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“Legally Blonde” prequel“ Elle” pays tribute to late star James Van Der Beek
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The beloved actor had a recurring guest-star role on the series.
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The title of “masterpiece” isn’t easily earned, with even some of the most prestigious forms of media only having a handful of flawless works. For films, there is The Godfather, and for television, there is Breaking Bad, but one form of media has quickly become the most popular: video games. From iconic classics such as Street Fighter to modern-day sensations like Fortnite, video games are so popular because they continue to evolve and can appeal to a wide range of fans.
This immersive realm of entertainment is addictive, but many people say it can’t be considered true art. But just like films, novels, and TV shows, video games are art and can have masterpieces that define a generation. That is why this list will rank the greatest video game masterpieces of all time based on elements such as gameplay, narrative, art, design, originality, influence, innovation, popularity, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and overall quality. These titles aren’t just fun; they are the pinnacle of interactive media that define video games.
25
‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ (2020)
As one of the oldest and most prolific gaming companies, Nintendo will have many games on this list, and they kick off with Animal Crossing: New Horizons. It may not have much of a story, but this life-simulator allows players to create a village to their own imagination. From building houses to managing the residents to tending the island, this life is truly relaxing and cozy.
This type of game isn’t for everyone, but life-simulations are a staple genre that highlights a distinct emotion and vibe in video games that makes this form of entertainment so versatile and beloved. New Horizons is the peak of this genre, giving players a wide range of activities and aspects to control. It was also the must-play game during the pandemic, and this rapid popularity, mixed with expansive gameplay, makes it an iconic modern time capsule.
24
‘Astro Bot’ (2024)
The platformer genre is a historic one with one of the deepest catalogs of classics, but there aren’t as many modern ones. Thankfully, PlayStation shocked fans by delivering Astro Bot, a new platformer that revitalized the genre. Traveling around multiple galaxies as a little robot, players must rescue their scattered crew and repair their ship.
Many claim that 2024 was a weak year for gaming, but Astro Bot begs to differ, establishing itself as one of the greatest platformers of all time. It was a breath of fresh air in a genre overtaken by Mario, providing fans with imaginative gameplay scenarios. The controller and haptic feedback help the player connect with what is going on, making Astro Bot a triumph of joy in the gaming industry.
23
‘Halo 3’ (2007)
The 2000s were an iconic decade for video games, helping further improve the medium in terms of quality and popularity, and one of the most famous franchises from this time was Halo. This franchise had many great games, but Halo 3 is arguably the best. The fight against the Covenant seems to never end, but Master Chief hopes this time will finally be the end of this war.
Whether fans prefer the second or third game, they can admit that Halo might be the best shooting game ever, and that is because of its balance of engaging campaign mode and riveting multiplayer gameplay. Best known during the Xbox 360 era, Halo 3 defined split-screen multiplayer, and a decade of co-op gaming was at its height. Fans have fond memories of this game that perfected the multiplayer servers and format.
22
‘Metroid Prime’ (2002)
Nintendo doesn’t often delve into the sci-fi realm, but they have one of the most critically acclaimed sci-fi franchises that unfortunately doesn’t get enough love. Metroid Prime is the best of the franchise, following Samus to an ancient planet where she tracks down a group of pirates. Investigating the mysterious world, she tries to stop their experiments before they get loose.
Metroid Prime had the impossible task of translating the Metroidvania genre to 3D, which it did flawlessly. This master craft of innovation, detail, and progression went down in history as one of the greatest gaming achievements. One of Metroid Prime‘s best aspects is how it keeps the gameplay flowing, constantly having the player interact with doors, switching guns, fighting enemies, on the run, exploring new areas, or scanning objects. This constant progression, paired with the endless curiosity, results in a must-play game.
21
‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’ (2015)
After the popularity of the games kept increasing, it was only a matter of time before live-action adaptations were made, and one of them is The Witcher. However, they rarely live up to the game they adapt, and in the case of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, it was an impossible task. Geralt is a Witcher who puts aside his normal monster-hunting in order to find and protect Ciri from the mythical Wild Hunt.
This list features a lot of fantasy games, specifically open-world ones, since they fit so perfectly together, and The Witcher 3 is one of the best. As one of the greatest fantasy games of all time, it delivers a profound sense of exploration through its storytelling from every aspect of gameplay. The main narrative is certainly compelling, but exploring this unique world and its lore is beyond fascinating, with intriguing narratives spewing out of side quests or even the environment.
