Movie Review: ‘Paddington in Peru’ is buoyant and bright, and that’s enough – WTOP News

In the 11 years of what we can fairly call “the Paddington era,” the bear, himself, hasn’t changed so much…

In the 11 years of what we can fairly call “the Paddington era,” the bear, himself, hasn’t changed so much as a toggle on his blue duffle coat. Paddington’s great appeal, in an otherwise often fearfully changeable world, is that he stays exactly the same. He’s just as optimistic, prone to pratfalls and marmalade-mad as ever.

And that’s made Paddington not just a dearly beloved big-screen icon but something like the mascot to modern Britain — another guileless Pooh deserving of his own “The Tao of” bestseller.

But if “Paddington 2” ascended to the ranks of all-time great sequels like “Toy Story 2” and “The Godfather Part II” (and it did), the new third installment, “Paddington in Peru,” has the challenge of keeping up the good cheer for ever-darker times.

As if to accentuate this point, the “Paddington in Peru” screening that I attended at an AMC featured almost exclusively R-rated trailers — not just trailers for R-rated movies, but R-rated trailers — sending mothers and children fleeing images of horror and blood before they returned, relieved, for the cuddlier and more heartening feature attraction. Paddington, more than ever, is a refuge.

What has changed in “Paddington in Peru,” which opens in theaters Friday, is the director. The principle font of whimsy from the first two movies, Paul King, has moved on. (He instead made “Wonka” and gets a “story by” credit.) In his directorial debut, Dougal Wilson steps in and soldiers on, but he can’t quite summon the same comic spirit. Still, “Paddington in Peru,” bright and buoyant, will do. If some of King’s Wes Anderson-inspired pop-up book designs and skill with fine character actors is missing, the bedrock earnestness and unflaggingly good manners of its ursine protagonist remain charmingly unaltered.

“Paddington in Peru,” which the opening credits describe as a Marmalade Pictures release, takes the same basic structure as “2.” Life has again moved along for the Brown family in Windsor Gardens, with montages to check in on everyone’s developments. The kids, who have always been curiously uninvolved in these films, are growing up. Judy (Madeleine Harris) is applying to colleges. Jonathan (Samuel Joslin) is a bedroom-bound gamer. Mary Brown has changed entirely, with Emily Mortimer replacing Sally Hawkins as the mother. (Mortimer is a perfectly fine replacement but the switch inevitably has threequel-overkill vibes.)

Henry Brown (Hugh Bonneville) has a new American boss who touts embracing risk, rather than mitigating it. So when Paddington (voiced by Ben Whishaw) gets a call from the Reverend Mother ( Olivia Colman ) at a retired bears home in Peru telling him Aunt Lucy (voiced by Imelda Staunton) isn’t herself and badly misses him, Mr. Brown jumps at the chance to fly Paddington and the whole family to Peru.

The Browns could use some bonding, too. A through line in “Paddington in Peru” is the difference between the ties of family and of tribe, as Paddington, finding Aunt Lucy missing, goes on a jungle adventure looking for her in his childhood stomping grounds.

You can feel the formulas of the first two movies a little more obviously this time. Following in the footsteps of “Paddington 2” standouts Hugh Grant and Brendan Gleeson (both of whom deserve honorary Oscars — no, Nobel Prizes — for their previous efforts), those supporting roles this time go to Colman, as an obviously distrustful singing nun, and Antonio Banderas, as the river guide Hunter Cabot.

Hunter and his teenage daughter Gina (Carla Tous) ferry the Browns and Paddington into the Peruvian forest in a quest for Aunt Lucy that soon combines with his family’s generations-long hunt for the mythical city of El Dorado. Just as Grant donned many disguises in the last film, Banderas plays his Spanish ancestors, figments of his increasingly unhinged imagination.

There are some gags to be had, including a stone facade version of a famous Buster Keaton stunt. But as much as I endorse finding any role here for Colman, particularly as a shifty nun, I do question whether there might have been a more compelling storyline in Paddington returning home.

Once Paddington and the Browns set foot on the river boat, “Paddington in Peru” gets swept away just as Klaus Kinski did in “Fitzcarraldo.” Tales of madness in the Amazonian jungle are their own cinematic tradition, but I’m unconvinced a bear-version of El Dorado was where the Paddington movies needed to go. Does Paddington need a trip overseas when just a visit to a photo booth (for his passport picture) provides all the necessary entertainment?

These films have always been much more at home in London than South America, anyway. As the lovely coda to “Paddington in Peru” reminds, Paddington (officially a British citizen for the first time) is himself a migrant who once arrived from a foreign land with a tag reading: “Please look after this bear.” It’s a gentle reminder that many, not just the bear at the center of this lovable franchise, need looking out for.

“Paddington in Peru,” a Sony Pictures release, is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association for action, mild rude humor and some thematic elements. Running time: 106 minutes. Two and a half stars out of four.

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‘Street Fighter’ and ‘NCIS’ star Peter Navy Tuiasosopo dead…

Veteran TV and film actor Peter Navy Tuiasosopo has died.

The star — known for his work in “Street Fighter,” “NCIS,” “Fast and the Furious” and more — died on Monday morning at the age of 61.

His son, Manoah Peter Tuiasosopo, announced the sad news on social media.

“With a heavy heart, my family and I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Our father Peter N. Tuiasosopo passed away this morning at 3:16am,” he wrote in a Facebook post on Monday, February 10.

Manoah continued by sharing that his father is “no longer” in pain.

“My dad lived an amazing life and in no way does his impact stop here,” he added. “We will continue to live with him in spirit, and as saddened as we are, he is without a doubt in Heaven with his brothers, sisters, parents, daughter, and Jesus, and no longer in pain. His strength, love, compassion, and kindness will forever be felt.”

He revealed that a celebration of life will be announced once the family has organized the details.

“We thank you all again for your thoughts and prayers and ask for your continued support through this tough and emotional time,” Manoah concluded, adding Tuiasosopo’s wife, kids and grandchildren to the touching announcement.

While he did not disclose his father’s cause of death in the post, the actor’s son later told TMZ that Tuiasosopo died from heart complications in Phoenix, Arizona.

Manoah also noted that Tuiasosopo was “a trailblazer for Polynesian actors in Hollywood.”

Tuiasosopo started his acting career in Hollywood over three decades ago, starring alongside Scott Bakula, Rob Schneider, Jason Bateman and more in the 1991 football film “Necessary Roughness” as Manumana “the Slender.”

He went on to act in over 40 more projects, including “The Fast and the Furious,” “Charlie’s Angles,” “The Scorpion King,” “BASEketball” and “Austin Powers: Goldmember.”

However, Tuiasosopo is perhaps most famously known for his role in the 1994 flick “Street Fighter,” featuring a slew of stars like Jean Claude Van Damme, Kylie Minogue, Ming-Na Wen and Raul Julia.

He played E-Honda, a fan-favorite character in the video game series.

But his career didn’t end on the big screen.

Tuiasosopo went on to become one of the most recognizable Polynesian actors in the industry, appearing on popular television series like “NCIS,” “Ray Donovan,” “Black-ish,” the “Magnum PI” reboot, “Mayans M.C.,” “New Girl” and more.

Before going into showbiz, Tuiasosopo had a rocky career in the NFL.

He signed onto the now-defunct St. Louis Cardinals as a free agent in 1987; however, he was waived shortly after. One month later, Tuiasosopo joined the Los Angeles Rams’ replacement team and was released.

Tuiasosopo was resigned by the Rams in 1988 and 1989, but he was released both times before the start of the NFL season.

Juice Diets Under Fire: The Risks Revealed

Juice Cleansing: A Health Hero or Hollow Hype?

In a world chasing quick fixes and instant solutions, juice cleansing has emerged as a glossy promise — a shortcut to rebooting health, shedding pounds, and revitalizing vitality. But is this liquid allure truly the elixir of wellness, or is it just another fad veiled in seductive packaging?

Recent findings have put juice cleanses under the microscope, challenging the notion that these liquid regimes are surefire paths to health. The science is now showing that rather than being a health savior, these intense fasts might be more of a health hazard.

