HOLLYWOOD – The sci-fi adventure “Alita: Battle Angel” dominates at the nation’s theaters but it isn’t leaving the box office with much to celebrate.

Tracking services estimate that this will be one of the lowest grossing President’s Day weeks in years. Ticket sales are on pace to be the smallest bounty for the holiday frame in almost 20 years.

Directed by Robert Rodriguez and produced by James Cameron, the Japanese manga adaptation cost over $170 million to produce — and that’s not including the tens of millions spent in marketing.

“Alita: Battle Angel” just barely fended off Warner Bros.’ “The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part” which dropped to the No. 2 spot.

In third place is Warner Bros. and New Line’s “Isn’t It Romantic.” The satirical take on a romantic comedy benefited from opening ahead of Valentine’s Day.

“Happy Death Day 2U” didn’t fare as well from the holiday. Universal and Blumhouse’s slasher sequel launched in fifth place.

Paramount’s gender-bending remake, “What Men Want” came in fourth place. The comedy starring Taraji P. Henson has made $36 million in its first two weeks of release.

Story Date: February 24, 2019