Connect with us
DAPA Banner

Entertainment

When Everyone Is Different No One Is, Star Trek Proves It

Published

on

When Everyone Is Different No One Is, Star Trek Proves It

By Joshua Tyler
| Updated

Star Trek has a new show out, and this is a list of its characters, as Starfleet Academy itself describes their identities and origins.

  • Caleb Mir: A human orphan.
  • Jay-Den Kraag: A half-human, half-Klingon hybrid.
  • Lura-Thok: A half-Jem’Hadar, half-Klingon hybrid.
  • Sam: A sentient hologram who is only a few months old.
  • Darem Reymi: A Khonian.
  • Genesis Lythe: A Dar-sha hybrid.
  • Tarima Sadal: A Betazoid with extreme-powers.
  • Nahla Ake: A Lathanite, hundreds of years old.
  • The Doctor: A sentient hologram, hundreds of years old.

Who stands out from that group? Caleb, because he’s a human, and I am confident I can pronounce his first name. The rest are like the roster of an unsuccessful superhero team with names I can’t remember or say. I don’t know what most of these words are; it’s a bunch of newly invented letter configurations with no real meaning. It all runs together into one big blob of alphabet nothing.

I’m pretty sure “nahala ake” is the sound people make when they sneeze.

Star Trek’s Original Characters

Now here’s the cast of the original Star Trek series, as the show would have described them.

  • James T. Kirk: A human from Iowa.
  • Spock: A half-human, half-Vulcan from the planet Vulcan.
  • Leonard McCoy: A human from Georgia.
  • Montgomery Scott: A human from Scotland.
  • Sulu: A human from Japan.
  • Chekov: A human from Russia.
  • Uhura: A human from Africa.

Among that group, Spock stands out as unusual and exceptional, because he’s very different from the types of people we’re used to. It doesn’t diminish the others, who become extremely well fleshed-out characters through their personalities and actions. However, it does give Spock an unusual starting point.

If I’d never watched Star Trek, I wouldn’t know how to pronounce Uhura, but I also don’t expect to be able to pronounce African names right off the bat. So that’s a good thing.

The Next Generation’s Characters

Let’s try a different Star Trek show. Here’s the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

  • Jean-Luc Picard: A human from France.
  • William Riker: A human from Alaska.
  • Data: An android.
  • Beverly Crusher: A human woman.
  • Geordi LaForge: A human man.
  • Deanna Troi: A half-Betazoid empath.
  • Tasha Yar: A human woman from a colony.
  • Worf: A Klingon.

Who stands out in that group? Worf, because he’s a Klingon and that’s weird on a Federation starship. I know how to say “Worf!” without anyone telling me. Better still, it’s a fun word to say. Try it: “Worf!”

Data also stands out because he’s a robot. He also has a four-letter name, and it’s made up of a word I already know.

Advertisement

What’s going on with that Betazoid? She sounds interesting. Her last name is odd but simple and easy to remember. Would a half-Betazoid stand out if everyone with her on the ship was a half-something? No, no, she would not.

The Characters Of Deep Space Nine

Let’s try Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. That Star Trek show takes place on a totally alien space station, which means if any Star Trek series has a good reason to have a really wild group of characters, it’s Deep Space Nine.

  • Ben Sisko: A human from Louisiana.
  • Kira Nerys: A Bajoran terrorist.
  • Miles O’Brien: A human from Ireland
  • Odo: A shapeshifter
  • Jake Sisko: A human from Louisiana.
  • Jadzia Dax: A Trill from Trill.
  • Julian Bashir: A human doctor.
  • Quark: A Ferengi.

Who stands out in that group? Now it’s getting more complex. But half the cast is still composed of straightforward human characters with straightforward human names, people I can understand without a 5-episode story arc to explain their superpowers.

Ben, that’s a nice name for a Captain. Sort of like Jim. Or Jonathan. Or Kathryn. Seems like a person I can understand, and it’s easy to remember.

Deep Space Nine’s strange alien characters also have straightforward, simple names. The shapeshifter’s name is only three easy-to-pronounce letters. So is the last name of the Trill. Kira’s name is only four letters and close enough to a normal English name that I can probably guess how it’s pronounced. Her last name (actually, it’s more like her first name; it’s a Bajoran thing), Nerys, is rarely used on the show, so it doesn’t matter much. And because I took high school science, I already know how to say the word “Quark.”

Deep Space Nine managed the increased complexity of its cast’s origins and identity and then intentionally kept their names straightforward and simple. Then it gave the audience a lot of human characters mixed in with the aliens, so they had someone to easily identify with, without the need for extensive explanation

Advertisement

How Too Much Difference Creates Sameness

When you compare the cast of Starfleet Academy to the shows that came before it, you start to see the problem with the modern push to cram differences into everything. When all characters are a deviation, a subversion, or a novelty, difference isn’t contrast anymore; it’s the baseline.

Classic Star Trek worked because difference was relative. Spock stood out because everyone else was human. Worf mattered because Klingons were rare. Data was compelling because he was the only android in the room. The audience had a stable “normal” to measure against, which made the outsiders meaningful. Identity had narrative weight because it created friction.

In Starfleet Academy, there is no friction. When every character is defined primarily by how unusual they are, uniqueness collapses into sameness. The half-Klingon isn’t strange because there are multiple hybrids. The hologram isn’t unusual because the show already treats the artificial as routine. Nothing challenges the world because the world is already maximally diversified.

Half the fun in classic Trek is in exploring the differences between people who are otherwise the same. Those characters weren’t defined by their identity, which gave them more room to grow into individuals with their own selves, defined by their actions rather than a bunch of made-up words.

By defining your characters with diverse identities, this doesn’t create richness, it creates homogenization. Everyone occupies the same narrative lane: “I’m different, but I belong.” When that’s everyone’s story, it stops being a story and becomes wallpaper. Difference only matters when it’s rare enough to cost something. Without contrast, identity becomes aesthetic rather than dramatic.

Advertisement

In trying to make everyone special, Starfleet Academy and most other modern shows doing the same thing prove that distinction requires limits. Without those limits, all differences blur into none.


Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Entertainment

All 3 Godfather Movies Are Masterpieces, but One Is Untouchable

Published

on

Al Pacino as Michael Corleone sitting in a chair outside alone in The Godfather Part III (1990)

When it comes to discussing the all-time greatest movies in American cinema, two names will always come up: The Godfather and The Godfather Part II. Francis Ford Coppola‘s timeless tale of family tragedy, legacy, and the deterioration of the human spirit has become synonymous with American cinema, a celebrated duology that is often used as the standard to compare all subsequent crime and drama movies. Sure, the third part, 1990’s infamous The Godfather Part III, isn’t as great as its predecessors, but it remains a riveting and poignant conclusion to the tragedy of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino). Together, they form one of the greatest film trilogies in the medium’s history, and their standing keeps improving with each passing year.

With such high praises, it’s easy to understand why these three movies are often considered among cinema’s indisputed masterpieces — yes, even Part III, despite its numerous and well-known shortcomings. Thus, the question arises: which of these three silver screen triumphs is the best one, the cream of the crop, the ultimate triumph among a group of undeniable masterworks? Chances are, you know which of the three isn’t the best one, but the other two are neck-and-neck. You might have another opinion, and many will surely have a lot to say about the one they believe is the best. However, there’s no denying that one of the Godfather movies is so good that it’s almost impossible to believe it’s real.













Advertisement









































Collider Exclusive · Middle-earth Quiz
Which Lord of the Rings
Character Are You?

One Quiz · Ten Questions · Your Fate Revealed
Advertisement

The road goes ever on. From the green hills of the Shire to the fires of Mount Doom, every soul in Middle-earth carries a destiny. Ten questions stand between you and the truth of who you are. Answer honestly — the One Ring has a way of revealing what we most want to hide.

💍Frodo

🌿Samwise

👑Aragorn

🔥Gandalf

Advertisement

🏹Legolas

⚒️Gimli

👁️Sauron

🪨Gollum

Advertisement

01

Advertisement

You are handed a responsibility that could destroy you. What do you do?
The weight of the world falls on unlikely shoulders.




02

Advertisement

Your closest companion is heading into terrible danger. You:
True loyalty is revealed not in comfort, but in crisis.




03

Advertisement

Enormous power is within your reach. Your instinct is:
Power corrupts — but only those who reach for it.




04

Advertisement

What does “home” mean to you?
Where we long to return reveals who we truly are.




05

Advertisement

When a battle is upon you, your approach is:
War reveals what we are made of — whether we like it or not.




06

Advertisement

Someone comes to you for advice in their darkest hour. You:
Wisdom is not knowing all the answers — it’s knowing which questions to ask.




07

Advertisement

How do you see yourself, honestly?
Self-knowledge is the most dangerous kind.




08

Advertisement

Which of these best describes your relationship with the natural world?
Middle-earth speaks to those who know how to listen.




09

Advertisement

You encounter a wretched, pitiable creature who has done terrible things. You:
How we treat the fallen reveals the height of our character.




10

Advertisement

When the quest is over and the songs are sung, what do you hope they say about you?
In the end, we are all just stories.




The Fellowship Has Spoken
Your Place in Middle-earth
Advertisement

The scores below reveal your true character. Your highest number is your match. Even a tie tells a story — the Fellowship was never made of simple people.

💍
Frodo

🌿
Samwise

Advertisement

👑
Aragorn

🔥
Gandalf

🏹
Legolas

⚒️
Gimli

Advertisement

👁️
Sauron

🪨
Gollum

You carry something heavy — and you carry it alone, even when you don’t have to. You were not born for greatness, and that is precisely why greatness chose you. Your courage is not the roaring, sword-swinging kind; it is quiet, stubborn, and terrifying in its refusal to quit. The Ring weighs on you more than anyone can see, and still you walk toward the fire. That is not weakness. That is the rarest kind of strength there is.

Advertisement

You are, without question, the best of them. Not the most powerful, not the most celebrated — but the most essential. Your loyalty is not a trait; it is a force of nature. You would carry the person you love up the slopes of Mount Doom if it came to that, and we both know you’d do it without being asked. The world needs more people like you, and the world is lucky it has even one.

You were born to lead, and you have spent years running from it. The crown is yours by right, but you know better than anyone that right means nothing without the will and the worthiness to back it up. You are tempered by loss, shaped by long roads, and defined by a code of honour you hold to even when no one is watching. When you finally step forward, the world shifts. Because it was always waiting for you.

Advertisement

You have seen more than you let on, and you say less than you know — which is exactly as it should be. You are a catalyst: you do not fight the battles yourself, you ignite the people who can. Your wisdom comes not from books but from an age of watching what happens when it is ignored. You arrive precisely when you mean to, and your presence alone changes what is possible. A wizard is never late.

Graceful, perceptive, and almost preternaturally calm under pressure — you see things others miss and act before others react. You do not need to make a scene to be remarkable; your presence speaks for itself. You are loyal to those you choose to stand beside, and that choice is not made lightly. You have lived long enough to know that the most beautiful things in this world are also the most fragile, and that is why you fight to protect them.

Advertisement

You are loud, proud, and absolutely formidable — and beneath all of that is one of the most fiercely loyal hearts in Middle-earth. You don’t do anything by half measures. Your friendships are forged like iron, your grudges run as deep as mines, and your courage in battle is the kind that makes legends. You came into this fellowship suspicious of everyone and ended it willing to die for an elf. That is not a small thing. That is everything.

You think in centuries and act in absolutes. Order, dominion, control — not because you are cruel by nature, but because you have decided that the world left to itself always falls apart, and you are the only one with the vision and the will to hold it together. You were not always this. Something was lost, or taken, or betrayed, and the version of you that stands now is the answer to that wound. The tragedy is that you’re not entirely wrong — just entirely too far gone to course-correct.

Advertisement

You are a study in contradiction — pitiable and dangerous, cunning and broken, capable of both cruelty and something that once resembled love. You are defined by loss: of innocence, of self, of the one thing that gave your existence meaning. Two voices war inside you constantly, and the tragedy is that the better one sometimes wins, just not often enough, and never at the right moment. You are a warning, yes — but also a mirror. We are all a little Gollum, given the right ring and enough time.

