Universal's "Funny People" became the champion at the North American box office this weekend, taking in an estimated 23.4 million dollars over the three-day period, according to preliminary figures released on August 2.
But the comedy film directed by Judd Apatow marks the lowest opening tally for a No. 1 movie this year, as well as the worst opening in more than four years for Adam Sandler, who plays a comedian diagnosed with a fatal disease.
The latest Harry Potter film was buoyed by its release in Imax theaters this weekend, as "Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince" retained its No. 2 position with 17.7 million dollars, for a total of 255.5 million dollar in the continent since its opening three week ago.
Last week's box office leader, Disney's animated comedy "G-Force," slipped to third with 17.1 million dollars over the weekend. It has grossed 66.5 million dollars in North America since its release last week.
Rounding out the top five movies this weekend are Sony's romantic comedy "The Ugly Truth" with 13 million dollars, and 20thCentury Fox's sci-fi action "Aliens in the Attic," which debuted with 7.8 million dollars.
