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☆ Mojo Nixon, Who Mixed Roots and Punk Rock, Dies at 66
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-08 | by ( Yan Zhuang | More About Yan Zhuang | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Mojo Nixon, the rabble-rousing psychobilly musician and radio host who shot to fame with his satirical 1987 hit “Elvis Is Everywhere,” died on Wednesday aboard a country music cruise that he was co-hosting. His death was confirmed by Matt Eskey, the director of a 2020 documentary film about Mr. Nixon. He said that Mr. Nixon had a “cardiac event” while he was asleep as the Outlaw Country Cruise was docked in San Juan, Puerto Rico. A statement posted by the film’s official Facebook page said that Mr. Nixon had died “after a blazing show, a raging night, closing the bar, taking no prisoners.”Mr. Nixon was best known for his celebrity spoofs, like “Don Henley Must Die” and “Debbie Gibson Is Pregnant With My Two-Headed Love Child,” and for satirical tirades like “I Hate Banks” and “Destroy All Lawyers.” “All of it was performed in maximum overdrive on a bed of rockabilly, blues, and R&B, which earned Nixon some friends in the roots rock community but had enough punk attitude — in its own bizarre way — to make him a college radio staple during his heyday,” the All Music Guide wrote.

Persons: Mojo Nixon, ”, Matt Eskey, Nixon, Mr, “ Don Henley, Debbie Gibson, Banks Locations: San Juan , Puerto Rico

☆ Keith McNally’s Filmmaking Past Is Forgotten No More
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-06 | by ( Alex Vadukul | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

On Thursday night at the Roxy Cinema in Lower Manhattan, a throng of scarf-bundled cinephiles attended the sold-out screening of a black-and-white psychological thriller, “End of the Night,” that was being shown for the first time in more than 30 years. The film’s obscurity wasn’t what drew the crowd: They were there because of its unlikely writer and director, Keith McNally, the downtown restaurateur who runs Balthazar, Minetta Tavern, Pastis and Morandi. Before he shaped New York’s nightlife with his brasseries, Mr. McNally had serious filmmaking ambitions. His first full-length feature, “End of the Night,” premiered at the Directors’ Fortnight showcase during the 1990 Cannes Film Festival, appearing alongside Whit Stillman’s “Metropolitan.” It went on to be a minor hit in Europe before it became a cinematic footnote. In advance of the screenings at the Roxy, an 118-seat art house cinema located in a hotel in TriBeCa, Mr. McNally drummed up interest with a post on his popular Instagram account: “ANYONE WATCHING THIS FILM AT THE ROXY CAN EAT AT BALTHAZAR OR MINETTA TAVERN THAT SAME NIGHT FOR HALF-PRICE,” he wrote in his typical all-caps style.

Persons: cinephiles, Keith McNally, Balthazar, Minetta, McNally, ”, Whit Stillman’s Organizations: Roxy, Mr, ROXY CAN Locations: Lower Manhattan, Whit Stillman’s “, ”, Europe, TriBeCa

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The 66th Grammy Awards will take place Sunday at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. “That’s the same throughout the show, really — it’s dominated by women,” Grammys executive producer Ben Winston told The Associated Press. THE NOMINEESSZA is the lead contender with nine nominations, followed closely by Victoria Monét and Phoebe Bridgers with seven. If Victoria Monét 's “Hollywood” wins best traditional R&B performance, her 2-year-old daughter Hazel will become the youngest Grammy winner. The list includes: SZA, a first ever Grammys performance from Joni Mitchell, and five-time Grammy winner and 23-time nominee Billy Joel.

