Entertainment
10 ’80s Movies That Aged Like Fine Wine
The 1980s are often remembered for spectacular movies like Raiders of the Lost Ark, Platoon, and The Empire Strikes Back. But beyond the usual suspects, the ’80s also produced films that have matured beautifully over time. Like a well-cellared Bordeaux, some of the decade’s movies get even better years after it was produced. The entries on this list may have been misunderstood or overshadowed, but now time has revealed richer notes and complexity.
These are a collection of films that have aged so well since their release, becoming a reflection of the world today, even when they did not initially intend to. These movies need to be watched and experienced like you’re drinking the finest vintage wine on the menu, appreciating more as the years go by and your cinematic taste matures.
‘Near Dark’ (1987)
A blend of vampire mythology and classic road movie, Near Dark sees small-town teenager Caleb (Adrian Pasdar) being bitten by drifter Mae (Jenny Wright). He’s then pulled into a nomadic clan of violent vampires led by Jesse (Lance Henriksen), who roam highways and small towns. With a psychotic member, Severen (Bill Paxton), actively trying to kill him, Caleb tries to reconcile his new reality that sees his humanity withering away as he accepts his new, brutal family.
Near Dark was one of the many vampire movies released in the 1980s. While it flew under the radar because of the popularity of the other movies like The Lost Boys and Fright Night, it has really aged well thanks to Kathryn Bigelow‘s confident direction in her solo film debut. The performances are fantastic, especially from Lance Henriksen, who’s always charismatic, and Bill Paxton, whose manic work made this film unforgettable. Near Dark is filled with stunning visuals and a great genre blending of Western, horror and romance. It deserves to be included among the best vampire movies in cinema.
‘How to Get Ahead in Advertising’ (1989)
How to Get Ahead in Advertising follows Denis Dimbleby Bagley (Richard E. Grant), a high-powered advertising executive who suddenly finds himself unable to write a campaign because of a moral crisis about his job’s manipulative nature. As Denis becomes increasingly paranoid, a boil with a face appears on his shoulder and starts to talk about his capitalist instincts, mocking his conscience and pushing him deeper into his thoughts.
The film has aged remarkably well because of its central theme about advertising that manipulates desire and distorts truth. It is even more relevant in today’s hyper-commercial, algorithm-driven world, where every content company is inundated with ads. Richard E. Grant, in one of his early leading roles, delivers a fearless performance, changing between a smug corporate man and a hysteric paranoid. The body horror aspect exaggerates the consumer culture to deliver a biting satire. It may be over-the-top when it was released, but this hyperbole is needed for today’s world.
‘My Neighbor Totoro’ (1988)
My Neighbor Totoro follows sisters Satsuki and Mei as they move to the countryside with their father while their mother recovers from a long-term illness. As they explore their new home, they encounter gentle woodland spirits, including the enormous, kind Totoro, and they ride on a magical Catbus, watching seeds sprout into trees together. Satsuki and Mei’s adventures with Totoro provide them with comfort during a difficult time for them.
The classic Ghibli film was already a favorite upon its release. With emotional purity at its core, Hayao Miyazaki treats childhood with respect rather than sentimentality. There’s no traditional villain or high-stakes conflict; instead, the emotional tension centers on childhood anxiety and sibling bonds. The animation remains lush and expressive, making it a cozy experience anytime you decide to watch it. Totoro itself has become an international cultural icon, not to mention Ghibli’s official mascot.
‘Thief’ (1981)
Thief follows Frank (James Caan), a strict and professional safecracker who hopes to complete one last score before living a legitimate life. When he’s drawn into a partnership with a powerful crime boss who promises financial backing, Frank is trapped in a job that doesn’t respect his independence, and his dream of a normal life begins to crumble.
Michael Mann is known today for crafting stylish, incredibly cool crime films like Heat and Miami Vice. However, he has already managed to do that in his film debut, one of cinema’s best heist thrillers. Mann’s neon-lit Chicago, paired with Tangerine Dream’s pulsing synth score, feels strikingly modern, making it a visual and sonic blueprint for decades of crime cinema. James Caan delivers an intense and vulnerable performance as Frank. Beyond the crime genre thrills, Thief also explores capitalism and the illusion of the American Dream with surprising depth, elements that are still incredibly relevant today.
‘The King of Comedy’ (1982)
In The King of Comedy, Rupert Pupkin (Robert De Niro) is an aspiring stand-up comedian who believes he’s destined for stardom, despite having no real career or platform. Obsessed with late-night talk show host Jerry Langford (Jerry Lewis), Rupert fantasizes about being his friend. When he’s repeatedly brushed aside, he escalates to kidnapping Langford to get a shot at national television exposure.
