'Semi-Pro' scores No. 1

"Semi-Pro," the basketball spoof starring Will Ferrell, was the top film in North American theaters this weekend, garnering $15.3 million in ticket sales. The comedy topped the political thriller "Vantage Point," which dropped to second place with $13 million, according to box office estimates. Ferrell was shooting for his third successful sports comedy. In "Vantage Point," which has a stellar cast including Dennis Quaid and Sigourney Weaver, federal agents try to unravel the truth behind an assassination attempt on the US president. "The Spiderwick Chronicles" fell to third place from second with sales of $8.75 million. The film follows the adventures of three children who discover that their new home is also the abode of magical creatures. Opening in fourth place was "The Other Boleyn Girl," starring Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson as sisters who compete for the heart of the king of England, played by Eric Bana. The movie made $8.3 million, beating its $5 million estimate. "Jumper," fell to fifth place from third with $7.6 million in sales. Making its debut in eighth place was "Penelope," with $4 million in sales. It stars Christina Ricci as a girl under a family curse that can only be lifted after she finds true love. (Bloomberg)

Activist-actor Martin Sheen will be honored by the University of Notre Dame with its Laetare Medal for his humanitarian work, the school announced yesterday. Sheen, who starred as a US president who was a Notre Dame graduate in NBC's "The West Wing," is to receive the medal at the school's May 18 commencement. Since 1883, the Laetare Medal has been awarded annually to a Catholic "whose genius has ennobled the arts and sciences, illustrated the ideals of the church and enriched the heritage of humanity." Recipients include President Kennedy, former Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan Jr., and former US House Speaker Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill Jr. Sheen has used his fame as an actor to help others, said the university's president, the Rev. John I. Jenkins. (AP)

The Van Halen tour may be canceled, the Web site TMZ.com reported last night. The band - touring with Eddie Van Halen and David Lee Roth - said yesterday on its website that it was playing Dallas tonight and selling tickets for a show later this month in Providence. But TMZ.com reports that hotel stays for the tour - which was scheduled to continue through April 19 - have been canceled. The celebrity site quotes sources as Eddie is having "issues." Reps for the band could not be reached for comment.

Mischa Barton won't be joining the cast of CW's "Gossip Girl." TV Guide reported that Barton, 22, had been approached to play Georgina Sparks, an old friend of reformed party girl Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively). But her rep tells Usmagazine.com, "She will not be on the show. She was approached, but her reps passed."