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Lindsay Lohan can't wait to spend Christmas with her husband
American actress-singer Lindsay Lohan is eagerly waiting celebrating Christmas with her husband, financier Bader Shammas with whom she tied the knot with earlier this year. The two exchanged wedding vows after two years of dating. Lohan admitted that she "loves" the festive period and is looking forward to spending it with her husband and the rest of his family, reports Female First UK. She said: "I love the Christmas season and the whole family time with all the food and everything. I can't wait to spend it this year with my husband, new niece, and with all the family." Also Read: OMG! Tom Holland and Zendaya "planning for a real future together": Report According to Female First UK, the 'Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen' star - who started out in the industry as a child playing the dual leading role of twins Hallie Parker and Annie James in Disney hit 'The Parent Trap' and enjoyed massive success in the 2000s with comedy 'Freaky Friday' and cult classic 'Mean Girls' but chose to step back from the industry almost a decade ago over personal reasons - has made a return to screens in festive Netflix romcom 'Falling For Christmas and admitted that it felt like "only yesterday" she had been making movies when she was on set. She told 'Hello' magazine: "It was like it was only yesterday that I last made a movie, not almost ten years. I love a good romcom, I totally fell for the love story and the family aspect, and I really loved all the physical comedy." She further said: "I really hope that [the film] gives people some joy and a distraction from everything that is going on right now, and that it maybe brings friends and families together to have a good time watching it." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
27 November,2022 01:56 PM IST | Los Angeles | IANS
OMG! Tom Holland and Zendaya "planning for a real future together": Report
Rumoured couple Zendaya and Tom Holland are taking their relationship to a next level. According to a report by US-based entertainment portal Fox News, the 'Spider-Man: Far from Home' co-stars' relationship seems steady as they have moved their on-screen romance to off-camera. It appears that they might even be prepared to pursue their relationship. Zendaya and Holland seem "serious and permanent," according to US Weekly. The media outlet added,"They're both in settling-down mode and are absolutely planning for a real future together." The couple first connected on the 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' set in 2016, where Holland portrayed Peter Parker, and Zendaya played Michelle Jones, aka MJ, his love interest. Their budding relationship fully blossomed when the two were photographed cuddling up in July 2021, despite keeping their romance primarily hidden from the public. The 'Uncharted' actor publicly backed the 'Euphoria' actress last summer when she appeared on the cover of Vogue Italia. On the cover, Zendaya wore a glittering silver Valentino gown and her rumoured boyfriend Tom Holland expressed his admiration for the gorgeous pictures that she shared on Instagram in June by dropping a row of heart-eyed emojis in the comment section. Also Read: Tom Holland likes 'short men have more sex' post after being trolled for height This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
27 November,2022 09:30 AM IST | Washington | ANI
Emmy-winning writer Gene Perret passes away at 85
Emmy-winning writer Gene Perret, known for his contribution as a member of the writing staff at 'The Carol Burnett Show,' passed away at 85 on Friday due to liver failure at his home in Westlake Village. His family confirmed the news of his demise to Deadline. According to Deadline, midway through the 1950s, while working as an electrical engineer for General Electric in Philadelphia, Perret started writing comedy as a hobby. Following several one-liners he contributed to local comedian White, he was introduced to Diller by a friend, who hired him for her 1968 sitcom The Beautiful Phyllis Diller Show and urged Perret to pursue comedy writing as a full-time career. He relocated his family to California in 1969, and a year later, he contributed to The Jim Nabors Hour, a variety show. Before contributing to episodes of The New Bill Cosby Show, The Helen Reddy Show, Love, American Style, All in the Family, and What's Happening, Perret wrote for Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In in 1971 and 1972. In 1973, he started working on the well-liked CBS variety show The Carol Burnett Show, and he stayed there until it ended in 1978. During his tenure at Burnett, he was nominated for six Emmy Awards and won three in 1974, 1975, and 1978. Also Read: 'Head of the Class' co-creator Richard Eustis passes away at 86 After Burnett, he produced and wrote numerous episodes for the popular sitcoms Welcome Back Kotter, and Three's Company. In 1980, he worked on the ill-fated The Tim Conway Show with Burnett's Tim Conway. According to Deadline, Perret is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joanne, four children, six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. The longest-running professional collaboration for Perret was with comedian Bob Hope, with whom he worked on dozens of his TV specials beginning with 1984's Bob Hope's USO Christmas in Beirut. Perret spent 28 years on Hope's writing staff. Along with his work on television, Perret also penned more than 40 novels, several magazine articles, and several books on comedy, including Comedy Writing Step by Step and The Comedy Writing Workbook. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
27 November,2022 09:27 AM IST | Washington | ANI
Bob Dylan fans refunded over authenticity of his 'hand-signed' book
Singer Bob Dylan fans will be able to get refunds after publishers of the star's new book admitted "hand-signed" copies actually featured a printed replica of his autograph. Dylan devotees were given the chance to buy $600 copies featuring his signature after the music legend's new tome 'The Philosophy of Modern Song' was released on November 1, but some fans complained that they weren't convinced by the authenticity of the star's scrawl, reports aceshowbiz.com. Also Read: JLo announces first album in eight years 'This Is Me... Now'Acknowledging the blunder and offering refunds, bosses at publishing company Simon and Schuster issued a statement: "To those who purchased the 'Philosophy of Modern Song' limited edition, we want to apologise. As it turns out, the limited edition books do contain Bob's original signature, but in a penned replica form. We are addressing this information by providing each purchaser with an immediate refund." It has been suggested that the autographs featured in the book had been signed using "autopen" - a machine which is able to reproduce a real signature with a pen without the author having to sign any copies himself - with many fans claiming several different variations of the singer's autograph had been used. Also Read: Johnny Depp not returning for new Pirates franchiseA tweet previously posted on Bob's official Twitter page had suggested the folk star had signed all the books himself. It read: "Each individual copy of the limited signed edition of Bob Dylan's The Philosophy of Modern Song was personally signed by the author and is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from the publisher of Simon and Schuster."
26 November,2022 12:24 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS
JLo announces first album in eight years 'This Is Me... Now'
Singer-actress Jennifer Lopez announced a new musical project, 'This Is Me... Now', slated for release in 2023. It will be the singer's first full-length effort in eight years, reports 'Variety'. Along with a video that shows her in her 'This Is Me Then' era 20 years ago, morphing into the present day J.Lo, Lopez issued a track listing that includes among its titles 'Dear Ben Pt. II', presumably a sequel to the earlier album's 'Dear Ben'. Also Read: Kris Wu sentenced to 13-year jail termThe album's news release reads as follows: "Heralding a new era of music for Jennifer Lopez, 'This Is Me... Now' chronicles the emotional, spiritual and psychological journey that she has taken over the past two decades. An emotionally raw and honest project, unlike any she has produced before, she writes and sings about her life and experiences that will resonate with us all. In addition, these autobiographical stories informed by the album will result in other very personal projects that will be released next year... more to come on that."The record is also described to touch on themes of Lopez's tough childhood, her unsuccessful relationships and "the incredible emotional journey she has been on... "This album is a philosophy, a reflection, a zeitgeist moment. It's about hope, faith and true love never dying," the release concludes. The singer also recently told Vogue the album will be "the most honest work she has ever done," and said her hope for the album was to create a world to go with the music, in the manner of Pink Floyd's 'The Wall', but with the focus being love. Also Read: Kourtney Kardashian confesses her desire to breastfeed Khloe's baby boyIn 2002, Lopez was at the crux of pop culture. Regardless of which way the general public's commentary swayed, the Bronx native had dipped her toes in all facets of the entertainment industry and had further enflamed the media's infatuation for her when she was linked to co-star Ben Affleck. Exactly 20 years ago today, Lopez's 13-song third studio album, 'This Is Me... Then', hit the market and gave way to hits like 'Jenny From the Block' and 'All I Have' to top the charts. The set also included the aforementioned song about Bennifer's romance, with dedications for the actor on the CD sleeve thanking him for inspiring the record."When you go back and hear that, you hear the purity and the love there," Lopez said in a 2021 Apple Music interview. "Some things do last forever," she added. In that same conversation, Lopez jokingly said it might be time for "This Is Me... Now," but there was little inclination that might've actually been the case until today. Shortly after releasing her Netflix documentary feature 'Halftime', Lopez and Affleck were married this summer in Las Vegas after the couple rekindled their relationship. On the film front, she most recently starred in the rom-com 'Marry Me' with Owen Wilson and will also star in 'Shotgun Wedding' opposite Josh Duhamel, slated for December release. Under a multiyear pact between Netflix and her Nuyorican Productions banner, Lopez will also play an assassin in the action film 'The Mother', which will come out next year.
26 November,2022 11:51 AM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Kris Wu sentenced to 13-year jail term
The Chinese-Canadian music and acting star Kris Wu was sentenced to a 13-year jail term by a Chinese court on Friday. He was found guilty of rape and group licentiousness. Also Read: BTS' "Run BTS" dance challenge hits 3.9 billion views The court said that he will be deported after serving his sentence. Wu was arrested and formally charged in August last year. Allegations against Wu were made in July 2021 by Du Meizhu, 18, a beauty industry influencer Also Read: 'Bodies Bodies Bodies' review: A fitfully intriguing slasher-black comedy mix The woman used social media to accuse the musician and actor of date-raping her while she was 17 and at a time when she was drunk. Meizhu later also accused him of doing the same to other young women, including two minors. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
26 November,2022 10:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Agencies
Strange World review: A rather tame animation adventure from the house of Disney
Film: Strange WorldCast: Dennis Quaid, Lucy Liu, Jake Gyllenhaal, Jaboukie Young-White, Gabrielle UnionDirectors: Don Hall, Qui NguyenRating: 2.5/5Runtime: 101 mins The world of animation has moved on but Disney has not. While it’s great that Disney has held on to its old-fashioned values template, it’s not quite marketable in this day and age of materialism trumping all else. This house of Walt Disney animation creation is inclusive (keeping in mind the contemporary) but lacks a sense of fun so even the adventure into a strange world feels beleaguered and boring. It’s Disney’s 61st animated feature, and it seems rather ‘Strange’ that Disney has failed to get its entertainment formula right. The story is about the Clades, a legendary family of explorers. Searcher Clade (Jake Gyllenhaal), after his father goes missing in exploration, has become a farmer living in his father’s shadow. But a crisis on his farm forces him to don the explorer garb once again and become party to a major discovery of a fantastical world. Will the new discovery paper over old resentments, is the question this film tries to answer? Strange World attempts to pay homage to classic adventure films but Co-directors Don Hall and Qui Nguyen (also scriptwriter) fail to make this experience exciting or inveigling for that matter. The movie is stuck in the cliché zone and there are no clever homages to get you out of that ennui. The movie tries too hard to push forward numerous elements into the mix and burdens the narrative into a drag. Also Read: 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' movie review: Emotionally compelling cinematic ballad With a rainbow cast of characters and writing that takes the inclusiveness in its stride, it’s a real shame that this film doesn’t have what it takes to get the young ones flocking to the theatres. The inclusive representation is rather commendable. Dennis Quaid and Jake Gyllenhaal as Jaeger and Searcher - a father-son explorer team-up, Gabrielle Union as Meridian Clade and Lucy Liu as Callisto Mal as female equivalents who are as capable and resourceful as their male counterparts, and Jaboukie Young-White’s Ethan Clade as Disney’s first gay main character – who also symbolizes the generational shift in Disney’s creative, mark up an interesting enough set. But, though fashionable in terms of character traits, the old-fashioned ideology that roots this experience doesn’t cut ice anymore. The game voice cast tries hard to infuse enthusiasm and joy into the narrative but the deadpan treatment makes it feel rather lukewarm. The overall presentation and looks of each of the characters are unique enough. The visual exploration is also brilliantly animated. The coloring though could have done better with brighter, delineating hues. Though short and sweet on runtime, this filmed narrative is neither light nor breezy enough to keep the young ones interested, nor is it deep or meaningful enough to captivate an adult audience.
25 November,2022 03:43 PM IST | Mumbai | Johnson Thomas
'Bodies Bodies Bodies' review: A fitfully intriguing slasher-black comedy mix
Film: Bodies Bodies BodiesCast: Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Rachel SennottDirector: Halina ReijnRating: *2.5/5Runtime: 94 min A fresh, interesting set-up for a slasher onrush, this film is about a group of rich 20-somethings planning a hurricane party at a remote family mansion but … will they live long enough to rue that impulsive devil may-care idea? The narrative has a fair bit of comedy before it turns slasher happy with backstabbing, fake friends, and a party gone horribly wrong. Nervous about meeting the snooty, wealthy friends of her just-out-of-rehab girlfriend Sophie (Amandla Stenberg), timid Bee (Maria Bakalova) is the last to arrive at the booze-addled, drug-fuelled hurricane party at David's (Pete Davidson) palatial grey-stone manor house. The other guests include Emma (Chase Sui Wonders), David’s actress girlfriend Jordan (Myha’la Herrold), whacky podcaster Alice (Rachel Sennott), and Alice’s much older boyfriend Greg (Lee Pace). As the storm rages outside, the party gets started with the motley group indulging in a game of pretend murder…but some end up as real dead bodies instead. Also Read: 'She Said' movie review: Faithfully Sublime Recant The narrative opens with a deep kiss between Sophie and Bee – establishing their connectedness and then moving forward into party mode. The treatment is not typically slasher-horror. It’s also a black comedy of sorts. The mild scares, tension, and action deem it a rather nondescript slasher flick but it’s a deeper exploration of how people break down in a given situation fuelled by suspicion. The script from playwright Sarah DeLappe and author Kristen Roupenian is very verbose so the visual action is rather limited in scope. The toxic and ominous atmosphere of mutual suspicion between this group of ‘supposed’ friends is exposed quite early on. Director Reijn makes good use of the single setting by swerving her camera around all corners and working up steam with close-ups highlighting emotion. The EDM-inspired score helps keep things amped up for a bit and the talented cast keeps the mystery going until the final resolution happens. Unfortunately the tone and tenor are not consistent enough to make this experience a thoroughly fulfilling one! Also Read: 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' movie review: Emotionally compelling cinematic ballad
