Transformers: Dark Of The Moon could surge past $350m over the weekend as Paramount Pictures International is expected to retain the international box office crown.

The action spectacle has raced to $282.2m after ten days in release and PPI chief Andrew Cripps and his staff will have their sights set on the $434.2m final total achieved by the previous episode in the franchise, Revenge Of The Fallen.

Meanwhile PPI stablemate Kung Fu Panda 2 from DreamWorks Animation has grossed a magnificent $388.5m and arrived in New Zealand yesterday.

Disney/Pixar’s Cars 2 has amassed around $94.8m so far from a typical staggered release pattern for Pixar films and will have little trouble crossing $100m this weekend through Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International.

The family sequel roars into Spain, Argentina, Portugal, Benelux and South Africa and stands at $224.8m worldwide.

Sony Pictures Releasing International opens the family comedy Zookeeper in around 20 markets day-and-date with North America.

Germany and Mexico are the two majors in play and the launch will be a big test for the overseas allure of star Kevin James, who rose to prominence with his first theatrical lead role in the 2009 comedy Paul Blart: Mall Cop.

Hanna opens in around 12 including France, while Bad Teacher starring Cameron Diaz gets a push in Russia, Spain and Argentina.

Universal/UPI opens the comedy Bridesmaids in seven markets including Norway and the film - a smash hit in North America - has grossed $39.6m to date. Hop opens in France and Get Him To The Greek debuts in Italy.

Fox International unleashes Mr Popper’s Penguins in Russia and Taiwan and the family release stands at an early $11.9m.

Palme d’Or winner The Tree Of Life finally gets a UK release through Fox Searchlight. The distributor negotiated rights with producer Bill Pohlad’s River Road after the latter became embroiled in a dispute with former rights holder Icon.

Warner Bros Pictures International’s The Hangover Part II has grossed $304.3m.
 

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