Latest news with #Lilo&Stitch
New Straits Times
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Syed Saddiq comes as Superman to Bella's children's birthday party
KUALA LUMPUR: Muar Member of Parliament Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, often nicknamed Malaysia's Clark Kent or Superman look-alike by fans, recently had a brilliant idea for a fancy dress costume. At the recent birthday party for singer-actress Bella Astillah's children, eight-year-old son Ayden Adrean Aliff and five-year-old daughter Ara Adreanna Aliff, Syed Saddiq arrived dressed as the Man of Steel. This was met with applause from Bella's family and other guests at the party, which had an animated movie character theme. Bella herself was dressed as Moana from the Disney cartoon of the same name, while Ayden came as Iron Man and Ara as Lilo from Lilo & Stitch. Many netizens praised Syed Saddiq for having the best costume, noting that he has always been the "spitting image" of Superman's alter ego, Clark Kent, as depicted in cartoons, films, and comics. "Wow! YB Syed is clearly our Malaysian Clark Kent or Superman. When he's at work, wearing his suit and glasses, his resemblance to the Man Of Steel is striking," commented one netizen.
See - Sada Elbalad
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
"Superman" Soars to $122 Million at Box Office
Yara Sameh 'Superman,' the newly rebooted comic book adventure starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, soared to $122 million in its first weekend of release. The ticket sales were strong enough to rank as the year's third-largest debut after 'A Minecraft Movie' ($162 million) and 'Lilo & Stitch' ($146 million). Turnout was slightly softer than expected at the international box office with $95 million from 78 markets, bringing its global tally to $217 million. Box office watchers say they aren't surprised that 'Superman' started stronger in the U.S. compared to overseas because the character, whose motto is 'truth, justice and the American way,' is the quintessential star-spangled hero. 'This is an outstanding domestic opening. If there's any softness here, it's overseas,' said David A. Gross, who runs the FranchiseRe movie consulting firm. 'Superman has always been identified as an American character, and in some parts of the world, America is currently not enjoying its greatest popularity.' Warner Bros. and DC Studios have a lot at stake, and not just because 'Superman' cost a hefty $225 million to produce and roughly $100 million to promote. The superhero film is the first entry in the relaunched DC Universe and has the colossal responsibility of igniting a new interconnected comic book universe for the studio. 'Supergirl,' featuring the caped hero's cousin, and 'Clayface' arrive in 2026, while a new take on 'Wonder Woman' is in the works. James Gunn and Peter Safran took over the leadership of DC Studios in 2022 after its last iteration of superhero movies imploded with the epic losing-streak of 'The Flash,' 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,' 'Shazam: Fury of the Gods,' and 'Blue Beetle.' 'Three years ago, I hired James Gunn and Peter Safran to reimagine and unify the creative direction of DC under one leadership team,' said David Zaslav, president and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, in a statement. 'The DC vision is clear, the momentum is real, and I couldn't be more excited for what's ahead.' Gunn, best known for 'Guardians of the Galaxy' and 'The Suicide Squad,' directed 'Superman.' The story follows the earnest hero as he proves to the world that he's trying to do good after the villainous Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) executes a plan to turn public opinion against him. In Clark Kent's corner is reporter Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and his faithful companion Krypto the Superdog. Critics and audiences have embraced the film with an 82% average on Rotten Tomatoes and 'A-' grade on CinemaScore exit polls. This reception is a start in terms of earning back the confidence of DC fans. It also seems to be an endorsement of Gunn's lighter and escapist vision after director Zack Snyder's dark and dour take on characters in the DC Extended Universe with entries like 2016's 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice' and 2017's 'Justice League.' Attendance for 'Superman' skewed younger, with moviegoers under the age of 25 accounting for 28% of opening weekend crowds. 'Gunn chose not to rely on big stars. Storytelling and filmmaking are doing the work here,' Gross noted. 'This is the original, comic book hero story about a flawed and reluctant everyman who uses his special powers to fight evil. That arc is reliable and relatable.' Positive word-of-mouth will be vital for 'Superman's' box office staying power. That's because big opening weekends are rarely a problem for comic book movies, especially ones anchored by a hero as universally recognizable as Superman. But the ability to keep drawing crowds over the busy summer season will be a truer test of the property's cinematic strength. Just look at what happened to recent installments in Disney's comparatively more popular Marvel Cinematic Universe, like 2023's 'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' ($106 million debut) and this year's 'Captain America: Brave New World' ($100 million debut over the Presidents Day holiday). Those big-budget tentpoles started strong at the box office, only to completely collapse in subsequent weekends. Meanwhile, Superman's last solo outing, 2013's 'Man of Steel' with Henry Cavill, generated a healthy $116 million in its opening weekend (not adjusted for inflation) but didn't inspire the kind of lasting enthusiasm that spawns an enduring cinematic universe. 'Superman' benefited from IMAX screens, which accounted for $19.1 million in North America (15.6% of its haul) and $30.4 million globally. IMAX has become a boon for special effects-driven films because those tickets are more expensive, and the larger-than-life screens offer a distinctly out-of-the-house experience. ''Superman' makes excellent use of Imax technology to deliver the scale and spectacle audiences expect from this iconic hero, and audiences turned out to Imax in droves as a result,' said the company's CEO, Rich Gelfond. ''Superman' continues the most consistent trend we've seen at the global box office this summer — filmmakers lean into Imax, audiences turn out to Imax in outsized numbers, and Imax overdelivers in the worldwide results and drives continued growth in its global network.' 