Los Angeles (AFP)

Despite declining revenue, the action-comedy in the video game universe "Free Guy" remained at the top of the North American box office for its second weekend of operation, grossing $ 18.8 million. dollars in revenue, according to provisional figures from the specialist firm Exhibitor Relations.

The film, which lightly explores the border between virtual and real, features an anti-hero played by Ryan Reynolds, a simple extra in a video game who seeks to take his destiny in hand, disrupting the well-oiled mechanics thought by the creators.

A family comedy, "Free Guy" registered some decline from the weekend when the film grossed $ 28 million.

But according to experts, the results remain impressive as the shadow of the Covid-19 epidemic still hangs over the film industry, and Storm Henri in the northeastern United States may have dissuade some from going to the movies.

In total the film has accumulated $ 112 million in revenue.

In second place, with 13 million dollars collected between Friday and Sunday, appears a new film, "Paw Patrol - The film".

An honorable result according to Variety magazine for this animated film aimed at young children - still ineligible for anti-Covid vaccines.

"Paw Patrol" tells the story of a boy named Ryder and the brave puppies who help him save the people of Aventureville from an evil mayor.

Third place went to the Disney adventure film "Jungle Cruise" with $ 6.2 million.

Inspired by a Disney park attraction, the film follows the adventures of Dr. Lily Houghton, played by Emily Blunt, and her brother (Jack Whitehall) in the Amazon rainforest.

The horror feature "Don't Breathe 2", which chronicles a game of massacre perpetuated by a blind veteran, is in fourth place, with $ 3.8 million, for its second weekend.

Finally the biopic on the queen of soul Aretha Franklin, "Respect" comes in fifth place with 3.8 million dollars.

The rest of the top 10:

"The Suicide Squad" ($ 3.4 million)

"The Protégé" (2.9 million)

"The prey of a shadow" (2.9 million)

"Reminiscence" (2 million)

"Black Widow" (1.2 million)

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