Video Rental Chart : ‘Predator 2’ Makes Its Move

After two weeks at No. 2, “Predator 2� finally unseated “Ghost� from the No. 1 position on the Billboard magazine rental chart, booting it all the way down to No. 7. “Predator’s� reign will probably be brief because Arnold Schwarzennegger is back. His “Kindergarten Cop� barreled up to No. 3 in its first week on the chart. Next week, look for this action-drama, which grossed a hefty $84 million, to leapfrog second-place “Mermaids� to take over at No. 1 for several weeks. “The Grifters� debuted at No. 9.

* Based on Carrie Fisher’s semi-autobiographical novel, this comedy-drama, starring Meryl Streep and Shirley MacLaine, debuted at No. 8 and should crack the Top Five next week. Streep’s best-actress nomination got extra attention for this movie, which grossed $37.8 million, and should make it even more attractive in the rental market.

Ranking Ranking 2 Weeks Top Rentals Last Week Ago 1. “Predator 2� (FoxVideo) 2 2 2. “Mermaids� (Orion) 3 12 3. “Kindergarten Cop� (MCA/Universal) ... ... 4. “Jacob’s Ladder� (LIVE) 8 11 5. “The Rookie� (Warner) 5 15 * “Postcards From the Edge� (RCA/Columbia) ... ...

Weeks on Rental Top Rentals Chart 1. “Predator 2� (FoxVideo) 4 2. “Mermaids� (Orion) 3 3. “Kindergarten Cop� (MCA/Universal) 1 4. “Jacob’s Ladder� (LIVE) 3 5. “The Rookie� (Warner) 3 * “Postcards From the Edge� (RCA/Columbia) 1