How well did "The Hobbit" do in its first weekend at the box office? It made nearly 11.5 times what second-place finisher "Rise of the Guardians" pulled in. The Associated Press reports that its $84.8 million was "a record-setting opening better than the three previous "Lord of the Rings" films."

From The AP:

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Hollywood.com. Where available, latest international numbers are also included. Final domestic figures will be released Monday.

1. "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," $84.8 million ($138.2 million international). (Review by The News-Herald's Mark Meszoros: 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' has familiar ring to it)
2. "Rise of the Guardians," $7.4 million ($20.1 million international). (Review by The AP's Todd McCarthy: Animated 'Rise of the Guardians' overly busy, should appeal to kids)
3. "Lincoln," $7.2 million. (Review by Meszoros: 'Lincoln,' powered by Daniel Day-Lewis' portrayal, engrossingly brings to life crucial bit of presidential history)
4. "Skyfall," $7 million ($12.2 million international). (Review by Meszoros: New Bond film 'Skyfall' almost lives up to all that buzz)
5. "Life of Pi," $5.4 million ($11.5 million international). (Review by The AP's David Germain: Ang Lee's 'Life of Pi' is inspiring 3-D art)
6. "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2," $5.2 million ($13 million international). (Review by Meszoros: 'Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 2,' although still painful for non Twi-hards, has welcome sense of humor)
7. "Wreck-It Ralph," $3.3million ($4.7 million international). (Review by The AP's Justin Lowe: Animated 'Wreck-It Ralph' has fun celebrating video games old and new)
8. "Playing for Keeps," $3.2 million ($1.4 million international). (Review by The AP's Christy Lemire: Gerard Butler stars in rom-com 'Playing for Keeps,' one of year's worst movies)
9. "Red Dawn," $2.4 million. (Review by Meszoros: 'Red Dawn' remake falters, despite solid effort by star Chris Hemsworth)
10. "Silver Linings Playbook," $2 million ($370,000 international). (Review by Lemire: Charming 'Silver Linings Playbook' has great performances from Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence)

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl