Eddie Murphy Recalls ‘Racist’ Way ‘SNL’ Once Mocked Him

Eddie Murphy Recalls ‘Racist’ Way ‘SNL’ Once Mocked Him

Eddie Murphy hasn’t forgotten how “Saturday Night Live” once mocked a low point in his career. The “Beverly Hills Cop” actor reflected on his relationship with the storied sketch show during an episode of The New York Times’ “The Interview” podcast released this weekend, recalling how one joke about him seemed like a “cheap shot” … Read more

Review: June Squibb is delightful as a grandma on a mission in ‘Thelma’

Review: June Squibb is delightful as a grandma on a mission in ‘Thelma’

There are a lot of bad comedies about, and supposedly for, senior citizens. It’s especially depressing because the worst offenders, the ones that don’t just feel cheap and lazy but exploitative too, often feature our finest actors. They can take on the air of an unintentional horror film – and not the fun kind. “Thelma,” … Read more

Hannah Einbinder uses comedy as a coping mechanism in debut standup special

Hannah Einbinder uses comedy as a coping mechanism in debut standup special

LOS ANGELES — To rising comic Hannah Einbinder, her bits are for more than just laughs. She says her jokes are a coping mechanism she uses to process the tough topics she tackles in her material. Einbinder, known for matching Jean Smart’s quick wit and comedic timing in “Hacks,” released her debut standup special on … Read more

Netflix’s recipe for success includes ‘secret sauce’ spiced with Silicon Valley savvy

Netflix’s recipe for success includes ‘secret sauce’ spiced with Silicon Valley savvy

LOS GATOS, Calif. — Although its video streaming service sparkles with a Hollywood sheen, Netflix still taps its roots in Silicon Valley to stay a step ahead of traditional TV and movie studios. The Los Gatos, California, company, based more than 300 miles away from Hollywood, frequently reaches into its technological toolbox without viewers even … Read more

Movie Review: Dakota Johnson brings her winning authenticity to sweet friendship comedy ‘Am I OK?’

Movie Review: Dakota Johnson brings her winning authenticity to sweet friendship comedy ‘Am I OK?’

We start — why not? — with a veggie burger. Lucy (Dakota Johnson) and Jane (Sonoya Mizuno), besties in their 30s, have been so close for so long that when they meet at the diner, Jane can just recite Lucy’s regular order: Veggie burger and sweet potato fries. And so when, late into “Am I … Read more

Janis Paige, star of Hollywood and Broadway, dies at 101

Janis Paige, star of Hollywood and Broadway, dies at 101

NEW YORK — Janis Paige, a popular actor in Hollywood and in Broadway musicals and comedies who danced with Fred Astaire, toured with Bob Hope and continued to perform into her 90s, has died. She was 101. Paige died Sunday of natural causes at her Los Angeles home, longtime friend Stuart Lampert said Monday. Paige … Read more

What to stream this week: ‘Hit Man,’ Dakota Johnson, Charli XCX, Star Wars: Hunters and Idris Elba

What to stream this week: ‘Hit Man,’ Dakota Johnson, Charli XCX, Star Wars: Hunters and Idris Elba

Idris Elba narrating a National Geographic series about the millions of soldiers erased from World War II history and the action-comedy-romance “Hit Man” landing on Netflix are some of the new television, movies, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time as selected by The Associated … Read more

‘Garfield,’ ‘Furiosa’ repeat atop box office charts as slow summer grinds on

‘Garfield,’ ‘Furiosa’ repeat atop box office charts as slow summer grinds on

It was a quiet weekend at North American movie theaters, dominated once again by Sony’s “The Garfield Movie,” Warner Bros.’ “ Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga ” and a slew of holdovers. Flipping the script from their Memorial weekend openings, the animated orange cat crept ahead of the wasteland warrior in their second outing. “ … Read more

Albert Ruddy, Oscar-winning producer of ‘The Godfather’ and ‘Million Dollar Baby,’ dies at 94

Albert Ruddy, Oscar-winning producer of ‘The Godfather’ and ‘Million Dollar Baby,’ dies at 94

NEW YORK — Albert S. Ruddy, a colorful, Canadian-born producer and writer who won Oscars for “The Godfather” and “Million Dollar Baby,” developed the raucous prison-sports comedy “The Longest Yard” and helped create the hit sitcom “Hogan’s Heroes,” has died at age 94. Ruddy died “peacefully” Saturday at the UCLA Medical Center, according to a … Read more

What to stream this week: Willie Nelson, Chip & Joanna Gaines, Jim Henson and Benedict Cumberbatch

What to stream this week: Willie Nelson, Chip & Joanna Gaines, Jim Henson and Benedict Cumberbatch

Willie Nelson’s 152nd album and Benedict Cumberbatch playing a curmudgeon puppeteer in “Eric” on Netflix are some of the new television, movies, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: George Clooney’s sports drama “The Boys in the … Read more