‘Hunger Games’ still on top

The Hunger Games was the top film for a second weekend in the United States and Canada, taking in $61.1 million in ticket sales. The movie, about teenagers forced to fight to the death on live television, has taken in $251 million since it opened March 23, making it the year’s top-grossing film. The Wrath of the Titans made its debut in second place with $34.2 million.
Demand for The Hunger Games has sustained a 22 percent increase in movie attendance this year and a 19 percent rise in ticket sales. The film recorded the third-best opening ever last weekend with $152.5 million in the United States and Canada.
Based on a Suzanne Collins novel, the film is set in post-apocalyptic North America, with Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, a girl from an impoverished region who volunteers to take her younger sister’s place in the annual competition.
The Wrath of the Titans, a sequel to 2010’s The Clash of the Titans, features Sam Worthington as the part-god Perseus, who must rescue his father, Zeus, from the underworld. Liam Neeson co-stars as Zeus and Ralph Fiennes plays Hades. The Clash took in $493.2 million worldwide.
Mirror Mirror, a tongue-in-cheek take on the story of Snow White, opened third with $19 million in receipts. The film stars Julia Roberts as the evil queen and Lily Collins, daughter of rock singer Phil Collins, as Snow White.

Houston items fetch $80K

A bustier Whitney Houston wore on stage sold for $18,750 at an auction in Beverly Hills of memorabilia from the late pop star’s career. Julien’s Auctions says the sale of 13 items Saturday raised a total of $80,187.
A gray velvet gown the singer wore to music mogul Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy party in 1996 went for $11,250. Pearl-drop earrings Houston wore in The Bodyguard sold for $2,812, and a vest she sported in the film commanded $3,437. Houston drowned in a bathtub at a Beverly Hills hotel on the eve of the Grammy Awards in February.

Bieber and others slimed

Host Will Smith opened the 25th annual Kids’ Choice Awards promising a record amount of the show’s trademark green gunk. Though some 20 awards are presented at the ceremony, the real suspense isn’t who will take home a “Blimp” (the show’s Oscar) — it’s when and on whom the slime will spill. “No one is safe from the slime!” Smith screamed. “You have to earn the slime! It’s an honor.” Halle Berry was the first to be covered. She was joined by Twilight star Taylor Lautner (who won favorite “buttkicker”), Glee star Chris Colfer, and male singer winner Justin Bieber, who was utterly drenched along with Smith at the end of the show.
The awards show is Nickelodeon’s annual celebration for kids, and it’s often the most-watched children’s program of the year. First lady Michelle Obama presented “the big help” award for charity work to Taylor Swift. Winners are chosen from voting online. Twilight star Kristen Stewart accepted the award for favorite movie actress. Selena Gomez won for favorite TV actress and female singer. Adam Sandler took home the award for favorite movie actor. And Katy Perry was given the award for favorite voice in an animated movie for Smurfs. But the most ceremonious moment of the show is the slimey finale. The honor went to Bieber, who made a surprise appearance late in the ceremony.
This article contains information from Inquirer wire services and websites. Contact “SideShow” at sideshow@phillynews.com.