Connect with us
DAPA Banner

Entertainment

Kirstie Alley’s Wild 80s Sci-Fi Features A Magnum P.I. And Gene Simmons Robot Showdown

Published

on

Kirstie Alley's Wild 80s Sci-Fi Features A Magnum P.I. And Gene Simmons Robot Showdown

By Robert Scucci
| Published

Sometimes, if you want to see something vaguely original, you have to go back to the 80s for some good old-fashioned sci-fi police work. While there are plenty of dystopian features set in the not-so-distant future from this era, 1984’s Runaway is the most insane one you’ve never heard of. Thankfully, the kind of movies that have stars who would probably rather you forget they exist all end up on Tubi sooner or later, and then we have to talk about them.

Runaway has all the beats you’d expect from a police procedural, except in its version of the future (1991), robots have been modified into murder machines operated by Gene Simmons, and Tom Selleck (and his mustache) has to save the day before there’s too much collateral damage to ever realistically consider repairing.

Runaway 1984

While I’ll admit to laughing out loud at this film more than writer-director Michael Crichton intended, I have to give it props for being a constant source of entertainment. Everybody plays it super straight in Runaway, which, to me, seems like an impossible task, especially when you consider the fact that this is the villain’s first acting role outside of Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park.

Magnum P.I. And The Guy From Kiss At Constant Odds

Runaway, at its core, tells a story about robots versus humans. First, we have to learn about Sgt. Jack Ramsay (Tom Selleck), one of those classic “damn, he’s good” officers with a troubled past. He used to be a beat cop, but made a career change after his fear of heights resulted in a criminal getting away and murdering six people. Now, he’s a robotics expert working for the “Runaway” squad, a designated task force devoted to homicides involving only robots, an occurrence so common in 1991 that there’s an entire unit for it.

Runaway 1984

Working alongside his partner, Officer Karen Thompson (Cynthia Rhodes), Jack finds himself in hot pursuit of disgraced defense contractor Dr. Charles Luther (Gene Simmons). Luther went rogue years prior when he realized the technology he created, like robotic smart bombs and heat-guided bullets, could be sold for a profit on the black market. He killed off his whole team and went out on his own, bringing us to the present day, where Jack needs to track him down and lock him up before this sophisticated military tech falls into even wronger hands.

The missing link between our heroes and their enemy is Jackie Rogers (Kirstie Alley), Luther’s ex-lover who has access to the templates he needs to carry out his plan of mass-producing an army of evil robots. After being thoroughly strip-searched, it becomes clear she wants to be on the right side of history when push comes to shove, and it’s the cops against the robot overlords.

Advertisement
Runaway 1984

As you would expect, Jack is afraid of heights and haunted by his past because of it, so, you know … third-act skyscraper fight. Everything in this movie hinges on simplicity, and if you’ve ever found yourself craving a movie with a clear good guy and bad guy, this is it.

Gene Simmons Has One Face

Throughout the film, we learn just how great Sergeant Jack Ramsay is. He knows everything there is to know about robots, even though it appears that Tom Selleck himself completely glazes over when he has to go into technobabble. He’s framed as the best dad ever, even though his interactions with his son Bobby (Joey Cramer) are minimal, most often involving Jack tucking him in after spending days away from home working cases.

Runaway 1984

Don’t worry about the potential neglect, though, because Jack has a sophisticated robot house maid that handles all the chores, cooking, and more domestically inclined activities that an active parent would typically engage in. Whether that robot gets wired to explode at the worst possible time is something you’ll just have to find out for yourself.

Runaway’s real draw, though, comes from Gene Simmons. Outside of any KISS-related intellectual properties, this was his first acting role, though it’s been reported that he’d been practicing the craft since 1981 while waiting for the perfect moment to make his feature film debut. Luther, as far as villains go, is pretty stock. He’s a total robot nerd, and his one-liners, if you could call them that, aren’t even memorable. Point in case? I don’t remember any of them.

Runaway 1984

However, Simmons is really good at making this one face that tells the viewer, without any sliver of doubt, that he’s the antagonist in Runaway. He’s got this signature snarl, so before we even know the full scope of his evil intentions, all you need is a simple shot of him walking around and being himself before saying, “Yup! That’s him! That’s definitely the bad guy!” To Simmons’ credit, it’s a pretty good face, there’s just no great acting or dialogue coming from it.

He does walk around brandishing giant, futuristic guns and has a legion of miniature mechanical spiders to do his bidding, so it’s totally worth checking out for that alone.

Runaway 1984

Runaway leaves very little to the imagination, but for what it’s worth, it’s a straightforward sci-fi action flick to throw on that doesn’t require a whole lot of mental bandwidth to enjoy. As of this writing, you can stream it for free on Tubi.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Entertainment

Summer House’s KJ Reads West’s Apology Text Live on Air

Published

on

Summer House Cast Reacts to Amanda Batula and West Wilson Surprise New Romance

Summer House’s KJ Dillard revealed that West Wilson texted him an apology one day after filming the season 10 reunion, before reading the text on live TV.

During a Tuesday, May 5, appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, KJ, 28, shared that he received the text on April 24 but had failed to open it. “I didn’t even look at the message. I was a bit scared to look at it. I still haven’t looked at it. There’s only one unread message in my inbox and it’s his,” KJ told Cohen, 57.

When urged by both Cohen and the studio audience to read West’s text aloud, KJ agreed.

“West says, ‘I wanted to thank you for your articulation and kindness yesterday despite being hurt. I’ve been off social and I think I lost touch with how much hurt there was. I’m incredibly sorry,’” KJ said. “’Also sending you love in regards to your mental health. You shared a lot yesterday and I know it mightn’t carry much weight now but I’m always rooting for the best for you. I know it will take some time but whenever you feel like you’re ready, lunch or a phone call would mean a lot in the spirit of healing. No need to respond, take your time.’”

Advertisement
Summer House Cast Reacts to Amanda Batula and West Wilson Surprise New Romance


Related: ‘Summer House’ Cast Reacts to Amanda Batula and West Wilson’s New Romance

The Summer House cast has found a front-row seat to one of Bravo’s most shocking romances. On Tuesday, March 31, Amanda Batula confirmed her unexpected relationship with BFF Ciara Miller’s ex-boyfriend West Wilson more than two months after she split from husband Kyle Cooke. “Given the complicated relationship dynamics involved and the scrutiny that comes […]

After he’d recited the text, KJ immediately admitted that it “hurt” to review what West had sent him. “It just hurts because it’s, like, me and him were so close,” he explained.

Advertisement

KJ’s fellow guest during WWHL, Jamie Lynn Sigler, threw her support behind him. “Don’t let it hurt you, I think you needed to take your time to read it, that’s totally respectable, and I think that was really good what he wrote,” the Sopranos alum, 44, said.

West’s text to KJ, who is a close friend of West’s ex Ciara Miller, comes in light of West, 31, and Amanda Batula going public with their romance. The surprise relationship, revealed via a joint Instagram post shared by West and Amanda, 34, on March 31, was one of several topics explored during the filming of the Summer House reunion, which airs on Tuesday, May 26.

Summer-House-Star-West-Wilson-Speaks-Out-About-Backlash-to-His-Romance-With-Amanda-Batula.jpg


Related: West Wilson Breaks Silence About Backlash Over Amanda Batula Romance

West Wilson is speaking out about his controversial relationship with Summer House costar Amanda Batula after receiving backlash from fans and costars. “There was no overlap. I know there’s a thousand different theories on the internet right now but that is one thing that for sure did not happen,” West, 31, said on the Monday, […]

KJ said last month that West did not reach out to him after his romance with Amanda was confirmed, despite West claiming that he had during an episode of his podcast “Show Me Something.” KJ stated via Threads once the podcast episode dropped, “I’m checking my text messages, but I never received anything.”

Advertisement

KJ went on to hint that there was more to West and Amanda’s relationship than meets the eye. “Let me log off before I get accused of cyberbullying again,” KJ wrote in another Threads post. “The truth hurts, homie, tough love.”

The reality TV star has voiced his issues regarding West and Amanda’s relationship across social media in recent weeks. After the couple displayed PDA at a Yankees game on April 17, KJ seemingly shaded the duo, labeling somebody “sickos” via Threads. “I just threw up in my mouth,” he added at the time.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Stevie Nicks’ Met Gala Debut Sparks Beyoncé Collab Rumors

Published

on

Stevie Nicks at the 2026 MET Gala Costume Ball - Outside Arrivals

Stevie Nicks made a historic appearance at the 2026 Met Gala, marking the legendary rock icon’s first time attending the prestigious fashion event. 

The 77-year-old singer stunned fans and photographers alike as she arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in a look that perfectly reflected her signature style and high-fashion artistry. 

However, her presence has since ignited intense speculation that she may be collaborating with Beyoncé on the highly anticipated Act III of the singer’s trilogy.

Advertisement
Stevie Nicks at the 2026 MET Gala Costume Ball - Outside Arrivals
RCF / MEGA

Nicks finally graced the Met Gala steps on May 4, delivering a fashion moment that fans have waited decades to witness. For her debut, she wore a custom Zara gown designed by John Galliano. 

The midnight blue and black ensemble featured a dramatic silhouette with an intricate skirt covered in tulle and chiffon rose appliqués. She then topped the look with a towering black top hat created by milliner Stephen Jones, which featured elegant feather details.

While she is usually known for her bohemian moon necklaces and flowing shawls, Nicks swapped them out for high-end jewelry from the Tiffany & Co. Blue Book collection. Her jewelry also featured a stunning opal and diamond pendant, per People Magazine.

Meanwhile, her signature blonde curls remained loose, resting against a luxurious silk taffeta and velvet jacket. 

Fans’ Speculations Swirl Around A Collab Between Stevie Nicks And Beyoncé

Nick’s Met Gala debut was met with an overwhelming fan response, suggesting that the rock legend’s arrival may have a deeper meaning. As soon as the “Rhiannon” singer hit the carpet, social media erupted with theories that Beyoncé was the driving force behind the invitation. 

Advertisement

One fan account on X directly pointed to the superstar’s influence, suggesting that Beyoncé was responsible for getting Nicks to attend the gala for the first time.

Others joined in, praising the singer for making history in her role as host by bringing such a monumental figure into the fold.

“Beyonce is already making history as host,” one fan wrote. Besides the excitement of the debut itself, many fans viewed the moment as a calculated move to promote the upcoming Act III. “She’s gonna release music with Steve Nicks, holy sh-t,” another fan added.  

Speculation quickly turned to a potential musical partnership, with followers claiming the appearance was a clear sign that a collaboration between the two icons is already in motion.

Advertisement

Beyoncé’s Website Update Hinted At An Upcoming Rock Era

Beyoncé at the Met Gala.
MEGA

The speculation regarding a potential Beyoncé and Nicks collaboration was further fueled by recent changes to Beyoncé’s official website. Fans believe that these changes signal the end of her country era and the beginning of a rock-themed chapter. 

The removal of all “Cowboy Carter” merchandise from her online store has left the shop empty, a move she has previously made just before announcing new projects.

Adding to the mystery, a new section dedicated to the 25th anniversary of Destiny’s Child’s “Survivor” album has appeared, featuring nostalgic content that many see as a deliberate hint toward her next musical direction.

The inclusion of a specific throwback clip on Beyoncé’s site convinced the “Beyhive” that a collaboration with Stevie Nicks is imminent, per The Blast. Fans were quick to note that highlighting this specific moment in her career, especially as she clears away her previous era’s branding, suggests she is returning to those rock roots for her final act.

Sabrina Carpenter Joined Stevie Nicks For A Surprise Duet

The anticipation for Beyoncé’s Act III reached a fever pitch following an unforgettable musical moment inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

Advertisement

As the evening transitioned from the red carpet to the dinner ceremony, guests were treated to a surprise performance that bridged generations of musical talent. Inside the gala, Sabrina Carpenter delivered one of the night’s most talked-about highlights when she was joined on stage by the legendary Nicks. 

According to Variety, the pair captivated the audience with a soulful rendition of the Fleetwood Mac classic “Landslide.” 

Before Nicks joined her, Carpenter opened her set with solo performances of her own chart-topping hits, including “Espresso” and “Please, Please, Please.”

Blue Ivy’s Met Gala Debut Sparked Debate Over Age Limits

Beyoncé and Blue Ivy at the 2026 MET Costume Gala
RCF / MEGA

While the evening was filled with high-profile performances, one of the most discussed moments of the night occurred on the red carpet when, just like Nicks, Blue Ivy Carter made her shocking Met Gala debut. 

The Blast reported that the 14-year-old joined her parents, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, marking a rare family appearance at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She commanded the iconic staircase in a striking white gown featuring a dramatic bubble skirt, paired with a matching jacket and metallic heels. 

Advertisement

However, the teenager’s appearance quickly ignited a debate online regarding the event’s long-standing policy that restricts guests to those 18 and older.

This rule was famously highlighted in the past when other young stars were denied entry, with organizers previously stating that the gala is not an appropriate environment for minors.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Entertainment

Dave Grohl Shares How The Foo Fighters Was Formed

Published

on

Dave Grohl at the Foo Fighters Concert in Curitiba - Brazil

Foo Fighters‘ 12th studio album, “Your Favorite Toy,” was recently released, and it’s difficult to fathom that at one point, Dave Grohl almost gave up on music. The death of his Nirvana bandmate Kurt Cobain took a toll on him, but a fleeting encounter with a hitchhiker inspired Grohl to go back to what he loved the most, propelling him into forming the Foo Fighters.

Dave Grohl at the Foo Fighters Concert in Curitiba - Brazil
MEGA

Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl was on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on May 4, where the host asked him whether there was a moment that made him realize he was ready to make music again after Nirvana.

Grohl was the grunge band’s drummer in 1994, when Kurt Cobain died, and the band disbanded immediately after. Grohl said he was distraught at the time and had doubts about returning to music. “It made me sad to think of playing in another band. Losing Nirvana, losing Kurt was a really dark, emotional experience,” he said.

He took time to get his “head together” and went to Ireland. While driving on the Ring of Kerry and taking in the stunning coastal views, he passed by a hitchhiker. What was interesting was that the person was wearing a Kurt Cobain shirt. “I thought, this is the universe telling me, ‘You have to continue. You have to move on. You have to go forward.’” Grohl explained.

The Frontman Said ‘Hearing Music Hurt’ For A While

Kurt Cobain
Hugo Dixon/Capital Pictures / MEGA

Grohl joined Nirvana in 1990, and the band, which also included Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear, was at its height when their frontman, Cobain, died by suicide in April 1994. The music industry was stunned, and thousands gathered for a public vigil to mourn the singer, who was considered a defining figure in the grunge movement.

Grohl shared the same story in 2021 during a BBC Radio 4 interview, saying he couldn’t even turn on the radio or play instruments in the aftermath. “Even hearing music hurt,” he shared. The months-long slump prompted him to take a trip to Ireland, where he saw the hitchhiker. “I had to go somewhere where I could just disappear and sort through my life, and try to figure out what to do next,” he added.

Advertisement

Following the encounter, he returned to Seattle and recorded the Foo Fighters’ first songs.

Dave Grohl Was A One-Man Band When Foo Fighters Formed

Grohl already had a few songs that he had written in the past, and he had a chance to play some of the demos for Cobain, who expressed his approval. He decided to record those by himself, not thinking about what it might lead to. After all, he wasn’t part of any band at that point. “But I had to do it to survive, to get on with life. And I’m glad I did,” he revealed.

Per The Current, Grohl wrote all the songs, played all the instruments, and sang on all the tracks. He recorded the album in about a week with help from a producer. The only other contributor was Greg Dulli, who played guitar “X-Static.” Grohl intended for the project to remain anonymous, choosing the name Foo Fighters to make it appear as if an entire band was behind the recording, adding that he got the name “from a UFO book or something.”

The Foo Fighters’ self-titled album was released in 1995 as demos meant for family and friends, and only limited copies were available. However, it spread like wildfire, and its success led to a deal with a record company.

Advertisement

The Former Nirvana Drummer Talks About The Past With His Kids

Mega Agency

In 2021, Grohl told PEOPLE that he no longer shied away from Nirvana music, sharing that he sometimes drove with his kids listening to his former band’s music. “We don’t really sit around the house, talking about Nirvana all day long, but every once in a while, they’ll ask me questions, and I’ll explain that life to them,” he said.

Grohl also shared that he thinks of Cobain often and even had a few dreams about him decades after his passing. “I only knew Kurt for about three and a half years, but in that time, we went through multiple lifetimes. Kurt’s songs touched the world,” he explained.

