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10 Movie Adaptations the Author Hated
Taking a book and turning it into a motion picture is a practice almost as old as cinema itself. Since the days of Georges Méliès, who offered his cinematic takes on literary classics like Cinderella and From the Earth to the Moon, filmmakers have been taking stories from the page to the big screen, experimenting with how the differences between the written word and the cinematic language can be most effectively combined.
Sometimes, the books adapted belong to authors that have since passed away. Other times, the authors are still alive and kicking and commend these cinematic adaptations of their work, no matter how involved they were in their making. On a few noteworthy occasions, however, authors have been quite vocal about their intense dislike for a certain movie adaptation of a book of theirs. From novelists like Stephen King to comic writers like Alan Moore, these are authors who clearly didn’t think the cinematic medium did their work justice. For fairness’ sake, entries will be limited to only one per author. Otherwise, a list of this nature would end up being composed purely of King and Moore adaptations.
10
‘Tales from Earthsea’ (2006)
Ursula K. Le Guin was one of the greatest and most important American writers of her generation, known mainly for her work in speculative fiction. The collection of fantasy stories and essays known as Tales from Earthsea is perhaps her best-known work, and for good reason. Fans couldn’t have possibly been more excited when a Studio Ghibli adaptation of the first four books in the series was announced, which would be Gōro Miyazaki‘s (son of Hayao Miyazaki) directing debut. The rest is history, just not particularly pleasant history.
[Le Guin] felt like the film told a completely different story from the source material.
There are those who would go so far as to call Ghibli’s Tales from Earthsea one of the worst anime movies of all time. Le Guin herself probably would never have gone that far, but she did state that Miyazaki misunderstood the spirit of her books so terribly that she felt like the film told a completely different story from the source material. You’d be hard-pressed to find an Earthsea book fan who would disagree.
9
‘Charlotte’s Web’ (1973)
E. B. White, perhaps best-known as the creator of Stuart Little, was one of the greatest American children’s literature authors in modern history. He also wrote Charlotte’s Web, an illustrated book that, before being turned into a live-action film starring Dakota Fanning in 2006, was turned into a Hanna-Barbera musical cartoon in 1973.
Audiences today mostly remember it fondly as one of the movies that proved 1970s animation was by no means bad, but White wasn’t fond of the film at all. On the contrary, though the author was slightly involved in the movie’s story, he was generally displeased with the final product, calling it “a travesty.” He hated the fact that the movie was a musical, which he felt didn’t gel well with what he had written.
8
‘Rawhead Rex’ (1986)
Legendary British horror author Clive Barker is perhaps best known as the man who wrote the Hellraiser series. When it came time to turn the book into a film, he decided to write and direct it himself. The reason? Rawhead Rex, an adaptation of Barker’s short story of the same name directed by George Pavlou, from a screenplay by Barker himself.
The movie was a colossal failure, and is still remembered as one of the worst horror movies of the ’80s. Barker, obviously, felt that the elements were all there on the page for Rawhead Rex to have been quite a thrilling film. He felt, however, that Pavlou’s direction fell short, failing to provide the stylish oomph that would have made the movie as strong as the source material.
7
‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ (1997)
Following the success of Wes Craven‘s 1996 slasher classic Scream, many terrible rip-offs followed. Jim Gillespie‘s I Know What You Did Last Summer may be iconic, but there’s no way of denying that it’s just that: a terrible Scream rip-off. It didn’t have to be that way, though. The movie wasn’t based on a horror novel, but rather a well-regarded 1973 YA thriller by Lois Duncan.
Duncan’s daughter, Kaitlyn Arquette, was shot to dead in 1989. In a 2002 interview, the author revealed that as the mother of a murdered young woman, she was absolutely appalled by the fact that her novel had been turned into a silly, cheap slasher. It’s difficult to blame her, made even more difficult by the fact that the film isn’t even a good slasher to begin with.
6
‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’ (1971)
As one of the most important voices in the modern history of children’s literature, Roald Dahl is someone who needs no introduction. Another person who needs no introduction is Willy Wonka, and fittingly, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, one of the best fantasy movie masterpieces of all time, has a reputation that precedes it. A lesser-known part of that reputation, however, is that Dahl hated the film.
In fairness, Dahl hated the vast majority of the movies based on his work, thinking that Hollywood had a tendency to twist his stories into things he had never intended. His dislike for Willy Wonka, however, was particularly strong. He disowned the movie and declared himself “infuriated” by its plot deviations, its being a musical, and its shifting the narrative’s focus from Charlie to Wonka. The original book purist, Dahl would have vastly preferred it if director Mel Stuart had stuck far more closely to what was already on the page, even if this has proven to age as one of the best family movies of all time.
