Culture

NEW YORK — “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” opened in U.S. and Canadian theaters with a massive $120.5 million, more than tripling the debut of the 2018 animated original and showing the kind of movie-to-movie box-office growth that would be the envy of even the mightiest of Hollywood franchises.

Sony Pictures’ “Across the Spider-Verse,” the multi-verse spinning animated Spider-Man spinoff, sailed way past expectations, according to studio estimates Sunday, riding terrific reviews (95% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) and strong buzz for the hotly anticipated follow-up to the Oscar-winning “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.”

In the sometimes formulaic realm of superhero movies, 2018’s “Into the Spider-Verse” offered a blast of originality, introducing a teenage webslinger from Brooklyn, Miles Morales ( Shameik Moore ), a punk-rock Gwen (Hailee Steinfeld) and a host of other Spider-People. It launched with $35.4 million on its way to $384.3 million worldwide.
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“Across the Spider-Verse,” which exponentially expands the film’s universe-skipping worlds, cost $100 million to make, about half the cost of the average live-action comic-book movie. So at even the forecast $80 million that “Spider-Verse” had been expected to open, “Across the Spider-Verse” would have been a hit.

Instead, it has turned out to be a box-office sensation, and the second largest domestic opening of 2023, trailing only “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” “Across the Spider-Verse,” directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers and Justin K. Thompson, even topped “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” which debuted with $118 million, for best opening weekend of the summer so far.

The film, shepherded by writer-producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, is part two in a trilogy that will conclude with a third chapter to be released next year. “Across the Spider-Verse” over-performed abroad, too, with $88.1 million overseas.

After few family offerings for much of the first half of 2023, theaters are suddenly flush with kid-friendly entertainment. Last week’s top film, the Walt Disney Co.’s live action remake “The Little Mermaid,” slid to second with $40.6 million in it second weekend.

After launching with $95.5 million and $117.5 million over the four-day Memorial Day weekend, “The Little Mermaid” dipped 57%, partly due to the formidable competition from “Across the Spider-Verse.”

Having cost a reported $250 million to make, “The Little Mermaid” was met with mixed reviews but more enthusiasm from audiences, which gave it an “A” CinemaScore. But overseas, where previous Disney live-action remakes have thrived, is …read more

Source:: Time – Entertainment

Elsewhere, Jill laments how she gave an interview to Megyn Kelly on Fox News in 2015 after brother Josh confessed to having molested multiple children when he was a young teenager.

Including Jill and sibling Jessa.

“In hindsight, I wouldn’t have done the Megyn Kelly stuff,” Duggar now admits.

Why did she do it at the time? Because her mom and dad pressured her into doing so, pushing Jill and Jessa to speak out in order to defend their gross brother and save their family’s reputation.

“There was an urgency to figure out how the show was going to be handled in the wake of 2015 events,” Jill says in the documentary.

“As far as recovery and damage control, you just feel like the burden and the weight falls on you to, like, help– ’cause you’re the only one who can.”

About eight years ago, Josh confessed to his wrongdoing in a statement to People, saying in part:

“As a young teenager, I acted inexcusably for which I am extremely sorry and deeply regret. I hurt others, including my family and close friends.”

Three months later, Jim Bob told Kelly about how his oldest son had “improperly touched some of our daughters” when he was 14.

Jill and Jessa said they were sleeping at the time and allegedly weren’t aware of the incident.

Fast forward to 2023 and Jill says the sit-down is “something that I’m not proud of,” explaining:

“If I hadn’t felt obligated to, one, do it for the sake of the show, and two, do it for the sake of my parents, I wouldn’t have done it.”

Derrick, meanwhile, emphasizes that his spouse was akin to “collateral damage” amid this horrible Josh Duggar scandal.

“Basically being called on to carry out a suicide mission,” Derick says in Duggar Family Secrets.

“You’re gonna destroy yourself, but we need you to take the fall so you can carry the show forward because the show cannot fail. And they were gonna do whatever they could to get the return on their investment.”

On top of her revealing documentary Q&A,

Jill and Jessa said …read more

Source:: The Hollywood Gossip

How are you feeling after that enlightening Sagittarius full moon? The energy begins to wane as the week begins, and the moon’s presence in Capricorn on Monday and Tuesday provides us with stabilizing energy, helping us take in the bewildering transformations we collectively experienced. 

Venus, the planet of love, will have entered Leo on June 5, and it’ll remain there until October 8 — a longer-than-usual transit due to an upcoming retrograde cycle which will start July 22. This first week of Venus in Leo amps up the drama, passion, and flair in the cosmos, allowing us to pursue our objectives with boldness and courage. 

The highlight of the week is the fact that Pluto, the planet of transformation, is spending its final week in the sign of Aquarius — up until January 2024, that is. Starting next week, Pluto will retrograde back into Capricorn and remain there until the end of the year. This week is likely to be focused on finding innovative ways to enact global change by first focusing on making progress on a local level. Community beach clean up, anyone? 

Read your horoscopes for your Sun and Rising signs for the most in-depth forecast.

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Aries Sun & Rising:

Aries, as the week begins, you’re reflecting on how to tap into superstar energy now that Venus, the planet of love, is in your fellow Fire sign of Leo. Your sector of fame, fate, and creativity is lit up by this transit until October 8, making you a cosmic favorite. Jupiter may no longer be in your sign, but this energy will definitely make you feel like it is. Get crystal clear about what you want to be known for, because you’ll likely catapult to the top of your chosen field(s) during Venus’ extended stay in Leo. 

Another cosmic theme to reflect on this week? Pluto, the planet of transformation, is wrapping up the first stretch of this year’s transit through Aquarius, which activates your sector of friendship and social networks. This final week of Pluto in Aquarius (until January 2024, when it will return to Aquarius for a 20-year stay), is helping you be honest with yourself about your relationship with social media, and with your social life in general. The more discernment you have, the better.

Taurus Sun & Rising:

Taurus, now that Venus, your planetary …read more

Source:: Refinery29

Plus, splitting perennials is a cheap way to propagate, mulching grass is the way to go and how to save flower sprouts …read more

Source:: Edmonton Journal – Lifestyle