The Box Office Report
‘Moana 2’ knows the way to a massive Thanksgiving weekend
The animated sequel earned a record-breaking $221M over the five-day span, while ‘Wicked’ and ‘Gladiator II’ add to their holiday hauls.
Bill Kuchman
Pop culture fan. Was once paid to write about How I Met Your Mother. Now I write Popculturology. A Rochester, N.Y., native now living in the Washington, D.C., area. Won’t pass up a Genny Cream Ale.
Friday Newsletter
Is ‘Dune: Prophecy’ doin’ enough?
It’s hard to live in the shadow of a masterpiece like ‘Dune: Part Two.’ PLUS: The ‘live’-action Stitch stomps through a teaser, ‘Skeleton Crew’ premieres early, and Seth Meyers and family celebrate Thanksgiving.
Snackology
Kraft Mac & Cheese Everything Bagel Flavor is a menace
We should’ve never let Kraft have this much power.
Special Edition
‘Moana 2’ gets a weak ‘chee hoo’ from me
I wanted to love the ‘Moana’ sequel, but it’s missing the heart of its predecessor — and the seams from its past life as a TV series are way too obvious.
Snackology
Aw nuts, the Toasty Holiday Peanut M&Ms aren’t great
Christmas is usually a magical time for new M&M flavors, but this year’s variety isn’t worth your snacking.
The Box Office Report
A ‘Wicked’ good weekend at the box office
The adaptation of the hit Broadway musical opened with $114M while Ridley Scott’s ‘Gladiator II’ debuted with $55.5M.
The Monthly
The Monthly November 2024
Three things to know. Two trailers to watch. One article to read. Here’s what you need to know for this month.
Friday Newsletter
Defying courtesy: ‘Wicked’ fans turn screenings into their own personal concerts
The social contract has been shredded. PLUS: No ‘Star Wars’ in December 2026, Conan O’Brien to host the Oscars, and trailers for ‘Elio’ and the live-action ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ remake.
Snackology
Do Reese’s Sugar Cookie Peanut Butter Cups make my nice list?
Reese’s has delivered scientific breakthrough after scientific breakthrough when it comes to putting other foods inside Reese’s cups.
The Box Office Report
Ho ho oh no: ‘Red One’ fails to take flight for Dwayne Johnson
When a holiday movie reportedly costs $200M, you ask Santa for an opening weekend better than $34.1M.
Deep SNL Thoughts
‘SNL’ should be thankful for Charli XCX hosting
The triple-threat (she sings, drinks and smokes!) was a fantastic host, but the show’s Thanksgiving episode was still haunted by Dana Carvey and Alec Baldwin.
Friday Newsletter
Who wanted a photorealistic ‘Lion King’ remake in the first place?
A new trailer for ‘Mufasa’ makes me wonder who Disney’s live-action remakes are for. PLUS: Trailers for ‘Thunderbolts*,’ ‘Captain America’ and ‘Mission: Impossible, and maybe that new ‘Star Wars’ trilogy is about Rey?