Ciara Miller had a feeling that something was going down between Amanda Batula and West Wilson, according to her costar Mia Calabrese.

“Ciara had — her intuition was telling her something and I refused to believe it,” Mia said during her Tuesday, April 14, appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen. “Then, certain things started to click.”

Mia admitted to thinking it was “impossible” that anything romantic was going down between Amanda and West, because she believed they would “never do that.”

Rumors swirled earlier this year that Amanda and West’s relationship had evolved from friendship to something more. The duo confirmed their romantic relationship in a March 31 Instagram statement.

While Amanda’s estranged husband, Kyle Cooke, has spoken out at length about the entire situation, Ciara — who dated West in 2023 and was best friends with Amanda — has largely stayed quiet.

“Ciara is how anyone would be if their best friend started dating their ex,” Mia also said during her Tuesday WWHL appearance. “But, I will say, Ciara is one of my best friends — she’s like a sister to me — she will always thrive and I will always be there to support her.”

The Summer House newbie continued, “She’s going to be amazing.”

Mia told host Andy Cohen that she knew Ciara for “years” before they were on reality TV together.

“She’s like a sister to me,” Mia added. “I adore her.”

Amid the relationship fallout, Amanda has returned to social media, asking fans for “normalcy” in an apologetic statement on Friday, April 10. Mia reacted to Amanda’s social media message on Tuesday.

“I thought it was interesting that her normalcy was just going out and hitting the bars with West,” Mia said, referring to viral photos of Amanda and West out and about in New York City.

Mia went on to say that she’s placed more blame on Amanda for the entire situation.

“She’s a woman. I think men, you know, eh. They don’t always think straight,” she said. “Women it’s like, come on, you know better.”

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Mia said that both West and Amanda have reached out to her — but she hasn’t responded to either.

“Don’t really know how to respond yet,” she added, noting that West’s message included an apology for “lying to me.”

Summer House airs on Bravo Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET.

Joseline Hernandez is welcoming her new beginning with excitement! The 39-year-old is expecting her first child with her husband, Balistic Beats. The Puerto Rican Princess announced her pregnancy on April 15. Joseline also spoke exclusively to The Shade Room’s Jade Ashley about how far along she is, the health of her unborn child, and how she’s feeling in this new season!

RELATED: Love To See It! Joseline Hernandez Shares Sentimental Message While Revealing She Is Three Years Sober (VIDEO)

Joseline Hernandez Reveals She’s Pregnant

As mentioned, Joseline Hernandez gagged her followers with news of her pregnancy on Wednesday. She dropped the update on Instagram, sharing a series of photos featuring her and Balistic Beats in what appears to be downtown Miami. They’re seen posing together, holding hands, surrounded by greenery as they walk down a sidewalk with a skyscraper backdrop.

She’s dressed in an off-the-shoulder, light-colored dress, patterned heels, and a small Chanel purse. Her growing baby bump appeared to be poking through! The last photo in her slide shows her holding it. Meanwhile, Balistic came through in a casual printed blue tee, light-colored slacks, blue shoes and a Louis Vuitton crossbody.

Her first daughter, Bonnie Bella, whom she welcomed with Stevie J in 2016, is not featured in the post. Fans have been flooding the Instagram announcement with congratulations and compliments on the mother she is to Bonnie. Even celebrities are stopping by with love, from Chloe Bailey and LightSkinKeisha to Coi Leray.

Balistic Beats, who is also a collaborator on the post, dropped three heart-eye emojis in the comment section. The caption, written from Joseline’s account, says: “New beginnings 🌸 and I’m thankful.” 

Joseline Says She’s Two Months Pregnant & “Everything Is Fine” (Exclusive Details)

The Puerto Rican Princess shared additional news about her pregnancy with The Shade Room. She confirmed she’s nearly two months pregnant, sharing a photo of her positive test. Her and Balistic Beats’ desires are to have “a healthy baby,” and continue to receiving support and good energy. “We’re super excited, and we just want everything to go well,” Joseline Hernandez said.

As far as pregnancy itself, Joseline revealed that she’s experiencing “a lot of morning sickness and stuff like that,” but overall she feels great. She had a doctor’s appointment this week that reassured her “everything is fine.” Still, she said she has to keep going back, as is common with pregnancy.

“We want good energy, love , a lot of love from the people; we need that right now. That’s why I stepped away from the cabaret, and just wanted to start a new life with my family and my husband,” Joseline Hernandez exclusively told TSR.

Balistic Beats Is Helping Raise Bonnie Bella

In February, Joseline Hernandez and Balistic Beats shared footage from their courthouse wedding in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She revealed their wedding date as October 11, 2022. Fans had been questioning whether the pair had officially tied the knot, and the couple used their new network Why Are You Here TV to premiere an anniversary special.

Over the years, Joseline has openly credited Balistic Beats for being her active co-parent in raising Bonnie Bella. Last Father’s Day, for example, she called him the best one in the world, thanking him for how he shows up.

“Your dedication your patience your devotion your love your time your kindness and how you all about bonnie’Bella and I! It’s truly a dream come true! We have everything we ever wanted because we have you! Screaming HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO you @balisticbeats the best #father in the Universe 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 we love you and thank you for being our Rock,” Joseline Hernandez wrote.

A few months later, during an appearance on Angela Yee’s ‘Lip Service’ podcast, Joseline said her marriage works because it’s a cycle of give and take with Balistic Beats. “I feel very protected by him, and I feel like he’s the best thing that happened to me outside of Bonnie,” Hernandez said.

