Movie Review: Kenneth Branagh and Ryan Reynolds star in irreverent Cold War action-comedy ‘Mayday’

Kenneth Branagh plays an ex-KGB officer who helps Ryan Reynolds' U.S. Navy pilot escape from Russia during the Cold War in the new film “Mayday.” Streaming on Apple TV Friday, “Mayday” is from John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, the writing and directing team behind “Game Night” and “Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.” In her review for The Associated Press, Film Writer Lindsey Bahr writes that while it feels like a strange time in history to be releasing a movie with a sense of humor about Russia and geopolitical tensions, “Mayday” knows what it is and is still pretty fun within its slick and self-aware packaging.

Fall Movie Preview: Russo brothers, maestros of ensembles, test their limits in 'Avengers: Doomsday'

NEW YORK (AP) — Ups and downs have followed the Marvel Cinematic Universe since 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame,” but “Avengers: Doomsday” might just heal all its wounds. To steady the superhero factory, Marvel has again turned to Joe and Anthony Russo to juggle a universe’s worth of superheroes. Even for them, the sprawling ensemble of “Doomsday” is a unique challenge. In an exclusive interview, the Russo brothers told The Associated Press that growing up in a large Italian family helped shape their love for ensemble storytelling. They also said a new “foundational narrative concept” persuaded them to return to the MCU.

Ariana Grande steps out of the spotlight with gratitude at tour closing

LONDON (AP) — Ariana Grande gave thanks to her fans during her last live show. The music star is stepping out of the spotlight now her Eternal Sunshine Tour has come to an end. At the final date at the O2 Arena in London Tuesday, Grande called the shows one of “most beautiful, extraordinary, experiences” of her life. In August, the singer confirmed she’d be taking a break from the public eye at the end of the 41 live dates. An emotional Grande said she wanted to express her gratitude “without sobbing completely.” She pledges to cherish the experience and says she has the best fans in the world.

Venice Film Festival opens with Danny Boyle's Murdoch film, an award for Clooney and geopolitics

VENICE, Italy (AP) — George Clooney is at the Venice Film Festival to receive a lifetime achievement award on Wednesday evening. Before the ceremony, he spoke about artificial intelligence in Hollywood, Paramount’s acquisition of Warner Bros., the state of journalism and leadership in the United States. Clooney expressed concerns about artificial intelligence and media ownership. The opening night film “Ink” dramatizes Rupert Murdoch's acquisition of “The Sun.” Films about current events and conflicts are prominent in this year's festival, which runs through Sept. 12. Jury president Maggie Gyllenhaal emphasized the political nature of films. The festival also faces criticism for the lack of female directors in the competition lineup.

Menudo reunites for 50th anniversary tour: 'We’re proud to be pioneers'

NEW YORK (AP) — Menudo, one of the most popular Latino boy bands of all time, is reuniting for a six-day tour this fall to celebrate their 50th anniversary. Known for launching stars like Ricky Martin, the Puerto Rico-born Menudo has evolved over five decades by regularly refreshing its lineup to stay youthful. Businessperson Paul Tarnopol selected seven former members for the reunion tour, which kicks off Oct. 10 in Los Angeles and concludes Dec. 12 in Puerto Rico. The group is rehearsing intensely, adjusting songs for their matured voices. They told The Associated Press it will be a nostalgic, visual experience. They’re focusing on the anniversary but hinted at possible future projects.

Visiting French president will join King Charles III and prime minister to see Bayeux Tapestry

LONDON (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to arrive in London to meet with new Prime Minister Andy Burnham and visit the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum. The tapestry is a symbol of Anglo-French relations. It depicts the Norman conquest of England in 1066. The tapestry was loaned by France for a 10-month exhibition and transported to London in July. Macron is due in London on Wednesday evening. He and King Charles III will deliver speeches at a museum reception. Burnham took office six weeks ago. He will host Macron for talks on Thursday. Discussions will focus on migrant crossings of the English Channel and the Iran and the Russia-Ukraine wars.

Aaron Sorkin hits refresh on Facebook in 'The Social Reckoning' — Fall Movie Preview

NEW YORK (AP) — When Aaron Sorkin made 2010’s “The Social Network,” he had heard of Facebook, he said at the time, “the way I’ve heard of a carburetor.” Sixteen years later, he has a much deeper — and much more alarmed — idea of what Mark Zuckerberg’s social media empire has become. “The Social Reckoning” is one of the most timely movies arriving in theaters this fall. Last week, Sony debuted the film’s trailer the same day that Meta, Facebook’s parent company, agreed to pay up to $18 billion in penalties over claims it endangered children.

Jury convicts a man of first-degree murder for the 1996 killing of rap icon Tupac Shakur

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A jury has found Duane “Keffe D” Davis guilty of orchestrating the 1996 killing of rapper Tupac Shakur. The verdict Monday marks the first and only conviction in a case that has gripped hip-hop fans for years. In 1996, Shakur was on his way to perform at a club in Las Vegas when a Cadillac pulled up beside him and music mogul Marion “Suge” Knight. Gunfire erupted. Shakur was shot multiple times and died a week later. Davis is the only person ever charged in Shakur’s death. The case went cold until recent years, when interviews Davis gave and his 2019 tell-all memoir revived it.

For a century, journalists have had a voluntary ethics code. Editors are giving it an AI-era reboot

NEW YORK (AP) — The Society of Professional Journalists is revising its Code of Ethics for the first time since 2014. The update addresses challenges like artificial intelligence, the rise of independent journalists, and an erosion of public trust in media. The code, organized around four key principles, has guided journalists for nearly a century. The revision process is lengthy, involving extensive meetings and feedback. The new draft includes a focus on accountability and ethical responsibility, regardless of technology used. The SPJ believes these updates are crucial for maintaining journalistic integrity in a rapidly changing industry.

The Oscar statuette is Hollywood's ultimate recognition, full of lore, mysteries and rules

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Oscar statuette is a piece of American culture. The awards started out as part PR ploy and part power consolidation. And no one knows exactly who is responsible for the name Oscar. They're full of contradictions. It is at once an undeniable honor, the most recognizable award one can receive for making movies, and a manifestation of everything that’s rotten in moviemaking. But since the first awards were handed out in 1929 in a ceremony that took all of 10 minutes, the Oscars have become a cultural bellwether and a billion-dollar cottage industry.