Advertisement

‘The Godfather Part III’ (1990)

Al Pacino as Michael Corleone sitting in a chair outside alone in The Godfather Part III (1990)
Al Pacino as Michael Corleone sitting in a chair outside alone in The Godfather Part III (1990)
Image via Paramount Pictures
Advertisement

As I said, you probably know which movie is not the best in the Godfather trilogy, and that’s The Godfather Part III. Arriving sixteen years after Part II, this coda to the story of Michael Corleone might be the most uneven of the three, but it remains a satisfying payoff to this decades-spanning tragedy. Set in the late ’70s and early ’80s, with an epilogue set in the mid-’90s, the film tells the final portion of Michael’s story, particularly his efforts to legitimize his family business, much to the chagrin of the other mafia dons. Meanwhile, Michael’s illegitimate nephew, Vincent (Andy Garcia), throws the family into chaos with his arrival and eventual romance with Michael’s daughter, Mary (Sofia Coppola).

For years, Part III has been unfairly maligned as the black sheep of the Godfather trilogy. Now, to be fair, much of the criticism is fair: in their review, Variety called it “two hours of exposition and 40 minutes of payoff,” and you know what? They’re spot on. Yet, there’s some real gold in those two hours of exposition, and the 40-minute payoff packs a strong punch, albeit far less impactful than the first two movies. Pacino is brilliant as the weary and nearly broken Michael, finally bearing the weight of decades of violence, ruthlessness, and moral compromise: his spirit is deteriorated, and his body is barely hanging on. For his part, Garcia is a welcome addition to the cast, making Vincent equal parts charming and reckless. Alas, we can’t discuss Part III without mentioning Sofia Coppola, whose performance has been widely panned for years now. It’s fair to say she was woefully miscast, but it’s also fair to say there is a certain ugliness in the way the film’s shortcomings are often solely placed at her feet. In the end, Part III is convoluted and uneven, but it remains a somber and melancholic culmination to a larger-than-life tale that redefined American cinema.

‘The Godfather’ (1972)

In 1972, Francis Ford Coppola revolutionized the industry with The Godfather, an adaptation of Mario Puzo‘s 1969 pulpy crime novel of the same name. The plot centers on Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), the aging don of the Corleone crime family, and his efforts to shape his youngest son, Michael, into a worthy heir. Although initially unwilling to commit himself to a life of crime, Michael soon surrenders to his family’s influence, going from a reluctant outsider to a ruthless mafia boss who will stop at nothing to protect his empire. James Caan and John Cazale co-star as Vito’s oldest and middle sons, Sonny and Fredo.

Advertisement

The first Godfather marked a distinct before-and-after in mainstream filmmaking. Arriving in the early years of New Hollywood, it was a formative entry in the movement, challenging notions and reshaping what audiences expected from their crime sagas. There is a pervasive sense of dread looming over the film, an inescapable and nearly suffocating notion that everything can change from one scene to the next. Here, Coppola presents the erosion of the soul with such assuredness that one can’t help but feel empty after it ends. Yet, Michael’s deterioration is so compelling, so brutal yet so operatic that it becomes almost irresistible; you’re watching the very destruction of the human spirit, and there’s an eerie beauty to eat. It’s well known that The Godfather influenced how the real mafia behaved, making it one of the few films that actually changed history. Its legacy is nearly indescribable: much has been written about this film, and much will follow still. The Godfather is among those movies that are as good as everyone says, a true masterpiece that you must simply watch at least once before kicking the bucket.

‘The Godfather Part II’ (1974)

Robert De Niro as a younger Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II (1974)
Robert De Niro as a younger Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II (1974)
Image via Paramount Pictures

Two years after Coppola wowed the world with The Godfather, he did it all over again. The Godfather Part II presents two stories: the first is the rise of young Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) at the turn of the century, chronicling how he went from a lowly Italian refugee in New York City into the head of one of the most powerful mafia families. The second continues Michael’s rise in power as the new don of the Corleone family, focusing on his efforts to protect the business and ensure his place following an attempt on his life.

Advertisement

The question of whether The Godfather or The Godfather Part II is better has been going on for decades now. You could make a convincing argument for both, but this time, we have to give it to the sequel. Part II is monumental in scope, brilliant in construction, tragic in storytelling, and outright masterful in execution. The choice to juxtapose Michael’s further descent into darkness with Vito’s rise in the criminal world is a stroke of genius, allowing the parallel stories to build towards the same conclusion. Part II is more operatic, more detailed in its exploration of Vito and Michael’s psyche, and therefore far more tragic. There is a solemnity and melancholic inevitability to the story, the sense that ambition will always come first for the Corleones: they will get everything, only to lose it all because, in a world of absolute power, there can never be absolute trust. Here, commitment becomes imprisonment, and family is a life sentence. In the end, The Godfather Part II surpasses its predecessor in every possible way, presenting a heartbreaking tale of power, a beautiful calamity that is, quite possibly, the greatest achievement in American cinema.

Source link

Continue Reading

Entertainment

The 25 best miniseries ready to binge-watch this weekend

Published

on


For those who can’t commit to dozens of 20-plus-episode seasons, miniseries are a major solution.

Source link

Continue Reading

Entertainment

47 Years Later, This Remains The Most Addictive Sci-Fi Franchise of All Time

Published

on

47 Years Later, This Remains The Most Addictive Sci-Fi Franchise of All Time

In this day and age, franchise films have overwhelmed the cultural landscape, but one still finds a way to reinvent itself. This IP continues to impress, even decades after it came screaming out of the darkness. Sci-fi horror was in its early days in the ‘70s, but Ridley Scott’s Alien redefined what it meant to be scared.

Starring Sigourney Weaver, the first Alien film was a jarring flip on the script. Instead of slasher films that often victimized women, the pendulum swung the other way. Weaver stars as Ripley, an officer on the spaceship Nostromo who is really the only person concerned when an alien lifeform is found. Instead of adhering to the quarantine protocols, Captain Dallas (Tom Skerritt) brings an infected crew member on board, which allows the Xenomorph to be born — literally and painfully. Alien shows sexual violence pointed at men instead of women, and this first film fueled a sci-fi franchise that continues to impress audiences.