RELATED: Awww! Joseline Hernandez Shares Sentimental Footage Of Her & Balistic Beats Sending Bonnie Bella Off To 3rd Grade (VIDEO)

Jennifer Lawrence is the poster child for easy dressing — effortlessly making tees, jeans and even sneakers look polished and cool. Naturally, her latest look didn’t disappoint, especially since she completed the easy-going fit with head-turning Adidas Tokyo tennis shoes.

Stepping out in New York City, Lawrence opted for a yellow Beatles T-shirt, Hermès Lindy bag and Garrett Leight Woz sunglasses. However, her red striped Adidas kicks completely stole the show. But you don’t have to dish out thousands to get her leather shoe style. In fact, recreating her look is a breeze because the shoes are just $90 at Nordstrom.

Get the Adidas Tokyo Sneakers for $90 at Nordstrom! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

The ’70s-inspired footwear features a lightweight design, low profile and bold color blocking throughout. While her exact pair has cream-colored laces, this $90 version offers a strawberry-red Mary Jane velcro design — making it simple to slip on, get going and turn heads. A gum sole also adds stability while contrasting with the clean, marshmallow-hued silhouette.

The Adidas kicks are simple to style, as well. Take inspiration from Lawrence and slip on a pair of casual jeans and a baseball cap, or dress them up with a lightweight knit and maxi skirt. As temperatures continue to warm up, you can wear the sneakers with shorts or a mini dress.

Most importantly, the Lawrence-approved sneakers won’t leave your feet aching, thanks to the flexible sole and cloud-like cushioning. “These shoes are unbelievably comfortable,” wrote a shopper. “Absolutely love them.”

For under $100, the Adidas Tokyo sneakers are sure to go fast. So make like Lawrence and head to Nordstrom to upgrade your sneaker game before it’s too late.

Get the Adidas Tokyo Sneakers for $90 at Nordstrom! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more Adidas sneakers here and don’t forget to check out all of Nordstrom’s tennis shoes for more great finds!

By Joshua Tyler
| Published 48 seconds ago

People don’t just want to belong, they need to. Rejection isn’t treated by the brain as a metaphorical pain; it registers the same way as physical harm. That means people will do almost anything to make sure they belong. However, belonging isn’t strengthened by agreement; it’s strengthened by what you’re willing to ignore to stay aligned.

The power to make someone ignore what’s being done to them may be the most powerful persuasion technique of all. It was used in the biggest, most awarded movie of 2025, and no one seemed to notice. They couldn’t notice, because noticing comes with a cost. Once you decide not to notice, you’re owned. Instead, they gave it Oscars and pretended everything was normal and fine, though deep down, it’s likely everyone watching knew it wasn’t. 

This is the story of how One Battle After Another screenwashed believers into becoming zealots, all to belong.

A Script Made Up Of Words Shouted At A Federal Building

One Battle After Another was directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the genius auteur behind movies like There Will Be Blood and Boogie Nights. It’s loosely based on a 1990 novel called Vineland. 

The movie itself centers on Bob Ferguson, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, a washed-up former revolutionary from the terrorist militant group French 75. He lives off-grid in stoned paranoia, raising his spirited, and often totally disrespectful and rude, teenage daughter, Willa.

Sixteen years after participating in a terrorist attack on a U.S.-Mexico border detention center, his old enemy, Col. Steven J. Lockjaw, played by Sean Penn, resurfaces, forcing Bob and Willa to run.

That’s the story on paper, but nothing on screen ever feels that cohesive. Early on, the dialogue consists mostly of words that sound like they were shouted at a Federal building. Later, it devolves into cursing and guttural sounds. There’s a lot of driving back and forth in cars, and time spent breathing heavily in filthy places with filthy people.

One Battle After Another Is Setting A Trap, For The Audience

The movie might sound unappealing, and it is, but it’s also on purpose because One Battle After Another is not out to tell a compelling story; it’s setting a trap. A Reflexive Manipulation Trap. 

A reflexive manipulation trap is a persuasion tactic in which a message is made obviously manipulative, on purpose, in order to create pressure on the audience to deny or overlook that manipulation. By accepting the message anyway, the audience participates in maintaining the illusion, which increases their psychological commitment to it. 

It’s like becoming an accessory to murder. Once you’ve participated in the crime, you’ll do anything to hide the body. 

Creating that kind of mental trap is deep and complex, and it exists for only one, very specific purpose. More on what that is as we unravel this thread. 

How To Create A Reflexive Manipulation Trap

Here’s how One Battle After Another executes its Reflexive Manipulation trap, step by step.

Before a would-be persuader can execute a Reflexive Manipulation Trap, they have to pick a specific audience. Usually, the best movies and indeed the best art is designed to tap into something universal and primal. For this to work, you must do the opposite and go after one group. For instance, if you were going after dog lovers, you’d probably start your story off by showing your hero rescuing a dog.

One Battle After Another is intended only for people who exist on the most left-wing end of the political spectrum. That’s why you’ve seen the Hollywood elite slobbering over the movie like it’s the biggest thing ever, but have likely heard virtually nothing about it from your average, non-political friends. 

So One Battle After Another opens with a scene involving a heroic raid on an illegal immigrant detention center. According to most polling, nearly 80% of people are in favor of detaining illegal immigrants. So 80% of viewers will be turned off by this movie from the jump.

It’s all on purpose as One Battle immediately launches into speeches extolling the virtues of open borders, and then enforces that view at the point of a gun. It’s on purpose because it’s intentionally only courting the remaing 20% of the audience that agrees with these views, and in doing so, it tells them explicitly that this movie is for you and your group, right off the bat. 

Moral authority established. I’m one of you. 

Now that your audience knows who the good people are, you must make one of those good people do something wrong. Something evil.