This Martin Scorsese movie has aged spectacularly because it predicted our culture’s obsession with visibility and validation, especially with social media today. Pupkin feels like a prototype for influencer-era celebrity hunger who craves fame solely for recognition. Robert De Niro gives a committed performance, portraying Rupert not as a villain, but as a socially inept dreamer incapable of self-awareness. The film gained a second life in the 2010s after Joker practically ripped off this film’s storyline, which, in a way, also mirrored how Pupkin kidnapped Langford for fame. Alas, The King of Comedy is way superior to the DC villain origin story.
‘Paris, Texas’ (1984)
Paris, Texas begins with Travis Henderson (Harry Dean Stanton) emerging silently from the desert, disoriented after disappearing for four years. Slowly, he reconnects with his brother and young son, Hunter (Hunter Carson), attempting to rebuild a relationship that time and abandonment nearly erased. Travis and Hunter then travel together in search of Hunter’s estranged mother, Jane (Nastassja Kinski).
Revisited today, Paris, Texas never feels outdated, and its emotional aspects are earned through the characters’ journeys and the deliberate pacing. Wim Wenders clearly trusted the audience to be in Travis’ headspace and join his story. With beautiful visuals, a great guitar score, and iconic performances from Stanton and Kinski, the film has become a foundational American classic. The film has inspired numerous actors and filmmakers, with Michael Bay even including a reference to the film in one of the Transformers movies.
‘Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters’ (1985)
Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters reconstructs the final day of Japanese author Yukio Mishima (Ken Ogata). It also included stylized adaptations of three of his novels and flashbacks to his formative years. The film moves between black-and-white sequences, rich color sequences representing his fiction, and glimpses of his childhood and artistic evolution.
Paul Schrader considers it to be one of his best works alongside Taxi Driver, and it is with good reason. The film is an ambitious take on a controversial figure, but rather than flattening its subject into hero or villain, it embraces his contradictions as an artist and an ultranationalist. Its structure is unlike any other film that came before, and it has not been replicated since. Mishima is further elevated by Philip Glass‘ thunderous score and striking production design by Eiko Ishioka. Due to its controversial nature, the film was not screened in Japan until 2025.
‘The Thing’ (1982)
Set in a remote Antarctic research station, The Thing follows a group of American scientists who encounter a shape-shifting alien capable of perfectly imitating any living organism. After a Norwegian outpost is found destroyed, the team realizes the organism can replicate and replace them from within. As they don’t know who to trust, the men begin turning on one another, unsure who is still human.
Surprisingly, The Thing was not a critical favorite when it was released. Over time, the John Carpenter film reveals itself to be a towering work. Today, it stands as one of the best horror thrillers ever made. The creature design is grotesque and is scarier than any CGI creation, and the performances, led by Kurt Russell, are strong across the board. Carpenter is an expert at maintaining tone, and here it shows as the movie is constantly covered in bleakness and paranoia. The ambiguous ending is the cherry on top of why the film endures.
‘Videodrome’ (1983)
Videodrome follows Max Renn (James Woods), the sleazy president of a small cable TV station, constantly searching for edgier, more provocative content to boost ratings. When he discovers a mysterious broadcast signal featuring extreme torture and violence, he becomes obsessed with tracking its origin. As Max investigates, the signal begins to distort his perception of reality, and he loses sight of what is real and media.
Videodrome was actively disliked by audiences when it was released, as evidenced by the D+ CinemaScore, although many critics agreed that the film was ahead of its time. Its once-bizarre premise about media addiction and desensitization now feels eerily prophetic. The depiction of Renn merging with television is extreme, showing how humans are now inseparable from technology in the digital age. The practical effects are excellent and add to the realism that makes it even scarier. Videodrome is now widely regarded as one of David Cronenberg‘s best films and a sharp cultural commentary on today’s world.
‘Blow Out’ (1981)
Blow Out follows Jack Terry (John Travolta), a sound technician for low-budget horror films who accidentally records what may be evidence of a political assassination. While gathering ambient audio one night, he captures the sound of a car tire blowout just before a fatal crash involving a presidential candidate. As Jack syncs his audio with a photographer’s images, he uncovers a conspiracy far bigger than he anticipated.
Blow Out aged like fine wine because of how disturbingly modern it feels. Its obsession with truth versus perception and political cover-ups resonates even more today, when misinformation runs wild. John Travolta delivers one of his most layered performances as an idealistic and obsessive man pulled into a conspiracy. Brian De Palma’s direction, with his iconic split diopter shots and elaborate set pieces, puts the spotlight on the main character, making it an intense experience. It’s both a thriller and a tragic commentary on how truth can be drowned out by power, making it even sharper today than it was in 1981.
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Entertainment
New Star Trek Release Is The Fix For Starfleet Academy Haters, Makes Trek’s Golden Age Even More Golden
By Joshua Tyler
| Published
In an era where Star Trek has become a televised disaster with embarrassing, franchise-destroying products like Starfleet Academy and Star Trek: Discovery, you wouldn’t expect to get any good new Star Trek video games. But somehow, that’s exactly what’s happening. Star Trek: Voyager – Across The Unknown has just been released on most major gaming platforms, and it’s everything fans have been waiting for.
