"Charlie" Sells a Lot of Golden Tickets to Snatch the Box Office Prize

Another summer weekend, another massive opening. Knocking "Fantastic Four" out of the number one spot, Tim Burton‘s "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" pulled in just over $55 million during its first three days of release. Pretty impressive numbers, especially considering how many kiddies were at home with their noses joyously stuck in the brand-new "Harry Potter" book!

Also debuting in exceedingly fine form was the Owen Wilson / Vince Vaughn comedy "Wedding Crashers," which handily surpassed the expectations of its own studio and hauled in just over $32 million in its opening weekend. New Line marketing chief Russell Schwartz would like to thank the critics: "We were looking for a minimum of $25 million. The reviews jumped the older audience and probably accounted for the additional box office."

Down nearly 60% from its opening weekend was "Fantastic Four," which tallied about $22.5 million in its sophomore frame, but also managed to pass the $100m mark in pretty speedy fashion. Rounding out the top five were "War of the Worlds," with $15 million ($192m total), and "Batman Begins," with $5.6 million ($182m total).

Next Friday sees the release of four new wide releases: the indie rap drama "Hustle & Flow," Rob Zombie‘s "The Devil’s Rejects," Paramount’s "Bad News Bears" remake, and Michael Bay‘s sci-fi actioner "The Island."

For a closer look at the weekend numbers, you’re more than welcome to visit the Rotten Tomatoes box office page.