Taken 2 kidnaps top spot in U.S. box office chart

The action sequel’s huge haul is double that of Taken’s original outing in 2009, when it debuted with strong takings of $24.7 million (£15.44 million).

Last week’s (ends30Sep12) number one film, animated family hit Hotel Transylvania, slips to second place with $26.3 million (£16.44 million), while musical comedy Pitch Perfect is at three with $14.7 million (£9.19 million).

Sci-fi thriller Looper and Tim Burton’s cartoon film Frankenweenie round out the new top five.