Entertainment
10 Greatest High Fantasy Movies of the 21st Century
The world of fantasy has served as a brilliant means of escapism for audiences. These movies provide a chance to visit vast new worlds as the greatest of heroes rescue the land from cataclysmic events. The subgenre of high fantasy has been the source of so many of the most iconic films under the broader fantasy umbrella. High fantasy is often described as a story set in a secondary world rather than our own, with an epic scope. Filled with elaborate magic and myth, a high fantasy adventure tends to follow a hero’s journey alongside a sprawling cast of characters.
The 21st century has not been short on epic high fantasy masterpieces. From a journey to Middle-earth to a musical in the magical land of Oz, the stories we’ve watched on the big screen have emerged as great, solidifying the genre’s beloved status. The films on this list represent a range of styles, stories, and characters, both original and pulled from iconic source material. What they all have in common is that the scale of storytelling is masterful.
10
‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ (2023)
Dungeons & Dragons remains one of the greatest tabletop role-playing games of all time. Its allure is the ability to dream up fantasy worlds with extraordinary characters who embark on perilous journeys, and it’s a game meant for friends. Those elements were used to create the brilliant fantasy heist comedy Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, directed by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley. The story follows a charming bard, Edgin “Ed” Darvis (Chris Pine), and his merry band of misfits, including Holga Kilgore (Michelle Rodriguez), Simon Aumar (Justice Smith), and Doric (Sophia Lillis). Their quest involves an epic heist into the fortified vault of Forge Fitzwilliam (Hugh Grant), who has kidnapped his daughter, Kira (Chloe Coleman).
A loving tribute to the game that gave us the 20-sided die, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves captures the chaotic, humorous, and heartfelt adventures as if you’re playing the game with your ragtag team. It effortlessly balances high-stakes magical action with sharp comedy, creative monsters, and deep respect and care for the source material’s lore. It wholly embraces the kitchen sink approach, where magical elements are not only present, but they’re around every corner and just so happen to be an everyday occurrence. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is further proof that high fantasy doesn’t always need to be dramatic, balancing sheer spectacle, wonder, and whimsy. Perhaps the bar was set low, but the execution is near perfect.
9
‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ (2022)
Every so often, a side character pops up that just so happens to be as incredible as the protagonist. In Shrek 2, that came in the form of Puss in Boots. Voiced by the perfectly cast Antonio Banderas, the adorable kitty with an Inigo Montoya flair received his first film in 2011, but it wasn’t until the sequel, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, that he found his stride. Directed by Joel Crawford, the film follows the legendary feline as he realizes he has used up eight of his nine lives. In order to regain them, he journeys to find a magical Wishing Star, alongside Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek) and Perrito (Harvey Guilllén), as he confronts his fear of death, literally in the form of a shadowy wolf (Wagner Moura).
A kid-centric film with heart and morality that defied the sequel trend to deliver a perfect magical adventure, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish elevates the non-traditional fairy tale spin-off vibe by offering a deeply emotional, visually stunning exploration of mortality through an accessible lens. Though the themes may be dark and mature, they’re handled with care, and by making Death an unstoppable, quiet, and terrifying force, he becomes a truly menacing antagonist. Disney tends to have the all-star cast game on lock, but Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is filled to the brim with a brilliant voice cast. Among those featured are Florence Pugh, Olivia Colman, John Mulaney, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph.
8
‘The Green Knight’ (2021)
Perhaps the most underappreciated entry on this list is The Green Knight, written and directed by David Lowery. Sir Gawain (Dev Patel), King Arthur’s (Sean Harris) reckless nephew, accepts a challenge from a giant, supernatural Green Knight (Ralph Ineson). Gawain beheads him, obligating himself to travel to the distant Green Chapel in one year to receive an equal blow in return. The result is a coming-of-age journey that tests honor and courage while deconstructing the traditional hero’s journey.
The Green Knight is a visually stunning, haunting fantasy told like a dream. Though rooted in Arthurian legend, it strays from a historical mythic quest in which gods, giants, magic, and destiny shape the laws of nature, thus breaking the high fantasy mold and looking as much like an arthouse masterpiece as it does a fantasy epic. The Green Knight taps into Sir Gawain’s psychological mindset during his adventure; rather than presenting an immortal hero, it’s traded out for a deeply human exploration of fear, temptation, and the personal weight of honor.
7
‘Stardust’ (2007)
Based on Neil Gaiman‘s 1999 novel, Stardust follows a young man named Tristan (Charlie Cox), who, in a quest to win the affection of his village crush, Victoria (Sienna Miller), ventures into the magical fantasy realm of Stormhold to retrieve a fallen star. He soon learns that the star is actually a celestial woman named Yvaine (Claire Danes), whom he must protect from ruthless royal heirs and dark witches hunting her power.
Whimsically balancing romance with action-packed adventure through dark fairy-tale lore, Stardust infuses delightful humor into a timeless story, making for an emotionally resonant journey. Director Matthew Vaughn and co-writer Jane Goldman strike a balance between optimism and darker themes, all while poking fun at the genre’s clichés. A modern equivalent to The Princess Bride, Stardust thrives on the sensational chemistry between Tristan and Yvaine, as well as impeccable world-building. The story wouldn’t be the same without its eclectic menagerie of actors, including Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro, Peter O’Toole, Ricky Gervais, Rupert Everett, and Ian McKellen as the Narrator.
6
‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2010)
Based on a novel by Cressida Cowell, How to Train Your Dragon centers on Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), an awkward Viking teen who dreams of hunting dragons to win his village’s respect. Instead, he unexpectedly befriends a rare Night Fury he names Toothless (Randy Thom). Through their newfound bond, Hiccup must now educate his clan that dragons are actually misunderstood creatures.
A brilliant and universal coming-of-age adventure, How to Train Your Dragon is a heartfelt, thrilling narrative that unites families through a deep, mature emotional core centered on questioning traditions, overcoming prejudice, and finding your own path. Rather than falling into the pop-culture trap that some of its predecessors did, How to Train Your Dragon treats the mythical Isle of Berk as a fantastical place you want to visit. The forbidden friendship between Toothless and Hiccup is the heart of the story, feeding off of one another so well and launching a franchise in the process. The only hiccup, no pun intended, the film is trapped in is the Scottish accents in a predominantly Scandinavian Viking lore.
