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UPI
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- UPI
Watch: Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan investigate in 'Thursday Murder Club'
1 of 4 | Celia Imrie, Sir Ben Kingsley, Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan star in "Thursday Murder Club." Photo by Giles Keyte/Netflix May 29 (UPI) -- Netflix is teasing The Thursday Murder Club starring Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan. The actors, who also star opposite one another in MobLand, portray retirees Elizabeth and Ron, who enjoy solving cold cases alongside Ibrahim (Ben Kingsley) and Joyce (Celia Imrie). The film takes its inspiration from Richard Osman's 2020 book, and follows the group as "their casual sleuthing takes a thrilling turn when they find themselves with a real whodunit on their hands," according to an official synopsis. "There's been a murder, an actual murder," Joyce says in the trailer released Thursday. "Now we've got a real case to solve. Isn't it wonderful? Obviously, RIP and all that." Chris Columbus, known for his work on Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, directs the film. "This is the finest cast I've worked with since Potter," he told Netflix's Tudum. "They're just so incredibly well-prepared, and it's because they do everything. They do theater, they do television, they do film, and they've developed those sorts of muscles." "Thematically it's interesting that we've got four elderly people who are living in a retirement community and who are fascinated by death and murder," he said. "They are facing their own demise, yet at the same time they are obsessed with studying cold cases. I fell in love thematically with that. It's comedic, but it's also very emotional." Naomi Ackie, Daniel Mays, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Tom Ellis, Jonathan Pryce, David Tennant, Paul Freeman, Geoff Bell, Richard E. Grant and Ingrid Oliver also star in the film, which arrives on Netflix Aug. 28.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Hogwarts taught students more than spells: 7 life lessons, one from each Harry Potter book
With a graceful wrist movement, swish and flick, raise your wand and enunciate clearly: 'Wingardium Leviosa.' This spell marks one of the most basic yet enchanting skills in the Hogwarts world: Levitation. While many still await their Hogwarts letter, countless readers have already made space for magic in their everyday lives through the powerful life lessons embedded in J.K. Rowling's beloved series. Each novel in this iconic saga transports readers to a world of Quidditch matches, secret passages, and snowy visits to Hogsmeade. But beyond the spells and enchantments, the books offer timeless lessons that resonate deeply with young, ambitious minds. As students journey through the series, they find that magic lies not just in charms and potions, but in courage, friendship, and self-discovery. Here are seven meaningful takeaways, one from each book, that bring a little Hogwarts magic into students' real lives. 1. The Philosopher's Stone: Your beginning isn't your destiny A young bullied boy discovers his reality is far greater than what he could ever think of. In new friendships, he discovers companionship lasting a lifetime. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 40대 이상이고 PC가 있으세요? 그럼 이 게임을 정말 좋아하실 거예요! Sea of Conquest 플레이하기 Undo Lessons from the book: Where you start doesn't dictate where you finish Genuine friendships can transform everything Kindness often requires more courage than cruelty Daily enchantment: When life feels stacked against you, remember, you're the author of your next chapter. Your decisions shape your character more than your past ever could. 2. Chamber of Secrets: Fear breeds division Ancient bloodlines resurface, fear and suspicion divide students into groups which question their courage and resolve against the common enemy. Lessons from the book: Prejudice poisons relationships and institutions True bravery means defending the vulnerable Hidden truths eventually surface Daily enchantment: When you encounter bias, become a questioner of assumptions rather than a spreader of rumors. 3. The Prisoner of Azkaban: Redemption is always possible Dementors feed on fears, as students discover fake news is real even in the magic world. Lessons from the book: Second chances are real if we're willing to take them Our fears lose power when we face them directly Forgiveness strengthens bonds rather than weakening them Daily enchantment: Haunted by past failures? Remember that tomorrow offers a blank slate for better choices. 4. The Goblet of Fire: Always uphold your dignity Harry chooses fair play over easy wins and fights with courage against all unexpected odds to emerge as the rightful victor. Lessons from the book: Life rarely plays fair, but your response defines you Real champions lift others up Jealousy tests friendships, but doesn't have to destroy them Daily enchantment: When facing unexpected challenges, prioritise doing what's right over doing what's easy. 5. The Order of Phoenix: Sometimes rules must be broken Under authoritarian leadership, students discover that orderly resistance must be at times chosen over passive compliance. Lessons from the book: Unjust systems require brave opposition Righteous anger can fuel positive change Speaking truth to authority takes tremendous courage Daily enchantment: Witnessing injustice? Channel quiet determination, even the gentlest souls can spark movements. 6. The Half-Blood Prince: Trust requires wisdom Partially known truths and complicated mentorship put Harry and his friends in a tough spot as he struggles to demystify his surroundings. Lessons from the book: Even the greatest of leaders have flawed histories Vulnerability is love's price, and it's worth paying Knowledge without wisdom can be destructive Daily enchantment: Listen to your intuition, but always seek the full picture before making judgments. 7. The Deathly Hallows: Love conquers death The final battle with you-know-who turns out to be a much greater test of sacrifice and friendship than what students anticipated. Lessons from the book: True sacrifice isn't defeat, it's transformation Love creates protection that outlasts life itself Even enemies deserve compassion in their darkest moments Daily enchantment: During life's hardest battles, remember, those who truly care about you will always find ways to help when you need it most. Ready to empower your child for the AI era? Join our program now! Hurry, only a few seats left.
