Actress Demi Moore is one of several notable figures to attend the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. However, while attending, the “I Love Boosters” star sparked controversy by making what has been called a vailed advertisment for artificial intelligence.

This comes after Reese Witherspoon‘s recent controversy, in which she was accused of encouraging others to learn about AI while potentially profiting from it.

Moore took part in the Cannes Film Festival jury press conference on May 12. During it, per Variety, she was asked about her opinions on artificial intelligence and how the movie industry is and could be impacted by it. She began, “Wow, that’s a big question.”

Moore continued, “I think the reality is that to resist — I always feel that against-ness breeds against-ness. AI is here. And so to fight it is to fight something that is a battle that we will lose.”

She added, “So to find ways in which we can work with it, I think, is a more valuable path to take.” The actress then said, “To your question of, are we doing enough to protect ourselves? I don’t know the answer to that. And so my inclination would be to say probably not.”

Moore Says There’s A Beauty To AI

Moore continued her discussion of AI and its impact on Hollywood. Specifically, she noted that “there’s beautiful aspects to being able to utilize” it as a tool. However, she acknowledged that the technology has its limits.

According to her, “The truth is there really isn’t anything to fear because what it can never replace is what true art comes from, which is not the physical, it comes from the soul. It comes from the spirit of each and every one of us sitting here, to each and every one of us who creates every day.”

She added, “And that they can never recreate through something that is technical.”

Fans Aren’t Taking Kindly To The ‘Substance’ Star’s AI Sentiments

Following Moore’s remarks about finding ways to work with AI that went viral, she’s receiving considerable backlash on social media. One person reacted, “What a dumb argument. Just because Demi Moore is here, it doesn’t mean directors need to cast her.”

Someone else said, “She sounds like an investor, not an artist. Entirely out of touch with technology and art. 90s movie stars had it easy and became rich and retreated from caring about the sustainability of the business they helped fuck up.”

A different social media user stated, “Every celebrity that comes out and says this shit is probably investing in it.”

After that, another fan offered a prediction. They said, “Aging actors who know their roles are drying up are going to embrace this idea (after the pitch meeting) of selling their digital likeness to AI so they can continue to make money into retirement. They have no other choice but to screw the rest of the industry.”

Lastly, another concerned social media user wrote, “Gross – ‘againstness breeds againstness’? No, if you stop using AI, block data centers from being built, and make anti-AI regulations, then the slop does in fact go away! I only hear older people afraid of being “left behind” and AI shills using this type of language, by the way.”

Demi Moore Also Advocated For Free Speech

There’s been discussion in Hollywood about whether filmmakers should shy away from expressing political beliefs. This comes as some wonder whether outspoken actors and filmmakers distract from the movies themselves.

Per The Hollywood Reporter, Moore was asked about this while at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. In response, she said, “I think part of art is about expression, so if we start censoring ourselves, then we shut down the very core of our creativity, which is, I think, where we can discover truth and answers.”

Demi Moore’s Next Movie Arrives In Theaters This Month

Moore’s comments at Cannes 2026 come ahead of the release of her new film, “I Love Boosters.” Written and directed by Boots Riley, the comedy-adventure film will be released in theaters on May 22. In addition to Moore, it stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Page, Poppy Liu, and more.

Ahead of its release, “I Love Boosters” garnered impressive early reviews. It currently sits at a stellar 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 35 reviews. In the movie, Moore portrays a fashion maven who becomes the target of a group of shoplifters, also known as “boosters.”

The film is rated R and is distributed by Neon.

Beyond the Gates weekly spoilers for May 11th – 15th, include Joey Armstrong (Jon Lindstrom) making threats, trying to cover up before the red market ring is totally exposed.

Plus, we’ve got Chelsea Hamilton (RhonniRose Mantilla) fighting back when things heat up around her fiance’s lawsuit. And the good news is no sports preemptions, five new episodes this week unless CBS News decides to interrupt.

Beyond the Gates Spoilers Monday, May 11th: Secrets Spilling Out

In case you haven’t seen it, on Monday, May 11th, it was season 2, episode 85 of BTG. And Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne (Arielle Prepetit) was nagging Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges) after they made love into spilling some secrets about his undercover work.

And Naomi was relentless, and Jacob finally spilled some tea. Also, Nicole Dupree Richardson (Daphnee Duplaix) told Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley) about fantasizing that it was Ted Richardson (Keith D. Robinson) when she was in bed with Carlton Fitzgerald (Robert Christopher Riley). And Dani said, “Eh, it’s no big deal. She used to do that about Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett) after they split up.” And she said, “It’s just because you were married for so long.”

BTG Spoilers: Derek Suspects Grayson

Meanwhile, Ted chewed Dana ‘Leslie’  Thomas (Trisha Mann-Grant) out for the way she treated Shanice Johnson (Ernestine Johnson) and told her to do better. I doubt she will. I doubt she can. Dana wants to celebrate Eva Thomas Richardson (Ambyr Michelle) birthday, but Ted has Cotillion. And Dana insists it has to happen tonight.

And then she goes and lectures Derek Baldwin (Ben Gavin) because Dr. Lia Whitmore (Cecelia Specht) complained that Derek wouldn’t let Grayson Perez (Jordie Vilasuso) volunteer at the clinic. Derek said Grayson is dodgy and shouldn’t be at the free clinic. Dana said Derek’s making her look like a fool. And he clapped back she does that herself.

But he does go over to Garland then ends up running into an upset Ashley Morgan (Jen Jacob) who says Grayson’s not who she thought. Ashley tells him that they broke up and that Derek was right about Grayson. And Derek poked around for more information, but Ashley won’t give details.

And then Naomi showed up and when they were alone, she warned her that Dr. Lia Whitmore is dangerous. Samantha Richardson (Najah Jackson) tells June about Francesca Belleclaire (Madison Alsobrook) hassling her about Cotillion, and her mom encourages her and is very supportive. And then Samantha asks Eva if she will also do June’s (Jasmine Burke) hair for Cotillion. And of course, she says yes.

Beyond the Gates Spoilers: Anita Dupree Celebrates

Dana shows up and tells Eva they are celebrating her birthday early. And Dana nags until Eva agrees. Ted, Andre, and Izaiah Hawthorne (David Lami Friebe) play hoops. Then Ted eats with Izaiah. And he invites him over to Eva’s birthday tonight. And Izaiah says, “Oh, Eva and I already have plans tonight,” but then he offers to cook for all four of them, including Dana and Ted.

Anita Dupree (Tamara Tunie) cancer battle is not done, but her chemotherapy with the awful Red Devil is. Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis) is there at her side, and Anita’s happy to see Nicole and Dani are also there for a milestone moment when she walks out of her last chemo session. Ashley tells Anita what the bell represents and then Anita rings it to celebrate the end of her chemo and then goes home to celebrate with the family. Andre joins them and they toast to her progress and her continued improving health.

Bradley ‘Smitty’ Smith (Mike Manning) looks into Dr. Lia Whitmore, finds some information and then messages somebody. Tyrell Richardson (Jaden Lucas Miller) joins them to gripe to Smitty and Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) about Jessica going to another college and his dad’s grounding him, and they talked to Tyrell about trust and he insists he will wrap it up when he hooks up with Jessica.

Tuesday, May 12th on BTG: Smitty Takes a Closer Look

Tuesday, May 12th on Beyond the Gates is season 2, episode 86. Joey now knows, thanks to Randy Parker (Maurice P. Kerry), that Smitty’s looking into the plasma ring, and Joey confronts the investigative journalist. So, will he threaten Smitty? Maybe with Martin. We’ll see.

Naomi shares more with Ashley about what Jacob told her about Dr. Lia Whitmore. And Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett) finds out the other lawyer in Madison Montgomery (Kenjah McNeil) malpractice case is a jerk he knows from the past.

Chelsea and Madison are at Orphe Genes on Tuesday when some guy approaches and he seems to be antagonizing Madison and he’s shooting video. Chelsea tells him, “Get the hell out of my face.” And she slaps the phone out of the guy’s hand. And Police Chief Elon Hawthorne (Malachi Malik) is there and tells both sides, “Back up. Sit down.” Also, Nicole and Carlton have more sexy time together, but will she keep fantasizing about Ted?

Wednesday, May 13th on Beyond the Gates: Vanessa Offers Advice

Wednesday, May 13th, is season 2, episode 87 of Beyond the Gates, and Smitty gets together with Tomas Navarro (Alex Alegria) to talk about Lynette’s disappearance. I’m still wondering if Haley Lawson (Marquita Goings) con-woman ex-bestie’s disappearance is tied to the red market ring. We could find out Randy handed her over to the drainers to just leave her a husk, take her plasma, take her life.

Things are said between Eva and Izaiah that cannot be undone. Is it something said in anger or do they swap I love yous and wouldn’t it be awful if it happened in front of Dana and Ted? Vanessa McBride (Lauren Buglioli) offers advice to a friend who’s struggling with something from her past. Maybe this is Nicole talking to her about fantasizing about Ted while in bed with Carlton. Chelsea has to cope with a crisis, but luckily she has help from her mom Dani, her cousin Kat Richardson (Colby Muhammad), her big sister Naomi, and also her dad, Bill.

BTG Spoilers for Thursday, May 14th: Anita learns What’s Next

Thursday, May 14th on Beyond the Gates is season 2, episode 88. Vernon’s with Anita as she talks to her oncologist about what is next for her and it may be time for radiation. I don’t think she’s had surgery yet. I think they’re going to do all that.

Anastasia Belleclaire (Timeca Seretti) and Francesca of course nasty about Cotillion as expected and they’re bullying Samantha, but Nicole steps up for her granddaughter and she lays into the DMV snobs. Randy is hard hit by something Mona Wilson (Karan Kendrick) says to him. She’s been trying to drag Randy to Jesus and to church and told him sinners are welcome.

Beyond the Gates Spoilers: Joey in Trouble with Vanessa

Donnell McBride (Alex Cheeks) is really hard hit by a gesture somebody makes. Maybe from his mom, Vanessa. It’d be wild if it was Joey, though. You know, if he made some fatherly gesture since Donnell’s own dad is dead, it would be ironic since Joey’s the one who had Doug killed. And Joey is in trouble with Vanessa on Thursday. She may find out he threatened Smitty or maybe something about the Donnell situation.

Friday, May 15th on BTG: Grayson Must Make a Choice

Friday, May 15th is season 2, episode 89 of Beyond the Gates, and we’ve got Grayson Perez (Jordie Vilasuso) hit with an ultimatum and a threat that basically he could be killed over this. It’s a total life and death thing. Also, this week up at Garland Memorial, he gripes at Ashley and tells her, “Don’t be such a bitch.” And then she slaps the crap out of him as Dr. Whitmore looks on.

And I wonder if Grayson is doing this to get Ashley off Dr. Whitmore’s radar. I wonder if he’s talked to her first and told Ashley, “Slap me in the face. Act like you hate me.” Marcel Malone (Darryl W. Handy) has questions for Dr. Whitmore on Friday. Now, we know Marcel’s a dirty cop, but how dirty is he? Is Dr. Whitmore paying him off? We know Marcel’s on Joey’s payroll, so maybe he’s on hers, too, since Dr. Whitmore and Joey are in this red market thing together.

Beyond the Gates Spoilers: Family Lines Drawn?

Ted wants help from Shanice’s aunt Monica and is looking for a way to repair things with Shanice. Eva is there to support Samantha, but her brother Tyrell makes Samantha cry. Are those angry tears or happy tears? And also, does that mean that Eva is going to wind up at Cotillion? And if she does, is horrible loopy Dana also going to wind up with a ticket to Cotillion?

That would be terrible, but not unexpected. Smitty and Jacob talk about the plasma ring operation and they think it’s about to close up shop and I wonder if that’s because the heat is on or maybe they got more info from Grayson to point them to the leaders and they’re getting ready to make a big old bust.

Kim Zolciak’s boyfriend Kyle Mowitz’s estranged wife, Jillian M. Green, has accused him of funding an “extravagant, if not obscene lifestyle” with the Bravo star.

Court documents filed on May 1, and obtained by Us Weekly on Monday, May 11, center around Green’s opposition to a private financial trust that Mowitz allegedly set up prior to initiating a potential “$100 million+ divorce” battle. (Mowitz filed for divorce in March 2025 — nearly two years after Zolciak, 47, started divorce proceedings against her own estranged husband, Kroy Biermann, in May 2023.)

At the heart of the latest filing is Green requesting a financial judgment to pay $640,000 in legal expenses, plus an additional $250,000 that she expects to incur if the case goes to trial. Her lawyers allege that Green has been unfairly blocked from accessing a financial trust while her husband has used it to fund “an extraordinarily lavish life for himself and his celebrity girlfriend, Kim Zolciak-Biermann, and even for Ms. Zolciak-Biermann’s children.”

“Indeed, the week before the preliminary hearing, [Mowitz] and his girlfriend spent a week at an expensive Bahamas resort, where they spent tens of thousands on the resort, dining and gambling,” the motion alleges.