5
‘The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe’ (2005)
Children have been enamored with the magical worlds created by C.S. Lewis, but it wasn’t until Andrew Adamson‘s adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe that we were fully engulfed in the splendor of the page. The film follows four English siblings—Edmund (Skandar Keynes), Lucy (Georgie Henley), Peter (William Moseley), and Susan Pevensie (Anna Popplewell)—who are evacuated to a countryside estate during World War II. There, they discover a magical wardrobe that transports them to Narnia, a mystical world trapped in eternal winter by the evil White Witch (Tilda Swinton). Prophecy dictates the four Pevensie siblings will help the great lion Aslan (Liam Neeson) defeat the White Witch and restore peace to the land.
A simply wondrous tale that immerses viewers in a magical world, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is a timeless story about courage, loyalty, forgiveness, and sacrifice. Itliterally transports the characters and their audience into Narnia, where fantasies come to life. Between the rich world-building and the extraordinary characters, including Aslan, Mr. and Mrs. Beaver (Ray Winstone and Dawn French), and even Mr. Tumnus (James McAvoy), were brought to life as they came straight from the imagination. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is a sweeping epic of good and evil, with the latter personified by the electrifying chill of Swinton’s White Witch.
4
‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ (2006)
The 21st century has given us many visionary directors like Guillermo del Toro. One of his greatest achievements came in the early aughts with Pan’s Labyrinth. Set in 19444 Francoist Spain, the story follows Ofelia (Ivana Baquero), an imaginative 10-year-old girl who moves to a rural military outpost with her pregnant, ailing mother, Carmen (Ariadna Gil), to live with her stepfather, Captain Vidal (Sergi López), a cruel fascist army captain. As she escapes the horrors of war, she discovers a hidden labyrinth and meets a mythic faun (Doug Jones) who claims she is a legendary lost princess.
A film that unites a fantastical world with whimsical nightmares, Pan’s Labyrinth is a dangerous tale that showcases the dual worlds for a story about the loss of innocence, the nature of morality, and the power of imagination. Del Toro flawlessly contrasts the harsh realities of fascist Spain with a dark yet haunting fantasy world. Not only is it a brilliant juxtaposition, but the film is also layered with symbolism and allegory of how we use our imagination to survive the darkest times. Is magic a coping mechanism, or is it real? With its ambiguity, del Toro allows the audience to decide for themselves, making it a more personal adventure in the end.
3
‘Wicked’ (2024-2025)
For this entry, we will discuss the story in the context of both films: Wicked and Wicked: For Good. Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked lifts the Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman musical, which in turn is inspired by Gregory Maguire‘s novel. Serving as a prequel to L. Frank Baum‘s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the story tells the unlikely bond between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), a misunderstood, green-skinned outcast who goes on to be the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, and Galinda (Ariana Grande), a privileged, popular girl who goes on to become the infamous Glinda the Good.
Across both films, the stage play is fully realized. Chu’s eye for splendor is on full display, employing a rich, tangible set and practical effects to transport audiences straight to Oz. With grand set pieces and dazzling costumes, Wicked transforms the source material into something truly magical, remaining faithful to its stage iteration while elevating it to cinematic heights. A major reason for its success is the cast. Between the two leads and the likes of Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, and Ethan Slater, Wicked is done to perfection. Though the first film is far superior, Wicked is still the gold standard of how to bring a musical to the silver screen.
2
‘Spirited Away’ (2001)
It wasn’t until 2001’s Spirited Away that the mainstream truly grasped the brilliance of Studio Ghibli, and the animated world has never been the same since. In Hayao Miyazaki‘s magnum opus, Chihiro (Daveigh Chase/Rumi Hiiragi), a 10-year-old girl, inadvertently wanders into a magical spirit realm. When her parents are transformed into pigs by a witch, Chihiro must work in a magical bathhouse run by a sorceress named Yubaba (Suzanne Pleshette/Mari Natsuki) to free them and find her way home.
For starters, the animation style is next to perfect. Through hand-drawn animation, Miyazaki’s story is fluid and seamless, drawing viewers along with Chihiro on her journey. From there, there is fantastic world-building and character creation, including the likes of the dragon Haku (Jason Marsden/Miyu Irino) and No-Face (Bob Bergen/Akio Nakamura). A quintessential millennial film, Spirited Away is more than just an important coming-of-age story; it’s a reminder of the importance of identity and the power of memory. Winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, Spirited Away is an animated game-changer.
1
‘The Lord of the Rings’ Trilogy (2001-2003)
There are no other high fantasy films of this century that are more highly regarded than Peter Jackson‘s profoundly epic The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Bringing J. R. R. Tolkien‘s novels to life, The Lord of the Rings tells the tale of Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) as he embarks on a perilous quest to destroy the One Ring, an ancient artifact of ultimate evil. To save Middle-earth from the Dark Lord Sauron, Frodo and his diverse fellowship must travel to Mount Doom, the only place where the ring can be undone.
The trilogy combines a timeless, emotionally resonant story of hope with groundbreaking filmmaking to create a large-scale spectacle in an immersive fantasy world. Filming all three films back-to-back, the continuity is not just present; it’s essential to Jackson’s seamless storytelling. Through perfectly casting a giant ensemble and the perfect filming location of New Zealand, The Lord of the Rings becomes a genuine, tangible experience that never feels daunting. Though it’s a long experience, there’s a reason why devoted fans binge the series as a trilogy. Establishing a blueprint for epic storytelling, craftsmanship, and adaptation, The Lord of the Rings served as a cinematic game-changer, remaining one of the most essentialfranchises of all time.
Entertainment
Deleted Scene Transforms Worst Star Wars Movie Into A Dark Comedy
By Chris Snellgrove
| Published

You know how Jabba the Hutt periodically punishes people by throwing them into the Sarlacc Pit? This method of execution is evidence of just how sadistic this crime lord really is. He doesn’t want to give anyone a quick death via blaster or via those cool Gamorrean axes. No, he wants those he punishes to languish in isolation, fear, and general misery, all of which makes every moment until death that much more excruciatingly painful. Well, I’ve never been executed by Jabba the Hutt, but I do have a lot of experience hanging out in a place defined by isolation, fear, and misery: it’s X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
Most of my time on X is hellish for all the reasons you’d expect: monetized rage dominates your feed, while boring bluechecks pay each month to ensure we all have to see their room-temperature-IQ tweets. Every now and then, though, you find something on X that makes all the suffering worth it. For example, I learned the other day that the worst Star Wars movie almost became a black comedy because George Lucas wanted a Phantom Menace podracer’s entire family to get a dramatic introduction, just to make it weirder when he blows up!
