The action genre has produced several of the greatest masterpieces in the history of cinema, and that’s because, just like cinema itself, it’s a genre all about constant movement and non-stop excitement. As such, over the years, many action movies have garnered tremendous praise—but only on a few occasions has that praise been truly universal.

Needless to say, there are bound to be some people out there who hate these action gems; but you’d be seriously hard-pressed to find those people. From huge blockbusters like Avengers: Infinity War to international indie masterpieces like Oldboy, the past 30 years in particular have seen the release of many action films which were—and still are—loved by critics, diehard cinephiles, and general audiences alike.

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‘Avengers: Infinity War’ (2018)

Ever since the conclusion of the Infinity Saga, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been nothing but uneven and inconsistent; but its lackluster current state doesn’t detract from the fact that if it managed to become the highest-grossing movie franchise in film history, it’s because it was so near-universally beloved for so long. And as far as universally beloved MCU movies go, it doesn’t get much more widely acclaimed than Avengers: Infinity War.

You get a little bit of everything in Infinity War: a hyper-ambitious crossover event that’s exciting without feeling overstuffed, an emotional story that has the guts to go in surprisingly dark directions, some of the best production values of any MCU film, and—of course—some of the most compelling action the franchise has ever seen. All in all, it’s one of the most intense superhero movies of all time, and certainly one of the most beloved.

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‘Children of Men’ (2006)

Image via Universal Pictures

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There are few dystopian movies that are perfect from the first scene to the last, and Children of Men is certainly one of them. Based on P. D. James‘ novel of the same title, this action thriller further enshrined Alfonso Cuarón as one of the most admirable visionaries working in Hollywood. It was a commercial flop upon release, but age has only been kind to it.

It may not have received as much love as it deserved back in 2006, but as the years have passed and Children of Men has become more and more of a cult classic—widely praised as Cuarón’s Hollywood magnum opus—, it can now be considered nothing but universally beloved. Suspenseful, atmospheric, and philosophically fascinating, it’s proof of the full range of the wonders that post-apocalyptic sci-fi is capable of as a genre.

8

‘Gladiator’ (2000)

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Ridley Scott‘s filmography has been somewhat hit-or-miss throughout the 21st century, but right before the end of the 20th, he delivered what many would consider one of his best action films: Gladiator, winner of five Academy Awards (including Best Picture). And on top of its awards prestige, the film was widely lauded by critics and grossed nearly half a billion dollars worldwide.

From the powerhouse performances delivered by Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix, to Hans Zimmer‘s legendary musical score, to the incredible visuals and the convincing recreation of 2nd-century Rome, Gladiator has only kept aging like fine wine. Its action scenes are brutal and incredibly entertaining, but what has kept it one of the most beloved movies of the 2000s is its emotional character-driven narrative.

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‘Oldboy’ (2003)

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South Korea has been producing exceptional thrillers since many decades ago, but it was Park Chan-wook‘s Oldboy that largely helped catapult the country’s thriller film production into international mainstream prominence. That should hardly come as a surprise, since this adaptation of the Japanese manga Old Boy really is one of the most perfect action thrillers the big screen has ever seen.

Oldboy is also one of the most disturbing crime movies ever made, so it’s certainly not fit for the faint of heart. Those with the stomach for a film full of brutal action and gut-wrenching twists, however, have had nothing but good things to say about Park’s masterpiece over the years. It may not exactly be a crowd-pleaser, but Oldboy is certainly worthy of universal acclaim.

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‘Kill Bill: Vol. 1’ (2003)

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Ever since he made his stunning feature debut in the ’90s with the cult classic Reservoir Dogs, Quentin Tarantino only kept growing in popularity and universal acclaim as his career went on. Going into the 21st century, however, he hadn’t yet proven himself capable of making a big, action-driven studio blockbuster. Enter Kill Bill: Vol. 1, which cemented Tarantino as a true studio filmmaking titan.

