Not unlike the previous weekend, The Rite and The Mechanic were the only new release of the week, giving audiences a chance to catchup with previous films while audiences also gave more attention to the recent string of Oscar nominated films. Still because of a lack of big new movie in theaters, attendance was again down 12% compared to last year when Avatar was out for the 7th week and still ruling as the number one movie in the US and worldwide.

The Rite was able to draw in $15 million for the first spot with a $37 million production budget, marking Anthony Hopkins biggest none Hannibal Lecture role. The movie opened on 3,200 screens at 2,985 locations and was the first none 3D number one movie in America in a while.

Jason Stathams “The Mechanic” was the second new release of the weekend and landed in the number 4th slot, fixing in a modest $11.5 million from audiences on 2,900 screens at 2,703 locations. This marked a better then average opening for the action star who is most known for his Transporter and Crank series though my favorite role of his continues to be in The Italian Job. Like that movie, the Mechanic was a remake of a 1972 film.

Last weeks number one movie, No Strings Attached had some staying power and was able to string in audiences for a second place spot, pulling in $13.7 million. Down 31%, compared to the week prior, he Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher R rated romantic comedy has grossed $39.7. Sony Pictures The Green Hornet, now on it’s 3rd weekend was still able to resinate with audiences and have them turn over $11.5 million, despite being down 35% to the week prior. The Superhero comedy has been able to bag in $78.8 million so far to become the number 2 superhero comedy, thought it will never take the number one spot from Pixars Incredibles which sits on top with $261 million.

Other titles like The King’s Speech, Black Swan, True Grit and The Fighter were able to get the expected Oscar bump and help in their box office takes. Expanding from 2,557 locations, up 877 from last weekend, The King’s Speech earned $11.1 million, up 41% from the prior week and sits at a current total of $72.2 million. With only a $15 million budget, this will put a sure smile on the Weinstein companies face. The Swan, now out for 59 days drew in another $5.1 million for a $90.7 million total while The Fighter grabbed $4.1 for a $78.4 million while being out for 52 days. With 40 days in and another $7.6 towards it’s credit from the weekend, True Grit sits at an astonishing $148.4 million.

Last but not least and my current favorite film still out; Tron Legacy on it’s 11th weekend out was able to digitize another $2.5 million towards its take, putting the film at $166.7 million US take and $362.7 million total world wide.