International box office: 'Kung Fu Panda 2' kicks 'Pirates' off top spot
Relaxnews
Monday, 13 June 2011
'Kung Fu Panda 2' topped the international box office.

The weekend's top spot - the position Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides held for three weeks in a row - was taken by Kung Fu Panda 2, collecting $56.5 million in 45 territories around the world, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The 3D sequel of the animated family film, starring Jack Black, opened in 17 new markets, including Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and the UK and Ireland, where it reached number one. This second installment of Panda shot past $331 million worldwide.

In second, X-Men: First Class made $42.2 million in 66 markets, for a international total of $124.2 million in less than two weeks.

The reboot of the comic and fifth installment of the franchise, starring James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender, landed on top in France for the second weekend with $3.25 million.

Slipping to third, On Stranger Tides still took in $41.1 million in 72 territories for a total of $886.8 million, making it the 19th biggest film of all time.

The fantasy adventure starring Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz totaled $678 million internationally - more than three times the US draw - making it the biggest Pirates installment. Tides also ranked first in Japan, where it has tallied $74.5 million.

In fourth place, The Hangover Part II made $38.3 million across 55 markets, and took the top spot in Germany this weekend. Over 18 days, the comedy has surpassed the original 2009 version with a total of $431.3 million worldwide.

For the fifth spot, Super 8 opened in nine markets, primarily in Asia, earning $6.7 million and debuting in first in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

The sci-fi thriller, directed/written by J.J. Abrams (Star Trek) and produced by Steven Spielberg, premiered at the top in North America with $38 million, for $44.7 million worldwide.
Upon reflection, my ezine coverage was too myopic, too American-centric. Ah well, live and learn.