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.
Sean Penn to direct Warner Bros. movie about a police officer at the Jan. 6 Capitol riot
NEW YORK (AP) — Sean Penn will direct a movie about a police officer who was at the Jan. 6 Capitol riot in 2021, Warner Bros. said Tuesday. Following his Oscar-winning performance in “One Battle After Another,” Penn will direct the as-yet-untitled film from his own script. Bradley Cooper is in talks to star, though no deal has been finalized. Penn attended the 2002 hearing of the House Select Committee investigating the attack on the Capitol. The movie’s announcement comes just days after the U.S. Justice Department said it will not challenge Paramount Skydance’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
‘Obsession’ is a sensation. Everyone, including Curry Barker, is trying to figure out what it means
NEW YORK (AP) — Over the last month, “Obsession” has sent shock waves through Hollywood. Curry Barker’s microbudget horror film has grossed $286 million worldwide, and it’s still going. In North America, it has outgrossed “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu.” It’s Focus Features’ biggest hit in its 24-year existence and ranks among the most profitable movies ever made. Coupled with the A24 hit “Backrooms,” by 20-year-old Kane Parsons, it’s been a coming-out party for YouTube as a breeding ground for the next generation of filmmakers. It’s also brought waves of Gen Z moviegoers into theaters. Summer has historically been dominated by legacy franchises, but “Obsession” may represent a sea change.
Rapper Mystikal sentenced to 20 years in Louisiana rape case
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The rapper Mystikal will serve 20 years in prison for raping a woman at his Louisiana home in 2022. He pleaded guilty to third-degree rape in March with a sentencing cap of 20 years. The victim spoke in court before sentencing and asked the judge to give Mystikal the maximum sentence, according to local ABC affiliate WBRZ. She reportedly said the rapper had punched her, choked her, pulled out her braids and forcibly raped her. The Louisiana rapper's given name is Michael Lawrence Tyler. He received multiple Grammy nominations in the early 2000s.
JD Vance went on television to plug a faith memoir. 'The View' had other plans
Vice President JD Vance is promoting his new book, but that wasn’t the main focus when he went on ABC’s “The View” to plug his memoir on faith. Instead, Vance faced tough questions on Jeffrey Epstein, the economy and immigration. His appearance on the show Tuesday marked a rare foray for a Trump administration official into what they consider hostile media, with the long-running morning show generally dominated by its liberal hosts. Vance joked about the challenging environment at the start of the hour, saying, “This is a show of MAGA Republicans, right?” He defended President Donald Trump’s comments on affordability and inflation by rephrasing his remarks on them, leading Joy Behar to ask him, “Are you his interpreter, or are you his vice president?”
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The Grammys add 5 new categories and announce changes to best new artist
NEW YORK (AP) — The Recording Academy has announced changes for the 2026 Grammy Awards, including five new categories. These include best Asian pop music performance, best traditional pop vocal performance and best Latin song. Changes have also been made to the R&B and folk categories. The best R&B solo performance is reimagined, and a best R&B collaboration or duo/group performance is added. Folk now includes best contemporary folk album and best traditional folk album. The best new artist category has been updated, allowing artists to submit four times. These changes aim to reflect the evolving music industry.
Cape Verde's Vozinha becomes an Instagram sensation thanks to his saves and a streamer's push
GUADALAJARA, Mexico (AP) — Vozinha gasped and laughed in shock when shown the number of new Instagram followers he had gained after helping tiny Cape Verde hold off powerhouse Spain in his team’s World Cup debut. Less than 24 hours after the game, Vozinha already had nearly 10 million Instagram followers. That is more than NBA superstar Victor Wembanyama and NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes each have. A popular Brazilian streamer was taking credit for the goalkeeper's sudden surge in followers. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to get the 40-year-old goalkeeper's mother a visa to the U.S.
Tom Holland appears to confirm he and Zendaya are married
NEW YORK (AP) — Tom Holland has apparently confirmed that he and Zendaya have tied the knot. This comes after months of speculation sparked by Zendaya’s stylist in March. Holland addressed the rumors during an interview with Esquire U.K. When asked about whether he had to inform his family after AI images circulated showing what appears to be his wedding, he replied, “No, because they were all there.” He also shared how Zendaya and him support each other in their acting careers. Holland and Zendaya first met while co-starring in the 2017 movie “Spider-Man: Homecoming.” Both have major films releasing this summer, including “The Odyssey” and “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.”
A Jenna Bush Hager imprint release is now in Oprah's book club
NEW YORK (AP) — Oprah Winfrey has selected Sophie Chen Keller's novel “Little Wonder” for her book club. The book, set in China, tells the story of a food delivery worker and her musically gifted son who gets lost in Beijing. Winfrey announced her choice on Tuesday. The novel was published by Jenna Bush Hager's Thousand Voices imprint. Hager, a “Today” show host, facilitated the call where Winfrey informed Keller of her decision. Keller expressed her excitement, calling it a dream come true. Winfrey's podcast interview with Keller is available on the Oprah YouTube Channel and other outlets.
Christopher Jackson to reprise his Tony-nominated role as George Washington in 'Hamilton'
NEW YORK (AP) — Christopher Jackson is returning to his role as George Washington in he Broadway hit “Hamilton.” Jackson was an original cast member and earned a Tony nomination for the role. He says he wanted to reconnect with the show that transformed him as an artist. He'll perform at the Richard Rodgers Theatre from Sept. 8 to Jan. 3. His return follows Leslie Odom Jr., who reprised his role as Aaron Burr last year. Jackson left “Hamilton” in 2016 and has since worked on various projects, including TV shows and movies. He looks forward to creating new memories in his favorite theater.

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