Dave Grohl Heals Through Music

Dave Grohl at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards - Arrivals
MEGA

“Music has always been the love of my life,” Grohl told Colbert, adding that it pushed him to get through the hardest moments in his life. “I need to keep going. I have so much reverence and respect for the past, but I need to have a future,” he noted.

In 2022, Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins died while the band was on tour, leaving the members distraught. They took a hiatus, but once again, Grohl went back to music to help deal with the grief. The frontman said he needed to continue doing what he loved “because it had saved us once before.”

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Entertainment

10 K-Dramas Better Than ‘Crash Landing on You’

Published

on

Gang Tae and Moon Young stand together in It's Okay To Not Be Okay.

The world has changed since the advent of South Korea culture in 2020. Additionally, in the United States, K-Dramas have begun an endless cycle of popularity in Western pop culture. Netflix was one of the first streaming platforms that caught onto the potential of K-Dramas, first with the acclaimed Squid Game, and then simultaneously conjoining with Korean TV broadcast releases, such as what happened with Business Proposal.

Titles such as Crash Landing On You were internationally distributed on the streaming platform, which made more Western viewers interested in the beauty of K-Dramas. However, some K-Dramas are really underrated and should be viewed and engaged with as much as the popular ones out there. Furthermore, Collider is giving out a compilation of K-Dramas that are better than Crash Landing On You, so you can begin streaming them right away. Without further ado, cook some delicious Korean food at home, sit on the couch, and begin deep diving into these wonderful K-Drama titles.

Advertisement

10

‘It’s Okay Not To Be Okay’ (2020)

Gang Tae and Moon Young stand together in It's Okay To Not Be Okay.
Gang Tae and Moon Young stand together in It’s Okay To Not Be Okay.
Image via Netflix 

Some K-Dramas are well-done but lack the emotional depth that draws viewers in. This is not the case for the very popular K-Drama It’s Okay Not To Be Okay. Even if it is a pretty recent one, this K-Drama has it all: excellent portrayals from both main leads, a storyline that pulls your heartstrings, stunning cinematography, and characters that feel very realistic, which brings more emotion to the viewer in the first place.

It’s Okay Not To Be Okay tells the touching story of a community health worker, named Moon Gang Tae, portrayed by Kim Soo-Hyun, and a popular children’s book writer, named Ko Mun Young, portrayed by Seo Yea Ji. They meet while Moon Gang is working his usual shift at the psychiatric ward, and Ko Moon has come there to read to the children hospitalized there. The catch is that Ko Moon suffers from an antisocial personality disorder and denies love from other people. Slowly, Moon Gang opens their heart, and they fall in love, not without emotional obstacles in the way. When the series was released, its popularity soared to the point that a Filipino remake of the same name was created. One of the most touching stories in a K-Drama, It’s Okay Not To Be Okay is a series that will make you go through a healing process, just like the characters, and needs to be viewed attentively till the very end.

Advertisement

9

‘Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo’ (2016)

Wang So (Lee Joon-gi) teasing Lee Ji-Eun (IU) playfully as they look deeply into each other's eyes.
Wang So (Lee Joon-gi) teasing Lee Ji-Eun (IU) playfully as they look deeply into each other’s eyes. 
Credit to YouTube.

One of the most beautiful performances from the famous Korean actress IU, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is a K-Drama that makes you emotional yet completely entranced by its intricate storyline. What makes this series so compelling to its viewers is the beautiful scenography and cinematography, as well as the enthralling performances from both main leads. Additionally, its stupendous soundtrack will make you want to watch it over and over again.

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo tells the story of a woman named Go Ha Jin (IU), who, after inadvertently falling into an enchanted lake, travels back in time to the Korean Goryeo Dynasty of the year 918. When she arrives there, she is in the body of 16-year-old Hae Soo, who is living in the house of the eighth Prince Wang Wook (Kang Ha-neul). As she desperately tries to find a way to get out of this world, she also meets the ostracized fourth Prince, named Wang So (Lee Joon-Gi), and gets inadvertently pulled into the political and emotional turmoil between the princes. I definitely recommend watching this K-Drama because it’s truly a beautiful story that will keep you hooked till the end.

Advertisement

8

‘Descendants Of The Sun’ (2016)

Descendants of the Sun poster representing Song Hye-kyo and Song Joong-ki as they help each other.
Descendants of the Sun poster representing Song Hye-kyo and Song Joong-ki as they help each other.
Image via KBS2

K-Dramas that touch war as a theme are rare for me to watch, but when my sister recommended me Descendants Of The Sun, the plot convinced me. She was right, as this K-Drama is one of the most touching and profound ever seen. It follows the tear-jerking story of the captain of the Korean Special Forces, Yoo Shi Jin (Song Joong-ki), and Kang Mo Yeon (Song Hye-kyo), a doctor working at the Haesung Hospital in Korea. When she is sent to work in the fictional country of Uruk, which is at war, to assist and to cure Yoo Shi’s soldiers who end up injured.

This K-Drama does not have a single issue. It has a perfect storyline, characters that make you relate to them so much, despite the situation that they are in, and a beautiful score. The portrayal by the main leads is something that will make you remember this K-Drama for a very long time. It just touches your heart to the point that you can’t forget about it.

Advertisement

7

‘Hotel Del Luna’ (2019)

The Cast of Hotel del Luna standing together for a photo in hotel uniforms.
The Cast of Hotel del Luna standing together for a photo in hotel uniforms.
Image via tvN

Another unforgettable K-Drama, Hotel De La Luna is a K-Drama that exceeded every viewer’s expectations. It has all those supernatural elements that make the fantasy genre so unique: spirits, magic, ghosts, and much more, which ensures this K-Drama is one of a kind. Its visuals are something that you won’t get enough of, as you’ll want to keep watching it to the end.

Additionally, all the cast do a phenomenal job, but especially its main female lead, IU, who portrays Jang Mal-Wol, the eccentric owner of this ghastly hotel. This series follows her story, as Jang Mal is the owner, bound to it by a powerful curse that forces her to keep the place running. The only way for her to get rid of this curse is that she has to let go of all her resentful personality, open up, and fall in love. One day, she meets a human named Goo Chan-Sung (Yeo Jin-goo), who then later becomes the hotel’s manager after his father forged a deal with Jang Mal. So, the couple’s troublesome and emotional relationship unfolds between these walls, giving viewers a compelling love story that they won’t forget very soon.

Advertisement

6

‘Bad And Crazy’ (2021)

Lee Dong-wook holding back Wi Ha-joon while talking to someone off-screen in a scene from 'Bad and Crazy'
Two men are standing in the center of the image. One is in the front, he’s wearing a gray jacket and a black shirt; he’s holding back the other man with his right arm while speaking to someone off -screen. The man behind has short hair and is wearing a black and red leather jacket.
Image via tvN

Now, onto an action K-Drama that has become very popular internationally, Bad And Crazy. This K-Drama is very underrated in its home country, as it gained more attention internationally, drawing in Western audiences. However, Bad And Crazy has a great blend of well-done action fight sequences, phenomenal chemistry between the two male leads’ characters, and awesome comedic one-liner delivery.

Bad And Crazy tells the story of a corrupted but brilliant cop, Soo Yeol (Lee Dong-Wook), who built his way up to the position of officer by surrendering to what his superiors requested of him, often ignoring justice and rightful ways in the process. One day, suddenly, a figure enters his life: an eccentric yet very righteous motorcycle rider, K (Wi Ha Joon), who beats him up every time he has the chance to. The catch? K never appears on any CCTV cameras when Soo Yeol requests to look into him, so everyone thinks he is crazy, even when the chance to be promoted appears. So, Soo Yeol tries to form an unlikely partnership with K to be seen better by his superiors again. This K-Drama will definitely appeal to whoever has thrillers and crime as their favorite genres, and its storyline is truly compelling.

Advertisement

5

‘Strong Woman Do Bong Soon’ (2018)

The poster of Strong Woman Do Bong Soon with Park Bo-Young holding Ji Soo (left) and Park Hyung-Sik (right).
The poster of Strong Woman Do Bong Soon with Park Bo-Young holding Ji Soo (left) and Park Hyung-Sik (right).
Image via Drama House JS Pictures

One of the most beloved K-Dramas out there, Strong Woman Do Bong Soon is a K-Drama that will pull your heartstrings but also keep you on edge. The beautiful love story between the characters and the crime subplot ensure that viewers are engaged with the material till the very end. Furthermore, its soundtrack is also very well-done, as it features great songs to listen to.

