Disney’s High School Musical 3: Senior Year slam dunked the box office this weekend earning $42 million in the biggest three-day opening ever for a musical film.  Fans everywhere came out to see Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens and the rest of the Wildcats celebrate their senior year in high school.

HSM3 is based on Disney Channel’s original High School Musical TV movie, and its big-screen debut beat out the previously highest grossing movie musical, Mamma Mia, which had a weekend opening of $27.8 million in July, according to Box Office Mojo.  HSM3 also set the record for the biggest open for a live-action G-rated movie, surpassing the release of Disney's Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert (February 1, 2008), which debuted with $31.1 million. Additionally, HSM 3 is the second largest October weekend opening for a children’s movie behind Shark Tale, (October 1, 2004) with $47.6 million.

Just in time for Halloween, Saw V comes in with a surprising second at $30.5 million, a healthy open for a fifth installment of the suspense franchise.  There is something about a terrifying serial killer that keeps the audience coming back for more. Opening in 3,060 theaters; its apparent success suggests there will be many more Saw movies to scream for.

Max Payne slips to 3rd place, earning $7.6 million to brintg its 2-week total to $29.6 million.  It’s dropped 56.9% since last weekend, unable to compete with the singing teens of HSM3.

The Chihuahua is still yapping away and nipping at Max Payne's heels. Beverly Hills Chihuahua added $6.9 million over the weekend to bring its total box office after four weeks to a whopping $78.1 million. 

Warner Bros’ Pride and Glory starring Edward Norton and Colin Farrell debuted in 5th place, with $6.3-million opening, as would-be viewers heeded our warning that the crime drama was too cliché and lacked a plot.

The highly advertised Changeling, directed by Clint Eastwood, opened with a limited release this weekend, and earned $502,000 in just 15 theaters.  That was enough to land it 20th place, beating other films like City of Ember and The Express, which appeared on 500+ screens.  The movie starring Angelina Jolie, will open in wide release on October 31.

—Jessica Delli Santi