Prime Video’s Off Campus is a sultry yet sweet watch — but how does the TV adaptation compare to the original book?

Based on the Off Campus book series by Kennedy, the show, which premiered Wednesday, May 13, follows an elite ice hockey team and the women in their lives as they “grapple with love, heartbreak and self-discovery — forging deep friendships and enduring bonds while navigating the complexities that come with transitioning into adulthood,” read the official synopsis.

Hannah (Ella Bright) and Garrett’s (Belmont Cameli) love story took center stage in season 1 — with several key moments from their book, The Deal, swapped for an updated version.

“We have all eight scripts written,” creator Louisa Levy exclusively told Us Weekly before the show premiered. “We’ve given [two] to the actors but the writers’ room is done.”

Related: Which ‘Off Campus’ Couples End Up Together? Book Order Explained

Prime Video’s Off Campus follows different love stories at Briar U — but which couples end up together in the books? Based on the Off Campus book series by Elle Kennedy, the show follows an elite ice hockey team — and the women in their lives — as they “grapple with love, heartbreak, and self-discovery […]

Levy noted that filming would be happening soon.

“We’re getting ready to dive into production and we’ve got a season mapped out,” she noted. “We know what we want to do — and we’ve got some fun things in store. I’ll just say … book fans are going to be really excited.”

While the scripts have been completed, Levy didn’t rule out changes, adding, “They’re written. It doesn’t mean that we can’t make adjustments. But we do have the plan, we have the map [for the season]. But I’m pretty sure that fans are going to be really excited about it.”

Keep scrolling for the main differences that took place on the show compared to Kennedy’s version:

Hannah Kissing Dean Instead of Logan

In Kennedy’s version, Hannah kissed Garrett’s teammate Logan instead of Dean.

“I know that some people are going to be a little upset about that one change. But honestly, for the story that we’re trying to tell and where Logan has that kind of spark with Hannah, it’s only going to feed the story a little bit more for his attraction toward her,” Anthony Cipriano shared with Us Weekly. “How that moment meant nothing to Hannah but everything to Logan.”

Cipriano hoped the vision came along.

“He appreciates her, and it’s all innocent and all love. I also think the addition of Jules and making him a middle child is really interesting,” he added. “It changes the dynamic completely. And I’m a middle child myself, so I feel like I knew exactly who this guy was.”

Allie and Dean’s Entire Story Line

Season 2 set up Allie (Mika Abdalla) and Dean (Stephen Kalyn) as the next possible leads despite them being featured in the third book in the series. That meant including many scenes from their book in the series, which made fans question what content would be used when Allie and Dean officially became the leads.

“Since the cast was announced, I feel like there’s been theories circulating online, and it’s been really interesting to read it,” Abdalla told Us about Allie and Dean’s bond. “I for sure think people are going to be at least surprised.”

She continued: “Even though we do tease Dean and Ali a lot earlier than people expect, you are still left wanting a lot more. That’s something I’m really excited about too because I get it if I was on the other side of it.”

Hannah and Garrett’s Split

While Garrett (briefly) ended his romance with Hannah on the show, the book actually had his dad to blame. Bright told Us that swapping it to have the focus on Hannah and Garrett was due to the “characters themselves.”

“That’s what makes it such a poignant and upsetting moment. It is so heartbreaking because they’re both having such awful days at the exact same time. So that miscommunication is, of course, going to end in that way,” she noted. “Because they are losing the ability to connect and hear each other out. They’re dealing with their own things at the same time. So it is really difficult, and it makes it definitely a saddest scene.”

Cameli, meanwhile, referred to it as “very upsetting and a heartbreaking” fictional split, adding, “We wanted it to come from the characters.”

Levy elaborated on the vision for the scene.

“A big reason why we made that change was because 11 years ago — when the books were published — college athletes couldn’t make money off of their image like this and now they can,” she explained. “The financial leverage that Phil has doesn’t really work anymore in today’s climate. We knew that we had to make a change there.”

