By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 16 seconds ago

When you love anime, one of the hardest things is sharing your passion with other people. Sure, you can hop online to dish about your favorite shows with fellow fans, but it can be hard to get the normies in your life (friends or family) to give an animated show a chance. Because of this, I often try to compare my favorite shows to their favorite movies; “if you liked X, you’ll love Y,” and so on. It’s an effective strategy, and it helped me get a couple of friends to check out a killer show once I compared it to their favorite film.

2023’s Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead is more or less perfect for anyone who loved Zombieland. Like that film, the show follows a young man whose life was disrupted by a zombie apocalypse, but he tries to have fun and make the most of this brave new world. In this case, anime protagonist Akira has a titular bucket list of things he’d like to do before he dies, and thanks to the zombies, he no longer works at his dead-end job. That’s right, kids: in addition to appealing to Zombieland fans, Zom 100 (now streaming on Netflix) is perfect for anyone who’d rather be eaten than clock in on Monday.

The First Day Of The Rest Of Your Life

The premise of Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead will most certainly resonate with fans of Gen X movies like Fight Club and Office Space. Like the protagonists in those films, young Akira Tendo works at a dead-end job that he hates, and he worries that the rest of his life will be nothing but bleak 9-5 days working for people he despises. When a zombie apocalypse hits Tokyo, he decides to start working on his bucket list before he joins the walking dead. Linking up with several unexpected allies, he embarks on a bizarre quest to get the most out of life while everything around him is falling apart.

For me, the plot of Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead is great because it mashes together two insanely different genres: the tired “zombie invasion” genre and the wired “workplace satire” genre. We’ve had countless movies and shows where characters are left without a purpose once the dead start coming back to life, and we’ve had countless movies and shows where characters are left without a purpose once they attain a stable-but-soul-crushing job. To the best of my knowledge, though, Zom 100 is the only media where a character hates his job so much that he welcomes a zombie uprising as a chance to finally enjoy life. 

I Was Born A Shambling Man

Trust me: if you’ve ever had a job so bad that you’d rather die than work another day, you’ll vibe with Akira. Plus, his particular strain of optimism is weirdly infectious, and it contributes to the delightfully bizarre tone of the show. Instead of leaning into dreary survivalism a la The Walking Dead or stark horror a la Dawn of the Dead, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead leans into hopeful characters and weird comedy. This is basically a “wacky road trip with the boys” style show that just happens to take place during an undead apocalypse. 

The relentless optimism and weirdly effervescent joy of the show also influence the aesthetics of the show. You know how most zombie shows and films portray the world as a grey blur of dystopian decay? In Zom 100, the characters and setting are surprisingly colorful, with neon colors as bright as Akira’s optimism. There are scares and violence, of course, but even fight scenes are colorful and stylized (especially once blood starts spraying). This, along with the big personalities of Akira’s crew (wannabe comedian Kencho is particularly hilarious), makes this the prettiest and downright happiest show about the end of the world.

The End Of The World Has Never Been So Pretty

For all of its humor and wacky cheer, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead also brings moments of painful and poignant sincerity. Personally, I thought these moments hit that much harder because they were (especially after the show’s more saccharine shenanigans) so unexpected. It’s a difficult trick to pull off, but Zom 100 finds the perfect sticky/sweet balance, especially when Akira and other characters get philosophical about what they want from life. After watching these characters find purpose and embrace joy amid all the chaos, you might start wondering who’s the real zombie the next time you clock in, convinced that a paycheck equals a purpose.

Obviously, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead isn’t a perfect anime. Sometimes, the tonal shifts between laugh-out-loud comedy and cry-along drama are a bit sudden, and because of this and other factors, the pacing is sometimes off. On balance, though, it delivers a remarkably high ratio of great episodes to bad episodes. Plus, there are only 12 episodes, so you can knock this show out over the weekend. That’s great if you’re someone who is intimidated by shows with an endless amount of episodes (looking at you, One Piece!). Short, sweet, and utterly hilarious, Zom 100 is definitely worth your time.

