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Glen Powell’s Villain Era Gets a Second Chance on Streaming

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Glen Powell in How to Make a Killing

With John Patton Ford’s 2026 How to Make a Killing, Glen Powell was given the chance to really stretch his acting range, as the film placed the good-guy star in an environment where he is rarely found: the world of morbid dark comedy. Playing a dispossessed man going on a killing spree, murdering his own family members in search of a fortune he feels he’s owed, Powell veered far away from his cool, competent screen persona (even his role as philosophy professor in 2024’s Hit Man still gave him some familiar beats to play). But it also represented some of his most rewarding work yet.

It’s one thing to see an actor who is best known for darker roles killing characters off — it’s very different when it’s somebody audiences tend to like. Because of this, the actor gave Ford’s film (a loose remake of the 1949 British comedy Kind Hearts and Coronets) an earnestness that brushed up directly against the movie’s old-money elite aesthetic. It also made the darkness of the dark comedy hit even harder.

While Hit Man (a movie Powell co-wrote) suggested a wide variety of actorly avenues for him to pursue, he is still best-regarded for his charismatic turns in Top Gun: Maverick and Twisters. Both of those movies let Powell be the most competent and laid-back man in the room, so How to Make a Killing, in which he played a neurotic striver with a murderous gleam in his eye, was a left-field turn that could have led to audiences feeling like he was miscast. However, Powell’s good looks and physical control actually made him a perfect fit for the role of Becket Redfellow. Like Hit Man, the movie lets him be a master of disguise, somebody who is capable of blending into a room and deceiving anybody, even people who should know better.

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You Want to Root for Glen Powell’s Murderous Character in ‘How to Make a Killing’

Glen Powell in How to Make a Killing
Glen Powell in How to Make a Killing
Image via A24

John Patton Ford’s approach to telling this story is to put audiences on Becket’s side from the very beginning, an action which may have become easier due to casting of Powell. We first see him in jail, awaiting execution, and then see the circumstances (his mother’s teen pregnancy) that led to his being removed from the family fortune, as well as the childhood love Julia (Margaret Qualley) who instilled in him a desire for the finer things in life. But with the whole movie being a confession to a priest, we gradually see the holes in Becket’s side, with a sense of rich sociopath tunnel vision like Wolf of Wall Street. There’s no room for victim consideration in Becket’s calculus.

For as much contempt as Wolf had for the ultrarich, How to Make a Killing takes it a step further by giving them satisfying slapstick death scenes. As a worker at a high-end suit shop, Becket spends his life serving the rich while hungering for the luxuries that he has been denied. The only way forward: hunting for his fortune at the cost of his soul by systematically killing the heirs to the family fortune who have priority over him. Due to a loophole in the will, if he is the last man standing, he’ll get the fortune he feels he is owed. Powell uses this opportunity to play up the charm, undergoing an American Psycho-esque transformation that lets his good looks mask something darker and more bloodthirsty underneath.

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‘Killing’ Depends On Glen Powell’s Double Life

Becket is torn between two poles, represented by wealth-oriented Julia and idealistic Ruth (Jessica Henwick). Julia’s moneyed upbringing positions her as a sign of every desire just out of reach for Becket — though he begins ascending the ladder when his cousin-murdering ironically leads to his finding a good job for Uncle Warren (Bill Camp). Becket is often rewarded in roundabout ways for his murders — see Ruth, the girlfriend of murdered cousin Noah (Zach Woods), who is now conveniently single and interested in Becket. She is much more skeptical of the whole money thing and can’t see past her new boyfriend’s layers of deception.

The double life that Becket lives throughout the movie yields some of Glen Powell’s best work as an actor. If the greatest tell of an actor’s talent is their ability to portray lying, How to Make a Killing casts Powell as the ultimate fraud, someone who envied the rich and now gets to cosplay as one of them. While the movie’s satirical take on rich kids (who grow into one-dimensionally evil rich adult selves) is a little broad, particularly Topher Grace‘s megachurch pastor character, Powell’s navigation of the line between good and evil is nuanced.

The best part is that he doesn’t play the conflict up much, because Becket’s concern is less about guilt and more about being found out. Becket isn’t quite as complicated as the heroine of John Patton Ford’s previous film, Emily the Criminal, but it’s pretty close.

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How to Make a Killing is streaming on HBO Max.


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Release Date
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February 16, 2026

Runtime

105 minutes

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Director

John Patton Ford

Writers
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John Patton Ford

Producers

Graham Broadbent, Peter Czernin

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Former Miss Earth Indonesia Winner Was 25

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Former Miss Earth Indonesia titleholder Putri Andriani Juficha has died. She was 25.

“With deepest sorrow, the Miss Grand Indonesia Organization mourns the passing of Putri Andriani Juficha, Runner-Up Miss Grand Indonesia 2025,” pageant organizers wrote in a social media statement shared on Friday, August 14. “You were more than a titleholder. You were part of our Grand family, a beautiful soul whose grace, strength, and spirit touched so many hearts.”

The obituary continued, “Although your journey with us has come to an end far too soon, the memories, love and light you shared will forever remain in our hearts. May you rest peacefully in the embrace of the Almighty, and may your beautiful soul find eternal peace. … May you be granted strength and comfort during this difficult time.”

The pageant organization further offered its “deepest condolences and prayers” to Juficha’s family and other loved ones.

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Related: Celebrity Deaths of 2026

Hollywood mourned the deaths of some of its most legendary stars in 2026. In June, legendary music executive Clive Davis also died at age 94 following a hospitalization for an upper respiratory infection. The following month, G.R.L. member Lauren Bennett died at age 37, while Bonnie Tyler died at 75. Emergency!‘s Randolph Mantooth and Police […]

“Rest in peace, Putri,” the statement concluded. “You will always be a part of our Grand family.”

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A cause of death for Juficha has not been publicly shared at the time of publication.

Juficha, whose death was announced on what would have been her 26th birthday, won Miss Earth Indonesia in 2025. She also became the runner-up for Miss Grand Indonesia that same year.

“With a commitment to environmental advocacy, she dedicates her work to promoting waste recycling, protecting rivers from pollution and safeguarding communities and the planet,” Juficha’s pageant bio read. “By combining her background in communications with her growing expertise in environmental law, she strives to empower society with knowledge and practical solutions to build a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.”

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Related: Tragic Pageant Queen Deaths Through the Years

Several former pageant queens have tragically died after winning their crowns. Kseniya Alexandrova won Miss Universe Russia in 2017, eight years before she died following a fatal car accident at the age of 30. “It is with deep sorrow that we announce that our colleague and friend, model Ksenia Alexandrova, passed away last night,” her […]

As part of her official duties, Juficha recently served as one of the judges of the Miss Culture International pageant in June.

“On duty as one of the judges of @missculture.intl Congratulations to the winner! 💚,” she wrote via Instagram at the time. “I hope she will make a positive impact, and inspire society to protect the heritage of every nation for future generations.”

Juficha last posted on Instagram last month, celebrating Spain’s triumph over Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final.

“When the world of football needed a hero, Spain stepped up to save it,” she wrote via Instagram in July. “And thank you for reminding us that there is humanity behind this game. When the Palestinian flag was raised, you showed that football has a voice, too.”

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Megan Fox In Revealing Top Tells Fan ‘Don’t Look’

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Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly seen leaving MGK home

Megan Fox is taking on critics as she addresses public commentary surrounding her postpartum appearance after sharing new images on social media.

While many users praised her and her appearance, the actress received negative criticism about her age and outfit choices, following a series of photos she posted to her Instagram account over a year after welcoming her daughter, Saga.

Rather than ignoring unwanted criticism regarding her age and outfit choices, Megan Fox confronted the critics, showing her refusal to let online users dictate her self-expression or lifestyle.

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In her Instagram post, the “Transformers” star shared photos wearing a black bandeau top, matching chaps, sunglasses, and a necklace alongside the caption “Intellectual Compatibility>>.”

The stylish upload generated significant engagement in the comment section, attracting a majority of praise from the comments but also criticisms regarding her body, age, and outfit choices.

When one user was curious about her good physical appearance post-birth, saying, “How does she look so good after just having a baby?? I’m jealous,” Fox humbly attributed all credit to “a good photographer.”

Another user would post, “Still out here making aging look like a myth.”

“You look like the reason ancient civilizations made sacrifices to the gods,” a witty remark from a third.

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However, a social media user questioned the appropriateness of her revealing outfit, claiming she was too old to post such photos.

“You’re still really pretty, but you’re already old,” the Instagram commenter said, per reports. “You should’ve taken your clothes off more while you were young.” The user continued, saying, “Nobody wants to see a 40-year-old woman almost naked.”

Fox didn’t hold back, directly shutting down the critic with a concise clapback: “Then don’t look, sis.”

The Actress’s Family Structure And The Birth Of Saga

Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly seen leaving MGK home
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The public exchange comes nearly a year and a half after the arrival of Fox’s youngest child, born in March 2025.

The actress shares daughter Saga with musician Colson Baker, professionally known as Machine Gun Kelly (MGK).

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The birth was announced on social media in the same month she was born, and her rather unique name was later revealed in June of that year.

In addition to daughter Saga, Fox has three sons, namely Noah, Bodhi, and Journey, from her previous eleven-year marriage to actor Brian Austin Green, which ended in 2021 after a divorce.

Megan Fox’s History Of Postpartum Challenges And Body Dysmorphia

Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly.
OConnor-Arroyo/AFF-USA.com / MEGA

The mom of four’s direct responses to critics follow prior public statements regarding the physical and psychological challenges of postpartum recovery.

As reported by Bustle, Fox gave an update on how she was doing and the issues she was facing, seven months after the birth of her baby.

At an October 2025 screening for ‘Jennifer’s Body’ hosted by the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Fox spoke candidly about experiencing brain fog and severe sleep deprivation months after welcoming Saga.

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Fox has also been transparent about her ongoing struggles with body image. Despite being categorized as a global fashion icon throughout her acting career, she revealed in a 2021 interview with British GQ that she lives with body dysmorphia and deals with deep-seated physical insecurities.

The “Jennifer’s Body” star added that she “buried a lot of that because it didn’t have a place to live.” She admitted having done a lot of work on herself to cope with her challenges and noted that public scrutiny amplifies these challenges.

Megan Fox At Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2023 Issue Release Party
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Fox’s choice to directly reply to social media critics aligns with a long-held pattern of addressing public scrutiny, double standards, and body-shaming.

Throughout her career, the actress has time and again utilized public platforms to speak out against public judgments regarding her parenting, appearance, and personal relationships.

The actress famously slammed sexist criticism over her age-gap relationship with her now ex MGK, pointing out double standards and condemning the scrutiny during her interview with InStyle in 2021.

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Fox told the publication, “The fact he’s four years younger than me, and people want to act like I’m dating a younger man,” she continued, “He’s 31, and I’m 35.”

She argued that a male celebrity with a partner of a similar age gap wouldn’t “ruffle any feathers.”

Megan Fox Took A Shot At Her Former Partners

Megan Fox at 2022 Billboard Music Awards - Arrivals
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / MEGA

More recently, Fox has even shaded her exes while responding to negative comments from online critics.

The actress had shared a post in which she flaunted her body in a gothic-inspired look, while rocking black lingerie, paired with a black veil.

However, she was once again met with harsh remarks from social media users, with one particular comment stating, “This sh-t is so unbelievably embarrassing for a 40-year-old mom to be posting … 16 year old tumblr sh-t.”

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Fox didn’t waste time cleverly hitting back at the critic while also shading her former lovers, writing, “Which one of my exes is this”

By directly engaging with commentators criticizing her age and social media posts, Fox shows she is not giving in to harsh criticisms and is fully committed to expressing herself in whatever ways she deems best.

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Joey Fatone Reveals the 1 Spirit He Swore Off Before Cocktail Wars

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Everything to Know About RHOSLC Alum Jen Shah's Legal Drama

It’s time to say “Bye, Bye, Bye” to boring cocktails because two ’NSync heartthrobs are officially serving up something new for fans.

Lance Bass and Joey Fatone are back together, shaking things up as the hosts of E!’s new series Cocktail Wars, judging amateur bartenders battling it out one splash, muddle and sip at a time. But the hosts aren’t just handing out judgment — they’re picking up on a few lessons of their own.

“We thought we knew cocktails until we started doing this show.” Bass, 47, exclusively told Us during the premiere of the cocktail competition. “By the end of the season we knew something,” Fatone added, with Bass summing up their expertise as merely the two being “fake experts”.

While the world memorized their harmonies and choreography (frosted tips and goatees included), Bass and Fatone say they were also learning their way around a cocktail menu while on the road with the band. “We’ve toured around the world, gone to many different states in America as well, and tried a lot of cocktails,” Fatone said, reminiscing about the time spent sampling favorites and flops along the way. “We had our fair share of other different cocktails, what we like, what we didn’t like.”

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But one particular spirit the singer says he couldn’t quite get behind was gin. Fatone revealed that he spent most of his life avoiding the tipple entirely, only to have a change of heart while filming the show. “I would never really drink gin. I never liked [it]” Fatone, 49, told Us. “But a lot of the actual drinks that people have made in this competition, I like gin 1786802597, crazy.”