She continued: “But then on top of that, we also really wanted it to come from Garrett’s inner fear that he might become his father. So even though Phil is not directly responsible, he’s still kind of tangentially responsible. Because that is Garrett’s deepest fear is becoming his dad. You don’t want to do that and make Hannah go through that.”

No ‘Hands Off’ Ban

The most significant change was the way Garrett instituted a campus-wide hands-off law after his split from Hannah. On the page, Garrett’s decision frustrated Hannah — but it also brought them back together.

The show did things a little differently with Hannah catching wind of Garrett threatening other guys so they would stay away from her. Hannah confronted Garrett — and that’s when they realized some confusion between his team members led to a misunderstanding.

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“We were trying to find a way to keep this fan-favorite moment from the book, while not making it like a problem for Garrett,” Levy told Today. “So we came up with a solution that still honors the original intent but makes Garrett not completely terrible for doing this after breaking up with Hannah.”

Hunter Davenport’s Introduction

To push Allie and Dean’s story along, the show introduced Hunter Davenport despite him not being linked to Allie on the page.

“It was really important to have that scene to slow down what was happening between Allie and Dean. I want to see them kind of go. I want to see them really separate,” Abdalla hinted. “Allie just got out of a long-term relationship. She can’t do what she always does. … I really like the edition of the Hunter story line drama. They need to grow as individuals. And so I really want to see Ali and Dean grow separately in season 2.”

The wonderful, magical thing about the thriller genre is that, on paper, you need very few elements to make it work. As long as your sense of suspense and tension is strong enough, you could potentially make the whole thing take place in a single location—and, indeed, many filmmakers have taken a stab at such an ambitious concept throughout history.

Sometimes, these filmmakers aren’t successful, but when they are, the result can be one of the greatest thrillers of all time. From David Fincher‘s Panic Room to Alfred Hitchcock‘s numerous single-location thrillers, these are films that show that the claustrophobia generated by a single-location film can actually work in a thriller’s favor when the director knows what they’re doing.

‘Phone Booth’ (2002)

Image via 20th Century Studios

Impeccably directed by Joel Schumacher and starring Colin Farrell at his very best, Phone Booth is one of those forgotten thrillers that have aged like fine wine. Rapidly paced and wise enough to only run for 80 adrenaline-fueled minutes, the film takes the concept of a man being held hostage inside a phone booth by a sniper and turns it into a surprisingly dense and nail-bitingly compelling thriller.

The film’s exploration of morality, voyeurism, and media manipulation at the turn of the century has aged surprisingly well, so Phone Booth is still every bit as exciting today as it was back in 2002. Schumacher’s masterful sense of tension is—at the risk of overusing the term—brilliantly Hitchcockian, delivering a true roller coaster ride of a movie that doesn’t let up until the credits roll.

‘Buried’ (2010)

Image via Lionsgate

Much in the same vein as Phone Booth, Buried is another single-location thriller set within the particularly claustrophobic confines of a rectangular object. In this case, it’s a wooden coffin, where a truck driver finds himself trapped. Being buried alive is a notoriously common phobia, making Buried all the more of a universally horrifying psychological thriller.

Rodrigo Cortés‘ awfully claustrophobic movie stars Ryan Reynolds in one of his best-ever performances, as he helps transform what might have otherwise been nothing more than a cheap gimmick into a truly gripping premise. There’s nothing revolutionary or groundbreaking about the story, but the way Cortés executes it results in a genuinely nightmarish, twist-filled injection of pure adrenaline.

‘Coherence’ (2013)

Image via Oscilloscope Laboratories

The science fiction psychological thriller Coherence, James Ward Byrkit‘s directorial debut, is a real mind-bender from beginning to end. It’s the type of sci-fi film you need to be a genius to fully understand, heavily inspired by the tone of The Twilight Zone. It’s low-budget genre filmmaking at its best, irrefutable proof that you don’t need much to make a sci-fi film work.

