'Jurassic World: Rebirth' roars to top of N.American box office
The Universal film, starring Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey and Mahershala Ali, takes viewers to an abandoned island research facility for the original Jurassic Park theme park, where secrets -- and genetically mutated dinosaurs -- are lurking.
"This is an excellent opening for the 7th episode of an action-adventure monster series," said analyst David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research.
"The series has been especially good overseas and so far foreign business is outstanding. Dinosaur action is understood in all languages and across all cultures."
"F1: The Movie," the Apple and Warner Bros. flick starring Brad Pitt as a washed-up Formula One driver who gets one last shot at redemption, slipped to second place at $26.1 million, Exhibitor Relations said.
"How to Train Your Dragon," Universal and DreamWorks Animation's live-action reboot of the popular 2010 film, held in third place at $11 million.
The family-friendly film tells the story of a Viking named Hiccup (Mason Thames) who strikes up a friendship with Toothless the dragon.
In fourth place was Disney/Pixar Animation's latest original film "Elio," at $5.7 million in the United States and Canada.
"Elio" tells the story of a young boy who is mistaken by aliens as an intergalactic ambassador for Earth. The voice cast includes Oscar winner Zoe Saldana.
In fifth place was Columbia Pictures' zombie sequel "28 Years Later," which took in $4.6 million. The Danny Boyle-directed threequel picks up -- as the title suggests -- more than a generation after the initial outbreak of the Rage Virus.
Rounding out the top 10 were:"M3GAN 2.0" ($3.8 million); "Lilo & Stitch" ($3.8 million); "Mission: Impossible -- The Final Reckoning" ($2.7 million); "Materialists" ($1.3 million)
"Ballerina" ($725,000) —AFP
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Muscat Daily
6 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Extra Toppings: Heartbeat of cinema
From the deserts to F1 circuit – this 'extra topping' added a unique shine to the big screen. 'We're all co-actors. Each person, even the ones in the shadows, add their own sheen to the final masterpiece,' says Yousuf al Housni who played an 'extra' in the latest Hollywood blockbuster F1 Muscat – In anything grand we often forget the 'extras'… Extra cheese always adds more flavour to pizza, extra leg space adds comfort in a long flight and an extra rose in a bouquet adds an extra smile from one's beloved. Extras add life and base to grandeur. The same note goes to the extra actors in movies. They act as the foundation of every war, disaster or romance on the silver screen. Without extras, even the best frames or best methodical acts would fall apart. Such is the story of a 'junior' actor from Oman, Yousuf al Housni. Movies are a world of glamour and power. People feel proud to be part of it in some small way. Yet there are many like the extras who feel apprehensive to say that. Often people ridicule or pass sly smirks. Yet for Omani actor Yousuf al Housni, being an extra was an honour — vocal and bold in stating that every participation in a film, big or small, deserves recognition. 'It's not about the size of the role,' he says, 'it's about the sincerity of the effort. I enjoy the process more than the appearance.' Recently, Yousuf made his appearance in the latest Hollywood blockbuster F1 – the Brad Pitt-led Formula One film – currently screening in cinemas worldwide. This marks his second appearance in a major international production following his earlier role in the sci-fi epic Dune 2 in 2024. Perseverance, patience The few seconds of presence in these globally celebrated films have transformed Yousuf — not just as an actor, but as a human being. 'What I learned on those sets is beyond cinema — it's about patience, endurance, and self-respect,' he reflects. One of his toughest experiences was shooting Dune 2 in the scorching desert of Abu Dhabi, where the mercury touched 40 degrees Celsius. 'We were around 600 people, including 30 extras from Egypt, Afghanistan and Syria. I was one of the 30 selected extras portraying soldiers of Javier Bardem's character,' he disclosed. Every extra wore a three-layered costume weighing over 5kg, and many also carried props — guns and gear weighing up to 10kg. The walk across the dunes was exhausting, and the discipline was almost military. 'You can't even visit the restroom easily. To undress and redress was too daunting a task,' he recalls. The patience was just as demanding — 'we'd wait for hours just for a one-second shot.' Sometimes, the shoot demanded such effort that people fell ill. 'It was challenging but we continued with the processes,' Yousuf shared. When one extra fell seriously ill, the production crew needed a last-minute replacement. And Yousuf was chosen to step in and play an elderly man. 'I was rushed into makeup and given the part. When I finished the shot, the whole unit clapped for me,' he says. 'Actors like Timothy Chalamet, Javier Bardem and Zendaya — they hugged the crew at the end. But what impressed me most was director Denis Villeneuve. Calm, focused — like a painter lost in his Muse and canvas.' No role is small Yousuf's F1 shoot, in contrast, was more relaxed. Shot over five days, Yousuf appeared as a VIP guest from Oman — a moment of great personal pride. 'I studied about F1 races before the shoot. Even as an extra, I wanted to be prepared,' he smiles. 