Jude Law's new movie edges closer to the top

Jude Law's new movie Closer has performed well at the box office on its opening weekend in the United States. The film took £4 million ($10.94 million), despite showing at only 467 screens across the country.

Co-starring new mother Julia Roberts, and Clive Owen, the film won strong reviews from the critics and took £1.5 million more than anticipated.

But some viewers were unimpressed. It was awarded an average of just "D-plus" by movie-goers. Sixty-eight per cent of critics recommended the film, advising film fans to watch.

Closer is at the top of a pack of Oscar-hopefuls. Its chief rivals are the Aviator, Spanglish, Hotel Rwanda and Million Dollar Baby. The Oscars will be held late in February.

- AGENCIES