George Lucas Is Crazier Than You Ever Imagined
When The Phantom Menace came out, some old-school Star Wars fans were annoyed by a gentle retcon to the lore. In A New Hope, Obi-Wan Kenobi insists that Anakin Skywalker was already an amazing pilot when they first met. But in TPM, we see that the closest thing to a starfighter that Anakin has piloted thus far is a podracer. Later, he finally does fly a starship, but it’s tough to see him as a great pilot in these scenes because the movie goes out of its way to confirm that Anakin is mostly just barking orders at R2-D2 and mashing random buttons like your little brother trying to play Street Fighter II.
However, in fairness to Star Wars creator and Phantom Menace director George Lucas, the podracing scenes were probably the second coolest thing about this first prequel (first place obviously goes to the big lightsaber duel at the end). Anakin seems that much more impressive once you see how dangerous podracing is; after all, we see one podracer, Ratts Tyerell, die a fiery death after he accidentally crashes into a wall. In the final cut of the film, this death isn’t played for laughs. But in a downright demented deleted scene, Lucas had his entire family watch him die after the announcer wished them luck!
Dying While Your Whole Family Watches

Okay, let’s be real: when I say that Ratts Tyerell’s family watched him die, what are you envisioning? Some doting parents, maybe a single, supporting family? No, my friend, it’s so much worse. His wife is there, his two older kids, and even his newborn baby! How do we know it’s a newborn? The weird, two-headed announcer specifies that she came straight from the hospital to watch her husband race. She and the kids look at Ratts with mixed hope and worry as he speeds off to what would ultimately be his final podrace. This makes his death darkly amusing while making Ratts one of the best Glup Sh*ttos in Star Wars history.
In case you don’t know, “Glup Sh*tto” is a term for obscure characters that only hardcore Star Wars fans care about. These characters usually have tons of bizarre lore, and Ratts Tyerell is no exception: in the books, we find out that his son, Deland Tyerell, was so traumatized by his father’s death that he created the Ratts Tyerell Foundation. This organization’s sole purpose was to expose how dangerous and often illegal podracing was. His efforts were successful, and podracing was ultimately banned from the Core Worlds. This likely increased galactic interest in starship racing, which would have benefited Han Solo: canonically, he became a successful starship racer after Return of the Jedi.
An Explosive Star Wars Death

Weirdly enough, the creation of Ratts Tyerell and the decision to have his whole family (including three kids!) watch him die has made me respect George Lucas even more. In the middle of writing an epic trilogy that would straddle two millennia and change sci-fi forever, he still found the time to give a meaningless character the darkest, funniest death in the entire franchise. You know that weird noise Ratts makes right before he dies, the one you can’t stop laughing at? That was the earnest, painful cry of a man who would never even get to cradle his newborn child in his arms. Not so funny now, is it, you monster?!
(Psst. Just kidding. Ratts Tyerell dying while his whole family watches is funny as hell and should have been in the final film!)
Entertainment
Remembering That Time An Ewok Humped A Man’s Leg On Live Television
By Chris Snellgrove
| Published

There are few alien creatures in Star Wars that fans hate more than the Ewoks. Some despise these little dudes because such happy-go-lucky care bears seem out of place in Return of the Jedi, the climactic final act of a very serious film trilogy. Others look down on Ewoks because they represent George Lucas’ pretty blatant shift from storyteller to toy salesman. Some of the more hardcore fans, meanwhile, resent the Ewoks because they took the place of fearsome Wookies that were written into previous versions of the script.
Admittedly, the Ewoks are annoying in Return of the Jedi: they’re just so cute and so weirdly stupid that it’s mind-boggling to think they could, Viet Cong style, overcome the best of the Empire’s highly-trained, highly-armed Stormtroopers. However, outside of that movie, the Ewoks can be pretty funny, especially when they engage in very weird, very public displays of horniness. Don’t believe it? Then it’s time to travel back to a long, long time ago, to a special Halloween episode of the Today Show in which a drunken Ewok kept humping Al Roker’s leg on live television!
Meet The Galaxy’s Horniest Ewok
If you don’t usually watch the Today Show, I don’t blame you. Most of the time, the show is all about vapid people exchanging empty smiles while they discuss even emptier topics, all to avoid offending their target demographic: elderly people who have become one with the couch. Every now and then, though, this aging talk show delivers us a moment of off-kilter brilliance. That’s exactly what happened in 2009, when the Today Show aired a Halloween special that was all about Star Wars. We get to see Al Roker dressed as Han Solo, which would honestly be reason enough to watch this surreal clip from a bygone era.
This whole segment was lighthearted, which is likely why producers included a couple of Ewoks. The Ewoks were hilariously out of character, acting a bit more like Gremlins as the hosts demonstrated how to get the decorations and wine just right for a Halloween party. Things get even weirder when one of the Ewoks approaches a host, only to be told, “down, boy, down! Down. Sit, sit! Good dog.” While you are still reeling from the weird space racism, something wild happens: the chastised Ewok tries to run away with a martini while the other one apparently starts groping one of the hosts. “What’s he doing behind me?” she cries, before noting “they’re awfully frisky.”
When He Can’t Stop Establishing Dominance

Believe it or not, all of that weirdness was just an appetizer leading to the main course. The brown Ewok who had been seemingly grabbing butts earlier starts demonstrating his moonwalking skills to a delighted Al Roker. When Roker points out his moves, the Ewok one-ups things by doing the freaking stanky leg. He continues dancing as he shuffles towards the man and, without warning, starts dry-humping Roker’s leg! After the critter backs off, a chuckling Roker can only say, “I feel so dirty.”
Insanely enough, the brown Ewok wasn’t done making everything as perverted as possible. He gets down on the floor and begins doing push-ups. When a guest points out the creature’s calisthenics, he stops doing push-ups and starts passionately humping the straw-covered floor. This is the final “straw” for Roker, who jokes that his guests from Better Homes and Gardens must be excited to witness all this before he cuts to a commercial.

Honestly, this is probably my favorite Star Wars media of the last 20 years. Everything just gets stranger as the clip goes on, and it’s amazing to see the Ewoks as we’ve never seen them before: drunk, handsy, and obscenely horny. It’s very obvious that Al Roker was expecting none of this, and it’s hard to stop laughing while he gets molested by the most hated alien in all of Star Wars, all on live television. However, I can’t help but question the Today Show hosts’ knowledge of this galaxy far, far away. Roker shouldn’t have been so impressed by moonwalking. After all, on the forest moon of Endor, all walking is moonwalking!