Persons: “, Ben Winston, we’re, ”, Raj Kapoor, Trevor Noah, Laverne Cox, Heather McMahan, SZA, Victoria Monét, Phoebe Bridgers, Bridgers, boygenius, Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish, Brandy Clark, Batiste, Jack Antonoff, “ Barbie ”, hasn't, Lauryn Hill ”, Janelle Monae, she’d, Lana Del Rey, Hollywood ”, Hazel, Karol G, Babyface, Joni Mitchell, Billy Joel, Burna, Luke Combs, Travis Scott, ___ Organizations: ANGELES, Associated Press, CBS, Paramount, Showtime, YouTube, Twitter, Hollywood, “, WHO Locations: Los Angeles, urbana, Será Bonito, Dua Lipa

NEW YORK (AP) — Daisy Ridley doesn’t want audiences to be misled by the title of her new film, “Sometimes I Think About Dying.”Her character, Fran, is, actually, quite funny. The Associated Press recently spoke to Ridley about finding Fran, reprising her role as Rey in a new “Star Wars” film, and perfecting her death stare. RIDLEY: I loved the world and I loved the office but, actually, a lot of that was improvised. It’s going to be so strange because I’m not going to be the baby anymore. So I pretend I’m not fussed at all that I’m, like, next to Harrison Ford (laughs)!

Persons: Daisy Ridley doesn’t, ”, Fran, Rachel Lambert, Dave Merheje, Ridley, Rey, it’s, RIDLEY, Rachel, I’m, Harrison Ford, Abrams, Colin, there’s Organizations: Associated Press Locations: Portland, Oregon

☆ Young Filmmaker Lives His ‘Fairy Tale’ at Sundance
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-02 | by ( Nicole Sperling | Joel Barhamand | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

“I feel like I’m in a fairy tale,” Sean Wang said to the sold-out crowd gathered at the Ray Theater in Park City, Utah, last month for his Sundance Film Festival debut. Mr. Wang, a 29-year-old filmmaker, was dressed in a black suit and white Vans (a nod to his skateboarding roots). He grabbed his chest in a show of how fast his heart was beating as he introduced his film, “Didi.” It is a coming-of-age story about an angsty, insecure 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy trying to find his place in the world. “I’m just going to take a few seconds to take this all in,” he said before snapping a photograph of the audience. The warm crowd included Mr. Wang’s family and friends, the film’s cast and crew, and a handful of potential buyers who have the power to transform his station in life from aspiring filmmaker to bona fide Hollywood director.

Persons: ” Sean Wang, Wang, “ Didi, “ I’m, ”, Wang’s Organizations: Ray, Sundance Film, Hollywood Locations: Park City , Utah

☆ ‘How To Have Sex’ director Molly Manning Walker on her explosive film and sparking debate in the UK
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-02 | by ( Thomas Page | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —Molly Manning Walker learned she was a two-time BAFTA nominee at the unholy hour of 5 AM. That’s not to say Manning Walker is a world apart from the young subjects of her film. The film, Manning Walker’s first feature, was a hit at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, where it won top prize in the Un Certain Regard competition. Courtesy MUBICNN: For better or for worse, there’s a lot about “How To Have Sex” that’s distinctly British. Director Molly Manning Walker and actress Mia McKenna-Bruce pose during the 76th Cannes Film Festival, May 19, 2023.

Persons: Molly Manning Walker, reveller, Manning, Manning Walker, ”, Malia, who’ve, Tara, Mia McKenna, Bruce, Manning Walker’s, You’ve, you’ve, It’s, I’d, haven’t, Lara Peake, Enva Lewis, they’re, Thomas Vinterberg, VALERY HACHE, that’s, “, ’ ” Organizations: CNN, Sundance Film, Cannes, Cannes Film, Getty Locations: British, Park City , Utah, Magaluf, Majorca, Spain, Greece, Australia, ”, America, Malia , Greece, AFP

☆ Carl Weathers, prolific actor famous for ‘Rocky’ and ‘The Mandalorian,’ dead at 76
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-02 | by ( Dan Heching | Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Carl Weathers, who came to fame as Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” movies and proceeded to appear in dozens of movies and TV shows from “Predator” to “The Mandalorian,” has died, according to his manager Matt Luber. “Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life,” his family said in a statement provided to CNN. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.”Sylvester Stallone and Carl Weathers perform a boxing scene in the movie "Rocky" directed by John G. Avildsen. Carl Weathers and Arnold Schwarzenegger on the set of "Predator" (1987). Weathers had also directed episodes of several TV series, including “Chicago Med,” “Law & Order” and “Hawaii Five-O.”American actor and former professional football player Carl Weathers posing in June 1979.

Persons: Carl Weathers, ”, Matt Luber, Weathers, “, Luber, “ Carl, ” Sylvester Stallone, John G, Avildsen, Michael Ochs, Stallone, ’, Muhammad Ali, Weathers parlayed, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jackson, Adam Sandler, Happy Gilmore ”, Carl, Michael Putland, ” Weathers, Mandalorian, Pedro Pascal, Instagram, Sandler Organizations: CNN, “, Michael Ochs Archives, Hollywood, Disney, Chicago, San Diego State, Oakland Raiders, Canadian Football League Locations: Detroit, American, New Orleans

☆ ‘Argylle’ review: Henry Cavill, John Cena and Dua Lipa play spies in Matthew Vaughn’s action comedy
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-01 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —After a trio of “Kingsman” movies, director Matthew Vaughn essentially hits the reset button with “Argylle,” another fun, highly stylized and less violent spy movie. Cast to the hilt, the film proves inventively twisty if a little convoluted, with the modest disclaimer that it’s not as good as the trailer makes it look. Bryce Dallas Howard and Sam Rockwell as an author and spy, respectively, in "Argylle." As Elly’s guide on this overwhelming journey, Rockwell steals the show, presenting a more human-scale spy who still does amazing things with smart-alecky wit and bravado. As noted, Vaughn’s work stands out for its energetic and playful approach to action, which is very much in evidence here.

Persons: Matthew Vaughn, Argylle, ”, Said, Elly Conway, Bryce Dallas Howard, Henry Cavill, James Bond, Dua, John Cena, Elly, Catherine O’Hara, she’s, Aidan, Sam Rockwell, Peter, Jason Fuchs, “, Bryan Cranston, Ariana DeBose, Sofia Boutella, Samuel L, Jackson, Rockwell, “ Napoleon, Kingsman ” Organizations: CNN, Apple Locations: Dua Lipa

☆ Margot Robbie says she doesn’t ‘feel sad’ about being omitted from best actress Oscar race for ‘Barbie’
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-31 | by ( Alli Rosenbloom | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

“There’s no way to feel sad when you know you’re this blessed,” Robbie said at a special SAG-AFTRA screening on Tuesday night, according to Deadline. The staggering box office results made the film’s director Greta Gerwig the first solo female director with a billion-dollar movie. It’s why many felt equally as shocked when Gerwig did not get nominated in the best director category last week. “Barbie” earned a total of eight Oscar nods, including best picture – which Robbie was recognized for as a producer. Ferrara told Variety in an interview last week that she, too, was “incredibly disappointed” that Gerwig and Robbie weren’t individually nominated.

Persons: Margot Robbie, Oscar, Barbie, ” Robbie, Barbie ”, “, ”, Robbie, Greta Gerwig, Gerwig, “ Barbie ”, Noah Baumbach, Greta, “ Barbie, Ryan Gosling, ” Gosling, Ferrara, Robbie weren’t, “ It’s Organizations: CNN, Warner Bros . Pictures, Warner Bros ., America, Variety

☆ A Mind-Bending 7-Hour Epic About Hitler Gets a Rare Screening
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-30 | by ( Beatrice Loayza | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

This weekend, the hottest ticket in New York is a seven-hour-plus movie about Adolf Hitler. Showing just once at Film at Lincoln Center, Hans-Jürgen Syberberg’s rarely screened epic, “Hitler, a Film From Germany,” is, according to the programmers, sold out despite its behemoth running time (which includes a few breaks). “There is Syberberg’s film — and then there are the other films one admires,” she wrote. Divided in four parts, the film is a Wagnerian opera on acid, composed of theatrical sketches inspired by the German dictator’s life. Syberberg wasn’t without a sense of humor, either: In one scene, steam pours out of a sculpture of a rear end.

