So it was a fluke after all.  When the first "Smurfs" opened in July 29, 2011, it made $35.6 million and went on to reach the $500 million milestone in September of that year.  Fast forward to 2 years later, "Smurfs 2" only managed to debut half of what the original did.  

Is the blue luster fading?  Will the threequel, set for release in 2015, save the franchise?  

But at least international moviegoers love the blue creatures.  The sequel debuted at No. 2 with $52.5 million in 43 markets.    

Here in the U.S. though, "Smurfs 2" failed to stop the bullets fired by "2 Guns."  Starring Mark Wahlberg and Denzel Washington, "2 Guns" took the top spot with $27.4 million.  (Watch my review of "Smurfs 2" and "2 Guns" below)

"Smurfs 2" couldn't even beat the sharp claws of "The Wolverine."  The Hugh Jackman flick earned $21.7 million for the No. 2 spot.  So far, the Marvel superhero has amassed $95 million at the domestic box-office and $38.5 million internationally.  

Meanwhile, hurray for "The Conjuring!"  The fantastic horror flick has crossed the $100 million mark at No. 4 earning $13.7 million.  

At the specialty box-office, the spotlight is shining brightly for 3 movies you have to see right now!  First, "The Spectacular Now" starring Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley earned $190,000 in just four theaters for its debut weekend.  Sundance and Cannes darling, "Fruitvale Station," made $2.7 million, and Woody Allen's "Blue Jasmine" (with the terrific Cate Blanchett, she will be Oscar nominated for this film!!!!) sold $2 million worth of box-office tickets.  

What about Lindsay Lohan and "The Canyons" you ask?  Well, it did poorly in theaters ($16,000 at just two theaters) but IFC Films said the erotic thriller from director Paul Schrader and writer Bret Easton Ellis is performing strongly on video-on-demand.  

Here's the estimated Top 10 Box-Office Films for the weekend of Aug. 2nd:

1. "2 Guns,"$27.4 million.

2. "The Wolverine," $21.7 million ($38.5 million international).

3. "The Smurfs 2," $18.2 million ($52.5 million international).

4. "The Conjuring," $13.7 million ($11.6 million international).

5. "Despicable Me 2," $10.4 million ($13.8 million international).

6. "Grown Ups 2," $8.1 million ($2.8 million international).

7. "Turbo," $6.4 million ($6.9 million international).

8. "Red 2," $5.6 million ($9.3 million international).

9. "The Heat," $4.7 million ($6.9 million international).

10. "Pacific Rim," $4.6 million ($53 million international).

Overseas, Guillermo Del Toro's "Pacific Rim" continued to invade international territories.  Yes, "Smurfs 2" could not beat the Kaiju either!  Here's the estimated Top 10 box-office films in the international market:

1. "Pacific Rim," $53 million.

2. "The Smurfs 2," $52.5 million.

3. "The Wolverine," $38.5 million.

4. "Snowpiercer," $18 million.

5. "Despicable Me 2," $13.8 million.

6. "Now You See Me," $13.1 million.

7. "The Conjuring," $11.6 million.

8. "Monsters University," $11.4 million.

9. "The Terror Live," $9.5 million.

10. "Red 2," $9.3 million.