The Force Awakens: 'Star Wars' blasts opening weekend record with $238 million

By LINDSEY BAHR
AP Film Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- To say that the force is strong with this one isn't nearly enough.

Studio estimates on Sunday say "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" brought in a galactic $238 million over the weekend, making it the biggest North American debut of all time.

The Walt Disney Co. earnings destroy the previous opening record set by "Jurassic World," which drew $208.8 million this summer.

A few other movies tried to compete against J.J. Abrams' seventh chapter in George Lucas' space saga.

Almost a galaxy away, the animated "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip" came in second with $14.4 million

In third place, the Tina Fey and Amy Poehler comedy "Sisters" earned an estimated $13.42 million in its opening weekend. A whopping 79 percent of audiences were female for the R-rated comedy.