'Machete' leads Friday box office!

Ladies and gentlemen, we're in for another tight race at the North American box office this weekend as "Machete" and "The American" face off for the cherished No. 1 spot. It's too close to call right now.

According to estimates, "Machete" came in first with $3.9 million Firday, although "The American" followed closely with $3.8 million. It will come down to the actuals to really determine what film won the race.

The one new release out of the race for the top spot is "Going the Distance," which only pulled $2.2 million, enough for fifth place. Strangely enough, it's the flick with the widest release this weekend.

Robert Rodriguez's "Machete" is playing at 2,670 locations, while "The American" with George Clooney shows at 2,823 sites. "Distance," which stars Justin Long and Drew Barrymore, debuted in 3,030 theaters.

Meanwhile, "Takers" performed rather well at No. 3, bringing in another $3.1 million for a total gross of $29.5 million. Following in fourth place was "The Last Exorcism," which finished with $2.2 million.

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