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Star Trek: Voyager’s Best Special Effect Was Almost A Disappointment

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Voyager

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published

Voyager

Star Trek: Voyager had plenty of special effects, but arguably none were more impressive than when the ship landed on a planet in the Season 2 premiere episode “The Thirty-Sevens.” This was a first for the franchise, bringing to life one of Gene Roddenberry’s ideas that he had previously considered too expensive to show onscreen. However, this effect was almost a disappointment thanks to behind-the-scenes production issues, including improperly designed landing struts and a CGI model that was just too small.

This particular Voyager special effect was one the team had been dreaming of for a long time. Franchise graphic designer Michael Okuda previously recommended to exec producer Rick Berman that their ship should be able to land as a way to distinguish it from what came before.

Accordingly, Rick Sternbach had developed several possible ship designs with landing capability, and he ensured that the finished design featured small hatches on the bottom hull to house landing equipment. It was only after designing those struts, however, that producers realized that the ship’s “legs” looked far too thin to support its body.

The shot of Voyager landing on a planet in “The 37’s” was meant to be a big, show-stopping special effect, and producers were understandably concerned that viewers would be disappointed if it looked like the ship always skipped leg day. In the grand tradition of television, they decided to fix this problem in post-production.

They fixed it by placing rock outcroppings and other ground features strategically around Voyager as it landed. Go back and watch the episode, and you’ll see how they effectively obscured audiences’ view of those teeny landing struts.

However, that wasn’t the only problem with Voyager’s fancy special effect. The show’s digital artists had accidentally made the CGI model of the ship too tiny. This annoyed visual effects supervisor Ronald B. Moore (not to be confused with Trek writer and Battlestar Galactica reboot showrunner Ronald D. Moore), who was disappointed by the landing effect because “the scale of the Voyager on the ground was incorrect.” However, he didn’t feel that audiences would necessarily notice “because there’s nothing really to relate it to; the people are in the foreground, the ship’s in the background, and we kinda kept it that way.”

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For longtime Star Trek fans, this Voyager moment was more than just another special effect; it was also the realization of a decades-old dream that began with Gene Roddenberry. The franchise creator had originally dreamed of having the Enterprise regularly land on planets in The Original Series, but he soon realized just how expensive it would be to have the ship land somewhere new each week. This is how the transporter was born, as it allowed Captain Kirk and his erstwhile crew to quickly visit somewhere new and then head back to the ship via a much cheaper “beam me up” special effect.

Voyager’s producers came to the same conclusion that Roddenberry did, which is why the show mostly stuck to the transporter special effect rather than constantly having the ship land. Nonetheless, it landed several more times after “The Thirty-Sevens,” and producers had a much easier time bringing this ambitious effect to life on their subsequent attempts.

They did so despite the ship’s CGI model being too small, which arguably proves that size really doesn’t matter in the 24th century. We wouldn’t recommend telling that to Captain Janeway about her morning coffee cup sizes, though, unless you want her to kill you quicker than she killed Tuvix!


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Raunchy, R-Rated 80s Sci-Fi Comedy Is Impossible To Categorize, So Of Course It’s On Tubi

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Eat and Run 1986

By Robert Scucci
| Published

Eat and Run 1986

If you want to be humbled by decades worth of unhinged creativity that somehow slipped past your radar, I strongly advise firing up Tubi at least once a week. This is not a paid ad, but if you can get me in contact with the head of programming over there, I’d love to send them an Edible Arrangement for never failing to entertain me with hidden gems like 2010’s Beyond the Black Rainbow, and unhinged sci-fi horror comedy neo-noir mystery thrillers like 1986’s Eat and Run. If that sounds like a mouthful, wait until you hear what this punisher is about.

This movie only showcases a handful of recurring gags, and they’re all run into the ground. The primary antagonist is a 400-pound humanoid alien who only eats Italian people. Our hero is a hapless detective who narrates his life out loud in hard-boiled private dick fashion. His boss is always snacking and yelling, and he’s dating a judge with a habit of releasing dangerous criminals from prison, noticing the uptick in murders, and failing to connect the dots. It all plays out like a second-rate Police Squad, but it’s still charming despite its shortcomings.

This Guy’s A Fool For Gabagool!

