#BOXOFFICE: “THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES” PREVAILS A SECOND WEEK OVER CHRISTMAS RELEASES

For the second week in-a-row, THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES reigns supreme at the Box Office, prevailing even over an onslaught of strong Christmas releases with $40 million from 3,875 theatres for Warner Bros.  In two weeks the Finale to The Hobbit Trilogy, has grossed $167.5 million.

Despite a strong opening, topping Christmas Day ticket sales at the Box Office, Angelina Jolie‘s UNBROKEN alas places second this weekend with $33.3 million from 3,131 theatres for Universal Pictures.  Audiences were wowed with an A- CinemaScore, although Critics were left with mixed feelings for the once-Oscar Contender, tallying-in with a 51% score on the Tomatometer.

INTO THE WOODS debuts a strong third with $32.6 million from 2,440 theatres for Disney, which is all the more impressive considering it is playing in 800 less theatres than the top two finishers this weekend.  Audiences gave it a B CinemaScore, although Critics gave the star-studded affair a better 71% on the Tomatometer.

NIGHT AT THE MUSUEM: SECRET OF THE TOMB actually betters its first week performance this weekend with $21.6 million grossed from 3,914 theatres for 20th Century Fox.  In two weeks it has made $56.3 million.

ANNIE meanwhile isn’t disgraced with $17.3  million in its second week out for Sony Pictures, edging closer to that $50 million-mark domestically.

THE GAMBLER debuts in seventh with $8.3 million for Paramount Pictures from 2,478 theatres across North America.  Critics and Audiences alike agreed the Remake was less than stellar with a C+ CinemaScore and a 47% on the Tomatometer.

Oscar Contender THE IMITATION GAME expands to 747 theatres for Elevation Pictures/The Weinstein Co., earning a healthy $7.9 million in its fifth week out.

WILD also continues to perform well in just 1,285 theatres with $5.1 million for Fox Searclight, rounding-out the Top Ten.