‘Get Shorty’ Tops Box Office

The Sweathog is back - again.

Brimming with energy from its revitalized star, the one and only John Travolta, “Get Shorty” dislodged “Seven” from its four-week reign atop the nation’s box-office listings.

According to figures compiled by Exhibitor Relations Co., Barry Sonnenfeld’s adaption of the Elmore Leonard novel earned $12.7 million. Travolta, the one-time “Welcome Back Kotter” star, plays a Miami loan shark with a love of movies who decides to pursue a Hollywood career.

Even at No. 1, though, “Get Shorty” proved a bit of a disappointment. Some industry insiders had figured the film for a higher gross.

Few, however, guessed that another debut, “Now and Then,” would grab the No. 2 spot. The study of four women friends, as adults and children, earned $7.4 million, just ahead of the $7.1 take of “Seven.”

In five weeks, “Seven” has grossed an impressive $67.6 million.

The fate of other premieres ranged widely. “Never Talk to Strangers,” a straight-to-video type of mystery starring Rebecca DeMornay and the ubiquitous Antonio Banderas, finished at No. 5 with a $2.9 million gross.

Kevin Smith’s “Mallrats” earned just $1.2 million to end at No. 13. The director of “Clerks,” apparently, was not able to do it twice.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo