Mark Wahlberg's 'Contraband' Claims Champion Title on Box Office

The R-rated action movie grosses around $24.1 million on its debut weekend, knocking down 'Beauty and the Beast' 3D re-release which lands on the runner-up spot with an estimated $18.5 million.

Universal Pictures' action film "Contraband" claims the top spot on the North American box office. The Mark Wahlberg-starring R-rated movie, which cost an estimated $25 million to produce, grosses around $24 million on its opening weekend. Landing on the runner-up place is the 3D re-release of Walt Disney Pictures' "Beauty and the Beast". "Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol" secures the third place on the chart. Another newcomer this week, "Joyful Noise", finishes on number four with an estimated income of more than $11 million. According to AceShowbiz, receiving an "A-" CinemaScore, the comedy stars Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton. Rounding up the top five is "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows".

Top Ten Movies at Box Office for January 13 - 15, 2012:

1. "Contraband" - $24.1 million
2. "Beauty and the Beast (1991)" 3D - $18.5 million
3. "Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol" - $11.5 million
4. "Joyful Noise" - 11.3 million
5. "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" - $8.4 million
6. "The Devil Inside" - $7.9 million
7. "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)" - $6.8 million
8. "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chip-Wrecked" - $5.8 million
9. "War Horse" - $5.6 million
10. "The Iron Lady" - $5.3 million

(AceShowbiz)