Murphy Still Reigns

Eddie Murphy’s “Coming to America” could rule the Billboard magazine rental chart for another two or three weeks. That’s about how long it should take “Twins”--released last week--to take over the top spot. “Pumpkinhead,” about a father seeking revenge against a biker gang, is a sleeper rental hit. Though this movie, featuring no stars, had only limited theatrical release, it’s already No. 18. “Without a Clue,” the Sherlock Holmes spoof starring Michael Caine and Ben Kingsley, earned $10.1 million at the box office and has Top-10 potential in the rental market. A slow, steady climber, it’s up to No. 20. “My Stepmother Is an Alien,” the comedy featuring Kim Basinger and Dan Aykroyd, debuted at No. 14.

* All the critical raves and Meryl Streep’s acting honors--including her umpteenth Oscar nomination and a New York Film Critics’ award--couldn’t turn “A Cry in the Dark” into a big theatrical hit. But “Cry” entered the rental chart at No. 16 and, on the strength of Streep’s appeal, could easily make the Top 10.

VIDEO CHARTS

Rental Rental Weeks Top Ranking Ranking 2 On Rental Rentals Last Week Weeks Ago Chart 1.”Coming to America” 1 4 4 (Paramount) 2.”The Accused” 2 2 6 (Paramount) 3.”Cocktail” 3 1 9 (Touchstone) 4.”Big” 4 3 12 (CBS-Fox) 5.”Gorillas in the Mist” 5 5 9 (MCA) * “A Cry in the Dark” ... ... 1 (Warner)