Entertainment
Titus Welliver’s ‘The Departed’ Meets ‘Heat’ Thriller Is Officially an HBO Max Favorite
Producer Basil Iwanyk recently revealed on The Town podcast that two movies on his resume needed an extra marketing push to appeal to a broader audience. One of them was Denis Villeneuve‘s critically acclaimed neo-Western Sicario, which ended up grossing $85 million against a reported budget of $35 million, thanks to a well-timed decision to position it as an action movie. The other film that prompted a similar marketing strategy was released five years earlier, in 2010. It went on to gross more than $150 million worldwide against a reported budget of $37 million. While it certainly had a few action scenes, it was essentially a crime drama. The movie in question remains well-liked among its target audience, and it recently had a resurgence on the domestic HBO Max viewership chart.
According to FlixPatrol, it was the sixth-most-watched movie on HBO Max this week, when the leaderboard was topped by the action film Normal, starring Bob Odenkirk. The crime drama outperformed the star-studded romance movie Materialists, and the action-comedy film Tag. It featured quite a starry ensemble itself, and was headlined by Ben Affleck, with Jeremy Renner, Rebecca Hall, Blake Lively, Jon Hamm, and Titus Welliver appearing in supporting roles. The movie took place in Boston, and revolved around a gang of bank robbers who find themselves in a tough spot while planning one last job.
Titus Welliver Recently Returned to the Crime-Drama Genre
By now you’ve probably guessed that we’re talking about The Town, which was also directed by Affleck. The movie was critically acclaimed at the time of its release, and is now sitting at a “Certified Fresh” 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The aggregator website’s consensus reads, “Tense, smartly written, and wonderfully cast, The Town proves that Ben Affleck has rediscovered his muse — and that he’s a director to be reckoned with.”
Affleck went on to direct the Best Picture-winning thriller Argo, and then the gangster flop Live By Night. He bounced back with the acclaimed sports drama Air, and is all set to debut his latest directorial venture, the Netflix thriller Animals. The new movie will be released on October 9. You can watch The Town on HBO Max, and you can also check out Welliver’s similar crime series The Westies, which is available to stream on MGM+.
Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
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September 17, 2010
- Runtime
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125 minutes
- Writers
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Aaron Stockard, Ben Affleck, Peter Craig, Chuck Hogan
- Producers
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Basil Iwanyk, Graham King
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Luke Skywalker has faced some of the most dangerous villains in Star Wars, but his greatest battles have rarely been about who is strongest with a lightsaber. Return of the Jedi put Luke through the ultimate test when he confronted Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine aboard the second Death Star. Palpatine had sinister plans for the young Jedi, desiring Luke to surrender to his anger, kill his father, and take Vader’s place at his side.
Luke ultimately rejected the Emperor, throwing away his lightsaber rather than allowing himself to become another Sith apprentice. Vader subsequently sacrificed himself to save his son, seemingly killing Palpatine and allowing Luke to leave the Death Star, believing the Emperor was finally gone. We now know that wasn’t exactly the end of Palpatine, thanks to his eventual and controversial return in The Rise of Skywalker, but Luke never lived to see the Emperor’s resurrection on Exegol. That doesn’t mean he never saw his greatest enemy again.
Spoilers ahead for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge — Echoes of the Empire #5.
Luke Skywalker Faces Emperor Palpatine Again in ‘Echoes of the Empire’
Marvel‘s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge — Echoes of the Empire #5 brings Luke face-to-face with Palpatine once more, although the Emperor hasn’t somehow returned from the dead early… again. While exploring Batuu alongside Leia, Luke suddenly encounters the Sith Lord and immediately ignites his lightsaber. Palpatine taunts him with the familiar warning that fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, and hate leads to suffering, but Luke quickly realizes something is wrong. Palpatine isn’t actually there.
The Emperor is a hallucination caused by Grimtaash, the enormous creature Luke and Leia encounter during their search for a mysterious Force relic. Grimtaash’s pheromones cause its victims to hallucinate, meaning Palpatine’s appearance offers a fascinating glimpse at what still frightens Luke after the events of Return of the Jedi. Even after watching Vader seemingly kill the Emperor, Palpatine remains buried somewhere in Luke’s fears. The realization also allows Luke to overcome the creature’s influence. Instead of fighting Palpatine again, he recognizes that the Emperor cannot possibly be standing before him and begins piecing together what Grimtaash is doing.
It’s a brief reunion, but a meaningful one considering how important Palpatine was to Luke’s final test in the original trilogy. Luke already proved he could resist the Emperor when it mattered most. Echoes of the Empire gives him another opportunity to face the man who nearly turned him to the dark side, and this time, Luke knows immediately that he doesn’t have to fight him at all.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge — Echoes of the Empire #5 is on sale now. Stay tuned at Collider for more.
- Release Date
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May 25, 1983
- Runtime
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132 minutes
- Director
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Richard Marquand
- Writers
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George Lucas
- Producers
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Howard G. Kazanjian, Rick McCallum, Robert Watts, Jim Bloom
Reading Rainbow host Mychal Threets — better known as Mychal the Librarian — sparked concern with a cryptic message about checking himself into the hospital.
“I am not okay. Maybe I’ll never be okay. I’m seeking help. Going to the hopital [sic] tomorrow. In this moment I am safe. By God’s grace,” the TikTok-famous librarian shared via Threads on Monday, August 17.
Threets continued, “No matter what happens to me I will always be thankful for the extraordinary people in my life who worry, who help me. Thank you for your care. I will always love you. 💚”
Us has reached out to Threets for comment.
April showers definitely bring May flowers, but the rain will offer more time to read. Us Weekly is breaking down some of the most highly anticipated spring book releases, including a prequel, a debut and an Italian friends-to-lovers story. Those TBR shelves will definitely be stacked after seeing this list because they’re all un-put-downable reads […]
Threets, 36, has been the face of Reading Rainbow since it relaunched on YouTube in October 2025. The popular children’s program previously aired on PBS from 1983 to 2006 and was hosted by LeVar Burton.
“There have been two hosts in the history of Reading Rainbow. The Legend of Literacy, LeVar Burton! And… me, Mychal Threets, a librarian,” the librarian wrote via Instagram after he was announced as host in September last year.
“I was raised on Reading Rainbow, LeVar Burton is my hero. I am a reader, I am a librarian because LeVar Burton and Reading Rainbow so powerfully made us believe we belong in books, we belong everywhere,” he added.
“I am so happy for all of us that Reading Rainbow is returning! YOU all did this! We’re flying twice as high, butterflies in the sky! Stay tuned…” he concluded.
Summer is officially here, which means there’s more time to read. Whether you prefer checking out these must-read books at the beach or by the pool, tons of authors are making their highly anticipated return with new novels just in time for peak relaxation. Former Bachelorette star Hannah Brown, for one, is continuing her summer […]
Threets found fame on social media after he began sharing videos via TikTok and Instagram during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has nearly 1 million followers on Instagram and TikTok, respectively.
In an April interview with NBC Bay Area, Threets said he left his previous job as a librarian “for mental health reasons.”
“I was just really struggling in life, struggling at work for the first time, just started feeling burnt out,” he said. “And I think my plan was, honestly, to leave the world at that time. I planned to take my own life in March 2024, and I’m still struggling today, but it’s led to a life of just traveling all over the United States, and now, I’m the resident librarian for PBS, PBS Kids, and also the host of Reading Rainbow.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
A Florida police officer is accused of monitoring his estranged wife 717 times with Flock cameras. The officer, 31-year-old Christopher Anthony Goodson, is employed with the Haines City Police Department.
RELATED: Ex–California Deputy Reportedly Killed After Police Chase Following Fatal Stabbing Of His 11-Year-Old Son
Haines City Police Department Officer Allegedly Uses Flock Cameras To Stalk Estranged Wife
Florida police officer Christopher Goodson is in hot water after allegedly using Flock cameras to monitor his estranged wife. According to PEOPLE, his wife advised Goodson via text on August 10 that she’d been contacted by The Washington Post.
As it turned out, the outlet contacted the Florida police officer’s estranged wife to inquire about his misuse of the Flock camera database to track his wife.
After that, Goodson reportedly told a supervisor that he’d used the Flock database to track his children when they were with his wife.
Goodson Used The Flock Cameras 717 Times To Track Estranged Wife
An investigation found that the Florida police officer allegedly entered his wife’s license plate number into the Flock database more than 700 times. Goodson entered his estranged wife’s plate number 717 times between Sept. 1, 2024, and June 30, 2026.
Haines City Police Chief Isaac Jackson said in a press release that Goodson’s actions were an “unfortunate incident,” per PEOPLE.
“This is an unfortunate incident,” Jackson wrote in the release. “The Haines City Police Department fully supports all appropriate investigative measures necessary to solve crimes and assist our officers in carrying out their duties. We want to make it clear that the Haines City Police Department does not tolerate the misuse, unauthorized access, or personal use of any investigative databases or law-enforcement information systems. These resources are provided for legitimate official purposes only and must be used responsibly and in accordance with department policies and applicable laws.”
Goodson’s Wife Was Not Under Investigation
Because Goodson’s wife was not under any type of legal investigation, he was placed on paid administrative leave. He was hired by the Haines City Police Department in March of 2022. However, he reportedly plans to resign due to the investigation.
Mrs. Goodson “was not involved in any type of criminal investigation nor was her vehicle listed as being part of any crime which would require Christopher to inquire [about] her or the vehicle’s location,” court documents read.
Nevertheless, Goodson allegedly used justifications such as “Wanted Person (Arrest Warrant/Fugitive)” and “Drugs/Narcotics” to make the searches appear legitimate to law enforcement.
He is facing official misconduct and offenses against users of computers, computer systems, computer networks, and electronic devices charges.
RELATED: DoorDash Driver Hit In Police Chase Still Delivers Order! | TSR Investigates
What Do You Think Roomies?
Claressa Shields still has the internet popping OFF after her fight against Kaye Scott. But chile, this time it’s not because of any drama with Remy Ma — it’s actually all about Papoose. The GWOAT hopped online and spilled a lil’ tea about their relationship, and now folks on the internet are saying she shared WAY too much information.
RELATED: Claressa Shields Wins Fight Against Kaye Scott As Remy Ma Seemingly Recruits Her Boxing Rivals ‘Wanna Go’ Music Video (WATCH)
Claressa Shields Had Social Media Saying, “Dis Tew Much!”
