Reuters Entertainment News Summary

08/18/2016 16:57

Following is a summary of current entertainment news briefs.

Hollywood classic 'Ben-Hur' gets modern remake

"Ben-Hur," the 1959 movie epic that won 11 Oscars, has received a Hollywood revamp -- but its makers say the famed chariot race still relies on humans and horses, not special effects. "Boardwalk Empire" actor Jack Huston takes on the role for which the late Charlton Heston was named Best Actor, playing the young Jewish noble Judah Ben-Hur, who is sent into slavery by Roman occupiers but returns to take his revenge.

Presumed Oscar front-runner 'Birth of a Nation' runs into problems

Eight months ago, director Nate Parker's movie "The Birth of a Nation" was already being acclaimed as a 2017 Oscar front-runner with its powerful story of a 19th century slave rebellion. This week, less than a month before the movie's award season campaign gets underway, Parker, who was acquitted on a rape charge 17 years ago, is having to address the issue again after reports that his accuser committed suicide in 2012.

'Baar Baar Dekho' spins Bollywood twist on time and love

It is not easy fusing a cocktail of genres including music, comedy and time travel into a movie, but the leading stars of new Bollywood film "Baar Baar Dekho" hope to convey a multi-faceted love story. "Baar Baar Dekho," which translates as "Look Again and Again," centers on Jai (Sidharth Malhotra) and Diya (Katrina Kaif), two childhood sweethearts now grown up and getting ready for their wedding. Jai gets cold feet as he wonders how to balance his personal and professional life.

Kanye West takes 'Pablo' pop-up fashion stores global

Rapper and fashion designer Kanye West is going global, opening pop-up stores in 21 venues this weekend to sell his "Life of Pablo" merchandise. West, 39, announced the move on Twitter on Wednesday with a map of the stores that will be located in cities in the United States, Australia, England, Germany, South Africa and Singapore.

Hollywood legend Robert Redford is still going strong at 80

Robert Redford's career continues to flourish as he celebrates his 80th birthday, as the actor, producer and director, best known for films such as "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "Out of Africa," is showing no signs of slowing down or retiring. Redford can currently be seen on the big screen in the critically-acclaimed "Pete's Dragon," a remake of the 1977 Disney movie of the same name.

'A Star is Born' again with Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga

Pop singer Lady Gaga and Oscar-nominated actor Bradley Cooper are joining forces to remake classic Hollywood musical drama "A Star is Born," Warner Bros said on Tuesday. Cooper, 41, who has been nominated for four Oscars including acting and producing 2014's "American Sniper," will make his directorial debut on the movie, while Lady Gaga, 30, will make her feature film lead acting debut.

Austria releases U.S. rapper Freddie Gibbs on bail

U.S. rapper Freddie Gibbs was released on bail in Austria on Thursday after being charged with sexual assault, a Vienna court spokeswoman said. Gibbs, 34, whose real name is Fredrick Tipton, was extradited from France over the accusation that he spiked a woman's drink and sexually abused her while he was on tour in Vienna last year. He denies any wrongdoing.

Johnny Depp, Amber Heard divorce, ending 'volatile' relationship

Actors Johnny Depp and Amber Heard privately settled their divorce case, the actors said in a joint statement on Tuesday, a day ahead of a court hearing on the status of a restraining order that Heard had filed against Depp. The settlement ending the 15-month marriage comes after weeks of highly publicized claims of domestic violence by Heard, 30, and counterclaims of financial blackmailing by Depp, 53.

'Love Story' director Arthur Hiller dies at 92

Versatile and prolific Canadian film director Arthur Hiller, whose sentimental "Love Story" starring Ali MacGraw and Ryan O'Neal was the biggest hit of 1970 and stands as one of the most popular romantic movies ever made, died on Wednesday at the age of 92, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences said. Hiller, whose work also included successful collaborations with playwrights Neil Simon and Paddy Chayefsky, died of natural causes in Los Angeles, the Academy said in a statement.

Obamas' first date inspires romantic movie 'Southside with You'

We've heard their playlists, watched them dance together, and now Americans can see Barack and Michelle Obama on their first date in a film that follows the future president wooing his future wife over the course of a day. "Southside With You" dramatizes the Obamas' first date in the summer of 1989 and sees Michelle Robinson, a 25-year-old lawyer from Chicago, going out with Barack Obama, a summer associate at her law firm.

08/18/2016 16:57