Movie Review: In 'I Play Rocky,' a middleweight crowd-pleaser about the making of a classic

“I Play Rocky,” Peter Farrelly’s fun and featherweight tale about the making of “Rocky,” might seem like a one-two punch of pure nostalgia. It’s been almost exactly 50 years since Sylvester Stallone’s breakthrough boxing classic first arrived in theaters. You need hardly more than a few Philadelphia steps or a holler of “Adrian” to summon its still-ubiquitous cultural presence. But while “I Play Rocky” is far from lacking in memory-lane sentimentality, it’s more aimed at now than it might appear. Today’s movie industry is so corporate and risk-averse that Farrelly’s “Rocky” revival is most enjoyable as a reminder that the movies are a quixotic, even goofy undertaking, writes AP Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review.

South Korean director Yeon Sang-ho revisits AI themes in latest thriller 'Paradise Lost'

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean director Yeon Sang-ho explores artificial intelligence in his films, including his latest, “Paradise Lost.” The psychological thriller follows a mother who spends nine years with an AI version of her missing son until the real one returns. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and opens in North American theaters Friday. Yeon’s inspiration came from a story by his mother, which evolved into the film. He discusses AI's role in relationships and its limits, noting that Asian filmmakers may be more receptive to AI than Hollywood. Yeon believes AI accelerates change in the film industry.

How Anthony Ippolito talked his way into playing Sylvester Stallone in 'I Play Rocky'

Anthony Ippolito took a bold step to land the starring role in “I Play Rocky.” The 27-year-old actor sent an unsolicited audition tape to Oscar-winning director Peter Farrelly, who was developing a film about Sylvester Stallone’s journey to create “Rocky.” Farrelly was impressed by Ippolito’s ability to capture Stallone without caricature. Ippolito previously portrayed a young Al Pacino in “The Offer.” He focused on understanding the person behind the celebrity. Ippolito’s performance has been praised by co-star AnnaSophia Robb and Stallone himself. “I Play Rocky” opens in limited theaters on Friday.

An acclaimed biography of Alexander the Great wins the Baillie Gifford nonfiction prize

LONDON (AP) — Edmund Richardson's biography of Alexander the Great "Alexander: God, King, Man" was won the prestigious Baillie Gifford Prize for nonfiction. The book is the first work of ancient history to win the prize and was praised by the judges for its immersive storytelling. Chair of the judging panel Kirsty Lang says it reads like a novel and includes new research from 12 ancient languages by Richardson, a professor at Durham University. The prize, founded in 1999, recognizes English-language books in multiple genres and comes with an award of 50,000 pounds, about $67,000. The winner was chosen from over 350 entries, beating five other finalists.

Herbert Blomstedt, who headed San Francisco Symphony from 1985-95, dies at age 99

Herbert Blomstedt, a renowned conductor who led the San Francisco Symphony from 1985 to 1995, has died at the age of 99. His management agency announced his death on Wednesday at his home in Gothenburg, Sweden. Blomstedt's final performance was on May 15 with the San Francisco Symphony. He had performances scheduled into 2027, including with the Vienna Philharmonic. Blomstedt was known for his modesty and dedication to music. He led orchestras in Scandinavia and Germany during his seven-decade career. Born in Massachusetts, he was a Seventh-day Adventist and a two-time Grammy Award winner.

John Malkovich, a world-weary CIA man in 'Wild Horse Nine,' prefers life on the road

NEW YORK (AP) — In Martin McDonagh’s “Wild Horse Nine,” John Malkovich’s Chris is an itinerant CIA officer weary from his travels. But Chris has got nothing on Malkovich's miles. Over Malkovich’s 50-year career, he’s performed live, by his count, in 47 countries. His role in “Wild Horse Nine” is a big-screen apogee for Malkovich. He’s favored to win his first Academy Award. But if Malkovich is experiencing a moment of public celebration at 72, it’s also a reminder that he’s seldom sat still long enough for the spotlight to linger. Instead, Malkovich has preferred an ever-moving, endlessly curious life on the road.

UK government tasks regulators to scrutinize proposed tie-up between Sky and ITV

LONDON (AP) — British Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has asked regulators to scrutinize Sky's proposed takeover of ITV’s media and entertainment arm. On Wednesday, she issued a Public Interest Intervention Notice, allowing the Competition and Markets Authority and Ofcom to investigate. They will report back by January 27 on the deal's impact on the U.K. media landscape and free speech. Nandy plans to introduce new streaming legislation due to concerns over the merger. ITV, the U.K.'s largest commercial broadcaster, struck the deal in July. Sky believes the merger is in the public interest, while ITV plans to cooperate fully with the investigation.

Movie Review: In ‘Wild Horse Nine,’ death looms for a CIA goon

John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell play a couple of bickering CIA agents on a trip to Easter Island in Martin McDonagh's “Wild Horse Nine.” The dark comedy is set in 1973, just before the military coup in Chile, and Malkovich's character is getting a little loose lipped about the plans. In her review for The Associated Press, film writer Lindsey Bahr writes that while the territory and themes may be familiar for McDonagh, the actors elevate even the less savory clunkers. “Wild Horse Nine” is rated R and is playing in theaters starting Friday.

Jury begins deliberating at Russell Brand's rape and sexual assault trial

LONDON (AP) — Jurors have started deliberating in Russell Brand's trial on charges of rape and sexual assault. After three weeks of evidence, the judge at London’s Southwark Crown Court instructed the jury to reach a unanimous decision. Brand, who is free on bail, has attended court daily with his wife. Six women accuse him of sexual misconduct between 1999 and 2009. Prosecutors claim Brand was a "sexual predator" during that time. Brand, 51, has pleaded not guilty, stating his encounters were consensual. His lawyer argued the claims were influenced by a 2023 documentary. Brand rose to fame in the early 2000s and now has a large online following.

Movie Review: 'The Cat in the Hat' ridiculously builds the stakes so high, the universe could die

The new animated “The Cat in the Hat” has plenty of tricks up its sleeve, says Associated Press critic Mark Kennedy. Directed by Erica Rivinoja and Alessandro Carloni, the film takes a Marvel-style approach, with world-saving stakes and a mysterious villain. Bill Hader voices the Cat, who works for a corporate conglomerate tasked with cheering up kids. The film features stylized animation and a star-studded voice cast, including Giancarlo Esposito and Bowen Yang. Despite its whimsical source material, the movie's messaging feels muddled, and the plot is overloaded with Things. It hits theaters Friday and is rated PG.