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 $ 18.5 million. dollars in revenue, according to final figures released Monday by 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 and disrupts the well-oiled mechanics thought by the creators.

Family comedy, "Free Guy" shows a clear drop in revenue compared to its first weekend of operation and its $ 28 million in tickets sold.

But according to experts, the results remain impressive as the Covid-19 epidemic still weighs on the film industry and Storm Henri in the northeastern United States may have deterred more than one spectator from watching. go to dark rooms.

In total, the film is close to $ 112 million in worldwide revenue since its release.

In second place, with 13.1 million dollars collected between Friday and Sunday, appears an exit, "Paw Patrol - The film". An honorable result 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 the shenanigans of an evil mayor.

Third place went to Disney's adventure film "Jungle Cruise" with $ 6.3 million (over $ 92 million since its release four weeks ago).

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.

Also featured is Hollywood's highest paid actor, Dwayne Johnson, who plays their guide.

The horror feature "Don't Breathe 2", which chronicles a game of massacre perpetuated by a blind veteran, is in fourth place, with $ 5 million for its second weekend in theaters.

Soul Queen Aretha Franklin's biopic, "Respect," rounds out the Top 5 with $ 3.8 million in revenue.

Here is the rest of the top 10:

6. "The Suicide Squad" ($ 3.4 million)

7. "The Protégé" (2.9 million)

8. "The prey of a shadow" (2.9 million)

9. "Reminiscence" (2 million)

10. "Old" (1.14 million)

© 2021 AFP