Disney animation "Moana" continues topping box office

PanARMENIAN.Net - "Moana" still tops North America box office during a slow post-Thanksgiving weekend. The Disney animated movie featuring the voices of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Auli'i Cravalho is estimated to earn $28.4 million in its second weekend to secure the champion title, AceShowbiz said.

" 'Moana' has truly struck an emotional chord with audiences and at this point is giving 'Frozen (2013)' a run for its money," says senior media analyst for comScore Paul Dergarabedian. The movie has "benefited from a combination of Dwayne Johnson's considerable star power, an irresistible concept, a great marketing campaign and a perfect release date that created a wave of interest."

Also staying still in its spot is Warner Bros.' "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them". The "Harry Potter" spin-off starring Eddie Redmayne as magizoologist Newt Scamander remains at No. 2 at the box office in its third weekend by adding another $18.5 million to its domestic cume.

Another holdover this weekend is Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard's "Allied". The war drama stays in the fourth place by adding another $7.1 million in its second weekend, bringing its domestic total to $29 million so far.

Meanwhile, Denis Villeneuve's "Arrival" and Marvel's "Doctor Strange" swap places. The Amy Adams-led sci-fi thriller moves up to the third spot by earning approximately $7.3 million, while the superhero flick starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the titular sorcerer drops to the fifth place with an estimated $6.5 million.

" 'Arrival' has maintained that 'must-see' vibe that's reminiscent of its sci-fi brethren 'The Martian' and 'Gravity'," says Dergarabedian. "Social media sentiment has remained high and is contributing to a level of continued interest that's keeping the film in the top five."