By Scott Bowles, USA TODAY
Tyler Perry scored the largest debut of his career as his Madea Goes to Jail opened to a whopping $41.1 million, according to studio estimates from box office tracking firm Nielsen EDI.
Despite having one of the best track records in Hollywood, Perry still surprised many analysts, who had expected his film to open around $25 million.
The strong opening continues to demonstrate the strength of movies geared toward audiences of faith and color, films that are typically made with low budgets. Last year's faith-based Fireproof cost just $500,000 but did $33.5 million. Jail eclipses Perry's previous best, 2006's Madea's Family Reunion, which opened at $30 million and grossed $63.3 million.
The thriller Taken continues its strong run, taking second place in its fourth weekend with $11.4 million. The Liam Neeson film has collected $95.2 million.
The animated Coraline was third with $11 million, lifting its total to $53.4 million.
He's Just Not That Into You was fourth with $8.5 million, adding up to $70.1 million in three weeks.
Slumdog Millionaire, the favorite to win the best picture Oscar today, cracked the top 5 after almost four months in theaters with $8.1 million. It has taken in $98 million and will cross the $100 million mark this week.
The only other major newcomer this weekend, the cheerleading comedy Fired Up!, took ninth place with $6 million, about $2 million below projections.
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