Related: RHOA’s Kim Zolciak Met BF Kyle Mowitz Through Her Friend Who Dated Him

The Real Housewives of Atlanta alum Kim Zolciak met her boyfriend, Kyle Mowitz, though a girlfriend who also dated him, according to Mowitz’s estranged wife, Jillian Green, Us Weekly can exclusively report. On Thursday, November 13, Green responded to Zolciak’s attempts to avoid being deposed as part of Green and Mowitz’s bitter divorce battle. In […]

Green’s attorneys claim that “very little of [Mowitz’s] apparent vast wealth has gone to his wife or to his children” since he filed for divorce. Instead, they allege that he has funneled his money to make high-dollar purchases, such as “cases of fine wines totaling six figures,” vacations for “Ms. Zolciak-Biermann and her family” and “multiple dinners” costing thousands of dollars each. (Green and Mowitz share two children.)

“While [Mowitz] gave the Court the impression he was using the Trust funds to support his family, he neglected to mention that the ‘family’ he was mainly supporting was his girlfriend and her family, rather than Wife and their two children,” she alleges.

In the court documents, Green’s attorneys listed a series of expenses that Mowtiz allegedly incurred on behalf of Zolciack, including “her attorneys’ fees (incurred in her own acrimonious divorce),” a divorce mediator, her rent and household items, “expensive” shoes and clothes, gambling money, “her children and their dates,” and “extensive personal and psychic maintenance,” including sessions with medium and grooming costs such as “lashes, hair stylists [and] nails.”

Green’s legal team is asking a judge to essentially “level the playing field” by granting a financial judgment if a settlement cannot be reached.

“[Mowitz] has unlimited funds — namely, the deep pockets of the Trust — to financially control the course of this litigation, continue to ‘defend’ the Trust where almost all marital property is located, and at the same time pay for his extraordinarily lavish lifestyle with Ms. Zolciak-Biermann,” her lawyers argued. “Unless the Court levels the playing field, Husband’s financial superiority may also weight the outcome, and that would be an anathema to the fairness, equities, and justice this process requires.”

Us Weekly has reached out to Mowitz for comment. Zolciak’s spokesperson declined to comment.

Zolciak confirmed her relationship with Mowitz in October 2025 and exclusively told Us one month later that they’d bonded partially because both have been going through contentious divorces. (Aside from their romantic relationship, Zolciak and Mowitz are business partners.)

“I never saw myself with anybody else. It was about two years after I filed that I met Kyle, and he went through a very similar situation as me,” Zolciak told Us in November 2025. “We’re both fighting, going through divorces, and I think we connect really deeply on that level, sharing the same experience. And yeah, he’s great.”

Zolciak is still in the middle of her own messy divorce and custody battle with ex Biermann, 40. They share four minor children — Kroy Jr., 14, Kash, 13, and twins Kaia and Kane, 12 — as well as daughters Brielle, 29, and Ariana, 24, whom Biermann legally adopted in 2013.

In April, Biermann gained temporary primary physical custody of the four minor children, allowing him approval over educational, non-emergency medical and religious decisions, according to court documents obtained by Us.

Related: Who Are Jillian Green and Kyle Mowitz? Couple’s $100M Divorce Explained

Former Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kim Zolciak was pulled into a Georgia couple’s $100 million divorce battle in September 2025. Us Weekly obtained court documents showing that Jillian Green requested Zolciak appear in court to explain gifts allegedly bought for her by Green’s estranged husband, Kyle Mowitz. Green asked the court to compel Zolciak […]

“The senior judge’s decision from April 29 is temporary until we return to court as soon as possible when we will have the opportunity for a full hearing,” Zolciak told Us in a statement.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

She went on, “The new order was the result of an alleged emergency motion filed by Kroy to ensure the matter was heard by a senior judge instead of our duly elected assigned judge, who has never granted Kroy an immediate hearing despite him filing three separate (false) motions against me.”

“The decision rendered by the senior judge was largely the result of a flawed investigation by a guardian ad litem who has not spoken to me in over a year (until a brief call with me and my attorney on April 28), or my boys since April of 2025 aside from a brief 15 minute meeting in July of 2025,” she concluded.

Zolciak and Biermann were married in 2011 and starred with their children on the Bravo reality series Don’t Be Tardy.

Kimberly Mathers is back in the headlines after a troubling incident involving an alleged drunk driving crash in Michigan.

The former wife of rapper Eminem reportedly crashed her white Range Rover into a parked truck while her son and several teenagers were inside the SUV.

The latest legal drama has sparked renewed concern about Mathers’ personal struggles and chaotic history tied to public controversy.

Kim Mathers, 51, recently appeared in court after pleading no contest in connection to the February 16 incident that reportedly unfolded near her home in Michigan.

According to TMZ, Mathers was driving her white Range Rover with her son Parker and three of his friends in the vehicle when the SUV allegedly slammed into a parked Dodge Ram truck.

