Entertainment
10 Nearly Perfect Epic Movies, Ranked
It’s easy to talk about masterful epics, and doing so usually involves going over some of the best movies of all time. You probably don’t need another person telling you to watch (or rewatch) Lawrence of Arabia, you know? It might be more interesting (though arguably less helpful) to go over some epics that fall a little short of perfection; the near-masterpieces, in other words.
That’s what the movies below debatably are. You might love some of them, and sure, some are considered classics, or near-classics… it’s just that each one has at least one or two things that could hold them back from genuine 10/10 territory. Hopefully, what follows doesn’t read as too negative, since something being “nearly perfect” is still very much cause for celebration.
10
‘Heaven’s Gate’ (1980)
After The Deer Hunter, Michael Cimino infamously went bigger and more ambitious with his follow-up, Heaven’s Gate, which had a difficult and lengthy production that generated so much bad press, the movie never really stood a chance. It seemed the frenzy around it generated an idea that it was one of the worst epic movies ever made, but if you actually watch it now, removed from all that noise about its production, it’s pretty great.
Watching this, you feel some messiness, but not the amount you might fear, based on Heaven’s Gate’s reputation.
Obviously, not perfect, since it’s in this ranking and all. You feel some messiness, but not the amount you might fear, based on Heaven’s Gate’s reputation. It’s underrated overall, as well as impressive, as one of the biggest and longest Westerns ever made (it’s more than just a Western, of course, but that’s the easiest way to describe something that is ultimately pretty hard to describe and/or summarize).
9
‘Intolerance: Love’s Struggle Throughout the Ages’ (1916)
To get the obvious out of the way, Intolerance: Love’s Struggle Throughout the Ages is incredibly old. It was made at a time when the first feature-length talkie was still more than a decade away, and those are pretty ancient in the overall scheme of things, seeing as 1927 is now almost a century ago. Anyway, Intolerance: Love’s Struggle Throughout the Ages is impressive, once you take its age into account.
It could well even be one of the best epics of all time, if you’re looking at historically significant and properly groundbreaking ones, because this goes all out as a historical epic that takes place across a vast amount of time; throughout the ages, and all that (the title’s not messing around). It also holds up a good deal better than the film D.W. Griffith is probably more well-known for, for better or worse: 1915’s The Birth of a Nation.
8
‘Gangs of New York’ (2002)
There are a few Martin Scorsese films that could go here, since his longer, newer movies are a bit more contentious than some of his comparatively snappier classics. See the way people talk about The Irishman vs. Goodfellas, for example. But Gangs of New York? That one might well get the most criticism out of all his films that exceed the 2.5-hour mark, and it doesn’t deserve all of that criticism.
It’s a sprawling movie, and almost bursting at the seams, since it wants to tell a personal story of revenge against the backdrop of a much larger gang conflict in the titular city at a tumultuous time in said city’s history. Certain actors here fit into the world of the film, and what it’s going for tonally, more than others, but there’s still so much to be impressed by in Gangs of New York, and it’s also probably worth watching for Daniel Day-Lewis alone.
7
‘A Touch of Zen’ (1970)
There is a good deal of A Touch of Zen that feels pretty much perfect, and it’s the kind of gargantuan and endlessly ambitious film that any downtime, comparatively speaking, feels largely excusable. It’s long and slow-paced at times, but at least the slower parts give you great visuals while serving to conjure up a beyond-unique atmosphere, and then when it starts getting a bit more action-focused, things inevitably get better and more striking.
It’s a film about a young woman on the run, and the people she encounters who ultimately help her take a stand against her pursuers. You could technically tell the story in A Touch of Zen within a shorter runtime, though this one does feel like it wants to be more than just a well-told story, and on that front, it succeeds. It might not do it all perfectly for you, but it’s still worth experiencing, even with the enigmatic and perhaps more confusing parts.
6
‘The Ten Commandments’ (1956)
The Ten Commandments is, as the title suggests, a biblical epic, and certainly one of the biggest and best of its time. The story here concerns the Book of Exodus, with the narrative mostly centering on Moses and what he eventually did as a leader and liberator, thanks to being given the titular ten commandments. It’s probably the most significant of the Old Testament stories, you know… or neck-and-neck with Noah’s Ark, in any event.
The whole thing is done justice here, with this film, because The Ten Commandments is genuinely impressive on a technical front (outside some shots with dated effects that don’t look great, even for the standards of the time). Much of it still looks and feels striking, at least, even if you do feel the length here, with the movie being just 20 minutes short of four hours.
5
‘Doctor Zhivago’ (1965)
You can’t talk about legendary epic movie directors without mentioning David Lean, who’s perhaps best known for helming the previously mentioned Lawrence of Arabia. His follow-up, Doctor Zhivago, might not have felt perfect the same way that one did, but it’s not far off quality-wise, succeeding as an epic romance and a war movie the same way Lawrence of Arabia shone as a simultaneous epic war film and a character study.
The other way to tie these movies together is the fact that World War I plays a role in both narratives, but isn’t exactly the focus of either. Doctor Zhivago is more about a tumultuous time in history, and a love affair that happened throughout it all, with World War I being just one of the events that prove relevant to said time in history.
