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'Transformers' doing better overseas than in U.S.

Film beating 'Revenge of the Fallen' in global markets, but falling behind at home

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Video: Watch the 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' trailer

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updated 6/30/2011 1:31:19 PM ET 2011-06-30T17:31:19

Paramount’s "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" is doing monster business overseas, where it is pacing 38 percent ahead of the last film in the franchise.

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"Dark of the Moon" posted an opening day gross of $32.5 million at the international box office. Including Tuesday previews, the 3D tentpole has raked in $36.6 million off shore.

In North America,  "Dark of the Moon " has grossed $42.8 million, bringing the tentpole’s global cume to $79.4 million in just over a day.

STORY: Shia LaBeouf Won't Return for Another 'Transformers' Sequel

The difference: In North America,  "Dark of the Moon " is pacing behind  "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen ". Not so overseas.

Story: 'Transformers 3' is spectacularly empty

"Dark of the Moon " is doing well across Europe and Asia (by Friday, it will be playing around the globe, save for China and Japan).

Video: 'Transformers' should blow up July 4 box office

In Russia — where the world premiere was held — Michael Bay’s threequel has grossed $4.2 million, including previews.

STORY: Shia LaBeouf: What's Next for the 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' Star

"Dark of the Moon " scored the biggest opening day of 2011 in France, where it has earned $3 million.

Story: Is Megan Fox news part of a studio plot?

Asia turned in impressive stats, including Korea, where  "Dark of the Moon " scored the biggest opening day of all time, grossing $5 million.

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PHOTOS: 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' Premiere in Moscow

"Dark of the Moon " opened to $780K in Hong Kong, the biggest opening day for a non-holiday.

Many box office observers believe that  "Dark of the Moon " will open north of $200 million overseas.

Photos: Summer's upcoming blockbusters

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  1.  Related video Watch the 'Bridesmaids' trailer

    Summer movie season

    Summer's here, and the time is right for hiding in dark, air-conditioned theaters, watching some sequels that are already sequels to sequels. And perhaps a good original movie or two. Strap yourself in for the blockbusters to come -- "Bridesmaids," seen here, is already marching down the theater aisle. --Dave White (Universal Pictures) Back to slideshow navigation
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    Biggest fear going in: That the filmmakers will muddy the water with foolish ideas about having something to say instead of allowing Depp’s antics and the special effects to rule the moment. (Peter Mountain / Disney Enterprises) Back to slideshow navigation
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    'Kung Fu Panda 2' (May 27)

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    What it is: Having established his awesomeness as the awesomest fighting panda in the awesome original, Po (voiced by Black) returns in "Kung Fu Panda 2" to awesomely battle a very mean peacock.

    Potential to be awesome: Show of hands, who didn’t like the first film? If the filmmakers don’t mess with that installment’s formula of great animation plus charm plus wit, all will be well and children’s karate classes will reap the benefits. (DreamWorks) Back to slideshow navigation
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    'The Hangover Part II' (May 27)

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    How funny it will be: Pointlessness be darned, you can count on Galifianakis. He owned the original and will probably do it again. (Warner Bros) Back to slideshow navigation
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    'X-Men: First Class' (June 3)

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    What it is: "X-Men: First Class" is set in the early 1960s, showing how the X-Teens at Xavier’s School For Gifted Youngsters became the X-Adults. That means the cast is newer and younger and dealing with the Cuban Missile Crisis. You probably never knew that mutant superheroes were part of that thing. That’s what you get for sleeping through history class.

    A lesson in jump-starting a stalled franchise: After “X-Men: The Last Stand” annoyed its core audience, a tune-up was needed. What better way to accomplish that goal than to time-travel back to an origin story with a hip young cast? And it makes much more sense than simply saying, “OK, we’re going to make another first chapter film about 'The Incredible Hulk'” or “Hey, remember those old 'Spider-Man' movies from five minutes ago? They don’t count anymore.” (20th Century Fox) Back to slideshow navigation
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    'Super 8' (June 10)

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    Most excellent stamp of approval: Producer Steven Spielberg’s, of course. Advance word is that Abrams has made an exciting valentine to that director’s heyday. Now here’s hoping it lives up to those expectations and avoids falling into the cracks caused by an X-Men/Green Lantern earthquake. (Paramount Pictures) Back to slideshow navigation
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    'Green Lantern' (June 17)

    Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard

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    'Mr. Popper’s Penguins' (June 17)

    Starring: Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino, Angela Lansbury

    What it is: In "Mr. Popper's Penguins," a heartless corporate type (Carrey) learns to be nice when a brood of penguins show up at his doorstep (no word on whether or not he also learns to do that marching thing they’re so famous for). Based on the beloved classic children’s book, it could go a long way toward erasing the memory of Carrey's creepy animated “A Christmas Carol.”

    Tailor-made for: Everyone.The book was published in 1938. That means it was also your grandmother’s childhood favorite. And who doesn’t love penguins? (20th Century Fox) Back to slideshow navigation
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    What Diaz keeps proving: The pretty woman can also be the funny woman. And if this one and “Bridesmaids” hit audiences in the right spot, that whole grown-up female comedy snowball will just get bigger, badder and more impossible for Hollywood to ignore. (Columbia Pictures) Back to slideshow navigation
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     Related video Watch the 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' trailer

    'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' (July 1)

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  12. 'Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows -- Part Two' (July 15)

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    Related video Watch the trailer
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