No one expected “The Lion King” to stay at no. 1 for two weeks in a row, but the film has done the improbable. Before we get into any analysis, let’s go over the top ten movies of the week:

“The Lion King (in 3D)”–$22,130,000

“Moneyball”–$20,600,000

“Dolphin Tale”–$20,260,000

“Abduction”–$11,200,000

“Killer Elite”–$9,500,000

“Contagion”–$8,565,000

“Drive”–$5,771,000

“The Help”–$4,400,000

“Straw Dogs” $2,100,000

“I Don’t Know How She Does It”–$2,053,000

Analysis:

My analysis for this week is pretty much a repeat of last week’s; people are flocking to “The Lion King” because 1)it’s a limited-time theatrical release, and people who didn’t see it in the theaters want to see it where it was meant to be seen, and 2) it’s a classic. Generations have grown up with this movie, and the’re glad to see it return to the forefront of film. Thirdly, and most importantly, “The Lion King” is just a well-made movie with a story that deeply resonates with people. It’s as simple as that.

However, it’s still pretty impressive that the film beat out yet two more big names–Brad Pitt in “Moneyball” and Taylor Lautner in “Abduction.” More on “Abudction” later, but studios should start analyzing how “The Lion King” managed to trump the aforementioned as well as “Dolphin Tale” and “Killer Elite,” all newly-released films.

Flop Alert: “Abduction” and “Killer Elite.” “Killer Elite”‘s production budget is $70 million, for it to only make $9,500,000 is pretty rough. “Abduction” is in a similar boat; it cost $35 million to make, but has only made $11,200,000 so far. However, it has the opportunity to make up its difference; “Killer Elite” doesn’t really have that chance.

Also, the critics aren’t being kind to either film. “Killer Elite” is at 23% rotten on Rotten Tomatoes, while “Abduction” is at an appalling 3%.

Sleeper Hit: I would say that “Dolphin Tale” might be the closest thing to a sleeper hit; the film supposedly dials down what could have been a saccharine-filled script and makes it, according to Rotten Tomatoes, an “earnest, sweet, and well-told…rare family film that both kids and parents can enjoy.” Audiences and critics alike seem to love it.

This is my last week filling in for Joe; he’ll be back next week to his usual post. But in the meantime, what do you think about this week’s movie list? Sound off in the comments below.