Over the course of the movie’s first half hour, one of our chief protagonists is a terrorist leader, a black woman whose actual name is Perfidia Beverly Hills. She’s violent, overbearing, and totally dedicated to the cause.

That might sound off-putting, but remember, you can’t look at this movie through a lens of what would appeal to you or anyone in the 80%. You must look at it through the lens of what would appeal to that 20%. And for that 20%, she checks all the boxes to be their ideal woman. She’s perfect.

Perfidia soon becomes pregnant. She immediately abandons her newborn infant for what she describes as “the revolution” while proclaiming that no one can take her power.

By any normal moral standard, a mother abandoning a newborn is one of the worst things someone can do. It’s flat-out evil.

Yet the person doing it is the character most ideologically aligned with the film’s target audience. Their ideal woman. And while she’s out of the story for most of the film after this, up until this point, she’s been framed as the movie’s main hero.

When Perfidia announces that she’s choosing herself over her newborn, the man who thinks he’s her father, DiCaprio’s Bob character, could object. Instead, he mutters some vague things about family before announcing “you go, girl” and sending her on her way to abandon her child.

Later, Perfidia is condemned for other reasons, but no one objects to this mother abandoning her baby daughter. At all. 

Squirming in their seats, the audience can’t object either. From the 20%’s point of view, the woman committing this evil is part of a protected class and also ideologically aligned with them. She’s their group’s spirit animal, and they know it. 

Even more critically, she specifically cites their mutual ideology as the reason for her sick, selfish abandonment of her baby. For someone in that 20%, in order to condemn Perfidia’s action, they’d have to mentally challenge everything they believe in.

Leo’s Bob character has now been left to care for a newborn, who isn’t even really his daughter, on his own. This should be difficult and traumatic, but One Battle After Another dodges those consequences by flashing forward to a future where the baby’s grown and everything worked out just fine. 

Hand wave, it didn’t matter. See, it’s easy to accept, fellow group member!

The abandonment of Perfidia’s daughter is the inciting incident for the entire film. Everything that happens after hinges on it.

If you reject this incident as repugnant, you must reject the entire movie. If you reject the movie, you reject its ideology. If you reject that ideology, you no longer belong to the group that the movie has established itself as representing. Your group, the group you’ve built your entire identity around.

Or you can decide it’s fine for a mother to abandon an infant in the name of black power. You must choose.

To make the effect stick, you must lock in the viewer’s acceptance of evil with a reward. In this case that reward is zealot porn.

Zealot porn is a short-cut term I coined, which refers to content intentionally crafted to gratify moral superiority, deliver cathartic satisfaction, and lock in beliefs deeper through confirmation bias. Often this is done through the portrayal of extreme violence, which would otherwise be unacceptable.

Quentin Tarantino’s Inglorious Basterds is an early example of zealot porn, an entire movie crafted for the purpose of giving audience members the pleasure of watching Nazis burn.

Another recent example is the television series, Peacemaker. The show’s second season creates a plot around the idea of giving its audience pleasure by watching people it labels as evil suffer. 

One Battle After Another spends most of its run time delivering dopamine hits to its 20% through tormenting its ideological opponents. The movie kills its white male villain twice, for no real reason other than it enjoys watching him die. After the second time, the camera follows along as workers dispose of his carcass, so the audience can revel in watching his carcass burn. 

That’s zealot porn. Catharsis is delivered, and the audience is rewarded for belonging. 

Now, One Battle After Another’s viewers are fully complicit in what it’s doing, and to justify their decision to comply with its agenda, they’ll do anything. Even give it six Oscars. 

Solidifying Support After You’ve Won The Propaganda War

One Battle After Another is what it looks like when you’ve won the propaganda battle and the time for persuasion is over. One Battle After Another is what it looks like when you stop convincing and start solidifying. And that’s exactly what it’s doing.

What people call psychological programming or brainwashing is usually a stack of learned associations, emotions tied to symbols, stories tied to identity, reactions tied to cues. Those associations only hold as long as they’re being refreshed. Remove the reinforcement, and the system starts to unwind over time.

It’s why cult deprogramming usually revolves around simply getting the victim away from the cult. Separate them from constant reinforcement of the message, and the programming fades on its own.

That means that once a malign force has someone under its control, it has to keep putting in work to keep them there. But it can’t keep doing what it did before, continuing to persuade someone to your point of view after you’ve already convinced them, often backfires, and turns them against you.

That’s where a Reflexive Manipulation Trap becomes useful. It won’t persuade new people over to your side, but it does ensure that none of your existing followers stray. It does this by making them lie to themselves. It does so by making them complicit in a crime or moral wrongdoing. 

Once Someone Lies To Themselves, They Keep Lying To Cover Up The First Lie

Unlike other forms of persuasion, which lose efficacy the more frequently they’re used, you can keep setting traps like this one over and over again. So that’s exactly what One Battle After Another does.

That first trap, revolving around Perfidia abandoning her child, is the setup for a series of obvious manipulations and overt propagandistic moments. Having already lied to themselves to get through the first one, the audience keeps lying through all of them.

It’s why One Battle After Another is visually uninspired. It’s why the plot is meandering and disjointed. It’s why the characters are largely cartoony and ridiculous. Even their names are idiotic. The main villain’s name is literally Colonel Lockjaw.

Every one of these narrative and moral affronts in the film must be accepted by the audience as a work of genius because of the trap, and every one they accept binds them closer and closer to the group the movie is targeting. Everyone who walked out of One Battle After Another became, in one way or another, a more zealous member of that 20% than they were when they walked in. 

Bind them close enough, make them complicit enough, and there’s no limit to what they’ll do to make sure they continue belonging. Some day we’ll say it all started, because One Battle After Another laid a trap.

