The Golden Compass [1] opened this past weekend to the tune of $26 million, easily taking the top spot [2] at the box office, but still disappointing New Line studio heads [3] who'd expected more like $30-40 million. This is especially frustrating given the $180 million it took to make the film.

Enchanted [4] followed behind The Golden Compass in its third week in theaters, bringing in $10.7 million while This Christmas came in at No. 3. Fred Claus [5] inched its way from sixth place to fourth this weekend, as audiences perhaps sought out more holiday-themed fare. Beowulf [6] rounded out the top five with $4.4 million.

This upcoming weekend I predict the top films will be I Am Legend [7] and Alvin and the Chipmunks [8], though it should also please many folks that Juno [9] finally opens in more cinemas this weekend.

Photo courtesy of New Line [10]