Turns out he’s not the only one who underwent a gin conversion on set. Professional mixologist Melissa Brooke, who joined the host on the season’s challenges, revealed she’s responsible for turning Bass into a fan of the liquor, adding that Fatone also picked up on an “affinity” for blackberry whiskey during filming.

Their taste in spirits isn’t the only thing that has evolved. Back on tour, Fatone says he would keep his order simple with a rum and Coke, and Bass admits he was loyal to Jack and Coke — but these days they say it’s less about the order and more about the ritual behind it. “I think I enjoy the experience of getting with friends and having a cocktail, and just that experience is different now at an older age than just being young and just being like ‘get me drunk!’” Bass told Us.

For Fatone, observing competitors on the show has made him something of an amateur mixologist. “There’s a lot of science to a lot of this stuff,” he said. “Now I’m like literally going to the bar going ‘Do I taste that?’, ‘Excuse me, is there a wash line?’, ‘What are they using in there?’ [and] ‘What is that’?”

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Each episode of Cocktail Wars brings in a batch of mixologists who go head-to-head in themed challenges, with a $10,000 prize on the line and judges weighing in on creativity and presentation as much as taste. For Brooke, who has led Michelin-starred restaurants with her bartending talents, admitted she even found the competition to be fierce. “I don’t know that I would want to be a contestant on the show,” she told Us, singling out the season’s stencil challenge as one she wouldn’t dare attempt despite years of professional experience. “I even further recognize 1786802597 how difficult the job is that I do for a living,” she added.

Among this season’s guest judges, drag icon Peppermint said stepping into the competition alongside the hosts was an easy yes, but when it came to judging, she made her standards clear almost immediately. “I’d rather the drink look good and taste bad than taste good and look horrible,” she told Us.

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Cocktail Wars premieres August 18 at 10 P.M. ET/PT on E! and features a rotating cast of famous faces joining Bass, Fatone, and Brooke as guest judges, including political commentator Rachel Maddow, RHONJ star Melissa Gorga, actor Seth Green, and RHONY alums Sonja Morgan and Ramona Singer.

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8 Essential Kid-Friendly Video Games

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Untitled Goose Game 2019

A truly great children’s game respects the child holding the controller. It teaches through play, rewards curiosity, and provides enough flexibility for different ages to enjoy the same world. Easy entry helps. Lasting depth is even better. Parents should also know where cooperation is equal, where reading support may be needed, and where online features deserve supervision.

These eight games cover mischief, platforming, racing, building, exploration, and peaceful daily routines. Some help children learn movement and timing. Others develop planning, creativity, patience, or problem-solving. Every choice can entertain adults too, which is important when the same game occupies the television for the hundredth time.

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8

‘Untitled Goose Game’ (2019)

Untitled Goose Game 2019 Image via House House

A quiet English village becomes a playground for one deeply committed troublemaker in Untitled Goose Game. Children control a goose and complete small objectives by observing routines, stealing objects, distracting residents, and combining simple actions into elaborate pranks. Nobody gets seriously hurt, failure carries little punishment, and the dedicated honk button communicates everything a goose could possibly need to say. The whole campaign also supports two-player cooperation, allowing a pair of geese to ruin everyone’s afternoon together. The ESRB rates it E for Everyone with no content descriptors. Innocence has feathers.

Its puzzle design encourages experimentation rather than demanding fast reflexes. A child may need help reading the task list or understanding a less obvious chain of actions, though solving those problems together becomes part of the fun. The compact village also makes navigation manageable for inexperienced players. Older children can chase faster solutions while younger ones enjoy carrying boots into ponds and honking at gardeners. It is short compared with the larger games below, which limits its staying power. For a first taste of stealth, cause and effect, and cooperative chaos, few games are this welcoming.

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7

‘Sackboy: A Big Adventure’ (2020)

Sackboy: A Big Adventure Video Game
sackboy a big adventure key art
Image via Sumo Digital

PlayStation families looking for a proper couch adventure should begin with Sackboy: A Big Adventure. The fabric hero travels across Craftworld to rescue the Sackfolk from Vex, moving through handcrafted mountains, jungles, underwater areas, and space colonies. Up to four players can join locally or online, and the colorful 3D stages mix jumping, grabbing, throwing, collecting, and light combat. The ESRB gives it an E rating for mild cartoon violence and mild lyrics. Soft materials. Serious platforming.

The early worlds teach their ideas clearly, then later stages ask for sharper timing and better teamwork. That progression makes Sackboy useful for families with children at different skill levels since stronger players can help carry the group through difficult sections. Musical stages synchronize platforms and obstacles with licensed songs, while costumes provide a constant stream of rewards that children can actually use. Some multiplayer situations become gloriously disorganized when everyone grabs the wrong person. That is family bonding. The campaign is substantial, visually readable, and varied enough to avoid feeling like an extended tutorial for adults trapped on the second controller.

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6

‘LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga’ (2022)

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga Boba Fett
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga Boba Fett
Image via Traveller’s Tales

All nine central Star Wars films become one enormous toy box in LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga. Children can begin with any trilogy, revisit major movie scenes, explore more than 20 planets, fly spacecraft, solve environmental puzzles, and unlock over 300 characters. Jedi, droids, bounty hunters, villains, and heroes use different abilities, giving players reasons to return to completed locations after gaining new characters. Combat includes lightsabers, blasters, explosions, and LEGO figures breaking into pieces, which earned the game an E10+ rating for cartoon violence and comic mischief. Very dramatic. Still plastic.

Its greatest strength for children is freedom. The main missions provide direction, while open areas allow wandering, collecting Kyber Bricks, testing vehicles, and completing short side activities without heavy consequences. Local cooperative play lets an adult or sibling handle trickier combat and puzzles, although split-screen exploration can become visually busy. The amount of content may also overwhelm children who need a clearer objective, so selecting one film and progressing steadily usually works better than chasing every icon. Star Wars knowledge adds pleasure without becoming an entry requirement. The jokes explain the mood. The lightsabers handle the rest.













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Collider Exclusive · Star Wars Quiz
Which Force User
Are You?

Light Side · Dark Side · Or Somewhere Between
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The Force is not a binary. It is a spectrum — from the serene halls of the Jedi Temple to the shadowed corridors of Sith space. Ten questions will reveal where you truly fall. The Force has always known. Now you will too.

🔵Jedi Master

🟡Padawan

🔴Sith Lord

Inquisitor

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Grey Jedi

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01

What is the Force to you?
Your relationship with the Force defines everything else.




