With The Odyssey breaking the bank at the box office and getting Oscar buzz, many are praising director Christopher Nolan as one of the best filmmakers working today. After all, he’s given the film world several perfect blockbusters, namely Memento, The Prestige, and of course, the iconic Dark Knight trilogy. Not to mention his most mind-blowing project to date, Inception, which featured a group of thieves invading the human mind to plant an idea into someone’s head.

While Inception was a massive hit both critically and commercially and is still part of the cultural zeitgeist today, many seemed to have missed that the key element of the film’s intricate plot, planting an idea in someone’s mind, has far darker connotations than initially let on. In a film with so much going on, the core emotional trick that the film is pulling got lost.

The Idea of Inception Has a Dark Edge.

Image via Warner Bros.

The plot of the film revolves around a mysterious but well-connected businessman named Saito (Ken Watanabe), who tasks Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) with implanting the idea in the mind of his competitor to dissolve the company his father built. The target, Robert Fischer (Cillian Murphy), has a fractured and complex relationship with his soon-to-be late father, whose last words to his own son were, “Disappointed.” Saito claims that Fischer’s company going under would do good for the world, but it’s hard to trust these words since it comes from a ruthless tycoon.

Nevertheless, Cobb assembles his team to invade Fischer’s subconscious and plant the concept of splitting up his father’s empire. As the team plots the job, they struggle with how to translate the business strategy into a positive emotion for Fischer, with Cobb saying, “Positive emotion trumps negative emotion every time. We yearn for people to be reconciled, for catharsis.”

The team eventually settles on twisting the narrative surrounding Fischer’s relationship with his father, creating the notion that Fischer Sr. wants his son to be his own man and create something for himself. It all sounds good for Fischer and for Cobb and his crew, but the problem is, the catharsis is all a lie.

The Emotional Deception Runs Deep.

Image via Warner Bros. 

The fact remains that Fischer’s father was disappointed in him, and although Cobb’s plan paints a better picture of him, Fischer will go on living for himself under false pretense. While it seems noble to create catharsis for a broken relationship, that will never change the fact that Cobb and company are lying to a man whose fractured family dynamic made him susceptible to the idea that Saito wants him to accept.

There may also be deeper consequences at play here long after the credits roll. Cobb tells Saito at one point, “You asked me for inception, I do hope you understand the gravity of that request. The seed of the idea that we plant in this man’s mind will grow to define him. It may come to change everything about him.” Planting the idea of Fischer not following in his father’s footsteps so deep into his subconscious may drive him to do drastic and dangerous things, as evidenced by what happened to Cobb’s wife Mal (Marion Cotillard) after he performed inception on her.

Worse, Cobb and his crew are so focused on the job that they fail to consider any of the long-reaching consequences of what they’re doing. For Cobb, it makes sense, seeing as all he wants is to go home to his children, but for the noble Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and the new recruit Ariadne (Elliot Page), the dark side of the task at hand never comes up for them. Not only that, but they are all taking Saito at his word that their mission is the right thing to do, but since Saito beneifts greatly from the end of the Fischers, he is far from trustworthy.

While Inception has long been high regarded in Nolan’s canon, and still is, it is by far one of his darker tales. Manipulation of the mind is a scary thing and although the film presents this in a unique way, the ideas presented here are unsettling and thought-provoking. The core of Inception is all one big trick, but one that may have devastating effect.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

July 16, 2010

Runtime

148 minutes

Advertisement

Franchise(s)

Inception

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Amanda Knox is speaking out in defense of her comedy show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe amid a petition calling for its cancellation. The comedian, who was convicted of murdering her roommate in Italy, was later acquitted after years of fighting to clear her name. Knox has since turned to writing, podcasting, and comedy while continuing to speak about her experience.

Amanda Knox has responded to the petition demanding the cancellation of her comedy show, “Cartwheel,” at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. She took to Instagram to release a statement and explained that her set is going to be about her experiences as a mother and the cost of telling her truth.

Knox added that all the people who signed the petition, as well as its author, have not seen her show yet wrote or believed “false assumptions” and mischaracterizations about its content. Instead, she claims the show “honors Meredith Kercher’s memory and calls out the violence that was done to her and to me.”

Advertisement

“A petition to cancel a show no one has seen, on the grounds of false accusations intended to shame and vilify a wronged woman into silence, is not an argument against Cartwheel. It’s a fairly precise description of what Cartwheel is about and why it deserves to exist,” she wrote.

You never know what sentence you say will end up on the cover of a magazine.

“My very existence offends people.”

True! though I know there’s plenty out there eager to see my creative endeavors! Scoop your tickets to my one-woman show, Cartwheel, in Edinburgh Aug 7 – 17. pic.twitter.com/xvT8AKGXUG

— Amanda Knox (@amandaknox) July 17, 2026

Advertisement

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a performing arts festival held in Scotland annually, which features a variety of acts, including stand-up comedy sets, circus acts, musical performances, and theater productions. Knox said it’s the “perfect” place for “Cartwheel.”

“Many of the Fringe’s most celebrated comedy shows tackle difficult subjects including grief, trauma, mental health, addiction, illness, identity, and politics. Comics rarely treat these experiences lightly or make them the butt of the joke,” she wrote.

Knox’s guilty verdict was overturned after spending years in prison. Since then, she has opened up about her experiences by writing two books, appearing in podcasts, and participating in documentaries.

Amanda Knox Says She Doesn’t Cross Certain Lines

Knox rebuilt her life following her wrongful conviction, and she has since started a family, as previously reported by The Blast. She continues to confront her past publicly through stand-up comedy.

While she said nothing is off the table when it comes to comedy, she is also firm in not crossing certain lines. Her fellow comedians advised her to mention the “elephant in the room,” referring to her incarceration, and she followed their advice. However, she would never joke about Meredith Kercher’s murder.

Advertisement

“I don’t joke about Meredith’s death. I joke a lot about how I was vilified, but I don’t joke about her murder. That’s just a line for me. I set red lines for myself that other comedians don’t,” Knox said in an interview with The Telegraph, adding that she has received suggestions for jokes that she would never do.

Meredith Kercher’s Sister Speaks Out

‘It very much normalises and trivialises violence against women and Meredith in particular’

Stephanie Kercher has told #BBCBreakfast why she wants an Edinburgh Fringe venue to cancel a show by Amanda Knox – the American woman who was twice wrongfully convicted of killing her… pic.twitter.com/fmySdpJo0e

— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) August 6, 2026

A lawyer for the Kerchers said the family isn’t pleased about Knox’s comedy show. Meredith’s sister, Stephanie, spoke on “BBC Breakfast” and asked Knox to put herself in their position. “Think about the family here, think about her friends and to turn the tables if it was your sister that this had happened to, because I know you have a sister as well,” she said.

Advertisement

Stephanie said Meredith wouldn’t find “comedy value” in what Knox is doing, adding that her family is still in “immense” pain almost 20 years after Meredith’s murder.

Knox’s conviction was officially overturned in 2015, but she assumes the Kerchers still believe she is guilty. The comedian is open to speaking to the family, but they have never directly reached out to her. “I would very much want to establish that kind of communication, but I’m not going to have my life dictated by what they want for me,” she said.

Amanda Knox’s Comedy Show Will Push Forward

The petition to cancel Knox’s show has amassed more than 10,000 signatures since it was launched. It claims the comedian’s show “mocks” Kercher’s death and turns “tragedy into entertainment,” urging people to sign “out of respect for Meredith’s family.”

The festival’s director, Tony Lankester, addressed the issue, saying that they are “not afraid of controversy.” He did say, however, that the final decision rests with the festival’s venue. Knox’s shows will be held at the Gilded Balloon Teviot, and per Deadline, a representative said the comedian’s 11 shows will continue as intended, citing the festival’s “commitment to freedom of expression.”

Advertisement

Comedian and paranormal enthusiast Matt Rife is facing criticism over his response to a social media comment made by an autistic man. The exchange has drawn attention online, with some users taking issue with Rife’s choice of words.

Rife has faced criticism from the paranormal community since purchasing the Warren Occult Museum, which the famous ghost hunting duo, Ed and Lorraine Warren, previously owned.

3

Matt Rife and business partner Elton Castee are promoting the visit of the infamous Annabelle doll to Salem, Massachusetts, this month for a temporary exhibit. In their social media post, paranormal investigator Chris Mac reportedly wrote a lengthy post discussing the Salem Witch Trials, which, for some reason, irked the comedian.

Rife clapped back at Mac, allegedly writing, “sir, you are lifeless douchebag. Please remove yourself from this earth. Absolutely nobody is reading your novels in these comments. You do not matter to anybody. The event has already sold thousands of tickets. Now watch as i block you and you fall back into non existence,” per TMZ.

Paranormal Investigator’s Father Wants An Apology

Mac’s father is speaking out following Rife’s online attack on his son. According to him, his son, who has autism, is “mentally handicapped” and has been negatively affected by the public attention on him.

The paranormal investigator’s family claims Rife’s words were “unprovoked,” saying that Mac only requested the comedian not to place the Annebelle doll at a specific spot in the museum. Now, they want a public apology from Rife.

Mac also explained to TMZ that his message came from a place of concern. In the paranormal world, Annabelle is widely believed to be inhabited by a negative entity that may cause physical harm or misfortune to those who interact with it.

Mac said he was angered by Rife’s post and said, “Why should I forgive him? He’s not going to say sorry.” He also responded on Facebook, writing, “I don’t ever want see Matt bully a person with autism again do I make myself clear not ok to say with a person with autism I have autism.”

3

An insider close to the comedian said Rife has been receiving “vile” comments and is frequently targeted in his social media posts. The comedian sometimes responds to these comments, only for users to later delete their original messages, leaving Rife’s responses online without context.

The source claimed there is also missing context in the exchange with Mac, and there is no proof to suggest the comedian knew he had autism.

Rife’s comments garnered mixed reactions. Many argued that his comments were offensive, regardless of whether or not the person was autistic. “Classic Matt Rife being a terrible and unfunny person,” one wrote

Some defended Rife, saying there must be a reason why he responded that way. “Y’all act like autistic people can’t be a-sholes too & can never do anything wrong,” commented one user.

3

Rife doesn’t hold back when responding to people online.

In a screengrab of an exchange, an online user accused the comedian of telling them to “unalive” themself twice. “Stop being a d-ck and I’ll stop,” Rife clapped back, adding another comment saying that “a-sholes” shouldn’t be in his comments section. “You’re mad at me for defending myself – that’s psychotic,” Rife noted.

In 2023, as The Blast previously reported, Rife ripped into a 6-year-old, who commented on a joke from his comedy special. In a since-deleted comment, he wrote, “Santa isn’t real,” adding that his mother buys his presents with money she made from OF.

Per a 2025 report from The Blast, Rife and Castee purchased Ed and Lorraine Warren’s property in Connecticut, which includes the Occult Museum that houses Annabelle. While they own the home and museum space outright, they serve as “legal guardians” of the hundreds of artifacts in the museum for at least five years.

Some paranormal investigators criticized the duo, accusing them of prioritizing profit over historical preservation. The duo has plans to launch an exhibition space, and the original house is open to overnight stays. Admission prices for exhibitions exceed $100, prompting many to believe that Rife is running a tourist trap.

The Warrens’ grandson, Chris McKinnell, also weighed in on Rife’s purchase and said bringing the artifacts on tour was a “betrayal” of his grandparents’ legacy. “This legacy matters. It’s not a brand. It’s not content. It’s not entertainment. It’s sacred,” McKinnell wrote.

Television has never lacked stories about injustice; the challenge, however, has always been to tell them in a way that feels human rather than performative. For this reason, The Red Line stands out seven years after its debut. Released as an eight-episode CBS limited series in 2019, the drama arrived during a national conversation about police violence and systemic racism that, unfortunately, has only grown more urgent. Time hasn’t made its central questions feel dated.

Executive produced by Ava DuVernay and Greg Berlanti, The Red Line begins with a devastating tragedy before widening its scope into something far more layered. Rather than treating one fatal police shooting as an isolated event, the series examines the ripple effect left behind, following the lives of this cast. It’s an emotionally demanding watch, but one that rewards viewers with thoughtful performances, complicated relationships, and a willingness to explore difficult conversations without losing sight of the people at their center.

The Red Line Shows the Human Cost Behind One Tragic Moment

Image via Elizabeth Morris / ©CBS / Courtesy Everett Collection

In the opening scene of the series, we see the character of Harrison Brennan (Corey Reynolds), who works as a respected Black doctor in an emergency room, making a stop off at a store just before he reaches his husband Daniel Calder (Noah Wyle) and kid, Jira (Aliyah Royale). When the robbery occurs, Harrison tries to aid the injured cashier but fails as a police officer erroneously identifies him as one of the criminals present and shoots him in the back, killing him immediately.

The Red Line depicts the lives of three connected families as they deal with its repercussions. Daniel tries to keep his family united while mourning the death of his husband; at the same time, teenage Jira is trying to find out answers regarding her identity at a time when she is experiencing a great loss. Also in the midst of this, attorney and future city council candidate Tia Young (Emayatzy Corinealdi) unexpectedly bonds with this family through a personal discovery, while Police Officer Paul Evans (Noel Fisher) and his family face the effects of the shooting from the other side.

The Red Line in Chicago, by virtue of its name, exemplifies the institution the show conveys effectively: where individuals of different backgrounds and social positions are still connected – particularly through shared experiences and modes of communication.

Noah Wyle Anchors an Ensemble That Never Loses Sight of Its Characters

Image via Elizabeth Morris / ©CBS / Courtesy Everett Collection

The topics discussed in this series are undeniably heavy, but its greatest strength is that it avoids depicting the characters as mere political statements. Each important plot is primarily driven by emotional themes such as loss, family, and identity. Wyle delivers one of the strongest performances of his career as Daniel, a husband trying to parent through unimaginable heartbreak while wrestling with his own place in a national conversation. His restraint makes Daniel’s emotional breakdowns all the more devastating, and the series wisely allows him to be more than just the grieving spouse.

Royale is equally impressive as Jira, whose search for belonging becomes one of the show’s emotional pillars. Having lost the one parent who most understood her experiences as a young Black woman, Jira begins questioning where she fits and what family means after tragedy reshapes her life. Corinealdi also brings great depth to Tia, whose political ambitions are interwoven with very personal decisions. Instead of considering her just a useful narrative device, the production shows how public duties and personal tragedies sometimes clash in uncomfortable ways.

Even Paul, the officer who caused Harrison’s demise, is portrayed as more than just a one-dimensional villain. The series acknowledges his remorse and the broader atmosphere surrounding policing without leading viewers to believe he has committed irreparable deeds.

Its Themes Haven’t Become Less Relevant Since 2019

Image via Elizabeth Morris / ©CBS / Courtesy Everett Collection

The series addresses issues such as police accountability, racial profiling, adoption, political activism, LGBTQ+ families, disability, community identity, and systemic inequality while still feeling like it hasn’t made a list of social issues they feel like discussing. Rather, these conversations arise spontaneously from the characters’ experiences.

The Red Line does an amazing job of showing us that trauma doesn’t end when it’s no longer in the public eye. The legal process and public investigation will shatter relations and cause pain, and they will not spare anyone even after the tragedy has occurred. Watching the show today, we realize how little has changed since then. Things that are important today, like questions relating to policing, building trust, accountability, and racial equality, make the show feel quite relevant even now.

Broadcast television isn’t quite this daring these days. Back in 2019, The Red Line appeared to be quite different from anything CBS had on the air, combining relatable storytelling with topics other drama serials were normally afraid to tackle. Rather than giving straight answers, The Red Line shows the audience the lives of the people whose lives are forever changed by brutal violence, injustices, and different dilemmas they must face.

Advertisement

The Red Line

Advertisement

Release Date

2019 – 2019-00-00

Directors

Advertisement

Kevin Hooks, Victoria Mahoney, Aurora Guerrero

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

In the last 10 years, few action franchises have flourished at the same level as John Wick, which has blossomed with several spin-offs and four main installments. On the back of a stoic yet commanding performance from Keanu Reeves and some of the finest action directing from Chad Stahelski, John Wick has set a new standard when it comes to action movies. Although John Wick seemingly met his end in the final minutes of John Wick: Chapter 4, Lionsgate confirmed last year during CinemaCon that a fifth installment in the franchise was officially in the works, with Keanu Reeves and Chad Stahelski on board to star and direct, respectively. Reeves even starred in the first spin-off movie, Ballerina (starring Ana de Armas), but that won’t always be the case going forward.

The John Wick franchise is seemingly ready to move forward with or without Keanu Reeves, though, especially with the release of its next spin-off movie, Caine. Based on Donnie Yen’s character who was first introduced in John Wick: Chapter 4, Yen is also directing the action feature in addition to starring, but it’s been confirmed that Reeves will not have a role — this will be the first John Wick movie to not feature John Wick. Additional cast members for Caine include Bill Nighy, Mason Thames, Dacre Montgomery, and even Rina Sawayama, who starred as Akira in John Wick: Chapter 4. Details about the film are being kept quiet for now, but after wrapping filming earlier this year, it’s a safe bet that Caine will be released in theaters before the end of 2027. An official release date announcement is expected any day now.

Are the John Wick Movies on Streaming?

All four of Keanu Reeves’ John Wick movies are currently streaming exclusively on AMC+ at the time of writing. The films were recently streaming on HBO Max before being removed from the platform earlier this year. However, while the Ana de Armas-led spin-off film was streaming exclusively on Starz after the end of its theatrical run, the film has since made the jump to HBO Max, where it currently calls home in America. There’s also the controversial John Wick spin-off show, The Continental, starring Mel Gibson, but most fans agree that it’s not essential franchise viewing.

Stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of the John Wick franchise, including Caine, which is expected in theaters before the end of next year.

Ariana Grande has been a pop culture juggernaut over the past few years. Following the release of “Wicked” and “Wicked: For Good,” she embarked on the Eternal Sunshine Tour and released her eighth studio album, “Petal,” on July 31. Although she was supposed to continue her acting career, the “thank u, next” singer has decided to step out of the spotlight for a while following a public debate about her health and appearance. Ahead, check out the singer’s net worth and the latest updates from her career.

3

The “7 rings” singer is one of the highest-paid singers on the planet. Her net worth is $250 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth, which claims that she “easily earns” between $20-30 million in a year. Grande stands out from other artists because of her imprint label, Babydoll Music, which helps her maximize equity retention.

In addition to her music, which began with her debut album – 2013’s “Yours Truly” – she earned an estimated $15 million upfront for her starring role as Glinda in the “Wicked” film adaptations. She also has created her own beauty empire through her cosmetics brand, r.e.m. beauty, and a fragrance line that has reportedly generated over a billion in global retail sales.

Fans Are Concerned That The Singer Is ‘Unwell’

It remains to be seen if the singer’s net worth will be impacted by her decision to step out of the spotlight. Last month, she left her role in “American Horror Story,” although sources said the decision was due to a scheduling conflict with her Eternal Sunshine Tour.

Following that decision, fans began to express concern that she looked “unwell” in the music video for her hit song, “Petal.” Many fans thought that she appeared extremely underweight and were concerned that she was surrounding herself with people who didn’t have her best interests at heart.

“Bro, this is so sad. She’s one of our generation’s biggest talents, and we’re all just watching her die right in front of our eyes,” one fan wrote.