Set in a house during a group of friends’ dinner party, Coherence maximizes its low budget by relying on the intelligence and intensity of its screenplay, the quality of its performances, and the uniqueness of its setting. Those not used to mind-bending sci-fi will perhaps find it a little too confusing, but fans who love it when sci-fi films make them think ought to check out Coherence at least once in their lives.

‘Panic Room’ (2002)

When people rank David Fincher’s filmography, Panic Room is usually seen near the bottom of such lists, which automatically makes it one of the most criminally underappreciated thrillers of modern times. Elevated by Jodie Foster‘s powerhouse performance and her tremendous chemistry with Kristen Stewart, it’s one of the most Hitchcockian movies that Fincher has ever made.

When someone like Roger Ebert calls a film one of the most suspenseful ever made, you know that film means business. Indeed, Panic Room is inventively shot and written in such a taut manner that it feels impossible to look away from the screen at any point. It may be a little too mainstream and bare-bones for those who prefer more ornate and elaborate thrillers, but isn’t simplicity the whole point of a single-location thriller? As far as simplicity in thrillers goes, it’s rarely more effectively used than by Fincher in Panic Room.

’10 Cloverfield Lane’ (2016)

Image via Paramount Pictures

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Matt Reeves‘ found footage monster film Cloverfield instantly proved itself as one of the most creative sci-fi movies of the 2000s upon its release in 2008. Eight years later, we got a sequel: 10 Cloverfield Lane, a movie so different from the original that it’s more of a spiritual successor than a direct sequel, really. At no point and in no way is that an issue, since 10 Cloverfield Lane would have set itself apart as a delectably unique sci-fi thriller, anyway.

Led by John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and John Gallagher Jr.‘s tour-de-force performances, this film makes a bunker seem like the scariest place on the planet in just a little over an hour and a half. Largely reliant on Goodman’s effectively terrifying performance, 10 Cloverfield Lane is one of the best sci-fi thrillers of all time, a smart and tension-filled gem with a flawless character-driven heart.

‘The Guilty’ (2018)

Image via Nordisk Film Spring

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Not to be confused with its considerably inferior 2021 Hollywood remake starring Jake Gyllenhaal, the Danish crime thriller The Guilty is one of the greatest Scandinavian films of the last decade. It was Gustav Möller’s immensely impressive directorial debut, following a distressed Copenhagen police officer with a pending court hearing, who handles a difficult case over the phone within the confines of an emergency call center.

The Guilty is nothing short of one of the tensest thrillers of the last 10 years, whose real-time narrative is remarkably well-paced and flawlessly performed by Jakob Cedergren. It’s a high-concept thriller that knows exactly how to frame, block, and pace its story in such a way that the audience is constantly on the edge of their seats, stressfully biting their nails.

‘Wait Until Dark’ (1967)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

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Starring Audrey Hepburn and Alan Arkin, Terence Young‘s Wait Until Dark is one of the most intense movies of the 1960s. Set almost entirely within the walls of a Greenwich Village basement apartment where the protagonist and the audience are terrorized, it’s a claustrophobic and airtight thriller that’s still as suspenseful today as it was in the ’60s.

Wait Until Dark is a masterclass in how to make a timeless thriller, leading up to one of the most terrifying climaxes of any American thriller of the era. Combine Arkin’s mustache-twirling villainous performance with the flawlessly tension-filled way in which Young frames the apartment, and you get a ’60s classic that doesn’t get nearly as much love as it deserves nowadays.

‘Rope’ (1948)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

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Alfred Hitchcock is known as the Master of Suspense for a reason. The thriller genre would likely not be what it is today without the director, who made several of the greatest outings the genre has ever offered throughout his career, including one of the most underrated movies of all time: Rope. It wasn’t Hitchcock’s first attempt at a single-location movie, but since it also takes place in real time, it’s arguably the most daring and experimental movie that the director ever made.

Edited to appear like it’s composed of only four long shots, the film was based on Patrick Hamilton‘s 1929 play of the same name, and it does feel like one of Hitchcock’s most theatrical films, which includes, of course, a single setting. The film received mixed reviews and performed poorly at the box office upon release, but with the years’ passage, cinephiles have come to praise it as an audacious and incredibly suspenseful little experiment by one of history’s greatest filmmakers.

