Box office champ!  Courtesy of Summit Entertainment.

The box office results for the weekend of November 20th-22nd sees Twilight rising to new heights.  New Moon has become an overnight blockbuster, but that didn't stop a few other flicks holding strong and posting some nice numbers.  Here are the studio estimates (CLICK ON TITLE FOR REVIEW):

1.  The Twilight Saga:  New Moon ($140 million)

2.  The Blind Side ($34.5 million)

3.  2012 ($26.5 million)

4.  Planet 51 ($12.6 million)

5.  A Christmas Carol ($12.2 million)

6.  Precious:  Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire ($11 million)

7.  The Men Who Stare at Goats ($2.7 million)

8.  Couples Retreat ($1.9 million)

9.  The Fourth Kind ($1.7 million)

10.  Law Abiding Citizen ($1.6 million)

Credit boxofficemojo.com for the figures.

ANALYSIS

 Over the last couple years, there have only been three or four notable stories relating to the domestic box office.  In 2008, it was whether The Dark Knight would catch the all-time leader Titanic.  This past summer, it was how well Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen performed on its opening weekend.  Same story applied to Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince opening as well.  Now the latest and possibly the next "Titanic" type affect, comes with New Moon.  Already breaking records for midnight opening, first day opening, and Friday opening, the rabid Twilight fans may do what young girls did back when Titanic came out.  Seeing it over and over again in the theater.  Having hit around $140 million only enhances the buzz and even poor reviews can't slow this juggernaut down.  By the way, this flick only had a budget of $50 million.  Summit is a very happy studio right now.

Besides the infinite coverage on New Moon, two other new releases were able to hold their own and post respectable numbers.  The Blind Side, which documents a true story using the backdrop of football, exceeded expectations much like the character in the flick.  Positive reviews for the overall delivery of the movie and a performance by Sandra Bullock, which teases Oscar-nomination, will keep this flick in the top ten for a few weeks.  The other is Sony's animation, Planet 51.  Debuting in fourth in a loaded weekend, proved that animations are still a big draw as the year winds down.  This is one the kids can get into so that may attract more audiences.  Some moviegoers have been disappointed with some animations that are just too complicated for the younger ones to understand.

With Paranormal Activity winding down, Couples Retreat now holds the longest current streak for being in the top ten with 7 weeks.  

Sleeper hit:  Precious.  Although, it may no longer be such a secret judging by its recent numbers.  Flop Alert:  Believe it or not, it could be A Christmas Carol.  Next week's numbers will tell where this one is heading.  Having a $200 million budget may hurt this one.

This Wednesday brings four new flicks for the Thanksgiving holiday.  Another animation with Fantastic Mr. Fox.  A bloody martial arts flick in Ninja Assassin.  The apocalyptic drama The Road and finally, a buddy comedy in Old Dogs all show up in theaters.  Out of this bunch I see Old Dogs winning the box office crown due to its cast and story appeal around the holidays.  No chance of unseating New Moon though.