Peter Jackson’s 3-D fantasy favorite “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” made it a box office triple play this weekend finishing number one again with $33 million. For three weeks in release, the film has a total gross of $227.2 million in North America. The motion picture has also grossed an additional $686.7 million overseas, making it a billion dollar hit in just three weeks. International markets for major film franchises are proving to be more important than North America when it comes to a film’s profitability.

Quentin Tarantino’s bloody and slightly controversial western, “Django Unchained,” came in a close second with a notable number of $30.7 million.

The film version of the international stage musical hit “Les Miserables” was third this weekend with $28 million.

The amiable domestic comedy “Parental Guidance” starring Bette Midler and Billy Crystal playing Grandparents was fourth with $14.8 million. Tom Crusie in “Jack Reacher” came in fifth with $14 million. For a complete look at the weekend box office totals, click on the link below.

Matt Damon stars in the new dramatic film about corporate greed and small town values, ”Promised Land” that will open January 4. In case you’re keeping track, Oscar nominations will come out early this year on January 10th.

http://www.boxoffice.com/statistics/bo_numbers/studio_estimate/2012-12-30