Entertainment
‘Wicked’ and ‘Gladiator II’ Ignite Box Office with Blockbuster Openings
Universal’s Wicked and Paramount’s Gladiator II are off to a dazzling start at the box office, with combined ticket sales expected to surpass $200 million over the weekend, marking a strong kickoff to the holiday movie season.
The highly anticipated adaptation of Wicked has already garnered $19.2 million from advance screenings throughout the week. The film’s preview success includes $2.5 million from Amazon Prime-exclusive Monday showings, $5.7 million across North American theaters on Wednesday, and an additional $11 million from Thursday night previews at around 3,300 venues.
Initially projected to debut at $80 million, Wicked’s opening weekend forecasts have surged to an estimated $120 million to $140 million, with some analysts predicting even greater numbers. The musical adaptation currently holds an impressive 92% “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes from over 160 critics and boasts a near-perfect 99% audience satisfaction rating from verified viewers.
Industry experts are optimistic about the films’ impact on the fall box office. Shawn Robbins of Fandango noted, “Wicked and Gladiator II represent the kind of counter-programming audiences have been waiting for, setting the stage for a potentially historic holiday corridor.” With Disney’s Moana 2 slated for release next week, the Thanksgiving movie season is poised to break records.
Entertainment
Record-Breaking Auction: Māori Elder Portrait Becomes New Zealand’s Most Valuable Artwork
An oil painting by renowned New Zealand artist Charles Frederick Goldie has set a national record, selling for an unprecedented NZ$3.75 million ($2.2 million; £1.7 million) at auction. The piece, titled Thoughts of a Tohunga, portrays Wharekauri Tahuna, a Māori priest believed to be among the last of his generation to bear traditional facial moko tattoos.
This historic sale marks the highest price ever paid for a painting in New Zealand’s art market. It also solidifies Goldie’s standing as one of the nation’s most revered artists, particularly for his detailed portraits of Māori elders.
The painting, completed in 1938, depicts Tahuna adorned with a moko and wearing a traditional hei-tiki pendant. Art critics regard the piece as one of Goldie’s finest works. According to Richard Thomson, director at the International Art Centre, this was the first time in 33 years that the painting had been offered for sale.
This record-breaking sale comes amid heightened racial tensions in New Zealand. Recently, the government’s coalition partner, the Act Party, introduced a controversial bill to reinterpret the Treaty of Waitangi, the founding agreement between Māori and the Crown. Thousands marched in protest against the bill, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by the Māori community, including disparities in health, income, and education, as well as a seven-year gap in life expectancy compared to the general population.
Entertainment
Moana 2 Review: A Fun Adventure That Struggles to Match Its Predecessor
Disney’s Moana 2 takes viewers on a vibrant journey across the ocean but falls short of the groundbreaking charm of the original. While it retains much of the magic that made Moana an instant classic, this sequel is a lighter, less impactful voyage.
The original Moana set an almost unattainable standard. As one of Disney’s most celebrated animated films, it earned praise for its refreshing Polynesian mythology, dazzling animation, and unforgettable characters like Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) and Maui (Dwayne Johnson). Critics hailed its originality and ingenious songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, placing it near the top of Disney’s cinematic pantheon.
The sequel begins with Moana leading her people as voyagers, following the first film’s conclusion. The story takes an intriguing turn when she learns of Motofetu, a cursed island that once served as a hub for ocean civilizations. The premise gives Moana a compelling reason to reunite with Maui and set out on a high-stakes quest to restore the island’s legacy. Yet, despite this promising setup, Moana 2 doesn’t capture the same sense of urgency or wonder.
The film retains its bold, colorful animation and lively pacing but leans heavily on broader humor and less substantial storytelling. The songs, while enjoyable, feel more obligatory than integral, lacking the emotional depth that defined the first movie. They serve more as filler than as moments of revelation or character development.
While the journey is entertaining, it lacks the fresh sense of discovery that made its predecessor so beloved. The stakes feel lower, and the humor, though fun, occasionally overshadows the heartfelt moments that made Moana a standout.
Entertainment
Elton John’s Album Delayed as He Focuses on Eye Recovery
Sir Elton John has revealed that his upcoming album is on hold due to ongoing struggles with his eyesight following an infection in July. The legendary singer shared on ABC’s Good Morning America that he has been unable to see out of his right eye for four months, while vision in his left eye has also been impaired.
Discussing the challenges, he explained, “I can do something like this [interview], but going into the studio and recording, I don’t know, because I can’t see a lyric for a start.”
Elton expressed frustration, saying, “It kind of floored me… I can’t read anything, I can’t watch anything.”
While he admitted he’s currently “stuck” and hasn’t worked on the album recently, he remains hopeful about his recovery. He shared that ongoing treatments have brought “hope and encouragement” that his condition will improve.
For now, the 76-year-old icon is focusing on his health, with optimism that his creative endeavors will soon resume.
-
News2 days ago
President Biden Pardons Son Hunter in Final Act of Clemency
-
News3 days ago
Trump Names Kash Patel as FBI Director
-
Sports2 days ago
Tragedy Strikes Guinea Football Match, Dozens Killed in Stadium Crush
-
News4 days ago
Zelensky Proposes NATO Membership as Path to Peace, Raises Theoretical Scenario
-
General14 hours ago
South Korea President Yoon says he will lift martial law
-
Sports2 days ago
McLaren Calls for Inquiry into Norris Penalty
-
News3 days ago
Namibia’s Opposition Rejects Election Results Amid Allegations of Malpractice
-
News15 hours ago
Afghan Women Lose Access to Midwifery Training