Entertainment – International

‘Thor,’ swinging his mighty hammer, smashes Hollywood’s slump

LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — After a dismal October for Hollywood, Disney and Marvel Studio’s “Thor: Rognarok” proved a smashing success over the weekend weekend, pulling in $122.7 million in North American theaters for a global total of $306 million, industry figures showed Monday. How big was the film’s three-day opening? The latest “Thor” episode, boosted by strong reviews and the self-mocking humor of Chris Hemsworth as the powerful Norse god (with Cate Blanchett as Hela, […]

Awards season kicks off in Hollywood

BEVERLY HILLS, California (Reuters) — Awards season kicked off in Hollywood with the 21st annual Hollywood Film Awards in Beverly Hills on Sunday (November 5). However, unlike other ceremonies, the awards are announced before the event. The films and actors receiving awards included Gary Oldman (‘Darkest Hour’) with a Career Achievement Award, Jake Gyllenhaal (‘Stronger’) for Best Actor, Sam Rockwell (‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Montana’) for Best Supporting Actor, Alison Janney (‘I, Tonya’) for Best […]

“Thor: Ragnarok” smashes weekend box office

Reuters — Marvel superhero sequel “Thor: Ragnarok” smashed the North American weekend box office from Friday (November 3) to Sunday (November 5), kicking off the holiday movie season. The third installment of Marvel’s standalone “Thor” film franchise, starring Chris Hemsworth, raked in $121 million, according to Box Office Mojo. “A Bad Moms Christmas,” a holiday-themed comedy starring Mila Kunis and Kristen Bell, claimed second place with $17 million. Horror movie “Jigsaw,” the latest in the […]

Sam Smith sings heartbreak away in new album

by Alice TIDEY Agence France Presse LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — At only 25, British soul singer Sam Smith has already brought the music world to his feet. But despite the success and fame, his second album “The Thrill of it All” coming out on Friday paints another picture altogether — one of pain and heartbreak. “I went on a bit of a spiral since I released ‘In the Lonely Hour’,” Smith told AFP at […]

Welcome to “Jumanji”‘s latest jungle

HONOLULU, Hawaii (Reuters) — A sequel to the 1995 Robin Williams classic ‘Jumanji’ is being released and cast members are eager to point out that the film is not a remake or reboot but a continuation of the original story. Speaking on the set in Honolulu, Hawaii, the film’s star Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson addressed worries by fans of the original telling Reuters “I get it. It kind of triggers things in people and I […]

“Thor: Ragnarok” set to smash weekend box office

Reuters — As the holiday movie season kicks off, Marvel superhero sequel “Thor: Ragnarok” is set to take the top spot at the North American weekend box office from Friday (November 3) through Sunday (November 5). The third installment of Marvel’s standalone “Thor” film franchise, starring Chris Hemsworth, is expected to take 109 million dollars, according to studio estimates published by BoxOfficePro. “A Bad Moms Christmas,” a holiday-themed comedy starring Mila Kunis and Kristen Bell, […]

In tense times, Maroon 5 doesn’t want protest songs

by Shaun TANDON Agence France Presse NEW YORK, United States (AFP) — Tensions may be mounting dangerously around the world but for Maroon 5, this isn’t the time for protest songs — it’s time to dance. The chart-topping pop-rockers on Friday release their sixth studio album, “Red Pill Blues,” a collection of toe-tapping, funk-inflected tracks that mine the emotional drama of human relationships. Frontman Adam Levine, whose ever-impressive falsetto again powers much of the music, […]

Dance festival in Taiwan pays tribute to political victims

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AFP) — In a historic wooden house opening on to a serene courtyard in downtown Taipei, a dancer strips naked and re-enacts the self-immolation of an activist 28 years ago. The performance is inspired by Cheng Nan-jung, often referred to as Taiwan’s “father of free speech”. Cheng, the editor of a political magazine, burned himself to death in 1989 when police tried to arrest him on charges of sedition, before the island transitioned […]

Hollywood honors diva Mariah Carey

LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — Mariah Carey joined Hollywood’s elite in plunging her hands and feet into cement at the iconic TCL Chinese Theater Wednesday, a tribute to the versatile singer’s quarter-century of stardom. Dressed in true diva fashion in a figure-hugging black dress and matching strappy stilettos, Carey sported designer sunglasses as she addressed fans, flanked by “Empire” showrunner Lee Daniels. Carey, famous for her five-octave range, thanked supporters who have been with […]

Beyonce joins Disney’s live-action ‘The Lion King’

LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — Beyonce is set to voice Simba’s childhood friend turned love interest Nala in the live-action remake of Disney’s “The Lion King,” the singer and studio announced Wednesday. The 36-year-old pop megastar confirmed the long-rumored role in a Facebook post that showed headshots of the voice cast, also revealing that Keegan-Michael Key (“Why Him?”, “Storks”) will be playing a hyena named Kamari. Alongside Beyonce — and mostly previously announced — will be Donald […]

New Spacey accusations fly as Netflix suspends ‘House of Cards’

by Jennie Matthew with Jean Luis Arce in Mexico City Agence France Presse A Mexican actor became the latest to accuse Kevin Spacey of sexual harassment Tuesday, predicting more such claims would emerge as Netflix suspended production of the two-time Oscar winner’s hit series “House of Cards.” Roberto Cavazos, who acted in several plays at London’s Old Vic theater when Spacey was artistic director there from 2004 to 2015, said the Hollywood star routinely preyed […]

Fans mourn S.Korean actor after fatal car crash

SEOUL, South Korea (AFP) — Grieving South Korean film fans packed a Seoul hospital Wednesday to pay their respects after the death of an actor dubbed “Korea’s Hugh Grant.” Kim Joo-Hyuk, 45, died Monday from head injuries after his Mercedes  crashed into an apartment wall and flipped over. No other vehicles were involved, police said.   Kim, whose father was also a famous actor, made his debut in 1999 and quickly gained popularity for his […]