25 November,2022 03:42 PM IST | Mumbai | Johnson Thomas
'Game of Thrones' actor Wilko Johnson passes away at 75
Wilko Johnson, guitarist and singer of 'Dr. Feelgood' band who also portrayed the role of the executioner Ser Ilyn Payne in HBO's 'Game of Thrones', passed away at the age of 75 on Monday."This is the announcement we never wanted to make, and we do so with a very heavy heart: Wilko Johnson has died. He passed away at home on Monday 21st November. Thank you for respecting the family's privacy at this very sad time. RIP Wilko Johnson," his official Twitter account posted on Wednesday. According to Variety, Johnson, Lee Brilleaux, and John B. Sparks created Dr. Feelgood in 1971. They performed live on tour during the 1970s in a particular kind of British pub rock and R&B. Johnson departed the band in 1977, a year after their breakthrough album "Stupidity," which peaked at No. 1 on the U.K. albums chart. He later started the Wilko Johnson Band and performed with them till his passing. Johnson had just one television appearance, playing Payne in 'Game of Thrones' Seasons 1 and 2. Near the end of Season 1, the revered Eddard 'Ned' Stark (Sean Bean), who was known as the King's Justice, was to be put to death by Payn, the royal executioner. During the Mad King's reign, he had his tongue amputated, which made him the ideal silent killer. I’m sad to hear today of the passing of Wilko Johnson, the Dr Feelgood guitarist and singer/songwriter.I saw Wilko perform at Koko in Camden in May 2013 and the atmosphere was electric. This show was originally billed as his farewell tour pic.twitter.com/M1sQIEe4mm — Jimmy Page (@JimmyPage) November 23, 2022 He received a late-stage pancreatic cancer diagnosis in 2013 and was given 10 months to live. He chose not to receive treatment. Then, after his 'Game of Thrones' part was cut short, he embarked on a farewell tour and collaborated with Roger Daltrey to create a goodbye album in 2014. Later that year, following surgery, he was certified cancer-free. According to Variety, Johnson is survived by two sons, Matthew and Simon. His wife, Irene Knight, died from cancer in 2004. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 November,2022 12:18 PM IST | Los Angeles | ANI
Kanye accused of showing explicit videos of Kim to Adidas employees
Controversies continue to swirl around American rapper Kanye West. Things have not yet settled between Kanye and the sportswear brand Adidas. A month after the brand cut ties with West, a group of former employees sent an open letter to the shoe company, alleging that it turned a blind eye to bullying and inappropriate behaviour from the rapper. Many former staffers recalled his obsession with porn, several of them detailing stories where West, 45, would show staffers or job candidates porn on his phone. The report also states that there were allegedly several occasions where West showed staffers and a job candidate intimate photos and videos of his then-wife, Kim Kardashian. Also Read: Adidas snaps ties with Kanye over his anti-Jew remarks, to take $246 mn hit During a job interview in 2018, West showed an explicit image of Kardashian to one young creative professional. The rapper allegedly told him, “My wife just sent me this.” The Rolling Stone expose includes stories of West belittling or bullying staffers and the open letter to the brand addresses both the porn and the bullying. The magazine’s report ends with an excerpt from the letter asking for a public apology to the Yeezy team for West’s “terrorizing behaviour.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 November,2022 07:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Agencies
Johnny Depp not returning for new Pirates franchise
Actor Johnny Depp is not on board the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie despite report stating otherwise. Sources debunk an earlier report, which said that the actor is set to reprise his role as Captain Jack Sparrow for the upcoming sixth instalment of the Disney film series. Johnny Depp played Captain Jack Sparrow in five instalments A UK news outlet floated the rumour of Depp’s alleged return to the franchise, claiming that his name has been spotted on a call sheet for a supposed new Pirates of the Caribbean movie. According to the news outlet, the actor, 59, is scheduled for a test shoot in the UK in February 2023. Insiders told the site that the movie’s current working title is A Day at Sea. “Bruce Hendricks, who worked on the first three films, will be the executive producer on the new project,” the source informed. However, some sources informed that the information is false. Disney has not commented on the report of Depp’s return to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Also Read: Documentary on Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial set for digital debut Back in 2020, Disney confirmed it was developing a new female-focused version of Pirates of the Caribbean that would star Margot Robbie. The project would reunite the Suicide Squad star with her Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn writer Christina Hodson. Disney was also developing a second reboot written by franchise veteran Ted Elliott and Chernobyl creator Craig Mazin. In an interview, Bruckheimer said that both films remained in development, while Depp, who starred in all five past Pirates instalments, was not involved in any future projects at the moment amid his legal battle with Amber Heard. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 November,2022 07:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Agencies