Eat and Run 1986

Eat and Run keeps things simple, and it’s best not to think about it too much while watching. When morbidly obese Murray Creature (R.L. Ryan) inexplicably arrives on Earth, he immediately takes to hitchhiking. He gets picked up by an Italian merchant, who he then eats. We never actually see Murray eating, though. He smiles, reveals his pointy teeth, the camera zooms in on his face, then on his victim’s, and it cuts to him spitting out what’s left, usually shirt buttons.

Meanwhile, Detective Mickey McSorely (Ron Silver), who compulsively narrates his life in real time, is getting chewed out by his Captain (John J. Fleming). The Captain, no matter the time of day, is always pigging out at his desk, and this gag escalates throughout the film. First he’s digging into ice cream cake, and by the end he’s berating a delivery boy for bringing a six-layer cake when he clearly asked for a seven layer cake.

Eat and Run 1986

When dozens of Italian men from competing crime families go missing, Mickey takes the case, eventually leading him to Murray, though he can never catch him in the act. He sets up elaborate sting operations in between romantic rendezvous with Judge Cheryl Cohen (Sharon Schlarth), whose record on the bench is questionable at best, and who constantly excuses herself after sex so she can take matters of self gratification into her own hands. Mickey, the great detective that he is, remains completely oblivious to his shortcomings on this front.

When our Italian-eating antagonist is finally caught and cross-examined, his lawyer has him dress like a Boy Scout to appear innocent. This only complicates things further when he’s granted bail and his buffet-style rampage continues, and becomes smitten with Cheryl.

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This Shouldn’t Be A Movie

Eat and Run 1986

The above scenarios are stretched to absurdity in Eat and Run, repeating the same bits over and over, escalating just enough each time until the film reaches its climax. It reminds me of most SNL-based movies that do the exact same thing. Think 1994’s It’s Pat, but instead of endless jokes about androgyny, it’s about a fat guy eating mobsters.

While it sounds like I hated Eat and Run, I actually had a good time with it. At 85 minutes, it feels like writer-director Christopher Hart was padding the runtime to reach feature length by overworking the gags, but I can’t help but wonder how much better it would be if trimmed down to sitcom-episode length, or even a series of recurring skits.

Eat and Run 1986

I’ve always been a sucker for neo-noir narration, so every time Mickey narrates, only for the camera to pull back and reveal he’s been talking out loud in a room full of people, I let out a hearty chuckle. It’s stupid, but relatable. The number of times I think I’m thinking to myself while puttering around the house, only for my family to ask what the hell I’m talking about, is high enough that I felt seen.

Eat and Run is totally stupid, built on a razor-thin premise, and runs its gags into the ground before the first act is over. It’s also really funny, not because those things make it funny on their own, but because the humor somehow loops back around and works anyway.

As of this writing, Eat and Run is streaming for free on Tubi.


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Celebrities Can’t Stop Wearing Red: Meryl Streep and More

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Everything to Know About RHOSLC Alum Jen Shah's Legal Drama

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New York Rich Moms Wear These Jumpsuits Instead of Dresses

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Spring and summer typically call for wearing dresses, but New York rich moms are onto something different this year. These gals are rocking sleek, expensive-looking jumpsuits, and we found 19 that nail the aesthetic. With luxe details, tailored silhouettes and flattering fits, these outfits are polished without even trying.

We pulled together warm-weather jumpsuits that are super stylish and will have you out the door in minutes. Whether you’re running errands or attending a wedding, simply slip on your favorite shoes and you’re ready to go. See our top favorites from Amazon Essentials, Cupshe and more for casual and fancy occasions alike — from just $6!

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19 Chic Rich Mom-Style Jumpsuits to Replace Dresses — From $6

Casual Jumpsuits

1. Everyday Outfit: School drop-offs, coffee runs, whatever! This tie-waist jumpsuit does the styling work for you with cap sleeves and a cinched middle.

2. Sporty Mom: Jogger-style tapered ankles give this classic outfit a sporty flair. It’s athleisure that looks intentional.

3. Boho Babe: Love fit-and-flare dresses? This smocked jumpsuit has a similar silhouette — just with flowy pants instead.

4. Cute Crop: Capri-length pants are totally in right now, and this chic Amazon pick proves why. The wide legs up the trendy factor.

