By Franck Tabouring
Weekend of October 10 – 12, 2008

“Beverly Hills Chihuahua” clung to the top spot at the North American box office this weekend with $17.5 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday.

Walt Disney’s family adventure outran its competition by gaining momentum Saturday, lifting its domestic total to $52.5 million after two weeks in release. Directed by Raja Gosnell, the story centers on a spoiled chihuahua ending up astray in Mexico.

Debuting in second place with $14.2 million was Screen Gems’ horror remake “Quarantine,” which follows a group of people struggling to survive a night in a quarantined building.  

Following closely at No. 3 was Ridley Scott’s thriller “Body of Lies,” which collected $13.1 million at 2,710 locations. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe, the film follows two CIA agents on their quest to hunt down an international terrorist.

The remaining two wide releases this weekend failed to jump to the top part of the box office chart. Gary Fleder’s inspirational sports drama “The Express” ranked sixth with $4.7 million, while Gil Kenan’s “City of Ember” opened at No. 10 with only $3.2 million.

Meanwhile, D.J. Caruso’s action thriller “Eagle Eye” dropped to No. 4, collecting $11 million and reaching a total of $70.5 million after a strong three-week run. At No. 5, “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist” picked up $6.5 million, bringing its cumulative gross to $20.8 million.

George C. Wolfe’s romance drama “Nights in Rodanthe” dropped to seventh place this weekend, pulling in $4.6 million and lifting its total haul to $32.3 million. Based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks, the film centers on two single parents who fall in love at a beachside inn.

“Appaloosa” brought its domestic total to $10.8 million after weekend earnings of $3.3 million at No. 8. Directed by Ed Harris, the western focuses on two gunmen hired to police a small town.

Paramount Vantage’s period drama “The Duchess” finished ninth, picking up $3.3 million to reach a cumulative total to $5.6 million after four weeks in limited release. 

Source: Box Office Mojo (www.boxofficemojo.com)