Weekend Box Office | featured news

J.J. Abrams’ Super 8 opened to a better-than-expected $37 million at the domestic box office after an aggressive 11th hour marketing blitz by Paramount. Including paid previews on Thursday, the period sci-fi pic has earned $38 million in its first four days.

Hollywood has hustled up a hangover for the record books. "The Hangover Part II" set a new high for comedy debuts with $105.8 million over the long Memorial Day weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday.

The re-engineered "Pirates of the Caribbean" sequel "On Stranger Tides" found its smoothest sailing overseas, where it took in a record $256.3 million at the international box office, according to studio estimates Sunday. "On Stranger Tides," the fourth "Pirates" installment, earned $90.1 million domestically.

The second big-budget studio release of the summer grossed a solid $66 million, according to an estimate from distributor Paramount Pictures. The 3-D film about a Norse god destroyed the two other films in wide release this weekend, which were both romantic comedies about marriage. "Jumping the Broom," about two families from different backgrounds converging at a wedding, collected a decent $13.7 million. "Something Borrowed," which had a bigger budget and is based on Emily Giffin's bestselling novel of the same name, had a soft $13.2-million take.

The 3-D cartoon about tropical bird was the top pick again with $26.8 million in ticket sales.The 3-D cartoon about tropical bird was the top pick again with $26.8 million in ticket sales.

With Russell Brand providing the voice of the reluctant new Easter bunny, "Hop" bound well beyond the expectations of industry analysts, who had figured the movie would debut in the $25 million range.

A wimpy kid has delivered a knock-out punch to a band of warrior vixens at the weekend box office. The 20th Century Fox family sequel "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules" debuted as the No. 1 movie with $24.4 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. The girl-power action fantasy "Sucker Punch," released by Warner Bros., opened at No. 2 with $19 million.

There was no stopping "Limitless" at the box office. The sci-fi thriller opened at No. 1 this weekend with $19 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. The film from Relativity Media stars Bradley Cooper as a struggling writer who takes a magical pill that allows him to tap into his maximum brain potential. Suddenly he's cleaned up, making millions and wowing everyone he meets. Robert De Niro co-stars as a financial guru who's fascinated by him, with Abbie Cornish as Cooper's skeptical girlfriend.

Pamela McClintock Johnny Depp movie is the top non-holiday weekend. "Adjustment Bureau" No. 2 with a solid $20.9; "Take Me Home" disappoints.read more

Pamela McClintock Nicolas Cage's 'Drive Angry' is dead on arrival at No. 9; new version of Justin Bieber film rules at No. 6 after nabbing $9.2 million.read more