Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen shattered box office records this weekend, raking in $201.2 million since its release Wednesday, according to studio estimates from Nielsen EDI.Despite pulverizing reviews — only a fifth of the nation's critics recommended the film, according to RottenTomatoes.com —Transformers was a juggernaut from opening day, when it did a record $60.6 million.

From there, it scaled near the top of every box office record. It grossed $126 million in its first three days, making it the fourth highest-opening film of all time. Transformers' five-day gross was behind only The Dark Knight's $203.8 million. For the weekend, Transformers did $112 million.The film, which opened on a Wednesday to have as many competition-free days as possible before Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince arrives July 15, gave Hollywood the shot in the arm it needed. Ticket sales soared 38% over the same weekend last year, and many films enjoyed spillover crowds from Transformers' sold-out shows.

The Sandra Bullock comedy The Proposal held strongly to take second place and $18.5 million.The raunchy comedy The Hangover continues to chug along, dropping just 36% to take third place with $17.2 million. Since its release last month, The Hangover has done $183 million.

The animated comedy Up also continues to sail skyward, doing $13 million and lifting its five-week total to $250.2 million.The only other major newcomer, the Cameron Diaz drama My Sister's Keeper, met most analysts' expectations with $12 million. The critically hailed drama The Hurt Locker opened well in limited release, doing $144,000 in four theaters in New York and Los Angeles. The film expands July 10.Final figures are due Monday.

From:www.usatoday.com