3D Animated Movie Really Works

DreamWorks Animation’s family comedy “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” enjoyed a surfin’ safari to the top of the domestic boxoffice this weekend.

The Paramount-distributed animated sequel cruised to an estimated $63.5 million opening that significantly outdistanced prerelease projections. Its three-day haul outpaced even the four-day bow by the original “Madagascar,” which unspooled over the 2005 Memorial Day frame with $61 million.

Universal’s R-rated comedy “Role Models” finished second with a $19.3 million debut that also comfortably outpaced forecasts. Dimension Films’ R-rated comedy “Soul Men” — distributed by MGM and starring Samuel L. Jackson and the late Bernie Mac — bowed in sixth place with $5.6 million.

Disney’s leggy “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” took third place with $9.3 million and a 17-day cume of $75.7 million, while Universal’s Clint Eastwood-helmed “Changeling” was fourth in its second weekend of wide release with $7.3 million and a $20.6 million cume.

The Weinstein Co.’s R-rated comedy “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” was fifth, as its modest 35% sophomore-session dip produced $6.5 million on the frame and a $20.9 million cume. Freestyle’ s PG-13 horror entry “The Haunting of Molly Hartley” fell 36% from its opening grosses to $3.5 million in eighth place with a $10.2 million cume.

Outside the top 10, Warner Bros. held Guy Ritchie’s gangster film “RocknRolla” in a barely wide 826 locations for a second session, making off with $1 million for a $4.3 million cume. Read Full Article>>