Fans already know Claressa Shields doesn’t hold back when it comes to sharing the tea online. But this time, folks are questioning whether the boxing champ might’ve gone a lil’ too far after spilling some spicy details about her quality time with Papoose. The GWOAT hopped on X (formerly Twitter) and told folks she might have a bun in the oven after things got a little spicy between her and Pap following her fight against Kaye Scott on August 15. “I’m probably pregnant now 
@Papooseonline went crazy after the fight 
”
Shields appeared to respond to Shannon Sharpe and Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Jonson’s ‘NightCap’ podcast,’ saying she and Papoose “were dedicated all through camp.” But while chopping it up on the show, Shields revealed that she and Pap have not been intimate in over six weeks because she wanted to stay focused on her fight. She added that, in her eyes, “an undisciplined man is not a good man.” The minute her SPICY response started started making rounds online, folks said Claressa cold’ve kept that message in the vault — or at least between her and her man.
The Internet Says Claressa Could’ve Kept That One
Reactions kept popping off over in The Shade Room’s Instagram comment section, and chile the Roomies did NOT let up! Some folks said Claressa’s phone had to be hacked because there was no way she would spill this much tea online. Meanwhile others were convinced it had to be AI.
Instagram user @sarahann264 wrote, “Ain’t no way she posted this. Ima say this AI! 🥴”
Instagram user @just1_ju wrote, “Is there anyway we can be removed from this chat? Nothing is left private anymore???? Not even the bedroom 😩”
While Instagram user @paree_france wrote, “She wants to make Remy mad 😂”
Then Instagram user @boss_gyol wrote, “Did we need to know this ? 😭😭 it’s giving teenager. Kiss and tell.”
Another Instagram user @icarlyjo wrote, “I need them to keep us out of their chat. Them & Bluesean.”
Instagram user @she_bluitt wrote, “We literally had no desire to hear this information.”
Then another Instagram user @laydeeplies wrote, “I think she wanted his wife to know this info.”
While another Instagram user @ fabulousbee_four wrote, “Everything I know about her is against my will 😭”
Lastly, Instagram user @ms_arabella_ wrote, “Stop looking for validation 🤦🏽♀️ It’s your man we know 🤷🏽♀️”
RELATED: So We Know It’s Real! Papoose Makes His Love For Claressa Shields Permanent With NEW Tattoo & Social Media HAs Thoughts (VIDEO)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
Laika’s Ambitious Stop-Motion Fantasy Adaptation Officially Debuts a Jaw-Dropping New Trailer
Laika hasn’t released a film in theaters in seven years, yet the stop-motion giant has still enjoyed a strong run of late thanks to the legacy of their hand-crafted works. When their dark fantasy masterpiece Coraline returned to theaters in 2024 to celebrate its 15th anniversary, audiences greeted it warmly and powered the film to new heights with another $53 million, a staggering haul for a re-release. Last year, ParaNorman got its time in the spotlight, complete with not just new screenings for Laika’s 20th anniversary, but also a new short reuniting the characters for a fresh spooky adventure. Now, though, the wait is nearly over for their next big project.
Since 2011, the studio has owned the rights to adapt the Colin Meloy-written and Carson Ellis-illustrated children’s fantasy novel Wildwood into a film. 15 years later, the project has blossomed into one of the most painstakingly detailed efforts Laika has undertaken thus far, with CEO and recent Masters of the Universe helmer Travis Knight directing with a script by his regular partner, Chris Butler. The story is a fitting one for the Oregon-based banner, unfolding in Portland where the young Prue McKeel (Peyton Elizabeth Lee) is sent on a fantastical and treacherous adventure into the enchanted wilderness after her baby brother Mac is kidnapped by crows while they’re out on the town. Accompanied by her classmate Curtis Mehlberg (Jacob Tremblay), she meets fantastical creatures and fearsome foes alike as she navigates the vibrant realm on the brink of war in hopes of bringing her beloved sibling back.
With two months left until release, Laika has unveiled a new trailer that showcases the stunning stop-motion visuals, while also spotlighting the main villain standing between Prue and her brother, the Dowager Governess Alexandra (Carey Mulligan). It opens on an encounter between the two where Prue asks about the mysterious woman’s son. In a flashback, tragedy unfolds, as a happy memory of Alexandra riding horses with her child is soon swallowed by crows, hinting at a devastating accident that tore her family apart. That moment puts her on the path to stealing Mac away and transforming the Wildwood into a savage place filled with war and death. She’s determined to tear apart the woods to bring back everything she lost, but Prue isn’t one to give up either, making friends with forest dwellers and braving untold danger to save her own family.
‘Wildwood’ Fills Out Its Fantasy World With a Massive Cast
Production on Wildwood officially began in 2021, and since then, the film has grown to an epic scale to capture the conflict unfolding within the book’s realm. The trailer further shows off what a massive undertaking of stop-motion this was, with sweeping scenes of armies charging at each other and fluid animation on a level much grander than the studio’s past work. A massive film brings with it a similarly massive cast, too, including an Academy Award winner in Mahershala Ali and an Emmy winner in Angela Bassett, alongside Richard E. Grant, Amandla Stenberg, Awkwafina, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day, Blythe Danner, Tom Waits, and many more.
Wildwood opens in theaters on October 23 through Fathom Entertainment. Check out the new trailer in the player above.
- Release Date
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October 23, 2026
- Director
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Travis Knight
- Writers
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Chris Butler, Carson Ellis, Colin Meloy
Cast
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Peyton Elizabeth Lee
Prue McKeel (voice)
-
-
Carey Mulligan
Alexandra (voice)
-
Celine Dion is making a bigger comeback than fans might have expected, and she is spilling the tea on it.
