Mystery Solved! Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows finally gives the US box office a much needed boost

The Sherlock Holmes sequel managed a solid $40 million dollar opening at North American theaters. While some Warner Brothers insiders were hoping for a $50 million dollar debut, the numbers are still leaps and bounds above the any other release since Twilight.

The third Alvin and the Chipmunks movie made a much less impressive debut showing that you can only go back to the well so many times before people start to lose interest. Chipwrecked still managed to take in more in it's opening weekend than a half dozen other recent family films, but this won't be the $150 million+ high earner the previous two entries provided.

Speaking of sequels, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol managed a number 3 opening this week in spite of only playing at IMAX theaters. This bodes well for the wide rollout this week. Expectations are high, though most analysts concede the real money for this one overseas where Tom Cruise is still a massive star. Good reviews for the latest installment of the spy franchise won't hurt either.

Last week's leftovers New Year's Eve and The Sitter had expected drops. Both will be lucky if they end up with $50 million.

The Jason Reitman directed Young Adult opened to a tepid $3.5 million dollars in its first week of wide release. In spite of glowing reviews and nods to star Charlize Theron and writer Diablo Cody, the film's financial and awards potential seems limited at best.

Next week sees a massive number of high profile projects hit the theaters. Mission :Impossible - Ghost Protocol, horror film The Darkest Hour, My Week with Marilyn, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and double dose of Spielberg with The Adventures of Tintin and War Horse all see a wide release. It should make for an interesting Christmas weekend.

Here's your top five for North America:

1. Sherlocl Holmes: A Game of Shadows
Weekend Estimate: $40 million

2. Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked
Weekend Estimate: $23 million

3. Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol
Weekend Estimate: $13 million

4. New Year's Eve
Weekend Estimate: $7 million (weekend); $25m (total)

5. The Sitter
Weekend Estimate: $4 million (weekend); $17m (total)

Anghus Houvouras