LOS ANGELES The surprise success of the first "Guardians of the Galaxy," with its intergalactic gang of misfits and quirky tone, launched Marvel Studios into making action movies starring lesser-known comic book figures that could make audiences laugh. Two years later, the bet that comedy could help catapult characters such as the "Guardians," "Ant-Man" and "Doctor Strange" into box office stars has paid off again. The "Guardians," led by actor Chris Pratt's Peter Quill, debuted in 2014 with more than $700 million at the global box office. "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" opened in the United States last week and has already grossed more than $500 million worldwide. "The first 'Guardians of the Galaxy' film allowed us to perhaps go a little bit further, not just in humor, but types of characters," Kevin Feige, chief executive of Marvel Studios, told Reuters. Comedy has flavored Marvel movies since 2008's "Iron Man" featured star Robert Downey Jr.'s cocky one-liners. Many of the … [Read more...]

A remake of classic '80s TV soap Dynasty has been given the green light in the US. And while there's no news of a return for Joan Collins's Alexis yet (we live in hope), here's what we do know about the reboot. 1. Girl power Two of America's wealthiest families, the Carringtons and the Colbys, are still at war - but this time, the story will be told from the perspective of two women in the thick of it all - Fallon Carrington (played by Elizabeth Gillies), daughter of billionaire Blake, and her soon-to-be stepmother, Cristal. But how many of the famous Dynasty catfights will we witness? Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Elizabeth Gillies starred in FX show Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll 2. It's all about diversity Linda Evans famously played Krystle in the original - this time around, Cristal (spot the spelling change), is a Hispanic woman marrying into a wealthy family. She will be played by The Vampire Diaries' Nathalie Kelley. And billionaire charmer Jeff Colby, played … [Read more...]

Ireland have failed to qualify for the Eurovision Song Contest for the fourth year running after getting insufficient votes at the semi-final stage. Galway-born Brendan Murray, 20, had a hot-air balloon with him on stage in Kiev, but it was not enough to lift him into the all-important top 10. Bulgaria's Kristian Kostov progressed to Saturday's grand final, along with acts from nine other countries. Kostov, 17, is the youngest singer this year and is third favourite to win. Austria, Israel and the Netherlands were among the other countries who saw their representatives remain in the competition. Image copyright AFP Image caption Kristian Kostov, from Bulgaria, will be in the final Israel will be the first country to perform on Saturday, while Poland has been given the dreaded second slot in the official running order. The slot is considered unlucky because no song performed second in the final has ever gone on to win. Successful semi-finalists Austria: Running On Air by Nathan Trent … [Read more...]

Who is rejecting the UK's tunes and who is telling us we're not alone? Downloading the voting from fan site eschome.net you can find out how many points all other countries have given the UK at Eurovision since it started in 1957. A continuous data set is tricky because of rule changes over the years, especially last year when telephone votes were separated from jury votes, increasing the number of votes available. Also, not all of the countries that participated in the early days have survived to the end. But some steps may be taken to check the facts on the site, for example, it gives the total number of votes received by the UK as 3,911, which is confirmed by the official Eurovision site. Nonetheless, by dividing the number of points given to the UK by the number of times a country has participated we can find out who our real friends are. We're excluding countries that have participated fewer than five times, although Morocco deserves a special mention having only appeared once in … [Read more...]

Media playback is unsupported on your device Media captionJana Burceska gets a marriage proposal at EurovisionMacedonia's Eurovision entrant squealed with delight as her fiance proposed to her in front of an audience of millions during the second semi-final in Kiev. Jana Burceska, who revealed she was pregnant in the live TV interview during voting, then introduced the father of her child, Alexander. Taking the microphone, he dropped to one knee, saying: "I was waiting for the right moment. I love you very much. Would you marry me?" A surprised Jana squeaked: "Yes!" The audience erupted into huge cheers as the couple embraced and Alexander presented Jana with a ring. Image copyright Getty Images Image copyright EPA As she took the ring out of the box, Eurovision host Timor Miroshnychenko said: "I don't know even what to say. It's our first Eurovision proposal." The moment was missed on the BBC Four's coverage as the camera had cut away to presenters Mel Giedroyc and Scott Mills. … [Read more...]