Entertainment
The Rock Claps Back After Being Criticized for Shampoo Sales
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is seeing the funny side after an influencer was left scratching her head over the star’s latest product endorsement.
Taking to TikTok on Tuesday, June 2, influencer Katy Napier (@happyyellowco) shared a video of herself coming across the Jumanji actor’s personal care brand Papatui.
In the footage, which subsequently went viral with more than five million likes, Napier showed the products as well as an ad of Johnson, 54, which featured his bald head.
“Don’t give up on your dreams,” Napier said in the clip. “The Rock is selling shampoo and conditioner, and he’s bald.”
Text overlaying the video doubled down on the sentiment. It read, “Go for it.”
Two days later, Johnson humorously clapped back with a video response posted via his social media accounts.
Johnson stitched Napier’s video with a clip of himself wearing his long locks in character as Maui for the live-action Moana movie.
“Ok this made me belly laugh.. HARD 😂😂😂 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 🤜🏾🤛🏻,” Johnson captioned the post. “And hey, sometimes a Demigod’s radiant and ravishing hair needs shampoo/conditioner 😜🪝 You’re Welcooooome 🎶Love ~ Maui 🪝”
Proving there are no hard feelings, Johnson added, “Ps ~ I got a little gift coming your way, @happyyellowco 😉🥂.”
@happyyellowco Dream big. #therock #dwaynejohnson #bald #shampoo #dreambig
It’s not the first time Johnson’s Papatui brand has raised eyebrows with shoppers.
When the brand launched in March 2024, some people made similar jokes about buying shampoo and conditioner promoted by a bald man.
“Boy, this man has no business in the shampoo department,” one puzzled TikTok user joked at the time, while another quipped, “I’m not gonna buy shampoo from a hairless man!”
Speaking to GQ, Johnson revealed that he decided to launch the personal care brand after years of being asked about his skincare routine.
“The interaction is always the same when it comes to [asking about my skin routine],” Johnson told the outlet at the time. “They start looking around like, ‘Hey, can I ask you: What do you do?’ I wanted to get guys in the space of being comfortable owning our skin care and our self-care because we like to think — we try our best, by the way — to own all these other areas.”
He added, “I’m certainly no expert, but I’ve been lucky enough to have access to some of the best.”
The former WWE wrestler has also never been one to shy away from joking about his lack of hair.
In April 2017, Johnson joked via X, “I’m not bald because I went bald. I’m bald because my hair is a cross between an afro and hair from a Lama’s ball sac.”
Entertainment
35 Years Later, This Horror Masterpiece Gets a Second Chance on Streaming
It’s a wonderful time to be a horror movie fan. Last weekend at the box office, despite it only being the second theatrical weekend for Pedro Pascal‘s The Mandalorian and Grogu, the latest Star Wars movie was beaten by two fresh new horror stories, both from the minds of YouTube stars. In second place on the domestic charts with a $27 million haul was Curry Barker‘s viral domestic horror Obsession, which boasts a breakout performance from Inde Navarrette.
In first place with an opening weekend return that broke several records was A24’s Backrooms, led by Renate Reinsve and Chiwetel Ejiofor, which has catapulted the name Kane Parsons into superstardom. Now the youngest director to hold the #1 spot at the North American box office, it’s clear that horror films have perhaps never been more popular. This isn’t only true for fresh ideas, as the horror phenomenon of today is helping propel some of the genre’s classics into the streaming charts, including a film that broke an impressive record itself.
The film in question is The Silence of the Lambs, Jonathan Demme’s adaptation of Thomas Harris’ novel that holds a huge Academy record. 35 years since it first debuted, The Silence of the Lambs is still the only horror movie to ever win the Best Picture prize. It is also one of only three movies in the history of the Oscars to sweep the “Big Five” categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Featuring genre-defining performances from Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins, The Silence of the Lambs is a must-watch for any fan of the genre. Right now, the movie is one of the ten most-streamed on Tubi in the U.S.
‘The Silence of the Lambs’ Was Also a Major Box Office Hit
Similar to the projected success of Backrooms, The Silence of the Lambs was a major horror hit at the box office. Against a reported budget of just $20 million, the film earned an eye-watering $275 million worldwide, split between a domestic haul of $130 million and a further $145 million from overseas markets. The movie opened at #1 in the U.S. in early 1991, lasting a month at the top spot until the release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze.
The Silence of the Lambs is one of the most-watched movies on Tubi. Stay tuned to Collider for more streaming stories.
- Release Date
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February 14, 1991
- Runtime
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119 minutes
- Director
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Jonathan Demme
- Writers
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Ted Tally, Thomas Harris
- Producers
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Edward Saxon, Kenneth Utt
Entertainment
Kroy Biermann Allegedly Brought NSFW Model on Trip With Kids
Kim Zolciak’s estranged husband, Kroy Biermann, allegedly dated a model who appears to have been in close proximity with the couple’s children.
According to court documents obtained by Us Weekly on Thursday, June 4, Biermann, 40, invited the woman on a family trip to Florida earlier this year.
“Over Spring Break 2026, [redacted] was invited to Panama City Beach with KJ. His dad planned to take his children, plus Kroy and I discussed, via text, the sleeping arrangement and additional logistics of the trip,” a letter written from the mother of a girlfriend of one of Zolciak, 48, and Biermann’s sons claimed. “I did not find out until after the trip that Kroy’s girlfriend also went. This is a concern due to the apparent poor influence of his girlfriend. Although many of her sexual content has been removed from the internet recently, I did see the photos before their removal. This woman is not someone who should be around teenage kids or giving any advice on their behavior.”
In the letter, which was first reported by TMZ, the unidentified individual wrote, “My daughter knows that she is not allowed to be around the girlfriend for extended time. I would assume Kroy would feel the same way about me taking one of his children on a trip with my family, if I had an OnlyFans male model as my guest.”
Us Weekly has reached out to Biermann’s attorney for comment. It’s unclear if Biermann has engaged in any relationships with individuals associated with OnlyFans or if this was a generic example provided.
The author of the letter also expressed why she wanted to write something to the court-appointed guardian who makes custody recommendations in Zolciak and Biermann’s divorce.
“The purpose of this letter is not to support the Biermann children being removed from the care of either parent,” the letter stated. “It is my hope that these children are able to have both parents as a part of their life, if possible.”