‘Rear Window’ (1954)

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After perfecting the formula in Rope, Hitchcock decided to make not only one, but two single-location masterpieces in 1954. Dial M for Murder is great, but Rear Window is almost transcendental. We’re talking about one of the greatest mystery movies of all time, the highest-quality representation of everything that made Hitchcock special.

James Stewart and Grace Kelly give truly perfect performances, plus Thelma Ritter is a scene-stealer. Then, there are the magnificent ways in which Hitchcock makes the protagonist’s apartment feel like a massive world unto itself. There’s nothing about Rear Window that isn’t worthy of the utmost admiration. Rear Window is perfect proof that in thrillers, less is, indeed, often more.

‘Dog Day Afternoon’ (1975)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

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His directorial debut was the courtroom drama 12 Angry Men, praised by many as one of the greatest films ever made, so Sidney Lumet was no stranger to making single-location films when he made Dog Day Afternoon. Based on the 1972 Chase Manhattan robbery and hostage situation in Brooklyn, this ahead-of-its-time masterpiece is one of the best heist thriller movies of all time.

With Al Pacino and John Cazale at their best, this tale about the complexities of identity in ’70s America is one of the most defining landmarks of the New Hollywood film movement. The setting of the bank drenches the film in pure character-driven tension, dismantling the whole heist thriller genre in ways that still come across as genius over half a century later.

Roommates, a deadly crash in Upper Manhattan has left a community shaken after what started as an ordinary Friday evening ended in tragedy, with police now revealing new details about what allegedly led up to the chaotic scene involving Elvin Suarez.

RELATED: Prayers Up! 1-Year-Old Reportedly Dies After 14-Year-Old Mom Allegedly Crashes While Driving Under The Influence

Suarez Charged After Deadly Upper Manhattan Crash

According to authorities and law enforcement sources, Elvin Suarez of Morningside Heights has been charged with multiple counts of manslaughter, vehicular assault, and driving while intoxicated after a crash that killed two people and left three others critically injured. Police say Suarez’s breathalyzer test came back at .10 — above the legal limit — after he lost control of his vehicle near Amsterdam Avenue and West 109th Street around 6 p.m., just blocks from his home.

NYC Sidewalk Crash Claims Lives Of Two Men

Investigators say the crash began when Suarez allegedly sideswiped another vehicle before his car careened onto the sidewalk, triggering a chain reaction involving seven vehicles. The out-of-control Mercedes ultimately struck a group of people sitting outside a local barbershop, fatally injuring 35-year-old father of triplets Michael Saint-Hilaire and 46-year-old doorman Jason Negron. Emergency responders rushed both men to the hospital in critical condition, but they later died from their injuries. Furthermore, investigators shut down part of Amsterdam Avenue Friday evening as they processed the scene and crews cleared damaged vehicles from the roadway.

Investigators Share More Details On What Happened

Emergency responders also transported three more men, ages 36, 44, and 51, to St. Luke’s Hospital in critical condition. Witnesses described the aftermath as devastating, with one onlooker calling it a “horror show” and saying the vehicle pinned and injured one victim against a parking structure. Another witness said the driver appeared to be lifelong friends with some of the victims, adding an emotional layer to an already tragic scene as the investigation continues. Authorities have not released additional details about the events leading up to the crash or said whether investigators believe speed played a role. Lastly, officials have not disclosed whether Suarez has hired an attorney.

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Summer is quickly approaching, and with the warm weather comes tropical travel. But knowing what to pack for a resort escape is tricky work. Overpack, and you’re stuck lugging a weighty suitcase. Pack too light, and you’ll be left with nothing to wear. Thankfully, Nordstrom’s Vacation Edit includes 14,000 holiday-ready styles designed to make prepping feel effortless. Still, it can be overwhelming to know which pieces truly stand out.

