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☆ Then and Now: The cast of 'School of Rock' 21 years later
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-19 | by ( Pascale Mondesir | Jenny Mcgrath | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Jack Black, who starred as Dewey Finn, is still a successful actor and musician. Jack Black in 2004 and 2023. Dave Hogan/Getty Image 2004 ; Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images 2023Prior to rocking out and pretending to be Mr. Schneebly in "School of Rock," Jack Black already had an impressive career. The actor also starred on HBO's "Tenacious D," which chronicled a fictionalized version of his rock duo with Kyle Gass. Outside of acting, Black and Gass have released several Tenacious D albums and videos.

Persons: Jack Black, Dewey Finn, Dave Hogan, Albert L, Ortega, Schneebly, He'd, Guy, HBO's, Kyle Gass, Black, Kong, Nacho, Kung, He's, Gass, Donald Trump, Mario, Ireland's JOE he'd, Mike White Organizations: Getty, of, School of, Mario Bros Locations: Orange

☆ Hollywood's franchise frenzy: More than half of top studios' 2025 movies are existing IP
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-06 | by ( Sarah Whitten | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

The 2024 box office has been inundated with sequels, prequels and remakes, with the top 10 titles of the year all coming from existing intellectual property. Looking at the current 2025 calendar, between 50% and 70% of the movies from the six major studios — Universal , Disney , Warner Bros. , Paramount , Sony and Lionsgate — will be related to existing IP. Craig T Fruchtman | Getty Images Entertainment | Getty ImagesEven before Hollywood was disrupted by the pandemic and the meteoric rise of streaming content, the domestic box office was heavily reliant on franchise titles. While that's a 11.3% drop from last year and lags 25% behind pre-pandemic levels, the haul is better than box office analysts had expected. "Some of the most well-received box office hits in recent memory have been sequels or films based on existing brands and there is still a variety of original content out there."

Persons: There's, Paul Dergarabedian, Guy, Bob Marley, Craig T Fruchtman, Kung, Dergarabedian, Kraven, Hunter, King, Shawn Robbins, Bridget Jones, MEGAN, Downton, Michael, John Wick Organizations: Marvel, Disney, — Universal, Warner Bros, Paramount, Sony, Lionsgate, Comscore, Getty, Hollywood, Universal, Century Fox, Warner Locations: Shanghai, China, Kingdom, New York City, Peru

☆ We live in Dubai. Here are the 7 common mistakes we see first-time visitors make.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-01 | by ( Christian Sylt | Caroline Reid | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

No need to ball out to see the sights — Dubai has amazing free attractionsThe "Imagine" show at Festival City Mall is incredible. AdvertisementOn the outskirts of Dubai, see the world's biggest 360-degree projection show in Expo City for free. It's easy to get tired in the Dubai Mall if you don't book any free ride servicesThe Dubai Mall can take hours to explore. Caroline ReidThe Dubai Mall is one of the biggest in the world, with more than 1,200 stores spread over millions of square feet. It's so big that it even has a full-size ice rink, a Kidzania theme park, an amusement park, and one of the world's biggest aquariums.

Persons: —, Caroline Reid, Perle, Dragone, we've, Kung Fu, We've, you've Organizations: Service, Business, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dubai International Airport, Al, Al Maktoum International, Emirates, du, pats, Marriott, Dreamworks, Festival City, UAE Locations: Dubai, London, UAE, Al Maktoum, Emirates, Expo City, Las Vegas

☆ 'Inside Out 2' hits $155 million domestic debut, second-highest animation opening ever
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-16 | by ( Sarah Whitten | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

"Inside Out 2" debuted with an estimated $155 million domestically, the second-highest theatrical opening of an animated film and the first film since Warner Bros.' "Barbie" to top $100 million during its debut. Of note, Disney does not consider its 2019 live-action remake of "The Lion King," which generated $191.7 million during its debut, an animation film. "Let's issue a collective 'welcome back' to Disney, Pixar, and the summer box office," said Shawn Robbins, founder and owner of Box Office Theory." Typically, these films average $100 million to $200 million openings, with 2019's "Avengers: Endgame" hitting a record $357.1 million. It boasts the biggest domestic debut of 2024, surpassing "Dune: Part Two" and its $82.5 million in opening weekend ticket sales.

