Entertainment
The Super-Busy Person’s Guide to the Top 10 Summer Movies of 2019
ORLANDO (FNN NEWS) – Is the July Florida heat getting to your head? Need something to do? Tired of the average movies everyone talks about and want something different? Well, look no further, here is a list of the top ten summer movies to see in theaters that aren’t all mainstream blockbusters.
(By the way, these aren’t in any particular order of how good they are.)
Dark Phoenix
Courtesy of Sony Pictures.
Love Marvel or Game of Thrones? Well, this movie is the best of both worlds as Sophie Turner, who plays Sansa Stark in the HBO hit, stars in the film’s title role alongside some of our favorites such as Jennifer Lawrence (Mystique), Evan Peters (Quicksilver), Nicholas Hoult (Beast), Michael Fassbender (Magneto) and many more.
Late Night
Courtesy of Amazon Studios.
Are you of fan of those late night comedy shows? Are you a fan of Emma Thompson, a.k.a. Nanny McPhee? Take those two things, add Mindy Kaling and you get Late Night, a film about a female comedy show host who teams up with a new writer, who is also female, to help her update the show. By the way, it’s guaranteed to be hilarious because Mindy wrote the script herself.
The Secret Life Of Pets 2
Courtesy of Illumination.
If you haven’t seen the first one yet, I recommend you do (if for no other reason than enjoying a fun watch). Watching the first film technically isn’t necessary since this one includes a recap, and a storyline that doesn’t exactly coincide with the first one. The gang returns for an epic and quite adorable adventure, and it’s great for everyone to see–not just the kids. It’s a great giggle session.
MIB: International
Courtesy Columbia Pictures.
No, no Will Smith this time. But…Chris Hemsworth, and tough female partner Tessa Thompson taking over? Hunting down aliens in suits and ties? I’ll take two tickets please!
Toy Story 4
A scene from “Toy Story 4.” Courtesy of Disney.
This fourth installment came as a surprise since most thought Toy Story 3 was the tear-jerking finale. That automatically means we’re all obligated to continue this Toy Story journey. So grab some tissues, some popcorn, the snake in your boot and head to your local theater.
Child’s Play
A scene with Karen (Aubrey Plaza) in Child’s Play (2019). Courtesy of MGM Pictures.
Looking for something a little less superhero, comedy, or animation? Your favorite creepy doll is back! No, not Annabelle, although she’s back too. It’s Chucky! We’ve been given a remake of the original 1988 movie featuring an all new cast, including Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker, Star Wars) as the voice of Chucky, and Aubrey Plaza who, despite being in a movie about a murderous rubber doll, seems to be playing her most normal role as Karen Barclay.
Yesterday
Himesh Patel stars as Jack Malik in “Yesterday.” Courtesy of Universal.
If you’re a fan of the Beatles, this is the film for you. Can you imagine waking up one day, and you are the only person in the world who remembers the Beatles? Mind blown, I know. Now imagine stealing their music and pretending they are of your own creative genius. That is exactly this movie, and I hear it’s pretty great.
Spiderman: Far From Home
Courtesy of Marvel Studios.
It’s Tom Holland and Zendaya. Need I say anything more?
Lion King (in theaters July 19)
Lion King 2019. Courtesy of Disney.
Out of all the Disney live action adaptations, this one has to be by far the most exciting. With quite the star studded cast that includes Beyoncé, Donald Glover, Seth Rogan, and so many more names we know and love. This live action, is probably one of the best gifts we could ever receive this 2019.
Artemis Fowl (in theaters August 9)
Artemis Fowl. Courtesy of Disney.
Continuing onto the world of adaptations the children’s book will be brought to the big screen this summer. However, there is a lot of controversy as the trailer seems to not create an accurate reflection of the beloved books. But for now we play the waiting game.
Well there you have it, summer plans for you and all your friends, or just you–whichever floats your boat. Out of these ten movies, which are you most excited to see? Or which have you seen? Leave a comment below.
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Raquel Paredes is a Florida National News contributor. | social@floridanationalnews.com
Entertainment
OIFW Fall 2025 Brings Fashion, Art, and Entertainment to Downtown Orlando with Exclusive Rooftop and Runway Events
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW) has officially announced its Fall 2025 event lineup, promising an extraordinary week of fashion, art, and entertainment across Downtown Orlando. Known for merging creativity, culture, and community, OIFW will showcase local and international designers, celebrity hosts, and captivating live performances at some of Orlando’s most iconic venues.
Sunday, November 9, 2025 – Opening Night at CityArts
Location: CityArts, Downtown Orlando
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Sponsor: Downtown Arts District
Event Host:
Chad Pitt – Radio Personality, “Chad and Leslye in the Morning Show,” Magic 107.7
Fashion Designers:
Tenique Designs
Ellie Paisley Art
Avor + Pazniak
Entertainment:
K.She’ – Singer/Songwriter
London Simone – Contortionist
OIFW kicks off opening night at CityArts, bringing together the best of Orlando’s visual and fashion arts scene in a creative fusion of color, texture, and performance.
Saturday, November 15, 2025 – Rooftop Fashion Experience
Location: Altira Rooftop Pool + Lounge, Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, Autograph Collection
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Event Host:
Christina Carmona – Award-Winning Actress and Filmmaker
Fashion Designers:
Betta Novais Designs
Sim Allure
Event Highlights:
Guests will enjoy a luxurious rooftop day party and fashion showcase, complete with live music, curated runway presentations, and the city’s trendsetters mingling under Orlando’s skyline. Drinks and food will be available for purchase.