'Superman' continues a stellar box office streak for Warner Bros. following the back-to-back-to-back hits of 'A Minecraft Movie,' 'Sinners,' 'Final Destination Bloodlines,' and 'F1: The Movie.' Those blockbusters arrived after the studio's painful string of commercial flops, including 'Mickey 17,' 'The Alto Knights,' and 'Joker: Folie à Deux.' With those successes and other recent winners, overall theatrical revenues are 15% of the same point in 2024, according to Comscore. However, they are still roughly 24% behind 2019, the last pre-pandemic year. Upcoming releases like Marvel's 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps,' Liam Neeson's 'The Naked Gun' reboot, and 'Freakier Friday' hope to help set a post-pandemic box office record. 'Though there have been some casualties, this highly competitive summer movie marketplace has been great for most films,' says senior Comscore analyst Paul Dergarabedian. 'The depth and breadth of titles from every genre has driven one of the best summer movie seasons ever.' As 'Superman' soared to the top of domestic box office charts, the Last Son of Krypton likely took a massive bite out of ticket sales for last weekend's champion, Universal's 'Jurassic World Rebirth.' The dinosaur epic added $40 million from 4,324 venues in its second weekend of release, a painful 57% drop from its debut. Even with a substantial second-weekend decline, 'Jurassic World Rebirth,' which rebooted the long-running series with Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey and Mahershala Ali, has been a box office heavyweight. The film has so far sunk its teeth into a mighty $232 million domestically and $529 million worldwide. Third place went to Apple's 'F1' with $13 million from 3,412 theaters in its third lap around the track, marking a 50% decline from the prior weekend. The film, which Warner Bros. is distributing theatrically, has generated $136 million in North America and $393 million worldwide. Though 'F1,' starring Brad Pitt as a has-been Formula One driver, carries a massive $250 million price tag (and requires many laps around the track to justify its cost), these are notable ticket sales for an adult-skewing tentpole that's not part of an existing film franchise. It's by far Apple's highest-grossing movie to date. Two kid-friendly tentpoles, Universal's 'How to Train Your Dragon' reboot and Disney's Pixar adventure 'Elio,' rounded out box office charts. In the No. 4 spot, 'How to Train Your Dragon' collected $7.8 million from 3,285 theaters in its fourth weekend on the big screen. The live-action remake of 2010's 'How to Train Your Dragon' has powered to $239 million domestically and $560 million globally to date. 'Elio' landed in fifth place with $4 million from 2,730 screens in its fourth outing. The intergalactic tale has grossed just $63 million in North America and finally surpassed the $100 million mark globally after a month of release. With $117 million in worldwide ticket sales, the $150 million-budgeted tentpole will end its theatrical run as a major money loser for Disney and Pixar. Disney isn't hurting too much because 'Lilo & Stitch' is imminently joining the billion-dollar club. The live-action remake has grossed $414.6 million in North America and $994 million globally after eight weeks of release. Since 'Lilo & Stitch' is practically minting money for the studio (box office returns are nothing compared to Stitch-related consumer product sales), it's no surprise a live-action sequel is already in the works. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream
South Wales Guardian
a day ago
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Aldi store assistant shares 5 secrets to working there
Known for its eclectic Specialbuys aisles, among other things, Aldi has plenty of secrets to working there that the general public might not know about. Store Assistant Georgina Phillips has shared some of the quirks and surprises that come with the job at the UK's fourth-largest supermarket. Georgina shares: "This is a real perk in the retail industry. Our breaks are paid - so whether I'm eating lunch or enjoying some downtime in between shifts, I'm still earning. "Over the course of a year, it adds up to around £1,370 extra in your pay packet, which can make a real difference." Aldi workers get trained across the whole store, so one day they might be stacking fruit and vegetables, and on another day they'll be on the tills. Georgina adds: "That flexibility means every Store Assistant can perform whatever role is needed at that time - which keeps queues down and things moving fast." A post shared by Aisle of Aldi Specialbuys (@aldispecialbuysuk) Aldi has a number of measures to help run things efficiently, including having larger barcodes to help with scanning. Georgina explains: "Even shelf packaging is designed for efficiency by being ready to slot straight onto the shelves. It's part of the reason Aldi can offer such great value." Georgina says: "Not only is Aldi the best-paying supermarket, but from free same-day GP appointments to discounted gym memberships and a dedicated wellbeing app, the benefits make a real difference too. "If my toddler is ever poorly, I can use Aldi's digital GP service and get help within hours – which is faster than my usual surgery. A post shared by Aisle of Aldi Specialbuys (@aldispecialbuysuk) "And the generous 28-day holiday allowance means I get to plan beach days with the kids without the stress." Recommended reading: Love a life hack? Aldi launches new 'must-have' gadgets including robot vacuum Best Aldi July Specialbuys from Lilo & Stitch range to LED face masks Aldi Baby Event is back with savings of up to £50 on big brands, but be quick Working at Aldi and being trained across the whole store means staff are knowledgeable across a range of areas. Georgina says: "Ask me anything about the Specialbuys or wine picks and I probably know them inside out before they hit the shelves. "We're trained on everything in store, from the latest wine picks to the Super Six fruit and veg offers. "Knowing the layout and launches like the back of my hand means I can help shoppers find what they're after, and fast."
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Father shares heartbreak after daughter dies from Kpod addiction in Singapore
SINGAPORE: The last memory Delfard Tay has of his 19-year-old daughter Shermaine is a security camera video showing her stumbling out of their Tanjong Pagar flat. According to Straits Times, the footage, timestamped 2.30am on September 22, 2024, captured her unsteady movements—a sign she had used Kpod, a banned vape pod laced with etomidate. For months, Tay, a former convict with drug-related offences, had warned Shermaine about the dangers of substance abuse. Despite his efforts, her addiction proved fatal. Ninety minutes after she left home, police found her lifeless at the foot of their HDB block. The pathology report confirmed she died from injuries sustained in the fall. Shermaine had initially been under drug supervision for methamphetamine use but later switched to Kpods, falsely believing they were harmless. In his daughter's words to the Singapore daily, Tay recalled her saying, 'When you smoke it, you'll feel high.' Despite his warnings, she dismissed his concerns, insisting he didn't understand youth culture. Tay, who spent years in prison for drug trafficking, regrets not being a better role model. 'I wanted to lead by example,' he said. 'But it was a bit too late.' He described Shermaine as a cheerful teen who loved dancing and family trips, but her life spiralled after she dropped out of school. Kpod abuse has become a growing concern in Singapore, with reports of users experiencing erratic behaviour, convulsions, and even suicidal tendencies. In the same report, another parent, a 56-year-old mother, shared how her 27-year-old son attempted to jump out a window during a Kpod-induced episode. Tay hopes his story serves as a cautionary tale. 'Parents must monitor their children's phone activities and friendships,' he urged. 'Teens, don't try Kpods. Once addicted, it ruins lives.' Shermaine's wake saw many friends mourning, including one who had also lost a peer to Kpod abuse. These days, Tay keeps her belongings as reminders, including a birthday gift—a luxury pouch and Lilo & Stitch toys. - STRAITS TIMES
Rhyl Journal
2 days ago
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Aldi store assistant shares 5 secrets to working there
Known for its eclectic Specialbuys aisles, among other things, Aldi has plenty of secrets to working there that the general public might not know about. Store Assistant Georgina Phillips has shared some of the quirks and surprises that come with the job at the UK's fourth-largest supermarket. Georgina shares: "This is a real perk in the retail industry. Our breaks are paid - so whether I'm eating lunch or enjoying some downtime in between shifts, I'm still earning. "Over the course of a year, it adds up to around £1,370 extra in your pay packet, which can make a real difference." Aldi workers get trained across the whole store, so one day they might be stacking fruit and vegetables, and on another day they'll be on the tills. Georgina adds: "That flexibility means every Store Assistant can perform whatever role is needed at that time - which keeps queues down and things moving fast." A post shared by Aisle of Aldi Specialbuys (@aldispecialbuysuk) Aldi has a number of measures to help run things efficiently, including having larger barcodes to help with scanning. Georgina explains: "Even shelf packaging is designed for efficiency by being ready to slot straight onto the shelves. It's part of the reason Aldi can offer such great value." Georgina says: "Not only is Aldi the best-paying supermarket, but from free same-day GP appointments to discounted gym memberships and a dedicated wellbeing app, the benefits make a real difference too. "If my toddler is ever poorly, I can use Aldi's digital GP service and get help within hours – which is faster than my usual surgery. A post shared by Aisle of Aldi Specialbuys (@aldispecialbuysuk) "And the generous 28-day holiday allowance means I get to plan beach days with the kids without the stress." Recommended reading: Love a life hack? Aldi launches new 'must-have' gadgets including robot vacuum Best Aldi July Specialbuys from Lilo & Stitch range to LED face masks Aldi Baby Event is back with savings of up to £50 on big brands, but be quick Working at Aldi and being trained across the whole store means staff are knowledgeable across a range of areas. Georgina says: "Ask me anything about the Specialbuys or wine picks and I probably know them inside out before they hit the shelves. "We're trained on everything in store, from the latest wine picks to the Super Six fruit and veg offers. "Knowing the layout and launches like the back of my hand means I can help shoppers find what they're after, and fast."
