Once Again, ‘Brockovich’ Leads the Way to Victory

Moviegoers ruled in favor of “Erin Brockovich” for a second consecutive week, awarding the top box-office spot again to Julia Roberts for her sharp-tongued performance, according to studio estimates Sunday.

The legal drama grossed an estimated $19 million for the weekend, closely followed by the newly released action film “Romeo Must Die” with $18.6 million.

The horror story “Final Destination,” a tale of teenagers stalked by death, was third for its second week in release with $7.1 million.

“Erin Brockovich” is based on the real-life story of a California woman who took a clerical job with a legal firm and uncovered a pollution scandal involving Pacific Gas & Electric Co. Brockovich led a crusade for 650 residents whose water was contaminated by the utility and won a $333-million settlement.

“It is a film that certainly is benefiting from great word of mouth,” said Paul Dergarabedian, president of Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc., which tracks movie attendance. “There’s no question this is a crowd pleaser.”

The second-place “Romeo” is a tale of Asian and black gang families vying for control of an American waterfront.

“Erin Brockovich” has grossed a cumulative $56.3 million in its two weeks of release and is the second all-time top-grossing film for March. “Liar Liar” from 1997 holds the record for the month.

Academy Award-nominated films “American Beauty” and “The Cider House Rules” benefited from an “Oscar bounce” as moviegoers rushed to see the films before Sunday night’s annual Academy Awards ceremony, Dergarabedian said.

“American Beauty” pulled in $3.9 million in the No. 7 spot, bringing its cumulative earnings to $108.4 million. “Cider House” grossed an estimated $2.8 million in ninth for a cumulative gross of $49.7 million.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at North American theaters, according to Exhibitor Relations. Final figures are to be released Monday.

1. “Erin Brockovich,” $19 million.

2. “Romeo Must Die,” $18.6 million.

3. “Final Destination,” $7.1 million.

4. “Mission to Mars,” $5.8 million.

5. “Here on Earth,” $4.6 million.

6. “Whatever It Takes,” $4.3 million.

7. “American Beauty,” $3.9 million.

8. “My Dog Skip,” $3.3 million.

9. “The Cider House Rules,” $2.8 million.

10. “The Whole Nine Yards,” $2.1 million.