AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 2:59 p.m. EST

Movie Review: Wonder and war in 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'

“Avatar: Fire and Ash,” will probably be a rewarding experience for fans of James Cameron's saga. But for those whose trips to Pandora have made less of an impact, it's like returning to a half-remembered vacation spot, only one where the local ponytail style is a little strange and everyone seems to have the waist of a supermodel, writes Associated Press Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review. The 195-minute film is our longest stay yet on Pandora and the one most likely to make you ponder why you came here, in the first place. You can feel Cameron’s devotion to the dynamics of his characters, even when his interest outstrips our own.

Killings of Rob Reiner and his wife stun Hollywood as son skips court appearance for medical reasons

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The killings of Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner have left their communities in Hollywood and Democratic politics stunned. Their son, Nick Reiner, has been arrested on suspicion of killing them. Los Angeles police say they'll present a case on Tuesday to prosecutors for potential charges. However Nick Reiner's attorney says his client won't appear in court Tuesday for undisclosed medical reasons.  Rob Reiner was a celebrated actor and director known for films like “When Harry Met Sally...” and “The Princess Bride.” Michele Singer Reiner was a photographer and LGBTQ+ rights advocate. The couple was deeply involved in Hollywood and Democratic politics. The communities celebrated their contributions to film and activism while expressing their sadness.

Movie Review: Paul Feig's 'The Housemaid' is a twisty horror-thriller with nudity and empowerment

Paul Feig's new film, “The Housemaid,” offers a twisty, psychological horror-thriller with a satirical look at the ultra-rich, says AP's Mark Kennedy. Sydney Sweeney stars as Millie Calloway, a down-on-her-luck woman who becomes a live-in housekeeper in a wealthy New York suburb. Amanda Seyfried plays Nina Winchester, the mansion's madam, who hires Millie despite her fraudulent resume. The film, based on Freida McFadden’s novel, explores manipulation and power dynamics. Feig blends horror conventions with humor, creating a fascinating mix of gore and empowerment. “The Housemaid” is rated R and hits theaters Friday.

Christine Baranski narrates `A Christmas Carol' before returning for new `The Gilded Age' season

NEW YORK (AP) — Christine Baranski has teamed with the Skylark Vocal Ensemble for a unique rendition of Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol.” She narrates this music-and-spoken word version, recorded in June and released in December. Baranski, an Emmy- and Tony Award-winning actress, performs with the group at The Morgan Library & Museum in New York City, where the original manuscript is displayed. She enjoys bringing different characters to life, including Ebenezer Scrooge. The performance features choral underscoring by composer Benedict Sheehan and includes carols like “Silent Night.” Baranski hopes this collaboration becomes an annual holiday event.

‘This is Spinal Tap,’ ‘The Princess Bride’ and more: Rob Reiner’s best films and where to watch them

Rob Reiner created iconic films that many people rewatch and quote. Before his death on Sunday, his work from 1984 to 1995 was often cited as a near-unparalleled, genre-jumping stream. Reiner's legacy includes a diverse range of films that continue to resonate with audiences, including mockumentary “This Is Spinal Tap,” the comedic romantic adventure “The Princess Bride,” the coming-of-age film “Stand by Me,” the courtroom drama “A Few Good Men” and the rom-com classic “When Harry Met Sally....” The Associated Press remembers some of his best films and where to watch them.

Maximalism is back in cocktails with bold colors and flavors

LONDON (AP) — Maximalism in cocktails is making a comeback. Drinkers want more than simple serves, and bartenders are creating bold, layered drinks with theatrical glassware and playful twists. This trend echoes the extravagant drinks of the '90s but with a more refined touch. Bartenders emphasize flavor impact and sustainability, using edible or reusable garnishes. Creative drinks not only delight customers but also sustain the art of mixology. Signature cocktails like the "Foggy Fongo" and "Beyond the Sea" offer immersive experiences. Social media fuels this trend, with visually striking drinks becoming popular posts. At home, using unique glassware and garnishes can add a maximalist touch.

Britain’s BBC is both beloved and maligned. Now it faces a $10 billion Trump lawsuit

LONDON (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump is suing the BBC for $10 billion over a documentary he claims was defamatory. The BBC has apologized for editing a speech in the program but insists there's no basis for the lawsuit. The documentary, aired before the 2024 U.S. presidential election, allegedly portrayed Trump as inciting violence on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump's lawyers argue it damaged his brand and interfered with the election. Legal experts say Trump faces challenges proving his case. The BBC's decision to fight or settle is complicated by its public funding and potential costs to British taxpayers.

The Queen of Disco: Donna Summer is posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame

NEW YORK (AP) — Donna Summer has been posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the hall said. The Queen of Disco is known for such timeless tunes as “Love to Love You Baby,” “I Feel Love,” “Bad Girls,” “Dim All the Lights,” “On the Radio” and “She Works Hard for the Money.” Summer died in 2012 at age 63. She was welcomed into the Songwriters Hall on Monday at a ceremony held at The Butterfly Room at Cecconi’s in Los Angeles. It was led by Academy Award-winning songwriter Paul Williams. Summer’s husband, Bruce Sudano and their daughters Brooklyn Sudano and Amanda Sudano Ramirez were in attendance.

Fans celebrate Jane Austen's 250th birthday in Britain and beyond

LONDON (AP) — Fans of Jane Austen are celebrating the author's 250th birthday with events in Britain and beyond. Austen enthusiasts gathered Tuesday for a church service in her home village and festive visits to her house. A virtual birthday party allowed fans worldwide to join in. Thousands have participated in a yearlong celebration of the author, known for "Pride and Prejudice" and "Sense and Sensibility." Jane Austen’s House in Chawton hosted talks, tours, and performances. Fans, called “Janeites,” have marked the occasion with Regency balls and festivals in the U.K., U.S., and elsewhere around the world.