Kids ate the multiplex: How family movies are taking over moviegoing, one blockbuster at a time
NEW YORK (AP) — As “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” lands in theaters, coloring stations, collectible popcorn containers and mascot Marios are all in place to entice arguably the most prized moviegoers to Hollywood today. Kids. Despite a lot of talk about the imperiled future of moviegoing, future moviegoers are turning out in droves and fueling today’s biggest blockbusters. By Sunday, Universal Pictures expects the five-day opening of the “Super Mario” sequel to reach $186 million domestically, and around $350 million worldwide. That would make it easily the biggest hit of the year. Increasingly, the multiplex belongs to kids.
Hailee Steinfeld says she and Bills quarterback Josh Allen have welcomed a baby girl
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and actress and singer Hailee Steinfeld are proud parents of a baby girl. Steinfeld announced Thursday in her newsletter that their daughter has been born without sharing any further specifics on the date or the baby’s name. She wrote they are grateful, blessed and savoring the early moments. Steinfeld is coming off a year in which she earned acclaim for her role in the movie “Sinners.” Allen and Steinfeld married last May and announced in the same newsletter in December that they were expecting their first child.
'Bob's Burgers' actor Eugene Mirman rescued from fiery crash by New Hampshire governor's detail
BEDFORD, N.H. (AP) — Actor and comedian Eugene Mirman suffered serious injuries after crashing his car into a toll plaza and being pulled from the fiery wreckage by a state trooper assigned to protect the governor of New Hampshire. The crash happened just before noon Tuesday in Bedford, New Hampshire. Authorities say Gov. Kelly Ayotte and her security detail came upon the crash soon after, and a trooper and two others pulled Mirman from the burning car. Mirman is known for voicing musical middle child Gene Belcher on the animated comedy “Bob’s Burgers.” The crash remains under investigation. No charges have been filed.
A priceless ancient golden helmet stolen from a Dutch museum is recovered
ASSEN, Netherlands (AP) — Dutch authorities have recovered a priceless ancient golden helmet from Romania stolen last year from a museum in the Netherlands. Under police guard, prosecutors unveiled the 2,500-year-old Cotofenesti helmet during a press conference in the eastern Dutch city of Assen on Thursday. The helmet, considered a cultural icon of Romania, was on loan to the Drents Museum when it was nabbed more than a year ago. The theft sent shock waves through the art world.
It’s International Fact-Checking Day. Refresh your AI identification skills
Artificial intelligence-generated content is everywhere these days, making it increasingly difficult to separate fact from fiction, particularly when it comes to breaking news. The Iran war is just one example — since its outset, fake footage has reached countless people around the world. Some strategies for identifying these images include looking for visual cues, determining their origin, seeking out multiple reputable sources, making use of technology such as invisible digital watermarks and not immediately sharing content if its authenticity is unclear.
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BJ Novak to host PEN America gala on May 14 at the American Museum of Natural History
NEW YORK (AP) — B.J. Novak will host the upcoming PEN America gala at the American Museum of Natural History. Hundreds from the publishing community and beyond are expected to gather on May 14 for the organization's signature fundraising event. Novak is known for his role as Ryan Howard on “The Office” and for his bestselling books. PEN America co-CEO Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf says his wide-ranging artistry makes him ideal to celebrate the written word and free expression. Honorees will include author Ann Patchett and film producer Jason Blum.
Megan Thee Stallion takes 2 Broadway shows off after illness during 'Moulin Rouge!'
NEW YORK (AP) — Megan Thee Stallion was rushed to the hospital after feeling very ill onstage during "Moulin Rouge! The Musical" on Broadway. She later explained on social media that she had been pushing herself too hard. An understudy stepped in Tuesday night, allowing the show to continue. Megan announced she would take Wednesday's performances off to rest and recuperate. She plans to return Thursday, feeling stronger and ready. Megan made her Broadway debut last week as Harold Zidler in the show, which is set to close in July after a seven-year run.
Max Thieriot is on fire. Meet the man behind TV hits 'Fire Country' and 'Sheriff Country'
NEW YORK (AP) — Max Thieriot has turned “Fire Country” and its spinoff “Sheriff Country” into the top two shows on Friday nights. This Friday, the two series run their first crossover episode, in which sheriffs and firefighters team up to search for nine missing teens. Thieriot co-creates and executive produces both dramas, and he also stars on “Fire Country.” He sets both shows in the same small California town. He says the action draws viewers in and thinks the human stories keep them watching. He says he's most proud of the fact that the shows support hundreds of crew jobs.
Movie Review: Jittery, edgy and magnetic, Riz Ahmed takes 'Hamlet' for a spin
Riz Ahmed puts his own spin on the world's most famous troubled prince in Aneil Karia's “Hamlet,” a pared-down version that clocks in under two hours. Ahmed portrays a prince in a rush and recalls a recent Hamlet-like figure from the small screen. That's Kendall Roy of “Succession.” The setting is in the South Asian community in contemporary London and centered on a family real estate company called Elsinore. In her review, Associated Press critic Jocelyn Noveck writes that Ahmed gives an absorbing and magnetic performance, surrounded by an excellent supporting cast including Sheeba Chaddha and Art Malik. “Hamlet” opens in theaters April 10.
Movie Review: Wahoo! ‘The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ levels up the magic
Chris Pratt and Charlie Day return to voice Mario and Luigi in “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” which opens theaters globally on Wednesday. The sequel to the 2023 smash takes the Brooklyn plumbers, Princess Peach and Toad into space to help save Rosalina from a vengeful Bowser Jr. In her review for The Associated Press, film writer Lindsey Bahr writes that while the movie adds some family drama and backstories, and some unsavory merchandising, it's largely committed to keeping things light and playful and in the spirit of the games. “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” is a Universal Pictures release rated PG.

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