Zolciak and Biermann — who share KJ, 15, Kash, 13, and twins Kaia and Kane, 12 — have been entangled in a public legal battle ever since they filed for divorce in May 2023. Although the pair briefly reconciled a few months later, the divorce was back on by August 2023.
In March, Biermann requested sole custody of their minor children after the pair had previously agreed to a joint custody arrangement, according to court docs.
A judge approved a temporary parenting plan where the kids would remain in Biermann’s physical custody.
In her latest court documents, Zolciak — who is also the mom of daughters Brielle Biermann, 29, and Ariana Biermann, 24, whom Kroy legally adopted in 2013 — claims her estranged husband has been engaged in sexual relationships “with multiple women in recent months,” including with a female who has stayed at his residence and on vacation with children allegedly present.
Zolciak claimed in court documents that her children reported on multiple occasions “not seeing [Kroy] for hours on end, but hearing him engage in sexual acts with his girlfriend of the moment.”
Kroy testified that the woman was merely a “friend,” per court documents.
Entertainment
10 Greatest Fast-Paced Classic Movies
Trying to find fast-paced movies will often turn up movies that are a little more recent, in the overall scheme of things. Not every film, but the average film nowadays is going to be a little snappier and faster overall than, say, the average movie 60 years ago. You can have a preference, and it’s not like one approach is better than the other… more just the difference is there, and that’s that. It has been acknowledged.
Now, with older movies, there are some that are fast-paced. The ones below are all at least 60 years old, at the time of writing, and stand out nowadays for just how well-paced they are. The newest film here came out in 1966, the oldest is from 1931, they’re from various genres, and yet they’re all united by how well they hold up in terms of pacing, and how surprisingly easy they are to watch, even if you’re more used to how modern-day films move.
10
‘Rope’ (1948)
There’s a gimmick at the center of Rope, but it’s a great gimmick, and also one that’s more than sound enough to sustain the film for the entirety of its runtime. Said runtime certainly isn’t long, but even then, Rope passes by quicker than you’d expect, as its 81 minutes pass by almost in real-time, with the premise involving two young men who try to get away with what they believe is the perfect murder.
The murder happens right at the start, then they hide the body, and then they host a party for people who know their murder victim, challenging themselves as to whether they can keep that dead body hidden the whole time. It was directed by Alfred Hitchcock, and he finds every opportunity he can to make the whole thing exceptionally suspenseful, with the long takes that make up Rope (it’s pretty much nothing but long takes, with less than a dozen cuts in the whole film) also ensuring it stays engaging and highly thrilling throughout.
9
‘Some Like It Hot’ (1959)
It’s tempting to get hyperbolic whenever it comes to talking about Some Like It Hot, with it being probably the best Marilyn Monroe movie, and also potentially being the funniest film Billy Wilder ever directed. When it comes to whether it’s Wilder’s best movie, that’s a little harder to determine, since he was also very capable of putting out great dramas, and then you’ve also got oddities like Sunset Boulevard, which successfully rides the line between comedy and drama.
With Some Like It Hot, though, the focus is pretty much entirely on delivering laughs, with the whole thing being remarkably farcical and just non-stop with all the jokes it’s willing to throw at you. In lesser – but still fairly capable – hands, Some Like It Hot would merely feel like a comedy that was good for its time, but today, it can very much still be viewed/enjoyed as a flat-out great comedy.
8
‘Seven Samurai’ (1954)
Hyperbole is also hard to avoid when talking about Seven Samurai, which was one of the first truly great action movies done on an epic scale, and still remains one of the best to this day. It’s got a very straightforward story about assembling a team to take on a looming threat, preparing for an eventual battle, and then showcasing that battle as it plays out across much of the final act.
The whole thing is neatly divided into three compelling acts, with all the action holding up, and all the dramatic beats still being, you know, successfully dramatic and all. It’s all effortlessly done, and though Seven Samurai is long, it flies by without ever feeling boring, being worth highlighting pacing-wise because of just how long it keeps things moving for.
7
‘Casablanca’ (1942)
Casablanca has one of the very best screenplays ever written, with the quality of that writing ensuring everything moves at a great clip, with the dialogue being immense and the number of memorable characters proving surprisingly high. The two main players, though, are ex-lovers who get reunited quite suddenly during World War II, but their lives have both changed quite a lot, and one of them has a challenging moral decision to make about his future.
And among all that romantic melodrama, Casablanca is also quite exciting as a World War II movie made while said war was being fought, and having a decent amount of genuinely good (and not distracting) humor, too. That it all builds to one of the best endings in movie history is, strangely enough, icing on the cake, because Casablanca could’ve completely tripped over itself in its final 10 minutes, and it would still be worth watching for the breathless and timelessly engaging 90-ish minutes that came before.
6
‘Lawrence of Arabia’ (1962)
Like Seven Samurai, Lawrence of Arabia is an exceptionally long movie, but the hours do indeed pass by faster than you might expect. It’s a monumental film about T.E. Lawrence and what he did during the First World War, which ends up being a lot, even if most of the events of the movie only take place over about a year or so, which isn’t exactly long by the standards of the epic genre.
You don’t need to convey a person’s entire life, though, to make a character study on such a scale work. Lawrence of Arabia does paint a compelling portrait of its central character, and then also succeeds at providing a ton of spectacle to go alongside it. If you only ever watch a single epic movie that was made more than 60 years ago… well, you could make it Lawrence of Arabia. Or Seven Samurai. Hopefully, you can watch two or more, because missing out on one would be a shame.
5
‘M’ (1931)
One of the earliest “hunt for a serial killer” movies, much in the same way the previously-mentioned Seven Samurai helped codify/define action movies, M is easy to get wrapped up in while also appreciating how influential it ultimately was for the genre it belongs to. The serial killer here is one who’s targeting children, and he’s considered dangerous enough that basically everyone (people from differing sides of the law, in other words) teams up to try and find him.
There’s a bit more to M beyond that, as where it eventually ends up is undeniably interesting and thought-provoking. What it’s going for in terms of intensity and heaviness does indeed still feel intense and heavy, and the whole thing’s paced in a way which feels admirably relentless, all to an extent you don’t often see in movies that are nearing 100 years old.
4
‘Bringing Up Baby’ (1938)
Bringing Up Baby is one of those movies that took a while to get the appreciation it deserved, and so maybe it was just too fast-paced and wild for its time. They made a movie that was too funny, or at least too relentlessly funny, even by screwball standards. And this really is the ultimate screwball comedy, being about as anarchic as they come, perhaps even more so than Some Like It Hot, which was also about two decades older.