Some may say that the movie favors style over substance, but closer examinations of this wonderful pastiche extravaganza reveal that the style is the substance. Kill Bill: Vol. 1 wears its influences—from spaghetti Westerns to samurai and martial arts classics—on its sleeve with the utmost pride, and that’s what has allowed it to remain one of the most universally beloved ultraviolent action movies of all time.

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‘Inception’ (2010)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

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There are remarkably few filmmakers so great that their movies usually earn universal or near-universal praise, and Christopher Nolan is one of those filmmakers. His filmography is not without its detractors, but even several of those detractors should be more than willing to admit that the sci-fi action thriller Inception is an absolute blast from top to bottom.

One of the most ambitious sci-fi movies of the last 25 years, Inception finds Nolan at his most committed to practical effects, jaw-dropping action sequences, and impeccable pacing. From the iconic spinning hallway fight scene to the film’s many memorable shootout sequences, what could an action movie fan possibly not love about Inception? Its plot may not be the deepest, but as an action blockbuster, it leaves very little to be desired.

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‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ (2023)

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Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse took the world by storm, almost instantly becoming one of the most universally beloved superhero movies the world had ever seen. How can you possibly follow up a movie that has already set the bar sky-high? With a sequel that’s somehow even better, of course. You’d have a hard time finding someone unable to understand why Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is widely considered one of the best superhero movies in film history.

For one, Across the Spider-Verse may very well be one of the most visually stunning movies ever made, what with its having some of the most stunningly complex and vibrant animation the world has ever seen. Then, there’s the emotionally riveting story, the nuanced character development, the powerful meta study of the whole Spider-Man mythos, and—of course—the most creative and exciting action scenes the Wall-Crawler has ever participated in.

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‘The Matrix’ (1999)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

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Back in 1999, the Wachowskis completely revolutionized both the action and sci-fi genres with The Matrix, a blockbuster that was unlike anything else audiences had ever seen before. The years have passed, and not only has The Matrix not lost one bit of its “wow” factor, it has arguably even managed to get better with age.

On the one hand, there’s the movie’s deep thematic complexity, with its functioning both as a powerful trans allegory and a hard-hitting philosophical study of technology, determinism, and the nature of reality. But that’s only the foundation of what has kept The Matrix as one of the most universally beloved sci-fi action movies ever made: the actual action, which is some of the most delightfully idiosyncratic and creative that Hollywood has ever produced.

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‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’ (2003)

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Winner of a whopping 11 Academy Awards (the most of any film in history, tied with Ben-Hur and Titanic), The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is deserving of many a superlative. It’s one of the most thrilling cinematic epics in history, one of the greatest fantasy films of all time, one of the most universally beloved movies of the 21st century, and definitely one of the most acclaimed action movies ever.

What’s not to love about what Peter Jackson and his team managed to achieve here? Return of the King doesn’t cease to be jaw-droppingly impressive for a single second of its 200-minute runtime. The epic action sequences are as exciting as they are emotional, the character development feels wonderfully cathartic with the trilogy coming to a close, and the way the movie adapts the perfection of J. R. R. Tolkien‘s work is worthy of applause.

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‘The Dark Knight’ (2008)

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There is perhaps no blockbuster filmmaker currently working in Hollywood more universally acclaimed than Christopher Nolan, but he wasn’t always the king of contemporary Hollywood blockbusters. It was thanks to The Dark Knight trilogy that he was able to enshrine himself in that throne, and it was The Dark Knight in particular that proved just how incredible his big-budget movies could really be.

It’s no surprise that the most acclaimed chapter of one of the most universally loved movie trilogies of all time also happens to be the most universally acclaimed action film in history. The Dark Knight, far more than just the most acclaimed comic book and superhero movie of all time, is a proper action thriller superior to most others that the big screen has ever held. Thrilling, visually perfect, well-acted, and impeccably directed, it’s worthy of every single last bit of the hype it tends to get all across the board.

Mindy Kaling‘s comedy show “Not Suitable For Work” has been canceled by Hulu after just one season.

Reports suggest series producer Warner Bros. Television plans to shop the show around for a potential new home.

The show’s cast has taken to social media to react to the news, while Kaling expressed her gratitude to fans who watched and left “sweet comments” about the series.