Persons: King, Shawn Robbins, Robbins, Paul Dergarabedian, Guy, Comscore's Dergarabedian, Disney, Hunter Organizations: Disney, Pixar, Warner Bros, Walt Disney Animation, Marvel, Labor, Comcast, CNBC Locations: North America, Comscore, NBCUniversal

☆ Meet Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's 6 children
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-04 | by ( Olivia Singh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +13 min

AdvertisementVivienne Jolie-Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Zahara Jolie-Pitt, and Shiloh Jolie-Pitt at the world premiere of "Eternals" at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood on October 18, 2021. On her 18th birthday on May 27, Shiloh filed to legally change her name to Shiloh Jolie, TMZ and People reported. Knox, Zahara, Pax, Jolie, Vivienne, and Shiloh at the world premiere of "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil" in 2019. AdvertisementShiloh Jolie-Pitt, Zahara Jolie-Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, Maddox Jolie-Pitt and Knox Jolie-Pitt at the UK premiere of "Eternals" on October 27, 2021 in London, England. Vivienne is listed as "Vivienne Jolie" in the Playbill, but it's unclear if she legally changed her name.

Persons: —, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Jolie, Pitt, Maddox Jolie, Maddox, Yoon Suk, Stefani Reynolds, Rath Vibol, Maddox Chivan Thornton Jolie, Billy Bob Thornton, he'll, Maleficent, Jason Merritt, Zahara, Joe Biden, Yoon Suk Yeol, Kim Keon Hee, Zahara Marley Jolie, Christopher Jue, Disney Jolie, Kung, Shiloh, Kevin Winter, Robert Procop, Vivienne Jolie, Zahara Jolie, Shiloh Jolie, Jon Kopaloff, Pax, Matt Sayles, Invision, Jolie's, Oprah, tracksuits, Marilla, Marilla Sicilia, Vivienne, Doja, Hamilton Evans, He's, he's, Brad, Pax Jolie, Pax Thien, JC Olivera, Knox, Knox Léon Jolie, Issei Kato, Knox Léon, Vivienne Marcheline, Leon, Marcheline, Vivi, Marie Claire, Princess Aurora, Tigress, Knox Jolie, Karwai Tang, Getty Images Knox, Viv, isn't Organizations: Service, Miraval, Business, South, White, Getty, Pitt Foundation, Netflix, Vogue, Pitt, FBI, Yonsei University, British Vogue, Japan, Disney, Entertainment, El Capitan Theatre, Lexus, Spelman College, Spelman's Alpha Kappa Alpha, AP Pitt, Fair, Rome, Pax Thien Jolie, JR, Museum, Tolerance, BBC, REUTERS, Getty Images, Marvel, People Locations: France, Washington ,, Cambodia, Pitt's, Seoul, South Korea, British, Tokyo, Japan, Zahara, Ethiopia, Shiloh, Hollywood, Atlanta, Marilla Sicilia, Vegas, Vietnam, Paris, Knox, Los Angeles, London, England

There's a pretty good chance you've already seen the Harry Potter movies, but it's never a bad time for a rewatch. How to watch Harry Potter in the USAll eight Harry Potter movies are available to stream on Peacock. Shop at Peacock TVHow to watch Harry Potter in the UKIn the UK, all Harry Potter movies are available to stream for free on ITVX, ITV's ad-supported free streaming counterpart. How to watch Harry Potter from anywhereIf you're currently outside the UK and want to watch Harry Potter for free, you might want to try a VPN (virtual private network). Shop at ExpressVPNHow to watch Harry Potter with a VPNSign up for a VPN if you don't already have one.

