AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 5:40 p.m. EDT

Paul Thomas Anderson's 'One Battle After Another' brings revolution to the (very) big screen

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Paul Thomas Anderson has spent about 20 years writing “One Battle After Another.” Inspired by Thomas Pynchon's “Vineland,” the film explores themes like immigration, racism and systemic corruption. The story follows a revolutionary group called the French 75, who take justice into their own hands, with Leonardo DiCaprio and Teyana Taylor deeply involved in the revolution. It's Anderson's most expensive project to date, shot entirely in VistaVision. The film aims to provoke thought about social issues and political division. It hits theaters on Friday.

Q&A: Mariah Carey enters ‘the era of me’ with her first album in 7 years

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Mariah Carey is releasing her 16th studio album, “Here for It All,” marking a new chapter in her career. This 11-track album out Friday showcases Carey's evolution as an artist and blends soulful records, R&B, ballads and pop. Fans have eagerly awaited this release, which includes chart-topping singles like “Type Dangerous” and “Sugar Sweet.” Collaborations with artists like Kehlani, Shenseea, The Clark Sisters and Anderson .Paak add to the album's appeal. Carey describes this as “the era of me,” emphasizing her personal growth and connection with fans. Her spirituality and faith are woven into the music and reflect her journey with the title track and “Jesus I Do.”

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.

Judge plans speedy ruling on whether charges can be dropped against Sean 'Diddy' Combs

NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge says he'll rule soon whether to toss out two prostitution-related charges that Sean “Diddy” Combs was convicted of in July. Judge Arun Subramanian listened Thursday to nearly 90 minutes of arguments by lawyers over whether the charges were properly brought against the Grammy-winning hip-hop producer. He seemed skeptical of the defense arguments. Combs is scheduled to be sentenced next week in Manhattan federal court. After Thursday's hearing, Combs blew kisses to his mother, three daughters and three sons, telling them that every hour was getting him closer to freedom. The 55-year-old has been jailed for nearly 13 months.

'Beast mode' to 'teraflop': 10 words from the Merriam-Webster dictionary update

NEW YORK (AP) — Merriam-Webster has announced a major update to its “Collegiate” dictionary, adding over 5,000 new words. The additions include “petrichor,” which describes the smell of rain on dry earth. There's also “teraflop,” a unit of computing speed. Others are “beast mode,” referring to intense effort, and “love language,” about expressing affection. There's also “rizz,” a slang for charisma, and “hard pass,” meaning a firm refusal. “Dad bod” describes a certain physique, and “side-eye” is a look of disapproval. “Farm-to-table” relates to locally sourced food, and “dumbphone” is a basic mobile phone.

Puppets and props from Muppets creator Jim Henson's archives going up for auction for the first time

More than 400 props, costumes and set pieces from Muppets creator Jim Henson’s extensive career will go up for auction this fall. Highlights include full-size puppets from the children’s shows “Fraggle Rock” and “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance.” The Jim Henson Company says this will be the first auction from its archives. It made the announcement Wednesday on what would have been Henson’s 89th birthday. The auction also comes as The Jim Henson Company is celebrating its 70th anniversary. Henson, who died in 1990, brought to life a host of beloved characters on shows and films including “Sesame Street” and “Fraggle Rock.”

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.

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.