Ghost Rider is expected to dominate the international arena for a third consecutive weekend as it prepares to launch in three major markets.

Sony Pictures Releasing International's (SPRI) comic book adaptation has amassed $41.3m so far and this weekend rides into the UK and Brazil on Mar 2 on 350 and 278 prints respectively, followed by Japan on Mar 3 on 262.

SPRI's drama The Pursuit Of Happyness, which stands at $116.2m, opens in seven territories including Taiwan on Feb 28, followed by South Korea and Singapore on Mar 1.

Paramount/PPI has scheduled Dreamgirls, fresh from its double Oscar win, to open in 10 new markets this weekend. The musical, which stands at $31.1m, launched in France on Feb 28, Hong Kong on Mar 1, and Taiwan on Mar 3. The drama Freedom Writers starring Hilary Swank opens in the UK and Mexico on Mar 2.

Universal/UPI gives the crime thriller Smokin' Aces a big push in 12 territories including French-speaking Switzerland on Feb 28 on 12 prints, followed by Germany on Mar 1 on 227 and German-speaking Switzerland on the same day on 18. The film has taken $12.8m so far, and opens in Austria on Mar 2 on 45 prints.

Fox International opens Notes On A Scandal in 10 territories including France on Feb 28 and Brazil on Mar 2. The drama has grossed $14.7m to date.

The Last King Of Scotland, which earned Forest Whitaker a best actor Oscar last weekend, goes out in India on Mar 2. It has amassed $16.6m.

Night At The Museum has taken $272.8m, Rocky Balboa has grossed $68.7m, and Apocalypto stands at $12.8m from Fox International territories.

Warner Bros Pictures International's (WBPI) romantic comedy Music And Lyrics opens in Brazil on Mar 2. It stands at $23.4m including Roadshow territories.

Elsewhere, quadruple Oscar winner The Departed stands at $148.1m including non-WBPI territories, Blood Diamond has taken $88.1m, Flags Of Our Fathers stands at $31.8m, Happy Feet has taken $171.3m including Roadshow territories, and Letters From Iwo Jima stands at $47.4m.