'Marley and Me' romps to No. 1

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 28 (UPI) -- The emotionally charged family-and-their-puppy comedy "Marley and Me" was top dog among five holiday releases in U.S. theaters, Box Office Mojo said Sunday.

The comedy, starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston as a couple learning life lessons from their unruly pooch, opened at No. 1 with an estimated $37 million in box office receipts.

Adam Sandler telling "Bedtime Stories" was No. 2, lodging $28.1 million in estimated ticket sales.

"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," in which Brad Pitt ages in reverse was third, taking in an estimated $27 million.

"Valkyrie," retelling a plot to assassinate World War II Nazi Germany leader Adolf Hitler starring Tom Cruise, was No. 4 with $21.5 million.

Last week's top movie, "Yes Man," dropped to No. 5, recording $16.4 million. At No. 6 was "Seven Pounds," down from No. 2 last week, taking in $13.4 million. The animated "The Tale of Despereaux" fell from No. 3 to No. 7 with $9.4 million. The remake of the sci-fi classic, "The Day the Earth Stood Still," dropped four to No. 8, recording $7.9 million.

Filling out the top 10 were the action-thriller "The Spirit," the fifth new film, grabbed $6.5 million at No. 9, and "Doubt," at No. 10, grossing an estimated $5.7 million.