The legendary singer had to take a hiatus from the public eye in 2022 following her diagnosis with stiff-person syndrome, a health battle she secretly fought for over a decade.
Although Dion made a surprise performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the “I’m Alive” singer reveals she is done hiding and ready to take her throne on stage again.
In a rare interview ahead of her upcoming residency in Paris, set to run for five weeks, Dion opened up about what it’s like to make such a comeback.
According to the songstress, it is all about her fans. “It’s been so long, I would like to offer them something to show how I’ve missed them,” she said.
Despite suffering from an extremely rare condition that is said to affect one to two people in a million, Dion counts herself super lucky because of her fanbase.
She credited them for giving her the opportunity to finally come to terms with her condition, even though she had been dealing with symptoms for 17 years.
“They paid for tickets,” the “Power of Love” songstress explained to Harper’s Bazaar. “They bought my records. They gave me that luxury. So the least I can do is tell them that I’m alive.”
Inside Dion’s Routine For Paris Residency
As her highly-anticipated residency, set to kick off in September, inches closer, the 58-year-old is physically ready to deliver.
To prepare for her shows, Dion does a 90-minute Pilates session thrice weekly alongside ballet classes two times a week.
Despite the challenging routine, the singer is more than proud of her body for doing what it was born to do. As for what fans can expect from Dion, her creative adviser Annie Horth described it using one word: “grandiose.”
Speaking to the publication, Horth gave a hint about the setup, saying, “She goes from intimate and romantic to a vocal powerhouse, so we are creating something where she navigates that.”
Celine Dion Says Stiff-Person Isn’t A ‘Disease’
Although Dion is now focused on the future and what it has to offer, she got candid about life with Stiff-person syndrome. “It is a progressive condition. I don’t like to say ‘disease,’” she admitted.
The Canadian entertainer recalled how the symptoms heightened during the pandemic and how she fell in love with trees as a way to help her cope.
Her positive mindset is what helped her not to fall victim to the condition, despite not being able to move on some days due to muscle stiffness. It also helped that she is an “open book” to the world, not hiding her truth ever.
“I’m honest, and it’s not always pretty,” Dion noted. “Instead of questioning life, can you live life? So I’m living my life, girl. I’m living the life.”
The Singer Announced Her Return As A ‘Gift’
Many may recall that Dion broke the news of her residency in style. On her 58th birthday earlier this year, the music icon took to Instagram with a new move.
In a video uploaded, she revealed it was her first time recording a personal birthday message throughout her career, according to The Blast. After updating fans about her well-being, noting she began dancing again, Dion shared the news of her comeback with elation.
“This year, I’m getting the best gift of my life. I’m getting the chance to see you, to perform for you once again in Paris, beginning in September this year,” the singer declared.
Her announcement was met with approval from fans who wasted no time selling out tickets. Another three-week residency is scheduled for May 2027, and tickets are already flying off the shelf.
Dion Performed For Free At The 2024 Paris Olympics
The five-time Grammy Award winner had long been preparing for her stage return, giving a tease with an unexpected presence at the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony.
Braving her symptoms, Dion stopped the world as she took the stage to sing Edith Piaf’s “L’Hymne à l’Amour” in her first performance since she stepped away.
Her rendition was nothing short of electrifying, as evidenced by the throng of fans who lined the streets of Paris to give the singer her flowers.
Despite the magnitude of the performance, The Blast confirmed that Dion wasn’t paid a dime but was simply honored to be a part of such a historic event.
Tia Mowry has fans rolling after sharing a video of herself dropping off her kids on the first day of school. The actress shared the video on Instagram on Monday, August 17, and folks are relating to her enthusiastic vibe in the clip.
RELATED: Hi Babies! Celebrities Share Back-To-School Photographs Of Their Kids And Fans Are Loving The Updates (PHOTOS)
Tia Mowry Shares Relatable Back-To-School Video
Mowry shared a video on Instagram that appears to show her dropping off her two children, whom she shares with her ex-husband, Cory Hardrict, at school. The former couple shares a 15-year-old son, Cree, and an 8-year-old daughter, Cairo, and the clip shows Mowry waving and saying goodbye from her SUV.
The clip is captioned:
“The teachers got it from here. Godspeed.😂.”
Mowry also shouts from her SUV:
“Bye, guys. Mommy loves you! Have a great time at school. Bye, bye. Bye!”
As Mowry backs her SUV up, a close-up shot features her turning up her radio and blasting a rap song as she excitedly wags her tongue and flashes double-fisted peace signs. Additionally, text over the video reads:
“POV: when it’s finally the first day of school.”
Afterward, Mowry is seen flying down the street as she jams, looking happy as can be.
See the clip here.
Fans Co-Sign Mowry’s Video
Fans loved the video, and several joked in the comments that it was spot on.
User @aisharenee wrote, “😭😭😭😭😭 the car speed off. I’m weak.”
@_nayfineasss added, “Okayyyyyyy 😂😂😂😂😂😂.”
@beautifullybee added, “😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 The way I just hollered. Fave…what am I gonna do with you? This is hilarious 😆”
User @jen.niferrjones added, “Dropping the kids at school so I can finally unbox my new mirror clone watches in peace 💀😂.”
@chellyshunn added, “We all live the same life 🤣.”
User @pebbster noted, “This is Definitely Meeee!!! 🤣🤣🤣.”
@krisstephens wrote, “1000% accurate 😭😭😭😭😭😭.”
@aquariusrae00 joked, “😂😂😂😂 You Parents are wrong for this behavior.”
User @3jaysmomissounique wrote, “😂😂😂😂 I remember those days I used to be half way home. As soon as my car door closed. 😂😂😂😂.”
@yuli_lani01 noted, “The tongue out with the peace sign 😂😂😂😭😭.”
Mowry Shares Adorable Video With Daughter
The former ‘Sister, Sister’ actress also shared a hilarious video with her daughter, Cairo, on Instagram. The ladies seemingly parodied a scene from the film ‘Fences.’ The duo is seated in the front seat of a vehicle as a voice-over is heard while the ladies speak. The post is captioned:
“She does have a point 🤨.”
Mowry mouths:
“You got a roof over your head, clothes on your back, food on your table?”
And Cairo mouths the reply:
“Ain’t that what you’re supposed to do? I didn’t ask to be here.”
RELATED: Dad Duties! Cory Hardrict Shares Family Flicks Following Tia Mowry’s Cozy Clip With Boyfriend (PHOTOS)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Liza Minnelli has opened up about the events that led to her first seeking professional help for addiction issues in 1984.
“In Manhattan, I had favorite bars where bartenders were happy to serve me any hour I showed up. I had boxes of pills and bottles of booze stashed away in my co-op apartment. With no one watching, I self-medicated myself to foggy perfection, to a place where I felt nothing or no one could hurt me,” the iconic performer, 80, wrote via Instagram on Tuesday, August 18.
Her post, accompanied by a photo of herself looking drawn and sweaty on a couch at the time, further reflected on her return from New York City to Los Angeles after finding fame. “Now, in California, I got lost in the same fog. It was the same old bulls***, this time with more sunshine. That’s one of the reasons I checked into rehab as quickly as I did. I was out of options,” she confessed.
The Los Angeles-born Cabaret star, who is the daughter of Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli, recounted her experiences after initially sharing details of the time in her March memoir, Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!. The Instagram post noted that her first rehab stay at Los Angeles’ Betty Ford Center saw her “f***king scared to death” ahead of checking into the facility.
“I thank my amazing sister [Lorna Luft] who had to buy me a hot dog to get me on board Frank Sinatra’s private jet for my first rehab visit,” Minnelli’s Instagram post continued. “Lorna, how the hell did you put up with me? My brother from another mother Michael Feinstein and his husband, Terrence Flannery, and my Dr. Lawrence D. Piro who refused to buy my Oscar worthy performances for drugs that could kill me … these four are the quartet that truly saved my life.”
Minnelli, who went to rehab multiple times over the years to treat addiction to alcohol and prescription drugs including Valium, said she hit rock bottom after getting familiar with the wrong type of crowd.
“In New York, I had surrounded myself with people who, at worst, encouraged me to use drugs, or, at best, didn’t encourage me to stop,” she wrote via Instagram. “I was equally irresponsible with money. If someone admired something I had, something I wore, I simply gave it away. I may have felt guilty about the ease with which money came to me and never bothered to think about what would happen when I wasn’t touring the world, singing my songs. Not smart.”
Liza Minnelli called her mother, Judy Garland, the “most challenging” part of her childhood. “My mother was fascinating because she knew so many fascinating people who would come over,” Minnelli, 78, said in an Interview magazine profile published Wednesday, October 16. She also spoke about her father, Vincente Minnelli, referring to him as the “most […]
Her final rehab stint, in 2015 at a facility in Malibu, California, is attributed as the place where she achieved long-lasting sobriety. In her memoir, she described her final stint as a wake-up call, writing that she “realized maybe my nine lives were up.”
Kids, Wait Till You Hear This! delved into Minnelli’s complicated relationship with Garland, who died in 1969 at the age of 47 from an accidental barbiturate overdose. (Barbiturates are a class of depressant drugs created from barbituric acid, per the Cleveland Clinic.)
“At 13, I was my mother’s caretaker — a nurse, doctor, pharmacologist and psychiatrist rolled into one. It was a crazy balancing act,” she wrote in her book of the “nightmare” situation. “I lost count of the times I called doctors to say she’d run out of pills. They often told me they couldn’t give her another prescription. It was too soon. I’d say: ‘I’m a kid! Please fill my mama’s prescription!’”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
The Harry Potter franchise, as many already know, began as a series of young adult low fantasy books. Eventually, they took the world by storm and sold millions and millions of copies, eventually spawning a multi-billion-dollar movie franchise, a line of official toys and merchandise, a theme park at Universal Studios, an HBO original series, and a tie-in series of video games.
It’s one of the largest multimedia empires in the world, with young people continuing to find its story captivating almost 30 years later. When it comes to the video games, some of these are spin-offs, separate from the original books and films, whereas others are direct adaptations of the movies; not every one of them is a bad adaptation, as many movie-licensed games are. Whichever category they fall into, these are the best Harry Potter video games ever made. For the purposes of this list, mobile games will not be included—PC and console only.
10
‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ (2005)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire takes a rare approach that most of the other movie-licensed titles don’t: it is level-based rather than open-world. What this means is that the gameplay is also more action-oriented and less puzzle-intensive than the previous entries in the series. The fact that there were levels instead of an open world also meant that the developers could get a little more creative in their design, with a few levels having a totally different gameplay style.