The Taylors will, we are assured, make "quite an entrance" when they arrive in Albert Square this summer, giving the resident Walfordians "a rude awakening". EastEnders executive producer Sean O'Connor describes them as "noisy and brash" who "lack cash" but "have love and warmth in spades". The announcement has split opinion among fans on the soap's Facebook page, with some worried they are a stereotypical white working-class family and/or a pale imitation of the Millers. Others have said there should be more ethnic minority families instead, or have questioned whether they would be able to afford to live in the East End these days. But some are looking forward to what O'Connor described as their "explosive" impact on Walford life. Image caption Lorraine Stanley (left) played young Mo in the 2004 EastEnders special Pat and Mo The Taylors (pictured top, left to right): Bernadette Taylor (Clair Norris). Teenage daughter Bernadette "has little interest in anything other than sitting … [Read more...]

Media playback is unsupported on your device Media captionUK Eurovision artist Lucie Jones shares her predictions for this yearThe bookies say the UK can't possibly win Eurovision this year. But singer Lucie Jones still believes there's a chance of an upset. "Never tell me the odds!" says Han Solo in The Empire Strikes Back after C-3PO tells him his chances of successfully navigating an asteroid field are 3,720 to 1. It's a sentiment Lucie Jones would no doubt agree with, having been confronted daily with people telling her how unlikely she is to win Eurovision this year. "People tell me the odds every day but I don't pay them any attention," insists the Cardiff-born singer, who'll be representing the UK on Saturday with Never Give Up on You. "You can't believe the odds; anything can happen with these shows. I was favourite to win The X Factor [in 2009] and I got kicked out in favour of Jedward!" Yet the experience was a beneficial one, eventually leading to her being asked to sing at … [Read more...]

"I wanted to see if I could write something that people liked, without knowing everything about me," says Harry Styles in a documentary about the making of his first solo record. Of course, the number of people who are unfamiliar with former One Direction heartthrob and paparazzi magnet Harold Edward Styles, are few and far between - but in accordance with boy band tradition, he's wiped the slate clean for his solo debut. The first single, Sign of the Times, is a billowing rock ballad about a woman dying during childbirth (yes, really), adorned with blazing guitar solos and a choir singing from the gates of heaven. Stylophiles will know it's the sort of song he's wanted to make for years - having worked with Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody as far back as 2013 - but there's always a delicate balance between establishing your musical credentials and subliminally telling fans, "That pop music? The stuff that soundtracked your life? I thought it was naff." So far he's gotten away with it. … [Read more...]

Media playback is unsupported on your device Media captionChris Evans introduces Even Superheroes Have Bad DaysWhen Hollywood heart-throb Chris Evans read a bedtime story on CBeebies, the mums seemed to enjoy it more than the toddlers it was aimed it. The Captain America star read Even Superheroes Have Bad Days by Shelley Becker. "Watching CBeebies even though the wee one is in bed...wonder why?!" tweeted Fiona Moore-McGrath. And Lisa Prosser wrote: "Of course only watching this for my daughter... #HubbaHubba." The actor appeared on the BBC children's TV channel on Wednesday - six weeks after an appearance by fellow actor Tom Hardy. Many other mums - as well as those without children - took to Twitter to give their approval. Image copyright Twitter @welsh_lisa Image copyright Twitter @LadyVanKelso Image copyright Twitter @baboons Image copyright Twitter @DarlesChickens_ Image copyright Twitter @PixieWare Evans was following in the footsteps of Damian Lewis, Maxine Peake, David … [Read more...]

Catch up on some of the entertainment stories from the past seven days that you might have missed. Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Emma Watson won the the first gender-neutral prize at the MTV Movie and TV awards, stoking the debate about whether award ceremonies should have different "best actor" and "best actress" prizes any more. Media playback is unsupported on your device Media captionBut to get inside the awards, the celebrities had to brave a hailstorm on the red carpet. Image copyright Shirley Ballas Image caption After a year of waiting, Strictly Come Dancing fans were told "Queen of Latin" Shirley Ballas will replace Len Goodman as head judge. Media playback is unsupported on your device Media captionJessica Chastain's expression said it all when she was asked about Johnny Depp's technique for memorising lines - using an earpiece. "My technique is working hard," she responded. Media playback is unsupported on your device Media captionDavid Beckham has made … [Read more...]

