The big-budget Paramount production, which is praised for its unique retro-style, was deliberately released after the summer rush.

Set in 1939, the film sees ace reporter (Paltrow) investigating the sudden disappearances of the world's most famous scientists. Connecting these disappearances to the recent attack by giant robots, she teams up with Joseph 'Sky Captain' Sullivan (Law) to save the world.

The success of the film will spell a sigh of relief for Angelina Jolie, whose recent efforts have been fruitless at the box office.

The film opened in 3,170 sites, where it averaged $4,915 per theater.