There are various enemies in the game, mostly magical creatures, all of which need particular spells or have specific ways in which they need to be defeated, meaning even the standard levels are far from repetitive. This game also allows players to choose their character between Harry, Ron, or Hermione, rather than limiting them to just Harry. Even though it’s a perfectly fine effort, it still had a lot that it was lacking, much like the film.
9
‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ (2004)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban served as the foundation for what Goblet of Fire became, except it actually does a much better job of things. Fundamentally, the gameplay is pretty similar. It’s level-based rather than open-world, though the perspective is much different. Rather than the zoomed-out perspective of Goblet of Fire, the camera is much closer to the characters and is a more traditional “over-the-shoulder” view, which helps a lot, as the camera in Goblet of Fire could be kind of janky at times.
This game is also a little less action-oriented. There are some action sequences, sure, but there are also detective sections, puzzles, and boss fights. Heck, the GBA version of the game was literally an RPG, if you can believe that. Like Goblet of Fire, the game allows players to choose between any member of the Golden Trio, being the first in the series to do so. It’s a little closer to the books than the movies, but it still does a fine job. While it’s above average at best, fans still like returning to the game every so often.
8
‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ (2001)
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is based on the first movie, though it takes more inspiration from the book. It should be noted, though, that the PC version of this game specifically is the only good one. The original PS1 game is sluggish and heinously ugly, to the point that it got the meme treatment. There was also a fairly different version that came out in 2003 for consoles, but this wasn’t all that great, either.
Hogwarts Castle is sort of open-ended but severely limited by the technology of the time, so don’t expect a sprawling open-world map. That said, this PC version is still a nostalgic piece of video game history for Potter fans who grew up with the saga, one that players still find themselves coming back to from time to time.
7
‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’ (2007)
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix brought in a new style of gameplay that was more open-ended than previous entries. The game expanded Hogwarts Castle, creating a near-perfect replica of the one from the movies, and making it completely accessible to players. It also added a climbing mechanic, where Harry can clamber up pipes or ladders, accessing new heights and providing new points of view.
The game also came with a surprising amount of side quests, mostly involving recruiting students for Dumbledore’s Army. A lot of book characters who don’t otherwise show up in the movies are present, and some characters even make a return, such as a more grown-up version of Colin Creevey. The combat is a little bit slow and sluggish, restricted to one-on-one duels, but overall, it’s a solid game that’s lots of fun for fans.
6
‘Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions’ (2024)
Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions is a sports game that’s all about Quidditch, believe it or not. The game provides an immersive, authentic Quidditch experience that begins with customizing your character. Once that’s done, you get to choose your position, either as a Chaser, Beater, Keeper, or Seeker, each one with a unique style of play. Though you’re not strictly limited to anything, as you can also play as various characters from the franchise.
Since it’s a sports game, it is primarily focused on multiplayer. It was booming when it first came out, but is sadly pretty dead nowadays. Single-player is still available, however, involving the use of bots or the “Broomstick Adventures” mode. The game did have some flaws, most notably the fact that it took several departures from the actual rules of Quidditch in an effort to balance things out. For example, catching the Golden Snitch does not end the game and only gives 30 points instead of the usual 150. To be honest though, the changes are fair, because otherwise it would effectively win the game automatically for the team that catches it. In any event, it’s an entertaining sports game that was pretty solid all around.
5
‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ (2009)
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is definitely one of the better games in the movie-licensed line. Truth be told, most of them are good enough, but this one just hits different. It’s built on the foundations of Order of the Phoenix, only everything is improved upon. The combat is smoother and quicker, and it even comes with a co-op duelling mode. Plus, there’s an added potion-brewing mechanic, a minigame involving adding ingredients, stirring, and heating as per the instructions given. Each potion has different ingredients, too, so it’s consistently interesting.
Aside from the potions and the combat, the open world itself is by and large the most comprehensive and detailed map of the movie version of Hogwarts. It’s really well done, mainly because it lets players see how recognizable sites like the Great Hall, the Viaduct, and the Astronomy Tower all fit in together. There are also secret passages to unlock and a ton of collectibles to find, which keeps things entertaining. It’s actually a very fun game, even if it does have its shortcomings.
4
‘Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup’ (2003)
Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup is another sports game that does a better job of things than Quidditch Champions. Funnily enough, Quidditch Champions was actually intended to function as a sort of sequel to Quidditch World Cup, though it didn’t quite deliver in the same way this one did. This one functions a little more like a typical sports game, with players controlling an entire team rather than just one player. However, different roles can only be controlled at different times, as games function in phases so as to keep things balanced.
The game begins with Harry Potter and his third year at Hogwarts, but by the end, the game transitions into the World Cup itself, with nine teams available: Australia, the UK, Germany, the US, Japan, France, Norway, Spain, and Bulgaria. And yes, Viktor Krum is featured on the Bulgarian team. Players tend to favor this one over Quidditch Champions for two reasons: one, for nostalgia purposes, and two, because it is more akin to a traditional sports game, making it more accessible to fans of the genre.
3
‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’ (2002)
As far as the original movie-licensed games go, this one really knocked it out of the park. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets follows the book a little more closely than the movie, but it still does an excellent job. Hogwarts Castle itself is pretty small, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t secrets to discover. The game boasts 101 collectible chocolate frog cards, which can be acquired through various means. You can buy them from Fred and George Weasley via the Gryffindor common room black market, or you can collect them by exploring the castle.
