The King rules USBO

There wasn't much surprise in the steady march of The Return Of The King that conquered a mighty $290 million in just 19 days in North America, in addition to about $330 million abroad.

But there was some surprise in the way the two films led by older stars held sway. A third one, Calendar Girls, began making more friends across America as it successfully expanded from 42 theatres to 745.

Cheaper By The Dozen, at the second spot starring Steve Martin, is a film about a man who has to take care of 12 children, as the family moves from a small town to a big city. Many may consider it an old-fashioned film. Yet, it grossed $85.6 million in two weeks. The film, which cost less than $50 million, could be profitable by next weekend. It may also surpass the $135 million domestic gross of Bringing Down The House and become the highest grossing film in the career of 58-year-old-actor.

In third place was yet another comedy, starring Jack Nicholson, 66, and Diane Keaton, 57, Something's Gotta Give. The film had one of the lowest declines from the previous week and it is on its way to exceed $100 million. It came down by 11 per cent. The Last Samurai fell by 10 per cent and the highest decline was for ROTK, about 42 per cent.

There has been no major disaster this season. Even duds like the sci-fi adventure Paycheck, which followed Cold Mountain at fourth spot, looks like it could make some money if the overseas market welcomes it more.

Once considered a risky venture for the medium-sized producer Miramax, the $80 million Civil War drama, Cold Mountain heads for a decent $75-$80 million run in North America. With a significant number of Oscar nominations, its fortune may be significantly better.

The Julia Robert academic drama Mona Lisa Smile is also having a decent run at the seventh position, following the $100 million film Peter Pan, which many people consider to be a flop because of its lack luster business ($34 million in 10 days). But if the film, which could end its North American run with about $55 million, does well abroad and its DVD sales are excellent, it could at least break even.

At eighth spot, the Tom Cruise adventure The Last Samurai has reached $90 million and may add another $10 million in the coming weeks. Though considered a disappointment in America because of its budget, estimated by many to be about $120 million, the film could be a bigger hit abroad. Already, it has grossed a rewarding $50 million in Japan where it may earn at least half that amount in the coming weeks.

The British comedy import Calendar Girls, about a group of dedicated and daring older women who pose nude to raise money for a good cause, was the only newcomer on the chart at the ninth position. After showing in a handful cities and 42 screens for two weeks, the comedy expanded to hundreds of theatres last Friday.

While most films on the top 10 list were in more than 2,500 theatres, Calendar Girls danced in just about 745 and yet took home an encouraging $4.7 million. The movie, which has grossed $60 million in limited exposure abroad from which $30 million came from England, was made for about $10 million. It will have several more expansions in the coming weeks, in the hope of increasing its theatre count to about 1500.

Its cast is led by 58-year-old Helen Mirren, one of the best character actresses in England.

The black comedy Bad Santa was still laughing merrily at those who thought it had no place in a jolly season. It is on its way to a decent $60-$62 million gross.

The box office this week:

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