“10,000 BC,” a widely ridiculed prehistoric action movie boasting a menagerie of exotic beasts, trampled the competition at box offices around the world.

The Warner Bros. Pictures release sold US$61 million worth of tickets during its first weekend.

The North American contribution was US$35.7 million, an easy No. 1 ahead of fellow rookie “College Road Trip” with US$14 million.

The film, which Dan Fellman, president of U.S. theatrical distribution of the studio, said cost “slightly north” of US$100 million to make, was almost unanimously ripped by critics. USA Today described it as a “bombastic bore” and The New York Times as “sublimely dunderheaded.”

Newcomer Steven Strait stars as a mammoth hunter who battles a horde of slave-traders. Gargantuan birds and saber-tooth tigers add to the intrigue. The film was directed by Roland Emmerich, the German auteur behind such hits as “Independence Day” and “The Day After Tomorrow.”

“10,000 BC” also opened at No. 1 in 19 of 20 territories, picking up a total of US$25.3 million. Top markets included Spain (US$4.5 million) and Mexico (US$3.8 million).

The Walt Disney Co. broad comedy “College Road Trip,” which also appalled critics, stars Martin Lawrence as the overprotective father of a college freshman played by Raven-Symone.

Critics did love one new release but moviegoers were less enthused. The heist thriller “The Bank Job” opened at No. 5 with a modest US$5.7 million. The film, based on the 1971 robbery of a Lloyds bank in London, stars Jason Statham.

Last weekend’s champion, “Semi-Pro,” slid to No. 4 with US$5.8 million. The comedy, which cost US$57 million to make, has earned just US$24.7 million.

(SD-Agencies)