"Mission" going strong overseas

LOS ANGELES - "Mission: Impossible III" dominated the international marketplace for a second weekend, as its total rose to a robust $129.2 million.

The estimated weekend haul of $40.5 million represented a relatively modest drop of 42% from its opening salvo.

The driving market for "M:I-3" remains South Korea, with an estimated $6.1 million, down just 27% from its bow. The total to date there stands at $20.4 million. In the U.K., the thriller picked up $5 million (down 42%), advancing the total to $17.8 million. France added $2.8 million as the total rose to $10.4 million. Germany kicked in $2.2 million, Spain $1.9 million, and Mexico $1.7 million.

"Ice Age: The Meltdown" is gradually slowing its torrid pace overseas. The computer-animated blockbuster comedy tallied $8.1 million from 61 territories. Italy led the way this weekend with an estimated $1.1 million, taking the total to $22.1 million. The international run for "Meltdown" stands at $421.2 million.

Domestic dud "Poseidon" launched in six Asian countries and was the top film in four of them, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. The other two were India and Indonesia. Altogether, the seafaring disaster film gleaned $4.4 million.

"The Sentinel" earned $1.3 million, of which $1.2 million came from its debut in China. The international total is now $3.2 million.

"Inside Man" lifted an estimated $2.2 million from 35 markets during its eighth week. The Spike Lee-directed heist thriller has garnered a sterling $83.8 million so far internationally, and there are still six more territories yet to open, including Japan on June 10.

"Scary Movie 4" brought in an estimated $2 million from 29 territories, raising the total to about $60 million. The comedy had its strongest performances in Germany and Mexico.

"Eight Below" generated $2 million from 25 markets as the total advanced to $33.5 million.