'Paul Blart' secures No. 1 spot at Friday box office

Kevin James' new comedy "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" topped the North American box office Friday with an estimated $9.7 million in ticket sales. In the Steve Carr-directed film, James plays a security guard trying to protect his mall from a group of crooks.

Debuting at No. 2 with a surprising $8.2 million was "Notorious," which opened at only 1,637 locations this weekend. New entry "My Bloody Valentine 3-D" followed in third place, earning $8.2 million also. "Notorious" emerged as the movie with the higher theater average.

Meanwhile, Clint Eastwood's "Gran Torino" slipped to No. 4, collecting $6.2 million and reaching $57.2 million. The movie follows a racist Korean War veteran who forms an unusual bond with a Hmong teenager.

At No. 5, Thor Freudenthal's family adventure "Hotel for Dogs" debuted with $4.3 million. Emma Roberts and Jake T. Austin star as two siblings rescuing stray dogs and hiding them in an abandoned hotel.

Other Friday box office results: "Defiance" finished eighth with a daily gross of $2.7 million; "Last Chance Harvey" pulled in $1.2 million at No. 12; and "Revolutionary Road" took home $480,000 at No. 18.

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

Comments

[Allan]

Never overestimate the intelligence of the movie-going public!