Advertisement

‘Alien’ Is Still Terrorizing Film and Television Audiences

The heart of the Alien films is the “perfect organism” that has been terrorizing viewers since 1979. This concept is what makes the series so addictive — and why the Weyland-Yutani corporation continues to try and capture the ultimate predator for profit. Alien has always been a source of fascination for viewers in the theaters, even with the less-than-popular franchise films. Following Sigourney Weaver’s tenure as Ellen Ripley, the series continued with some unfairly criticized sequels.



















































Advertisement

Collider Exclusive · Sci-Fi Survival Quiz
Which Sci-Fi World Would You Survive?
The Matrix · Mad Max · Blade Runner · Dune · Star Wars

Five universes. Five completely different ways the future went wrong — or sideways, or up in flames. Only one of them is the world your instincts were built for. Eight questions will figure out which dystopia, galaxy, or desert wasteland you’d actually make it out of alive.

💊The Matrix

🔥Mad Max

Advertisement

🌧️Blade Runner

🏜️Dune

🚀Star Wars

Advertisement

01

You sense something is deeply wrong with the world around you. What do you do?
The first instinct is often the truest one.





Advertisement

02

In a world of scarcity, what resource do you guard most fiercely?
What we protect reveals what we believe survival actually requires.





Advertisement

03

What kind of threat keeps you up at night?
Fear is useful data — if you’re honest about what you’re actually afraid of.





Advertisement

04

How do you deal with authority you don’t trust?
Every dystopia has a power structure. Your approach to it determines everything.





Advertisement

05

Which environment could you actually endure long-term?
Survival isn’t just tactical — it’s physical, psychological, and very much about where you are.





Advertisement

06

Who do you want in your corner when things fall apart?
The company you keep is the clearest signal of who you actually are.





Advertisement

07

Where do you draw the line — if you draw one at all?
Every survivor eventually faces a moment that tests what they’re actually made of.





Advertisement

08

What would actually make survival worth it?
Staying alive is one thing. Having a reason to is another.





Advertisement

Your Fate Has Been Calculated
You’d Survive In…

Your answers point to the world your instincts were built for. This is the universe your temperament, your survival instincts, and your particular brand of stubbornness were made for.

Advertisement


The Resistance, Zion

The Matrix
Advertisement

You took the red pill a long time ago — probably before anyone offered it to you. You’re a systems thinker who can’t help but notice the seams in things.

  • You’re drawn to understanding how the system works before figuring out how to break it.
  • You’d find the Resistance, or it would find you — your instinct for spotting constructed realities is the machines’ worst nightmare.
  • You function best when you have access to information and the freedom to act on it.
  • The Matrix built an airtight prison. You’d be the one probing the walls for the door.


The Wasteland

Mad Max
Advertisement

The wasteland doesn’t reward the clever or the well-connected — it rewards those who are hard to kill and harder to break. That’s you.

  • You don’t need comfort, community, or a cause larger than the next horizon.
  • You need a vehicle, a clear threat, and enough fuel to outrun it — and you’re good at all three.
  • You are unsentimental enough to survive that world, and decent enough — just barely — to be something more than another raider.
  • In the wasteland, that distinction is everything.


Los Angeles, 2049

Blade Runner
Advertisement

You’d survive here because you know how to exist in moral grey areas without losing yourself completely.

  • You read people accurately, keep your circle small, and ask the questions others prefer not to answer.
  • In a city where humanity is a legal designation rather than a feeling, you hold onto something that keeps you functional.
  • You’re not a hero. But you’re not lost, either.
  • In Blade Runner’s world, that distinction is everything.


Arrakis

Dune
Advertisement

Arrakis is the most hostile environment in the known universe — and you are precisely the kind of person it rewards.

  • Patience, discipline, and political awareness are your core strengths — and on Arrakis, they’re survival tools.
  • You understand that the long game matters more than any single victory.
  • Others come to Dune and are consumed by it. You’d learn its logic and earn its respect.
  • In time, you wouldn’t just survive Arrakis — you’d begin to reshape it.


A Galaxy Far, Far Away

Star Wars
Advertisement

The galaxy far, far away is vast, loud, and in a constant state of violent political upheaval — and you wouldn’t have it any other way.

  • You find meaning in being part of something larger than yourself — a cause, a crew, a rebellion.
  • You’d gravitate toward the Rebellion, or the fringes, or whatever pocket of the galaxy still believes the Empire’s grip can be broken.
  • You fight — not because you have to, but because standing aside isn’t something you’re capable of.
  • In Star Wars, that willingness is what makes all the difference.

Advertisement

Prometheus served as a divisive prequel to the franchise, co-written by Lost co-showrunner Damon Lindelof. Viewers took issue with the Engineers, but the origins of the Xenomorph were still a captivating story. Starring Noomi Rapace, Charlize Theron, and Idris Elba, Prometheus shows the challenges of looking for faith in all the wrong places.

For some, the film was a misfire, but like the Xenomorph, the franchise always returned. Recent additions, such as Alien: Romulus, capitalized on what made the franchise so enduring to begin with. A love letter to the series, Romulus, takes place between Alien and Aliens as a crew imprisoned by Weyland-Yutani gets trapped in another version of Ripley’s story. Horror director Fede Álvarez finds the sweet spot with the film, showing the heartbreaking reality of an android with the character Andy (David Jonsson) and a killer third act – in more ways than one.

It was with FX’s television series, Alien: Earth, that really showed how to do a franchise right. The series elevated the original concept of a victim stuck in a room with a killing machine and broadened the concept even further. Created by Fargo scribe Noah Hawley, the series is set a couple of years before the first Alien film.

At its core, Alien has always been a criticism of capitalism, which Hawley’s series explores. At a time when technology has reached its peak, corporations have been looking for a path to immortality. Humanity has created cyborgs, fully synthetic life, and hybrids. This sets up the main conflict when a research ship crashes into Earth, carrying a deadly secret.

