'Avatar' pulls $3.5M at midnight screenings

James Cameron's 3D sci-fi epic "Avatar" delivered a solid start as it scored an estimated $3.5 million from midnight screenings Friday. The film played at 2,000 locations (85 percent of the showings were in 3D).

Of course, "Avatar" didn't come close to any midnight record holders. "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" is still No. 1 with $26.3 million, followed by "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" with $22.2 million.

Still, "Avatar" is not a sequel, and this decent midnight run may help the film score a strong opening weekend gross. The film is now playing in 2D, 3D and 3D IMAX at approximately 3,452 locations.

"Avatar" takes us to a spectacular new world beyond our imagination, where a reluctant hero embarks on a journey of redemption, discovery and unexpected love, as he leads a heroic battle to save a civilization.

Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriguez and Zoe Saldana star. Look for my positive "Avatar" review later today.

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