In Case You Haven’t Heard: ‘Casper,’ Jane Goodall

Everyone’s favorite ghost “Casper” screams back into theaters this weekend, superstar actor Leonardo DiCaprio mourns the loss of his friend Jane Goodall, and a jackpot winner on “Wheel of Fortune” had to keep her winnings a secret for months in this edition of “In Case You Haven’t Heard.”

Thinking about heading to the theater this weekend? There is a nice variety of films headed to your local big screen. What would Halloween season be without a ghost in the theaters? That ghost is “Casper,” and it complements a re-release from 1995 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the mediocre animated film, which drew barely 50 percent fresh reviews, according to Rotten Tomatoes.

Dwayne Johnson stars as UFC fighter Mark Kerr in “The Smashing Machine,” a historical drama that’s pulling a 76 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. “Bone Lake” is a horror-thriller that finds two couples spending a weekend sharing a lakeside home and is chock full of manipulation and deceit. The film is crushing with critics and currently pulling 94 percent on the tomato meter. “Good Boy” follows canine hero Indy in this rated PG thriller that is also a critic’s darling with a 91 percent. It’s hard to go wrong with a canine hero! Let’s go to the movies! 

The great news? You just won over a million bucks on “Wheel of Fortune,” making yourself the biggest winner ever! The hard news? You filmed the episode in May and had to keep it a secret from your boyfriend and family for four months. 34-year-old Christina Derevjanik of Connecticut had just started dating the boyfriend, but she was a champ and managed to keep everything on the low. The night the episode aired, she held a watch party in Stamford and her boyfriend found out while watching in Boston. Derevjanik also says, like most people who win a lot of money, that she is not quitting her job – at least not until her boss gives her the business.

If you’re looking for a film to watch at home this weekend, check out “Caught Stealing.” The Darren Aronofsky directed film is a good caper about an ex-baseball player who gets mixed up with gangsters, thanks to his goofy neighbor. The film stars Zoë Kravitz and Austin Butler, and it’s definitely worth a look. “Caught Stealing” is now available to stream at home thanks to video on demand. Check it out. 

Tilly Norwood is an AI performer who has her own Instagram account and whose creator, Eline Van Der Velden, says she will soon be signed by a talent agency. Two of the bigger agencies in L.A., however, have already said they will not sign AI creations due to an anticipated actors’ revolt. Screen Actors Guild president Sean Astin, known for his role in “The Goonies” and “Stranger Things,” says human actors have all the leverage because they are who audiences want to see. Astin says he will do everything he can to protect SAG members. 

Leonardo DiCaprio is mourning the death of his friend, conservationist Jane Goodall, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 91. Goodall did groundbreaking research involving chimpanzees, transforming people’s understanding of animals, and founded the Jane Goodall institute. DiCaprio served with Goodall on the United Nations Messengers of Peace and called her a true hero for the planet, and a dear friend. The two teamed up on the movie “Howl,” which is currently in production. DiCaprio said his last words to his friend were, “you are my hero.”

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.