The Farr Side: Excitement abounds in world of entertainment

It’s an exciting time, once again, in the world of entertainment. It has been a while since we’ve seen such major box office numbers with Hollywood blockbusters, sold-out music venues and revived interest in TV favorites.

Who would have thought Tom Cruise’s biggest movie premiere would occur in 2022? Think of how many times Cruise has starred in a blockbuster, yet his biggest would be a sequel to a 1986 film. Of course, I‘m talking about “Top Gun: Maverick,” the sequel to “Top Gun.” Thirty-six years have passed between the two!

It seems like I’ve been reading about this film for years, along with all the times production was halted during the pandemic. Cruise persisted and demanded so much from the cast and crew to navigate the parameters the situation presented. Hype was big, but anticipation was bigger. “Top Gun: Maverick” made an estimated $156 million domestically over the Memorial Day holiday weekend to set a new record.

Not to dismiss the success of “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” and “The Batman,” but “Maverick” blew all the analysts' projections for its opening weekend.

“Jurassic World: Dominion” proved to be almost as big. The latest film in the “Jurassic Park” franchise opened at $143 million to take over the No. 1 spot at the box office.

It’s cool that people are getting back out and taking in the cinematic experience instead of being at home on the couch and buying the movie through their TV.

Music buzz

“Maverick” features a stellar soundtrack, including a new single from Lady Gaga. “Hold My Hand” is an incredible song and was perfect for Cruise’s film. The song took my breath away when I heard it the first time. I has Oscar written all over it!

Harry Styles’ latest album, “Harry’s House,” debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 200, while the album’s first single, “As It Was,” enters its sixth week on top of Hot 100. I’m sure we are going to get a major shake-up on the chart when Gaga’s “Hold My Hand” debuts.

Madonna long has been newsworthy, if not self-induced buzzworthy. Now it’s because of the hype surrounding who will portray The Material Girl in a Hollywood biopic. For now, it’s looking good for Julia Garner, who we know from “Ozark.” She does make me think of 1986 Madonna. I’m excited to follow this story.

Kate Bush’s 1985 hit “Running Up The Hill” is the No .3 song in the U.S. It was featured in an opening scene of “Stranger Things," which returned to Netflix for a season 4. “Stranger Things” has been known for its outstanding soundtrack, but hadn't brought back a song like it this time. Bush is ecstatic — it has become her biggest hit.

Hot on TV

America has embraced the “American Idol” top two, Noah Thompson (winner) and HunterGirl  (runner-up). Each has a successful single. Alums Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood still are packing major punches several years after their respective wins. Clarkson recently released the anticipated “Kellyoke” EP, while Underwood is prepping for a tour in support of her latest album, “Denim And Rhinestones.”

“America’s Got Talent” is back and creating memorable moments, like 11-year-old Madison Taylor Baez, who was discovered during filming of auditions. She sang an astounding version of “Amazing Grace,” causing Simon Cowell to place her center-stage. She sang the song again, even better, and judge Howie Mandel bestow her with the Golden Buzzer.

“Big Brother” starts its summer run. “The Challenge" is a new show that features favorites from “Big Brother,” “Survivor,” “The Amazing Race” and “Love Island.”

Like I said, there is a lot to see, hear and discuss again. It almost feels like it did before the pandemic, but we still need to play it smart.

David T. Farr is a Journal correspondent. Email him at farrboy@hotmail.com. 

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: It’s an exciting time, once again, in the world of entertainment.