THE FOURTH film in the Fast and Furious franchise made its debut at the top of the United Kingdom's box office charts, the contactmusic.com website reported yesterday.

Reuniting the cast of the original film, Fast and Furious had earlier claimed the biggest United States (US) box office opening of the year, with $72.5 million (£48.6 million) in its first weekend on release.

Story plot

Paul Walker returns as FBI officer Brian O'Conner, who reunites with street racer Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) to tackle a Los Angeles heroin ring, while actresses Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster also reprise their roles from the 2001 thriller.

Time-travel comedy 17 Again, starring High School Musical star Zac Efron, was the second highest new entry in the UK top 10, making its debut at number three, as period comedy The Boat That Rocked and thriller Knowing each fell one place.

Number eight

Action adventure Race to Witch Mountain debuted at number six with cartoon spin-off Dragonball Evolution entering the UK chart at number eight. IRA drama Fifty Dead Men Walking opened at number 17.

top-10 films in the UK (last week's position)

1 Fast and Furious - £4.9 million (-)

2 Monsters vs Aliens - £2.8 million (1)

3 17 Again - £2.5 million (-)

4 The Boat That Rocked - £965,390 (2)

5 Knowing - £619,376 (3)

6 Race to Witch Mountain - £581,250 (-)

7 Marley & Me - £470,127 ()4

8 Dragonball Evolution - £436,224 (-)

9 The Haunting in Connecticut - £380,275 (5)

10 Paul Blart: Mall Cop - £233,972 (6)