20
‘Mass Effect 2’ (2010)
The Mass Effect franchise isn’t what it used to be, but the original trilogy of games is still among the greatest ever, specifically Mass Effect 2. In the second title, Commander Shepard seemingly dies, only to be brought back to life by the organization Cerberus. They are then tasked with investigating the disappearance of several human colonies tied to an insectoid alien race known as the Collectors.
Video games used to be all about gameplay, but they also offer a unique form of storytelling, and Mass Effect 2 in particular delivers a sprawling narrative involving grand political complexity and emotional weight. Each decision has genuine consequences that ripple through the events in the world and change the story, leading to one of the most iconic third acts in video game history. Mass Effect 2 is a legendary RPG that redefined the genre with its narrative style.
Hideo Kojima is one of the greatest figures in the gaming world, and his magnum opus is undoubtedly Metal Gear Solid. Solid Snake is a former elite operative, but he can’t enjoy retirement just yet, with a new dire mission that requires his duty. A rogue special forces unit kidnaps a group of civilians and threatens to unleash nuclear Armageddon, leading Snake to infiltrate the base, save the hostages, and take the organization down.
Stealth games are a dying breed, but that might just be because Metal Gear Solid perfected them on its first try. This is a 1990s video game masterpiece and staple of the decade that flawlessly crafted a tense atmosphere through its stealth gameplay. Creative and wacky at times, Metal Gear Solid also pioneered cinematic framing, further establishing its influence. It also introduced the ever-popular Solid Snake, one of modern gaming’s biggest icons.
18
‘Persona 5’ (2016)
There are many JRPGs, and while some fans aren’t too keen on them, they also contain must-play masterpieces, including Persona 5. A group of high school students forms a group of phantom thieves, aiming to steal artifacts and other valuables from evil adults, stopping their villainous desires from harming the rest of the world.
RPGs are such a popular genre because they allow players to fully embody the role they are playing, giving them a greater sense of immersion, and Persona 5 does that exceptionally well. Whether fans want to roam around a highly accurate train station or get lost in its turn-based dungeon crawler system, there is much to enjoy. Persona 5 features a bold and stylized aesthetic with hours of turn-based combat and social-life simulation, which makes it so engaging.
17
‘What Remains of Edith Finch’ (2017)
This list doesn’t feature many indie games, mainly because it is hard for a lower-budget studio to compete with AAA blockbusters. However, this genre is known for its creativity and originality, with games such as What Remains of Edith Finch. The Finch family has a “curse” on them where they will all eventually die tragic deaths, but years after the titular character left, she returns to the family house to understand how they all met their end.
What Remains of Edith Finch is arguably the greatest indie game of all time, and that is because it boasts one of the best narratives in video game history. Its deeply tragic story is touching, depressing, emotional, complex, and well-crafted. However, it enhances its plot with a narrative design masterclass, using micro-mechanics related to each story that makes it more personal and immersive, perfectly portraying grief and tragedy. In the end, What Remains of Edith Finch is a work of art that might be the best game to blend narrative and gameplay, which easily puts it into the masterpiece category.
16
‘The Last of Us’ (2013)
As mentioned, more live-action video game adaptations are coming out, and one of the best is The Last of Us, even if it still doesn’t compare to the game. Years after a zombie apocalypse, Joel is a grizzled survivor who is tasked with escorting a young girl, Ellie, across the country. After bonding, he learns that she may be the cure to the infection, making the stakes even higher.
While What Remains of Edith Finch probably has the best narrative design in video games, The Last of Us takes the cake in terms of story. This adventure is a heartbreaking yet compelling tale of the bond between two well-written characters, slowly building with narrative prestige until the epic and shocking twist. Not to mention, The Last of Us has a well-designed survival system that enriches horror, drama, and intrigue.
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Typically, body products are for the body, and face products are for the face. However, Jane Seymour is breaking the rules with a particular body cream, and she has experienced serious benefits. In an interview with InStyle, Seymour revealed that a little experimentation led to stunning skin.
Seymour has been an ambassador of Body Firm for more than 10 years. “At first I went, ‘What’s that, like another body lotion?’ But it wasn’t, and I didn’t want to believe it. I thought, well, that’s just hype. But I thought well, due diligence, and I just used it,” Seymour said about the Crépe Erase Body Repair Treatment. She even used it on her face since the brand hadn’t released its facial product at the time, and she said her face “looked better the next morning” and stayed “plump and smooth.”
Get the Body Firm Crépe Erase Body Repair Treatment for $84 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
This treatment has some key ingredients that allow it to focus on crepey skin for firmer, more moisturized results. The TruFirm Technology is an exclusive blend of plant extracts to promote elastin production, and the blend of 12 antioxidants, essential lipids and fatty acids, called 12 Super Hydrators, improves hydration and targets the skin’s moisture barrier. So, your skin will be graced with olive oil, cocoa butter, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, squalene, vitamin E and glycerides.
To get the most out of this body repair treatment, the brand recommends massaging it in an upward, circular motion for one minute or until fully absorbed. If you have dry skin, you can use it twice a day. The rich formula will work to deliver serious hydration exactly where you need it.
Real-life users agree that this body cream works wonders on both the body and face, so it’ll be a serious workhorse in your medicine cabinet.
“The product is rich, fragrance-free (perfect), a high-level moisturizer and does an impressive job of smoothing and tightening skin to a surprising degree. In addition, the jar contains a VERY generous portion for the cost and only a small amount is needed,” a verified purchaser said.
“I tested it on one leg and used my existing cream on the other leg. The difference was undeniable! The Crépe Erase leg was smooth and sleek with no greasy residue! I then applied it all over my arms, legs and chest area, and it works like a DREAM,” one happy shopper wrote.
It can be tempting to buy every beauty product that makes big promises, but with the testimonies of Seymour and real-life purchasers, this is one cream actually worth the cost.
Get the Body Firm Crépe Erase Body Repair Treatment for $84 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.
Looking for something else? Explore more body-firming creams here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!
At 88, Jane Fonda isn’t just aging well — she’s redefining what great mature skin can look like. Her complexion is consistently smooth, luminous and full of that unmistakable vitality, with a firmness and radiance that doesn’t rely on heavy makeup or over-the-top treatments. Naturally, when someone’s skin looks that healthy and refined at her […]
If you’re waiting for Solo Leveling to come back for its third season, don’t fret, as the franchise has returned with a brand new look for its S-Rank Hunter. The anime adaptation of this popular Webtoon novel aired its final episode back in 2025, and so far, there has been confirmation that Season 3 will be coming out later this year, as well as a Netflix adaptation. But in addition to these two projects, there’s another addition to the Solo Leveling adaptation worth keeping an eye on.
Last year, it was announced that Solo Leveling would receive an ice show called Solo Leveling on Ice, which took place at Mokdong Indoor Ice Rink in Seoul, South Korea, in December. Starring in this ice show as Sung Jinwoo was Kim Jinhwan, a K-pop idol and member of the group IKON. But it seems this ice show has extended its run, as a brand-new trailer has dropped, featuring a new look for these live-action hunters.
A new trailer for Solo Leveling on Ice was uploaded on the show’s official social media channels. Starring in this new leg of the show is South Korean figure skater and World silver medalist Cha Junhwan as Sung Jinwoo. Another new face in the cast list is Kim Yerim, who will be playing Jinwoo’s love interest, Cha Hae-in, Choi Woohyuk as Yoo Jinho, South Korean influencer AMY as Jinwoo’s old friend, Loo Joohee; and Lee Si Hyung as Igris. Solo Leveling on Ice will return to the Mokdong Indoor Ice Rink, and it’s set to start next month.
What Is Solo Leveling About?
Solo Leveling takes place in a world where portals, called Gates, appear, and it’s up to hunters, humans with supernatural abilities, to close them by fighting monsters and beating the dungeon boss. The show follows Sung Jinwoo, who was once an E-rank hunter and was seen as the weakest of all humankind. But a near-death experience allowed him to become a “Player,” giving him the ability to level up his rank, eventually becoming an S-Rank Hunter. As of now, the anime adaptation has covered the first 13 story arcs from the webnovel and ended at the start of the “Recruitment arc.” With Season 3 confirmed, it’s possible that the next installment will not only continue where it left off, but could also adapt at least the next two story arcs, the Ahjin Guild Arc and the Double Dungeon Arc.