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5. Like Sweats: With an easy-going heather style, this sleeveless jumpsuit evokes your favorite sweats. You’ll look put together with zero effort.

6. Off-the-Shoulder: This off-the-shoulder jumpsuit brings retro vibes to your closet for just $25. The neckline does all the heavy lifting.

Brunch-Ready Jumpsuits

7. Nice Stretch: Fitted yet relaxed, this stretchy jumpsuit flatters without any squeezing. Comfort connoisseurs, this one’s for you!

8. Charleston Charm: Ruffle sleeves and airy gauze-like fabric channel serious Southern charm. This boutiquey number is pretty, elegant and perfect for Sunday brunch.

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9. Country Club: When you want to look seriously rich, this tie-waist jumpsuit delivers preppy country club energy. It speaks for itself.

10. European Flair: A Mediterranean print and billowy fit style give this European-inspired wonder a Positano appeal. It’s coastal and relaxed.

11. Mock-Neck Maven: Lengthen your torso without even trying in this elegant jumpsuit. It creates a long, incredibly flattering line.

12. Sassy and Smocked: Dressy but not overly formal, this brand-new drop has a playful, flirty edge. We adore the slimming smocked bodice.

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Wedding Guest Jumpsuits

13. Wedding Guest of Honor: Cap sleeves, a belted waist and a vibrant pink hue make this refined jumpsuit the easiest wedding guest outfit. It’s sophisticated right off the hanger.

14. Elegant Act: Walk into a cocktail party in this gold-accented outfit and you’ll own the room. Everyone will assume it’s designer.

15. Beach Wedding: Beach weddings are tricky to dress for, but this wrap-style jumpsuit looks gorgeous, even in the wind and sand. You’ll be glad to have pants!

16. Flattering Find: Slip into this tummy-smoothing jumpsuit to feel instantly pulled together. The gentle compression is noticeable but never uncomfortable.

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17. Gemstone Hues: Black gets boring after a while, which is why rich moms opt for this colorful off-the-shoulder style in a deep gemstone hue.

18. Frills and Fuss: You’ll be the center of attention in this this dressy jumpsuit that features a mock neckline, frilly details and fun color options.

19. Mood Boost: Another statement-maker, this mood-boosting yellow jumpsuit is impossible to ignore. It’s bold, cheerful and surprisingly easy to pull off.

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Jennifer Aniston


Related: Jennifer Aniston Can‘t Resist a LBD — We‘re Copying the Look From $8

Jennifer Aniston has a clever wardrobe hack for looking snatched from every angle. Black dresses are inherently flattering, so it’s no wonder she wears different styles nonstop. With Aniston’s stamp of approval, little black dresses are having a major revival. Aniston sported a sleeveless black maxi dress at The Late Show With Stephen Colbert — […]

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Police investigation of “Storage Wars” star Darrell Sheets' death includes cyberbullying accusations

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Sheets was found dead on April 22. He was 67.

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Chloe Bailey Checks Troll For Trying To Dim Her Baddie Energy

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😘

Chloe Bailey had time to check a social media user who claimed she was forcing “baddie energy” when she’s really just a good girl. The singer wasn’t here for the shade at all, clapping back quick and letting them know that balance exists.

RELATED: And, What About It? Chloe Bailey Claps Back At Troll Who Commented On Her Weight During Livestream (WATCH)

Chloe Bailey Shuts Down Troll & Stands On Business

Recently, Chloe Bailey hopped on X (formerly Twitter) responding to a post asking, “what is life teaching you right now?” Bailey said, “that she’s a bad b*tch.” A X user ended up peeping her post and didn’t hesitate to chime with their thoughts, writing, “No you’re not. You’re actually a cute lil lovely girl. Stop forcing it.” Chloe then came right back at them letting them know two things can be true, but don’t try to box her in. yes. i am a cute lil lovely girl and a bad b*. don’t put me in a box just bc you’re boring & have no fun😘😘

Social Media Weighs In After Chloe Claps Back

Once The Shade Room posted Chloe Bailey’s response, the comment section was flooded with reactions. Some folks clocked the energy and agreed with Chloe, while others said they don’t get how people can think they know celebrities when they don’t.

Instagram user @evaheartless wrote,She said what she said!!” 

