Movie Review: Time has outrun this ‘Running Man’
It’s always interesting when time overtakes the dystopias of the past. In Stephen King’s 1982 novel “The Running Man,” the United States has fallen into a totalitarian state divided between haves and have-nots. All movements can be surveilled and realistic video propaganda is easily generated. King’s book was set in the year 2025. Edgar Wright’s new big-screen adaptation is fittingly but awkwardly timed. Arriving in the year of King’s imagined dystopia, its near-future has little in it that isn’t already plausible today. That makes this “Running Man” feel a step, or two, behind, writes AP Film Writer Jake Coyle in his review.
Cleto Escobedo III, Jimmy Kimmel’s bandleader and childhood friend, dies at 59
Jimmy Kimmel is mourning the death of his longtime friend and bandleader, Cleto Escobedo III. Escobedo was 59. Kimmel announced the news Tuesday on Instagram and expressed deep heartbreak. The two met as children in Las Vegas and grew up across the street from each other. Escobedo became a professional saxophonist, touring with Earth, Wind and Fire and Paula Abdul. When ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” began in 2003, Kimmel chose Escobedo to lead the house band. Kimmel said they had unmatched chemistry. Escobedo is survived by his wife Lori and their two children. Kimmel asked for prayers for Escobedo’s family.
There’s a Gary Cole for every TV fan. Now, he’s leading an ‘NCIS’ Veterans Day special
TV star Gary Cole is used to being recognized for appearing in “The West Wing,” “Veep” or “Office Space.” These days he gets stopped in the street for starring in “NCIS,” the long-running and successful procedural show set in a naval investigative office. To mark Veterans Day on Tuesday, there’s a special crossover episode with a mystery starting on “NCIS: Origins” that reappears in the main “NCIS” show. Cole has met service members since featuring on the series and spent time on an aircraft carrier. He also says that most real NCIS agents are at least 15 years younger than him.
Movie Review: ‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’ brings back the magic with new faces and tricks
The third “Now You See Me” movie, titled “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t,” brings back the magic with a global twist. Directed by Ruben Fleischer, this sequel reunites the original Four Horsemen and introduces a new generation of magicians. The film kicks off with a clever heist targeting crypto bros and expands to locations like Belgium and South Africa. The plot centers on stealing the Heart Diamond from a villainous character played by Rosamund Pike. The movie embraces physical magic tricks over CGI, offering a refreshing return to old-school illusions. It’s a crowd-pleaser with a fourth installment already in the works.
Sally Kirkland, stage and screen star who earned an Oscar nomination in ‘Anna,’ dies at age 84
NEW YORK (AP) — Sally Kirkland, a former model turned actor, has died at age 84. Known for her roles in “The Sting” and the Oscar-nominated “Anna,” Kirkland died on Tuesday. Her friends set up a GoFundMe for her medical care after she suffered multiple fractures and infections. Kirkland’s career spanned films like “The Way We Were” and “JFK,” and TV shows like “Criminal Minds” and “Roseanne.” She studied acting with renowned mentors and appeared in Shakespearean plays. Kirkland was also active in New Age groups and volunteered for various causes, including AIDS and cancer support.
Jump start your day.
Headlines, puzzles and death notices from the Valley delivered to your inbox 7 a.m. daily.
Sign Up
A happy circumstance: Bob Ross paintings sell for more than $600K to help public TV stations
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Three paintings from public television legend Bob Ross have sold for over $600,000 at auction. The sales took place Tuesday at Bonhams in Los Angeles. The paintings are part of a collection of 30 works being sold to support public TV stations affected by federal funding cuts. “Winter’s Peace,” painted during a 1993 episode of Ross’ show “The Joy of Painting,” fetched $318,000. “Home in the Valley” sold for more than $200,000 and “Cliffside” brought in more than $100,000. Proceeds will help stations pay licensing fees for popular programs. The famously gentle and bushy-haired Ross, who died in 1995, remains a beloved figure in art and television.
Gal Gadot wins Israel’s Genesis Prize for her wartime support
Israeli actor Gal Gadot has been awarded Israel’s Genesis Prize in recognition of her strong support for the country at a time when many in the entertainment industry have criticized it. The “Wonder Woman” star in a statement released Tuesday said she would donate the $1 million prize to organizations committed to helping Israel recover from the trauma of its two-year war against Hamas. She described herself as a “proud Jew and a proud Israeli.” The Genesis Prize is granted each year to a person for their professional achievements, contributions to humanity and commitment to Jewish values.
Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley died from injuries suffered in fall
MORRISTOWN, N.J. (AP) — Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the glam rock band Kiss, died from blunt force injuries to the head that he suffered in a fall earlier this year. That is according to an autopsy conducted by the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office in New Jersey. Frehley’s agent has said he died peacefully on Oct. 16 surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey, following a recent fall. The autopsy determined his death was an accident. Kiss was known for theatrical stage shows with fireworks, smoking instruments and fake blood. Band members famously wore body armor, platform boots, wigs and their signature black-and-white face paint.
In Trump-dominated media world, editing video takes on new significance — as BBC uproar shows
The job of videotape editors was once one of the least-noticed in the media world. Not anymore. The seemingly mundane task of editing interviews or speeches for broadcast was at the center of this week’s resignation of two prominent BBC executives. Editing was also central to the lawsuit over the “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris, settled this summer for $16 million, and a change in CBS News’ policy on how “Face the Nation” airs interviews. Another common denominator in each of these cases was President Donald Trump. Increasingly, how news broadcasts choose to use video has become part of political battles.
UK government defends the BBC as critics circle and Trump threatens to sue
LONDON (AP) — The British government has rallied to the defense of the BBC as it faces a dispute with U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump is threatening to sue the broadcaster over how it edited a speech he made after losing the 2020 election. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the national broadcaster faces “challenges, some of its own making” but is a trusted source of news and “absolutely essential to this country.” Critics want changes to the BBC, while supporters urge the government to protect it from political interference. The BBC has apologized for misleading editing in a documentary. Trump’s lawyer is demanding a retraction, apology, and compensation. The BBC has not yet formally responded to these demands.
Read more on Yakima Herald-Republic