It's difficult to find a more varied CV in Hollywood than Jessica Chastain's. She's played a CIA analyst in Zero Dark Thirty, a housewife in The Help and is about to be seen as a ruthless lobbyist in political thriller Miss Sloane. But having worked in the industry for well over a decade, Chastain says she remains disappointed by many aspects of Hollywood. The actress spoke to BBC News during a visit to London last week, and shared her thoughts on what exactly needs to change. 1) Some film critics need to open their minds Image copyright Kerry Hayes Obviously all actors dislike bad reviews, but Chastain's problem is a little more specific - she thinks some critics are too close-minded. "I had a lot of problems with Zero Dark Thirty and some reviews of Miss Sloane," she says. "[Some reviews] said 'Yes it's a great character, but why can't she be a woman, why does she have to be so masculine?'. "And I want to go back to those people and say Elizabeth Sloane is a woman, so that makes … [Read more...]

Media playback is unsupported on your device Media captionHow to commentate on EurovisionGraham Norton will be back in the BBC commentary booth on Saturday to pass judgement on this year's Eurovision hopefuls. But have you ever wondered who does Graham's job elsewhere in Europe? We spoke to a few of the other commentators who've been reporting from Kiev this week. JULIA VARELA, SPAIN Image copyright RTVE How long have you presented Eurovision? This year is my third time I have been co-hosting with Jose Maria Inigo. It's a big challenge and a big responsibility, but for me it's been a real blast. What are you known for in your own country? I spent 10 years as a reporter and co-host on Radio 3, a station similar to BBC Radio 2. I've had the chance to interview a lot of famous figures in Spain as well as bands like Vampire Weekend. I've also been a reporter for the morning show on TV. What do you take with you into the commentary booth? Jose has more than 40 years' experience of … [Read more...]

Media playback is unsupported on your device Media captionUK Eurovision artist Lucie Jones shares her predictions for this yearThe nation's hopes will be pinned on Lucie Jones this year as she heads to Eurovision in the hope of reversing the UK's poor run of recent form. Yet with 24 songs in contention at Kiev, it's anybody's guess who'll be leaving Ukraine with the famous glass microphone trophy in their hands. We've listened to all of them on your behalf and have picked eight tracks we think will make a splash at Saturday's grand final. BELARUS - Naviband, Story of My life Image copyright BTRC There is more than a dash of The Shires to this melodious slice of ukelele-backed folk from Belarussian duo Artem Lukyanenko and Ksenia Zhuk. Pointedly sung in their native language, it's a jaunty holler whose references to "new desires and better ideas" could be read as a coded rebuke to neighbouring Russia. Belarus have only made it past the semis on four occasions since joining the contest … [Read more...]

Deadline to submit items for the TimesDaily Religion Calendar is 5 p.m. Tuesday for publication the following Saturday. Information, however, may be submitted up to six weeks in advance. Email items to [email protected] Include a complete address with all venues, along with a name and telephone number.  Today  Single Adult Ministry for Seniors, nondenominational 40 and older, 6 p.m., Cross Point Church of Christ student center, 1350 Cox Creek Parkway, Florence. Dinner and movie. Bring covered dish. 256-767-1869  Food From Christ food giveaway, Rhodesville United Methodist Church, 6230 Lauderdale 189, Rhodesville Community/Florence. For pickup times: 256-370-7213 or 256-810-8694. Bake sale, sponsored by Springhill Missionary Baptist Church Usher's Board, 10 a.m., Bunyan's Bar-B-Que, 901 W. College St., Florence. 256-766-3252 Anniversary New Testament Missionary Baptist Church, 526 S. Trade St., Florence, celebrates 12 years, 3 p.m. May 28. Guests: the Rev. … [Read more...]

left right A film is screened during the third edition of the Red Carpet Film Festival, at the seaport of Gaza City May 12, 2017. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem 1/10 left right Palestinians climb on concrete blocks to watch the third edition of the Red Carpet Film Festival, at the seaport of Gaza City May 12, 2017. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem 2/10 left right A film is screened during the third edition of the Red Carpet Film Festival, at the seaport of Gaza City May 12, 2017. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem 3/10 left right Palestinian musicians perform during the third edition of the Red Carpet Film Festival, at the seaport of Gaza City May 12, 2017. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem 4/10 left right Palestinians walk on a red carpet as they arrive to attend the third edition of the Red Carpet Film Festival at the seaport of Gaza City May 12, 2017. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem 5/10 left right Palestinians watch the third edition of the Red Carpet Film Festival, at the … [Read more...]

