By Franck Tabouring

Weekend of August 22 – 24, 2008

“Tropic Thunder” topped the North American box office for the second consecutive weekend with $16.1 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday.

Ben Stiller’s critically acclaimed action comedy managed to fend off a bunch of new releases, lifting its domestic total to $65.6 million after a solid two-week run. Starring Stiller, Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr., the film centers on a group of actors on the run from ruthless criminals.

Following closely in second place was new entry “The House Bunny,” which debuted with $15.1 million. The Fred Wolf-directed comedy stars Anna Faris as a Playboy bunny who becomes the housemother of an unpopular sorority after being tossed out of the mansion.

Opening at No. 3 with $12.2 million was Paul W.S. Anderson’s “Death Race,” in which Jason Statham plays a prisoner who’s forced to participate in a brutal car race.

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By Franck Tabouring

Weekend of August 15 – 17, 2008

Ben Stiller’s action comedy “Tropic Thunder” kicked “The Dark Knight" off its throne at the North American box office this weekend with $26 million, according to studio estimates Sunday.

Since its release Wednesday, “Thunder” has lifted its domestic total to $37 million. Starring Stiller, Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr., the movie follows a group of actors who are pursued by ruthless criminals after their director drops them off in the middle of the jungle.

Slipping to No. 2, Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” took home $16,7 million this weekend, bringing its total gross to $471.4 million after five impressive weeks in release.

Debuting in third place with $15.5 million was Warner’s computer-animated action adventure “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” which serves as an introduction to the upcoming television series of the same title.

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