Battle: Los Angeles claims victory at US box office

Battle: Los Angeles emerged victorious at the box office this weekend with an impressive $36 million projected take across North America, preliminary industry figures showed on Sunday.

The film about a Marine unit’s fight against invading aliens generated strong interest among men, as well as with a sizable minority audience thanks to its multi-ethnic cast, which includes Latina actress Michelle Rodriguez and African-American R&B singer Ne-Yo.

Knocked from the top perch to second place was Paramount’s eccentric cartoon Rango an animated tale about a chameleon who becomes sheriff to clean up the town of Dirt, which had $23 million in ticket sales.

Third place went to the debut of Red Riding Hood, a gothic retelling of the classic fairy tale, starring Amanda Seyfried as a strong-willed teenager in a love triangle.

The film, which earned $14.1 million, meant to appeal to the teen girl audience, is the first from director Catherine Hardwicke since her 2008 mega hit Twilight.

In fourth place was The Adjustment Bureau with $11.5 million in takings.

Disney’s Mars Needs Moms! debuted in fifth place this weekend with $6.8 million in est-imated sales.

Rounding out the top 10 were Hall Pass with $5.1 million in ticket sales; Beastly with $5 million; Just Go With It, with $4 million; Oscar-winner The King’s Speech, with $3.6 million; and Gnomeo and Juliet with $3.5 million.