CHRISTIAN BALE - MAGIC FOR BALE AND JACKMAN AT TOP OF BOX OFFICE

MAGIC FOR BALE AND JACKMAN AT TOP OF BOX OFFICE

CHRISTIAN BALE and HUGH JACKMAN have conjured up a hit at the top of the US box office, scoring a number one with their new film THE PRESTIGE. The movie, about two competing illusionists, toppled horror sequel THE GRUDGE 2 with a $14.8 million (GBP8.2 million) opening weekend. THE DEPARTED, which stars LEONARDO DiCAPRIO, JACK NICHOLSON and MATT DAMON, stood firm at number two, while CLINT EASTWOOD's war epic FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS debuted with a disappointing $10.2 million (GBP5.6 million). Family drama FLICKA, which stars country singer TIM MCGRAW as a rancher, opened in fifth place with a $7.7 million (GBP4.2 million) opening week take. The Grudge 2 fell to sixth on the new box office list, while director SOFIA COPPOLA's historical epic MARIE ANTOINETTE stalled with just $5.3 million (GBP2.9 million) in its first week on release.