Per Click on Detroit, officials claimed the impact was so strong that the truck was pushed roughly 50 feet from its original parking position.

Mathers was later charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated and failure to stop or identify herself after allegedly causing property damage.

The incident quickly gained attention online after her latest mugshot surfaced and bodycam footage from the scene began circulating.

The footage reportedly showed Mathers speaking with officers outside her home after the collision. During the conversation, she claimed another driver had caused the situation.

According to police footage, Mathers told officers that a driver in a “little blue car” suddenly swerved into her lane, leaving her with “no choice” but to veer into a pickup truck beside her.

“I didn’t see the pickup truck, but I felt the impact and my car felt the impact,” Mathers told police.

Eminem’s Former Partner Denied Drinking At First

As officers continued questioning her, Kimberly Mathers reportedly denied being under the influence.

When police asked whether she had consumed alcohol or narcotics, she allegedly responded, “No.”

However, officers reportedly noticed damage extending beyond the initial crash scene.

Advertisement

Police pointed out that her vehicle had also struck her own garage door after she returned home.

Mathers then reportedly explained that chaos inside the SUV contributed to the accident.

She told officers the children inside the vehicle were “screaming and yelling” because they believed someone was following them.

Later in the interaction, officers again asked Mathers about alcohol consumption.

Advertisement

This time, she admitted, “An hour, two hours, maybe three hours ago.”

Police reportedly searched the vehicle after requesting insurance information and allegedly discovered alcohol inside the SUV.

In another section of the bodycam footage, Mathers appeared wearing a hooded zip-up sweater while participating in a preliminary breath test administered by officers at the scene.

After blowing into the testing device, she was handcuffed and reportedly asked officers to contact her family.

Advertisement

New Damage Photos Added To Kimberly Mathers Drama

The legal situation became even messier after additional details about the alleged crash surfaced.

Reports claimed Mathers struck another object while pulling into her driveway after the initial collision. Authorities alleged she failed to stop before crashing into her garage door.

Photos later obtained by TMZ reportedly showed heavy damage to the white Range Rover days after the incident.

The garage door appeared partially collapsed, while the SUV reportedly showed a smashed passenger-side headlight and major bumper damage.

It remains unclear which collision caused most of the visible destruction to the vehicle.

Advertisement

According to reports, one of Mathers’ neighbors contacted authorities after witnessing the crash unfold.

Police later transported her to a hospital for treatment related to unspecified injuries before she was reportedly discharged the following morning.

Mathers is expected back in court for sentencing on June 17

Eminem And Kimberly Mathers Shared Years Of Public Turmoil

Today in 2006, Rapper Eminem (born Marshall Bruce Mathers III) married Kimberly Anne Scott for the 2nd time. Their daughter, Hailie Jade, who is Mathers’s only biological child, was born on December 25, 1995 & became a social media influencer. pic.twitter.com/43SdDaeH65

— Howard Prince (@Howodd69) January 14, 2026

Advertisement

Long before this latest controversy, Kimberly Mathers and Eminem had one of the most talked-about relationships in entertainment.

The pair first met in 1987 before eventually beginning a romance that became deeply intertwined with Eminem’s rise to fame.

They married for the first time in 1999, but the relationship quickly unraveled. The former couple divorced in 2001 before briefly reconciling and remarrying in 2006.

Their second marriage also ended the same year.

Advertisement

Throughout the years, Eminem frequently referenced their turbulent relationship in his music, turning their personal struggles into some of his most widely discussed lyrics.

Despite the public drama, the former couple also built a family together. In 1995, they welcomed daughter Hailie Jade, who has since become a public figure herself.

Mathers later welcomed son Parker with another partner and also had Stevie Laine Scott during her relationship break from Eminem.

Eminem Expanded His Family Beyond His Marriage To Kimberly Mathers

Eminem eventually took on a larger parenting role beyond his biological daughter.

The rapper adopted Stevie in 2005 after reconciling with Kimberly Mathers. Stevie’s biological father, Eric Hartter, later died in 2019.

Advertisement

The rapper also adopted Alaina Marie Scott, the daughter of Mathers’ sister Dawn Scott.

Dawn struggled publicly with drug addiction for years before her death in 2016.

Over time, Eminem often spoke about the importance of fatherhood despite the instability that surrounded parts of his personal life and marriage history.

Now, with Kimberly Mathers once again facing legal trouble, public attention has shifted back toward the difficult history tied to one of hip-hop’s most famous former couples.

Advertisement

The long awaited ThunderCats movie is still very much alive, and new insight into the project is giving fans a clearer idea of what to expect.