To make things simpler, I narrowed it down to the 17 pieces worth adding to your cart. My editor-approved lineup includes linen pants, floral dresses, flowing maxi skirts and more. I even added a few elevated accessories to make sure every look feels complete.

Keep reading to shop the 17 best resort-ready pieces, including brands like Madewell, Free People and Birkenstock.

17 Vacation-Ready Styles to Shop From Nordstrom

1. Sunshine Yellow: This vibrant Petal & Pup jumpsuit is easy, chic and lively. The dainty floral embroidery adds a sweet touch, while the 100% cotton construction feels airy against the skin.

2. Closet Staple: Everyone needs a pair of kitten heel sandals in their closet, and this option from Open Edit strikes the perfect chord. Shop the thong footwear in six colors.

3. Beachfront Style: Whether you’re enjoying a seaside dinner or taking photos on the boardwalk, this SNDYS plunging mini wrap dress deserves a spot in your cart. Even better? The purple and red finish resembles a dreamy sunset.

4. Everyday Must-Have: Few things are more versatile than a white tank top. Free People’s version adds a flirty twist with scalloped straps and a floral knit design.

5. Designer Find: This Tory Burch top-handle bag is the perfect addition to any look. The compact, square shape is functional and spacious, while the straw material keeps things elegant.

Related: Our 17 Top Picks From Amazon’s New ‘Summer Wardrobe Refresh’ Edit

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Summer style always sounds effortless . . . until you’re actually standing in front of your closet trying to get dressed in the heat. The wrong fabric, the wrong fit or just one extra layer can make an outfit feel completely off. That’s why Amazon’s new “Summer Wardrobe Refresh” edit couldn’t have landed at a […]

6. Breezy Linen: Beat the heat in flowy linen pants featuring a comfortable drawstring waist. The wide-leg design is loose and relaxed, though it still offers a polished silhouette.

7. Sheer Ruffles: From rooftop happy hours to yacht days, Princess Polly’s halter top is the answer. Sheer layers, ruffle details and a plunging V-neck make for a sultry blouse.

8. Editor-Owned: I bought these exact Birkenstock slide sandals last year — and I’ve never looked back. The oversized buckle earns me tons of compliments, while the neutral hue easily pairs with the trickiest outfits.

9. It Girl Favorite: Fashion people everywhere are reaching for white maxi skirts, charmed by their ethereal yet simple look. This Petal & Pup find features a hidden side zipper, crochet panels and an inner lining.

10. Pool Ready: You can’t head to a resort without a chic swimsuit. Mango’s chocolate-colored one-piece boasts a strappy back and one-shoulder design.

11. Genius for Travel: A packable sun hat that bounces right back to its original shape? Say less. This floppy Nordstrom headpiece comes in three versatile hues.

12. Easy Flips Flops: Slip into these unfussy Havaianas thong sandals, whether you’re tanning by the pool or running to snag a quick coffee. Details include a square toe, textured footbed and quick-drying rubber.

13. Wedding Perfect: If your travel plans include a resort wedding, then look no further than this FARM Rio maxi dress. Featuring oversized flowers and a butter yellow hue, you’re sure to turn heads.

14. Retro Nostalgia: If the early 2000s are calling your name, reach for this Edikted fringe poncho that’s full of maximalist elements, like sequins and a scalloped trim.

15. Stylish Eyewear: Don’t step outside without some oversized Ray-Ban sunglasses. The square shape adds polish, while gradient lenses exude elegance.

16. Flattering Denim: Madewell knows a thing or two about well-tailored denim — and the brand’s mid-length shorts serve as proof. Enjoy a vintage-inspired look, complemented by a high waist and frayed hem.

17. A Formal Affair: One of the easiest ways to dress up a simple tank top and sandals is with a silk midi skirt. This pale-pink version from Reformation boasts a delicate lace trim and low-slung waistband.

