'Inception' keeps dream alive worldwide

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The sci-fi thriller Inception earned $34.6 million playing in 59 countries for a $314 million total, adding to the $248 million total for the US.

In at second place around the world this weekend, Toy Story 3 in 3D, took a total of $539.3 million this summer to become the biggest animated film of all time internationally and in the US. It has held onto the number one position in Japan for the sixth week in a row and the UK for the fourth week.

The fantasy-action film The Sorcerer's Apprentice, ranks at number three, opening in seven more countries in Europe, South America and Asia. Co-starring Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel and Alfred Molina, it clocked in at number one for its debut in France.

Other films that made a mark include the teen dance film franchise, Step Up 3D, which made it to fourth overall, playing in 20 countries, and at number five, the spy thriller Salt, starring Angelina Jolie, with Japan its biggest market currently.

The top film in the US this past weekend, The Expendables, directed by Sylvester Stallone who also stars in the action film, only opened in less than half the countries. With an ensemble cast including Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jet Li, Jason Statham, and Mickey Rourke, it hit number one in Australia.

Also, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World opened at number four in Australia and New Zealand. The romantic-comedy and action-fantasy starring Michael Cera and Chris Evans opens wider around the world in the weeks that follow.

Holdovers, still debuting in various countries include The Karate Kid with Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith, Despicable Me featuring Steve Carell's voice and Knight and Day with Tom Cruise, and Shrek Forever After in 3D which opens in China this coming weekend.

RC