US Box Office - Immortals on track for the number one spot

Movies about turmoil in Greece are faring better than actual turmoil in Greece...

Tarsem Singh's super violent Greek God actioner Immortals topped the box office and should end up north of 34 million dollars for the weekend. It debuted Friday to an impressive 14 million dollars. Though it's roughly half of the 70 million made by 300, it's still strong considering it lacked any bankable stars.

Speaking of "bankable stars", last weeks number two debut Tower Heist should end up with another 13 million this weekend. Still, given the size of the budget and the presence of Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy, the expectations were significantly higher. We'll have to wait and see the size of the international box office before writing it off as a disappointment. Right now, $100 million seems like the domestic ceiling for the caper flick. Not an abject failure, but certainly not a bomb by any stretch.

While not exactly high art, Adam Sandler's Jack and Jill continues his streak of movies opening above 20 million dollars. There are few stars out there with that kind of consistency. Jack and Jill should end up with around 24 million dollars this weekend just beating out Dreamworks' Puss in Boots which crosses the hundred million dollar mark with another 22 million over the 3 day weekend.

Clint Eastwood's J. Edgar is the weekend's real question mark. The film has been met with a lukewarm reception both critically and at the box office. A first weekend take of 13 million doesn't bode well for the film's award season potential. Whether the movie can weather the chilly reception as the award season rolls out remains to be seen. My guess is, "no". Expect this one to sink like a stone.

Next weekend is sure to shake things up as the truly terrible yet immensely popular Twilight series unleashes The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1, and the kids get another seizure inducing CG sequel with Happy Feet Two.

Here's your top 5 for North America:

1. Immortals (Warner Bros)
Friday: $14 million
Weekend Estimate: $34 million

2. Jack and Jill (Sony)
Friday: $9 million
Weekend Estimate: $24 million

3. Puss in Boots (Dreamworks/Paramount)
Friday: $8 million
Weekend Estimate: $22 million

4. Tower Heist (Universal)
Friday: $5 million
Weekend Estimate: $14 million

5. J. Edgar (Warner Bros)
Friday: $4.5 million
Weekend Estimate: $13 million

Anghus Houvouras