‘Monkeys’ Climbs To The Top

Terry’s Gilliam’s “12 Monkeys” performed like a baker’s dozen over the weekend as it surged to the top of the nation’s box-office rankings.

The science-fiction-themed thriller, which stars Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe and Brad Pitt, grossed $13.8 million, according to figures from Exhibitor Relations Co.

That put it comfortably ahead of “Grumpier Old Men,” the No. 2 film that earned $7.9 million in its third week of release. Starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, with the added star power of Sophia Loren and Ann-Margret, the comedy managed to edge out No. 3 “Jumanji” ($7.5 million) and No. 4 “Toy Story” ($7.1 million).

Nevertheless, “Toy Story” has emerged as this holiday season’s top earner. The Disney computer-animated feature has earned $160.8 million in its first seven weeks of release.

Back at No. 12, “GoldenEye” appeared on the verge of topping $100 million. The $2.07 million it grossed upped its eight-week take to $96.3 million.

Two films set to open Jan. 19 in Spokane are doing reasonable business in limited release across the country. “Sense and Sensibility” (No. 14, $1.9 million) earned an average of $10,012 per each of its 190 locations. “Leaving Las Vegas” (No. 20, $409,904) earned $8,540 per location (48).

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