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The Paramount micro-budge movie ascended two slots from last week's third, triumphant with the top sales of 2,200 million U.S. dollars in Canadian and American theaters over three days beginning Friday, according to preliminary estimate released by North America box office authorities.
Lauded by TIME as "the horror phenomenon," "Paranormal Activity" is about a young, middle class couple who were haunted by an eerie presence in the middle of the night after they moved into a suburban house. In total, the budget movie has amassed 62.5 million dollars over its five weeks of release. Considering the flick was shot within one week and costs about 10,000 dollars, it drew wide attention and disbelief. It almost set a precedent in money-making.
Lionsgate's "Saw VI," a new franchise based on the same "saw" storyline, debuted this weekend with 14.8 million dollars, far less than the first five installments' average 29 million dollars, a letdown outcome for its producers and distributors. A new role, Detective Hoffman emerged as the unchallenged successor to Jigsaw's legacy and he is forced to set a game into motion.
Last week's top money earner, "Where the Wild Things Are," a live action by Warner Bros. slipped two places to third, with 14.42 million dollars, a 56 percent drop from the previous week. It has grossed some 55 million dollars in North American movie theaters.
"Couples Retreat," a comedy by Universal, is the only film among top five that are not classified as horror or cartoon. It stands at fourth place with 11 million dollars. Its three-week totals amount to 78.2 million dollars.
Another weekend debut, "Astro Boy," an American 3-D animation based on the original manga series by Japan's "God of Manga" Osamu Tezuka from Summit Entertainment, netted 7 million dollars.