'Martian' soars to top of China box office; 'Star Wars' to touch down Jan. 9

Despite a late blast-off in China, more than a month after its stateside launch, “The Martian” soared at the mainland box office last week, taking in $48.4 million in its first five days in theaters.

The 20th Century Fox release benefitted from the star appeal of Matt Damon, Chinese audiences’...