Entertainment
2026’s Best Movie So Far Is an Unusual Mystery With No Resolution
Blue Heron isn’t a mystery in the traditional sense. There’s no crime to solve or murderers to apprehend. Instead, it examines a family slowly coming apart and a young girl who silently takes in everything around her — especially her older brother (Edik Beddoes), who seems like a ticking time bomb ready to explode at any moment.
Sounds like a drama, right? Well, Blue Heron is that, too. It’s a lot of things: a meditation on memory, a portrait of mental illness and the power of storytelling to piece together people and events from the past.
That’s what makes it the best 2026 movie I’ve seen so far this year. Small in scope but big in the emotions it conjures up inside you, it’s a deeply personal and technically superb film about how we can never really know our own family, especially the ones that fascinate and scare us the most.
What Is ‘Blue Heron’ About?
Edik Beddoes in Blue Heron Janus Films
The first half of Blue Heron is set in the 1990s, as it follows a young family as they settle into their new home in British Columbia. Through the eyes of pre-teen daughter Sasha (Eylul Guven), we realize something is off with the oldest brother, Jeremy (Beddoes). Distant and mostly silent, he’s always walking behind everyone else and disobeying mom and dad’s orders. Gradually, a more unsettling portrait emerges: Jeremy has some psychological issues that the parents have tried to address, to no avail.
Sure, 2025 had plenty of incredible movies, but what about a best-of list filled with the films that actually kept Us talking — not just the ones making the most awards season noise? Don’t get Us wrong: Frankenstein, Hamnet, One Battle After Another and the rest of the other Oscar-buzz crowd absolutely deserve their moment, but sometimes […]
The second half of Blue Heron is set decades later, with a grown-up Sasha (Amy Zimmer) now working as a social worker. She’s still trying to solve the mystery of her brother’s behavior and understand the effect he had on her and the rest of her family. What happened to Jeremy? What caused him to act the way he did? And how did the family cope with someone who always seemed more like a stranger than a relative?
What Makes ‘Blue Heron’ 1 of 2026’s Best Movies So Far?
Eylul Guven in Blue Heron Janus Films
Writer and director Sophy Romvari answers some of these questions, but not all of them. One of the major points of Blue Heron is that some mysteries can never be fully explained, only dealt with, and that’s the case with Jeremy. All these years later, Sasha is still haunted by her brother’s behavior and how even he seemed like a prisoner in his own body.
I’ll be honest — I dreaded the moment this material would become sensationalized. We’ve seen young disturbed boys like Jeremy in mass media before, and they are almost always portrayed as villains or boogeymen who inevitably perform some kind of act of shocking violence, like a school shooting or a murder.
That’s not the case with Blue Heron, which is more interested in Jeremy’s behavior and his family’s reaction to it than in depicting what Jeremy actually does — if he does anything at all. It’s the possibility of violence that Jeremy poses, through his anti-social actions and his tossed-off threats that seem to come from nowhere, that sets everyone on edge and causes his mother and dad to seek professional help. But their therapist doesn’t really know anything either, and what they’re left with is a troubled child they love, but who could pose a danger to them and their other children.
Forgiving But Not Forgetting
In several interviews, Romvari has confessed that many aspects of Blue Heron are autobiographical. That makes sense when you watch it, as the film’s ambiguity has the power of truth behind it. Near the end of the film, adult Sasha confronts her memory of Jeremy head-on.
When was the last time you were scared while watching a horror movie? And I mean really scared, the kind of freaked-out that stays with you long after the movie is over. A24’s new horror movie, Undertone, does just that. The Canadian film, out now in theaters nationwide, achieves what few other films in the […]
Through a sequence involving some fill-in-the-gaps narration and a simple edit, Romvari expands our knowledge of him and gives him a moment of grace and forgiveness. There’s more to Jeremy than Sasha, or the audience, will ever know, but what’s left behind is a portrait of a son, brother and boy who was just as much a victim of his own behavior as his family was.
Blue Heron is playing in theaters right now.
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Let’s be real: piecing together a full-on wedding guest outfit from a single retailer is pretty unheard of. It usually requires a bit of ‘Frankensteining’ from multiple stores, which can get tricky and shockingly costly. So when we discovered that Amazon dropped an entire hub dedicated to wedding guest looks, we picked our jaws up off the floor and got to shopping.
You can easily find elegant spring pieces that’ll make you look like the star of the ceremony (second to the bride, of course). Luxurious-looking wedding guest dresses, designer-style jewelry, celeb-approved purses and truly comfortable yet chic shoes are all up for grabs right now. And while they give off total rich mom vibes, we’re pleased to report that nothing on our list crosses the $100 mark. In fact, prices start as low as $15! See our favorites from Kate Spade, Madewell, Grace Karin, Petal & Pup and more.
15 Spring Wedding Guest Outfit Essentials — Starting at $15
Wedding Guest Dresses
1. Our Favorite: She’s simple, sweet and perfect for every venue. Yes, we’re talking about this midi cocktail dress. The popular pick has a conservative neckline, which is ideal for church ceremonies and family gatherings post-wedding. Plus, the stretchy bodice and A-line design totally give you an hourglass figure.
2. Runner-Up: Celebrities, Us Weekly editors and every cool ‘It’ girl are rocking butter yellow this spring, and this maxi find lets you do so at the next wedding event. The floral pattern and ruffle details give the dress a feminine appearance while also slimming your figure.
3. Richy Rich: Everyone will think you spent hundreds on this wedding guest dress, but we’ll never divulge your secret. This Petal & Pup number has a shiny satin finish, a mock neckline and a beautiful drape that feels designer.
4. Anything But Basic: This classic formal dress gets an ethereal twist, thanks to the free-flowing mesh ruffle details that give storybook vibes. We also really like the modern square neckline and semi-wide shoulder straps that give the dress some extra interest.
5. Dreamy Print: Everything about this Grace Karin dress will make you feel like a princess. You can thank the pretty floral pattern, ruffle-accented sleeves and a slimming, cinched waist.
6. In Tiers: Forget the shapewear — this strapless maxi dress has a ruffle tiered design that conceals the tummy area without fail. Plus, the smocked bodice shows off your curves nicely.
You just got the wedding invite, the ceremony is in three weeks and your closet is full of ‘maybe’ dresses that don’t quite work. Sound familiar? Finding wedding guest dresses that feel fresh, age-appropriate and actually flattering can turn into a frustrating, expensive spiral through department store racks. Here’s the good news: Amazon has quietly […]
Wedding Guest Shoes
7. Designer-Inspired: Cushionaire’s block-heel sandals look just like a designer shoe style loved by this shopping editor. This on-sale option, however, has a slightly higher heel that provides extra height without the pain.
8. Frost Yourself: If you want a little bling without going overboard, opt for some Steve Madden heeled sandals that feature rich-looking rhinestone straps. The low 3-inch heel will make you dance the night away in comfort.
9. Versatile Find: Shoes that work for big life events and casual outings are rare, but this strappy pick gets the balance just right. Simple in design, these square-toe heels let the fun straps be the star. That way, you can dress it up and down, depending on the venue.
10. Going Viral: Celebrities from Martha Stewart to Kate Hudson are loving the metallic trend this season, and a wedding is a great place to show off the style. These silver slingback shoes make a big statement with their shiny, eye-catching look. And the kitten heels make them all the more comfy.
11. Black Tie: Your black tie attire isn’t complete without a pair of sparkly, grand shoes, like these pumps. The straps, counter and heel are all outfitted with this dazzling glitter material that makes it look much more expensive than it is. Spoiler: it’s on sale for $31.
Wedding Guest Accessories
12. Quite the Charmer: Um, can you believe these Kate Spade earrings are actually under $70? We surely cannot. The beautiful floral design, mother of pearl ‘petals’ and faux diamond in the center give it a high-end appeal that would look lovely with any dress highlighted above.
13. Expensive-Looking: Whoever said tennis-style jewelry is just for the court hasn’t seen this Madewell chocker-like necklace. It has bezel-set crystals throughout for a simple yet extravagant touch. Plus, it hangs close to the neck, so it won’t disrupt the flow of your dress look.
14. Celebrity-Approved: A-listers like Bethenny Frankel are long-time fans of JW Pei bags, so we were particularly stocked to find this top-handle option among Amazon’s wedding looks collection. It’s small enough for the wedding, looks designer and is super functional. Peep the removable crossbody strap!
15. Instant Upgrade: Take your wedding guest dress up a notch with this geometrical evening bag that gives off rich mom vibes. The sparkly gold aesthetic is everything, however, we also love that the bag’s compact size is deceiving. You can seriously fit all your essentials in here.
