Weekend Box Office: Brains Over Brawn and Aliens

By Chris Kavan - 11/15/10 at 09:23 AM CT

A runaway train and an alien invasion couldn't halt the efforts of one Megamind. The animated film was once again on the top of the box office charts, taking in an estimated $30.1 million. The 3-D screens continued to be a boost, as fully 63% of that gross came from the extra-dimensional showings.

Out of the newcomers, the out-of-control train, along with Denzel Washington and Chris Pine, made Unstoppable the runner-up with $23.5 million. It should be noted this is Washington's 8th film to debut above $20 million, though with an estimated $100 million budget, it will have to work hard to break even.

The other newcomers didn't fare so well. The poorly-reviewed alien invasion film Skyline wound up in 4th place with $11.7 million. Despite having some big names, Morning Glory could only muster up $9.6 million for 5th place. Not surprisingly the majority of the audience was female.

Due Date was the strongest holdover, taking third place with $15.5 million and approaching the $60 million total. Although it fell 52%, and won't meet The Hangover's success, it should beat out Get Him to the Greek for total grosses.

The biggest hit of the week came at the expense of Tyler Perry, as For Colored Girls took a huge 65% drop-off for a $6.8 million for 6th place. It now stands at $30.9 million.

Rounding out the top ten Red neared $80 million with its $5 million 7th place showing while Jackass 3D clung to 10th place with $2.3 million and should top $115 million soon.

Next week sees the release of the first part of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - expect big numbers. Bravely going up against the boy wizard is the crime / drama film The Next Three Days with Russell Crowe.