Advertisement

Alien: Earth is just another way to explore the themes set up in Alien with even more specificity. This franchise continues to draw in viewers not just because of the scares, but also because of the social commentary that was always part of the IP’s DNA. Alien defined sci-fi horror and continues to show others in the genre how it’s done.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Entertainment

Keanu Reeves’ Forgotten Fantasy Movie Surges on Streaming 1 Year Later

Published

on

Ma-Rainey's-Black-Bottom-Chadwick-Boseman

There are some movies that feel like they should have sparked a much bigger conversation than they actually did. Good Fortune is one of them. A comedy about angels, fate, and a messy clash between ordinary people and heavenly interference already sounds like the kind of thing that should click with streaming audiences, especially with Keanu Reeves in the mix. Now that it’s landed on Prime Video, it looks like the movie is finally getting that chance.

Prime Video’s global chart has shown the film surfacing in multiple territories, even if its exact placement is shifting day to day. That still matters. For a title that didn’t exactly arrive with a huge cultural footprint, just breaking through at all is a strong sign that viewers are finding it now in a much more relaxed streaming setting.

The film stars Reeves as the angel Gabriel, with the story following his attempts to meddle in the lives of a struggling worker and a wealthy capitalist. That premise alone makes the movie feel like a spiritual cousin to Dogma, even if it’s playing a much newer game. It may not have exploded in theaters, but on Prime Video, Good Fortune is finally getting to make its case.

Advertisement
Ma-Rainey's-Black-Bottom-Chadwick-Boseman


Remembering the Icons of Film — Collider Movie Quiz

We pay tribute to the talents who helped define Hollywood.

Advertisement

Is ‘Good Fortune’ Worth Watching?

Collider’s review by Joe Schmidt stated that Good Fortune is a fun and thoughtful comedy that does not always come together as smoothly as it should. The film clearly pulls from stories like It’s a Wonderful Life, using a familiar idea to explore money, privilege, and the struggle of getting by in a big city. It does not go especially deep with those themes, but it stays earnest enough to keep you invested. The strongest part of the movie is the cast. Ansari and Rogen both do what you expect them to do, and they are funny doing it. But Reeves and Keke Palmer are the real standouts. Reeves brings a goofy charm to Gabriel that makes him a constant highlight, while Palmer gives the movie warmth and heart whenever she is on screen.

“That’s not to say Ansari is consistently nuanced throughout this journey. Your mileage may vary on that. After a gigantic middle finger to capitalism, coupled with each character’s realization of what it takes to be a good person and why it’s worth it, Ansari finally takes something that has been prevalent throughout the entire film and puts it in the spotlight. Good Fortune is about love, redemption, and privilege, but it’s also an indictment of exploitative labor and the forces that enable it, even if it takes many clumsy steps to get there. Its greatest strength is a reminder that being a good person doesn’t get you a reward — being a good person is the reward.”

Good Fortune is streaming now.


9hdvsfqur8fkc4aovbrxpgaulzg.jpg
Advertisement


Advertisement

Release Date

October 17, 2025

Runtime

98 Minutes

Advertisement


Advertisement

Advertisement


Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Catherine O’Hara’s Death Ended ‘Schitt’s Creek’ Revival

Published

on

Catherine O'Hara at 2019 ELLE Women In Hollywood

A plan for a “Schitt’s Creek” revival was considered, but it will no longer move forward following Catherine O’Hara‘s death. The series’ co-creator, Dan Levy, who was also the late actress’ co-star, revealed that he was thinking of creating a sequel to the beloved sitcom, but it’s no longer in the cards.

O’Hara’s unforgettable performance as the Rose family matriarch was a defining part of the show, making any continuation without her difficult to imagine.

Dan Levy Shuts Down The Possibility Of A ‘Schitt’s Creek’ Revival

Dan Levy, who co-created “Schitt’s Creek” with his father, Eugene Levy, visited Goodwood, Ontario, with “CBS Sunday Morning.” The town was where the series was shot, and it was Dan’s first time returning since they wrapped up filming in 2020 after six seasons.

“The memories are flooding back, I’ll tell you that,” Dan told CBS’ Anthony Mason. The broadcast journalist then brought up whether there’ll be a sequel, a question that fans have been asking. In a somber voice, Dan answered, “No. Not now.”

Advertisement

Dan, who played O’Hara’s character’s son, David Rose, continued, “No. You can’t.” He revealed that before O’Hara’s death, he was thinking about making a revival. He became visibly emotional, wiping tears from his eyes as he said, “It’s tough,” adding that he’s holding on to the memories of O’Hara.

On a lighter note, he shared, “For someone who was not on the internet, she knew how to meme.”

The Showrunner Said Catherine O’Hara Death Was A ‘Collective Loss’

Catherine O'Hara at 2019 ELLE Women In Hollywood
BT/ADM/Capital Pictures / MEGA

On March 31, Dan appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” where he talked about the late actress. He recalled how his first time on the talk show was with his fellow “Schitt’s Creek” stars. “It’s a collective loss, I think. She was the greatest. She’s irreplaceable,” Dan said.

Despite the grief, he said that he finds great comfort in knowing how much the late actress was loved. “You know what I mean? The outpouring. Everyone felt like they kind of knew her,” Dan explained.

Fallon agreed, saying O’Hara was “one of the funniest comedians,” and not only was she talented, but she was also “gorgeous.” “One of the great, great, great, great queens,” Dan added.

Advertisement

Eugene Levy’s History With The Late Actress

Catherine O'Hara and Eugene Levy at the 24th Annual Critics' Choice Awards
MEGA

Dan has known O’Hara long before working with her on “Schitt’s Creek.” His father, Eugene Levy, who played O’Hara’s husband Johnny Rose on “Schitt’s Creek,” had a decades-long professional relationship with the actress.

Eugene and O’Hara first met in the ’70s and were both featured on the Canadian sketch comedy series “SCTV,” and they worked on multiple projects together throughout the years. Following her death, he paid tribute to his co-star, saying, “Words seem inadequate to express the loss I feel today. I had the honor of knowing and working with the great Catherine O’Hara for over fifty years.”

