Sweet weekend for ‘Candyman’
“Candyman” was summoned to the top of domestic box office charts, collecting an impressive $22.37 million from 3,569 theaters in its first three days of release.
The R-rated slasher film, written by Jordan Peele and directed by “Captain Marvel 2” filmmaker
Nia Dacosta, surpassed industry expectations despite fears the delta variant would keep people from going to the movies. Although multiplexes have struggled to sustain momentum as COVID-19 cases continue to surge, Hollywood has witnessed that new films available only in theaters (such as “Candyman” and last weekend’s champ “Free Guy”) have steadier ticket sales compared to tentpoles being offered simultaneously on streaming services.
“Candyman” cost
$25 million to produce and appears on track to become one of the rare pandemic-era releases to become profitable during its theatrical run. The sequel to the 1992 film, this version starring Yahya Abdul-mateen II, has been well received by critics and moviegoers.
Reggae legend dies: Lee “Scratch” Perry, the eccentric, revolutionary Jamaican producer, songwriter and performer whose influence extended far beyond his historic role in the development of reggae music, died Sunday at a hospital in Lucea, Jamaica, at age 85. No cause of death was immediately given.
The news was confirmed in a tweet from Jamaica’s prime minister, Andrew Holness.
“My deep condolences to the family, friends, and fans of legendary record producer and singer, Rainford Hugh Perry OD, affectionately known as ‘Lee Scratch’ Perry,” Holness wrote. “Perry was a pioneer in the 1970s’ development of dub music with his early adoption of studio effects to create new instrumentals of existing reggae tracks. He has worked with and produced for various artistes, including Bob Marley and the Wailers, the Congos, Adrian Sherwood, the Beastie Boys, and many others. Undoubtedly, Lee Scratch Perry will always be remembered for his sterling contribution to the music fraternity. May his soul Rest In Peace.”
Missing actor found dead:
Matthew Mindler, a child actor known for his role in the 2011 film “Our Idiot Brother,” was found dead Saturday after being reported missing from his university. He was 19.
His college, Millersville University in Pennsylvania, announced the news in an email to its student body on Saturday.
“It is with a grieving heart that I let you know of the death of 19-year-old Matthew Mindler from Hellertown, Pennsylvania, a first-year student at Millersville University. Our thoughts of comfort and peace are with his friends and family during this difficult time,” the email reads.
Mindler was reported missing by the university on Aug. 26. Law enforcement agencies and university police had been searching for him ever since. He was found deceased in Manor Township on Saturday and was then transported to the Lancaster County Forensic Center for “further investigation.” A cause of death has not been disclosed.
Mindler is best known for his role in the 2011 film “Our Idiot Brother,” which starred Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks and
Zooey Deschanel. Mindler played River, the son of
Liz (Emily Mortimer) and Dylan (Steve Coogan), who is heavily controlled by his parents and therefore unable to express himself.
Aug. 30 birthdays: Actor Elizabeth Ashley is 82. Actor-turned-politician Ben Jones is 80. Comedian Lewis Black is 73. Jazz saxophonist Gerald Albright is 64. Actor Michael Chiklis is 58. Actor Cameron Diaz is 49. TV personality Lisa Ling is
48. Guitarist Ryan Ross is
35. Actor Johanna Braddy is 34.