Ariana Grande Backed Out Of Another Production

3

Following reports that she was stepping away from the public eye amid scrutiny over her appearance, she backed out of her upcoming role in the “Sunday in the Park With George” musical on the West End stage.

As The Blast previously reported, she was supposed to reunite with her “Wicked” costar Jonathan Bailey for the production. The casting of both artists was reportedly a huge triumph for producers, who are seemingly scrambling to recast the role. However, the show’s producers released a statement saying that the production will open as planned next summer and ticket sales will not be impacted.

What Ariana Grande Has To Say About The Decision

In early August, the singer addressed her fans directly at a concert at the United Center in Chicago to “clear the air about a few things.”

Advertisement

“Sometimes when a story comes out that’s not directly from me, things can get a little blown out of proportion, so I just wanted to speak to my fans directly tonight because I love you so much,” she said in one video.

“The announcement that was made yesterday was not a reactive or impulsive thing. It was something that I have decided. A plan that I had quietly made a long time ago,” she continued. “It was a decision that was made from a thoughtful and empowered place. And I want you to know that many things can be true at the same time.”

The Singer Called Her Tour ‘Healing’ and ‘Corrective’

3

She went on to say: “I heard that my fans were worried that negativity was ruining things for me, but I just have to say that could not be more the far opposite. This is not what that is. And I just want to be very, very clear, multiple things can be true at the same time: boundaries need to be set, human beings can need a break sometimes and also, this can be and will continue to be the greatest experience of my professional and creative life.”

“No matter what noises exist out there, nothing will ever be able to distort my reality or be real to me or louder to me than this love that we share, or even how it feels to make art with the people that I love and respect,” she added.

She concluded her speech by saying: “This is what I will always take with me and carry with me, because the rest of that sh-t is not mine to carry so I don’t carry it. And I wanted you to hear that from me. I needed to get out here and differentiate that from my truth for all of you because I love you and this tour has been the most healing, beautiful, corrective, magnificent, special experience of my life.”

Advertisement

In the meantime, Trisha Paytas slammed unhelpful comments about the singer’s body while her mother has broken her silence following the singer’s emotional confession. It remains to be seen how long the singer’s break from the spotlight will last or what her future career plans are, whether it be in music, acting, or both.

Pirate movies are one of those ideas that should be huge in theory but are actually rather disappointing in execution. For most of the second half of the 20th century, few swashbuckling movies made a dent with audiences, and some infamous failures like Cutthroat Island all but sank the genre to the depths of the cinematic ocean. Then, in 2003, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl came out and revitalized the genre for the next decade or so.

The film was a certified hit that proved pirates could still sell movie tickets, and there was indeed room for some weirdness in mainstream filmmaking. It spawned a highly successful franchise, including three movies that practically defined blockbuster cinema in the 2000s, and two subsequent efforts that undid all the goodwill its predecessors had achieved. But which Pirates of the Caribbean movie is the best? Nostalgia will certainly play a significant part in this ranking, but there should be a consensus on which the best and worst entries are. We might all love the first three movies, but we can also tell when the franchise started going downhill and why.

5

‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales’ (2017)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is the latest entry into the franchise as of 2026. The plot sees a down-on-his-luck Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) on a race to get the Trident of Poseidon while pursued by the ghostly Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem), who recently escaped from the Devil’s Triangle alongside his crew. Joining Sparrow on his quest are Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario), an astronomer accused of being a witch, and Henry Turner (Brenton Thwaites), the son of Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), who seeks a way to break his father’s curse.

There are very few redeeming qualities to Dead Men Tell No Tales. There’s some witty humor, Bardem brings a ton of panache to what is otherwise a very simple role, and a few action set pieces manage to impress — at the very least, the franchise remained explosive until the very end. However, everything else is terribly tiresome: the love story between Henry and Carina is as bland as plain oatmeal, and the plot is somehow an uninspired retread of the franchise’s previous stories and an overly convoluted mess of ideas, none of which ever amount to anything coherent. Worst of all is Johnny Depp’s buffoonish, exhausting performance as Sparrow; what was once a wildly original and unpredictable character becomes a proper mockery of itself, a joke without a punchline. By this point, it was clear the franchise was way past its prime, and the box office reflected that, with the film becoming the lowest-grossing entry since the 2003 original. Talks of a sixth film are still ongoing, but judging by this last entry, the Pirates saga is best left at the bottom of the sea.

4

‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ (2011)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is the fourth film in the saga, and the first attempt to start a new story away from the overarching narrative of the original trilogy. Here, Sparrow encounters an old fling from his past, Angelica (Penélope Cruz), and the two board the legendary Blackbeard’s (Ian McShane) ship in search of the Fountain of Youth. Meanwhile, Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), now a privateer in command of the HMS Providence, is also in search of the Fountain, putting him into conflict with Sparrow once again.

