By Chris Kavan - 07/18/10 at 08:25 PM CT
As expected, Christopher Nolan's Inception took top spot with a $60.4 million opening. Audiences didn't mind a more in-depth story and the high secrecy surrounding the plot.
On the other hand, Disney's The Sorcerer's Apprentice failed to gain much audience, earning only $24 million over five days and taking 3rd place. Despicable Me held up well in its second week, dropping only 42% and keeping 2nd place with an estimated $32.7 million.
The franchise numbers for Twilight and Toy Story continue to rise, thanks to $13.5 million and $12 million respective takes. But it's not looking so good for the Predator franchise. Predators took a massive 73% drop to land in 8th with $6.8 and a $40 million total so far.
Overall numbers were up 10% from last year when Half-Blood Prince opened to $78 million. I see fewer big name titles ahead - Salt and Scott Pilgrim are two of the bigger names, but it remains to be seen if Hollywood can maintain its winning streak.
