January 24, 2012 10:19

'Underworld: Awakening' tops US Box Office

Latest Kate Beckinsale vampire flick beats 'Red Tails'

Video: Underworld: Awakening - Trailer 1

The fourth instalment in the Underworld series is the Number One movie across America. Posting weekend figures of $25.3m (£16.2m) the vampire/werewolf action film, starring Kate Beckinsale saw off some heavy competition from Red Tails, the George Lucas produced picture telling of African American pilots in the Second World War.

The final new entry into the top ten was Steven Soderbergh's Haywire. Starring mixed martial artist newcomer Gina Carano, the opening take of $8.4m (£5.4m) will be seen as a disappointment in many sectors, especially considering the supporting cast of Ewan McGregor, Michael Fassbender and Channing Tatum.

Elsewhere in the North American charts, the Mark Wahlberg smuggling film, Contraband, slipped to third with a 50% drop off.

With the Oscar nominations set to be announced Tuesday morning (January 24), a surge is expected for those films in contention. Including films just outside the top ten, The Artist, The Descendants, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and War Horse.

Next weekend sees the release of the Liam Neeson starring thriller The Grey.

For more Box Office stats visit BoxOfficeMojo.