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Elordi is a movie star now. After “Frankenstein,” he appeared in Emerald Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” with Margot Robbie. He’s off and running.
Meantime, Sydney Sweeney’s Cassie has had an X rated season on “Euphoria.” Who knows if she’ll live past the May 31st finale?
And Zendaya? She’s not coming back, either. She was just in “The Drama,” and has “Spider Man,” and “Dune,” and who knows what next. Her Rue, as they say, is at a dead end.
So Elordi’s exit is not a surprise.
Maybe the bigger question is, Will he play the next James Bond?
Some time ago I wrote that it looked like he had the famed role locked up. That was the chatter during the winter, when the “Frankenstein” Oscar nomination made him the talk of the town.
But now I’m told definitively that Elordi will NOT appear as the next 007. The biggest stumbling block? “He’s too tall,” says an insider. At six-foot-five, his James Bond would stand out in a crowd. That’s the reason I was given.
Well, Sean Connery was six-foot-two. But, of course, three inches could make a difference. And Daniel Craig is five-ten. Bond did shrink over the years. Both Callum Turner — a name we hear bandied about all the time — and Henry Cavill — who would be a natural — are six-one.
In any case, my source says, emphatically, “Jacob Elordi is not playing James Bond.”
BTW, Elordi said in a post-episode podcast last night that the coffin Nate died in was “cozy” and that the snake was very friendly.
Next up for the tall man: Ridley Scott’s “The Dog Stars.” Followed by years and years of hits, I’m sure.
Back in 2007, Paul McCartney released an underappreciated album called “Memory Almost Full.” A smartly nostalgic song called “My Ever Present Past” was the highlight. The singer was starting to explore his extraordinary life with disarming honesty.
As it turns out, that song may have presaged “The Boys of Dungeon Lane,” McCartney’s most satisfying album since — I’m not kidding — “Flaming Pie” in 1997. “Dungeon Lane” is a triumph on every track, no duds, a total vision that recalls Paul’s best work. We actually don’t deserve it.
Really? McCartney’s almost 84. His voice may not be as supple as it once was, but 70 years of singing rock and roll will take its toll on anyone. He’s also spent much of his career competing with himself, which is no easy task. Still, “Dungeon Lane” is a remarkably well produced, beautifully written group of 14 songs full of vigor and keen observations about his, well, ever present past.
You never know with McCartney. With the whole Beatles and Wings catalog behind him, he has nothing left to prove. Approaching “Dungeon Lane,” you wonder what dormant micron was left in his brain that could produce this particular concoction. But then again, we have no template for an almost 70 year career.
You do know something is up with the opening track. “As You Lie There” — the first of five songs written with producer Andrew Watt — starts with McCartney narrating his own memoir, and positions the whole project as a sort of documentary. It sets the stage for what’s to come. Deceptively, it seems like a reverie, but then Paul turns up the volume and makes this moment almost a sinister vibration. It feels like a kid torn between sweet love and obsessing over a woman he imagines across the street.
If you’re looking for singles, McCartney doles them out beginning with track 2, “Lost Horizon,” the first of several tracks that are meant for singing along with the radio up loud. I can only hope Paul agrees because this is the hit this album needs to cross over into the public. (It begs for a slightly longer version.)
The next group are instantly accessible songs pop rock delights like the deliriously happy love story “Ripples On A Pond,” a walk down memory lane to hitchhiking with George Harrison in “Down South,” and the trippy “Mountaintop.” These three follow “Days We Left Behind,” itself a deceptively simple memory track that only reveals itself after repeated plays.
At that point, a path has been established by McCartney and Watt. We turn toward some more serious undertakings like “Never Know,” my current favorite track, an rock-n-blues track about the uncertainty of being in love, with the line “My mind is black and blue.” Wait. Stop. You start thinking about the lyrics throughout this album. They’re also McCartney’s best in about 30 years. “Never Know” also culminates in a traditional McCartney coda, an instrumental re-setting of the musical theme stated up front.
