An adult-targeted film prevailed over three others aimed at younger moviegoers as The Town [TOWN] grossed an estimated $23.8 million to lead the weekend box office. Strong reviews convinced audiences that Ben Affleck [BAFFL] has cemented his comeback as a leading man in a film he also directed. With great word of mouth, the heist thriller should enjoy healthy returns for many weeks to come.
Easy A [EASYA] opened in second place with $18.2 million. The high school comedy also earned favorable reviews, which should present a better hold than the typical teen-targeted film.
Devil [NCDEV] sold $12.6 million to claim the third spot. The horror film is likely to fade quickly from the box office.
Last weekend's champ Resident Evil: Afterlife [RESE4] finished fourth at $10.1 million. The 3D sequel declined 62% in its second playthrough bringing its cumulative total to nearly $44 million.
Indicating a limit to the number of 3D animated films family audiences are willing to bear, Alpha & Omega [ALPOM] debuted in fifth place with just $9.2 million.
| Rank | TITLE | F-S-S | TOTAL |
| 1 | THE TOWN | $23,800,000 | $23,800,000 |
| 2 | EASY A | $18,200,000 | $18,200,000 |
| 3 | DEVIL | $12,584,320 | $12,584,320 |
| 4 | RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE | $10,100,000 | $43,991,000 |
| 5 | ALPHA & OMEGA | $9,200,000 | $9,200,000 |
| 6 | TAKERS | $3,000,000 | $52,346,000 |
| 7 | THE AMERICAN | $2,756,258 | $32,856,212 |
| 8 | INCEPTION | $2,015,000 | $285,178,000 |
| 9 | THE OTHER GUYS | $2,000,000 | $115,431,000 |
| 10 | EAT, PRAY, LOVE | $1,700,000 | $77,686,000 |
| 11 | MACHETE | $1,700,000 | $24,335,804 |
| 12 | THE EXPENDABLES | $1,400,000 | $101,050,000 |
Source: Exhibitor Relations Co.
Tag(s): TOWN, BAFFL, EASYA, NCDEV, RESE4, ALPOM