Solo Leveling Seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Crunchyroll, while Season 3 has yet to announce a release date. Solo Leveling on Ice takes place at Mokdong Indoor Ice Rink in South Korea from August 7 to 17, 2026. Follow Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
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2024 – 2025-00-00
- Network
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Tokyo MX, Gunma TV, BS11, Tochigi TV
- Directors
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Tatsuya Sasaki, Toru Hamasaki
- Writers
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Shigeru Murakoshi, Shingo Irie, Fuka Ishii
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Genta Nakamura
Yoo Jin-ho
Gilmore Girls fans are still coming to terms with the show being removed from Netflix — but where will it be available instead?
Netflix broke the news in June 2026 by taking to X with a statement that read, “It’s a show? It’s a lifestyle. It’s a religion.”
The post continued: “We are sorry to say that Gilmore Girls Seasons 1-7 will be leaving Netflix in the US on June 30. Raising a cup of coffee to every fan who visited Stars Hollow with us.”
While only Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life will remain on Netflix — for now — the original series is still available to stream on Disney+, Hulu and Prime Video.
More than 20 years after Gilmore Girls debuted on October 5, 2000 — and was rebooted in 2016 for a four-part update — viewers are still yearning for more from Lorelai and Rory Gilmore. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Enter your email Please enter a valid email. Subscribe By signing up, I agree […]
Gilmore Girls, which aired from 2000 to 2007, followed a mother-daughter pair living in the fictional town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut.
In addition to Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel, Gilmore Girls starred an ensemble cast that included Melissa McCarthy, Keiko Agena, Yanic Truesdale, Scott Patterson, Kelly Bishop, Edward Herrmann and Liza Weil. Jared Padalecki, Milo Ventimiglia, Sean Gunn, Chris Eigeman and Matt Czuchry made up the rest of the cast.
After Gilmore Girls came to an end, fans asked for a revival. They got their wish with Netflix’s Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, which debuted in 2016. The four-episode show ended on a major cliffhanger but there haven’t been any news of more episodes.
“I’ve been saying for a long time [that] what I could see making sense is a Christmas movie, in the tradition of Downton Abbey or those other kinds of shows that are over, but then kind of come together especially around the holidays,” Graham told The Hollywood Reporter in 2025. “I think that would be very Gilmore-friendly.”
Oy with the poodles already! It’s officially been 20 years since Gilmore Girls aired its divisive season 6 finale, concluding creators Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino’s run on the show, and we’re breaking down some must-know facts about the series to celebrate the anniversary. For example, did you know that Sherman-Palladino had the last four […]
At the time, Patterson spoke to Us about the impact Gilmore Girls still has on fans to this day.
“This sort of medicinal, therapeutic side to the show is undeniable,” he told Us. “I hear it all the time. I hear, ‘This show saved me,’ ‘This show got me through cancer,’ ‘This show got me through Iraq.’”
Patterson recalled one 2015 occasion when he was approached by a man from the military, adding, “[He told me], ‘We watched that show when we were out in the middle of nowhere. If we survived our deployment, we’d get back to the camp, and we’d watch your show. We lost guys, and we’d come back and watch your show. Because to us, that felt like America. It gave us hope.”
The actor praised Gilmore Girls — and its lasting legacy.
“It doesn’t insult the intelligence of the audience,” he continued. “The audience has to come up to its level. It’s smart. It’s very, very funny … It operates best as a light comedy, and then at the end of an episode, you get a right hook to the head. It’s wonderfully unpredictable. It’s 50 to 60 great jokes per episode. Nobody’s doing it like that. Lorelai’s basically going through life as a stand-up comic and a really good one.”
Entertainment
Kathie Lee Gifford admits she 'wanted to die' amid 'debilitating' pain and surgery: 'Didn't want to be here'
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“I feel like Mr. Potato Head! One thing falls off and then another,” Gifford said in a new interview in which she revealed a hip replacement and cataract surgery.
In just a few months, Disney will be releasing its next animated feature, Hexed. Starring Hailee Steinfeld as Billie, the film follows this teenager who discovers she has magical abilities. When the trailer came out, fans claimed it was similar to The Owl House or other similar fantasy shows, but the filmmakers say those claims are far from the truth.
The trailer for Hexed came out last month, showing Billie getting expelled after an incident at school, only to discover she has a gift and can enter Hexed, a world full of witches. During her visit, she learns more about her abilities, meets new creatures, and is hinted at the possibility that she could be something more. One of the directors for Hexed is Fawn Veerasunthorn, who previously worked as a Story Artist on projects like Despicable Me 2, Zootopia, and Ralph Breaks the Internet, and served as the Head of Story for Raya and the Last Dragon. They’re working alongside her is Jason Hand, who previously directed Moana 2.