Strong Woman Do Bong Soon tells the story of Bong Soon (Park Bo-Young), an eccentric yet good-hearted woman who has super strength, which was given to her by her ancestors, so each member of her family has the same quirk. This power can be used only for the greater good, because if not, the power will be taken away. After bravely standing up against gang bullies, Bong Soon meets the childish yet brilliant An Min Hyeok (Park Hyung-Sik), CEO of Ainsoft, which is a famous video game developing company, who offers her a job as his bodyguard, and falls in love with her at first sight. Furthermore, her neighborhood is targeted by a serial killer who kidnaps women, and her childhood best friend, Officer In Guk Du (Kim Ji Soo), is investigating the case. This K-Drama skyrocketed in popularity because of the powerful chemistry between the two main leads, and the story just gets better on each rewatch. Simply a 10/10 K-Drama if you are looking for a rom-com with a splash of action and thriller elements.

Advertisement

4

‘Boys Over Flowers’ (2009)

Jun-Pyo & Jan-di sitting together and laughing about being locked in a mall overnight in Boys Over Flowers.
Jun-Pyo & Jan-di sitting together and laughing about being locked in a mall overnight in Boys Over Flowers.
Image via KBS2

Now onto one of the most famous K-Dramas of all time. Boys Over Flowers was originally based on a 1992 Japanese manga named Hana Yori Dango, written by Yoko Kamio. Its huge popularity spawned the release of an anime, an audio drama, a movie, and a musical in its home country between 1993 and 1997, and various remakes around the world afterward. The first remakes were three Thai series, Meteor Garden, Meteor Rain, and Meteor Garden II, released between 2001 and 2002. Between 2005 and 2008, Japan also did various TV dramas based on all issues of the manga. In 2009, Korea also adapted it with the name of Boys Over Flowers, as its popularity contributed to the first Hallyu Wave, meaning when Korean culture becomes popular in Western countries. Afterward, a Chinese drama adaptation, Meteor Garden, was released in 2018, alongside another Thai one named F1 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers, which are the most famous internationally, along with the Korean one. It features the classic poor girl/rich boy trope with the two main leads having different economic backgrounds, people trying to separate them (his parents), and her changing his heart from bad to good.

This K-Drama follows the story (same as the manga) of Geum Jan-Di (Ku Hye-Sun), who wins a scholarship to the prestigious Shinwa School, where only the rich and elite can attend. There, she stumbles onto the famous and feared clique of boys named F4, clashing against its leader, troublemaker Gu Jun-Pyo (Lee Min-Ho), to defend her friend being bullied by them. Slowly, she gets entangled in a love triangle with Jun-Pyo and another F4 member, the kind-hearted Yoon Ji-hoo (Kim Hyun-joong). This K-Drama will put you in a difficult position: you will be defending Ji-hoo one episode, and soften your heart towards Jun-Pyo the next. The chemistry of each couple in this love triangle will fascinate you to the point that you won’t know which one to root for in the first place. Simply an iconic K-Drama of the 2000s, which will inspire you to watch all its other remakes (which I also highly recommend)!

Advertisement

3

‘The Heirs’ (2013)

A man wraps his coat around a woman standing in front of him in The Heirs.
A man wraps his coat around a woman standing in front of him in The Heirs.
Image via SBS

Another iconic K-Drama of the 2010s, The Heirs, also known as The Inheritors, is one of those K-Dramas that you need to savor each episode before it’s over, because it’s truly a masterpiece. Its characters will become so important to you by the end of the series. It does have some classic clichés of the poor girl/rich boy trope again, just like Boys Over Flowers, so if it’s not something you like, this isn’t the show for you.

The Heirs focuses on the story of Kim Tan (Min-Ho), who is a wealthy heir to his family’s conglomerate, named Jenguk Group, and Cha Eun-Sang (Park Shin-Hye). He was exiled to the USA by his half-brother because he wanted to overtake the family business instead of Kim Tan, and always saw him as a rival, despite Kim Tan trying his best to rekindle his brotherly relationship with him. Furthermore, his family arranged an engagement to another heiress named Yoo Rachel (Kim Ji-Won). While in the States, he meets Eun-Sang because she was looking for her sister, and he falls in love with her at first sight. Furthermore, this is also one of the most popular Min-Ho roles. This story is tear-jerking, wonderful, and very well-done, as the chemistry between the two main leads is something that will keep your attention till the very end.

Advertisement

2

‘Strangers From Hell’ (2019)

Lee Dong Wook gives a sinister smile to another person in Strangers From Hell.
Lee Dong Wook gives a sinister smile to another person in Strangers From Hell.
Image via OCN

Now onto another K-Thriller that blends psychological thriller and horror all in one, Strangers From Hell, based on a Korean webtoon of the same name, written by Kim Yong-Ki. In total honesty, this K-Thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. It is disturbing, as it tackles heavy themes such as cannibalism, psychological manipulation, loss of identity, mental deterioration, and much more. It gives a claustrophobic feel to the viewer, as they think they are trapped in the series’ location at the same time as the protagonist, going from sane to mad alongside him.

This stunning and wounded K-Thriller tells the story of a 20-year-old man named Yoon Jong-woo (K-Pop group singer Im Si-wan), a graduate student and aspiring crime writer, who moves to Seoul for the duration of his short, unpaid internship. Since he does not have money, he settles into the Eden Residences. There, he finds creepy neighbors and a new (serial killer and obsessive) friend in a dentist named Seo Moon-Jo (Dong-Wook). Slowly, the truth about the Eden Residences and its inhabitants is revealed, turning Yoon Jong into an insane psychopath to survive, giving up on normalcy. Strangers From Hell is a K-Thriller that you shouldn’t watch alone if you are not a fan of the genre (don’t make the same mistake I did), and during the day, if you can, because it will give you lots of jump scares as the story unfolds.

Advertisement

1

‘Tale of the Nine Tailed’ (2020)

Lee Dong-wook as Lee Yeon in 'Tale of the Nine-Tailed'
Lee Dong-wook as Lee Yeon in ‘Tale of the Nine-Tailed’
Image via TVN

The second most popular K-Drama for Dong-Wook, Tale of the Nine Tailed is something that will fascinate you yet make you want to look up the backstory of the fantasy creature in it. It’s an enthralling story​​​​​, which focuses on a 1000-year-old gumiho, which is an East Asian folktale creature, named Lee Yeon (Dong-Wook), who works with people from the afterlife to find and destroy supernatural threats to the human world. On one of his jobs, he encounters the beautiful Nam Ji-Ah (Jo Bo-Ah), who finds out about his supernatural nature, and is also looking for her parents, who disappeared mysteriously after a car accident she had with them at a young age.

This K-Drama has the beauty of intersecting with different Korean myths and supernatural creatures, so you have to prepare yourself to keep up with each of them, and it will make you want to inform yourself after watching each episode. Each member of the cast did phenomenal performances, but the ones that shocked me the most were those of Dong-Wook and Kim Bum, who portrayed one of the troublemaker villains of the series, Lee Yeon’s half-brother Lee Rang. The chemistry between the main leads was wonderful! Furthermore, the banter and fights between Lee Yeon and Lee Rang were so entertaining to watch.











Advertisement









































Collider Exclusive · TV Medicine Quiz
Which Fictional Hospital Would You Work Best In?
The Pitt · ER · Grey’s Anatomy · House · Scrubs
Advertisement

Five hospitals. Five completely different ways medicine goes sideways on television — brutal, chaotic, romantic, brilliant, and ridiculous. Only one of them is the ward your instincts were built for. Eight questions will figure out exactly where you belong.

🚨The Pitt

🏥ER

💉Grey’s

🔬House

Advertisement

🩺Scrubs

Advertisement

01

A critical patient comes through the door. What’s your first instinct?
Medicine under pressure reveals who you actually are.





Advertisement

02

Why did you go into medicine in the first place?
The honest answer says more about you than the one you’d give in an interview.





Advertisement

03

What do you actually want from the people you work with?
Who you want beside you under pressure is who you are.





Advertisement

04

You lose a patient you fought hard to save. How do you carry it?
Every doctor who’s worked a long shift has had to answer this question.





Advertisement

05

How would your colleagues describe the way you work?
Your reputation on the floor is usually more accurate than your self-image.