4
‘Greed’ (1924)
It’s not entirely Greed’s fault it’s imperfect, since it is a partially lost film, but what can be said is that what remains is still pretty great, at the very least. It’s hardly a subtle movie, either, given the title and the fact that it’s about things spiraling out of control for a married couple after they win a fair amount of money, but it handles that premise well for a film of its era.
Also, Greed is quite disturbing for a film of its era, and what it has to say about money and the way it can change someone still feels relevant, in a weird and possibly upsetting manner. It’s got that timeless quality you do sometimes find in silent films, and there is something bleak about a movie from about a century ago still feeling relevant, when it deals with difficult subject matter, but that’s life or whatever (see also Metropolis).
3
‘Ben-Hur’ (1959)
Of all the movies here, it might be most alarming to suggest that Ben-Hur isn’t perfect, but it is still largely masterful. You can’t really overstate how significant it was as an epic, too, delivering spectacle that might have been matched or exceeded by epics in the 1960s and beyond, yet of those made before the year 1960, Ben-Hur was probably the grandest.
It takes place around the era of Jesus, but it’s not exactly about him, even if he sort of appears throughout, and religion is a relevant topic to the movie at hand, of course. But Ben-Hur is more concerned with telling a story about a betrayal, and the betrayed person’s endeavor to get revenge after being made a slave by someone he once trusted. It’s long, and perhaps a tiny bit slow at times (you do feel the length in the last half-hour), but the spectacle is indeed spectacular, and there aren’t enough good things one can say about that justifiably iconic chariot race sequence.
2
‘Kagemusha’ (1980)
When talking about Akira Kurosawa’s epics, you’ve got two that are genuinely perfect: 1954’s Seven Samurai and 1985’s Ran. Between them (albeit much closer to Ran) was Kagemusha, which has some similarities to that 1985 epic, particularly on a visual front. Oh, and both star Tatsuya Nakadai, who was technically in Seven Samurai, but only for a second or two in an uncredited (pretty much background) role.
Kagemusha has him playing two roles: one a warlord, and the other a thief who just so happens to look identical to the warlord, so when the warlord dies, the thief takes his place and has to pretend to be this much more powerful and influential figure. Things don’t exactly go well from there, but things do look beautiful from there. Kagemusha isn’t perfect as far as things like pacing and the narrative are concerned, but it is a perfect-looking movie, and it’s easy to admire it as a feature-length warm-up for Ran, on Kurosawa’s part.
1
‘Spartacus’ (1960)
An epic about revenge and rebellion, Spartacus is hard to fault as a film from this time, but maybe flawed if you want to judge it as a Stanley Kubrick movie, or compare it to some of his other ones. Kubrick’s influence was not felt as strongly here, since Spartacus had a troubled production early on and Kubrick was brought in as a replacement director, after the original one, Anthony Mann, was removed from the project after a few weeks of shooting.
There are other Stanley Kubrick war movies that feel more distinctly like Stanley Kubrick movies, but none that scratch the same itch epic-wise (even Barry Lyndon is a bit more restrained/grounded, albeit about as long). But as a rousing and exciting film made on a grand scale, Spartacus does have quite a bit to offer, to the point where you might not even mind too much that it doesn’t feel particularly Kubrick-esque.
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By Chris Snellgrove
| Published
There’s nothing quite like returning to a guilty pleasure film; it’s the cinematic equivalent of raiding the fridge at 2:00 am and making a sandwich so unhealthy it would give Scooby and Shaggy diabetes. Sure, you could watch something more enriching, just like you could eat something other than meat covered with every sauce and topping that you own, but where’s the fun in that? Sometimes, the heart wants what the heart wants, even if that happens to be (let’s face it) pure cinematic junk food.
Recently, I returned to one of my ultimate guilty pleasure foods: Fanboys, the film about Star Wars nerds trying to see The Phantom Menace before its release. With a 33 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s fair to say that most people consider this film a serious stinker. But I’ve always enjoyed how the movie embraces the cringe of both its premise and its characters, effectively leaning into the goofiness that made us fall in love with Luke, Leia, and Han in the first place. Watching Fanboys now also reveals the biggest problem with the Disney era of Star Wars: the desperate need to make a dorky franchise seem cool.
Get Into The Garbage Chute, Fanboy!
Most of Fanboys is a tribute to the Original Trilogy, which makes sense: in this ‘90s set film, the prequels have yet to come out. Of course, Fanboys came out in 2009, four years after the Prequel Trilogy ended. The creators were very well aware of how much fans largely hated George Lucas’ follow-up film, so they ended Fanboys with a bit of cheeky meta-commentary. As our characters settle in to watch The Phantom Menace on the big screen, one of them broaches a once-unthinkable proposition right before the credits roll: “What if the movie sucks?”
That line hits differently now that Disney has released its own Sequel Trilogy of Star Wars movies. In the wake of those film failures, there has been plenty of critical reappraisal of the prequels. Some of this comes from younger audiences who grew up with those movies and have a nostalgic fondness for the foundational schlock of their childhood. But a surprising amount of the reappraisal comes from older fans who once mercilessly bashed movies like The Phantom Menace. Those fans have decided that, in retrospect, passionate Star Wars movies from an honest weirdo are better than dispassionate Star Wars movies made by a soulless company.
