ASHTON KUTCHER - KUTCHER ON TOP IN AMERICA

ASHTON KUTCHER's thriller THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT has clinched the top spot at the American box office with $17.1 million (GBP10 million) - despite a harsh critical reception.

Kutcher's film was followed closely by BEN STILLER and JENNIFER ANISTON's romantic comedy ALONG CAME POLLY, which slipped from first to second place with $16.6 million (GBP9.7 million).

Also debuting over the weekend was WIN A DATE WITH TAD HAMILTON! which came in third with $7.5 million (GBP4.4 million).

The TIM BURTON storytelling fantasy BIG FISH took in $7.3 million (GBP4.3 million) to finish at number four, while THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING, fell one place to fifth with $6.85 million (GBP4 million) - bringing it's earnings to nearly $337 million (GBP198 million) in America alone.