In the US: Liam Neeson thriller TAKEN makes its American bow, proving surprisingly popular and taking #1... horror thriller THE UNINVITED doesn't open that strongly, but still manages #3 in a lacklustre week... and Renee Zellweger rom-com NEW IN TOWN flops in at #9 with a meagre $6m...US TOP 10
1. Taken $24.7m
2. Paul Blart: Mall Cop $13.9m
3. The Uninvited $10.3m
4. Hotel For Dogs $8.63m
5. Gran Torino $8.23m
6. Slumdog Millionaire $7.63m
7. Underworld: Rise Of The Lycans $7.58m
8. New In Town $6.74m
9. My Bloody Valentine $4.48m
10. Inkheart $3.72m
In the UK: Slumdog Millionaire hangs onto the top spot for BAFTA week... the critical success and star-power of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet ensure REVOLUTIONARY ROAD debuts at #3 with a decent £1m... but there's bad news for Michael Cera, as NICK & NORA'S INFINITE PLAYLIST struggles to win an audience, crawling in at #10 with a terrible £398k...
UK TOP 10
1. Slumdog Millionaire £2.3m
2. Valkyrie £1.2m
3. Revolutionary Road £1.01m
4. My Bloody Valentine £921k
5. Beverly Hills Chihuahua £744k
6. Seven Pounds £732k
7. Bride Wars £692k
8. Role Models £663k
9. Underworld: Rise Of The Lycans £521k
10. Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist £398k
UK RELEASES THIS WEEK
BoltAnimated adventure. The canine star of a sci-fi action show, who believes his super-powers are genuine, finds himself in the real world.
Directors: Byron Howard & Chris Williams Voices: John Travolta, Miley Cyrus, Susie Essman, Mark Walton, Malcolm McDowell, James Lipton & Dan Fogelman
US Box Office: $112 million
Tomatometer: 87% (Fresh; based on 149 reviews) "Bolt is a pleasant animated comedy that overcomes the story's familiarity with strong visuals and likable characters."
The Curious Case Of Benjamin ButtonFantasy drama. The life-story of a man who is born as an elderly baby and proceeds to age backwards throughout the 20th-century.
Director: David Fincher Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Julia Ormond, Elias Koteas, Jason Flemyng & Faune A. Chambers
US Box Office: $117 million
Tomatometer: 71% (Fresh; based on 196 reviews) "Curious Case of Benjamin Button is an epic fantasy tale with rich storytelling backed by fantastic performances."
DoubtDrama. In 1964, a nun confronts a priest suspected of abusing a black student.
Director: John Patrick Shanley Starring: Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Viola Davis, Alice Drummond & Audrie J. Neenan
US Box Office: $28 million
Tomatometer: 77% (Fresh; based on 185 reviews) "Doubt succeeds on the strength of its top-notch cast, who successfully guide the film through the occasional narrative lull."
He's Just Not That Into YouRom-com. The romantic turmoil of a group of interconnecting characters and storylines.
Director: Ken Kwapis Starring: Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Connelly, Kevin Connolly, Bradley Cooper, Scarlett Johansson & Justin Long
Tomatometer: 42% (Rotten; based on 66 reviews) "Despite the best efforts of a talented cast, He's Just Not That Into You devotes too little time to each of its protagonists, thus reducing them to stereotypes."
Vicky Cristina BarcelonaRom-com. Two friends on a Spanish holiday become infatuated by the same painter, unaware that his ex-wife is back on the scene.
Director: Woody Allen Starring: Rebecca Hall, Scarlett Johansson, Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz & Patricia Clarkson
US Box Office: $23 million
Tomatometer: 83% (Fresh; based on 172 reviews) "A beguiling tragicomedy, Vicky Cristina Barcelona charms with beautiful views of the Spanish city and a marvellously well-matched cast."
