Hollywood woke up with a “Hangover” for the second weekend in a row.
Warner Bros’ R-rated Vegas romp, which made another $33.4 million, narrowly beat “Up” for first place again, but, perhaps more importantly, beat the marquee star-driven “The Taking of Pelham 123,” which debuted in 3rd place with $25 million.
Meanwhile, Paramount’s Eddie Murphy vehicle “Imagine That” was a bust, grossing a little over $5 million.
Box-office revenues were down compared with last year for the third weekend in a row.
“The Hangover,” which cost $35 million, proved once again that PG-13 ratings and A-list stars aren’t necessary for box-office success. The film dropped a mere 26 percent in ticket sales from its debut weekend. “The Hangover” is now the first movie of the summer to remain in first place for two consecutive weekends.
Pixar’s “Up” stayed aloft with $30.5 million, thanks to an enormous bump in ticket sales on Saturday. Disney’s latest made $8.8 million on Friday and another $13 million on Saturday, the day families are most likely to bring their broods to the theaters.
“Up” is living up to Pixar’s reputation for films with critical acclaim, strong multiples and earning power. Ticket sales dropped only 31 percent on its third weekend and the feature is quickly closing in on $200 million.
“Pelham’s” $25 million was in line with expectations. Its opening day take of $8.2 million was a personal best for director Tony Scott and its total weekend gross is best debut of the four Scott films starring Denzel Washington.
The action-thriller’s opening also outdid co-star John Travolta’s last action movie, “Ladder 49,” which debuted with $22 million in 2004.
“If we would have had a crystal ball, it wouldn’t have been any closer. It’s a very solid opening for us. We’re very happy with the result,” said Rory Bruer, Sony’s President of Worldwide Distribution.
Bruer said 62 percent of “Pelham’s” audience were aged 30 and over. Fifty six percent male were male.
“You would think that is a far more male picture, but women come out really loving the film,” he said. “The movie is set up for a very long run with the older audience.”
“Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian” followed in No. 4 with $9.6 million — falling only 34 percent in its third week of release.
Last week’s big disappointment, Universal’s “Land of the Lost,” fell 51 percent into fifth place with $9.1 million.
“Imagine That” debuted at No. 6 with a scant $5.7 million. This is the second summer dud in a row for Murphy, whose “Meet Dave” debuted last year with $5 million.
“The expectations were not really all that high any way. The company is disappointed more people didn’t turn out,” said Don Harris, Paramount’s Executive Vice President of Distribution.
“Star Trek” beamed up another $5.6 million and ranked No. 7. Its cumulative domestic gross now stands at $232 million — the highest of the summer movies.
In the No. 8 spot, “Terminator Salvation” grossed another $4.6 million. “T4” was also the No. 1 film overseas for the second week in a row and has earned $165.5 worldwide to date.
“Angels & Demons” landed in ninth place with $4.2 million, while “Drag Me to Hell” finished at No. 10 with $3.8 million.
In the indie world, “Away We Go” was tops again, grossing $554,383 in 45 theaters. Its total gross stands and $751,322 and will open wide July 12.
Sony Pictures Classics’ sci-fi drama “Moon,” starring Sam Rockwell, debuted with $145,218 in eight theaters. Magnolia’s documentary “Food, Inc.” opened with 61,400 in three theaters and Francis Ford Coppola’s “Tetro” made $31,339 in two theaters.
Vivendi’s 3D adventure “Call of the Wild” garnered $10,000 in 14 theaters.