Instagram user @jadorekiss_monae wrote, How she gonna tell Chloé what CHLOÉ is??🤔” 

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While Instagram user @geishalee wrote,Chloe is like the pastor’s daughter ❤️❤️ started sweet and then GOT SPICY 😍😍😍” 

Then Instagram user @_chauniethesinger wrote,I fear the fan was right.” 

Another Instagram user @lavish.v_ wrote, Social media got people thinking they know you more than yourself 😂 how you gonna tell me who I am?” 

Instagram user @teiannaa wrote, “why tf they always coming for Chloe???” 

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While another Instagram user @k_flye2 wrote, Chloe is definitely bad, I agree🔥🔥🔥🔥” 

Then another Instagram user @hola_naya wrote,What’s wrong with a lil sweet heat 🤷🏾‍♀️🥰” 

Instagram user @kiddtyblix wrote, Ugh I hate that y’all feel like y’all know celebrities based off of what yall see lmao. Y’all literally don’t know these ppl irl.” 

Finally, Instagram user @slymbeauty wrote, A woman can be whatever she wants!” 

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Chloe Keeps It Real While Shutting Down Body-Shaming Comment

Chloe is never afraid to make it known that she’s not the one or the two. This isn’t the first time she put a troll in check. Earlier this year, she popped off on a viewer who jumped on her livestream and said she was gaining weight. In a clip LiveBitez shared, Chloe told the social media user “And even if I was getting big.. And what about it?” Fans who watched her stream told her to ignore them, because they were clearly trying to gaslight her. She said she wasn’t falling for it at all, because she knows she’s tea. “Yeah, they trying to rage bait me, because I know my body TEA!” Chloe continued, “And I don’t even say that often, but the stress got my waist snatched.”

 

 

 

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RELATED: Okay, Sis! Chloe Bailey Turns Heads At St. Lucia’s Carnival With Fire Fits & Killer Curves (PHOTOS + VIDEOS) 

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How A U.S. President Killed One Of The Best TV Doctors

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How A U.S. President Killed One Of The Best TV Doctors

By TeeJay Small
| Published

Every now and again I sit down with a few friends and revisit my all-time favorite medical drama, House. If you haven’t seen the show, you’ve definitely heard of it from memes, internet references, or Family Guy cutaway gags. The show is as chaotic and off-the-wall as it gets, highlighting a different medical mystery each week as the titular Dr. House dishes out his trademark blend of wit, wisdom, and medical malpractice. Though the show is infinitely watchable for its narrative and character work, there’s one episode that can only be understood through the lens of behind-the-scenes events.

The episode in question is season five’s “Simple Explanation.” In this episode, the character Dr. Lawrence Kutner, played by Kal Penn, is found dead in his apartment of an apparent suicide. House and his staff at the hospital’s diagnostics department are perplexed by this, since Kutner never showed any signs of depression or suicidal ideation before. The gang then investigates Kutner’s apartment, leaving them with very few answers.

As the episode unfolds, it becomes clear that Kutner really did choose to end his own life, proving that there are some mysteries that cannot be solved, even by the world’s greatest detectives. While House and the others eventually move on from the mystery, the real-life truth is a bit more complicated. In fact, some could even say that Lawrence Kutner was murdered by none other than President Barack Obama.

How Barack Obama Killed Lawrence Kutner

Let’s rewind just a little bit. Barack Obama took office as the 44th president back in January of 2009, and quickly began staffing his administration with a variety of hip, young faces. As part of a larger push to appeal to Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities, Obama created the role of Associate Director of Public Engagement. His team then reached out to several prominent Asian-American citizens, including screen actor Kal Penn.

Penn took the role at the White House, and subsequently had to be written out of House with more haste than the average departure. He officially joined the staff in April of 2009, right around the same time that “Simple Explanation” aired. While in office, Penn served as a mouthpiece for Asian-American communities and helped perform outreach for the administration’s Affordable Care Act. He is also said to have assisted with the DREAM Act, as well as the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Fans Have Not Forgiven

Kutner was a fan-favorite character in House, and a frequent source of optimism in a sea of sardonic, nihilistic characters. As you can imagine, some fans took his loss pretty hard. To this day, there are running gags online that Obama killed Kutner, prompting a plethora of sarcastic “Thanks, Obama” replies in the comments section. Kal Penn continued his acting career in bit parts while working at the White House, and even returned to the show via flashbacks and hallucinations for the series finale. Ironically, he even portrayed a White House staffer on the series Designated Survivor in 2016, as Obama’s tenure was coming to a close.

