Transylvania Scares Up Record Debut

Hotel Transylvania scared off the competition this weekend with the strongest debut since The Dark Knight Rises and the best September bow ever, says the Hollywood Reporter. The animation film's $43 million opening ousted Sweet Home Alabama, which banked $35.6 million on its first weekend, albeit without premium 3D prices, reports the LA Times. Meanwhile, sci-fi flick Looper scored big with $21.2 million, followed by End of Watch ($8 million) and Trouble With the Curve ($7.5 million). The weekend's only misfire was education drama Won't Back Down, which launched at $2.7 million. (More box office stories.)