On Stranger Tides is all noise, no substance. Depp’s performance isn’t as exhausting as it is in the follow-up, but Sparrow was already starting to wear out his welcome. His romance with Cruz’s Angelica is nothing particularly special, even though the chemistry is actually strong. McShane and Rush are just going through the motions, putting little to no pizzaz into their performances, and the supporting cast is not much better (there’s a Judi Dench cameo that’s pretty fun, though). As for the plot, it’s more contrived than ever, only coming across as sillier considering how unambitious it is. Overall, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is a completely forgettable movie, the equivalent of children playing with wooden ships, clashing them against each other and accompanying the action with louds “Booms” and “Bangs.”

3

‘Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End’ (2007)

The conclusion of the original trilogy, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End is a strong contender for the defining movie event of the 2000s. Picking up where its predecessor left off, the film sees a crew of pirates, including Will Turner, Elizabeth Swann, and Barbossa, heading towards Davy Jones’ Locker to rescue Jack Sparrow. Meanwhile, Davy Jones (Billy Nighy) himself is under the control of Lord Cutler Beckett (Tom Hollander), wreaking havoc across the seven seas. The pirates prepare to gather the Brethren Court and launch one final stand against the East India Trading Company to secure the future of pirates and their way of life.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End is far from a perfect movie; in fact, it’s terribly flawed. The plot is needlessly convoluted and makes little to no sense, trying to do too many things at once and failing to provide a satisfying payoff to most of its narrative points. The movie also lags in the middle, to the point where you might start to wonder what you’re watching. However, the climax is so exhilarating that it almost makes up for the larger missteps—almost being the keyword. The climactic battle aboard the Black Pearl and the Flying Dutchman is one of the most thrilling sequences in Disney history, enhanced by incredible visual effects and Hans Zimmer‘s thunderous score. It has many moving parts, too many things happening at once, but the sheer spectacle of it all is more than enough to fully immerse you in the action. Davy Jones’ tragic ending and the conclusion to Will’s story with his father, Bootstrap Bill (Stellan Skarsgård), further elevate the ending and the film overall.

2

‘Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl’ (2003)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

As previously mentioned, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl started it all. The plot centers on blacksmith Will Turner, who joins forces with the eccentric but surprisingly capable Captain Jack Sparrow to rescue Elizabeth Swann, the governor’s daughter who has been kidnapped by a band of pirates. As it turns out, the pirates, led by Captain Barbossa, are actually an undead crew looking to break their curse by reuniting the pieces of the cursed Aztec treasure behind their misery.

Hardly anyone expected anything from a movie based on a theme park attraction, which is why The Curse of the Black Pearl was such a pleasant surprise. The film is quirky, delightful, and action-packed, featuring a near-perfect balance of humor and thrilling action, the likes of which we seldom see anymore. The romance story between Will and Elizabeth is charming and perfectly utilized, bolstered by the strong chemistry between Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom. For his part, Rush is having the time of his life as the undead Barbossa, a villain equal parts compelling and off-putting. The highlight of the movie, however, is Depp’s Oscar-nominated performance as Jack Sparrow, a truly original creation unlike anything fans had seen before. Sparrow was like a breath of fresh air, a complete subversion of what people expected a pirate to look and sound like. Over twenty years later, The Curse of the Black Pearl is still a perfect adventure movie and the peak of the swashbuckling genre.

1

‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest’ (2006)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

The Curse of the Black Pearl is pretty perfect as a standalone adventure, but the film that truly represents the franchise at its best and most ambitious is Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. Picking up a year after its predecessor, the film sees Jack Sparrow hunted by the ruthless Davy Jones, the captain of the Flying Dutchman, to whom he owes a blood debt. Meanwhile, the wedding of Will and Elizabeth is interrupted by Lord Cutler Beckett, who arrests the latter while forcing the former to locate Sparrow’s magic compass, meaning to use it to locate the legendary Dead Man’s Chest.

Dead Man’s Chest features a lot of the franchise’s overall flaws: it’s overly long, needlessly convoluted, messy, and bombastic. Yet, it’s also ambitious, unrestrained, bold, and creative, a larger-than-life effort that perfectly encapsulates the true meaning of cinematic spectacle. The main trio is in fine shape, and the unexpected flirtation between Elizabeth and Jack is a welcome change. However, it’s Davy Jones who’s the real star of this show. Played by an Oscar-worthy Bill Nighy, Davy Jones is among the best cinematic villains of the noughties and a strong contender for the best and most original character of the decade as a whole. Visually, Jones is striking and incredibly realistic, marking a new peak of visual effects that has rarely been matched, let alone surpassed. In terms of performance, Nighy devours the scenery whole, actors and all, becoming a literal acting kraken. The result is an incredible, timeless villain in an incredible, timeless movie. Is it flawless? No. But Dead Man’s Chest is the best Pirates of the Caribbean movie, the epitome of everything the franchise ever hoped to be.

