should fare well...

Universal Pictures' Ted still is going strong in ninth spot in its seventh week with $3.5 million, now breaking the $200 million mark.  Meanwhile The Amazing Spider-Man rounds out the Top Ten with $2.4 million.

"THE DARK KNIGHT RISES" THREE FOR THREE AT BOX OFFICE: "TOTAL RECALL" DEBUTS AT #2

Still from The Dark Knight Rises

Although it was expected to face stiff competition from Total Recall, alas The Dark Knight Rises reigns supreme a third straight week at the Box Office with a stunning $36.2 million earned this weekend. To-date in North America, it has grossed $353 million for Warner Bros.

With high expectations, the Remake of Total Recall from Len Wiseman debuts in second with a decent $26.5 million from 3,601 theatres. This still is a far cry from the $250 million in production costs footed by Sony Pictures for the Toronto-filmed Blockbuster starring Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale and Jessica Biel. Critics also have been harsh on the Film, with Rotten Tomatoes having it at 31% on their Tomatometer.

20th Century Fox's Diary of a Wimpy Kid 3 opens in third with $14.5 million, which is well below the $23 million the second installment of the Franchise opened with in March 2011.

Ted which in its sixth week of release is still in the Top Ten at number six with $5.5 million for Universal Pictures, just ahead of Step Up: Revolution in its second week slipping to seventh a with $5.3 million, earning a total $23 million domestically.

Former Box Office Champion Brave still is going strong in this its seventh week with $2.8 million, while Magic Mike rounds out the Top Ten with $1.7 million, making it a Warner Bros. top and bottom this weekend.

"THE DARK KNIGHT RISES" STILL ON-TOP ON TEPID WEEKEND

Still from The Dark Knight Rises

In a tepid weekend at the Box Office, The Dark Knight Rises’ dominance still isn’t enough to spark some heavier Moviegoing with last week’s Colorado Tragedy still v. present in the Public’s Pysche. Add above that the fact that everyone's glued to their Television Sets watching the Olympics. Earning $65 million this weekend, the Batman Trilogy Finale cumulatively has earned $278 in North America, surpassing the $420-million mark globally for Warner Bros.

Despite limited promotion, 20th Century Fox’s all-star Comedy The Watch still manages to debut at number two with $13.3 million. Despite a Cast of Jonah Hill, Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller and Seth Rogen, it still only mustered an embarrassing 14% rating on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer.  This betters Ice Age 4: Continental Drift's showing just slightly in third with $13.2 million in its third week.

Step Up Revolution 3D dances its way to a debut in fourth spot with $11.8 million from 2,567 theatres, which actually is the lowest opening to-date for the Franchise. Now onto its fourth Film, the Series’ Sequels have yet to eclipse the performance of their Predecessor in 2006, which debuted with a bang at number two with $20.6 million.

Ted still continues to go strong with $7.4 million in this its fifth week of release, now earning $192.5 million in North America alone for Universal Pictures, just ahead of The Amazing Spider-Man which earns $7 million for Sony Pictures in its fourth week. It’s safe to say that the Reboot has somewhat underwhelming in terms of performance.

Meanwhile, Magic Mike still hangs-on at number eight with $2.2 million and Madea’s Witness Protection rounds out the Top Ten with $1.2 million in its fifth week.

“THE DARK KNIGHT” PREVAILS AT BOX OFFICE: WARNER BROS. OPTS TO NOT RELEASE WEEKEND TALLIES OUT OF RESPECT TO COLORADO VICTIMS

Still from The Dark Knight Rises

Firstly, I must commend Warner Bros. for not reporting Box Office tallies over the course of this weekend out of respect to those affected by Friday`s tragic Shootings in Colorado. I too have opted not to report Box Office results this weekend for the same reason.

It is no mystery that The Dark Knight Rises is a shoe-in to top the Box Office and it is terribly unfortunate that its hard-fought success has been marred, if not hindered by the horrific events which took place.

The Movies for me always have been a safe Haven and it is unthinkable that someone could be so callous as to take this sense of Security away from others.  My Heart goes out to the Families and Friends of those affected as I cannot even begin to understand the sense of grief and loss they are experiencing right now. 

As The Dark Knight himself would want, Truth and Justice shall prevail above all else.

(Photo credit: Warner Bros.)

"ICE AGE 4" FREEZES THE COMPETITION AT TOP OF BOX OFFICE

Still from Ice Age 4: Continental Drift

20th Century Fox's Ice Age 4: Continental Drift debuts on-top this weekend with $46 million from 3,879 theatres. Although this number is by no means a shame, it is far off the mark of 2006 Sequel, The Meltdown. Critics unfortunately aren't responding well, with the Animated Feature which showcases the voices of Jennifer Lopez, Ray Romano, Queen Latifah and more, garnering only 40% on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer.