The premise of Bringing Up Baby involves two mismatched people crossing paths and then getting into a series of misadventures together, plenty of them involving the titular Baby, who is a leopard. If you’re of the opinion that older movies can’t be as funny as newer ones, then Bringing Up Baby is the kind of older film that may well help you see the light, so to speak.
3
‘North by Northwest’ (1959)
Just over a decade on from Rope, Alfred Hitchcock made another film that feels particularly well-paced, all these years later: North by Northwest. Now, including those and no other movies by Hitchcock shouldn’t suggest that there weren’t any other movies of his that have solid pacing, even by today’s standards… it’s more just that these two are particularly snappy (and, in any event, “best pacing” is a different thing from “best movie”).
It’s perhaps Hitchcock’s ultimate “wrong man on the run” movie, and it escalates so well throughout.
North by Northwest is one of the first great spy movies, or at least one of the earliest that feels, more or less, in line with what you’d expect to see in more modern-day spy/espionage movies. It’s also perhaps Hitchcock’s ultimate “wrong man on the run” movie, and it escalates so well throughout, with numerous great set pieces, just the right amount of humor/levity, and a perfectly utilized cast, too.
2
‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ (1966)
Without a doubt, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is one of the easiest-to-like Westerns ever made. You could see it belonged to such a genre, and then also see its runtime as three hours, and feel subsequently hesitant to actually watch the thing, but it’s very much worth devoting all that time to, in any event, because it’s such an effortless viewing experience.
The premise here involves three men racing each other across the desert, all while the American Civil War is going on, each of them in pursuit of a small fortune in gold that’s purportedly buried somewhere. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is a perfect entry point into the Western genre, for anyone largely unfamiliar with that kind of film, and it’s honestly barely aged a day in the 60 years since it first came out.
1
’12 Angry Men’ (1957)
If you try to describe 12 Angry Men to someone, it might not sound like much, but it’s all in the execution here, where what’s seemingly simple becomes something closer to sublime. That’s a bit of a floaty and/or pretentious way to put it, but at its core, 12 Angry Men is about a bunch of guys sitting in a room and talking. They’re the members of a jury, and the trial they’ve sat through is an undoubtedly high-stakes one, but still, it’s probably not enough to make it sound riveting.
Things are helped by just how good the dialogue is, how strong all the performances are, and how well the whole thing is helmed by Sidney Lumet, who was, quite surprisingly, making his directorial debut here. 12 Angry Men is up there among the most enthralling drama films of all time, and one of those shining examples of how, if you know what you’re doing, you can make a perfect movie out of the most straightforward of premises.
12 Angry Men
- Release Date
-
April 10, 1957
- Runtime
-
97 minutes
- Director
-
Sidney Lumet
- Writers
-
Reginald Rose
Entertainment
Bryan Kohberger’s Victims Felt ‘High Degree of Pain’ Before Death
Medical examiner Dr. Veena Singh reportedly planned on testifying that three of Bryan Kohberger‘s victims experienced an increased level of pain before their murders.
According to court documents obtained by People on Friday, June 5, Singh found that Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen “endured a high degree of pain and/or suffering prior to their deaths as a result of the injuries.”
The medical professional also found that Ethan Chapin “experienced a high degree of pain and/or suffering prior to his death as a result of the injuries inflicted but to a lesser degree than the other decedents.”
Autopsy reports stated that Goncalves, Mogen and Chapin suffered from fatal injuries while laying in bed asleep, per the outlet. Kernodle, who was not asleep at the time of her death, fought back against her killer as she was stabbed 67 times.
Chapin, Kernodle, Mogen and Goncalves were found dead in their shared home in Moscow, Idaho on November 13, 2022. There were two survivors from the incident: Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke. Weeks later, Kohberger, 31, was arrested in connection with their deaths at his parent’s property in Pennsylvania.
Singh ultimately did not testify in the case because of Kohberger’s plea deal. In July 2025, Kohberger pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary. The arrangement allowed Kohberger to avoid the death penalty and he was not required to reveal details of the murders.
Kohberger was ultimately sentenced to four consecutive life sentences in prison without the possibility of parole, plus ten years for burglary. He has been behind bars at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution in Kuna, Idaho, since July 2025.
Goncalves’ parents are still trying to wrap their minds around what happened to their daughter and have unanswered questions for Kohberger.
“I would ask him, ‘Why? Please, please, please. Do you not think that our family has been through enough?’” Kaylee’s mother, Kristi Goncalves, told the Daily Mail in an interview published on Thursday, June 4. “Do you not think what you did to our daughter — when we found out that you stabbed her 38 times with a seven-inch KaBar military model knife, 24 times to her face, to her head, 11 times to her chest and neck, and three defensive wounds as she sat up in that bed, and she fought for her life? … Can you just tell me why? I’m a mother, and you have a mother, too. Can you please just tell me why?”
Kaylee’s father, Steve Goncalves, also wants an explanation.
“That’s all you would have to do. Explain to us how that happened and what other weapon you used,” Steve told the outlet.
Entertainment
The Odyssey, Scary Movie 6, More
Whether you’re looking for laughs, scares or a serious sense of nostalgia this summer, this season’s most anticipated films have got you covered.
For millennials especially, summer 2026’s movie slate may feel a little bit like a reunion tour as beloved franchises that helped define childhoods are making their way back to the big screen. Disney fans can return to the world of Camp Rock, while Pixar is bringing back Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the gang for another adventure in Toy Story 5. Comedy lovers anticipate the latest installment of the Scary Movie franchise — Whassup?! — which promises to once again poke fun at Hollywood’s biggest hits, while cult favorites are also making a comeback, as seen with Super Troopers 3.
Other movies on the lineup are also giving a blast from the past. Steven Spielberg returns to aliens with Disclosure Day, while Christopher Nolan pulls from a classic with The Odyssey. There’s also Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man, Mattel’s latest IP to get the live-action treatment.
But it’s not all about looking back; Monica Barbaro and Callum Turner’s dystopian rom-com One Night Only and Kristen Stewart’s stoner comedy Wrong Girls — directed by her wife, Dylan Meyer — are just a few of the original stories coming to a theater near you.
