Priyanka Chopra kills it with oomph as a villain in the second trailer of Baywatch

While most rue Priyanka Chopra’s blink-and-you’ll-miss it scene in the much anticipated Baywatch trailer, here's some good news for the PC fans. The second trailer is out and her character Victoria Leeds is looking like the hottest villain ever! We also see a fierce Dwayne Johnson and a cool Zac Efron. Baywatch is all set to release on May 26.

Passengers movie review: Remarkable for its attempt rather than success

First things first. "Passengers", a film about two very beautiful people thrown together in outer space, would have been a much finer work if it had not been in 3D. What the 3D technique does is to isolate the audience from the action. Passengers needed the contrary approach. We need to feel the full force of the passion that our two protagonists, Jim and Aurora feel for one another when they have no one else to feel anything for.

This could have been Robinsoe Crusoe with his soul-mate marooned on an island in outerspace. It squanders the opportunity of being a profound study of shared isolation and instead elects to unveil a series of staged spaceship hijinks such as 'Jim Dates Aurora', ‘Jim Mates Aurora', ‘Aurora Hates Jim' and so on.

Admittedly the special effects are of a very high quality specially when we see our two lovers come of their space ship and float in open space. Then there is sequence about gravity failing in the spaceship where Ms Lawrence is trapped in waves of swirling water in the swimmingpool.

The sight is enough to mollify all our senses into submission to not ask questions on why these two people's karma must be entwined just because they have chosen to voyage in time and space. Or maybe it is reason enough to bask in their togetherness when they seem so keen to find each other in a milieu where there is nothing else to do or find.

A lot of the goings-on in this giggle-inducing free-floating plot is like series of guessing games: When will Pratt and Lawrence actually fall into bed together? Isn't that what this is all about, finally? We may pretend we are in it for the message(don't ask me what what the message is). But what really intrigues is the fact of such a handsome pair on board a luxury cruiser that could give 7-star hotels a run for their money.

Much of the narrative is about watching Pratt court woo and seduce Lawrence. When that game wears thin the plot begins to look towards the spaceship for drama. The climax is a bit of a slog, filled with fire and fury that signifies very little except an aridity of true inspiration.

Pratt and Lawrence struggle with their skimpy roles. All is forgiven when the beauteous Ms Lawrence appears in a flaming-red dress at the end to share a drink with her co-star .With such a hefty volume of aesthetic gratification it would be churlish to look for heft in the plot, and even more churlish find it wanting.

"Passengers" gives us a lot to be happy about. While the leads impress us with their proclivity to seem preoccupied when they have nothing to do, Michael Sheen as a robotic bartender on board the ship gets the best lines and the most impassive attitude to the absurd proceedings. He actually makes it all seem tenable.By the time Laurence Fishburne shows up as the wheezing dying captain of the ship,we are already half asleep and well on the way to joining the spaceship voyagers in their lengthy slumber.

"Passengers" could have been a half-jestful date movie about a pair thrown together as neither has anywhere else to go. If only it had more to say about human nature when faced with such a galactic crisis.

Eva Mendes’ clever reply to Ryan Gosling’s praise

Ryan Gosling made it sure to give special mention to wife Eva Mendes in his Golden Globes acceptance speech and the actress has reverted back to the praise with a clever message.

Actor Ryan Gosling made it sure to give special mention to wife Eva Mendes in his Golden Globes acceptance speech and the actress has reverted back to the praise with a clever message. The 42-year-old actress took to Instagram to pass on the message to the 36-year-old actor, who had credited his win at the Globes as best actor in a motion picture – musical or comedy to her.

Mendes shared the picture of her friend, singer Janelle Monae from the Globes red carpet. “Obviously this wasn’t my favourite moment of the night… But it was definitely my favourite style moment of the night. The stunning and talented @janellemonae is killing me with this look. So so so beautiful #goldenglobes,” she wrote.

