Disney’s ‘Moana’ atop N. American box office for 3rd week
This image released by Disney shows characters Maui, voiced by Dwayne Johnson, right, and Moana, voiced by Auli’i Cravalho, in a scene from the animated film, “Moana.” AP
LOS ANGELES, United States — The animated sea-faring musical adventure “Moana” triumphed for its third straight weekend, topping the North American box office with $18.9 million, industry data showed.
The Disney film about a brave Polynesian teenage girl on a risky mission to save her people has raked in $145 million since its opening on Thanksgiving Day, Exhibitor Relations said.
The composers of the film’s score include Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the music and lyrics for the smash Broadway hit “Hamilton.”
“Office Christmas Party,” a comedy starring Jennifer Aniston, took second in its debut week with $17.5 million.
She plays an up-tight corporate CEO who wants to close down a branch run by her brother, who answers by staging a mega party aimed at landing a new client and keeping the branch alive.
Harry Potter spin-off “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” dropped to third spot during its fourth week in theaters, chalking up $10.8 million for a total of $199.3 million so far.
Based on a 2001 book by “Potter” novelist J.K. Rowling, the Warner Bros. film stars Eddie Redmayne as a wizard in 1920s New York.
Fourth place went to alien invasion movie “Arrival,” starring Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner as it posted $5.6 million. The movie has received 10 nominations from the Critics Choice Awards, including for best picture, director and actress.
Adams plays a linguist whom the military recruits to communicate with aliens after mysterious spacecraft appear over Earth, which stands on the brink of war.
Remaining in fifth place was Marvel’s “Doctor Strange,” which earned $4.6 million for a total of $222.4 million.
The movie, which stars Benedict Cumberbatch as neurosurgeon Stephen Strange — whose life changes forever after a horrific car accident — is the 14th film in Disney’s “Marvel Cinematic Universe.” CBB
Rounding out the top 10 films were:
“Allied” ($4.0 million)
“Nocturnal Animals” ($3.19 million)
“Manchester by the Sea” ($3.15 million)
“Trolls” ($3.11 million)
“Hacksaw Ridge” ($2.3 million)
