Kung-fu comedy RUSH HOUR 2 (2001) has punched and high kicked its way to the top of the America charts, breaking box office records along the way.

The movie starring CHRIS Tucker and JACKIE CHAN has become the fourth best film opener of all time, making a staggering $66. 8 million (£47 million) in its first weekend (begs03AUG01).

Last weekend's (begs27JUL01) number one, PLANET OF THE APES (2001) slipped to number two with $28. 5 million (£21. 9 million), ahead of newly released family comedy PRINCESS DIARIES, The (2001) which had a $23. 2 million (£17. 8 million) launch.

Steamy romance ORIGINAL SIN (2001), starring ANTONIO BANDERAS and ANGELINA JOLIE, failed to set the box office alight and opened at number six with a disappointing $6. 4 million (£4. 9 million) for the Friday-to-Sunday period. (RP/WNWCYA)

Source: WENN