Moviegoers Escape To "Madagascar" Again For A #1 Debut At The Box Office

November 9, 2008 8:06 p.m. EST

Miami, FL (CNS) -- Moviegoers couldn't escape a trip to theaters for "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa", the sequel to the 2005 hit Dreamworks animated comedy.

The story of wise-cracking New York City zoo animals stranded this time in the African savannah earned an impressive $63.5 million in its first weekend. Featuring the voice talents of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer and Jada Pinkett-Smith, the original "Madagascar" earned $47 million in its first week.

The second highest debut came from the R-Rated comedy "Role Models", earning $19.5 million. The film stars Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott as two slackers who must perform community service as mentors to troubled children.

Disney's "High School Musical 3: Senior Year" dropped to the #3 spot this week taking in $9.3 million. Now in its third weekend in release, the film has garnered more than $75 million at the box office. A sing-along edition, with highlighted lyrics on the screen, hit limited theaters this weekend.

"Changeling", the Angelina Jolie drama continued at #4 this weekend, earning $7.3 million. The film, about a woman who searches for her missing son, was directed by Clint Eastwood.

The Kevin Smith-directed comedy "Zack and Miri Make a Porno" dropped to #5 this week with $6.5 million. The film stars Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks as cash-strapped roommates who film a pornographic movie in order to make ends meet.

The last debut in the top 10 is "Soul Men" which earned $5.6 million coming in at #6. The film stars the late Bernie Mac and Samuel L. Jackson as former soul singers reunited for a final concert.

Box office this weekend was up an impressive 32 percent from the same weekend last year.

The Top 10 Weekend Box Office For November 7th - November 9th

1. Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, $63.5 million
2. Role Models, $19.2 million
3. High School Musical 3: Senior Year, $9.3 million
4. Changeling, $7.3 million
5. Zack and Miri Make a Porno, $6.5 million
6. Soul Men, $5.6 million
7. Saw V, $4.2 million
8. The Haunting of Molly Hartley, $3.5 million
9. The Secret Life of Bees, $3.1 million
10. Eagle Eye, $2.6 million