Persons: Adolf Hitler, Jürgen, “ Hitler, ”, Francis Ford Coppola, Susan Sontag’s, Sontag, Syberberg Organizations: Lincoln Center, Hans Locations: New York, Germany, United States

☆ 5 reasons to be unapologetically thrilled about this year’s Oscar nominations
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-28 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —The nominations for the 96th Academy Awards were revealed last week and – as they so often do – caused quite a stir. Co-written and directed by Triet, “Anatomy of a Fall” is nominated for five Oscars this year in total, including for best original screenplay and best picture. That gives Williams more Academy Award nominations than any other living person. According to the Academy, the late Walt Disney holds the overall record of career nominations, with a grand total of 59. Still, it seemed to be a role destined for Brooks, who received a Tony Award nomination in 2016 for playing the same character in the Broadway revival of the musical.

Persons: Barbie’s, Greta Gerwig, Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, there’s, we’re, Justine Triet, Palme, Sarah Meyssonnier, Triet, Sandra Hüller, Barbie ”, Colman Domingo, Bayard Rustin, Rustin, David Lee, Steven Spielberg’s “, ” Domingo, “ Rustin, ”, Domingo, – Ian McKellen, Jodie Foster, Bonnie Stoll, Anthony Allen Ramos, ” Ramos, ” Cord Jefferson, Cord Jefferson, Claire Folger, Jeffrey Wright, Cord Jefferson’s, Jefferson, he’s, Trayvon Martin, Mike Brown, ’ ”, Percival Everett, Wright, Sterling K, Brown, John Williams, Ray Dolby, Michael Kovac, “ Indiana Jones, ” Williams, Oscar, Williams, Walt Disney, Danielle Brooks, Eli Ade ´, ” Brooks, Oprah Winfrey, Spielberg, Alice Walker, Brooks, “, Corey Hawkins, Harpo Organizations: CNN, Cannes Film, Reuters, “, Netflix, Orion, Jefferson, Hollywood & Highland Center, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Academy, Warner Bros, Entertainment Inc, Broadway, Juilliard Locations: Cannes, France, German, Steven Spielberg’s “ Lincoln, “ Nyad, Hollywood, Sofia, New York City

☆ Ryan Gosling says what everyone’s thinking about ‘Barbie’ Oscar nomination omissions
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-23 | by ( Alli Rosenbloom | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Ryan Gosling is grateful for his Oscar nomination, but joined the chorus of people who question the omission of his costar Margot Robbie and director Greta Gerwig from their individual respective categories. Gosling was nominated on Tuesday in the supporting actor category for his portrayal of Mattel’s Ken doll in “Barbie,” last year’s biggest blockbuster, starring alongside Robbie’s titular Barbie. While Gerwig and Robbie were not recognized individually, they did each earn Oscar nominations this week. In his statement, Gosling also honored his costar America Ferrera, who earned a surprise supporting actress nod for her performance in the film. Having said that, I am so happy for America Ferrera and the other incredible artists who contributed their talents to making this such a groundbreaking film.”- Ryan Gosling, “Barbie”

Persons: CNN — Ryan Gosling, Margot Robbie, Greta Gerwig, Gosling, Ken, “ Barbie, ”, Robbie’s, Barbie, Gerwig, Robbie, Barbie ”, Oscar, Noah Baumbach, America Ferrera, “, l’d, I’m, Ryan Gosling, “ Barbie ” Organizations: CNN, Warner Bros . Pictures, Warner Bros ., America

They’ll be livestreamed on Oscars.com, Oscars.org and the academy’s social media platforms, and carried live on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”Christopher Nolan’s three-hour opus “Oppenheimer” comes in the favorite for best picture, best director and a host of other awards. Though Nolan is regarded as the big-budget auteur of his era, he's never won an Academy Award, nor have any of his films won best picture. Also in the mix: Carey Mulligan ("Maestro"), Sandra Hüller ("Anatomy of a Fall"), Margot Robbie ("Barbie") and Annette Bening ("Nyad"). There, Downey Jr. and Gosling are likely to face off, while other nominees might pull from Robert De Niro ("Killers of the Flower Moon"), Willem Dafoe ("Poor Things"), Mark Ruffalo ("Poor Things") and Charles Melton ("May December"). Two releases from streaming companies — Apple’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” and Netflix’s “Maestro” — are in the best-picture mix.

