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Tuesday was a particularly strong day at the box office. Every major title in release saw an increase from Monday. And the recently un-retired jocks continued to flex their (steroid-created) muscle at the North American box office.

Finishing in first place once again was The Expendables 2. In yesterday’s analysis, I projected that a decent increase on Tuesday would bring the film within an eyelash of the original movie. This is exactly what happened as The Expendables 2 increased 16% to $3,230,645 on Tuesday. Its $34,614,144 is only a bit behind the first movie’s opening weekend of $34,825,135. Of course, The Expendables was up to $42,632,685 after five days. So the sequel is pacing about 19% behind its predecessor. That’s the bad news.

The good news is that The Expendables 2 experienced a double digits increase from Monday to Tuesday. This was not a foregone conclusion. Many frontloaded films as well as some relatively large scale blockbusters fail to maintain momentum on their second weekday. Given the lackluster reception of The Expendables 2, I did not consider a Tuesday increase a foregone conclusion and felt uncomfortable saying so yesterday. I am pleased that there is some growth.

Not only did all of the major films in release have an increase from Monday to Tuesday but 80% of the top ten experienced double digits growth. The films in second and third place, The Bourne Legacy and ParaNorman, claimed two of the four strongest increases, percentage wise. The latest Bourne movie gained 18% from Monday, grossing $2,007,855 to bring its running total to $73,333,935. ParaNorman jumped The Campaign for third place by earning $1,747,374, 20% growth from Monday. Its running total is now $17,290,292.

The Campaign was not far behind in fourth place. Its 12% gain to $1,709,465 places it less than $38,000 behind ParaNorman. The Will Ferrell comedy has garnered $54,676,877 in domestic revenue, effectively matching its $56 million budget. There is still a huge concern with the film. Its specific blend of political humor is doubtful to translate well overseas.

The Odd Life of Timothy Green increased 18% to $1,511,030 on Tuesday. This brings its first week total to $17,888,502, an acceptable but unimpressive amount. Meanwhile, The Dark Knight Rises experiences what I believe will be one of its last two weekdays over $1 million. It grossed $1,503,295 on Wednesday and should earn another $1.2 million or so tomorrow. On Monday, it should fall down to the $900k range as it runs out of box office steam.

Meanwhile, the little film that can continues to be Hope Springs. Its 34% increase from Monday is the largest in the top ten. Another $1,227,397 on Tuesday gives the Meryl Streep movie a grand total of $37,206,111. Hope Springs has earned a factor of 18 beyond its first day box office total, which almost never happens these days.

With 70% of the top ten earning at least a million dollars, the dregs are the last three films. Sparkle grew only 8% from Monday to Tuesday, grossing $946,826. This one appears frontloaded. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days plays out the string during its last few days in the top ten. Another $605,095 on Tuesday brings its total within an eyelash of $40 million. Finally, Total Recall limped along with a pathetic $508,740. Its grand total of $52,673,205 is gruesome.

Combined box office revenue for the top ten yesterday was $15.0 million. This is a solid increase of $2.1 million or 16% from Monday’s $12.9 million. Today, I am confident you will all spend the evening watching Hit and Run. The impending box office juggernaut launched in theaters this morning. I am sad for my beloved Kristen Bell. I’ve got a secret, Veronica Mars, but it is not a good one. Many of your movies recently have sucked. BOP formally requests that you break up with Dax Shepard. Your inexplicable love for him is ruining your career.