'The American' kills at box office Wednesday

Yes, people still seem interested in checking out what George Clooney is up to on the big screen, because "The American" debuted at No. 1 at the box office Wednesday with an estimated $1.6 million.

Directed by Anton Corbijn, "The American" follows an assassin who embarks on a final mission before retiring. Holed up in a small Italian village, Clooney puts together a weapon while dating a prostitute.

Okay, that's a rough synopsis. Anyway, "The American" dethroned "Takers" Wednesday. "Takers" dropped to second place with a daily gross of $1.2 million. "The Last Exorcism" took $941,797 in third place.

Opening tomorrow and challenging "The American" are "Going the Distance" with Drew Barrymore and Justin Long, as well as "Machete," which stars Danny Trejo, Steven Seagal and Jessica Alba.

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