Keep scrolling for the most anticipated summer movies of 2026:
‘Scary Movie 6’
Whassup?! Twenty-six years after outrunning Ghostface, the Wayans brothers are back in the killer’s crosshairs for another meta horror adventure. Expect genre spoofs, outrageous one-liners and franchise faves Anna Faris and Regina Hall to be back for more hilarious chaos. (Theaters, June 5)
‘Masters of the Universe’

Critics are already raving about the newest take on He-Man coming to life. Nicholas Galitzine plays the six-pack-bearing prince who embarks on a quest to save the galaxy from the evil Skeletor (Jared Leto) and super-villainess Evil-Lyn (Allison Brie). Good thing he has Camila Mendes, Idris Elba and Kirsten Wiig by his side. (Theaters, June 5)
‘Moana’
Disney’s latest live-action adaptation has Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui, and 19-year-old newcomer Catherine Laga’aia as our heroine. (Theaters, June 10)
‘Disclosure Day’
Steven Spielberg finally returns to extraterrestrials! His mysterious latest, starring Emily Blunt and Colin Firth, takes place on a futuristic date when the world could learn that aliens are real. (Theaters, June 12)
‘Toy Story 5’

Tim Allen and Tom Hanks’ Buzz and Woody are fighting their biggest rival yet: technology. With a new smart tablet threatening to replace traditional toys, the gang must battle to stay relevant or risk getting left behind for good. (Theaters, June 19)
‘Supergirl’
Summertime means superheroes! Milly Alcock’s hardened young supe sets out across the galaxy with her canine sidekick, Krypto the Superdog, on a murderous quest for vengeance. (Theaters, June 26)
‘Minions and Monsters’
Calling all kids and kids at heart! The Minions return in this third prequel installment, which follows three of the zany creatures in 1920s Hollywood as they try to make their own monster movie. Jesse Eisenberg and Zoey Deutch are part of the new voice cast. (Theaters, July 1)
‘The Odyssey’
Christopher Nolan (Oppenheimer) tackles the Greek epic with a truly all-star cast: Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o and other famous faces will surely be front-runners come Oscar time. (Theaters, July 17)
‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’
Tom Holland’s friendly neighborhood hero is back and battling street crime solo until a new enemy changes everything. Meanwhile, Peter Parker has to deal with his friends and girlfriend, MJ (Zendaya), moving on without him. (Theaters, July 31)
‘The Ice Cream Man’

A delicious Summerween treat, Eli Roth’s latest horror flick follows an idyllic town as it descends into madness when an ice cream man serves kids sweet delights with terrifying results. (Theaters, August 6)
‘One Night Only’
Monica Barbaro and Callum Turner are two strangers who crash into each other in an ever-so-slightly fictionalized New York on the one night when single people are allowed to have sex in this hilarious dystopian rom-com. (Theaters, August 7)
‘Super Troopers 3’
Everyone’s favorite wacky cops are back for more tomfoolery in the third installment of this beloved comedy franchise. This time, Thorny (Jay Chandrasekhar) has to stop nemesis Farva (Kevin Heffernan) from marrying his sister (Hannah Simone), leading to more outlandish schemes — and boner jokes, of course. (Theaters, August 7)
‘The End of Oak Street’
Anne Hathaway’s massive movie year continues with this sci-fi survival film costarring Ewan McGregor. The duo must fight for their lives following a cosmic event that uproots their suburban neighborhood to someplace unknown. (Theater, August 14)
‘Coyote vs. Acme’
Much like Wile E. Coyote, this movie is unkillable. Despite being shelved by Warner Bros. in 2023, the goofy film gets new life and a theatrical run! It follows the legal battles of Mr. Coyote, and features live-action costars Will Forte, John Cena, Lana Condor and more. (Theaters, August 28)
‘The Wrong Girls’
Kristen Stewart stars in this stoner comedy directed by wife Dylan Meyer, in which two aimless young women gain telepathetic powers after ingesting an experimental drug, pitting them against dangerous rivals who are pursuing the same powerful substance. (Theaters, August 14)
‘Camp Rock 3’

After 15 years, Disney fans are going back to where they want to be: Camp Rock! Shane Gray (Joe Jonas) and his brothers (Nick and Kevin Jonas) head back to their old stomping grounds to discover the next big thing after their band Connect 3’s big tour falls through. Expect new faces, plenty of jams and maybe a surprise cameo or two along the way. (Disney+, TBD August)
Entertainment
Taylor Swift Leaves Fans Emotional After ‘Toy Story 5’ Song Reveal
Taylor Swift is officially heading to infinity and beyond, and fans are already convinced an Oscar could be next. Just after midnight on Friday, the Grammy-winning superstar surprised fans by releasing “I Knew It, I Knew You,” a brand-new song created for Disney-Pixar’s highly anticipated “Toy Story 5.” The emotional tune not only marked Swift’s first major soundtrack contribution in years, but also signaled what many fans are calling her long-awaited return to country music.
Almost immediately after the song dropped, Swifties flooded social media with reactions, with some already predicting the track could earn Taylor Swift her first Academy Award.

Swift announced the surprise release with an emotional Instagram post alongside an adorable throwback video of herself dressed as a tiny cowgirl. The nostalgic clip showed a young Swift stomping around in cowboy boots while rocking a denim skirt and bright red cowboy hat, a nod to her lifelong love of “Toy Story.”
“Writing this song felt like a musical departure and coming home at the same time,” Swift wrote. “Creating something for Jessie was a new challenge and also felt like second nature all at once.” “And being a @toystory kid from the age of 5 til now… is an adventure I plan to be on, to infinity and beyond.”
Swift also thanked “Toy Story” director Andrew Stanton for bringing her into the project and gave a shoutout to longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff, who co-wrote the track. “We wrote this with so much adoration for these characters that made us laugh and helped us learn lessons and think outside the backyard all throughout our childhoods,” she shared.
Swifties Already Think An Oscar Is Coming
The song itself has already generated buzz for another reason. Many listeners believe it marks an official return to Swift’s country roots for the first time since the rerelease of “Red (Taylor’s Version)” in 2021. “I love that it’s country,” one fan wrote online. “I have been wanting her to do another country album, so I am glad she has done this song, and it’s very fitting.”
“And the Oscar goes to… TAYLOR SWIFT!” another excited fan wrote on X while someone else joked, “Do y’all hear that… It’s the sound… or the academy carving out her Oscar by hand already.”
One fan even imagined the acceptance speech moment in vivid detail, writing, “And the Oscar goes to ‘I Knew It, I Knew You’ Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff.’ Travis first to stand up gives a kiss to Taylor and gives Jack the high five me from the future.”
