GERARD BUTLER - 300 SCORES MARCH MOVIE RECORD AS IT FIGHTS ITS WAY TO THE TOP

Bloody war epic 300 has slaughtered its competition at the US box office, setting a new March record in the process. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the film, starring Scottish actor GERARD BUTLER, sold out screenings throughout the weekend to claim a stunning three-day tally on $70 million (GBP36 million). The graphic novel adaptation, which captures the blood and gore of a battle between the ancient Spartans and the armies of Persian king XERXES, made $2 million (GBP1 million) more than the previous March record holder, ICE AGE 2: THE MELTDOWN. The film also claims the third-highest opening for an R-rated movie, behind THE MATRIX RELOADED and THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST. Meanwhile, JOHN TRAVOLTA's biker buddy movie WILD HOGS slipped to second place and children's movie BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA climbed to three. 300 was the only new entry in the top 10.