Peter Bart: In Films As In Reality, Mistakes At Political Conventions Can Portend Surprises

Peter Bart Editor-At-LargeThe amped-up efforts by Facebook and Twitter to tone down blatant “misinformation” on the campaign trail merits public support. Personally, I find myself trying with limited success to tune out the political noise while sensing that the problem goes beyond that.The rhetoric of politics overall sounds tired and anachronistic, but then, to my ear, so does much of the dialogue on the popular streamers we binge on.

Peter Bart Editor-At-LargeThe memoirs and random ruminations of corporate leaders rarely find their way into the public conversation, but rules change when Netflix is involved. Tuesday marked the publication day of Reed Hastings’ book in which the co-CEO warned that no company employee at any level should assume job security.

Bruce Haring pmc-editorial-managerBrit Hume, the senior political analyst for Fox News, has signed a new multi-year deal to remain in his current role, announced Suzanne Scott, CEO of Fox News Media.Hume will continue serving as a regular commentator and panelist across Fox News Channel’s (FNC) daytime and evening programming and Fox News Sunday, as well as contributing to election coverage and all major political events.“Brit is an exceptional journalist who has played an integral role in our

Star Wars, Harry Potter, LEGO City and LEGO Friends.The calendars are packed with characters and and little builds, providing daily LEGO moments throughout December.Amazingly, the calendars are available to buy now, except for the City Advent Calendar which goes on sale on Wednesday, September 16th.If you want to get your hands on one in time for the festive season don't hang about as they're all bound to sell out quickly.Here's everything you need to know about the new Advent calendars.The

Mika has announced he will be live-streaming an ‘I Love Beirut’ benefit concert on Saturday September 19.He revealed his plans for the performance a few days ago on social media, with tickets going on sale yesterday (August 24).

Jem Aswad Senior Music EditorLebanese-British singer-songwriter Mika will stage a livestreamed concert to raise funds and awareness for relief in the wake of the explosion in Beirut last month that killed more than 200 people and devastated a large area in the country’s capital.His “I Love Beirut” benefit concert will take place on Saturday 19 September and will be live-streamed across four time zones via YouTube.

Peter Bart Editor-At-LargeThe Motion Picture Academy’s decision to expel Roman Polanski in 2018 is headed for court again on Tuesday, and savvy observers likely will distance themselves from the rancor that the case will generate.Polanski is resolutely pursuing his appeal because he feels he was denied due process.

Peter Bart Editor-At-LargeAlmost six months have passed since COVID-19 crunched our careers and intruded upon our lives, but ask people to analyze its personal impact and you encounter ambiguity: For every individual who feels damaged, there are others who testify that quality of life has in many ways improved.“I hate the fact that my Zoom dependency has kept me happy,” comments one writer-producer.

Zuhair Murad is best known for his couture creations, which have been worn on the red carpet by everyone from Jennifer Lopez to Candice Swanepoel and even Beyoncé.But Murad’s latest project is accessible to more than just the Hollywood and modeling world elite - and most importantly, it’s for a good cause.The Lebanese designer took to Instagram earlier this week to launch his ‘Beirut Relief Tee,’ a unisex t-shirt with the words “Rise From The Ashes” printed on it.

Mark Schilling Japan CorrespondentWarner Bros. Entertainment has finalized a deal to build a “Harry Potter” theme park on the site of the Toshimaen amusement park in suburban Tokyo.

Dominic Patten Senior Editor, Legal & TV Critic“Hey everybody, it’s me, Kamala.”The history making Vice-Presidential nominee for the Democrats broke from tradition tonight with a pre-speech appearance at the party’s virtual convention.Less than two hours before Kamala Harris is set to give her acceptance speech as the first woman of color on a major American political party ticket, the California Senator injected some live drama into the proceedings with her cold open and a call to vote.

Beirut Musicians’ Fund to help musicians who have been directly affected by the incident.The fund is aiming to raise $34,935 (USD), the amount needed to replace artists’ damaged, lost or destroyed gear.All donations will be managed by Tabbal’s own Tunefork Recording Studios and divided evenly among those musicians affected by the blast.

Peter Bart Editor-At-LargeRon Meyer’s departure from Universal amid rumors of scandal has stirred a strong emotional response in Hollywood, perhaps more than any other executive exit within memory. Few had a wider circle of friendships than the 75-year-old ex-agent, some entailing deep trust and loyalty among the top stars and power players.“Ronnie loves people.

The Pitch Perfect cast just had a mini-reunion! The Pitch Perfect stars Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Hailee Steinfeld, Anna Camp, Hana Mae Lee, Alexis Knapp, Rebel Wilson, Chrissie Fit, Kelley Jakle, and Shelley Regner reunited for an amazing new cover of Love On Top by Beyonce.

a full month and moved to an all-virtual format that begins Monday; Joe Biden also decided to accept his party's nomination on Thursday from his home state of Delaware, rather than the previously announced convention site in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.