In a Q&A online, McCartney plays dumb about “Home to Us,” a number so crafted for him and Ringo Starr it’s ridiculously sublime. Ringo should be performing this all summer with his All Starr Band. It’s a new custom made repainted “Yellow Submarine.” It should also a hit somewhere in the multiverse. Listen to it once, you will never stop humming.
Paul saves the best for last Four songs in a row to the end of the album start with the breey, lighthearted “Life Can Be Hard,” that swells with a stripped down orchestral arrangement. The bridgein that song is a lovely piece of architecture. “First Star of the Night” is a sweet melody no one else could have written. “Salesman Saint” follows, one of the few actual autobiographical songs, about his parents. And then McCartney finishes off with “Momma Gets By,” a stunning, lush and melancholy ballad that tells a story — he’s ever the wistful paperback writer — like “ady Madonna,” “She’s Leaving Home” or “Another Day.”
Do we call “The Boys of Dungeon Lane” a masterpiece? We’re pretty lucky to get this album from Paul McCartney after everything else he’s given us in this lifetime. In interviews, he always brushes off compliments. But of course after almost seven decades, what’s he going to say? A few years ago, when Stephen Colbert asked how he wrote all these songs, he finally suggested, “Or maybe I’m just a genius.”
I think that’s the answer.
One last thing: get the CD or the LP — there are plenty of versions offered. This album is so well made by Watt — who also produced the new Rolling Stones album — it must be heard through real stereo speakers if not really good headphones. Just playing it on a phone demeans the work.
“The Boys of Dungeon Lane” appears on Thursday just after midnight in all forms and on all platforms.
For some reason, there’s an internet theory about Taylor Swift more pressing than her wedding.
By the way, the wedding is definitely July 3rd. Where it is, I don’t know. Yet.
Anyway, a rumor has built up that Swift is somehow on the “Toy Story 5” soundtrack.
She either sang her own song, or covered something else, maybe by Randy Newman.
Or, at the least, another singer covered one of her 2,000 songs.
Maybe she’s playing Woody’s singing sister? Let’s start that rumor!
The reason for this gossip has to do with a countdown clock that appeared on Swift’s website. For some reason, Swiftians connected the image to the movie.
For better or worse, here’s the low down. Fans of “Toy Story” will either be happy or sad about it.
Taylor is NOT on the soundtrack and has nothing to do with it.
That’s from the best source on the subject.
After all, she’s allegedly prepping for that wedding.
Will we get new Taylor Swift music in 2026? Pretty likely, since she’s a music machine. I can’t imagine that she hasn’t written three albums in the last six months.
But the “Toy Story 5” soundtrack will go on without her.
Bad weather, I think, helped “The Mandalorian and Grogu.”
Total for the weekend came to $81 million, a little more than anticipated on Friday morning. With cold and rainy weather, movies were the place to go this weekend.
“M and G” could hit $100 million on Monday. That’s some consolation for middling reviews and social media slagging.
Me? I really enjoyed it, and I know next to nothing about these characters.
Meantime, “Michael” now stands tall at $314 million in the US, and more than double that worldwide.
Lionsgate says the second movie is happening. The first one ended in 1988. Maybe the second one will just run from then until 1993. Because that’s when Michael meets the Chandlers and everything unravels. Still, if a second movie were even 50% accurate, the main character would be doing more shopping for tchochkes in Las Vegas than singing or dancing.
After that, the title would be “Law and Order: Michael Jackson.” Maybe in the sequel one of the Jackson brothers will speak. And Janet will make an appearance.
Meanwhile, there’s good news, bad news: Blumhouse release “Obsession” actually increased from last week by 30%. Movies do not grow from week to week, but this one did. “Obsession” cost $1 million, and has brought in $52 mil in the US.
