BEN STILLER - MADAGASCAR TAKES TOP SPOT AT US BOX OFFICE

BEN STILLER and JADA PINKETT SMITH's animated tale MADAGASCAR has climbed to the top of the US box office, after earning $28.7 million (GBP15.1 million) in its second weekend on release.

ADAM SANDLER's American football remake THE LONGEST YARD took second place with $26.1 million (GBP13.7 million)in ticket sales.

STAR WARS: EPISODE III - REVENGE OF THE SITH, which held the number one spot for two weekends, fell to third place with an extra $26 million (GBP13.6 million) added to its colossal earnings.

RUSSELL CROWE and RENEE ZELLWEGER's movie CINDERELLA MAN, opened at a disappointing number four with earnings of $18.6 million (GBP9.7 million), followed by teen film THE SISTERHOOD with $10.25 million (GBP5.3 million) in ticket sales.