AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 2:01 p.m. EDT

Movie Review: 'Reminders of Him' is a sad-happy Colleen Hoover adaptation, mixing grief and romance

“Reminders of Him” follows Kenna Rowan as she tries to rebuild her life after prison and reconnect with her young daughter. The movie opens in theaters Friday as a close adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel, says AP critic Mark Kennedy. Kenna returns to her small town with no money and no support. Her daughter lives with her dead boyfriend’s parents. His best friend, Ledger, also helps raise the child. Kenna’s return threatens that fragile home. The story avoids clear villains and leans on empathy. Actors Maika Monroe and Tyriq Withers ground the romance. The movie turns sad, tender, and sometimes melodramatic.

Oscars preview: Producers tease ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ and ‘Sinners’ celebrations

The Oscars producers are turning this year’s nominated songs into big showpieces that celebrate the films behind them. On Sunday, “KPop Demon Hunters” performers EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami take the stage with more than the usual “Golden” routine. The broadcast also spotlights “I Lied to You” from “Sinners,” with musicians and cast exploring how music shapes the movie. Executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan say the show centers on the “human touch,” from set design to story packages. They also introduce a “fab five” moment for the new casting award and say they have protocols for surprises and disruptions.

Movie Review: In 'Undertone,' a paranormal podcast turns perilous

Writer-director Ian Tuason’s feature debut, the sonic-driven horror “Undertone,” has, at least at the outset, an appealingly stripped-down quality. It's set entirely in one location. It features one present, talking actor. Its “R” rating is merely for language. It’s a testament to Tuason’s evident filmmaking talent that, with these bare bones, “Undertone” swells into a gripping and unsettling experience. It’s the movie’s disappointing second half, though, that breaks its quiet spell. After conjuring a tapestry of tension through narrative drips, as well as literal ones, Tuason throws in the whole kitchen sink, drowning out “Undertone” with a cacophony of genre cliches, writes Associated Press Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review.

Q&A: Shakira says she feels like she's just getting started. A Rock Hall nomination begs to differ

NEW YORK (AP) — Shakira says her new world tour is turning lifelong dreams into reality as she sets attendance records and earns major recognition. The boundary-breaking Colombian performer told The Associated Press she feels like she is experiencing “a new beginning” in her career after more than three decades in music. She described a “magical” return to Mexico City’s Zócalo, the main square where 400,000 fans showed up to her concert. She also says her 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nomination is “surreal,” as rock music has shaped her from the start. She's happy to represent her Latino community with the nomination.

Ken Follett's next epic heads to Victorian Britain, where strict morals meet secret passions

NEW YORK (AP) — Ken Follett’s next historical epic is a story of forbidden romance set during a time of official propriety, the Victorian age. Follett’s “The Deep and Secret Things” will be published Sept. 21, 2027. His novel follows the life of a noblewoman from South Wales, Helena Bowen, and her attraction to a charming, but disreputable acquaintance. The 76-year-old Follett is one of the world’s most popular authors, with sales nearing 200 million copies. His novels, which have spanned from the Dark Ages to modern times, include “The Pillars of the Earth,” “Eye of the Needle” and “World Without End.”

Dudamel says Chalamet shows ignorance in claiming 'no one cares' about opera and ballet

NEW YORK (AP) — Gustavo Dudamel is pushing back after Timothée Chalamet said “no one cares” about opera and ballet. Dudamel says the comment shows ignorance and a lack of facts. Speaking at Lincoln Center while announcing the programming for his first season as music director of the New York Philharmonic, Dudamel says artists need to open more spaces for people to connect with classical music. The room broke into loud applause. Dudamel says cinema grows out of opera and music. The Philharmonic CEO invited Chalamet to attend a concert for free. Dudamel says this kind of thinking needs to end.

Jill Biden opens up in memoir about Joe Biden's decision to end his 2024 reelection bid

WASHINGTON (AP) — Jill Biden says she wants to “set the record straight” as she breaks her silence about Joe Biden’s decision to end his 2024 presidential reelection bid under pressure from Democrats who were concerned about his age and viability against Republican Donald Trump. The former first lady has written a memoir, called “View from the East Wing,” and it's set for release June 2. Jill Biden says it was “kind of cathartic” to write the book, though she didn't reveal details in a brief telephone interview Tuesday with The Associated Press. Jill Biden says that with the book, she's "put things in perspective” and presents a “more balanced view” of Joe Biden's presidency.

Prosecutor says Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, 3 kids were home when woman charged with attempted murder fired

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Authorities say a Florida woman has been charged with attempted murder and other felonies over gunshots fired at Rihanna's Los Angeles home last weekend. District Attorney Nathan Hochman said that the singing superstar, her partner A$AP Rocky, and their three small children and her mother were all on the property at the time. Court records showed 35-year-old Ivanna Lisette Ortiz was charged Tuesday with one count of attempted murder as well as 10 counts of assault on a person with a semiautomatic firearm and other felonies. Ortiz appeared in court Tuesday as her public defender entered a not guilty plea for her but then withdrew it in favor of postponing arraignment until March 25. Bail was set at $1.8 million.

Pentagon blocks photographers from Hegseth's briefings on the Iran war

NEW YORK (AP) — The Pentagon has not permitted photographers to cover Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's last two briefings on the war in Iran, and hasn't explained the change in longstanding policy. Relations between the press and the Pentagon have been contentious during the second Trump administration. Most mainstream news reporters are no longer working in the Pentagon building because they would not agree to the Trump administration's new rules for operating there. They have been replaced mostly by news outlets friendly to President Donald Trump. Reporters who gave up desks at the Pentagon have been given day passes to return for Hegseth's briefings, though. The Pentagon would not comment on why photographers have been excluded.