"/www.dreamworksfansite.com/unfortunateevents"">Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events had mix reception across the globe last weekend. In the U.K. it was phenomenal with a $4,276,472 debut from 452 screens, but in Australia it was average with a $1,556,200 start from only 222 screens. It was also average in New Zealand with a $245,049 opening from 50 screens. In a very bad sign Lemony wasn't impressive at all in its first non-English market. Portugal supplied a $132,109 gross from 50 screens.

England's opening was just below Sleepy Hollow's and Ice Age's openings, but ahead of Cheaper by the Dozen and The Cat in the Hat. With even moderate holds its can't gross north of $15 million, which would equate to almost $75 million at the American box office. If it holds very well it could shoot past $20 million, which would about $100 million domestically. Snicket's British debut was by far its best start in the international marketplace and should equate to a sizeable sum in the end.

The lack of a high screen count in Australia is concerning. The books did not perform as well overseas as in the U.S., which might be the reason, but 222 screens is very low. Australia will have a tough time finishing with more than $7 million

Source: /www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/weekend/2004/51.htm"">Boxofficemojo"