In an interview with Cartoon Brew, both filmmakers discussed Hexed, including how Chainsaw Man played a role in the movie’s production. They note that they wanted Billie to evoke the feeling of having the potential to become a witch and used subtle ways to showcase that without being too obvious. This is what they had to say:
Veerasunthorn: “When you look at Billie, we wanted to evoke the feeling that this girl has the potential to be a witch, but we didn’t want to be too on the nose about it, so we put little clues everywhere.”
Hand: “I have a 15-year-old son, and we were watching Chainsaw Man. They do all kinds of crazy things with the eyes that I felt like we could totally do, but in a much subtler way.”
Veerasunthorn: “Because this is an original film, we took it as an opportunity to think differently and get cartoonier.”
Hand: “Being cartoonier was a big thing we’ve been pushing across the board. The color in the production design is really insane, and so are the proportions of our characters.”
What Is ‘Chainsaw Man’?
Chainsaw Man is different from Hexed. It’s an anime series based on a 2018 manga of the same name by Tatsuki Fujimoto. It takes place in a world where the Soviet Union still exists, and devils are manifested through collective fears of humans. It follows Denji (Ryan Colt Levy), who makes a contract with Pochita, who gives him a second chance in life after a near-death experience; in exchange, he has to live a humble, ordinary life that he dreams of. He is then recruited to become a devil hunter for the Public Safety Division, led by Makima (Suzie Yeung), whose job is to hunt down Devils deemed a threat to the world.
Since its release, Chainsaw Man has received a 97% critics’ score and a 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, but its reception in the West differs from that of Japanese audiences. While the rest of the world enjoyed its action-packed scenes and storytelling, Japanese viewers claimed the anime did the source material a disservice through its animation and creative decisions.
Hexed is scheduled to enter theaters on November 25, 2026. In the meantime, you can watch Chainsaw Man on Crunchyroll. Follow Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
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November 25, 2026
- Director
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Jason Hand, Fawn Veerasunthorn
- Producers
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Roy Conli, Yvett Merino Flores
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have a “whimsical” evening planned for friends and family when they reportedly tie the knot in New York City, a source exclusively tells Us Weekly.
An insider says that the engaged couple have dreamt up a celebration inspired by fairytales, which have been a recurring theme in Swift’s music throughout the course of her career.
Reports emerged this week that Swift and Kelce, both 36, are having a grand castle and white staircase built as part of their wedding set inside of New York City’s Madison Square Garden, where the wedding is rumored to be taking place on Friday, July 3. Such an elaborate set would certainly fit in with a “whimsical” theme, in addition to tying into the castle imagery in Swift’s classic “Love Story” and “Blank Space” music videos.
As for the guests, the source shares that attendees still do not know exactly where the wedding is actually taking place, but have been instructed to be in New York City between July 2 and July 3 and that MSG will be used as a meeting place.
Taylor Swift; Travis Kelce Getty Images (2); Jamie McCarthy; Jamie Squire
Prospective guests have been drip-fed hints that the ceremony will be the “ultimate surprise” but have no firm details at this stage, per the insider.
Swift has yet to be seen in New York City this week, though her groom-to-be was photographed on a jog in the city on Tuesday, June 30, per DeuxMoi.
Several of the couple’s friends — including Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran and Suki Waterhouse — have also been spotted in the New York City area in the days leading up to the expected nuptials. Kelce’s longtime stylist, Danielle Salzedo, also confirmed her arrival in NYC on Wednesday, July 1.
While speculation is running rife that Swift and Kelce will tie the knot sometime over the holiday weekend, the couple themselves have remained tight-lipped about their wedding plans thus far.
Swift announced her engagement to the Kansas City Chiefs star in August 2025 with a photo of Kelce proposing on one knee and a sweet Instagram caption from the singer. (Kelce popped the question immediately after Swift recorded an episode of his “New Heights” podcast.)
“Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,” she joked.
During an appearance on The Graham Norton Show in October 2025, Swift said that her fiancé “crushed” his proposal.
“He really crushed it in surprising me. While we were talking on his podcast, he had a complete garden built out the back of his house to propose in,” she recalled. “He went all out — 10 out of 10.”
