New this week: Godzilla vs Kong, 'Concrete Cowboy' & Mahalia
This combination photo shows poster art for the film "Godzilla vs Kong," premiering on HBO Max on March 31, left, "Concrete Cowboy," premiering April 2 on Netflix and "Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia," premiering April 3 on Lifetime. (HBO Max/Netflix/Lifetime via AP)Here’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. MOVIES— Two of cinema’s most famous giants are headed for an old-fashioned big budget clash in “Godzilla vs. Kong,” available on HBO Max for 31 days starting Friday. After a pandemic-induced blockbuster drought, Henry told the AP that the film will be a welcome change of pace. Ad— Legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson gets overdue biopic attention in a Lifetime film debuting Saturday.
'Godzilla vs. Kong'; A heavyweight bout with a light touch
Two years ago, “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” sounded alarms about climate change. But don’t fret about finding a message amid the mayhem as the towering radioactive lizard clashes with that instantly-recognizable giant ape in "Godzilla vs. Kong," debuting Wednesday. "It’s about two big guys bashing each other around," laughed actor Rebecca Hall, who plays a researcher studying King Kong. No matter the scene, the actors always knew who was filling the top spots on call sheets during production — Godzilla and King Kong. And his take on it was, well, if you’re going to go big, go really big.
Celebrities unite to various get-out-the-vote efforts
This combination photo shows Justin Bieber, from left, Dua Lipa and Demi Lovato who will take part in various planned events urging Americans to vote. (AP Photo)NEW YORK – In the final days before the U.S. election, celebrities from Kerry Washington to Billie Jean King and Danai Gurira are urging Americans to vote. — The hourlong “Every Vote Counts: A Celebration of Democracy” will be hosted by Alicia Keys, America Ferrera and Kerry Washington. — The NFL's voting campaign includes Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Russell Wilson, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle and Atlanta Falcons running back Todd Gurley. There's also an “Latinos Vote” extension campaign with NFL legends and celebrities encouraging the Latino community to vote that includes Victor Cuz, Roberto Garza and Wilmer Valderrama.
With quiet humanity, Chloe Zhao's 'Nomadland' makes noise
NEW YORK – What’s it like to be an international film festival sensation without hardly leaving your home? At the Venice Film Festival, it won the top prize, the Golden Lion. At the Toronto International Film Festival, it was hailed by many critics as the best movie of the year and a leading Oscar contender. Next week, it will play the New York Film Festival. “Every year or so I feel the urge to hit the road,” Zhao says.
Awkwafina, Zendaya among 819 invited to join film academy
Cynthia Erivo, John David Washington, Eva Longoria, Zendaya and Awkwafina are among the 819 people who have been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. If they accept, which most do, those in the new class will have voting privileges at this years Oscars. A handful of actors from this years best picture winner Parasite, including Jang Hye-Jin, Jo Yeo-Jeong, Park So-Dam and Lee Jung-Eun, were also invited to join. The Academy said that 49% of the new invitees are international and represent some 68 countries. It has since surpassed those goals and continues to infuse membership classes with both women and people from underrepresented communities.