Entertainment

'Maestro' and other musical biopics: the good, the bad, and the dramatic

Cineplex selling Player One Amusement Group business for $155 million

TORONTO — Cineplex Inc. is selling its arcade game business to an international investment company for $155 million in cash. The Toronto-based theatre giant announced Wednesday that OpenGate Capital has bought its Player One Amusement Group business, which sells, distributes, operates and services arcade games and other equipment. Under the deal, P...

ShowBiz Minute: Actors' strike, Majors, Foxx

Actors vote to approve deal that ended strike, bringing relief to union leaders and Hollywood; Jonathan Majors' accuser recounts night of assault, actor's "violent temper"' that left her fearful; Jamie Foxx gets emotional at his first public appearance in months. (Dec. 6)

What's streaming now: 'Oppenheimer,' Adam Sandler as a lizard and celebs dancing to Taylor Swift

“Ted Lasso” star Hannah Waddingham's Christmas special and this week's edition of “Dancing With the Stars” promising celebrities swaying to the music of Taylor Swift are some of the new television, movies, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the offerings worth your time as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journal...

Top TV of 2023: AP’s selections include ‘Succession,’ ‘Jury Duty,’ ‘Shrinking,’ ‘Swarm’

With so many shows on TV and streaming services, it's impossible not to miss a gem or two. This year's top television offerings as selected by The Associated Press include a mix of dramas and comedies that will draw you in. Some are new, some have already ended their runs and some have new episodes on the horizon. There's no time like December to a...

Fallout TV show trailer looks better than expected - as Halo gets season 2

As TV companies rush to have the next big video game hit after The Last Of Us, it seems like Fallout is already a contender.

Israeli films, TV shows win prizes and fans worldwide

A TV series about an Israeli president's rape and harassment of women wins prize in major French festival.

New on Paramount+ Canada: December 2023

Paramount has announced the newest arrivals coming to Paramount+ in December. Next month, subscribers will gain access to new movies, shows, and original specials. The highlights for December include Beau is Afraid by director Ari Aster. Additionally, Parmount+ will see the arrival of the South Park 25th Anniversary Concert special in Canada. December 1 Binged […]

Biden is heading to Hollywood for a major fundraiser featuring Steven Spielberg and Shonda Rhimes

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will head to Los Angeles next week for a big-dollar event that will be his first since strikes by writers and actors effectively ground his fundraising to a halt in the heart of the entertainment industry, which has long served as the ATM for the Democratic Party. The event next Friday at the home of Michael Smith, a celebrity interior designer, and his partner James Costos, a former HBO executive who was...

Park Seo-joon's journey to playing in 'The Marvels'

The ‘Olympics of choral music’: St. John’s to host HarbourVoices

The event starts on June 29, 2024 and bills itself as “a six-day ocean wave of singing, songs, stories, and sharing” through diversity and traditions, with homegrown talent taking centre stage.

French actor Gerard Depardieu is under scrutiny over sexual remarks and gestures in new documentary

PARIS (AP) — French actor Gerard Depardieu’s behavior toward women came under renewed scrutiny in France after a documentary showed him repeatedly making obscene remarks and gestures during a 2018 trip to North Korea. The footage, filmed by a professional crew that covered Depardieu’s visit during the 70th anniversary of North Korea's formation, wa...

Alicia Keys' semi-autobiographical stage musical 'Hell's Kitchen' moves to Broadway in spring

NEW YORK (AP) — Broadway audiences will soon be hearing the hit songs of Alicia Keys — not far from where the multiple-Grammy-winner grew up. “Hell's Kitchen,” the semi-autobiographical musical by the singer-songwriter, is making the move uptown from off-Broadway to the Shubert Theatre this spring. “I loved going to the theater and I was inspired b...

Wu-Tang Clan RPG is real and sounds like Diablo meets Hi-Fi Rush

Rumours of an Xbox exclusive action role-player featuring the Wu-Tang Clan have re-emerged, but it won’t be at The Game Awards.

Windsor duo lead new Christmas musical in Toronto

Chris, Mrs. holiday musical opens at Winter Garden Theatre in Toronto Dec. 7. The production company is headed up by Windsor’s Katie Kerr. The show’s lead actress is Danielle Wade, also of Windsor. She’s best known for winning the Canadian reality television series, Over the Rainbow.

Why Verstappen is both right and wrong about F1’s Las Vegas GP

OPINION: Ahead of Formula 1's Las Vegas Grand Prix, Max Verstappen eloquently explained his concerns over the race's extreme emphasis on entertainment and commerce. Does the world champion have a point?

Think they've seen it all? Holiday gift ideas for the movie lover who wants more

It’s been a wonderful year at the movies for cinephiles, but what do you get for the film lover who has seen everything already? The holidays always bring anniversary releases of tried-and-true classics, like the 4K Ultra HD 25th Anniversary Titanic re-release, as well as tricked-out 4K sets of the year's biggest hits, like “Barbie” of course. But ...