The End Of The World Will Be Televised

It’s an open secret that the zombie genre is usually just as tired and rotten as its decaying villains. But every now and then, a new movie or show comes along that (ironically enough) breathes new life into this shambling genre. Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, like Zombieland before it, is filled with colorful characters who refuse to let the end of civilization keep them from having a good time. If you want to have a good time, you don’t have to break out your own bucket list: all you have to do is grab the remote and watch the quirkiest undead anime ever made, now streaming on Netflix.

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead Score

Keith Urban may have walked the ACM Awards red carpet alone, but fans quickly noticed he still carried reminders of Nicole Kidman everywhere he went. 

The country superstar sparked fresh conversation about his fractured family dynamic after appearing to subtly spotlight tattoos connected to his ex-wife while posing for photographers in Las Vegas. 

The emotional display came as rumors surrounding tensions between Urban, Kidman, and their daughters continue to intensify following reports of a growing divide within the family.

Keith Urban’s solo appearance at the ACM Awards instantly got people talking. While the singer looked relaxed inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, many fans focused less on his outfit and more on the tattoos he intentionally kept visible throughout the night.

According to a report from the Daily Mail, Urban rolled up the sleeves of his grey blazer while posing on the carpet, revealing multiple pieces of ink tied to his ex wife and their nearly 20-year relationship.

Among the most noticeable was the word “Mary” tattooed across his fingers, a tribute to Kidman’s middle name. 

He also displayed symbolic wrist tattoos alongside his large phoenix design, which has long represented rebirth and resilience in his personal life.

Observers noted that Urban repeatedly crossed his arms in ways that kept the tattoos front and center for cameras, leading many to speculate the moment carried a deeper emotional meaning amid ongoing family tension.

Urban’s Family Rift Rumors Continue To Grow

Keith Urban’s appearance comes months after reports surfaced surrounding the collapse of his marriage to Nicole Kidman late last year.

While neither side has publicly addressed the speculation in detail, rumors about strain within the family have continued escalating.

Earlier this month, the “Aquaman” actress attended the 2026 Met Gala with her 17-year-old daughter Sunday Rose, in what many interpreted as a united public statement.

Kidman stunned in a red sequined Chanel gown while Sunday wore a strapless blush Dior dress as the pair posed affectionately together throughout the night.

The glamorous appearance came shortly after reports claimed the teenager had unfollowed her father on Instagram, fueling talk of growing distance between Urban and his daughters.

Sources also alleged that Sunday and younger sister Faith Margaret, have been unwilling to connect with Urban’s rumored new partner, country singer Karley Scott Collins.

While none of the family members have publicly addressed the claims, sources close to the situation insist nobody is changing their stance on their thoughts about the singer’s new rumored relationship.

Keith Urban’s Daughters Are Reportedly Standing By Kidman

Amid the drama, insiders claim Urban’s daughters are focusing their energy entirely on supporting their mother during the difficult transition.

Celebrity reporter Rob Shuter reported that Sunday and Faith are “refusing to meet Urban’s new girlfriend” because they feel protective of Kidman.

According to the reporter, a family source explained, “The girls are really focused on mum right now. They’re adjusting to all the changes, and it’s natural they want to protect their space.”

Another insider also revealed the “Blue Ain’t Your Color” singer was attempting to carefully navigate the emotional situation while respecting his daughters’ feelings. 

“He wants them to be comfortable, but the girls’ priority is their mum and their own well-being,” the source claimed.

Urban Is Throwing Himself Into Music Amid The Drama

As speculation surrounding his personal life grows louder, Keith Urban is reportedly focusing heavily on his career. 

Sources claim the 58-year-old has been spending much of his time in Nashville working on new music while also renovating a studio on Music Row.

According to insiders, the project has become a major outlet for him amid the emotional turmoil. 