Persons: Harry Potter, J.K, Rowling, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Voldemort, it's, Peacock, Oppenheimer, Kung Fu Panda, They're, ExpressVPN Organizations: Business, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft, Netflix, ITV

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Godzilla-King Kong combo stomped on expectations as “ Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire ” roared to an $80 million opening on 3,861 North American screens, according to Sunday studio estimates. “ Dune: Part Two ” stayed strong in its fifth week, falling in the third spot with an $11.1 million take and a domestic total of 252.4 million. Photos You Should See View All 60 ImagesThe newer film had the second biggest opening of the studios' broader MonsterVerse franchise. “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” 80 million. “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” $15.7 million.

Persons: ”, Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, HBO Max, Comscore, Kung, “, “ Arthur the King Organizations: ANGELES, Warner Bros, Pictures, HBO, “ Locations: Kong

☆ ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ Review: Trouble in Juniper City
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-07 | by ( Claire Shaffer | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The halfhearted search for Po’s replacement is cut short with the arrival of a thieving fox, Zhen (Awkwafina). As Po and Zhen set out for the Chameleon’s palace in faraway Juniper City, Po’s two guardians — his biological father, Li Shan (Bryan Cranston) and adopted father, Mr. Ping (James Hong) — follow him in comical pursuit. Witty gags abound (there’s a standout “bull in the china shop” sequence), and Black and Awkwafina make a charming lead duo, particularly when Po encounters the sights, sounds and bountiful food of Juniper City. Still, don’t expect a total downgrade: This is an enjoyable “Kung Fu Panda” movie, even if it’s missing some of the pizazz of the earlier ones. Kung Fu Panda 4Rated PG.

Persons: Viola Davis, Zhen, Li Shan, Bryan Cranston, Ping, James Hong, Po, Po’s, Angelina Jolie’s Tigress, Jackie Chan’s Monkey, Kung Fu Locations: Juniper City

☆ From ‘Barbenheimer’ to Taylor Swift, here are the most important films of 2023 and why they worked
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-27 | by ( Sarah Whitten | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +10 min

Hannah Beier | The Washington Post | Getty ImagesCall 2023 an explosive comeback at the box office. Together, those three films contributed more than $1.5 billion to the domestic box office, according to data from Comscore. But in the meantime, here's a look at some of the most important theatrical releases of 2023 — and why they worked. Meanwhile, Disney has seen its animated content lag at the box office in the wake of the pandemic. "His Only Son," a biblical drama released in early 2023, cost $250,000 to make and generated $12.4 million at the box office.

Persons: Barbie, Oppenheimer, Hannah Beier, Mario, Comscore, Greta Gerwig, Christopher Nolan's, J, Robert Oppenheimer, Chris Pratt, Charlie, Luigi, Disney, Kung, Taylor Swift, Michael Jackson's, Buda Mendes, tas23, Swift, Beyoncé, Tim Ballard, Jim Caviezel, Covid, Blumhouse, Cabrini, Saint Francesca Cabrini, Bonhoeffer, Dietrich Bonhoeffer Organizations: Washington Post, Getty, Warner Bros, Mario Bros, Universal, Disney, Pixar, Walt Disney Animation, Swift, AMC, National Football League, Angel Studios, Century Fox, Roman Catholic, Reich Locations: Somerdale , New Jersey, There's, New York, Universal, Hollywood, Colombia

☆ Stream These 16 Movies Before They Leave Netflix in December
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-29 | by ( Jason Bailey | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +5 min

‘Gladiator’ (Dec. 31)Stream it here. ‘Kung Fu Panda’ (Dec. 31)Stream it here. ‘Mission: Impossible’ 1- 4 (Dec. 31)Stream them here, here, here and here. ‘Role Models’ (Dec. 31)Stream it here. The raw edge yet soft heart of this wildly funny bad-boy comedy from 2008, and the presence of the frequent leading man Paul Rudd, might lead you to assume it’s the work of Judd Apatow.