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02

When you feel strong emotions — anger, grief, love — what do you do?
The Jedi suppress. The Sith feed. Others choose differently.




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03

The Jedi Council gives you an order you disagree with. You:
How you handle authority reveals your alignment.




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04

You are offered forbidden knowledge that could give you enormous power. The cost is crossing a moral line. You:
The dark side’s pull is never more than a choice away.




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05

Your approach to training and learning is:
A student’s habits become a master’s character.




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06

In a duel, your lightsaber fighting style reflects:
Combat is the purest expression of a Force user’s philosophy.




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07

A defeated enemy lies at your feet, powerless. You:
Mercy — or its absence — is the truest test of alignment.




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08

The Jedi Code forbids attachment. Your honest view on love and bonds:
The source of the greatest falls in the galaxy.




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09

Why do you use the Force at all? What’s the point?
Purpose is the difference between a knight and a weapon.




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10

At the final moment — light side or dark side pulling at you — what wins?
In the end, every Force user faces this moment. What does yours look like?




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Your Alignment Has Been Determined
Your Place in the Force

The scores below reveal how the Force sees you. Your highest number is your true alignment. Read on to understand what that means — and what it will cost you.

🔵
Jedi Master

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🟡
Padawan

🔴
Sith Lord


Inquisitor


Grey Jedi

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Disciplined, compassionate, and deeply attuned to the living Force, you have walked the path long enough to understand its demands — and accept them. You lead not through authority alone, but through example. You have felt the pull of the dark side and chosen otherwise, every time. That is not certainty. That is courage.

You are earnest, powerful, and brimming with potential — and you know it, which is both your greatest asset and your most dangerous flaw. You act before you think, trust your gut over your training, and sometimes confuse impatience for bravery. The Masters see something in you, though. The question isn’t whether you have what it takes — it’s whether you’ll be patient enough to find out.

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You are not simply dangerous — you are certain, and that is worse. You have decided what the galaxy needs, and you have decided you are the one to deliver it. Your power is genuine and formidable, earned through sacrifice that would have broken lesser beings. But examine your victories carefully. Every Sith believed their cause was righteous. The dark side’s cruelest trick is that it agrees with you.

You were forged in fire and reshaped by those who found you at your lowest. You serve, because service gave you structure when you had none. Your allegiance is not to an ideology — it is to survival and to the master who gave you purpose. But there is something buried beneath the conditioning. The Jedi you hunt? You recognize them. Because you remember what it felt like before the choice was taken from you.

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You have looked at the Jedi Code and the Sith Code and found both of them incomplete. You walk the line not out of indecision but out of conviction — you genuinely believe both extremes miss something essential. The Jedi don’t fully trust you. The Sith think you’re wasting your potential. They’re both partially right. But so are you.

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5

‘Kirby and the Forgotten Land’ (2022)

Kirby riding a star across a city
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Image via Nintendo
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Kirby enters a fully three-dimensional adventure in Kirby and the Forgotten Land, exploring the abandoned remains of a mysterious civilization while rescuing captured Waddle Dees. His traditional Copy Abilities return, allowing him to gain powers by inhaling enemies, while Mouthful Mode lets him transform around cars, vending machines, traffic cones, and other oversized objects. It sounds ridiculous. It works beautifully. A second local player can control Bandana Waddle Dee throughout the journey.

Nintendo built two difficulty settings into the game. Spring-Breeze Mode gives Kirby more health and makes enemies easier, while Wild Mode increases danger and rewards, letting a player choose the appropriate pressure without changing the adventure itself. Copy Abilities can also be evolved into stronger forms, adding progression for children who enjoy upgrading favorite powers. Player two has fewer abilities than Kirby, so the cooperative roles are unequal, though that can help when a younger sibling wants to participate without managing every system. The stages are cheerful, clearly designed, and packed with optional objectives for confident players. Then the bosses start getting surprisingly intense. Kirby contains multitudes.

4

‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ (2020)

A still from Animal Crossing New Horizons
A still from Animal Crossing New Horizons Happy Home Paradise
Image via Nintendo
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Animal Crossing: New Horizons gives children a deserted island and asks them to build a life at their own pace. There are no enemies to defeat or races to win. Players gather materials, craft furniture, catch insects, fish, dig up fossils, decorate homes, plant flowers, and form friendships with animal residents. Days follow a real-time clock, while seasons change the wildlife and activities available across the year. The ESRB rates it E for comic mischief and mild fantasy violence.

The game quietly exercises planning, reading, organization, and creative decision-making. Children learn that resources take time to gather and that large projects are completed gradually. Families should understand its shared-island structure before buying it. Up to eight residents can live on one island, and as many as four can play together on one system, though later residents join a community initially established by the first player. Online visits expand the social side and should be limited to trusted people for younger children. Animal Crossing feels gentle without becoming empty. A child may spend an hour designing a bedroom, donating fossils, or trying to catch one stubborn fish. Productive? Debatable. Peaceful? Absolutely.

3

‘Minecraft’ (2011)

Steve from Minecraft holding an iron pickaxe while being followed by mobs
Steve from Minecraft holding an iron pickaxe while being followed by mobs
Image via Mojang
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Minecraft gives children a procedurally generated world made of blocks and lets them decide what kind of experience it becomes. Creative Mode offers unlimited materials, flight, instant block removal, and freedom from death. Survival Mode requires gathering resources, crafting tools, building shelter, managing health and hunger, and defending against creatures. Four difficulty options allow parents to reduce or increase pressure, including Peaceful Mode for a calmer introduction to Survival.

Its educational value comes from systems rather than lessons. A simple house introduces shape and spatial planning. Redstone machinery encourages logic. Large collaborative builds demand communication and task division. Survival teaches preparation after the first avoidable disaster. Every Minecraft player has one. The ESRB rates the game E10+ for fantasy violence, and official guidance notes that multiplayer can include interaction with other users, so private family worlds or approved friends are the sensible starting point for younger children. Few games grow with a child this effectively. They may begin by stacking blocks into a crooked tower and eventually construct a working city.

2

‘Super Mario Odyssey’ (2017)

Mario walking around a big city in Super Mario Odyssey
Mario walking around a big city in Super Mario Odyssey
Image via Nintendo
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Mario travels across a chain of wildly different kingdoms in Super Mario Odyssey, chasing Bowser and collecting Power Moons with help from a living cap named Cappy. Throwing Cappy lets Mario attack enemies, extend jumps, and capture creatures or objects with useful abilities. A frog can leap high. A Bullet Bill can cross gaps. A Tyrannosaurus rex can destroy almost everything in sight. Childhood improves immediately. The game marked Mario’s return to sandbox-style 3D exploration and received an E10+ rating for cartoon violence and comic mischief.

Its kingdoms provide obvious objectives for beginners and deeper movement challenges for experienced players. A child can gather enough Moons to continue by completing straightforward tasks, while optional races, hidden areas, and precision jumps keep older players occupied. The controls also reward gradual mastery since Mario’s basic run and jump are easy to understand while Cappy combinations create advanced possibilities. Two-player mode allows another person to control Cappy, though the supporting role offers less independence than controlling Mario. Super Mario Odyssey is generous, inventive, and almost constantly introducing a new idea. Let children wander. They will probably discover something before you do.

1

‘Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’ (2017)

Mario and Luigi driving in front of a Christmas train in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Mario and Luigi driving in front of a Christmas train in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Image via Nintendo
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No game on this list brings children, parents, siblings, casual guests, and competitive players together as quickly as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Up to four people can race on one system, eight can connect through local wireless, and online races support as many as 12 players. Tracks move underwater, through the air, and across anti-gravity sections, while items keep weaker racers involved and prevent the leader from becoming too comfortable.

It earns first place because the assistance options solve one of family gaming’s hardest problems. Smart Steering helps novice racers stay on the course, while Auto-Accelerate removes the need to hold the gas button constantly. Young children can finish races instead of spending three laps facing the wrong wall, then disable those aids as their control improves. The ESRB rates it E for comic mischief, with its shells, fireballs, bombs, and explosions presented as colorful racing interference. Grand Prix events provide progression, Battle Mode changes the competition, and faster classes give practiced players years of room to improve. One race takes minutes. “One more” can consume the evening. That is the family-game gold standard but also kid-friendly foundation, if need be.

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Luigi Mangione, Brad Pitt Bombshell & More

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Luigi Mangione In Court

If you blinked at any point this week, you may have missed the latest in celebrity news. But don’t worry! We spent the last seven days tracking every headline so you don’t have to. In our debut edition, we’re breaking down the absolute biggest stories dominating your feeds right now: Luigi Mangione’s stunning court appearance, fresh updates on Brad Pitt, and all the Hollywood drama unfolding behind closed doors. Here is everything you actually need to know from the past week.

Luigi Mangione Pleads Guilty In Court

Luigi Mangione In Court
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On August 14, Luigi Mangione admitted to fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The 28-year-old pleaded guilty to two federal stalking charges and confessed that he targeted Thompson outside a New York City hotel on December 4, 2024.

“I shot Mr Thompson, and he died,” Mangione told the judge. “I understood that my actions would place him in fear of death of bodily injury. I knew what I was doing was illegal.”

See more about his latest court appearance here or read about why Emma Stone was slammed over remarks about the alleged killer.

Brad Pitt Is ‘Back Off The Wagon’

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Actor Brad Pitt admitted that he has started drinking again. “No, I got — I was sober for seven years. And then I got back off the wagon. Yep, nope, not good for me.’ Not in big quantities,” he told Esquire earlier this week.  

The actor previously told PEOPLE magazine that he joined a 12-step program in 2016 and started attending AA meetings. “You had all these men sitting around being open and honest in a way I have never heard,” he said at the time. “It was this safe space where there was little judgment, and therefore little judgment of yourself.”

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See why the actor’s return to alcohol has some AA friends concerned or read the bizarre reason he can’t watch adult content.

Ariana Grande Steps Out Following Break From The Spotlight

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Although she plans to take a break from the spotlight after her tour comes to an end, Ariana Grande was seen out and about in New York City following increased scrutiny about her appearance.

She isn’t the only one who has faced backlash over her looks. Actress Jenna Ortega was recently called out for being “unhealthily skinny” as fans raised concern over her well-being.

Did David Foster Snub Meghan Markle?

Both David Foster and Meghan Markle made headlines this week after there was speculation that he refused to greet her on the red carpet.

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Although the moment went viral online, one source told the Daily Mail that Foster “genuinely just didn’t see” her.

“He’s always been a big fan of Diana and he’d never snub either of them,” the source said, referring to Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana. The insider called it “a genuine moment where he didn’t see them and nobody really thought much of it. It’s nothing.”

Still, this hasn’t been a great week for Meghan. “Cookie Queens” received a harsh review, and she seems to be drawing the ire of Martha Stewart.

Nicole Kidman Is Moving On From Keith Urban

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Nicole Kidman’s love life has been in the news a lot this week! She recently opened up about “embracing love” again following her shocking divorce from Keith Urban.

She also revealed the ominous warning that she was given against marrying Tom Cruise at the age of 23. And that’s not all! The Blast also did a deep dive into her budding romance with financier Michael Reinstein.

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Showgirl Bootcamp
The Blast | Melanie VanDerveer

The stars of “The Real Housewives of Orange County” traded their signature Orange County glam for feathers, rhinestones, and the high-energy world of Las Vegas showgirls while filming a scene at Showgirl Bootcamp Experience

The reality stars got an up-close look at the iconic Vegas tradition, stepping into the showgirl experience and giving viewers a behind-the-scenes glimpse at one of Sin City’s most uniquely glamorous attractions. 

Click here to see the exclusive photos! Or click here to see how Las Vegas showgirl Kelsie McNutt owns her look!

And for all you sports fans, take a look inside the Raiders Training Camp and get a first look at what’s ahead this season!

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13 Zara-Like Finds From Amazon Perfect for Your Fall Wardrobe

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Diane Batoukina wears black large sunglasses from Chanel, a white ribbed tank-top from Anine Bing, a black shiny leather blazer jacket, blue faded denim flared pants, a black shiny grained leather Timeless handbag from Chanel, black shiny leather pointed heels mules, during a street style fashion photo session, on April 07, 2023 in Paris, France.

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I’ll admit it: Sometimes, I seriously sleep on Amazon. As a fashion writer, I’m drawn to under-the-radar labels and unexpected boutiques, in search of fresh styles and exciting silhouettes. But sometimes, it pays to keep things simple, returning to a retailer you know will deliver.

In this instance, I’m talking about Amazon, which shocked me with a lineup of Zara-worthy finds, from elevated funnel-neck jackets to trending cinched loafers. And with fall right around the corner, I couldn’t resist digging through the pages to uncover the 13 best finds, including everyday denim, wooden clogs and woven dumpling bags.

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Keep reading to shop my coveted Zara-inspired picks, starting at just $12.

13 Amazon Fall Finds With Major Zara Energy

1. Edgy-Chic: Elevate your wardrobe with a cool-girl faux leather jacket. The structured silhouette includes a funnel-neck collar and asymmetrical closure.

