As the popcorn goes stale on another cinema-going year, film critic Damon Smith looks forward to the action-packed blockbusters, heartbreaking dramas, uproarious comedies and potential Oscar winners that will be lighting up the big screen over the next 12 months

The irrepressibly upbeat blue creatures, invented by Belgian artist Peyo, return to the big screen in a saccharine sequel designed to keep the merchandising tills ringing for another couple of years.

Dublin has gone blue to mark Global Smurfs Day.

STRANGE times in Belgium as the country enters its 55th week without a Government and one of its few cultural exports, The Smurfs, are outed as racists.