AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 5:29 p.m. EDT

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.

Patricia Lockwood wins $10,000 Gabe Hudson Prize for a dark, comic COVID-19 novel

NEW YORK (AP) — Patricia Lockwood wins this year's Gabe Hudson Prize for her novel “Will There Ever Be Another You.” The $10,000 award honors fiction that captures humor, pathos, and contemporary America. Lockwood's book impressed judges with its beauty and humor. It's a dark comedy about a woman’s breakdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. The prize was established by Hudson's mother after he died three years ago and is administered by McSweeney's, where he worked as an editor. Hudson was also known for his fiction and teaching. Lockwood is also known for her other books, “Priestdaddy” and “No One Is Talking About This.” She expressed a kinship with Hudson.

Ava DuVernay announces '14th' documentary on birthright amendment contested by Trump

NEW YORK (AP) — Ava DuVernay has announced a documentary for Netflix on the 14th Amendment, which gave liberty and rights to formerly enslaved people following the Civil War, and which has come under legal attack from President Donald Trump. Netflix said Thursday that it will release “14th” later this year. The 14th Amendment has been a prominent target of Trump’s. On the first day of his second term, he signed an executive order that would have heavily restricted birthright citizenship as protected by the amendment. In June, the Supreme Court struck down Trump’s order by a 6-3 vote. DuVernay previously directed ‘13th,’ a documentary on the amendment abolishing slavery.

Netflix posts higher Q2 results but shares drop due to lukewarm forecast

Netflix said Thursday its second-quarter profit grew thanks to new membership signups and price increases. But the company’s shares declined sharply in after-hours trading as the video streaming company’s forecast for the current quarter fell below Wall Street’s expectations. Netflix earned $3.4 billion, or 80 cents per share, in the March-June period. That’s up 9% from $3.13 billion, or 72 cents per share, in the same period a year earlier.

Behind Christopher Nolan’s 6-country epic undertaking to bring ‘The Odyssey’ to the big screen

NEW YORK (AP) — Christopher Nolan has taken on the epic challenge of adapting “The Odyssey” into a large-scale Hollywood film. Known for pushing cinematic boundaries, Nolan aimed to create something both accessible and realistic. This involved filming in real locations and using real ships on the open waters to bring the mythic tale to life. Despite the grueling shoot, the production finished early. Nolan's approach rejects typical Hollywood tropes, opting for colloquial language and unique musical elements. Matt Damon leads the massive ensemble as Odysseus, alongside Anne Hathaway and Tom Holland. The movie, the first to be shot entirely on IMAX film, opens worldwide on July 17.

'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.

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.

Trump is expected to make election conspiracies a focus of his national address

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is set to address the nation on topics he says will include elections and voting machines. Trump's comments suggest he's likely in Thursday's speech to revisit some of the unproven claims he's 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. At least some TV networks say they will not carry the speech live but will air it on their streaming services.

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.