Director Adam Wingard has remained attached to the film since its announcement, and he has been vocal about his passion for bringing the iconic animated series to the big screen the right way.

A Passion Project Years in the Making

Wingard has made it clear this is not just another studio assignment for him. He grew up with ThunderCats and understands how important the tone and style are to fans.

In past interviews, he explained, “This is a movie I have been dreaming about doing for a long time. I do not want to reinvent it. I want to make the ThunderCats movie fans have always wanted.”

That approach is a big reason the project is taking time. Rather than rushing into production, the team is focused on getting the script and visual direction exactly right.

Not Live Action in the Traditional Sense

One of the most interesting details about the film is that it will not be a typical live action adaptation.

Wingard has emphasized that the movie will use advanced CGI to stay true to the original character designs. He said, “It is not going to look like Cats. We are not doing that. This is going to look like ThunderCats.”

That quote alone has reassured a lot of fans who were worried about how the characters would translate to a modern film.

© 2012 Miser Bros. Press/Rick Goldschmidt

Why the Delay Is Not a Bad Sign

While there is still no official release date or cast, the continued development suggests the studio sees real potential in the franchise.

Wingard has also hinted that the scope of the film is massive, which naturally slows things down. Building a world like Third Earth and doing justice to characters like Lion O, Mumm Ra, and the rest of the team requires serious planning.

Coastal House Media Take

This is one of those rare cases where patience is probably a good thing.

Wingard clearly understands the assignment, and his comments show a level of respect for the source material that fans want to hear.

If he delivers on his promise to stay true to the original while using modern technology to elevate it, ThunderCats could end up being one of the most exciting nostalgia driven films in years.

For now, it is still in development. But it is not going anywhere.

By Robert Scucci
| Updated 1 hour ago

Every single time I stream something with Jesse Eisenberg in it, I have to remind myself that I have free will, and that I can just watch all of his movies in some sort of sensible order. Zombieland (2009) is a modern classic horror comedy, The End of the Tour (2015) is a gut-wrenching yet hilarious biopic about David Foster Wallace that any serious reader should watch at some point in their life, and The Double (2013) doubles as an intense psychological thriller with a perfectly twisted sense of humor. I can keep listing titles, but you get the point. The man’s an actor’s actor through and through.

Had I known that Jesse Eisenberg starred in 2015’s American Ultra, an extremely violent action comedy about a comic book-drawing stoner who doesn’t know he’s a CIA sleeper agent until properly activated, resulting in a hilarious series of escalations that ultimately level an entire town with heavy artillery and a bunch of hapless shadow government goons, I would have watched it years ago.

The only thing I can do with my life now, outside of living in a constant state of regret for missing out on such a fun movie for over a decade, is spread the good word and recommend American Ultra to anybody who may have missed it.

A Sleeper Agent Living In A Sleepy Town

When we first meet Mike Howell (Jesse Eisenberg) in American Ultra, he’s a total mess. He’s the kind of stoner who needs to stay constantly lit in order to function like a regular contributing member of society, but we soon learn that this isn’t entirely his fault. He works as a convenience store clerk and comes home to his long-term girlfriend, Phoebe (Kristen Stewart). Phoebe is beyond patient with him, especially because he suffers from horrible panic attacks whenever he tries to leave town, often ruining their planned vacations.

As it turns out, Mike has been programmed not to leave his small town of Liman, West Virginia because he’s a sleeper agent in his hibernation phase, and people are actively keeping tabs on him. He’s the last known surviving member of the “Wiseman” Ultra Program (inspired by MKUltra), run by CIA Agent Victoria Lasseter (Connie Britton), who shows up at his work to activate him after learning that her rival, Adrian Yates (Topher Grace), plans to kill him using his own similarly trained “Toughguy” agents that he believes are superior.

Once Victoria rattles off the activation phrase, “Chariot Progressive, listen. Mandelbrot set is in motion. Echo Choir has been breached. We are fielding the ball,” Mike initially thinks it’s some obscure song lyric and goes back to work without a second thought. But when he’s later assaulted by two Toughguys outside, his very particular skill set (read: the ability to effortlessly kill scores of people) comes rushing back to him. The problem is that he’s still the same Mike he’s always been, only now he suddenly has no idea what he’s actually capable of.

After narrowly escaping two of Yates’ goons, Laugher (Walton Goggins) and Crane (Monique Ganderton), and regrouping with Phoebe, Mike slowly starts learning what’s really at stake. At the same time, he realizes he barely remembers anything about his life before settling down with Phoebe, who may know far more about his situation than she initially lets on.