Force Choking The Critics
As one of those older fans, I kept thinking about this comparison when watching Fanboys. To be clear, this is a film that is filled with flaws: the humor is broad, and much of the raunchier stuff (added at Harvey Weinstein’s request, no less) is simply gross rather than engrossing. However, most of the bad jokes were written from the perspective of the titular fanboys, and they collectively manage to do something that I thought was impossible. Namely, the humor of the film captured what it was like to be a Star Wars fan in the ‘90s.
The characters debate about whether Boba Fett was actually cool, get advice from Harry Knowles, strike out with women, and generally act like a gaggle of homeschooled kids whose only teacher was a VCR. Some of the jokes and even the performances are rough around the edges (seriously, Kristen Bell is acting circles around her colleagues), but that’s part of the charm: like the best of the worst bad B-movies, all of this came from creators who are deeply passionate and had something to say. In this way, they effectively channel the quirky excesses of George Lucas himself when he was making the soon-to-be-hated prequels.
The Nostalgia Menace
In The Phantom Menace, does it really make sense for Qui-Gon Jinn to trust his life to an idiot with a speech impediment? Of course not, just like it doesn’t make sense for him to risk the fate of an entire planet on the child slave that he ends up buying and bringing back to the Jedi temple. The craziness continued with Attack of the Clones, which had Obi-Wan Kenobi solving huge galactic conspiracies by talking to the weirdo owner of his favorite diner. In Revenge of the Sith, meanwhile, Anakin murders a zillion children because he got an “IOU” on saving Padme from a boss who now has resting monster face.
All of these are bonkers creative decisions by George Lucas, but that’s part of what makes the prequels special. The man is always swinging for the fences, and even when the bat doesn’t connect, it’s fun to watch each swing. You can’t ever really predict where Lucas is going to go with this story, just like you can never predict what will happen next to the titular protagonists of Fanboys. There’s a certain magic to that, and watching this fannish comedy unfold has the same bizarrely captivating quality as listening to your craziest friend tell his most unhinged story.
E-Girl And Her Podracer Boyfriend
Compared to the prequels, Disney’s Star Wars sequels are depressingly flat. You can feel the corporate meddling at every step, from transforming The Force Awakens into a soft reboot to bringing Palpatine back for sheer nostalgia value. There is no actual creative vision behind these movies because the company doesn’t care about creativity: they just care about keeping fans happy enough to keep buying endless Funko slop. Lucas might have gotten rich by selling toys, but he didn’t worry all that much about pandering to fans; instead, he jammed his prequels with anything and everything he found interesting, giving us a trilogy truly unlike any other ever made.
While Fanboys pokes very gentle fun at the prequels, it has something important in common with those films: it’s filled with every crazy idea that the creators can jam into it. Major cameos from heavyweights like William Shatner and Carrie Fisher exist alongside scenes where our heroes learn life lessons from hookers. The film has poignant things to say about life and death, but it also has time to make our heroes strip down to impress a local gay bar (their own personal Mos Eisley). The whole thing is a surprisingly complex meditation on friendship, though this can be hard to notice when, say, Kristin Bell is dressed as slave Leia.
Much like the Star Wars prequels, Fanboys is very flawed and divisive, but it was made with honesty and passion from quirky creators who had a genuine vision. That alone gives the film more rewatchability than the Disney-era Sequel Trilogy. If you’d like to see just how funny fan humor can be, or maybe you want to relive the glory days of ‘90s Star Wars fandom, you’re in luck. Fanboys is currently streaming on Tubi, which should honestly consider making a new slogan based on everyone’s favorite galaxy far, far away: “the free will be with you. Always.”
Kyle Cooke and Meghan King had a fun and flirty meet-cute while out and about in NYC.
“Kyle didn’t know Meghan prior to being at the same event last night. She had pursued him the second she saw him,” an insider exclusively shares with Us Weekly about the pair’s unintentional run-in. “He was definitely buzzed and was having fun with her. It’s nothing serious, but they did hang out all night even after the event was over, and made out several times in public.”
Photos were captured on Thursday, April 16, of the newly single Summer House star kissing Meghan, 41, as they walked down a Manhattan street after attending Page Six’s ’90s-themed party at Temple Bar.
According to a second source, Kyle, 43, arrived at the event with a few friends around 8:30 p.m. While making the rounds, he began chatting casually with Meghan and others in the room.
Amanda Batula’s newfound romance with Summer House costar West Wilson has thrown the entire cast for a loop. “It’s just a lot to take in,” Amanda’s estranged husband, Kyle Cooke, said during a Wednesday, April 1, TikTok interview with Adam Glyn. “It’s not just me, Amanda, West, Ciara [Miller]. It’s, like, our whole friend group. […]
“He seemed in great spirits, catching up with friends and being especially warm and appreciative with staff,” the insider explains. “Meghan did seem interested and gravitated toward him more as the night went on.”
