'Transformers,' 'Ice Age' battle for top

'Public Enemies' takes $6.6 million from 3,319

By PAMELA MCCLINTOCK

Paramount's "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" and Twentieth Century Fox's 3-D toon "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" ended Thursday in a photo finish at the domestic box office, with "Transformers 2" narrowly winning.

"Transformers 2" grossed $11.5 million from 4,234 runs, putting its domestic cume at $250.9 million in its 9th day in release.

"Ice Age 3" grossed $11.1 million from 4,032 for a two-day cume of $24.9 million in its second day in release. Of its total theater count, roughly 1,606 are 3-D screens.

Box office also did good by Universal's Johnny Depp topliner "Public Enemies," which grossed $6.6 million from 3,319 for a two-day cume of $14.8 million.

One studio exec said the B.O. is poised for a very solid holiday weekend, pointing out there is "something for everyone," whether action tentpole, family fare or adult drama.

"Ice Age 3" and "Public Enemies" opened mid-week in order to get a jump on the holiday weekend, when traffic could be slowed because of July 4th falling on a Saturday.

Box office observers say "Ice Age 3" and "Transformers 2" could remain in a dead heat over the weekend.

"Ice Age 3" and "Transformers 3" also go head-to-head at the international box office.

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