So, if you’re ever watching House with your grandchildren in the year 2077, long after the memory of this behind-the-scenes factoid has faded from public memory, you can be sure to let them in on this bizarre turn of events. As it turns out, Kutner didn’t show suicidal tendencies because he was never depressed. He was just a young, happy doctor, killed in the prime of his life, so that an actor could serve his country in a more hands-on capacity than getting high and going to White Castle.

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Fans Question Sam Levinson’s ‘Euphoria’ Impact

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Sam Levinson at a photocall for

Sam Levinson is once again under the microscope as “Euphoria’s” third season draws backlash for its increasingly provocative tone.

While the HBO hit has long been credited to Levinson’s creative vision, online critics are now questioning what he has “uniquely” brought to the series, with some arguing the show’s impact has been driven more by its cast than its creator.

The renewed debate comes as viewers take issue with a noticeable spike in explicit scenes this season.

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Sam Levinson at a photocall for
Daniele Cifalà / MEGA

After a four-year wait, Season 3 of “Euphoria” finally premiered earlier this month, but instead of universal praise, the response has been noticeably muted.

The lukewarm reception has sparked a fresh wave of debate around creator Levinson, with some fans now questioning what he actually contributes to the HBO hit beyond the performances of its breakout stars, including Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, and Sydney Sweeney.

On Reddit, one widely shared post called out what it described as increasingly questionable creative choices, including graphic themes, fetish-driven elements, and the handling of female characters. The post went on to pose a pointed question that is now gaining traction among viewers, saying, “What are iconic things about ‘Euphoria’ that can be credited to Sam Levinson?”

Others Credit Levinson For ‘Euphoria’s’ Core Identity

Sam Levinson at the Series Premiere olf 'Euphoria' in Los Angeles, 2019
MEGA

While criticism has dominated much of the conversation, not everyone agrees with the growing skepticism around Levinson’s role in “Euphoria.”

The Reddit thread quickly filled with counterpoints from fans who argued that the show’s success can’t be separated from its creator. In fact, several users pointed to Levinson’s unique position as the series’s only writer.

“For better or worse, he’s the sole writer. Any storyline or quote/dialogue that’s become iconic was written by him. Anything about a character that resonates with people, beyond what they look like and how they deliver lines, was written by him,” another user noted.

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Season 3’s Provocative Shift Fuels Fresh Criticism Of Sam Levinson

Beyond the debate over creative credit, Levinson has also come under fire for what many viewers see as a sharp increase in provocative content in “Euphoria” Season 3.

Much of the criticism has centered on Sydney Sweeney’s Cassie Howard, whose storyline veers toward the explicit as she ventures into adult content creation.

Viewers have taken particular issue with the framing of some of these moments, arguing that the show leans too heavily into shock value. On social media, critics have accused Levinson of blurring the line between storytelling and sensationalism, with some claiming the creative direction risks turning exploitative.

Sydney Sweeney Backlash Grows Over ‘Euphoria’ Scenes

Sam Levinson and Sydney Sweeney
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / MEGA

The conversation hasn’t been limited to Levinson alone. Sweeney has also faced criticism from some viewers who questioned her decision to take on increasingly explicit scenes in Season 3.

However, her past comments suggest she has been fully comfortable with the creative process. In a 2022 interview, the actress made it clear that Levinson never pressured her into doing anything she wasn’t on board with.

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“There are moments where Cassie was supposed to be shirtless, and I would tell Sam, ‘I don’t really think that’s necessary here.’ He was like, ‘Okay, we don’t need it,’” Sweeney recalled, per the Daily Mail.

She also once said that she encouraged Levinson to lean further into her character’s already heightened emotional state. That move may help explain the more extreme direction Cassie takes in the latest season.

Sam Levinson Breaks Silence On Controversial ‘Euphoria’ Dog Scene

After largely staying quiet amid the backlash, Levinson has at least addressed one of Season 3’s most talked-about moments, the scene in which Sweeney’s character is styled like a dog.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Levinson explained that the scene was never meant to exist purely for shock value, but rather to highlight a deeper layer of absurdity within Cassie’s storyline.

