Former presidential hopeful Andrew Yang wasn’t scared to face Donald Trump in the 2020 campaign — and he’s certainly not worried about competing against him now.

“I hope he watches,” Yang, 51, exclusively told Us Weekly on Thursday, July 9, of the current president catching a glimpse of his upcoming Fox show, Nation’s Dumbest. “He does seem to love reality TV, so I hope he tunes in to see what real leadership looks like.”

The political pundit suggested Trump, 80, tune into the fun-loving game show, which tests the smarts of celebrities like Ice-T, Dr. Drew Pinsky, Carmen Electra, Steve-O, Hilaria Baldwin, JoJo Siwa and more, with the First Family.

“Maybe he can watch it with his kids and grandkids. I don’t think Donald Trump does that sort of thing. I don’t really visualize watching fun reality TV with his grandkids,” Yang added. “But who knows? Who knows what’s going on in there?”

The Forward Party founder nominated America’s lawmakers for season two of Nation’s Dumbest.

“I would recommend all of our nation’s leading political figures. I think that would be fun and fascinating. America deserves to know who’s in charge,” he stated. “Unfortunately, I think a lot of them would not agree to come on and some might be past whatever the legal age limit is.”

Yang wouldn’t sweat if it came down to him versus Trump on Fox’s freshman game show, either.

“Let’s just say he would not be the competition I’d be worried about. He’d probably be there for quite some time,” Yang joked to Us.

The 2020 presidential candidate puts his smarts to the test, answering a series of questions and performing outrageous challenges that pushes him and his costars to the limits both physically and mentally.

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Yang tried to manage his expectations before coming into the competition.

“I thought if you come in saying you’re going to be right off the show, then you’re going to screw up. You’re going to have more pressure on you. You might even come across as someone who’s too cool for school,” he shared. “And so I said to myself and my wife and my team, it’s an indeterminate length. I don’t really know [how long I’ll last]. So that was my attitude coming in.”

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The synopsis for Nation’s Dumbest reads, “Summer school is in session with the debut of Nation’s Dumbest, a new celebrity competition series that flips the traditional format on its head — because this is the only show where winning is the last thing anyone wants. Taking attendance as host is acclaimed comedian Jack Whitehall, who presides over the chaos as contestants relive the highs and humiliations of school life — from pop quizzes and report cards to recess and parent teacher conferences — all while trying to stay out of last place.”

The description concludes: “Each week, the ‘smartest’ celebrity graduates, narrowing the field until a high-stakes final exam determines who will be left standing with the distinction no one wants — the title of The Nation’s Dumbest.”

Nation’s Dumbest debuts on Fox Wednesday, July 15, at 9 p.m. ET and streams the next day on Hulu.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce‘s fans may just be learning about their newest family member, but reports suggest the couple has been raising a white puppy together for nearly a year.

The dog recently sparked fresh interest after appearing in photos linked to the newlyweds, fueling speculation about when they got the pet.

While neither Taylor Swift nor Travis Kelce has publicly shared details about their dog, clues from family members and recent sightings have offered a glimpse into the couple’s life as pet owners.

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Swift and Kelce have reportedly expanded their family with a four-legged addition, welcoming a dog into their lives well before officially becoming husband and wife.

A Page Six report confirmed that the couple has owned the white pup for “close to a year” and is said to be delighted with their shared pet.

Sources told the news outlet that the newlyweds are “very happy” about “their shared” furry companion, which has quietly become part of their life together.

The dog, believed to be a Samoyed, was recently spotted in Florida alongside Kelce. Photos obtained by the publication showed the Kansas City Chiefs star arriving in Palm Beach, with the fluffy white canine following him down the stairs of Swift’s private jet. It remains unclear whether Swift was also in Florida at the time.

Rumors about the couple’s dog first gained traction earlier this month after photos from their July 3 wedding at Madison Square Garden surfaced online.

In one image, fans noticed what appeared to be a framed photograph of the couple posing with a white dog, sparking speculation that they had secretly added a pet to their household.

Jason Kelce Accidentally Confirmed The Couple’s New Puppy

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Although Swift and Kelce have remained tight-lipped about their pet, Travis’ older brother, Jason Kelce, previously revealed that the couple had welcomed a puppy into their home.

During an appearance on the “Fitz & Whit” podcast in 2025, the retired Philadelphia Eagles star shared a lighthearted story about the newest addition to the family.

Speaking with hosts Ryan Fitzpatrick and Andrew Whitworth, Jason revealed that one of Travis’ recently purchased green velvet couches didn’t stay in pristine condition for long.

According to Jason, the culprit was the couple’s young pup. “He just got a puppy,” Jason said, explaining that the dog had chewed a hole in the back of the expensive sofa shortly after it arrived.

Meanwhile, the dog marks a new addition to Swift’s well-known collection of pets. The singer is already a devoted cat owner, having adopted Meredith Grey in 2011, Olivia Benson in 2014, and Benjamin Button in 2019.

Taylor Swift’s Beloved Cats Have Long Been Part Of Her Public Persona

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Over the years, the cats have appeared frequently on Swift’s social media accounts, in photoshoots, and even in her creative projects. Benjamin Button made his debut in the music video for her 2019 hit “ME!,” while all three cats later appeared in her 2020 holiday card inspired by the aesthetic of her “folklore” era.

Benjamin also joined Swift on the cover of TIME when she was named Person of the Year in 2023. One of the images from that shoot later resurfaced when Swift endorsed Kamala Harris during the 2024 U.S. presidential election, signing her post with the phrase “Childless Cat Lady” in a playful response to a political insult that had gained attention online.

Swift has often spoken about her affection for cats. In a 2019 interview with the same publication, she described herself as being “obsessed” with her feline companions and praised their independent nature. “They’re very dignified,” she explained. “They’re independent. They’re very capable of dealing with their own life.”

About The Couple’s Grand MSG Wedding

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The latest glimpse into the couple’s growing family comes just weeks after Swift and Kelce officially said “I do” earlier this month after nearly two years together, celebrating their marriage with a lavish ceremony in New York City attended by family, friends and a host of celebrity guests.

According to reports, the couple exchanged heartfelt vows that lasted roughly 20 minutes each during the ceremony, which was officiated by actor and comedian Adam Sandler. The event featured a garden-inspired theme and included games and luxury raffle prizes for attendees.

For the occasion, both the bride and groom wore custom Dior haute couture designs. Swift reportedly made her entrance to her 2008 hit “Love Story,” adding a personal touch to the celebration.

Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Step Out As Newlyweds Following Star-Studded Wedding

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Following the wedding, the newlyweds kept a relatively low profile before making a public appearance at the wedding of Kelce’s former Kansas City Chiefs teammate JuJu Smith-Schuster and Laura Kruk on July 10.

Swift turned heads in a strapless pink floral Markarian gown, while Kelce opted for a classic double-breasted black suit.

Guests at the celebration spotted the couple dancing together throughout the evening, and at one point, Swift appeared to proudly show off her wedding ring while chatting with fellow attendees.

Approximately 10 days ago, Nolan Xavier Wells was allegedly seen alive for the last time. What was supposed to be a day trip to Horn Island, Mississippi, later turned into a multi-agency search party. Two days after going missing, Nolan’s body was found in the water near the northwestern area of the island. His mother, Christine Wonsley, shared her grief shortly afterward and has continued to advocate for answers about his death and transparency in the investigation. But her latest public message is about having to do the unthinkable as a parent: burying a child. She spoke of planning Nolan’s funeral as new reports have revealed details about the 18-year-old’s upcoming celebration of life.

RELATED: Nolan Xavier Wells’ Mom Shares Message For Those “Joking” About Her Son’s Death Alongside Words For His Friends

Christine Wonsley Speaks Of Nolan Wells’ Funeral

As mentioned, Christine Wonsley has been vocal following her son’s death. That includes grieving for him, asking the public to come forward with answers, and shutting down tasteless jokes and AI-generated videos. Late Monday (July 13), she circled to Facebook with a new status update. In the post, she spoke of planning Nolan Wells’ funeral and the emotion behind it.

“Planning the funeral of our 18 year old does not feel real. All the emotions are running together. I thank God for the moments of being able to watch videos and hear his laugh again. We miss you so much Nolan. #JusticeForNolanWells #Forever18”

Venue Releases Statement Ahead Of Funeral

According to the SunHerald, the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center has agreed to host Nolan Xavier Wells’ funeral. While Christine Wonsley acknowledged on Monday that she’s planning the service, she did not provide any more details. A statement from the venue’s executive director said there’s communication with representatives of Nolan’s family.

