Movies

Richard Romanus -- famous from his memorable role in "Mean Streets" -- has died.

The actor's son, Robert, broke the sad news this weekend, telling THR his father had passed away Dec. 23 at a private hospital in Volos, Greece. The exact circumstances of his death remain unclear, and an official cause has yet to be announced.

Romanus hadn't acted in much since the early 2000s, with his last credited role being in Disney's "The Young Black Stallion" from 2003. Still, his career was noteworthy ... especially his turn as the villain in one of Scorsese's first films.

Of course, he played Michael the loan shark in 'MS' ... his character grows impatient with Robert De Niro's Johnny Boy after constantly ducking/dodging him on a fat debt owed.

Fans might also remember him for playing Richard La Penna in a few episodes of "The Sopranos" ... not to mention roles in other big shows like "Tenspeed and Brown Shoe," "Foul Play," "Strike Force," "Hill Street Blues," "The A-Team," "Cagney & Lacey," "Johnny Bago" and more.

Outside of "Mean Streets," Romanus' movie credits include ... "Wizards," "Sitting Ducks," "Heavy Metal," "Pandemonium," "Strangers Kiss," "Protocol," "Murphy's Law," "Oscar" and many others.

He's survived by his son, his wife and his famous younger brother, Robert. Romanus was 80.

Timothée Chalamet is entering 2024 as king of the box office -- marking the end of what's been been a pretty damn good year in terms of ticket sales at the movies. Go figure!

The actor's latest offering, "Wonka," returned to #1 this weekend -- this after claiming the same spot two weeks ago when it first debuted and slipping to #2 last week after the release of 'Aquaman 2,' which technically came in first ... but still underperformed by a lot.

Those woes continued this week, with 'A2' slipping to second and Timmy's film retaking its position as top dog to end 2023 -- raking in about $24 mil through Sunday ... and bringing its total domestic haul to about $142 mil, and its worldwide gross to a whopping $387 mil.

Considering this thing only cost about $100 mil to make, that's a helluva good return. And considering WB has 3 films in the top 5 slots this weekend, we're sure they're happy too.

If you're wondering what 2023 has been like, generally, at the box office well ... movie fans might be in for a pleasant surprise -- 'cause as it turns out, theaters cleaned up quite a bit.

This year saw a domestic box office gross of over $9 billion -- which is actually great compared to recent years post-pandemic ('21's $4.3B & '22's $7.3B). Now, it does pale in comparison to what theaters used to bring in -- see 2019's domestic haul of $11.4B -- but still solid all things considered, and presumably an encouraging sign that theaters ain't dead!

Of course, there's a select few films we have to thank for this result ... especially "Barbie," which was the highest-earning movie this year by a long shot. Other honorable mentions go to 'Super Mario Bros.,' "Oppenheimer," 'Across the Spider-Verse,' and some Disney additions.

As far as superhero movies, though ... those, by and large, turned out to be major stinkers.

So what have we learned about getting asses in seats going forward? Big IPs are winners, and so are splashy biopics. Now, it seems like folks might be tired of seeing capes and tights, though ... so less of that and newer (familiar) wells of content might be the ticket.

Timothée Chalamet está entrando al 2024 como el rey de la taquilla, marcando el fin de un año bastante bueno en términos de venta de entradas en el cine. Y no es para menos...

Su última película "Wonka" volvió al número 1 este fin de semana, después de ocupar el mismo lugar hace dos semanas cuando se estrenó en cines y de caer al número 2 la semana siguiente tras el estreno de "Aquaman 2", que técnicamente quedó en primer lugar... pero aun así tuvo un rendimiento muy inferior al esperado.

Los problemas continuaron esta semana y "Aquaman 2" cayó al segundo puesto, lo que le permitió a Timmy retomar su posición de liderazgo de fin de año, recaudando unos 24 millones de dólares hasta el domingo y elevando su recaudación nacional a unos 142 millones de dólares. A nivel mundial, la suma es de 387 millones de dólares.

Teniendo en cuenta que solo costó unos 100 millones de dólares hacerla, es un buen rendimiento. Y teniendo en cuenta que Warner Bros tiene 3 películas en los 5 primeros puestos este fin de semana, estamos seguros de que también están contentos.

Si se están preguntando cómo fue el 2023 en general, pues fue muy bueno.

Este año la taquilla nacional recaudó más de 9.000 millones de dólares, una cifra excelente en comparación con los años posteriores a la pandemia ($4.300 millones en el 21 y $7.300 millones en el 22). Ahora bien, palidece en comparación con lo que los cines solían recaudar (véase la recaudación nacional de 2019 de 11.400 millones de dólares), pero sigue siendo sólida en general y una señal alentadora de que los cines no están muertos.

