‘Inception’ Is Still Number 1 at US Box Office

Chris Nolan’s latest film, “Inception,” is proving to be an amazing success with audiences despite what may call a rather too twisted a plot that leaves no room for mental idling. The thriller is again at the number 1 position of the US box office for its third consecutive week, which means it still stands very good chances of making $300 domestically before its theatrical run is over, the Los Angeles Times believes.

Though registering a drop of over 32 percent, “Inception” made another $27.5 million over the weekend, which brings its total gross for the US to $193.3 million. Since it’s showing no signs of slipping out of the top 10 highest earners anytime soon, this must surely mean that the film will top $300 million by the time it leaves theaters. Again, considering that this is neither a superhero flick nor a kiddie production, the numbers are more than great – they’re downright extraordinary.

“‘Inception’ has already grossed more than three times its opening weekend take, usually considered a mark of success for any film. A $300-million domestic take remains well within its grasp. […] ‘Inception’ also demonstrated prowess outside the US this weekend, as it opened to a strong $7.1 million in Germany and enjoyed small declines of just 23% in Great Britain, 17% in South Korea and 19% in Australia. In total, the Leonardo DiCaprio-led picture grossed $53.7 million overseas this weekend and brought its foreign total to $170 million. ‘Inception is doing just great for us, and Cats and Dogs was a little disappointing,’ said Dan Fellman, president of domestic distribution for Warner Bros,” the LA Times writes.

The second position of the US box office went to newcomer “Dinner for Schmucks,” a comedy starring Steve Carell, Paul Rudd and Zach Galifianakis that got plenty of pre-release hype, especially on social networks like Twitter and Facebook. At number three comes what critics have named the feminine version of James Bond, “Salt” with Angelina Jolie as a deadly CIA agent that may or may not be a Russian sleeper spy. “Despicable Me” made another $15.5 million and landed at number 4.

“Cats and Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore” closed the top 5 with just $12.5 million more in ticket sales. The rest of US box office looks as follows: “Charlie St. Cloud,” another newcomer, starring teen heartthrob Zac Efron, made $12.1 million; “Toy Story 3” slipped to number 7 with $5 million, “Grown Ups” is on 8 with $4.5 million; “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” is preparing to leave the top 10 after a very brief stay, making only $4.3 million; while the last installment of “The Twilight Saga,” “Eclipse,” may have enjoyed its last week in the top 10, with $3.9 million in ticket sales. 

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