Hunger Games sequel takes another bite out of rivals

Action sequel The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is enjoying a second week at the top of the U.K. box office after netting $8.3 million over the weekend (29Nov13-01Dec13).

The hit movie, starring Jennifer Lawrence, held off new releases Free Birds, Saving Mr. Banks, and Carrie, as well as sci-fi blockbuster Gravity, to remain in top spot.

Gravity retained second place, with takings of $2.5 million, and animated movie Free Birds debuted at number three, with $1.6 million.

Saving Mr. Banks, which tells of a writer's efforts to get her novel Mary Poppins made into a Disney movie, took fourth place, with $1.1 million in ticket sales, and the top five was rounded out by horror remake Carrie, which netted just $993,000.