5
‘The NeverEnding Story’ (1984)
Wolfgang Petersen‘s first English-language film, The NeverEnding Story is one of the most iconic family films of the ’80s, even if some find it to traumatizingly dark that its “family film” status is not uncontested. It was based on German writer Michael Ende‘s 1979 book of the same title, and it was a hit both with critics and at the box office.
Someone it wasn’t a hit with, however, was Ende himself. The author only got to see the script days before the movie’s premiere, and claimed to have been “horrified” by what he saw. He felt that Petersen completely changed the essence and spirit of the book, and later called the film a “gigantic melodrama of kitsch, commerce, plush and plastic.”
4
‘Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief’ (2010) and ‘Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters’ (2013)
Of the many book series that tried to be the next Harry Potter, few came as remarkably close with something as original, fun, and genuinely high-quality as Rick Riordan‘s Percy Jackson & the Olympians book series. But out of every book-to-film adaptation that’s nothing like the books, few cases are as egregious as The Lightning Thief and Sea of Monsters, the movies based on the first two installments in the saga.
Riordan was extremely vocal about how he felt about these movies. He said the writing was terrible, and not just because it deviated tremendously from the source material. He shared email recommendations for script changes that he sent to the people behind the movies—recommendations that clearly went unheard. Most of all, the author was bothered because he knew that these adaptations would anger and disappoint fans. It’s no wonder why Riordan became far more directly involved with the new Disney+ TV series adaptation of Percy Jackson.
3
‘Mary Poppins’ (1964)
Mary Poppins is widely recognized as one of the most perfect live-action Disney movies of all time, a marvelously magical and beautifully nostalgic musical bolstered by Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke‘s lead performances. It’s based on Autralian-British writer P. L. Travers‘ Mary Poppins book series, and Walt Disney‘s repeated decades-spanning attempts to buy the film rights to her books made for such an arduous production process that it became the subject of the Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson-starring Saving Mr. Banks.
Contrary to what the ending of Saving Mr. Banks depicts, however, Travers did not, in fact, like what Disney did with her books. Travers famously cried at the movie’s premiere due to how distorted and saccharine her story and characters had become as a result of their Disney-ification. She hated the animated segments, she objected to the musical numbers, and she disliked the casting of Julie Andrews in the titular role. Audiences, of course, have disagreed with Travers over the course of the film’s existence; but one can only sympathize with her sadness.
Another author who famously hates pretty much any and every film that’s ever been made about their work is Alan Moore. The writer is of the vehement opinion that it’s impossible to turn a comic book into a film that properly captures its essence, and as a result, adaptations of his work—from Zack Snyder‘s Watchmen to James McTeigue‘s V for Vendetta—rub him the wrong way. But out of every movie adaptation of his oeuvre, Moore had the most contempt for Stephen Norrington‘s The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.
In all fairness to Moore, this is far and away one of the most abysmal superhero movies ever made, so it’s difficult to blame him for disliking it. What really added salt to the wound, however, was the lawsuit brought forward against 20th Century Studios by Larry Cohen and Martin Poll, who claimed that the studio had plagiarized their script. Moore got tangled up in the whole ordeal, and that only made League all the more of an unpleasant experience.
1
‘The Shining’ (1980)
As one of the authors whose work is most often adapted by Hollywood, and not often with good results, Stephen King is someone with a long track record of being critical of big-screen adaptations of his work. But the most notorious King adaptation that he despised, and perhaps the most notorious case of an author hating a movie based on their work, is Stanley Kubrick‘s The Shining. Based on the third novel King ever wrote, many think of this ’80s classic as one of the greatest horror movies ever made, complete with one of the scariest movie villains of all time—but the author himself disagreed.
King’s dislike for Kubrick’s movie has become a subject of study itself, with fans having spent the last 46 years diving deep into why King might have felt such an aversion to this version of The Shining. He once said that it was the only adaptation of his novels that he could truly remember hating, calling it “maddening, perverse, and disappointing.” He admitted to Kubrick’s brilliance as a director, but felt that the film twisted the message and essence of what he had written as an allegory for alcoholism (with many autobiographical elements) into something he couldn’t recognize. Knowing King’s deeply personal connection to the story, it becomes impossible to blame him for hating what even the film’s biggest fans must admit is vastly different from the source material.
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Editor’s note: The below contains spoilers for the For All Mankind Season 5 finale.
