“Rules of Engagement” over the weekend did what “Romeo Must Die” and “The Road to El Dorado” couldn’t do: Dethrone “Erin Brockovich” in the box office race for No. 1. “Erin Brockovich” had been atop the box office for three consecutive weeks. “Rules of Engagement,” starring Samuel L. Jackson, took in an estimated $15.3 million, according to box-office tracking firm Exhibitor Relations Inc.
Cracking the Top Five was the David Duchovny–Minnie Driver romantic comedy “Return to Me,” which finished No. 4. Another new film, the David Arquette-Rose McGowan wrestling funfest “Ready to Rumble,” bowed in at No. 6.
Last week’s No. 2 film “The Road to El Dorado” dropped to No. 3 while “The Skulls,” last week’s No. 3, slipped to No. 5.
Rounding out the Top 10 were “Romeo Must Die,” (No. 7), “High Fidelity” (No. 8), “Final Destination” (No. 9) and”American Beauty” (No. 10).
Here’s a complete look at the estimated grosses for the weekend’s Top 10:
1. “Rules of Engagement,” $15.3 million ($15.3 million, new) 2. “Erin Brockovich,” $10.05 million ($89.9 mil overall) 3. “The Road to El Dorado,” $8.93 million ($25 mil overall) 4. “Return to Me,” $8 million ($8 mil, new) 5. “The Skulls,” $6.41 million ($20.2 mil overall) 6. “Ready to Rumble,” $5.61 million ($5.61 mil, new) 7. “Romeo Must Die,” $4.42 million ($45.7 mil overall) 8. “High Fidelity,” $4.20 million ($12.7 mil overall) 9. “Final Destination,” $3.85 million ($33.9 mil overall) 10. “American Beauty,” $3.33 millon ($121.6 mil overall)
