9 Feb 2009

Romance movie tops US box office

8:42 am on 9 February 2009

A romantic comedy featuring Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore and Scarlett Johannson topped the North American box office on Sunday.

Ticket sales were also up. Sales have risen for six out of the past seven weekends.

Warner Bros. Pictures said women accounted for 80% of the audience at He's Just Not That Into You, which revolves around the lives and loves of various couples.

The film earned $US27.5 million in its first three days. Business is expected to be further boosted by Valentine's Day on Saturday. However, critics largely disapproved.

Aniston also stars in Marley & Me.

Three other pictures opened in the top 10: The Pink Panther 2; Coraline and Push. Both feature teenage actress Dakota Fanning, 14.

Only one Oscar contender is still in the top 10: Slumdog Millionaire, which is the favorite to take the best picture prize in two weeks, was seventh. It has earned $US77.4 million in 13 weeks.