分类: entertainment

  • Avatar: Fire and Ash tops US box office despite middling reviews

    Avatar: Fire and Ash tops US box office despite middling reviews

    James Cameron’s highly anticipated third installment in the Avatar franchise, ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash,’ has claimed the top position at the North American box office during its debut weekend. The science fiction epic generated an estimated $88 million in the US and Canada, alongside £9 million from UK and Irish theaters, achieving a global cumulative total of $345 million.

    Despite the impressive opening figures, the film’s initial performance falls notably short of its predecessor, ‘Avatar: The Way of Water,’ which secured $134 million domestically and $441 million globally during its 2022 opening weekend. Industry analysts emphasize that the Avatar series has historically demonstrated remarkable staying power rather than record-breaking openings, with both previous installments maintaining the top box office position for seven consecutive weeks.

    The cinematic reunion features Zoe Saldaña as Na’vi warrior Neytiri and Sam Worthington as former Marine Jake Sully, who confront new adversaries threatening their family’s existence on Pandora. Director James Cameron, renowned for ‘Titanic’ and ‘Aliens,’ revealed that the scripts for both ‘The Way of Water’ and ‘Fire and Ash’ were completed a decade ago, with simultaneous filming commencing in 2017.

    Critical reception presents a polarized landscape. Empire’s Ben Travis awarded the film four stars, praising it as ‘truly epic cinema’ and ‘utterly transportive, technically masterful.’ Similarly, the London Evening Standard’s Nick Howells described the experience as ‘three hours and 15 minutes of unsurpassed cinematic pyrotechnics.’

    Conversely, Time Magazine’s Stephanie Zacharek criticized the film as ‘a very expensive form of deja vu,’ arguing that Cameron’s vision has transitioned from revolutionary to nostalgic. Daily Telegraph critic Robbie Collin echoed this sentiment, characterizing the production as ‘like watching £300m of glitter tipped into a fish tank.’

    Regarding the franchise’s future, Cameron has previously outlined plans for five Avatar films but recently suggested potential flexibility, stating completion of the current story arc while acknowledging fan interest in continued narratives contingent upon financial success.

  • ‘The Wire’ actor James Ransone passes away at 46

    ‘The Wire’ actor James Ransone passes away at 46

    James Ransone, the distinguished character actor renowned for his portrayal of complex figures in television and film, has died at age 46. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed his death was by suicide on December 22, 2025.

    Ransone achieved critical acclaim for his performance as Ziggy Sobotka, the troubled dock worker-turned-drug dealer in the second season of HBO’s groundbreaking crime drama “The Wire.” His embodiment of characters with difficult pasts became his professional signature across various media platforms.

    Born in Baltimore—the primary setting for “The Wire”—Ransone’s career expanded beyond television to include significant roles in major Hollywood productions. He appeared in horror films such as “It: Chapter Two” and “The Black Phone,” demonstrating remarkable versatility across genres.

    His final on-screen appearances included the Peacock television series “Poker Face” and the anticipated sequel “Black Phone 2,” both released earlier this year. The entertainment industry mourns the loss of an actor whose nuanced performances left a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike.

  • Things to do in Dubai this Christmas: Brunches, treats, events and family fun

    Things to do in Dubai this Christmas: Brunches, treats, events and family fun

    Dubai transforms into a spectacular winter wonderland this Christmas season, offering an array of meticulously curated experiences that cater to diverse tastes and age groups. The city’s festive programming combines traditional holiday charm with innovative entertainment concepts, creating unforgettable moments for residents and visitors alike.

    Wild Wadi Waterpark launches a month-long celebration where children up to eight years enjoy complimentary admission with paying adults. The aquatic venue features extraordinary seasonal elements including a wave-riding Surfing Santa performance continuing through January 5, complemented by DJ-hosted pool parties and live holiday performances. Guests can indulge in seasonal treats ranging from hot chocolate and Christmas cookies to roasted marshmallows, with surprise appearances by Santa Claus enhancing the magical atmosphere.

    Indi 16 in Business Bay presents a unique Bollywood-inspired Christmas experience on December 25, featuring a Salman Khan-themed quiz night hosted by renowned RJ Loki. This high-energy celebration tests participants’ knowledge of iconic cinema moments while offering prizes valued at Dh5,000, including luxury staycations in Ras Al Khaimah, gourmet hampers, and exclusive shopping vouchers.

    Culinary excellence takes center stage at Ladurée’s holiday collection, inspired by the mythical Garden of the Hesperides through a collaborative effort with illustrator Daria Song. The premium confectionery introduces an exquisite Chocolate Caramel & Ispahan Yule Log combining hazelnut sponge, salted caramel, and Guanaja dark chocolate mousse, alongside limited-edition macarons in Chestnut and Hot Chocolate Marshmallow varieties.

    Alserkal Avenue’s bkry enhances the festive landscape with an artisanal Christmas menu available until December 31, featuring innovative ganaches incorporating local ingredients and traditional European baked goods reimagined with contemporary techniques. The collection includes Dark Chocolate Buckwheat ganache, Milk Chocolate Pumpkin with Ethiopian honey, and festively decorated walnut cookies.

    SUSHISAMBA Dubai elevates Christmas celebrations with panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah during their Christmas SAMBABRUNCH on December 25. This premium experience combines Latin-inspired culinary creations, inventive beverages, and vibrant entertainment including samba dancers and DJ performances, priced from Dh799 per person for an unparalleled sky-high celebration.

  • Coldplay ‘cheating’ scandal, Ind-Pak handshake controversy: 10 viral incidents in 2025

    Coldplay ‘cheating’ scandal, Ind-Pak handshake controversy: 10 viral incidents in 2025

    The year 2025 witnessed an unprecedented convergence of celebrity culture, political upheaval, and digital phenomena that collectively dominated global online discourse. These incidents demonstrated the internet’s power to rapidly amplify stories, creating shared cultural moments that transcended geographical boundaries while simultaneously exposing deep societal divisions.

    A defining moment emerged from the music world when Coldplay’s July concert in Massachusetts unexpectedly triggered a corporate scandal. Frontman Chris Martin’s playful commentary during a kiss-cam segment inadvertently exposed astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR Chief Kristin Cabot in an intimate moment. The viral footage sparked immediate backlash, resulting in both executives resigning amid internal reviews and intense public scrutiny that escalated to death threats and widespread shaming.

    In parallel, the political landscape saw significant milestones with Zohran Mamdani’s historic election as New York’s first Muslim mayor. His victory against fierce opposition from conservative factions represented a cultural shift, while his marriage to Syrian-American artist Rama Duwaji became an unexpected internet sensation, humanizing the politician through their cross-cultural romance.

    The sports world confronted questions of sportsmanship when India’s cricket team deliberately avoided post-match handshakes with Pakistani opponents during the Asia Cup tournament. This diplomatic snub, defended as alignment with government policy, sparked international debate about politics’ encroachment into athletic competition.

    Entertainment controversies proliferated as Sydney Sweeney faced accusations of promoting Eurocentric beauty standards in an American Eagle advertisement, while Katy Perry’s space tourism expedition drew criticism for its perceived environmental insensitivity during economic struggles. The music world witnessed Kendrick Lamar’s politically charged Super Bowl performance, which incorporated his Drake diss track ‘Not Like Us’ alongside symbolic commentary on racial inequality.

    Legal dramas dominated headlines throughout the year, from Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively’s escalating $650 million mutual lawsuits to Diddy’s criminal conviction for transportation to engage in prostitution, resulting in a four-year prison sentence. The year’s most tragic incident came with the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a campus event, which sparked complex conversations about political violence and gun culture.

    Amid these high-profile events, a lighter moment emerged from Indonesia where 11-year-old Rayyan Arkan Dikha’s traditional dance on a racing boat spawned the ‘Aura Farming’ trend, demonstrating the internet’s capacity for joyful virality alongside its more divisive tendencies.

    Collectively, these incidents illustrated 2025’s digital landscape: a realm where authentic moments could trigger massive consequences, where political and cultural battles played out through viral content, and where the line between entertainment and serious discourse became increasingly blurred.

  • Tom Holland’s ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ wraps up shooting

    Tom Holland’s ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ wraps up shooting

    Marvel Studios has reached a significant production milestone as filming concludes for the upcoming installment ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ starring Tom Holland. Director Dustin Daniel Cretton officially announced the completion through his Instagram account on Saturday, December 20, 2025, expressing profound gratitude to the entire cast and crew for their exceptional commitment throughout the production process.

    Cretton described the project as one of the most rewarding creative endeavors of his career, emphasizing the personal significance of the filmmaking journey. The director specifically highlighted Tom Holland’s exemplary leadership qualities and professional dedication, noting his contributions both on and off camera that significantly enhanced the production.

    The ensemble cast features several returning Marvel veterans alongside new additions. Mark Ruffalo reprises his role as Bruce Banner/The Hulk, while Michael Mando returns as the villainous Scorpion. The film marks the notable introduction of Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle/The Punisher within the Spider-Man cinematic universe. Supporting cast members Zendaya and Jacob Batalon return as MJ and Ned Leeds respectively, with Sadie Sink joining the franchise in a currently undisclosed role that has generated considerable fan speculation.

    Scheduled for theatrical release on July 31, 2026, ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ represents the next chapter in Marvel’s cinematic narrative. The production’s completion signals the beginning of post-production work including visual effects, editing, and scoring that will continue through the upcoming months. Industry analysts anticipate the film will continue the commercial success of previous Spider-Man installations while introducing fresh narrative directions under Cretton’s creative vision.

  • Kiara Advani’s stunning first look from ‘Toxic’ unveiled

    Kiara Advani’s stunning first look from ‘Toxic’ unveiled

    Indian cinema enthusiasts received a captivating preview of Kiara Advani’s upcoming role as the first look from the highly anticipated film ‘Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups’ was unveiled on Sunday. Lead actor Yash shared the striking visual through his official Instagram channel, generating immediate buzz among fans and critics alike.

    The evocative poster presents Advani in a moment of dramatic intensity, portraying her character named Nadia. Dressed in an elegant black off-shoulder gown featuring a thigh-high slit, the actress stands isolated under a single spotlight on what appears to be a dance floor. The composition captures her looking away from the camera with visible tears tracing her cheeks, suggesting a complex emotional narrative within the film.

    Director Geetu Mohandas expressed profound admiration for Advani’s performance in an official statement, noting: ‘Some performances don’t just belong to a film, they redefine an artist. What Kiara created on screen in this project is nothing short of transformative. As a director, I am deeply proud of her delivery and the unwavering commitment she brought to our collaborative journey.’

    This cinematic project marks Yash’s return to feature films following the monumental success of ‘KGF: Chapter 2’. The multi-lingual production has been shot simultaneously in English and Kannada, with plans for dubbed releases across several Indian regional languages. The creative team includes music composer Ravi Basrur and cinematographer Rajeev Ravi, with action sequences developed by both international and Indian choreography experts.

    Produced through a collaboration between KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, the film represents a significant investment in production quality and artistic ambition. Industry observers have noted the strategic positioning of the March 19, 2026 release date, suggesting confidence in the film’s potential to make a substantial impact at the box office.

  • Watch: Hundreds of fans gather for last rites of Malayalam film veteran Sreenivasan

    Watch: Hundreds of fans gather for last rites of Malayalam film veteran Sreenivasan

    The Malayalam film industry gathered in solemn tribute on Sunday as veteran actor, screenwriter, and director Sreenivasan was laid to rest in Kochi. The cinematic luminary, who passed away at age 89 on Saturday, was honored by hundreds of mourners including prominent film personalities, political leaders, and devoted fans.

    Emotional scenes unfolded at Sreenivasan’s Kandanad residence where crowds converged to pay their final respects. The funeral procession witnessed an outpouring of grief from across Kerala’s cultural and political spectrum. Among the notable attendees were actors Parvathy Thiruvothu, Renji Panicker, Sathyan Anthikkad, Jagadish, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, who joined collective mourning for the departed icon.

    Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan issued an official statement characterizing Sreenivasan’s demise as “an irreparable loss to Malayalam cinema.” The CM praised the multitalented artist’s unique ability to “bring the life of the common man to the silver screen” through his distinctive blend of humor and social commentary. “Very few filmmakers have succeeded, as he did, in guiding the audience through humor and reflection to levels of awareness he intended,” Vijayan noted.

    Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar joined the condolences, acknowledging Sreenivasan’s “iconic performances and timeless contributions” that would be “remembered forever.” The veteran artist’s passing has sparked widespread reflection on his groundbreaking career that challenged cinematic conventions and established new narrative standards in South Indian cinema.

    Social media platforms flooded with tributes from colleagues and admirers, documenting the profound impact of his work spanning acting, writing, and directing. The ceremony concluded with cremation proceedings attended by family members, colleagues, and representatives from state government offices.

  • Comedian Bowen Yang announces Saturday Night Live exit

    Comedian Bowen Yang announces Saturday Night Live exit

    In a significant development for American television comedy, Bowen Yang has announced his departure from the legendary sketch program Saturday Night Live. The groundbreaking performer, who made history as SNL’s first Chinese-American cast member, revealed his exit via an emotional Instagram post following his final episode hosted by musical superstar Ariana Grande.

    Yang, who initially joined the NBC institution as a writer in 2018 before ascending to the performing cast, expressed profound gratitude for his tenure while choosing not to disclose the specific reasons behind his mid-season departure. The 35-year-old comedian reflected on his transformative journey, noting: ‘I learned that human error can be nothing but correct. I learned that comedy is mostly logistics and that it will usually fail until it doesn’t, which is the besssst.’

    During his celebrated run, Yang became one of the program’s most recognizable talents, creating unforgettable characters including his viral portrayal of the iceberg that sank the Titanic and his biting parody of disgraced former Congressman George Santos. His contributions earned him five Emmy Award nominations, cementing his status as a vital creative force within the series.

