Los Angeles ? Critics called it a bad date movie, but “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” courted movie-goers to the tune of $24.1 million in its first weekend for a No. 1 debut.

The martial-arts action comedy “Shanghai Knights” opened in second place this weekend with $19.8 million, according to studio estimates Sunday.

The musical “Chicago,” which tripled its theater count to 1,841 cinemas from a limited release at Christmas, climbed to No. 3 with $10.7 million, lifting its total to $63.7 million.

The previous weekend’s top movie, the spy thriller “The Recruit,” fell to fourth place with $9.5 million.

The weekend’s other new wide release, the romantic comedy “Deliver Us From Eva” starring LL Cool J, was No. 6 with $7.1 million..

“How to Lose a Guy” stars Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey in a romance of deception between a woman trying to get dumped in 10 days to research and write a magazine column.

“How to Lose a Guy” should hold well with Valentine’s Day coming this weekend, when “guys definitely roll over for whatever a girl wants,” said Rob Friedman, vice chairman of Paramount’s motion-picture group, which released the comedy.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at North American theaters, according to Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc.

1. “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” $24.1 million.

2. “Shanghai Knights,” $19.8 million.

3. “Chicago,” $10.7 million.

4. “The Recruit,” $9.5 million.

5. “Final Destination 2,” $8.7 million.

6. “Deliver Us From Eva,” $7.1 million.

7. “Kangaroo Jack,” $5.9 million.

8. “Biker Boyz,” $4 million.

9. “Darkness Falls,” $3.8 million.

10. “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers,” $3.4 million.