Congratulations, loyal zealots, you’ve been Screenwashed.

There’s something about that classic, polished, all-American style that never goes out of fashion — but the price tags can be a different story. If you love the crisp, preppy look of collared knits, striped dresses and tailored denim, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get it.

I scoured Walmart’s spring fashion section and found a lineup of pieces that channel that timeless, Ralph Lauren–inspired aesthetic for a fraction of the cost. Think easy polo dresses, breezy stripes and elevated basics you can mix, match and wear on repeat all season long.

Ralph Lauren-Inspired Spring Outfits

1. Our Favorite: Nothing screams ‘Ralph Lauren’ quite like this sleeveless striped midi dress. The relaxed fit and subtle slit make it perfect for everything from travel days to casual dinners.

2. Runner-up: This striped V-neck polo dress is lightweight, flowy and made for warm days when you still want to look put together. The swingy silhouette keeps things breathable while the collar adds that classic, elevated touch.

3. Casual Cool Staple: These cropped patch-pocket pants bring a slightly structured, vintage-inspired vibe to your spring wardrobe. They’re an easy swap when you want something more elevated than leggings.

4. Editor-Approved: This striped polo shirt dress feels like your favorite oversized tee, but way more refined. It’s an easy throw-on option that solves the “what do I wear?” dilemma in seconds.

5. Unexpected Classic: This drapey denim skirt delivers that effortless, heritage feel with a modern, wearable twist. Pair it with a striped polo or knit top for a look that feels straight out of a catalog without the designer price.

6. Everyday Essential: This ribbed knit polo dress is equal parts cozy and chic, with a flattering fitted shape and functional buttons. It’s perfect for those in-between spring days when you want something comfortable but still pulled together.

7. Sporty Classic: This striped polo shirt is the definition of effortless polish, with a breathable, quick-dry fabric that works for everything from casual Fridays to weekend outings. It’s an easy way to add a preppy touch to any outfit.

8. Denim Upgrade: These high-rise Bermuda shorts offer a longer, tailored silhouette that feels much more polished than cutoffs. They’re the perfect pairing for any of the collared tops in this roundup.

9. Designer-Looking: This vintage-inspired striped sweater top looks like something you’d find at a much higher price point. The knit texture and button details give it that heritage feel that instantly elevates jeans or trousers.

Related: Walmart Dropped Tons of Spring Fashion Deals Starting at $7

If your spring wardrobe is feeling a little. . . meh, consider this your sign to refresh it without overspending. Walmart just rolled out a wave of new-season deals starting at just $7, and the selection is surprisingly chic. From easy dresses to wear-on-repeat tops and denim that actually feels current, these finds prove you […]

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The drama around “Real Housewives of Miami” star Lisa Hochstein is heating up. Days after reports that the Bravo vet was facing criminal charges for allegedly spying on her ex-husband surfaced, she turned herself in to the Miami jail to get the legal process started. The news comes after Lisa was engaged in a contentious, bitter divorce with her ultra-wealthy ex, Lenny Hochstein, which was featured on earlier episodes of the “Real Housewives” franchise.

Lisa Hochstein In Custody After Turning Herself In To The Authorities On Criminal Charges

According to a new report from TMZ, Lisa’s attorney, Jayne Weintraub, shared that the reality star voluntarily turned herself in to jail after charges were filed against her earlier this week. Lisa’s team said the TV personality has “nothing to hide” and turning herself in was part of a “pre-arranged agreement.”

The Blast shared the news earlier this week that Lisa and her current boyfriend, Jody Glidden, were facing criminal charges and being accused of “unlawfully and intentionally” intercepting Lenny’s phone calls between March 12 and March 31, 2023.

Lisa Hochstein Was Accused Of Planting A Listening Device On Her Ex-Husband’s Vehicle Amid Their Divorce

The legal documents alleged that Lisa planted at least one “listening device” on Lenny’s car with the intention of listening to conversations he had about their divorce.

Lenny claimed his ex-wife “compromised the integrity” of their divorce and stated he had “no knowledge” of what information she had obtained.

After the initial allegations, Lisa’s rep denied the claims, calling them “lies” and accusing Lenny’s team of attempting to “distract” the public.

“This court has already sided with Lisa on many of these issues, including the lies that are being presented by the woman who broke up their home and family,” Lisa’s rep added.

Lisa Hochstein Was Emotional About Her Divorce From Her Ex, Lenny

Lenny filed for divorce from Lisa in 2022, citing “irreconcilable differences” and later stating the “marriage is irretrievably broken and there is no present hope for a meaningful reconciliation.”

Lisa got candid about the reality of divorce on episodes of “Real Housewives of Miami.” During separate interviews, she also addressed the challenges of being “blindsided” by the news.

“With two young children involved, as a mom I’m going to focus all of my energy and time on them,” Lisa said before blasting Lenny for his alleged “reckless handling of the situation.”

Throughout their divorce, Lisa also lodged accusations against Lenny’s girlfriend, Katharina Mazepa, calling her “extremely disturbing” and a “home wrecker.”

Another ‘Real Housewives’ Star Is Facing Legal Trouble

Lisa and her boyfriend Jody aren’t the only Bravolebs facing legal troubles, according to The Blast. “Real Housewives of Potomac” star Wendy Osefo and her husband, Eddie, are facing several fraud charges.

For those unfamiliar, the pair were arrested in October 2025 and accused of reporting a fake burglary to collect large payouts from insurance companies.

The legal documents stated Wendy and Eddie allegedly filed insurance claims for items that had already been returned and refunded.

