LOS ANGELES – “Contraband” managed to steal the top slot away from competitors at the weekend box office.
The Universal action drama film starring Mark Wahlberg as a reformed smuggler debuted above expectations at No. 1 with $24 million, while Disney’s 3-D rerelease of “Beauty and the Beast” waltzed into the No. 2 position with $18.5 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. Both films helped boost Hollywood’s business after a sluggish holiday season.
“It’s great to have an uptick in the total box office, and Universal is thrilled that `Contraband’ was the driving force behind that,” said Nikki Rocco, head of distribution for the studio. “I think it’s combination of a great marketing campaign, audiences love Mark Wahlberg and (producer) Working Title made a terrific movie, particularly for the cost.”
“Joyful Noise,” the Warner Bros.’ musical comedy starring Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton, opened below expectations with $11.3 million in the No. 4 spot behind Paramount’s “Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol,” which earned $11.5 million in its fifth week, bringing the total haul of the fourth installment of the Tom Cruise action franchise to $186.7 million.
“The Devil Inside,” Paramount’s horror film that scared up a massive $33.7 million debut last weekend, experienced a
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