Movie Review: In Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey,' an ancient epic is reborn
The authorship of Homer's epic poem, dated to the 7th or 8th century BC, is complex. But no one could question the maker of Christopher Nolan's “The Odyssey,” an earthy, existential epic that ravishingly melds the storytelling of antiquity with contemporary IMAX-sized bravado. “The Odyssey” is rarely not transfixing, and it’s a ripping adventure story, besides. At the least, it’s the definitive big-screen adaptation of one of the oldest tales of humankind. Nolan’s first film shot entirely with IMAX cameras doesn’t skimp on grandiosity, but it works surprisingly well as a simpler, human-sized tale.
'Jurassic Park' actor Sam Neill died from pneumonia, agent says
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The agent for Sam Neill says the actor died from pneumonia. Neill’s family had earlier announced the actor known for “Jurassic Park” and other films died Monday in Sydney. His agent Philip Grenz said he was providing more information after speaking with Neill’s family and following inaccurate news reports. Grenz said Neill had beaten lymphoma through a new treatment called CAR-T therapy before getting sick with pneumonia. He added that Neill had filmed four projects during the past year that are due to be released in the coming months. Tributes have poured in from colleagues, including directors Taika Waititi and Steven Spielberg.
Trump expected to make election conspiracies a focus of Thursday's national address
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is set to address the nation on topics he said will include elections and voting machines. His comments suggest he is likely in Thursday's speech to revisit some of the unproven claims he has previously made about Republican losses, particularly his own in 2020 to Democrat Joe Biden. Elevating the deeply political and conspiratorial topics to a presidential primetime address underscores the lengths to which Trump has used his second term to both blow past norms and fixate on old grievances. It was not clear if TV networks were planning to air the speech, or to what extent.
George Santos' next gig? Reality TV show contestant
NEW YORK (AP) — George Santos has worn many hats: Serial swindler, congressman, expelled congressman, federal prison inmate, clemency recipient, podcast host, online betting influencer under investigation by the federal government. The obvious next gig? Reality TV show contestant. In September, Santos will appear on the fifth season of Fox’s “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test,” a grueling contest where participants will be subjected to chemical gassing and other military themed challenges in a Malaysian jungle. The network on Wednesday said he will go up against more than a dozen other contestants — including former NBA player Matt Barnes and actor Ruby Rose.
Biden will publish 'Promise Me, America' memoir after the November midterm elections
NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Joe Biden plans to publish his memoir, "Promise Me, America," this fall. Little, Brown and Company says the book is set for release Nov. 17 and will cover topics from the economy to Biden's decision not to seek reelection. Biden describes the book as a reflection on national challenges and his faith in America. Reports of the memoir have circulated for more than a year. The release comes two weeks after Election Day, which may concern some Democrats as they seek to regain control of Congress. Biden's health and his decision to step down are expected to be key topics.
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New York Times files motion to quash subpoenas served on journalists over Air Force One coverage
WASHINGTON (AP) — The New York Times has filed a motion to quash subpoenas that the Justice Department served on journalists who reported on security concerns involving the new, Qatari-gifted Air Force One, teeing up a significant court fight over press freedom and the government’s ability to force reporters to identify sources. The filing was made under seal Wednesday in the Southern District of New York, where the journalists were summoned in subpoenas delivered last Friday to testify before a federal grand jury. The Times’ senior vice president and deputy general counsel says the subpoenas “violate the constitutional rights of The Times and its journalists.”
Latin and country surge in the US as more music is being streamed than ever before
NEW YORK (AP) — Luminate’s 2026 Midyear Report reveals key streaming trends in music, film and TV. Music streaming has reached new heights globally, with on-demand audio streams hitting 2.8 trillion. In the U.S., R&B/hip-hop remains popular, but its dominance is being challenged. Latin and country music are on the rise. Latin music reached 363.2 billion streams worldwide. Some AI-generated music is gaining traction, with notable tracks like “Papaoutai (Afro Soul)” and “Livin’ on Borrowed Time.” In original content streaming, Netflix dominates U.S. streams. However, library content still surpasses original programming in popularity. Library content is older, preexisting and licensed shows and movies.
A look inside Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ by the numbers
Christopher Nolan's “The Odyssey” is an epic film, hitting theaters Friday. The Associated Press looks at the film, by the numbers. It runs 172 minutes, slightly shorter than “Oppenheimer.” The movie was shot on IMAX film, using 2.1 million feet of film. Filming took 91 days across six months and six countries, including Greece and Italy. The movie marks the third time that both Anne Hathaway and Matt Damon have worked with Nolan. The production involved 5,300 costumes and 2,000 extras for the siege of Troy. Composer Ludwig Göransson used unique instruments for the score, including 35 rented bronze gongs.
Tom Cruise, IShowSpeed and Post Malone join the World Cup closing ceremony's cast
NEW YORK (AP) — FIFA has announced a star-studded lineup for the closing ceremony of the World Cup. The event is set for 90 minutes before Sunday's final and will feature performers like Tom Cruise, Post Malone and streamer IShowSpeed. The ceremony aims to celebrate the journey of 48 teams across 16 host cities in three countries. Other performers include Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger and Robbie Williams. Jennifer Hudson will sing the U.S. national anthem. FIFA promises fans an active role. It starts at 1:30 p.m. at a stadium just outside New York in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with kickoff at 3 p.m.
US negotiator Brett McGurk will release a book on the Hamas hostage crisis
NEW YORK (AP) — A lead U.S. negotiator for the release of hostages captured by Hamas during the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks in Israel will have a book out this fall. Crown has scheduled Brett McGurk's “Brink: Inside the Race to Free the October 7 Hostages” for Oct. 6. McGurk is a longtime Middle East adviser and diplomat appointed by President Joe Biden in 2023 to oversee hostage talks. Crown says McGurk will describe his efforts to balance the demands of Israel and Hamas, traveling worldwide in pursuit of an agreement. The remaining surviving hostages were freed in October 2025.
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