Advertisement

06

How do you feel about hospital protocol and procedure?
Every institution has rules. What you do with them is a choice.





Advertisement

07

What does this job cost you personally?
Nobody works in medicine without paying a price. What’s yours?





Advertisement

08

At the end of a long shift, what keeps you coming back?
The answer to this question is the most honest thing about you.





Advertisement
Your Assignment Has Been Made
You Belong In…

Your answers have pointed to one fictional hospital above all others. This is the ward your instincts, your temperament, and your particular brand of dysfunction were built for.

Advertisement


Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center

The Pitt

You are built for the most unsparing version of emergency medicine television has ever shown — one that puts you inside a single fifteen-hour shift and doesn’t let you look away.

  • You need your work to be real, not romanticised — meaning over drama, honesty over aesthetics.
  • You find purpose inside the work itself, not in the chaos surrounding it.
  • You’ve made peace with the fact that this job takes from you constantly, and gives back in ways that are harder to name.
  • Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center demands exactly that kind of person — and you would not want to be anywhere else.

Advertisement


County General Hospital, Chicago

ER

You are the person who keeps the whole floor running — not the most brilliant in the room, but possibly the most essential.

  • You show up, do the work, absorb the losses, and come back the next day without needing the job to be anything other than what it is.
  • You care about patients as individual human beings, not as cases to solve or dramas to live through.
  • You believe in the system even when it fails you — and you understand that emergency medicine is about holding the line just long enough.
  • ER is television about endurance. You have it.

Advertisement


Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, Seattle

Grey’s Anatomy

You came to medicine with your whole self — your ambition, your emotions, your relationships, your history — and you have never quite managed to leave any of it at the door.

  • You feel things fully and form deep attachments to the people you work with.
  • Your personal and professional lives are permanently, chaotically entangled — and that entanglement drives both your greatest disasters and your most remarkable saves.
  • You understand that extraordinary medicine often happens at the intersection of clinical skill and profound human connection.
  • It’s messy at Grey Sloan. You would not have it any other way.

Advertisement


Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital, NJ

House

You are drawn to the problem above everything else — the symptom that doesn’t fit, the diagnosis hiding underneath the obvious one.

  • You’re not primarily motivated by the patient as a person — though you are capable of caring, even if you’d deny it.
  • You work best when the stakes are highest and the standard answer is wrong.
  • Princeton-Plainsboro exists to house one extraordinary, impossible mind — and everyone around that mind is there because they’re smart enough to keep up.
  • The only way forward here is to think harder than everyone else in the room. That is exactly what you do.

Advertisement


Sacred Heart Hospital, California

Scrubs

You understand that medicine is tragic and absurd in almost equal measure — and that the only sane response is to hold both of those things at the same time.

  • You are warm, self-aware, and funnier than most people in your field.
  • You use humour to get through terrible moments — and at Sacred Heart, that’s not a flaw, it’s a survival strategy.
  • You lean on the people around you and let them lean back. The laughter and the grief are genuinely inseparable here.
  • Scrubs is a show about learning to become someone worthy of the job. You are still very much in the middle of that process — which is exactly right.
Advertisement


03171215_poster_w780.jpg
Advertisement


Advertisement

Release Date

2020 – 2023-00-00

Network
Advertisement

tvN

Directors

Kang Shin-hyo

Advertisement

Writers

Han Woo-ri

Advertisement


  • Cast Placeholder Image
  • Cast Placeholder Image
  • Cast Placeholder Image

    Kim Hee-jung

    Advertisement

    Ji-A’s mother

  • Cast Placeholder Image

Advertisement


Advertisement

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Entertainment

Shannon Elizabeth Plans First Big Buy After OF Success

Published

on

American Pie star Shannon Elizabeth

Actress and activist Shannon Elizabeth recently launched an OnlyFans account, and the massive success has her thinking about how she wants to spend her money. The actress, who has been in show business since the early ’90s, decided to take control of her own career, thus the pivot to the subscription service. Moreover, she’s entering a new chapter in life following a divorce.

American Pie star Shannon Elizabeth
MEGA

In an exclusive video interview with Page Six’s Bernie Zilio, Shannon Elizabeth shared her plans for the future, starting with the one thing she hopes to purchase following her highly successful OnlyFans debut in April. The “American Pie” actress shared that she’s been living with her friends since her separation from Simon Borchert, whom she married in 2021.

While she still doesn’t know whether to rent or purchase a house, she’s sure that she wants to remain in South Africa, where she has been living since 2016. “So, my first thing is figuring out where I’m going to stay and get my own place again,” she shared, saying that all her items have been in storage since her separation in September last year.

The Actress Earned $1 Million On Her First Week On OF

Shannon Elizabeth
Diane Cohen / MEGA

Toward the end of April, just a week after the launch of her OnlyFans account, an insider revealed that the 52-year-old actress earned “more than seven figures” on the service. “She is super happy she now gets to take control and be engaged with her fans,” the source said, adding that her OnlyFans content does not include full nudity, as reported by PEOPLE.

Elizabeth confirmed her earnings in her conversation with Zilio. However, she says the money isn’t in her account just yet. While it may seem like a large amount, she says she will only get a fraction of it. “There’s splits that happen with various representatives and the platform itself,” explaining further that she might get half of the amount before taxes. “It’s not as crazy as it sounds, but it’s still astounding,” said Elizabeth.

Furthermore, she’s going on an upward trajectory and revealed her page is “growing every day.”

Advertisement

Shannon Elizabeth Talks About Her Divorce

Shannon Elizabeth
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Elizabeth was previously married to actor and writer Joseph Reitman from 2002 to 2005. In 2021, she married Simon Borchert. Following her announcement of her intention to join OnlyFans, it was reported that Elizabeth had just filed for divorce.

As the actress told Zilio, she and Borchert separated in September 2025 but only filed for divorce in April 2026 because they had to “do a settlement first.” She admitted to having a tough time navigating her new life, saying, “From September to the end of March, at least, it was really, really, really difficult.” Having to restart from scratch took an emotional toll on her, but once she signed the settlement, “the weight was lifted,” and she began moving forward to the next chapter of her life.

The Actress Is Leaving The Door Open On Acting

Elizabeth started her career as an actress and model in the ’90s, earning small roles in TV and film. It was in 1999 when she achieved commercial success with her breakout role as Nadia in the raunchy comedy, “American Pie.” In addition to returning for three other films in the “American Pie” franchise, she appeared in “Scary Movie,” “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back,” “Thirteen Ghosts,” and “Love Actually.”

Elizabeth said that she is still “absolutely” open to acting despite now being based in South Africa. “Filming is all over the world now, and people go everywhere for their projects, and I love acting,” she said, adding that she misses being on sets. With her new venture, she’s hoping to get more acting opportunities, but also wants to get into directing and producing.

Shannon Elizabeth Will Put OF Funds Toward Her Foundation

One of the reasons Elizabeth started an OF was not only to be closer to her fans and to control her career, but also to raise awareness of and funds for the Shannon Elizabeth Foundation. The actress has always been an animal lover, and in 2016, when she moved to South Africa, she decided to answer her calling.

The Shannon Elizabeth Foundation was launched in 2018 to preserve habitats, protect endangered species, support rangers, and find solutions for conservation issues. “I can allocate certain things that I’m doing on OnlyFans to all go to charity, so that’s what I’m going to be doing,” she shared.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Auction of Matthew Perry's estate includes iconic “Friends” set piece

Published

on


Net proceeds will benefit the Matthew Perry Foundation, which works to end the stigma of addiction.

Source link

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Simon Cowell Reveals Struggle After Liam Payne Death

Published

on

Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell is opening up about the emotional toll Liam Payne’s death took on him behind closed doors. 

Months after the former One Direction singer died, the music mogul admitted he struggled deeply while filming his latest Netflix project. 

Cowell, who first discovered Payne during his teenage years, said the tragedy forced him to step away from work entirely as he tried to process the devastating loss while also guiding a new generation of young artists through the pressures of fame.

Advertisement
Simon Cowell
MEGA

Simon Cowell revealed that Liam Payne’s death deeply affected him both personally and professionally. 

During an appearance on the Daily Mail podcast “Tales From the Celebrity Trenches,” the television producer admitted he had an extremely difficult time coping after the singer died at age 31 in October 2024.

At the time, Cowell was actively filming “The Next Act,” a Netflix series centered around building a brand-new boy band. The project closely mirrored the environment in which Payne first entered Cowell’s life years earlier, during “The X Factor.”

