National Video Rentals : ‘Firm’ Keeps Firm Grip on No. 1

This is getting monotonous. Once again, “The Firm” holds off “Sleepless in Seattle” (No. 2) and “Dave” (No. 3). Though “Dave” seems doomed to permanent also-ran status, “Sleepless” may not be slumbering in second much longer. With Valentine’s Day coming up, retailers are gearing up for a run on this romantic movie. If this doesn’t boost it into the top spot, nothing will. Jean-Claude Van Damme’s latest action movie, “Hard Target,” may turn out to be his biggest rental hit. A $31.5-million grosser, it opened at No. 11 and could make the Top 5. The silly “Coneheads” comedy, which debuted at No. 18, may get enough rental action from fans of low-brow comedy to push it into the Top 10. Expected to be huge box office, it registered just a mild $18.5-million gross. “Poetic Justice,” starring Janet Jackson, started quietly, debuting at No. 34. It did decently in theaters--$27.5 million--and is expected to be a big hit among young black, music-oriented renters.

Rank Weeks Last on the Week Chart 1. “The Firm” 1 6 2. “Sleepless in Seattle” 2 7 3. “Dave” 3 6 4. “Rising Sun” 4 9 5. “True Romance” 7 4 6. “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” 12 3 7. “Hot Shots! Part Deux” 6 4 8. “Hocus Pocus” 9 4 9. “Cliffhanger” 5 11 10. “Guilty as Sin” 8 7 * “Last Action Hero” ... 1

* Many fans came to see this reality-juggling, Arnold Schwarzenegger movie but not nearly as many as expected. The gross--$50 million--was a drop in the bucket compared to what’s needed for this staggeringly expensive movie to show a profit. Schwarzenegger couldn’t lure moviegoers to this action-adventure movie, which got many bad reviews, but he should be able to attract renters. But the first week--a No. 13 debut--wasn’t great. Its position next week will be a better indication of its ultimate rental fate.

Source: Billboard Publications Inc.