George Clooney’s The American ran to the top of the box office this holiday weekend.  Machete couldn’t slice its way to the top but remained at second place, which is not bad for a Grindhouse trailer turned movie.  The Takers hung, looking mighty cool, at third place while The Last Exorcism twisted at fourth.  The other new movie to the weekend, Going the Distance, rounded out the top five.

Results:

1. The American
$16,400,000

2. Machete
$14,000,000

3. Takers
$13,500,000

4. The Last Exorcism
$8,800,000

5. Going the Distance
$8,600,000

6. The Expendables
$3,398$8,500,000

7. The Other Guys
$6,700,000

8. Eat Pray Love
$6,300,000

9. Inception
$5,900,000

10. Nanny McPhee Returns
$4,700,000

(Source)