Warner Bros. Pictures' V for Vendetta left its mark in the top spot at the boxoffice for the weekend, unmasking an estimated $26.1 million in its debut. The sci-fi action-thriller from Silver Pictures, starring Natalie Portman and Hugo Weaving, had the fourth-biggest opening of the year to date and was in line with prerelease tracking. First-time feature director James McTeigue helmed the R-rated Vendetta, which skewed male and reached a broad age demographic, says The Hollywood Reporter.

Paramount Pictures' Failure to Launch held up well in its sophomore frame, landing in the second spot with an estimated $15.8 million, off a moderate 35% from its opening. After its surprisingly strong debut a week ago, the Matthew McConaughey and Sarah Jessica Parker starrer counted down some strong midweek numbers, which contributed to a solid 10-day cume of $48.5 million.

Buena Vista Pictures' The Shaggy Dog placed third in its second weekend in theaters, pulling in an estimated $13.6 million, down a scant 17% from its bow. The Tim Allen starrer, based on the venerable story from 1959, has collected about $35.9 million to date.

V for Vendetta was released March 17th, 2006 and stars Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, Stephen Rea, Stephen Fry, John Hurt, Tim Pigott-Smith, Rupert Graves, Roger Allam. The film is directed by James McTeigue.