“Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters” rode its pitch and its TV commercials– NOT its reviews — to a soft $18 million opening weekend. Not great for a 3D film, OK for a 3D splatter action comedy.

That puts it at number 1 for the last weekend in January, probably the worst weekend for moviegoing that we’ll see this year.

“Mama” managed to cling to #2 and close in on $50 million. A better movie that’s doing better at the box office? Go figure.

“Silver Linings Playbook” is doing well in wide release. Followed by “Zero Dark Thirty.”

In fifth place — the poorly pitched “Parker,” which deserved better. It did “Last Stand” numbers, a bit over $7 million. 

“Movie 43” didn’t clear $4 million. Huge cast, weak movie, little hype.

As I said, a bad weekend for new openings.