After a strong opening, “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” took an unexpected dip in ticket sales its second week in release taking in $36.7 million, which is 57% less than opening weekend. Usually, a drop of 30% or less is considered good. For two weeks, “Hobbit” has sold a grand total of $149.9 million.

Tom Cruise starring in “Jack Reacher,” based on the popular novel “One Shot” by Lee Child, came in second with $15.6 million its first weekend in release. That’s considered good for a pre-Christmas release.

Another new release, the domestic comedy called “This Is 40″ which is a sequel to “Knocked Up,” was third with $12 million. “Rise of the Guardians” was fourth with $5.9 million.

Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” was fifth with $5.6 million. “Lincoln” is emerging as a prime Oscar contender for best picture. The critically acclaimed movie “Silver Linings Playbook,” another Oscar contender, is in limited release on just 371 screens and therefore did not finish in the top ten. For the balance of the box office statistics, click on the link below.

Opening Christmas Day is the controversial film by Quenton Taratino, “Django.”

Also breaking on Christmas Day is “Parental Guidance” featuring the return to movies of Billy Crystal. His co-star is Bette Midler.

http://www.boxoffice.com/statistics/bo_numbers/studio_estimate/2012-12-23