If convicted, Wendy and Eddie could spend up to 15 years in prison.

At BravoCon 2025, Wendy opened up about the charges and thanked the audience for supporting her family.

“You know, it’s an unfortunate situation, and right now I can’t say too much, but I will say when the time is right, I will share my story with everyone, and for now they’re just allegations, so we will continue to push forward,” she said.

Will Wendy And Eddie Speak About Their Case On The Show?

At the “RHOP” reunion, Wendy shared a little more about the case before eventually telling host Andy Cohen that more would be revealed during the legal process.

Wendy and Eddie are scheduled to begin their separate trials in the middle of filming for season 11 of “RHOP” in May 2026.

While it’s unclear exactly what Wendy and Eddie will discuss on camera, viewers can expect her case to be a major storyline in the upcoming batch of episodes.

According to a previous report from The Blast, the next season’s cast includes Wendy and her husband Eddie, Gizelle Bryant, Karen Huger, Ashley Darby, Stacey Rusch, and Tia Glover. Robyn Dixon will return to the show as an official friend of the group.

Back in 1975, Steven Spielberg‘s Jaws kick-started the concept of a blockbuster film as we know it today. It pioneered wide-release distribution and had an unprecedentedly massive marketing campaign, which led it to becoming the highest-grossing film in history (a record that was broken by Star Wars two years later). One can go back and retroactively apply the “blockbuster” label to several pre-1975 movies, but the concept as we understand it today was technically born 51 years ago.

That means that over the course of the last 50 years, several of the most popular and successful movies of modern times have been blockbusters through and through. A superhero film from the most profitable movie franchise in history; a big, genre-defining action extravaganza; or yet another Steven Spielberg film. No matter the case, the best blockbusters of the last half-century can all be counted among the most iconic movies ever made. For variety’s sake, there will only be one entry per franchise on this list.

10

‘Avengers: Infinity War’ (2018)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

No list of the biggest blockbusters of the last five decades could ever possibly be complete without talking about the Marvel Cinematic Universe; and no list of the best blockbusters of the last 50 years could be complete without talking about the best MCU movie to date: Avengers: Infinity War. It may not have broken the international box office at quite the same level that Avengers: Endgame, the second-highest-grossing movie ever, did; but “seventh-highest-grossing movie of all time” is not a title to scoff at.

Infinity War‘s marketing promised the most ambitious crossover event in cinematic history, and the film somehow managed to live up to the hype. Full of exciting moments, giving each character their fair share of time under the spotlight, and with one of the best movie endings of the 2010s, it’s arguably the latest true superhero film masterpiece that Hollywood has given us.

9

‘Mission: Impossible — Fallout’ (2018)

Image via Paramount Pictures

With the sole exception of the not-so-acclaimed Mission: Impossible 2, the action franchise led by Tom Cruise was one of those action movie series that only kept getting better and better with each new installment. The franchise reached its peak with its sixth outing: Mission: Impossible — Fallout, which is far and away one of the most exciting thrillers of the 21st century.

Everything that anyone could possibly want from an action blockbuster, Fallout possesses plentifully. The flawlessly-choreographed combat scenes are a blast, the death-defying stunts are as nail-biting as ever, the character work is surprisingly layered and fun, and the story is the most entertaining and best-paced that the franchise ever saw. This is the kind of action film that (rightfully) makes people go “they don’t make ’em like that anymore.”

8

‘The Matrix’ (1999)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Right before the turn of the century, the Wachowskis casually decided to completely revolutionize the action and sci-fi movie genres. The Matrix was nothing short of game-changing, and even today, watching this delightful film is still an absolute blast—whether it’s your first or hundredth time watching. It’s proof that blockbuster films can become undeniable cultural phenomena.

Part trans allegory, part martial arts movie, part philosophical dissertation on existence, and 100% thrills and adrenaline from start to finish, The Matrix is not just enjoyable, but also one of the most important action movies that define the genre. The film proved hugely influential and spawned an equally financially successful franchise, though there’s no beating the original.

7

‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ (1991)

Image via Tri-Star Pictures

You never bet against James Cameron, and audiences were able to learn that all the way back in 1991. The visionary Canadian filmmaker made Terminator 2: Judgment Day, which was the most expensive film of all time at the time of its release. The result? A massive success that quickly became the third-highest-grossing movie of all time.

It’s one of the most perfect action movies ever made, a thrilling and eye-popping landmark of the sci-fi action genre that’s still impressive over three decades later. But as full of adrenaline-pumping action sequences as it may be (supported by some of the most stunning visual effects of the ’90s), what really makes Terminator 2 stand out is how surprisingly well-written and heartwarming it is. It’s a character-driven piece at heart, and that’s what makes it such a special kind of blockbuster.

6

‘Titanic’ (1997)

Image via 20th Century Studios

As if any more proof were needed that he was one of the most commercially successful filmmakers in history, James Cameron came out in 1997 with what would soon prove to be the highest-grossing film in history: Titanic. Proof that blockbusters don’t need to be action-packed or full of fantasy or sci-fi elements in order to pull in the big bucks, Titanic remained in theaters for nearly a year, making its theatrical run one of the longest ever.

Watching Titanic today, it’s abundantly easy to see why people were so eager to watch it and re-watch it back in 1997. Beautifully romantic, perfect in its use of melodramatic elements, and technically lavish in every sense imaginable, the film is as emotionally stirring as it is visually gorgeous. Add to that one of the most breathtaking third acts in film history, and you get a disaster movie whose financial triumph should surprise no one.

