LOS ANGELES, March 16 — The live action remake of animated-classic “Cinderella” had a nice fit in North American movie theatres, topping the list of estimated weekend ticket sales.

The Disney movie, featuring Lily James as enchanted princess Ella and Cate Blanchett as her cruel stepmother, took in US$70 million (RM259.9 million).

Part of the draw for the critically well-received film was an animated short “Frozen Fever” that was shown with the film, a five minute add-on to another Disney princess smash-hit “Frozen.”

Action flick “Run the Night,” featuring grizzled tough-guy Liam Neeson playing a hit man going up against the mob to protect a son, took second on the charts hauling in an estimated US$11 million in its debut weekend.

British spy comedy “Kingsman: The Secret Service,” dropped in sales but moved up a spot in its fourth week in theatres taking in US$6.2 million for the third box office spot.

“Focus,” a con-artist flick featuring Will Smith as a crook who takes on a protege played by Margot Robbie had just over 5.8 million in estimated ticket sales for the fourth spot on the chart.

Artificial intelligence thriller “Chappie” had a long fall from its top-spot debut last week, taking in US$5.8 million for fourth place despite a US$13.3 million showing last week.

Sequel “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” featuring Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Richard Gere, pulled in US$5.7 million for the sixth spot.

“The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water,” remained a presence on the box office charts, taking in US$4.1 million in ticket sales in its fifth week on the charts for a total of US$154.7 million.

Kevin Costner sport drama “McFarland, USA” the story of a small-town cross country team made up of immigrant students was eighth on the charts with US$3.7 million in estimated sales.

Long-running hit “American Sniper” charged back into the top 10 box office films taking in US$2.9 million in its eleventh week in theatres. This weekend’s haul added more sales to the biggest hit of 2014, taking in US$341.5 million overall.

“The Lazarus Effect,” about medical students who discover a way to bring people back to life took the tenth spot with US$2.82 million in sales. — AFP