Johnny English a global smash

Rowan Atkinson's spy spoof Johnny English is the top-rated movie outside America.

The movie has taken $50million worldwide in the two weeks since it has been released.

More than a third of all cinema tickets sold in the UK last week were for the comedy, and on home turf alone it has made $14million.

It is now on release in 38 countries, including Singapore and Malaysia, where it had the best ever opening week for a comedy film.

The film is also number one in Thailand, Germany and Austria, second in Australia and New Zealand, and performing well in South America, according to industry estimates on ScreenDaily.

And it is still to open in 12 countries, including the US.

The films has prospered despite a lukewarm critical response, with reviewers saying the spoof has little new to offer.

Its success follows that of Atkinson's 1997 hit Bean, which took $232million worldwide.

Published: 23 Apr 2003