The only new wide release “Watchmen”, the $150 million dollar adaptation of the DC Comics graphic novel written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons, set the pace this past weekend, punching into first spot in the top ten with just over $55 million at the box office. Directed by Zack Snyder of “300″ fame, the R-rated action flicked scored nearly ten percent of its receipts from IMAX showings, the second largest IMAX launch ever behind “The Dark Knight”. Other film adaptations of Moore novels include “V for Vendetta” and “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.”

Last weekend’s number one movie, “Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail” held up well, dropping into second place, while not surprisingly, “Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience” had the sharpest tumble, dropping into ninth place from second last week.

Last weekend’s full top 10 (and links to movie posters) were as follows:
1. Watchmen – $55.2 M
2. Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail – $8.5 M
3. Taken – $7.3 M
4. Slumdog Millionaire – $6.8 M
5. Paul Blart: Mall Cop – $4.1 M
6. He’s Just Not That Into You – $4 M
7. Coraline – $3.3 M
8. Confessions of a Shopaholic – $3.1 M
9. Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience – $2.8 M
10. Fired Up – $2.5 M