For All Mankind Season 5 is over, but it didn’t end without delivering one of the series’ biggest shockers to date. In “This Land Is Our Land,” Kelly Baldwin (Cynthy Wu) and the Sojourner crew finally accomplish their mission of finding life on Titan, only to learn immediately afterward that their oxygen supplies aren’t sufficient for everyone to make it back to the ship. As designated mission leader, Kelly chooses to stay behind on Titan, sacrificing herself for the sake of her life’s work. It’s a deeply emotional and surprising moment, and, although it might feel a little strange at first, it’s one that For All Mankind has also been setting up for quite some time.
Kelly’s Death Is Even More Shocking Than Ed’s in ‘For All Mankind’
Back when Season 5 premiered, For All Mankind faced one prominent issue: how to conclude the story of Kelly’s father, Ed Baldwin (Joel Kinnaman). He’d been a part of the series from the very beginning, and, because he was elderly, viewers theorized that Season 5’s major death would be his, possibly in the finale. What no one expected was for Ed to die peacefully in the second episode, and that the real shocker would be the loss of Kelly by season’s end.
Considering the stakes on Titan, there really was no other way for that stalemate to be resolved. Whoever agrees to stay behind must be of sound mind and body, since their chances of survival are higher than those of someone who is injured; this immediately rules out mission specialist Elena Beaufort (Kristina Klebe). Also, former commander Walt Griebel (Christopher Denham) has a larger family waiting for him on Mars, including children younger than Alex (Sean Kaufman), which weighs into Kelly’s decision.
‘For All Mankind’ Season 5 Finale Will Leave Fans Screaming — or Silent [Exclusive]
The creators talk “bloodthirsty” character deaths, the upcoming and final season, and what fans can expect from the spin-off.
All of that makes perfect sense, but it doesn’t erase the emotional impact of Kelly having to make such a difficult choice. She is still a young mother with many milestones to reach, especially as Alex gets older. Finding life on another planet is her life’s work, and, when she finally achieves it, she’s forced to give up the joy of seeing what it could lead to. Ed got to witness his family grow and enjoy the respect all his achievements earned him; Kelly won’t experience any of that.
Seeing all of Kelly’s achievements suddenly reduced to a strictly rational life-or-death decision borders on painful, but being her father’s daughter motivates her in the end. Staying behind certainly isn’t fair to her, but it’s the kind of possibility that Baldwins have always accepted for the opportunity to keep “pushing the envelope.“ Sad as it is, it’s a way for Kelly to both carry on Ed’s legacy and teach Alex one final lesson in the process.
‘For All Mankind’ Season 5 Brings Kelly’s Arc to a Satisfying End on Titan
Unfortunately for Kelly, being a Baldwin always meant living in the shadow of someone greater, and her parents were certainly among the greatest. With Alex now taking more responsibilities at Happy Valley and earning everyone’s respect, that also means Kelly wouldn’t just be “Ed’s daughter,” but would also become “Alex’s mother,” despite all her own achievements and discoveries. In that sense, killing her off is the best way to close her character arc in a meaningful way.
The way that Kelly’s story comes to a close is also beautiful in itself. Back in Season 4, she explains that microbial life has a bigger chance of thriving in liquid environments than on ice or gas. Her years researching in Antarctica and Korolev Crater didn’t yield any results, so finally unearthing methane-based lifeforms in a lake on Titan is a long-awaited victory. It will also completely revolutionize scientific understanding of life itself, independent of water, with Kelly’s name forever linked to the discovery.
Kelly ultimately chooses to end things on her own terms, carrying Ed’s “for all mankind” plaque with her as she enters a bioluminescent methane lake on Titan — something NASA has already proven exists, by the way. As sad and shocking as the scene is, Kelly literally carrying her dad’s legacy with her as she walks into a lake teeming with the microbial life she’s been searching for is a deeply poetic ending.
With Kelly’s Death, the Next Generation Takes Center Stage in ‘For All Mankind’s Final Season
One of the best aspects of For All Mankind is how it tells a generational story, following multiple families over the decades as humanity travels to the stars and beyond. Ed’s death was natural and expected because it wasn’t his world anymore, but, truth be told, it isn’t Kelly’s, either. Alex’s introduction was the generational leap the series needed to move beyond Ed’s shadow, something that the very nature of Kelly’s character didn’t allow for.
Kelly’s death, although untimely and unfortunate, might ultimately benefit the series, and Alex will likely take a more central role in Season 6. He is a Marsie through and through, but he also perfectly understands what it’s like to have a full life on another planet. With Titan now a major source of discovery, thanks to Kelly, it’s Alex’s turn to step up and lead humanity further into the Solar System, and maybe even beyond.
All this means that, in For All Mankind‘s final season, very few characters from the beginning of the series are even left, among them Aleida Rosales (Coral Peña) and Margo Madison (Wrenn Schmidt) for the moment. Most of the others are from subsequent seasons, like Miles Dale (Toby Kebbell), or younger characters, including Alex, Avery Stevens (Ines Asserson), and Lily Dale (Ruby Cruz). Ultimately, Kelly’s death, while devastating, effectively sets up the next generation to lead For All Mankind‘s final season. Hopefully, it’ll be a good one.
Roomies, Latto’s ‘Big Mama’ album has only been out for a few hours, and the lyrics already have the internet in a chokehold. Fans have been busy decoding the bars and turning them into captions all over social media. But they’re not the only ones tapped in — Claressa Shields also caught Big Mama name-dropping her and Papoose and she made sure to let her know that she heard every word!
RELATED: Business & Personal? Latto Drops ‘Big Mama’ Album & Fans Are All Over The Place With Split Reactions
Latto Dropped Bars & Claressa Shields Let Folks Know She Heard It
Claressa Shields made sure to let Latto know she peeped the shoutout about her and Papoose’s relationship on the new track, ‘Gimme Dat.’ The Gwoat hit up X (formerly Twitter) and told her followers she was hype to hear Big Mama spitting bars about her relationship. Shields also dropped photos from her and Pap’s baecation alongside the message, “Flat tf out @Latto 
cause yeah ‘Gimme Dat’!”
The boxing champion also showed love to Latto on Instagram, dropping more pics from her tropical getaway with Papoose and pairing them with Lattos lyrics as she raps: “When it come to mine I don’t need no advice, I know what he like, just call me Claressa, yeah & it’s clean I ain’t missin’ a Pap! I’m the catch, I ain’t settin’ a trap.”
Social Media Reacts After Claressa Peeps Latto’s Shoutout
After The Shade Room posted Claressa’s reaction to Latto’s lyrics, the comment section was flooded with responses. Plenty of folks said they love seeing her and Pap living their best lives, while others joked that they just know Claressa is going to keep Big Mama’s track on repeat.
Instagram user @jermaine716 wrote, “Real love🔥🔥🔥 I love seeing both of them winning👏”
Instagram user @_alissaa wrote, “Lmao she got 2 songs I love this for her.”
While Instagram user @girly_mayweather wrote, “She’s gonna play tf outta this song😂😂😂 we ain’t ready😂😂”
Then Instagram user @cashmase wrote, “I love all the flowers they’re receiving through bars from several artists now. 🙌🏾”
Another Instagram user @prettychaoss__ wrote, “She love when she mentioned in a song 😂😂😂😂😂😂”
Instagram user @shaniaellease_ wrote, “She looks so pretty! Literally 😍😍”
Then another Instagram user @tiaraloading_ wrote, “I love seeing Black people in love 😍”
While another Instagram user @queenmareia wrote, “Period 🔥”
Lastly, Instagram user @mj_naturalistxl wrote, “Not Pap looking like a YN my girl got him glowing glowing 😂❤️🔥”
More About Big Mama’s Fourth Studio Album
Latto has taken over timelines after dropping her highly anticipated fourth studio album, ‘Big Mama’ on Friday, May 29. The 18-track project features 21 Savage, Doja Cat, Mariah The Scientist, Jelly Roll, Sexyy Red and more. Amid the release, Latto addressed her viral April post on X (formerly Twitter) where she told fans she planned to make this project her retirement album. While chopping it up with Nadeska during an Apple Music interview, she said she went through postpartum and felt overwhelmed with the album. She also said she’s still dealing with it and hasn’t locked in on a final decision yet.
“I kind of underestimated it. So yeah, that was just one of those days where I was at home and overwhelmed with the album […] I was overwhelmed. I was experiencing motherhood […] I was dropping my last album that I owe the label. So I was going through it that day,”
RELATED: Mother Of 21 Savage’s Two Sons Seemingly Shows Love To Latto After She Shares First Photos Of Her Baby Girl
What Do You Think Roomies?
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Pokémon is one of the most successful franchises of all time. Spawning a massive empire that includes movies, television, trading cards, mobile games, manga, and mountains of merchandise, the series easily dominated most aspects of pop culture. However, it’s arguably strongest in the video game department, where it has been releasing highly successful, borderline addictive games for the last twenty years.
A large reason behind the games’ success is how replayable they are. You can always revisit them as a type specialist or maybe do a speedrun or, if you’re really brave and slightly masochistic, do a Nuzlocke. Countless YouTubers have made entire careers out of replaying Pokémon games with various twists and challenges. But which are the most replayable games in Pokémon? This list will feature the ten entries into the franchise that are the easiest to revisit, whether because of their accessible mechanics, engaging plots, game design, and variety of Pokémon available. Only mainline games will count, so don’t expect to see Mystery Dungeon here.
‘Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen’ (2004)
Generation I of Pokémon will always hold a special place in fans’ hearts. It’s the one that started it all, and it’s also absurdly favored by The Pokémon Company: it has the most remakes, its Pokémon have the most appearances in future gens, and the original 151 are the ones with the largest pop culture footprint. That said, playing the original Red and Blue versions is a quaint experience, to put it kindly. The graphics show their age, and the rather simplified plot feels overly familiar and even anticlimactic.
Luckily, as previously mentioned, Gen I has multiple remakes, and the best are undoubtedly the first, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen. Although they’re still twenty-year-old games, the graphics are quite solid, and this enhanced version of Kanto can surely satisfy anyone, from hardcore fans to casuals. The games also introduce the Sevii Islands, a post-game location that basically offers another storyline and Gen II Pokémon. If you want to revisit Kanto, then FireRed and LeafGreen are the way to go. Yes, they were initially made for the now obsolete Game Boy Advance, but Game Freak recently released them digitally for the Nintendo Switch, proving their status as timeless gems in the franchise.
‘Pokémon Emerald’ (2004)
The Pokémon series has always had a dynamic where it releases two games to introduce a new generation, followed by a third, “enhanced” version that improves the story and technical aspects while introducing a new box-art Legendary Pokémon. For Generation III, Pokémon Emerald was the enhanced version of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, and it’s now widely considered the best and most complete Hoenn experience.
Players control Brendan or May, a young trainer who embarks on a journey across the Hoenn region to become the champion by challenging all eight gyms, the Elite Four, and the Champion. Along the way, they must fight Teams Magma and Plasma, who seek to expand the land and the sea with the help of the Legendary Pokémon Groudon or Kyogre, respectively. A large portion of the early fandom considers Emerald among the best Pokémon games, and for good reason. The Battle Frontier alone makes it the superior Gen III title, but it also improves several aspects of the playthrough, like allowing you to rematch Trainers for extra XP and money. Facing both Team Aqua and Magma is also a far more logical choice that leads to Rayquaza having a bigger role.
‘Pokémon Platinum’ (2008)
Pokémon Platinum is the enhanced version of the Generation IV games, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. Set in the Sinnoh region, the game follows Lucas and Dawn as they embark on a quest to become the champion of their region by beating the eight gym leaders, the Elite Four, and eventually challenge Cynthia, the all-time best Champion in the franchise. On their way, the two must also fight the evil Team Galactic, whose leader, Cyrus, wants to reshape the universe under his vision.
Platinum is the ultimate version of Sinnoh. The original Diamond and Pearl are great games, but they’re also quite flawed: they’re painfully slow, the Pokédex is criminally imbalanced, and some storyline choices make no sense. Luckily, Platinum is a vast improvement, offering the definitive Gen IV experience and becoming one of the series’ all-time best efforts. Giratina is also one of the best box-art mascots, a complex Pokémon that adds a sinister layer to the story, and its home in the Distortion World is among the coolest, trippiest places in the entire franchise. Add that to the expanded and improved Pokédex, a faster pace, and, of course, the Battle Frontier, and you get a vastly superior game and the poster child for the enhanced versions.
‘Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver’ (2009)
The Generation II games are often accused of feeling too straightforward, like a copy-paste version of Kanto, to the point of even reusing Team Rocket as the primary antagonist. However, there’s still a lot to do in a Johto playthrough, and if you feel like revisiting Ecruteak City or going shopping in Goldenrod City, then you should opt for the 2009 remakes, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver.
The two are arguably the best enhanced versions in the franchise, taking everything that worked about the original Gold and Silver and totally revamping them. The Physical/Special split is a huge improvement, and the inclusion of what is essentially a shortened version of Pokémon Crystal further gets you a bang for your buck while making the region feel more complete. The improved graphics also allow for a better rendering of the region, which in turn allows for the heavy Japanese inspiration to really shine through, and the score is also more polished and atmospheric. Finally, the gimmick about having your lead Pokémon walk behind you was such a small but meaningful addition, as it makes the experience all the more immersive.