Por supuesto, hay unas pocas películas a las que tenemos que dar las gracias por este resultado, especialmente a "Barbie", que fue la película más taquillera de este año con mucha diferencia. Otras menciones honoríficas son para "Super Mario Bros", "Oppenheimer", "Across the Spider-Verse" y algunas adiciones de Disney.

En cuanto a las películas de superhéroes, sin embargo, en general estas resultaron ser un fracaso importante.

Entonces, ¿qué hemos aprendido del éxito de este año para el futuro? Las grandes películas son las ganadoras, al igual que las biopics. Sin embargo, parece que la gente está cansada de ver capas y mallas... así que menos de eso y más contenido nuevo (familiar) podría ser.

Richard Romanus -famoso por su memorable papel en "Mean Streets"- ha muerto.

El hijo del actor, Robert, dio la triste noticia este fin de semana, diciendole a THR que su padre había fallecido el 23 de diciembre en un hospital privado de Volos, Grecia. Las circunstancias exactas de su muerte aún no están claras y una causa oficial aún no ha sido anunciada.

Romanus no había actuado mucho desde principios de la década de 2000. Su último papel acreditado fue en la película de Disney "The Young Black Stallion" de 2003. Aun así, su carrera fue notable, especialmente su papel de villano en una de las primeras películas de Scorsese.

Por supuesto, interpretó a Michael, el usurero, en "Mean Streets". Su personaje se impacienta con el Johnny Boy de Robert De Niro después de eludirle constantemente el pago de una cuantiosa deuda.

Los fans también podrían recordarlo por interpretar a Richard La Penna en algunos episodios de "Los Soprano", por no mencionar papeles en otras grandes series como "Tenspeed and Brown Shoe", "Foul Play", "Strike Force", "Hill Street Blues", "The A-Team", "Cagney & Lacey", "Johnny Bago" y más.

Aparte de "Mean Streets", los créditos cinematográficos de Romanus incluyen, "Wizards", "Sitting Ducks", "Heavy Metal", "Pandemonium", "Strangers Kiss", "Protocol", "Murphy's Law", "Oscar" y muchas otras.

Le sobreviven su hijo, su esposa y su famoso hermano menor, Robert. Romanus tenía 80 años.

Underneath this spectacular snowflake is someone who's been singing and acting since the early 2000s. His holiday season started off with a bang as he received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

Yes, he's got great hair, but one might say he uses "hairspray" to maintain his look. And if you're in the market for a "New Year's Eve Date," this handsome fella is avail! Perhaps the only dude giving his rockin' bod a run for its money is his younger bro! Keep watch for this bae!

"You are the music in me!"

James Bond has pissed off Uncle Sam in Big Sky Country -- allegedly trespassing into an area of Yellowstone National Park that was off-limits ... and the proof might be in this pic.

You might have heard about Pierce Brosnan getting dinged this past week with two federal citations accusing him of going off-trail near the Mammoth Hot Springs and venturing into a restricted thermal area ... all while violating closures, per court docs filed in Wyoming.

There wasn't much detail in the filings, other than to claim he waded a little too deep in the Mammoth Terraces by foot on Nov. 1. Now, he has to appear in court there by late Jan.

No word on how exactly the feds might know Pierce might've (allegedly) been at this specific location they're accusing him of being at -- but the clues might be on social media, including his own IG ... where he was documenting his Montana trip in early November.

There's also a photo that was posted to a popular aggregation page right around the same time that purportedly shows PB standing in the exact area park rangers say he was in. The IG page is called TouronsOfYellowstone (tourist/morons) and they highlight people screwing up while navigating the park. Here, you see a man standing near snow-covered springs.

Unclear where they snagged this pic -- but it sure looks like Bond based on what else he posted/was wearing that day. If it is in fact him, the evidence might be clear as day here.

Ben Affleck is playing chauffeur for the missus on their tropical end-of-year vacay -- driving Jennifer Lopez around in a teeny tiny vehicle that he definitely looks too big to be in.

Hubby was behind the wheel Friday in a Mini Moke -- which is basically a toy Jeep for adults -- while cruising around St. Barts with his wife riding passenger ... and like we said, BA seems to be a bit crammed in there, even though Jen's enjoying the ride.

They were out enjoying the day in the capital of Gustavia ... where we're told they hit up Arawak Cafe for a bite, and later did some shopping at Jacques Zolty (a perfume store) and Bulgari (a jewelry shop) while perusing the town.

Of course, they were shoulder to shoulder for their stroll -- with Ben wrapping Jen up tight.

Earlier in the week, J Lo was spotted out on the beach in a bikini -- where her toned body was on display. No sign of Ben there -- but the dude was front and center in the streets.

