'Sherlock Holmes' dominates box office

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" with Robert Downey Jr. debuted at No. 1 at the box office this weekend with more than $40 million in gross U.S. receipts.

"Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked" and "Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol" opened at No. 2 and No. 3 with $23.5 million and $13 million, respectively.

The three new films pushed the ensemble cast "New Year's Eve" from No. 1 to No. 4 for the weekend at $7.4 million.

"The Sitter," with Jonah Hill, fell one spot to No. 5 with $4.4 million.

All studio estimates of gross U.S. box office receipts are via Box Office Mojo.

"The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1," dropped to No. 6 with $4.3 million; "Young Adult" starring Charlize Theron was No. 7 with $3.7 million; "Hugo" No. 8 with $3.6 million; and "Arthur Christmas" was No. 9 with $3.6 million.

"The Muppets" rounded out the Top 10 with $3.5 million.