Batman storms to top of box office

30/07/2008 14:25

LONDON (Reuters) - Batman swept to the top of the film charts on his opening weeken but early box office takings suggest the caped crusader may struggle to match his phenomenal success in the United States.

"The Dark Knight" took 8.68 million pounds over three days, according to Screen International, well above the average for new chart-toppers but below, for example, Will Smith’s "Hancock" which took 9.58 million pounds earlier in July.

Starring Christian Bale and the late Heath Ledger as the Joker, and directed by Christopher Nolan, the film has broken box office records in North America.

After two weeks at the top, Abba-themed musical "Mamma Mia!" was down in second place, with robot love story "Wall-E" down one place at three.

New at four was teen movie "Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging," with Georgia Groome determined to find a sex-god lover and throw the best 15th birthday party ever.

"Hancock," Smith’s portrayal of a conflicted hero in need of an image makeover, was down two in fifth spot while "Kung Fu Panda," featuring the voice of Jack Black, slipped to six from four.

"Journey to the Center of the Earth", a loose adaptation of the Jules Verne classic, was down two at seven, with comedy "Meet Dave", down at eight from six.

"The Chronicles .....continued below

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of Narnia: Prince Caspian," with its tale of the four Pevensie children returning to C.S. Lewis’ magical world, was down two places at nine.

Coming in at 10 were "Saturday Night Live" performers Tina Fey and Amy Poehler in the comedy "Baby Mama."

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