Additionally, per WLOX, the service date has been selected. The funeral will take place on July 20 with visitation from 9 to 11 a.m. and the service lasting from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The venue’s executive director revealed it will be staged to hold between 1,200 and 1,500 people. RSVPs will be encouraged for planning purposes and metal detectors will be in use, as for any other event at the venue.

What’s Going On With The Investigation?

This week, Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter appeared in a ‘Good Morning America’ interview that aired on Tuesday (July 14). His office is leading the investigation into what happened to Nolan Xavier Wells. He told ABC News’ Aaron Katersky that it’s important his agency doesn’t put themselves “on a timetable” or “rush” themselves. However, he appeared to agree that Nolan’s family deserves answers. “But I do think it’s important to be diligent in gathering all the facts. That’s what the family deserves,” Sheriff Ledbetter said.

Ledbetter added that law enforcement is still collecting photos, videos and witness accounts from people who visited Horn Island on July 4. As of Tuesday, investigators are still allegedly waiting on the state medical examiner’s findings, which will include a toxicology. Officials have previously suggested Wells drowned, a claim his family and their lawyer, Ben Crump, have questioned.

“Even if you may think it might be insignificant, every little bit helps,” the sheriff said. “That may be a bigger contribution than you think to this case.”

When asked whether drugs or alcohol played a role in Nolan’s death, Sheriff Ledbetter refused to answer. He acknowledged the “rumors are out there.” However, he said, “We don’t respond to rumors. We respond to facts.” 

Nolan Wells’ parents have sought out an independent autopsy, which the sheriff says his office welcomes. Ultimately, his department and the Wonsleys are seeking the same outcome, he previously told ABC News.

“We’re working toward the same goal as the family,” Ledbetter previously said. “We want a thorough investigation. That’s what we’re going to continue to do until we arrive at the answers that the family deserves.”

RELATED: Mom Of Teen Who Was On Horn Island With Nolan Xavier Wells Says Family Is Receiving Death Threats

Former Dallas Cowboys star Michael Irvin is doing his best to manage expectations as he cares for his wife, Sandy Harrell, amid her battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s.

“She’s still at the house and everything’s still going the same,” Irvin, 60, exclusively told Us Weekly at his media availability prior to Netflix’ coverage of the 2026 Home Run Derby. “You know what I mean? A good day is to have the same day. You know, we know we’re not going to get better. We just got to make sure we maintain and continue to try to limit how [much] worse we get, but she’s doing good.”

Irvin and Harrell, 60, met at the University of Miami and have been married since 1990, two years after the Cowboys drafted him. They share daughters Myesha, 36, and Chelsea, 30, as well as sons Michael Jr., 29, and Elijah, 27.

The Pro Football Hall of Famer added that Harrell has been battling the disease since she was “49, maybe 48.”

“We thought it was menopause,” he explained. “Nobody knew about it. I kept it quiet until something happened with one of my family members. Then it got out.”

Irvin first disclosed publicly that Harrell had Alzheimer’s in June 2024 and has offered periodic updates since. Though he tried to keep her diagnosis quiet at first, he noted the outpouring of support he has seen.

“I’ve had so many people that have come up to me, you know, and say, ‘Michael, [I’m] going through it, [I’m] going through it,’” he said. “The more we talk about what we’re going through and our issues, the better it is for everybody.”

Irvin and his family have enlisted the help of nurses to provide around-the-clock care for Harrell — something that he admits he cannot do on his own and helps guarantee she will stay in the comfort of her home, rather than a medical facility.

Between his “The White House With Michael Irvin” podcast and other media opportunities, Irvin has found an escape in sports.

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“I just love the fact that Netflix gives me an opportunity to move around,” he said. “I don’t want to just stay in one sport. I love football. You know I love it. But I love UFC, love baseball, love basketball. So getting the opportunity to be around and do everything and seeing the ins and outs of it is great.”

He also shared that Jose Canseco is his dream Home Run Derby batter that he would love to see take his cuts. Thinking back to an episode of Pros vs. Joes that he did with Canseco, now 62, Irvin remembers being in awe of the controversial slugger’s swing.

“I never heard a ball hit off the bat like he did,” Irvin said. “It was different. That’s when I knew this s*** [was] different. You know what I’m saying?”

Los Angeles Dodgers star Kiké Hernández explained why he won’t be in attendance when the team visits the White House to meet with President Trump later this month. 

Hernández, 34, will be on a minor-league rehab assignment when the Dodgers head to Washington D.C. on July 23 to celebrate their World Series title. “It’s going to be hard to be in two cities at the same time,” Hernández told reporters on Friday, July 10. 

He added, “If I was active, I probably wouldn’t have gone anyways.”

When pressed for a reason, Hernández said, “I’d rather take a day off than do team activities.”

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Dodgers star Mookie Betts has also said he will not attend the festivities at the White House, but insisted it was not a political decision. 

“I’m not trying to make this a whole big deal,” Betts, 33, told the California Post in a story published on Saturday, July 11. “We just had a baby. You don’t get many days off. They’re coming [on the road trip]. And just want to hang out with the fam. That’s really kind of it. But people are gonna make it a whole bunch of other stuff.”

He added, “If I do [go], people are gonna hate me. If I don’t, people are gonna hate me. So instead of trying to make everyone else happy, I’m gonna think about myself and my family.”

Betts and his wife, Brianna, share three children: daughters Kynlee, 7, and Khari, 3 months, and son Kaj, 3. 

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San Francisco 49ers star Kyle Juszczyk had a sense of humor when asked about what comes with more pressure: teeing it up at the biggest celebrity golf tournament in the world or the notorious NDA he signed to attend Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift‘s wedding. “That’s a good genuine question,” Juszczyk, 35, exclusively told Us […]

The Dodgers released a statement about the White House visit on July 9, which comes a year after the team — including Hernández and Betts — met with Trump, 80, to celebrate their 2024 World Series title. 

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“As was the case one year ago, the Dodgers’ upcoming visits to the White House and Capitol Hill follow the longtime tradition of visits by other World Series champions,” the franchise said. “We appreciate these tributes in recognition of our back-to-back championships.”

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the meeting “took a long time to get both sides together.”

“Honestly, like I’ve always said, my company line, my personal line, is I hope that we get this invitation every year,” Roberts, 54, told reporters after the visit was confirmed. “Because that’s the goal, to win a championship, to get this invitation to the White House. I’m not a politician and I’m doing something that teams have done for decades. That’s where I stand, really. I’m a baseball coach. That’s what I do.”

By Robert Scucci
| Published 14 seconds ago

Shortly after Louis C.K.’s aptly titled 2017 special, 2017, made waves, he all but disappeared from the limelight. After publicly acknowledging the several sexual misconduct allegations that were made against him, he made himself scarce, and that was appropriate given the circumstances. While I don’t approve of the behavior that rightfully landed him in hot water, I was still bummed to hear the news because his specials leading up to the controversies are among my all-time favorites. I also don’t follow celebrity gossip too closely, so when the news broke, it took me by surprise.

His decade-long run from 2007 to 2017 is a masterclass in stand-up comedy, and his five-season run with his semi-autobiographical sitcom, Louie, was what I always considered to be a perfected version of the Seinfeld formula. And then, for a while, there was nothing. At least nothing that was widely available outside of his personal website.

While his latest special, Ridiculous, marks his return to Netflix, and I think it’s a solid follow-up to 2017 on the streaming giant, it pales in comparison to the run of lesser-known specials he released between his Netflix stints: Sincerely Louis CK, Sorry, Louis C.K. at The Dolby, and Back to the Garden.

It’s not that Ridiculous is a lackluster effort on C.K.’s part either. I think the issue is that if you haven’t been following his career closely and are only familiar with the material that’s available through Netflix, you have about a decade’s worth of blanks to fill, and he’s also that much older. His delivery is, as you would expect, more subdued, and his sense of humor is more morose than ever. It’s still classic Louis C.K., but he’s now very aware of mortality, especially his own as he approaches his 60s.

Ridiculous Is A Total Bummer

Don’t let the subheader fool you because Louis C.K.’s comedy has always been depressing, and that’s a feature, not a bug. When he was regularly belting out hour-long specials, there was a sense of energy and momentum that sucked you in because he was apparently at the top of the world, and there was no real indication that he’d ever have to pump the brakes. The sense of self-loathing came off as played up for comedic effect because he, and everybody else, knew he was in the freakin’ zone. It was an epic run that nobody can deny.

And then nothing for a while, unless you were on his mailing list and paying close attention.

With Ridiculous, Louis C.K. comes off as humbled, older, and wiser, but also more cynical than ever. Most of his bits center around aging, placing his father in a retirement home with the help of his siblings, dating at 58 years old, and how the puffy bags under his eyes are so big that he has tan lines from them. If you’ve been out of the mix for a while, it’s jarring because in 2017 he had a bounce in his step and a relatively positive outlook on life, all things considered. You don’t see much of that in Ridiculous, but it’s also not coming from a “woe is me” kind of place.

It’s the same brand of humor you’re used to if you enjoyed his specials in the aughts and 2010s, but it also brings the same feeling you get when you haven’t seen a distant relative in a long time and, when you finally meet up, time has clearly taken its toll. I think that’s what was most jarring for me while watching Ridiculous.

A Return To Form, But The Form Has Changed

That is all to say that Louis C.K. is still doing what he does best in Ridiculous. But without the context of the self-released specials that bridged the gap between his Netflix runs, I could see this being a rough watch for the reasons above. If you were drawn to C.K.’s cynical humor back in the day, you’ll feel right at home here.

The problem is that his comedy is often confessional, or hinged on exaggerated versions of his own life, and without filling in the blanks from those lost years, you may feel like you’re missing out. It’s not that the humor is particularly high-brow or complex, but it is cumulative. Jumping into Ridiculous as a follow-up to 2017 will leave you wanting more, and it’s up to you to decide whether you want to support him directly by purchasing those self-released specials.

Louis C.K.: Ridiculous is a Netflix Original and can be streamed with an active subscription.

Brandi Glanville still hasn’t forgotten about her vaginal rejuvenation surgery after becoming a mom.

“I was with Dr. [David] Matlock. He was the pioneer for the surgery,” Glanville, 53, claimed on the July 2 episode of her “Unfiltered” podcast. “He was the original doctor to do it.”

The former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star said she had “the actual surgery” in 2009 before suggesting women today have more non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation options.

“That was the only way I could stop f***ing my ex-husband was to be a virgin again,” she explained to podcast cohost James Maas about her decision to get the surgery. “You know, I spit out two kids and [Eddie Cibrian] made a comment like, ‘It’s not what it used to be.’”

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Glanville and Cibrian — who share two sons — were married in 2001 but split in 2009. While Glanville remains single, Cibrian went on to marry country singer LeAnn Rimes in 2011.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, vaginal rejuvenation is a broad term for procedures that address the look or feel of one’s vagina. Many patients can choose from both surgical and nonsurgical options today, including CO2 laser and the orgasm shot.

It’s important to speak with a trusted medical professional before getting any procedure.

This isn’t the first time Glanville has spoken out about her vaginal rejuvenation surgery. In her debut memoir Drinking and Tweeting, which was released in 2013, the Bravo star discussed the “pretty intense surgery” that cost nearly $12,000.

“A brand new vagina would be an Eddie-free vagina,” she wrote. “I understand that, to many of you, this may seem like an extreme measure to cut someone out of your life. But I’ve always been an extreme kind of girl, with extreme emotions.”

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Glanville continued, “I decided that since Eddie had ruined my vagina for me, he could pay for a new one. A week after the vaginal rejuvenation surgery, he was on the phone screaming, ‘What the f*** cost you $12,000? Did you get a nose job?’ I responded simply, ‘Yes. A nose job.’ And I hung up.”

The best-selling author has also been open about the highs and lows of her plastic surgery procedures. Glanville previously shared her struggles with a face parasite, which she thinks could’ve been a result of her breast implants rupturing and infecting her body.

She continues to document her health battles through her open and honest podcast.

Certain thrillers well and truly avoid overstaying their welcome, since it is a genre where the movies classifiable as such can benefit from being snappy. It keeps the pace fast, when there aren’t really minutes to waste, so you’ve got a bunch of iconic thrillers that clock in with sub-90-minute runtimes, for instance, like Rope, Run Lola Run, and Perfect Blue, plus too many that clock in at under two hours to count.

Epic movies, on the other hand, don’t necessarily waste time, but they tell bigger stories and generally take up more time than your average thriller. Yet there are some great epic thrillers out there, including the ones below, which are some of the very best. There are epics that are thrilling without necessarily being thrillers (like The Lord of the Rings and Lawrence of Arabia), with a movie having to be marked as a thriller on Letterboxd to be included here, just for consistency’s sake.