Picture this: Just three days into a juice cleanse, our gut — that bustling metropolis of microbes — might undergo an unsettling transformation. Beneficial bacteria start to dwindle, making way for their inflammatory cousins that thrive in this nutrient-scarce environment. Proteobacteria, notorious for their links to inflammatory diseases, rise in numbers. Meanwhile, our friends, the Firmicutes, which diligently ferment dietary fiber, begin to vanish. The result? A gut flora not quite humming in harmony.

While juice cleansers rave about the flood of vitamins and minerals, there’s a catch. These liquid diets often skimp on essential nutrients — the ones that give us energy and keep our systems ticking smoothly. Imagine embarking on a road trip with a half-filled tank and no snacks. Sure, you might relish the ride at first, but soon, the journey could sputter to a halt.

The allure of a juice cleanse often thrives on grand claims — detoxification, weight loss, and digestive rejuvenation. However, these claims often lack the firm footing of scientific evidence. It’s essential to recognize the shiny veneer of marketing and approach these regimes with a critical eye.

Let’s steer this narrative back to realism: our bodies are naturally equipped to detoxify. The liver, kidneys, and skin work tirelessly — sans juice — to flush out toxins and maintain equilibrium. A diet grounded in balance, laden with fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains, offers a more sustainable path to health than a short-lived juice binge.

The takeaway? While the rainbow of juice in a glass may seem enticing, it’s wise to sip with caution. Health, after all, is not a sprint — it’s a marathon of steady habits, thoughtful choices, and consistent care. So before you jump on the juice cleanse bandwagon, take a moment to savor the science and remember: sometimes the straightforward path of balance trumps the glossy allure of shortcuts.

Mastering Risk: Thriving in High-Stakes Jobs

The workplace can be a battlefield — especially in high-risk professions where the margin for error is razor-thin. From nuclear plants to construction sites, professionals across various sectors gear up for their daily grind with an unspoken understanding of the risks involved. Yet, the key to thriving in such environments is not only about accepting these risks but mastering them with a blend of skill, preparation, and vigilance.

High-risk professions, by their nature, dance on the edge of danger. Whether you’re scaling new heights as a lineman or navigating the volatile intricacies of a nuclear reactor, the stakes are high, and so is the potential for life-changing accidents. We’ve seen this in dramatic cases like those of Hisashi Ouchi, whose tragic ordeal reminds us of the catastrophic consequences of a single miscalculation.

But let’s put this under the microscope—what makes managing these risks crucial and, more importantly, achievable? First, there’s comprehensive safety training which should be as routine as clocking in each day. Training should be treated as an ongoing process not just a one-time box to tick. Think of it as sharpening your sword before going into battle; it’s the edge you need to cut through potential hazards.

Then comes the role of cutting-edge technology. Today’s advancements are stunning, offering a suite of tools from wearables detecting hazardous exposures to AI systems predicting equipment failures. These aren’t just tech toys — they’re life-saving allies, turning reactive measures into proactive strategies.

But beyond training and tech, lies the personal responsibility of maintaining one’s health and mental acuity. A sound sleep regimen, regular fitness routines, and nutrition that fuels rather than fatigues—these are the unsung heroes of workplace safety. They keep you agile, both in body and mind, ready to respond to any challenge with the speed and precision it demands.

So, how do you turn the odds in your favor in a high-risk job? By making safety a lifestyle, not just a protocol. It’s about personal investment and communal vigilance where every team member becomes a sentinel for each other’s wellbeing.

In closing, let’s remember—while the risks in high-risk professions are formidable, they’re not insurmountable. With the right blend of preparation, technology, and personal health strategies, you can not only face these challenges head-on but redefine the very nature of what it means to work on the edge.

Beat Norovirus: Cruise Health Tips You Need

Title: Navigating the High Seas: How to Stay Shipshape and Healthy on Your Next Cruise

In the age of Instagrammed sunsets and endless buffets, cruises have become the ultimate travel escapade—offering both relaxation and adventure. But even on the most luxurious liner, there’s an uninvited guest that loves to crash the party: norovirus. To make sure this pesky virus doesn’t sink your vacation plans, here’s what you need to know to stay healthy while sailing the high seas.

