‘Falling Down’ Doesn’t

The way it’s going, “Falling Down,” starring Michael Douglas as a Los Angeleno gone berserk, won’t be falling down the chart any time soon. Many retailers report that it’s been their top rental for the last few weeks. When “Falling Down” does topple, it will probably be replaced by the fast-rising romantic comedy/fantasy “Groundhog Day, which scurried to No. 3 in just two weeks. The other hot new movie is “Point of No Return,” the action drama featuring Bridget Fonda, No. 11 in its second week. Based on a solid showing in theaters--$27.5 million gross--it may have enough appeal to crack the Top Five. In the family-movie market, many retailers say that “Homeward Bound: the Incredible Journey” is the runaway leader.

*”Alive,” the drama about a South American rugby team stranded after a plane crash, did lively business at the box office--$36.3-million gross. Its video opened at No. 14 but should scale the rental chart quickly. Though it features no well-known stars, the grisly survival story is a strong selling point.

National Video Rentals

Rank Weeks Last on the Week Chart 1. “Falling Down” 3 4 2. “Scent of a Woman” 1 6 3. “Groundhog Day” 11 2 4. “The Bodyguard” 2 9 5. “Unforgiven” 4 9 6. “Sommersby” 6 5 7. “A Few Good Men” 5 10 8. “Benny & Joon” 7 4 9. “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” 9 4 10. “Home Alone 2” 8 6 * “Alive” ... 1

Source: Billboard Publications Inc.