“The Golden Compass” Points the Way to Number One

In recent years, Christmas has always been the time of the big fantasy blockbusters. After “The Lord of the Rings”, “Narnia” and “Eragon”, this year “The Golden Compass” is on the wish list. Around 460,000 visitors saw the film on its opening weekend. The adaptation of the Philip Pullman novel enters the media control cinema charts directly at number one. 834 cinemas had the film in their programme at the weekend. Director Chris Weitz hired Daniel Craig, Nicole Kidman and Dakota Blue Richards for the leading roles.

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The second newcomer is “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium” at number five. 52,000 cinemagoers ventured into Edward Magorium’s (Dustin Hoffman) wondrous toy shop. At the age of 243, he can finally retire. He has chosen the musical prodigy Molly Mahoney (Natalie Portman) as his successor.

“Why Men Don’t Listen and Women Can’t Park” slips from the top spot to number two. Leander Haußmann’s comedy describes the different behaviour of men and women. Almost 170,000 viewers wanted to know more about the subject.

Position three goes to “American Gangster”. Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington delivered an exciting battle to the 70,000 cinema fans.

At number four, there is another fantasy adventure: “In the Name of the King”. 55,000 “Dungeon Siege” fans saw the adventure spectacle with Jason Statham, Ray Liotta and Burt Reynolds.