On Hulu right now, you can finally watch the movie that many viewers and critics were dismayed got shut out by Oscar.

The Testament of Ann Lee stars Amanda Seyfried as the titular founder of the Shaker religious movement during the 18th century.

Directed by Mona Fastvold (co-writer of The Brutalist), the movie is an impressive and impassioned epic that gives color to an unfairly obscured historical figure while blending multiple genres.

Despite the movie’s status as a major Oscar snub, it’s regarded by many as one of the best of 2025.

Watch With Us breaks down why you should watch The Testament of Ann Lee right now.

Related: Why Did the Oscars Ignore One of 2025’s Best Movies?

Like clockwork, the Oscar nominations left out a few deserving nominees. Admittedly, Sinners deserves all 16 of its record-breaking nods, but some of that love could have been spread around. Despite a late push by Searchlight Pictures, The Testament of Ann Lee wasn’t half as fortunate as Sinners. This historical epic musical didn’t land a […]

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It’s a Enthralling and Ambitious Genre Mashup

The Testament of Ann Lee chronicles the life of Lee from her childhood through her death and the ultimate dissolution of the Shaker movement which she founded. Despite being a religious sect of the 18th century, Ann Lee founded the Shaker movement on principles heavily based in social and gender equality, and for that she developed a passionate following. Co-written by Fastvold and her husband, Brady Corbet (director of The Brutalist), the movie stunningly blends genres to create a historical biopic unlike any other.

The Testament of Ann Lee weaves folk horror and drama in a way that is often viscerally upsetting, but it’s paired alongside ravishing, rhythmic musical numbers inspired by original Shaker hymns written by Daniel Blumberg and choreographed by Celia Rowlson Hall. Somehow, this combination manages to work beautifully, and it allows the film to stand apart from standard biopics. Couching this ambitious blend of tones and genres is deft technical mastery, shot on gorgeous 35mm film with natural lighting. All of this comes together to create a visual and emotional portrait of religious ecstasy.

Amanda Seyfried Gives the Performance of Her Career

We all know that Seyfried can sing, as evidenced by her previous musical work in both Mamma Mia! films and in the feature adaptation of  Les Misérables. But The Testament of Ann Lee puts those singing skills to the test alongside a high-intensity performance that Seyfried slides into effortlessly. Seyfried has quietly become a real auteur’s actress, working with directors like Atom Egoyan, David Lynch, Paul Schrader, Noah Baumbach and David Fincher. But Seyfried seems to find real artistic synergy alongside Fastvold, as the director guides her to a totally immersive performance.

Seyfried took on the challenge of portraying a character carrying immense grief following the death of her children, alongside a ferocious belief that she is truly the female incarnation of Christ. In addition to the emotional intensity of the role, so too was a physical intensity by way of the musical numbers, which force Seyfried to move her body in violent trembles that both replicate the dancing style of the Shakers while also conveying her character’s perception of being possessed by the divine. Her raw vocal performance helps to boost the haunting atmosphere of the film, and overall her portrayal is totally earnest in its evoking of religious conviction.

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One of The Testament of Ann Lee’s greatest assets is its commitment to sincerity in its depiction of religious fanaticism. Instead of approaching the material with a cynicism or dismissal of these peoples’ beliefs (which includes an ardent commitment to celibacy), Fastvold and co. instead take to manifesting their beliefs as evocatively as possible, through the direction, tone, performances and musical numbers. The film immerses you in the world of the Shakers and in the perspective of Ann Lee, treating its subjects with respect and treating the Shakes’ ecstatic worship not as craziness, but as a genuine form of religious experience coupled with a deep sense of community belonging.

Related: Why Amanda Seyfried Wore Prosthetic Butthole and Pubic Wig in ‘Ann Lee’

Amanda Seyfried shed her clothes for some rather explicit prosthetics to get into character in The Testament of Ann Lee. “This movie, it needed to be graphic,” Seyfried, 40, explained during a Wednesday, February 25, appearance on BBC Radio 2. “So, like, I had a prosthetic butthole. It was exciting.” She continued, “I was pregnant […]

What’s more, the film serves as a much-needed spotlight on a forgotten female figure of American history. Ann Lee was ultimately a crucial yet overlooked visionary who suffered greatly for her conviction to her movement (even if her ideas of a utopian society were based in frequently contradicting principles). She faced persecution and accusations of witchcraft and was repeatedly thrown in jail, yet her resolution in her ideas never wavered. Ann Lee was a deeply flawed figure, but The Testament of Ann Lee is determined to hold up her influence among the ranks of the many men we continue to remember instead.

Stream The Testament of Ann Lee now on Hulu.

Sporty windbreakers are having a major fashion moment this summer. Once reserved for rainy hikes and morning runs, today’s lightweight jackets are popping up everywhere — including (but not limited to) airport outfits, coffee runs, beach vacations and city strolls. The appeal is simple: they’re practical, easy to layer and instantly make any outfit feel cooler.