Hulu has officially canceled Mindy Kaling’s workplace comedy “Not Suitable For Work” after just one season, per Variety.

The nine-episode series, which premiered in June this year, will not return for a second installment on the Disney-backed streaming platform, but it remains unclear why the decision was made.

Created by Kaling alongside showrunner Charlie Grandy and 3 Arts Entertainment’s Howard Klein, the show centered on a group of work-obsessed twentysomethings trying to balance high-pressure careers with their chaotic personal lives in Manhattan’s Murray Hill neighborhood.

The ensemble cast featured Ella Hunt, Avantika, Will Angus, Jack Martin, Nicholas Duvernay, and Jay Ellis.

Kaling And Cast React To Cancellation

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Kaling and the series’ cast have taken to social media to react to the news, essentially thanking fans for sticking with them along the journey.

Sharing a handful of behind-the-scenes photos from the set on Instagram, the 47-year-old prolific creator wrote, “I love this show, I loved making this show, I love these people, and I love all of you for all your sweet comments, messages, edits and for watching @notsuitableforwork.”

Martin reposted Kaling’s post before noting that he “will always love” the show and “everyone who was a part of it … thank you for watching.”

Avantika shared a photo of her co-stars and wrote, “I love this cast and this team so very much!”

She explained that the show gave her “an opportunity of a lifetime” and allowed her to meet people and audiences she “could have never even dreamed of meeting before.”

“I am so grateful to Mindy, Charlie, Hulu, [and] Warner Bros for giving us this chance. We love you,” she added.

The Emmy-Nominated Writer Revealed Her Show Was Inspired By Her ‘Painful’ 20s

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Back in June, the “Ocean’s 8” actress revealed that the series is semi-autobiographical and was inspired by her own “painful” post-grad phase in New York City.

In a chat with PEOPLE, she explained that the series sort of completes a trilogy with two other shows she created, namely, “Never Have I Ever” and “The Sex Lives of College Girls.”

“Not Suitable for Work is kind of my third show that I’ve done about my youth. Never Have I Ever is about my teenage years,” she said. “The Sex Lives of College Girls was [about] my college [experience], and then this is about my 20s.”

Mindy Kaling Reveals The Struggles Behind Her Early Years

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Kaling graduated from Dartmouth with a degree in playwrighting in 2001, after which she moved to the Big Apple. It took a while before she got her breakthrough gig as a writer, before starring in “The Office.”

“I am surprised by how vividly I remember the time when I moved from Boston to New York at 21,” she continued. “And what a rude awakening it was.”

Going further to describe the tumultuous experience of navigating a big city like New York, the “Mindy Project” star said that phase comes with “the feeling of having so much to say and having so much to offer, or thinking I did, and having no access.”

“When your ambition does not meet your access, to me, it was really theatrical, and fun, and also a painful time in my life,” she told the news outlet. “I also had so many crushes and a really dynamic friend group, and I just wanted to do a show about that.”

Kaling Teases A Potential Show About Her 30s

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Despite the setback and the completion of the trilogy in her early years, fans may not have heard the last from Kaling.

Elsewhere in the interview with PEOPLE, the mother of three admitted that she doesn’t have any idea for a show about another phase of her life floating in her head at the time, but is “examining my time in my 30s.”

“I literally just think of my 30s as going from The Office to The Mindy Project. I don’t remember ever not being on a sound stage,” she said. “So maybe there’s something there about a woman who gives up her entire life to the pursuit of television.”

Kaling added, “I do have a lot of great stories of that time. Honestly, between Charlie Grandy, Ike Barinholtz, and Tracey Wigfield, and all these writers, we probably have a lot of fun stories for a show.”

Choosing between comfort and style is so last year. The right dress appears put together at brunch, doesn’t require Spanx and is comfortable enough that you forget you’re wearing anything at all. We found a $20 Amazon pick that checks all three boxes.

This Ofeefan Fall Sweater Dress has quietly become one of Amazon’s most-loved fall pieces. Aside from keeping you cozy and elevating your aesthetic, this dress solves that awkward stretch between ‘too cold for a slip dress’ and ‘too warm for a full coat and jeans.’