Reports have also suggested Urban’s next album may lean heavily into breakup themes, adding even more intrigue to the current situation.

The singer has often used music to process difficult periods in his life, and many fans now believe his upcoming work, set to be released on June 12, 2026, could offer clues about the emotional state he is currently navigating.

Keith Urban Faces ‘Ultimate Disrespect’ Amid Tension With Daughters

Recently, Urban reportedly struggled with what insiders called the “ultimate disrespect.” 

According to The Blast, sources claimed the icon was deeply hurt after Nicole Kidman attended the 2026 Met Gala with their daughter, Sunday Rose, in what insiders described as a public display of loyalty toward her mother. 

One source alleged, “They’re icing him out,” adding that Urban felt “disrespected and cast aside by his own daughters.”  

Another insider claimed the Met Gala appearance felt like “a message” about “who she’s chosen,” while Urban was said to be privately dealing with “FOMO” over missing the milestone moment.  

Reports also suggested rumors linking Urban to younger women after the split created additional friction with his daughters, although the alleged romances were publicly denied. 

Despite the drama, insiders insist the father of two is trying to avoid escalating tensions and remains focused on maintaining his relationship with his children moving forward. 

By Douglas Helm
| Published 30 seconds ago

There are quite a few action movies that could be considered the “greatest action movie of all time,” and Die Hard is always in the conversation. The classic 1988 film is Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman at their best, and it’s a highly entertaining thrill ride throughout.

If you somehow have missed out on this one, or if you want a rewatch, now may be your last chance to stream it. The movie’s been available on budget streaming platforms like Philo for a while, but it’s leaving in less than two weeks. Once it’s gone, you’ll be forced to pay video-on-demand fees to rent it on Amazon if you want to watch.

Die Hard is directed by John McTiernan from a script by Jeb Stuart and Steven E de Souza based on the Roderick Thorp novel Nothing Lasts Forever. It features a cast that includes a young Bruce Willis alongside Alan Rickman, Alexander Godunov, and Bonnie Bedelia, as well as Reginald VelJohnson, William Atherton, Paul Gleason, and Hart Bochner. The film follows NYC police detective John McClane, who gets caught in an LA skyscraper being taken over by terrorists during a holiday party.

McClane is the quintessential everyman hero, and his scrappy battle to stop the terrorists and save the hostages makes for the perfect action film. Bruce Willis gives a great performance in every scene, and Rickman’s charismatic Hans Gruber is the perfect antagonist. Almost everything has been said about Die Hard, and it’s an easy recommendation for anyone who appreciates a well-directed, well-acted, and well-paced action flick.

Stallone And Schwarzenegger Turned Die Hard Down

Funnily enough, no one expected Die Hard to be such an iconic hit upon its release. First, both Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone turned down the role of McClane, leading Willis to be offered the role despite being mostly known for TV work. However, he was paid a hefty sum of $5 million, leading to controversy as the film was painted as a bad investment.

Critics Didn’t Get It At First

Leading up to the release of Die Hard, Bruce Willis was largely absent from marketing materials. When the film hit theaters, the reviews were pretty mixed, so it was far from the critically acclaimed film it’s known as today. However, the film overcame these obstacles at the box office, grossing an impressive $140 million and earning four Academy Award nominations.

Of course, we now know that Die Hard is a cinematic treasure and one of the undisputed action movies of all time (along with one of the best Christmas movies, depending on who you ask). It defied expectations and showed that action heroes don’t have to be invincible shining paragons of oiled muscle. It also spawned a ton of sequels that never captured the magic of the original.

In a far cry from the original thoughts critics and industry pros had of Die Hard upon its release, in 2017 the United States Library of Congress deemed the film worthy of being preserved in the National Film Registry. Its preservation and its place in action movie history is well earned, and a film that will forever be one of the peaks of Bruce Willis’ illustrious acting career.