2. Carry-All Find: Perfect for all-day adventures, this slouchy, bohemian-inspired tote from The Sak holds it all. So, stash your water bottle, book and laptop with ease, while metallic pebbled leather adds a trendy touch.

3. Closet Staple: Streamlined yet casual, these mid-rise ankle jeans feature a medium blue wash and barrel-leg silhouette. Style them with loafers and a striped sweater.

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4. Boost in Height: Platform clogs deserve a spot in everyone’s wardrobe, adding a retro flair to your look. This chocolate-brown suede version includes a wooden sole and gold-tone embellishments.

5. Stealth Wealth-Coded: Minimalists, this one is for you. A soft oat hue, deep V-neck, and tapered waist create a luxurious knit cardigan made for cap-toe ballet flats and quilted bags.

Diane Batoukina wears black large sunglasses from Chanel, a white ribbed tank-top from Anine Bing, a black shiny leather blazer jacket, blue faded denim flared pants, a black shiny grained leather Timeless handbag from Chanel, black shiny leather pointed heels mules, during a street style fashion photo session, on April 07, 2023 in Paris, France.


Related: These 17 Zara-Looking Amazon Finds Elevate Spring Outfits — From $5

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Zara has a knack for turning out polished, editorial-looking pieces every season. But between limited sizing, inconsistent quality and the hassle of returns, shopping there can feel like a part-time job. But there’s good news: Amazon is quietly stocked with near-identical alternatives that deliver that iconic clean, European aesthetic. These 17 Zara-looking Amazon finds elevate […]

6. Editor Favorite: Fall is practically synonymous with suede, so when I found this brushed bag, I knew I had to have it. Look forward to an exaggerated chain strap, spacious design and knot details.

7. Flattering and Sculptural: Upgrade your closet with a sophisticated chocolate-brown maxi skirt. Style the silhouette with slingback kitten heels and a billowy, sheer long-sleeve blouse.

8. Trending Style: Cinched penny loafers are still going strong, and this elegant faux suede version adds a polished touch to every outfit. Snap up the sleek style in 12 various colors.

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9. Comfy Yet Polished: Sometimes less is more, and this straightforward long-sleeve bodysuit takes the guesswork out of getting ready. Available in a moody forest green, it includes a scoop neckline and ribbed material.

10. Designer-Inspired: One of the easiest ways to upgrade an outfit is with a statement-making purse. This woven, dumpling design is made of vegan leather, including the trending wine-red hue everyone desires.

11. Instant Yes: Few pieces work harder in your closet rotation than a pair of wide-leg trousers. This high-waisted iteration hits the mark with its pleated design and rich tawny hue.

12. 44% Off: You don’t have to head to the nearest honky-tonk to embrace cowboy boots. Instead, slip into a pair of knee-high, pointed-toe boots for a subtle nod to Western style.

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13. Head-Turner: Fringe is back, and it’s one of fall’s standout design details. This cinched bucket bag nails the trend with plenty of texture and movement.

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Related: 21 Expensive-Looking Zara-Like Pieces Hiding on Amazon

I hate to admit that most of my paycheck goes to Zara every month. What can I say? I love staying on top of the trends, and the brand’s minimalist yet timeless silhouettes constantly earn me compliments. That said, a friend recently told me that most of her clothes — which I thought she bought […]

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The Hottest Ticket on the Las Vegas Strip

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A man talking

If you haven’t been to Palm Tree Beach Club yet, here’s the short version: it’s a 60,000-square-foot, 3,000-person playground built by Tao Group Hospitality in partnership with Kygo’s Palm Tree Crew, dropped right in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip at MGM Grand. Rockwell Group designed the space, and it shows — a saltwater pool ringed by twelve bungalows and ten cabanas, a stage set at ground level so the DJ booth practically melts into the crowd, and a production rig loud enough to turn a Tuesday afternoon into a full-blown festival moment. It’s less “hotel pool” and more “someone smuggled Tulum onto Las Vegas Boulevard.”

And this August, Palm Tree Beach Club isn’t just showing up for summer — it’s closing it out in style.

The Lineup Doing All the Talking

A man talking
Palm Tree Beach Club

Scroll through the August calendar and it reads less like a pool schedule and more like a festival poster. Zedd headlines not once but twice, on August 8th and again on August 22nd, bookending a month that also features Tiësto tearing up the decks on the 15th, Lost Frequencies the very next day, and R3hab bringing the bass on the 23rd. Then, just when you think the month can’t escalate further, Chris Lake closes it out on the 29th before the whole thing wraps with Reggaetonlandia on the 30th — a genre-bending sendoff stacked with DJ Luian, 2Deep, Aristeo, and Krucial turning the last Sunday of summer into a full reggaetón takeover.

Oh, and somewhere in the middle of all that house and techno royalty, DJ Pauly D shows up on the 9th to remind everyone that Palm Tree Beach Club can flex pop-culture star power just as easily as EDM heavyweights.

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That’s the headliner tier. But the real flex is what’s happening underneath it.

Every Single Day Has a Vibe

This is the part that separates a good pool party from an actual institution: Palm Tree Beach Club doesn’t just save the talent for Saturday. The whole week has a personality.

A girl in the ocean
Palm Tree Beach Club

Drift Wednesdays kick things off with local specials and a rotating cast of homegrown talent — D-Miles, Lucky Lou, Paradice, and Eric Remy all get their moment on the decks throughout the month, proving the venue is just as invested in Vegas’s local DJ scene as it is in flying in the A-listers. Thursdays keep the momentum going with Mondo (twice!), Mikey Francis, and Ross. Then Good Life Fridays turn up the energy heading into the weekend with Sourmilk, E-Rock, Eric Dlux, and Four Color Zack setting the tone before the Saturday headliners take over.

By the time Saturday and Sunday roll around, the buildup pays off — which is exactly how you end up with a run like Zedd, DJ Pauly D, Lucky Lou, Tiësto, Lost Frequencies, Zedd (again), R3hab, Chris Lake, and Reggaetonlandia all inside a single 30-day stretch.

Why It Actually Matters

Vegas has no shortage of pools claiming to be “the party.” What makes Palm Tree Beach Club different is the intentionality behind it — the Kygo-backed Palm Tree Crew DNA baked into the branding, the ground-level stage that erases the barrier between artist and crowd, the saltwater pool that somehow makes a Strip dayclub feel more beach than casino. It’s a space engineered for the exact kind of chaos that makes a great pool party story, and this August’s booking sheet is basically daring you to have one.

Wednesday through Sunday, all month long, Palm Tree Beach Club isn’t asking to be part of the summer conversation in Vegas. With a lineup like this, it is the conversation.

