Rihanna Returns with New Song in Smurfs Movie; Final Destination Prequel, Jenna Ortega’s Thriller Hit Theaters

Now, the Agua Caliente Entertainment Report, brought to you by Agua Caliente Casinos.

Rihanna fans, rejoice! While her long-awaited album may still be on hold, she’s releasing a new single this week. Friend of Mine will debut in the upcoming Smurfs animated movie, where Rihanna also voices Smurfette. A new trailer for the film, featuring clips of the song, is out now, and the full track drops this Friday. It’s Rihanna’s first new music since 2022’s Lift Me Up for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Her last full album, Anti, came out in 2016.

In music news, Live Nation is kicking off summer with a major deal: $30 tickets to more than 1,000 concerts. Starting May 21, fans can score discounted tickets to shows from artists like Avril Lavigne, Nelly, Rod Stewart, and Kesha. More shows will be added throughout the season.

At the box office, Final Destination: Bloodlines brings the horror franchise full circle. Manny the Movie Guy says the sixth installment takes a clever “back to the beginning” approach, giving the franchise new life while honoring late actor Tony Todd. “Horrifying and entertaining,” Manny says, giving it three out of four “death’s curse kisses.”

Not faring as well is Hurry Up Tomorrow, starring The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) and Jenna Ortega. Manny calls it an “empty vanity project” that plays more like a two-hour music video than a movie. Despite its lofty themes and talented cast, the film falls flat, earning just one and a half out of four “Today’s Not Your Day kisses.”

For more from Manny the Movie Guy, visit NBCPalmSprings.com.

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