Related: 17 Stretchy, Comfortable Spring-to-Summer Dresses Under $40

This past weekend, I took the liberty of sorting through my very packed closet. I parted ways with worn-out pieces, dated designs and — most importantly — anything that didn’t feel comfortable. Because gone are the days when you have to sacrifice relaxed silhouettes in the name of style. Warm-weather dresses are no exception — […]

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Seth Rogen is speaking out against the growing wave of AI-generated content, saying that writers who make use of the technology shouldn’t be writers at all. The actor and filmmaker shared his thoughts while talking about his animated film, “Tangles,” highlighting how it was created with “human touch” and zero artificial intelligence.

Talking to Brut America at the Cannes Film Festival, filmmaker Seth Rogen didn’t mince words when speaking about AI. He said he doesn’t really understand what AI is supposed to be about, adding that he sees plenty of videos on Instagram saying “Hollywood is cooked” due to the rise of computer-generated content. “What follows is the most stupid dog sh-t I’ve ever seen in my life,” he said, referring to AI videos.

Rogen’s comments came amid the controversies of using AI in Hollywood, opening discussions about job security, intellectual property, and artistic authenticity, with some major film studios experimenting with AI for cost-cutting and post-production.

In May, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organization that oversees the Oscars, banned purely AI-generated acting and AI-authored writing from winning awards in order to protect artistic integrity, as reported by the BBC.

The Actor Thinks Writers Who Use AI Shouldn’t Be Writers

Rogen continued with his AI takedown, tearing specifically into writers who rely on AI. “If you’re instinct is to use AI and not go through that process, you shouldn’t be a writer,” Rogen said, adding that using AI isn’t writing. For the filmmaker, writing is a process, and the idea of using the technology fails to resonate with him.

The actor has written plenty for films and television, and he enjoys the process. “The idea of a toll that makes me write less is not appealing to me, because I like writing,” he explained. Sarah Leavitt, the author of the graphic novel on which Rogen’s movie is based, also shared her opinion. As a creative writing professor, Leavitt said she tells her students, “One of the things AI can’t do is go through the creative process.”

This isn’t the first time Rogen spoke out against AI. In 2023, the actor spoke out against the technology amid the Writers Guild of America strike. “I think the prospect of artificial intelligence writing things is horrifying, and the fact that they seem to be digging in on [it] is more horrifying,” Rogen stated.

One of the key issues of the 2023 strike was writers seeking protection to ensure that generative AI tools would not be used to write materials. “You’d have to shove a lot of weed in that thing [for it to write good TV],” Rogen noted, referring to AI tools.

The Filmmaker Boasts No AI Was Used In ‘Tangles’

Rogen talked about his animated film “Tangles,” which tells the story of Sarah, an activist who leaves her life in San Francisco to return to her hometown and care for her mother, who has Alzheimer’s. Rogen and his wife, Lauren Miller Rogen, serve as producers, and the movie has an ensemble cast, including Bryan Cranston, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Pamela Adlon, Sarah Silverman, Samira Wiley, Wanda Sykes, and Bowen Yang, among others.

According to Rogen, no AI was used in the film. “It’s hand-drawn animation. Every frame has a human touch to it,” he shared. Lauren added, “When the line was drawn by a hand, that hand was moved through someone who felt feelings, instead of just, like, a program.”

Seth Rogen Has Numerous Writing Credits

While many know Rogen best for his acting, he has been writing since his teen years. In the early 2000s, he was a writer and actor for Judd Apatow’s TV show “Undeclared,” followed by writing for the final season of Sacha Baron Cohen’s sketch series, “Da Ali G Show.”

In 2007, his film “Superbad” was released, a script that he started developing with Evan Goldberg while he was still a teenager. In the years that followed, Rogen co-wrote “Drillbit Taylor,” “Pineapple Express,” “The Green Hornet,” and “The Watch,” “Sausage Party,” “The Interview,” plus an episode of “The Simpsons.”

In 2025, Rogen won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for his Apple TV+ series, “The Studio.”