Others were simply thrilled to see Swift attached to one of Pixar’s most beloved franchises. “Aw, I can’t wait. I love the ‘Toy Story’ movies… and I’m an adult,” another fan wrote.
‘Toy Story 5’ Director Says Taylor Swift Was The Perfect Fit

It’s not just Swifties who are excited about Swift’s latest musical venture. In a press release, “Toy Story 5” screenwriter and director Andrew Stanton praised Swift’s contribution to the film, revealing that her connection to Jessie made the collaboration feel instantly right.
“It’s incredible just how meaningful it’s been having Taylor write and perform this song,” Stanton said. “Her connection to Jessie and the immediate way she understood what the character was going through was undeniable.”
Stanton also shared just how naturally “I Knew It, I Knew You” fit into the beloved Pixar franchise. “The song is so deeply connected to ‘Toy Story,’” he added. “So much so that on first listen, it instantly felt like it had always belonged there, like a long-lost family member. It was kismet.”
Swift Sent Fans Into Detective Mode Before The Song Drop

Before “I Knew It, I Knew You” officially dropped, Swift had already sent fans into detective mode with a mysterious teaser campaign. Last weekend, billboards featuring the initials “TS,” stylized in the iconic Toy Story font, began popping up in major cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas, Toronto, and more.
The clever rollout immediately sparked speculation online, as “TS” appeared to be a nod to both Toy Story and Taylor Swift herself.
Taylor Swift Teased The ‘Toy Story 5’ Song Before Its Release

Earlier this week, Swift officially confirmed the song was on the way, sharing an emotional message with fans on Instagram.
“I’ve always dreamed of getting to write for these characters who I’ve adored since I was a 5-year-old kid watching the first ‘Toy Story’ movie,” she wrote. “I fell instantly in love with ‘Toy Story 5’ when I was lucky enough to see it in its early stages, and I wrote this song as soon as I got home from the screening. Sometimes you just know, right?”
Swift also revealed that fans could preorder three CD single versions of the track through her website, including the film version, an acoustic version, and a piano rendition. The limited-edition releases quickly sold out.
Entertainment
Hulu’s 4-Part Fantasy Series Is Still the Greatest Binge on the Platform 10 Years Later
As the fantasy genre has grown more popular, it’s also gotten darker, but there are exceptions to every rule. Rather than giving in to the conventions, one bold 2016 series blends fantasy elements with a sitcom’s tone, proving that this rare genre combination can work surprisingly well. With this choice, The Good Place forges its own path and is now one of the best series on Hulu. The recognizable cast, laugh-out-loud moments, and shocking reveals work together to make the series an addictive binge-watch perfect for anyone willing to embrace the outlandish premise and just have a good time.
Telling a hilarious and heartfelt story about the afterlife, The Good Place creates a seemingly idyllic world, only to make the audience question it. The story is full of surprises, lovable characters, and deep questions about morality, giving emotional weight to the comedy. As strange as the combination may sound, the NBC series lasted four seasons before wrapping up with what fans agree to be one of the best series finales around, which is far from guaranteed. All of these factors make The Good Place the satisfying and unforgettable series it is, which is why you won’t find a better option to stream while scrolling through Hulu.
What Is ‘The Good Place’ About?
The Good Place’s premise immediately catches the audience’s attention as the protagonist, Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell), dies, but the afterlife isn’t what she expects. Sent to the “Good Place,” she is placed in an idyllic neighborhood by the architect Michael (Ted Danson), who oversees the paradise. There, by just asking the programmed guide, Janet (D’Arcy Carden), Eleanor can do anything she wants (except curse) and is introduced to her soulmate, the former ethics professor, Chidi (William Jackson Harper), but the catch is that she isn’t supposed to be there. Due to a clerical error, Eleanor has taken someone else’s spot, and she must hide the mistake or be sent to the torment of the “Bad Place.”
Eleanor isn’t the only misplaced soul, as she soon learns that her new neighbor, Jason (Manny Jacinto), was falsely identified as a Buddhist monk. The pair must work together to avoid detection, which is no easy task, especially as Jason’s supposed soulmate, Tahani (Jameela Jamil), becomes close with Michael. Eleanor’s solution is to convince Chidi to teach them ethics so they can retroactively earn their place. However, Eleanor and Jason’s presence causes chaos, giving them a ticking clock as Michael searches for what has gone wrong. And that is only the beginning. The Good Place takes several major turns, making each season different as Eleanor and her unlikely new friends try to change the afterlife. The story comes together in an addictive way, making the audience laugh even as it questions whether redemption is possible.
‘The Good Place’ Combines a Shocking Story with Philosophical Questions
With its relentless humor and unique story, The Good Place stands out in many ways, but chief among them are the shocking twists the series consistently delivers. When your character dies at the beginning of the show, nothing is off limits, and The Good Place takes advantage of that. As Eleanor and her friends explore the afterlife, the story shifts dramatically, opening new avenues with shocking twists that recontextualize the previous episodes. The Season 1 finale, in particular, changes the game, but that isn’t the last time. This keeps the audience guessing, making the show addictive as the audience wonders what could be next.
Yet, The Good Place isn’t all about shocking the audience. Between the repetitive gags and hilarious characters, the series poses deep questions about what makes a good person and the possibility of redemption, which separates it from most sitcoms. Eleanor’s emotional journey as she realizes the mistakes she made throughout her life and actively tries to do better adds a deep, uplifting meaning to the series. While the twists will only surprise you once, this storyline doesn’t fade when you already know the end. Actually, it’s easier to see Eleanor’s progression when you’re not focused on keeping up with the twists. Because of its surprising story and deep questions, The Good Place is a binge-watch like no other, no matter how many times you’ve seen it.
The Good Place is streaming on Hulu in the U.S.
- Release Date
-
2016 – 2020
- Directors
-
Dean Holland, Beth McCarthy-Miller, Morgan Sackett, Michael Schur, Jude Weng, Trent O’Donnell, Rebecca Asher, Linda Mendoza, Claire Scanlon, Ken Whittingham, Kristen Bell, Michael McDonald, Tristram Shapeero, Tucker Gates, Alan Yang, Julie Anne Robinson, Lynn Shelton
- Writers
-
Andrew Law, Dylan Morgan, Josh Siegal, Matt Murray, Cord Jefferson, Kassia Miller, Kate Gersten, Dave King, Demi Adejuyigbe, Lizzy Pace
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