DENZEL WASHINGTON WINS WEEKEND BOXOFFICE

Though it was close, Fox’s Man on Fire, starring Denzel Washington, bested Sony’s 13 Going on 30, starring Jennifer Garner, in this weekend’s box office derby. 13 posted a $23 million opening, while 30 came in at $22 million.

Both trampled Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill Vol. 2 (Miramax), which dropped off by 59% in its second week, bringing in $10.4 million.

Action flick The Punisher (Lion’s Gate) took fourth with $6.1 million, also down a sharp 56% from its opening. Home on the Range (Buena Vista) came in fifth with $3.5 million in its fourth week.

Combined, Man on Fire and 13 Going on 30 set a new record for April, marking the first time two pictures have opened with grosses of over $20 million each.