Get the Ofeefan Fall Sweater Dress for $20 (was $37) on Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Better yet, this dreamy mini dress is incredibly flattering. The stretchy, ribbed-knit fabric elongates your body, while the babydoll shape skims instead of clinging. Long sleeves mean you can skip the layering gymnastics, and the loose cut leaves room for dinner.

Related: Halle Berry‘s Floral Dress Takes You Straight Into Cooler Weather

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‘Fall’ and ‘floral dress’ may sound like opposites, but Halle Berry proves that the right style carries you from August barbecues to October vacations without a wardrobe overhaul. Berry’s summer-to-fall look is secretly on sale for only $20, and when we say it’s selling out, we mean it! In a 60th birthday appreciation post, Berry […]

“As comfortable as loungewear but perfect for the office,” one happy shopper wrote. “Perfect length, soft, comfy but professional! Perfect with tights and boots!”

Another five-star fan called the fabric ‘buttery-soft,’ so clearly, you’ll want to live in this chic dress from September through February.

Style it with sneakers and a denim jacket for weekends, or swap in ankle booties and gold hoops for date night. This fall must-have earns its hanger space, and at only $20, you’ll want at least two.

Get the Ofeefan Fall Sweater Dress for $20 (was $37) on Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more chic dresses, and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

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Choosing what to wear from now through November isn’t an easy task, but Jennifer Lopez makes it incredibly simple, wearing a loose, polished shirtdress that stuns with flip-flops, sneakers and booties alike. Somehow, her chic look is only $36! Exploring Italy with her kids, Lopez wore a striped shirtdress with easy sandals and a headband. […]

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By the time the fifth season of Star Trek: The Next Generation blasts across television screens, the spin-off with a shaky beginning has gotten its feet firmly underneath it. The creative team is firing on all cylinders as they shrewdly expand on all that Star Trek can be. The Next Generation is still as earnestly optimistic as the blazing sun, but its increased emphasis on character depth underpins the franchise’s themes with greater resonance.

The 19th installment, “The First Duty,” continues Season 5’s streak of legendary episodes. Years before Star Trek: Deep Space Nine‘s ruthless eloquence interrogates the bleak cost of maintaining a utopia, Ronald D. Moore and Naren Shankar‘s script injects fault and fragility into Starfleet cadet Wesley Crusher (Wil Wheaton). In so doing, “The First Duty” adds another riveting, wisdom-dispensing speech to Captain Jean-Luc Picard’s (Patrick Stewart) collection — one positing a vision of Starfleet that’s rooted in a higher, more valuable ideal than spacefaring heroism.

‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ Humanizes Wesley in “The First Duty”

Right before Wesley’s graduation from Starfleet Academy, a cadet dies during a training exercise. After enlisting the Enterprise crew to investigate, Picard deduces the facts: the flight team’s leader, Nicholas Locarno (Robert Duncan McNeill), wanted to feed his ego by performing a dangerous and illegal maneuver during their commencement ceremony. Between fearing punishment and Locarno misusing his charismatic influence over the peers who revere him, the quartet is concealing the maneuver and shifting the accident’s blame onto the deceased student.

Picard confronts Wesley about his culpability, only for his erstwhile protégé to plead the fifth. Full of righteous fury, Picard proclaims: “The first duty of every Starfleet officer is to the truth, whether it’s scientific truth, or historical truth, or personal truth. It is the guiding principle on which Starfleet is based. If you can’t find it within yourself to stand up and tell the truth about what happened, you don’t deserve to wear that uniform.”

Wesley has always been disliked to a disproportionately absurd degree for no crime except being a precocious, underwritten child who behaves like a precocious, underwritten child. Speaking only from a character standpoint, “The First Duty” finally does right by Wesley by deftly humanizing him with the same emotional texture and weight as his adult colleagues. This incident marks his first encounter with an ethical dilemma, let alone the ugly reality of consequences.

Instead of the perfect boy genius who likely grew accustomed to feeling like an invincible miracle worker, this is a flawed, fallible young man capable of mistakes. He’s terrified, torn between his loyalty to his friends and the guilty conscience that’s eating him alive. This is a young man learning the effort required to actually embody his aspirations. Wesley’s final choice — not his first decision, to go along with lies— will determine his future. Either he accepts responsibility and demonstrates humility and repentance while living with his error, or this one compromise will echo throughout his life.

“The First Duty” Upholds Truth as Starfleet’s Most Important Ideology

Picard intimately understands Wesley’s inevitable and pivotal moral crossroads. “The First Duty” reveals how Jean-Luc, one of Starfleet’s most compassionate, hopeful, and justice-driven officers, made at least one unspecified indiscretion during his Academy years. Add on his gradual evolution from being unfairly hostile toward his close friends’ son to his best approximation of a surrogate father, and there’s no character better suited to hold Wesley’s feet to the fire. Picard’s unrelenting reprimand isn’t his past frustrations reemerging, nor is it pompous grandstanding. Thanks to the ever-remarkable Stewart, the seismic disappointment in Picard’s words is resoundingly personal enough to stop hearts.

Those words propose a continuing mission that rings keenly true to Star Trek‘s virtuous ethos, but wields a more substantial edge. Even something as beautiful as chasing the stars collapses without truthful convictions. And the characters who stumble before ultimately choosing the harder, lonelier path of upholding that integrity understand truth’s intrinsic worth.

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Star Trek: The Next Generation

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Release Date

1987 – 1994-00-00

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Network

Syndication

Showrunner

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Gene Roddenberry

Directors

Cliff Bole, Les Landau, Winrich Kolbe, Rob Bowman, Robert Scheerer, Jonathan Frakes, Robert Wiemer, Gabrielle Beaumont, Alexander Singer, David Carson, Paul Lynch, Corey Allen, Patrick Stewart, Chip Chalmers, Joseph L. Scanlan, James L. Conway, Robert Lederman, Tom Benko, Timothy Bond, Robert Legato, Adam Nimoy, Robert Becker, David Livingston, LeVar Burton

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Martha Stewart may have just solved one of those awkward end-of-summer dressing dilemmas: what to wear when you’re ready for fall clothes but it’s still way too warm for boots. Her answer is surprisingly simple — keep the sandals, add a lightweight sweater and let the outfit do the transitioning for you.

Stewart was spotted on her Instagram wearing an olive pullover, crisp white skinny jeans, layered gold jewelry and nude Dior Dioract Sandals. Her designer shoes retail for a cool $1,200, but we found a surprisingly similar pair on Amazon for just $30.

Get the Rihero Double Strap Flat Sandals for $31 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

The Rihero Double Strap Flat Sandals capture the same clean, expensive-looking feel with wide double straps, a neutral finish and subtle gold hardware. They come in a nude shade similar to Stewart’s, along with white, black, gold and several other colors, in sizes 5.5 to 11.

Related: Jennifer Garner Keeps a ‘Mom Grip’ on Her Designer Tote Bag — Copy the Look

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Jennifer Garner may have just coined the most relatable accessory trend yet: the “mom grip.” The actress shared an Instagram snap with both hands completely full, proving that even A-listers know the struggle of carrying everything at once. But among the everyday essentials, one particularly luxe accessory immediately caught my eye. Garner shared the items […]

They’re also built with comfort in mind. The PU faux leather straps have adjustable Velcro closures at the toe and ankle for a more customized fit, while a 0.8-inch platform sole and curved footbed help support the arch. In other words, they’re polished enough to dress up an outfit without sacrificing all-day wearability.

More than 1,000 Amazon shoppers have given the sandals a five-star rating. One reviewer who “walked for hours every day” in them across Europe called them “comfortable, lightweight and super cute,” while another buyer wears them “almost every day” and gets “tons of compliments” because they “look cute with almost everything.”

And Stewart’s outfit shows exactly how to keep nude sandals working as the seasons shift. Wear them now with breezy dresses and linen pants, then copy her formula with white denim and a lightweight sweater once temperatures dip — an easy way to stretch sandal season a little longer.

