US box office hits three-year low

The US box office has suffered its lowest takings in three years, despite the pulling power of romantic comedy New Year's Eve's all-star cast.

The film, featuring the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Halle Berry, Robert De Niro and Ashton Kutcher debuted at number one with just $13.7m (£8.8m).

Jonah Hill comedy The Sitter opened at number two with just $10m (£6.4m).

The poor weekend leaves total box office revenues for 2011 about four percent down compared to last year.

"It's unbelievable how bad it is," said Hollywood.com analyst Paul Dergarabedian.

The last two weeks have been the lowest-performing at the US box office for the entire year.    More Read