Every spring, I tell myself I’ll reach for my usual rotation of breezy dresses — and without fail, I end up remembering why so many of them stay buried in the back of my closet. Between hemlines that fly up, clingy fabrics and silhouettes that somehow feel both fussy and uncomfortable, getting dressed can start to feel like more effort than it’s worth. This year, I wanted something easier.

That’s exactly why I’m retiring spring dresses for flowy skirts instead. A great midi or maxi skirt feels infinitely more versatile, pairing effortlessly with the tanks, tees and lightweight sweaters I already own while offering more comfort, coverage and styling flexibility. Even better? These 13 flattering spring skirts start at just $14, making the low-effort wardrobe upgrade surprisingly affordable.

I’m Retiring Spring Dresses for These Low-Effort Skirts

1. Our Favorite: The chiffon fabric and elastic high waist on this pleated maxi skirt give it real movement when I walk. The dainty floral print keeps it feeling soft instead of loud.

2. Very Versatile: Finding one skirt that handles vacation, errands and dinner out is rare. This tiered maxi does all three because the white base pairs with literally everything I own.

3. Has Pockets: Pockets on a flowy, floral skirt feel like winning the lottery. This boho maxi skirt has deep pockets that actually hold my phone and keys without sagging the fabric.

4. Gorgeous Gingham: I wanted something cheerful that wasn’t another floral, and this gingham maxi hit the mark. The swing shape skims past the hips instead of clinging.

5. Top Trend: The puff hem on this bubble maxi skirt is what makes it feel current instead of basic. Elastic waist, hidden pockets and a silhouette that’s all over my feed right now.

Related: 17 Petite Spring Dresses That Flatter Women Over 40 — From $10

Shopping for a spring dress when you’re 5’4″ or under usually means hemming the bottom, hiking up the shoulders or giving up entirely on a style you loved on the hanger. The designs just happen to be too big or loose or long, but there’s good news! More brands are finally cutting petite spring dresses […]

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6. Boho Babe: I pair this flowy boho skirt with a tank and woven sandals for weekend coffee runs. It’s become my unofficial uniform once temperatures hit the 70s.

7. Beige Beauty: I needed a neutral maxi that worked with bold tops, and this boho ruffle skirt solved it. The high waist tucks in cleanly under cropped knits.

8. Comfort MVP: I throw on this comfy maxi skirt with sneakers and a t-shirt for Saturday errands. The drawstring lets me adjust after lunch without unbuttoning anything.

9. Petite-Perfect: Maxi lengths can swallow shorter frames, which is why this flowy midi skirt works so well. The knee-length cut and high waist elongate without overwhelming.

10. Darling Denim: I missed wearing denim once skirts replaced my dresses, and this tiered denim maxi bridged the gap. The tiers add movement, so it doesn’t feel heavy.

11. Luxe Lace: Synthetic fabrics get sticky in summer heat, which is why this cotton eyelet skirt earned its keep. It breathes well, and the lace dresses up a plain tee.

12. Plaid Perfection: I styled this colorful plaid maxi with a black fitted tee and ballet flats for date night. It looked expensive without trying too hard.

13. Cargo Classic: Cargo pockets on a parachute-style maxi feel unexpectedly chic. This cotton cargo skirt has the baggy drape that’s everywhere right now, without being uncomfortable.

Related: 17 Resort-Ready Staples From Amazon That Are *Actually* Worth It

You’ve booked the trip, blocked the calendar and now you’re staring at a closet full of clothes that feel wrong for poolside lunches and sunset dinners. The pieces from a few seasons back don’t quite fit the vibe, but you’re not about to drop a paycheck on a vacation wardrobe you’ll wear for one week. […]

Although he’s primarily known for delivering action thrills, Tom Hardy has also found plenty of success leaning into sci-fi. One of the earliest roles of his career was aboard the ill-fated Star Trek: Nemesis, where he showed some promise as the villain Shinzon. His defining turn in the genre, however, remains the blockbuster smash Mad Max: Fury Road from 2015. Helmed by longtime franchise steward George Miller, the first installment in the post-apocalyptic series without Mel Gibson is still often considered among the greatest action films ever put to the screen, with a sheer scale that’s been hard to match since.

By far Hardy’s lengthiest sci-fi series, though, was Sony’s trilogy of Venom films, casting him as the titular Spider-Man anti-hero, Eddie Brock. Beginning in 2018 and wrapping up in 2024 with Venom: The Last Dance, the superhero spin-offs defied often middling reviews to become crowd-pleasing hits, making over $1.8 billion collectively. Each film followed the growing bond between Eddie and the alien symbiote that has merged with him, originally seeing the rage-filled being trying to control the reporter before learning to co-exist and even taking down another symbiote that possessed violent criminal Cletus Kasady (Woody Harrelson) in Venom: Let There Be Carnage. By the time the trilogy-capper rolled around, they forged a ride-or-die friendship that has kept audiences captivated to this day.

Now, The Last Dance has once again returned to Prime Video‘s global charts, rising to fourth place overall despite only being available on Netflix in the U.S. It’s a testament to the enduring nature of both the movies and the character of Venom in general around the world. Written and directed by Kelly Marcel, who previously helped pen the previous two films, the big send-off follows the pair on the run after being labeled fugitives at the end of Let There Be Carnage. Not just on the run from the authorities, they’re pursued by Xenophages sent at the behest of Knull (Andy Serkis), the creator of the symbiotes, who seeks to free himself. In the end, the duo is forced to make devastating decisions to save everything, ultimately bringing their story to a close in dramatic fashion. Joining Hardy for the dance are Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple, Rhys Ifans, Stephen Graham, Peggy Lu, and Alanna Ubach.

Tom Hardy Isn’t Quite Done With ‘Venom’ Yet

Although The Last Dance saw Venom say goodbye to Eddie, the duo’s time on the big screen isn’t done just yet. Back in February, a new Venom movie was announced, but this iteration is an animated outing from Sony Pictures Animation and Final Destination Bloodlines directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein. The original producers behind the Venom trilogy are all back in the fold as well, along with Hardy, though the question remains whether he’ll be voicing Eddie again or if he’s merely serving in a production or advisory role. With no writer attached yet, it’s also unknown if the new movie will connect to the ending of The Last Ending in any way, or if this will be an entirely new story.

Venom: The Last Dance is now streaming on Prime Video internationally. U.S. viewers, meanwhile, can find it on Netflix. Stay tuned here at Collider for more on all the biggest hits on streaming throughout the year.

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Release Date

October 25, 2024

Runtime

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110 Minutes

Director

Kelly Marcel

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By TeeJay Small
| Published 16 seconds ago

If you’ve been keeping up with news surrounding the new Animal Farm adaptation, you might already be heading to the theater with low expectations. Between the lackluster trailer, negative early reviews, and overall bizarre vibe of the entire production, many fans of the source material are expecting the film to underdeliver on its premise, to say the very least. Now, thanks to a few social media posts from audiences who have already seen the film, we can confirm that Animal Farm offers one of the strangest viewing experiences imaginable.

Specifically, images have been circulating that show the movie concludes with a screen displaying a pair of QR codes. The screen prompts the question, “How’s our farming? Let us know by scanning below.” The QR codes read “wow, I loved it” and “never do this again,” respectively. Once scanned, these codes direct consumers to a web page that requests reviews of the film and asks for a donation of up to $15,000. The donations are intended to provide free tickets to other consumers, potentially in collaboration with school trips or other large-scale showings.

Needless to say, this entire experience is extremely strange, vaguely insulting, and has already left audiences in a state of frustration. Even if Animal Farm was the best adaptation ever made, the overt neediness of begging for reviews and donations from audiences who have already paid completely devalues the project. Seriously, I’ve seen literal television advertisements with more heart and artistic integrity.

After suffering through 90 minutes of Seth Rogen chuckling about the pitfalls of unchecked authority, the last thing I need is to have a digital hobo shaking a can of change in my face, demanding that I fund the same viewing experience for my fellow proletariat. Personally, I struggle to recall the last time a theatrical film has insulted its audience in this way.

In fairness to the team behind Animal Farm, the website for reviews and donations is loaded with humorous little easter eggs. A negative review, for example, will be flagged with large, bolded text stating “Your opinion is wrong,” and “Napoleon is currently reviewing your feelings.” While I can appreciate the effort that was put into this site, this is not the way to do viral marketing.

Projects such as The Simpsons Movie famously utilized purpose-made websites to promote their theatrical run. That site, established back in 2007, allowed the user to play flash games, view concept art, and watch special behind-the-scenes featurettes of the animated film. Other recent projects, like The Super Mario Bros. Movie, have integrated special icons into the Google search engine, allowing fans to press coin blocks while looking up showtimes and cast information. Crucially, these sites did not impede the viewing experience of their respective films, nor did they badger paying customers with demands to pay a second time.

If you were already planning on catching Animal Farm in theaters, this might be the sort of thing that will make you change your mind. If you had no interest in seeing the film before this, I highly doubt this will sway you toward purchasing one ticket, let alone dozens more for random strangers. The point is, if Andy Serkis and Angel Studios are looking to win friends and influence people, they should really take this back to the drawing board. The revolution will not be televised, but it will accept funding via credit, debit, or PayPal.

If your fashion mood board leans “Hamptons rich mom,” you’re in good company. Walmart’s latest arrivals are packed with pieces that channel that effortlessly elevated aesthetic, from breezy dresses to polished separates that feel straight out of a coastal boutique. It’s all about easy silhouettes, refined textures and those understated details that make an outfit feel instantly put together.

These finds slip seamlessly into your everyday rotation without feeling overdone. Think crisp tops, relaxed trousers and versatile accessories that work from morning coffee runs to seaside dinners. Whether you’re building out a full wardrobe refresh or just adding a few standout staples, these chic picks deliver that quiet, pulled-together energy — no yacht required.

Hamptons Rich Mom-Inspired New Arrivals at Walmart

Dresses

1. Coastal Mix: Part knit, part crisp cotton skirt, this versatile maxi dress gives the illusion of a perfectly styled two-piece outfit with zero effort required. The scalloped trim and softly shirred waist add just enough detail to feel intentional. Easy tank straps keep it wearable from morning coffee runs to sunset dinners.

2. Statement Ring: The U-ring detail at the center of this Hamptons-inspired dress instantly pulls the eye in, creating a flattering focal point that feels elevated but not overdone. The linen-blend fabric keeps things breathable, and the tailored seams give this midi a quietly polished finish.

3. Crochet Crush: There’s something about crochet dresses that just screams ‘warm-weather chic.’ This mini leans into it with scalloped edges and delicate trim, delivering texture that feels boutique-worthy — especially with the clean, fully lined silhouette underneath.

4. Sweet Texture: A smocked bodice always brings that flattering, gently sculpted feel, and this one leans extra feminine with scalloped embroidery and a softly flared skirt. Easy to throw on, yet so stylish.

5. Seaside Stripes: From the front, it’s classic and breezy. Turn around, and this maxi’s unexpected back cutout adds just the right amount of intrigue. The lightweight cotton and elastic waist make it a no-brainer for long, sunny days.

Tops

6. Nautical Knit: A little unexpected for spring, in the best way. The rolled neckline and sea-inspired graphic give this short-sleeve sweater a coastal-cool feel that works just as well with white denim as it does tossed over a swimsuit. If you ask Us, it feels straight off a J.Crew rack.

7. Tailored Ease: Precision meets softness. Rows of pintucks add structure and visual interest, while the gentle peplum shape keeps the silhouette relaxed and flattering. You’ll look so put together without a second of overthinking.

8. Boardwalk Set: How about a top with coordinating pants? This matching striped set gives effortless vacation vibes. The strapless tie-front tube top feels playful, and the cozy wide-leg pants keep things grounded and comfortable enough for all-day wear.

Bottoms

9. Jet-Set Pants: Floaty, airy and unapologetically statement-making, these eyelet harem pants bring drama in the best way. The volume creates movement with every step, making even a simple tank feel intentionally styled.

10. Off-Duty Denim: A good cropped jean will always earn its place in your wardrobe, and this pair nails the balance between relaxed and refined. The raw-edge cuff adds a little edge, and the high-rise fit keeps things totally modern.

11. Scallop Shorts: These aren’t your average pull-on shorts. The scalloped hem gives them a playful twist. Even better, a breezy linen fabric blend makes this pair ideal for hot days when you still want to feel cute.

Shoes and Accessories

12. Everyday Slides: Comfort takes the lead with these suede and cork sandals, but style doesn’t fall far behind. The double-buckle design feels timeless, and the cushioned footbed makes these an easy choice for everything from errands to travel days.

13. Market Tote: This textured seagrass tote instantly sets a summery tone. Toss in your essentials (and then some), grab it by the gingham handles and you’ve got that casual, just-left-the-farmers-market vibe down.

14. Bow Moment: Equal parts romantic and polished, these mesh heels bring a softer touch to any outfit. The bow detail adds charm without feeling over-the-top, and the kitten heel keeps them wearable.

15. Beaded Beauty: If your outfit needs a little something extra, this beaded shoulder bag delivers. The intricate pattern catches the light beautifully, making even the simplest look feel styled with intention.

