BOX OFFICE REPORT (FEB. 8-10): 'Identity Thief' Steals the Weekend with Melissa McCarthy's Best Opening Numbers

Before we get to the five top grossers for this past weekend, let's revisit a former box office champion. Buoyed by its increasing Oscar hopes, Argo jumped back into the top ten this weekend, adding $2.5 million to its total take. Argo has now grossed $123.73 million domestically, it's only a matter of time before Ben Affleck directs a blockbuster now. That Oscar snub isn't going to hurt him.

1. Identity Thief (N)
$35.59 million ($36.59 million)
Identity Thief becomes Melissa McCarthy's biggest opening weekend, topping Bridesmaids' opening gross of $26.25. I hope she eventually moves away from this kind of role, though. McCarthy is a seriously funny actress, but she seems to be getting stuck in the lowest-common-denominator comedy roles.

2. Warm Bodies (1)

$11.50 million ($36.65 million)

Any chance Warm Bodies picks up for Valentine's Day next weekend?

3. Side Effects (N)

$10.02 million ($10.02 million)
Side Effects is a pretty good movie, but I blame its marketing for its low opening weekend numbers. Yeah, I get that they wanted to keep most of the plot under wraps, but people need something to draw them in. I tried to explain the plot to a group over the weekend, and I didn't even know where to begin.

4. Silver Linings Playbook (3)

$6.91 million ($90.00 million)
If you haven't seen Silver Linings Playbook, go see it now. With Jennifer Lawrence, this one should win at least one Oscar.

5. Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters (2)

$5.75 million ($43.83 million)

If you haven't seen Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters, don't go see it ... ever. This one was never even in the running for an Oscar.

Next week's predictions:

1. A Good Day to Die Hard

2. Safe Haven

3. Beautiful Creatures

4. Identity Thief

5. Escape from Planet Earth

SOURCE: Box Office Mojo