Ben Stiller was king of the box office over the holiday weekend as his new comedy, “Night at the Museum,” took top spot.

The movie, based on a children’s book, took in $30.8 million U.S. from Friday through Sunday, reports Reuters.

“Museum” was joined in the top three by another new opener, “Rocky Balboa.” The latest in Sylvester Stallone’s boxing film saga brought in $12.5 million to take third spot.

Will Smith’s latest, “The Pursuit of Happyness,” fell out of first place to land in second spot. It trailed far behind “Museum” with a take of only $15 million.

Though the earnings for “Museum” were about $10 million higher than studio estimates, it was still a slow weekend as shoppers and travellers geared up for Christmas. Ticket sales are expected to jump back on Christmas day and through the holiday week.






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