Streaming is overtaking theaters for movie watchers, an AP-NORC poll finds
WASHINGTON (AP) — A new poll finds Americans are more likely to watch recently released movies from the comfort of their own homes instead of heading out to a theater. The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll shows about three-quarters of U.S. adults say they watched a new movie on streaming instead of in the theater at least once in the past year, while about two-thirds say they’ve watched a movie in a theater. The results suggest American moviegoers are more likely to stream a film than see it in the theaters, a shifting tide that was accelerated during the coronavirus pandemic and its aftermath. Convenience and cost are both factors.
Music Review: Doja Cat returns to pop with an '80s twist in 'Vie'
Doja Cat is releasing her fifth studio album, “Vie.” The rapper-singer is known for hits like “Say So” and “Kiss Me More.” Doja Cat leans into pop and incorporates ‘80s flavor on the album out Friday, The Associated Press' Kiana Doyle writes in her review. Doyle says Doja Cat’s experimentation with the nostalgic sound creates some of the most enjoyable songs on the album as well as some of the most boring. Doyle says album highlight is “AAAHH MEN!” but “Couples Therapy” and “Acts of Service” are bland. She says that the album overall succeeds more than it fails in its ’80s-inspired experimentation.
Laila Lockhart Kraner carries 'Gabby’s Dollhouse' positivity to DreamWorks’ live-action hybrid film
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Laila Lockhart Kraner, known for her role in “Gabby’s Dollhouse,” has seen the show's messages of positivity and resilience shape her life. Six years after first playing Gabby, these lessons have become core principles for her. The series is loved by kids worldwide and is expanding with “Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie,” opening Friday. The film emphasizes creativity and problem-solving for all ages. It features Gloria Estefan and Kristen Wiig, and the story follows Gabby's adventure to rescue her dollhouse. The franchise has grown into a global sensation, with toys, music and live events, highlighting the power of imagination.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs returns to court a week before he faces sentencing
NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs has returned to court a week before the Grammy-winning hip-hop producer faces sentencing for his July conviction on two prostitution-related charges. He waved to supporters and touched his heart before sitting down in Manhattan federal court on Thursday. Judge Arun Subramanian listened to arguments from lawyers on points of law that might help him decide how long the Bad Boy Records founder must spend behind bars. The 55-year-old Combs will have been jailed for nearly 13 months when he is sentenced on Oct. 3. His lawyers, noting that he was acquitted of the most series charges he faced, say he should go free now. Prosecutors say he should spend years more locked up.
Dwayne Johnson dove deep for ‘The Smashing Machine,' with a little push from friends
Dwayne Johnson faces his fears in “The Smashing Machine,” a drama about MMA fighter Mark Kerr. Known for his confident persona in the ring and in the spotlight, Johnson says he was scared to tackle this vulnerable role. The film, opening Oct. 3, challenged Johnson to draw on his traumas and channel them into a moving performance. Co-star Emily Blunt and director Benny Safdie also said they pushed themselves creatively in the process. Johnson's transformation required extensive preparation, including physical changes and emotional intensity. Despite the challenges, Johnson says he finds the experience freeing and gratifying. His performance is already generating Oscar buzz.
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Rihanna and A$AP Rocky welcome third child, Rocki
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have welcome their third child and first daughter. Rihanna announced the birth of Rocki Irish Mayers in an Instagram post Wednesday. The couple first announced their pregnancy during the Met Gala in May. The couple has a track record for starry pregnancy announcements, with Rihanna emerging on the 2023 Super Bowl stage with a baby bump on full display. Their son Riot Rose was born later that year. The couple welcomed their first child, RZA, in 2022. The birth comes just months after A$AP Rocky was acquitted on firearms charges in Los Angeles in February.
Hard pass. Cold brew. Dad bod. Merriam-Webster adds over 5,000 words to 'Collegiate' dictionary
NEW YORK (AP) — Merriam-Webster has fully revised its popular “Collegiate” dictionary with over 5,000 new words. They include “petrichor,” “dumbphone” and “ghost kitchen.” Also “cold brew,” “rizz,” “dad bod,” “hard pass,” “cancel culture” and more. The 12th edition is the first update in 22 years. It will be released Nov. 18. The company removed outdated geographical and biographical sections to make room for new content. Merriam-Webster's president, Greg Barlow, says the goal is to make the dictionary more useful and engaging. Despite declining dictionary revenue among sellers overall, Merriam-Webster remains committed to its print editions. It sells about 1.5 million dictionaries a year but makes most of its money through digital content. The company’s website logs a billion visits annually.
Kimmel is back on ABC to big ratings, but some affiliates still refuse to air his show
NEW YORK (AP) — Jimmy Kimmel is back on his ABC late-night show, but not everywhere. It’s still a mystery when or if viewers in cities such as Washington, Seattle and St. Louis will be able to see him again on their televisions. ABC stations owned by the Nexstar and Sinclair corporations took Kimmel off the air last week on the same day the network suspended him for comments that angered supporters of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Those stations kept him off the air Tuesday, when ABC lifted the suspension. Kimmel returned with no apologies, but said he was not trying to joke about the assassination. He also paid tribute to Kirk’s widow.
How does June Squibb do it at age 95? 'I just gird my loins and go'
TORONTO (AP) — There are 70-year-olds who want to be like June Squibb when they grow up. Squibb, 95, wasn’t the lead of a movie until she was 94. Now, a year after she turned action star in “Thelma,” Squibb is again the leading lady and face on the poster for another movie: “Eleanor the Great, Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut. With it, Squibb is proving, again, that Hollywood stardom needn’t belong to the young. In a few weeks, she’ll begin rehearsals as the star of “Marjorie Prime.” More than 60 years after making her Broadway debut in “Gypsy,” opposite Ethel Merman, Squibb is going back to Broadway.
Jessica Chastain opposes Apple TV+ decision to delay 'The Savant' after Charlie Kirk's death
NEW YORK (AP) — “The Savant” star Jessica Chastain says she disagrees with the decision to postpone the release of the Apple TV+ political thriller series. Chastain, who is also the show's executive producer, expressed disagreement with the decision on Instagram. She argued the show — about tracking down online hate groups to stop domestic extremists — is relevant and she has never avoided difficult subjects. The series, which features Chastain as a military veteran working undercover to prevent violence, was set to premiere Friday. Apple TV+ postponed it Tuesday after Charlie Kirk's death. Chastain emphasized the show's focus on heroes preventing violence and hopes it will reach audiences soon.
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