'Treasure' Strikes Box Office Gold Again

(andPOP) - The 2008 box office got off to a strong start as Disney's "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" looted the North American box office for a third straight weekend, taking in an estimated $20.2 million dollars, according to studio estimates.

Despite only one new movie opening in wide release this weekend, the top 12 movies took in $124 million, up 18.5 per cent from the first weekend of 2007. The recent surge in tickets sales has been a good sign for Hollywood after a weak fall season.

The "National Treasure" sequel starring Nicholas Cage boosted its domestic three-week total to $171 million. That's just $2 million short of the total taken in by 2004's "National Treasure" during its entire run.

Holding the No. 2 spot was "I Am Legend," which took in $16.4 million over the weekend. The apocalyptic sci-fi thriller starring Will Smith has grossed a whopping $229 million in total during its four-week run.

Indie flick "Juno," starring Canadians Ellen Page and Michael Cera, climbed from last weekend's fifth place to third with $16.2 million, while "Alvin and the Chipmunks" dropped from No. 2 to No. 4 with $16 million.

Rounding out the top 5 was "One Missed Call," based on a 2004 Japanese horror film. It exceeded industry projections with a debut of $13.5 million.