Eugene continued to say that more than their working relationship, he also cherished their genuine friendship. “I will miss her,” he noted.

Catherine O’Hara’s Death Will Be Acknowledged In ‘The Studio’

Catherine O'Hara at Beetlejuice Beetlejuice UK Premiere in Leicester Square, London - 29 Aug 2024
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

O’Hara starred in Seth Rogen‘s series “The Studio” before her untimely death, playing Patty Leigh, a film producer let go from the fictional studio Continental Pictures. The series is returning for a second season, and according to Rogen, the late actress’ death will be acknowledged.

In an interview with The Times published on April 3, Rogen recalled working with the actress, saying, “We just wanted her to think we were funny.” Following her death, Rogen said dealing with the loss was an “unbelievable challenge,” both emotionally and in terms of the series. He said they wrote the series for O’Hara’s character to be present.

“While we try to not dwell too much on heavy themes in this show, they will be there in this second season. We are not ignoring it,” Rogen said, referring to O’Hara’s absence.

Advertisement

Catherine O’Hara Was Ill Before Her Death

Catherine O'Hara attends Apple TV+'s 77th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards Party
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA

O’Hara’s last public appearance was at the Emmy Awards held in September 2025, where she was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress award for her role in “The Studio.”

She died on January 30, 2026, at 71 years old. As reported by The Blast, the veteran actress’ cause of death was determined to be pulmonary embolism, which occurs when lung arteries get blocked by a blood clot. However, there was also an underlying cause, which was rectal cancer. She is survived by her husband, Bo Welch, and their two sons, Matthew and Luke.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Entertainment

Taylor Frankie Paul Shares Emotional 40 Day Ordeal

Published

on

Taylor Frankie Paul

Taylor Frankie Paul is opening up about one of the most chaotic and emotionally draining periods of her life, and she isn’t sugarcoating it. 

The reality TV star, currently entangled in domestic violence allegations, a custody battle, and major career setbacks, shared a deeply personal glimpse into her struggles over the past several weeks. 

In a raw social media post, Paul described enduring panic attacks, physical stress, and spiritual reflection, giving fans a clearer picture of what she’s been facing behind the headlines.

Advertisement

Taylor Frankie Paul Says Last 40 Days Felt Like ‘Hell’ Amid Ongoing Drama

Taylor Frankie Paul
LISA OConnor/AFF-USA.com / MEGA

Taylor Frankie Paul didn’t hold back when describing the emotional toll of her recent experiences. 

In a candid Instagram post shared on April 5, she revealed just how intense the past several weeks have been.

“The last 40 days felt like hell on earth,” Paul wrote in the caption, pairing the statement with a video montage capturing unfiltered moments from her daily life. 

The 31-year-old described enduring repeated panic attacks, writing, “Through every panic attack I prayed for strength as I could feel my body breaking down and out from the distress of it all.”

The video itself painted a stark picture, showing her physically unwell, reflecting privately, and leaning on her faith. 

Advertisement

Over the video, she added a text overlay that read, “He has risen and he is real,” signaling how central her beliefs have been during this time. 

She also noted the timing of her realization, writing, “I got chills today when I realized it’s been 40 days exactly today in this frantic state.”

Paul Shares How Faith Became Her Anchor During Crisis

Taylor Frankie Paul
LISA OConnor/AFF-USA.com / MEGA

Amid the chaos, Taylor Frankie Paul emphasized how her spirituality has helped her cope. 

Referencing Easter, she described feeling supported through what she viewed as divine intervention.

“He sent just that in various ways along with so many undeniable signs saying ‘I am with you’ which I can’t wait to share that part,” she wrote, expressing a deep sense of connection to her Christian faith.

Advertisement

Paul also reflected on how her approach to prayer has evolved. “I’ve prayed since I was young and never strayed away because I believe he wants us to ask for help especially during our lowest points,” she shared. 

However, instead of only asking for help, she began shifting her mindset. “However, instead of just asking I switched over to thanking him at the end of each day no matter how I felt,” the influencer wrote.

Taylor Frankie Paul Distances Herself From Mormon Church After Scandal

Taylor Frankie Paul Instagram Stories post
Instagram Stories | Taylor Frankie Paul

In another emotional update shared the same day, Paul revealed a major personal decision. 

She noted that she’s stepping back from the Mormon church. The move comes in the wake of mounting controversy surrounding her personal life.

In the Instagram story post, the “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star explained that she was born and raised Mormon and would always have love and respect toward it.

Advertisement

However, she added that “with that being said, it’s time to detach myself from it.” While Paul noted she may still attend certain events with family, her relationship with organized religion is clearly shifting.

“I strongly believe in Christ, God, the Bible, the divine,” she said, emphasizing that her faith remains intact despite the change. Paul also added, “I believe we are loved whether we are praying in the church building or from a bathroom floor at home.”

The television personality acknowledged that she had received support from people of varying beliefs. 

She described the post as a form of release, hinting at the emotional weight she had been carrying.

Advertisement

Paul Faces Legal Battles And Custody Dispute With Ex

Taylor Frankie Paul
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

At the center of Taylor Frankie Paul’s current struggles are serious legal issues involving her ex, Dakota Mortensen. 

He has accused her of domestic violence stemming from an alleged February incident, claiming she “scratched” him and committed physical assault.

According to Us Weekly, Mortensen later alleged there were “two incidents of physical assault,” prompting authorities to open a second investigation. 

However, no charges have been filed so far. Paul has denied all allegations and countered with claims that Mortensen was the abusive party, which he has also denied.

The situation has extended into a custody dispute over their 2-year-old son, Ever. Court documents confirmed that Mortensen was granted temporary custody, along with a restraining order against Paul. 

Advertisement

She is expected to attend a court hearing on Tuesday regarding her custodial rights.

The fallout has also impacted her career. Filming for “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” season 5 has been paused, and her planned appearance on “The Bachelorette” was scrapped. 