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Related: Walmart’s Version of the ‘Coastal Grandma’ Trend Is Shockingly Good

There’s a reason the ‘coastal grandma‘ aesthetic keeps coming back every spring. It’s effortless, polished and, most importantly, comfortable. But recreating that breezy, Nancy Meyers–inspired wardrobe can get expensive fast, especially when linen sets and lightweight knits start creeping into triple digits. That’s where Walmart comes in. I scrolled through pages of their spring arrivals […]

A forgotten crime thriller is stealing attention again, which feels appropriate for a movie entirely about people being extremely good at stealing attention. The 2015 crime thriller starring Will Smith (Men in Black, King Richard) and Margot Robbie (Barbie and I, Tonya) has returned to the streaming conversation more than a decade after its release, with the glossy con movie rising on streaming charts as viewers rediscover one of Robbie’s earlier star turns. It’s basically Ocean’s Eleven meets Dangerous Liaisons, if everyone involved had better sunglasses and worse impulse control. The comparison to the former is fitting considering Robbie is set to star in an upcoming Ocean’s Eleven prequel.

Focus follows Nicky Spurgeon, a veteran con artist who takes novice grifter Jess under his wing before romance, betrayal, and professional paranoia make everything much more complicated. Three years later, Jess reappears on the other side of one of Nicky’s biggest jobs, because apparently even con artists can’t just have a clean breakup and move on like adults.

The cast includes Rodrigo Santoro (300, Westworld) as Garriga, Gerald McRaney (This Is Us, Deadwood) as Owens, BD Wong (Jurassic Park, Mr. Robot) as Liyuan, and Adrian Martinez (The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Stumptown) as Farhad.

Focus was a solid box office performer when it released, grossing around $159 million worldwide against a reported $50 million budget, meaning it made a little over three times its production cost globally. Domestically, it earned about $54 million, with the rest coming from international markets. It wasn’t a blockbuster on the level of Smith’s biggest hits, but it was far from a flop.

Is ‘Focus’ Worth Watching?

Directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa (Crazy, Stupid, Love), Focus attempted to combine the charm of a heist film with the tension of a romantic drama. Sounds like it should work, right? Well, not quite. The film was met with mixed reviews from both critics and audiences, sitting at 56% positive from reviewers and 53% from ordinary moviegoers on Rotten Tomatoes. That being said, a divisive score is usually an indicator that something was good about it. Collider’s review of the film was damning, claiming that there is “no romance and no con,” two things which are vital in a movie starring a con artist caught up in a romance.

“At times it feels like a test of whether or not Smith can still charm an audience with a bashful smile, a load boast, and a sly look,” the review states. “He’s still got “it”, but not as much as he used to. However, it’s not enough for a conman movie to be charming; it has to be skillful, and that takes the intelligence and energy Focus sorely lacks. The film is smooth to the point of being insubstantial, and it’s more slimy than slippery as it brazenly cheats the audience.”

Focus is available to stream on Netflix in select territories.

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Release Date

February 27, 2015

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Runtime

105 minutes

Director

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Glenn Ficarra

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Whew, Roomies! Jacquees and Deiondra Sanders are airing out their co-parenting issues online again. Jacquees recently entered the chat after Deiondra shut down claims that she prevents him from seeing their son Snow. Now, Sanders is spinning the block again and doubling down on not being bitter, while also threatening to pull out receipts to back it up.

RELATED: Whew! Jacquees Puts Deiondra Sanders On Blast For Allegedly Controlling Access To Their Son

Deiondra Sanders Shuts Down Claims Of Preventing Jacquees From Seeing Their Son 

Recently, Deiondra Sanders dropped a lengthy message on social media shutting down claims that she’s kept Baby Snow from Jacquees. Additionally, she said she’s made several attempts to make sure the singer spends quality time with him.

“Let’s make this clear. I never stopped Snow daddy from seeing him NOR being a father despite the lies him and his family told yall. Please leave me out every time yall post him.”

From there, Sanders said she’s far from having any animosity towards Jacquees. She said she only had an issue with Snow being alone with him and his family was when he was younger and she was still breastfeeding. “I’m no bitter BM. So let’s get that clear. Now yall go run and tell that.”

Jacquees Enters The Chat & Shuts Down Deiondra’s Claims

Jacquees peeped Deiondra’s post and wasted no time stepping into The Shade Room to set the record straight. He immediately called her for lying and said he was confused about why she hopped on the internet when things between them have been good.

“Oh no this girl decided to get on the net and we’ve been good?” He continued, “She’s lying this is terrible smh can somebody please help her? I’m tired.”

Deiondra Spins The Block & Seemingly Threatens To Pull Out Receipts

Chile, the back and forth didn’t stop there. Deiondra also stepped into The Shade Room to address things further, saying she and Jacquees are cool and recently spoke on FaceTime. However, she did make it clear that she has receipts to prove that he’s been seeing Snow without her and she’s only speaking on what people bring to her attention. “Don’t let us pull out receipts so please stop. I’m a damn good momma and def not bitter. YOU KNOW THAT and you be seeing your child without me,” Deiondra wrote.

RELATED: Deiondra Sanders Pulls Out Receipts After Jacquees Drops Cryptic Posts About Women Keeping Fathers From Their Kids (PHOTOS) 

Post Malone is hitting pause on his upcoming tour, and the timing is raising eyebrows. The “Rockstar” hitmaker has officially delayed the start of his “Big A-s Stadium Tour Part 2” with Jelly Roll, pushing back the highly anticipated run by several weeks. The move comes as Jelly Roll has recently faced backlash over comments, or lack thereof, on political issues.

During the 2026 Grammy Awards, several artists used their platform to speak out on topics like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Jelly Roll, however, chose to stay out of the conversation. When asked backstage if he wanted to weigh in on “what’s going on in the country right now,” he responded, “Not really.”

Pressed further, he explained his reasoning. “This is the truth, and I’m glad somebody asked,” Jelly Roll said. “I love talking about this stuff, and people care to hear my opinion, but people shouldn’t care to hear my opinion.”

The response didn’t sit well with everyone, with some fans calling it a cop-out and criticizing the singer for avoiding the topic.

Post Malone Issues An Apology To Fans And Tour Changes

Months after the controversy surrounding Jelly Roll, Post Malone has announced the delay of his tour, acknowledging the disappointment of fans who had already made plans to attend. “I’m so sorry to the folks who were planning on coming to the few canceled shows,” he began. “I was looking forward to going nuts with y’all.”

“The truth is, I promised y’all beautiful people new music, and I don’t have the time to finish it before tour starts,” he said. “We ain’t ready for tour just yet, so I’m making the decision to push the tour back about 3 weeks to get this music done.”

Still, he teased that the delay would be worth it. “THAT being said, we been making some bad-s sh-t for this double album… and I can’t wait to perform for y’all again.”

The tour was originally set to kick off May 13 in El Paso, Texas, but that date, along with several others in cities including Waco, Baton Rouge, Birmingham, Tampa, and Oxford, has now been scrapped.

Post Malone Builds On Chart-Topping Momentum Amid Tour Delay

Post Malone’s decision to delay his tour comes as he continues riding a wave of major commercial success. His 2023 album “Austin” debuted in the top 5 of the Billboard 200, further cementing his staying power across genres. Even earlier projects like “Hollywood’s Bleeding” delivered massive hits, including “Circles,” which climbed all the way to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

More recently, his album “F-1 Trillion” proved he’s still evolving, blending into the country space with standout tracks like the Country Airplay No. 1 “Pour Me a Drink” and the Billboard Hot 100-topping “I Had Some Help.”

And he’s not slowing down anytime soon. The artist has already teased what’s next, hinting at another country-inspired project. In past interviews, he confirmed more music is on the way, and more recently, he’s dropped a potential title, “The Eternal Buzz,” across social media.

Jelly Roll Juggles New Tour Plans And Personal Reset

Meanwhile, Jelly Roll is pressing ahead with his own plans, set to headline “The Little A-s Shed Tour,” a more intimate, 11-date run through smaller outdoor venues kicking off May 28. The scaled-down tour marks a shift from massive stadium crowds, offering fans a closer, more personal concert experience.

Offstage, the “Son of a Sinner” artist is also focusing on himself. In a YouTube video uploaded on April 22, Jelly Roll admitted he had lost his way with his diet, but made it clear he’s ready to turn things around, vowing to get back on track as he balances music, touring, and personal growth.

In fact, he has his eye set on a topless magazine cover. “I know it’s getting real silly now, but I just believe there’s a story that a guy can go from 560lbs. to a shirt off picture, it’s absurd,” he said.

Post Malone’s Tour Set To Resume After Brief Delay

Despite the shake-up, Post Malone confirmed that “Big A-s Stadium Tour Part 2,” featuring Jelly Roll and Carter Faith, isn’t off for long. The tour is now set to resume on May 16 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, giving Malone just enough time to wrap up his new music before hitting the road again.

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 51 seconds ago

Ever watch the fandom collectively turn on a beloved franchise all at once? For Star Wars fans, it happened when The Last Jedi derailed decades of lore in favor of doing something completely different. For Star Trek fans, it happened when Starfleet Academy stopped exploring strange new worlds and started exploring Zoomer slang and CW-style teen drama. Meanwhile, for Halloween fans, it happened when Halloween Ends mostly replaced Michael Myers with a much more modern villain: a troubled young man who decides to solve all his problems, one murder at a time. At 40 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s safe to say that Halloween Ends is one of the most reviled films in the entire franchise.

Here’s the thing, though: in the parlance of The Dark Knight, Halloween Ends wasn’t the film that franchise fans deserved, but it was the one they needed. After Myers became a figure of borderline parody in Halloween Kills, Halloween Ends did something we haven’t seen since the third film in the series: it took the focus off the most famous masked killer in horror history. The result (assuming you can ignore the goofy climax) is one of the most provocative horror films of the last decade, and you can check it out for yourself on Netflix. 

Mikey Likes It

Halloween Ends begins with a babysitter (played by Rohan Campbell) accidentally killing the child he is watching in a freak accident. He becomes an outcast and pariah in Haddonfield, where even bored high school bullies harass him. After an unexpected run-in with a decidedly decrepit-looking Michael Myers, this bullied babysitter finally becomes the monster the whole town thinks he is. Things get messier when he falls in love with the granddaughter (played by Andi Matichak) of Laurie Strode (played by OG scream queen Jamie Lee Curtis), Myers’ oldest surviving victim. As the bodies pile up, the film barrels towards an explosive finale in which different generations of god and evil must fight for whatever is left of this troubled town’s soul.

While critics largely hated it, Halloween Ends deserves credit for taking big creative swings. David Gordon Green’s first Halloween movie was a solid reboot of the franchise, situating itself as a direct sequel to the John Carpenter slasher that started it all. That movie was good but not great, and much of what made it special was bogged down by weighty and sometimes awkward world-building. Halloween Kills, meanwhile, felt like a gonzo parody of the whole franchise, pairing over-the-top violence with cheesy dialogue and relentless nostalgia slop. Comparatively, Halloween Ends feels like a unique and fully-formed commentary on both the franchise and America’s epidemic of violence. 

A Stab From The Past

Admittedly, some of the criticisms of Halloween Ends are fair. The tone is inconsistent, waffling between slow-burning psychological thrills and boiling slasher violence. The finale (a clearly shot-for-the-trailer, hilariously geriatric showdown between Laurie and Michael Myers )is unambiguously the worst part of the film. The characters are written as modern American archetypes, which sometimes interferes with the otherwise grounded storytelling. Finally, the film de-centers Myers in favor of a young, new killer, which will be off-putting to anyone who tuned in to see their favorite masked madman engaging in a bit of the old ultraviolence.

However, that last criticism is most definitely a feature of Halloween Ends rather than a bug. The brutal truth is that, narratively speaking, Michael Myers is played out and has almost nothing left to offer to this franchise. Director David Gordon Green wisely ignored the tangled continuity of Myers’ lore, returning him to his default state as the embodiment of pure evil. But there’s only so much you can do with “evil man is evil,” which is why Halloween Kills gave him nothing to do but hack up everyone he ran into. Halloween Ends, however, posits that Myers’ evil is infectious, effectively spreading throughout the entire town like a cancer.   

Little Boy Blues

It certainly spread into our protagonist, a young man whose life is forever changed when he accidentally kills a boy. He shares something important in common with Myers: putting on a mask is how he leaves his humanity behind, fully embracing his identity as a monster. However, he is much more sympathetic than Myers because he fights his destiny, trying to rebuild his life after it is shattered into a thousand pieces. Thanks to Rohan Campbell’s compelling performance, audiences are forced to ask how culpable he is for his brutal actions and how much blame can be placed on Michael Myers, a legend who is simultaneously Haddonfield’s most immovable object and its most unstoppable force.

It helps that Campbell has very natural chemistry with Andi Matichak. Her character has endured so much tragedy in such a short time that she is in a perfect position to fall in love with the town’s resident bad boy. Together, they form a decidedly postmodern pair of star-crossed lovers: she just wants to escape from it all, while her serial killer boyfriend wants to tear everything down. Their relationship is as passionate as it is dysfunctional, and their doomed romance is every bit as compelling as the film’s satisfyingly gory kills. 

Evil Smiles Tonight

Is Halloween Ends the best film in the franchise? Of course not. That honor goes to the John Carpenter original, a bloody slice of slasher perfection. But Ends is better than most of the original sequels (especially Halloween III and Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers), and it’s infinitely better than both of Rob Zombie’s remakes put together. If you can get over the relative lack of Michael Myers, it’s even better than Green’s first Halloween film because it offers us a genuinely fresh story set in this venerable cinematic universe. Throw in great kills, crunchy actor chemistry, and a pitch-perfect performance from original Final Girl Jamie Lee Curtis, and you’ve got something truly special.

Care to decide for yourself if this hated film is secretly brilliant? Want to wash away the fetid odor of several stinkers in the franchise, or maybe just get the phrase “EVIL DIES TONIGHT” out of your head? All you have to do is stream Halloween Ends on Netflix to experience this melancholic meta-slasher for yourself. By the time the credits roll, you’ll have a new respect for one of horror’s most notorious modern films. But you’ll likely join the legion of Halloween fans who are all united by a single, simple hope: that Myers stays dead a little bit longer before Hollywood tries to bring this slasher series back to life again. 

By Chris Snellgrove
| Updated 1 hour ago

I’m married to an amazing gal with a passion for literature. Not just any literature, but romantic literature, often of the smutty variety. Through her, I discovered the Monster Romance genre, which is exactly what it sounds like.

Some women like to fantasize about bad boys; about hooking up with a monstrous man with the deliciously dangerous thought, “I can fix him.” Other women want to cut out the literal middle man and simply get with the monster. There’s now a growing number of monstrous erotica books and even films, including Guillermo del Toro’s hilariously horny Frankenstein.

When I first saw the trailer for Your Monster, I thought it was going to be a straightforward adult picture. You know: watching the cute gal from Scream (Melissa Barrera) get with a fuzzy hunk straight out of DeviantArt. To my surprise, though, this was less 50 Shades of Grey Fur and more like Black Swan meets Beauty and the Beast. One part romantic drama, one part psychological thriller, and one part creature feature comedy horror, Your Monster is one of the most original films of the last decade. If you want to experience the ultimate intersection of kink and comedy, you’re in luck: Your Monster is now streaming on Netflix.

Babes, Beasts, And Boinking

Your Monster is about an actor (played by Melissa Barrera) whose life is falling apart. Shortly after she is diagnosed with cancer, she is dumped by her playwright boyfriend (played by Edmund Donovan). Moving back into her childhood home, she discovers there is a literal Monster (played by Tommy Dewey) living in her old closet. The two form a bond that eventually turns romantic, but the sick actor is still pining for her old boyfriend and her old life. But when she discovers he is now directing the play she helped him develop and has given the role written for her to another woman, our protagonist’s entire life begins to unravel.

Despite what the title and even the cover of Your Monster imply, there isn’t that much explicit monster intimacy in this movie. Instead, the movie explores some crunchy philosophical questions, like “what does it mean to actually be a Monster?” The fuzzy guy in our hero’s closet is beastly on the inside, but he proves himself to be a well-spoken, highly cultured gentleman over time. Meanwhile, our protagonist’s former boyfriend has the face of a man, but he makes a number of decisions (like breaking up with his girlfriend after her cancer diagnosis and icing her out of the play she helped write) that are downright monstrous.

The Drama, The Trauma

The movie plays with this concept in different ways, all of which lead to a jaw-droppingly weird climax. Without spoiling the bonkers ending, I’ll just say that Your Monster increasingly explores the idea that people are not divided into a strict binary of, say, monstrousness and humanity. Everybody has both a noble spirit and an inner savage, constantly at war with one another for dominance. The movie’s thesis is that this is a form of psychological self-defense: if we aren’t willing to act like a monster towards those who hurt us,  the film says, we will never escape the cycle of pain caused by our abusers.

Your Monster is a powerhouse creative effort from Caroline Lindy, who wrote and directed the film. Previously, she was mostly known for movie shorts, including provocative titles such as Aspirational Slut. Previously, she directed a short called Your Monster, and the film of the same name is a larger and more ambitious version of that same basic story. The 2024 Your Monster is Lindy’s feature film debut, and it’s very impressive: on Rotten Tomatoes, it has a 79 percent critical score and an 85 percent critical score. With her ability to weave such an original concept into such a startlingly cohesive meditation on love and romance, Lindy clearly has an awesome career ahead of her.

