Monday October 8, 2012

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Critics don’t like "Taken 2," but Liam Neeson’s action sequel has proved twice the hit among fans as the original movie was.

"Taken 2" led the box office with $50 million domestically over opening weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday. That’s double the haul for Neeson’s "Taken," which took in $24.7 million in its U.S. debut in early 2009.

"Taken" went on to become a $145 million smash for Neeson, the Academy Award-nominated star of "Schindler’s List" who has become an unlikely action hero in his 50s.

In "Taken 2," Neeson returns as a retired CIA agent using his expert espionage and killing skills to take on a gang of thugs out for revenge against him and his family.

1. "Taken 2," $50 million ($55 million international).

2. "Hotel Transylvania," $26.3 million ($13.1 million international).

3. "Pitch Perfect," $14.7 million ($480,000 international).

4. "Looper," $12.2 million ($7.5 million international).

5. "Frankenweenie," $11.5 million.

6. "End of Watch," $4 million.

7. "Trouble with the Curve," $3.9 million.

8. "House at the End of the Street," $3.7 million.

9. "The Master," $1.8 million.

10. "Finding Nemo," $1.6 million ($600,000 international).

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