Former child actor Daveigh Chase, 'The Ring' villain and Lilo voice, dies at 35
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Former child actor Daveigh Chase, known for her roles in “Lilo & Stitch” and “The Ring,” has died at 35. Her father, John David Schwallier, confirmed she died from complications of bacterial meningitis and a blood infection. She had been homeless in Los Angeles. TMZ first reported Chase died Tuesday. She voiced Lilo in the 2002 animated film and won an MTV award for her role in “The Ring.” Chase also voiced a lead in “Spirited Away” and appeared in “Donnie Darko.” Her father says she struggled with drugs since age 13 and was estranged from her parents.
Movie Review: In 'Toy Story 5,' it's (digital) apocalypse now for toys
“Toy Story 5” may fall shy of the first three and probably ranks as the fifth best of these movies. But “Toy Story” has a high bar and the quality and thoughtfulness that has long distinguished Pixar is very much present here, writes AP Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review. As the movie’s “toys vs. tech” advertising has made abundantly clear, “Toy Story 5” is predicated on an extremely relatable conflict for kids and parents, alike. In it, tablets arrive just as ominously as weapons did in “2001: A Space Odyssey.” Given just how profoundly screens have altered childhood, the paradigm-shift storyline gives “Toy Story 5” something most sequels can’t claim: a reason for being.
Obama Center's opening draws former presidents, music legends and A-list celebrities
Former President Barack Obama, joined by three former presidents, is celebrating the opening of his presidential museum in Chicago in an extraordinary event that brought together former world leaders, A-list celebrities, athletes and other internationally known figures. The guestlist for Thursday’s dedication ceremony included Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera and Bono. Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama were joined on stage by former presidents Joe Biden, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton along with former first ladies Jill Biden, Laura Bush and Hillary Rodham Clinton. The invite-only celebration was livestreamed and kicks off a weekend of events centered around the Obama Presidential Center, which opens to the general public on Juneteenth.
Music Review: Myles Smith makes anthemic, personal pop on his debut, 'My Mess, My Heart, My Life'
British folk-pop singer-songwriter Myles Smith, known for hits “Stargazing” and “Nice To Meet You,” has released his debut album. “My Mess, My Heart, My Life,” is most interesting when it works to fill out the details of Smith's interior life and personal history, writes The Associated Press' Elise Ryan in her review. Smith is at his best when he is vulnerable and direct, like on “My Mess” and the detailed “Grandma's Place.” Niall Horan appears on “Drive Safe,” and Ed Sheeran cowrites “Dublin Lights.” Moments of detail-oriented story-telling like those provide emotional context for the platitudes employed elsewhere.
Comedy trailblazer Tom Dreesen, Sinatra’s longtime opening act, dies at 86
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Tom Dreesen, known as half of one of America's first interracial comedy duos with Tim Reid, has died. His publicist confirmed his death in Los Angeles on Wednesday. Dreesen and Reid, who met in their hometown of Chicago, created "Tim and Tom" in 1969, using humor to address social issues at a time of simmering racial tensions. They performed together until the mid-1970s. Dreesen later became a successful solo comedian, appearing on "The Tonight Show" and "The Late Show." He was Frank Sinatra's opening act for 14 years. Dreesen also acted in TV shows and films, wrote books, and was active in charitable work. Dreesen was 86.
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Movie Review: 'The Death of Robin Hood' drains the blood, and life, out of an old English legend
Whichever version of Robin Hood is your favorite, the story takes a beating in “The Death of Robin Hood.” There are no knights in shining armor. There are no merry men. There is absolutely no swashbuckling. Writer-director Michael Sarnoski has sapped every bit of derring-do from the folk hero. It’s a thoughtful inversion of myth with some compelling ideas about the nature of storytelling. But it’s a total slog, writes AP Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review. “The Death of Robin Hood” drains the blood, and life, out of an old English legend.
Lil Nas X shares a video update after getting mental health care: 'There's less fear in my heart'
NEW YORK (AP) — The musician Lil Nas X has posted a moving video update to Instagram. The artist, who was born as Montero Lamar Hill, says he has returned home from rehab and has a therapist and psychiatrist. The developments are a response to an event last summer in which the musician was charged with attacking Los Angeles police officers. In April, a judge allowed Lil Nas X to enter a mental health diversion program that could lead to the charges against him being dismissed. The musician was eligible for the program because the court found that the incident could be attributed to bipolar disorder. Lil Nas X publicly discussed his mental health diagnosis in the video Wednesday.
A look at presidential libraries as the Obama Presidential Center opens to the public this week
NEW YORK (AP) — Franklin Roosevelt helped launch the modern system of presidential libraries in the late 1930s. A network of museums and research facilities has since grown nationwide. Historian Douglas Brinkley calls them vital hubs for lectures and research. Presidential libraries often reflect a leader's personality and legacy. Settings for presidential libraries range from small towns in Iowa to big cities in Texas and California. Barack Obama's library opens to the public Friday in Chicago. While archives are mostly managed by the National Archives, museums are funded by private donors, which can influence how history is presented.
Macy’s Fourth of July show to feature Post Malone, Blake Shelton, Salt-N-Pepa and Shaboozey
NEW YORK (AP) — Macy's is set to celebrate America's 250th birthday with a spectacular July Fourth fireworks show featuring performances by Post Malone, Blake Shelton, Salt-N-Pepa, Noah Kahan, Bebe Rexha and Shaboozey. This 50th edition of the nation’s largest Independence Day celebration will light up New York City with 85,000 shells in 30 colors from six barges, plus a new laser show from the Brooklyn Bridge. Viewers can catch the show live on NBC or Peacock from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST. The fireworks show will be accompanied by a vocal performance by “The Voice” season 29 winner Alexia Jayy.
Movie Review: 'Leviticus' makes a demon out of desire in an auspicious debut for Adrian Chiarella
The new movie “Leviticus” is being released this weekend. It's a horror-satire by Adrian Chiarella and explores a chilling premise of desire becoming deadly. The film, named after the Old Testament book often used to justify homophobia, follows Naim and Ryan, two young men in a small Australian town. Their budding romance faces a terrifying twist when Christian “conversion therapy” unleashes a demon, Associated Press critic Mark Kennedy says. Chiarella's debut nods to Alfred Hitchcock and “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” blending horror with a queer revolt. The film captures the vulnerability of new love and the dangers of repression. “Leviticus” is rated R and runs for 88 minutes.
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