‘U-571’ Surfaces at No. 1; ‘Basketball’ Scores at No. 2

The submarine flick “U-571” surfaced as the new box-office leader in its opening weekend, sending another military drama sinking into third place, according to studio estimates Sunday.

“U-571,” a World War II yarn starring Matthew McConaughey and Harvey Keitel, took in $20.3 million for the weekend.

Its success helped push “Rules of Engagement,” the military court drama starring Samuel L. Jackson and Tommy Lee Jones, down two slots with $8 million after two weeks as the No. 1 movie.

Second place was grabbed by “Love and Basketball,” co-produced by Spike Lee, which debuted with $8.4 million.

“U-571” centers on the crew of a U.S. submarine sent to steal a decoding device from a disabled German U-boat. When their sub is sunk, the Americans take over the enemy vessel and try to navigate it home.

Though submarine movies are fairly rare, recent ones have done well. “The Hunt for Red October” topped the box office with $17.2 million in its opening weekend in 1990, and “Crimson Tide” was No. 1 with $18.6 million in 1995.

The success of “U-571” came in spite of its debut during the Easter weekend, when many moviegoers stay home with their families.

“It’s a thrill ride, and audiences are really responding,” said Nikki Rocco, head of distribution for Universal, which released “U-571.” “Easter weekend is a tough weekend for the business, so we’re really happy.”

The film continues Hollywood’s recent trend of opening big action movies well before Memorial Day, the start of the summer film season. Other pre-Memorial Day hits have included “Twister” in 1996, “Deep Impact” in 1998 and “The Matrix” and “The Mummy” last year.

“ ‘U-571’ has all the earmarks of a summer film. It’s an action film, and it has this feel of being an event picture,” said Paul Dergarabedian, president of Exhibitor Relations, which tracks ticket sales.

In limited release, “The Virgin Suicides” opened strongly with $238,000 in 18 theaters for a $13,222 average. The darkly comic drama is directed by Sofia Coppola, daughter of filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola and wife of “Being John Malkovich” director Spike Jonze.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at North American theaters, according to Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc. (Final figures are to be released today):

1. “U-571,” $20.3 million.

2. “Love and Basketball,” $8.4 million.

3. “Rules of Engagement, $8 million.

4. “28 Days,” $7.4 million.

5. “Keeping the Faith,” $7.3 million.

6. “Erin Brockovich,” $5.5 million.

7. “The Road to El Dorado,” $5.1 million.

8. “Return to Me,” $4 million.

9. “The Skulls,” $2.8 million.

10. “Final Destination, $2.78 million.