Anyone would expect the goriest horror film in existence to arise from a collaboration between a writer on The Boys, which has some of the gnarliest scenes on recent TV, and the director of The Hostel, a film that has been extensively described as having far too over-the-top torture. The last thing you would expect is a dark fantasy for children. Yet, in 2018, writer Eric Kripke and director Eli Roth teamed up to create the captivating mystery of The House With a Clock in Its Walls. It is based on a novel of the same name and almost acts as a gateway to horror-mystery in the vein of Goosebumps, as it balances dark elements with a Chosen One fantasy that any pre-teen will appreciate.
‘The House With a Clock in Its Walls’ Caters to Every Pre-Teen Fantasy
Like every pre-teen fantasy film, The House With a Clock in Its Walls revolves around a young boy, Lewis (Owen Vaccaro), who has recently lost his parents and is transferred to a new, unfamiliar school after moving in with his eccentric uncle Jonathan (Jack Black). He starts learning about his newfound powers as a warlock with the help of his uncle and their similarly gifted neighbor, Mrs Zimmerman (Cate Blanchett). The set-up is timeless, and Lewis is just quirky enough with his bowtie and a pair of goggles for anyone to be endeared by, especially as they start hunting for the elusive ticking clock hiding in the walls of Uncle Jonathan’s house.
On the surface, the film is a visual delight with enough whimsical elements to keep your attention and interest all the way through. Uncle Johnathan’s mansion is cluttered with golden automatons, textured drapes, and an ever-changing stained window, all with a steampunk finish that reminds us of a cozier version of His Dark Materials. Similarly, themes of coming-of-age, overcoming bullies, and the dangers of breaking certain rules drive the movie forward, which would undoubtedly appeal to most pre-teens. But for adults, the film still feels just as magical with the nostalgia of watching young Lewis fervently shake his magic 8-ball.
However, in this chaotic fantasy world, there are dark threads that make the film the perfect gateway to potentially spookier films for children. Like Goosebumps, the visuals may be an eclectic feast for the eyes, but with Halloween staples like talking jack-o-lanterns and creepier elements like a forbidden cabinet, the movie subtly introduces light-hearted horror themes. Even just the shots of the dozens of clocks ticking away on the mansion’s walls elicit a sense of something not being quite right. When the spirit of Lewis’ mother appears to warn him not to trust anyone, the atmosphere shifts into something more paranoid and sinister, turning what was initially just a house of curiosities into what feels like a sentient, haunted house.
Jack Black Is a Scene-Stealer in Eric Kripke’s Dark Fantasy
Tying the light and dark sides of this movie together is Black’s brilliant, comedic performance that can be so manic, it borders on unnerving. Just like the house, Uncle Johnathan appears vibrant and kooky, as if he came right alongside the magical furniture, but slowly devolves into someone we are suspicious of, especially due to his obsession with the elusive clock. Black’s recognizable delivery pairs beautifully with the frenetic energy in the air, but in The House With a Clock in Its Walls, he pulls back enough that we don’t quite trust him and his intentions with Lewis’ budding powers. He is ever the scene-stealer that elicits enough chuckles to make the familiar beats feel novel.
The House With a Clock in Its Walls certainly is not what we expect from a collaboration between Kripke and Roth, but it is a wonderful and homey collection of all the pre-teen magic elements we love. With Black’s characteristic performance ensuring we laugh throughout the film’s runtime, it is easy to get lost in the whimsical beauty and darker edges of the set design while cozying up to the familiar beats of a classic Chosen One story.
Entertainment
‘Reacher’ Star Alan Ritchson Swaps Fists for Heart in This Underrated Streaming Favorite
Not every Alan Ritchson role involves punching people through furniture, though it is understandable if your brain goes there first. This one swaps brute-force action for a much softer, more emotional kind of story. It is still about someone moving mountains, technically, but this time the mountains are medical bills, grief, a snowstorm, and the crushing helplessness of watching a child need help you cannot afford. Slightly fewer broken bones, significantly more tears.
