American actor and humanitarian with a five-decade career
The live-action Moana remake has drawn sharp criticism from Independent and Guardian reviewers who label it cynical and copy‑paste. Johnson’s return as Maui is described as stiff, with debate over whether the film adds anything new beyond the animated original.
Disney’s live-action Moana opens to a global $95 million, underperforming the $60 million U.S. target and facing scathing critics who call it a “shot-for-shot” redo. Audiences are warmer, with a CinemaScore A- and a largely female 66% share, while competition from new releases looms.
Tim Curry has died at his Los Angeles home on 25 August at age 80, his longtime manager Marcia Hurwitz has confirmed. The English actor had been wheelchair‑bound after a major 2012 stroke and had a history of kidney cancer; the death certificate lists those conditions as contributing factors. He had originated Dr Frank‑N‑Furter in The Rocky Horror Show and enjoyed a six‑decade career across stage, film and voice work.
Oscar winner Susan Sarandon says studios are still avoiding her because of her outspoken support for Palestinians. At Venice, she notes shifts in public opinion but reports ongoing gatekeeping by agencies and studios despite her new film, The Echo Chamber.
NAZA, an 80‑minute documentary by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, has premiered at the Venice Film Festival, won a special jury prize and prompted sustained criticism from Israeli officials. The film presents anonymous testimony from 24 Israeli military and intelligence personnel alleging AI‑assisted targeting and frequent civilian deaths in Gaza; Israel’s defence establishment has rejected the claims and ordered inquiries.
Israel has demolished a Hezbollah tunnel complex under the Ali al‑Taher ridge in southern Lebanon using more than 1,000 tonnes of explosives; the blast registered as a 4.1‑magnitude tremor. Israeli leaders have said forces will remain on the ridge to prevent Hezbollah from returning and to hold a self‑declared security zone ahead of Israel's October election.
The Venice film festival features a four-hour documentary on Elon Musk that critics say is highly critical. Musk has branded the film a hit piece, while director Alex Gibney defends it as rigorous inquiry. The documentary includes AI-generated Musk commentary and details about Musk's business ventures and public presence.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has delivered a prerecorded UN address condemning Israeli policies, warning they threaten the two-state solution and the Palestinian people’s very existence. He calls for urgent international intervention amid ongoing violence and a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
Protesters associated with Jewish Voice for Peace have demonstrated near the UN General Assembly in New York, calling for an end to arms shipments and for Gaza’s rights to be recognized. Several high-profile figures and local officials were among those detained by NYPD during the demonstrations ahead of Netanyahu’s UNGA address. Netanyahu has defended Israel’s actions while facing global scrutiny.
Netanyahu has addressed the UN General Assembly amid international walkouts and domestic political tension. He frames Gaza actions as defending Israel, while critics accuse him of genocide and war crimes. Protests and heavy international scrutiny accompany the speech.