“[Cassie] has got her dog house and her little dog ears and the nose, and that has its own humor,” he said. “But what makes the scene is the fact that her housekeeper is the one filming it.”

Levinson added that the intention was to pull viewers out of the character’s fantasy, rather than fully immerse them in it.

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Jake Gyllenhaal’s R-Rated Netflix Thriller Is A Dangerous Display Of Rage Beyond The Grave

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Jake Gyllenhaal's R-Rated Netflix Thriller Is A Dangerous Display Of Rage Beyond The Grave

By Robert Scucci
| Published

As a lifelong musician, there’s a certain kind of peer that I absolutely despise: the self-important artist. You know the type, the people who walk around like their farts don’t smell because they think they’re God’s gift to mankind. Once the work day is done, they pour their heart and soul into their creations, and those creations become the essence of their being. And in their minds, that essence is the most important thing in the world.

While I’m probably being cynical when I say it’s all just performative posturing, I spent enough of my formative years around this type of person to understand exactly where 2019’s Velvet Buzzsaw is coming from.

Velvet Buzzsaw 2019

In this movie, the most stuck-up, clout-chasing, back-handed, stab-you-in-the-back-if-they-can-get-the-upper-hand types get their comeuppance when they start dealing with the work of a newly deceased, completely unknown artist. He leaves behind a treasure trove of mixed-media masterpieces that were never meant to be seen. In fact, he explicitly instructed that his art be destroyed. Instead, it goes up for sale, and everybody who comes into contact with it dies a gruesome death.

Now, I’m not one to incite or encourage violence, but since we’re dealing with a supernatural thriller packed with some of the most unlikeable, pretentious, insufferable gasbags known to man, it’s beyond satisfying to watch them violate this dead man’s wishes and get what’s coming to them.

“All Art Is Dangerous”

Velvet Buzzsaw 2019

Velvet Buzzsaw takes place in a Miami-based art gallery where a bunch of cosmo-drinking artists and critics gather just to hear themselves talk. Among them is Morf Vandewalt (Jake Gyllenhaal), a critic known for his scathing reviews and melodramatic flair, who’s having second thoughts about his relationship with his boyfriend Ed (Sedale Threatt Jr.). He starts developing feelings for Josephina (Zawe Ashton), who works for ruthless gallery owner Rhodora Haze (Rene Russo), who unironically says things like “all art is dangerous” and verbally abuses anyone who crosses her path.

Rhodora moves units with eight-figure price tags, so her ego makes sense in context, but you can tell right away she’s a rough hang.

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Velvet Buzzsaw 2019

When Josephina returns home to LA, she finds her upstairs neighbor, Vetril Dease (Alan Mandell), dead outside his apartment, with no signs of foul play. His apartment is filled floor to ceiling with morbid artwork that immediately entrances anyone who sees it. Constantly on the receiving end of Rhodora’s criticism, Josephina collects the pieces so Morf and Rhodora can appraise them and possibly put them on the market, giving her clout in an industry that’s ready to chew her up and spit her out.

They quickly realize Dease isn’t a known artist. The work is authentic and original, but there’s no frame of reference for anything he created.

It doesn’t take long for art patrons to start foaming at the mouth over these pieces, including curator Gretchen (Toni Collette), washed-up artist Piers (John Malkovich), and rising star Damrish (Daveed Diggs). The most enthralled is Bryson (Billy Magnussen), the gallery’s installer, who’s bitter that nobody values his artistic input despite his talent, since his job is literally hanging other people’s work instead of showcasing his own. 

While transporting some of Dease’s pieces, Bryson gets attacked and killed by the paintings. He’s lit on fire and then pulled into a painting depicting rabid monkeys at an abandoned gas station that flickers to life just for him right as he passes by. Shortly after, people start dropping like flies. The only connection, though nobody realizes it at first, is Dease.

Since everyone is only looking out for themselves in this cutthroat industry, communication isn’t exactly their strong suit. But Morf, after digging into Dease’s past, uncovers enough disturbing information to confirm what’s happening. His art, once released into the world, is cursed.

The Downside To Graverobbing That Nobody Really Talks About

Every character in Velvet Buzzsaw wants to be great, so much so that they have zero issue robbing a dead man of his work, distributing it everywhere, realizing people are dying because of it, and still focusing on whether they can keep moving units.

