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‘Weapons’ horror film scores a box office victory
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Zach Cregger’s highly anticipated horror film, “Weapons,” and Disney’s sequel comedy, “Freakier Friday,” helped prove that horror and humor can thrive at the box office. “Weapons” opened with $42.5 million domestically to take the top spot, and the Disney follow to “Freaky Friday” earned $29 million. A Warner Bros. executive says “Weapons” was the studio’s seventh film this year to take the top spot, and the sixth film in a row to debut over $40 million. Paul Dergarabedian of the data firm Comscore says “the top two films could not be more different, and that’s what makes this weekend so appealing.”
‘Outlander’ prequel series ‘Blood of My Blood’ goes back in time again — to meet the parents
As Starz’s historical drama series “Outlander” readies its final season for a premiere next year, fans can now learn about where Jamie and Claire Fraser came from in the new prequel series, “Outlander: Blood of My Blood.” Debuting Friday, the show follows the relationships of Jamie’s parents, Ellen and Brian and Claire’s parents, Julia and Henry. Like the flagship series, their stories are filled with drama, obstacles and yes, some time travel. What makes “Blood of My Blood” also different for its showrunner, Matthew B. Roberts, is that there are no books to follow. “Outlander” is adapted from a series of novels by Diana Gabaldon. Production is already underway on a second season of “Blood of My Blood.”
Book Review: ‘The Dilemmas of Working Women’ depicts the inner struggles of women in Japan
A book of short stories about women that was a bestseller in Japan is being released in the United States in English translation. “The Dilemmas of Working Women” by Fumio Yamamoto highlights what it’s like to live in a nation infamous for its gender inequality. The characters often aren’t sure what they want and are frequently squeezed by societal and family expectations. Yamamoto’s work has been described as quietly and realistically depicting the inner lives that women keep hidden so that they can live in peace. Associated Press reviewer Audrey McAvoy says this collection brings those lives to the page in raw, emotionally candid stories.
What to Stream: Vanessa Kirby, Maroon 5, Madden NFL 26, Alicia Silverstone and ‘The Chicken Sisters’
Vanessa Kirby starring in the gritty film “Night Always Comes,” and Maroon 5 releasing their eighth studio album with songs featuring Lil Wayne and Blackpink’s LISA are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time for the week of Aug. 11 as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists are Alicia Silverstone leading a new TV crime drama called “Irish Blood.,” the multigenerational, wholesome drama “The Chicken Sisters” rolls out its second season on Hallmark and EA Sports jumps aboard the artificial intelligence bandwagon with Madden NFL 26.
Celebrity birthdays for the week of Aug. 17-23
Celebrities having birthdays during the week of Aug. 17-23 include comedian Andy Samberg, singer Belinda Carlisle of The Go-Go’s and actor Sean Penn. TV personality Giuliana Rancic from “E! News” turns 51, singer-actor Demi Lovato hits 33 and musician Kacey Musgraves celebrates 37. Other celebrities with big days include actor Hayden Panettiere, actor Kim Cattrall from “Sex and the City” and comedian Kristen Wiig from “Bridesmaids.” Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis turns 55, singer Julian Casablancas of The Strokes hits 47, actor and TV host James Corden welcomes 47 and country singer Lee Ann Womack celebrates 59.
Fans celebrate the 80th birthday of the Moomins, Finland’s most lovable literary cartoon family
TAMPERE, Finland (AP) — The Moomins, Finland’s most famous literary cartoon family, are celebrating their 80th birthday this year. The chubby, white, hippopotamus-like characters have captivated readers worldwide since author and illustrator Tove Jansson published “The Moomins and the Great Flood” in 1945. The children’s book featuring Moomintroll and Moominmamma in their search for the missing Moominpappa. The series has sparked movie and TV adaptations, children’s plays, art gallery exhibitions and an eponymous museum, as well as theme parks in Finland and Japan. On Saturday, fans flocked to Tampere, Finland — home of the Moomin Museum — to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the 1945 publication as well as Jansson’s Aug. 9, 1914, birthday.
From Stephen King to New Jersey diners, History Press books cover local lore around the US
NEW YORK (AP) — A writer from Maine, Sharon Kitchens has turned her passion for Stephen King’s books into a published work. Her book, “Stephen King’s Maine,” explores the real-life settings and inspirations behind King’s stories. Published by The History Press, it’s part of a series focused on regional and local histories. The History Press is now part of Arcadia Publishing and aims to make community histories accessible. Kitchens’ book gained attention after Stephen King endorsed it on Instagram. The History Press often works with local specialists who are passionate about preserving their community’s history, offering them a platform to share untold stories.
Britain’s Royal Mail celebrates Monty Python with stamps featuring iconic sketches and characters
LONDON (AP) — Britain’s Royal Mail has issued stamps celebrating Monty Python’s comedy. The 10-stamp series, announced Thursday, highlights iconic characters and catchphrases like “Nudge, nudge” and “The Lumberjack Song.” Six stamps feature scenes from “Monty Python’s Flying Circus,” including “the Spanish Inquisition” and “the Ministry of Silly Walks.” Four stamps mark the 50th anniversary of the film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” The stamps can be pre-ordered and go on sale August 14. David Gold from Royal Mail says the collection honors Monty Python’s influence on comedy over nearly six decades.
From the Stones to Cardi B, this college haunt has attracted big acts for 50 years
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — A Connecticut nightclub with a storied history is celebrating its 50th year in business. Toad’s Place in New Haven has drawn legendary acts ranging from The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen to Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Cardi B and Snoop Dogg. Owner Brian Phelps started as the club’s manager in 1976. He says the key to Toad’s longevity has been showcasing diverse musical styles while also hosting dance parties and “battle of the bands”. The Stones played a surprise show there in 1989, followed five months later by what is believed to be Dylan’s longest show — more than four hours.
Paramount will become the new home to all UFC events in the US under 7-year deal with TKO Group
NEW YORK (AP) — Paramount will become the new home to Ultimate Fighting Championship events across the U.S. next year, through a seven-year agreement announced with TKO Group on Monday. Under the deal, Paramount will exclusively distribute the UFC’s full lineup of its 13 marquee numbered events and 30 “Fight Nights” on its streaming platform Paramount+ — with select numbered events also set to simulcast on CBS — starting in 2026. It’s a shift away from the UFC’s existing pay-per-view model, which Paramount and TKO say will allow the mixed martial arts programming reach more consumers nationwide. UFC events currently air on ESPN — which has offered tiered pricing for fans to view content across the sports network’s TV offerings and streaming platform ESPN+ since 2019.
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