Robots making big bucks

A scene from Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen. Photo / Supplied

First they stomped all over the pyramids, now Optimus Prime and his weapon-wielding mates have trampled local box office records with the highest grossing opening weekend in more than five years.

Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen raked in $2.4 million at the New Zealand box office last week, well ahead of last year's record holder The Dark Knight, which took $1.8 million in its opening weekend.

The takings are only second to Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, which still holds the New Zealand record for biggest opening weekend.

The film topped box offices around the world last week despite abysmal reviews internationally, comparing it unfavourably to the hit 2007 original.