Smash Hit 'Lorax' Tops N. America Box Office

"Dr. Seuss' The Lorax," the animated fable about the hazards of industrialized society, topped the North American box office on its debut weekend, taking in a stunning $70.7 million, industry figures showed Sunday.

The Seuss movie, featuring the voices of Danny DeVito, Zac Efron, and Taylor Swift, set a record for the highest non-sequel animated film debut, ahead of "The Incredibles."

"Project X," a coarse comedy about a high school party that gets out of control, opened in second place with $20.8 million, according to initial data from Exhibitor Relations.

"Act of Valor," a war film starring active duty US Navy SEALs, slipped from the top spot to third place with $13.7 million.

CIA-based thriller "Safe House," starring Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds, was fourth with $7.2 million in estimated weekend receipts.

The comedy-drama "Tyler Perry's Good Deeds," was fifth with $7 million, followed by "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island," a family-friendly 3D adventure starring former wrestler Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, with $6.9 million, the romantic drama "The Vow," with $6.1 million, "This Means War," ($5.6 million) and "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance" ($4.7 million).

"The Artist," riding its Oscars' success, jumped back up the ratings from 13th to 10th, earning $3.9 million at the weekend.