Summary 'Night School' topped the North American box offices this weekend.
HOLLYWOOD (AFP) - For once it was a comedy, not a superhero or horror flick, that topped North American box offices this weekend as Universal s raucous new release "Night School" pulled in an estimated $28 million, industry tracker Exhibitor Relations reported Sunday.
Kevin Hart stars as one of a group of misfits attending night school to earn their high school diplomas, under the firm tutelage of Tiffany Haddish. The film nearly paid off its $29 million production costs over the three-day weekend, Variety reported.
In second was another new release, family animation "Smallfoot" from Warner Bros., which netted $23 million. The comic tale about a group of Yeti who run into a human -- to the amazement and consternation of both sides -- features the voices of Channing Tatum, LeBron James, James Corden, Zendaya and Danny DeVito.
Last weekend s top attraction, Universal s family film "The House With a Clock in Its Walls," slipped to third spot, pulling in $12.5 million. Jack Black and Cate Blanchett star alongside young Owen Vaccaro as Lewis Barnavelt, an orphan sent to live with his warlock uncle.
In fourth was "A Simple Favor," Lionsgate s drama about a mommy blogger (Anna Kendrick) who investigates the mysterious disappearance of her friend (Blake Lively). It earned $6.6 million.
And fifth place went to horror film "The Nun" from Warner Bros., the latest fright fest in the popular "Conjuring" series. The story of a young nun, an exorcist and a guide stumbling onto a dark secret in Dracula country netted $5.4 million.
Overall, the month brought smiles to Hollywood, ending as the second best September ever, trailing only last year s record grosses, according to the BoxOfficeMojo website.