The Amazing Spider-Man slips to second this weekend with $35 million for Sony Pictures. Thus far in North America it has made $197 million in just over two weeks of release - hardly the record-breaking numbers it might've anticipated with its $230 million budget. Overseas though, it continues to wow with $208 million earned thus far.

Universal Pictures' Adult Comedy Ted continues to perform exceedingly well in third this weekend with $22 million. In three weeks it has earned $156 million.

Disney's Brave trails in a distant fourth with $10.6 million, just ahead of Magic Mike in fifth with $9 million and Oliver Stone's disappointing Savages in sixth with $8.2 million.

Katy Perry's Part of Me 3-D sits in eighth in its second week of release with $3.7 million, earning a total $18.8 million - hardly the big numbers Paramount Pictures was hoping for.  Meanwhile, Moonrise Kingdom and Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted round out the Top Ten with $3.6 million and $3.5 million respectively.

"SPIDER-MAN" AMAZES IN DEBUT: NO RECORDS THOUGH

Still from The Amazing Spider-Man

Although many doubted the need for re-telling Spider-Man, The Amazing Spider-Man starts off with a bang earning $65 million in its debut weekend from 4,318 theatres. Opening on Tuesday, the Film since then has grossed a total $140 million domestically for Sony Pictures. Critics are responding fairly well, with the Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone-starring Reboot earning 73% on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer. No records though here, although a second installment is on-the-way. By comparison, 2002's Spider-Man earned $114 million in its debut weekend from 3,876 theatres.

Ted continues to exceed expectations, pulling-in $32.5 million this weekend for Universal Pictures. The Teddy Bear Adult-Comedy starring Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis in just two weeks has grossed a superb $122 million and it was made only for $50 million by comparison.

Disney's Brave is still going strong in third with $20.1 million this weekend in this its third week of release.  Domestically, it has now garnered $178.3 million. Overseas it has earned $26 million ($11 million from Russia) so far, but will continue to expand in various territories.

Oliver Stone's Savages, which debuts in fifth with $16.6 million for Universal Pictures. Critics haven't been so kind to the Film with an Allstar Cast including John Travolta, Taylor Kitsch, Salma Hayek, Blake Lively, Benicio del Toro and Aaron Johnson. It earned 52% on the Tomatometer. Magic Mike follows closely behind with $14.9 million earned and $75.7 million earned in two weeks for Warner Bros.

Paramount Pictures' Katy Perry: Part of Me 3-D only could muster a debut of $7.3 million in eighth this weekend from 2,730 theatres, after a July 4th Opening. Critics surprisingly loved the Film with it earning 75% on the Tomatometer.

Woody Allen's latest, To Rome with Love, rounds out the Top Ten with $3.2 million in its third week of release. The panned Comedy (45% on the Tomatometer) stars Alec Baldwin, Penélope Cruz and Jesse Eisenberg.

"TED" TOPS BOX OFFICE WITH RECORD-BREAKING DEBUT; "MAGIC MIKE" SECOND-BEST

Still from Ted

Stellar weekend at the Box Office with us celebrating Canada Day Weekend up north and Americans gearing-up to celebrate their 4th of July Weekend. Although it was a heated battle between two strong R-Rated Openers in Ted and Magic Mike, alas it is the former which takes the top spot with $52.5 million from 3,239 theatres for Universal Pictures. The Comedy starring Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis and Seth MacFarlane also is a hit with Critics, earning 70% on the Tomatometer at Rotten Tomatoes. Above this, it sets the record previously held by The Hangover as the largest-ever Opening for an R-Rated Comedy.

Magic Mike also stuns in its Debut for Warner Bros., opening at number two with $38 million. The Male Stripper Dramedy starring Channing Tatum, directed by Steven Soderbergh, was made for only $7 million apparently and also has fared v. well with Critics, earning a stellar 80% on the Tomatoemeter.

Disney/Pixar's Monster Brave continues to perform well in its second week, earning $35.5 million from 4,164 theatres. To-date, it has made $132.7 million.

Meanwhile Lionsgate Films' Madea's Witness Protection Program opens in fourth spot with $27 million, one of Tyler Perry's more decent showings in quite some time considering his last few Films failed to fire.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter continues to plod along with $6.2 million this weekend for 20th Century Fox, good enough to land it in sixth spot, just ahead of Moonrise Kingdom which from just 854 theatres, earns $5 million in eighth.