When Morf tells Rhodora he plans to expose everything, she immediately starts blowing up phones, trying to sell off the pieces before the story breaks. Josephina, who kicked off the entire chain reaction, only cares about how Dease’s work benefits her. His body was probably still warm when she started making calls.

Most importantly, these tryhards are doing everything they can to maintain the mystique and value of Dease’s work, without caring about the fallout. Aside from Morf, who’s still annoying but at least somewhat likable, every character in Velvet Buzzsaw is completely irredeemable. The fun comes from watching them slowly realize they’ve curated something they can’t control. Something that’s coming for them.

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When art becomes a commodity and the highest bidders are morally bankrupt, it’s only a matter of time before their behavior catches up with them. In Velvet Buzzsaw, that moment comes when they decide to rob an elderly man of his life’s work without even attempting to contact anyone who might be connected to him. It never even crosses their minds, but Dease gets the last laugh as everyone tied to his creations is taken out in increasingly brutal fashion.

Velvet Buzzsaw, streaming exclusively on Netflix, is billed as a satirical supernatural horror comedy, and it earns that description. Most of the appeal comes from its dry, morbid sense of humor. The best way to watch this movie is after spending time in an art gallery and overhearing the kinds of conversations people have. Once you’ve had your fill of pretentiousness and white wine spritzers, watching it all burn to the ground is half the fun. 


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Meghan Markle Gets In Trouble With Palace Again Over Kids’ Titles

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Meghan Markle in Colombia

Meghan Markle has garnered backlash over her latest candle collection.

The mother of two launched new candles on Wednesday as part of a Mother’s Day celebration, with two of them said to have been inspired by her children. It was also recently reported that she had their names, email addresses, social media handles, and domain names all trademarked.

Meghan Markle’s move has now been slammed by royal sources, who claim it is an “outrageous” use of her children’s titles and goes against the wishes of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

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Meghan Markle in Colombia
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Part of Meghan Markle’s As Ever range of products includes candles that appear to be inspired by her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, as seen in promotional materials.

Two candles, released on Wednesday, are named No. 506 and No. 604 and are reportedly linked to her children’s birthdays, according to Page Six.

However, the move has drawn criticism, with one source describing it as “an outrageous use of their titles.”

The same source also claimed that the late Queen Elizabeth II would not have approved, noting that she was keen to prevent the Sussex family from profiting off their titles, particularly after they quit their senior royal roles in 2020.

Insider Defends The Duchess’s Right To Use Her Children For The Mother’s Day Line

Despite the backlash, some sources close to Meghan have defended her, saying the candle launch in no way put her children at risk.

“The candles are specifically part of a Mother’s Day line that weaves in something special in honor of your kids … Meghan is a mom, and her brand is about hosting and entertaining and family,” an insider remarked.

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They added, “She’s not parading the children around at events. She never shows their faces.”

Meghan Markle Has Gotten Several Trademarks For Her Children

Meghan Markle attends Variety Power of Women 2023
Lisa OConnor/AFF-USA.com / MEGA

Meghan’s children did not receive HRH status until their grandfather, King Charles, ascended the throne following the Queen’s death.

Since then, the Duchess and her husband, Prince Harry, appear to have moved to make the most of it.

Page Six previously reported that the children already have stationery featuring the HRH designation, and more recently, it was discovered that their parents have gone ahead to secure trademarks for their names, along with their email addresses, social media handles, and domain names.

For now, insiders do not view the trademark move as an issue, but say that could change if it is used for the sale of future goods.

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“It’s not about safeguarding the children — that’s understandable. It’s what you plan to do with [it] that’s the key,” the source noted.

Meghan Markle Has Subtly Involved Her Children In Her Promotional Videos

Meghan Markle and Princess Lilibet tend to a rose garden
Instagram | Meghan

As part of promoting her As Ever brand, Meghan has subtly included her children in videos that have been shared online.

In a teaser posted in February 2025, the Duchess was seen with her kids working in the kitchen and garden of what appeared to be their Montecito home.

A similar scene was posted the following month, featuring the children helping Meghan in the kitchen.

Most recently, the mother of two took things a step further in a promotional video for her partnership with High Camp Supply florists.

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In the clip, the Duchess is seen arranging flowers alongside Lilibet while calling out to Archie, but the branded angle was  made more explicit by the caption, “mama’s little helpers.”

