I don’t think it will surprise anyone that Nicolas Cage’s sequel “National Treasure 2″ stomped the movie playground with a mighty $45.5 opening weekend. What I do think will be the big story is the seemingly infallible Judd Apatow’s comedy flop “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story” which barely pulled in $4.1 million for 8th place in its debut at the theaters. While Apatow didn’t direct “Walk Hard” he did produce and co-write it with the film’s director, Jake Kasdan and the commercials and posters were all sure to include Apatow’s name. So despite earning a “fresh” rating with 77% approval on Rotten Tomatoes something clearly went wrong here. My biggest hang up was John C. Reilly and as the lead role he’s got a big responsibility here. I’d still like to see this movie but will probably wait for a DVD release.

Here they are, your box office movie earnings for this weekend: December 21 - 23, 2007. If you missed any of the background on the new releases check out our Weekend Movie Preview with trailers and details.

Box office domestic earnings for movies this weekend, December 21 - 23, 2007:

1. “National Treasure: Book of Secrets” $45.5 million [$45.5M total]
2. “I Am Legend” $34.2 million [$137.5M total]
3. “Alvin and the Chipmunks” $29 million [$84.8M total]
4. “Charlie Wilson’s War” $9.6 million [$9.6M total]
5. “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” $9.3 million [$9.3M total]
6. “P.S. I Love You” $6.5 million [$6.5M total]
7. “Enchanted” $4.1 million [$98.3M total]
8. “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story” $4.1 million [$4.1M total]
9. “The Golden Compass” $3.9 million [$48.4M total]
10. “Juno” $3.4 million [$6.8M total]