'V For Vendetta' prevails at the London box office

Natalie Portman's new flick debuts at number one, while 'The Pink Panther' and 'Tsotsi' also open big.

Mar 22 2006

'V For Vendetta' shot to number one at the London box office this weekend, taking £111,537 from 14 screens – a good, if not great opening total for what was expected to be the first big blockbuster of the year.

James McTeigue's film nevertheless kept 'The Pink Panther' from the top spot, so for that we should be eternally grateful.

Steve Martin's misguided remake instead debuted at number two, while the excellent 'Syriana' dropped from one to three.

Gavin Hood's brilliant South African drama 'Tsotsi' was the only other new entry, coming straight in at number four, and based on its Oscar win and a slew of fine reviews, this excellent film should stay around for a while.

Aside from that, it's quality all the way, with 'Capote', 'The Proposition', 'Walk the Line' and 'Good Night, and Good Luck' all slowly but surely descending down the chart.

Next week, expect 'Inside Man' and 'Transamerica' to both open big, although TOMB favourite 'Hostel' could surprise them all by opening at number one.