The Help topped the box office in its third weekend at play while the impact of the hurricane on the east coast shows its significance. As such, we've been warned that estimates from studios may change drastically.
The DreamWorks release starring Emma Stone, Viola Davis and Bryce Dallas Howard, added $14.3 million from 2,778 venues, averaging $5,196 per location and edging towards the $100 million domestic box office mark with around $96.3 million total. Film added 88 more venues.
In second place, Sony's Colombiana starring Zoe Saldana, Jordi Molla, Lennie James, Michael Vartan and Cliff Curtis, debuted with $10.3 million from 2,614 locations, averaging $3,940 per theater. The Transporter 3 team of director Olivier Megaton and writers Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen, reunite for the actioner.
Third-placed Troy Nixey horror Don't Be Afraid of the Dark produced by Guillermo del Toro, made its opening run in 2,760 theaters, grossing $8.68 million at an average of $3,148 per location. Guy Pearce, Katie Holmes and Bailee Madison star.
Fox's Rise of the Planet of the Apes showed a 46% change in its fourth weekend box office trial, grossing $8.65 million from 3,374 venues and could very easily swap places with Don't Be Afraid of the Dark come Monday actual figures.
Ending the top five charts, Weinstein Co's comedy Our Idiot Brother starring Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel, Emily Mortimer, Steve Coogan and Hugh Dancy, flopped with a paltry $6.58 million and should fade off the top ten list with ease.
Year-to-date revenue is at around $7.273 billion vs. 2010's $7.6 billion at the same time, down by 4.35%. Attendance is down by 5.31%.
Best of luck to all of those struggling with Hurricane Irene. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Check back on Monday for actual movie box office results.