`Avatar` leads cinemas to record weekend earnings

New York: James Cameron`s 3D science fiction epic "Avatar" led the US cinema to its highest earning weekend ever. Box offices took in nearly $300 million in North America over the Christmas weekend, initial studio estimates showed.

Avatar earned USD 75 million in its second weekend, after breaking the US record for December releases in its opening. Since opening 10 days ago, the much-hyped Avatar has brought in USD 212.3 million in the US and Canada and USD 467.9 million worldwide. British director Guy Ritchie`s unorthodox take on detective "Sherlock Holmes" earned USD 65.4 million in second place. While animated sequel "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel" landed at third place with USD 50.2 million. Romantic comedy It`s Complicated starring Meryl Streep and Steve Martin earned USD 22.1 million in its opening weekend for fourth place. Up in the Air starring George Clooney rounded out the top five with USD 11.8 million. IANS