Nicholas Cage No Aberration at Box Office as “Ghost Rider” Takes Top Spot

Apparently collecting souls for the devil is good business as Nicholas Cage enjoyed his biggest opening weekend ever with $44.5 million at the box-office for “Ghost Rider.” Cage’s previous best mark was “National Treasure” back in 2005.

Despite less than raving reviews from the critics, the Marvel Comics inspired “Ghost Rider” capitalized on the Presidents Day Weekend crowd.

“Bridge to Terabithia” finished second with $22 million. The fantasy tale that involves the friendship of two fifth-graders and a magical kingdom was able to attract a crowd that wasn’t heading to “Ghost Rider.”

Eddie Murphy stayed near the top of the box-office with last week’s number one, “Norbit.” The comedy brought in another $16.8 million to go with its opening weekend $34.2 million.

The Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore movie, “Music and Lyrics” finished a disappointing fourth with $14 million.

Weekend Box Office

1. "Ghost Rider," $44.5 million.

2. "Bridge to Terabithia," $22.1 million.

3. "Norbit," $16.8 million.

4. "Music and Lyrics," $14 million.

5. "Tyler Perry's Daddy's Little Girls," $12.1 million.

6. "Breach," $10.4 million.

7. "Hannibal Rising," $5.5 million.

8. "Because I Said So," $5 million.

9. "The Messengers," $3.8 million.

10. "Night at the Museum," $3.7 million