As much as Trekkies enjoy Star Trek: Voyager, it’s also always been viewed as something of a missed opportunity. A show about a ship stranded far from home is the perfect opportunity for complex survival-focused storytelling. Star Trek: Voyager had the kind of premise that could have made it Battlestar Galactica-level engrossing, as each week the ship struggled to find food and energy while dealing with a malfunctioning vessel and the other problems inherent in being lost, with nowhere to refuel.
Across The Unknown Improves The Television Show
Unfortunately, with a few exception episodes like “Year of Hell,” Voyager mostly ignored its own premise and acted like any other Star Trek show. Stories about the realities of being stranded were rare, and such problems were easily resolved with hand-waving.
Star Trek: Voyager – Across The Unknown corrects that mistake with a game that lets you play through Voyager’s entire journey back to Earth, but from a survival perspective where you’re the one in charge of sorting out the difficult logistics, all the things the series glossed over, all the details of how to keep a ship flying when you’re lost and there’s no one to help.
Change Voyager’s Fate With Your Decisions
The game is structured like a space-faring version of the classic base-building sim Fallout Shelter. Instead of building and maintaining a bunker, you’re repairing and maintaining the USS Voyager as Captain Janeway tries to get her crew home.
Along the way, you help Janeway make critical decisions, with the ability to make totally different choices from the ones she makes on the show. My USS Voyager, for instance, currently has a Kazon tactical officer. And I could have kept Tuvix as part of my crew instead of splitting him back into Tuvok and Neelix, but screw that guy, I never liked him.
Better Ship Battles Than Any Modern Star Trek Show
The game’s graphics are well done. The map screen is beautiful, with the ability to seamlessly zoom in up close on ships and zoom out for a sector view. Cut scenes are rare but well executed when they surface. Battles are stunningly rendered, though don’t expect to do a lot of shooting yourself. Across the Unknown is an RPG, which means your role in both combat and away missions is mostly to make choices.
In space battles, you get to see those choices play out, with ships zooming around, firing torpedoes, and executing maneuvers you direct. On Away Missions, the results of your choices are reported back via text popups telling you the outcome of what you had each member of your landing party do.
Several Star Trek: Voyager actors lent their voices to the game. You’ll especially hear a lot from Tim Russ as Tuvok. Mostly, though, the game is about reading text and managing Voyager from a static side-view screen where you build, repair, and can zoom in and out on compartments.
That side-view screen is something of a wonder, though. Zoomed out, it’s just an MSD of Voyager. However, if you zoom in, you can see inside each room to watch crew members working, moving around, and living. It’s a detail they didn’t have to include; it has no impact on gameplay, but it does add to the game’s immersion and lets you feel like you’re really there, peering inside the ship as you decide whether to spend your resources on a warp core upgrade or on repairs to the aero shuttle.
Star Trek Sings When Freed From Alex Kurtzman’s Clutches
Across the Unknown works seamlessly and breathes new life into the seven seasons of Voyager you’ve already seen. It’s better, narratively, than anything Star Trek has produced since the cancellation of Star Trek: Enterprise and it’s exactly what Trekkies need, right now, in Trek’s darkest moment.
There’s a reason it’s good, and it’s probably because current Star Trek boss Alex Kurtzman had absolutely nothing to do with it. Instead, the game was developed by German studio gameXcite and published by Daedalic Entertainment. They licensed the IP from Paramount and then went off to do their own thing.
It’s further proof that the problem with modern Star Trek isn’t Star Trek itself, but the people in charge of it. When freed from their clutches, Star Trek snaps back to form.
A Pathway To A Bright Future For Star Trek
If this works, and I hope it does, they’ve established a perfect model to use on other Star Trek shows. Imagine playing through Deep Space Nine’s Dominion War arc, with the ability to change the fate of the entire Alpha Quadrant, should you decide to make choices different from the ones made by Benjamin Sisko.
There’s infinite potential in what Star Trek: Voyager – Across The Unknown has done here, but even if it’s just one off, be thankful it exists. The game’s a rare ray of light in Star Trek’s darkest of dark ages.
ACROSS THE UNKNOWN REVIEW SCORE
Jelly Roll is at the center of a growing social media storm after a clip allegedly featuring the country star began circulating online, fueling controversy tied to an ongoing feud involving comedian Nicole Arbour and rapper Ryan Upchurch. The video, which seems to show Jelly Roll speaking candidly in what appears to be a private setting, has quickly spread across X, drawing intense reactions and speculation from fans and critics alike. The situation has only escalated as Nicole Arbour continues to make accusations against Jelly Roll publicly.
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Alleged Jelly Roll Recording Goes Viral Online
The controversy centers around a clip showing Jelly Roll spending time with a group of people in what appears to be a basement or living room environment. In the footage, he is heard saying, “How did Jeffrey Epstein happen? With much work and help. Just like Jeffrey Epstein, Ryan Upchurch has Jelly Roll and his wife to handle his dirty work.”
The mention of Jeffrey Epstein, the notorious financier who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges, immediately raised eyebrows online, given the explosive nature of his case and the powerful figures once linked to him.
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According to reports circulating on X, the recording was allegedly captured without Jelly Roll’s knowledge and later surfaced on social media, where it has rapidly gained attention. The tension between Jelly Roll and Ryan Upchurch has reportedly been building for months, fueled in part by their shared roots in the country-rap scene.
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Social Media Reactions Intensify As Clip Spreads
As the video continues to circulate, reactions online have grown increasingly dramatic, with some users making extreme comparisons and speculating about potential consequences.
Another user wrote, “Jelly Roll is dead certain he’s the upcoming Epstein 2.0,” while a separate comment added, “If Ryan goes missing, we KNOW WHO DID IT.”
It is unclear exactly why Jelly Roll brought up Epstein, but what is clear is that fans are not having it. The authenticity and full context of the video have not been independently confirmed, as neither Jelly Roll nor Ryan Upchurch has addressed the clip.
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Nicole Arbour Addresses Jelly Roll Directly
The resurfaced clip comes amid a separate online dispute involving Nicole Arbour, who recently posted a video directed at Jelly Roll on X. In her message, she claimed she wanted people to “know who you really are behind the scenes,” referencing her ongoing issues with him and his circle.
“Hi @JellyRoll615, can I post that alleged hush money deal you allegedly sent over with an alleged threat that if I won’t sign it you’d allegedly sue me??” she captioned the video, which has since gone viral. “Oh… and I heard your publicist is launching a smear campaign against me for not taking the alleged deal. That’s not very Christian at all.”
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Resurfaced Video Shows The Singer Threatening Teen Employee
The newly circulating clip comes as another past video involving the “Need a Favor” singer has also resurfaced online, adding fuel to the growing controversy.
A nearly two-minute recording from around 2022 has been making the rounds on X, showing the singer venting about an encounter at a shoe store. In the footage, he appears frustrated while recounting the situation and at one point threatens to hit a teenage employee with what he described as the “open hand of the Lord.”
The resurfaced video has prompted additional criticism from some social media users, particularly amid accusations from critics labeling the country star a “fake Christian.”
Jelly Roll Facing Growing Backlash On Multiple Fronts
The resurfaced clips arrive at a time when the “Halfway to Hell” singer has already been dealing with heightened scrutiny in other areas of his career. Earlier this year, the country star faced criticism surrounding his presence at major industry events, including the Grammys, where some critics questioned his authenticity during his acceptance speech. Online debates also intensified around his outspoken faith, with many accusing him of presenting a persona that doesn’t align with his past behavior.
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Long before his rise to mainstream country stardom, Jelly Roll was open about his troubled past, including multiple arrests and time spent behind bars during his younger years. The singer has frequently spoken about how those experiences shaped his life, ultimately becoming a central part of his message about redemption, faith, and second chances.
Jelly Roll has yet to comment on the latest clips making the rounds on social media.
Mar-A-Lago Armed Gunman
Fixated On Epstein Files Week Before Shooting
Published
The armed man shot and killed by Secret Service agents outside President Donald Trump‘s Mar-a-Lago property Sunday had grown increasingly obsessed with the Epstein files and was also a vocal supporter of Trump … TMZ has learned.
Austin Tucker Martin sent a text message, obtained by TMZ, to a co-worker on February 15, 2026, that read, “I don’t know if you read up on the Epstein Files, but evil is real and unmistakable.” He continued, “The best people like you and I can do is use what little influence we have. Tell other people about what you hear about the Epstein files and what the government is doing about it. Raise awareness.”
Sources who worked with Austin at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club in North Carolina tell TMZ … he became fixated on Epstein following the latest release of information tied to the files. Co-workers tell us he was deeply disturbed by what he believed was a government cover-up and often talked about powerful people “getting away with it.”
At the same time, Austin was outspoken about his Christian faith and political views. We’re told he regularly expressed support for Trump, telling colleagues as recently as late last year he believed Trump was a strong leader.
People close to Martin describe him as well-meaning but increasingly frustrated, particularly about the economy. We’re told he often complained that young people need two jobs or roommates to afford moving out. Our sources say he still lived with his parents.
Austin also tried to start a union at work to push for higher wages, but no one signed on. Outside of his job, he was a sketch artist attempting to sell drawings of local scenery and people around town.
As we reported … he was shot and killed after breaching the secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago early Sunday. According to officials, he was observed near the north gate carrying a shotgun and a fuel can. The investigation remains ongoing.
Bonnie Blue
I’m Pregnant After Banging 400 Guys!!!
Published
Somebody might need to retake sex ed! Adult content creator Bonnie Blue says she’s pregnant after having unprotected sex with about 400 men … and she seems genuinely caught off guard.
Watch the video … after being sick and experiencing intense migraines, Bonnie — whose real name is Tia Billinger — takes a pregnancy test, which ends up being positive.
Bonnie said, “Guys, I am definitely pregnant … like, fully pregnant. So, I’m going to have to ChatGPT what to do next, because I’m actually not quite sure. I don’t know…”
Later, Bonnie went to a technician for an ultrasound, which confirmed the pregnancy.
She asked, “Oh, is that a baby? That’s actually crazy.”
It’s actually not that crazy, Bonnie! Some might even say it may have been expected!
But, in Bonnie’s defense, prior to her record-setting romping, she struggled for years with fertility issues.
In 2025, she told Us Weekly she wished she could get pregnant “However, I’m not in that position where I can fall pregnant naturally.”
Guess that was wrong.
After her sex marathon, she told Us Weekly the potential for pregnancy was “a problem for another day,” but she did collect DNA samples from all of the participants.
Let the daddy search begin!
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was not immediately removed from the line of succession after his arrest.
Andrew is eighth in line for the British throne, of which his brother King Charles III currently reigns. The former Duke of York was stripped of all royal titles and honorifics in October 2025 months before he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” Charles said in a February 2026 statement issued by Buckingham Palace. “What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and cooperation.”
Keep scrolling to learn more about Andrew’s place in the line of succession amid his arrest:
Where Is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s Place in the Line of Succession?
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is the second son of Queen Elizabeth III and Prince Philip. Upon his 1960 birth, he became second in line for Elizabeth’s crown behind now-King Charles III. Andrew’s position shifted once Charles had children and grandchildren.
Charles’ firstborn son, Prince William, is currently the direct heir, followed by his eldest child, Prince George. The lineup continues with William’s younger children, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, all of whom he shares with wife Princess Kate Middleton. Charles’ younger son, Prince Harry, follows ahead of his kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, who directly precede Andrew.
Andrew’s two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, are No. 9 and No. 12 in the line of succession, respectively, in between their own children.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is the first member of the British royal family to be arrested in almost 400 years. Andrew was arrested on his 66th birthday in February 2026 on suspicion of misconduct in public office. “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office,” the […]
Could Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Be Removed From the Line of Succession Amid His Arrest?
King Charles III, as the reigning monarch, has yet to make a decision about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s future as an heir.
“He likely won’t be removed from the line of succession until he’s convicted of a crime,” royal expert Gareth Russell exclusively told Us Weekly in February 2026. “If parliament did so before that, they could be accused of prejudicing the case against him. Any action between arrest and charges, or charges and trial, has to be very carefully considered, in case it’s used by the defense to weaken the case against Andrew.”
According to Russell, Andrew could be removed if he’s convicted of a crime.
“It’s completely untrue that you can’t be removed from the succession,” Russell told Us. “There are laws going back centuries that allow parliament to do that, the first time they did it was in 1326 and 1327. They also did it in the early 20th century, so there’s no reason that it couldn’t be done again.”
The BBC reported several days after Andrew’s arrest that the government is “considering” introducing legislation to remove the former prince from the line of succession.
“[This is] something that I hope will enjoy cross party support,” Defense Minister Luke Pollard told the outlet. “It’s right that that is something that only happens when the police investigation concludes.”
There has not yet been a formal decision about Andrew’s place in succession.
Why Was Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Arrested?
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on his 66th birthday in February 2026 over alleged misconduct.
“Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office,” Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said in a statement. “It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offense. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
The Thames Valley police department further told the BBC that they were investigating claims that Andrew shared confidential information with late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a U.K. trade envoy. No charges have been revealed as of publication nor has Andrew addressed the accusations.
Based on the popular book series by Lee Child, this series stars Alan Ritchson as former U.S. Army Major Jack Reacher. A force of nature with an unyielding sense of justice, Reacher roams the country, tackling various dangerous situations as he unravels conspiracies and corruption. The gritty, suspenseful tone of the show makes it an unmissable part of Amazon’s crime library — as do its thrilling action sequences, which allow Ritchson to flaunt his formidable physicality.
Supporting cast members include Malcolm Goodwin as Chief Detective Oscar Finlay, Willa Fitzgerald as Roscoe Conklin, and Chris Webster as former soldier-turned-private investigator, Paul Hubble. In the first season, Reacher arrives in the small town of Margrave, Georgia, where he quickly becomes embroiled in a murder case.
For fans of the novels, the series is quite a faithful adaptation. For newcomers to Reacher, the show has tight plotting, intriguing character dynamics and complex mysteries.
Clint Bentley and Greg Kweder have an interesting creative partnership in which they write and direct films together, but trade off taking on the director’s position. Kweder earned unanimous praise for his extraordinary work on the prison drama Sing Sing, but Bentley proved he was just as talented with Train Dreams, which earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. Although there is a shared dedication to realism present in both filmmakers’ styles, Bentley’s projects tend to be more ethereal and, at times, experimental. Bentley made his underrated directorial debut with Jockey, a stirring drama about an aging horse rider facing a reckoning within his career.
Jockey stars Clifton Collins Jr. as Jackson Silva, a legendary racer who has suffered several serious injuries that threaten his future prospects in competitions. Despite having broken his back on three separate occasions, Silva is courted by the horse trainer Ruth Wilkes (Molly Gordon) to ride the thoroughbred Dido’s Lament, which she feels could go all the way. Jockey also features a remarkable performance by Moisés Arias, best known for his performance on Fallout, as the young jockey Gabriel, who has reason to believe that Silva could be his father. Jockey isn’t a traditional inspirational sports film, but a thoughtful character drama about whether one’s achievements define their career.
‘Jockey’ Is a Methodical, Deeply Felt Psychological Drama
As was the case with both Sing Sing and Train Dreams, Jockey was made with authenticity in mind because it showed an incredible amount of respect for the community that it was depicting. In addition to being shot at the real Turf Paradise racetrack in Phoenix, Jockey employed many non-actors who made the film feel even more like a slice-of-life. While there is an original story being told about a specific character, what Silva experiences is similar to what many real jockeys go through, particularly when it comes to the all-consuming nature of the profession. The film finds an interesting way to characterize Silva’s journey because he is no longer at the point in his life where he could do anything else; for better or worse, he’s dedicated so much time to the practices required of a jockey that it would be impossible for him to pick up a new career or alter his routine.
The Year’s Most Baffling Oscar Nomination Is This Underseen Documentary Now on Streaming
Barely anyone had seen this documentary before the film received its nomination, but now, it’s on streaming.
Jockey doesn’t necessarily glamorize the rigors of horse riding, as there is surprisingly little footage of the races themselves. Much of Jockey is set within the sidelines, stables, tracks, and local taverns where Silva spends his days, as he can never be too far away from the competition. There’s a beauty to how insular his world is, as he’s found a community that is willing to support his way of living, even if it would be considered a risk to an outsider. Bentley isn’t interested in defending or condemning the choices that Silva made because the point of the film is that he has to live with them; while there are gorgeously rendered images, some of which have the naturalist beauty of a Terrence Malick film, everything in Jockey is fragile and could disappear at any given moment. It’s an appropriate tone to craft for a film that is so indebted to neo-Western dramas, which creates a timeless quality to the depiction of the profession. As Silva becomes keen to teach Gabriel, the training and riding of horses has been done the same way for centuries, and there’s little that contemporary technology could do to modify the practice.
‘Jockey’ Has the Best Performance of Clifton Collins Jr.’s Career
Given how challenging it can be for independent films to find an audience, Jockey deserved more credit for the strength of Bentley’s directorial vision and its uncompromising approach to the material. Collins is an actor who has been giving great performances for decades, but Jockey finally allowed him to show what he could do as the lead; as for Bentley, his ability to make something both unconventional and emotionally rewarding is deserving of praise, especially given how much groundwork it laid for what he and Kweder would eventually do with Sing Sing and Train Dreams. There aren’t many films about horse racing that are as interested in the minutiae as Jockey is, but it’s also rare to see a film so blunt and mature in its depiction of aging. Bentley certainly seems like he is on his way to becoming one of the most interesting American independent filmmakers of his generation, and Jockey should be remembered as the film that first showcased his potential.
Jockey is available to stream on Starz in the U.S.
- Release Date
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December 29, 2021
- Runtime
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94 Minutes
- Director
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Clint Bentley
Actress and former “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Lisa Rinna is one of the most talked-about television personalities. This remains the case following her most recent stint on season four of Peacock’s “The Traitors.” Now, following her elimination, she’s calling it the most challenging job of her decades-long career while promoting her new book, “You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It.” Plus, she’s dishing about the inner workings of the hit reality competition series.
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Lisa Rinna Opens Up About Filming ‘The Traitors’
Rinna recently hosted an event for her new memoir, “You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It,” with comedian Kathy Griffin as the moderator. During it, she discussed her time on “The Traitors.” First, she joked about her exit.” Rinna said in the clip, “It’s boring now, isn’t it? No, we still love it, but I’m ready for it to be done because we wanna see the reunion.”
She then discussed how difficult a show “The Traitors” is to film. According to the “RHOBH” alum, “It’s the hardest job- anything I’ve ever done, hardest, on television. I don’t care- Broadway, ‘Dancing With the Stars,’ this is the most challenging because it’s a game- physical, mental, and psychological.”
Rinna went on to say, “There’s not enough sleep, and there’s not enough food.”
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The ‘RHOBH’ Alum Also Discussed The Challenges
Rinna continued this line of conversation, which took place in front of a standing-room-only audience, by discussing the game of ‘The Traitors.’ According to her, “The challenges are so hard. It makes it really look cute on TV and nice and easy.” Griffin then asked Rinna about the filming schedule and how long a typical day lasts.
She responded, “For traitors, because you work three hours longer than the faithfuls, because it’s secret. Once the faithfuls go home, you go to the turret and do your traitoring. 18 hours a day. Every day.”
