The Bourne Ultimatum fired up the North American box office by opening to $24.5 million Friday and $25.4 million Saturday for a $70.1 mil weekend from 3,660 theaters.
Universal tells Hollywood reporter Nikki Finke that the draw of Matt Damon was the hook, as 57% of moviegoers said he was the main reason for seeing The Bourne Ultimatum, "skewing female, while 68% said it was the action, especially among younger males."
The Simpsons Movie still is conquering the rest of the world. It is still No. 1 in most territories with some of the Industry's best 2nd weekend ever #s - except France and Spain where Disney / Pixar's Ratatouille opened this weekend with a 40% market share. Box Office mojo reports that clan Simpson earned $47.3 million from 75 overseas markets this weekend for a $187 international total.
20th Century Fox reports The Simpsons raked in another $25.6 million this weekend.
No. 3 spot was the live action "Underdog" which Disney reports a take of $4.1 million Friday and $4.3 million Saturday for a $12 million weekend.
No. 4 spot "I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry," the comedy had a weekend take of $10.5 million.
No. 5 spot went to Warner's "Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix"earning $9.4 million this weekend starting its 4th week in release.
No. 6 spot is New Line's "Hairspray," starring John Travolta, taking in $9.1 million this weekend from 3,115 theaters for a new cume of $78.9 mil.
No. 7.spot went to Warner's "No Reservations," Catherine Zeta-Jones starring film making $6.4 million this weekend.
No. 8 went to the Paramount and DreamWorks pic "Transformers" adding $5.9 mil weekend to a new cumulative of $296.3 million, the studio tells Finke the film will hit the "near-impossible $300 mil domestic barrier by next weekend."
No. 9 spot is Paramount's"Hot Rod," with SNL's Andy Samberg makinga disappointing $5 million this weekend.
No. 10 spot Lionsgate "Bratz" described by Finke "as the lame flop we knew it would be" earning $1.7 million Friday and Saturday for a $4.5 million weekend.
Disappointing results for "El Cantante," starring Jennifer Lopez and husband Marc Anthony in the Picturehouse biopic of Puerto Rican salsa sensation Hector Lavoe, debuted at No. 12 for a 2.9 million weekend.
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