'Inside Man' batters Sharon Stone in London

Spike Lee's film sees off challenges from 'Basic Instinct 2' and 'Failure to Launch' to remain on top.

Apr  5 2006

Far be it from me to question the movie-going habits of Londoners, but what in the name of sweet Zeus are you all doing? 'Failure to Launch' and 'Basic Instinct 2' both entering the chart above 'Three Burials'? A lame comedy and a hopeless sequel overpowering Tommy Lee Jones' brilliant and unforgettable western? You're all mad I tell you, mad!

That said, Spike Lee's hugely enjoyable heist thriller 'Inside Man' effortlessly held onto the top spot, while the equally excellent 'Transamerica' continued to do good business in its second week, dropping a single place from two to three.

Further down the chart, it seems that audiences are growing increasingly tired of seeing Harrison Ford going through the predictable action pic motions, as 'Firewall' made a disappointing debut at number six. This will doubtless speed up the arrival of 'Indiana Jones 4' (as reported here) though we're still not convinced it's a good idea.

And at the bottom of the chart, 'Syriana' is clinging on for dear life at number ten, in spite of the fact that it is playing on more screens than any other film on the chart. A strange fact to finish off a strange weekend in London cinemas.

Next week, 'The Squid and the Whale' and 'Alien Autopsy' should both find an audience, though millions of nippers will doubtless thrust 'Ice Age 2: The Meltdown' to the top.