Usually, this time of the year really belongs to “Saw,” but this year, the latest installment in the bloody horror franchise has some serious competition: “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.”

Not only does “High School Musical” have a massive fan base, but it is also the widest release with 3,623 locations. David Hackl’s “Saw V” debuts at 3,060 sites.

“Max Payne” has been clinging to the top spot of the box office all week, picking up another $978,033 Wednesday. The film’s domestic total now stands at $21.1 million.

Meanwhile, Oliver Stone’s “W.” moved up to second place, collecting $683,823 to reach a cumulative of $12.8 million. “The Secret Life of Bees” finished third with $667,519 Wednesday, bringing its total to $12.6 million.

It’s pretty safe to assume this week’s new releases will easily jump to the top of the box office chart. The “Saw” flicks usually pull in around $31 million during opening weekend, and I believe the fifth installment will keep up this tradition.

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By Franck Tabouring
Weekend of October 17 – 19, 2008

“Max Payne” topped the North American box office this weekend with $18 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday.

Directed by John Moore, the PG-13 rated film based on the popular video game easily dominated its competition by gaining an early lead Friday. Starring Mark Wahlberg, the film follows a grieving detective who has made it his mission to avenge those responsible for his family’s murders.

Still going strong at No. 2 was last week’s box office champion “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” which collected $11.2 million to bring its domestic total to $69 million after three weeks in theaters. Walt Disney’s family adventure directed by Raja Gosnell centers on a spoiled dog ending up astray in the middle of Mexico.

Debuting in third place with $11 million this weekend was Gina Prince-Bythewood’s adaptation of “The Secret Life of Bees,” the dramatic story of a young girl finding new hope and love inside the house of an African-American family of beekeepers. Dakota Fanning, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson and Alicia Keys star.

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“Max Payne” delivered a strong performance at the North American box office Friday with $7.1 million at the No. 1 spot.

The John Moore-directed adaptation of the popular video game had the widest release at 3,376 locations this weekend, gaining an early lead in what could transform into a solid three-day gross Sunday.

Debuting in second place with $3.8 million was Oliver Stone’s “W.,” which chronicles the life and career of George W. Bush. Following closely at No. 3 was “The Secret Life of Bees,” which collected $3.6 million in ticket sales.

Things didn’t work out that well for “Sex Drive,” the week’s fourth wide release. Sean Anders’ comedy about a loser who takes a road trip to meet his online girlfriend opened at No. 9 with only $1.3 million.

Meanwhile, “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” dropped to fourth place, earning $3 million and reaching a total haul of $60.9 million. At No. 5, “Eagle Eye” picked up $2.2 million to bring its domestic total to $76.2 million.

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