Unlike the earlier screen adaptation of a Dr. Seuss book, 2000�s �How the Grinch Stole Christmas� staring Jim Carrey, producers of �The Cat In The Hat� set out to make a film aimed solely at children, not the entire family. 

The Halle Berry fueled supernatural thriller �Gothika� drew in about half the audience of the top cat to earn an estimated $19.6 million and land at No.2. That sent last week�s number one �Elf� down to third place with $19.1 million. 

�The Cat In The Hat� had the benefit of a wider release, playing in 1,100 more theatres than �Gothika�. Speaking of wide releases, �The Matrix Revolutions� dropped down to 6th place taking in $6.7 million and beaten out by �Master and Commander� which landed in 4th place with $15.2 million and the romantic comedy "Love Actually," which rounded out the top 5 with $9.1 million. 

Families seemed to prefer the cat over the bunny, "Looney Tunes: Back in Action" came in 8th place with $4.1 million. 

The Top 10 according to ABC News:

1. Dr. Seuss' the Cat in the Hat - $40.1 million.
2. Gothika - $19.6 million.
3. Elf - $19.1 million.
4. Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World - $15.2 million.
5. Love Actually - $9.1 million.
6. The Matrix Revolutions - $6.7 million.
7. Brother Bear - $5.5 million.
8. Looney Tunes: Back in Action - $4.1 million.
9. Scary Movie 3 - $3.3 million.
10. Radio - $2.6 million.
 
 

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