Outside, you can actually hop on and off your broomstick at will, soaring to new heights and accessing new areas of Hogwarts. Exploring and finding these collectibles is actually legitimately fun! In terms of gameplay, it’s a mix of puzzles and platforming, with some cartoony spell-casting mixed in. This game built upon the Philosopher’s Stone game and improved upon everything by a mile. The game has actual stakes, too, as if you break the rules too often or don’t earn enough house points, you might not win the House Cup at the end of the game. It might be limited due to the available technology of the time, but it’s still a nostalgic classic that fans always come back to.
2
‘LEGO Harry Potter Collection’ (2024)
The LEGO Harry Potter Collection consists of two entries released in 2010 and 2011. These games divided the saga in half, with the first covering movies one through four, and the second covering movies five through eight. In 2024, the whole collection was remastered and compiled into one glorious package. As the title implies, this game turns the story of the movies into LEGO. Between the levels, players can explore Hogwarts, attend classes, and search for collectibles.
There are over hundreds of unlockable characters to collect, as well as a custom level editor hidden beneath Gringotts Bank in Diagon Alley. Players can also purchase extra cheats and quirky features, transfiguration spells, and create custom characters, much like most other LEGO games. LEGO games made by Traveller’s Tales rarely disappoint, but The LEGO Harry Potter Collection was one of their best. It’s so much fun to play, with incredible level design and a ton of replayability.
1
‘Hogwarts Legacy’ (2023)
Hogwarts Legacy is actually not about Harry Potter at all. Rather, it is set in the same universe, specifically, a century prior to the events of the main saga. In this role-playing game, players will create a custom character and enroll at Hogwarts. You can attend classes, get sorted into your house, study the Dark Arts, and even customize your personal space: the Room of Requirement. There are loads of side quests, friends to make, and uncountable secrets to discover in Hogwarts.
The massive open world extends far beyond the walls of the school, though. Players can also take a trip to Hogsmeade village, sneak into the Forbidden Forest, and check out the tiny hamlets scattered around Hogwarts Valley. There are many magical life forms to encounter, potions to brew, magical plants to grow, and a fresh story to unravel in this enormous RPG. It’s an excellent game and a dream come true for Potterheads, which is why it’s easily the very best Harry Potter video game ever made.
Hogwarts Legacy
- Released
-
February 10, 2023
- ESRB
-
T For Teen Due To Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Use of Alcohol
- Developer(s)
-
Avalanche Software
Comedy movies are one of the purest forms of entertainment. Often made to be lighthearted and relatable in order to satisfy the tastes of a general audience, the primary goal of a comedy is to generate laughs. This is not to say comedies lack nuance — comedy itself is subjective, thus making it one of the hardest genres to write. But what’s even more difficult? Making an audience laugh at something that’s normally far from funny.
Dark comedies share a similar framework to regular comedies; they can utilize physical comedy, setup and punchlines, sight gags, and observational humor. The differentiating factor that separates comedy and dark comedy is the situation that the humor is drawn from. Dark comedies generate humor from subject matter generally considered unfunny or taboo, challenging notions of what comedy is. These are the darkest comedy movies out there, to the point where viewers might feel guilty for laughing along, even though they shouldn’t.
10
‘The Voices’ (2014)
Jerry (Ryan Reynolds) is an all-around nice guy: he doesn’t really have any friends but works a steady 9-5 job at his small town’s bathtub factory and is well-liked by his coworkers. After taking an interest in his colleague Fiona (Gemma Arterton), Jerry secures a date with her. After she stands him up, however, his dark past, sinister urges, and malevolent talking cat lead Jerry on a path of violence and destruction.
An underappreciated movie in general, The Voices is a comedy that’s as twisted as it’s charming. Reynolds is fantastic as the soft-spoken, unassuming serial killer with a seriously disturbing backstory. It’s a bold and colorful movie that’s more macabre than outright violent. As unsettling as the dive into Jerry’s disturbed mind gets, The Voices balances nastiness and comedy effectively, making for a tonal blend that is suitably dark but consistently funny and enjoyable.
9
‘Four Lions’ (2010)
Four fumbling British terrorists plan and set out to commit an atrocity against innocents, but their collective ineptitude prevents the group from being much of a threat. Four Lions is an outrageously funny comedy that weaponizes a sharply satirical screenplay against terrorism.
Four Lions is a prime example of a dark comedy that successfully generates humor from an unfunny topic. The cast of dimwitted extremists benefits from excellent comedic and dramatic performances; Riz Ahmed, especially, shines as the terrorist group’s leader. Four Lions certainly isn’t for everyone — some may find it distasteful or downright offensive, but it’s a daring comedy that always keeps the bad guys as the butt of the joke.
8
‘Seven Psychopaths’ (2012)
When three friends (Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell, and Christopher Walken) unknowingly kidnap the prized Shih Tzu of a notorious gangster (Woody Harrelson), the criminal underworld of Los Angeles is flipped on its head. From acclaimed writer/director Martin McDonagh, Seven Psychopaths is a high-energy crime comedy bursting with colorful characters, narrative twists, and stylized violence.
While Seven Psychopaths doesn’t tout the most original screenplay, it benefits from a star-studded cast at the top of their game. Derogatory in all the right ways, Seven Psychopaths is a funny and wildly entertaining ride for those who can stomach some strong violence. Comedy isn’t often accompanied by deaths this plentiful in supply, but the absurdity of it all makes it difficult not to laugh at.
