Even after a bockbuster opening weekend, phenomenal word of mouth propeled Inception [INCPT] to tail off just 31% to an estimated $43.5 million in its second trip. That's a decay rate usually seen only during the holiday season. The original sci-fi thriller with its simultaneous storylines set within multiple dreams has already secured $143.7 million.
Sony's Salt [ESALT] debuted in second place with a strong $36.5 million. Though most summer action films draw a young male crowd, the Angelina Jolie [AJOLI] pic skewed slightly female at 53% and older than 25 at 59%. With general good reviews, Salt should have a lasting flavor at the box office.
Despicable Me [DESME] took the third spot with $24.1 million. Universal's animated film has amassed $161.7 million.
The Sorcerer's Apprentice [SORAP] dropped 45% to $9.7 million in its sophomore session.
The weekend's other new wide release Ramona and Beezus [RMONA] opened in sixth at just $8.0 million. The family film should hold well with kids out for thw summer.
| Rank | TITLE | F-S-S | TOTAL |
| 1 | INCEPTION | $43,505,000 | $143,663,000 |
| 2 | SALT | $36,500,000 | $36,500,000 |
| 3 | DESPICABLE ME | $24,120,000 | $161,720,845 |
| 4 | THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE | $9,685,000 | $42,643,000 |
| 5 | TOY STORY 3 | $9,030,000 | $379,529,000 |
| 6 | RAMONA AND BEEZUS | $8,000,000 | $8,000,000 |
| 7 | GROWN UPS | $7,600,000 | $142,412,000 |
| 8 | THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE | $7,033,000 | $279,674,092 |
| 9 | THE LAST AIRBENDER | $4,173,000 | $123,264,000 |
| 10 | PREDATORS | $2,850,000 | $46,568,425 |
| 11 | THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT | $2,647,863 | $4,951,644 |
| 12 | KNIGHT AND DAY | $1,700,000 | $72,681,721 |
Source: Exhibitor Relations Co.
Tag(s): INCPT, ESALT, AJOLI, DESME, SORAP, RMONA