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‘The Towering Inferno’ (1974)

Image via 20th Century Studios

Disaster movies tend to benefit from runtimes that aren’t too crazily long, because films about people trying to survive such things are generally straightforward. Something like Titanic works, with a 3+ hour runtime, because a good chunk of that movie isn’t focused on the disaster itself… but still, that movie’s not really a thriller, even with the second half being thrilling. If you want the best disaster movie that does feel like a thriller, and it has an epic runtime at the same time, there’s always The Towering Inferno.

This one’s long because there are a ton of characters in it. The premise itself is simple, since there’s a fire during the opening party for a skyscraper, and people inside the building have to fight to survive while people outside the building try to contain the fire and rescue those inside. It’s very much of its time, since disaster movies like this were all the rage, back in the 1970s, but of that decade’s (many) blockbuster-level disaster movies, The Towering Inferno is the best.

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‘Dragged Across Concrete’ (2018)

Image via Lionsgate

For reasons that are somewhat hard to understand, Heat doesn’t really get described as a thriller in most of the places you might expect it to (not IMDb, Letterboxd, or Wikipedia), so here’s Dragged Across Concrete instead, which is another heist movie with an epic-length runtime. This one does tend to get labeled as a crime/thriller film, and it’s about two police detectives being suspended and then themselves getting wrapped up in a heist.

What it does thematically is interesting, breaking down the barriers between two groups who are usually on “opposite” sides of the law in some pretty brutal and eyebrow-raising ways. It’s also as violent as you’d expect it to be, with a title like Dragged Across Concrete, and the director (S. Craig Zahler) who was behind the infamously grisly Bone Tomahawk (which is a great Western, to be fair, albeit definitely not something for everyone).

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‘Spies’ (1928)

Image via UFA

It’s not quite as good as Metropolis, but Spies is another epic-length silent movie by Fritz Lang that holds up incredibly well for something that’s nearly 100 years old. Like how Metropolis was very influential on the sci-fi genres, Spies can be seen as incredibly forward-thinking in the spy and thriller genres, being about complicated relationships between different spies and people tied up (seemingly) with some kind of espionage-related operation.

Spies is about 2.5 hours long, and it’s also non-stop with its general chaos and willingness to thrill. By design, it’s a bit hard to keep up, but it’s also a lot of fun being taken along for the ride, and seeing Fritz Lang do things so much earlier than most filmmakers were able to. Spies is very underrated, much like Woman in the Moon, which was a return to sci-fi for Lang, and another epic-length movie (released just one year on from Spies).

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‘Blood In, Blood Out’ (1993)

Image via Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Sometimes, Blood In, Blood Out is referred to by the title “Bound by Honor,” but either way, it stands as easily one of the most underrated epic-length movies of its era. It goes for more than three hours, and it spans over a decade, too, being about three young men who are all wrapped up in gang conflict early in the film, and then experience various changes throughout their lives as the years go on.

Plenty of traditional epics are set many decades ago, or even centuries, and Blood In, Blood Out does feel like a traditional epic in some ways (with how it unfolds and the amount of time covered), but then it stands out by being made about then-recent times, since it covers much of the 1970s and then the first half of the 1980s. It’s mostly a crime/drama film, but also qualifies as a thriller, standing as an ultimately very engaging watch for all of its long runtime.

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‘One Battle After Another’ (2025)

Since it’s recent, it’s hard to know at this stage whether One Battle After Another will endure and be a genuine classic some years (or decades) from now, but at the moment, it feels like its chances are good. Worst-case scenario is that it becomes a time capsule for the 2020s, but a very comprehensive and unusually accurate one, in terms of the conflict it explores and the general anxiety that it’s willing to depict.

There’s also a good deal of action and excitement here, especially for a Paul Thomas Anderson movie, since he hadn’t really operated in the blockbuster filmmaking sphere before One Battle After Another. It’s high on thrills, and has some great set pieces, so even with the somewhat polarizing subject matter, it doesn’t feel too hard to recommend this movie, thanks to it being so dedicated to delivering spectacle.

