The Mexican Sends Hannibal Packing

LOS ANGELES â€“ The box office went south of the border as The Mexican knocked Hannibal from the No. 1 spot after three weeks.<br><br>The mob comedy with Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt and James Gandolfini of

Monday, March 5th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

LOS ANGELES â€“ The box office went south of the border as The Mexican knocked Hannibal from the No. 1 spot after three weeks.

The mob comedy with Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt and James Gandolfini of TV's The Sopranos debuted with $20.3 million, according to studio estimates Sunday.

The gross-out comedy See Spot Run overcame generally harsh reviews to debut in second place with $10.2 million. Hannibal slipped to third with $10.1 million.

The overall box office was up again, with the top 12 movies grossing $76 million, a 29 percent increase from the same weekend last year. Theater revenues have risen every weekend this year.

Here are the estimated weekend totals for the top 10 films:

1. The Mexican $20.3 million
2. See Spot Run $10.2 million
3. Hannibal $10.1 million
4. Down to Earth $8 million
5. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon $4.9 million
6. Traffic $4.5 million
7. Chocolat $4.2 million
8. Recess: School's Out $3.9 million
9. 3000 Miles to Graceland $3 million
10. Sweet November $2.5 million