In that same interview, Swift said that she planned to focus on wedding planning once the promotion cycle for her October 2025 album The Life of a Showgirl was finished. (The Life of a Showgirl sold more than 4 million albums in its first week of release, giving Swift a record-breaking 15th number-one album on the Billboard 200 chart.)
“I think the wedding is what happens after [my Life of a Showgirl promotional tour] in the scheme of the planning, but I’m so excited about it,” Swift teased. “I know it’s gonna be fun to plan because I think the only stressful weddings are the ones where you have a small amount and people are on the bubble.”
Love Island USA‘s Jen Terry has surprised audiences with how candid she has been about her personal life.
Love Island USA originally premiered in the U.K. in 2002 before it expanded worldwide with various spinoffs, including Love Island USA on Peacock. The series follows a different group of singles every season who have to pair off in order to stay in the show’s luxury villa.
The contestants — referred to as Islanders — live in isolation in a villa and are under constant video surveillance. They must be coupled up to remain on the show and stand a chance at receiving the $100,000 prize.
While finding a connection that you want to explore more intimately isn’t out of the question, season 7 of Love Island USA seemed to set some sort of record with the amount of times Islanders were caught hooking up — until season 8 that is.
Jen was introduced as a bombshell in 2026 and it didn’t take long for her to form multiple connections. Keep scrolling to see her most surprising confessions about her personal life:
Past Sexual Activity
During a June episode of the hit Peacock series, Jen was asked about the most surprising place where she had sex. She needed a moment to remember but Jen ultimately chose “a boat in Miami” as her most memorable encounter.
Her Experience Outside the Villa
After her match Gabriel Vasconcelos was dumped from the villa, Jen spoke about their connection, sharing on a June episode, “We have been having fun with each other. But I have also in those same moments of liking him, I have been feeling lusted over.”
Jen found that to be a regular occurrence for her.
“Every guy does that to me my whole entire life,” she added. “All men are always like, ‘You are so hot, let me touch you.’ Obviously that feels good but at the same time I want more.”
Having Self Confidence
Jen admitted she struggled when guys in the villa didn’t show interest in her.
“I know that I am gorgeous and stunning but here — besides when I was with Gabe — I felt like, ‘Am I hideous?’” she said in a June episode. “Is there something wrong with me? Does my personality suck?”
She continued: “Normally I am used to guys drooling over me. Here it has been so hard.”
Love Island USA is all about coupling up — so which Islanders are currently together and which have already called it quits in the villa? Peacock’s popular dating show returned in June 2026 with contestants Aniya Harvey, Beatriz Hatz, Bryce Alakai Dettloff, KC Chandler, Mackenzie “Kenzie” Annis, Melanie Moreno, Sincere Rhea, Sean Reifel, Trinity Tatum […]
Getting Creative
After a cake-themed challenge involved each Islander having to twerk, Jen admitted she was a bit nervous to shake her booty.
“It’s a cute, tiny butt,” she explained of her backside in a confessional. “It’s not a big twerking butt.”
Jen had a different idea of what she could offer, adding, “I will shake my boobs for you but not my ass.”
Expecting Compliments
Jen took issue when Gal Tshnieder didn’t compliment her enough.
“I think you’re so attractive and I love talking to you. We get along but I don’t think we have sexual compatibility,” she told Gal during a June episode of the show.
Jen admitted she was questioning their connection, adding, “I just feel like you don’t like me and you don’t compliment me. I don’t remember one compliment you’ve said to me — and I feel like I would have at least had one in my head. The fact that I have none is alarming to me.”
She continued: “You have girls in here that you would like to get to know. So it kind of does make me feel like a second option.”
Superhero movies are so common these days that comic book characters you’ve never heard of still get their moment on the movie theater marquee. But when we think of the best of the genre, we keep coming back to the huge names: the Avengers, Superman, Spider-Man, and Batman. And out of all of those films, popular opinion says that Christopher Nolan‘s The Dark Knight is the greatest superhero film ever made.
What Christian Bale and Heath Ledger pulled off in 2008 was certainly iconic. But sorry to the Caped Crusader: the best superhero movie is still one that came before it. Because in 2004, Sam Raimi changed the direction of superhero movies forever with Spider-Man 2, a film that brought us a stand-out supporting cast, jaw-dropping action sequences, and a deep exploration of its hero’s mind. To say that Spider-Man 2 is better than The Dark Knight is not to argue that the latter doesn’t deserve all the accolades it gets. Instead, calling Spider-Man 2 the greatest superhero movie is to recognize that it takes a very special film to even be compared to Nolan’s masterpiece — and that its breakthroughs are part of what made The Dark Knight possible.
