Cast: Eric Bauza, Candi Milo, Peter MacNicol, Fred Tatasciore, Laraine Newman, Wayne Knight, Ruth Clampett, Andrew Kishino Director: Peter Browngardt Rating: 2.5/5 Runtime: 91 min. This old fashioned animation slapstick comedy begins with vignettes from Porky and Daffy’s childhood days and there’s added montage of their disastrous attempts to find employment, typically classic Looney Tunes in style. The script for this film is credited to 11 writers, and involves an outlandish plot involving an alien mind-control scheme by which chewing gum infected with extraterrestrial goo threatens to turn earthlings into zombies. The screenplay manages to remain elastic and spry. It’s strip-happy and loony enough. We also get to know that the stuttering pig and duck-billed blabbermouth, share a two-story house bequeathed by Farmer Jim, the supportive father figure who took both of them under his wing when they were kids. Then a planet-endangering asteroid and a CG flying saucer, which sends a big glob of glowing goo smashing through Porky and Daffy’s roof. The employment search happens because they have to fix the roof which costs much more than their accumulated savings. Porky and Daffy eventually get jobs at a bubblegum factory. And that’s where all that world destroying action originates from. To top that a mad Scientist dumps a briefcase full of goo into the formula for Goodie Gum’s latest flavor, Super Strong Berry.The goo apparently has the power to turn humans into zombies. So that’s another catastrophe about to happen. Soon the entire world is sampling Super strong berry, thus taking over their brains and making them susceptible to Invader’s commands. Daffy, a hysterical conspiracy nut, is unable to convince the world that Goodie Gum has been compromised by space aliens. So Daffy, Porky and newfound love interest Petunia Pig (Candi Milo) have the onus of saving the planet themselves. Together, they make a great team. The feature directorial debut of Peter Browngardt is animated in the typical classic loony tunes style. It’s not consistently funny but it has its moments of hilarity, is imaginative, and sometimes borders on brilliance. The animation has strong background and fluid, expressive movement. “The Day the Earth Blew Up” has striking imagery and is inventive about its sci-fi/disaster/zombie movie trappings.The wit and humour hare may not be uproarious but the wild story and antics are sure to bring a smile to your face.
15 March,2025 02:14 PM IST | Mumbai | Johnson ThomasHollywood star and comedian Kevin Hart is “very aware” that he has a responsibility to upcoming wave movie talents. The star, 45, told in an interview wit Extra, “I am very aware that I am getting older and turning into a vet in our business. We do have a responsibility, and that responsibility is to try to position those that are next in the best way to exceed what we’ve done and go above and beyond. If it was set up for us to kind of just step and repeat and have the same layer of a success as the ones before us, then the business would pretty much have already peaked. The business only continues to grow, succeed and reach new levels because of what people are doing and creating underneath.” He said he can only hope that this generation of amazing talent and actors, actresses, entrepreneurs, influencers—the next wave of funny and the next wave of drama—they’re real. “The next wave of directors and producers are real.” Hart sees it as his responsibility to help to “open as many doors” as possible for the next generation of movie stars. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 March,2025 08:04 AM IST | Mumbai | AgenciesHollywood actor Jack Quaid, who plays vigilante Hughie Campbell in “The Boys”, is currently working on the last season of the superhero series in Toronto and said it is going to be “bittersweet”. He told 'Extra': “I'm working on Season 5 of ‘The Boys’ right now. I'm in Toronto. It's our last season. It's going to be very bittersweet, but we're about halfway done shooting and it's going to be awesome. I'm just going to miss everybody.” The 32-year-old star feels fans will be happy with the way the series comes to an end. He added: “It's gonna be an incredible last season. I think it's a really great payoff.” The 'Novocaine' actor is the son of Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan and previously shared he feels "immensely privileged" because he knows being a “nepo baby” has given him an advantage in his career, reports femalefirst.co.uk. Discussing being called a “nepo baby”, he told The Daily Beast: "I'm inclined to agree. I am an immensely privileged person, was able to get representation pretty early on, and that's more than half the battle. I knew the door was open for me in a lot of ways that it's just not for a lot of actors. "And I've just tried to work as hard as I possibly can to prove that I deserve to walk through that door. So if that's in the rom-com space, it's got to be different enough, and I need to work..." The actor's mother earlier defended her actor-son over being tagged as a “nepo baby”, but while Jack can understand why she spoke out, he doesn't share her concern that it undermines his talent. He said: "My first thought was like, she's being a mom. She's being a loving mom. But I don't think she's trying to say that I'm not a nepo baby. I think she's just trying to say that, in her opinion, it undermines my talent. I don't think it undermines my talent. "I know that I work hard, and I know I've heard 'no' way more than I've heard 'yes.' But I also know that this industry is insanely hard to break into, and I had an easier time doing that than most. Both things can be true. So no, I don't think she was trying to say that I'm not a privileged person. She knows. She must know. I think she was being a mom." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 March,2025 03:45 PM IST | Los Angeles | IANSFilm: La Dolce VillaCast: Scott Foley, Violante Placido, Maia Reficco, Giuseppe Futia,Simone Luglio, Tommaso Basili, Nunzia Schiano, Luisa De SantisDirector: Mark WatersRating: 2/5Runtime: 99 min. The new Netflix streamer rom-com “La Dolce Villa” is set in rural Italy, and centers on fifty-something widower Eric (Scott Foley), who is back in Italy to prevent his twenty-something daughter Liv (Maia Reficco who looks like a young Salma Hayek), who is going to use her inheritance to buy a villa. There’s this new economic plan in which small towns sell abandoned heritage villas “as is” for one Euro as a way of attracting new blood to their communities - that’s how she can afford it even though her inheritance is not sizable enough. Once he arrives in the village of Montezara, he meets the town’s Mayor, Francesca (Violante Placido), and together they hatch a plan to help his daughter turn her villa into a cooking school that might be an even greater economic boost for the town. But of course there are multiple complications in the offing. One of the film’s major plot points is based in reality. Small towns in Italy are starting to die off with people moving into the city and many historical homes falling vacant and into disrepair. But as represented in the film everything comes too easy to be real. Unabashedly inspired by “Under The Tuscan Sun,” with the score and several plot points feeling familiar, this film under review is no patch on the earlier one. It skims over small-town community life without giving us a taste or feel of it. Liv’s character journey, be it renovating the villa, her relationship with a hot local chef named Giovanni (Giuseppe Futia), and her sudden internship come too easy to feel true. Eric and Francesca’s blossoming relationship also feels forced. The story has too many weak links to curry favor with an audience. The plotting does not allow for any great insight. There’s nothing exciting in the casting, characterizations and production design. There are too many clichés and exposition dumps in the script for the experience to be meaningful. Picture post card locations alone does not a movie make. Despite the appealing camerawork by director of photography, Theo van de Sande, this movie just does not go beyond the cursory and vapid.