Taylor Frankie Paul’s Past Incident Resurfaces As New Footage Emerges

Taylor Frankie Paul
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Complicating matters further, past incidents involving Paul have resurfaced. Body camera footage from her 2023 arrest has reentered public conversation, offering a glimpse into a previous altercation with Mortensen.

In the clip published by TMZ, the pair were seen arguing as police arrived at the scene. 

Mortensen told officers that Paul was “not doing OK” and added, “I can’t even tell you the stuff that’s happened to me,” while showing alleged injuries. 

Advertisement

As tensions escalated, the reality TV star reportedly became emotional, while officers worked to separate them. 

After her arrest, Mortensen even asked officers if he could go to jail instead, saying he wanted her “to get help.” 

The incident ultimately led to Paul pleading guilty to aggravated assault in August 2023, with additional charges dropped as part of a deal. She remains on probation, which is expected to conclude in August 2026.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Savannah Guthrie officially returns to hosting “Today” after mom's disappearance: 'It's good to be home'

Published

on


Guthrie hasn’t appeared on “Today” in a full-time capacity since January, when her mother, Nancy Guthrie, disappeared from her home in Arizona.

Source link

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Netflix’s 98% Rotten Tomatoes Zombie Thriller Is Still One of the Best Shows Ever Made

Published

on

Ju Ji-hoon as Lee Chang wearing a black hat in Kingdom.

In the past few years, South Korea has become a powerhouse in the entertainment industry. 2019’s Parasite became the first non-English-language movie to win Best Picture at the Oscars, and Squid Game took the streaming world by storm in 2021, beating Bridgerton as the most-watched Netflix premiere. But Netflix was building its Korean-drama fanbase even before Parasite won at the 2020 Oscars, kicking things off with the zombie series Kingdom.

The 2019 series features Bae Doona, Ju Ji-hoon, and Kim Sang-ho fighting against both a zombie outbreak and a political coup in 17th-century Korea. It’s not the first period piece to include zombies, but it is one of the first out of Korea. More than that, it is an excellent combination of political intrigue and impressively gory zombie violence that deserves its place as one of the best Korean shows on Netflix.

Advertisement

‘Kingdom’ Is Netflix’s First South Korean Series

Ju Ji-hoon as Lee Chang wearing a black hat in Kingdom.
Ju Ji-hoon as Lee Chang wearing a black hat in Kingdom.
Image via Netflix

K-dramas are huge on Netflix: in 2022, co-CEO Ted Sarandos stated that over 60% of its users have watched at least one. They also saw a staggering sixfold increase in ‘K-content’ viewership since 2018. And everyone is waiting with bated breath for the second season of the mega-hit Squid Game. And all of this has only happened in the last few years. While Netflix previously offered Korean shows and movies, they only started creating their own original Korean content in 2019.

Kingdom was the start of it all, becoming the first Netflix original series from Korea. The horror/political drama mash-up received rave reviews, quickly becoming one of the top hits of the year due to its strong writing, beautiful (and terrifying) visuals, and excellent cast. Kingdom boasts several familiar faces for both dedicated fans of K-drama and fans of Netflix shows in general. One of the major players in Kingdom, Seo Bi, is portrayed by Bae Doona, star of the popular Sense8 series and the recent Rebel Moon films. Kingdom also features Kim Sang-ho, who fans can watch in Sweet Home‘s third and final season.

Advertisement

What Is ‘Kingdom’ About Exactly?

One of the biggest draws of Kingdom is its historical setting and the fact that it’s unusual to see a zombie movie or show not set in contemporary times. That’s not to say it hasn’t been done before; Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is possibly the most famous example, set in Regency-period England. And 2018’s Overlord is a zombie-adjacent movie set in WWII. But Kingdom offers a fresh take on the genre outside a Western point of view. Kingdom takes place 400 years ago and offers a look at Korea that Western viewers rarely see.

Kingdom also treats its historical setting with gravitas, incorporating it intrinsically into the zombie story it wants to tell, instead of using it as a source of humor or satire. Ju Ji-hoon plays Lee Chang, the only son of the King of Joseon (what would become modern-day Korea), through a concubine. Although Lee Chang has many supporters, the Queen Consort is pregnant with a child who, if a boy, would have a more legitimate claim to the throne. She and her supporters will stop at nothing to ensure her child becomes king instead of Lee Chang.

‘Kingdom’ Balances Politics and Zombies in a Medieval-Inspired Korea

The political plot of Kingdom is well-crafted and nuanced, deserving as much praise for its storytelling as this year’s awards darling, Shōgun, in terms of strong characters and political chess games. But don’t worry, zombie fans — in addition to the social commentary, detailed costumes, and beautiful scenery, there’s plenty of terror and gore in Kingdom. In fact, the zombie outbreak stems directly from the political machinations of the Queen Consort’s clan.

Advertisement

The zombies themselves are the fast-moving, 28 Days Later variety, leading to plenty of tense chase sequences throughout the series. And when the protagonists have to fend off the zombies face-to-face, Kingdom doesn’t shy away from putting all the gore on screen. Whether a zombie horde rips apart a helpless victim or an attacking zombie gets an arrow through the neck, the series makes sure to keep the horror on equal footing with the politics.

In short, Kingdom has something for everyone. For K-drama devotees, there are recognizable faces and familiar story beats to enjoy. For political drama enthusiasts, the social commentary in the show is on point. And, of course, for those who love a good zombie thriller, Kingdom can ratchet up the tension and terror as well as any classic Romero flick.

Kingdom is available to stream in the U.S. on Netflix.


Advertisement
Kingdom 2019 TV Series Poster


Kingdom

Advertisement


Release Date

2019 – 2020-00-00

Advertisement

Directors

Kim Seong-hun, Park In-je

Writers
Advertisement

Kim Eun-hee


Advertisement

  • Cast Placeholder Image
  • Cast Placeholder Image

Advertisement


Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Marshals’ Monica Memorial Was Ceremony for Yellowstone Star

Published

on

Marshals dedicated a memorial for Monica one year after her death, which also served as a ceremony to Yellowstone star Mo Brings Plenty‘s late nephew Cole.