**Sailing Smart—The Pre-Cruise Prep**

Before you even pack your swimsuit, arm yourself with knowledge. Research your cruise line’s health and safety protocols, specifically their cleaning procedures and how they handle onboard outbreaks. The savvy traveler knows preparation is key—consider packing a personal travel kit stocked with hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and portable water filters to help sidestep any viral stowaways.

**Guarding Against Germs—Your First Line of Defense**

Once aboard, the allure of endless activities can be as captivating as the sea views; however, maintaining a strict hygiene regimen is paramount. Frequent hand washing—with soap and water, not just sanitizer—should become as routine as checking the daily ship itinerary. Clean hands are your first line of defense, turning potentially harmful germs into mere specks in your ship’s wake.

**Mindful Mingling—The Delicate Dance of Shipboard Socializing**

Cruises are social hotbeds, teeming with opportunities to meet fellow travelers. But remember—viruses thrive in close-quarter environments. Practice mindful mingling, especially during peak meal times when dining areas can become crowded. And if the buffet calls your name, use utensils to serve food instead of your hands, building a subtle barrier against unwanted germs.

**Stay Hydrated and Nourished—Fuel for the Voyage**

While you navigate endless dining options, prioritize hydration and balanced meals. Avoid dehydration—which can impair your body’s immune response—by drinking plenty of water. Opt for fresh fruits and vegetables to keep your system fortified and ready to fend off intruders, like norovirus, that might seek to ruin your maritime escapade.

**Emergencies at Sea—When to Seek Help**

Occasionally, despite your best efforts, illness might strike. If you find yourself battling more than just seasickness, report any symptoms promptly to the ship’s medical staff. Early intervention can not only speed up your recovery but also protect fellow passengers from a ship-wide outbreak.

As the cruising industry rebounds and more travelers return to these floating paradises, being proactive about your health is non-negotiable. With careful planning and a dash of vigilance, you can ensure that your next cruise is memorable for all the right reasons, leaving the pesky viruses far behind in your ship’s wake.

7 Ways Routine Boosts Discipline and Resilience

Building Resilience: How Discipline and Routine Can Transform Your Well-being

If you’ve ever faced a roadblock on your fitness journey—and let’s be real, who hasn’t?—you know that motivation can often feel like an elusive friend. One day, it’s cheering you on as you crush your goals; the next, it’s ghosted you entirely. But here’s the kicker: discipline doesn’t rely on motivation. It thrives on routine, fortitude, and a little bit of grit.

Anyone serious about crafting their best self must first gear up with clear goals. Define exactly what you want—be it a personal record in the gym, shedding those stubborn pounds, or simply conquering each day with a clearer head. Break these ambitions into bite-sized, actionable steps. Like a sculptor chiseling away at marble, each action brings you closer to your vision of accomplishment.

The backbone of this journey? Routine. Carve out your daily schedule—a roadmap featuring workouts, nutritious meals, ample rest, and moments for reflection. This isn’t just a checklist—this is your blueprint for success. Embrace the grind, and remember, discipline gears up where motivation falters. So, on those sleepy mornings when the snooze button calls, lace up those sneakers anyway. Show up—every single day.

Reflection is a trusty ally in building resilience. Periodically put your routine under the microscope. What’s working? What needs a tweak? Adaptability is the secret sauce here. Celebrate your victories—big or small—for they are stepping stones paving the path to greater feats.

Mental toughness is your superpower. Engage in activities that challenge your mindset—a brisk morning jog in the rain or a few moments of stillness in meditation. These moments do more than just build character; they craft an indomitable spirit capable of weathering life’s storms.

Accountability keeps you honest. Whether it’s a workout buddy or a professional coach, having someone in your corner fosters accountability. Share your journey, your triumphs, and your setbacks. There’s strength in numbers.

