It may have received a lukewarm welcome from many critics, but Adam Sandler and Kevin James have sure convinced moviegoers to go and see their new film, “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry.”

 Funnymen Adam Sandler and Kevin James saw the release of their new comedy “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry” last Friday. Some critics called it typical Sandler goofballing, while others appreciated the movie’s positive message about accepting homosexuality.

 Good reviews or bad, moviegoers nevertheless flocked, as proven by the $34.8 million initial estimate worth of tickets sold over the Friday through Sunday period in theaters across the US and Canada, according to Nielsen.

 While official numbers are still to be confirmed by box-office trackers, Chuck and Larry even managed to top “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” which took in a nice $32.2 million, sliding to second place.

 Next up is John Travolta’s winsome musical “Hairspray,” which took in $27.8 million. The film stars newcomer Nikki Blonski, John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer and Queen Latifah, and delivers s positive message about transcending racial discrimination.

“Transformers” landed at number four with $20.5 million, which makes its past three weeks at the box office a successful $263 million. Blue mouse animated film “Ratatouille” came in fifth with $11 million.  

Official figures will be available Monday.