Peter Parker Is a More Compelling Character Than Bruce Wayne
Part of what elevates Spider-Man 2 over The Dark Knight is its main character. As fantastic as Christian Bale’s Bruce Wayne is, Tobey Maguire‘s Peter Parker is superior. Some of this is inherent in the character: Bruce Wayne is purposefully limited, holding his emotions in for the most part. He wears the part of a billionaire as his costume. It’s only when he puts on the cape that he becomes his true self.
That’s not so with Peter Parker. Alvin Sargent‘s script for Spider-Man 2 gives us a deeply sympathetic look at the kid behind the mask. By now, Parker has his role as a hero all figured out; in this film, he learns that he must live with the cost. Not only did he lose his Uncle Ben, but people have been hurt and killed because of his powers and how he chose to use them. In the first film, Norman Osborn (Willem Dafoe) died. Now, his son, Harry (James Franco), is simultaneously Parker’s best friend while also seething with hatred towards Spider-Man. Peter must carry that weight, along with the knowledge of how often he is putting Mary Jane’s (Kirsten Dunst) life on the line.
Batman is the epitome of dark cool. Spider-Man is relatable precisely because he is not cool; rather, he is an everyman who is either blessed or cursed with a gift. No matter how many good things he does, the weight of responsibility and its repercussions is almost too much to carry.
‘Spider-Man 2’ Is Carried By Its Stellar Supporting Cast
While Tobey Maguire is excellent as Peter Parker, his successes wouldn’t matter if he doesn’t have a great cast of characters to interact with. Rosemary Harris‘ May Parker is the soul of the family, keeping Peter grounded when everything feels like it’s coming undone. And this time around, everything in his relationship with MJ is turned up a notch. Their relationship is now much more than awe, mystery, and upside-down kisses in the rain; in Spider-Man 2, fantasy meets reality. Mary Jane wants to be with Peter, which he wants more than anything. However, his fear of her getting hurt because of who he is leads him to push her away, straight into the arms of John Jameson (Daniel Gillies). We know Peter and MJ will eventually be together, but the film makes our two leads earn it, resulting in the stunning, third act reveal of Peter’s secret identity in front of Mary Jane. Romantic subplots are often afterthoughts in superhero movies but Spider-Man 2 does its love story splendidly well.
And no great superhero can exist without a great villain. Spider-Man 2, like The Dark Knight, has two. No one can compare with the genius of Heath Ledger’s Joker, but Sam Raimi’s well-written baddies were a refreshing one-two punch in a time when villains were often one-note tropes. The audience can understand both their motivations. Of course, Norman Osborn brought his demise on himself, but still, what son wouldn’t defend his father? Seeing only the good in his dad is how Harry Osborn grieves. He’s tormented by a deep pain that brings out the worst in him.
Even better is Alfred Molina as Otto Octavius, a good man and scientist turned tragic villain Dr. Octopus. Whereas there is no curing the Joker, Doc Ock is a bad guy who is intimidating while also being sympathetic, who eventually comes to his senses and tries to help. This all comes together to make Spider-Man 2 a deeply human story where the action is secondary to the emotional performances.
‘Spider-Man 2’ Is the Perfect Blend of Action and Emotion
Despite its emphasis on character development, Spider-Man 2 does not get lazy with its action sequences. In fact, Spider-Man 2 is one jaw-dropping action scene after another. But while they show off inventive set design and gasp-inducing fight choreography, what gives them all their power is the emotion behind them.
Spider-Man 2‘s train scene, which is perhaps its most famous sequence, is a prime example of this. Raimi’s direction and Danny Elfman‘s score blend together in a moment that spotlights exactly how hard Peter Parker will fight to save the innocent — he’ll damn near rip himself in half for the people of New York City. And he does it all unmasked, his identity exposed. Afterward, when he collapses, Spider-Man 2 delivers its most powerful scene, as the citizens carefully move his body to safety, in a show of connection. They don’t want to reveal his identity; they see this superhero as a person and are thankful. Three years after 9/11, the idea of community in the Big Apple was a tearjerker. 22 years later, it still gets the waterworks going.
