Entertainment

Follow Leo the sea lion in newest Disneynature film

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

The annual Earth Day holiday is all about educating people on taking care of this big blue marble we call home, and for many, Earth Day also marks the annual Disneynature film release. This year, the newest Disneynature film, “Sea Lions of the Galápagos,” is narrated by Brendan Fraser and follows the life of a sea lion called Leo as he tries to find his own community in the remote islands of Galápagos Islands after being forced to strike out on his own. Throughout Leo’s decade-long journey, viewers not only see Leo grow from a clumsy pup to a confident adult, but also learn more about the Galápagos Islands, with each island featuring its own wildlife and personality.

‘Thunderbolts*’ injects jolt of heart and heft into MCU

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

It’s no secret the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s big screen efforts have been somewhat lacking lately, but the most recent entry, “Thunderbolts*” is looking to help reverse that trend.

The movie, released last weekend, follows follows new MCU Black Widow Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), who finds herself in a rut, and ends up crossing paths with John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Ava Starr/Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), Alexei/Red Guardian (David Harbour), and the mysterious Bob (Lewis Pullman) to become the titular team during a mission for Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). Having been not entirely enthused by “Captain America: Brave New World” a couple months ago, I was somewhat unsure what to anticipate from “Thunderbolts,*” but I ended up being pretty blown away by the final effort.

‘The Cher Show’ provides out-of-this-world experience at Century II

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

Cher has been a fixture in the entertainment world for multiple decades now, and last week gave me and my mom the closest opportunity I’ll probably ever have to seeing one of her concerts thanks to “The Cher Show,” whose national tour rolled through Wichita’s Century II last weekend.

“The Cher Show” is a jukebox musical that tells the story of the life and career of Cher featuring songs she has performed throughout her multi-decade career. The part of Cher is played by three actresses: one portraying her in the 1950s and 60s (nicknamed "Babe"), one for the 1970s (nicknamed "Lady"), and one for the 1980s and 90s (nicknamed "Star"). Throughout the show, the three interact and help each other out.

Coogler ventures to 1930s Mississippi in newest film ‘Sinners’

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

It might only be April, but director Ryan Coogler is wanting moviegoers to have some spookiness on the brain with his newest film, “Sinners.” The film takes place in 1932 in the Mississippi Delta and stars Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as twin brothers who return to their hometown to start a juke joint with some friends and family, only to be confronted by a supernatural evil as opening night wears on.

Joey Dean and the Dry River Band competing for spot at upcoming Wango Tango concert

ELLY GRIMM

• Leader & Times

iHeartRadio’s annual Wango Tango concert will be coming up in just a couple weeks, and an area band has the chance to be part of the festivities.

Joey Dean and the Dry River Band are currently participating in the Next Music Star contest, and one artist or group will be flown to Hollywood to open for music superstars Doja Cat, Gwen Stefani, David Guetta, Katseye and more at the upcoming concert and win $10,000.