DreamWorks Pictures' People Like Us starring Chris Pine and Elizabeth Banks fails to impress, taking-in just $4.2 million and rounding out the bottom of the Top Ten.

"BRAVE" DEBUTS COURAGEOUSLY AT BOX OFFICE

Still from Brave

Fantastic showing by Pixar/Disney’s Scotland-set Animated Feature, Brave, opening this weekend with $66.7 million from 4,164 theatres. The $185-million budget Production, voiced by the likes of Up-and-Comer Kelly MacDonald, Billy Connolly and Emma Thompson opened impressively Friday with $24.5 million and Critics also are responding, with it garnering 74% on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer.

Now in its third week of release, Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted still is going strong for Paramount Pictures in second spot with $20.2 million.To-date, it has earned $157 million in North America.

20th Century Fox’s Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter opened with big expectations, being produced for $69 million, but opens only with $16.5 million this weekend - good enough for third. Reviews have been mixed for the once promising Mash-up Historical Zombie Thriller, earning 38% on the Tomatometer. It lands ahead of another Film from the studio landing ahead of Prometheus  with $10 million, just breaking the $100 million mark on Friday domestically.

Rock of Ages finds itself in fifth spot this weekend with $8 million, looking as if it won’t recoup that $75 million budget that went into the Musical. Meanwhile, Snow White and The Huntsman is in sixth spot with $8 million also in its fourth week, for Universal Pictures.

The only other debut this weekend is Focus Features/eOne Films’ mixed-reviewed Seeking a Friend at the End of the World starring Kiera Knightley and Steve Carrell, rounding out the Top Ten with $3.8 million from 1,625 theatres.

"MADAGASCAR 3" ON-TOP A SECOND WEEK

Still form Madagascar 3

Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted steals the show again for a second straight week with $35 million earned this weekend. This brings its two-week tally to an excellent $120 million for Paramount Pictures, keeping Prometheus in second for a second straight week. The latter still is going strong, this weekend taking-in $21 million for a total of $89.6 million in its Run so far.

Warner Bros.' Rock of Ages debuts in third spot with $15 million, debuting below expectations for the $75-million Budget Musical. Regardless, I still loved it and will give everyone a Hug who goes and sees it!

Adam Sandler and Andy Samberg $70-million R-rated Comedy That's My Boy was timed perfectly for a Father's Day release for Sony Pictures however, Moviegoers didn't budge and it debuts in fourth spot with $13 million.

Snow White and The Huntsman finds itself in fifth this weekend with $13-million in its third week, now earning a total $121.6 million domestically. It has fared well Overseas also, earning $83 million in those parts.

Marvel's The Avengers is resilient still, in seventh spot in its seventh week with $8.3 million. To-date domestically is has earned $586 million, while Overseas it has made a resounding $824 million.

In its fourth week of being a Limited Release, Moonrise Kingdom earns $2.3 million for Focus Features/eOne Films. The Wes Anderson Comedy has earned a stellar 95% on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer.

What to Expect When You're Expecting earns $1.3 million this weekend in its fifth week, rounding out the Top Ten.

"MADAGASCAR 3" IS MOST WANTED AT BOX OFFICE

Still from Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted

The Box Office is alive with not one but two huge Debuts this weekend. 20th Century Fox's Prometheus was caught in a heated battle with Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted, but alas it was the the latter which prevailed with $59.6 million from 4,258 theatres for Paramount Pictures. Compared to its Predecessors, it earned just slightly less than 2008's Sequel in the Franchise, which had opened with $63 million.

Touted as a Prequel to Aliens, Prometheus directed by Sir Ridley Scott pulled-in a healthy $21.4 million on Friday alone based on the strength of Midnight Screenings.  It goes on to make $49.5 million this weekend from 3,396 theatres. Coincidentally, both Top Two Films earned approximately 75% on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer, equally well-received by Critics.

Last week's Champion Snow White & The Huntsman slips to number three this weekend in its second week of release with $23 million. To date, it already has made $98.5 domestically for Universal Pictures.

MIB 3 earns $15 million this weeekend in its third week of release, just ahead of the Monster known as Marvel's The Avengers with $12 million it its sixth week.

Best Exotic Marigold Hotel continues to impress also in its sixth week for Fox Searchlight, earning $3.1 million - good enough for sixth spot in only 1,298 theatres.

Dark Shadows rounds out the Top Ten with $1.5 million this weekend, earning $73.9 million in five weeks for Warner Bros. in North America.

"SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN" OPENS BIG WITH $55.8 MILLION DEBUT

Still from Snow White and The Huntsman

Exceeding expectations at the Box Office this weekend is Universal Pictures' Snow White and The Huntsman starring Charlize Theron, Kristen Stewart and Chris Hemsworth. Although Reviews are mixed for the Film (52% on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer), Audiences responded in a big way with it earning a stellar $56.1 million in its debut in 3,773 theatres.

