‘Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian’ takes #1 at the box office

Although not exactly a score for high culture over techno-violence, “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian” did overturn its futuristic competitor, “Terminator Salvation”, at the nation’s box offices this weekend.

The sequel to 2006’s “Night at the Museum” stars Ben Stiller, who once again finds himself interacting with the museum exhibits. The film, which co-stars Amy Adams, Robin Williams and Owen Wilson, scored well over $70 million, a number ultimately boosted by family audiences out on the holiday weekend, according to trackers Nielsen EDI.

Meanwhile, the fourth installment of the popular Terminator series, this one starring Christian Bale as John Connor, raked in $57 million, good for second place on its opening weekend. Many viewers lamented the loss of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in his previous terminator role.

“Star Trek” had another good week, this time pulling in $29.4 million over the weekend, which put the film in third place. Since its premiere three weeks ago the J.J. Abrams directed prequel to the classic “Star Trek” franchise has accumulated a total box office take of $191 million since. Fourth place belong to the Dan Brown thriller “Angels & Demons” with $27.7 million. Newcomer “Dance Flick”, the Wayans brother’s spoof of the dance film genre, debuted in fifth place with $13.1 million.

Final figures are due today.