7
‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’ (1998)
Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp), an eccentric journalist, travels to Las Vegas to provide coverage of a motorcycle race. Accompanied by his unhinged lawyer, Dr. Gonzo (Benicio del Toro), the two embark on an odyssey fueled by virtually every drug in existence.
Terry Gilliam is an oddball director, and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is arguably his outright funniest movie to date. Duke and Gonzo’s delirious antics are ludicrously entertaining, if a little aimless, elevated by a great performance from the ever-committed Benicio del Toro. While not exactly disturbing, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas highlights an intense drug-fueled bender that contains rather unsettling depictions of hallucinations, spurring distressing behavior from the film’s lead characters. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a cinematic fever dream that is unlike any comedy ever made before.
6
‘Election’ (1999)
High school teacher Jim McAllister (Matthew Broderick) develops feelings of contempt towards one of his students, the overly ambitious Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon), amid the campaigning for the school’s student-body presidential election. To deny her a landslide victory, Jim convinces the dim but likable Paul Metzler (Chris Klein) to oppose Tracy in the race. Unfortunately for Jim, this decision sets in motion a series of events that threatens to ruin his entire life.
Election is a fiery, hilarious, and razor-sharp comedy with a cynical edge. Broderick is great as the conniving teacher, but it’s the Oscar-winning Reese Witherspoon who’s behind most of the movie’s funniest moments. Election is unapologetically mean-spirited — the lengths Jim goes to deny Tracy her victory are downright malicious, especially so considering his position of authority over her as a teacher. Election is a darkly comedic social satire that finds humor in immorality.
5
‘Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb’ (1964)
After an overzealous American Air Force general calls for a bombing attack on the Soviet Union, a group of politicians and military advisors seek to rectify the mistake before it’s too late. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb showcases Stanley Kubrick‘s anti-war sentiments and his affinity for off-beat humor.
Not only one of the greatest satires ever made, Dr. Strangelove operates on an entirely different wavelength than most other comedies. The jokes are prickly, pitch-black, and absurd, but the backdrop and real-world parallels (especially considering when the movie was made) are eerily serious. Dr. Strangelove is a masterful lampooning of the established government with an unfortunately ever-present message — after all, nuclear annihilation makes for a pretty strong punchline.
4
‘Heathers’ (1988)
In a Midwest high school, a trio of cruel girls, all named Heather, govern the social infrastructure. Fed up with the trio’s merciless reign, Veronica Sawyer (Winona Ryder) exacts a revenge plot with the help of a new kid named J.D. (Christian Slater). A rebellion is born, and a deadly firestorm of deception, teenage fury, and general malevolence rips through the school.
Heathers served as the vitriolic answer to the melodrama of ’80s high school movies. Disagreeable and often unpleasant yet wickedly entertaining and funny, Heathers really shouldn’t work as well as it does. It’s an unruly movie that does not shy away from showcasing the collective savagery associated with the high school experience. Heathers may prove too mean-spirited and problematic for some, but it’s a bold, pointed comedy that does not hold back.
3
‘Pink Flamingos’ (1972)
John Waters‘ perverse phenomenon Pink Flamingos details the irreverent lifestyle of Divine — she and her family are recognized as the “filthiest people alive.” Unfortunately for them, a married couple seeks to strip Divine and her family of that title and claim it for themselves. Their respective depravity seemingly knows no limits as a war of bad taste is waged.
Assuredly one of the most disgusting movies ever made, Pink Flamingos is a masterwork of debauchery and deviant entertainment. Thankfully, for how revolting Pink Flamingos can be, it’s also remarkably funny and endlessly quotable. Both a dark and a gross-out comedy, this masterclass of questionable content continues to shock anyone brave enough to venture a glimpse at some truly repugnant setpieces, many of which are unsimulated.
2
‘In Bruges’ (2008)
After a botched contract job, Irish hitmen Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson) are instructed to lie low in the quiet town of Bruges, Belgium. While Ken is content with enjoying the serenity and rich history of Bruges, Ray’s boredom leads to contempt for the town and its people. Eventually, Ray receives special orders from his boss to execute a new contract with an unexpected target.
In Bruges is a grim comedy bolstered by two excellent lead performances. Farrell’s quick-witted brand of foul-mouthed humor balances nicely with Gleeson’s stoic and almost fatherly reserve. When the melancholic narrative escalates into violence, it’s quick and gruesome. While its darker undertones aren’t fully unearthed until the movie’s final act, In Bruges features some shocking developments and fittingly poignant observations surrounding guilt, death and friendship.
1
‘Fargo’ (1996)
In a small Minnesotan town, a used car salesman named Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy) finds himself in a financial bind. Jerry hatches a harebrained scheme to hire two goons (Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare) to kidnap his wife and demand ransom money from her wealthy father. Things go awry when Jerry’s henchmen only grow more reckless, and a talky yet tenacious police chief (Frances McDormand) catches wind of their malfeasance.
A benchmark entry into the dark comedy subgenre, Fargo is a pop-culture phenomenon that only gets better with age. As harsh as some of the violence can be, McDormand shines as the affable police chief with a comically thick accent that never fails to amuse. Still, Fargo is not a lighthearted affair; the narrative’s bleak nature and sudden brutality will not be to everyone’s taste, especially when a woodchipper gets involved.
Fargo
- Release Date
-
March 8, 1996
- Runtime
-
98 minutes
- Director
-
Joel Coen
- Writers
-
Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
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