Sunday, November 16, 2025 – Family and Finale Fashion Events
Location: Eola View, Downtown Orlando
Times: 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
3:00 PM Event Host:
Mimi Mala – Radio Personality, Model, and Host
Fashion Designers:
My Little Matilda
Dillard’s Children
Davenport Fashion Lab
Dillard’s Youth
Celebrity Style Showcase Models:
Pao Pati | Mayra Uribe | Azela Santana | Julia Goolia | Kairy Lopez
Entertainment:
Alyssa Herrera – Singer/Songwriter
Moova Dance – Dance Studio Performance
6:00 PM Event Host:
Sierra Rainge – Media Powerhouse and Brand Strategist
Fashion Designers:
Roszuar | Culture Trees | Artelio | Constella Designs | Dillard’s | Jezra | BAmoryProductions | Sim Allure
Celebrity Style Showcase Models:
Bethany Worley | Mimi Mala | Azela Santana | Daniela Droz | Anntwan Fredrick
Entertainment:
Zaycuatro – Singer/Songwriter
Scott Barnhill – Singer/Songwriter
These closing events at Eola View highlight both family-oriented fashion and Orlando’s rising stars in music, art, and design, offering a grand finale to an unforgettable fashion week.
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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Entertainment
Mayors Buddy Dyer and Jerry Demings Join Tribute to James H. Pugh’s Legacy at Dr. Phillips Center
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts unveiled a stunning new bronze relief sculpture honoring Chairman Emeritus James H. Pugh, Jr., the visionary leader whose commitment and leadership helped turn the dream of a world-class performing arts center into reality. The piece, created by world-renowned sculptor Paul Day, was revealed during a heartfelt ceremony attended by community leaders, including Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, both of whom shared remarks celebrating Pugh’s remarkable contributions.
A Visionary Who Shaped Orlando’s Cultural Landscape
From 2003 to 2022, James H. Pugh, Jr. served nearly two decades as chairman of the Dr. Phillips Center, guiding the project from concept to completion. His leadership, expertise, and steadfast vision were instrumental in creating one of Orlando’s most iconic cultural institutions.
Alongside his wife, Alexis Pugh, he became the first donor to the project, helping establish the 294-seat Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, a beloved venue that has hosted thousands of regional artists and performances. Under his direction, the Center also opened the 2,700-seat Walt Disney Theater and the acoustically acclaimed Steinmetz Hall, which Architectural Digest named one of the 11 most beautiful theaters in the world.
A Masterpiece by Renowned Artist Paul Day
Commissioned by longtime friend and arts center donor Neal Dempsey, the bronze relief sculpture was crafted by internationally recognized artist Paul Day, whose works include The Meeting Place at St. Pancras Station in London and A Beautiful Day for a Neighbor at Rollins College.
This new artwork captures the essence of Pugh’s leadership, perseverance, and dedication to the arts, symbolizing the collective effort that brought the Dr. Phillips Center to life. “Jim has been instrumental in bringing this dream and our promise of Arts for Every Life to the region,” said Kathy Ramsberger, President & CEO of the Dr. Phillips Center. “His vision and generosity shaped every step of our journey. This sculpture ensures he will always remain part of our story.”
A Lasting Legacy for Future Generations
During the unveiling, Ed Timberlake, Chairman of the Dr. Phillips Center Board of Directors, emphasized the importance of Pugh’s contributions: “Today, we celebrated three powerful forces—transformative vision, unwavering perseverance, and the magic that happens when a community rallies behind a dream. Jim proved that with enough determination and heart, you can turn an ambitious dream into a living, breathing cultural cornerstone.”
Ticketed guests can now view the sculpture on the first tier of the Della Phillips Lobby. The installation was made possible through generous support from Jan & Neal Dempsey, with additional contributions from Valeria & Jim Shapiro and Bill Forness.
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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – The numbers are in, and they speak louder than Jimmy Kimmel’s monologue.
More than 6.2 million people tuned in to Jimmy Kimmel Live! on the night of his return: the highest single-night viewership the show has pulled in over a decade. That’s not just impressive; it’s exceptional for a late-night program in today’s fragmented media environment.
But to read this as a mere “ratings win” for Kimmel would miss the real story. What the numbers actually reflect is a surge of public momentum driven not by promotion, not even by controversy alone, but by audience power. This wasn’t about the man with the microphone. It was about the people on the other end of it.
It’s clear now that this wasn’t just an act of viewership, it was a collective show of force. The audience didn’t just watch Kimmel’s return; they validated it. They turned a late-night broadcast into a national media moment, forcing the issue back onto the cultural agenda through sheer participation.
What makes this more than a one-night bump is the way the episode resonated beyond TV. The monologue was clipped, reposted, debated, and dissected – generating tens of millions of views online within hours. The broadcast became a viral node not because of shock value, but because people felt invested in what it represented.
For ABC, this moment underscores both the reward and the risk of public responsiveness. Yes, controversy generated attention but it was the threat of losing consumer trust that truly moved the needle. The spike in ratings proved that viewers weren’t bluffing. Their voices weren’t just loud, they were measurable.
Whether the show sustains those numbers in the weeks ahead remains to be seen. But the September 23 ratings event wasn’t about longevity. It was about leverage. And in this case, the viewers — not the network, not the advertisers, not even the host — held it.
The night will be remembered not for what was said behind the desk, but for what millions of viewers shouted through their actions: we are watching and we expect to be heard.
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
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