Box Office: "Resident Evil: Retribution" Revitalizes the Movie World

Offering a boost to what's been a dismal month for movie-makers, a pair of newly released films are helping breathe a little life back into the box office to begin the weekend of September 14-16, 2012.

Grasping ahold of the top spot with a solid opening day showing is "Resident Evil: Retribution," as the Milla Jovovich starring action/sci-fi franchise's latest installment nabbed an estimated $8.8 million on Friday while positioned to wind up with a respectable $23 million debut weekend take.

Perched closely behind is what's looking to be another successful re-release in "Finding Nemo 3D," with the Disney Pixar tale about the adventures of a clown fish named Marlin scoring approximate Friday ticket sales of $5.3 million and a three-day total notched at a handsome $18 million.

Filling out the top five at the box office in earmarked earnings are last weekend's first place finisher "The Possession" ($6.0 million), with the Lionsgate horror picture trailed by the Shia LaBeouf, Jessica Chastain and Mia Wasikowska fronted western drama "Lawless" ($4.5 million) and Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jason Statham's testosterone-filled action sequel "The Expendables 2" ($3.0 million).