During the Sunday, April 5, episode of the CBS series, Monica (Kelsey Asbille) was honored in a traditional remembrance ceremony on the Broken Rock reservation with son Tate (Brecken Merrill), husband Kayce (Luke Grimes) and grandfather (Rudy Ramos) paying tribute.

Star Arielle Kebbel later revealed that the fictional event was also a real memorial for Cole Brings Plenty, who appeared on Yellowstone spinoff 1923. His uncle, Mo Brings Plenty, currently plays Mo in Marshals.

Kebbel told People that Mo’s attended the event after Cole’s death. In March 2024, a warrant was issued for Cole’s arrest in relation to a domestic violence incident. According to a press release, authorities were called to the scene after reports of a screaming woman, but Cole had fled in his vehicle before they arrived. Mo and his Yellowstone costar Cole Hauser asked for the public’s assistance in finding his nephew.

Advertisement
Celebrity Deaths of 2026


Related: Celebrity Deaths of 2026: Blue Bloods’ Alex Duong and More

Hollywood mourned the deaths of some of its most legendary stars in 2026. The year started off with Broadway performer and influencer Bret Hanna-Shuford’s death at age 46. At the end of the month, comedy acting icon Catherine O’Hara died at age 71. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Enter your email […]

Days later, Cole was found dead at age 27. A cause of death was not released. Mo, however, recently questioned how the investigation into Cole’s disappearance — and death — was handled.

Advertisement

“He was my nephew, but he was like a son to me. And for his murder to go uninvestigated, and for it to be written off as ‘no foul play,’ because they didn’t want to invest anything into it? It’s heartbreaking,” Mo claimed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in March. “Because we’re taxpaying people as well. So for them to not work for us, no different than how they work for anyone else is pretty sad.”

MARSHALS
Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2025

Mo accused authorities of not putting “much effort into” investigating the circumstances of Cole’s disappearance and subsequent death.

“In fact, they weren’t even really looking for him. They were hunting him,” he told the outlet.“They weren’t searching for him.”

Mo encouraged others to “spread the message” as Cole’s family is “not letting it go.”

“There are a lot of families such as mine that are going through this right now, and we still have a lot of unanswered questions,” he continued. “Because I saw his body, I saw the evidence that is there, that someone caught him. So for them to say that there was nothing, I can’t believe that. I still can’t.”

Advertisement

He added: “It was a hard loss for us because this was an individual who was speaking our language, singing our songs and carrying on our traditions. He was the future for us. We want more and more of our young people to be inspired to pick up who we are from a cultural perspective.”

The Lawrence Police Department publicly addressed Mo’s comments, telling Us Weekly in a statement, “We understand this was a very difficult loss for the family and our condolences go out to them today just as they did at the time. We provided a complete, in-person, presentation of the evidence to the family which included videos, witness statements, and photographs. The family chose not to release the facts. Out of compassion we complied with their wishes.”

Advertisement

The statement continued: “Once the case concluded, the family petitioned the court to seal the autopsy report, medical examiner’s case file, law enforcement case files of the Lawrence, Kansas Police Department and the Johnson County, Kansas Sheriff’s Department, and the Death Certificate of Cole Brings Plenty. A judge signed it. The entire case contains clear evidence that there was no foul play involved in Cole’s death and that Cole acted alone. Any confusion and speculation are a result of the family’s messaging. With the family’s permission, we are willing to release a full report of our investigative efforts and results.”

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Entertainment

5+ Years Later, Kevin Costner’s Western Crime Thriller Finally Redeems Itself on Streaming

Published

on

the-wizard-of-oz-collider-quiz

While Kevin Costner‘s love for Americana and the Old West precedes that of Taylor Sheridan, the Oscar-winner has found himself playing catch-up to the streaming maven following their fallout. The two worked together on the widely loved neo-Western series Yellowstone, which has spawned several spin-offs and significantly extended Costner’s career as a leading man. However, Costner and Sheridan famously didn’t see eye to eye during the show’s final stages, which eventually led to its abrupt end in 2024. Since then, Costner has devoted himself to producing, directing, and acting in his magnum opus project, a five-film Western franchise titled Horizon: An American Saga. Now viewed as a rival project to Sheridan’s work, the franchise debuted with its first installment in the same year as Yellowstone‘s final season. A second installment has been shot, while the third film is also in development.

Even before he began working on Horizon, however, Costner tried to capitalize on Yellowstone‘s success by targeting its audience with a crime movie that dealt with similar themes. The movie in question was released in 2020, around the time Yellowstone became one of the biggest shows in the country. Directed by Thomas Bezucha, the neo-Western film followed Costner’s character and his wife as they try to protect their grandson from a gang. The movie also featured Diane Lane and Lesley Manville, and was set, like Yellowstone, in Montana.

the-wizard-of-oz-collider-quiz


Find Out if You’re a Wizard of Oz Whiz — The Yellow Brick Collider Movie Quiz!

The Wizard of Oz used to be televised around Easter every year. So in that tradition, we’re taking this opportunity to test your Emerald City acumen.

Advertisement

Here’s the ‘Yellowstone’ Replacement That’s Doing Well on Netflix

We’re talking about Let Him Go, which grossed $11 million at the box office in 2020 against a reported budget of more than $20 million. The movie received positive reviews and now holds a “Certified Fresh” 85% score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, where the critics’ consensus reads, “Let Him Go‘s uneven blend of adult drama and revenge thriller is smoothed over by strong work from a solid veteran cast.” Despite the feud with Costner bringing Yellowstone to an end, Sheridan has gone on to produce a string of offshoots — the prequels 1883 and 1923, and the sequels Marshals and Dutton Ranch. A third prequel series, tentatively titled 1944, is also in the works. Meanwhile, Let Him Go is staging a resurgence on home video, according to FlixPatrol. It’s currently among the most-watched movies globally on Netflix.

Advertisement

Stay tuned to Collider for more streaming updates.


let-him-go-movie-poster.jpg
Advertisement


Release Date
Advertisement

November 6, 2020

Runtime

114 minutes

Advertisement

Director

Thomas Bezucha

Advertisement

Advertisement


Advertisement

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025