DEC 20-22 BOX OFFICE REPORT: HOBBIT HANGS ON

A few new releases plus a couple of high profile expansions couldn't topple Smaug the Stupendous at the US box office over the pre-Christmas weekend. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (1) continues to trail The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey from the same period last year, though it held onto the top spot over newcomer Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2). That particular sequel made $26.2 million over the three days ($39.5 since its Wed. 18th opening) to The Hobbit's $31.5 million. Both American Hustle (4), after its amazing limited start the previous weekend, and Saving Mr. Banks (5), after its less amazing start, expanded nationwide, though neither grossed enough to kick Frozen (3) out of the Top 3.

The weekend's other new release, Walking with Dinosaurs (8) failed to meet even modest expectations, taking in $7.1 million. Right behind it was Bollywood film Dhoom 3 (9), whose $3.4 million meant $14,324 per-theatre, the second-highest of the weekend. The title of highest, though, goes to Spike Jonze's Her (23), opening in six theatres, though maybe not quite living up to pre-release hype. It performed much better than The Past (39), in just three theatres, but even it was a runaway success in comparison to The Selfish Giant (60), with a mere $863 per-theatre.

The Winner: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug ($31,505,278)

Highest Opener: Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues ($$26,232,425)

Top Per-Theatre Average: Her ($43,397)

Off to Box Office Mojo with you now!