Usually, this time of the year really belongs to “Saw,” but this year, the latest installment in the bloody horror franchise has some serious competition: “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.”

Not only does “High School Musical” have a massive fan base, but it is also the widest release with 3,623 locations. David Hackl’s “Saw V” debuts at 3,060 sites.

“Max Payne” has been clinging to the top spot of the box office all week, picking up another $978,033 Wednesday. The film’s domestic total now stands at $21.1 million.

Meanwhile, Oliver Stone’s “W.” moved up to second place, collecting $683,823 to reach a cumulative of $12.8 million. “The Secret Life of Bees” finished third with $667,519 Wednesday, bringing its total to $12.6 million.

It’s pretty safe to assume this week’s new releases will easily jump to the top of the box office chart. The “Saw” flicks usually pull in around $31 million during opening weekend, and I believe the fifth installment will keep up this tradition.

Besides the weekend’s potential winner “High School Musical 3: Senior Year,” the only other wide release is Gavin O’Connor’s “Pride and Glory,” with Colin Farrell and Edward Norton in the lead roles.

Have a happy movie weekend!

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