Moviegoers greeted Jim Carrey’s latest film with enthusiasm and helped “Yes Man” register a No. 1 debut with $18.2 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates released on Sunday.

 

“Seven Pounds,” the new drama starring Will Smith opened at No. 2 with $16 million, while animated family flick “The Tale of Despereaux,” whose characters bear the voices of Sigourney Weaver, Matthew Broderick, Emma Watson and Dustin Hoffman, debuted on the third spot with $10.5 million.

 

However, bad weather and holiday shopping activities affected overall revenues.

“The Day the Earth Stood Still,” a remake of the eponymous 1951 sci-fi classic, starring Keanu Reeves and Jennifer Connelly, slipped from No. 1 to the fourth position with $10.2 million and brought its 10-day total to $48.6 million.

 

The critically acclaimed “Wrestler” saw a noteworthy debut in limited release, as it took in $209,474 in just four theaters and registered an impressive average of $52,369.

“Yes Man” was screened in 3,434 theaters and averaged $5,288 per theater, while “Seven Pounds” played in 2,758 theaters and averaged $5,801 per theater.

 

Season comedy “Four Christmases,” starring Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn, came in fifth with $7.7 million, followed by the popular vampire flick “Twilight,” which grossed $5.2 million.

 

“Bolt” was No. 7 with $4.3 million and “Slumdog Millionaire” claimed the eighth position with $3.2 million.

 

“Australia” and “Quantum of Solace” rounded out the top 10 with $2.3 million and $2.2 million, respectively.

 

The top 12 films grossed $82.8 million and Hollywood revenues saw a 44 percent drop compared to the same weekend last year, when “National Treasure: Book of Secrets” led the North American box office with $44.8 million.