“Big Momma’s House 2,” with $28 million in estimated ticket sales, turned in the second-best January opening ever, trailing only the $35.9 million scored by the 1997 release of a special edition of “Star Wars,” according to Exhibitor Relations, which tracks box-office results.
As in the original “Big Momma’s House,” Martin Lawrence layers on the bulges and dons billowy, floral-print dresses, along with a wig. It was followed by another new release, “Nanny McPhee” starring Emma Thompson, with $14.1 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates.
“Underworld: Evolution” tumbled to the third spot, with $11.1 million in sales, a 59 percent decline from its strong first week.
The fourth spot was claimed by the new release “Annapolis,” one of three Disney films in the top 10. The story of a quick-fisted undergraduate, shot on location at the U.S. Naval Academy, pulled in $7.7 million.