Spider-Man 2 was a revelation when it was released. Before it, outside of a few examples like Blade and X-Men, comic book movies were looked down on. They were for kids and no one else. In his perfect four-star review, Roger Ebert wrote that Spider-Man 2 is “a superhero movie for people who don’t go to superhero movies, and for those who do, it’s the one they’ve been yearning for.” It’s the starting point for everything that came after. Two decades later, it’s the benchmark, the one that changed everything.
Spider-Man 2
- Release Date
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June 30, 2004
- Runtime
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127 minutes
- Director
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Sam Raimi
- Writers
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Alvin Sargent, Alfred Gough, Miles Millar, Michael Chabon
Frankie Muniz and his wife, Paige Price Muniz, announced that they are ending their marriage after seven years. While the news came as a surprise to many fans, some focused on how the actor chose to share the update.
Some online users criticized the “Malcolm in the Middle” star for the video that accompanied the announcement, in which he was seen joyfully dancing with Paige and their young son. Paige has responded to the public criticism, noting how cruel people can be while defending Muniz’s post.
On July 1, actor and professional racing driver Frankie Muniz took to social media to share an update about his personal life. Muniz said that after a period of separation from his wife, Paige Price Muniz, they have decided to push forward with a divorce.
Muniz posted a video of himself and Paige dancing enthusiastically to the lively song “Check Yes, Juliet” by We The Kings. Midway through the video, their son runs in to join the dance party.
Critics commented on the video, with some saying that it was “in poor taste.” Others criticized the couple for “celebrating” their divorce. “Divorce with children should never be celebrated,” one said. Another noted, “Hardly a reason to celebrate when there are children involved.”
Later, Muniz deleted the video from the divorce announcement and changed it to a family photo.
Paige Price Defended The Video
In the comments section of Muniz’s post, Paige acknowledged the critics while addressing her estranged husband. “Frankie, I am so sorry that you felt the need to delete an old fun video of our family because people are so cruel to you,” she wrote.
Paige defended the video, saying they were not excited about getting a divorce. “This world is so f-cked… divorce is bad, sure – it’s not like we’re excited about it… but we’re two adults who know how to be on the same team,” she continued.
One user responded to Paige, saying that she could have just said her response directly to Muniz and not on a public platform. Paige responded, “I did say it to his face. 1000 times. And I’ll say it through text just as much because I genuinely care. That’s the point.”
Frankie Muniz’s Post Sparked A Debate
Many weighed in on their thoughts about Muniz’s post. While some criticized the ex-couple for how they chose to announce their divorce, others came to their defense.
One opined that the video of them dancing is in poor taste. “Kids will figure out they hate each other at some point and realize his parents lied and made some stupid video to f-ck with him.” Another commented, “This is weird and should not be normalized. Hollyweird.”
Some clapped back at the haters, with one noting that Muniz and Paige weren’t celebrating their divorce. “He was celebrating their time together, still being friends and co-parents.” “What I can see is the child is happy and that’s what’s important. Nothing about this says he’s celebrating breaking up his family,” another person wrote.
The Ex-Couple Were Together For 10 Years
Muniz and Paige met sometime in 2016 at a golf event and began dating. Two years later, the couple was engaged, and they eloped in October 2019. They had a bigger wedding ceremony in February 2020.
As Muniz told PEOPLE, the wedding was planned in just 10 days, and they invited only 40 of their closest family and friends for the intimate celebration. “It turned out better that we could have imagined,” the actor said.
Paige gave birth to their son, Mauz Mosley Muniz, in March 2021. The couple shared the announcement on social media, with Muniz writing, “Honestly, I didn’t know it was possible to love anything as much as I love him.”
Frankie Muniz And Paige Price Are Parting Amicably
Muniz and Paige’s divorce seems to be amicable. In his announcement post, the racing driver was all praise for his ex and highlighted the sacrifices she made for their family, adding that he’s “endlessly grateful” to her.
“She put her own dreams on hold so I could chase mine, and she was always my biggest supporter. That foundation of respect and friendship isn’t going anywhere,” Muniz shared, writing that they both realized they were better off as friends.
In addition, the actor said that their 5-year-old son will be their main focus moving forward as co-parents. “We’re closing one chapter with gratitude and opening the next with bright futures ahead, for us as individuals and especially for our son,” Muniz wrote.
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