14 March,2025 01:41 PM IST | Mumbai | Johnson ThomasFilm: NovocaineCast: Jack Quaid, Amber Midthunder, Ray Nicholson, Jacob Batalon,Betty Gabriel, Matt Walsh, Evan Hengst, Conrad KempDirector: Dan Berk, Robert OlsenRating: 2.5/5Runtime: 110 min. Directors Dan Berk and Robert Olsen’s visceral body horror movie that has screenwriter Lars Jacobson cooking a concoction of superhero action, comedy and romance, is a tale of a man who can’t feel pain. Obviously then the possibilities of taking the action to untold heights, much more than normally possible, is a given. And that’s exactly what happens here. Nathan Caine (Jack Quaid, son of actors Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid) is a mild-mannered credit union assistant manager who has a genetic disorder, congenital insensitivity to pain (CIP), that prevents him from feeling pain. So he spends his days being cautious and sticking to a strict routine. He meets Sherry (Amber Midthunder) an employee, the pair connect with each other, and are on the verge of falling in love. Sherry gives him the nickname, “Novocaine.” We also learn of his alarm to remind him to urinate, and his other fears. Just when we see the romance progressing, bank robbers Simon (Ray Nicholson, son of actor Jack Nicholson), Andre (Conrad Kemp), and Ben (Evan Hengst) take Sherry as a hostage and Nathan sets off in hot pursuit looking to track their whereabouts. Faced with a seemingly impossible task of rescuing his love, Nathan marches into danger, only to encounter extreme violence. The guys who inflict the violence have no understanding of what keeps him upright. This doesn't mean he is infallible. He could bleed to death from a gunshot or knife wound - the advantage he has though, is that he can survive the pain without flinching, Nathan is a bumbling stumbling warrior but he has grit and determination and that’s what sees him through. In a dangerous kitchen encounter Nathan is shown dipping his hand into a deep fryer to retrieve a gun, Nathan is also shown navigating his way in a home filled with booby traps with arrows/knives stabbing him over and over- and there are many more such heroic instances that leave him battered, bruised and bloodied, while remaining one step ahead of the cops (Betty Gabriel and Matt Walsh). Novocaine is a regular action movie with over-the-top fight scenes and endless car chases. It’s basically a gimmicky by-the-numbers action film that feels repetitive. Berk and Olsen though, make their horror experience count. They are able to blend gore, comedy, and action to serve up a dish that though it doesn’t come off as organic, makes brutality its calling card. The fact that Nathan doesn’t react to the pulverising he receives robs the film of dramatic intensity.There’splenty of adrenaline-pumping action to make this film different from other hostage dramas. Quaid as Nathan, a sensitive spirit, is competent enough, there’s stirring chemistry between the two leads and Simon Nicholson adds curiosity value to the production. Novocaine has thrilling action scenes and also manages to make you laugh. The film may not be the best actioner this year but its an energetic and enjoyable one.
14 March,2025 01:35 PM IST | Mumbai | Johnson ThomasMillie Bobby Brown opened up about the special memories from her wedding to Jake Bongiovi last year, according to The Hollywood Reporter. During a recent appearance on 'The Tonight Show' hosted by Jimmy Fallon, the 'Stranger Things' actress spoke about how her co-star Matthew Modine played a big role on her big day. Brown, in a conversation with Fallon, revealed that "the second" her husband Bongiovi proposed, she knew exactly who she wanted to officiate the wedding. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Tonight Show (@fallontonight) "The second Jake proposed, I said, 'I know who needs to marry us. It's my papa,'" Millie said, referring to Modine's character from Stranger Things, as Fallon showed a picture of the wedding ceremony. The actress also recalled how she had called Modine to ask him if he would officiate; however, he did not seem to take her seriously at first. "Okay, sure. Oh! You really wanted me to do that?" she said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Tonight Show (@fallontonight) "I hate to be that person, but it was perfect. You put so much pressure on whether it's going to be good, and actually, when I kind of turned up, I was, of course, directing the whole thing because that's my nature... When I went down the aisle, everything became so real and pure, and nothing about that was like a production. It felt so beautiful and the most meaningful thing I've ever done in my life," she further added. People magazine had earlier confirmed that Brown and Bongiovi got married secretly in May, with only close family present, including Jon Bon Jovi and Brown's parents. Brown and Bongiovi started dating in June 2021 and have been together ever since. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 March,2025 01:00 PM IST | Washington | ANIActress and singer Kate Hudson recalled her special connection with Matthew McConaughey, her co-star in 'How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.' "It was truly an amazing experience," she said of the 2003 rom-com in a video interview, adding, "And Matthew just brought it. And he always does," reported People. 'How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days' stars Hudson as Andie Anderson, a magazine journalist who is working on a story detailing the behaviours that can get a man to dump you within 10 days. McConaughey plays Benjamin Barry. "With Matthew and I, it is just a very similar type of joie de vivre," said Hudson of her chemistry with McConaughey in the film and in life. "We love life, we lead with energy, very competitive by nature, we're competitive with each other, very flirtatious, not afraid to be flirtatious." "I think there's just a similar energy that somehow allowed us to be able to really connect onscreen and fall in love," she added, as reported by People. 'How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days' wasn't the only film in which the duo played love interests, Hudson and McConaughey reunited to star in 2008's Fool's Gold, in which they played exes who reconnect on a madcap quest to find a sunken treasure. "It's like, you have great loves of your life, and then, like, as actresses I think you have great loves in your work," Hudson said of McConaughey. "And he's one of my great loves. And I think that just is something that happens when you meet and you feel that chemistry." "I feel really lucky that I got to experience that with someone as talented and as fun as Matthew," she said, Hudson has been engaged to Danny Fujikawa since 2021, while McConaughey has been married to Camila Alves McConaughey since 2012, reported People. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 March,2025 12:00 PM IST | Washington | ANIBrad Pitt is looking ahead after his divorce from Angelina Jolie was finalised. They both reached a divorce settlement in December 2024 after an eight-year legal battle. "Brad Pitt is happy that the divorce is behind him," a source said, adding, "Things are low-key for the family," according to People. The insider added that Pitt is "happy" in his relationship with jewelry designer Ines de Ramon, whom he has been dating since late 2022. "They're in a great place," the source added. He is focused on his career as he prepares for the June 27 release of F1. "Life's good, no complaints," continued the source. Jolie filed for divorce from Pitt on September 19, 2016, after two years of marriage, as per the outlet. Shortly after their divorce was finalised, on December 30, her divorce attorney, James Simon of Hersh Mannis, said that "Jolie was 'exhausted' but 'relieved' that it was over", reported People. "More than eight years ago, Angelina filed for divorce from Mr. Pitt. She and the children left all of the properties they had shared with Mr. Pitt, and since that time, she has focused on finding peace and healing for their family," Simon said at the time. "This is just one part of a long ongoing process that started eight years ago. Frankly, Angelina is exhausted, but she is relieved this one part is over." After their split is official, Jolie and Pitt are still in a bitter battle over the French winery Chateau Miraval, which they used to own together. Pitt has denied being abusive to Jolie or their children. The former spouses share six children: Maddox Chivan, 23; Pax Thien, 21; Zahara Marley, 20; Shiloh Nouvel, 18; and twins Knox Leon and Vivienne Marcheline, 16, reported People. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 March,2025 11:00 AM IST | Washington | ANIMoviegoers in India have something exciting to look forward to as the classic film 'The Karate Kid' is set to return to theatres ahead of the much-awaited release of 'Karate Kid: Legends', which is scheduled to hit theatres on May 30 this year. The film will be re-released in Indian cinemas after nearly 40 years. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh took to his Instagram account on Thursday to share the news, confirming that The Karate Kid (1984) will be back in theatres on March 21, followed by The Karate Kid (2010) in April. His post read, "THE KARATE KID' RETURNS TO THEATRES AHEAD OF 'KARATE KID: LEGENDS' RELEASE... #SonyPicturesEntertainmentIndia is set to re-release #TheKarateKid in #Indian *cinemas* before #KarateKidLegends [#JackieChan and #RalphMacchio] hits the screens on 30 May 2025. Mark your calendars:- #TheKarateKid [1984]: 21 March 2025#TheKarateKid [2010]: April 2025" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Taran Adarsh (@taranadarsh) The news comes just months ahead of Karate Kid: Legends' release, which will see Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio reprising their roles as Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso. The first trailer for Karate Kid: Legends was released in October last year. The upcoming film follows a new young martial artist, played by Ben Wang, as he is trained by Chan and Macchio's characters. The trailer features scenes from a martial arts academy, intense action moments in New York, and Chan's voice-over saying, "In life, you only have one question: Is it worth fighting for or not?" The original Karate Kid (1984) revolved around the story of Daniel LaRusso, played by Ralph George Macchio, a teenager who moves to Los Angeles and learns karate from Mr. Miyagi to stand up against bullies. The 2010 remake starred Jaden Smith as Dre Parker, who moves to China and is trained by Mr. Han, played by Jackie Chan. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 March,2025 10:00 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIAfter debuting her lifestyle brand As Ever and Netflix series 'With Love, Meghan', the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, who shares kids Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3, with husband Prince Harry, announced she's reentering the podcast space, with the first episode of her new show debuting on April 8. "I'm so excited to share with you something else I've been working on: Confessions of a Female Founder, my new podcast with @lemonadamedia!" Meghan wrote. "I've been having candid conversations with amazing women who have turned dreams into realities, and scaled small ideas into massively successful businesses. They're opening up, sharing their tips, tricks (and tumbles), and letting me pick their brains as I build out my own business, As ever," she added, reported E! News. She also teased about what to expect from her new show, adding, "It has been absolutely eye-opening, inspiring...and fun! (Because what's the point if we can't have some fun on this wild adventure?)." Meghan initially signed the deal with Lemonada in 2024, saying in a statement that she was "proud" to continue her "love of podcasting" with the company, according to the outlet. Her statement continued, "Being able to support a female-founded company with a roster of thought-provoking and highly entertaining podcasts is a fantastic way to kick off 2024." The Northwestern University alum's new venture with Lemonada comes two years after her and Prince Harry's 20 million-dollar Spotify deal, initially announced in 2020, abruptly ended in 2023. Between her new brand, Netflix show, and now podcast, Meghan has worn many hats in 2025, reported E! News. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 March,2025 09:00 AM IST | Washington | ANIThe latest episode of The Kardashians featured Kim Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian discussing their visit to India for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's wedding, which took place last year. Kim and Khloe about the grand Ambani wedding In a video shared on The Kardashians Hulu's YouTube channel, Kim shared her experience, saying, "I want to point out how much that family does for their people leading up to the wedding. They would do a different good deed every day. One day, they paid for 5,000 people's groceries for a year. Another day, they paid for 2,500 people's weddings. Their wedding is really opulent, but they are also giving back in a really great way." During a segment in the episode, Kim says, “I actually don’t know the Ambanis. We definitely have friends in common.” She then went on to share the reason behind them attending the wedding. Kim explained that jeweller Lorraine Schwartz designs jewellery for the Ambanis and they told her that they were interested in inviting the Kardashians to the wedding. “Lorraine Schwartz is one of our good friends. She is a jeweller. She does jewellery for the Ambani family. She told me she was going to their wedding and they would love to invite you and we just went on a whim and said ‘sure,'” she said. Kim and Khloe awestruck by wedding invite The sisters expressed amusement at the lavish wedding invite they had received from the Ambanis. They revealed that it weighed around 40-50 pounds (18-22 kgs). Khloe shared in the episode, “Even the invitation that we received was 40-50 pounds and it had music coming out of it.” She added, “It was crazy so I think when we saw the invitation, we were like, you don’t say no to something like this.” About Radhika-Anant's grand wedding Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani tied the knot on July 12 last year in Mumbai, according to Hindu rituals. The grand wedding ceremony, which was attended by the Kardashian sisters, was followed by a 'Shubh Aashirvaad' ceremony on July 13, which saw the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and distinguished religious leaders. The subsequent grand reception on July 14 was also attended by prominent figures from the entertainment industry. Other global personalities, such as John Cena, Boris Johnson, and Tony Blair, were also part of Anant and Radhika's wedding functions.
14 March,2025 07:57 AM IST | Washington | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