And let’s not forget about nutrition—the fuel that powers this disciplined engine. Keep your body fueled with lean proteins, whole grains, and hydration before your body craves the right kind of sustenance.

Rest isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Without adequate downtime, burnout lurks. So prioritize recovery, ensuring your body rebuilds stronger, ready for the rhythm of your routine.

Visualization—seeing yourself succeeding—turns dreams into plans. Picture the end goal as vividly as possible. You aren’t just on the path; you’re owning it, one stride at a time.

Building resilience and embracing discipline won’t just improve your well-being. It’ll transform it—one routine at a time. Gear up, stay the course, and watch your best self emerge. You’ve got this.

8 Steps to Mastering Your Mind-Body Connection

In a world brimming with distractions and stress, mastering the mind-body connection is akin to discovering the secret door to a balanced life. Imagine this: a life where stress doesn’t control you, where your body feels strong and your mind is clear. It’s within reach—and it starts with understanding and nurturing the mind-body relationship.

Let’s kick things off with mindful breathing. Simple yet powerful, this practice invites you to pause, breathe deeply, and allow stress to melt away. It gears you up for mental clarity—like rebooting your internal computer. Next, let’s talk strength training. Not just for athletes, this practice turns you into a powerhouse of confidence and body awareness. By engaging your muscles, you build more than strength—you build resilience.

If knowledge is power, then nutrition education is your superhero cape. Dive into the world of nutrition—understand what fuels your body effectively, and transform your plate into a canvas of health. Coupled with regular exercise, which boosts your mood and physical resilience, you create a dynamic duo that can tackle life’s challenges head-on.

But don’t underestimate the restorative magic of sleep. Prioritizing quality sleep draws a well-deserved line between exhaustion and vibrant energy. While you’re at it, grab a notebook and start journaling. This practice puts your emotions and goals under the microscope—helping you gain the upper hand over life’s chaos.

Meditation—a rendezvous with tranquility. Regular practice brings a calm mind to the forefront, sharpening focus and enhancing mental well-being. Coupled with the golden rule of hydration, you ensure your engine runs smoothly. After all, water is life, and your body thrives when it’s well-hydrated.

Finally, never underestimate the power of social connections. Strengthen these bonds to cultivate a supportive environment, enriching both your emotional health and overall life satisfaction.

Mastering the mind-body connection isn’t just a goal—it’s a journey. One step at a time, you can unlock the secret to a balanced life, brimming with energy, focus, and joy. So, why wait? Take the reins today, and start living your best life.

7 Morning Rituals to Boost Mental Health

Harness the Power of a Morning Routine for Stellar Mental Health

They say the early bird catches the worm—and when it comes to mental health, this old adage holds more truth than ever. Establishing a morning routine can transform your mindset, preparing you to take on whatever life throws your way. Here’s how to supercharge your mornings for mental well-being.

Wake Up Early

When you gear up for the day by rising early, you set the stage for productivity and positivity. An early start provides the precious gift of time—time for self-care, reflection, and preparation. Your day begins not with a rush, but with intention.

Hydrate First Thing

After hours of slumber, your body craves hydration. Reach for a glass of water as your first act upon waking—it’s a simple yet powerful way to jumpstart your metabolism and get on track with hydration. Water is life—let it be the first step in your morning arsenal.

Move Your Body

Nothing gears you up like a bit of movement. Whether it’s a full-fledged workout or a gentle stretch, moving your body shakes off the morning fog, invigorates your muscles, and releases those feel-good endorphins that set a positive tone for the day.

Mindful Meditation

Take a few minutes to clear your mind through meditation. In this quiet moment, you set your intentions and center your thoughts—it’s your mental tune-up before the day’s race. Let tranquility be the foundation upon which you build a resilient mind.

Nourishing Breakfast

Fuel your body with a nutritious breakfast, opting for protein and fiber-rich choices that sustain energy levels and concentration. This meal isn’t just a necessity—it’s your body’s morning power, transforming food into focus and strength.

Plan Your Day

Before plunging into tasks, take a moment to organize. Planning your day provides a clear roadmap, putting priorities and tasks into perspective. Clarity in the morning translates to confidence as you navigate the winding roads of daily responsibilities.