5

‘The Dark Knight’ (2008)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

If there’s any filmmaker worthy of calling himself the modern king of Hollywood blockbusters, it’s Christopher Nolan. Nowadays, he’s a director whose mere name is enough to fill seats, and that’s thanks to a trajectory that includes masterpieces of the caliber of The Dark Knight. Today, many still see this action crime thriller as the greatest comic book movie and superhero movie of all time.

The Dark Knight is the definitive live-action portrayal of the Caped Crusader, one of those superhero movies that are a masterclass in filmmaking. Heath Ledger‘s performance as The Joker is arguably the main reason why the movie has aged as well as it has, but it’s by no means the only thing it has going for it. The rest of the cast does an equally great job, the action sequences are thrilling beyond measure, and Nolan’s airtight direction proves why he’s the author of several of the greatest blockbusters of all time.

Image via Universal Pictures

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A conversation about the greatest blockbusters of the last 50 years is never complete without mentioning at least one Steven Spielberg movie. And as far as Steven Spielberg blockbusters go, it doesn’t get much more iconic than E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. It became the highest-grossing movie of all time when it came out, a record it would keep for a whopping 15 years, until Titanic came and took it.

It may no longer be the most financially successful film ever, but E.T. is still very much one of the most universally-loved sci-fi movies of all time. It’s movie magic in its purest form, bolstered by the charming innocence of Spielberg’s direction and the absolute perfection of John Williams‘ score. There are many family movie blockbusters that should be considered essential viewing for cinephiles of all ages, and this is definitely one of them.

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‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ (1989)

Image via Columbia Pictures

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As phenomenal as E.T. may be, there is arguably no Steven Spielberg blockbuster from the last 50 years better than Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. It’s undeniably less iconic than Raiders of the Lost Ark, but this threequel is not only the best installment in the series, but also Spielberg’s best adventure movie ever.

It turns out that the secret ingredient to make a flawless action-adventure movie is to pair Harrison Ford and Sean Connery. The duo provide all the heart and thematic depth of the film, carrying all the thrill of this Indy adventure on their shoulders effortlessly. Extraordinary visuals, an unforgettable John Williams score, several jaw-dropping action scenes… What’s not to love about Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade?

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‘Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back’ (1980)

Image via 20th Century Studios

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This is another case of a sequel that’s arguably not quite as iconic or as much of a landmark in the history of blockbuster cinema, but even the biggest of Star Wars fans must admit that Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back is the peak of the galaxy far, far away. It’s one of the most perfect and timeless sci-fi movies ever, and the quintessential Hero’s Journey film.

There’s nothing by-the-numbers about The Empire Strikes Back. Everything about it still feels every bit as fresh and creative as it does iconic even after all these years, from the music to the visuals to the action scenes. Perfectly-paced, thematically powerful, and culminating in one of the coolest third acts in the history of genre cinema, it may not have been quite as successful as its predecessor initially; but with time, it has come to be praised as the greatest science-fantasy movie ever made.

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

Image via New Line Cinema

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Cinema has never seen a movie franchise quite like Peter Jackson‘s The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Adapting J. R. R. Tolkien‘s Legendarium for the big screen was nothing if not a titanically ambitious task, but Jackson and his team didn’t just meet expectations, they soared far above them. The series concluded with what’s easily one of the most perfect movies of the last 75 years: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.

It’s perhaps the greatest of all fantasy epics, a perfect conclusion to this perfect adaptation of one of the most perfect stories in the history of 20th-century literature. From romance to action to magic to a myriad of unforgettable moments, Return of the King has everything that anyone could possibly want from a blockbuster film. It became the second-highest-grossing film ever at the time of its release, and it’s still one of the most widely beloved cinematic masterpieces in the history of blockbuster cinema.

James and I begin our conversation with something we have in common: a love of vinyl. We’re both collectors, and every so often, she shares current records she’s spinning or new finds on her Instagram stories. Her collection is vast – Billy Squier, Celia Cruz, and the entire discography of Björk. One of her favorites is a Womack & Womack record featuring “I Can Understand It.” “I’ve been looking for that forever, and I walked into this place randomly. It was a bookstore, but then they also had records, and then they had that there.”

In case anyone is keeping score, James is currently hunting for Stevie Wonder’s “Another Star,” which is only available as a 7-inch record. When I ask whether music connects to her work, James makes it clear that the two are separate for her. “I do like having my separate hobbies, [and] different interests and not bringing everything into the things that make me money in a way. The new thing of making everything you like into a venture of capitalism does not jive with me. It is just a separate thing I do.”

James Isn’t Ava Coleman, but the Separation Has Gotten Harder Over Time

Photography by Madi Atkins for Collider

It’s easy to look at James and assume she’s like Ava. She’s confident, charismatic, and unafraid to speak her mind. But to James and the people closest to her, there’s a clear difference between her and her Emmy-nominated character. “No one who really knows me thinks that I’m like Ava.” She does admit, though, that as the series has gone on, the line between character and performer has gotten blurrier. “I have added more of my personality into the character, and the writers have as well. Not only my personality [and] my interests, [but] even some of my jokes are in the show. It’s been harder to separate it.”

It would be easy for James to coast on that success playing Ava. “I know that I could, in fact, just go on the road as this character,” she admits. When you’re known for a standout role that’s resonated, there’s always some temptation to lean into it as much as possible. “We’ll see how my career goes,” she laughs, adding, “You’ll see me draped across a piano in Vegas as Ava Coleman.” Yet for James, at least right now, that separation remains valuable. “My own stubbornness and my desire to keep myself separate is what stops me from doing that, from appearing as her everywhere.”

