Singer/songwriter Todd Rundgren has made his feelings about Taylor Swift clear, sharing his blunt opinion of the pop star in a new feature. The interview was published the same day Swift released encore tracks from “The Life of a Showgirl,” which has her fanbase divided. Rundgren’s latest remarks also echo comments he made about Swift’s music in 2022.

Todd Rundgren Thinks Taylor Swift ‘Ruined Music’

Todd Rundgren has made his mark as a singer, songwriter, and producer in his decades-long career, working both on his own music and behind the scenes on other artists’ records. In an interview published on September 25, the 78-year-old was asked which music artist he would choose to make fun of in an album.

For context, Rundgren agreed to produce Meat Loaf‘s 1977 album “Bat Out of Hell” thinking it was a hilarious satire of Bruce Springsteen‘s “Born To Run.” Songwriter Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf, however, vehemently denied the record had anything to do with Springsteen.

In response to Vulture‘s question, Rundgren said, “Taylor Swift, of course.”

“There’s an argument to be made that she ruined music. It’s an understandable phenomenon. It’s just that, to me, Taylor Swift is the apotheosis of mediocrity,” the singer said.

The Producer Also Singled Out The Singer In 2022

Rundgren went on to claim Swift doesn’t do anything impressive “except grow hair,” opining she isn’t a great singer, songwriter, or dancer. He compared the pop star to Lady Gaga, whom he thinks is a “real musician.”

The “Hello It’s Me” singer’s comments about Swift are not new. He has been publicly critical of her since 2022, when he shared his thoughts on her music during a conversation with Rick Rubin on the “Broken Record” podcast.

Rubin said that there’s some songs that resonate with people even when they don’t know exactly why. “It’s like sometimes you can’t put your finger on why something’s good,” he said. Rundgren agreed, but countered with, “Well, it isn’t even why it’s good. It’s why it sticks.”

Rundgren went on to say that there are some songs that people “want out of [their] head,” adding “That’s why I hit the mute button anytime I see Taylor Swift.”

Todd Rundgren Was Critical Of Another Big Music Artist

Rudgren took aim at another well-known musician in the past.

In the early ’70s, Rundgren voiced his dislike of John Lennon in an interview, calling him a “f-cking idiot.” The comment stemmed from the musician slamming the Beatle for his peace advocacy, saying, “Shouting about revolution and acting like an a-s. It just makes people feel uncomfortable,” per Far Out Magazine.

In response, Lennon wrote an open letter to Rundgren, referring to him as “Sodd Runtlestuntle” and “Turd Runtgreen.” “I have never claimed to be a revolutionary. But I am allowed to sing about anything I want! Right?” Lennon wrote, in part.

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The feud didn’t last, and the two musicians patched things up in a phone call.

Taylor Swift’s Encore Divides The Swifties

Rundgren’s interview was published the same day Swift released “The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore,” which includes four new tracks.

The songs have received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the new additions while others finding them underwhelming. Even Swifties appear to be divided with the new releases.

Longtime fans argue that “The Encore” features some of Swift’s “weakest writing,” particularly on the track “Cleveland!” in which she sings about her relationship with her new husband.

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Despite mixed reviews, Swift’s new tracks are dominating streaming channels. “The Encore” set the record for the biggest deluxe album debut on Spotify, garnering more than 40 million streams on its first day.

Whether or not they are fans of Taylor Swift, some people have criticized Rundgren for the way he spoke about the singer.

One user said statements like the one Rundgren made are “exhausting,” questioning “why can’t legends just let people enjoy music.”

“I don’t listen to her music but I don’t get why people need to say sh-t like this… She didn’t ruin music cuz music is for everyone,” one commenter wrote.

Another user noted that Rundgren has the right to dislike Swift’s music. However, they said describing her as “talentless” was over the top.

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Zara’s clothes have a way of making even the simplest outfit look polished. From tailored trousers and structured denim to pretty blouses and polished knitwear, the retailer has a knack for elevated pieces that make a wardrobe feel more expensive. But if your fall shopping budget doesn’t quite have room for a full Zara haul, don’t worry. Walmart has plenty of finds that deliver a similar rich-mom fashion feel — and they start at just $7.

We rounded up 13 Walmart fashion finds that look far pricier than their tags suggest, including a denim corset top, a cropped sweater jacket and a faux suede midi skirt. There are also plenty of easy-to-style pieces for building that effortlessly put-together look, whether you’re dressing for the office, a weekend brunch or simply want your everyday wardrobe to feel a little more luxe.

13 Zara-Inspired Walmart Fashion Finds

1. Denim Darling: Denim gets a little dressed-up in this structured corset top. The square neckline, button front and notched hem give it a polished feel, and the seams create a sleek hourglass silhouette, no matter your body type. With a hint of stretch from the cotton-spandex blend, it’s an easy way to elevate your favorite jeans.

2. Tailored Taper: These high-rise pants have that tailored look we’re always trying to recreate, minus the stiff feel that comes with traditional trousers. The soft, stretchy cotton-blend pick offers more room through the thigh before narrowing into a neat tapered leg. Add a button-down and loafers for an office-ready outfit, or dress them down with a fitted tee.

3. Preppy Perfection: Can’t decide between a cardigan and a jacket? You don’t have to with this polished sweater jacket. The soft ribbed knit comes with contrast stripes, gold-tone buttons, a spread collar and front pockets for plenty of elevated details. The cropped length also gives the classic silhouette a fresh feel.

4. Tie-Neck Chic: A tie-neck detail has a way of making even the simplest button-up feel fancy, and this cotton blouse is proof. It’s soft and breathable, so you’ll be comfortable wearing it all day — but the sophisticated neckline is also plenty polished for the office or dinner plans.

5. Plaid, Please: Consider this plaid mini dress your shortcut to a polished fall outfit. The fitted bodice features princess seams for a more defined shape, then flares out into a flowier skirt. Add tights and loafers when temperatures drop for an easy, classic seasonal look.