Persons: — It’s Oscar, they’re, Samuel, Zazie Beetz, Jack Quaid, They’ll, ” Christopher Nolan’s, Oppenheimer ”, Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr, Emily Blunt, Nolan, he's, “ Oppenheimer, “ Barbie, Greta Gerwig’s, Ryan Gosling, Margot Robbie, “ I’m, Ken, ”, Gerwig, Noah Baumbach, ” “ Barbie, ” “ Maestro, Murphy, Paul Giamatti, Jeffrey Wright, Bradley Cooper, Maestro ”, Leonardo DiCaprio, Colman Domingo, “ Rustin ”, Andrew Scott, Lily Gladstone, Martin Scorsese’s, Emma Stone, Carey Mulligan, Maestro, Sandra Hüller, Annette Bening, Joy Randolph, Holdovers ”, Blunt, Danielle Brooks, Jodie Foster, Julianne Moore, Penélope Cruz, Downey Jr, Gosling, Robert De Niro, Willem Dafoe, Mark Ruffalo, Charles Melton, Netflix’s, ” —, “ Barbie ”, Jimmy Kimmel Organizations: Academy, Samuel Goldwyn Theater, America, ABC Locations: Beverly Hills , California

☆ ‘Barbie’ stars Ryan Gosling and America Ferrera don’t hold back after the Academy snubs Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-23 | by ( Oliver Darcy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

When the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the nominations Tuesday morning for the 96th annual Oscars, both Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie were dealt a shocking snub in the best director and best actress categories, respectively. It was nominated for best picture. The controversy prompted two of the film’s stars, Gosling and America Ferrera, to speak out and convey their dismay at the cold shoulder from the Academy. At last year’s awards ceremony, host Jimmy Kimmel even joked, “How does the Academy not nominate the guy who directed ‘Avatar’? What do they think he is, a woman?”There is empirical evidence that supports the notion women are overlooked by the Academy.

Persons: “ Barbie ”, Greta Gerwig, Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Ken, Gerwig, Robbie, “ It’s, Jennifer Palmieri, Obama, Hillary Clinton’s, Palmieri, Gosling, ”, Barbie, ” Gosling, “, ” Ferrera, Deadline’s Matt Grobar, Grobar, Variety’s Angelique Jackson, Clayton Davis, Ferrera, Jimmy Kimmel, Kenneth Grout, Owen Eagan Organizations: CNN, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Academy, Warner Bros . Pictures, Obama White House, America, Emerson College Locations: Hollywood

NEW YORK (AP) — Norman Jewison, the acclaimed and versatile Canadian-born director whose Hollywood films ranged from Doris Day comedies and “Moonstruck” to social dramas such as the Oscar-winning "In the Heat of the Night," has died at age 97. Throughout his long career, Jewison combined light entertainment with topical films that appealed to him on a deeply personal level. (Jewison lost out for best director to Mike Nichols of "The Graduate"). Among those who encouraged Jewison while making “In the Heat of the Night”: Robert F. Kennedy, whom the director met during a ski trip in Sun Valley, Idaho. Jewison shifted to feature films in 1963 with the comedy “40 Pounds of Trouble,” starring Tony Curtis and Suzanne Pleshette.

Persons: — Norman Jewison, Doris Day, Oscar, “, Jeff Sanderson, Jewison, Jim Crow, ”, Rod Steiger, Sidney Poitier, James Baldwin, ’ Bosley Crowther, Bonnie, Steiger, Mike Nichols, Robert F, Kennedy, nodded, ‘, ’, Cher, Steve McQueen, Thomas, Denzel, Washington, Rubin “, ” Carter, Malcolm X, Spike Lee, shouldn’t, Lee, ” Jewison, Margaret Ann Dixon, Dixie, Kevin, Michael, Jennifer Ann, Agnes, God ”, Lynne St, David, Judy Garland, Danny Kaye, Harry Belafonte, Tony Curtis, Suzanne Pleshette, James Garner, McQueen, Edward G, Robinson, Carl Reiner, Eva Marie Saint, Alan Arkin, Sylvester Stallone, Jimmy Hoffa, Al Pacino, Bruce Willis, Michael Caine, Tilda Swinton, ____, Bob Thomas Organizations: Canadian, New York, Hollywood, ‘, Denzel Washington, Washington, Governor General’s Performing Arts, Canadian Film Centre, Toronto Film, Victoria College, BBC, CBC, Universal, MGM, Cincinnati, Vietnam, AP Entertainment Locations: Canadian, Philadelphia, Clyde, Sun Valley , Idaho, Mississippi, Canada, Toronto, London, Hudson