Get the Rihero Double Strap Flat Sandals for $31 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more from Rihero here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

Shop the UsNow Summer Sale –>

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Lauryn “Pumpkin” Efird is considering taking legal action against a private elementary school after it allegedly revoked her daughter Ella’s acceptance because of the reality star’s adult content. Pumpkin claims the Georgia school initially moved forward with Ella’s application before administrators abruptly changed course after learning about her social media presence. The mother of four believes the school should have disclosed any concerns before accepting her daughter and taking money from the family.

Pumpkin told TMZ that she contacted the private school approximately a week and a half before administrators allegedly withdrew Ella’s acceptance. According to the reality star, staff members were initially welcoming and communicative throughout the process.

Pumpkin also visited the campus and claimed nobody raised concerns about her online work during that meeting. However, she said she was called into another meeting on Friday morning, where administrators allegedly informed her that they knew about her social media content and no longer believed her family aligned with the school’s values.

The school then withdrew Ella’s acceptance, according to Pumpkin. The private institution reportedly agreed to refund the money Pumpkin had already paid. The name of the school was not included in the available report.

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Reality Star Says Her Daughter Is Better Off Elsewhere

Pumpkin claimed she did not argue with administrators after being informed of the decision. Instead, she reportedly told the school that its response convinced her Ella did not belong there. “Now that I know you guys are this judgy, my child doesn’t need to be here anyway,” she said.

Although she does not appear interested in sending Ella back to the school, Pumpkin is now considering whether to pursue legal action over how the application was handled. She reportedly believes administrators should have raised any objections to her adult content before continuing with Ella’s enrollment process.

No lawsuit was reported to have been filed, and Pumpkin did not identify an attorney representing her in the potential dispute. The school has also not been quoted responding publicly to her version of events.

Pumpkin’s Adult Content Has Sparked Family Concerns

The school controversy comes as Pumpkin continues expanding her career beyond reality television. Following her 2024 divorce from Josh Efird, the “Mama June: Family Crisis” personality began producing explicit subscription content and accepting paid dancing appearances at strip clubs.

Mama June Shannon has publicly supported her daughter’s right to make those career decisions. However, she has also warned Pumpkin about the possible long-term consequences. Speaking with TMZ earlier this month, June cautioned that “all money ain’t good money.”

Her concerns were not limited to public criticism. June specifically worried about the permanent nature of online content and the possibility that Pumpkin’s four children could encounter the material when they are older.

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While the children may not currently understand their mother’s work, June noted that content uploaded to the internet can remain accessible in the future. Despite those reservations, June insisted that the subject had not created a rift between her and Pumpkin. She acknowledged that her daughter is an adult and ultimately has the right to decide how she earns money.

Mama June’s Daughter Claims Career Has Been Lucrative

Pumpkin has claimed that the financial returns from her new venture have been substantial. The reality star reportedly earned close to six figures during her first two weeks on the subscription platform. Some individual videos offered through her page have reportedly been priced at approximately $100.

Pumpkin currently creates content with her boyfriend, Darrin Kitchens. Kitchens is connected to her former husband through his stepfather. She has also discussed expanding the type of material she produces with Kitchens.

Pumpkin Claims She Earns Thousands From Strip Club Appearances

In addition to creating online content, Pumpkin has begun appearing as a paid dancer at strip clubs around the country. She recently performed at Diamonds & Lace in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Pumpkin has claimed she earns thousands of dollars from those appearances before tips are added.

Marisa Tomei has publicly thrown her weight behind activist and fellow Avengers actor Mark Ruffalo amid his antisemitism controversy.

It comes after he shared comments pushing back on Paramount’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, due to the company’s links to Larry Ellison, whose company was reportedly in bed with the Israeli military.

Earlier this week, a group of Hollywood producers issued a statement accusing the actor of “simple antisemitism” over his comments.

