“Underworld: Awakening” claimed a comfortable box office victory this weekend, although the controversial “Red Tails” delivered an impressive number for a second place finish.
Kate Beckinsale’s return to the “Underworld” franchise helped the film claim first on $25.4 million this weekend, which nearly matches the $26.9 million grossed by 2006’s “Underworld: Evolution.” “The Rise of the Lycans,” the in-between film that did not feature Beckinsale, generated $20.8 million in 2009.
“Red Tails” earned a clear second place on $19.1 million, which topped most pre-release projections. “Contraband” ($12.2 million) and an expanded “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” ($10.6 million) followed.
Gina Carano’s feature debut in “Haywire” made little noise, with the critically-acclaimed but audience-panned film earning just $9 million.
No other new releases bowed this week.