Persons: ’, Russell Crowe, Ridley Scott’s, Crowe, Maximus, Commodus, Joaquin Phoenix, Scott, Napoleon, ”, Steven Spielberg, Roy Scheider’s, Brody, Kung, Jack Black, Jackie Chan, David Cross, Dustin Hoffman, James Hong, Angelina Jolie, Randall Duk Kim, Lucy Liu, Ian McShane, Seth Rogen, Christopher McQuarrie, Tom Cruise, John Woo, Brian De Palma’s, Brad Bird, Paul Rudd, Judd Apatow, David Wain, Kerri Kenney, Silver, Joe Lo Truglio, Ken Marino, Rudd, Seann William Scott, J, Thompson, Christopher Mintz Organizations: Netflix Locations: Italy, Phoenix

If that's your plan, we'll show you how to watch Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade live stream below. How to watch Macy's Thanksgiving Day ParadeNBC is broadcasting the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade nationally. How to watch Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade from anywhereIf you're not in the United States, you won't be able to access Peacock without a bit of trickery. How to watch Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with a VPNSign up for a VPN if you don't have one. Watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Persons: Pillsbury, Luffy, Leo, Kung Fu, We'll, Cher, Brandi, WWE's Rhea Ripley, Dominik Mysterio, they've, ExpressVPN, you'll, Insider's Organizations: Sesame, NBC, Disney Plus Locations: New York City, United States, Hulu

NEW YORK (AP) — Cher is obviously a superstar but even a superstar can be the opening act when it comes to Santa. Organizers of this year's Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade have nabbed the Oscar-, Emmy- and Grammy Award-winner for their 97th annual event. Cher will make her appearance just before the parade's end, signaled by the arrival of Santa’s sleigh, parade organizers said. This year’s parade will feature 16 giant character balloons, 26 floats, 32 novelty and heritage inflatables, 12 marching bands, 700 clowns and eight performance groups. Other marching bands this year will represent Alabama, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Washington, New York, Illinois, New Jersey and Texas.

Persons: Cher, It's, Jon Batiste, Bell Biv DeVoe, ENHYPEN, David Foster, Katharine McPhee, Drew Holcomb, Jessie James Decker, Ashley Park, ” Pentatonix, Paul Russell, Amanda Shaw, Alex Smith, Manuel Turizo, Jordan Chiles, Ezra Frech, Jessica Long, Grace Stanke, Kung, Panda’s, ” “ Leo, ”, ” “, ” “ Pillsbury Doughboy ”, Uncle Dan, “, Josh Gad, Andrew Rannells, ” “ Ronald McDonald, Stuart, SpongeBob, Mariah Carey, Marjory Stoneman, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker, Carlos Adyan, Andrea Meza, ___ Mark Kennedy Organizations: En, Miss, ” “ Pillsbury, “, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, NBC, Telemundo Locations: Brandy, Chicago, Manuel Turizo ., U.S, In Ohio, Parkland, Florida, Alabama, Indiana , Wisconsin , Michigan, Washington , New York , Illinois , New Jersey, Texas, Peacock, Savannah, “, Spanish

DreamWorks Animation has laid off 33 staffers, or around 2%, in recent days. DreamWorks' parent company, NBCUniversal, has been laying off staff across divisions in recent months. The cuts were confirmed by a spokesperson from DreamWorks Animation, whose parent company, Comcast's NBCUniversal, has eliminated roles across the organization over the past six months. DreamWorks Animation said in a statement that the layoffs were part of an overall cost reduction and that a majority of those affected were in support functions. This person said staffers laid off in this round learned the news several weeks ago, giving those affected some time to prepare.

☆ Why 94-year-old ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ star James Hong says he's not close to retiring
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-27 | by ( Jennifer Liu | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Onstage, Hong reflected on the early days of his career, when he often played side characters to white leads in yellowface. Hong recalled that producers "said Asians were not good enough and they are not box office. After decades in the industry, Hong is getting greater public recognition for his work. Hong received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2022, making history as the oldest recipient to receive the honor. Hong says he's a better actor today than ever.

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