Cinematic box office started slow in 2024, but picked up speed in summer and blossomed in fall. But with revenues still down compared with pre-pandemic times, what’s to come?

The Oscar-nominated writer, director and producer known for feel-good romantic comedies died Friday after a brief illness, according to his daughter.

Perez’s material combines deeply personal narrative with sociopolitical insight. Before releasing his new special “Misunderstood,” in 2025, he headlines New Year’s Eve at the two-year-old Stand Up Comedy Club.

In a Dec. 24 lawsuit, the founder of a publicity firm that represented actor Justin Baldoni effectively outed herself as the source of texts. She disavows involvement.

The family of Charles Dolan, who founded some of the most prominent U.S. media companies including Home Box Office and Cablevision Systems, said he died of natural causes.

Critic Bethanne Patrick recommends 10 promising new titles — fiction and nonfiction — to consider in January.