‘Alita’ leads holiday box office

‘Alita’ leads holiday box office

LOS ANGELES

The sci-fi fantasy “Alita: Battle Angel” topped the charts and beat out a number of newcomers including the meta romantic comedy “Isn’t It Romantic” and the horror sequel “Happy Death Day 2U” in its first weekend in theaters, but it is a victory with a few caveats. It’s leading the slowest Presidents Day weekend at the box office in almost 20 years and has a ways to go to make up its costly budget.

20th Century Fox said Sunday that the James Cameron-produced film earned an estimated $27.8 million over the weekend against a reported $170 million budget. It’s made $36.5 million total since its debut Thursday.

It’s a 56.4 percent tumble from last year’s record Presidents Day box office when “Black Panther” grossed $202 million over the three-day weekend.

Completing the top five list at the box office were: “The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part,” $21.2 million, second place; “Isn’t It Romantic,” $14.2 million, third place; “What Men Want,” $10.9 million, fourth place; and “Happy Death Day 2U,” $9.8 million, fifth place.

Cheadle sports political shirts as he hosts ’SNL’

NEW YORK

Don Cheadle delivered some political messages along with jokes as he hosted “Saturday Night Live” for the first time.

The actor sported a T-shirt that said “Protect Trans Kids” as he introduced musical guest Gary Clark Jr.

And in closing Saturday’s show, Cheadle wore a jersey with the former Soviet Union’s initials on the front, while the back bore the name “Trump” and the number 45 – as in the 45th U.S. president, Donald Trump.

Trump tweeted Sunday there’s “nothing funny” about “SNL.” Saturday’s show also featured Alec Baldwin reprising his role as Trump.

Cheadle earned an Academy Award nomination for 2004’s “Hotel Rwanda.”

Lee Radziwill, stylish sister of Jackie Kennedy, dies at 85

NEW YORK

Lee Radziwill, the stylish jet setter and socialite who found friends, lovers and other adventures worldwide while bonding and competing with her sister Jacqueline Kennedy, has died. She was 85.

Anna Christina Radziwill told The New York Times her mother died Friday of what she described as natural causes. The Associated Press left messages Saturday and Sunday for the family.

The husky-voiced Radziwill shared her sister’s affinity for fashion and adventure, as well as her dark, wide-set eyes and high cheekbones.

They were confidantes as young women, and Radziwill was a frequent guest at the White House during President John F. Kennedy’s administration.

Radziwill counted Gloria Steinem, Andy Warhol and Truman Capote among her friends.

Associated Press