In its first two hours, “The Substance” is a well-made, entertaining movie. Writer-director Coralie Fargeat treats audiences to a heavy dose of biting social commentary on ageism and sexism in Hollywood, with a spoonful of sugar- and sparkle-doused body horror. But the film’s deliciously unhinged, blood-soaked and inevitably polarizing third act is what makes it … Read more
NEW YORK — Before Aaron Pierre wanted to act, he wanted to be the fastest man in the world. Growing up in West Croydon in London, Pierre was drawn to track and field. He thought gold medalist sprinter Maurice Greene was the coolest man on Earth. Pierre ran the 60-meter, the 100-meter and second leg … Read more
NEW YORK — Brandon Sanderson, whose epic “Wind and Truth” is a highlight of the upcoming publishing season, sees nothing wrong with the idea of “escapism.” “It’s just the ability to go to another world and relate to other people’s problems, problems that aren’t our problems. It’s a really valuable tool in our lives,” the … Read more
The moments are seared into the pop culture pantheon. And our collective consciousness. A friendly alien taking Henry Thomas’ character Elliott on an airborne bike ride with the full moon as a backdrop in “E.T.” Carol Anne (Heather O’Rourke) in “Poltergeist,” getting out of bed, staring into a pulsating TV screen, turning to her family … Read more
LONDON — A wax figure of Sinéad O’Connor that did not compare to how the late singer looked caused a minor meltdown among fans and family members, leading a Dublin museum on Friday to pull it from its collection. The National Wax Museum Plus apologized to O’Connor’s family and said it would immediately begin creating … Read more
NEW YORK — For decades, Robert Lecker has read, taught and written about Alice Munro, the Nobel laureate from Canada renowned for her short stories. A professor of English at McGill University in Montreal, and author of numerous critical studies of Canadian fiction, he has thought of Munro as the “jewel” in the crown of … Read more
Eddie Murphy reprising his role as Axel Foley in “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” and country music star Zach Bryan releasing a new studio album 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’ … Read more
Author Ted Chiang has won a lifetime achievement prize for short stories, the PEN/Malamud Award, just the second time a science fiction writer has been honored since the award was established in 1988 NEW YORK — Author Ted Chiang has won a lifetime achievement prize for short stories, the PEN/Malamud Award, marking only the second … Read more
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
LOS ANGELES — It can sometimes be difficult for child actors to shed public conceptions of them as a kid, hindering them from being taken seriously in Hollywood as adults. But at 30, Dakota Fanning is feeling better than ever about her creative voice and agency. “At this point in my life, I feel very … Read more
