After taking off with a $3.3 Million box office take on Friday, “Star Trek Into Darkness” couldn’t go into warp speed for the rest of the weekend. Defying logic, the SciFi film earned a modest $22 million at the domestic box office for an estimated $65 million take over the weekend.

This is well Paramount’s first “Star Trek” movie, which pulled in $79.2 million in its 2009 debut.

According to Paramount, “Star Trek Into Darkness” is projected to reach $83.5 million over the four days it’s been out. So far the international take is about$75 million for the weekend. The movie opened in 33 international territories.

“Star Trek Into Darkness” has been impacted by the continued success of Disney/Marvel’s “Iron Man 3″ and Warners’ “The Great Gatsby.” “Iron Man 3″ earned about $9.5 million on Friday, which brings its domestic take to $311.4 million. “The Great Gatsby” grossed about $7.7 million on Friday.

The 3D sequel that was directed by J.J. Abrams opened on Wednesday night, a day earlier than the first movie, but the film had been expected to pull more than $85 million for the weekend. Abrams’ 2009 film also didn’t see much benefit from 3D sales.

“Star Trek Into Darkness is playing at 3762 locations, including 336 Imax 3D theaters. The $190 million Science Fiction film was co-financed by Paramount and Skydance.

“Star Trek Into Darkness” received a Cinemascope “A” rating from audiences, but good buzz hasn’t translated into bigger attendance. It won’t be any easier on Memorial Day weekend when the new “Star Trek” will be up against Warner Bros’ “The Hangover Part III” and “Fast & Furious 6".& Prime."

 by Tony Sokol