Bad news: “I Love Boosters” seems to be mostly DOA. Opening weekend is $3.7 million. Boots Riley and his Pharrell Williams inspired hat is a cult director, at best. His appeal is limited as well because of his pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel stance. He’s perceived as antisemitic. That will cut out a lot of the movie going audience.
Neon Pictures has picked up its record breaking 7th Palme d’Or in a row for “Fjord” directed by Cristian Mungiu.
There were no American winners, although actor Sebastian Stan — better known as Bucky from the Marvel films — is the star along with Renate Reinsve. They are each past Oscar nominees.
For Stan, it must be particularly rewarding since he was born in Romania to Romanian parents before emigrating to the United States.
All these films will be up for Best Foreign Film at the different awards shows next winter.
Best Sport prize goes to Thierry Fremaux, chief of Cannes, who couldn’t get American films, settled for D list celebrities to get attention, and even had Barbra Streisand bail on him. He deserves a purple star, and a re-do for next year!
Palme d’or
FJORD
Cristian MUNGIU
Grand Prix
MINOTAUR
Andreï ZVIAGUINTSEV
Joint Best Directors
LA BOLA NEGRA
Javier CALVO & Javier AMBROSSI
FATHERLAND
Pawel PAWLIKOWSKI
Best Screenplay
A MAN OF HIS TIME
Emmanuel MARRE
Jury Prize
DAS GETRÄUMTE ABENTEUER (THE DREAMED ADVENTURE)
Valeska GRISEBACH
Best Performance by Actresses
Virginie EFIRA, Tao OKAMOTO
in ALL OF A SUDDEN directed by HAMAGUCHI Ryusuke
Best Performance by Actors
Emmanuel MACCHIA, Valentin CAMPAGNE
in COWARD directed by Lukas DHONT
Short Films
Palme d’or
PARA LOS CONTRINCANTES (FOR THE OPPONENTS)
Federico LUIS
Un Certain Regard
Un Certain Regard Prize
EVERYTIME
Sandra WOLLNER
Jury Prize
ELEPHANTS IN THE FOG
Abinash BIKRAM SHAH
1st film
Special Jury Prize
IRON BOY
Louis CLICHY
Best Performance by Actresses
Marina DE TAVIRA, Daniela MARÍN NAVARRO, Mariangel VILLEGAS
for SIEMPRE SOY TU ANIMAL MATERNO directed by Valentina MAUREL
Best Performance by an Actor
Bradley FIOMONA DEMBEASSET
for CONGO BOY directed by Rafiki FARIALA
Caméra d’or
BEN’IMANA
Marie-Clémentine DUSABEJAMBO
Un Certain Regard
La Cinefondation
First Prize
LASER-GATO (Laser-Cat)
directed by Lucas Acher
NYU, USA
Second Prize
SILENT VOICES
directed by Nadine Misong Jin
Columbia University, USA
Joint Third Prize
ALDRIG NOK (Never Enough)
directed by Julius Lagoutte Larsen
La Fémis, France
GROWING STONES, FLYING PAPERS
directed by Roozbeh Gezerseh & Soraya Shamsi
Filmuniversität Babelsberg Konrad Wolf, Germany
The Higher Technical Commission for Sound and Images
The 2026 Jury of the CST Artist-Technician Award grants the prize to Nicolas Rumpl, Chief Editor of A man of his time, directed by Emmanuel Marre. The subtle editorial choices bring out the visual aesthetic, the ambition of the direction, and the performances of the actors in Emmanuel Marre’s A man of his time.
The 2026 Jury of the CST Young Female Technician Award is proud to present this year’s prize to Esther Mysius, production designer of the film The Birthday Party, directed by Léa Mysius. Her intimate work in shaping the sets allows them to become a true narrative force.
The Canadian rapper issued three new albums simultaneously last week, and now he’s cleaned up.
Drake’s trio sold a total of 650,000 copies, mostly from streaming.
