‘Breakdown,’ ‘Austin Powers’ Top ‘Volcano’ at Box Office

“Volcano” lost its No. 1 box-office spot after just a week as audiences turned to the new thriller “Breakdown” and the comedy “Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.”

“Breakdown” topped the weekend box office with $12.7 million in ticket sales, followed by “Austin Powers” with $10 million, according to industry estimates Sunday.

“Volcano” was in third place with a gross of $9.5 million. Its gross dropped 35% from its opening weekend.

“Breakdown” stars Kurt Russell as a man trying to find his wife (Kathleen Quinlan), who vanishes after accepting a ride from a trucker when their car breaks down in the Southwest desert.

“Austin Powers” stars “Wayne’s World” co-star Mike Meyers as a swinging ‘60s super-spy transplanted to the 1990s.

The only other major film to debut in the Top 10 was “Warriors of Virtue.” The martial arts adventure, aimed at the kiddie crowd, took in $3.6 million for seventh place, according to Exhibitor Relations Co., which tracks box-office figures.

In fourth place was “Liar Liar” with $5.8 million. Jim Carrey’s over-the-top farce has been hugely successful, pulling in $151.5 million in just seven weeks.

“Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion,” a comedy that co-stars Oscar-winner Mira Sorvino, was in fifth place with $5.6 million, followed by “Anaconda.” The relatively low-budget horror film about killer snakes grossed $5 million. It has earned $49.8 million in four weeks.

“The Saint” was eighth with $3.2 million, followed by “Murder at 1600” with $3 million.

“Grosse Pointe Blank,” a smartly written hit-man comedy starring John Cusack, was No. 10 with $2 million.

Final weekend box-office figures were scheduled to be released today.