Cowell explained that the timing made the tragedy even more painful because he was already working closely with young hopefuls and their families while discussing the risks that come with fame.

“What do you do in a situation like that?” Cowell asked during the interview, adding, “It was so bad, I was in pieces. There were so many things going on in my head.”

Advertisement

The emotional weight became so overwhelming that Cowell temporarily disappeared from work altogether. “I literally just disappeared somewhere for a week to think everything through because I knew I was really, really struggling,” he admitted.

Cowell Opened Up About His Responsibility To Young Artists

Simon Cowell makes an appearance at the Jimmy Kimmel show
APEX / MEGA

While discussing Liam Payne’s death, Simon Cowell made it clear that he sees artist support as part of his responsibility within the music industry.

The producer acknowledged that fame can quickly become overwhelming, especially for younger performers who are suddenly thrust into global attention.

“My responsibility is to go: Look, if it works and you’re successful, that’s a good thing,” Cowell explained, further noting, “However, as your life changes there are going to be times when it’s really stressful, really hard.”

He added that mentorship should not stop once artists become famous. “I will help you prepare for that and be there if you need me,” he said.

Advertisement

His comments carried extra emotion considering his long history with Payne and the rest of One Direction. 

Cowell helped shape the group’s career after discovering the members during “The X Factor” in 2010. The band eventually became one of the world’s biggest pop acts, selling more than 70 million records worldwide.

Simon Cowell Revealed How One Direction Was Created In Minutes

One Direction on the red carpet
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

During the podcast, Cowell also shared surprising details about how quickly One Direction actually came together behind the scenes. 

Although the group became a worldwide phenomenon, the 66-year-old admitted there was very little complicated planning involved in forming the band.

“They all had good auditions,” he explained while discussing the members’ original solo performances on “The X Factor.”

Advertisement

However, several contestants struggled during later stages of the competition. “Then, in the middle rounds, certain people for whatever reason, mess up. They didn’t do enough to make it as solo artists,” he continued. 

Cowell recalled instantly noticing something special once the boys appeared together on stage, recalling, “When I saw the boys all on stage, there was a moment thinking: ‘We have got to do something with them.’”

According to Cowell, the final decision was made incredibly quickly. “It took about 25 minutes, being honest with you, to put them all together. It was literally as quick as that,” he shared. 

Cowell Said One Direction’s Chemistry Became Instantly Clear

Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Liam Tomlinson and Liam Payne
Phil Loftus/Capital Pictures / MEGA

After creating the group, Simon Cowell said he largely let the members develop their dynamic naturally without over-controlling them. “Then, I just let them do whatever they wanted,” Cowell explained.

It did not take long for him to realize the chemistry between the singers was working perfectly. Only weeks after putting the band together, Cowell said he saw something that convinced him One Direction could become huge stars.

Advertisement

“A few weeks later, I saw them walk around a corner together and they looked amazing,” he recalled. 

The group, made up of teenagers between 16 and 18 years old, would go on to dominate global pop music and build one of the most loyal fanbases in modern entertainment.

Simon Cowell Faces Questions About His Relevance After Netflix Backlash

English TV personality Simon Cowell arrives at NBC's 'America's Got Talent' Season 17 Kick-Off Red Carpet held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on April 20, 2022 in Pasadena, Los Angeles, California, United States.
MEGA

In February, Cowell reportedly faced mounting pressure over his future in entertainment following the disappointing response to his Netflix comeback series, “Simon Cowell: The Next Act.”

According to The Blast, insiders claimed the project sparked serious questions about whether his once-dominant talent-show formula still worked in today’s music industry. 

Critics slammed the series as outdated, with media outlets calling Cowell “a man out of time,” and describing the show as “anachronistic” and bleak.  

Advertisement

The backlash intensified after the show’s newly formed group, December 10, reportedly debuted at just No. 72 on the charts despite heavy promotion and Netflix backing.   

Industry insiders quoted in reports described the project as a “disaster” and suggested the underwhelming reception had damaged Cowell’s image as a hitmaker. 

One source even claimed the series made it seem as though he had “lost his Midas touch.” 

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Entertainment

10 Greatest Fantasy Movie Masterpieces of the Last 50 Years, Ranked

Published

on

Hugo (Asa Butterfield) and Isabelle (Chloë Grace Moretz) beside an automaton in 'Hugo' (2011)

The world of fantasy has brought our greatest imaginations onto the silver screen. A genre that’s wide-ranging, fantasy films have served as a wonderful escape through story. Fantasy movies can celebrate the journey toward love between star-crossed lovers, or they can take us to magical worlds beyond our wildest dreams. No matter the story, the genre has boasted some of the greatest films of all time.

Ever since we journeyed over the rainbow with Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, we’ve had an affinity for similar stories, or even tales that were even grander. Over the past 50 years, we’ve witnessed a renaissance in fantasy, during which some of the boldest films and franchises were born. From an epic in Middle-earth to a rescue mission for one’s true love, the ten masterpieces that have made this list have been celebrated and passed down for generations.













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

10

‘Hugo’ (2011)

Hugo (Asa Butterfield) and Isabelle (Chloë Grace Moretz) beside an automaton in 'Hugo' (2011)
Hugo (Asa Butterfield) and Isabelle (Chloë Grace Moretz) beside an automaton in ‘Hugo’ (2011)
Image via Paramount Pictures
Advertisement

When you think of Martin Scorsese, you think of his dark and gritty crime thrillers, but in 2011, he let his imagination run wild with the spellbinding Hugo. Based on Brian Selznick‘s 2007 book The Invention of Hugo Cabret, the film tells the story of an orphaned boy, Hugo Cabret (Asa Butterfield), who lives in a 1930s Paris train station. There, he maintains clocks and works to fix a broken automaton left by his father, leading him to a bitter toy merchant who is secretly a pioneering filmmaker, Georges Méliès (Ben Kingsley).

Focusing on the importance of preservation, the magic of cinema, and the search for one’s purpose, Hugo is a celebration of early film history made by a legendary filmmaker in honor of another. Hugo is a brilliant work of cinema that captures the spirit of imagination. The immersive steampunk atmosphere unites the fantastical with the mechanical, creating a romantic world. Scorsese allows Hugo to be a work that honors the “sorcerer of cinema” by blending historical fiction with whimsical, adventurous fantasy. Perhaps not as boisterous as other entries on this list, Hugo deserves a place with the best of the best.

9

‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ (1988)

Bob Hoskins looks annoyed as he is handcuffed to Roger the cartoon rabbit in Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
Bob Hoskins looks annoyed as he is handcuffed to Roger the cartoon rabbit in Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Advertisement

In 1964, live action and animation came together in Disney’s Mary Poppins, and a trend of mixed-media films followed. In 1988, another revolutionary live-action animated mash-up arrived with Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the film is set in an alternative-history Hollywood in 1947, where humans and toons coexist. Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins), a private investigator with a grudge against toons, must help exonerate Roger (Charles Fleischer), who has been framed for murder.

Far from a completely family-friendly romp, the film’s dark cartoon world was a masterpiece of visuals, humor, writing, and performance, made possible by advances in blended media. Even with a mix of IP beyond Disney characters in the film, Who Framed Roger Rabbit was praised for the creations that made an immediate impact, including the seductive Jessica Rabbit (Kathleen Turner), the naughty and raunchy Baby Herman (Lou Herschel), and the terrifying eyes-bulging-out Judge Doom (Christopher Lloyd). For movie and cartoon lovers, the film was a wonderful homage to the Golden Age of the Silver Screen.

8

‘The Princess Bride’ (1987)

Westley with a wounded shoulder stands on guard with his sword while Buttercup stands behind him in The Princess Bride
Westley with a wounded shoulder stands on guard with his sword while Buttercup stands behind him in The Princess Bride
Image via 20th Century Studios
Advertisement

We may have to blame certain fantasy films for our high expectations of romance, and no fantasy romance has made us want to experience love quite like The Princess Bride. Directed by Rob Reiner, the classic 1987 masterpiece adapts William Goldman’s novel for the big screen. The story tells of Westley (Cary Elwes), a swashbuckling farmhand, as he embarks on a journey to rescue his true love, Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright), from the odious Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon).

