International box office: 'Rio' on top for third week

For the third week in a row,
Rio, featuring the voices of Anne Hathaway (
Alice in Wonderland) and Jesse Eisenberg (
The Social Network), stayed in first place at the international box office, collecting another $44.2 million in 67 international markets this week.

With a worldwide total of $286 million, the animated musical family film in 3D becomes the biggest-grossing film of 2011 so far, per The Hollywood Reporter.

Directed by Brazilian Carlos Saldanha, Rio holds at number one in Brazil making close to $30 million to date.

Rio was released around the world a week before it debuted in North America, where is also remains in first for the second week.

In second, Fast Five starring Vin Diesel debuted with a hefty $24 million in just four territories - the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea, where it reached the top spot - setting an opening record in each market.

The previous film in the series, Fast & Furious, earned $208 million total. The previous titles made between $63 and $109 million internationally.

The fifth installment of the action franchise releases in 10 more markets including Germany, Russia and Spain, followed by debuts in Asia and Latin America, where it is expected to do well because it was shot in Brazil.

In third place was Hop with earnings of $10.7 million from 53 territories. The combination animated and live action story of the Easter bunny, featuring the voice of Russell Brand, landed in third in Brazil with $1 million.

Climbing to fourth was Red Riding Hood, the twist on the fairy tale, directed by Catherine Hardwicke ( The Twilight Saga) and starring Amanda Seyfried and Gary Oldman, earned $9.6 million in 43 countries.

In fifth place, Marvel superhero flick Thor opened in Australia, scoring $5.8 million over the weekend. With school holidays this week, the action film in 3D should continue to perform as it rolls out around the world. It doesn't release in North America until May 6.

Directed by Kenneth Branagh and costarring Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins, Thor follows a renegade warrior banished onto earth which he must save.

Also, Arthur, the remake of Dudley Moore's 1981 comedy, starring Russell Brand, opened with $2.7 million in the UK and Australia.

RC