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Chan, Li take top spot at box office

BY DAVID GERMAIN

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES - A martial arts dream team -- Jackie Chan and Jet Li -- won the weekend as their movie matchup "The Forbidden Kingdom" debuted at No. 1 with $20.9 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday.

The tale of a modern American teen hurtled back in time to a kung fu adventure in ancient China, "The Forbidden Kingdom" features Asian superstars Chan and Li in multiple roles and their first big-screen duel.

Universal's romantic comedy "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," starring Jason Segel as a nice guy who's dumped by his glamorous girlfriend (Kristen Bell), opened in second place with $17.3 million. It's the latest from producer Judd Apatow ("Knocked Up").

The previous weekend's N 1 movie, the slasher remake "Prom Night," fell to third with $9.1 million, raising its total to $32.6 million.

Al Pacino's serial killer thriller "88 Minutes," from Sony's TriStar Pictures, was a dud, premiering at No. 4 with $6.8 million.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Media By Numbers LLC:

1. "The Forbidden Kingdom," $20.9 million

2. "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," $17.3 million

3. "Prom Night," $9.1 million

4. "88 Minutes," $6.8 million

5. "Nim's Island," $5.7 million

6. "21," $5.5 million

7. "Street Kings," $4 million

8. "Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who", $3.5 million

9. "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed," $3.1 million

10. "Leatherheads," $3 million