Ben Affleck está haciendo de chófer para su mujer en sus tropicales vacaciones de fin de año, llevando a Jennifer López en un diminuto vehículo en el que definitivamente se ve demasiado grande en comparación al auto.

El marido estaba al volante de un Mini Moke el viernes, que es básicamente un Jeep de juguete para adultos, mientras paseaba por St. Barts con su esposa como pasajera, y como dijimos, Ben Affleck parece estar un poco apretado allí, a pesar de que Jen está disfrutando del paseo.

La pareja disfrutó el día en la capital de Gustavia, donde nos dicen que pararon a comer un bocado en Arawak Cafe y más tarde hicieron algunas compras en Jacques Zolty (una perfumería) y Bulgari (una joyería) mientras recorrían la ciudad.

Por supuesto, estaban hombro con hombro durante su paseo, con Ben envolviendo fuertemente a Jen.

A principios de semana, J Lo fue vista en la playa en bikini, en donde pudimos apreciar su tonificado cuerpo. No había rastros de Ben allí, pero el tipo estaba al frente y al centro en las calles.

Gary Oldman is considered one of the greatest living actors alive today -- but if you take his own review of his work, it's all pretty trash ... especially as it pertains to 'Harry Potter.'

The Academy Award-winning thespian -- who's range knows no limits -- recently got candid on the 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast over how he feels about some the roles he's taken over the years, including Sirius Black in the 'HP' film series.

He played Black for a total of 4 films ... but as he looks back now, GO says he thinks his acting was actually "mediocre" -- and when the host scoffed, Gary freaking doubled down!

The reasoning behind this apparently lies in the fact that he didn't know his character was going to be killed off. As Gare explains here, he didn't read ahead in the books -- the way the late Alan Rickman did -- and says he would've played Black differently if he'd known.

Still, he goes on to say that he often criticizes his past roles -- and while a lot of people try and give him praise ... Gary apparently doesn't get all the hype. Indeed, very harsh.

Tom Wilkinson, uno de los actores británicos más conocidos de los últimos tiempos, ha fallecido.

Sus seres queridos dieron la noticia a la BBC el sábado, con un comunicado de la familia que decía: "Es con gran tristeza que la familia de Tom Wilkinson anuncia que este murió repentinamente en su casa el 30 de diciembre. Su mujer y su familia estaban con él".

Las circunstancias exactas de su muerte no quedaron claras inmediatamente, ya que no se dieron más detalles. En cualquier caso, es un duro golpe para la comunidad cinematográfica, en la que era muy querido.

A Wilkinson se le recordará sobre todo por su papel de Gerald en "The Full Monty", una popular comedia de los 90 sobre un grupo de hombres de mediana edad que abría un local de striptease solo para hombres. Pero lo cierto es que Wilkinson participó en muchas otras películas igual de buenas a lo largo de los años.

Interpretó a Arthur Edens junto a George Clooney en "Michael Clayton", así como a Matt Fowler en "In the Bedroom" de 2001, y al autor en "The Grand Budapest Hotel" de Wes Anderson.

Wilkinson protagonizó otras innumerables películas a lo largo de los años, incluyendo "Batman Begins", "Shakespeare in Love", "Rush Hour", "Wilde", "El fantasma y la oscuridad", "El patriota", "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind", "Valkyrie", "Mission: Imposible - Protocolo Fantasma", "El Llanero Solitario", "Selma", "Snowden", "El Titán", "El Samaritano"... y muchas, muchas más.

En total, tenía 129 créditos como actor y 2 proyectos en espera. Uno ya estaba en postproducción, por lo que presumiblemente será su último papel antes de morir. Wilkinson tenía 75 años.

Tom Wilkinson -- one of the most recognizable British actors in recent memory -- has died.

His loved ones broke the news to the BBC Saturday, with a statement from the family reading, "It is with great sadness that the family of Tom Wilkinson announce that he died suddenly at home on December 30. His wife and family were with him."

The exact circumstances of his death weren't immediately clear, as no further details were provided. In any case, it's a huge blow to the film community, in which he was beloved.

Wilkinson will likely best be remembered for his role as Gerald in "The Full Monty" -- a popular '90s comedy about a bunch of middle-aged men starting an all-male strip joint. Fact is, though ... he'd been in plenty of other films over the years that were equally as great.

He played Arthur Edens opposite George Clooney in "Michael Clayton," as well as Matt Fowler in 2001's "In the Bedroom" ... plus, the author in Wes Anderson's "The Grand Budapest Hotel."

