"National Treasure: Book of Secrets" is Nic Cage's 2nd big hit in '07 (following surprise smash "Ghost Rider" in Feb.). The Jerry Bruckheimer-produced, globe-trotting history lesson on steroids dominated the 5-day Christmas weekend. It earned more than $65M, putting it on pace to earn more than the $173M the original did in 2004. The family-friendly movie - rated PG, btw - seemed to strike a chord with just about everyone.

Will Smith's latest blockbuster "I Am Legend" keeps piling on the cash. It's already up to $150M and seems certain to break the $200M barrier. But Smith is Smith. He always draws in audiences. The big surprise is "Alvin and the Chipmunks," which finished at #3 with $38M more. In fact, the film lost less audience share from its opening weekend than "I Am Legend" did.

I don't think anyone, not even Fox, expected the film to be doing this well. Just goes to show the potential of a good kid movie around the holidays.

"Charlie Wilson's War" and "Sweeney Todd" did OK but those movies are for grownups who don't like to fight the Friday night crowds at the multiplex. Both earned strong reviews so word-of-mouth and awards consideration should keep them around for awhile.

The biggest disappointment has to be the dismal debut of "Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story." Only $6.5M its first five days? Despite heavy publicity and solid reviews (including from Jeffrey & Alison), audiences didn't bite on John C. Reilly as the lead guy in a comedy. Too bad. "Walk Hard" is a hoot. Can you say cult classic??