Last week's Champion, MIB 3, slips to number two this weekend with $28 million for Sony Pictures and in two weeks of release, it has earned $112 million, good enough to edge-out the resilient Marvel's The Avengers which in its fifth week of release earns $19.8 million. The Blockbuster according to Deadline now is the number three highest-grossing Film of all time domestically behind Avatar and Titanic.

Universal Pictures' Battleship in a distant fourth with $4.7 million, followed by Paramount Pictures' The Dictator in sixth with $4.6 million and Lionsgate's What to Expect When You're Expecting in sixth with $4.5 million.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel continues to perform well in Limited Release for Fox Searchlight with $4.4 million this weekend from 1,294 theatres in its fifth week week.  

For Greater Glory starring Andy Garcia is the only other Film opening in the Top Ten this weekend earning $1.5 million from 575 theatres it does not have distribution in Canada.

"MIB 3" DEBUTS ON-TOP: SNAPS "AVENGERS" STREAK

Still from MIB 3

At long last, Marvel's The Avengers have met their match in MIB 3. In its fourth week of release, the Blockbuster falls to second spot. Sony Pictures earns a stellar $55 million off the third installment in the popular Will Smith-starring Men in Black Franchise, which is below some projections which forecast it to make upwards of $70 million. MIB 3 has received v. positive reviews, garnering 68% on the Tomatometer. The Avengers earns $36.9 million this weekend, which on any other weekend easily would place it at the top.

Battleship earns $10.8 million in its second week, now tallying $44.3 million in North America. Fret not though as overseas it has earned a total $232 million.

The Dictator finds itself in fourth this weekend with $9.6 million for Paramount Pictures, well on its way to recouping that hefty $62 million budget.

Warner Bros.' Horror The Chernobyl Diaries debuts in fifth spot with $8 million, just ahead of another Film from the Studio, Dark Shadows, in sixth spot with $7.5 million.

Fox Searchlight continues to see excellent results with Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in eighth spot with $6.3 million, expanding to 1,233 theatres, while former Champ Think Like a Man rounds out the Top Ten with $1.4 million.

"MARVEL'S THE AVENGERS" SINKS "BATTLESHIP"

Still from The Avengers

For the third consecutive week Marvel's The Avengers steals the show at the Box Office, earning a stellar $56.5 million.  Its North American gross thus far is $450 million, making it rather difficult for any other Film seeing a release these past few weekends.

Universal Pictures' Battleship, despite doing v. well overseas earning $250 million to-date, opens in North America only with $25 million from 3,690 theatres. Critics have been harsh on the Film, garnering only a 36% rating on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer. Although $25 million isn't an embarrassment by any means, expectations were much higher with the Action Blockbuster being pegged to make between $35-$40 million originally in its Debut.

The Dictator from Paramount Pictures opens with $17 million and after opening on Wednesday night, earns $26 million total.  This also is below Studio expectations, with it being made for a total $60 million. Critics on the bright side have given the Sacha Baron Cohen-written and starring Comedy favourable reviews, earning 61% on the Tomatometer.

Dark Shadows has the misfortune of having to go its second week against some v. stiff competition after opening last week against a still-strong Marvel's The Avengers.  This weekend it pulls-in $12.5 million this weekend with a total $50 million now domestically; it was made for $150 million.

What to Expect When You're Expecting gave the Ladies a choice this weekend with many of the Top Ten Films being v. much Male-centric.  It opens with $10.5 million for Lionsgate Films/Alliance Films, just ahead of Fox Searchlight's Best Exotic Marigold Hotel which makes $3.5 million this weekend from only 354 theatres - not bad at all. Pirates! Band of Misfits rounds out the Top Ten with $1.6 million in this its fourth week.

"THE AVENGERS" SETS SECOND-WEEK RECORD AT BOX OFFICE: $104 MILLION!

Still from The Avengers

The Avengers continues to destroy Box Office records and in its second week out in North America, pulling-in an outstanding $104 million. Yes, its second week numbers are more than many Films will ever see in a full theatrical run. Globally, it is nearing the $1 billion mark. Who says that people are going to the theatres anymore? They just need to be wowed!

On any other weekend Tim Burton's Dark Shadows would have been highly impressive in its results. Starring Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer and a Toronto-bound Chloe Moretz, the Dark-Comedy pulls in $28.5 million in its debut from 3,755 theatres. Critics weren't as receptive to the Film, earning only 41% on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer.

Former Champion Think Like a Man is still maintaining a hold at number three this weekend with $6.5 million in its third week, just ahead of The Hunger Games in fourth with $4.6 million in its eighth week.

Best Exotic Marigold Hotel debuts in eighth spot this week with $2.7 million from just 178 theatres for Fox Searchlight, which actually is quite solid for the Comedy starring Tom Wilkinson and Maggie Smith. Critics are responding well also with a 75% rating on the Tomatometer.

Although it didn't get a release in Canada, Girl in Progress starring Matthew Modine and the lovely Eva Mendes lands in tenth spot in its opening with $1.4 million for Lionsgate Films.

"THE AVENGERS" SETS $200 MILLION DOMESTIC OPENING RECORD

Still from The Avengers

Opening in 4,349 theatres this weekend, Marvel's The Avengers made a whopping $80 million in its North American opening on Friday.  More impressively, it goes on to set the record for biggest domestic weekend ever for a Film, tallying a smashing $200 million (of which $15.5 is from Canada!) and surpassing last year's Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. Marvel's The Avengers now is the biggest opening for a Movie in 2012, besting the $152 million earned by The Hunger Games late March.  Above this, it also is a Critical Darling, earning 93% on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer. Easy Winner.

Coming in a distant second this weekend is Think Like a Man with $8 million in its third week of release, now earning a total $76.1 million in North America, just ahead of The Hunger Games which rises to third spot in its seventh week with $5.7 million.

The Lucky One continues to show a bit of resilience in fifth spot with $5.4 million in its third week, besting The Five-Year Engagement with $5.2 million, now earning $19.7 million total in its second week.

Safe slips to eighth spot this weekend with $2.7 million, while The Three Stooges rounds out the Top Ten with $1.8 million.

"THINK LIKE A MAN" DO"MAN"ATES THE BOX OFFICE AGAIN

Still from Think Like a Man

For the second straight week Think Like a Man is wearing the pants at the Box Office. After debuting on-top last weekend, the Comedy from Sony Screen Gems reaches number one with $18 million, now earning a total of stellar $60.7 million.

 

Pirates! Band of Misfits 3-D out-of-nowhere opens in second for Sony Pictures with $11.4 million to v. positive reviews (88% on the Tomatometer) on a weekend lacking in Family options

The Lucky One  finds itself at number three in its second week of release for Warner Bros. The Romance earned $11.3 million this weekend, placing it ahead of The Hunger Games in its sixth week of release, in fourth spot with $11.2 million, now earning over $372 million domestically.

Universal Pictures' The Five-Year Engagement, which despite looking promising, opens below expectations in fifth with just $11.2 million. The Rom-Com has received overall positive reviews with a 64% rating on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer.


Jason Statham's latest Action Flick Safe opens in sixth spot with $7.7 million for Lionsgate Films (Alliance Films in Canada), ahead of another Film opening this weekend, The Raven with $7.2 million for Relativity Media (Alliance Films/VVS Films in Canada).

Cabin in the Woods rounds out the Top Ten this weekend with $4.5 million for Lionsgate Films.

"THINK LIKE A MAN" LEAVES LITTLE TO PONDER: KNOCKS "THE HUNGER GAMES" FROM TOP OF BOX OFFICE

Still from Think Like a Man

Exceeding all expectations this weekend is Sony Screen Gems' Think Like a Man, a Rom-Com featuring predominantly a black Cast including Chris Brown, Gabrielle Union, Taraji P. Henson, Wendy Williams, Sherri Shepherd and more. The Film makes a stellar debut at number one with $33.3 million from only 2,015 theatres, knocking four-week Champ The Hunger Games out of the Top Spot.

Debuting in second is Warner Bros.' The Lucky One, the latest Film Adaptation from bestselling Author Nicholas Sparks.  Starring Zac Efron and Taylor Schilling, the Romance/Drama pulled-in $22.8 million from 3,155 theatres, despite overall negative reviews (21% on Rotten Tomatoes).

The Hunger Games slips to third spot this weekend with $14.9 million, now earning over $355 million domestically, landing just ahead of Disney's Chimpanzee which opens strongly  in fourth, only at 1,563 theatres to the tune of $10.5 million.

The Three Stooges slips to fifth spot this weekend in its second week, with $10.1 million while The Cabin in the Woods earns $8.2 million in sixth spot with some stellar reviews (91% on Rotten Tomatoes).

Mirror Mirror rounds out the Top Ten with $4.4 million in its fourth week of release, now earning a total of $54 million domestically.  Overseas, Battleship continues to be a Monster, now surpassing the $100 million mark over there.  It is set to debut in North America next month.