By
The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES - The Grinch is having a green Christmas.
Jim Carrey's live-action version of "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas" took in a whopping $55.1 million in its first three days, according to studio estimates yesterday.
The animated "Rugrats in Paris: The Movie" opened in second place with $23 million, about $4 million less than the first "Rugrats" grossed in its first weekend two years ago.
"Charlie's Angels," the No. 1 movie the last two weekends, slipped to third place with $13.7 million, pushing its total to $93.6 million.
"The Grinch," directed by Ron Howard and produced by Brian Grazer, received mixed reviews, with some critics calling it overblown and uncreative and others praising the elaborate production and Carrey's manic performance as the holiday boogeyman.
Other films' performances this weekend:
1. "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas," $55.1 million.
2. "Rugrats in Paris: The Movie," $23 million.
3. "Charlie's Angels," $13.7 million.
4. "The 6th Day," $13.2 million.
5. "Bounce," $11.5 million.
6. "Men of Honor," $8 million.
7. "Little Nicky," $7.7 million.
8. "Meet the Parents," $6.4 million.
9. "The Legend of Bagger Vance," $2.9 million.
10. "Red Planet," $2.7 million.