5

‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ (2012)

Image via Viacom18 Motion Pictures

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The runtime might intimidate some people, considering Gangs of Wasseypur is almost five and a half hours long, but it’s split into two volumes, a bit like how a certain epic about killing someone named Bill was also (at least initially) split into two. Put another way, Gangs of Wasseypur feels a bit like watching The Godfather and The Godfather Part II back-to-back, and that’s doable, considering how great those movies are.

Okay, sure, Gangs of Wasseypur isn’t quite as good as The Godfather, but it’s also not that far off, as a gangster epic. It spans a good deal of time like The Godfather saga, and revolves around one crime family seen over generations, with a particular focus on their conflict with another crime family. It’s an epic crime film while also functioning remarkably well as an unpredictable thriller, and then Gangs of Wasseypur also manages to feel pretty action-packed throughout, too.

4

‘Zodiac’ (2007)

Image via Paramount Pictures

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As a mystery film, Zodiac’s very heavy and downbeat, though it’s intense and fast-paced enough to certainly work as a thriller at the same time, with the focus here, unsurprisingly, being on the hunt for the Zodiac killer. A few different people find themselves drawn to the case, with one in particular, a cartoonist named Robert Graysmith, getting especially obsessed with finding the elusive killer’s identity, even when the murders themselves seem to stop.

About half of Zodiac plays out how you’d expect it to, and then the other half is more about obsession and uncertainty. It’s a grim and violent thriller for that first half, and then the second half is anxiety-inducing in a different sort of way, finding a good degree of terror and unease in the unknown. On both fronts, Zodiac is riveting, and stands as arguably David Fincher’s most ambitious movie to date, not to mention one of his very best efforts.

3

‘Inglourious Basterds’ (2009)

Image via The Weinstein Company

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With the exception of Death Proof, all of Quentin Tarantino’s 21st-century movies have been pretty much epic-length. Well, if you go back to the 20th century, actually, of his three pre-2000 movies, only Reservoir Dogs clocks in at under 2.5 hours. So, okay, sure, he likes making movies that are either epics, or flirt with being epic (like The Hateful Eight, which is long, but pretty claustrophobic and also kind of small-scale for something that’s three hours long).

Anyway, there is one other Tarantino epic that’s arguably more thrilling than Inglourious Basterds, but Inglourious Basterds, nevertheless, really can’t be left off for present purposes. It’s a World War II film about different people fighting back against German forces in Nazi-occupied France, culminating with a movie premiere that allows Tarantino to comment on movie violence while featuring a ton of on-screen violence. There’s a lot to chew on here, beyond the visceral thrills, if you feel so inclined. Otherwise, Inglourious Basterds is still just a blast at a gut level, sustaining tension for more than two and a half hours with surprising ease.

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‘JFK’ (1991)

Image via Warner Bros.

There’s an argument to be made that JFK is a real mess of an epic, but an even better argument to be made that it’s an enthralling – and sprawling – kind of mess. It is about the aftermath of the John F. Kennedy assassination, with New Orleans district attorney Jim Garrison conducting an investigation into the event, and trying to come to terms with certain discoveries he makes. And then there’s the additional challenge of trying to convince other people of some alarming things.

It’s incredibly frenzied, and compelling as a portrait of obsession over a troubling historical event in a similar way to Zodiac. Even if you don’t believe in what JFK (or director Oliver Stone) might believe, JFK remains engrossing as a film about anxiety and the sometimes futile pursuit of the truth, or even just a truth. It moves so ridiculously fast, too, so getting swept up in it all, even with the overwhelming density of things, feels surprisingly easy.

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‘Kill Bill’ (2003–2004)

Image via Miramax Films

Another Quentin Tarantino epic, Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair is even more directly about revenge than Inglourious Basterds, since there were more characters in that, and a handful weren’t directly driven by revenge (or not personally driven, necessarily). With Kill Bill, though, that’s pretty much all the Bride seems to want for most of the movie, and yes, most of the movie is then about her getting that revenge.

It’s being counted as one epic here, and that can be done now that Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair is more widely available as a single film that stitches the two previously-released volumes together, and makes a few alterations along the way. It’s a grand and continually rewatchable action/thriller film, with stretches of Kill Bill delivering a ton of amazingly choreographed action, and then other stretches being a bit more restrained, building tension and featuring some excellently written dialogue.

Houston rapper Judy World has died after being stabbed in the leg over the weekend. The rising artist was reportedly stabbed during a domestic incident involving her alleged boyfriend’s sister. Judy was 28.

