A literary classic got a new lease on life this weekend. 

Gatsby, auteur Baz Luhrman's re-imagining of the New York-set rags-to-riches tale featuring a score by Jay-Z, opened to a surprising $51.5 million this weekend. The take was far better than insiders expected and Luhrman's best opening by far. The Australian helmer, known for his flamboyant visual style, previously directed Moulin Rouge and Romeo + Juliet.
The stellar opening still wasn't enough to propel Gatsby past second place, however. The top spot at the box office was reserved for Iron Man 3, which, in its third week of worldwide release is within spitting distance of the $1 billion club. The film has grossed $950 million around the world, easily justifying Robert Downey, Jr.'s rumored $50 million salary and pretty much ensuring we're in for Iron Man 4. 
Unfortunately, there wasn't enough wealth to spread over to Peeples, the romantic comedy starring Kerry Washington and Craig Robinson and produced by Tyler Perry. The film was an undeniable flop with under five million in ticket sales. Expectations weren't grand for the film, but analysts expected a little more traction given Tyler Perry's name and positive reviews. However, Perry did not direct or write the film. 
Summer blockbuster season continues next week with Star Trek Into Darkness rolling into theaters. But will the intergalactic adventure tale be able to knock Iron Man 3 out of orbit?

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 (Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures)