By Jennifer Asencio
| Published 27 seconds ago

Scream 7 is now out in theaters, marking the 30^th anniversary of the original film, which came out December 20, 1996. We’ve seen many Ghostfaces since the originals because the movie spawned so many sequels. Whoever dons the Ghostface mask should really review the success rate when they start their murder sprees because their odds of survival are very low, and Sidney (Neve Campbell) typically makes them scream before ending this round’s killers. The franchise was aware of all this as early as 1997, in Scream 2.

This first sequel sees the survivors of the first movie now in college, with wise-cracking movie buff Randy (Jamie Kennedy) in a film class discussing sequels with his classmates, Cici (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Mickey (Timothy Olyphant) among them. During this self-aware metacommentary, Randy states that “Sequels, by definition, suck.”

This starts a class discussion in which various sequels are nominated as violating this rule. The problem with this discussion is the fact that the movies they bring up are fundamentally different kinds of movies, not sequels in the truest sense.

Aliens Is Bigger, Badder, And Not A Slasher

“Get away from her, you bitch” is an iconic line from Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) in Aliens. This is the first movie that is brought up in that classroom discussion. Aliens is a very different kind of movie compared to Alien, which is at its core a slasher movie: a very claustrophobic film where the survivors have no escape from the killer, and a vastly more innocent Ripley.

Aliens may share an IP with the Alien characters and the universe in which they live, but the content and tone is fundamentally different. Aliens is action and horror with a greater focus on the badassness of the Marines and Ripley. The scope of the film is pulled back: Alien was shot in close angles, sharing that claustrophobic atmosphere of the Nostromo interior, while Aliens gives us a sprawling colony before taking us into its inner workings.

It would also be unfair to call Aliens a better movie than Alien because the motivations of the characters are distinct. The Marines go looking for a fight, not running from it like the Nostromo crew, trying to survive a singular killer. They’re heavily armed soldiers being overwhelmed by hundreds of biological weapons, not unprepared space truckers who don’t know what they’re getting into.

Terminator’s Transition From Sci-Fi Horror To Action Blockbuster

In the Scream 2 classroom, Cici accuses Mickey of having “a hard on for Cameron,” so naturally that means the next films discussed were Terminator and its continuation. Once again, though, the scope of the two movies are so diametrically opposed that to compare the movies side-by-side does both a great disservice.

The first movie is about a young woman named Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) who is being pursued by an enemy that does not need to eat, to sleep, to stop, or to rest. The Terminator could follow her no matter where she ran. At this point in her life, she is an aggressively average young woman with no special skills or talents, a victim who has had her life ruined by something she may or may not even do in the future.

Terminator 2: Judgement Day, with its dramatic opening score and intense imagery, instantly alters the scope of Sarah’s universe. It’s more than just a young woman staying one step ahead of an unstoppable killing machine. We see the broken lives that the first Terminator left behind in its destruction. A company that will ensure SkyNet lives again. A son torn from his mother, fueling his delinquency as he moved from foster family to foster family.

The machines that haunt Sarah’s memories return, proving that she was not insane. It’s not just the survival of one woman based on a future act of creation: it concerns the entirety of the human race facing a monster of its own making. It falls into the same category as Aliens in that it expanded the franchise through action rather than relying on scares and that feeling of being stalked.

Its themes may have resonated strongly with audiences, but it was so divorced from the haunting terror of the T-800 in large part because the second movie turned the Terminator into an action hero and a way to defend the humans from the unstoppable force he seemed to be in the first movie, dampening the stalking element by making it too easy to fight.

House 2 Is An Unhinged Escalation

Mickey sardonically tells his Scream 2 classmates that House 2: The Second Story is his next suggestion. House and House 2 are two films that have absolutely nothing in common other than inheriting a creepy house that also just so happens to be a gate to another dimension. House tries to come off as a comedic horror movie, with casting that included sitcom stars William Katt, George Wendt, and Richard Moll. However, it is inconsistent in its application of theme and tone.

The intensity of the Vietnam flashbacks that influence the main character’s experiences with the other dimension hit on societal issues in the 1980s as America dealt with the aftermath of the war. The disappearance of his son in the pool at his aunt’s house, leading to his divorce, was also a glaringly serious theme in an otherwise comedic film. The conflict between the weight of memory and the promise of a better future underpins the theme of this movie, which contributed to how inconsistent it felt.

House 2 took out the trauma of the war. Instead, they decided to throw everything else at the script just to see what sticks. Horror is merely a consideration in this film, an excuse to have over-the-top effects.

What happens when you add a caveman from the epoch of the dinosaurs, some Aztecs, two zombie gunslingers, an actual dinosaur, and a dog-a-pede that is now some sort of pet? Don’t know? Neither does the movie. The madcap escapades of this movie were closer to the tone the first film seemed to be chasing, so maybe in this case, Mickey had a point, even if he was both being sarcastic and secretly a serial killer.

Randy Fumbles On The Godfather

Seminal and iconic movies The Godfather Part 1 & 2 are not two movies in the distinct way the others were, but they are the final movie in the classroom discussion. These two movies are a much longer single work, segmented out of sequence, almost like a Tarantino film. The Godfather 2 doesn’t so much continue the original as much as frames it. While it would be incredibly difficult to understand the plot elements of Part 2 without seeing Part 1, this is because they are the parts of the book that were cut out to make the first movie.

Of all the examples that are brought up in the film class scene, The Godfather and The Godfather 2 are the ones least like what they are discussing. These two movies go together in a way the others cannot. They do exhibit great storytelling told over the span of decades. Both movies contain a scope that mirrors the epic poems of our collective past. This “hero’s journey” is told from the vantage of the criminal boss about themes of family, duty, loyalty, and, in their twisted world, a form of honor. But one is not the sequel of the other.

For someone who was supposed to be as knowledgeable about films as Randy from the Scream franchise, he let this one slide when it was so clearly incorrect. This is especially remarkable since he later denies the sequelhood of The Empire Strikes Back on the same grounds.

An Apples And Oranges Debate

“Name one sequel that surpasses the original” was Randy’s challenge to his class to start the discussion in Scream 2. The ones mentioned in that scene are widely considered to “be better” than the original. But other than sharing a name and setting, the movies are largely only better because they’re different from the originals and deserve to be recognized on their own merits. There are plenty of sequels that better fit the parameters of the discussion, but odds are pretty good that none rises to the challenge, except maybe some of the Scream sequels themselves.

Scream 7 is in theaters now. Does it surpass the original?

Roomies, Cori Broadus opened up her heart on Instagram this weekend. The entrepreneur and daughter of Snoop Dogg took a quiet moment to reflect on a loss that continues to shape her life and artistry. And let’s just say, her deeply personal tribute had fans reaching for the tissues.

RELATED: Eternal Love! Cori Broadus Honors Late Daughter Codi Dreaux In Heartfelt Tribute (PHOTOS)

Cori Broadus Honors Late Daughter Codi

On Saturday, Cori shared a post featuring an ultrasound image, seemingly from when she was pregnant with her late daughter, Codi. The caption read, “Nobody could’ve prepared me for something like this.
I started this song after I had her, not knowing one day I’d have to finish it after she transitioned. Happy Birthday, Codi Dreaux.” Alongside the heartfelt message, she announced that her song ‘Codi’ is available for listening, giving fans a chance to connect with her journey and the music inspired by her daughter.

Fans Flood Cori’s IG With Love

Fans quickly flooded Cori Broadus’ Instagram comment section, showing up with love and support. Many sent prayers her way, while others took a moment to wish her late daughter, Codi, a heartfelt happy birthday. A few also chimed in about her new song, calling ‘Codi’ beautiful and saying it perfectly honors her daughter’s memory.

The Instagram user @snoopdogg shared, “😢🙏🏾💔”

This Instagram user @deyjahimani said, “🫂🫂🫂💕🥺🙏🏼LOVE YOUUU SO MUCH💐✨🤎🫂🫂🫂🫂!!”

And, Instagram user @icando.biz added, “😢😢💔 what a beautiful love song for Codi. Praying God’s comfort for you today and always🙏🏾💜”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @sarahnolanmusic wrote, “Cori this is sooooo beautiful 😭😭”

While Instagram user @brandi_f_barrett commented, “What a beautiful song and voice . Prayers to heal your heart ❤️”

Lastly, Instagram user @kiabmuzic added, “Aww😢🙏🏾happy heavenly birthday to ur angel🤍🕊️”

Cori Is Always Reppin’ Codi Dreaux

Cori Broadus reminded everyone that no matter what, she would always be Codi’s mommy. Last month, she shared an emotional Instagram post with a series of photos showing her late daughter’s playful spirit. From her pink quarter-zip jacket and grey pants to the double up-do pigtails, butterfly necklace, and pink ring, the images felt like a celebration of Codi’s life.

The caption said it all: “Forever Codi Dreaux Mommy,” with a pink bow emoji, letting fans know that her love and devotion to Codi haven’t wavered. Even in grief, Cori’s post radiated pride and unbreakable connection, proving that a mother’s bond doesn’t end — it lives on every single day.

RELATED: Forever Loved! 6 Beautiful Moments Cori Broadus Shared With Her Daughter Codi (PHOTOS + VIDEOS)

For the first time in its box office run, James Cameron‘s Avatar: Fire and Ash dropped out of the domestic top 10 this weekend. The movie has spent a remarkable 10 weeks in the top 10. As impressive as the achievement sounds, however, it’s nothing like the success that the first Avatar and its sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water, saw during their respective runs. For instance, the original Avatar spent 14 weeks in the top 10, seven of which were at number one. It remains the highest-grossing movie in history with a lifetime global haul of $2.9 billion. Avatar: The Way of Water, on the other hand, spent 15 weeks in the domestic top 10 on its way to grossing $2.3 billion worldwide. It’s the third-biggest film in global box office history. Avatar: Fire and Ash couldn’t quite match either of its predecessors’ box office performances, putting the future of the landmark franchise in limbo.

The epic sci-fi film also earned less favorable reviews compared to the first and second installments. It’s sitting at a 66% score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, where the critics’ consensus reads, “Remaining on the cutting edge of visual effects, Fire and Ash repeats the narrative beats of its predecessors to frustrating effect, but its grand spectacle continues to stoke one-of-a-kind thrills.” By comparison, the first Avatar movie has an 81% score, while the second has a 76%. Both the first and second films earned Best Picture nominations at the Oscars, an achievement that Avatar: Fire and Ash wasn’t able to replicate. The threequel’s performance has raised questions about the franchise’s future, especially with Cameron saying he wants to explore other projects, and because of the high cost and time commitment required to make Avatar films.

Here’s How Much ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ Has Grossed at the Box Office

That said, the third installment managed to pass its final domestic box office milestone — the $400 million mark — in its 11th weekend of release. With an additional $1.07 billion from overseas markets, the movie’s cumulative global haul stands at $1.48 billion against a reported production budget of $400 million. It grossed around $4 million worldwide this past weekend, which suggests that the $1.5 billion mark might be out of reach. Avatar: Fire and Ash is among the 60 highest-grossing films in global box office history, but has clearly underperformed in the domestic market. It has grossed less domestically, for instance, than two other Disney releases from 2025 — Lilo & Stitch and Zootopia 2. With a 90% audience score, Avatar: Fire and Ash will likely do well on the PVOD and streaming markets. But you can still watch it in theaters. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

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December 19, 2025

Runtime

197 Minutes

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Director

James Cameron

Writers

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Amanda Silver, Rick Jaffa, James Cameron, Josh Friedman, Shane Salerno

Producers

Jon Landau, James Cameron

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Michael B. Jordan and the film he recently starred in, ‘Sinners,’ scored big at the 32nd Annual Actor Awards! But that isn’t all — The Shade Room is recapping you on the biggest winners of the night!

RELATED: Awww! Michael B. Jordan Stepped Out Alongside His Mom For Critics’ Choice Awards & Folks Are Calling Them Twins! (PHOTOS)

Michael B. Jordan Scores Big At 32nd Annual Actor Awards

According to reports, the 32nd Annual Actor Awards, formerly known as the SAG Awards or the Screen Actors Guild Awards, went down at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, on the evening of Sunday, March 1. Furthermore, the ceremony was hosted by Kristen Bell and streamed live via Netflix. The event ultimately culminated with Michael B. Jordan taking home the award for “Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role.” This, for his dual role in the April 2025 Ryan Coogler film, ‘Sinners.’

During his acceptance speech, Jordan expressed surprise at winning the honor and acknowledged his fellow nominees, Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, and Jesse Plemons.

“I remember as a kid in this industry, and you had to earn your vouchers to become a member of SAG. And I remember, I thought it was this club I wanted to be in so bad, but you had to get vouchers, depending on how many lines you had, and an episode or a show would determine if you got that membership card or not,” he explained. “And I remember watching all the other actors I looked up to, being a part of that club… and I was like, ‘Man, I want to be that one day… that’s what I always wanted, and that kid from Newark, New Jersey is standing here right now.”

From there, Jordan thanked his mother for supporting him and his dreams from an early age. And he shared his gratitude to Ryan Coogler.

‘Sinners’ Also Scores Big

According to Billboard, ‘Sinners’ also scored big at the 32nd Annual Actor Awards, formerly known as the SAG Awards or the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Specifically, ‘Sinners’ took home the award for “Cast in a Motion Picture.” The Hollywood Reporter notes that the award as the “top film award.”

Check out a portion of Delroy Lindo’s speech as he accepted the honor on behalf of the cast below.

More Of The Biggest Winners At The 32nd Annual Actor Awards

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the night’s biggest winners included Jessie Buckley for best leading actress, Sean Penn for best supporting actor, Seth Rogen for best actor in a comedy series, and the late Catherine O’Hara for best actress in a comedy series.

See more wins of the night by clicking here.

RELATED: Delroy Lindo Addresses BAFTA Incident At NAACP Image Awards After John Davidson Speaks Out (VIDEOS)

One person is dead after a shooting near the grand opening of a new Marathon Burger restaurant in California. Blacc Sam, the late Nipsey Hussle’s brother, and Snoop Dogg partnered to open the newest location in Long Beach. The restaurant had an overwhelming turnout, as documented on social media. By Sunday afternoon,  nearby crowds reportedly turned into chaos after deadly gunfire rang out. The shooting follows a separate hometown honor for Nipsey, which his girlfriend, Lauren London, called a manifestation of his.

RELATED: Lauren London Opens Up About Meeting Nipsey Hussle For The First Time (VIDEO)

Details About Fatal Long Beach Shooting

According to KTLA5, Long Beach PD confirmed one person died in the shooting, though there were multiple victims. The 911 call came in at about 3:30 p.m. local time, citing a shooting near Broadway and Pine Avenue. KTLA reports that it occurred outside Marathon Burger during the grand opening. Long Beach Fire Department responders transported three adult males in their 20s to the hospital. One man was reportedly critically injured and needed life-saving medical attention outside of the restaurant. However, according to a police statement, that same man later died in the hospital.

Police are still investigating what led to the shooting, per KTLA. A witness told the outlet there was a line of 50 to 60 people waiting outside of Marathon Burger that allegedly scattered after hearing the gunfire down the street.

“It was literally chaos for like 10 or 15 seconds. I ducked behind one of the little boards you take photos at over there,” Tyerae Bailey said. “I only heard one gunshot. That’s actually what made me really lock in and take cover.”

Footage from the scene showed a lil’ bit of everything, from firefighters loading a gunshot victim onto a gurney to the arrest of two people.

Marathon Burger Says Shooting Is Not Connected To Restaurant

Speaking to KTLA, Marathon Burger shut down any talks of the deadly incident being connected to the restaurant or its grand opening.

“The opening was a huge success with strong community support. The incident being reported was NOT connected to our event or even within our block party. The opening itself proceeded safely and without issue. The restaurant remains open and customers are still flowing in and out,” the statement read in part.

Street Renamed After Nipsey Hussle

Also this weekend, the Hussle family, including the late rapper’s girlfriend Lauren London, celebrated the renaming of an intersection in his honor.

RELATED: DDG Addresses Viral Interaction With Young Thug While Working At Nipsey Hussle’s Marathon Burger (VIDEO)

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Getting dressed is easier when your pants actually work with your body instead of against it. The right pull-on pair smooths the waist, skims the stomach and keeps you comfortable from morning coffee to evening plans. No buttons, no digging, no constant adjusting required!

That’s why we tracked down 18 styles with surprisingly effective tummy control built right in. From affordable Amazon finds to polished office trousers and relaxed weekend silhouettes, these picks balance comfort and structure beautifully. Think flattering fits, easy stretch and confidence-boosting design — all starting at just $6.

18 Pull-on Pants With Shockingly Good Tummy Control

1. Our Favorite: These bestselling Dlooda bootcut trousers have shoppers calling them “very slimming,” and we totally get the hype. A smoothing pull-on waistband flatters the waist, while the gentle flare balances proportions.

2. Classic Slimmer: Built-in tummy control panels on these Alfred Dunner’s pants gently smooth the midsection, while the elastic waistline keeps comfort front and center.

3. Workday Favorite: Designed for long office days, these $15 stretchy dress pants rely on a wide smoothing waistband that holds you in comfortably.

4. Statement Sculptor: Yueeka’s faux-leather leggings bring fashion-girl edge, and have a high-waisted compression fit that smooths and supports the stomach.

5. Flowy Fix: A drapey, wide-leg silhouette, these Prettygarden’s high-waisted trousers skim over the stomach and thighs for effortless coverage.

6. Built-In Shapewear: Popilush designed these wide-leg dress pants with built-in shaping that smooths the waist and lower stomach invisibly. Even better, you can now score them for 25% off!

7. Editor Favorite: A go-to among editors, these Spanx PerfectFit ponte flare pants smooth, sculpt and instantly elevate an outfit. The flare leg adds balance while elongating the silhouette.

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Related: 11 Comfy, Transitional Dresses With Shockingly Good Tummy Control

Some dresses just hang there — clinging in the wrong spots, emphasizing the midsection and making you rethink your entire outfit by lunchtime. And during that tricky winter-to-spring transition, the last thing I want is something stiff, tight or fussy. So if I’m reaching for a comfortable dress, I still need it to be flattering; […]

8. Minimalist Favorite: The stretchy, ponte fabric on Quince’s Flare Leg Pants creates a smooth, slimming effect, and the subtle flare keeps the fit sleek and elongating.

9. Tailored Illusion: Express’ Editor flare trousers use structured stretch fabric to hold in the midsection while creating a streamlined outline. The high rise enhances waist definition for an instantly flattering fit.

10. Office-Ready: Designed for workdays, the Editor high-waisted flare trousers from Express combine structured stretch with a high-rise fit for a streamlined, professional look.

11. Curve-Smoothing: These pull-on pants from Macy’s feature a built-in shaping panel for comfortable tummy control, and are finished with a versatile straight-leg silhouette.

12. Trusted Bestseller: With shaping panels and flexible stretch fabric, Gloria Vanderbilt’s tummy slimmer trousers flatten comfortably while delivering a more polished feel than everyday basics. Plus, they’re now 40% off, so it’s a smart time to buy!

13. Comfort Hero: A smoothing elastic waistband and sleek ankle-length cut make these Rammus pull-on business pants equal parts comfortable and streamlined.

14. Belted Beauty: A built-in belt adds flattering definition to these belted palazzo pants, while the relaxed palazzo leg keeps them light, flowy and easy to style.

15. Polished Bootcut: Jessica London’s bootcut pants are smooth and sculpted, while the gentle flare creates longer-looking legs — perfect with blazers, bodysuits, or classic pumps.

16. Relaxed Sculptor: These Caslon ponte pants blur the line between lounge and tailored, with a smoothing high waist and an easy, wide leg that feels effortlessly comfy.

17. Petite-Friendly: Featuring NYDJ’s lift-and-shape technology and available in petite sizes, the Marilyn straight-leg pants create a smooth, perfectly proportioned silhouette for shorter frames.

18. Denim Alternative: Designed to look like traditional denim, the Sawyer straight-leg jeans feature a pull-on waistband with built-in smoothing for easy, everyday comfort.

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