The La La Land star had said that while he was shooting for the Damien Chazelle film, Mendes was at home raising their daughter, pregnant with their second, and supporting her brother in his fight with cancer. Gosling added, “If she hadn’t taken all that on so that I could have this experience, it would surely be someone else other than me up here today. So sweetheart, thank you.”

Meanwhile, Ryan Gosling paid tribute to late actor Debbie Reynolds at the Palm Springs International Film Festival awards gala. The event took place on Monday, reports eonline.com. Gosling’s La La Land was honoured with the Vanguard Award at the annual ceremony. As he picked up the prize alongside director Damien Chazelle and composer Justin Hurwitz, he thanked Reynolds for inspiring his work on the movie with her performance in iconic film Singing in the Rain.

Source: http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/hollywood/eva-mendes-clever-reply-to-ryan-gosling-praise-4468354/

Get Ready To Be Scared Sh*tless With The Best Hollywood Horror Films Of 2016

Why do we love rollercoaster rides? Why do we love that twisted feeling in our gut when we’re free falling through the air? It’s the very same reason we love watching horror movies, because we as human beings love that adrenalin fueled feeling of absolute terror. We love being scared! Other than the sheer excitement horror movies bring, they are an excellent way to get that cute girl you’ve brought with you to the movies to cozy up a bit closer! So, the next time you think of planning out a date night and wonder what flick to switch on, try these terrifying tales from 2016.

1. 31

If you’re up for a gore galore, 31 is exactly what you need! Rob Zombie delivers an excellent horror film with an exciting storyline of 5 carnival workers surviving a madhouse of 31 murderers known as “The Heads” all dressed as clowns (yikes!).  We say the clown factor is enough to stir up our childhood fears, and for some of us, adult fears too! Brace yourself for enough blood and gore to last a few nightmares too!

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2. The Conjuring 2

If you’ve seen the first one then you don’t need us to tell you that this one is one spine-chilling scare after the other! Ed and Lorraine Warren are back to their do-gooder ways of saving poor souls from the malicious and hungry evil spirits that haunt this world. They try and help a single mother raising 4 children on her own in a house filled with creepy spirits and demonic nuns (like we needed another reason not to go to church)! This is one of the best movies of the year, a must watch; only if you’ve got an iron heart though!

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3. Don’t Breathe

If you weren’t afraid of the dark before, you’ll surely be now! This flick is about a group of 3 friends that get trapped in a blind mans’ house while trying to break into it. Little did they know that this retired army veteran has a few secrets of his own… the kind that can’t get out. A gripping and twisty storyline gives you such a thrill that you’ll find yourself holding your own breath along with the main characters! Add it to your Christmas list!

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4. Hush

Silence is golden, but not in this heart pounding thriller! Maddie Young has lost her hearing in her teen years and is now living in the woods, absolutely secluded from society. Unfortunately, her peaceful world turns terrifyingly twisted when a masked psychopath decides to make her his new plaything. This movie is petrifying in a special way, and with an unexpected twist of the hunter underestimating his prey. 

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5. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

We all know the classic tale being re-told here, but wait, did we say zombies? Women in beautiful 19th century dresses, corsets, high riding stockings and don’t forget the samurai swords! The lovely ladies on screen are entangled in a love story between social classes while simultaneously being completely bad-ass while kicking some zombie butt! We say any original idea when it comes to zombie movies is a welcome thought, so check this one out!

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6. Lights Out

After watching this supernatural horror flick, you’ll be thinking twice the next time you decide to turn the lights off. It follows the story of a young woman who discovers that her half brother is having trouble at home, so she pays him a visit. He lives with her mother, who seems to be extremely troubled by what at first seems to be a mental condition, but to your and our horror (and pleasure) we find out there is a lot more to the situation than meets the eye. Check this flick out, but make sure you’re sitting in a dark room, with enough shadows to tickle your mind. 

© Twitter

7. The Purge: Election Year

This movie is the 3rd part of a series that has definitely got something to say, politically. It shows us exactly how terrifying human beings and our minds can really be. It definitely had some satire due to the political angle of it since we all know how certain entities have emerged recently, willing to do whatever it takes to “Make America Great Again”. If you wondered what it would be like to give in to the absolute human desire to kill our enemies, then you must, must, must watch this film.

© Reuters

8. Ouija: Origin Of Evil

If you weren’t completely sold with the first one, we believe you should give the second one a chance. They completely turned the game around with a genuinely scary and dramatic sequel in which an innocent game of Ouija turns horribly wrong. We’ve all played it, some of us might indulge in a little talking to the dead after a few drinks, so check this flick out and we’re sure you’re hands will be shaking the next time you venture to do so. 

© Twitter

So what are you waiting for? Call that cute girl over, grab the popcorn and turn off that light switch (if you dare)!

Photo: © Pexels (Main Image)

Source: www.mensxp.com

Deepika Padukone's 'Koffee With Karan' will not be SOLO, Vin Diesel to brew a cuppa too?

 The season 5 of 'Koffee With Karan' is perhaps the best so far. The unusual pairings of guests showcasing some great camaraderie is making up for great coffee dates. After Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput's explosive interview, time's now for yet another grand telecast.

The latest buzz these days is that Deepika Padukone, who has been a regular on the show this time will have none other than her 'xXx: Return Of Xander Cage' co-star Vin Diesel as the co-guest on the show.

Yes! That's what you read. According to BollywoodLife. Com, the duo can be seen together on the show as Vin is coming to India for movie promotions on January 12, 2017. The report is originally attributed to Hindustan Times.

However, no official confirmation has been made either by the actress or by the filmmaker regarding the same.

Deepika Padukone tuned into her Serena Unger avatar at 'xXx: Return of Xander Cage' Mexico premiere!

The much talked about Hollywood debut of B-Town sensation Deepika Padukoneis making everyone curious. Vin Diesel starrer 'xXx: Return of Xander Cage' will release first in India on January 14, 2017, ahead of its global release on 20th of the same month.

Deepika, who recently celebrated her birthday on January 5 was busy promoting her film worldwide—making it a working birthday for her. Well, no one's complaining as she went on the Mexico premiere of her movie in full Serena Unger avatar—the character she is playing in 'xXx: Return of Xander Cage'.

Celebrity stylist Shaleena Nathani shared the pictures of her pictures on Instagram.

Check out here: 

Deepika Padukone planning a HUGE desi welcome for 'xXx: Return Of Xander Cage' co-star Vin Diesel?

 Deepika Padukone is all gung-ho about her big Hollywood debut 'xXx: Return Of Xander Cage' and rightly so. The actress recently posted a sweet special message for co-star Vin Diesel on Twitter and that too in Hindi!

After reading that post, it was clear that Vin would be flying down to land in India somewhere next week as the film is hitting the screens here on January 14, 2017, ahead of its global release which falls on January 20, 2017.

According to Mid-Day, Deepika is planning a perfect desi welcome for Vin in India. And this will start right from the time he lands in the country. The report quotes an insider as saying, “We plan to receive him at the airport with band baaja and garland. As the host, Deepika wants nothing short of a perfect welcome, so that Diesel has a warm, enjoyable stay here. He will be introduced to mouth-watering Indian delicacies too.”

Also, the report mentions that Deepika is planning to host a huge bash where who's who of Bollywood would mark their presence. 'xXx: Return Of Xander Cage' will see Deepika play a character named Serena Unger.

It would be interesting to see Dippy's performance in an international project!

Assasin's Creed movie review: This game-changer will 'sev' the day

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. One apple 'sevs' the day in this deliberately on-the-boil thrill provider. Ignore the awful reviews. "Assasin's Creed" has some of the most heart-in-the-mouth stunts that you will get to see on this side of "Deadpool".

Not that I'm comparing "Assasin's Creed" to "Deadpool". This flamboyant febrile year-ender of a franchise is too sold on taking itself dead seriously. And that in itself is not such a bad thing. Not when you consider the task in front of the screenplay writers who had to incorporate the original game into the cinematic medium. The film had to be feisty and ruminative.

And it is!

"Assasin's Creed" is a game changer, in more ways than one. It yanks open the game and peeps inside to look at the emptiness that resides in the soul of a wounded civilization inured in centuries of war and bloodshed. The tightly wound-up narrative moves in two distinct frames shot in two different colour palates, denoting a kind of melange of the lucid past and an elusive present.

The narrative is stocked with the surfeit of slick tricks to keep us riveted to the screen, including an extended heart-in-the-mouth parkour chase that ends in a couple of stunning assassinations.

A sequence such as the above shows the intimate affinity between the visuals culled from the original game and the unusually epic interpretation the film provides to the characters who jump out of their positions in the miniature mythology of the video game.

Here is a film that pulls out all the stops and yet manages to keep a tight leash on the proceedings right till the bitter battered blood-splattered end. A lot of the credit for the film's sleek-yet-never-superficial profile must go to the actors who get the tenor of the game and yet manage to take the proceedings to a zone a notch above just a game.

The astonishing Michael Fassbender has a lot of fun chewing on the two characters he plays in the present and the remote past. His presence goes a long way in creating a dual world denoting violence and deception. 

The distinguished Jeremy Irons and Charlotte Rampling suffer in under-written roles. But that's okay. Even legends need to have fun at the movies. Go with an open mind. You will have fun with this sporty adventure drama.

Was worried if I would be good enough for Hollywood: Priyanka Chopra

Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra says when she chose to explore acting opportunities in the West, her only worry was whether she would be able to make a name for herself in Hollywood.

Priyanka, 34, earned global fame after starring in hit American TV show "Quantico". She has since made appearances on popular talk shows, graced top magazine covers, walked red carpets at award shows across America and was also present at the White House Correspondents' dinner hosted by outgoing US President Barack Obama.

"My worry (in the US), as an Indian actress, was whether the global entertainment industry was ready to see an Indian actor in the lead, as we haven't seen one before - be it in television or films. I was worried about it as it had not happened with any Indian actress," Priyanka told PTI in an interview.

"My worry was 'Will I be good enough?' But I had such a wonderful reception. I have got so much love and affection. The only thing to do now is keep evolving. I only think about how I can grow more and what more can I do."

Priyanka entered the Hindi film industry after winning the Miss World title in 2000. She made a mark in Bollywood with films like "Aitraaz", "Fashion", "Barfi", "Mary Kom" and "Bajirao Mastani" among others and then turned to Hollywood to explore acting opportunities there.

She made her acting debut in Hollywood with American television show "Quantico" and is also part of the "Baywatch" film which will release next year.

"When I was going to another country (US), I was not worried about acting as I know my job well. I know the technical aspects, I have tremendous experience of working with incredible filmmakers who have taught me my job," she says.

"I can stand on the world stage and be confident about my work as my training was with the most prolific film industry in the world which is the Hindi film industry." 
Looking back at the time back home in India when she

started her innings in Bollywood, Priyanka says her worry was to learn the craft of acting.

"I was supposed to be an engineer. When I first started in the Hindi film industry, I was worried if I knew how to act. I had to learn everything on my own on a film set. I never went to a film school."

Priyanka won accolades for her work in "Quantico" and back home, the global star was honoured with a Padma Shri by the Indian government.

The "Don" actress also forayed into production with her home banner Purple Pebble Pictures and her Marathi film "Ventilator" was well received at the box office.

"I am always on my toes. I don't take my work for granted. I always give my 120 per cent in everything that I do. Whether I am successful or not, I have always given my best," Priyanka says.

"I have always taken risks and walked on my own path. I like pioneering things. I am not following anybody's footsteps. I hope to continue that. The pressure has always been there." 

Carrie Fisher: Princess Leia who was an author and script doctor!

Actress Carrie Fisher, best known for her portrayal of Princess Leia in the "Star Wars" films, died on Tuesday at age 60 after suffering a heart attack.