After the event wrapped around 10 p.m., the source tells Us that Kyle and Meghan left with a group and headed to Bar Bianchi, where they stayed until around 1 a.m.
“It felt more like a fun, slightly flirty night out than anything serious,” the insider shares. “The kissing seemed like something just after a few drinks and a good night with friends.”
Kyle Cooke, Meghan King Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images; JC Olivera/Getty Images
Us Weekly has reached out to Kyle and Meghan’s teams for comment.
While both parties have yet to speak on their night out in the Big Apple, the first insider says the In the City star likely won’t be bothered by what fans think about the innocent situation.
“He doesn’t care what people think,” the source explains, adding that Kyle is just.“having fun right now and going out and meeting new people.”
Insiders are revealing Summer House’s Kyle Cooke reaction when he learned about estranged wife Amanda Batula and fellow costar West Wilson’s romance. “Kyle always knew Amanda would eventually move on, but he never imagined it would be with a castmate or anyone within their own circle,” a source exclusively tells Us Weekly. “The idea of […]
Meghan — who shares three kids with ex-husband Jim Edmonds — previously appeared on The Real Housewives of Orange County between 2015 and 2017. She primarily lives near St. Louis, where she has worked as a concierge realtor.
As for Kyle, he’s trying to move on after separating from Amanda Batula in January after four years of marriage. Their split became even more public — and complicated — when news broke in March that Amanda, 34, was dating Kyle’s costar West Wilson.
The drama is expected to play out on the Summer House season 10 reunion, which is reportedly set to tape later this month.
When Outlander debuted in 2014, its success was the furthest thing from guaranteed. Even with the ardent fanbase surrounding Diana Gabaldon‘s bestselling novels of the same name, the only notable figure attached to this ambitious adaptation was developer Ronald D. Moore (Battlestar Galactica). Over the next 12 years and eight seasons, Starz’s resident flagship achievement blossomed into a televised staple that earned the goodwill of loyal book readers, seduced new viewers in droves, and catapulted stars Caitríona Balfe and Sam Heughan into the realm of household-name fame.
Even at the time, Season 1’s widespread success left little room for doubt that a familiar, fresh, and enduring concoction had emerged essentially from nowhere. Describing Outlander as a special experience or a landmark love story risks tipping over into hyperbole. With all due respect to its accomplished peers, however, no other long-standing historical romance has yet to achieve captivating quality, emotional intimacy, and thrilling adventure on the same scale.
‘Outlander’ Seamlessly Blends Multiple Genres Without Sacrificing Its Romantic Heart
Founded in the mid-90s as a film-based cable network, in 2005, Starz followed HBO, Showtime, and AMC’s trend-setting example by investing in original programming. It initially won eyeballs for 2010’s steamy Roman gladiator drama Spartacus and the swashbuckling Black Sails, but Outlander‘s breakthrough success arguably put Starz on the map in terms of high-concept, high-quality series worthy of serious consideration. Moreover, how the production applied the artistic lessons it naturally took from the watercooler phenomena that shifted television as we know it (The Sopranos, The Wire, Breaking Bad) proved the channel deserved to stand alongside its acclaimed competitors.
A genre hybrid, Outlander masterfully bridges hyper-prestige aesthetics (focused seasons with shorter runtimes, meticulous costumes, sprawling location shoots, Bear McCreary‘s instant-classic score and theme song) with historical grime, Scottish mythology and fantasy lore, unreserved performances, operatic twists, and one of the small screen’s consistent romances, filtered almost entirely through a woman-centric perspective. Making the gritty politics and unmitigated violence of various historical backdrops tantamount to Outlander‘s fictionalized tension increases the immersion factor, lends the ever-ratcheting stakes an air of unpredictability, and draws in demographics who might otherwise turn up their nose at a romance with a capital R. Still, where other adaptations might dilute their romantic origins as a tactic to appeal to the broadest possible audience (or out of embarrassed disdain), Outlander‘s powers-that-be rarely, if ever, fail to prioritize the franchise’s narrative foundation.
The emotionally charged nature of 20th-century nurse Claire (Balfe) and 18th-century Scottish Highlander Jamie Fraser’s (Heughan) star-crossed love affair is simultaneously fragile, irrevocable, and rife with all-consuming devotion. Likewise, while Outlander‘s plot twists always take risks, it plays things safe precisely where romance conventions demand it should: keeping Claire and Jamie united. Once Claire overcomes her initially conflicted guilt, the Frasers’ dramatic friction emerges from miscommunication, shared grief, external-force separations, longing, their feisty tempers, and the visceral cost of forging a committed life together, rather than TV’s traditional system of break-ups and reunions repeated ad nauseam. Destiny might cast the couple as soulmates, but defying every conceivable odd requires blood, sweat, and tears effort: establishing honest trust, maintaining healthy affection, navigating ongoing compromises, and survival.
’Outlander’ Showrunner Confirms Whether Fans Will See Tobias Menzies’ Frank in the Final Season
Showrunner Matthew B. Roberts and executive producer Maril Davis also discuss the incredible accomplishment of telling the epic eight-season story.