☆ The Legal Question at the Center of the Alec Baldwin Criminal Case
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-20 | by ( Julia Jacobs | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Now that a grand jury has indicted Alec Baldwin on a charge of involuntary manslaughter for the fatal shooting of a cinematographer on the set of the film “Rust” in New Mexico in 2021, the contours of the looming legal battle are coming into focus. The challenge Mr. Baldwin’s defense team faces will be to explain why the gun fired. Mr. Baldwin has maintained all along that he did not pull the trigger that day as he rehearsed a scene in which he draws a revolver, saying that the gun discharged after he pulled the hammer back and released it. A forensic report commissioned by the prosecution determined that he must have pulled the trigger for the gun to go off, a finding that contributed to its decision to revive the criminal case against Mr. Baldwin. Legal experts were divided on the merits of reviving the case, noting that traditional gun safety rules — such as never pointing a functional gun toward someone — do not always apply on film sets, and that investigators found he had been assured by the film’s safety crew that the gun did not contain live ammunition.

Persons: Alec Baldwin, Baldwin, ” Locations: New Mexico

☆ Opinion: ‘Origin’ brilliantly exposes America’s caste system. Here’s how we tear it down
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-20 | by ( Keith Magee | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

And underpinning that racism is what Wilkerson refers to as a caste system so effective at preserving the domination of White people over everyone else that the Nazis were inspired by it. Caste, Wilkerson says, is the system that creates subjugation. We watch Isabel exploring Germany’s poignant memorials to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, discussing in one scene how successfully post-war Germany condemned its 12-year caste system to the past. Among Black Americans, attitudes to race are evolving. Every single one of us has skin in the game, for, as Wilkerson points out, the caste system diminishes us all, wherever we may sit in its fabricated hierarchy.

Persons: Keith Magee, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, “ We’ve, Keith Magee Arron Dunworth, Ava DuVernay, Isabel Wilkerson’s, Wilkerson, ”, —, ” Keith Magee, DuVernay, Aunjanue Ellis, Taylor, Du Bois, Martin Luther King Jr, it’s, Ellis, Isabel, MAGA, Hurt, ” Wilkerson, don’t, It’s Organizations: University College London Institute for Innovation, CNN, GOP, Fox News, Black Locations: White, India, Nazi Germany, Black, Germany

CNN —Actor Alec Baldwin has been indicted by a New Mexico grand jury on charges connected to the 2021 fatal shooting on the set of the movie “Rust,” new court documents show. Baldwin is charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. Armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed also faces involuntary manslaughter charges in the case. The film’s assistant director, David Halls, was identified as the person who handed the firearm to Baldwin that fateful day. Attorney Gloria Allred, who is representing Hutchins’ family in a civil lawsuit against Baldwin, responded to Friday’s development in a statement to CNN.

Persons: Alec Baldwin, ”, Baldwin, ” Baldwin’s, Luke Nikas, Alex Spiro, Halyna Hutchins, Joel Souza, Halyna Hutchins ”, Armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed, David Halls, Gloria Allred, Hutchins, “, ” Allred Organizations: CNN, New Locations: New Mexico

☆ ‘The Kitchen’ Review: No Direction Home
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-18 | by ( Jeannette Catsoulis | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The vitality and bonhomie that characterize many scenes in “The Kitchen,” a dystopian drama set in a near-future London, might seem at odds with the film’s focus on deprivation and persecution. Inside this vibrant warren of market stalls and cell-like living spaces, though, the air hums with the punchy energy of people pulling together against a common enemy. Standing alone is Izi (a fabulous Kane Robinson), a selfish striver saving for a deposit on an upscale apartment. Izi sells burial packages at a futuristic funeral home, spinning fabricated tales of personal loss to juice his commission. His plans are soon compromised when he encounters Benji (Jedaiah Bannerman), a recently orphaned mourner who proves difficult to dislodge.