Fisher—who struggled with addiction in the 1980s—was also a screenwriter, author and speaker who had enjoyed something of a career a comeback in recent years.

Here is a summary of her career highlights:Fisher became a household name after starring in the original trilogy of the "Star Wars" sci-fi franchise in which she played the beloved Princess Leia Organa.

Her other film credits include small roles in "The Blues Brothers," "The Man with One Red Shoe," Woody Allen`s "Hannah and Her Sisters," "Appointment with Death," "Soapdish" and "When Harry Met Sally."

Carrie Fisher also had roles in a number of television movies including "These Old Broads," and "Wright vs. Wrong," as well as TV series including "The Big Bang Theory," "Entourage," "Sex and the City" and "Weeds."

Most recently, she had joined the cast of the Amazon series "Catastrophe," playing Mia, the heinous mother of her co-star Rob Delaney.Though many will remember her as Princess Leia, Fisher was one of the film industry`s most sought-after script doctors.

She was the unsung hero behind many movies that went on to box office success including "Hook," "Lethal Weapon 3," "Sister Act," "Scream 3," "Outbreak," and the "Star Wars" prequels.

Fisher was also hired by "Star Wars" creator George Lucas as a script doctor for the short-lived television series "Young Indiana Jones."Beyond her acting career and success as a script doctor, Fisher was a best-selling author known for her semi-autobiographical novels in which she wrote about her struggles with drug abuse, mental illness and her complicated family history.

In "Postcards from the Edge," first published in 1987 and later adapted into an Oscar-nominated movie, she satirized her own acting career, her battle with drug abuse and her relationship with mother Debbie Reynolds. 

Fisher wrote several other novels, including "Delusions of Grandma" and "Surrender the Pink." "Wishful Drinking," which addresses with humor and candor her mental illness and drug abuse, was turned into a documentary.

Most recently, she was on a tour promoting her latest book "The Princess Diarist," based on diaries she kept while filming "Star Wars." She revealed in the book that she had an affair with co-star Harrison Ford while on the set of `Star Wars."

'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2' new teaser trailer takes excitement up a notch

Remember the protector of the galaxy 'Star Lord'? Well, he is back to the rescue again. Yes, you guessed it right. Here, we are talking about the recently released  teaser trailer of 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2' where Hollywood actor Chris Pratt will once again be essaying the character of Peter Quill.

The movie also features Zoe Saldana as Gamora, Dave Bautista as Drax the Destroyer, Vin Diesel as Baby Groot and Bradley Cooper as Rocket. 

Set to the full beats by 'Fox on the Run', a soundtrack from the '70s sung by British glam rock band Sweet, the two-minute trailer gives fresh insight into everyone's favorite character, Baby Groot, the walking, talking tree is just as adorable as everyone had hoped.

When Rocket Raccoon (Cooper) tries to keep Baby Groot from detonating a bomb, the little guy simply replies, "I am Groot" over and over again while attempting to press the fatal button.

Even more drama appears to be brewing between Star Lord (Pratt) and Gamora (Saldana), as an encounter with a mind-reading alien reveals that the Star Lord is feeling a "sexual love" toward his female counterpart.

Cue Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista) breaks into uncontrollable fit of laughter as he responds, "She just told everyone your deepest, darkest secret! You must be so embarrassed!"

'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' will have its initial release on April 25, 2017.

(With ANI inputs)

Andrew Garfield looking forward to watch 'Spider-Man: Homecoming'

Actor Andrew Garfield, who played Spider-Man from 2012 to 2014, says he is looking forward to watch the popular franchise's another new movie "Spider-Man: Homecoming", which stars Tom Holland in the lead role.

The 33-year-old actor said he is a "big fan" of Holland and he can't wait to see him doing some cool wall-crawling sequences, reported Entertainment Tonight.

"I watched (the trailer for Spider-Man: Homecoming) and it's great! I think it looks great. I'm really excited to see it, I can't wait.

"I'm a big fan of Tom and that character, so I'm just really excited to see it," he said.

