The Weekend Box Office

With the sales returns from the box offices this week, DISNEY'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL came way out on top with a $31.0 million take. While the story is familiar, the spectacular motion capture animation and the talents of Jim Carrey really seemed to attract movie-goers this weekend.

Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT hung on to #2, with a $14.0 million take. Critics also believe this to be one of the best movies currently in the theaters as well. Even if you're not a huge Michael Jackson fan, this still rates as one of the best music or concert films ever made. It's worth a look.

At #3 was the comic look at military psychic research, MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS. Despite the strange topic at hand, the movie is a little better than it appears. With the talents of George Clooney, Jeff Bridges, Ewan McGregor and Kevin Spacey, this off-beat strange comedy took in $13.3 million.

The critics really panned, THE FOURTH KIND. But that didn't completely deter many from spending their hard earned money while in the midst of the recession to propel this turkey of a shocker to #4 and take in $12.5 million.

Coming in at #5 is currently the most critically acclaimed film current airing, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY. Unlike THE FOURTH KIND, this film really works as a shocker. It's a highly effective film that took in a healthy $8.6 million box office take.

At #6 is the strange thriller, THE BOX. It took in $7.9 million despite mixed reviews. The film aimed for a high mark with an interesting plot, but a so-so script, bad acting and overly long production helped to weaken whatever is good about this film. Yet it remains an interesting film, although one not as good as it could have been.

For some old reason some continue to make a special pilgrimage to watch the simply awful mostly unfunny comedy, COUPLES RETREAT. This stinker took in $6.4 million and hung around like some old fruit for #7.

At #8 is LAW ABIDING CITIZEN. Not a great film by any means, but it gave the action fans something to watch. It took in $6.2 million.

The very good film, WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE, took in $4.million. Director Spike Jonze made a really great children's film here. The movie came in #9.

Bringing up the rear at #10 this week was ASTRO BOY with $2.6 million. It's not really a bad film, but WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE is a far better children's film by far.