Ordinary Angels is now streaming on Peacock, giving the 2024 drama a new wave of attention. Based on true events during the 1994 North American cold wave, the film follows Sharon Steves, a struggling Kentucky hairdresser who finds renewed purpose when she helps Ed Schmitt, a widowed father trying to care for his two daughters while his youngest waits for a liver transplant. The movie grossed around $20.5 million worldwide against a reported $12–13 million budget, which is the exact kind of result small studios want when they put out a film like this. Nice and reliable.
The cast includes Hilary Swank (Million Dollar Baby, Boys Don’t Cry) as Sharon Steves, Emily Mitchell (Priscilla) as Michelle, Skywalker Hughes (Joe Pickett) as Ashley, Nancy Travis (Last Man Standing, So I Married an Axe Murderer) as Barbara, Tamala Jones (Castle, What Men Want), and Drew Powell (Gotham, Straw Dogs).
Is ‘Ordinary Angels’ Any Good?
Ritchson, who’s earned praise for his action roles, is being recognized here for something entirely different. As Collider’s Taylor Gates noted in our review, Ritchson does a great job of delivering even under the constraints of a trope — “the macho construction worker with a warm heart under all his muscles” — but it’s the writing of the film that ultimately lets it down. However, comparing Ritchson to David Harbour or Pedro Pascal in Stranger Things and The Last of Us, Taylor felt that the movie was still worth seeing for Ritchson.
And he’s not alone in stealing hearts. Swank gives what many are calling her most moving performance in years, capturing Shannon’s chaotic energy and hidden pain with nuance and grit. Her chemistry with Ritchson brings both levity and fire to an otherwise deeply emotional story, especially as the duo battles not just bureaucracy, but blizzards. It’s a strange but affecting film when the villain is terminal illness, not drug dealers, demogorgons or zombies.
Ordinary Angels is now streaming on Peacock.
- Release Date
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February 23, 2024
- Runtime
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118 Minutes
- Director
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Jon Gunn
- Writers
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Meg Tilly, Kelly Fremon Craig
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The network’s president suffered from health issues that she kept private, along with a back injury that led to a more serious medical condition.
Prime Video already has a stacked sci-fi library, but among heavyweights like The Man in the High Castle and The Expanse, there’s an overlooked series that packs its own punch. Traditionally, the genre tells far-reaching tales of how technology alters humankind, but Night Sky takes a surprisingly grounded approach. Set in a small town in Illinois where little ever seems to happen, the series centers on two people whom audiences would least expect to be guarding something extraordinary within their own home. Yet, the story is less about spectacle and more about what it means to carry something that vast so quietly. Despite being short-lived, Night Sky is a hidden sci-fi gem that deserves the utmost recognition.
What is ‘Night Sky’ About?
Night Sky introduces a couple in their 70s living in rural Farnsworth, Illinois; Franklin York (J. K. Simmons) is a hard-headed former woodworker, and Irene York (Sissy Spacek) is a retired English teacher who suffers from a serious illness and often uses a wheelchair. Married for more than 50 years, they seem like any other elderly couple living in a house that has grown too big for them. However, beneath their outdoor shed is a hidden chamber that can teleport them to a strange, deserted planet. There, they retreat to a protected, refurbished room where they gaze out at the galaxy through a massive window.
3 Prime Video Shows You Need to Binge This Week (#2 Is an Underrated Sci-Fi Masterpiece)
#1 was executive produced by ‘Parks and Rec’ and ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s creator.
The couple keeps the chamber’s existence a secret, especially from their obnoxiously nosy neighbor, Byron (Adam Bartley), but it’s soon revealed that the Yorks aren’t the only ones who have a chamber on their property. All the way in Argentina, single mother Stella (Julieta Zylberberg) has one as well, which she protects with her life, unbeknownst to her teenage daughter, Toni (Rocío Hernández). When Stella learns of a mysterious man on the run, presumably using these same chambers to teleport himself, Stella and the Yorks eventually cross paths during a dangerous manhunt.
‘Night Sky’ Puts Veteran Actors at the Center of the Sci-Fi Genre
Irene and Franklin are probably the last people that viewers would expect to care for a beaten-up stranger with seemingly intergalactic origins — not because they’re incapable, but because sci-fi stories like this rarely make space for characters like them in the first place. Sci-fi has long been dominated by younger, action-driven leads, often pushing veteran performers to the sidelines, but the genre has seen an increase in seasoned actors taking center stage.