‘Pokémon Black and White’ (2010)
Ask any fan which games have the best storylines in Pokémon, and the answer will be the same: Pokémon Black and White. The Generation V games, set in the US-inspired region of Unova, marked a stark before-and-after for the franchise, essentially serving as a soft reboot and introducing an entire Pokédex worth of new Pokémon without any from previous generations. The standout, however, is the storyline, the most complex that the series has ever done.
Black and White dared to question the very basics of the series: the bond between Trainers and Pokémon, and whether it was actually right to use Pokémon to battle. The basic formula remains — the gym challenge, the fight against the evil team — but the execution is incredibly different. These games also introduce the iconic N, one of the most fascinating characters in Pokémon, and a region that is more modern and eclectic than any of the previous four. All these elements make Black and White incredibly replayable, either to re-experience the thrill of Unova or to ponder the rather deep questions it actually poses. Fans have long awaited the remakes of these sibling games, which will hopefully come in the upcoming Generation X.
‘Pokémon Legends: Arceus’ (2022)
Arguably the single most groundbreaking Pokémon game since the original Red and Blue, Pokémon Legends: Arceus was a genuine breath of fresh air for loyal fans. Set in an ancient version of Sinnoh called Hisui, the game centers on a character sent back in time to the blossoming village of Jubilife, where the Galaxy Expedition Team recruits them for the Survey Team with the aim of completing the first-ever Pokédex. Along the way, the player will learn more about the legend of the mythical Pokémon, Arceus.
It wouldn’t be an overstatement to call Legends: Arceus the best mainline Pokémon game. It marks a complete departure from the classic formula by placing an emphasis on the catching aspect rather than the battling. Moreover, it also showcases the lore and traditions of the Hisui region, making it far more story-driven than most games in the series. As the series’ first real attempt at an open world, Legends: Arceus gives players more freedom than before, resulting in a far more immersive experience that makes you feel like you’re actually part of the Pokémon world. The implementation of the shiny sound also made it a favorite of players worldwide, and it remains the go-to choice for shiny hunters even today.
‘Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’ (2023)
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet were the titles where the series genuinely improved the open-world aspect. Set in the region of Paldea, the games center on a student at either Naranja or Uva Academy, who embarks on a journey to beat the Gym challenge and become the region’s champion. All the while, he helps a new friend gather the mysterious Herba Mystica by defeating Titan Pokémon across the land and attempts to disband a group of outcasts going by Team Star.
Scarlet and Violet notoriously faced several technical issues upon their launch, leading to several funny memes. However, the games have aged quite well and are now arguably the most replayable titles in the franchise. The open-world aspect makes Paldea a very inviting region, and the DLCs ensured the adventure continued way past the end credits. Terastalization is also probably the best gimmick we’ve had so far, making the battles more challenging and fun. The liberty one has while going on this journey makes these sibling games as timeless as a Pokémon title can be, and their longevity will probably go well beyond the release of the upcoming release of the already announced Gen X games, Pokémon: Winds and Waves.
‘Pokémon Legends: Z-A’ (2025)
The latest entry into this beloved series is Pokémon Legends: Z-A. The second Legends game and the third Kalos game that we should’ve gotten way back in 2014, Z-A is set in Lumiose City five years after the events of X and Y. Players control a tourist who must advance from rank Z to A in the Z-A Royale while battling wild Pokémon who have begun randomly Mega Evolving. Team Flare is also part of the story, as is the ancient character of AZ.
By virtue of being the most recent game in the series, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is incredibly replayable. The basic plot is pretty cut-and-dry, and it isn’t as wildly imaginative or groundbreaking as the previous Legends game, but it is quite engaging, and the new Mega Evolutions alone are worth a revisit or two. The DLC content is also a nice bonus, even if it should’ve arguably been there since the beginning. While we wait for Pokémon: Winds and Waves, Z-A is the perfect placeholder. Jury is still out on its long-term appeal, but for now, it’s a great way to spend more time in the Pokémon world.
Vanilla Ice is standing by his decision to perform Great American State Fair’s Freedom 250 concerts after multiple acts have dropped out due to President Donald Trump’s association.
“Happy birthday America 250 years. It’s gonna be an epic party,” the rapper, 58, wrote via Instagram on Thursday, May 28, alongside a video sharing his excitement for the event. “This is to bring us all together. I’m tired of all the news channels dividing this country. We are all one.”
Ice added that the event is not a “political platform” but a celebration for “America’s birthday.”
“Nothing too serious just enjoying some fun, dancing and great memories,” he continued. “Hope you guys can join us.”
A spokesperson for the Great American State Fair reacted to multiple artists cancelling Freedom 250 concerts due to the event’s association with President Donald Trump. “[The event is] really about the Americans that are going to show up to celebrate our country. That’s what it’s really about,” Freedom 250 spokesperson Julia Friedland told DC News […]
In the video, Ice shared that he was “super honored” to be one of the performers at the show.
“It’s all about enjoying the great times of 250 years. From George Washington to now. All the presidents and everybody in between, this is a magical event that’s gonna happen,” he explained. “It’s very rare. I’m honored, man. This is gonna be epic. And that’s it. We don’t take anything too seriously and we’re gonna bring the ‘90s, that’s how it works.”
Ice’s response comes shortly after multiple musicians confirmed they would no longer be taking the stage for Freedom. The concerts were promoted as “nonpartisan” events leading up to July 4th, but the official website featured photos of the president and first lady Melania Trump. Fans also raised their eyebrows after seeing that Freedom 250 lists the White House and numerous government agencies — including the Departments of Homeland Security and Department of War — as well as corporations linked to the Trump administration as event sponsors.
Country superstar Martina McBride, rock star Bret Michaels, legendary group The Commodores and more announced they would no longer be participating in the event.
The Great American State Fair appears to have some drama surrounding its lineup of performers. Hours after event organizers announced the initial lineup of special guests, speakers and performers for the 16-day national exposition, some booked musicians said they wanted no part in the event set to take place in Washington D.C. between June 25 […]
“Unfortunately, what was presented to us as a celebration of our country has evolved into something much more divisive than what I agreed to be a part of,” Michaels, 63, said in a statement on Thursday. “Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable. Because of that, I have made the difficult decision to step away from this performance.”
A spokesperson for the Great American State Fair reacted to multiple artists withdrawing from the event.
“[The event is] really about the Americans that are going to show up to celebrate our country. That’s what it’s really about,” Freedom 250 spokesperson Julia Friedland told DC News Now’s Sunrise on the Hill on Friday, May 29. “We come together as Americans to celebrate our country.”
In addition to Ice, Flo Rida and Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli are all still scheduled to perform. The Great American Fair will run from June 25 to July 10.
Whew! Stunna Girl is making headlines once again, but this time it has nothing to do with music. The rapper recently found herself at the center of online conversation after a run-in with law enforcement in North Carolina brought an old legal matter back into the spotlight. As details began circulating, fans quickly started piecing together what led to the unexpected arrest.
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Old Court Case Lands Stunna Girl In Jail
According to reports, Stunna Girl was taken into custody by the Mooresville Police Department during a traffic stop in North Carolina. While the circumstances surrounding the stop remain unclear, authorities reportedly arrested her for failing to appear in court in connection with a previous case. Authorities booked her into the Iredell County Detention Center before releasing her later.
As reported by TMZ, the missed court appearance traces back to a 2017 case in which Stunna Girl faced charges of trespassing and resisting a public officer. Court records reportedly indicate she skipped multiple scheduled appearances tied to the case. She later posted a $3,500 bond, secured her release, and now has a court date set for July 28.
Roomies Share Their Thoughts Online
Roomies wasted no time flooding The Shade Room’s Instagram comment section after news of Stunna Girl’s arrest started making rounds online. While some supporters jokingly volunteered to bail her out, others couldn’t get over the fact that the case reportedly dates back to 2017, with one popular sentiment being that still dealing with something from the mannequin challenge era is absolutely wild. As expected, the comments quickly turned into a mix of jokes, disbelief, and hot takes.
One Instagram user @thisanthat__ said, “Fighting a case for 9years is crazy smh. The system is rigged“
This Instagram user @melaninn.goddness commented, “Mugshot tea 🫖 😍”
And, Instagram user @bk___miz added, “I know she…Stunned when they picked her up🚶🏻♂️➡️”
Meanwhile, Instagram user @ressesj claimed, “What’s the bail ?? I’m otw !!!!“
While Instagram user @laidbackaplomb shared, “Not the receipts from NINE years ago 😩 This case almost as old as the Mannequin Challenge“
Finally, Instagram user @stunnathegirly wrote, “face card tho f*k the charges 😍😍😍”
Mugshot Who? Stunna Girl Seemed Unbothered
If Stunna Girl was bothered by the headlines, she definitely didn’t show it. Shortly after news of her arrest made rounds online, the rapper hopped on Instagram Friday and made it clear she was still in good spirits. In one IG Story post, she reposted her mugshot alongside a message that read, “they said mug shot but she only heard the first part,” before joking, “Not right after my lash appointment.”