6. Barrel of Fun: Barrel-leg jeans are having a major fashion moment, and this pair makes the trend feel so easy to wear. The mid-rise, ankle-length silhouette has a modern curved shape, while classic five-pocket styling keeps things grounded in denim territory. Look closely, and you’ll spot floral embroidery along the sides for a little extra personality!

7. Volume Up: Big sleeves, breezy cotton and a relaxed silhouette? We’re sold. This 100% cotton blouse brings the drama with billowy bishop sleeves, a notch neckline and a beautifully flowy shape. Buttoned cuffs and a shirred back add thoughtful finishing touches.

8. Cable-Knit Cutie: At just $7 on sale, this cable-knit cardigan is practically begging to come home with you. The soft, lightweight rayon blend features a classic cable-knit pattern, ribbed trim and a slightly cropped fit that feels current. Wear it open over a tee, button it up or leave it undone for an effortlessly styled look.

9. Denim Dress-Up: This isn’t your average denim dress. It has a flattering fit-and-flare silhouette with a banded waist, classic point collar and button front. Wear it to weekday plans and weekend outings; it’s always a win.

10. Suede Statement: Faux suede and gold-tone hardware instantly give this crossbody handbag that expensive-looking fall finish. The flap closure and adjustable strap are super practical — and it even has a dedicated phone pocket inside the spacious interior. You’ll reach for it daily!

11. Tie the Look Together: A classic striped button-down is so much more fashionable with a removable satin tie. The slightly cropped shirt features menswear-inspired tailoring, with a point collar and button cuffs, but still feels soft thanks to the curved hem. Wear the tie traditionally or get creative with how you knot it.

12. Suede Season: Faux suede and a calf-length hemline? This skirt is practically autumn in clothing form. The high-waisted A-line silhouette has that polished, sophisticated feel that pairs beautifully with everything from fitted sweaters to crisp button-downs. It’s an easy way to make a simple fall outfit feel a lot more luxe.

13. Peplum Polish: This cotton top brings several pretty details together in one polished package. A smocked body and sweetheart seaming create a curve-skimming fit before the silhouette flares into a feminine peplum hem. Puff sleeves add even more charm, making this a fun alternative to your everyday tee.

Related: Steal the Upper East Side Look With These 13 Rich-Looking Styles

If one New York neighborhood has mastered the art of looking polished and timeless without chasing fleeting trends, it’s Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Women’s wardrobes are filled with classic tailoring, elegant textures and refined silhouettes that are as well suited to weekend brunch as a gallery opening. Fortunately, you don’t need a Madison Avenue budget […]

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You may not know it, but Prime Video is about to lose dozens of great movies and TV shows in the next few days.

Watch With Us has its finger on the streaming pulse, and we’ve curated a list of everything leaving Amazon’s subscription service at the end of September.

From classics featuring Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman to modern-day hits starring Reese Witherspoon, Sean Penn, Colin Farrell, Matt Damon and more, these films and series are worth finding the time for before they leave Prime Video forever — or at least for a little while.

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September 29

Bring It On (2000)
Hellfighters (1968)
Miami Vice (2006)
Silent House (2012)
That Night (1993)
XXX: Return Of Xander Cage (2017)
The Young Messiah (2016)