The Star
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
No popcorn, no problem: MPO hits all the right notes with film concerts
These days, when you browse through the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra's (MPO) annual programme, you'll find special shows that take your movie experience to the next level at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) – where your favourite films come to life with live music by the MPO. Since 2010, when it first screened Alfred Hitchcock's classic thriller Psycho, the MPO has been delighting film lovers with its cinema-inspired programmes. MPO and DFP chief executive officer Hassina Begam Abdul Gani said the orchestra began exploring film-with-live-orchestra programming as a way to diversify its music offerings and reach a newer, younger audience. 'The positive response from the public, evidenced by sold-out shows, has demonstrated a clear appetite for this type of programming, which has now become a 'signature series' for the MPO,' says Hassina. By pairing orchestral music with popular films, the MPO has made classical music more accessible, offering an entry point for those who might not usually attend such concerts. To date, the MPO has presented nine film-with-live-orchestra concerts, including Raiders Of The Lost Ark, Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and the recent La La Land, which saw additional shows added due to high demand. 'For me, it's a less daunting introduction to classical music. While I'm not naturally inclined toward traditional concerts, a show like La La Land – though not strictly classical – provides a more accessible way to experience orchestral music,' says Adrian Yap, who attended La La Land at DFP, following his first experience with the format at Ratatouille (also at the DFP) in 2016. A view of the 'La La Land In Concert' series presented by the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra earlier this month at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: MPO 'Watching a film I enjoy while observing how the orchestra performs the score makes me more receptive to attending a traditional classical concert in the future,' he adds. Rizal Johan, a fan of the film-with-orchestra format, recalls the Raiders Of The Lost Ark concert at the MPO in 2019 as a standout experience. 'The orchestra played flawlessly from start to finish. It was a unique experience – watching a film with live music and realising how challenging it is for the musicians to stay in sync as the mood shifts from action to comedy, suspense to romance. It was truly captivating,' he says, hoping the MPO will one day give a Star Wars film the full live-orchestra treatment. Opening the symphonic door MPO resident conductor Gerard Salonga notes that the movie screening concert series offers a distinct experience compared to the orchestra's usual performances. 'It's not like ballet or opera where the singers and dancers can hear the orchestra – the film stops for no one. In film music, normally the precision of the musical accents is down to a matter of a few frames which are fractions of a second,' says Salonga. Another challenge is that, although the music is usually well-known, it is not typically part of the repertoire that professional musicians have been playing for many years. 'For example, the first violin part of Don Juan by Richard Strauss is incredibly difficult, but violinists are expected to know the piece well, and have been playing it since they were very young," says Salonga. Next month, the MPO's film-and-orchestra series will feature the classic movie 'The Godfather', starring Marlon Brando. Photo: Handout 'The violin part of John Williams' ET score is also very hard, but musicians would not have spent the same amount of time with it throughout their lives, making the learning curve steeper due to the shorter time to learn it. For a symphony orchestra like the MPO, it makes for an exciting and musically rewarding challenge for both the performers and the audience,' he adds. The Filipino conductor-composer agrees that film concerts are an excellent way to engage audiences with symphonic repertoire. "In films scored by John Williams, the music is directly influenced by great composers such as Mahler and Stravinsky, so these concerts serve to introduce the audience to their orchestras and form a connection with the artists on stage through sharing a profound experience," says Salonga. 'So I hope for our audience members, these film concerts can unlock the door to the world of symphonic music and encourage them to discover the riches that await,' he concludes. For Father's Day on June 14, experience The Godfather Live at DFP. Watch Francis Ford Coppola's classic 1972 film in high definition while the MPO, led by Salonga, performs Nino Rota's legendary soundtrack live – bringing every haunting note and emotional moment to the forefront. More info here.
