DIARY OF A WIMPY KID 2 "RULES" THE BOX OFFICE

Still from Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2

Although Warner Bros.’ Sucker Punch was expected to top the Box Office this weekend based on Friday night’s numbers, alas Family prevails. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules landed on top with $24.4 million for Fox, already making back its $21 million budget. The Film based on the popular Children’s books, is the second in its series.

Sucker Punch wound up placing second with $19 million. Despite horrendous reviews, the Zack Snyder (The Watchmen) Action-Fantasy still fares respectably. It was made though for $85 million, but just might do well overseas where it has yet to open.

Last week’s champion Limitless slips to third this weekend with $15.2 million, bringing its total earnings domestically to $41.2 million, finishing just ahead of The Lincoln Lawyer which made $11 million in its second week.

Former number one Battle: Los Angeles finds itself in sixth spot with $7.6 million, just surpassing the $70 million market, for which it was made.

Still going strong is The Adjustment Bureau in ninth spot with $4.2 million, after having been in theatres now for seven weeks. It also just made back its production costs for Universal Pictures, having been made for $50 million.

"LIMITLESS" ACHIEVES BOX OFFICE PERFECTION

Still from Limitless

Just as its Hero reaches perfection with a Miracle Drug, Limitless does the same at the Box Office this weekend debuting on-top with $19 million for Relativity Media/Rogue in the U.S. and Alliance Films in Canada. This is Bradley Cooper's fourth Film to debut at the number one spot in two years, others include He's Just Not That Into You, The Hangover and Valentine's Day. Another Film, The A-Team debuted at number two.

Rango, which debuted on-top two weeks ago is still hanging strong, placing second in its third week of release. The Animated Feature from Paramount brought in $15.5 million, just ahead of last week's number one, Battle: Los Angeles with $14.5 million.

Matthew McConaughey-headlining The Lincoln Lawyer which continues to win raves with 80% on the Tomatometer at Rotten Tomatoes, debuts in fourth for Summit Entertainment with $13.6 million from 2,707 theatres, just ahead of Alien-Comedy Paul which lands in fifth also in its debut for Universal.

Red Riding Hood in its second week slips to sixth with $7.3 million, bringing its total to $26 million and appearing to under-perform domestically. It has yet to open overseas, where likely it will fare better for Warner Bros.

MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY IN TORONTO FOR "THE LINCOLN LAWYER"

Matthew McConaughey in Toronto - March 2011

Once voted People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive, Matthew McConaughey has been quieter of late on the Film Front, but he is already winning lots of praise for his work in upcoming release The Lincoln Lawyer. The Film is based upon the 2005 Novel by Michael Connelly and centers around a Lawyer  named Mickey Haller (McConaughey) who works out of the back of a Lincoln Town Car around Los Angeles, while his Client works to pay off his overdue legal fees.  He must defend Client Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillippe) against Attempted Murder and Assault charges after being framed.

McConaughey is now in full promotional swing for The Lincoln Lawyer and just made a stopoff in Toronto at CBC's George Stroumbouloupoulous Tonight, plus doing an interview with that network's Ilana Banks also.  Banks gushed to me, "He sure had a twinkle in his eye and is proud of his new flick".  

Arriving in an Escalade - not a Town Car, which would have been more fitting perhaps - McConaughey was surrounded by a small crowd of Fans and Paparazzi, stopping to sign a meager three Autographs, mumbling "I'm  just going to keep walking" aloud. 

I will not be shy in saying that I possess one of these few Autographs, a gorgeous 8x10 of him in a Dolce & Gabanna Ad (seen right) reading "jk livin' (an abbreviation of just keep livin'), Matthew McConaughey".  Notoriously Paparazzi-shy, McConaughey disappointingly refused Autographs and Photos with Fans who braved the cold weather, as he exited the venue amidst flashing Cameras.  The Stroumboulopoulous interview will be airing at a later date.  Check his official website for details.

And why not one more Photo of the handsome Actor just for good measure?