Wonka’s Sweet Escape Has Landed in Toronto

Now's your chance to gaze at a 30 foot tall chocolate-candy tree.

What time is the Song Yadong vs. Crhis Guttierez fight tonight? Cagewalks, running order, streaming, how to watch

UFC Fight Night returns to Las Vegas.

Tom Holland's huge video game movie topping Netflix charts has fans very divided

It's trending right now.

20 series that have shaped popular culture

Television series are among our favourite forms of entertainment. From Friends and Grey’s Anatomy to The Simpsons, many of them remain firmly anchored in viewers’ collective imagination. After leaving an indelible mark on society worldwide, these series have become major cultural references. Discover 20 series that have influenced popular culture.

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour film to begin streaming in Canada in December

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour will soon be available to stream at home in Canada. On social media, Swift shared that the concert film will premiere on North American premium video on demand platforms on December 13th to coincide with her birthday. This will be an extended version of The Eras Tour movie that includes three […]

La Scala's gala premiere of 'Don Carlo' celebrates Italian opera's new status as cultural treasure

MILAN (AP) — Italian melodrama's official recognition as a global cultural treasure was celebrated Thursday during La Scala’s season premiere of Verdi’s “Don Carlo,” with some of the drama spilling out into the theater with a pair of anti-fascist cries before the curtain went up. Singer Patti Smith and Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar joined an aud...

What's streaming now: Nicki Minaj's birthday album, Julia Roberts is in trouble and Monk returns

A Nicki Minaj album dropping on her birthday and the return of Tony Shalhoub’s quirky private investigator Adrian Monk with one final case 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 are Julia Ro...

Degrassi lands three-part docuseries that will school fans in its enduring legacy

TORONTO — Production is underway on a three-part documentary that promises a crash course on the history of Degrassi. WildBrain Ltd., which owns the rights to the Canadian-made teen franchise, says it has commissioned a TV project that aims to explore the backstory, creation and obsessive fandom of the show's many iterations. While a release date h...

It's over: the longest actors' strike ever. What does it mean for us?

Canadian film, TV workers eye return to 'changed world' after Hollywood strike

TORONTO — After more than four months without work due to a historic Hollywood actors' strike, Canadian performer Kristian Bruun says it was a "euphoric relief" to learn he'll return to the Vancouver set of his Netflix series in the new year. The Toronto-born actor says the cast and crew of "The Recruit," starring Noah Centineo, are slated to begin...

16 Dazzling Things To Do In Montreal This December to Light Up Your Winter

Make it a December to remember. ❄️

MuchMusic VJs in Vancouver for documentary tour about music channel's golden years

MuchMusic, Canada’s answer to MTV, charted the country's music talent from 1984-2013. Now a new documentary about the channel, 299 Queen Street West, is premiering at the Vancouver Playhouse, followed by a live session with former VJs — including Rick "The Temp" Campanelli, who tells us more about the documentary and how MuchMusic launched his career.

Beyoncé, Taylor Swift reign over 2023’s top music stories

The biggest music stories of 2023 included massive concerts and documentaries by Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, country music’s popularity and the rise of regional Mexican music. (Dec. 5)

What to watch in Israel: Focus on the war, a Turkish rom-com, ‘Oppenheimer’

Some of the television options illustrate how creative Israelis have become, developing new content in the face of this difficult situation.

The sky's the limit: A brief history of in-flight entertainment

As the winter holidays draw near, many of us are already booking flights to see friends and family or vacation in warmer climates. Nowadays, air travel is synonymous with some form of in-flight entertainment, encompassing everything from the reception offered by the aircrew to the food choices and digital content. These services all add value to flying for customers. Passengers are now so familiar with in-flight entertainment that to travel...

Fortnite Festival is one of the coolest social gaming experiences I’ve had in years

It’s been a big week for Fortnite. Following a major ‘Big Bang Event’ featuring rap legend Eminem and the game’s original battle royale map, Epic debuted a new season that includes Family Guy’s Peter Griffin and Metal Gear’s Snake. If that wasn’t enough, three brand-new experiences that will launch for free within Fortnite — Lego […]

Leonard Bernstein: the man at the center of Bradley Cooper's 'Maestro'

Leonard Bernstein is considered one of the most important conductors of his generation. Noted for his accomplishments in both classical and popular music, he was also a composer, pianist, music educator, author, and humanitarian. The forthcoming biographical movie 'Maestro' starring Bradley Cooper as Bernstein reexamines the conductor's personal life, but has come under criticism from some quarters over the actor's use of a prosthetic nose in his depiction of the musician, who was Jewish. According to news reports, however, Bernstein's children have been quick to rush to Cooper's defense for his portrayal of their father. Whatever the outcome of this latest cinematic backlash, Bernstein's undeniable genius and musical legacy remains unblemished. Let's remind ourselves of the life and career of one of the 20th century's greatest and most flamboyant composers. Click through and fine-tune your knowledge of Leonard Bernstein.

