‘U-571’ Runs Noisy, Runs Strong

Three new films couldn’t sink Universal’s action-adventure “U-571,” which held on to the top position on the box-office chart. The World War II sub thriller took in $12.2 million in its second week in release for a 10-day total of $38.1 million.

Placing second was the new family comedy “The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas,” which managed a $10.5-million opening. The first “Flintstones” movie brought in $29.7 million its first weekend in May 1994. New Line’s thriller “Frequency,” starring Dennis Quaid, was No. 3 in its first weekend with $9 million on 2,621 screens. And Fox’s drama “Where the Heart Is,” starring teen queen Natalie Portman, opened in fourth place with $8.3 million.

In limited release, Mike Figgis’ experimental “Time Code” grossed $93,148 on seven screens and the Kevin Spacey drama, “The Big Kahuna,” took in $80,957 on eight screens.

Weekend Box Office

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Three-day gross/ Screens/ Weeks in Movie (Studio) Total (millions) Average Release 1. “U-571” $12.2 2,616 2 (Universal) $38.1 $4,665 2. “The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas” $10.5 3,040 1 (Universal) $10.5 $3,460 3. “Frequency” $9.0 2,621 1 (New Line) $9.0 $3,444 4. “Where the Heart Is” $8.3 2,437 1 (Fox) $8.3 $3,403 5. “Love and Basketball” $5.1 1,245 2 (New Line) $15.4 $4,099 6. “Rules of Engagement” $4.6 3,027 4 (Paramount) $50.2 $1,534 7. “Keeping the Faith” $4.5 2,171 3 (Touchstone) $25.5 $2,050 8. “28 Days” $4.0 2,523 3 (Sony/Columbia) $28.6 $1,586 9. “Erin Brockovich” $3.6 2,498 7 (Universal) $112.9 $1,450 10. “Final Destination” $2.4 1,153 7 (New Line) $45.9 $2,039 *”Time Code” $93,148 7 1 (Sony Classics) $93,148 $13,307 *”The Big Kahuna” $80,957 8 1 (Lions Gate) $80,957 $10,120

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SOURCE: Exhibitor Relations Co.