September 30

10 Years (2012)
247°f (2011) 4.8
50/50 (2011) 7.6
Abduction (2011)
About My Father (2023)
According to Greta (2009)
Albino Alligator (1997)
All the Devil’s Men (2019)
American Ultra (2015)
Angry Neighbors (2022)
Are You In The House Alone? (1978)
The Arrival (1996)
Baby Boom (1987)
Back to School (1986)
Bad Boys (1983)
Bandits (2001)
Barbershop (2002)
Barbershop 2: Back in Business (2004)
Barbershop: The Next Cut (2016)
Before We Go (2015)
Begin Again (2014)
A Beginner’s Guide to Endings (2010)
Best Men (1997)
The Big Wedding (2013)
Blackwater Lane (2024)
Blood Ties (2013)
Bogus (1996)
Bojangles (2001)
The Boyfriend School (1990)
Burnt (2015)
Cartels AKA Killing Salazar (2017)
Chain of Command (2015)
Chained (2013)
Challengers (2024)
Child 44 (2015)
Christmas Carol: The Movie (2003)
City Island (2010)
City of Ghosts (2003)
Code Of Honor (2016)
Colors (1988)
The Condemned (2007)
The Condemned 2 (2015)
Cooties (2015)
Criminal Law (1989)
Crimson Tide (1995)
Cross Creek (1983)
D-Day The Sixth Of June (1956)
Dead End (2003)
The Dead Girl (2006)
Dead Man Walking (1996)
Deadly Impact (2020)
Demonic (2017)
Destroyer (2018)
Detective Knight: Rogue (2022)
Detective Knight: Redemption (2022)
Diablo (2025)
Diary of a Hitman (1992)
Dirty Work (1998)
The Divide (2012)
The Doorman (2020)
Dredd (2012)
Dudley Do-Right (1999)
The Duff (2015)
Employee of the Month (2006)
Erased (2012)
Eve Of Destruction (1991)
Everly (2015)
Every Breath (1994)
Every Secret Thing (2015)
Everything, Everything (2017)
Evil Under the Sun (1982)
The Experiment (2010)
Fair Game (2010)
The Familiar Stranger (2001)
The Family Tree (2011)
The Final (2011)
Final Score (2018)
Force of Execution (2014)
From Paris with Love (2010)
Furry Vengeance (2010)
Genius (2016)
The Gift (2015)
G-LOC (2020)
The Good House (2022)
Good Luck Chuck (2007)
The Graduate (1967)
The Gravedancers (2008)
Hair (1979)
Haunted Summer (1989)
Held Up (2000)
Hendrix (2000)
Hercules (2014)
Hide (2011)
Holiday Heart (2000)
Homefront (2013)
The House on Garibaldi Street (1979)
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
The Hustle (2019)
I Don’t Know How She Does It (2011)
I Spit on Your Grave (2010)
I, Frankenstein (2014)
Impromptu (1991)
In Secret (2014)
The Initiation Of Sarah (1978)
Instant Karma (1990)
The Institute (2017)
Instructions Not Included (2013)
Into the Blue (2005)
The Intouchables (2011)
The Jazz Singer (1980)
Joe (2014)
Jungle (2017)
Kick-Ass (2010)
Kickboxer: Contacto sangriento (1989) 6
Kickboxer 5: The Redemption (2000)
Kill Me Again (1989)
Kill the Irishman (2012)
King of New York (1990)
Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects (1989)
Last Moment of Clarity (2020)
Leatherface (2017)
Leave It to Beaver (1997)
Legally Blonde (2001)
Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde (2003)
Legally Blondes (2009)
Letters to Juliet (2010)
Licorice Pizza (2021)
Life Like (2019)
Like Father Like Son (2025)
The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane (1976)
Long Gone Heroes (2025)
The Longest Yard (2005)
Looking Glass (2018)
Love Is All There Is (1996)
Lucky 13 (2005)
Lucky Number Slevin (2006)
Manhunter (1986)
The Martian (2015)
Men At Work (1990)
MI-5: The Greater Good (2015)
Miami Blues (1990)
Mindcage (2022)
Moll Flanders (1996)
Moonstruck (1988)
Mortdecai (2015)
A Most Wanted Man (2014)
Mother’s Day (2011)
Moving On (2025)
Mystic Pizza (1988)
The Nanny Diaries (2007)
Never Back Down (2008)
No Way Out (1987)
Occupation: Rainfall (2021)
One for the Money (2012)
One Thrilling Night (1942)
Operation Finale (2018)
Overboard (2018)
Palm Trees and Power Lines (2023)
Paradise Highway (2022)
The Pianist (2003)
Plane (2023)
Punisher: War Zone (2008)
Quartet (2013)
The Rabbit Trap (1959)
Rapture-Palooza (2013)
Raw Deal (1986)
Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs (2020)
The Requin (2022)
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Return to Me (2000)
Rings (2017)
Robocop 2 (1990)
Robocop (2014)
Robot Jox (1990)
Rock-A-Doodle (1991)
Rollerball (2002)
Rush (1992)
Sands of Oblivion (2007)
Sarah’s Key (2011)
Saul: The Journey to Damascus (2015)
Scissors (1991)
Seized (2020)
Sex Drive (2008)
Shattered (1991)
She’s Funny That Way (2015)
The Siege Of Firebase Gloria (1989)
The Silver Strand (1995)
The Sixth Man (1997)
Ski Patrol (1990)
Slow Burn (2007)
Snitch (2013)
Speed Kills (2018)
Spinning Man (2018)
The Spy Next Door (2010)
The Stranger (2010)
The Substitute (1996)
Sudden Death (1995)
Sweet Land (2008)
Tamara (2006)
The Thaw (2010)
The Thomas Crown Affair (1968)
The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)
Trucks (1997)
Uncharted (2022)
A Vigilante (2019)
The Virtuoso (2021)
Vivarium (2020)
War Dogs (2016)
Warriors Of Virtue (1997)
The Wash (2001)
What’s the Worst That Could Happen? (2001)
Where The Scary Things Are (2022)
Wild Horses (2015)
The Wild Party (1957)
Wildflower (2023)
Women Talking (2023)
You Can’t Run Forever (2024)
Z For Zachariah (2015)
127 Hours (2011)
The Adventures Of Huck Finn (1993)
The Alamo (2004)
Alien Nation (1988)
Another Earth (2011)
The Associate (1996)
The Beach (2000)
Beaches (1989)
Bound by Honor (1993)
Calvary (2014)
Chain Reaction (1996)
College Road Trip (2008)
Dan in Real Life (2007)
Disorganized Crime (1989)
Downtown (1990)
Enemy of the State (1998)
Fever Pitch (2005)
The Fifth Estate (2013)
Freaked (1994)
The French Connection (1971)
High Crimes (2002)
Hitman: Agent 47 (2015)
In Time (2011)
Judge Dredd (1995)
Kazaam (1996)
Lifeboat (1944)
Mash (1970)
Max Keeble’s Big Move (2001)
Meet the Deedles (1998)
Men Of Honor (2000)
Millennium (1989)
Millions (2005)
Modern Problems (1981)
My Science Project (1985)
Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
Oscar (1991)
The Other Sister (1999)
Outrageous Fortune (1987)
The Pagemaster (1994)
Patton (1970)
Phenomenon (1996)
Powder (1995)
Pushing Tin (1999)
Raising Helen (2004)
Renaissance Man (1994)
Ruthless People (1986)
The Scout (1994)
A Simple Twist Of Fate (1994)
Slums of Beverly Hills (1998)
Spaced Invaders (1990)
Stakeout (1987)
Stick It (2006)
Taking Care of Business (1990)
Thank You for Smoking (2006)
The Enemy Below (1958)
The Hunters (1958)
The Longest Day (1962)
Three Men and a Baby (1987)
Tin Men (1987)
Tom and Huck (1995)
Tough Guys (1986)
A Troll in Central Park (1994)
Unfaithful (2002) 6.7
Von Ryan’s Express (1965)
Valley of the Dolls (1967)
A Walk in the Clouds (1995)
Welcome to Mooseport (2004)
Wizards (1977)
The X-Files: I Want To Believe (2008)

TV Shows Leaving on September 30:

Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventures (1990) (1 Season, 21 Episodes)
Call Me Fitz (2010) (4 Seasons)
Castle (2009) (8 Seasons)
Florida Girls (2019) (1 Season, 11 Episodes)
Labyrinth (2014) (2-Episode Mini-Series)
The Magicians (2015) (5 Seasons)
Mr. Mom (2019) (1 Season, 11 Episodes)
The Reunion (2022) (1 Season, 6 Episodes)
Son of a Critch – Seasons 2 and 3 only
Todd and the Book of Pure Evil (2010) (2 Seasons, 13 Episodes each)
The Young Riders (1989) (3 Seasons) —

Marvel Studios has already assembled one of the biggest superhero casts ever for Avengers: Doomsday, but apparently, we still don’t know everyone who will appear.

During a Q&A following a screening of Avengers: Endgame Encore, co-director Anthony Russo revealed that Marvel has yet to announce the complete cast for the upcoming Avengers film.

“The cast is so large, and we’ve announced some of the cast, and we haven’t announced some of the cast,” Russo said. “I get confused myself over who we’ve announced and not announced, so I have to just slow down.”

That’s an interesting tease considering just how enormous the confirmed lineup already is.

Robert Downey Jr. will lead the film as Victor Von Doom, alongside returning MCU stars including Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Tom Hiddleston, Paul Rudd, Letitia Wright, Florence Pugh and Simu Liu.

The Fantastic Four are also joining the fight, with Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach appearing as Marvel’s First Family.

Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom [Marvel Studios]

Then there are the returning X-Men.

Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, James Marsden, Rebecca Romijn, Alan Cumming and Kelsey Grammer are among the veteran Marvel stars confirmed to appear, while Channing Tatum will return as Gambit.

Hayley Atwell has also been confirmed to return as Peggy Carter.

Despite that massive lineup, several major Marvel names remain noticeably absent from the announced cast. Tom Holland, Hugh Jackman, Ryan Reynolds and Benedict Cumberbatch are among the characters fans have speculated could potentially appear, although Russo’s comments don’t confirm any of them.

For now, Marvel appears to be keeping at least a few surprises under wraps.

With Avengers: Doomsday bringing together the Avengers, Fantastic Four, X-Men and other corners of the MCU against Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom, there may still be some significant names waiting to join the battle.

Avengers: Doomsday hits theaters December 18, 2026.

TV fans today complaining about slow burns must have missed out on The X-Files craze of the 1990s and early-2000s. The series was infamous for teasing a romance between its two protagonists — Agent Fox Moulder (David Duchovny) and Dr. Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) — without ever defining their relationship. In fairness, the agents had other things to worry about. In fact, they were right in the middle of the show’s biggest serialized storyline when the producers finally allowed them to share a kiss on screen. This should have been a relief to fans, but many found it maddening. For one thing, the kiss came without much fanfare or commentary, and for another, it happened at the end of the show’s most ambitious installment to date.

Mulder and Scully’s first kiss on screen came in Season 7, Episode 4, “Millennium,” which first aired on November 28, 1999. At the time, the status of the X-Files as an official FBI assignment was unclear, but the duo were definitely supposed to be working on other issues for the bureau. While they continued trying to uncover conspiracies, this episode shoehorned them into a crossover with the series Millennium, which had recently been canceled. The result was a massive TV event that felt slightly out of place, and has left fans scratching their heads for over two decades.

‘Millennium’ Was Not Where Fans Expected the Mulder-Scully Kiss

Image via FOX

The chemistry between Duchovny and Anderson made it inevitable that fans would interpret Mulder and Scully as a romantic pairing, and The X-Files writers definitely encouraged that over the years. Still, by Season 7 many were beginning to doubt that the show would ever take a romantic turn and make their relationship canonical. “Millennium” was the 143rd episode of the series overall, and it seemed like too great a change to introduce at this point. The timing was also unexpected — a long-awaited kiss would most likely come in a season premiere or finale, or even in a movie, since the series had just gone to the big screen for the first time.

On top of that, “Millennium” was an episode where Mulder and Scully had to share their screen time with former FBI agent Frank Black (Lance Henriksen) for a crossover with the series Millennium. The X-Files and Millennium were both created and executive produced by Chris Carter, and both aired on Fox. Millennium was canceled abruptly in 1999, so Carter intended to use this X-Files episode to wrap up the show after the fact.

All in all, the episode was regarded as a failure by fans of both shows. It didn’t do much to tidy up the ending of Millennium, and Henriksen himself later admitted he was disappointed in it. It also pulled The X-Files off of its serialized story arc for a monster-of-the-week style episode, which felt like an interruption. To top it off, the Mulder-Scully kiss caught fans completely off-guard. It happened in a hospital in the aftermath of their adventure, with Millennium characters and other FBI agents all around them. The story took place on New Year’s Eve, and the two were watching the ball drop on TV in silence when they leaned in for a kiss.

“World didn’t end,” Mulder remarked in a reference to the episode and the Y2K panic. The kiss was not chaste or unromantic by any means, yet the lack of commentary here made some fans furious. They could no longer say that Mulder and Scully had never kissed, but this could also be dismissed as a New Year’s Eve moment with no real meaning. For those that wanted the show to resolve this relationship into a true on-screen romance, this was worse than nothing.

‘The X-Files’ Kept Its Romance Mysterious

Image via Fox

The fans who felt let down by this episode had a lot more heartache coming. Later in this same season, the episode “All Things” opened on Mulder and Scully in bed, having apparently spent the night together. Even worse — once again the hook-up went uncommented-upon, indicating this wasn’t their first dalliance. Their relationship continued in this manner through the rest of the series and the revival as well. The series matter-of-factly showed us where Mulder and Scully were at from moment to moment, without ever lingering on their relationship or stopping to talk about it very much.

Love it or hate it, this phenomenon likely has a lot to do with the behind-the-scenes drama impacting the show in Season 7. The X-Files was a massive hit at this time, and its cast commanded massive influence. Starting in Season 6, the production moved from British Columbia, Canada to Los Angeles at Duchovny’s request. The actor wanted to stay closer to his home and his wife during the filming season, and he also wanted the chance to pursue other work when timing permitted. Anderson and others on the cast and crew agreed with him, but Carter opposed the move.

It turned out that there was bad blood brewing between Duchovny and Carter in Season 7. The actor sued 20th Century Fox during this time, claiming that the studio had undersold the rights to The X-Files, severely impacting his pay. This lawsuit was settled in Duchovny’s favor. According to the book Examinations: An Unauthorized Look at Seasons 6-9 of The X-Files by Tom Kessenich, the lawsuit revealed that Carter had known what Fox was doing all along, and chose not to warn Duchovny. Duchovny announced his intention to leave the show after Season 7, though he ended up taking a recurring role and eventually returned to the series full-time.

The X-Files was never a straightforward show in any way — including the romance between its protagonists, which was a central part for so many viewers. However, in the years since the original series ended, many online fandom communities have celebrated the show’s unique approach to romance and have relished the hunt for subtext and clues throughout its 200+ episodes. The X-Files is streaming now on Hulu in the U.S., and is also available on PlutoTV for free with ads.

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Release Date

June 19, 1998

Runtime

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121 minutes

Director

Rob Bowman

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  Mitch Pileggi

  Assistant Director Walter Skinner

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  William B. Davis

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  The Cigarette-Smoking Man

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Britney Spears is facing renewed criticism after a revealing dance video showed an apparent worker in the room while she performed for the camera. The clip, which was originally uploaded earlier this month before resurfacing across X, showed the pop star dancing in a revealing outfit as a man worked from a ladder behind her. At several points, Spears appeared to expose herself, with emojis strategically placed over parts of her body.
The unusual scene prompted some viewers to question whether the man was comfortable being present, while others went further and accused Spears of behaving inappropriately toward an employee.

Britney Spears Dances As Worker Stands In The Room

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In the 45-second video, Spears, 44, danced around what appeared to be a room inside her home while wearing a sparkling silver dress with mesh details. A man could be seen standing on a ladder near the windows as the singer moved around the room and occasionally approached the chair positioned beneath him. The man briefly looked back at Spears while she continued dancing. News.com.au described him as an apparent worker but could not confirm his identity or employment status. Spears disabled comments on the original Instagram post, but that did not prevent the footage from spreading elsewhere. A repost from Pop Fusion HQ attracted more than 1.4 million views as users debated whether the interaction was merely awkward or crossed a professional boundary.

Britney Spears Told She ‘Desperately Needs Help’

The video quickly generated concern about Spears’ behavior, with one particularly harsh commenter claiming that she “desperately needs help.” Another viewer asked why Spears continues posting similar dance videos and wondered what she is attempting to communicate through them.

“What’s she sick with? Because it’s not normal to do that,” a third user wrote. Others pushed back against the crueler reactions and argued that mocking Spears or attempting to diagnose her from a social-media clip was not helpful.

“Of course she needs help. She’s seriously unwell. But your disgusting comments aren’t helpful at all,” one supporter wrote, criticizing the degrading language used against the singer. Another user argued that placing Spears under another restrictive conservatorship would not constitute appropriate help. The conflicting reactions turned the discussion into a broader argument about where concern ends and online cruelty begins.

Viewers Debate Harassment Accusation

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Some users characterized Spears’ behavior as possible harassment because the apparent worker remained in the room while she exposed herself and performed suggestively. One Reddit commenter argued that an employer behaving that way around a staff member could create an uncomfortable power imbalance. Another noted that confidentiality agreements would not excuse illegal workplace behavior. However, other users rejected the accusation as an overreaction.

“How is this harassment?” one commenter asked.

Another pointed out that no one knows what arrangements may have existed before the video was filmed or whether the man was bothered by Spears’ behavior.

Fans Question What The Worker Was Doing

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Beyond the more serious accusations, viewers were also curious about why the man appeared to be covering or working near the windows while Spears filmed. One Reddit user wondered whether he had been completing legitimate work at the property or whether Spears wanted the windows covered for privacy. The same person speculated that he might be a housekeeper who had previously appeared in the background of her videos.

Some commenters attempted to make light of the uncomfortable-looking situation, joking about what the worker might have told his family when he returned home. The man largely appeared focused on the task in front of him, although he occasionally seemed to glance toward Spears as she moved around behind him.

Britney Spears Has Faced Similar Claims Before

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The resurfaced video also prompted users to revisit earlier allegations involving Spears and members of her staff. In 2010, former bodyguard Fernando Flores filed a lawsuit accusing the singer of repeatedly exposing herself and behaving inappropriately around him. Spears’ representatives denied his allegations at the time, and the case was later reportedly settled. In 2022, Spears sparked debate after sharing nude pool photos in which her assistant, Vicky T, held her “like a baby.” The Blast reported that fans joked about wanting Vicky’s job and its “employee benefits,” although Vicky never suggested that she felt uncomfortable.

The latest video has revived that discussion, but the apparent worker at the center of the footage has not spoken publicly. For now, the backlash is based entirely on what viewers believe they witnessed. Some saw a celebrity behaving inappropriately around someone working inside her home, while others saw another example of strangers making serious assumptions about Spears from a brief and context-free Instagram video.

Sydney Sweeney appears to be making her feelings about Scooter Braun clear after reports claimed she had been advised to end their relationship. The “Euphoria” actress included an intimate photograph of herself kissing Braun in a new end-of-summer photo dump, offering fans another glimpse into their increasingly public romance. The affectionate update arrives shortly after claims that a powerful Hollywood agent allegedly told Sweeney she needed to dump the former music executive if she wanted to be taken seriously as an actress and businesswoman.

Sydney Sweeney Shares Intimate Kiss With Scooter Braun

Sweeney closed out the season by sharing a carousel filled with highlights from her summer. The collection featured moments from camping, scuba diving, wakeboarding, and the Venice Film Festival. However, the photograph attracting the most attention showed Sweeney, 29, locking lips with Braun, 45. The intimate snap made it clear that he was part of the memories she wanted to share publicly, despite the scrutiny surrounding their romance.

“One last summer dump,” Sweeney reportedly captioned the collection. Although the actress did not directly address any breakup rumors or outside criticism, the photograph suggested that she and Braun remain firmly together.

Sydney Sweeney Was Reportedly Told To ‘Dump’ Scooter Braun

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The romantic update comes after claims that Sweeney was advised to reconsider her relationship with Braun. The Blast previously reported that Hollywood agent Ari Emanuel allegedly told the actress she needed to end the romance if she wanted to be viewed seriously within the entertainment industry.

“Ari was telling her that if she wanted to be taken seriously as an actress and businesswoman, she needed to break up with Scooter,” a source claimed. Representatives for Emanuel strongly denied that the alleged conversation ever occurred. The warning was said to have been delivered before Sweeney left Paradigm Talent Agency and signed with Creative Artists Agency. Braun reportedly played a role in that career move by arranging a dinner between Sweeney and CAA agent Kevin Huvane. Whatever concerns may have been raised about the relationship, Sweeney’s latest post indicates that she has not allowed them to dictate her personal choices.

Scooter Braun Has Publicly Declared His Love For The Actress

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Sweeney’s photograph follows Braun’s own highly public show of affection. The former talent manager celebrated her 29th birthday with a romantic tribute featuring footage of them dancing and kissing.

“Happy birthday to the woman who is the exception to every rule,” Braun wrote. He praised Sweeney for showing him what a “true partnership” could look like and said she made him “smile harder, laugh louder, adventure more, and dream bigger.”

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Braun ended the message by declaring, “I love you,” and expressing his excitement about celebrating more milestones together. That tribute already presented the couple as happy and committed. Sweeney’s decision to include him in her latest carousel now adds another public display from her side of the relationship.

Sydney Sweeney And Scooter Braun’s Romance Has Grown Serious

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Sweeney and Braun have reportedly been romantically involved since 2025, following her split from former fiancé Jonathan Davino. Their relationship initially attracted attention because of their 16-year age difference and Braun’s controversial reputation in the entertainment business. Braun previously managed stars including Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande before stepping away from talent management.

Despite the criticism, the romance has continued to become more serious. The pair has made several public appearances together, including during the Venice Film Festival, and Braun has reportedly introduced Sweeney to his children. Sources close to the couple have claimed that they are secure in their relationship and largely amused by the negative commentary surrounding it. One insider previously said Sweeney had “never been happier,” while another claimed Braun found speculation about their romance “comical.” Neither Sweeney nor Braun has indicated that the outside pressure has caused problems between them.

Sydney Sweeney Continues To Make Her Own Career Moves

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The kiss photo also arrives as questions continue to surround Braun’s possible influence over Sweeney’s expanding career. The actress recently changed talent agencies and has continued building a business portfolio outside acting. Her lingerie company, SYRN, has generated significant attention through a string of provocative campaigns, while her partnership with sports prediction platform Novig sparked another major controversy. Braun has reportedly supported those ventures and helped connect Sweeney with powerful figures in Hollywood. However, observers remain divided over whether his involvement strengthens her career or risks overshadowing her accomplishments.

Sweeney’s latest post does not settle that wider debate. It does, however, undermine any suggestion that she is preparing to distance herself from Braun because of the criticism. Rather than hiding the romance, the actress chose to include their kiss among the defining moments of her summer. The intimate photograph suggests that whatever Hollywood insiders or online critics may think about the relationship, Sweeney and Braun are continuing it on their own terms.

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Five seasons is no small miracle for a sitcom that feels like one of TV’s best-kept secrets. Fox’s Animal Control continues to blend the deliciously funny workplace chaos of Brooklyn Nine-Nine with the easy ensemble chemistry of Parks and Recreation. But amid the wild animal calls and shenanigans that give the series its own brand of nonsense from showrunners Bob Fisher, Rob Greenberg, and Dan Sterling, it’s also delivering one of its best seasons to date. After all, where else can you find a show that makes a puppy mill raid look like a Michael Bay movie, but ends with a $63 citation fee?

And maybe that’s the single-camera sitcom’s best part. The ensemble series led by Joel McHale is still very good at creating that sharp turn of humor, proving it’s one of TV’s greatest underrated comedies. With the first two episodes of its newest season made available for review, Animal Control wastes no time reminding us how it continues to be one of the funniest, most genuine comedies on network television. While all the adorable creatures, great or small, still cause trouble for Seattle’s Northwest Seattle Division, it’s the wonderfully dysfunctional crew that will keep you watching.

What Is ‘Animal Control’ Season 5 About?

Image via Bettina Strauss/FOX

With Animal Control Director Emily (Vella Lovell) suspended after her relationship with Officer Shred (Michael Rowland) came to HR’s attention last season, the Northwest Seattle Division begins Season 5 short on patience and stuck with a boss nobody wants. Emily is still in the trenches, and by trenches, we mean hitting the highs of baking like it was the pandemic all over again. Her hearing is weeks away, but in the meantime, Templeton (Gerry Dee) is making himself comfortable in her office. It’s obviously bugging TF out of Frank (McHale), who leads the team in a work stoppage, though his determination to oust the new lead is tested when the Seattle Seahawks’ mascot goes missing.

Despite being told he is barred from the rescue operation and Templeton enlists Daisy (Kyla Pratt), the job brings out Frank’s best instincts and his worst impulses. But as the office curmudgeon tries to work with Templeton’s lackey, he realizes the team has a bigger problem ahead of them in the form of short king, Roman Park (Ken Jeong), whose private animal control agency is moving into city territory. Suddenly, things like low service scores carry more weight than they usually would, sending the team into a panic in Episode 2’s “Crows and Lizard Legs.” But as the season progresses, the others have their own distractions, like Patel (Ravi Patel) dealing with his daughter’s new boyfriend or Victoria (Grace Palmer) trying to pass along a piglet she found.

Across its first two episodes back, Season 5 lets those personal stories stay delightfully messy while giving the whole precinct a shared concern: Argue over who’s in charge later, but first, make sure there’s still a precinct to run. It’s also a sharp way to spotlight McHale’s Frank as the team’s lead as the milestone season nudges him into a more selfless, altruistic mission to put not just the animals first, but the team he will never admit he loves.

‘Animal Control’s Ensemble Is Still One of TV’s Best

McHale knows exactly how much dignity Frank needs to lose before a scene gets funny. In the premiere, he guides the team through, basically, a work strike that feels like a righteous cause, but then lets his character’s excitement over the Seahawks’ missing mascot cut straight through it. As we see with his comedic timing, that balance in humor is best seen in the “Seahawks and Piglets” premiere’s cold open or the laugh-out-loud moment of him in Episode 2 screaming at the top of his lungs while cornered in a crawlspace with a furry creature. It’s also McHale’s signature dry humor that holds those extremes together while opening up another side of Frank audiences love.

Stepping up to what feels like a bigger role this season is Dee, who’s a strong match for McHale as he plays Templeton’s authority with absolute conviction — even when his latest precinct addition is a utility belt Daisy can barely carry. One of the premiere’s highlights is the hilariously bare-chested, grease-covered fight that is downright ridiculous, with squelching sounds that you can’t unhear. Meanwhile, Pratt levels up Daisy from spectator this season with an eager, sharp pace that gives her partnership with Frank and the others its own prickly rhythm.

Lovell is especially funny in the quieter scenes, giving Emily’s scone delivery such an earnest warmth that everyone’s strained politeness becomes the joke — even if there’s more to it than meets the eye. As the others find themselves juggling more than usual this season, Rowland lets Shred’s anxiety build in small steps as he finds an absorbing balance of being the supportive boyfriend still doing his job.

Similarly, Palmer continues to sharpen that easy wit and carefree vibe, landing every joke through dry responses that never interrupt a scene’s rhythm. Patel continues to give his namesake character an endearingly stressed edge that brings a comically commanding intensity to scenes with his daughter Addy’s (Dayah Brar) boyfriend. Last but not least is Jeong’s Roman, who he plays with such a cheerful self-belief that his nonchalance feels like an asset to the character and one that adds another dimension of comic relief to every situation, especially as the precinct locks him as their target. With Roman being back, it’s clear everyone has a different way of getting a laugh, and they’re each as good at giving one another room to land it.

‘Animal Control’ Season 5’s Writing Is Funnier

Image via Bettina Strauss/FOX

One of the more interesting aspects of Animal Control this far into its network TV plunge is how there are real stakes that give room for its characters to really develop. Season 5 gives the precinct something more pressing than its usual arguments and shenanigans: The possibility that the team could lose its place to Roman’s private agency. What’s more grounded is how that threat has a foothold in reality, as cities can hand animal control services to outside organizations. This gives the precinct’s fight a little more bite than the usual workplace rivalry.

Not only does that threat change how the characters see their jobs and one another, but it’s clear they can’t afford to ignore what’s happening around them. Even with Emily trying her best to help where she can, the writing this season lets these loyalties show through all the bickering without prompting a big speech about friendships. Instead, the jokes do double duty, showing how much these people depend on one another even if they drive each other up the wall.

But better yet, the comedy has gotten funnier. The jokes come faster this season and still align with that signature slapstick style sprinkled in with a few sight gags. But the show still knows when to leave space for a deadpan reaction or an uncomfortable pause. The nearly 22-minute episodes move easily between an animal call, a workplace dispute, and someone’s personal crisis, with each plot reaching a charming end before the next begins.

Best of all, there’s more energy here than in a sitcom simply enjoying the company of familiar characters, thanks to some bonkers pairing that elevates the humor. Animal Control knows this crew well enough to put them under pressure and find fresh reasons for them to drive each other mad, and that’s a lovely place for a fifth season to be.

Animal Control airs Sundays on Fox at 8:30 p.m. EST and streams the next day on Hulu.

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Release Date

February 16, 2023

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Network

FOX

Writers

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Dan Sterling, Tad Quill

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Pros & Cons

• McHale’s dry timing makes Frank both ridiculous and easy to root for.
• The comedy is faster and funnier, with room for deadpan beats.
• Roman’s agency gives the precinct a shared threat with real stakes.

• Emily’s suspension keeps her away from the precinct, limiting the time Lovell gets to play off the full ensemble.

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Entertainment value is a subjective quality among different audiences, and the biggest discrepancy between fans and cinephiles is what constitutes “fun.” Although the term “fun” can be used in an almost disparaging way to describe or defend lazy blockbuster or franchise films that exist only to satisfy Internet commenters, cinema was created as a form of entertainment as much as it was a form of art, and there is no shame in making something that is unabashedly entertaining. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequences that it had on the global box office has ensured that pure escapism is more desired than ever before, especially when audiences are seeking escapism. Although the box office has taken some significant hits in recent years due to factors that are beyond the control of any one studio, there does seem to be a conscious desire from audiences to turn cinemagoing into a communal experience once more.

There is a difference between films that are “fun” and “funny,” as there’s entertainment value in crowd pleasers that don’t necessarily need to be treated as outright comedies; this is of course complicated by the fact that Hollywood doesn’t frequently churn out midbudget comedies anymore, as they are more common to become streaming shows. At the same time, the industry has oddly begun to treat its blockbusters less like escapist entertainment and more like important pieces of narrative franchise building. When every film is simply a building block that is intended to tease whatever comes next in a cinematic universe, it can be harder to enjoy them as individual sections. There’s no rhyme or reason that describes what a “fun” film could be, but a discerning cinephile can usually point it out when they see it.

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‘Licorice Pizza’ (2021)

Image via United Artists

Licorice Pizza is a throwback to the San Fernando Valley-set dark comedies that Paul Thomas Anderson made early on within his career, but it’s not nearly as emotionally crushing as Boogie Nights or Magnolia. Anderson has always understood how to write irascible, energetic young people who dream farther than they can see, and Licorice Pizza is an uproarious romantic comedy that uses Los Angeles of the ‘70s as a playground to explore multiple avenues of popular culture. It’s one of the more unusual romantic comedies of the past 25 years, but it’s also one of the most honest and sincere; Anderson is unparalleled in his ability to take note of up-and-coming talent and give them opportunities, and the discovery of Cooper Hoffman and Alana Haim made Licorice Pizza far more entertaining than it would have been with two established actors cast.

Licorice Pizza plays out like a series of memories, and the segmented, free-flowing progression of events makes for a wonderful string of anecdotes that capture all the highs and lows of a single summer. Although there are a number of great cameos and brief appearances by more established names, Bradley Cooper’s role as Jon Peters is arguably the funniest that he has been since The Hangover.

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‘Hit Man’ (2024)

Image via Netflix

Hit Man is a deviation for Richard Linklater because it was the first time he was working in the espionage dark comedy subgenre, even if it was based on a Texas Monthly article in the same way that his underrated 2011 film Bernie was. Hit Man works because it is a film about audience expectations that explores how silly the fundamentals of cinema would be if they were taken seriously; Glen Powell stars as a geeky college professor who goes undercover as various fake assassins in order to help law enforcement catch those who would hire a hit man, but he ends up getting in too deep when he falls for a woman (Adria Arjona) who wants to actually have her abusive husband killed. It’s a startling effective romantic-comedy that doubles as a subversive noir, with Arjona perfectly embodying the persona of a modern femme fatale.

Hit Man signified that Powell was a true talent on the rise who was interested in transforming himself physically in order to wear different disguises, which is something that he would do once again in Chad Powers and The Running Man. It’s nonetheless an impressive achievement on Linklater’s part that Hit Man retains the “hangout” sensibilities of his best work, all whilst taking some dark twists.

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‘Challengers’ (2024)

Image via Amazon MGM Studios

Challengers exists within several genres that Hollywood has declined to thoughtfully develop in recent years, as it’s a gripping sports film, a twisty erotic thriller, and a hilarious romantic comedy about three highly motivated, competitive people who can’t help but be drawn to one another. Luca Guadagnino has certainly made films that are more existentialist and weird, but Challengers is an unabashed work of populist entertainment that features better craftsmanship than anything else this decade. Between the absorbing camerawork, the hypnotic editing, and the instantly iconic musical score, Challengers is a burst of momentum that crashes competing ambitions into one another.

Challengers is a perfect sports film that doesn’t require existing knowledge of tennis to be enjoyed, but does show enough nuance in its exploration of the sport to suggest that Guadagnino did his research. It’s also the rare love triangle film where there isn’t an obviously misplaced party in play, as there is reason to equally invest in the performances by Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist.

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‘Top Gun: Maverick’ (2022)

Image via Paramount Pictures

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Top Gun: Maverick is the sequel that seemed like it would never be made because of the decades of rumors and tragic passing of original director Tony Scott, which seemed to rule out the possibility of Tom Cruise ever returning to reprise his role as Pete Mitchcell. Although it would have been very easy for Top Gun: Maverick to fall into the same trap that had doomed several other legacy sequels that essentially just played out as lazy recreations, Joseph Kosinski molded a perfect reboot because it saw Maverick transitioning into become a mentor figure to the group of young pilots, including Rooster (Miles Teller), the son of his former best friend Goose (Anthony Edwards).

Cruise proves again why he is one of the best movie stars of all-time, but Top Gun: Maverick also managed to identify some of the other rising talents out there, including Powell, Monica Barbaro, and Lewis Pullman.

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‘Project Hail Mary’ (2026)

Image via Amazon MGM Studios

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Project Hail Mary is a perfect modern take on the space opera adventure because it is, ironically enough, a film about humanity where the main character is isolated from the rest of Earth on a mission to deep space. Although science fiction has become a genre in which there is far more “doom and gloom” than optimism about what the future can hold, Project Hail Mary takes an appropriate approach of recognizing the problems that mankind faces and telling an inspirational story about people of different backgrounds coming together to do something for the collective good of life itself. It’s a perfect companion piece to The Martian, another film based on a sci-fi novel from author Andy Weir that was adapted by Drew Goddard. It’s one of the many recent films that truly demands the scope of IMAX projection, showing that a film of this size can still contain a tremendous amount of artistry.

The key to the success of Project Hail Mary is the sincere connection between its two leads, as Ryan Gosling makes for an empathetic, funny teacher-turned-astronaut, and James Ortiz created one of the greatest modern puppet characters with Rocky. That such a big film is staked on such a simple and sincere connection is tremendously brave, but it’s a reminder of just how sharp writer/directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller can be (and begs the question of what their version of Solo: A Star Wars Story would have looked like). Although Project Hail Mary isn’t a spoof, as it includes some deeply emotional and harrowing moments, it’s nearly impossible to get to the end of the film without breaking out into a smile.

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‘Splitsville’ (2025)

Image via Neon

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Splitsville is one of the most audacious and uproarious original comedies of the decade because it unleashed the potential of the writer/director team of Michael Angelo Covino and Kyle Marvin, who also co-star in the film as best friends who become involved in the others’ respective spouses, played by Adria Arjona and Dakota Johnson. What begins as a hilarious look at male insecurity becomes an increasingly absurdist farce that involves sabotage, scandal, and one of the most surprisingly well-staged fight scenes there has been in a comedy film in quite some time.

Splitsville is equally sympathetic and searing with its characters, as it thoroughly understands the complexities of a longstanding relationship where certain truths become questioned. Although neither character ends up looking particularly good, Splitsville revels in the fact that the characters are sincerely emotional and not bottled up. Thanks to creative needle drops and some brilliant staging of setpieces, Splitsville is a European-styled comedy that examines the absurdity of the modern American social hierarchy.

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Splitsville

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Release Date

August 22, 2025

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Runtime

105 minutes

Director

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Michael Angelo Covino

Writers

Kyle Marvin, Michael Angelo Covino

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