Canadian musical brings viral Filipino prison ‘Thriller’ video to the stage

Filipino-Canadian creators Romeo Candido and Carmen De Jesus debut their new musical Prison Dancer in Ottawa. Inspired by a viral 2007 video that featured thousands of prisoners in the Philippines dancing to Michael Jackson’s Thriller.

Disney begins integrating Hulu into Disney+ streaming service

By Dawn Chmielewski (Reuters) - Walt Disney began offering Hulu as part of its namesake streaming service on Wednesday, bolstering Disney+'s family-friendly content with more general entertainment fare, such as FX's intense kitchen drama "The Bear" and the popular reality show "The Kardashians." The combined offering, known as "Hulu on Disney+", will be available in an early "beta" version to

Kennedy Center Honors fetes new inductees, including Queen Latifah, Billy Crystal and Dionne Warwick

WASHINGTON (AP) — The newest group of Kennedy Center honorees, including comedian Billy Crystal and rapper and actor Queen Latifah, were feted at a star-studded event commemorating their lifetime achievement in arts and entertainment. Opera singer Renée Fleming, music star Barry Gibb and prolific hitmaker Dionne Warwick were also honored at the Sun...

Paramount Plus Canada developing comedies about prime minister, widowed limo driver

TORONTO — Paramount Plus Canada says it's developing two more homegrown comedies, one centred on a widowed limo driver trying to raise his kids, the other on an A-list actor who gets the chance to become prime minister. The streamer announced in June it would begin developing Canadian projects, and is now adding two more to its slate from productio...

Toronto casino to have grand opening with Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton concerts

Gwen Stefani and husband Blake Shelton will perform back-to-back solo shows on May 3 and May 4, respectively, at the grand opening of the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto. Both will perform in the casino’s new, 5,000-person The Theatre and Great Canadian Rewards members will get exclusive early access to tickets for both shows beginning on Dec., 12, at 10 a.m. Live Nation and Ticketmaster customers will have access to a pre-sale beginning...

Elevated entertaining: Hosting memorable gatherings

Hosting an event? It's not just about logistics; it's akin to conducting a symphony! In our world of elevated hospitality, we're not just thinking about guests—we're weaving them into the very fabric of the occasion. From the first invite that lands in their inbox to the last little token they leave with, each detail is a piece of a thoughtful puzzle. Ready to become the best host ever? Swipe through to learn how you can be the perfect host of an event that will leave your guests in pure bliss!

20 movies and TV shows that faced intense backlash

The reality is, controversy sells—something that Hollywood knows all too well. Whether by addressing taboo topics or showing graphic content, some controversial movies and TV shows generate a lot of buzz on the internet. From movies that are gratuitously violent to TV shows that have negatively impacted young people's mental health, some entertainment has proven to push the boundaries too far.

The Lion King coming to Toronto for extended run in November 2024

Disney stage musical The Lion King is coming to Toronto's Mirvish Theatre in November 2024 for an extended run.

We finally know who won Netflix's Squid Game: The Challenge

Everything you need to know following the finale of Squid Game: The Challenge. Plus, a behind-the-scenes perspective from a Canadian who competed on the show.

'Napoleon' is here - Ridley Scott's answer to superhero movies

At Formula One's inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, music takes a front seat - at a cost

LAS VEGAS (AP) — At the inaugural Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix, music and entertainment have taken a dominant role. As the elite motorsport experiments with the new race, A-list events are ubiquitous in Sin City, an unignorable part of the celebration. Here are some of the highlights. DAY FOUR: LET'S GO RACING Streets flood with fans in their r...

‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve' will feature Janelle Monáe, Green Day, Ludacris, Reneé Rapp and more in LA

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ryan Seacrest will usher in 2024 on “Dick Clark's New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” from New York City's Times Square on December 31, alongside his host Rita Ora. There will once again be satellite locations in Los Angeles — hosted by Jeannie Mai — and a Spanish language countdown with host Dayanara Torres live from San Juan's Puerto Rico ...

2023 was the year of 'Barbenheimer'

The "Barbenheimer" mania, costume parties and a bemused Harrison Ford in Cannes - a look at some of the feel good stories of 2023. (Dec. 4)

Fortnite gets 1,200 Lego skins and a music game by the makers of Guitar Hero

Chapter 5 of Fortnite is off to a very busy start, with three major new modes, including a racing game by the creators of Rocket League.

What's on in London this week: Best pre-theatre menus and alfresco drinks

Dinner and dancing with a yeti, anyone?

What's streaming this weekend: Indiana Jones, Paris Hilton, Super Mario and 'Ladies of the 80s'

Super Mario, an Elvis Christmas special and Paris Hilton enjoying motherhood are some of the new television, movies, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the offerings worth your time as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists are Peter Gabriel's long awaited album, a Robin Hood game with robots and Harrison F...