At other times, Meghan has also shown other personal moments with her kids, but in most cases, she has their faces hidden.

Meghan And Prince Harry Recently Wrapped Up An Australian Tour

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Meghan and Harry recently returned to their Montecito home after a four-day tour of Australia.

The couple had an exhausting schedule that included talks about mental health and safe social media practices, visits to cultural centers and local non-profits, as well as meetings with participants from Harry’s Invictus Games.

Upon their return home, they received the warmest welcome from their kids, who were eager to see their parents.

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The couple came home to a surprise banner that read “Welcome Home,” hung in their doorway, as seen in a post from Meghan’s Instagram story, per Harper’s Bazaar.

Meghan and her husband also made sure to reciprocate the gesture by bringing home gifts for their kids. This included both reading and coloring books, stickers, and tasty treats to munch on.

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The Best Show You Haven’t Seen Is Twin Peaks With Rappers And Invisible Cars

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The Best Show You Haven't Seen Is Twin Peaks With Rappers And Invisible Cars

By TeeJay Small
| Published

If you consider yourself a television fan, you owe it to yourself to watch Atlanta. The series, which premiered back in 2016, was created by legendary actor, comedian, singer, songwriter, and Yoshi voiceover artist Donald Glover. To date, it serves as Glover’s most foundational work, allowing him an outlet to tell innovative short stories, meditate on his upbringing, and deliver on some of his most outlandish ideas. The show is a modern masterpiece, and the only real downside is that it’s only 41 episodes long.

In case you’re not aware of Donald Glover’s catalog, he might be the hardest-working man in Hollywood. The Atlanta native got his start writing for 30 Rock back in 2006, before becoming a household name as an actor on Community. After seemingly mastering the craft of writing and performing comedy, Glover left Community to pursue a rap career under the name Childish Gambino. His music later evolved from rap into a Stevie Wonder-esque cacophony of retro-futurist jazz funk fusion, culminating in such viral hits as “Redbone” and “This Is America.”

Donald Glover’s Atlanta

After establishing that he can sing, dance, act, write, and perform all at the same time, Glover developed Atlanta. He also stars as the perpetually down-on-his-luck Earn Marks in the show. Earn spends the first season couch-surfing with his parents, his ex-girlfriend, and his cousin Alfred, who is a rising neighborhood rapper under the name Paper Boi.

While trying to make enough money to get his own place and provide for his infant daughter, Earn takes on a job as Alfred’s manager. Along the way, he encounters a series of colorful characters, including Al’s best friend Darius, portrayed by the incredible LaKeith Stanfield.

LaKeith Stanfield as Darius

Darius may not be the main character of Atlanta, but he has become the fan-favorite thanks to his pure hallucinogenic aura. He seems to exist in a fringe space between reality and the dreamlike world of the show, giving fans some early insight into the kinds of over-the-top hijinks they can expect from later seasons. In Atlanta, you’re likely to encounter crowds of strangers wearing cow suits, Scooby Doo-style hidden hallways, and influencers driving invisible cars just the same as rapper drama and the occasional armed robbery.

Hiro Murai’s Surreal Vision

The show achieves this dream-like state by tapping auteur director Hiro Murai. Murai’s vision, in accordance with Donald Glover, creates a distinct visual look and overall vibe that simply cannot be matched. There’s a reason why Glover originally pitched the show as “Twin Peaks with rappers” back when it premiered. The third season, which was shot in Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially carries this ethereal energy. In season three, the main narrative is interrupted by a series of disconnected short stories that feel like backdoor pilots for other topsy-turvy horror shows.

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Donald Glover and Zazie Beetz in Atlanta

Binge-watching Atlanta will surely give you whiplash, as the show bounces seamlessly between laugh-out-loud comedy, terrifying psychological horror, and a deep, almost academic reading of generational trauma. According to a write-up in NME, Glover teased the last two seasons of Atlanta as “some of the best television ever made,” before adding “Sopranos only ones who can touch us.” I couldn’t agree more. Personally, I’d place Atlanta on the Mount Rushmore of TV shows, next to The Sopranos, Breaking Bad, and Severance.

If you’re interested in checking out Atlanta for yourself, be sure to stream all four seasons on Hulu.


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