"Abduction" picks up steam

For eight straight weeks, Sony's "The Smurfs" has topped the international box office, but the film's time in that spot could be coming to an end, as newer contenders continue to close the gap."Smurfs" grossed just $10.7 million over the Sept. 30-Oct. 2 weekend, bringing its overseas cume to $380.7 million. Lions-gate's "Abduction" came in with a total of $10.1 million during its second frame for a cume of $19.8 million."Abduction," which is being released by various local overseas distribs (Lionsgate has domestic rights), expanded to a handful of territories, including France, the U.K. and Mexico, the pic's top market, at $1.2 million. Both in Gaul and Blighty, the film debuted at No. 2, with $2 million and $1.4 million, respectively. (Local pic "La nouvelle guerre des boutons" won in France; "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" in the U.K.)But abnormally balmy weather in Blighty affected the overall local box office, which resulted in one of the lowest weekends in that market this year.Top territory for "Smurfs" was Australia, where in its third week the film grossed $3.5 million -- up a hearty 24%, thanks to school vacation there. In Italy, meanwhile, "Smurfs" fell just 37% for a weekend take of $2.2 million. The pic has cumed $14.3 million in Oz and $12.2 million in Italy.Trailing only "Smurfs" and "Abduction," Universal's "Johnny English Reborn" and Sony's "Friends With Benefits" collected $8.6 million and $8.5 million, respectively."Johnny English" launched in Hong Kong to an exceptional $1.4 million from 38 playdates, making it U's biggest comedy opening in that market. The film also had a strong start in Spain, where it grossed a chart-topping $2 million. "Friends With Benefits" bowed in Brazil, earning $1.3 million.Looking to unseat "Smurfs," "Johnny English" broadens to an additional 10 markets, including Germany and the U.K., while Disney/DreamWorks' "Real Steel" debuts in a number of markets, including Australia, Mexico and Russia. Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com