JANET JACKSON - JANET JACKSON COMEDY TOPS US BOX OFFICE

JANET JACKSON COMEDY TOPS US BOX OFFICE

A new romantic comedy starring Janet Jackson has topped the US box office this week.

Why Did I Get Married?, which looks at the strength of the relationships of eight college friends after rumours of one couple's infidelity begin to circulate, grossed $21.5 million (£10.6 million) in its opening weekend.

The producers of the flick, Lions Gate Films, said critics had underestimated the ability of director Tyler Perry - who also acts in the movie. The company added that the film's message of family values would appeal to audiences.

The marital comedy pushed last week's number one The Game Plan, starring wrestler The Rock, down to second place - with ticket sales of $11.5 million (£5.7 million).

However this week's surprise was legal drama Michael Clayton, starring George Clooney, which was expected to top the charts. The legal thriller, which sees the Oceans Thirteen star play a 'fixer', finished third with $11 million (£5.4 million) in takings.

President of distribution at Warner Brothers, Dan Fellman, said he was not worried by the courtroom thriller's opening figures.

Mr Fellman said: "Our audience is older, and they responded on Saturday. We have, if not the best-reviewed movie of the year, one of the best-reviewed, (and) we're off to a great start," he added.