But James understands that Ava Coleman has come to mean so much to so many. She’s a well-rounded character, someone with enough layers to feel both relatable and aspirational. “Black women in my age group love her because they see themselves in me — in her and me. Young adults see me, see her as aspirational. People who maybe feel like they’re lacking self-confidence like her because they’re like, ‘Oh, I love this person who’s displaying confidence and who speaks out in a way that I think I would love to be able to do, too.’ Other people love her because she’s so well-dressed and fashionable, and they love that about her. Other people love that she’s sarcastic, and they’re like, ‘That’s how I am.’” And to James’ credit, Ava never feels like a caricature. “That’s why people assume I’m her, because I’m doing a good job of bringing this character to life.”

James Isn’t Interested in Keeping Her Comedy the Same

Photography by Madi Atkins for Collider

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Before acting entered the picture, James was first and foremost a comedian. When she first started, she was emulating the comics around her, most of whom were Midwestern white guys. Their style at the time was somber, which happened to line up with where she was in life 15 years ago. “I started at a very sad time in my life.” But being around those comedians made her realize she liked the challenge of it. “It’s a problem solving of how do I make this thing that isn’t on its face funny, funny? Oh, I’m feeling this way about something, or I see something that’s upsetting, or I feel like this is a common experience that people don’t talk about. How do I make that funny and put it into my acts? That’s what keeps me excited about comedy.”

Over the course of her stand-up career, her own personal style has evolved. In the beginning, she was emulating Todd Barry. “He does very deadpan. He doesn’t move around a lot, is monotone, no act out. He was one of the first comedians who did pure crowdwork material.” However, as she got more comfortable with her routine and came out of her own depression, she began to add more of herself into her style. “Oh, I’m not this deadpan in real life. I’m actually quite joyous. So I just started trying to add some of my joy back into this subject matter that I was doing.”

From there, she would go on to open for Chris Rock during his 2017 Total Blackout tour, release her comedy album Black and Mild, and be featured in two Netflix comedy specials, The Comedy Lineup and The Standups. Even with Abbott’s success, she still finds joy in performing stand-up. “It’s such a niche form of entertainment. I always remember that people can go their whole life and never see a real stand-up comedy show. You really got to search it out. I always try to do a good job because if someone comes to a show, and they hate it, they will never check anyone out ever again.”

Even though it’s taken her a decade to find her style, don’t expect James to stop evolving or simply incorporate Ava Coleman into her routine. “I get bored easily. I never want to get bored of what I’m doing.” She still enjoys tackling depression and other dark subject matter in her act, but it’s the craft of her comedy that keeps things interesting for her. “Once I master a new craft — the last few years I’ve been trying to do more physical things on stage — I’m like, okay, I got that.” James has done deadpan and physical work. What’s the new thing she’s trying to master? Riffing, thanks to Rory Scovel. “He does a lot of riffing and has fun on stage, and so that’s my new goal for myself as a stand-up. I think I’ll just continue to evolve my style.”

James Doesn’t Think ‘Abbott Elementary’ Should Be the Only Reason We Care About Teachers

Image via ABC

Abbott Elementary is a love letter to teachers, inspired by Quinta Brunson’s mom and her 40+ year career as a public school teacher. For all the ways the elementary school in the series is underfunded, there’s still a palpable sense of support for the students. When James reflects on her time in school, it’s the strictest teachers who had the greatest impact on her. “It was always the teachers I thought were too tough.” In particular, she had a speech teacher who helped pave the way for her future career. “I thought it was gonna be just a blow it off, easy [class]. ‘I know how to talk. I’m gonna ace this.’ He was so strict, and then years later, I realized taking that class is what helped me become a stand-up, to become comfortable speaking in front of a crowd.”

Working on Abbott and being a mother herself, the lack of support teachers receive bothers her. “It’s sad because we’re a society that says we care about children. We say we care about education. We say that we’re a great country. It’s not shown in any way towards these people that spend most of their time and most of our kids’ time with them.” In her eyes, as a person in the world, the sacrifices these dedicated educators make are obvious. “Why do we have to keep having this conversation that should be on its face to know how important these people are to our society?”

James knows the impact Abbott can have in highlighting the systemic brokenness in American education. It’s a topic that’s been around since she was a child, and it shouldn’t take a TV show to celebrate the hard work and dedication of teachers. “It should be icing on the cake. They should already be so lauded and everything.” Despite this, she’s proud that Abbott exists to keep the spotlight where it belongs. “I’m glad we exist to open our own way. I’m against the entertainment as a news thing that happens, but if it helps, then great. But it shouldn’t be on the comedy show’s back for people to realize how much sacrifice teachers are making.”

‘Abbott Elementary’ Season 5 Is About Ava Coleman Stepping Up as Principal

Photography by Madi Atkins for Collider

Ava Coleman has come a long way since Abbott’s first season in 2021. She began as the zany, uninvolved principal who got the job only after blackmailing the superintendent. While much of her personality has remained just as outgoing and magnetic, her connections to her job and her coworkers, including Janine, have deepened. Season 4 is what James calls the “Ava season.” Audiences met Ava’s father, played by the legendary Keith David, and the strained relationship she has with him. Plus, Ava took the fall for the bribery scandal with the new golf course and was briefly fired. For Season 5, it’s about Ava stepping up even more seriously into her role, which includes a brief relocation to an abandoned mall. “Seeing her step up to the plate and taking responsibility for things that she hasn’t even done or even been responsible for is a very non-Ava thing to do. The challenge of this season or the new exciting thing of this season is to see her show that professional side that she hasn’t done before.”

