“Fifty Shades of Grey” opens at No. 1 in FranceFebruary 13, 2015 - 13:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The sexy romance “Fifty Shades of Grey” is off and running at the international box office, breaking records and opening at No. 1 in four overseas markets Wednesday, Feb 12, TheWrap reports. The adaptation of E.L. James’ novel took in $3.7 million from France, Belgium, French-speaking Switzerland and the Philippines for Universal Pictures, two days before its U.S. debut in 3,645 theaters. Analysts are predicting that “Fifty Shades” will bring in more than $60 million over the four-day President’s Day holiday weekend, which includes Valentine’s Day on Saturday. With openings in most foreign markets as well, it has a shot at a $100 million global debut this weekend. The $2.7 million grossed in France by “Fifty Shades,” which stars Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson, is Universal’s biggest opening day ever in that market, topping 2013’s “Fast & Furious 6.” Its $543,000 haul in Belgium was another Universal record, ahead of “Fast and Furious.” It was in 72 theaters and dominated with a 70 percent market share. In the Philippines, “Fifty Shades” scored the biggest opening day ever for an R-18-rated movie and the best for a non-local film in February, bringing in $340,000 from 84 locations. “Fifty Shades of Grey” opens in 30 more international markets Thursday. Among them — Australia, and Universal said that the $2 million the film has grossed in early shows at 277 locations put it on track to be the best opening of the year there, and the biggest ever for an R-rated or February release. Top stories Ara Aivazian said Azerbaijan continues the traditions of Turkey after seizing territories and forced Armenians out. The creative crew of the Public TV had chosen 13-year-old Malena as a participant of this year's contest. She called on others to also suspend their accounts over the companies’ failure to tackle hate speech. Penderecki was known for his film scores, including for William Friedkin’s “The Exorcist”, Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining”. Partner news | SBP instant transfers now available from 190 Russian banks to Armenia To receive money from Russian banks, easywallet users need to go to their easywallet accounts. Armenia's Davit Chaloyan qualifies for Paris Olympics The Armenian boxer qualified for Paris Olympics after a series of successful bouts at the 2nd World Qualification Tournament. Lemkin Institute urges Armenia to respect people’s right to dissent The Lemkin Institute has urged the Armenian government to respect people’s fundamental human right to express their dissent. French-Armenian journalist returns to France after 41-day hunger strike Nicolian said on social media on Sunday, June 2 that he needs to improve his health in order to “continue the fight”. |