“The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies'” reign at the domestic box office has ended. The Liam Neeson-starrer raked in approximate $40.4 million on its debut weekend. The first “Taken” released way back in 2009 raked in $24.7 million on its first week, followed by the second instalment in 2012 with $49.5 million in 2012. Neeson returns as ex-covert operative Bryan Mills, whose reconciliation with his ex-wife is tragically cut short when she is brutally murdered.  Consumed with rage, and framed for the crime, he goes on the run to evade the relentless pursuit of the CIA, FBI and the police. For one last time, Mills must use his “particular set of skills,” to track down the real killers, exact his unique brand of justice, and protect the only thing that matters to him now – his daughter.

Check out the trailer for “Taken 3”

‘Taken 3’ Dethrones ‘The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies’ At The Box Office

‘Taken 3’ Dethrones ‘The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies’ At The Box Office

The Ava DuVernay directed  historical drama “Selma” claims the second spot with $11.2 million. The movie depicting a march from Selma to Montgomery in Alabama to fight for voting rights led by Martin Luther King Jr. also impressed critics. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes dished out a fresh rating of 99% so far, the critics consensus reads:

“Critics Consensus: Fueled by a gripping performance from David Oyelowo, Selma draws inspiration and dramatic power from the life and death of Martin Luther King, Jr. — but doesn’t ignore how far we remain from the ideals his work embodied.”

"Selma"

“Selma”

The musical flick “Into the Woods” starring Meryl Streep occupies third place with $9.7 million, followed by the “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” with $9.4 million. The top 5 is rounded up with the Angelina Jolie-directed “Unbroken” which raked in an additional $8.3 million in its third week since release.

 

Quick look at the top-grossing pictures in North American theaters, courtesy of Box Office Mojo:

  1. “Tak3n” – $40.4 million
  2. “Selma” – $11.2 million
  3. “Into the Woods” – $9.7 million
  4. “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” – $9.4 million
  5. “Unbroken” – $8.3 million
  6. “The Imitation Game” – $7.6 million
  7. “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” – $6.7 million
  8. “Annie” – $4.9 million
  9. “The Woman in Black: Angel of Death” – $4.8 million
  10. “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1” – $3.7 million