Which movie won the weekend box office?

It dawned on me today that I was so caught up in the Academy Awards nominations that I totally flaked out on posting a box office preview. I did tell you guys I'm awards obsessed. Apologies. But let's just say that this weekend's box office is extremely surprising - not because of the films at the top, but because of the sheer turnout at theaters in January, which is traditionally a really down month for movie going.

America loves Kevin Hart. A lot. Hart's latest comedy film, Ride Along, co-starring Ice Cube, won big at the weekend box office. Ride Along smoked everyone else, taking in a stunning $41.2 million (the highest January debut take ever). This buddy cop comedy managed to make bank at the box office despite dismal reviews, easily besting two other major debuts: Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit and The Nut Job. Here's the thing: I actually really like Kevin Hart. I thought Let Me Explain was hilarious, and I loved his part in This Is The End, too. It's hard not to find the guy funny, but for me, that's not enough to get me to hit the theater. I'll wait for the Ride Along DVD, and I'll probably laugh. Sometimes I just don't care what the critics think anyway.

Last week's big number one, Lone Survivor, managed to take in an additional $23.2 million, so this one has staying power. Another big debut, the animated family film The Nut Job, didn't exactly hit it out of the park. Nut Job finished third with $20.6 million.

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit did get pretty decent reviews, but it only managed a dismal fourth place at the box office with $17.2 million. That's a shame, but I can't say a word - I wasn't motivated enough to see it, either. I'm a football fan who is married to a Denver native. We were focused solely on the Broncos in the AFC Championship game this weekend. I couldn't muster up the courage to say, "Hey, honey? I know you're planning your game day food/clothing, but could we please swing by the theater and see August: Osage County?" No. I know better. I wanted the spouse to enjoy every moment and thankfully, Denver won. I did find myself enjoying a John Hughes marathon and a couple of great DVDs, and that was enough to satisfy my film cravings. For now.

Here's what's still on my list of must see(s) in theaters:
Her
August: Osage County
Saving Mr. Banks
Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

All of these are playing here in my small city, but I keep hoping we'll also get Philomena, Inside Llewyn Davis and for goodness sake, Dallas Buyers Club! Ugh! Hopefully they'll release Dallas on DVD before the Oscars, at least.

Did anyone venture out to the theater to see anything good this weekend? If so, let's hear about it in the comments!

Photo courtesy of The Wrap