THE TIME MACHINE, the latest adaptation of H.G. Wells classic sci-fi novel about the futuristic land of the Morlochs, was number one this weekend, earning $22.6M in its debut. The film, with visual effects by Digital Domain and ILM, was directed by Simon Wells (PRINCE OF EGYPT), H.G. Wells great grandson. The Vietnam war drama WHEN WE WERE SOLDIERS, with visual effects by Digital Domain, dropped to second, bringing in $14.2M for $40.5M. Disney’s RETURN TO NEVER LAND is still staying well within the top ten in its fourth week earning $4.5M for a total of $41.5M to date and sixth place. THE LORD OF THE RINGS had moved back into the top ten last weekend, and $2.7M was enough to hold on to tenth place again this weekend, The film has earned $291.1M to date and looks as though it may break the $300M mark before the end of March. THE QUEEN OF THE DAMNED, with visual effects by Grey Matters FX and Manex, lived up to its name and fell another six spots this week putting the vampire thriller in twelfth place with $2.3M and only $27.9M to date. Tune in next week to see if Chris Wedge’s ICE AGE can take over the top spot. Box office information obtained from yahoo.com.