The Butler opens at top of American box office

Actor Forest Whitaker (L) and Oprah Winfrey attend the Los Angeles premiere The Butler, about an African American who watches civil rights history in the making as a White House butler, debuted at the top of the North American box office , estimates showed Sunday.
Directed by Lee Daniels and starring Forrest Whitaker in the title role, the historical drama pulled in over $25 million over the weekend, industry tracker Exhibitor Relations said.
That performance eclipsed science-fiction thriller "Elysium," last week's top earner, which fell to third place behind We're the Millers, a Jennifer Aniston comedy.
We're the Millers held the number two spot with a box office take of nearly $17.8 million on its second weekend in theatres.
Elysium, which stars Matt Damon and Jodie Foster, brought in $13.6 million.
In its first week in theaters, Kick-Ass 2, the superhero action comedy sequel, ranked fourth with $13.5 million in weekend sales.
Planes, a spin-off of the hugely successful Cars franchise, landed in fifth place on its second weekend out, raking in $13.1 million.
Source: AFP