Michigan Movie Battle: Robots Crush 'Ides'
LOS ANGELES (AP/CBS Detroit) - In the made-in-Michigan weekend movie battle, boxing robots emerged as the undisputed champs.
According to studio estimates Sunday, Hugh Jackman's "Real Steel," set in a near-future when robot fighters have replaced humans in the ring, debuted at No. 1 with $27.3 million.
"Real Steel" added $22.1 million overseas for a worldwide total of $49.4 million. The movie casts Jackman as a former boxer reluctantly thrown together with his young son as they turn a junkyard robot into a world-class contender.
George Clooney's political saga "The Ides of March" was the runner-up, opening at No. 2 with $10.4 million. The film stars Ryan Gosling as an aide to a presidential candidate (Clooney) caught up in scandal. Clooney also directed.
Both movies were filmed in Michigan.
The previous No. 1 movie, "Dolphin Tale," slipped to No. 3 with $9.2 million.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
