Hitman Clooney’s ‘American’ wins weekend with $16.4M; ‘Machete,’ ‘Takers’ battle for No. 2

Hitman Clooney’s ‘American’ wins weekend with $16M

LOS ANGELES — George Clooney’s hitman tale “The American” has captured the top spot at the box office with a $16.4 million debut over the long Labor Day weekend.

The revenge romp “Machete” and the heist thriller “Takers” were in a duel for second-place.

“Machete” led with $14 million from Friday to Monday. “Takers” followed with $13.5 million, though the two movies were close enough that rankings could change once final numbers are released Tuesday.

“Takers,” which had been the No. 1 movie the previous weekend, raised its 10-day total to $40 million.

Since opening Wednesday, “The American” has taken in $19.5 million.

The weekend’s other new wide release, Drew Barrymore’s romance “Going the Distance,” opened with $8.6 million.