What makes Night Sky special is that Spacek and Simmons’ characters don’t feel the need to fit the stereotype of being geniuses when faced with something cosmically foreign. Aside from their trips to outer space, they’re remarkably ordinary people. They’re not brilliant, not particularly tech-savvy, and easily flustered. They also face the physical limitations that come with aging and no longer have the strength they once did. Yet they also bring a genuine sense of warmth and humanity into their home — one that extends to anyone, regardless of their origins. It’s a refreshing way to ground a genre that often embraces pragmatism and hyper-rationality.
‘Night Sky’ Is a Sci-Fi Story With Deeper Themes
Although Irene and Franklin chat and bicker daily, there is an unresolved wedge between the couple, shaped by unspoken grief. Part of Night Sky‘s overarching story revolves around a personal tragedy in their household, but more broadly, it explores how differently people process loss. As the first episode suggests, Irene and Franklin were once lively and full of energy, but as time passed — as it inevitably does — tragedy found its way in. What separates the two is not the loss itself, but how they choose to live with it. Franklin refuses to let the past anchor him, while Irene remains tethered to what was lost.
As interesting as its sci-fi premise is, Night Sky is also a story about love, loss, and perseverance — made possible by Simmons’ and Spacek’s moving performances as a married couple who’ve been through rough times together. It may lack the spectacle of more conventional sci-fi, but Night Sky finds beauty in reflection, making it Prime Video’s most underrated series you probably haven’t watched.
- Release Date
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2022 – 2022-00-00
- Network
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Amazon Prime Video
- Showrunner
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Juan Jose Campanella
- Directors
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Juan Jose Campanella
- Writers
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Juan Jose Campanella
Amazon is currently planning an elaborate reboot of the James Bond franchise, having taken over creative control from long-time custodians Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. This is arguably one of the most valuable franchises acquired by the tech giant, which previously shelled out $1 billion for the rights to a new Lord of the Rings streaming series. That plan didn’t exactly succeed, with The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power struggling to retain viewers through the course of its run. The James Bond franchise, which will be re-launched with a new movie directed by Denis Villeneuve, will also expand into the world of streaming. Amazon has already experienced growing pains in the area of mega-budget, long-form espionage programming, and it would hope to not make the same mistakes with the 007 franchise.
Around the same time as it developed The Lord of the Rings series, Amazon reportedly spent $300 million on just six episodes of a globe-trotting spy thriller show, which was designed to spawn a shared universe. To spearhead the project, Amazon roped in Joe and Anthony Russo, who were coming off the record-breaking success of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. What transpired in the next few years remains one of the streaming era’s most infamous stories. The show’s first season saw a behind-the-scenes conflict that resulted in it being significantly re-shot, with the original creative team making way for a new set of filmmakers. Two spin-offs followed, but after a recent managerial switch at Prime Video, it was announced that both shows had been canceled. The fate of the original “mothership” series, which returned with a second season this week, remains unclear.
Prime Video’s Mega-Budget Misfire Couldn’t Unseat ‘The Boys’
We’re talking, of course, about Citadel. Starring Priyanka Chopra, Richard Madden, Stanley Tucci, and Lesley Manville, the series borrows heavily from the James Bond and Mission: Impossible franchises. It follows operatives of the secret spy society Citadel, who must bring down their sworn enemy, a nefarious organization known as Manticore, before global catastrophes unfold. According to FlixPatrol, the second season of Citadel debuted at the number two spot on the global Prime Video viewership chart, behind the holdover hit The Boys. The second season wasn’t promoted with the gusto of Season 1, which premiered in 2023 and holds a 51% score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
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April 28, 2023
- Network
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Prime Video
- Showrunner
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David Weil
- Directors
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Newton Thomas Sigel
- Writers
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John Applebaum, Bryan Oh, David Weil
Taylor Swift‘s legal team is pushing back on a trademark infringement lawsuit filed by Maren Flagg, a Las Vegas entertainer, claiming the pop superstar’s latest album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” infringes upon her own brand. Flagg trademarked the phrase “Confessions of a Showgirl” in 2015 and is asking the court to stop Swift from selling merchandise related to the phrase.
In response. Swift’s attorneys filed an opposition to the lawsuit, calling Flagg’s claims “absurd” while citing the First Amendment and noting the Vegas entertainer’s online behavior following the release of Swift’s album.
