The numbers on the right are the latest proof that Will Smith is undoubtedly the biggest star in the world right now. "I Am Legend" not only set a personal opening weekend record for the 39-year-old superstar, but it also set a December box-office mark (beating "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King").

Considering he's on screen alone for most of the movie (along with his loyal German Shepherd), it is a testament to his drawing power and his immense likability that 'Legend' opened as big as it did. I mean, really, who doesn't like Will Smith? Nobody, that's who. Which is why even a movie that's a third attempt to translate a 1954 novel can become a monster hit.

While 'Legend's' incredible debut receipts are getting most of the attention, did you see the business "Alvin and the Chipmunks" did? I knew Alvin, Simon & Theodore had their fans ...but a $45 million debut weekend? Further proof that if you come out with a semi-decent kid-friendly movie ('Alvin' had decent reviews for the most part), you will pack the multiplex parking lot full of minivans loaded with young audience members.

The weekend's only other wide release "The Perfect Holiday" flopped with just $3.1M. All those brutal reviews had to have scared off audiences, despite the appealing cast. As for the two limited release films, "The Kite Runner" did well on 35 screens, collecting an average of $12,885. Francis Ford Coppola's "Youth Without Youth" didn't do as well, earning just $27,800 on six screens.

"The Golden Compass" has completely gone off-course. Audiences dropped off 65% in its second weekend, an alarming decline for a $200 million potential franchise launcher. The unfortunate navigational reference in the movie's title means you can expect even more directional puns as the New Line movie continues to disappoint. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Meanwhile, two critically lauded films keep on keeping on. "Atonement" earned $1.8M on just 117 screens as its seven Golden Globe nominations seemed to pay off. Same for "Juno" which earned $1.4M on just 40 screens ($36,000 per screen!!) as this year's 'Little Indie That Could' keeps building momentum on the award and box-office front.