#BOXOFFICE: “TAKEN 2” TAKES THE TOP OF THE BOX OFFICE

Just when you thought one abduction in the Family was too much, it happens again in Taken 2!  The Follow-up to 2010’s $226-million grossing Action-Thriller adds Famke Janssen to the mix, while the bigger draw of course would be  Box Office Megastar Liam Neeson.  This Sequel from 20th Century Fox opens to horrific reviews (19% on Rotten Tomatoes) but big reception from Moviegoers, earning $50 million in its debut.  Stellar. Although I hate to be the one pointing it out, Neeson‘s Career since experiencing the sad misfortune of Widowhood in March 2009, has skyrocketed.  Since then, his Films have earned over $1.1 billion worldwide. Suffice it to say, there is an Angel looking over him?

Hotel Transylvania continues to perform beautifully for Sony Pictures, earning $26.6 million in its second weekend, now tallying at $75.4 million.  Meanwhile, Pitch Perfect expands in its second week  to 2,770 theatres, impressive in third spot with $14.5 million.  Reviews also are solid for the Musical-Comedy starring Rebel Wilson, Anna Kendrick and Brittany Snow.

Disney‘s Frankenweenie opens in fifth this weekend with $12 million from 3,005 theatres.  This latest effort from Tim Burton, garnered v. strong reviews with 85% on the Tomatometer at Rotten Tomatoes.  Some may see this as a disappointment, however the Film was made for a sensible $39 million and still has yet to open overseas.

The Master in 864 theatres continues to hang onto the Top Ten in ninth spot with $1.6 million for The Weinstein Co./eOne Films, while Finding Nemo 3D rounds out the Top Ten for Disney.