After Paramount Network’s continued success with Yellowstone and its spin-offs, why wouldn’t Netflix try to replicate that success with a neo-Western of its own? Adapted from Jodi Thomas‘ bestselling book series, Ransom Canyon has actually managed to make an impact by refusing to be just another ranching saga likeYellowstone‘s more obvious knockoffs. Instead, the show combines family rivalries and land disputes with a unique element not many would associate with Taylor Sheridan’s universe: romance.

Rather than trying to outdo Yellowstone at its own game, Ransom Canyon carves out its own identity in the growing TV subgenre of neo-Westerns by giving viewers the best of both. Across its two seasons to date, the series strikes a nice balance between frontier politics and heartfelt romance that makes for a comfortably diverting binge.

What Is ‘Ransom Canyon’ About?

At the heart of Ransom Canyon is Staten Kirkland (Josh Duhamel), owner of Double K Ranch — a swath of land that has been in his family for generations. As powerful corporate interests look to reshape the titular town, Staten struggles both to protect his land and heal from the tragedy of losing his wife and teenage son. Of course, the Double K isn’t the only ranch of its kind in town. Ransom Canyon is home to three powerful ranching dynasties, all at odds with one another over things like pipeline proposals, water rights, and financial desperation — not to mention old grudges.

Meanwhile, Staten also has a budding romance with Quinn O’Grady (Minka Kelly) to nurture. Quinn, a talented pianist and owner of the local dance hall, has loved Staten for years. Alas, feelings of grief and guilt — along with good old-fashioned poor timing — have kept them apart. Their relationship quickly becomes the emotional backbone of both seasons, giving viewers an ongoing will-they-or-won’t-they storyline that develops alongside the larger ranching conflicts.

If it sounds thorny, it’s because it is. It’s one reason Ransom Canyon stands apart from other hit Western dramas on TV: its commitment to the mess. Nearly every resident of the town has their own storyline, creating a jumbled web of interconnected relationships that makes the community feel genuinely lived-in. Characters are allowed to make mistakes, hold grudges, and gradually evolve, giving many of the relationships more depth than viewers might expect from a traditional streaming romance.

‘Yellowstone’ and ‘Virgin River’ Fans Will Love ‘Ransom Canyon’

After the first season’s finale left viewers with several cliffhangers to mull over, Season 2 expands nearly every major storyline while pushing its central relationships into new and unfamiliar territory — most notably, Staten and Quinn. Rather than stretching Season 1’s dynamic to its breaking point, the season — without getting into spoilers — actually lets the two confront years of unresolved emotions in a way that feels more rewarding than stringing things out even further just for the sake of keeping you watching. (And, like Season 1, it still leaves enough uncertainty to keep viewers looking forward to a continuation… that is, if this season’s lower viewership improves.)

Comparisons to Yellowstone are inevitable, especially given the show’s emphasis on ranching families battling over land and legacy, but this isn’t some trend-chasing copycat. Same goes for any similarities to Virgin River. Ransom Canyon has echoes of both, sure, but it still manages to find a unique identity. The Texas setting is a big part of that, but the show’s true appeal comes from watching these flawed and damaged people slowly rebuild their lives together. It provides just enough ranch drama to satisfy Western fans while also offering the type of comforting emotional storytelling that romance lovers enjoy. Season 3 isn’t official just yet, so you’ve got some time to get caught up now.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

April 17, 2025

Network

Netflix

Advertisement

Showrunner

April Blair

Advertisement

Directors

Amanda Marsalis

Writers

Advertisement

April Blair

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Not every television series is going to reward you instantly. Delayed gratification is something that’s well worth chasing, particularly when you start a new television series that requires your full attention from the very beginning. Some shows do it best when they spend years carefully building worlds, characters and mythology before everything clicks into place.

That’s been the story so far of Apple TV’s Foundation, because when the extremely ambitious adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s legendary novels first premiered, viewers were split right down the middle over the fact that the narrative sprawl and world-building seemed so damn complicated. However, with every passing season, those people that did stick with it are like people playing the slots at a casino and finally receiving a massive payout; the series has continued growing in confidence, earning widespread acclaim as one of modern television’s finest science-fiction epics. And yes, as audiences continue discovering it or rewatching it because they can’t get enough, Foundation is proving that Apple’s enormous investment has been more than worthwhile.

Foundation chronicles humanity’s struggle to preserve civilization as mathematician Hari Seldon’s revolutionary predictions suggest the Galactic Empire is on the brink of collapse. The series spans centuries, multiple worlds, and generations of characters. It’s a bit like Game of Thrones meets Dune meets, well, the United States Senate. It blends politics, philosophy, and just damn cool sh*t.

The series stars Jared Harris (The Terror) as Hari Seldon, Lee Pace (The Running Man) as Brother Day, Lou Llobell (Voyagers) as Gaal Dornick, Leah Harvey (A Thousand Blows) as Salvor Hardin, Laura Birn (A Million Little Things) as Demerzel, Cassian Bilton (The Crown) as Brother Dawn, and Terrence Mann (Sense8) as Brother Dusk. The series is created by David S. Goyer.

Is ‘Foundation’ Any Good?