Monstrous Chemistry

In addition to its rockstar director, Your Monster had a secret weapon: the chemistry between its two leads. Melissa Barerra and Tommy Dewey are incredibly believable as the world’s oddest couple: she’s all vulnerability masking intense inner strength, and he’s all soft boy support hidden behind a veneer of outward ferocity. Each of them wears a kind of mask when dealing with the rest of the world, and like in all great relationships, they are able to take the masks off when they are with each other. As an added bonus, each is a very funny actor, and the characters’ weird, dark humor forms the beating heart of the most unconventional relationship in cinematic history.

Thanks to the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy (looking at you, The Last Jedi), moviegoers are understandably worried when they hear how a film “subverts our expectations.” However, it’s true (all of it!): the best thing about Your Monster is how it subverts your every expectation for the better. I expected plenty of boinking beasties and instead got an emotional roller coaster of a film that made me laugh and cry, usually at the same time. All of this culminates in a shocking final scene that will haunt me (in the best possible ways) until the day I head towards that big cineplex in the sky.

Fortunately, you don’t have to head to the Cineplex to experience Your Monster. Heck, you don’t even need to head into your dusty childhood closet. All you have to do is stream it on Netflix to experience three different kinds of films (romance, horror, and comedy) jammed into one furry package. If nothing else, it’s worth watching this quirky episode to discover the definitive answer to TikTok’s most-debated topic: why women would rather be alone in the woods with a bear than a strange man. Why do they all “choose the bear?” Just watch Your Monster, and you’ll never ask again!

Nick Cannon is sparking conversation after getting candid about how differently he approaches parenting his teenage twins with Mariah Carey. Nick Cannon opened up during a recent interview revealing that while he’s fully embraced his son Moroccan’s dating life, things take a very different turn when it comes to his daughter Monroe. And, Moroccan definitely had something to say.

RELATED: Mariah Carey & Nick Cannon Celebrate Twins’ 15th Birthday As He Reveals He’d Have More Kids With Her (WATCH)

Moroccan Reacts To Dad’s Viral Dating Comments

As soon as Nick Cannon’s comments from The TMZ Podcast made their way across the internet, Moroccan was quick to hop into The Shade Room’s comment section with a reaction that said it all, writing “Ay bruh” alongside a sobbing emoji—basically a playful “not cool dad” moment. The lighthearted clapback instantly caught fans’ attention, with many calling it a relatable teen reaction to oversharing parents. The exchange added even more buzz to Nick Cannon’s viral comments about how differently he approaches dating rules for his son versus his daughter.

Nick Cannon Explains Double Standard In Parenting

When asked about his approach, Nick didn’t hold back. “My son has been dating, and I’ve allowed it, I encouraged it,” he shared, making it clear he supports Moroccan exploring relationships. But when the topic shifted to his daughter Monroe, his tone changed immediately, admitting, “No, absolutely not.” He went on to explain that he sees a clear difference in how he protects his daughter compared to his son, saying there are simply “things out there” he feels more cautious about when it comes to young women navigating dating.

Cannon doubled down on his perspective, explaining that his protectiveness over Monroe is rooted in fear rather than favoritism. He emphasized that while he trusts Moroccan to handle himself, he feels a deeper need to shield Monroe from potential harm. “If somebody puts their hands on my daughter, I’m going to jail,” he said bluntly, adding that he’s already had open conversations with her about dating boundaries and expectations. Despite acknowledging what he called a “double standard,” Cannon said he’s trying to prepare Monroe for independence while still holding on tightly as she gets closer to adulthood.

Fans Drag Nick Over Parenting Comments In Viral Debate

Folks quickly ran to The Shade Room’s Instagram comment section and went IN after Nick Cannon’s parenting comments went viral. Some dragged him, claiming “nobody is going to Nick Cannon for parenting advice,” while others said he has bigger things to worry about with “all them kids” already. And of course, plenty chimed in saying Mariah Carey is really the one calling the shots when it comes to Monroe and Moroccan anyway.

One Instagram user @xenaoceans said, “He don’t want his daughter to meet a man like him😂😂😂😂”

Likewise, Instagram user @mickaelmarabou added, “Men with they fake rules lol but they dating everyone else’s daughters“

And, Instagram user @marisgram_ claimed, “Whole time Mariah has the only say so 😂😂😂😂”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @currygoats shared, “I hate when parents act like this towards their daughters 😢”

While Instagram user @itsjanestaa wrote, “The double standards are insane. Let’s wrap this up“

Finally, Instagram user @lyric1992 said, “No one is looking to him for parenting advice 😂”

RELATED: Oh, That’s How You Feel? Bre Tiesi Sparks STRONG Reactions After Saying She’s “Always” Nick Cannon’s #1 (WATCH)