Long before Cowboys & Aliens mashed the Western tradition with science fiction flare, there were various low-budget takes on the genre mashup that whet audience appetite for more. But perhaps the most interesting of them all comes from an often overlooked and mostly forgotten fantasy Western that pits cowboy heroes against the giant reptiles who once roamed the Earth. If you’ve never heard of The Valley of Gwangi before, let that be rectified as you watch this 96-minute 1969 classic that monster movie fans cannot get enough of.

‘The Valley of Gwangi’ Is a Dinosaur-Fueled Western Adventure

This wild ride begins in the early 20th century as the “Wild West” era has become something of a novelty. The days of notorious outlaws and famous lawmen have passed away as civilization has largely pacified and tamed the American West. It’s this fading that sparks a wave of traveling shows like “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show,” as well as rodeo-circus crossovers like the one hosted by T.J. Breckenridge (Gila Golan). These shows keep the myth of the West alive, but even they have become stale, with audiences preferring something more sensational and fantastic. This is where T.J. aims to introduce the world to “El Diablo,” a mini-horse-like creature that is identified as an Eohippus. Of course, this pint-sized horse is only the tip of the iceberg, because it isn’t long before T.J., her lover Tuck Kirby (James Franciscus), paleontologist Horace Bromley (Laurence Naismith), and a host of others stumble upon a “Lost World” in a supposedly “cursed” Forbidden Valley. It’s there that they discover a habitat full of real-life, living, breathing dinosaurs.

The Valley of Gwangi is something of an odd duck in Western film history. Despite the genre’s general A-list material that had ridden to the forefront of Hollywood between the 1940s and ’60s, it’s unashamedly a B-picture that leans more into the typical “monster movie” fare than it does the standard horse opera — even if it’s perhaps just as melodramatic at times as the cowboy stories of old. In this sense, the flick is somewhat comparable to other low-budget, genre-bending “Weird Westerns” of the era like Jesse James Meets Frankenstein’s Daughter or Billy the Kid Versus Dracula for its campy dialogue, flat characters, and emphasis on novelty special effects to get audiences to the theater. (Though, to clarify, this picture far outshines even those.) This isn’t to say that Gwangi isn’t great for what it is. It’s become a B-movie classic for a reason, but when compared to the plethora of great Westerns also released in 1969, including The Wild Bunch, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and True Grit, there’s a clear dip in quality.

But where The Valley of Gwangi really thrives is in its special effects. The full, raw talents of animator and special effects guru Ray Harryhausen are on full display here through the inspired use of miniatures, stop-motion techniques, in-camera perspective, and compositing. Harryhausen, of course, was mentored by original King Kong legend Willis H. O’Brien himself, and The Valley of Gwangi (among his other works) is a testament to that signature style. In fact, O’Brien was the initial creative force behind this dinosaur Western, and is credited as a co-writer on the production due to his efforts. Harryhausen only took up the project after his mentor died before it could be realized, and the visual results alone speak quite highly of their work. The 1969 picture has amassed a cult following over the years for its strange plot and lovable stop-motion monsters, which are certainly the main draw. The trailer alone will be more than enough to convince anyone to give it a chance!

‘The Valley of Gwangi’ Is Loads of Fun Once You Get to the Dinosaurs

Billed on the poster as “cowboys battle monsters in the lost world of Forbidden Valley,” The Valley of Gwangi is a spectacle to behold. The dinosaur puppets look exquisite, and are composited almost seamlessly with the cowboys and horses who appear on the screen. The battles between our human heroes and these enormous reptiles are still impressive even by today’s standards, serving as almost a precursor to the larger-than-life practical effects that Steven Spielberg would perfect with his first two Jurassic Park films. Of course, the only challenge with The Valley of Gwangi is with your patience.

Tragically, the first half features no dinosaurs at all. Though the mini-horse composite is great, the giant creatures are what you’re here to see. Once you get to the dinosaurs, however, you’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat with Gwangi. A cult classic on every level, The Valley of Gwangi is a lovable sci-fi/fantasy Western that breaks genre barriers and thoroughly entertains. That back half of the picture will gladden the heart of any dino-lover, and you’ll wonder why it’s taken you so long to see it in the first place.