Persons: Kane Robinson, Benji, Jedaiah Bannerman Locations: London

☆ Emma Stone defends ‘honest’ sex scenes in ‘Poor Things’
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-17 | by ( Jack Guy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Hollywood star Emma Stone has responded to criticism of the graphic sex scenes in her latest film, “Poor Things,” telling the BBC that sex is a crucial part of her character’s storyline. Sex plays an important role in the film as one way Bella learns to understand her body, and how others covet it. Stone (left) with co-star Mark Ruffalo (right), who plays Duncan Wedderburn, one of Bella's not-so-suitable suitors. Though the film, which was released on December 22 in the US and January 12 in the UK, has mostly received positive reviews, its frank and abundant sex scenes have proved too much for some movie-goers and critics. Stone plays a woman who is brought back to life with the brain of a baby.

Persons: Emma Stone, Alasdair Gray’s, Bella Baxter, Bella, Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Duncan Wedderburn, Bella's, Samira Ahmed, ” Stone, ”, “ I’m, “, Ahmed, Yorgos Organizations: CNN, Hollywood, Searchlight Pictures, Landmark Media, BBC Locations: Scottish, Hollywood

☆ Why the controversial mullet is having a moment
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-17 | by ( Fawnia Soo Hoo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Long hair, don’t careThe “modern day” mullet largely originates from David Bowie’s genre-defining and gender-norm defying persona, Ziggy Stardust, Glasscock said. “People from the Continental Congress wore what we would read as a full metal, 1992 mullet,” said Glasscock. (“Hockey hair” was, meanwhile, a popular synonym for mullet at the time, given its prominence among players and fans.) Devin Yalkin/Courtesy A24While playing Kerry Von Erich in “The Iron Claw,” White also wore his dynamic, sweeping mullet off-set — but not entirely by choice. “I was like, ‘I’m sorry, here’s a ponytail holder.”But that dedication may have played an integral part in a mullet revival kicking off 2024.

Persons: Von Erich, ”, Napoleon Bonaparte’s, Paul Barras, Ridley Scott’s “ Napoleon ”, Jessica Glasscock, Tahir Rahim, Napoleon, Aidan Monaghan, Paul Mescal’s, Kristen Stewart’s, Von Erichs, David, Harris Dickinson, Kerry, Jeremy Allen White, Kevin, Zac Efron, They’re, Natalie Shea Rose, hairdos, Rose, David Bowie’s, Ziggy Stardust, Glasscock, Vivienne Westwood, Malcolm McClaren, David Bowie, Aladdin, Joseph, Michael Putland, Procopius, Bowie, Suzi Ronson, “, Yamamoto, “ Bowie, ” Glasscock, “ Napoleon ”, Francesco Pegoretti, Pegoretti, Tahir, mullets, Benjamin Franklin, Joseph Siffred Duplessis, Duran Duran, Bono, —, ’ ” Glasscock, Joe Namath, Nicolas Cage’s, Air ”, David Spade’s, Joe, Rambo, Von Erich mullets, Taghizadeh, Harry, Paul Mescal, Adam, Andrew Scott, Zoe Clare Brown, Mescal, ’ ”, Brown, Devin Yalkin, Kerry Von Erich, ” White, ” Rose, I’m, “ There’s Organizations: CNN, Apple, Globe, Lone Star State, Continental Congress, Sporting, New York Jets, Air Locations: Ridley, Texas, London, Celtic, Nez Perce, Roman, France, Barras, United States

☆ ‘Annapoorani’: Netflix removes Indian movie after backlash by right-wing Hindu groups
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-16 | by ( Jessie Yeung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

New Delhi CNN —Netflix has removed an Indian film from its platform after it sparked backlash and protest from right wing Hindu groups – the latest in several recent controversies where India’s entertainment industry has caved to religious pressure campaigns. The movie was released on Netflix on December 29, where it quickly became the streaming platform’s top trending movie in India, according to production studio Zee Entertainment. “We removed this film at the request of the licensor,” a Netflix spokesperson confirmed to CNN in a statement Tuesday. CNN reached out to Zee Entertainment and the film’s director, but did not receive a response by the time of publication. That incident, like the ongoing controversy over ‘Annapoorani,’ prompted a police complaint against Netflix executives.