Goal Setting

Aim for success by jotting down three achievable goals. Whether they’re career-driven or personal aspirations, setting these targets keeps your focus laser-sharp and your motivation ignited. Like a compass guiding you north, your goals elevate your mental game.

So there you have it—a morning ritual that paves the way for mental fortitude and overall well-being. Start small, integrate these steps, and watch as your mental health flourishes under the discipline of a well-crafted morning routine. Seize the dawn, and the day is yours!

Super Bowl LIX pregame music was easier to love than Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show

Fully appreciating Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show required an intimate knowledge of his mindset and music, and the willingness to dig deeper.

Fully appreciating the New Orleans-centric pregame show required nothing more than ears.

Rap mogul Jay-Z’s Roc Nation has curated the Super Bowl pregame and halftime music since 2020, when the NFL acted on the need to freshen up the entertainment that frames the game.

Lamar, the latest product of the Roc Nation/NFL alliance, self-edited his lyrics Sunday at the Caesars Supedome. Everyone onstage was modestly attired.

But as the first rapper to headline a Super Bowl halftime show on his own (singer and collaborator SZA joined in briefly), he was bound to be polarizing.

And he was.

The Pulitzer Prize-winner from Compton, California, is not about club-shaking beats and mass-appeal hooks. He’s a storyteller. At the Super Bowl, he told stories within stories – but mostly to his own audience.

‘Squid Game’ and Drake

Enlisting Samuel L. Jackson as the show’s “Uncle Sam” narrator set the tone. Dancers costumed in red, white or blue formed a symbolic, ever-changing American flag. The set’s streetlamps, The Athletic noted, came with their own inner-city symbolism of danger after dark.

The Buick Grand National parked onstage obviously referenced a similar muscle car, the Buick GNX; “GNX” is the title of Lamar’s 2024 album.

But anyone unfamiliar with Lamar’s beef with rival rapper Drake – or who has never seen Netflix’s hit dystopian South Korean drama series “Squid Game” – missed much of the show’s subtext.

The circle, triangle, square and x shapes of the individual stages on the Caesars Superdome field recalled a Sony PlayStation console. They also evoked masks worn in “Squid Game,” in which poor contestants compete in games of life or death.

Jackson’s narration set up the “Great American game” – another “Squid Game” reference, or simply a narrative device to frame the whole show as a video game.

The “Game Over” message that flashed in the stands may have referenced the same things – or Lamar declaring himself the winner in the Drake feud.

Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us,” one of 2024’s omnipresent songs, trolls Drake and his crew as pedophiles. It won Grammys for record and song of the year.

When Lamar arrived at “Not Like Us” in the Superdome, he left out the word “pedophile” but kept the wordplay about “tryna strike a chord but it’s probably A-minor.” An A-minor chord versus “a minor” – get it?

Was the lower-case “a” Lamar wore around his neck a reference to the “a minor” line? Or did it refer to the similar “a” in the logo of Lamar’s production company, pgLang?

Tennis superstar Serena Williams was once an object of Drake’s obsession. Lamar inviting Williams to “Crip-walk” – a dance step popularized in Compton that she previously performed at the 2012 Olympics – at halftime was likely another dig at Drake.

All of which shows that Lamar and his team put a lot of thought into a halftime show that was vibe-y, clever and bold.

It also excluded a lot of viewers.

At the 2023 Super Bowl in Los Angeles, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Lamar and singer Mary J. Blige banged out one uptempo hit after another. Their Super Bowl-sized show offered enough in terms of star wattage and melodic hooks to keep even casual hip-hop engaged.

Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX presentation was destined to appeal to a much narrower audience.

NOLA in the house

By contrast, the pregame show was all about New Orleans energy and joy, which is much easier to appreciate.

The NFL took heat for not booking a New Orleans artist, specifically Lil Wayne, for halftime. Wayne ended up getting some Super Bowl airtime anyway by starring in a cheeky commercial with the tagline “we’re all a little sensitive.”