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After that, Griffin asked Rinna for her reaction to being cast as a traitor for the hit series. The actress said, “I will never forget getting that little tap on the shoulder from Allan, and you’re blindfolded, which is a freaky thing anyway, and your heart is pounding out of your chest, and it takes him like seven times to walk around. That’s a long, torturous time.”
Rinna went on to describe “not having your equilibrium” due to being blindfolded during the process.
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Fans Say ‘The Traitors’ Is Boring Without Rinna
Season four of “The Traitors” is as well-received as any of the previous seasons by most fans. However, Rinna became a fan-favorite, and many social media users agreed with her joke that the season is boring without her. One person on TikTok said, “And she’s right. It’s so boring now.”
Another person wrote, “It is. I stopped watching.” Someone else said, “For real, it’s so boring now, she is not wrong.” However, some disagreed with the former “Days of Our Lives” star. One person stated, “She wants it to be boring. It’s not boring at all.” Another “Traitors” fan commented, “She’s so annoying and narcissistic.”
Other fans are anticipating the upcoming season reunion.
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The Controversial Star Recently Opened Up About ‘The Traitors’ Reunion
Rinna recently interviewed with Variety. During the discussion, she clarified reports that her “Traitors” co-star Colton Underwood stormed out of the reunion. She told the outlet, “I didn’t see it myself. I saw him leave, but I saw other people leave too, to go to the bathroom and such, but it took a long time for people to come back. That I can share with you.”
She continued, “But let’s put it on the record, because they probably won’t air it, right? I said, ‘Colton, I have a question for you: What did you mean when you said, ‘I’m going to take her hostage?’ That’s all I said. And that spun him out.”
Rinna then said about the situation with Underwood, “I never meant any harm. Hopefully, we can all have a kumbaya moment.” However, despite what Rinna stated about the reunion, Variety reported that an insider on set noted that Underwood “did not storm out or spin out at any point.”
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The Book Is Days Away From Release
Rinna’s new book, “You Better Believe I’m Gonna Talk About It,” will be released on February 24 via publisher Dey Street. In it, not only is she discussing her legendary career as an actress, but she’s also opening up about her years on Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.”
Rinna announced the book in September 2025, telling PEOPLE, “I don’t know if everyone is ready for all of the truth I am unloading in this book. But I was certainly ready to tell it. Life comes with a lot of ups and downs, and so much of it gets lost ‘in the editing,’ if you will. It was time to share the director’s cut.”
She added, “I put so much of myself into this book; the good, the bad, and the wackadoodle. It feels really good to see it finally come together.”
Looks like Desmond Scott is out here living his best life and letting the world watch. On Sunday, February 22, the influencer and chef hit Instagram with a photo and video dump, giving fans a peek at exactly how he’s spending his downtime. And, of course, folks are dying to know the recipe to this vibe.
RELATED: Kristy Scott Opens Up About Her Goals For The Year & Building Her Social Life “From Scratch” Amid Divorce From Desmond Scott
Desmond Scott Is Out Here Living While The Internet Watches
In the photo dump, Desmond Scott is all smiles, captioning the post “good food and moving slow” as he seemingly travels through paradise. Palm trees, hillside houses, blooming flowers, stunning beach views, and gorgeous sunsets set the scene as he laughs and enjoys himself, looking effortlessly suave. Whether he’s dining, strolling, or just soaking in the scenery, it’s clear Desmond is soaking up every moment of his peaceful escape. Peep his post here.
Fans Go Off Over Desmond’s Island Photo Dump
As soon as Desmond Scott dropped scenes from his tropical vacation, fans flooded his Instagram comments and acted UP. Some raved about how his aura points are clearly going through the roof, while others were just happy to see him looking peaceful and content. And, of course, a few couldn’t resist asking for recipes ahead of their upcoming date nights.
One Instagram user @angi.denise commented, “The peace in all this 🙌🏽”
Instagram user @nikkiladeen said, “Man I’m soo proud of you, finding you and doing what YOU like 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💯‼️”
This Instagram user @faithfultofreedom added, “Good seeing a good man happy 🙃🙃🙃🙂↔️🙂↔️🙂↔️🙂↔️🙂↔️😎”
And, Instagram user @slickmo7 shared, “All right brother look cool but you got to school us how to cook for this ladies.“
Then Instagram user @terrence615 said, “Mans put the pots down and stepped out for the weekend 🔥🔥🔥🔥”
Likewise, Instagram user @chipworldxtra revealed, “Brother I’m happy for you and all but I need recipes gotta date next weekend 😂”
Desmond Isn’t The Only One Moving On
Desmond isn’t the only one making moves and finding his groove—Kristy Scott is clearly out here reclaiming her life. Recently, she hit Instagram to share a candid clip with her followers, opening up about building her “social life from scratch” and how challenging it can feel after being consumed by the early years of parenting.
Kristy admitted that even stepping out the door used to give her anxiety, but she’s been pushing herself to say yes more, pursue her hobbies, and actually make time for what she wants. “It’s so hard for me to leave the house… Lowkey, it gives me a little anxiety,” she said. But now? She’s making it work, attending quality gatherings, and slowly shaking off the pandemic-era social anxiety while showing fans that she’s healing just as much as Desmond is.
RELATED: Who’s Laughing Now? Fans Show Love After Desmond Scott Seemingly Lets His “Real Personality” Shine In New Content (WATCH)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
Netflix’s Forgotten Bill Skarsgård Crime Miniseries Is the Perfect 6-Episode Weekend Binge
One of the greatest perks of the streaming era is the sheer volume of content available at any given moment. But that abundance comes with a downside: with so much content to watch, even genuinely strong series can slip through the cracks. Launched with far less fanfare than Netflix’s splashier crime hits in 2022, the six-episode Swedish miniseries Clark quietly became one of the platform’s most entertaining and unconventional explorations of criminal psychology, anchored by a performance from Bill Skarsgård that deserved far more attention than it received. Critics responded warmly, earning the series an impressive 85% on Rotten Tomatoes. If you’re looking for something stylistic, darkly funny, and short enough to finish over a weekend, Clark is an easy recommendation.
What Is ‘Clark’ About?
Clark tells the wildly exaggerated, semi-fictionalized story of Clark Olofsson (Skarsgård), a career criminal whose good looks and undeniable charisma made Sweden fall in love with him in the 1970s, despite a rap sheet that included robbery, drug trafficking, jailbreaks, and attempted murder. Olofsson famously participated in the 1973 Norrmalmstorg robbery, a hostage crisis that helped inspire the term “Stockholm syndrome.” Created by Jonas Åkerlund, the series traces Clark’s life from his troubled childhood to his evolution into a serial bank robber, media sensation, and unlikely cultural icon in Sweden.
Rather than presenting a straightforward crime drama, the show leans into Clark’s unreliable narration loosely inspired by Olofsson’s autobiography. Skarsgård frequently breaks the fourth wall, glamorizing his exploits and reframing failures as triumphs. The tone shifts rapidly, blending outrageous visuals with a bold soundtrack that heightens the absurdity of Clark’s self-mythologizing. Flashbacks dig into his formative years, offering context for how he became the criminal he did, giving the series a swaggering energy reminiscent of Goodfellas or Catch Me If You Can.
But while the robberies and jailbreaks drive the plot, the real focus is Clark’s insatiable need for admiration and control. Beneath its chaotic, stylized exterior, Clark is less concerned with the mechanics of crime and more interested in how criminals become celebrities — and how easily media attention can warp reality. By allowing viewers to see the cracks in Clark’s carefully constructed legend, the series takes on a far more character-driven approach. That shift not only makes it endlessly bingeable, but also gives Skarsgård the space to deliver one of the most compelling performances of his career.
‘Clark’ Trailer Reveals Bill Skarsgård as a Notorious Swedish Criminal
Bill Skarsgård plays notorious Swedish criminal Clark Olofsson, the man who was at the origin of the term “Stockholm Syndrome.”
Bill Skarsgård Is Magnetic and Unrecognizable in ‘Clark’
Bill Skarsgård is the kind of actor who can truly disappear into a role. Audiences most likely associate him with his chilling turn as Pennywise in the IT films or, more recently, as Count Orlok in Nosferatu. But Clark gives him the space to showcase an entirely different side of his range. Here, he’s all charm, bravado, and reckless magnetism. With shaggy ’70s hair and an exaggerated swagger, Skarsgård fully commits to Clark’s narcissism while allowing flickers of insecurity to break through.
What makes the performance so compelling is its duality. Clark is charming, manipulative, and often outright appalling, yet Skarsgård makes him impossible to look away from. He understands that the character’s appeal lies in contradiction, as Clark sees himself as a hero even as he spirals deeper into criminality. In quieter moments, when the bravado finally cracks, Skarsgård lets vulnerability seep through, hinting at a man who was never given a choice to be anything but a criminal.
The show’s stylized direction gives Skarsgård room to go big, and it’s easy to tell he’s having fun with those moments. But even at his most theatrical, he never loses control of the character. Even as the editing turns frantic or the tone veers into dark comedy, he anchors the series with a performance that ranks among his best work and remains far more unknown than it should be. It’s one of his most versatile turns to date, proving he’s far more than a horror icon and more than capable of carrying an entire series by sheer presence. In a streaming landscape crowded with formulaic crime content, Clark stands out as something riskier and more playful. Anchored by Skarsgård’s fearless performance and Jonas Åkerlund’s kinetic direction, it’s a reminder that the most fascinating crime stories aren’t always about the heist.
All six episodes of Clark are available to stream on Netflix.
- Release Date
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2022 – 2022-00-00
- Network
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Netflix
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Bill Skarsgård
Clark Olofsson
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Kolbjörn Skarsgård
Young Clark
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Lukas Wetterberg
Teen Clark
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Vilhelm Blomgren
Tommy Lindström
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