How to Train Your Dragon Takes the Lead

Before the weekend began, I was absolutely positive that The Losers would walk away with the number one slot. It may not be a victory by a wide margin, but I was certain it would win with all of the advertising that was going on for it. It looks like I was wrong. Clearly. The film failed to take the top spot, or the second spot. It finished way back in fourth place where it failed to crack the $10 million mark and very nearly came in fifth as Kick Ass was right on its tail.The weekend winner is the film that nearly overtook Kick Ass last week, the 3D animated feature How to Train Your Dragon. The Dreamworks film really is having a nice run and I am very happy for it. It is a wonderful family film that makes a familiar story involving, has some very nice animation, a big heart, and some great 3D. Also, fans should know that a sequel is being planned for a 2013 release. Yes, I know that is a long way off but that should mean plenty of time to do it right.

Second place belongs to the debut of Jennifer Lopez's latest big screen effort, The Back Up Plan. I have no interest in seeing this and have not read much positive buzz for it. The commercials look like a cheap sitcom. Lopez plays a woman tired of looking for Mr. Right and decides to start a family on her own. After a successful clinic visit she meets a man who may be the right guy. Comedy ensues. Sorry, it just looks pedestrian and I suspect it will not have a long shelf life.Date Night lays claim to third place. While it is no classic, it is a fun comedy that is different than your typical rom-com and stars a couple of very funny sitcom stars. This is one I suggest you check out if you haven't. I am glad to see it having a nice run.

There is nothing particularly special in the back half. Well, there is the arrival of Disney's latest documentary release, Oceans, debuting in eight place. Primarily it just last week's returning films sliding down a little bit. Next week they will slip a little more.