AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 2:00 p.m. EDT

Movie Review: Guillermo del Toro builds a handsome, grand ‘Frankenstein’ that is all his own

Guillermo del Toro puts his spin on “Frankenstein” in a new film coming to theaters Friday. The epic stars Oscar Isaac as the mad scientist and Jacob Elordi as his monestrous creation whom he comes to hate. Instead of a by-the-letter adaptation of Mary Shelley's novel, this is an interpretation by a filmmaker who has always had a soft spot for the monster. In her review for The Associated Press, film writer Lindsey Bahr writes that everything about “Frankenstein” is larger than life, from the runtime to the emotions on display. “Frankenstein” is rated R.

News organizations, including Hegseth's former employer Fox, reject new Pentagon reporting rules

Fox News, the former employer of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has joined a near-unanimous outpouring of news organizations rejecting new rules for journalists based in the Pentagon. Fox signed on to a statement with ABC, CBS, NBC and CNN saying they would no agree to Hegseth’s new rules. It said “the policy is without precedent and threatens core journalistic protections.” So far, only the conservative One America News Network has said its reporters would follow the new regulations. Hegseth has said that outlets who don’t agree to the new rules by the end of Tuesday, which restrict reporting on news not specifically approved by his team, will be evicted from the Pentagon on Wednesday.

A team of artisans brings Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Frankenstein’ to life

NEW YORK (AP) — In “Frankenstein,” metaphors are hard to resist. Moviemaking, itself, is a Frankenstein art. Each element of production — the costumes, the set design, the lighting, the music — is brought together like appendages stitched into one body. Guillermo del Toro’s new adaptation of Mary Shelley’s gothic novel, in particular, is a feast of filmmaking arts. Del Toro called on many of his most regular collaborators to turn his long-held vision of “Frankenstein” into a living, breathing reality. Netflix releases “Frankenstein” in theaters Friday, and on its streaming platform Nov. 7.

Jamie Foxx, Maxwell, Jill Scott, Flea, Doja Cat and more react to the death of D'Angelo

Celebrities have begun paying tribute to R&B and neo-soul icon D’Angelo. His death at age 51 was announced on Tuesday. He died after a prolonged battle with cancer, according to a statement from the family. Among those paying tribute include the actor Jamie Foxx, the co-founder and bassist of the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, Flea, and Grammy-Award winning R&B singers Maxwell and Jill Scott. D’Angelo was celebrated for and recognized by his raspy yet smooth voice and for attracting mainstream attention with the shirtless “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” music video.

Oprah Winfrey picks Megha Majumdar's 'A Guardian and a Thief' for book club

NEW YORK (AP) — Megha Majumdar's novel “A Guardian and a Thief” is now Oprah Winfrey's book club pick. The book is already a finalist for the National Book Award and Kirkus Prize. Set in the near future, it explores themes of drought, flooding, crime and food shortages. The story contrasts a family trying to emigrate from India to the U.S. with a thief who has stolen their papers. This is Majumdar's first novel since her acclaimed debut, “A Burning,” in 2020. Winfrey praised the book for its captivating storytelling. Her conversation with Majumdar is available on Winfrey's YouTube channel.

Taylor Swift's ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ makes history by selling 4 million copies in first week

NEW YORK (AP) — That’s show business for you! Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl” has officially sold 4.002 million equivalent album units in its first week in the United States. That is the biggest first week in modern music history. That’s according to Luminate, the industry data and analytics company that began tracking sales in 1991. Swift broke the record set by Adele’s “25,” which sold 3.378 million copies in its first week in 2015 in the U.S. The news arrived following the announcement of two forthcoming Disney+ projects. Swift will premiere a six-episode, behind-the-scenes docuseries of her landmark Eras Tour. There will also be an updated concert film.

From Grammy winner to children's author: Laufey's new book is 'Mei Mei the Bunny'

NEW YORK (AP) — Laufey, the Grammy-winning artist, is creating a children's story inspired by her mascot-alias, Mei Mei The Bunny. Penguin Workshop announced Tuesday that Laufey's picture book, “Mei Mei the Bunny,” will be published April 21. Illustrated by Lauren O'Hara, the book tells of Mei Mei's determination to become a professional musician even as she encounters some initial struggles. Laufey, known for her blend of pop, classical, and jazz, expressed excitement about sharing Mei Mei's story. She hopes it inspires readers of all ages. Laufey's 2023 album, “Bewitched,” won a Grammy for best traditional pop vocal album.

Alec and Stephen Baldwin escape injury after their vehicle hits a tree in New York

EAST HAMPTON, N.Y. (AP) — Alec Baldwin and his younger brother Stephen escaped injury when their vehicle struck a tree in New York. In a video posted to Instagram late Monday, Alec Baldwin said he was driving his wife’s Range Rover in East Hampton on Monday when he was cut off by a garbage truck “the size of a whale.” The 67-year-old actor and his 59-year-old brother were in the vehicle on their way back from attending the Hamptons International Film Festival. Alec Baldwin said that neither he nor his brother were injured, but the vehicle they were in had extensive damage.

Marc Maron ends his podcast with final guest Barack Obama after 16 years and nearly 1,700 episodes

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Barack Obama has helped Marc Maron close out his podcast, “WTF With Marc Maron,” after 16 years and over 1,600 episodes. Obama first appeared on the show a decade ago and joined Maron for the final episode released on Monday. The two talked in Obama's Washington office. Maron shared his feelings about ending the podcast, expressing readiness for a break but also fear of what comes next. Obama offered advice on moving forward, encouraging Maron to reflect and not rush into new projects. The episode marked the end of a pioneering podcast that began as a venue for stand-up comedians but became a major media player.