‘Bridget Jones Diary’ Tops North American Box Office

Published April 23rd, 2001 - 03:00 GMT

"Bridget Jones's Diary" moved into first place at the box office this weekend, knocking out children's spy comedy "Spy Kids," according to preliminary figures released Sunday.

The Miramax comedy -- which opened in second place last week -- is expected to take in about 10.5 million dollars this weekend to edge out "Spy Kids," Exhibitor Relations reported.

"Bridget Jones' Diary," based on the hit novel by Helen Fielding, chronicles the search for a boyfriend by a slightly-pudgy 30-ish woman (American Renee Zellweger with an English accent).

"Spy Kids," starring Antonio Banderas, fell to second after holding spot for three weeks, and is expected to earn 10.2 million dollars this weekend in US and Canadian theaters.

In third place is Morgan Freeman and kidnap thriller "Along Came a Spider" with an expected take of 9.1 million dollars, followed by "Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles" (eight million), "Freddy Got Fingered" (7.2 million) and "Blow" (six million).

Rounding out the top 10 were "Joe Dirt" (5.4 million), "Kingdom Come" (4.7 million), "Josie and the Pussycats" (3.1 million) and "Enemy at the Gates" (2.1 million).