In its first 6 1/2 days in the theatres, "Transformers" has grossed $152.5 million domestic, ensuring the film's place in this summer's "hit" category. According to Variety, the film has also made $93.6 million internationally so far.  This bodes well for franchise aspects.  Rumors have been circulating that a second film was green-lit even before the first one opened, although we're still awaiting confirmation from official sources.  With "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" ready to open this Wednesday and sweep the top spot away, the big 'bots have made a decent dent in box office returns over a surprisingly brisk July 4th week.

Second place this weekend was Disney/Pixar critical darling "Ratatouille" at $29 million for the weekend and $109.5 million total.  Third went to "Live Free or Die Hard" with $17.4 million.  The weekend's fourth place went to Robin Williams vehicle "License to Wed" at $10.4 million.  "Evan Almighty" rounded out the top five with $2.9 million.