'American Sniper' blasts competition at N. American box office

'American Sniper' blasts competition at N. American box office

Clint Eastwood's "American Sniper" blasted into first place with a massive $90.2 million take, blowing away the competition at the American box office, industry estimates said Sunday. The war drama, based on the true story of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, set a new record for January opening, US media reported, and comes after the film wracked up six Oscar nominations, including best picture and best actor for star Bradley Cooper. The kids comedy, starring British actor Hugh Bonneville of "Downton Abbey" fame opposite the marmalade-loving bear, took in $19.3 million in its US bow. The crime thriller starring Liam Neeson in his third stint as retired spy Bryan Mills, who this time must clear his name of a ruthless murder, earned $14.1 million in its second weekend in theaters.