Lions eat Crowe

Jun 06, 2005 by Ian Evans

This round goes to Madagascar, as the animated comedy clawed its way to the top spot this weekend with an estimated $28.7 million. Adam Sandler and Chris Rock also did some climbing, as their remake of The Longest Yard tackled second with $26.1 million.

George Lucas and his Jedi Knights finally decided to let someone else play, relinquishing the top spot after three weekends. Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith moved to third with $26 million.

Russell Crowe’s Depression-era boxing flick, Cinderella Man, failed to meet analysts’ expectations, heading into the corner with $18.6 million in its first round. Universal, which was counter-programming this Oscar® hopeful against the popcorn flicks, says they’ll keep a steady hand on this one to see it through the summer.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants rounded out the top five with $10.25 million, while another debut this week, Lords of Dogtown, was in sixth with $5.7 million.