Marisa Tomei is the latest Hollywood figure to speak in defense of Mark Ruffalo amid his ongoing controversy sparked by his take on the Paramount acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

She took to her Instagram Stories to share a statement by the 1A Committee, which said that the group rejects the “cynical attempt to falsely label” Ruffalo as antisemitic.

Calling the proposed merger “dangerous,” the committee spoke on Ruffalo’s personality, saying he’s someone who has chosen to use his influence “to fight for democracy, human rights, free speech, and the future of the media industry.”

“The original Committee for the First Amendment was founded to stand against blacklisting and intimidation of people for their political beliefs,” the statement said. “We will not stand by while the government or its allies revive those tactics to bully activists into silence today.”

They then called on other stakeholders to “reject” the claims and also lend their voices and platforms against the “dangerous merger.”

Alongside the statement, Tomei wrote, “We stand with Mark.”

Inside Ruffalo’s Antisemitism Controversy

The standoff began last week when Ruffalo shared an old clip of former Oracle CEO Safra Catz seemingly discussing the “profoundly scary technologies” the company built for the Israeli military following the October 7, 2023, terror attack by Hamas.

The post was from the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, a Palestinian-led campaign pushing back against Israel’s occupation.

BDS captioned the clip by accusing Oracle of being “complicit in war crimes and crimes against humanity — including apartheid and genocide against Palestinians.”

Alongside the clip, the “13 Going on 30” actor noted that the war in Gaza was “a genocide, which was built on an apartheid system of oppression powered by Oracle.”

Oracle is led by billionaire co-founder Larry Ellison, who’s reportedly earmarked $40.4 billion in financing for his son David Ellison’s Paramount to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery and complete the merger.

Ruffalo slammed Larry as a “classic Oligarch,” warning that the “most destructive and inhuman forces in the world” would be at the helm of affairs in one of the most important media companies if the merger happens.

Paramount Accuses Ruffalo Of Antisemitism

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In response, studio representatives publicly reprimanded the actor, claiming his statements invoked sensitive tropes in service of a business dispute.

“We are, as always, troubled when antisemitic tropes are invoked in purported service of a business dispute,” a Paramount spokesperson said in a statement, per The Wrap.

“Words like ‘genocide’ and ‘apartheid,’ applied to a corporate transaction, aren’t just wrong — they’re a bridge too far, and they cheapen the very real suffering those words are meant to describe. This doesn’t deserve a response in kind — and to be clear, we don’t tolerate prejudice of any kind, against anyone,” the insider added.

They also noted that the situation “exposes the true motivation of some who have advocated opposition to this transaction.”

Ruffalo Rejects Paramount’s Antisemitism Accusation

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The “Poor Things” actor rejected the accusations in a follow-up statement, calling Paramount’s stance “appalling and fundamentally dishonest.”

“Criticizing the actions of the Israeli prime minister, a military technology contract, or the executives who supply it is not the same as criticizing Jewish people,” Ruffalo wrote on X. “This critical and necessary dialogue is then dishonestly framed as being anti-Israel.”

He went further to mention that his position on the matter comes from his personal political views and shouldn’t be translated as “hostility toward Jewish people,” for whom he claims to have “deep love and respect.”

The actor doubled down on his take, explaining that the merger has “real consequences,” among which are the threat to press freedom and the loss of livelihood for many families.

Nearly 1,000 Hollywood Insiders Blast Ruffalo

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Meanwhile, a group of Hollywood producers, including Haim Saban, Lawrence Bender and Teddy Schwarzman, accused Ruffalo of “simple antisemitism” due to his remarks over the deal.

In an online statement issued by a group of nearly 1,000 industry insiders, which calls itself ‘The Brigade’, they claimed the actor invoked tropes and that his comments weren’t only geared toward the merger.

“This is not commentary on a merger. It is not a criticism of a government. It is simple antisemitism, where Jewish executives are portrayed as a secretive and powerful wealth-hoarding elite delighting in mass death,” the group told The Hollywood Reporter.

“Singling out Jewish executives and describing them in terms lifted from centuries-old antisemitic conspiracy theories, while invoking Israel as the frame for that attack, is antisemitic,” The Brigade said.