One thriller replaced another at the top of the North American weekend box office.
The Ring,a horror film about a killer videotape, opened at No. 1 with a better-than-expected $15-million for the three days beginning Oct. 18, according to studio estimates issued yesterday.
The movie, which stars up-and-coming Australian actress Naomi Watts, ended the two-week reign of Red Dragon. The Hannibal Lecter thriller, starring Anthony Hopkins, slipped to No. 3 with $8.8-million.
Sweet Home Alabama held steady at No. 2 with $9.6-million. Rounding out the top five: My Big Fat Greek Wedding rose one place to No. 4 with $7.2-million, while Brown Sugar and Abandon tied at No. 5 with $5.3-million. Reuters