Despite the opening of three much anticipated films, 'Batman Begins' continued to hold the top spot at the box office this weekend, taking in $26.8 million. The prequel, starring Christian Bale and Katie Holmes has now taken in $121.7 million in the 12 days since it has opened.
Second place belonged to 'Bewitched,' a re-imagining of the popular late 1960s television show starring Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell. The film received mixed reviews but still opened with a gross of $20.2 million.
'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie stayed strong with a third place finish, taking in another $16.75 million.
Two new openings came in fourth and fifth. Both of these new films disappointed at the box office this weekend. Disney's 'Herbie: Fully Loaded' starring Lindsay Lohan, was next with $12.75 million. The film actually debuted last Wednesday and has taken in $17.8 million since then. It is unclear whether it will be enough to revive the 'Love Bug' films.
Fifth place belonged to 'George Romero's Land of the Dead,' the latest in Romero's zombie films that began with 'Night of the Living Dead.' 'Land of the Dead' earned only $10.2 million.
Rounding out the top 10 were 'Madagascar,' 'Star Wars: Episode III--Revenge of the Sith,' 'The Longest Yard,' 'The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D' and 'Cinderella Man.'
Hollywood has seen box office grosses for the top 12 films decrease over last year for the 18th straight week now. Theater owners are hoping that the Steven Spielberg summer epic 'War of the Worlds' starring Tom Cruise will help ticket sales. It will have to counter last year's strong opening of 'Spider-Man 2' which took in $180 million in its first six days of release over the last 4th of July weekend.