Ryan Seacrest doesn’t care about what people are saying about his new look. The TV host has undergone what many have described as a dramatic transformation and now appears noticeably slimmer.

Despite some criticism of his appearance, Seacrest reportedly “thinks he looks great” and is “proud” of his new body.

Ryan Seacrest is also said to be “extremely focused” on maintaining his new look, which reports claim that he worked hard for.

Amid ongoing commentary surrounding Ryan Seacrest’s body transformation and “new face,” sources have revealed why the TV host became so committed to changing his appearance.

“Ryan grew up as a chubby kid, and those insecurities never fully left him,” one insider revealed to Rob Shuter’s “Naughty But Nice “Substack. “He was teased when he was younger, and even now, he still sees that overweight kid in the mirror.”

The revelation comes as no shock, as Seacrest has previously spoken about struggling with his weight as a child and, in recent years, making a conscious effort to turn that part of his life around.

While the transformation may have caught some people off guard, an insider claims it “didn’t just happen overnight.”

Instead, the change is reportedly the result of Seacrest improving his diet and becoming more committed to his workout routine without slacking off.

“Ryan has worked incredibly hard to look like this. The workouts, the diet, the fasting — he is extremely focused,” added the insider.

Ryan Seacrest Loves His New Look Despite Concerns From Fans

Renewed attention on Seacrest comes after his appearance at the UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation’s Taste For A Cure event, and many quickly took to social media to criticize the slimmer look they saw in photos that made their way to the internet.

But according to the source, Seacrest isn’t going to let the criticism from outsiders change how he feels about his new look, regardless of whatever they say.

“Ryan thinks he looks great,” said the source. “He feels healthier, more confident, and more in control than ever before. He truly could not be happier.”

Even more, Seacrest feels he has worked extremely hard to reach this point and intends to continue showing off the results as much as he can.

“For Ryan, this is personal,” another source says. “He worked hard for this body and this look — and he’s proud of it.”

The Media Personality Has Shared Videos Of Himself Working Out

Proof that Ryan Seacrest is not letting criticism about his appearance affect him can seemingly be seen in how openly he continues to share workout content online.

One such video dates back to November 2025, when he took to Instagram to post a clip of himself doing seated bicep curls.

In the video, his bulging biceps were on full display beneath a navy blue T-shirt, while his dark-colored gym shorts also highlighted what appeared to be noticeably toned legs.

In the caption, the media personality appeared to joke about the attention surrounding his sculpted physique, writing, “The trick is to wear a T-shirt two sizes too small.”

Ryan Seacrest Said He Was Doing ‘Everything’ He Could To ‘Feel Like I’m Not 50’

As for Seacrest’s workout routine, the TV show host had previously hinted at it during an interview with Entertainment Tonight in 2024.

“I’m doing everything I can to feel like I’m not 50,” he told his host, adding, “lots of muscle recovery, cold plunging, and steaming.”

Seacrest went further to admit that he was doing his best to feel young again, especially with his workout, seemingly stressing that he was going the natural route to stay youthful and healthy.

“Anything I can do to make myself feel 29 again,” he joked at the time.

Ryan Seacrest Recently Revealed He Takes Potential Partners Out For A ‘Little Exercise’

Seacrest’s love for fitness even extends to how he goes about picking a partner.

“I take everybody out for a little exercise. It’s a test,” Seacrest said last month during an episode of his “On Air With Ryan Seacrest,” per Page Six.

At the time, he also listed other dating red flags, including having a loud alarm that just “ruins your day from the beginning.”

“It’s got to be a chimey thing. Like a pleasant, not a hardcore alarm. Chimes. Green flag,” Seacrest added.

He also would only prefer a partner who “can get ready in less than 27 minutes” whenever they have outing plans.

“Cause not 30. It’s not 25. 27. Green flag. If you’re over an hour, and I have been there over an hour. What are you doing?” he said.