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 32 seconds ago

When my students learn that I’m an entertainment writer, they always want to talk about their favorite movies and TV shows. Earlier this year, I talked to a student who had recently seen Scream 7 and was eager to know what score I gave it in my review. When I told him three stars, he asked, with perfect comic timing, “out of five?!?” I had to explain to him that I grade movies the same way I grade research papers. While a three-star review might not sound so bad, it translates to a 60, meaning that I thought the movie barely got a passing grade.

I was thinking about my method of scoring movies while rewatching 2013’s Star Trek Into Darkness (now streaming for free on Tubi). As a remake of The Wrath of Khan, it’s absolutely awful, and as a sequel to 2009’s Star Trek, it’s not much better because it retreads the lazy “supervillain with a nearly-unstoppable ship” gimmick. But if you examine the movie on its own quirky merits, you’ll find a surprising amount to love. Now that Paramount has finally killed the Kelvinverse in favor of boldly going in a new direction, it’s the perfect time to revisit a sequel that is far better than you probably remember. 

Ripping Off The Band-Aid

Before I get into what Star Trek Into Darkness did right, let’s dive into what you’ve probably been screaming at me about for the last minute or so: what it did wrong. First, reusing Khan as a villain was just wildly lazy, forcing audiences to compare this movie to The Wrath of Khan. Into Darkness suffers from this comparison in a big way. It’s also awkward to replace Ricardo Montalban with lily-white Benedict Cumberbatch. Not only is the race-swapping offensive on the face of it, but the big reveal that this is Khan means nothing to the characters, who had never even met the guy in this universe before.

Like Star Trek (2009), Into Darkness focuses too much on action and not enough on exploring strange new worlds. It relies on some major plot contrivances, like the universe-breaking revelation that Khan’s blood can bring people back to life. Speaking of Khan, the whole plot about his people secretly being put inside proton torpedo tubes never made any sense. The plot in general is fairly slipshod, and the fact that the climax involves the man who shuns emotions screaming and beating someone is downright embarrassing.

Now, stand down from red alert, haters, and we can dive into your favorite subject: why this Star Trek sequel is much better than you remember.

The Killer Cast

Call me a fanboy if you must, but I feel like the Kelvinverse Star Trek films were perfectly cast. Instead of going for physical resemblance, the casting director found talents who matched the vibe of The Original Series actors. Chris Pine oozes with the cocky self-assurance of William Shatner’s Kirk, while Zachary Quinto channels the broody intensity of Leonard Nimoy’s Spock. Karl Urban, meanwhile, practically disappears into the role of Dr. McCoy, echoing the performance of DeForest Kelley so weird that it’s almost creepy. In Into Darkness, everyone is more charismatic than ever, and watching these highly skilled officers do their thing is chicken soup for the sci-fi lover’s soul.

The Kelvinverse movies weren’t perfect, and Into Darkness may be particularly flawed. But these movies expertly matched energy with the TV shows that had come before, casting actors who perfectly bounced off each other’s manic energy and gelled as a believable crew. Again, that easygoing chemistry is even more present in Into Darkness than Star Trek. Character relationships (especially between Kirk and Spock) are deeper, and explosive personalities have (fittingly enough) been cooled down by the vacuum of space. Basically, if you watch the franchise to see hyper-capable geniuses tackle impossible problems, you’ll love how Star Trek Into Darkness plays out. 

Lore And World-Building

One of the most interesting parts of Star Trek Into Darkness is how it builds off existing lore while doing some truly wild worldbuilding. For example, the film merges together some very beloved lore (about Khan and his people surviving into the future in stasis pods) with some very hated lore (Section 31 being a rogue, amoral agency at the heart of Starfleet). In this changed timeline, Section 31 finds and weaponizes Khan and his genetically augmented army. Now, how they go about this is almost mind-bogglingly dumb, but seeing Section 31 use Khan is like watching a “What If” Deep Space Nine episode. 