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Palm Tree Beach Club is located at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, 3799 S Las Vegas Blvd, and is open Wednesday through Sunday through the summer season.

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I Can’t Believe This Classic ‘Rich Mom’ Leather Tote Is Only $39

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 12: Eva Longoria is seen on June 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by HIGHFIVE/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

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As a shopping editor, I spend a good portion of my day browsing fashion must-haves. I’ve tried hard to train myself not to buy every cute item I see, but this faux leather tote is looking pretty tempting — especially since the designer-like pick is priced at just $39.

Between busy workdays and outings with my toddler, I often rely on a large bag to store all my essentials — makeup, books, snacks, maybe a toy or two. And while I’ve admittedly reached for canvas options one too many times, this luxe-looking tote is just as roomy and a million times more elevated. I’m actually surprised it isn’t triple the price!

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Get the PU Leather Tote Bag for $39 (was $51) at UsNow

Complete with two thin straps and a snap closure, the PU Leather Tote Bag is simple in the best way. Whether you choose the cream or black colorway, it’s endlessly versatile, able to be paired with casual T-shirt dresses, structured staples and everything in between. It’s just as sleek as it is convenient, making it the perfect grab-and-go option to wear every day.

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 12: Eva Longoria is seen on June 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by HIGHFIVE/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)


Related: Eva Longoria’s Designer Tote Bag Has a Lookalike on Sale for $31

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Eva Longoria doesn’t shy away from sequined red carpet gowns, but even during her downtime, the actress, producer and director has proven she’s earned her style icon status. She often relies on sleek staples for a laid-back luxe aesthetic, and although her everyday bag is pretty pricey, it’s not impossible to copy the look — especially when […]

It also doesn’t hurt that this bag gets you the celebrity look for way less. Stars like Naomi CampbellEva Longoria and Jennifer Lawrence all carry ‘rich mom’ totes that look super similar but cost thousands. Plus, with this more affordable alternative, I won’t cry too hard when it inevitably encounters food, liquid or dirt. Heck, the price is so good, I might buy a backup, just in case!

If you’re a gal on the go like me and want to look a bit more polished during your morning commute or errand runs, grab this bag while it’s on sale. Not only is the deal good, but unlike that elaborate top you bought on impulse, it’s something you’ll actually use — and often!

Get the PU Leather Tote Bag for $39 (was $51) at UsNow

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LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Naomi Campbell attends the


Related: Dreaming of Naomi Campbell’s $2,300 Bordeaux Tote? Copy It for $18

Not everyone can say they’ve been a true fashion influencer for most of their lives, but Naomi Campbell has more than earned the title. The supermodel has been serving looks and inspiring outfits since at least the ’80s. So when she stepped out carrying a large bordeaux suede tote, it was only a matter of time […]

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Say Goodbye to Gerard Butler’s Cult-Classic Crime Thriller Before It Leaves Netflix

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Gerard Butler in Den of Thieves

Even though mid-budget action movies are being diverted from theaters to streaming, much like romantic comedies before them, certain stars are refusing to relent. Jason Statham’s movies are hugely popular on home video, as can be seen by the performance of his latest release, Shelter. But he still hasn’t headlined a streaming original. It’s the same case with Gerard Butler, who continues to deliver theatrical releases, although his audience has slowly changed its viewing patterns. Both Statham and Butler are coming off box-office misfires this year, and interestingly, their two latest releases were helmed by the same filmmaker: Ric Roman Waugh. While their fans wait for them to bounce back, they can revisit one of Butler’s best-regarded recent movies on Netflix before it is removed from the platform.

The movie in question was released theatrically in 2018, grossing a healthy $80 million worldwide against a reported budget of $30 million. The movie follows an alcoholic law enforcement officer who becomes obsessed with taking down a gang of bank robbers in Los Angeles. It was among the many movies directly inspired by Michael Mann’s classic crime epic Heat, starring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. In fact, Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo starred in its direct descendant Crime 101, which was released in theaters earlier this year to excellent reviews. Butler’s movie wasn’t as critically acclaimed, although it was a huge hit with audiences and certainly a bigger hit at the box office than Crime 101.

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Collider Exclusive · Action Hero Quiz
Which Action Hero Would Be
Your Perfect Partner?

Rambo · James Bond · Indiana Jones · John McClane · Ethan Hunt

Five legends. Five completely different ways of getting out alive — with style, with muscle, with charm, with luck, or with a plan so intricate it probably shouldn’t work. Ten questions will reveal which action hero was built to have your back.

🎖️Rambo

🍸James Bond

🏺Indiana Jones

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🔧John McClane

🎭Ethan Hunt

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01

You’re dropped into a dangerous situation with no warning. What do you need most from a partner?
The first few seconds tell you everything about who belongs beside you.





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02

You have to get somewhere dangerous, fast. How do you travel?
How you get there is half the mission.





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03

You’re pinned down and outnumbered. What does your ideal partner do?
This is when you find out what someone is really made of.





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04

The mission is paused. You have one evening to decompress. What does your partner suggest?
Who someone is when the pressure drops is who they actually are.





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05

How do you prefer your partner to communicate mid-mission?
Good communication is the difference between partners and a liability.





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06

Your enemy is powerful, well-resourced, and has the upper hand. How should your partner approach them?
The approach to the enemy defines the partnership.





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07

Things go badly wrong and you’re captured. What do you trust your partner to do?
Who someone is when you need them most is the only thing that matters.





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08

What does your ideal partner bring to the table that you couldn’t replace?
A great partner fills the gap you didn’t know you had.





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09

Every partnership has a cost. Which of these can you live with?
No one comes without baggage. The question is whether you can carry it together.





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10

It’s the final moment. Everything is on the line. What do you need from your partner right now?
The last question is the most honest one.





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Your Partner Has Been Assigned
Your Perfect Partner Is…

Your answers have pointed to one action hero above all others. This is the person built to have your back — for better or considerably, spectacularly worse.

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Rambo

Your partner doesn’t talk much, doesn’t need to, and will have assessed every threat in your immediate environment before you’ve finished your first sentence. John Rambo is not a man of plans or politics — he is a force of nature shaped by survival, loyalty, and a capacity for endurance that goes beyond anything training can produce. He will not leave you behind. He has never left anyone behind who deserved to come home. What you get with Rambo is the most capable, most quietly ferocious partner imaginable — one who has been through things that would have broken anyone else, and who chose to keep going anyway. You’ll never need to ask if he has your back. You’ll just know.