On May 6, Taylor Swift’s attorneys filed a brief opposing Maren Flagg’s lawsuit against the singer, in which the Las Vegas entertainer claimed trademark infringement, false designation, and unfair competition because of her 2025 album “The Life of a Showgirl.”
Swift’s side fired back, as reported by Variety, alleging that Flagg is taking advantage of Swift to “prop up her brand.” They added that Flagg comparing her cabaret show to Swift’s album was “absurd,” adding that it was highly unlikely that audiences would confuse the two entertainers. The attorneys threw shade at Flagg, saying that she “performs, if at all, in small intimate venues,” listing locations such as golf resorts, 55+ communities, cabarets, and hotels. “Her website lists no upcoming performances,” they added.
Overall, Swift’s attorneys say that Flagg’s claims are “meritless.”
The Singer’s Attorneys Question Maren Flagg’s Motive
Swift’s attorneys also questioned why Flagg, who professionally goes by the name Maren Wade, filed her lawsuit several months after the singer’s album release. “The Life of a Showgirl” was released in October 2025, and Flagg filed her lawsuit in late March 2026.
Furthermore, Swift’s counsel alleges that just days after the album’s release, Flagg “reframed her brand around the album,” posting social media content about Swift and her latest release and using it to promote her “little-known cabaret show.” “Plaintiff flooded her Instagram and TikTok pages with 40+ advertisements for her brand using Ms. Swift’s music, trademarks, and other intellectual property without permission,” the attorneys noted.
As an example, they said Flagg used Swift’s album cover and music track, even using the hashtags “#swifties,” “#ts12,” and “#thelifeofashowgirl,” among others. The attorneys implied that they may take legal action over the cabaret entertainer’s use of Swift’s images and music.
Taylor Swift’s Album Title Is Reportedly Protected
Despite the similarities between “The Life of a Showgirl” and Flagg’s brand “Confessions of a Showgirl,” Swift’s attorneys claim that the pop star’s album title is protected by the First Amendment, citing past cases with similar arguments.
They pointed out that “a plaintiff cannot establish infringement without showing the title (1) is either not artistically relevant to the underlying work; or (2) explicitly misleads as to the source or content of the work.” Moreover, they enumerated several works over the years, such as “Portrait of a Showgirl” and “Confessions of a Vegas Showgirl,” saying that Flagg didn’t launch a legal battle against any of those despite having a trademark for the phrase “Confessions of a Showgirl.”
Maren Flagg’s Legal Arguments
Shortly after filing the lawsuit, Flagg’s attorney spoke with Rolling Stone, saying that the Las Vegas entertainer built her brand around “Confessions of a Showgirl.” Flagg writes a column for Las Vegas Weekly using the phrase, and also has a podcast with the same title.
Her lawyer, Jaymie Parkkinen, shared that Flagg has owned the “Confessions of a Showgirl” trademark since 2015. As cited in her client’s lawsuit, Swift’s trademark application for “The Life of a Showgirl” was refused due to a “likelihood of confusion.”
“We have great respect for Swift’s talent and success, but trademark law exists to ensure that creators at all levels can protect what they’ve built. That’s what this case is about,” Parkkinen explained.
There’s ‘No Chance’ Taylor Swift Fans Will Confuse Merchandise
As part of the filing, Swift’s attorneys pointed out the singer’s observant and dedicated fans, citing their “legendary” attention to detail when it comes to any and all information about their idol. “There is no chance they would be confused between plaintiff’s cabaret shows and Ms. Swift’s album and related promotional merchandise,” they noted.
Flagg’s side has responded to the filing, confirming that they have read Swift’s response. “We read it. Defendants assert First Amendment protection for napkins and hairbrushes. We look forward to filing our response next week,” Parkkinen declared.
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“You’ve kind of become like a bona fide sex symbol,” Ana Navarro said.
Blake Lively’s legal war with Justin Baldoni may officially be settled, but the ugly public battle is still raging behind the scenes.
Just days after both sides agreed to end their explosive courtroom showdown, Baldoni’s attorney launched fresh attacks against the actress, accusing her of avoiding trial because she was “scared” to testify under oath.
The renewed back-and-forth has reignited public interest in the messy “It Ends With Us” fallout, with both camps now fighting over who actually walked away victorious.
Blake Lively is facing fresh criticism after Baldoni’s lawyer claimed the actress settled their legal dispute because she did not want to testify in court.
