Box office: 'Iron Man' beats 'Robin Hood'

Steel exceeded bows and arrows at the movies this weekend, with "Iron Man 2" fighting against the new version of "Robin Hood" to stay on top of the box office.

The superhero sequel starring Robert Downey Jr. took in $ 53,000,000 in the country to remain at number one, according to studio estimates Sunday.

The statement from Paramount Pictures has acquired more than $ 212 million in its first two weeks.

"Robin Hood", with Russell Crowe teaming with director Ridley Scott for the fifth time, debuted at No. 2 with an estimated $ 37.1 million. The blockbuster Universal Pictures, a sort of prequel to the legend of Robin Hood, co-stars Cate Blanchett as Marian.

However, "Robin Hood" was a great international opening, so that $ 74,000,000 out of U.S. for a total of 111.1 million U.S. dollars this weekend. Nikki Rocco, Universal president for domestic distribution, said the overall figures have gone beyond the expectations of the study.

"The combination of matter and Cate Ridley and Russell, who would be the driving force behind it," said Rocco. "This confirms that Robin Hood" is an endearing and enduring legend and I think the cast resonates with viewers. "

Paul Dergarabedian of box office analyst for Hollywood.com, said the relevance of the film in today's economy was also part of its appeal.

"There are lots of things to sing here, no pun intended," said Dergarabedian. "The issue of stealing from the rich to give to the poor resonates particularly well with audiences throughout the world today."

The aesthetic similarities between "Robin Hood" and 2000 "Gladiator" - the first film we did together Crowe and Scott, who won Best Film Oscar - was a bonus, he said.

"The atmosphere Gladiator 'is quite obvious in the marketing of the picture: he with his bow and arrows, with the haircut that looks like Maximus. But people really love Gladiator,"  "said Dergarabedian." That was a great connection to have. "

Among the new releases, the romance of Summit Entertainment "Letter to Juliet, was at 3 with $ 13,750,000. The film stars Amanda Seyfried as a journalist in New York who travels to Verona, the setting for Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet."