'Twilight' in spotlight at No. 1

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- "Twilight," a vampire love story written and directed by women, opened at No. 1 in U.S. theaters, Box Office Mojo said Sunday.

"Twilight" tallied an estimated $70.55 million in its first weekend. The screenplay for the romantic horror film, based on a novel by Stephenie Meyer, was written by Melissa Rosenberg and directed by Catherine Hardwicke..

Pushed down to No. 2 was "Quantum of Solace," which pulled in another $27.4 million for a two-week total of $109.48 million.

Arriving at No. 3 with $27 million in estimated gate receipts was "Bolt," featuring the voices of John Travolta, the animated movie's top dog, Miley Cyrus, Susie Essman, Mark Walton and Malcolm McDowell.

"Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" dropped two spots to No. 4 at $16 million for a three-week total of $137.45 million, while "Role Models also fell two places to No. 5 with $7.23 million.

Next up were "Changeling," $2.64 million; "High School Musical 3: Senior Year," $2.01 million; and "Zack and Miri Make a Porno," $1.7 million.

"The Boy in the Striped Pajamas," the story about the son of a Nazi concentration camp commandant who befriends a Jewish boy during World War II, shot up from No. 19 to No. 9 with $1.67 million in ticket sales. The drama, directed by Mark Herman, stars Asa Butterfield and Zac Mattoon O'Brien.

"The Secret Life of Bees" was No. 10 with $1.28 million.

Gone from the Top 10 were "Soul Men," "Saw V" and "The Haunting of Molly Hartley."