In addition to her professional side, Ava’s relationships continue to expand, like her romantic relationship with O’Shon (Matthew Law) and her working relationship with Dia (Pam Trotter), the school’s secretary. Both O’Shon and Dia, in their own way, expose a softer side to Ava, one that doesn’t want to lose those she’s come to rely on. Even though the season places more emphasis on her school life than her backstory, Season 5 still highlights James’ favorite aspect of Ava – her lack of vulnerability. “I understand it, and I love how it’s being peeled back.”

Over the past five seasons, Ava Coleman has transformed from a disinterested principal into the right leader for what Abbott Elementary needs. This is in no small part due to the writing of the series and James’ own created backstory for the educator. “What I’ve built as her backstory is that she’s somebody who grew up in the same environment that she’s now working in. She totally understands that these kids don’t have what they need. Things don’t work how they’re supposed to, and doing things in the correct way doesn’t always yield the best results. She knows how to hustle.” It’s that hustle and drive that keep the school running, and the school is better for it.

James Loves All Her ‘Abbott’ Co-Stars, but Her Favorite Scene Partner Is Her Boss

What makes Abbott Elementary special for audiences is the synergy of the cast. Within five seasons, Abbott has become one of the best modern sitcom ensembles, and James recognizes that. “Every once in a while, I’ll be on set, mostly in the teacher’s lounge, and we’ll be doing a group scene. Those are the moments where sometimes I don’t have a lot of lines, or I’ve already said my line, and my brain will shift and I’ll be just looking around and I’ll be like… ‘I’m on a sitcom.’”

When asked about her cast, she has nothing but praise for each of them. For Chris Perfetti, she hangs out with him the most off-set. “Chris [Perfetti] is my homie.” James has a good time in her scenes with Lisa Ann Walter, another stand-up comedian. With Tyler James Williams, his professionalism and time in the industry challenge her to step up. “I feel like he makes me better.” James also admits that she likes looking at Sheryl Lee Ralph‘s face and her sparkly eyes (which, honestly, who wouldn’t).

As for her favorite scene partner, there was no hesitation for James – her boss and co-star, Quinta Brunson. “We just have a good banter. I like that big sister-little sister relationship that Ava and Janine have. We have a similar sense of humor.” With Quinta in charge, there’s an ease to everything and an instant reinforcement. “She’s right there, so I could pitch to her without having to go through another channel to get the joke to her.”

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Even though she has direct access to Quinta, it doesn’t mean James knows everything about what’s coming for Ava in the future. “Quinta [Brunson] doesn’t tell us anything. [Laughs] Rightly so, you see how much I talk.” Something James wants to explore more is Ava’s backstory, like the whereabouts of Ava’s mom. “I’m not hoping for anything, but I’m wondering, is she alive? What’s the deal with that? Maybe it’ll be said and not shown.” More than her mom, James wants to unpack what happened to nerdy, younger Ava that made her harden up. “Part of my backstory is that she’s more like Janine than she lets on. It’s shown here and there in her nerdy interests and aspects… Maybe before that happened, she was more bright-eyed and hopeful in a way in a Janine way. We don’t really do flashbacks, but it would be cool.” If they were ever to do flashbacks, she trusts their casting department to bring in new talent to play a younger Ava Coleman. “Our casting has been so spot-on, not only for my dad, all our parents, all our siblings, everybody. I think it would be a new person that kills it.”

James Isn’t Just Interested in Talking About Deep Subjects – She’s Contemplating Them

Photography by Madi Atkins for Collider

Throughout our time together, James interjects that she talks too much, which, to me, isn’t a problem. There’s a reason why she’s captivated so many through Abbott and her stand-up. I’m trying to capture every word and piece together who the real Janelle James is. When our conversation turns to success, the timing feels apt. After all, Abbott Elementary has been renewed for its sixth season, which means the series will cross the 100-episode threshold and hit syndication status. At a time of shortened series and streaming dominance, this 2020s sitcom has entered a rare yet revered benchmark. “Already?”

When I ask what this benchmark means to her, she admits that it’s not something she thinks about every day. “We shoot a lot of episodes, 22 in a season, so we’re like a machine. Sometimes you’re in it, but you don’t have time to take it in… It just passes through because I’m on my way to work.”

Just as Abbott Elementary has earned widespread recognition and success, so has James. She’s a four-time Emmy nominee touring a new stand-up routine and evolving as a comedian. This level of success means that she can take care of her family and the people in her life. However, the success and money she’s gained mean she can buy something you’d probably not expect — time for contemplation. “Another reason I’m a comedian, I’m a big ruminator. I think money buys you time for true rumination. Now I don’t have to do it in the middle of the night when I should be sleeping,” she laughs. “I can carve off time to contemplate existence and all the thoughts that I have in my head, which then come out in even more jokes.”

With the state of the world, there are plenty of topics to ruminate on. For James, she’s thinking about everything from the future that will exist for her children to the repercussions of the pandemic. She’s also questioning this societal stepping back from community, especially when it comes to dating. “I think people are missing out on a whole chunk of the human existence. I ruminate on that and why that exists, why that’s being seemingly pushed so much. What is the product that’s being sold on the other end of that for us to become very individualistic and always in the house?”

James is a big thinker, and it’s these thoughtful meditations that become material for her stand-up. “Those are all things that I try to turn into jokes. Sometimes successfully and sometimes not.” This isn’t a stretch considering her early material focused on depression and somber comedy. No longer having to carve out time in the middle of the night, success has meant she gets to slow down and turn these deep questions into something that makes you laugh. That’s worth more to her than stuff. “I always say people think money is stuff. For me, it’s time. It’s an experience and being able to slow down and realize we’re all on this planet… That’s the true blessing to me.”

Photographer: Madi Atkins | Hair: Joy Johnson | Makeup: Carla Rosso-Neal | Nails: Nails by Aran | Clothes: Veronica Beard