As The Blast reported, both parties reached a settlement Monday, ending their nearly two-year legal war just weeks before a May 18 trial was expected to begin.
However, Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, immediately challenged the idea that the agreement represented a win for Lively.
“Part of the reason Blake settled is because she was scared to take the witness stand at trial. She did not want to face cross examination by anyone because that would require her to tell the truth,” Freedman told TMZ.
The lawyer also questioned why the “Gossip Girl” star chose not to publicly fight the case in court if her goal was truly to stand up for victims.
“If she’s doing this for survivors of sexual assault and sexual harassment and retaliation as she says, then why don’t you take the stand at trial and prove it to the world?” he asked.
Freedman further argued that “A trial would have exposed her lies and the entire smear she was talking about in her interviews that she did.”
Lively’s Legal Team Fires Back At Baldoni’s Lawyer
The courtroom battle took a major turn last month after a judge dismissed many of Lively’s claims, including several tied to sexual harassment allegations.
Freedman pointed directly to those setbacks while arguing Lively gained little from the settlement. The attorney claimed the actress “ended up with nothing” after suing Baldoni for $300 million.
“If this is a resounding victory, what does a defeat look like?” he added.
Blake Lively’s attorneys wasted little time responding to Freedman’s explosive comments following the settlement announcement.
“I guess he’s no longer ‘ecstatic’ about the settlement,” her legal team told the outlet.
Blake Lively And Justin Baldoni Continue Trading Accusations
Lively and Baldoni may have reached a settlement, but both sides are still accusing each other of dishonesty.
Freedman claimed Lively “lied about telling Sony to destroy the dailies,” referring to footage connected to “It Ends With Us.” According to the lawyer, the Hollywood star’s testimony conflicted with an email from Sony executive Ange Giannetti.
He also accused Lively of misleading investigators regarding author Colleen Hoover. “She lied that she never told Colleen Hoover to unfollow Justin Baldoni. In her deposition, Colleen said Blake asked her to unfollow him,” Freedman stated.
The attorney insisted there were “more lies” beyond those allegations. Meanwhile, Lively’s attorneys released their own lengthy statement defending the actress and attacking Baldoni’s legal strategy.
“By agreeing to this settlement, and waiving their right to appeal, Justin Baldoni and every individual defendant now face personal liability for abusing the legal system to silence and intimidate Ms Lively,” the statement read per the Daily Mail.
The lawyers also pointed to language in the settlement acknowledging that Lively’s concerns “deserved to be heard.”
Lively Still Wants Legal Fees And Additional Damages
Blake Lively may have settled the main case, but the financial fight connected to the lawsuit is still ongoing.
The 38-year-old is reportedly seeking legal fees and damages tied to Baldoni’s failed $400 million defamation countersuit against her, Ryan Reynolds, and The New York Times.
Court filings show Lively is also demanding “compensatory damages tripled, and punitive damages.”
Lively’s attorney, Michael Gottlieb, argued that California law protects people who publicly report sexual harassment claims.
He noted that California Civil Code Section 47.1 was specifically designed to ensure complainants can “share their experiences with courts, agencies, the press, and others without fear of suit.”
Judge Lewis Liman previously agreed with that argument when dismissing Baldoni’s defamation case last year. However, the director’s attorneys blasted the actress’s latest demands as excessive.
The legal team argued that forcing Baldoni to pay her costs would be “draconian.” According to Baldoni’s camp, he had every right to defend himself against Lively’s accusations.
Blake Lively And Justin Baldoni’s Film Became A Massive Hit
Lively and Baldoni’s ugly legal fight unfolded after the release of “It Ends With Us,” the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel.
The movie starred Lively as Lily Bloom, a flower shop owner whose relationship with Baldoni’s character, neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid, eventually spirals into domestic violence.
Despite the controversy surrounding the actors, the movie became a major box office success. “It Ends With Us” grossed more than $351 million worldwide after its release.
In a joint statement announcing the settlement, both camps acknowledged the importance of the project itself. They described the film as a “source of pride” while also recognizing the difficult legal battle that followed behind the scenes.
The statement added that both parties hoped the agreement would “allow all involved to move forward constructively and in peace, including a respectful environment online.”
Entertainment
Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless clash in fiery “First Take” reunion, a decade after last debate
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After five years together, Bayless left the ESPN show in 2016.
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