Wilkinson starred in countless other films over the years, including ... "Batman Begins," "Shakespeare in Love," "Rush Hour," "Wilde," "The Ghost and the Darkness," "The Patriot," "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," "Valkyrie," "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol," "The Lone Ranger," "Selma," "Snowden," "The Titan," "The Samaritan" ... and many, many more.

All told, he had 129 acting credits to his name ... and 2 projects on standby, with one already in post-production -- presumably his last role before he died. Wilkinson was 75.

Jeremy Renner marked a near-fatal anniversary with a return trip to the hospital and medical staff that saved his life.

Jeremy showed up Friday at the Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno ... nearly a year to the day after he was crushed by a snowplow. As you know, Jeremy actually jumped on the runaway plow to stop it, fearing it would run over his nephew. Jeremy fell off and was run over himself.

The 52-year-old actor thanked the doctors, nurses and others who cared for him ... taking photos and shaking lots of hands.

Renner also showed up at the local fire dept. to thank some of the first responders who rescued him.

Jeremy's injuries were gruesome ... more than 30 broken bones, a punctured liver, and one of his eyes popped out of his skill. Just horrific.

His recovery has been remarkable, and at least from the outside, Jeremy appears to be back to his normal self.

Mark Wahlberg and Rhea Durham are living proof ... fitness is not a young person's game.

Not that they're old, but their bodies simply defy age ... paste the heads of a couple 20 year olds over them and you'd never know Mark is 52 and Rhea is 45.

Mark and Rhea have been vacationing in Barbados, along with tons of other celebs.

They have 4 kids together, who came along for the vacay.

Rhea joked about the brood they brought along ... "What do 4 teenagers,1 college kid and one family friend have in common? A free vacation."

If Dr. Bennet Omalu -- the inspiration for the famous Will Smith "Concussion" movie -- were advising Elijah Moore following his scary head injury on Thursday night ... he says he'd tell the Browns wideout to retire.

"That is my recommendation," the famed neuropathologist tells TMZ Sports.

Moore was hurt in the second quarter of Cleveland's win over the Jets on "Thursday Night Football" -- and the scene was horrifying.

The 23-year-old's face slammed into the turf ... and after he appeared to lose consciousness, he convulsed on the ground several times.

Moore did not finish the game and stayed the night at a local hospital -- and Omalu says if he had things his way, it'd be the last time Moore ever sees an NFL field again.

"He was having a seizure," Omalu said Friday. "A seizure is a manifestation of brain damage, brain injury."

"That is permanent damage."

There currently is no timetable for a return for Moore -- he's been placed in the NFL's concussion protocol while he remains at home recovering.

Omalu tells us if Moore doesn't retire -- he'd at least urge the receiver to sit out the rest of this season ... even if that means missing Cleveland's upcoming playoff run.

"Given what I saw in that video, he should be benched for rest of the season," Omalu said. "For at least three months."

The death of "Parasite" star Lee Sun-kyun is hitting his family and friends hard as they lay the South Korean actor to rest.

Lee's funeral was held Friday in Seoul, where a large congregation followed as his coffin was placed in the hearse. His wife broke down in tears during the ceremony and the procession.

As we reported, Lee was found dead in his car Wednesday ... after an apparent suicide -- and his attorney says he'd been under an intense police investigation for a drug blackmail plot. He claimed he'd been tricked into smoking marijuana, and then extorted by the man and woman who allegedly tricked him.

Detectives in the Seoul suburb of Incheon had questioned him last week after detaining the actor for 19 hours. His attorney says Lee begged police not to go public with the investigation.

Lee was best known in America for his role as the father in the Oscar-winning film "Parasite."

The 2 suspects in the plot were arrested the day before Lee was found dead.

La muerte de la estrella de "Parásito" Lee Sun-kyun está golpeando duramente a su familia y amigos mientras el actor surcoreano es velado.

El funeral de Lee se celebró el viernes en Seúl y reunió a una gran congregación que siguió su ataúd mientras avanzaba en el coche fúnebre. Su esposa rompió en llanto durante la ceremonia y la procesión.

Como informamos, Lee fue encontrado sin vida en su carro el miércoles, después de un aparente suicidio, y su abogado dice que había estado bajo una intensa investigación policial por una trama de chantaje de drogas. Afirmó que había sido engañado para fumar marihuana y luego extorsionado por el hombre y la mujer que supuestamente lo engañó.

Los detectives del suburbio de Incheon, en Seúl, lo habían interrogado la semana pasada tras haber detenido al actor por 19 horas. Su abogado dice que Lee le rogó a la policía que no hiciera pública la investigación.

Lee era conocido en Estados Unidos por su papel de padre en la película ganadora del Oscar "Parásito".

Los dos sospechosos de la trama fueron detenidos el día antes de que Lee fuera encontrado muerto.