'Avatar' leads cinemas to record weekend earnings

New York, Dec 28 (DPA) James Cameron's 3D science fiction epic "Avatar" led the US cinema to its highest earning weekend ever.

Box offices took in nearly $300 million in North America over the Christmas weekend, initial studio estimates showed.

Avatar earned $75 million in its second weekend, after breaking the US record for December releases in its opening. Since opening 10 days ago, the much-hyped Avatar has brought in $212.3 million in the US and Canada and $467.9 million worldwide.

British director Guy Ritchie's unorthodox take on detective "Sherlock Holmes" earned $65.4 million in second place. While animated sequel "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel" landed at third place with $50.2 million.

Romantic comedy It's Complicated starring Meryl Streep and Steve Martin earned $22.1 million in its opening weekend for fourth place. Up in the Air starring George Clooney rounded out the top five with $11.8 million. Click the Movie button below for more info:
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