In Case You Haven’t Heard: ‘One Battle After Another,’ Jimmy Kimmel

Jimmy Kimmel addressed the controversies surrounding “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in his return to TV, Paul Thomas-Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” is a critical darling, and movies spanning the genre spectrum make their theatrical debuts in this edition of “In Case You Haven’t Heard.”

Jimmy Kimmel made an emotional return to his talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Tuesday night. The host delivered a 17-minute monologue where he still did not hold back against the FCC or the Trump administration but did clarify he never intended any insensitivity toward Erica Kirk or the Kirk kids, even tearing up a bit throughout the monologue after what has been an emotional few days.

Maybe his most popular line of the night was after he played a clip of the president saying, “Kimmel doesn’t have good ratings.” When the camera went back to Kimmel, he said, “well, I do tonight.” The crowd stood and applauded like it did several times throughout the monologue. Overall, the night was a big slap back at government overreach, with the host citing support from conservatives like Ben Shapiro, Candace Owens, and Ted Cruz. Even Joe Rogan not so courageously backed Kimmel after feeling it was safe to do so. It will be interesting to see how long the love lasts, but for now, Jimmy Kimmel is happy to be back!

There will be some new characters in the second installment of the “Wicked” feature-film franchise. The trailer for “Wicked 2,” more specifically “Wicked: For Good,” just dropped, and it features Dorothy, The Scarecrow, and Tin Man. Universal says this is the final trailer before the film’s release on Nov. 21 of this year. “Wicked: For Good” is a follow up to 2024’s Oscar-nominated “Wicked.” 

If you’re looking for a sports documentary, you’re in luck – a great story about one of the best baseball players ever is now available for viewing. “Clemente” is now available for streaming on the History Channel, and it explores baseball great Roberto Clemente’s life on and off the field, from his early struggles to becoming one of the best players in the game, as well as one of the most beloved. Roberto Clemente’s career and life ended way too soon when he died in a plane crash in 1972 while delivering aid to Nicaragua. “Clemente” is executive produced by basketball great LeBron James and film directing great Richard Linkletter.

Week 39 at the box office is upon us, and there is a much-anticipated film opening in your local theaters. Paul Thomas Anderson’s mystery-thriller with a dose of comedy, “One Battle After Another” is crushing with critics, receiving a 98 percent fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. That score will not change much, if at all, as most of the reviews are in. It will be interesting to see if audiences like it as much as critics do. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Regina Hall, Tayana Taylor, Sean Penn, and Benicio Del Toro. 

There’s some good, old-fashioned family fun available as well with the G-rated “Gabby’s Doll House,” based on the TV series. The film stars Gloria Estefan, Nite Lite pal Thomas Lennon, and the hilarious Kristen Wiig. There is just a few reviews at this point, but they are all positive. And if you’re in the mood for some horror, check out “The Strangers: Chapter 2.”  The first one was absolutely horrifying, and I have no doubt this one will be too. The film, however, is getting panned by critics, but horror fans are very forgiving. Let’s go to the movies!

Editor’s note: For more movie and entertainment talk, join host Pete Schwaba weeknights from 6 to 8 p.m. for “Nite Lite” on the Civic Media radio network.