“Iceman,” the biggest one, came in at 460,000 equivalent sales. That was followed by “Habibti,” with 114K and “Maid of Honour” with 109K.
That’s a stunning return after living through the chaos and humiliation of his feud with Kendrick Lamar.
The latter’s fans declared Drake “over,” as Lamar had his monster hit with “Not Like Us,” and won Grammy Awards as well. Five of the top ten singles on Spotify are from the album, as well.
Add to that another 50,000 in sales for older albums on the chart.
Is this Drake’s way of fulfilling his contract with Universal Music? Or just a three pronged attack? Universal won’t say, but the real life Aubrey Graham is probably better staying put now and letting bygones be bygones. After all, Universal made this happen. And what’s Kendrick going to do now? Release four albums at once?
Elsewhere on the chart, Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream” album from a decade ago is having a Renaissance. I’m not sure why. But coincidentally Paris Jackson — Michael’s daughter– has released a new song produced by Linda Perry called “Teenage Drama.” And it’s very good.
Meryl Streep recently said in an interview: I think when we tend to Marvel-ize the movies now — we got the villains and we got the good guys — and it’s so boring.”
The first lady of film added: “And what’s really interesting about life is that some of the heroes are flawed and some of the villains are human and interesting and have their own strengths. So that’s what I like about this [film]. It’s messier.”
A three time Oscar winner, Streep may have been prescient. Her own Disney-released movie, “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” made for adults, is a surprise box office behemoth with $556 million already banked worldwide.
No one flies around in a spaceship or wears a cape in “Prada 2.”
Meantime, another Disney movie, made for kids and with plenty of special effects, is having a tough time.
“Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu,” is off to a slow start this holiday weekend.
Jon Favreau’s movie version of a TV series should be much bigger than “Prada 2.”
But in previews and Friday showings, the total is only $33 million. It probably won’t get to the $100 mil mark by the end of Monday, Memorial Day. Crazy.
Friday was really a day of disappointment for “M and G.” Of course, bad weather over the weekend will keep people away from beaches, so maybe they’ll check the film out. But it should have done far better last night.
Ironically, one feature of “M and G” is the voice of Martin Scorsese, the famed director. He’s taken a dim view of comic book movies in the past. Yet, he’s one of the best reasons to see the latest “Star Wars” Film!
It’s also cold out on Memorial Day after three days of 90 degree weather. We’re really living in the Upside Down!
amFAR Cannes on Thursday at the Hotel duCap Eden Roc in Antibes was a D list affair, D for desultory.
The performers were Lizzo, Robbie Williams, and Zara Larsson. Robin Thicke was present but it’s unclear if he performed his purloined Marvin Gaye song, “Blurred Lines.” People would rather hear the original, Gaye’s “Got to Give It Up.”
Long gone are the days of Elton John and other superstars who performed at this event when it was meaningful.
If you have to hire Robin Thicke, you know you’re in trouble.
This left people wondering, Where was Sombr? The 20 year old New York popstar has been the talk of the music industry for over a h once year. He was nominated for Grammys, sells out shows, and has big hits like “Back to Friends,” and “12 to 12.”
Sombr would have been an easy booking, you’d think. Both of his parents work for amFAR. Mom Bennah Serfaty is the publicity director for eons. Dad Andy Boose, who also manages his son, has been putting on the amFAR event for as many eons. Couldn’t he have gotten Sombr at a discount?
Alas, amFAR Cannes — which was once a hot ticket — looked like a dreary echo of itself. Sharon Stone, of course, is long gone. Rami Malek might have been the biggest star. There was almost no one of note who’d been at the festival. Stars who were in town — like Penelope Cruz– were absent. Aside from Heidi Klum and Eva Longoria, it’s hard to say who was actually in attendance. The pictures are of people you’ve never heard of!
Despite this lack of star power, amFAR execs are still raking it in. Here’ s a snapshot from their 2024 tax filing: