"CONTRABAND" DELIVERS THE GOODS AT THE TOP OF BOX OFFICE

Still from Contraband

No real surprise that Universal Pictures takes the top of the Box Office with their Action flick Contraband, starring Mark Wahlberg and Kate Beckinsale, with a total of $25 million from 2,863 theatres.  Call it a comeback for Beckinsale who hasn't seen the top of the Box Office since 2006 with Adam Sandler Comedy, Click.

Landing in second is Disney's new and improved Beauty and the Beast 3-D, showing in 2,625 theatres with $18.5 million earned in its debut, just ahead of another Musical in Joyful Noise starring Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah with $12.3 million.

Still going strong in fourth is Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol with $12.1 million from 3,346 theatres in its fifth week of release, edging-out last week's champion The Devil Inside in fifth spot with $7.5 million. Both are from Paramount Pictures.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: "MI4" TAKES TOP OF THE BOX OFFICE CHRISTMAS WEEKEND

Still from Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol as expected, takes the top of the Box Office over Christmas Weekend with $26.5 million, earning $58 million in two weeks.  Its limited opening last week was exclusive to IMAX theatres. Overseas it has fared even better, earning $102 already since its release, for Paramount Pictures. The Film made for $145 million, already has recouped its Production costs quickly.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows slips to second spot this weekend with $17.8 million and despite faring stronger than Mission Impossible stateside, internationally it has made only $14.6 million thus far.  It will continue to expand in coming weeks for Warner Bros. overseas.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked slips to third spot this weekend with $13.3 million for 20th Century Fox, earning $50.2 million in two weeks domestically - not shabby at all considering internationally, it has garnered $91 million already; it was made for $75 million.

"WE BOUGHT A ZOO" - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from We Bought a Zoo

After his Wife Katherine (Stephanie Szostak) passes away, Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon) is left alone to care for his rebellious Son Dylan (Colin Ford) and charming Daughter Rosie (Maggie Elizabeth Jones). He decides to quit his job one day, moving out of their home to start a new life with his Family.  Together, they stumble upon the perfect house... only to realize it's actually situated on a desperately ailing Zoo. Here we meet Zookeeper Kelly (Scarlett Johansson), Robin (Patrick Fugit) and Lily (Elle Fanning) who are struggling to keep things afloat until Benjamin decides to commit himself fully to making the Zoo's relaunch a reality.  Realizing soon that his money is depleting as expenses pile-up, Benjamin and his helping hands are in a race against the clock with an inspection from the meticulous Walter Ferris (John Michael Higgens) soon-to-come, deciding the Zoo's fate ultimately.

With theatres being flooded with Dramas over the Holidays/Awards Season, We Bought a Zoo from acclaimed Director Cameron Crowe (Jerry Maguire, Almost Famous) offers a welcome lighthearted option for Moviegoers.  Do not however, mistaken this as fluff as there actually is substantial enough a story here with tons of heart and a struggle worth fighting for. Never for a minute do we not want this Zoo to succeed as each setback is thrown our way.

ENTER TO WIN A "WE BOUGHT A ZOO" PRIZE PACK

We Bought a Zoo Prize Pack

How wonderful is this?  20th Century Fox Canada & Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven want to give one lucky Reader a We Bought a Zoo Prize Pack!  Contents include a copy of the Film's Original Motion Picture Soundtrack with Music by Jónsi of Sigur Ros, a copy of its original Novel by Benjamin Mee and of course a Double Pass to see a Toronto Advance Screening of We Bought a Zoo on Tuesday, December 20, 2011.

Directed by Cameron Crowe, the Family Dramedy takes place in Southern California where a Father moves his Children to the Countryside, coming together to restore a troubled Zoo. Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Elle Fanning and Thomas Haden Church star in the heartwarming Tale.

To enter to win the Prize Pack, click "like" on this Post at Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook.  Double your chances by following me on Twitter and Re-Tweeting the following:

@mrwillw wants me to win a WE BOUGHT A ZOO Prize Pack including a chance to see it in Toronto 12/20/11. #MRWILLZOO

Your deadline is December 17, 2011 and I will be handing you your Prize Pack in-person!  Good luck, Mavenati!

Watch the Trailer for We Bought a Zoo below: