MADAGASCAR - MADAGASCAR TOPS BOX OFFICE

Animated film MADAGASCAR has knocked WAR OF THE WORLDS off the top spot at the UK box office, after raking in a staggering $9.4 million (GBP5.4 million) in its opening weekend (15-17JUL05).

The Dreamworks movie was shown on 505 screens, meaning it earned an average of $18,600 (GBP10,756) per screen in its first three days on general release.

Meanwhile, the TOM CRUISE blockbuster War Of The Worlds slipped to second place with $3.8 million (GBP2.2 million), while THE WEDDING CRASHERS is in third with $3.3 million (GBP1.8 million).

Elsewhere, BATMAN BEGINS has dropped to fourth place, with THE DESCENT has literally descended to fifth position.