Australia will have two singers in tomorrow's Eurovision song contest final in Ukraine, with NSW-born Anja Nissen making it through for Denmark. Nissen, who has Danish parents, won The Voice competition on Australian TV in 2014. Her song Where I Am is a powerful ballad that allows her to display the full range of her vocal talents. She was one of 10 countries to win through to the final from yesterday's second semifinal. She will join Australia's official entrant, 17-year-old Isaiah Firebrace, in the 26-country final. Both are considered long-shots to take the crown. Aussie-born Anja Nissen performs for Denmark at the Eurovision Song Contest, in Kiev, Ukraine.Firebrace scraped through despite a far-from-perfect performance in the first semifinal on Wednesday. Some Eurovision watchers said Firebrace was lucky to survive, with a faulty high note midway through his song Don't Come Easy and some awkward moves on a rotating turntable. The final is shaping as a three-way battle between … [Read more...]

Media playback is unsupported on your device Media captionCaitlyn Jenner hopes to show people who transition 'it will be OK'Reality TV star Caitlyn Jenner says she is considering entering US politics in a bid to promote transgender issues. She told the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme she had been "really upset" by some of President Donald Trump's policies on the LGBT community. The ex-Olympic athlete, who changed her name and transitioned to living as a woman aged 65, said Mr Trump was being "influenced by people around him". Jenner said her life was "much simpler" now she was living openly as a woman. Over the past two years, Jenner has become the most famous transgender person in the world. 'No regret' A Republican supporter who supported Mr Trump in last year's US election, Jenner said she was disappointed the new president had overturned guidance allowing transgender students to use school toilets matching their gender identity. "It doesn't make me regret my vote yet, but it … [Read more...]

The 2017 Bafta TV awards (which will be presented on Sunday night) attracted as much attention for perceived omissions - only one nomination each for Line of Duty and The Night Manager - as for its many thoughtful and diverse inclusions. Some surprises may be due to the rule that only one piece of material can be submitted by each contender, so a 90-minute drama can enter the entire thing, but a 10-part series must select an episode. This may be why about a third of the acting nominations (six out of 16) go to performers who appeared in either one-off dramas or a single episode of a show, even though such work is a small proportion of the overall drama output. Judges are also asked to make their decision on the basis of the entered evidence alone. This means that, for example, Benedict Cumberbatch as Richard III is evaluated on a whole performance but Tom Hiddleston in The Night Manager on the basis of one-sixth. Such complexities make the winners hard to second-guess, but here … [Read more...]

She never fails to look glamorous and stylish. And it was business as usual for Catherine Zeta-Jones on Thursday as she was snapped leaving a meeting at an office in New York City. The Welsh star, 47, showcased her alluring figure in a light blouse detailed with an array of earthy colours. Scroll down for video Khaki Zeta Jones! Catherine looks glam as she struts out of a meeting in New York wearing an opulant green ensemble and toting a stone-coloured Birkin bag  The front of the shirt featured a light green and berry damask design, while the rest was striped with moss and fern shades. She wore a pair of flowing khaki trousers and studded gold boots. In one hand she carried a stone-coloured Birkin bag. She wore shades over her eyes and allowed her buxom dark mane to bounce free. She adorned her ears with gold hoops and a metal chain hung around her throat. Catherine currently features in the TV show Feud: Bette and Joan, where she stars as golden age … [Read more...]

It's officially happening: After going dark in 2016 on Fox, "American Idol" will be back on your television sets. The singing competition show that once reigned as ratings king will air on ABC for the 2017-2018 season, the network announced, following rumors of its return that surfaced last week. "'American Idol' is a pop-culture staple that left the air too soon," Channing Dungey, president of ABC Entertainment, said in a statement. It's not clear who will serve as host or on the panel of judges. ABC said an announcement would come later, but one name is obviously swirling about: Ryan Seacrest. The former "Idol" host has a jam-packed work schedule these days, including a new gig he started this month: serving as Kelly Ripa's co-host on ABC's "Live," the second-most watched daytime TV show. On Monday, Ripa asked Seacrest on air about the reports that "Idol" would return. "I said at the end of the series, 'Goodbye for now,' hoping it would come back," Seacrest told her. "It was rumored … [Read more...]