9/12/2009

in

The director once again proves his power as a Hollywood brand.

Tom Helberg

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Tyler Perry, once again proving his power as a Hollywood brand name, saw his new movie, "Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself" ascend to the top of Friday's North American box office.  
  
The PG-13 dramedy starring Taraji P. Henson, Gladys Knight, Mary J. Blige and Perry himself in drag as Madea, earned an estimated $8.7 million in 2,255 theaters, according to [The Hollywood Reporter](http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3idc1bbdb02d3e9206e489033949084f33).  
  
The Friday gross falls between his last two releases - this year's "Madea Goes to Jail" scored $14.7 million on its first day, while last September's "The Family That Preys" earned $6.3 million its opening day. "Bad" is on track to have an opening weekend somewhere in the $20 million range.  
  
Second place at the box office was post-apocalyptic "9." The PG-13, animated feature, directed by Shane Acker starring Elijah Wood, took in $3.3 million on Friday in 1,661 theaters.  
  
R-rated horror flick "Sorority Row," claimed the number three spot with $1.9 million in 2,265 theaters. Rounding out the top five, are "Inglourious Basterds" gaining $1.87 million for the day, and the horridly reviewed "All About Steve" placed fifth with $1.8 million.  
  
Warners' R-rated, Antarctica thriller "Whiteout," starring Kate Beckinsale had a cold debut at number six with $1.76 million from 2,745 theaters.