Tops at the Box Office: The Help dominates for a third week

1. The Help- $14.2M/$118.6M
Three new releases still couldn't slow The Help's momentum to close out the summer. The civil rights dramedy scored the top spot for the third week in a row, a unique feat considering it debuted lower down the chart. At this point it has to be considered one of the frontrunners when the upcoming Oscar race kicks off, and without a doubt is the most successful film of the season.

2. The Debt- $9.67M
Now this comes as a shock, because while The Debt sports an A-list cast with Helen Mirren, Sam Worthington, and fast rising Jessica Chastain, there was very little buzz surrounding this oft-delayed political thriller. It could have something to do with adults looking for a film more than speed now that the kids are off and in school.
3. Apollo 18- $8.7M
I probably won't review this one since I just saw it Friday night(why promote something the studio doesn't want you to see??), but here's what I'll say about it: it's your regular garden variety "found footage" horror....in space.  If you've seen the trailers and lousy TV spots then you probably figured that out already, and judging by these piss poor numbers you stayed at home because of it. Good job.
4. Shark Night 3D- $8.64M
Just behind was another lame horror, Shark Night, which flopped even with the added bonus of 3D ticket sales. Perhaps people saw the weak attempt to cash in on the mild success of last year's Piranha 3D, only looking far less humorous.
5. Rise of the Planet of the Apes- $7.8M/$160M
6. Colombiana- $7.4M/$22M
7. Our Idiot Brother- $5.18M/$15.4M
8. Don't Be Afraid of the Dark- $4.9M/$16.3M
9. Spy Kids: All the Time in the World- $4.6M/$29M
10. The Smurfs- $4M/$132M