Perth Now
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Bonnie Wright reveals advice she'd give new Harry Potter child stars
Bonnie Wright has urged the new 'Harry Potter' stars to "enjoy every minute of it". The 34-year-old star - who played Ginny Weasley in the original film franchise - has opened up on the advice she'd give to the next actress to take on the role in HBO's upcoming seven-season reboot of J.K. Rowling's book series. She told PEOPLE magazine: "I think every actor stepping into all the roles, I hope, really go from the book and they take their interpretation of the characters from the book as the original source of material. "And I just hope that they do what they wanna do and they make their character who they envision Ginny to be. "And I think that's what's cool, that other people can give her character and all the others new life. "So I don't think I would… I guess the only thing I would say is like, be present in the moment. Enjoy every minute of it, would be the only thing I would say." Bonnie - who was nine years old when she first played Ginny in 2001 movie 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' - urged the showrunners to take a similar approach, and not allow themselves to get weighed down by the expectations fans have for the reboot. She added: "I feel like in the world, we'll get very serious about different things, and I think sometimes it's just being like, 'We are so lucky to be sat here creating these incredible stories that people love'. "And just to be excited and proud of the work that you do, rather than worrying too much about what people think, and how it's gonna be received." It's not yet known who will play the likes of Harry, Ron and Hermione - portrayed by Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson - in the upcoming series. However, HBO has confirmed some casting, with Nick Frost playing Rubeus Hagrid, Janet McTeer as Minerva McGonagall, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, and John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore. Meanwhile, Luke Thallon and Paul Whitehouse have joined in recurring roles as Quirinus Quirrell and Argus Filch respectively.
Scotsman
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
It would cost over £400k to be a 2025 Hogwarts student in the Scottish Highlands
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now For decades, fans of the Harry Potter series have dreamed of receiving their Hogwarts acceptance letter by owl post and travelling to the Scottish Highlands via the Hogwarts Express, but while the magic is priceless, attending the famous wizarding school might not be. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... According to Universal Wizarding World experts at if Hogwarts operated like a modern UK private boarding school, the cost of a seven-year magical education could soar past £407,000. Even in a scenario where Hogwarts remains state-funded, parents could still face an eye-watering bill of £24,791, a steep rise from the estimated £5,575 it would have cost when The Philosopher's Stone was first released. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It's fun to imagine receiving that Hogwarts letter, but in today's economy, attending a school like that would come with a serious price tag,' says Chris Bradshaw, Marketing Director at 'So we did the maths for 2025 and the results are shocking.' Diagon Alley, Universal Orlando Resort A Breakdown of the Cost Here's how the cost of a magical education stacks up in today's economy: School Supplies In Philosopher's Stone, Harry's Diagon Alley list costs 37 Galleons which was roughly £185 in 1991 based on the commonly accepted fan exchange rate of £5 per Galleon. Adjusted for inflation, that's approximately £508 per year in 2025 and covers books, robes, a wand, and potions gear. The Hogwarts Express, Universal Orlando Resort Hogwarts Express Tickets A one-way train ticket from London to the Scottish Highlands today ranges from £56–£200, depending on when it's booked. Assuming students book in advance and return home for start/end of term, Christmas, and half-term breaks, we estimate 6 round trips per year at £120 each, totalling £720 annually. Pet Companion Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Students may bring a cat, toad, rat, or owl. We estimate this to cost, on average, to be around £150, including care supplies. Spending Money for Hogsmeade A non-alcoholic beer like Butterbeer averages at £9 in the UK today. Assuming students enjoy a few drinks and snacks per Hogsmede visit, and make monthly trips during term time, a reasonable budget is £200 per year. Nimbus 2000 Harry's first broomstick, the Nimbus 2000, is estimated to have cost 1,000 Galleons, or £5,000 in 1991. In today's money, that's roughly £13,700. We've assumed this to be a one-off expense. Boarding and Education In 2025, elite UK institutions like Eton and Harrow will charge a minimum of £50,000 per year for full boarding and education. With its enchanted ceilings, potion laboratories, and private Quidditch pitch, maintaining a school like Hogwarts would come at a significant cost. In today's economic climate, limited state funding may have forced the school to become a privately funded institution, ensuring it could continue offering the high standard of magical education it's known for. The Final Totals Year 1: Supplies: £508 Pet: £150 Train: £720 Pocket money: £200 Nimbus 2000: £13,700. Boarding & Education: £50,000 Total: £65,278 Years 2–7 (each): Supplies: £508 Train: £720 Pocket money: £200 Boarding & Education: £50,000 Total per year: £51,428 Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Adding the average of a 3% inflation rate each year, the 7-Year total in today's economy is £407,915 (or £394,215 for those that don't fancy the Quidditch pitch). This translates to an average cost of £58,274 per year. Chris Bradshaw, marketing director at spoke on the findings: 'Even in a magical economy, the cost of robes, rail fares, and sweet treats can quickly add up. Factor in private school-level fees, and Hogwarts might feel out of reach for most British families, a reminder of how inflation touches even our most loved fictional stories."