The first season definitely split opinion, but since then, Foundation has only seen its reputation grow and improve as, to be blunt, more people get it. The later seasons have earned consistently stronger reviews and critics have been wowed by the show’s visual ambition, increasingly confident storytelling and Lee Pace’s standout performance as the various Cleonic emperors.

Today, Foundation is regularly mentioned alongside Severance, Silo and For All Mankind as one of Apple TV‘s defining original series and one of streaming’s best science-fiction dramas. Foundation is streaming now on Apple TV.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

September 23, 2021

Network

Advertisement

Apple TV+

Showrunner

David S. Goyer

Advertisement

Directors

Alex Graves, Roxann Dawson, Jennifer Phang, Mark Tonderai, Andrew Bernstein

Advertisement

Writers

Jane Espenson, Leigh Dana Jackson, Liz Phang, Eric Carrasco, David Kob, Addie Manis, Marcus Gardley, Lauren Bello, Olivia Purnell

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

The funniest TV show of 2026 may also be one of the hardest for American audiences to watch. Released on Channel 4 in the U.K. and HBO Max in Australia, Make That Movie is the new comedy series from Australian actor and comedian Sam Campbell and Saturday Night Live UK star and writer Paddy Young. Already described by The Guardian as “the funniest TV show of the entire year,” the six-part series is a true comedic treat and a must-watch for fans of cringe-comedy risk-takers like Tim Robinson and Nathan Fielder.

The series follows a clear-cut premise: Campbell, playing a fictionalized version of himself, is a once hot-shot movie director who’s now scouring the UK for everyday people who have an idea for a feature film. In each episode, Campbell and his ragtag team of producers, filmmakers, and an awkward yet rich intimacy director (Aaron Chen) meet an ordinary person with a big movie idea, and do their best to make their project come to life. The premise is simple, but the comedic payoff is huge.

‘Make That Movie’ Is Hitting Comedic Gold

Make That Movie, shot in the fan-favorite mockumentary style, is a comedic force, packing more inventive jokes into six episodes than most sitcoms manage in an entire run. Whether it’s the inept idea-starters who know nothing about film, let alone social interaction, or Sam’s team, who are weirder and more unhelpful than he hoped, the series manages to pack one-liners, comedic twists, and laugh-out-loud moments in every aspect of the show. In the first episode, for instance, Sam’s team produces a heist thriller in which a couple suddenly gain the ability to turn into snakes, but only one of them can become a snake at a time. The ambitious project requires CGI, turning regular workers at the printing center into actors, and several live snakes to up the ante.

With that said, however, Make That Movie‘s release comes with a twist. Sadly for international viewers, the six-episode series was only broadcast on Channel 4 in the UK, and released on HBO Max solely in Australia. Per FlixPatrol, Make That Movie is surging well on the streaming charts in the country, though, reaching up to #5. Of course, the limited release becomes even more frustrating knowing the worldwide success some equally distinctive comedic voices like Robinson and Fielder have had over the years.

Among them were Robinson’s I Think You Should Leave on Netflix, which earned its own cult following, and Fielder’s The Rehearsal on HBO, which sees non-actors being put into unthinkable scenarios just like Make That Movie. Knowing that Make That Movie follows a similar absurd premise and uses that same cringe comedy, the series would certainly join in their success if only it were released to a larger audience.

‘Make That Movie’ Isn’t Available to Stream in the U.S.

In addition to Make That Movie‘s surefire comedy, which would certainly cater to millions of viewers worldwide, the series is scoring big with critics. While it hasn’t earned a Rotten Tomatoes score yet, The Guardian called the series “the funniest TV show of the entire year.” “This show is a celebration, not just of bad films in all their various forms, but of comedy as an art form,” wrote Stuart Heritage in his review. “It might be wrong to want it to run and run, because nothing will kill this thing faster than lapsing into formula, but hopefully it’s a sign that Campbell and his uncomprehending face will become a fixture on television for many years to come.”

But while that review certainly gave the series high praise, critics aren’t universally behind the series. To some, the series will only work if you’re a fan of Campbell already, be it from his time on Taskmaster or on the second series of Last One Laughing. “The ever-escalating irreverence isn’t for everyone, naturally,” wrote one review on Rotten Tomatoes. “It’s unlikely to win you over if Campbell’s comedy hasn’t already.” In addition to Campbell, Make That Movie also stars Lara Ricote, Helen Bauer, and David Hargreaves.

Despite a limited release in the UK and Australia, Sam Campbell’s new show Make That Movie is proving to be a force to be reckoned with. Being described as “the funniest TV show of the entire year” is no joke, and it makes the limited release all the more frustrating. With cringe comedy shows in the past receiving critical and public acclaim, here’s hoping Make That Movie can strike a new release deal soon and make waves on an international scale like it surely deserves.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

May 28, 2026

Network

Advertisement

Channel 4

Directors

Joseph Pelling

Advertisement

Writers

Joseph Pelling, Sam Campbell

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement