Audiences Go Wild for 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes'

Critics were skeptical about 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' and how the movie might perform, but the fans had the last word when the movie opened this weekend.

The prequel to the film classic not only topped the box office with $54 million, but was also bestowed with the title of "2011's Best Film So Far" by Time magazine.

The other movie to premiere over the weekend, 'The Change-Up,' didn't fair as well, landing in fourth to the tune of $13.5 million. 'The Smurfs' and 'Cowboys & Aliens' raked in $21 million and $15.8 million respectively.