 Following a strong start from "Fast Five" last week, the summer movie season started off strong this weekend with the new superhero flick, "Thor," which beat out all new releases and last weekend's top film to become the #1 movie in the country.
The 3D action picture from Paramount, based on the Marvel comic, earned the top spot with $66 million at the weekend box office.
In the film, Australian actor Chris Hemsworth stars as the arrogant god of thunder who's sent down to Earth as punishment. It also stars Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman and Stellan Skarsgard.
"Thor" wasn't the smash that other superhero movies have been, but it still exceeded studio expectations, which were around $55 million, reports the Associated Press. It had the third-highest opening for a Marvel franchise launch, behind "Spider-Man," which made $115 million in 2002; and "Iron Man," which made $98.6 million in 2008.
In second place, dropping from #1 last weekend, was the car-racing sequel "Fast Five", taking in another $32.5 million for a total of nearly $140 million in just 10 days.
Opening in a close third and fourth place were two wedding-themed movies -- "Jumping The Broom" and "Something Borrowed."
"Jumping the Broom" came in third with $13.7 million, higher than studio expectations, which were around $10 million, said the AP. In it, Angela Bassett and Loretta Devine star as the mothers of two families that clash as they're about to be united in their children's marriage.
In at #4 was Warner Bros' romantic drama, "Something Borrowed," based on the Emily Giffin best-seller, which made about $13.2 million. The film stars Ginnifer Goodwin as a lawyer who realizes she's in love with the fiance of her best friend, played by Kate Hudson.
And closing out the top five was "Rio," earning $8.2 million over the weekend, taking its four-week total to $114.9 million.
Outside the top 10 was a couple limited releases.
At #16 was the drama "There Be Dragons", earning $689,000 at just 259 theaters.
Summit Entertainment's "The Beaver," starring Mel Gibson as a depressed man who communicates through a beaver hand puppet, which made $104,000 at 22 theaters. Directed by and co-starring Jodie Foster, the dramedy marks Gibson's first major role since a series of off-screen rants and scandals tarnished his reputation. It expands nationwide May 20.
That's a wrap for this weekend. Next weekend, look out for Universal's comedy "Bridesmaids", and Sony's action horror "Priest" in 3D, starring Paul Bettany.
This weekend's top 10 is as follows:
1 - "Thor," $66 million.
2 - "Fast Five," $32.5 million.
3 - "Jumping the Broom," $13.7 million.
4 - "Something Borrowed," $13.2 million.
5 - "Rio," $8.2 million.
6 - "Water for Elephants," $5.6 million.
7 - "Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family," $3.9 million.
8 - "Prom," $2.4 million.
9 - "Soul Surfer," $2.1 million.
10 - "Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil," $1.9 million.
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