James Bond

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Your partner will arrive perfectly dressed, perfectly briefed, and with a cover story so convincing it’ll take you a moment to remember what’s actually true. James Bond is the most professionally dangerous person in any room he enters — and the most disarmingly charming, which is the point. He operates in a world of layers, where nothing is what it appears and every advantage is used without apology. You’ll never be bored. You’ll occasionally be furious. But when it matters — when the mission is genuinely on the line and the margin for error has collapsed to nothing — Bond is exactly the partner you want. He has survived things that have no business being survivable. He does it with style. That is not nothing.

Indiana Jones

Your partner will know the history, the language, the cultural context, and exactly why the thing everyone else is ignoring is actually the most important thing in the room. Indiana Jones is brilliant, reckless, and occasionally impossible — but he is also one of the most resourceful, most genuinely knowledgeable partners you could find yourself beside. He approaches every situation with a scholar’s eye and a brawler’s instinct, which is an unusual combination and a remarkably effective one. He hates snakes and gets personally attached to objects of historical significance, both of which will slow you down at least once. It doesn’t matter. What Indy brings is irreplaceable — and the adventures you’ll have together will be the kind people write books about. Assuming you survive them.

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John McClane

Your partner was not supposed to be here. He does not have the right equipment, the right information, or anything approaching the right odds. He has a sarcastic remark and an absolute refusal to accept that the situation is as bad as it looks. John McClane is the greatest accidental hero in the history of action cinema — a man whose superpower is stubbornness, whose contingency plan is improvisation, and whose capacity to absorb punishment and keep moving would be alarming if it weren’t so useful. He will complain the entire time. He will make it significantly more chaotic than it needed to be. And he will absolutely, unconditionally, without question come through when it counts. Yippee-ki-yay.

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Ethan Hunt

Your partner has already run seventeen scenarios by the time you’ve finished reading the briefing, and the plan he’s settled on involves at least two things that should be physically impossible. Ethan Hunt operates at the absolute edge of human capability — technically, physically, and intellectually — and he brings the same relentless precision to protecting his partners that he brings to dismantling organisations that shouldn’t exist. He is not easy to know and he will never fully tell you everything. But he will carry the weight of the mission so completely, so absolutely, that your job is simply to trust him — and the remarkable thing is that trusting him always turns out to be the right call. The mission will be impossible. He will complete it anyway.

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Here’s How Long You Have Left to Watch Gerard Butler’s Action Movie on Netflix

We’re talking, of course, about Den of Thieves. Also featuring Pablo Schreiber and O’Shea Jackson Jr., the movie was directed by Christian Gudegast. It holds a 42% critics’ score and a 64% audience score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, where the consensus reads, “Den of Thieves pays energetic homage to classic heist thrillers of the past; unfortunately, it never comes close to living up to its obvious inspirations.” Den of Thieves’ successful run in theaters and on streaming prompted a sequel, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, which was released in 2025. The sequel wasn’t as successful, grossing around $60 million against a $40 million budget, but it received slightly better reviews and was just as popular on streaming. You can watch the first Den of Thieves movie on Netflix in the United States, but remember that it’ll be removed from the service on August 31. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

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0196666_poster_w780.jpg

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Release Date

January 19, 2018

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Runtime

140 minutes

Director
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Christian Gudegast

Writers

Christian Gudegast, Paul Scheuring

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Producers

Gerard Butler, Mark Canton, Tony Grazia, Tucker Tooley, Alan Siegel

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Dolly Parton Skips Dollywood Event Due to Health Issues

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Dolly Partons Health Updates Everything She Has Said About Her Illness

Dolly Parton was forced to pull the plug on attending a Dollywood event in person due to ongoing health woes.

The singer, 80, had planned to appear at the opening of the theme park’s new roller coaster, NightFlight Expedition, on Friday, August 13, but was forced to skip the occasion at the last minute on doctor’s orders.

Instead, Parton made a virtual appearance at the opening ceremony, according to multiple media outlets.

“I’m still in Nashville, and I’m sorry about that,” Parton said in the video.

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Dolly Partons Health Updates Everything She Has Said About Her Illness


Related: Dolly Parton’s Health Updates: Everything She Has Said About Her Illness

Dolly Parton has been recovering from some health issues. In September 2025, Parton surprised fans when she missed a scheduled visit to her Dollywood theme park to celebrate the new Night Flight Expedition Ride. Instead, the country singer appeared in a prerecorded video message played for the crowd. “Hello Dollywood! It’s me,” Parton said in […]

“I’m supposed to be there in person, like we planned,” she said. “Now I’ve told you before, all my fans, that I have had a few little health issues. And sometimes I get a little dizzy, and I get dehydrated.”

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The “Jolene” singer, who was wearing fairy wings, continued, “And I’m dehydrated. And so my Nashville doctor clipped my wings, saying you ain’t traveling this week.”

She concluded, “So I guess if your doctor tells you you ain’t traveling this week, you ain’t traveling this week.”

Parton promised to keep her fans updated after missing the Dollywood event, which was located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee — a three-hour drive from Nashville.

Dolly Parton Abruptly Skips Dollywood Event Due to Ongoing Health Issues

Dolly Parton.
(Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

In June, Parton made a rare public appearance at the opening of her Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop after previously sharing details of her health struggles.

The Grammy winner announced in May that she was postponing her Las Vegas residency over health concerns.

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“I am here to give you an update on a few things going on in my life,” she began in a social media video shared last month. “First, it’s concerning my health. And I have some good news and a little bad news. The good news is I’m responding really well to meds and treatments and I’m improving every day.”

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Dolly Parton Makes 1st Major Appearance Since Health Issues at Dollywood


Related: Dolly Parton Details Recent Health Issues in Rare Public Appearance

Dolly Parton made a rare public appearance at Dollywood following her recent health scares. “I’ve been up to a lot. I’ve not been touring, as you know. I’ve had a few little health issues, and we’re taking good care of them,” Parton, 80, told fans on Friday, March 13, while celebrating a new season of […]

The singer continued, “Now, the bad news is, it’s gonna take me a little while before I’m up to stage performance level. Because some of the meds and treatments make me a little bit swimmy-headed, as my grandma used to say. And of course, I can’t be dizzy carrying around banjos, guitars and such on five-inch heels.”

Parton jokingly described herself as a “classic car” that needed some restoration and said she was determined to be back “better than ever” after her recovery.

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“When they raised the hood on this old antique, they realized that I need to rebuild my engine and that my transmission is slipping, my oil pan is leaking, my muffler is busted and my shocks and pistons need to be replaced, and for sure, my spark plugs need to be changed,” Parton said. “My immune system and my digestive system got all out of whack over the past couple three years, and they’re working real hard on rebuilding and strengthening those and hopefully I’ll be up to snuff again soon.”

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