ROBERT Zemeckis’ 3D performance capture version of A Christmas Carol has topped the US box office despite clocking lower than anticipated opening figures.

The Disney film came in at the lower end of expectations, grossing $31 million in its first three days, having been greeted with a Scrooge-like welcome from critics.

Michael Jackson’s This Is It continued to be an attraction, however, taking a further $14 million in its second week and landing second spot despite competition from several debutants.

George Clooney military farce The Men Who Stare at Goats performed above expectation, however, to open in third spot with $13.3 million, while sci-fi thriller The Fourth Kind – which wasn’t screened for critics – took fourth spot with $12.5 million.

Cameron Diaz-James Marsden horror flick The Box, which marks the latest film from Donnie Darko director Richard Kelly, wasn’t able to crack the $10 million mark, however, grossing $7.9 million.

There were further successes for two more low-budget films, however… horror phenomenon Paranormal Activity held firm in its seventh week, placing fifth with a further $8.6 million. It has now taken $97.4 million in the US.

While Oscar hopeful Precious set a new record by opening to $1.8 million from just 18 locations – an impressive $100,000 per location average.

The film is produced by Oprah Winfrey and features singers Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz, as well as Gabourey Sidibe in her first major screen role.

Next story: Gwyneth Paltrow joins Danish Girl

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