'No role is small.' Two more Hollywood films featuring Yousuf are expected to release by the end of the year. For Yousuf, acting is both craft and lifestyle. 'Fitness is crucial — physically, mentally and spiritually,' he says. 'If you're slow or inattentive, you get replaced; and I never want that.' He continues to hone his skills by attending workshops in Oman and Abu Dhabi and has registered with international casting agencies. He was also featured in an Abu Dhabi Police cybersecurity awareness film, portraying a hacker — a role far from his spiritual, disciplined real-life self. 'It was challenging to play someone so opposite to myself,' he laughs. Yousuf began his acting journey in 2013 as a student at the College of Applied Sciences in Salalah, pursuing Management Studies and Accounting. As a boy, Yousuf was fascinated by action, wrestling, and martial arts — drawn to the world of Van Damme, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone. In 2017, he co-founded a YouTube channel with friends and began producing, writing, and acting in short films. His creations, Blood and Silent , earned accolades among film festivals and his community. He was also active in theatre, but over time realised he needed to study acting more deeply. Yousuf is not only an actor but also a director and his short film Empty had bagged three awards globally. 'Why I chose films' 'I began diving into acting techniques and film studies. I didn't just want to be an actor — I wanted to understand everything about cinema.' That passion led him to examine the technical aspects of filmmaking, differentiating the nuances between stage and screen. 'Theatre taught me to be subtle, while films demanded focus and detail. I realised I couldn't do all media simultaneously — so, I chose films.' Sometimes, fate throws open unexpected doors. During the pandemic, Yousuf had got a surprise Instagram message from a US-based director working on a film titled Alien Sniperess . The filmmaker needed a 30-second clip of a man stuck at home as his family is attacked by aliens. 'He sent the storyboard and lines. I created the scene in my garage with ketchup as blood. When the film released in the US, I saw my name in the credits as a supporting actor and second unit director. I was overwhelmed with joy', he said. Yousuf has also been active in the Scouts movement, and remains passionate about gym workouts, martial arts and fitness. His favourite actor is Christian Bale — 'not just for Batman, but for his ability to become any character, physically and mentally.' He also admires Ben Affleck and Brad Pitt, with Fight Club being a long-time inspiration. In terms of directors, his favourites include Christopher Nolan and James Gunn. 'Their visuals make me believe the punches, blood and explosions are real. That's the dedication I aim for.' One-inch barriers of subtitles Yousuf still remembers watching a show The Cobsy Show in Grade 3. 'I didn't understand the language — I just read subtitles. But then I realised cinema transcends language. Emotions don't need translation.' This resonates with what Bong Joon-ho famously said at the Oscars -14x] 'Once you overcome the one-inch barrier of subtitles, you'll discover amazing films.' Yousuf understood that truth long before it became a quote. He insists that on a shoot with celebrities, one doesn't need to show that he is fan but indeed a co-actor. 'We're all co-actors. Each person, even the ones in the shadows, add their own sheen to the final masterpiece,' he said. With conviction in his voice, he adds, 'I want to be the first Omani actor in a major international role. I want to direct, produce, and keep growing. I want to win an Oscar — not for fame, but to prove that hard work, silence, skills, knowledge, focus and sincerity can move mountains and create mesmerising storyboards.' For Yousuf al Housni, the extra is never just extra — it's the heartbeat of the scene. (Pictures by VK Shafeer)
Observer
14-07-2025
- Observer
'Severance' vs 'The Pitt' -- it's Emmy nominations time
Dark sci-fi office drama "Severance," gritty hospital series "The Pitt" and buzzy teen murder saga "Adolescence" are expected to pile up nominations for this year's Emmys when the contenders for television's Oscars are revealed Tuesday. Nominees will be announced in a live-streamed ceremony starting at 8:30 am (1530 GMT), after which final-round voting begins for the 77th Emmy Awards, set for September 14. Here are five things to look out for: - Innie/Outie vs ER - After last year's record-breaking 18 Emmys for Japan-set historical epic "Shogun," this year's competition looks to be more nuanced. Apple TV+'s "Severance," in which employees of biotech company Lumon have their memories surgically separated between their "innie" work lives and their "outie" personal lives, looks to be atop most predictions. "It's a really great show that is going to get... a ton of nominations," Deadline awards expert Pete Hammond told AFP. "It'll be stronger than it was" in its first season, added Hammond, who sees star Adam Scott as a sure bet for a best drama actor nod. "The Pitt" -- HBO Max's take on the travails of a Pittsburgh emergency room team during one 15-hour shift, covered effectively in real time -- has won over critics and audiences alike. It stars "ER" veteran Noah Wyle. "It's ER on steroids!" Hammond quipped. But Wyle's chances to win for best actor are crimped by Scott and a shortlist of other