In the US, The Golden Compass debuts at #1 despite mixed reviews, although $25m is a huge under-achievement... surprise hit fairy tale Enchanted drops to #2... Awake drops from #5 to #9... misfiring Mist drops 2 more places to cling to #10... while Bee Movie buzzes off completely.
US TOP 10
1. The Golden Compass $25.8m
2. Enchanted $10.7m
3. This Christmas $4.96m
4. Fred Claus $4.61m
5. Beowulf $4.54m
6. No Country For Old Men $4.12m
7. August Rush $3.51m
8. Hitman $3.49m
9. Awake $3.33m
10. The Mist $2.63m
In the UK, The Golden Compass identically dominates (thanks to no competition), and the £7m take is relatively more impressive than its US haul... Fred Claus therefore drops to #2... Darjeeling Limited takes a 2 place tumble to #9... Bollywood film Aaja Nachle clings onto #10 for a second week... and Good Luck Chuck leaves the chart.
UK TOP 10
1. The Golden Compass £7.2m
2. Fred Claus £1.3m
3. Hitman £623k
4. American Gangster £506k
5. Beowulf £337k
6. Stardust £177k
7. Ratatouille £144k
8. The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford £121k
9. The Darjeeling Limited £111k
10. Aaja Nachle £82k
UK RELEASES THIS WEEK
BEE MOVIEA disillusioned bee leaves his hive and decides to sue humans for eating their honey. Computer animation written by and starring Jerry Seinfeld; with Rene Zellweger, Matthew Broderick, John Goodman & Chris Rock.
ENCHANTEDAn animated fairy tale princess is transported to the real world by an evil Queen and tries to adapt to cynical, non-magical reality. Animated/live-action fairy tale adventure starring Amy Adams, James Marsden & Susan Sarandon.
MR. MAGORIUM'S WONDER EMPORIUMThe eccentric owner of a magical shop bequeaths his business to his insecure manager, sparking an ominous change in the once-remarkable store. Fantasy adventure starring Dustin Hoffman, Natalie Portman & Jason Bateman.
WE OWN THE NIGHTA New York nightclub manager tries to save his brother and father from the Russian mafia. Crime thriller starring Joaquin Phoenix, Eva Mendes, Mark Wahlberg & Robert Duvall.
