Around-the-World Roundup: 'Sherlock' Finds Foreign Lead
After Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol dominated the foreign circuit for three-straight weeks, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows expanded in to a few key markets and moved up to the top spot at the overseas box office.

The sequel earned $44.85 million from 51 territories, which includes strong first place debuts in Australia ($6.65 million) and Spain ($4.7 million). Its highest-grossing market, though, was Russia, where the movie earned $6.7 million over the holiday weekend (Russian Orthodox Christmas was on Saturday). Through Sunday, Sherlock has made $180.6 million overseas, which according to Warner Bros. is tracking ahead of the first Sherlock Holmes by 18 percent. That movie wound up with $315 million overseas, which is a target the sequel will move much closer to when it debuts in China and Brazil this weekend.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked had its best weekend yet with $30.9 million from 62 markets. It opened to $6.7 million in Brazil and just under $5 million in Italy, and it has so far earned $128.5 million overseas. With a few more markets still remaining, Chipwrecked does appear to have a good chance of eventually reaching The Squeakquel's $223.5 million total.

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol continued its impressive overseas run with $28.8 million in 55 territories this weekend. It once again claimed first place in the United Kingdom ($3.7 million), Japan ($3.5 million) and South Korea ($3.2 million). The fourth installment in the spy franchise has now earned $289.1 million overseas for a worldwide total of $457.5 million. It's set to pass the first Mission: Impossible's $457.7 million total sometime today, and should have no problem dethroning Mission: Impossible II ($546.4 million) to set a new worldwide record for the series.

Puss in Boots became the 12th 2011 release to pass $300 million overseas this weekend. The Shrek spin-off added $17.8 million in 42 markets for a foreign total of $311.3 million.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo expanded in to 33 territories and grossed $12.5 million. Since its Tuesday opening, it has already earned $6.6 million in Russia, which sets a new record for a David Fincher movie there. Overall, the English-language remake has made $29.3 million in foreign markets.

Nearly two months after its domestic opening Clint Eastwood's J. Edgar reached its first foreign territories this weekend. The movie earned $5.9 million from six countries, most of which came from a very strong $4.2 million start in Italy.

The Iron Lady debuted in the United Kingdom and Spain where it earned $3.34 million and $1.5 million, respectively. Including grosses in Australia and New Zealand, the Meryl Streep vehicle has to this point banked at least $11 million overseas.

Other Notables - Weekend Gross - Gross-to-Date (in millions)

New Year's Eve - $6.1 - $80.3

The Darkest Hour - $5.7 - $16.7

Rubbeldiekatz - $2.8 - $15.1

We Bought a Zoo - $2.5 - $13.2

War Horse - $2 - $7.6

Tower Heist - $1.7 - $61.2

Real Steel - $1.6 - $207.4

The Artist - $1.5 - $18.5

Arthur Christmas - $1.1 - $100.2

In Time - $1.05 - $105.4

Domestic Report:

Moviegoers Possessed By 'Devil Inside'

Last Weekend:

'Mission' Accomplished Again



Related Charts:

• 2011 Worldwide Grosses

• All-Time Worldwide Grosses