Priyanka Chopra reacts to Deepika Padukone’s 'xXx: Return of Xander Cage' trailer

Bollywood divas - Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone – are making India proud globally with their spectacular performances in the world of cinema in the West. Interestingly, both the actresses are all set for their Hollywood debuts next year and the trailers of their upcoming films have broken the Internet already.

However, it is believed that Priyanka and Deepika don't really gel along well off-the-record. But, on-camera, the duo have always praised each other.

Recently, PeeCee was asked by the media about the 'Bajirao Mastani' star's 'xXx: The Return of Xander Cage'. 

“I have always said Deepika is extremely talented and beautiful. I wish her the best with xXx and I think the way the trailers have turned out to be, it looks amazing. I just hope Deepika gets the kind of recognition that she’s aiming for,” BollywoodLife quoted Piggy Chops as saying.

Well, this pretty much disproves the notion 'Two actresses can not be friends'.

Vin Diesel starrer 'XXX: Return of Xander Cage' will be releasing on January 14 in India. It also features Donnie Yen, Tony Jaa and Samuel L Jackson in prominent roles.

Priyanka Chopra’s blink-and-you-miss-it appearance in ‘Baywatch’ trailer a publicity plan?

Indian actress Priyanka Chopra's mother Madhu says her daughter's blink-and-miss appearance in the trailer of ‘Baywatch’ is part of a marketing strategy as the makers want to keep the best for the last.

Priyanka appears in just one scene of the trailer of her maiden Hollywood project, which stars Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron. This elicited a mixed response from her fans.

Justifying the one-shot appearance, Madhu told IANS: "That is their strategy. They don't want to give out the best part of the film and Priyanka is the best part of the film. It's a publicity plan that they had for the trailer. Priyanka is the main antagonist and she has a fabulous role in it."

n the film, Priyanka plays a negative role.

Her mother says she no longer gets bothered by negative news about Priyanka.

"There was a time when negative news used to bother me, but now it doesn't because I know my daughter better than anyone else. If somebody writes negative, I know it cannot be true because she is very genuine, very honest and very true to herself.

"I am not saying she can't do anything wrong, but she can't do anything bad. I can guarantee that."

Madhu spoke to IANS for Punjabi movie "Sarvann", which is the second production venture of their home banner Purple Pebble Pictures.

'The Fate of the Furious' trailer flaunts mean side of Vin Diesel! - Watch

Attention Hollywood lovers, the most awaited trailer of 2016 is finally here and it brings forward the mean side of Vin Diesel. Yes, you guessed it right, here we are talking about 'The Fate of the Furious'.

The F Gary Gray directorial is the eighth instalment in The Fast and the Furious franchise. In the high-octane trailer, Vin can be seen betraying his family. Well, is this for real? For this, we need to wait for its release.

'The Fate of the Furious' also features Michelle Rodriguez, Dwayne Johnson, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Lucas Black, Scott Eastwood, Kurt Russell, Jason Statham, and Charlize Theron in key roles.

The flick will be hitting the silver screens on April 14 next year.

Excited much?

Aashka Goradia gets engaged to American boyfriend Brent G

 One of Indian TV’s prettiest actresses - Aashka Goradia – has found her soul mate. The ‘Naagin’ actress has got engaged to her American boyfriend Brent G.

It all happened when Aashka was celebrating Christmas in Breckenridge, Colorado, US with Brent’s family. The handsome man reportedly went down on his knees to propose to her with a gorgeous ring and the lady was left pleasantly shocked.

The actress was previously in a relationship with Rohit Bakshi but the two separated for reasons unknown. Nonetheless, the beautiful lady has found love again. Here’s congratulating Brent-Aashka and wishing the duo happiness. 

International Box Office Hits of 2016

Hollywood tentpoles weren't the only films attracting global audiences this past year. Around the world, local-language films enjoyed a comeback, with several home-grown hits in individual territories out-grossing even the biggest studio titles. Here are some of the biggest foreign blockbusters of 2016.

