"Madagascar 2: Escape Africa" hurdled to the forefront of the foreign box office with weekend sales of $33.5 million from 56 territories.

The animated film opened in 10 markets and was welcomed in the No. 1 spot by Italy ($6.5 million) and Australia ($4.4 million), as well as Hong Kong and New Zealand.

The sequel, which grew its international gross to $218.5 million, held strong in holdovers, with Germany delivering $26.8 million to date, France $21.6 million, the U.K. $18.7 million and Mexico $12.1 million.

Last weekend's champion, "The Day the Earth Stood Still," slipped to No. 2 with $21 million from 92 countries, taking its international total to $72.3 million. Market totals include Russia with $9.2 million, the U.K. with $7.2 million, Mexico with $5.6 million, and France with $5.5 million.

"Twilight" picked up $11 million from 27 countries, highlighted by a No. 1 bow in the U.K. ($3.9 million) and a No. 2 opening in Brazil ($1.2 million, behind "Madagascar 2"). Its international total stands at $64.6 million.

"Four Christmases" earned $5.7 million weekend from 38 markets. Its total is $23.8 million. "Bolt" bit off $5.3 million from 15 countries, moving its total to $35.9 million.

Two new entries seeking a piece of the holiday business included new North American champ "Yes Man," which took in $3.5 million from six countries, and the mouse cartoon "The Tale of Despereaux," which tallied $1.7 million from the U.K., Spain and Portugal.

(China Daily/Agencies December 22, 2008)