It looks like ticket buyers are willing to give some things a second chance after all…

Despite horrible reviews for 2003’s Hulk, wary theatergoers turned out in big numbers for the latest big-screen version of The Incredible Hulk. The newest rendition, starring Edward Norton and Liv Tyler, came in first place after earning $55 million during the past three days. While that total falls behind Ang Lee’s version (that movie debuted with $62 million), it did better than expected. The 2008 update had the best showing for any film over Father’s Day weekend (passing Silver Surfer‘s $58 million) and should also have a longer shelf life thanks to favorable word of mouth.

Another movie that outperformed predictions is 20th Century Fox’s The Happening. The film grossed $30.5 million - over $12 million more than Lady in the Water did in July 2004. While reviews for M. Night Shyamalan’s latest outing have been less than stellar, Happening had the second best open for an R-rated flick in June since 2007’s Knocked Up ($30.7 million).

Look for two more comedies to enter the box office fray next weekend: Steve Carell’s Get Smart and Mike Myers’ The Love Guru.

1. The Incredible Hulk, Universal, $55,414,050 (avg. $15,810)
2. Kung Fu Panda, Paramount, $33,612,594 (avg. $8127)
3. The Happening, 20th Century Fox, $30,517,109 (avg. $10,220)
4. You Don’t Mess With The Zohan, Sony, $16,370,344 (avg. $4723)
5. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Paramount, $14,741,834 (avg. $3875)
6. Sex and the City, New Line, $9,788,353 (avg. $3102)
7. Iron Man, Paramount, $5,620,375 (avg. $2339)
8. The Strangers, Rogue Pictures, $4,024,485 (avg. $1670)
9. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, Disney, $3,165,013 (avg. $1371)
10. What Happens in Vegas, 20th Century Fox, $1,667,587 (avg. $1173)

(You can review last week’s numbers here.)