BATMAN BEGINS surprised industry insiders and exceeded all expectations by holding its place in the #1 slot this weekend. Audience drop-off for the film was only 45%, which is extremely small for a movie of this type. After 12 days in release BATMAN has earned $121.7 million against a $150 million budget.

The newcomers this weekend didn’t fare as well. BEWITCHED snagged second place with $20.2 million. HERBIE: FULLY LOADED landed in fourth place with $12.8 million. GEORGE A. ROMERO’S LAND OF THE DEAD rounded out the top 5 with $10.8 million.

NEXT WEEKEND: WAR OF THE WORLDS!