Stunna also shared a series of mirror selfies showing herself in a light pink matching set, rocking messy hair and serving confidence every step of the way. Between the glam, the poses, and a face card that appeared untouched by the drama, the rapper seemed determined to let fans know she was doing just fine. And after catching wind of The Shade Room posting the photos, Stunna reposted the coverage to her own page with a simple but telling response: “OMG.”
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What Do You Think Roomies?
Jessica Alba and Cash Warren appeared notably distant at their daughter Honor’s high school graduation, fueling speculation about tensions following their divorce.
Despite attending together, the former couple kept physical and social distance throughout the ceremony.
Since finalizing their divorce and custody agreement in 2026, both have moved into new personal chapters, with Jessica Alba focusing on self-growth and family.
Jessica Alba And Cash Warren Kept Their Distance At Daughter Honor’s Graduation Amid Co-Parenting Split
Alba and Warren may not be on the best of terms despite previously presenting their split as peaceful, as the former couple appeared noticeably distant during their daughter Honor’s high school graduation.
Both Alba and Warren attended the ceremony to celebrate Honor, who will turn 18 next month, but they were seated far apart from each other.
In photos from the event, obtained by TMZ, several family members and friends, including their son Hayes, were positioned between the exes, creating a clear gap throughout the ceremony.
The separation appeared to continue after the graduation as well. While mingling with guests, the “Trigger Warning” actress and Warren reportedly stayed in separate conversations, each focusing on celebrating their daughter individually rather than together as co-parents.
Alba officially filed for divorce from Warren in February 2025 after 16 years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences. By March 2026, the former couple had finalized both their divorce and custody arrangements.
See photos of the awkward moment here.
The Actress Reflects On Healing, Growth, And New Beginnings After Divorce
Despite the end of their marriage, both seem to be moving forward with new chapters in their personal lives.
Alba has recently been linked to actor Danny Ramirez, while Warren has sparked romance rumors involving actress Seanna Pereira and model Hana Sun Doerr.
At the same time, Alba appears to be prioritizing healing, self-care, and personal growth following the split. On May 20, the Honest Beauty founder shared a reflective Instagram post looking back on her month and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
“A love letter to May,” Alba captioned the post, speaking about gratitude, healing, and learning to appreciate both life’s major milestones and quieter moments.
She continued, “This year is flying by, and I’m reminding myself to slow down and soak it all in—the big moments, the quiet ones, the chaos, the beauty, all of it. Feeling especially grateful for the people, the growth, the laughter, the healing, and the little everyday moments that end up meaning the most. See you soon, June.”
Jessica Alba Shares Glimpse Into Self-Care Routine And Family Life
Alba’s recent post featured snapshots of her enjoying time with friends on a boat, staying active at the gym, and sharing meals with loved ones.
She also included several inspirational quotes centered around mindfulness and emotional well-being.
One quote encouraged followers to stop merely “surviving” life and instead fully experience it, while another promoted healthy habits and prioritizing mental wellness by “choosing yourself” daily and “loving yourself through it all.”
The Actress Has Been Spending Time With Her New Beau, Danny Ramirez
Alongside her focus on self-care, the “Mechanic” actress has also continued spending time with Ramirez.
The pair were first romantically linked in May 2025 during a trip to London and later appeared to soft-launch their relationship through vacation photos shared online later that year.
Though they’ve mostly kept things private, the couple has made a handful of public appearances together, including at the Baby2Baby Gala in West Hollywood in November 2025.
Alba’s Instagram post also highlighted the close bond she shares with her children. In one touching clip, she was seen painting on the floor with Honor, Haven, and Hayes, embracing a quiet family moment together.
Jessica Alba Reflects On Motherhood While Turning Heads In Bold Lace-and-Leather Look
Alba has previously spoken openly about her relationship with her children and the lessons motherhood continues to teach her.
In a September 2023 interview with People, the actress described parenting as “a back and forth,” explaining that she and her children are constantly learning from one another.
She also stressed the importance of being present and never taking family relationships for granted. “Knowing that I’m always going to be there for them, and for right now, they’re always going to be in the house,” she said, adding that they share “a really healthy relationship and unconditional love for one another.”
Meanwhile, Alba has also been turning heads on the fashion front, recently stepping out in a bold mix of textures at the launch of Lionel Messi’s Kith and Adidas collaboration at Inter Miami CF’s stadium.
She embraced the “naked dressing” trend in a sheer black lace top layered over a simple black bra, styled with leather capri pants, a cropped blazer, and open-toe heels for a sleek monochrome look.
The actress completed the outfit with soft glam makeup, glowing skin, and loose curls, reinforcing her recent streak of polished, fashion-forward appearances.
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