Using a metafictional narrative in which a grandfather (Peter Falk) tells the tale to his grandson (Fred Savage), The Princess Bride has become a film passed down through generations thanks to its timeless themes. It was a film that gave audiences a chance to escape to a fantasy world beyond our wildest dreams. The Princess Bride has stood the test of time as it became the blueprint for future romantasy films that followed, not to mention an extremely quotable movie! A masterpiece of a tone blending satire with fairy-tale charm, The Princess Bride is simply a delight.

7

‘Spirited Away’ (2001)

No Face in Spirited Away Image via Studio Ghibli
Advertisement

Studio Ghibli has produced an array of pioneering animated masterpieces, but none have been as extraordinary as Spirited Away. The wonderful coming-of-age story follows Chihiro “Sen” Ogino, who, after her parents are turned into pigs by the witch Yubaba, must work in a bathhouse for spirits to find a way to free them and return to the human world. There, she encounters a variety of spirits and learns about hard work, courage, and the importance of her identity and past.

With a specificity in mood and narrative, Spirited Away is a fearlessly imaginative work of art, shattering expectations and resonating deeply with audiences of all ages worldwide. Gorgeously drawn, this enchanting story is a daring adventure that showcases Hayao Miyazaki at his finest. It finds a way to tell a culturally specific story that evokes nostalgia, and the characters have become so visually impactful that they are synonymous with the film. Through immersive world-building and emotional complexity, Spirited Away has bridged the gap between Japanese and Western cinema.

6

‘Edward Scissorhands’ (1990)

Edward seeing blood on his scissor hands in Edward Scissorhands
Edward with blood on his scissors.
Image via 20th Century Studios
Advertisement

A variety of stories about a romance between a human and a beast exist, many of them tackling the theme of the beast in question as a societal construct. That’s the premise in Tim Burton’s masterful gothic fairy tale Edward Scissorhands, which follows an unfinished artificial humanoid named Edward (Johnny Depp) who has scissors for hands. After his creator dies, Peg Boggs (Dianne Wiest), a suburban saleswoman, takes him in and raises him with her family. Edward falls in love with Kim (Winona Ryder), but faces prejudice and betrayal from the neighborhood.

A poignant story with masterful visual storytelling, it’s not only Depp and Burton’s greatest collaboration but the entry point for those seeking dark fantasy films. This 1990 classic marries the eccentric with the terrifying for a story that isn’t afraid to explore how society admonishes those who are different, seeking any excuse to villainize those who may not be like them. By redefining the monster trope, the story became one of misunderstanding, with Edward standing as a symbol of innocence, alienation, and artistic beauty.

5

‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ (2006)

The Pale Man with his eyes in his palms sitting at a table in Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
The Pale Man with his eyes in his palms sitting at a table in Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
Advertisement

The further we get from Pan’s Labyrinth‘s 2006 debut, the more reverence it commands. Why? As Guillermo del Toro continues to invite us into amazing fantasy worlds, it’s that film that stands out as the most unique. Set in 1944 Spain, Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) escapes the brutal reality of her fascist stepfather, Captain Vidal (Sergi López), by entering a magical, perilous underworld where she must complete three dangerous tasks to prove she is a lost princess and reclaim her mythical kingdom, blurring the lines between fantasy and the violent historical world around her.

A truly remarkable work of cinema, Pan’s Labyrinth is epic in scale and marries grim realities with extraordinary monsters that reflect the world around them. Here, we have a multi-layered film, poetic in nature and highly regarded as one of the best dark fantasy movies ever. Del Toro’s unique vision indulges our adult imagination through our connection to childhood fairy tales, giving them a chance to live in their own place and striking a balance between darkness and vibrancy, fear and intrigue. A creation of wonderful imagination, Pan’s Labyrinth owes its impact to its emotional depth and allegory of power, innocence, and morality.

4

‘Shrek’ (2001)

Shrek raising his hands and looking confused in Shrek
Shrek raising his hands and looking confused in Shrek
Image via DreamWorks Animation
Advertisement

In 2001, the entire landscape of animated fantasy storytelling changed forever. The DreamWorks film introduced audiences to Shrek (Mike Myers), a temperamental ogre who finds his swamp home overrun by fairy-tale creatures banished by the obsessive ruler, Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow). With the help of a fast-talking donkey (Eddie Murphy), Shrek strikes a deal with Farquaad to rescue Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) in exchange for regaining control of his swamp.

Shrek wasn’t just a kids’ film; with adult humor and sensibility, it brought families together for a new kind of story that made us all believers again. Based on the children’s picture book by William Steig, the newfound classic parodied many of the fairy tales that DreamWorks’ rival brought to life, subverting the genre while remaining charming with a strong story of its own. A visually stunning film, Shrek shifted audiences’ preferences toward computer-generated animation, altering the entire game in one fell swoop and becoming the new gold standard in animation.

3

‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ (2004)

If we were discussing the franchise as a whole, this slot likely would be given to the first film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, but, when it comes to the entire franchise, no film is better than Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. In this installment, while at Hogwarts for his third year, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) learns that Sirius Black (Gary Oldman), a convicted supporter of Voldemort, has escaped from Azkaban and is on the hunt. Eventually, Harry discovers that Black is actually his innocent godfather, and that Ron’s (Rupert Grint) rat, Scabbers, is secretly Peter Pettigrew (Timothy Spall), the true traitor.

Advertisement

Less wholesome than the first two films, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban captured the magic of the Wizarding World while documenting the character’s maturity and the evolution of the overall arc. What this film does better than the rest is delve into the psychology of this universe, moving beyond popcorn flick territory by dealing with complex themes of fear, trauma, and memory. It also expanded upon the mythology and lore of the cinematic universe gloriously. Director Alfonso Cuarón’s masterful shift toward a darker, more mature tone also led to a sensational, stylized cinematic wonder.

2

‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’ (2003)

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING, Elijah Wood, Andy Serkis, Sean Astin, 2003, (c) New Line/courtesy Everett Collection
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING, Elijah Wood, Andy Serkis, Sean Astin, 2003, (c) New Line/courtesy Everett Collection
Image via New Line

Like Harry Potter, the first film in Peter Jackson‘s masterpiece franchise may be the most influential, but the strongest entry is the third: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. The sprawling epic showcases the final confrontation between good and evil as the fight for control of Middle-earth rages. Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) and Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin) reach Mordor in their quest to destroy the One Ring in Mount Doom, while Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) leads the forces of good against Sauron’s evil army at the stone city of Minas Tirith. A large-scale battle culminates in the destruction of the Ring by Gollum (Andy Serkis), the coronation of Aragorn, and a bittersweet return to the Shire.

Advertisement

Based upon J.R.R. Tolkien‘s final chapter, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King received immense praise from audiences and critics alike. It swept the Academy Awards, winning all 11 categories in which it was entered, including Best Picture. Emotionally triumphant, visually enthralling, and technically sublime, the finale was a more-than-satisfying conclusion to a legacy trilogy, redefining cinema and sequels in an unprecedented manner. With unrivaled scale, wondrous craftsmanship, and an emotional narrative that completed the long journey, Return of the King broke the fantasy barrier through unparalleled splendor.

1

‘Beauty and the Beast’ (1991)

Robby Benson and Paige O'Hara in Beauty and the Beast
Robby Benson and Paige O’Hara in Beauty and the Beast
Image via Walt Disney Motion pictures

When you hear the words “tale as old as time,” it’s not just a reference to some of the greatest lyrics; it epitomizes why a film like Beauty and the Beast is the greatest fantasy film of the last 50 years. The first animated feature to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture, Beauty and the Beast was a story that captured our hearts and instantly reversed the curse. Bringing a fairy tale to life, the film transports viewers to 18th-century France, where an enchantress transforms a selfish prince into a monster for his cruelty. Years later, Belle (Paige O’Hara) finds herself trapped in the Beast’s (Robby Benson) castle in exchange for her father’s freedom. To reverse the curse and break the spell, the Beast must earn Belle’s love before the final petal drops from the enchanted rose.

Advertisement

Filled with enchanting characters, a stunning score by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, and an everlasting legacy, Beauty and the Beast was an animated game-changer whose impact reverberates still today. For Disney, it successfully continued the Renaissance after the success of The Little Mermaid. From a filmmaking perspective, it combined traditional 2D animation with pioneering computer-generated elements; “Be Our Guest” and the titular song outright redefined animated production numbers. With a sensational score, a feminist heroine, a complex yet heartwarming love story, and a cast of characters voiced by an array of legends, there’s simply no single flaw within the film. There isn’t another fantasy film like Beauty and the Beast, and chances are, there never will be again.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Entertainment

Inside Nara Smith’s Viral TikTok Recipe

Published

on

Lipid Lip Hydrating Lip Oil True Botanicals

Beef tallow has become one of the buzziest DIY skincare trends online, and much of that momentum traces back to Nara Smith. Since she first shared her homemade beef tallow moisturizer recipe on TikTok in May 2024, the video has racked up millions of views, sparking a wave of curiosity about rendered animal fat as a skincare ingredient.

With all this renewed focus on beef fat, let’s take a look at what beef tallow actually is, walk through Smith’s viral TikTok recipe and see what dermatologists have to say about the trend.

What Is Beef Tallow for Skin?

Beef tallow for skin is rendered fat from cows — specifically the suet that surrounds the kidneys and other organs — according to UT MD Anderson. It has become a popular DIY moisturizer ingredient on social media.

A 2024 scoping review published in Cureus found that “tallow is rich in triglycerides, specifically oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and linoleic acid, thus lending to its wide range of industrial applications.” The same review noted that beef tallow contains essential vitamins, including vitamins A, D, K, E and B12.

Advertisement
Lipid Lip Hydrating Lip Oil True Botanicals


Related: Dry Lips? This Skin-First Oil Supports a Softer, Smoother Pout

Spring beauty always calls for a routine refresh, especially when winter dryness leaves lips feeling rough and skin looking a little dull. Heavy balms and surface-level glosses can suddenly feel less appealing as the season shifts toward lighter, glowier essentials. That’s exactly why True Botanicals’ newest launch feels like such an exciting upgrade. Known for […]

The skincare appeal comes down to chemistry. Dr. Michele Green, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City, told GQ in May 2026 that beef tallow’s “fatty acids closely resemble the natural oils of the skin, allowing it to effectively replenish moisture.”

Advertisement

Does Nara Smith Have a Homemade Moisturizer Recipe?

Smith, the social media star known for her ASMR-style cooking videos, helped push beef tallow further into the mainstream beauty conversation. She regularly goes viral for sharing DIY recipes, and her homemade beef tallow moisturizer — first posted to Nara Smith’s TikTok in May 2024 — is a perfect example.

The video shows her husband, model Lucky Blue Smith, mixing the moisturizer in their kitchen after running out of his usual product. “This morning, my husband ran out of some moisturizer that he usually uses and he didn’t love it enough to repurchase, so he just decided to make his own,” Nara said at the start of the video.

How Do You Make Nara Smith’s Beef Tallow Moisturizer at Home?

Nara’s beef tallow moisturizer combines beef tallow, beeswax, squalene, jojoba oil, vitamin E oil, hyaluronic acid and glycerin — melted together over a double boiler, mixed in stages and chilled in the fridge to set.

The full method appears in her viral homemade moisturizer recipe on TikTok. Here are the steps as Nara laid them out in the video:

Advertisement
  • Combine beef tallow and beeswax in a metal bowl
  • Place the bowl over a pot of boiling water
  • Once melted, remove the metal bowl from the heat
  • In a separate bowl, mix squalene and jojoba oil
  • Combine the squalene and jojoba oil into the tallow and beeswax bowl
  • Add vitamin E oil, hyaluronic acid and glycerin separately, mixing well after each addition
  • At this point, the mixture should be thickening up
  • Transfer the moisturizer into a cup of your choice with a lid
  • Place it in the refrigerator to set

Smith said the couple tried the homemade moisturizer recipe after their showers and liked it. Because she lives with eczema and dry skin, the formulation deliberately skipped essential oils so the same batch her husband mixed would work on her face and body too.

What Other Ingredients Are in the Homemade Moisturizer Recipe?

In addition to beef tallow, Nara Smith’s homemade moisturizer recipe relies on beeswax, squalene, jojoba oil, vitamin E oil, hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Each ingredient brings a specific moisturizing or skin-conditioning role to the beef tallow moisturizer, and several are backed by published skincare research.

A 2023 study found that beeswax can be used as an occlusive, humectant and emollient. Humectants attract water into the skin to hydrate, while occlusives create a physical barrier to seal in that moisture and prevent evaporation. Emollients are moisturizing treatments that soften and soothe the skin.

reese-witherspoon-julianne-moore-cetaphil-face-wash


Related: Reese Witherspoon and Julianne Moore Both Travel With a $12 Face Wash

Advertisement

Two of Hollywood’s most enduring leading ladies have a beauty secret in common — and it’s not a $300 serum or some bespoke facialist on speed dial. Reese Witherspoon and Julianne Moore both reach for the same humble drugstore staple when packing for a flight. The cleanser sitting in their suitcases? Plain old Cetaphil, the […]

Squalene is the main component of skin surface polyunsaturated lipids and mimics oils found naturally in the skin.

According to a 2009 study, squalene can function as both an emollient and antioxidant. A note on labeling: squalane — the more shelf-stable version of the ingredient — might be the better choice for long-term storage, per Allure.

Jojoba oil is a liquid wax derived from the seeds of the Simmondsia chinensis plant. A 2021 study found it is widely used in skincare to moisturize, balance oil production and soothe skin.

Advertisement

Hyaluronic acid and glycerin both act as humectants in the formula. According to CeraVe, “both hyaluronic acid and glycerin are humectants and serve the same function of drawing in moisture to hydrate the skin.”

Vitamin E rounds out the ingredient list. The fat-soluble antioxidant is found naturally in the skin, and per Oregon State University’s Linus Pauling Institute, it moisturizes the skin, protects cells in the skin and can also absorb the energy from ultraviolet (UV) light.

Advertisement

As always, viewers should consult their dermatologist before making a homemade beef tallow moisturizer. Everyone’s skin is unique and can have different reactions to certain ingredients.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Entertainment

Martha Stewart’s Breezy Denim Skirt Style Is Better Than Jeans

Published

on

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 03: Gwyneth Paltrow attends The Hollywood Reporter's Annual Women in Entertainment Gala at The Beverly Hills Hotel on December 03, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/WireImage)

Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!

Martha Stewart turned a New York City brunch into a full-blown fashion moment, and it’s all because of her denim skirt style. The look has Us tossing our jeans to the wind, especially since it’s just as chic as our go-to pants. To seal the deal, Stewart’s classic look is so much comfier.

Stewart stopped by the Barbour X Tea & Sympathy gathering in the West Village looking effortlessly cool. Her denim maxi skirt was the star, reading ‘put together without even trying’ energy, while elevating her top and sandals ‘fit. This Amazon lookalike has the same effect, and might be just as comfy than Stewart’s.

Advertisement

Get the Cider Tiered Denim Maxi Skirt for $42 (was $50) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Lyocell-and-cotton-blend fabric is the secret to this skirt’s stretchy yet breathable feel. It’s airy enough for warm spring afternoons, but substantial enough for cool summer nights. With a denim structure and loungewear feel, this skirt hangs loosely without clinging. It’s a major win in anyone’s book.

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 03: Gwyneth Paltrow attends The Hollywood Reporter's Annual Women in Entertainment Gala at The Beverly Hills Hotel on December 03, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Monica Schipper/WireImage)


Related: Gwyneth Paltrow‘s Casual-Chic Pullover Gives Effortless Cool-Girl Energy

Advertisement

It’s fun to experiment with fresh styles, but like Us, Gwyneth Paltrow comes back to casual basics with an elevated twist. Paltrow gave Us inspo for our everyday outfits in a recent Instagram post showcasing her spring style, but it was her casual white pullover that caught our eye. Between the comfy fabric, effortless fit […]

Better yet, the breezy maxi skirt has a tiered construction and high-rise design that visually elongates your legs. Plus, the waistband hits at the smallest part of your torso, creating the illusion of a slimmer middle. Translation: You’ll look as good as you feel.

One shopper called it “super cute and flattering for any shape” and wrote, “It has pockets, which I love, an elastic waist in back and a button-front closure. . . I will definitely wear it dressed up with cute heels and [a] top.”

There’s a reason that breezy denim skirts are taking over rich mom closets. This Amazon winner is equally comfortable and stylish, looking much more polished than a simple pair of jeans. Whether you’re running errands, shopping downtown or attending brunch like Stewart, this wardrobe staple delivers.

Advertisement

Get the Cider Tiered Denim Maxi Skirt for $42 (was $50) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Not what you’re looking for? Shop other skirts on Amazon and don’t forget to check out Amazon’s Daily Deals here!

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025