    Beyond SNL, Yang has built an impressive multimedia career including roles in films such as ‘The Wedding Banquet,’ ‘Fire Island,’ ‘Bros,’ and the upcoming ‘Wicked’ adaptation where he appeared alongside Grande. He continues to co-host the popular ‘Las Culturistas’ podcast and is slated to voice a character in the anticipated ‘Cat in the Hat’ animated feature scheduled for release next year.

    Yang’s departure marks the end of an era for Saturday Night Live, which loses not only one of its most technically gifted performers but also a pioneering figure who expanded the show’s cultural representation. His influence resonates through the comedy landscape as he moves forward with multiple projects that demonstrate his versatile talents across television, film, and digital media.

  • Sreenivasan dies: Tributes pour in for Malayalam cinema’s iconic social critic

    Sreenivasan dies: Tributes pour in for Malayalam cinema’s iconic social critic

    The Indian film industry mourns the passing of Sreenivasan, the iconic Malayalam cinema figure whose death on December 20, 2025, has triggered an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, politicians, and countless admirers. With a career spanning over five decades, the multitalented artist contributed to more than 200 films as an actor and penned scripts for over 50 productions, establishing himself as a unique voice in Indian cinema.

    Sreenivasan’s distinctive approach to filmmaking blended sharp social criticism with accessible humor, creating works that resonated deeply with Kerala’s masses. His ability to highlight the common person’s struggles through witty storytelling set his cinema apart and made him one of the most relatable figures in Malayalam entertainment.

    The news of his passing prompted heartfelt responses across social media platforms, with fans remembering his deeply humane qualities and extraordinary versatility across acting, writing, direction, and production. The film industry united in grief, with contemporaries and proteges alike sharing personal anecdotes and professional admiration.

    Indian actor-politician Mukesh recalled Sreenivasan’s unwavering commitment to cinema and his characteristic frankness, noting that even his criticism was delivered with humor. Mukesh revealed their collaboration on ‘Katha Parayumpol,’ later remade in Hindi as ‘Billu,’ as a testament to their creative partnership.

    Prominent actor Prithviraj took to Instagram to bid farewell to “one of the greatest-ever writer/director/actor,” thanking him for both laughter and profound thoughts. Director-actor Basil Joseph acknowledged Sreenivasan’s significant role in shaping childhood memories and happiest moments for generations of viewers.

    Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament for Thiruvananthapuram, declared that Malayalam cinema would never be the same without Sreenivasan’s genius, praising him as a true master who redefined on-screen heroism. Tharoor emphasized the writer’s unparalleled ability to capture Kerala’s social pulse, describing his scripts as time capsules containing rich social commentary, humor, and wit.

    Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan characterized the loss as both personal and irreparable to Malayalam cinema, highlighting how few filmmakers had succeeded as Sreenivasan did in bringing common people’s lives to the silver screen while guiding audiences through reflective humor. The Chief Minister noted that Sreenivasan had entered the industry by breaking longstanding conventions, establishing a new paradigm for meaningful cinema that entertained while provoking thought.

  • Children’s author David Walliams denies inappropriate behavior after publisher drops him

    Children’s author David Walliams denies inappropriate behavior after publisher drops him

    In a significant development within the British publishing industry, HarperCollins UK has severed ties with renowned children’s author and television personality David Walliams following unspecified allegations. The 54-year-old comedian, whose literary works have achieved global recognition, finds himself at the center of controversy as the publishing giant announced it would cease publication of any new titles from the author.

    The decision, confirmed through an official statement released on Friday, marks a dramatic turn in Walliams’ prolific career. HarperCollins indicated the move came “after careful consideration” under the direction of its new chief executive, though the publisher declined to elaborate on specific details regarding the allegations, citing respect for individual privacy and internal processes.

    Walliams’ representatives have issued a forceful response, asserting the author had received no formal notification of any allegations from HarperCollins prior to the termination decision. According to his spokesperson, Walliams was excluded from any investigative proceedings and denied opportunity to address concerns directly. The author maintains his innocence regarding any alleged inappropriate conduct and has sought legal counsel in response to the publisher’s actions.

    The publishing house emphasized its commitment to employee welfare, noting it maintains established protocols for reporting and examining workplace concerns. This separation occurs despite Walliams’ extraordinary commercial success within children’s literature—his website documents over 40 published works with more than 60 million copies sold internationally. Several of his most popular titles, including “Gangsta Granny,” have been adapted into successful television productions and theatrical performances.

    This professional setback follows previous controversy surrounding Walliams’ tenure as a judge on “Britain’s Got Talent,” from which he departed in 2022 after issuing apologies for making disrespectful remarks about participants during auditions.