Pineapple Express Meets John Wick 

American Ultra takes the stoner humor from Pineapple Express, rolls it up nice and tight, and then lights up John Wick-style the second Mike is activated. Jesse Eisenberg’s portrayal of Mike is so much fun to watch because he’s horrified by what he’s capable of, but also weirdly curious about how deep the conspiracy involving him, Lasseter, and Yates actually goes. Is he really the last of his kind? And can he take out the supposedly more sophisticated generation of sleeper agents designed to eliminate him?

At the same time, he’s just trying to keep his girlfriend safe, even though she’s surprisingly chill about the whole ordeal, which adds another layer of suspicion and tension to his already paranoid mental state. At the end of the day, though, American Ultra has a shockingly simple premise that lets you sit back and watch everybody start blasting when it matters most. It’s Jesse Eisenberg taking what he learned from Zombieland and applying it to a covert ops conspiracy where he’s an unwilling participant.

There’s no real moral dilemma here, or anything that requires deep thought. You just need to appreciate this one for what it is and enjoy the ride.

As of this writing, American Ultra is streaming for free on Tubi.

Jennifer Garner is stepping into what may be her most personal role yet. The actress, beloved for everything from “13 Going on 30” to Marvel’s Elektra, says she’s never related more deeply to a character than the one she plays in the upcoming miniseries “The Five-Star Weekend.”

The new Peacock drama, which premieres July 9 on BINGE, dropped its full trailer this week and gives fans a closer look at Garner as Hollis Shaw, a famous cook and bestselling author whose seemingly perfect life begins to unravel after a devastating personal loss.

For many fans, the role already feels strikingly similar to Garner herself, especially given the actress’ wholesome online persona filled with cooking, baking, and gardening videos. And according to Garner, she felt that connection immediately while reading the script.

“The more I read, the more it surprised me, and the more it resonated with me, and all of the ways that Hollis and I are alike were kind of shocking to me,” Garner told Hello! magazine.

Garner Found Comfort In Bringing Real-Life Passion To New Role

While Garner has spent decades in Hollywood playing wildly different characters, she admitted this role felt uniquely natural because it allowed her to incorporate something she genuinely loves off-camera: cooking.

“All of the ways we are different were really fun for me,” she explained. “And I have found that cooking in front of a camera, this is the first time I’ve ever used something that I love, which is cooking and baking, on camera as a character.”

Jennifer Garner Says Cooking On Camera Felt ‘Perfectly At Home’

The actress said the experience ended up becoming unexpectedly comforting during filming. “And I found it to be, like Hollis does, really calming, really settling,” she continued.

Garner also admitted that acting can sometimes leave her questioning herself, but this project felt different. “Acting for me is always like, ‘Do I know what I’m doing?’” she said. “And in that [setting] I was like, ‘Oh no, I know how to do this. I am perfectly at home here. I know this character.’ It’s really been a blast.”

‘The Five-Star Weekend’ Centers Around Grief, Friendship, And Reinvention

In the series, Hollis’ life is shattered after the sudden death of her husband, forcing her to confront painful truths hidden beneath her carefully curated life. “The death starts to expose the cracks in Hollis’s picture-perfect life, her strained marriage, her complicated relationship with her daughter, and her growing pursuit of validation from her fans,” the official logline reads.

As she struggles to move forward, Hollis invites four friends from different periods of her life to her Nantucket home for a healing weekend getaway. But as emotions boil over, old wounds resurface and long-buried secrets begin to emerge.

“In an effort to overcome grief and find herself again, Hollis gets the idea to host a weekend away at her house on Nantucket with three friends from different stages in her life: her childhood, her twenties, her thirties, and one surprise fifth star,” the synopsis continued. “Set against a luxurious and coastal backdrop, the stars will mature in ways they could never imagine as boundaries are pushed and secrets are exposed.”

Jennifer Garner Says The Story Resonated Deeply With Her

The series also stars Chloë Sevigny, Regina Hall, Gemma Chan, and D’Arcy Carden as Hollis’ close friends, while Harlow Jane, daughter of Patricia Arquette and Thomas Jane, plays Garner’s on-screen daughter Caroline. For Garner, the emotional themes of friendship, aging, and reinvention ended up being some of the most meaningful parts of the project.

“I think this is a role about friendship. It’s a role about growing at this stage in your life,” Garner explained. “It’s women who are in the middle of this – what is their next chapter going to be? What’s their next story going to be? Their story is not done.”

The actress also made it clear that the experience of filming the project left a lasting impact on her. “I just can’t think of anything I’ve enjoyed more than being with this group and doing this role this summer,” she added.

