Following meteoric success — and some criticism — 'Nobody Wants This' evolves in Season 2
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Netflix's “Nobody Wants This” became a surprise hit last year, topping charts and drawing millions of viewers. The romantic comedy follows a rabbi and an agnostic podcast host navigating their relationship. Star and executive producer Kristen Bell says the show resonated with audiences. However, it faced criticism for antisemitic tropes. Rabbi Elan Babchuck initially criticized the portrayal of Judaism but later appreciated the representation. Creator Erin Foster thinks Season 2 will address these concerns by exploring more character depth. But she maintains those arcs were already planned, not a response to the criticism. The second season releases Thursday.
Tessa Thompson finds her own 'Hedda'
TORONTO (AP) — In Nia DaCosta’s “Hedda,” Tessa Thompson’s titular socialite sows chaos. She manipulates. She cuts people to the bone with a quip. She pours more drinks. Henrik Ibsen's classic heroine is a blistering tour de force for Thompson. In the two-decade career of the 42-year-old Los Angeles native, no role has given Thompson a more complicated, contradiction-rife character into which to bring all her charisma, all her boldness, all her capacity to stir things up. For much of her life, Thompson has favored ensembles, from Marvel to “Creed,” and her roles — empathetic, thoughtful, kind — have hewed closer to her own modest personality. But in “Hedda,” Thompson is brash and brutal.
‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’ explores a mother’s existential crisis
Mary Bronstein has returned to filmmaking with “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” a film exploring a mother’s existential crisis. Known for her 2008 cult classic “Yeast,” Bronstein stepped away from the industry but found inspiration during a challenging period in San Diego. Living in a motel while caring for her daughter, she began writing the script in the motel bathroom. The film, featuring Rose Byrne and Conan O’Brien, reflects Bronstein's unique vision and determination. Despite past setbacks, her work is gaining renewed interest, and she's already considering future projects.
Movie Review: Jeremy Allen White is a tortured Boss in 'Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere'
The first authorized biopic of Bruce Springsteen's life, “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere,” delves into the making of his 1982 album “Nebraska.” Directed by Scott Cooper, the film explores Springsteen's inner turmoil during the album's creation. Jeremy Allen White portrays a tortured Springsteen pushing himself into a place he knows is not commercial. The movie highlights “Nebraska” as a raw masterpiece, filled with themes of poverty and hopelessness. It also examines Springsteen's relationships and mental health journey. The film is based on a book by Warren Zanes and is a meditation on creativity versus commerciality. It opens in theaters on Friday.
The Louvre reopens 3 days after one of the biggest museum heists of the century
PARIS (AP) — The Louvre has reopened just three days after a daring heist shocked the world. Thieves made off with eight pieces from France’s Crown Jewels, valued at over $100 million. The theft has put President Emmanuel Macron and Louvre chief Laurence des Cars under scrutiny. Authorities say the thieves spent less than four minutes inside the museum on Sunday morning. The jewels remain missing, and the thieves are still at large. The heist has raised questions about the museum’s security, especially after recent staff strikes warned of understaffing. The Louvre has declined to detail any reinforced protocols.
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M. Night Shyamalan's latest plot twist? Teaming with Nicholas Sparks on a novel and upcoming film
M. Night Shyamalan, known for dark films like “The Sixth Sense,” has teamed up with Nicholas Sparks for a new project. After finishing three intense movies, Shyamalan wanted a change. He found it in “Remain,” a supernatural romance he co-authored with Sparks. The collaboration is unique because Shyamalan wrote the screenplay first, and Sparks adapted it into a novel. A film starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Phoebe Dynevor has already wrapped production. Sparks and Shyamalan previously crossed paths years ago when Shyamalan was considered to adapt Sparks' “The Notebook.” The job went to someone else, but Shyamalan says Sparks’ work “always represented something magical to me.”
Loggins demands removal of Trump's AI-generated video using ‘Danger Zone’
NEW YORK (AP) — Kenny Loggins is objecting to the use of his music in a social media post featuring an artificial intelligence-generated video of President Donald Trump. The video was posted on Trump's Truth Social platform and shows the Republican president dumping excrement from a fighter jet on the “No Kings” protests. The video uses Loggins' song “Danger Zone” from the 1986 Tom Cruise movie “Top Gun.” Loggins says he was not asked for permission and wants the video removed. As of Tuesday morning, the video remained on Truth Social. The White House has responded to a request for comment with a still from “Top Gun” with the caption “I FEEL THE NEED FOR SPEED," paraphrasing a line from the movie.
Sundance Film Festival reveals details about Robert Redford tributes and legacy screenings
The Sundance Film Festival plans to honor Robert Redford’s legacy in 2026. Redford, who died in September at 89, founded the institute over 40 years ago. This January, the festival will feature a screening of his first independent film, “Downhill Racer,” along with restored Sundance classics like “Little Miss Sunshine” and “House Party.” Festival director Eugene Hernandez says many artists want to participate and that more details will be revealed soon. The 2026 festival will be the last in Park City, Utah, before moving to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027. Tickets go on sale Wednesday.
MusiCares names Mariah Carey its 2026 Person of the Year
NEW YORK (AP) — MusiCares will honor Mariah Carey as its 2026 Person of the Year. MusiCares is an organization that helps music professionals who need financial, personal or medical assistance. Organizers said Tuesday that Carey was selected for providing support to many different underserved communities. Those efforts include providing relief for those impacted by Hurricane Katrina and the COVID-19 pandemic and founding Camp Mariah to support underserved youth and advance health, education and social welfare. Carey will be honored at the 35th annual Person of the Year benefit gala at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Jan. 30. That is two nights before the 2026 Grammy Awards.
Mass to honor salsa singer Celia Cruz draws hundreds in Cuba after authorities shut down performance
HAVANA (AP) — Hundreds of people in Cuba have attended a Mass to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Celia Cruz’s birth just days after authorities canceled a theater performance in honor of the revered singer without explanation, drawing criticism over what some say was an act of censorship. Activities to remember the illustrious Cuban artist — one of the island’s most prominent voices internationally — were organized around the world on Tuesday except in Cuba, where she never returned after going into exile in the United States in 1960 and openly defining herself as a radical anti-Castro activist.
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