Entertainment

Toy Story 4 repeats at No. 1 over Annabelle, Yesterday

Published

6 years ago

June 30, 2019

LOS ANGELES (AP) — “Toy Story 4” hung onto the top spot in its second week in theaters and the horror sequel “Annabelle Comes Home” opened in line with expectations, but the Cinderella story of the weekend was actually the third place movie: “Yesterday.”

The Danny Boyle-directed musical romantic comedy featuring the music of the Beatles debuted well over industry expectations, earning an estimated $17 million from North American theaters. In a summer where most films have debuted either under or at industry tracking, which are often lowball projections, and original comedies have struggled to find audiences, “Yesterday” proved to be the exception.

Starring relative newcomer Himesh Patel, “Yesterday” imagines a world where only one man remembers the music of the Beatles and decides to present their catalog of hits as his own.

Although critics were mixed, audiences, who were mostly female (56 and over the age of 25 (75%) have embraced the film with an A- CinemaScore and a 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Universal’s President of Domestic Theatrical Distribution Jim Orr says he tries to use the word “thrilled” judiciously, but that it applies here.

“Among all of the sequels and all of the explosions of the summer, this is a very charming, original, whimsical musical romance with iconic music and amazing performances… (and direction),” Orr said. “All of that adds up to a great, great run at the domestic box office.”

Even Warner Bros., which has the Bruce Springsteen-themed film “Blinded by the Light” coming later this summer was heartened by “Yesterday’s” launch, which motivated a solidly adult demographic to trek out to the movie theater on opening weekend.

As Comscore senior media analyst Paul Dergarabedian put it: “It’s not always the No. 1 film that’s the big story.”

The No. 1 film was once again “Toy Story 4,” which added $57.9 million from domestic theaters, down 52% from its debut last weekend. Globally the film has already netted $496.5 million.

Of the top grossing films of 2019, Disney now occupies the top four spots with “Avengers: Endgame,” ″Captain Marvel,” ″Aladdin” and “Toy Story 4.”

In second place was the third Annabelle film, “Annabelle Comes Home,” which debuted on over 3,500 screens Wednesday. The Warner Bros. horror earned $20.4 million over the weekend and $31.2 million in its first five days.

Although it is a franchise low — the first two opened over $35 million — with a budget of $27 million, it did well enough to justify its existence.

“This was a reasonable movie to make,” said Jeff Goldstein, Warner Bros.′ head of domestic distribution. “You don’t have to exceed on every one.”

He noted that the “Conjuring Universe” is the most successful horror franchise of all time with over $1.6 billion in ticket sales. And after a few back-to-back Conjuring spinoffs, the franchise is taking bit of a breather; “The Conjuring 3″ won’t hit theaters until after Labor Day next year.

“Aladdin” and “The Secret Life of Pets 2″ rounded out the top five. “Avengers: Endgame” also made it back into the top 10 after Disney added over 1,000 screens this weekend. It added an estimated $5.5 million, bringing its domestic total to $841.3 million. Globally, it’s now at $2.76 billion.

While some have viewed the “bring back” campaign as a naked “cash grab” to try to beat the “Avatar” record ($2.79 billion worldwide), Dergarabedian thinks it has more to do with “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” which opens next weekend and picks up right after the events of “Endgame.”

The weekend overall is down nearly 15% from last year and the year to date deficit is around 9.4%.

“We’ve been trying to dig our way out of this deficit for it seems like forever,” Dergarabedian said. “Some of the movies that were expected to be grand slam home runs were more like triples.”

But Sony and Marvel’s “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” which has already earned $111 million from China, Japan and Hong Kong, could help turn the year around.

“There’s a lot riding on Spider-Man’s shoulders,” Dergarabedian said. “I think this will be a real shot in the arm to the industry both financially and emotionally.”

He added: “If Spidey can’t do it, no one can.”

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore. Where available, the latest international numbers for Friday through Sunday are also included. Final domestic figures will be released Monday.

1. “Toy Story 4,” $57.9 million ($80.6 million international).

2. “Annabelle Comes Home,” $20.4 million ($45 million international).

3. “Yesterday,” $17 million ($7.7 million international).

4. “Aladdin,” $9.3 million ($24.4 million international).

5. “The Secret Life of Pets 2,” $7.1 million ($11.8 million international).

6. “Men In Black: International,” $6.6 million ($11.5 million international).

7. “Avengers: Endgame,” $5.5 million ($2.3 million international).

8. “Child’s Play,” $4.3 million ($1.4 million international).

9. “Rocketman,” $3.9 million ($2.6 million international).

10. “John Wick: Chapter 3 —Parabellum,” $3.2 million ($6.6 million international).
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Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at international theaters (excluding the U.S. and Canada), according to Comscore:

1. “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” $111 million.

2. “Toy Story 4,” $80.6 million.

3. “Annabelle Comes Home,” $45 million.

4. “Aladdin,” $24.4 million.

5. “The Secret Life of Pets 2,” $11.8 million.

6. “Spirited Away,” $11.8 million.

7. “Men In Black: International,” $11.5 million.

8. “Yesterday,” $7.7 million.

9. “John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parbabellum,” $6.6 million.

10. “Parasite,” $3.8 million.

Entertainment

OIFW Fall 2025 Brings Fashion, Art, and Entertainment to Downtown Orlando with Exclusive Rooftop and Runway Events

Published

5 days ago

October 20, 2025

Willie David

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

Published

2 weeks ago

October 12, 2025

Willie David

Dr. Phillips Center Honors Founding Chairman James H. Pugh with Bronze Sculpture. Mayors Buddy Dyer and Jerry Demings Join Ceremony Celebrating His Life and Legacy, October 9, 2025, Orlando, Florida, USA (Florida National News). Photo: Despina McLaughlin / Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

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

Entertainment

After the Airing: What Jimmy Kimmel’s Soaring Ratings Really Reveal

Published

3 weeks ago

October 3, 2025

Kareen Kennedy

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