One day before Mother’s Day, eight children who had passed away in a mass shooting were buried in Louisiana. Faith leaders and politicians paid tribute at the funeral on Saturday (May 9), which took place about 20 days after Shamar Elkins shot them on April 19, along with his estranged wife, Shaneiqua Pugh, and his alleged girlfriend, Christina Snow. Heartbreaking photos of the funeral service are now going viral. Seven of the children who died were Pugh and Snow’s kids, but also siblings. The other child was reportedly Pugh’s nephew.

RELATED: Police Reveal Details About Louisiana Man Who Shot Wife, His 7 Children, Another Woman & Child (UPDATE)

What Happened To The Children? 

Shamar Elkins used an assault-style weapon in the attack, despite a 2019 felony firearms conviction. His wife, Shaneiqua, was seeking a divorce. She and Christina were wounded in the shooting that stretched across two houses in a Shreveport, Louisiana, neighborhood. Details from officials last month revealed that the 8 children suffered gunshot wounds inside Shaneiqua’s home. Elkins had allegedly kidnapped his three sons from Christina’s home, taken them to his wife’s two streets over, where his four daughters were.

Then, he shot and killed all seven of his own children and his wife’s nephew. Several children reportedly died in their sleep, while others had tried to get out the back door and one was found dead on the roof. Another child reportedly escaped the gunfire by jumping off the roof, suffering injuries.

Elkins died after fleeing and a police pursuit. It was not clear whether he was killed by officers who fired or from a self-inflicted gunshot, according to police. An investigation remains ongoing. The incident is the deadliest mass shooting in the U.S. in more than two years.

Funeral Service Honors 8 Kids Who Passed Away

The kids who passed away were: 11-year-old Sariahh Snow, 6-year-old Khedarrion Snow and 5-year-old Braylon Snow, 7-year-old Layla Pugh, 6-year-old Kayla Pugh, 5-year-old Shayla Elkins and 3-year-old Jayla Elkins and 10-year-old nephew, Mar’Kaydon Pugh. 

As mentioned, the funeral service happened during Mother’s Day weekend at Summer Grove Baptist Church in Louisiana. It began with a long procession of mourners slowly filing past eight white caskets with large photos of the children next to them.

Gold crowns and bouquets of white flowers were placed on top of the closed caskets. A choir behind the altar and individual singers performed throughout the service.

“In spite of how you may be feeling today, we still need to know that God is still good,” Bishop Bernard Kimble, senior pastor of the Mount Olive Baptist Church, said in opening remarks.

The funeral’s pamphlet contained tributes to each of the children. Some of them had affectionate nicknames. Jayla Elkins was called “Jaybae.” Kayla Pugh was “K-Mae” and Mar’Kaydon Pugh was “K-Bug.” Also, the pamphlet said, Khedarrion Snow had “a sweet and loving heart,” and “though his life on earth was short, his light was mighty.” Layla Pugh was “bright, intelligent, bold, and full of love” and enjoyed making TikTok videos with her siblings and cousins.

Louisiana Officials Attend & Speak At Joint Funeral 

During the service, other speakers included Shreveport Councilwoman Tabatha Taylor. Taylor acknowledged that “there are no words sufficient to ease this pain.” Additionally, Councilman James Green encouraged audience members to collectively “take off our funeral face” because “this is a celebration” of the children’s lives. Also, Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux expressed the city’s condolences.

“May we honor them by carrying forward the gentleness, joy and love they so freely shared,” Arceneaux said.

Among those in attendance was also former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords, whose political career was cut short by a 2011 assassination attempt.

Buses were made available afterward to transport mourners to a graveside burial. At the conclusion of the church service, Bishop Kimble prayed for healing to begin.

“Help us as we move from this spot,” he said. “Because we know, oh God, grief is only temporary. And if we’ll put our hands in your favor, you’ll lead us through this.”

Amid the funeral, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry ordered U.S. and state flags to be flown at half-staff at the Capitol and state government buildings for the next week. A message read from Landry said the victims “were the light of their homes and the heart of their classrooms.

The message continued, “They were full of promise and found joy in the simplest things, such as dancing, playing outside and sharing laughter with family and friends. Their futures were bright and held great promise.” Adding, “It is incumbent upon us to honor the memory of those lost by standing together against such senseless violence.”

RELATED: Louisiana Officials Release Gun Photo & Arrest Man Linked To Weapon Shamar Elkins Used To Kill 8 Children 

Associated Press writer John Raby contributed to this report via AP Newsroom.