‘Anaconda’ Holds Tight to Top Spot at Box Office

“Anaconda” kept its grip on the top box-office spot for a second weekend with an estimated $12.2 million in ticket sales.

“Liar Liar” was second, with $10.2 million, according to industry estimates Sunday. The Jim Carrey comedy has earned $133.6 million in just five weeks.

“Anaconda,” about giant snakes that terrorize scientists in the Amazon, saw its take drop just 27% from its opening weekend, which by Hollywood standards means it has staying power.

Three new films made the Top 10, according to Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc.

“Murder at 1600,” starring Wesley Snipes as a Washington homicide detective digging into a White House murder, opened in third place, with $8 million. “McHale’s Navy,” based on the old TV sitcom, tied for seventh place, grossing $2.1 million. And Joe Pesci’s new film about a professional killer and a luggage mix-up, “Eight Heads in a Duffel Bag,” was ninth, with a $1.8-million gross.

Another hit-man comedy, “Grosse Pointe Blank,” placed fifth, taking in $4.9 million in its second week.

The Top 10 films from Friday through Sunday:

1. “Anaconda,” $12.2 million.

2. “Liar Liar,” $10.2 million.

3. “Murder at 1600,” $8 million.

4. “The Saint,” $7.3 million.

5. “Grosse Pointe Blank,” $4.9 million.

6. “The Devil’s Own,” $2.4 million.

7. “McHale’s Navy,” $2.1 million.

7. “That Old Feeling,” $2.1 million.

9. “Eight Heads in a Duffel Bag,” $1.8 million.

10. “Chasing Amy,” $1.6 million.

10. “Scream,” $1.6 million.

Final weekend box-office figures are to be released today.