Here's a look back at the third weekend of December through the years:

5 Years Ago - 2005

King Kong swung into theaters with $50.1 million over the weekend (for a $66.2 million five-day launch), which was big but not commensurate with the hype, especially in light of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe's larger opening the weekend before. In second, Narnia retreated 51 percent to $31.8 million, whle The Family Stone debuted to a solid $12.5 million in third. • Weekend Report: 'King Kong' Mighty But No Monster

10 Years Ago - 2000

What Women Want knew what audiences wanted, raking in $33.6 million. That was the highest-grossing December opening yet, topping Scream 2, and was the second highest-grossing ever for a romantic comedy, behind Runaway Bride. Dude, Where's My Car? started in second with a sweet $13.85 million, while How the Grinch Stole Christmas was right behind with $13.8 million in its fifth weekend. The Emperor's New Groove was nearly invisible with a $9.8 million debut. In limited release, Chocolat kicked off with $157,624 at eight sites. • Weekend Chart

15 Years Ago - 1995

Jumanji narrowly edged out Toy Story to take the top spot in its debut with $11.1 million. Still, the family adventure seemed to pale compared to Toy Story, which earned $11 million in its fourth weekend. Billed as the momentous pairing of Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, Heat hit third with a decent-but-less-than-momentous $8.4 million. Harrison Ford romantic comedy remake Sabrina disappointed with a $5.6 million start. Sense and Sensibility was the top new limited release, grossing $721,341 at 70 sites. • Weekend Chart

20 Years Ago - 1990

Another weekend, another first-place finish for Home Alone. The family comedy spent its fifth weekend atop the box office with $11.6 million and was on the cusp of crossing the $100 million mark. Look Who's Talking Too struck theaters just 14 months after its smash predecessor, but still delivered much less business: it opened to $8.1 million versus $12.1 million for the first movie. The first Tim Burton-Johnny Depp collaboration Edward Scissorhands was unleashed nationwide and came in third with a good $6.3 million, while Cher vehicle Mermaids disappointed with $3.5 million. Both pictures featured Winona Ryder. Meanwhile, Robert Redford romance Havana ranked among the biggest bombs of the era with a $2.2 million start. • Weekend Chart

25 Years Ago - 1985

Rocky IV topped the box office for the third weekend in a row with $7.2 million. Romancing the Stone sequel The Jewel of the Nile arrived in second with $6.6 million, which was a greater start than its Romancing's $5.1 million but nothing special considering Romancing's long-term success. Clue was the other new nationwide release, and it started with a soft $2 million. Jewel star Michael Douglas had another movie open in limited release, Broadway musical adaptation A Chorus Line, which made an unspectacular $222,919 at 19 sites. • Weekend Chart

Weekend Reports for This Timeframe in Past Years:

• 2009 - 'Avatar' Soars in Debut

• 2008 - 'Yes Man,' 'Seven Pounds' Lead Quiet Pre-Christmas Weekend

• 2007 - 'I Am Legend,' 'Chipmunks' Enliven Box Office

• 2006 - 'Pursuit' Overtakes 'Eragon,' 'Web'

• 2005 - 'King Kong' Mighty But No Monster

• 2004 - 'Lemony' Licks Competition