CHINA

The Mermaid

© Provided by The Hollywood ReporterStephen Chow's sci-fi fantasy eco-epic, about a beautiful mermaid (Jelly Lin) who falls for a developer (Deng Chao) proved China doesn't need the rest of the world to produce a blockbuster. The feature grossed a jaw-dropping $527 million in its home territory, making it one of the biggest films of the year, anywhere.

NEW ZEALAND

Hunt for the Wilderpeople

© Provided by The Hollywood ReporterTaika Waititi's Kiwi comedy ruled the box office in its native New Zealand, grossing $8.4 million to become the top grossing New Zealand film of all time. (To compare, Rouge One: A Star Wars Story has, so far, grossed around $2 million in the territory). Starring veteran Sam Neill alongside breakout star Julian Denison, Wilderpeople was also a hit with near neighbor Australia, bumping out local titles to take the mantle as the top grossing non-Hollywood film Down Under with earnings of $8.35 million.

GERMANY

Welcome to the Hartmanns

© Provided by The Hollywood ReporterThe European refugee crisis seems an unlikely topic for a comedy, but this warm-hearted laffer, which manages to show all sides of the debate without getting angry at anyone, unified German audiences, grossing $23 million in the process.

MEXICO

Que Culpa Tiene el Nino

© Provided by The Hollywood ReporterThe comedy, starring How to Get Away With Murder actress Karla Souza as a young woman who gets pregnant after a one-night stand, was Mexico's top local-language film, earning $14.4 million and marking Souza as Mexico's most bankable actress.

FRANCE

Les Tuche: The American Dream

© Provided by The Hollywood ReporterSo much for refined French taste. The number one Gallic film of 2016 (local box office: $32.5 million) is this Beverley Hillbilles-style comedy, the sequel to a 2011 hit,  starring Jean-Paul Rouve and Isabelle Nanty as the parents of a clan of yokels having to pretend they're refined people, this time in the United States.

ICELAND

The Oath

© Provided by The Hollywood ReporterComedies tend to be the most successful local-language titles (it's hard for Hollywood to compete with a country's in-jokes), but in Iceland, the number-one film was a psychological thriller, directed by, and starring, home-town hero Batasar Kormakur (Everest).

ITALY

Quo vado?

© Provided by The Hollywood ReporterFor several years now, Italy has been a the sick-man of Europe when it comes to box office performance but local audiences will still come out for a laugh. Gennaro Nunziante's latest comedy, made on a $10.5 million budget, smashed all previous Italian records, pulling in $24.3 million in three days, nearly equally the three-week total in Italy for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Quo vado? ended up grossing $72.6 million in Italy, making it one of the most successful films of all time there.

NORWAY

The King's Choice

© Provided by The Hollywood ReporterBaring a late December upset from Rouge One, this WWII drama, set during the German invasion of Norway in 1940, will end 2016 at the top of Norway's box office charts, with an $8.8 million gross. Directed by Erik Poppe, The King's Choice has also made the shortlist for the 2017 foreign-language Oscars.

KOREA

Train to Busan

© Provided by The Hollywood ReporterSouth Korea has seen its theatrical business explode in the past few years, driven largely by home-grown genre-titles like this zombies-on-a-train thriller from director Yeon Sang-ho. Local box office: $80.5 million.

JAPAN

Your Name

© Provided by The Hollywood ReporterMakoto Shinkai's body-swapping love story is being hailed as a return to the golden era of Japanese anime, epitomized by the films of Hayo Miyazaki. With a box office take of $180 million, Your Name is already the second-most successful Japanese film of all time, behind only Miyazaki's Spirited Away. Now Shinkai is looking to see if he can repeat Miyazaki's feat and win the Oscar for best animated film.

SPAIN

A Monster Calls

© Provided by The Hollywood Reporter

J. A. Bayona chose his native Spain for the world bow of his latest fantasy feature, an Irish-set story about a boy and the titular monster that lives in the tree outside his home. The film's impressive $27.5 million take in Spain bodes well as A Monster Calls rolls out world-wide.