Zac Efron proved once again that he is a box-office powerhouse with the release of Warner Bros./New Line’s 17 Again.  The film, also starring Matthew Perry, exceeded most estimates and took in an estimated $24.1 million, proving once again that people really like movies where big people turn into little people and vise-versa (we’re looking at you, 13 Going on 30, Big, and Freaky Friday)

Coming in second was the excellent Russell Crowe newspaper thriller State of Play.  The movie took in $14.1 million, right in-line with most estimates but far short of stellar.  It’s a shame.  This one really deserves a fair shake in theaters.

Monsters vs. Aliens stayed in the number three spot with $12.9 million, giving the movie a total gross of $162 million.  I smell sequel.

Hannah Montana: The Movie slipped to the number four spot falling a steep but expected 61%.  Rounding out the top five was Fast and Furious with $12.3 million, bringing the sequel’s cume to $136.7 million.

Only one more real piece of news this week; Crank: High Voltage opened at sixth place with a very disappointing $6.5 million.  The original film opened to $10.5 million, meaning another sequel is probably unlikely.  Shame, too.  I would love to see these movies keep coming up with ridiculous, adrenaline-fueled gimmicks. 

Observe and report dropped 63% to come in at number seven with $4.1 in its second week of release.  Look like this one’s going to be another disappointment for Warner Bros.

Number eight was Knowing with $3.5 million, nine was I Love You, Man with $3.4 million, and number ten was The Haunting in Connecticut with $3.1 million.  

This week we get the last of the fall season releases before X-Men Origins: Wolverine officially opens the summer box-office season.  Stay tuned.