performers including Oscar winner Gary Oldman in Apple's dysfunctional spy drama "Slow Horses" or Pedro Pascal in HBO's apocalyptic video game adaptation "The Last of Us." In the supporting acting categories, the many stars of "The White Lotus" are expected to earn nominations. - Comedy crapshoot - In the comedy categories, perennial favorites "Hacks" and "The Bear" are expected to do battle once again. HBO Max's "Hacks" -- starring Jean Smart as a stand-up comedian who locks horns with her dysfunctional millennial assistant -- won for best comedy and best actress in September last year. "The Bear," a dark satire set in the Chicago restaurant world, took the top prize at the previous ceremony (held in January 2024 due to Hollywood strikes), and star Jeremy Allen White has two trophies for best actor. "The Bear" is eligible this time for its lackluster third season, but the recent launch of its fourth season -- which has received excellent reviews -- could work in its favor, Hammond says. "That may be what Academy members will be looking at when they're actually voting for the season that wasn't well reviewed," he said. The comedy juggernauts are also facing a newcomer -- Apple's "The Studio," a satire that eviscerates the film industry starring Seth Rogen, who also wrote and produced the show. There is nothing Hollywood loves more than a show about... Hollywood. - Is 'Adolescence' unbeatable? - In the limited series categories, Netflix's "Adolescence" -- which follows the case of a 13-year-old British boy accused of murdering a female classmate -- is the wide favorite. "It's close to a sure thing in terms of getting nominations across the board," Hammond said, adding: "I don't see what's going to come up and beat it in the limited series category." Breakout young star Owen Cooper is widely expected to earn a nomination for limited series supporting actor, and series creator Stephen Graham is a shoo-in for best actor. The four-part series was lauded for its production values, with each episode shot in one take. Another Netflix contender in these categories is "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story," a true-crime saga about a pair of California brothers in prison for killing their parents, after what they say was years of sexual and physical abuse. Alfonso Cuaron's "Disclaimer," starring Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline, and "The Penguin," with Colin Farrell as the comic book villain, are expected to win acting nominations. - Big day for Apple TV+? - In recent years, streaming services have led the charge for Emmy nominations, with traditional networks relegated to a handful of nods. With "Severance," "The Studio," "Disclaimer" and "Slow Horses," Apple TV+ could have its best year yet. "Normally we see HBO and Netflix leading the thing," Hammond said, but he predicted: "Apple is going to have the best year they've ever had in terms of nominations." - From nominations to gala - Harvey Guillen ("What We Do in the Shadows") and Brenda Song ("Running Point") will unveil the nominations on Tuesday. Voting members of the US-based Television Academy will then have a month to catch up on their viewing before final-round voting begins in mid-August. The September 14 gala will be hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze. —AFP
Observer
08-07-2025
- Observer
'Jurassic World: Rebirth' roars to top of N.American box office
"Jurassic World: Rebirth" -- the latest installment in the blockbuster dinosaur saga -- stomped the July 4th weekend competition at the North American box office, raking in a whopping $91.5 million in its debut, industry estimates showed Sunday. The Universal film, starring Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey and Mahershala Ali, takes viewers to an abandoned island research facility for the original Jurassic Park theme park, where secrets -- and genetically mutated dinosaurs -- are lurking. "This is an excellent opening for the 7th episode of an action-adventure monster series," said analyst David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research. "The series has been especially good overseas and so far foreign business is outstanding. Dinosaur action is understood in all languages and across all cultures." "F1: The Movie," the Apple and Warner Bros. flick starring Brad Pitt as a washed-up Formula One driver who gets one last shot at redemption, slipped to second place at $26.1 million, Exhibitor Relations said. "How to Train Your Dragon," Universal and DreamWorks Animation's live-action reboot of the popular 2010 film, held in third place at $11 million. The family-friendly film tells the story of a Viking named Hiccup (Mason Thames) who strikes up a friendship with Toothless the dragon. In fourth place was Disney/Pixar Animation's latest original film "Elio," at $5.7 million in the United States and Canada. "Elio" tells the story of a young boy who is mistaken by aliens as an intergalactic ambassador for Earth. The voice cast includes Oscar winner Zoe Saldana. In fifth place was Columbia Pictures' zombie sequel "28 Years Later," which took in $4.6 million. The Danny Boyle-directed threequel picks up -- as the title suggests -- more than a generation after the initial outbreak of the Rage Virus. Rounding out the top 10 were:"M3GAN 2.0" ($3.8 million); "Lilo & Stitch" ($3.8 million); "Mission: Impossible -- The Final Reckoning" ($2.7 million); "Materialists" ($1.3 million) "Ballerina" ($725,000) —AFP