It’s also interesting that Carol Marcus’ dad worked for Section 31. Does this mean that in the prime universe, David Marcus’ grandfather is a secret Starfleet war criminal? Additionally, it’s kind of fascinating to think about the sheer number of resources and other assets that have been diverted so that Admiral Marcus could build a killer dreadnaught on the down low. Is it a permanent side effect of Nero’s multiple attacks on Starfleet that this organization has become paranoid and warlike? Maybe, maybe not. Either way, if you like to ponder weird Star Trek lore, Into Darkness is likely to give your brain a tingle.

The Action’s Pretty Solid

Many critics of Star Trek Into Darkness have dismissed it as a dumb action movie. Now, is it dumb? Of course. And is it an action movie? Sure. But what doesn’t get enough attention is that the action in this movie is done surprisingly well. For example, the early scenes of Kirk violating the Prime Directive are pretty silly, but the frenzied action feels like a pleasant crossover between Star Trek and Indiana Jones. Later, scenes of Khan’s terrifyingly efficient fighting help underscore how he once terrified the entire Earth. Arguably, he (and, by extension, his Augments) have never been scarier.

The space suit scene is full of thrills, and watching Kirk narrowly make it aboard the other ship always gives me chills. The fight between the USS Enterprise and the much larger USS Vengeance will keep you on the edge of your seat, all while pushing our crew to the limits. Plus, from MacGyver-ing up some IEDs to going full action hero ‘roid rage, the Spock of this movie is unlike any version we have seen before or since. The action is breathless and unpredictable. For better or for worse, you never know what this movie will do from scene to scene, and there’s a certain lunatic thrill in following a plot just daring you to piece it together.

Stream Me Up, Scotty

Have I convinced you that it’s time to give Star Trek Into Darkness another shot? Or maybe you want to hate-watch the whole thing again so you can tear me a new one in the comments? Either way, you’re in luck. Star Trek’s most hated sequel is now streaming for free on Tubi. If nothing else, it’s worth watching this movie as a genre version of Celebrity Death Match: “Who will win in a fight between Captain Kirk, Sherlock Holmes, and RoboCop?” You’ll have to watch to find out!

A stupid, guilty pleasure? Absolutely. But is it dumb fun from beginning to end? That’s a Texas-sized 10-4, space buddy!

I know the feeling of opening your closet and thinking you have nothing to wear all too well. You seemingly have all of the right pieces, but curating a chic outfit just seems out of reach. That’s why I turn to one-and-done silhouettes that take the guesswork out of getting ready, like the Lauren Ralph Lauren Shirtdress, which recently dropped at Nordstrom.

This summer-ready pleated dress comes in a deep denim wash, combining refined tailoring, short sleeves and a fit-and-flare silhouette for a show-stopping ensemble. Further details like a front button closure, polished collar and midi length make it all you need for a seamless look.

Get the Lauren Ralph Lauren Denim Shirtdress for $225 at Nordstrom! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

This Lauren Ralph Lauren find isn’t only foolproof, but it’s comfortable. The billowy skirt offers movement, while the 100% cotton construction stays cool against the skin. So, go ahead and wear it to a barbecue and farmers market alike, without fear of feeling restricted or too stuffy.

Still, it’s not just relaxed and easy — it’s also flattering. The pleated waist offers a corseted look, cinching the figure to create an hourglass shape. The intentional drape additionally creates a trick of the eye, elongating the silhouette.

Perhaps most impressive is that this streamlined dress is timeless. It’s sure to live in your closet for years to come, seamlessly transcending occasions and trends. So, while it may be a bit more on the pricier side, it’s a worthy investment.

Shop Nordstrom’s most popular new arrival before everyone else does. The Lauren Ralph Lauren dress is sure to go fast, so add it to your cart before it’s too late.

Get the Lauren Ralph Lauren Denim Shirtdress for $225 at Nordstrom! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more shirtdresses here and don’t forget to check out all of Nordstrom’s new arrivals for more great finds!