Grand weekend for 'Gran Torino'

Last update: January 11, 2009 - 5:39 PM

NEW YORK - Clint Eastwood had the best movie opening of his career as his "Gran Torino" revved up the winter box office with $29 million in ticket sales in its first weekend of wide release, according to studio estimates Sunday.

Eastwood, 78, who has said this may be his last starring performance, also directed the film. In limited release for four weeks, it jumped to 2,808 theaters this weekend after boasting very high theater averages.

Eastwood stole the box-office bouquet from Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson. Their wedding comedy "Bride Wars" came in second. The horror film "The Unborn" followed.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

1. "Gran Torino," $29 million

2. "Bride Wars," $21.5 million

3. "The Unborn," $21.1 million

4. "Marley & Me," $11.4 million

5. "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," $9.4 million

6. "Bedtime Stories," $8.6 million

7. "Valkyrie," $6.7 million

8. "Yes Man," $6.2 million

9. "Not Easily Broken," $5.6 million

10. "Seven Pounds," $3.9 million