'Mockingjay' disarms 'Penguins' to retain top spot at US box office

"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1," the third film in the dystopian action series starring Jennifer Lawrence, collected $56.9 million to hold off advances by animated films "Penguins of Madagascar" and "Big Hero 6" and claim victory at the US holiday weekend box office.

>>Reuters
Published : 30 Nov 2014, 06:24 PM
Updated : 30 Nov 2014, 06:24 PM

"Penguins of Madagascar," the fourth in the series of "Madagascar" films, took second place with ticket sales of $25.8 million at US and Canadian theatres for the three days ending on Sunday, according to tracking firm Rentrak.

Walt Disney's "Big Hero 6," the box office champion three weeks ago, was third with $18.8 million in ticket sales.

The film has generated $167 million since its Nov 7 release.

"Mockingjay," in which Lawrence plays the young archer who leads a rebellion, recorded $82.7 million in ticket sales over the five-day Thanksgiving Day weekend.

It has generated more than $225 million since opening on Nov 21.

"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1" was distributed by Lionsgate.

Dreamworks released "Penguins of Madagascar."