The battling magicians of “The Prestige” topped the weekend box office, besting WWII drama “Flags of Our Fathers” by more than $4 million U.S.

According to Reuters, the Hugh Jackman/Christian Bale-starring film conjured up $14.8 million in ticket sales for its debut. Dropping into second place was Martin Scorsese’s “The Departed” with $13.7 million in its third weekend, while Clint Eastwood’s “Flags” broke into the top three with $10.2 million.

Though some had expected “Flags” to come out on top, it opened in about 400 theatres fewer than “Prestige,” a possible explanation for its final sales figures.

The weekend’s other new films, “Flicka” and “Marie Antoinette,” came in fifth and eighth place with $5.3 million and $7.7 million, respectively. Studios backing both films said they were satisfied with the results.






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