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Judy World Passes Away Following Stabbing

The Houston Police Department received a call about the stabbing at approximately 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 11. The incident took place on the 11900 block of Bat Sheva Lane, according to Fox 26 Houston. Kayla Wynita Rodgers is the person who allegedly stabbed Judy World, whose real name is Krystal Jordan.

Jordan, who also went by Play Girl Judy, was reportedly on a three-way jail call with a man that she was dating. Judy was allegedly, per her mother, trying to retrieve something for him from his mother when she was stabbed by his sister. Video footage shows the man’s mother and sister near the vehicle Judy traveled in. Rodgers is in police custody, charged with manslaughter.

Judy’s Mother Witnessed The Stabbing

The rapper’s mother, Keia Jordan, was with her in the car during the incident, and she witnessed her daughter being stabbed. Judy’s daughter was also reportedly in the car. Keia said that she’d gone with her daughter to Rodgers’ residence. The grieving mother revealed that she saw the entire incident, and her daughter was allegedly stabbed with a butcher knife. Furthermore, she said that Rodgers repeatedly threatened to kill the Houston rapper before stabbing her.

“She came outside with a butcher knife,” she recalled. “She say, ‘I don’t want this b*tch over here cuz I’m finna kill her.’” 

The heartbroken mother went on to describe the moment her daughter was fatally stabbed as her voice cracked. “She ran up to my car to stab my daughter. My daughter blocked her with the door. And then she went around between me and my daughter and stabbed her in her leg.”

Keia Jordan also described giving her daughter CPR and their attempts to stop the bleeding. She said that after she asked Rodgers’ mother for the address to give the paramedics, she refused.  “‘Could y’all please give me the address?’ They told us no. And girl said, ‘I want her to die. She going to die. That’s my intention.’”

As for the manslaughter charge, Keia Jordan thinks it’s not appropriate for what happened. “They better charge her with murder cuz she did this intentionally,” she added. “It wasn’t an accident. She intentionally stabbed her.”

GoFundMe Set Up To Help With Funeral Costs

Jordan leaves behind a 10-year-old daughter. A GoFundMe is active to help the family with expenses. Additionally, a balloon release will take place on Friday, July 17 in honor of Jordan. The release will occur at 5:30 p.m. at Crestmont Park.

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The DC Universe continues to grow, and one familiar hero is officially joining the next chapter.

According to Variety, Xolo Maridueña is set to reprise his role as Jaime Reyes/Blue Beetle in James Gunn’s upcoming Superman: Man of Tomorrow, marking the character’s first appearance alongside David Corenswet’s Superman in the rebooted DC Universe.

Maridueña first debuted as Blue Beetle in the 2023 standalone film, and despite the DC Universe reboot, James Gunn previously confirmed that the character would remain part of the new continuity. His return in Man of Tomorrow officially delivers on that promise and gives fans another familiar face as the franchise continues to expand.

Superman [credit: Warner Bros.]

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During an interview with Variety, DC Studios co-head Peter Safran praised Maridueña’s performance in the original Blue Beetle, explaining why the actor was always part of the studio’s long-term plans.

“What I was most impressed by is his ability with both the comedic and the emotional material. He has all the skills,“ Safran told Variety.

Safran went on to explain that Jaime Reyes is a unique superhero because the role requires balancing humor with genuine emotional weight as the character struggles to protect his family while adapting to his newfound powers.

“It’s just very evident that this is a star-making performance,”

Safran added.

While specific story details remain under wraps, Superman: Man of Tomorrow is expected to see Superman reluctantly team up with his longtime enemy Lex Luthor, played once again by Nicholas Hoult, to confront the looming threat of Brainiac. The sequel is scheduled to arrive in theaters on July 9, 2027, and filming has been underway since earlier this year.

Blue Beetle’s inclusion further reinforces DC Studios’ interconnected approach under James Gunn and Peter Safran. Rather than treating each hero as isolated, the new DC Universe is steadily bringing its growing roster together, with characters crossing between films and television as the shared universe continues to take shape.

For fans of Blue Beetle, the news confirms that Jaime Reyes’ journey is far from over. After years of uncertainty surrounding the future of the character following the 2023 film, Maridueña is officially back in action and ready to fight alongside Superman in one of DC’s biggest upcoming releases.