But to its credit, the Super Bowl went all-in on New Orleans during pregame and honored the victims of the Jan. 1 attack.

New Orleans native Ledisi – who will return to perform her Nina Simone tribute at the 2025 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – showcased all the power and beauty of her voice during a potent “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” backed by a New Orleans high school choir in yellow robes.

Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews came up with a swinging arrangement of “America the Beautiful.” It was framed by sousaphone and acoustic guitar and illuminated by his trombone and his pal Lauren Daigle’s sumptuous, sunny voice. Their version managed to be both respectful to the song and true to the spirit of Super Bowl LIX’s host city.

So, too, Jon Batiste’s national anthem, rendered on a piano that his wife, Suleika, painted with pastel silhouettes of butterflies. At the outset, Batiste triggered a sample of the “Triggerman beat,” a beat that is the bedrock of many New Orleans hip-hop and bounce recordings.

Late one night during Super Bowl week, Fox broadcasters Tom Brady, Michael Strahan and Terry Bradshaw joined Saints owner Gayle Benson and former Saints and current Broncos coach Sean Payton to film a video on Bourbon Street that opened the pregame show. They resolutely walked down Bourbon to a piano where Lady Gaga sang “Hold My Hand,” her ballad from the “Top Gun: Maverick” soundtrack.

After the video, the telecast cut to the Superdome. Piano prodigy turned movie and TV star Harry Connick Jr. welcomed viewers to his hometown, then handed off to New Orleans urban radio legend “Wild” Wayne Benjamin Jr.

Wild Wayne introduced a who’s who of New Orleans music and culture: much-celebrated Grammy-winning jazz trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard. The Soul Rebels and the Original Pinettes brass bands. Southern University’s Human Jukebox marching band. Mardi Gras Indians. Percy “Master P” Miller, inserted into the mix for no apparent reason other than he’s Master P. Big Freedia.

The camera circled back to Connick, who was joined by New Orleans jazz lifers Leroy Jones on trumpet and Freddie Lonzo on trombone for “Go to the Mardi Gras” atop a “NOLA Strong” logo.

It was New Orleans writ large for a global audience.

And it felt more like a Super Bowl halftime show than the actual halftime show did.

‘New York Dolls’ Founding Member David Johansen Is Battling Cancer, His Family Says

The daughter of “New York Dolls” front man, David Johansen, reveals her father has been quietly battling stage-four cancer and a brain tumor for over most of the past decade.

“There have been complications ever since. He’s never made his diagnosis public, as he and my mother Mara are generally very private people, but we feel compelled to share this now, due to the increasingly severe financial burden our family is facing.”

After a fall in November 2024, Johansen broke his back in two places, leaving him bedridden and incapacitated, and requiring around-the-clock care, which has left his family struggling financially.

“As hilarious and wise as David continues to be, he is physically debilitated and his care exceeds what we are capable of providing without specialized professional help,” she added.

“David has worked continuously as a singer and actor for the better part of six decades, to the delight of his fans all over the world. However for the past five years, David has been unable to work as a performer.”

While Hennessey did not provide specifics about her father’s cancer diagnosis, she said he has been in intensive treatment and the family hopes through physical therapy, full-time nursing and funding for day-to-day vital living expenses, Johansen will be able to regain “some mobility and independence.”

Supporters can directly donate through the fund’s website, or purchase a custom Johansen “Luv” T-shirt to offer their support with all proceeds going toward his treatment.

The band at the time also featured guitarists Johnny Thunders and Sylvain Sylvain, bassist Arthur Kane and drummer Jerry Nolan, and together helped set the stage for a punk revolution.

The group released two albums before Johansen later embarked on a solo career in 1976.

In 1987 he scored a Billboard hit with the single, “Hot Hot Hot” under his Poindexter pseudonym as he continued to explore his love for various genres including blues, jazz, swing, folk, and Latin.

He also embarked on a career as an actor, landing prominent roles such as the Ghost of Christmas Past in the 1988 Bill Murray-led film “Scrooged,” the part of Looney in the 1989 comedy “Let It Ride,” and television-series credits as well.