Persons: ”, Ramesh N Solanki, Lord Ram, Shriraj Nair, Vikram Seth, Narendra Modi’s, ‘, ’, Modi Organizations: New, New Delhi CNN, Netflix, Zee Entertainment, CNN, Hindu IT Cell, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, India, Bharatiya Janata Party, BJP, – Locations: New Delhi, India, Asia, Indian, Delhi, Mumbai

☆ America Ferrera’s powerful Critics Choice Award speech
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-15 | by ( Lisa Respers France | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —America Ferrera, who was honored with the SeeHer Award at Sunday’s Critics Choice Awards, used her speech to inspire others. Ferrera starred as Gloria in “Barbie.” Her character delivered a memorable movie monologue about the challenges of being a woman, and she was introduced by her “Barbie” co-star Margot Robbie. Ferrera began by thanking the Critics Choice Association. “Truly, your voices shape how people think about and value the stories we tell. “Receiving the SeeHer Award for my contributions to more authentic portrayals of women and girls — could it be more meaningful to me?

Persons: America Ferrera, Ferrera, Gloria, “ Barbie, ”, Barbie ”, Margot Robbie, “, I’m, ” Ferrera, Betty ”, Ariana Greenblatt, ” Jenna Ortega, Selena Gomez, Robbie, Greta Gerwig, Noah Baumbach, Tom Ackerley, David Heyman, Ryan Gosling —, ’ Organizations: CNN, America, Choice, “, Latina Locations: Honduran

☆ Critics Choice Awards 2024: The Complete Winners List
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-14 | by ( Kyle Buchanan | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

“Oppenheimer” continued its explosive awards campaign at the Critics Choice Awards on Sunday night, earning eight top trophies including best picture, best director for Christopher Nolan and best supporting actor for Robert Downey Jr.That caps a hot week for the period drama, which also dominated last Sunday’s Golden Globes and has since picked up key nominations from the actors, producers and directors guilds. If it wasn’t already clear, we’ve got a formidable Oscar front-runner on our hands. An appreciative Nolan used his speech to thank “all the critics who helped with convincing mainstream audiences that a film about quantum physics and apocalypse could be worth their time.”Though “Oppenheimer” won in the biggest categories at the Critics Choice Awards, it was the film’s box office frenemy, “Barbie,” that entered the night as the most nominated movie, with a record-breaking 18 citations. Greta Gerwig’s hit comedy managed six wins, including trophies for its costumes, production design and song (“I’m Just Ken”), but since most of those awards were announced in the margins before a commercial break, host Chelsea Handler “went rogue” near the end of the show and brought up Gerwig and star Margot Robbie to make a speech anyway.

Persons: “ Oppenheimer ”, Christopher Nolan, Robert Downey Jr, we’ve, Nolan, “, “ Barbie, Greta Gerwig’s, Ken ”, Chelsea Handler “, Margot Robbie

☆ When Trailers Hit Mute on the Musical
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-12 | by ( Alexis Soloski | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

Despite what its marketing might suggest, “Mean Girls” (in theaters), the latest in a set of pink-accented nesting dolls, is irrefutably a movie musical. Adapted from the 2018 Broadway musical, which was itself based on the 2004 film, which was in turn inspired by the 2002 nonfiction book “Queen Bees and Wannabes,” this new version has singing. It has one delectable moment in which the members of the school marching band raise their saxophones and tubas high. Barring a split-second shot of the band, you wouldn’t know that from the film’s trailers. It was made to look instead like a vaguely edgier remix of the 2004 film.

Persons: Regina George, —, Olivia Rodrigo’s “ Organizations: Bees

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