‘Outlander’s Timeless Romance Has Changed Television for the Better
Although a romance between two heterosexual individuals means the series isn’t the height of progressiveness, Outlander‘s influence has altered the mainstream game regarding egalitarian depictions of sexual intimacy long before modern zeitgeist hits like Bridgerton or Heated Rivalry. Certain unfortunate decisions do make the series’ representation imperfect; the proliferation of sexual assault storylines quickly becomes a plot-device trope rather than a character-driven exploration of trauma. Yet in the same era that Game of Thrones garnered backlash for its dual objectification of women’s bodies and their emotional distress, Outlander neither diminishes nor vilifies its heroine’s voracious desire and the pursuit of her pleasure. Surrounded by constant danger, the Frasers’ bedroom is a sphere of guaranteed agency for Claire. More than being a resounding improvement in visual media’s exploitative habits, Outlander preserving this element accurately reflects romance novels’ revolutionary appeal; at the risk of making a blanket statement, underrepresented demographics crave the genre’s raw recognition and wish-fulfillment empowerment.
On that note, there’s no overlooking Outlander‘s most triumphant secret ingredient — Balfe and Heughan’s chemistry. Viewers keep returning for the trial-by-fire comforts of Claire and Jamie’s bliss as much as they do for the tenderness, the tartan, and the time travel. The fact that both actors keep unearthing new layers to characters they know like the back of their hand is additional icing on the cake. Even if Season 8’s story doesn’t conclude with across-the-board satisfaction, Outlander‘s legacy remains timeless.
Outlander
- Release Date
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2014 – 2026-00-00
- Showrunner
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Matthew B. Roberts
- Directors
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John Dahl, Metin Hüseyin, Jamie Payne, Stephen Woolfenden, Anna Foerster, Brendan Maher, Brian Kelly, David Moore, Jennifer Getzinger, Mike Barker, Philip John, Joss Agnew, Lisa Clarke, Jan Matthys, Ben Bolt, Charlotte Brändström, Christiana Ebohon-Green, Denise Di Novi, Douglas Mackinnon, Julian Holmes, Norma Bailey, Richard Clark, Justin Molotnikov, Stewart Svaasand
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Jack Tarlton
Kenny Lindsay
-
John Sessions
Arthur Duncan
Michael B. Jordan is still getting used to hearing himself called an Oscar winner. Appearing at CinemaCon for the first time since taking home Best Actor at the Academy Awards, the “Sinners” star admitted the title hasn’t quite sunk in after being introduced with the honor onstage.
The actor’s win also carried a deeper note, as he used his acceptance speech to acknowledge the Black actors who paved the way before him.
At CinemaCon, Jordan used the moment to debut a trailer for “The Thomas Crown Affair,” an upcoming romantic heist film he is set to star in.
Michael B. Jordan Relishes Oscar Win At CinemaCon
Some titles don’t lose their shine, and for Jordan, “Oscar winner” is clearly one of them. Fresh off his Best Actor victory at the Academy Awards, the 39-year-old couldn’t hide his excitement when he was introduced onstage as an “Academy Award winner” during Amazon’s CinemaCon panel.
“I don’t think that will ever get old,” he said, per DiscussingFilm.
It’s been just a month since Jordan picked up the trophy for his dual role as twins Smoke and Stack in “Sinners,” beating out a stacked field that included Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, and Wagner Moura.
Fans Weigh In On Jordan’s Oscar Moment
Fans had plenty to say about Jordan soaking in the moment, and not all of it was straightforward praise. While many applauded his journey, others couldn’t resist a little sarcasm as the Oscar buzz continues to follow him.
One X user joked, “Don’t worry, it won’t get old because we’re still waiting for the first one to actually match the hype. CinemaCon award energy is strong, though.”
Another chimed in, “Lmaoooo bro still cheesing like he just got the call yesterday.”
Others kept it more celebratory. “Much respect. Of course, it shouldn’t get old, and other actors feel the same way. Congratulations to MBJ again for an epic and well-deserved win!” one fan wrote.
Michael B Jordan Previews New Film At CinemaCon
Jordan wasn’t just at CinemaCon to bask in his recent Oscar glow; he also came with a first look at what’s next. The actor unveiled footage from his upcoming film “The Thomas Crown Affair,” where he stars opposite Adria Arjona.
In the trailer, Jordan steps into the role of Thomas Crown, a seasoned art thief who pulls off a daring heist involving a priceless Sunflowers painting from a museum. But the job becomes complicated when he finds himself drawn to Arjona’s character, the investigator tasked with tracking him down.
“Tell me something, does this billionaire thing really work?” her character asks during a dinner date.
“Usually,” Crown coolly replies.
Jordan Says Role Was Years In The Making
Jordan revealed the role wasn’t just another project, but one he had been chasing for years. “The Thomas Crown Affair” marks a fresh reboot of the franchise, following the 1968 original and its 1999 remake, both centered on a thrill-seeking billionaire art thief locked in a high-stakes game with an investigator.
The new take leans into that same mix of slick action and romance, with Jordan seen racing on a track, cracking open a massive vault, and going head-to-head with multiple adversaries. One standout moment even shows him scaling a skyscraper while strapped to a cable.
Reflecting on how long the idea has stayed with him, Jordan admitted, “I’ve been daydreaming about making this movie for years,” adding that he first saw the 1999 version when he was just 12.
“I wanna be in a movie like that one day,” he recalled thinking at the time, per Entertainment Weekly.
Michael B. Jordan’s New Film Slated For 2027
Jordan confirmed that “The Thomas Crown Affair” is slated to hit theaters on March 5, 2027. As he continues shaping the project, Jordan shared that revisiting the 1968 original helped him better understand the character’s deeper motivations.
“He didn’t just steal, he was making a statement,” Jordan said of Thomas Crown.
The “Fruitvale Station” star is pulling double duty on the film, both starring and directing, marking his second time behind the camera after “Creed III.” He also emphasized the importance of casting the right co-star, explaining he needed someone who could “match [Thomas’] intelligence, his intensity, his charm” before bringing Adria Arjona onstage.
“I’m the luckiest actress to be a part of this movie,” Arjona said. “I truly am.”
Hollywood Hills Home Tied To Multiple Celebs Over The Years
Now, it appears the Hollywood Hills home where Dv4d was staying at the time of his arrest has also been owned by other celebrities. According to TMZ, the property—once owned by Sandra Bullock and previously listed for rent at around $17,500 a month—has also been home to other celebrities over the years. Additionally, the residence was removed from rental listings earlier this year. Though, it remains unclear how long D4vd had been living there before being taken into custody as the investigation continues.
Legal Questions Arise Over D4vd Arrest Process
According to comments made by attorney Mark Geragos on the ‘2 Angry Men’ podcast, some individuals familiar with the District Attorney’s Office reportedly believed more time was needed before filing charges. Meanwhile, others within law enforcement allegedly felt there was enough evidence to move forward sooner. Geragos also suggested that discussions between agencies may have been ongoing behind the scenes as decisions were being weighed.
While the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office has stated it has worked closely with LAPD throughout the case and followed standard procedures. However, questions online are now focusing on how coordination between agencies played out in real time. Geragos has also raised concerns about the timing of the arrest versus formal charging decisions. He also added fuel to the growing conversation around how cases like this are handled before they reach court.
D4vd Arrest Footage Surfaces As Investigation Develops
All of this information has come to light following D4vd’s arrest in connection with the ongoing investigation into the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. As previously reported, surfaced footage obtained by TMZ and other outlets shows the singer being taken into custody by law enforcement in the Hollywood Hills. Furthermore, additional clips capture him with his hands behind his back as officers escorted him down a residential street. Reports say he had not been seen publicly for months prior to the arrest. Continuously, witnesses described a heavy police presence and officers using a loudspeaker before he was detained based on probable cause. And, authorities say the investigation had been closely monitored leading up to the arrest.
Entertainment
Prince banned Bruce Springsteen and Madonna from his dressing room, drummer reveals 10 years after singer's death
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Bobby Z said that the late musician “found meeting other celebrities very uncomfortable unless he was a fan.”
Meghan Markle has drawn backlash after her Bondi visit outfit was quickly linked for sale online, sparking criticism over mixing humanitarian work with commercial promotion.
While she and Prince Harry met survivors and first responders, critics, including Richard Palmer, questioned the timing. The couple continued engagements across Sydney, including an Invictus Australia event.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry also reflected on royal life, with the duke discussing grief over Princess Diana and Meghan addressing years of online abuse.
Meghan’s outfit from her visit to meet survivors of the Bondi Beach terror attack has quickly become available for purchase online, through a platform where she reportedly earns a commission.
Her look from the Sydney beach visit, which also features Prince Harry in promotional imagery, includes a striped shirt, white jeans, trainers, sunglasses, and a suede bag, all of which are available for sale on the fashion platform OneOff.
According to the Daily Mail, Meghan is said to receive between 10% and 25% from each item sold and is also listed as an investor in the AI-driven shopping site.
Her profile on the platform, where she is styled as “Meghan, Duchess of Sussex,” features several recent appearances, including her current Australia visit, each with direct shopping links.
During the visit, the duchess appeared visibly emotional, speaking with survivors and first responders connected to the December attack that claimed 15 lives.
She also embraced individuals directly affected, including survivor Jessica Chapnik Kahn, who protected her young child during the incident.
The timing of the outfit’s promotion has drawn criticism, with some observers questioning the decision to link her clothing to sales so quickly after a visit with terror attack survivors.
Critics argue that showcasing purchasable looks during such a sensitive engagement blurs the line between humanitarian work and commercial activity.
Royal commentator Richard Palmer described the move as “the starkest example yet of Harry and Meghan’s efforts to commercialize their royal brand.”
He suggested that it could potentially “have alarm bells ringing at the palace and may ultimately prompt further discussion about whether there is a need to strip them of their royal titles,” especially given recent precedents within the family.
The expert added: “The palace can say it’s nothing to do with the institution because Harry and Meghan aren’t publicly-funded members of it – but they are the King’s son and daughter-in-law, and any suggestion of cashing in on royal status reflects badly on the monarchy.”
Meghan Markle Was Slammed Online Over The Business Move
On social media, Meghan’s move to put the outfit she wore to meet Bondi survivors didn’t go unnoticed, prompting mixed reactions.
One person commented on X, “It is astounding that these two are still given opportunities, when they’ve clearly, by past behavior, shown they fully intend to merch and profit tf off of all of it.”
A second individual said, “Her business must be in real trouble if this is the ghoul tactics she’s resorted to? Why did she think this was appropriate? And why would she think normal people would accept this?”
“She is disgusting and wonders why she was ‘the most trolled person in the entire world,’” another harsh critic wrote of the duchess’s business move.
The Sussexes’ Sydney Visit Marks’ Full-Circle Moment’ With Invictus Return
Despite the backlash, the couple continued their engagements across Sydney. At Bondi Beach, they spent time speaking with survivors and first responders, with Harry briefly sharing a light moment greeting a beachgoer before turning his attention back to those affected.
She emphasized the need to confront hate, calling it a major “human problem,” and said the opportunity to connect on a deeper, emotional level made the moment especially meaningful.
Later in the day, the pair were welcomed by crowds gathered at the Sydney Opera House before heading out for a sailing event hosted by Invictus Australia.
At the harbor, they met veteran Joel Vanderzwan, who presented them with custom flip-flops reading “G’day Hazza” and “G’day Megs,” prompting Harry to joke about usually receiving “budgie smugglers.”
They later boarded a wheelchair-accessible vessel designed for injured veterans.
The visit marked a return to Australia for the couple, who last toured the country in 2018 when Harry announced that the Invictus Games would be hosted there. Invictus Australia CEO Michael Hartung described their return to Sydney Harbour as a “full-circle moment.”
The day concluded with the couple attending a rugby match between the New South Wales Waratahs and Moana Pasifika, where they sat alongside Phil Waugh, CEO of the Australian Rugby Union.
Prince Harry Reflects On Princess Diana’s Death As Meghan Markle Opens Up About Online Abuse
During their trip, Harry and Meghan also reflected on their experiences as former working royals.
Speaking at the InterEdge Summit in Melbourne, Harry opened up about the impact of losing his mother, Princess Diana, at a young age, recalling how it shaped his feelings about royal life.
He shared: “After my mum died just before my 13th birthday – I was like: ‘I don’t want this job. I don’t want this role – wherever this is headed, I don’t like it.” However, he later realized he could use his platform to create meaningful change.
Meghan, meanwhile, addressed the effects of online abuse, saying” she was the most trolled person in the entire world.”
Speaking to young people connected to the mental health organization Batyr, she described digital spaces as often “completely anchored and predicated on cruelty to get clicks.
Roommates, it looks like Ice Spice isn’t letting a lil’ fast food beef get in her in her feelings. The rapper came through with a jokey joke while addressing the viral McDonald’s assault incident with a young woman named Vayah in Los Angeles.
RELATED: Whoa! Video Footage Shows Woman Physically Attacking Ice Spice At Los Angeles McDonald’s (WATCH)
Ice Spice Reacts To Viral McDonald’s Incident
Fans have been waiting for Ice Spice to enter the chat after footage circulated online showing her in a heated altercation with a young woman named Vayah at a McDonald’s restaurant. Late on Friday, April 17, the ‘Munch’ raptress hopped on X (formerly Twitter) to address the situation. Ice didn’t say much, she kept it real cutesy and demure saying, “this wouldn’t happen at Wendy’s.” Ice’s shoutout to Wendy’s didn’t stop there — fans also peeped that she updated her Instagram bio to “@wendy’s princess.”
Ice’s response immediately had fans cutting up with reactions. Plenty of folks said her reaction felt very on brand, especially since she previously opened up about working at Wendy’s before she rose to fame during an appearance on ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’ in 2025. “There would be really annoying workers and characters. But I would low-key appreciate them. But, like […] low-key, though!,” Ice explained.
The TL Cuts UP After Ice Spice Gives Wendy’s A Shoutout Following Heated Altercation
After TSR reposted Ice Spice’s clap back, the comment section was flooded with reactions. Some folks agreed with her and started naming other fast food spots that they think wouldn’t have left a fight pop off. Meanwhile others said its sad that celebrities can’t even enjoy a normal meal without people bothering them.
Instagram user @liv.the.locsmyth wrote, “This is definitely Waffle House behavior 😭😭”
Instagram user @aimeadame wrote, “Or Chick-fil-A.”
While Instagram user @dhatboi_nes wrote, “Imagine this all end up being for a music video.”
Then Instagram user @ms_katie_baby wrote, “Now Wendy’s finna be in the comments cuttin’ up 😂😂😂😂”
Another Instagram user @lilbit_krissy wrote, “Give her her baddies chain!”
Instagram user @theshawniab wrote, “That’s sad celebrities really can’t enjoy a normal life without getting harassed.”
Then another Instagram user @tracyannthegreat wrote, “This is how you get a brand deal. ❤️ IKTR.”
While another Instagram user @socialfoodology wrote, “Let’s normalize rolling with friends who can fight too 😩 🤷🏾♂️”
Finally, Instagram user @glamour_grl14 wrote, “Chile here comes Wendy’s response in 5…4…3….😂😂😂”
Young Woman Who Attacked Ice Shares Her POV Of The Incident
After clips of Ice and Vayah fighting inside and outside of the McDonald’s circulated online, Vayah reveal what led up to the altercation during an interview. She says things escalated because she didn’t like Ice’s attitude when she approached her and her friend while they were eating inside the restaurant. Vayah also claimed that she walked up trying to compliment them, but when she did Ice told her to leave and called her a “b***h.” Furthermore, Vayah said that’s when she popped off and got in Ice’s face and started throwing hands. After that she claimed Ice allegedly stepped outside the restaurant and kept taking about her, which led them to get into another altercation.
Ice Spice’s lawyer Bradford Cohen also reacted to the incident. TMZ reports that Cohen says the Los Angeles Police Department knows about the situation and that everyone involved including the McDonald’s location will be held accountable.
“The unprovoked attack on my client has been reported to the LAPD, and we will be pursuing any and all avenues to hold the perpetrators responsible for their actions, including criminally and civilly. We are also exploring holding the location responsible for their lack of appropriate security,” Bradford Cohen said in a statement.
RELATED: Whew! Cleotrapa Enters The Chat As Fans Sound Off On Ice Spice’s McDonald’s Altercation (VIDEOS)
What Do You Think Roomies?
In March 2026, pop star Britney Spears was arrested under suspicion of driving under the influence. The following month, she decided to enter rehab with the encouragement of her two sons: Sean Preston and Jayden James. Although the “Toxic” singer is not due back in court until May 4, a legal expert is weighing in on her decision to seek treatment and how that could affect the outcome of her DUI case.
Britney Spears’ Rehab Stay Could Change The Outcome Of Her DUI Case
Over one month after she was pulled over while driving near her home in Ventura, California, the “Oops!… I Did It Again” singer made the decision to voluntarily check herself into rehab with the support of her family and friends.
Bobby Taghavi, managing partner at personal injury law firm Sweet James and former prosecutor in the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, is not associated with her case, but he did tell PEOPLE magazine that the decision to seek treatment without being ordered to by a court could definitely improve the outcome of her DUI case.
Legal Expert Weighs In On Britney’s Situation
Taghavi told the publication that voluntarily seeking treatment “shows the court and prosecutors that the person is taking the situation seriously before they’re ordered to do anything.”
He went on to say that judges “tend to respond better to proactive accountability than last-minute ‘damage control.’” Although it is unclear if the Princess of Pop could lose her license, he did suggest that her decision to seek treatment could help her avoid time behind bars.
Britney Spears’ DUI Case Could End In Probation
In lieu of jail time, it is possible that a judge could order the “Criminal” singer to undergo counseling, strict probation terms, or even enter educational programs to ensure that she does not relapse again.
“It’s not a guaranteed shield from custody, [but] most judges view it favorably as mitigation, especially when it’s documented, consistent, and shows real commitment,” he explained. “But the court will still look at the underlying facts, and judges prefer proof of participation or completion, not just an announcement.”
Will Britney Spend Time In Jail After Her DUI Arrest?
Taghavi noted that similar offenses usually include probation, fines, penalties, and even DUI school. He did admit that jail is “technically possible,” but “often not the centerpiece” in a typical DUI case. Considering this is her first offense, he suggested it is more likely her license will be suspended for about 4 months.
A separate source told PEOPLE magazine that the “Crossroads” actress was “very upset and shaken” after her arrest. “She’s terrified of going to jail. It’s taken weeks for her to realize that going to rehab is the best option,” the insider shared, noting that her two sons were a “big part” of getting her into a treatment facility.
Britney’s Team Has Reportedly Been Urging Her To Seek Treatment
The source went on to say that Britney’s team has “pushed for treatment” ever since she was arrested. “People around her do care a lot and are constantly trying to support her, but it can be difficult,” they said. “There have been a lot of concerns since the arrest.”
“Her sons were a big part of getting her to rehab. They’ve been clear with her. They just want her to be healthy,” they added. Fans have also been concerned about the pop star’s health due to her erratic social media posts.
“There was a system in place during the conservatorship. Her life was structured and more stable. There were people guiding decisions and making sure things stayed on track. With her independence, you started to see more instability in her day-to-day life,” the insider added.
This Is Not Britney Spears’ First Time In Rehab
In February 2008, the singer was subject to a court-ordered conservatorship that didn’t end until November 2021. Before her conservatorship, she was subject to two psychiatric holds. She also spent more than three months in a rehab facility in 2018.
“My father said that if I didn’t go, then I’d have to go to court, and I’d be embarrassed,” Britney wrote in her memoir, “The Woman In Me,” which was published in October 2023. She claimed that she was prescribed lithium and only allowed to watch an hour of television per day before she was forced to go to bed at 9 PM.
Entertainment
Miley Cyrus declares herself a 'drag queen,' dedicates powerful speech to 4-year-old self on “RuPaul's Drag Race” finale
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“Life’s a climb, but the view is great,” Cyrus said as the show flashed a picture of the “Hannah Montana” superstar at age 4.
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