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International box office: 'The Smurfs' stay on top for six straight weeks

Relaxnews
Monday 19 September 2011 15:29 BST
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With strong first-place openings in Australia and Italy, The Smurfs remained in the top spot overall this past weekend, collecting $17.3 million in 72 markets.

The international market for the live-action/computer-animated family-friendly film in 3D accounts for 71% of the $482 million earned worldwide over six weeks, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

In second, Johnny English Reborn, the spy spoof starring Rowan Atkinson, debuted in first place in 13 of the 15 territories where it was released, for a total of $11.7 million.

The original 2003 film made $133 million around the world, more than 82% of the US gross. Reborn opens in Germany October 6, the UK on the 7th and North America October 28.

In third place, Friends With Benefits starring Mila Kunis ( Black Swan) and Justin Timberlake ( The Social Network) drew $9.2 million in 31 territories, adding to a worldwide total of $98.5 million. The romantic comedy debuted in first in Belgium and South Africa, fourth in Mexico.

Slipping to the fourth position was Rise of the Planet of the Apes starring James Franco and Freida Pinto ( Slumdog Millionaire), pulling $7.8 million in 47 territories to add to the total score of $391.3 million worldwide.

Upcoming releases for the sci-fi prequel of the 1960s and '70s franchise are set for Italy, Japan and China.

Ranking fifth was Final Destination 5, the latest installment of the horror series, which delivered $6.5 million in 49 markets. The international market outside North America accounts for 68% of the worldwide total of $130.7 million, with $18.6 million from Russia.

Other notable films include the top title in the UK, the spy thriller Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, costarring Gary Oldman and Colin Firth. The update of the John le Carré Cold-War spy novel earned $5 million.

The romantic comedy Crazy, Stupid, Love opened in France in second with $1.5 million and eight other territories for an international total of $27.3 million. It opens in the UK and Russia this week.

The animated hit The Lion King in 3D, reigned at the US box office, exceeding forecasts with $29.3 million. The international reissue generated $700,000 across 17 countries this weekend. The 3D-converted film has earned $12 million outside the US since it was reissued 17 years after its initial release. Australia opens next.

RC

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