The best part is that you don’t need a designer budget to embrace the trend. We found 13 stylish windbreakers from Amazon, Walmart, Athleta, Nordstrom and more that look elevated, feel lightweight and are perfect for unpredictable summer weather.

13 Windbreakers That Nail Summer’s Sporty-Chic Trend

1. Our Favorite: If you’re always traveling, this lightweight Amazon find deserves a spot in your carry-on. The relaxed fit makes layering effortless, while the sporty silhouette nails the trend without looking overly athletic.

2. Runner-Up: This budget-friendly option folds down easily for weekend trips and beach days. Reviewers love its lightweight feel and easy-to-style neutral colors.

3. Trendiest Colorblock: Colorblocking is one of the biggest sporty fashion trends of the season, and this colorful windbreaker gets it just right. The slightly oversized fit gives it a cool-girl, off-duty vibe.

4. Editor Favorite: This lightweight jacket blends performance details with polished design. It’s the kind of layer you’ll wear with leggings one day and linen pants the next.

5. Best for Travel: Lightweight, wrinkle-resistant and easy to pack, Athleta’s stylish windbreaker was practically made for airport outfits. The streamlined shape feels far more expensive than it is.

Related: These Activewear Dresses Are a Must for Your Breezy Summer Survival Kit

We love our flowy fit‑and‑flare dresses and floral favorites, but nothing beats the ease and versatility of a breezy activewear dress when the weather warms up. Whether for running laps, running errands, serving on the court or serving chic style, these breathable activewear dresses prove that performance and style go hand in hand. And with […]

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6. Most Versatile: Whether you’re heading out for a walk or layering over a tank dress, this sporty option works with nearly everything. The breathable fabrication makes it ideal for warm-weather wear.

7. Cool-Girl Pick: This sleek layer has the effortless look fashion insiders love. The slightly relaxed silhouette pairs perfectly with bike shorts, sneakers and oversized sunglasses.

8. Designer-Looking: The clean lines and stylish high neck make this jacket feel boutique-worthy. It’s a polished take on the sporty trend that works well beyond workouts.

9. Throwback: Retro athletic styles continue dominating street style this year. This throwback-inspired option channels the sporty-chic looks celebrities have been wearing nonstop.

10. Best Oversized Fit: Oversized jackets remain popular, and Zella’s relaxed style delivers the look without overwhelming your frame. It’s perfect for layering over tanks and matching sets.

11. Most Hamptons-Chic: Clean and minimal, this polished windbreaker jacket has major coastal-rich-mom energy. Pair it with white denim and classic sneakers for an effortless summer outfit.

12. Best Splurge: This technical find feels luxurious while remaining highly functional. The lightweight construction makes it ideal for everything from travel days to evening walks.

13. Everyday Essential: If you’re looking for a wear-with-everything option, this is it. The timeless silhouette and easy neutral shades ensure you’ll reach for it season after season.

Related: 11 Light Jackets to Reach for on Not Too Hot, Not Too Cold Days

April 25 (and the remaining weeks of spring, for many of Us!) might just be the “perfect date” as described by Miss Rhode Island in Miss Congeniality. All you need is a light jacket! It’s that rare in-between moment when spring finally feels real, but the weather still can’t fully commit. One minute it’s sunny and warm, […]

John Lithgow is looking back on his role in “Shrek”, where he famously voiced the villainous Lord Farquaad in the 2001 animated hit. Despite the character’s demise in the first film, the actor has expressed genuine enthusiasm about returning to the role.

The “Shrek” franchise has grown into one of DreamWorks’ most successful projects, expanding to several sequels and spin-offs that attracted a global fanbase. Excitement is building for the fifth installment, which will bring its iconic characters back to the big screen.

John Lithgow was on “The Tonight Show” to talk about his latest projects, and the conversation touched on one of his most beloved roles, Lord Farquaad in “Shrek.” Jimmy Fallon mentioned that the first movie just celebrated its 25th anniversary, to which Lithgow said its popularity still endures.

“Well, unfortunately, I never got any sequels because I was eaten by a dragon in the very first one,” Lithgow said. The tyrannical, short-statured Lord Farquaad, indeed, met his demise on “Shrek” in the middle of his supposed wedding to Princess Fiona, when the dragon swallows him whole and spits out his crown.

“All the others went on and made millions just for spending five minutes,” Lithgow said. Fallon suggested that Lord Farquaad could return with a prequel that shows how he became a lord, to which Lithgow replied, “I’m available.”

The Actor Recalled The Gingerbread Scene

Lord Farquaad only had less than 10 minutes of screentime on “Shrek,” but despite that, he remains one of the most beloved villains. Lithgow explicitly recalls voicing the scene where Lord Farquaad tortures Gingerbread Man.

According to Lithgow, he did the scene with writer Conrad Vernon, who was helping him with cues and temporarily voiced the Gingerbread Man. “They went and looked and looked and looked for the right Gingerbread Man, and they ended up hiring him. And he became the Gingerbread Man for like, five ‘Shrek’ movies! Me? Eaten by that goddamn dragon,” Lithgow said in mock exasperation.

Not only did Vernon return as Gingerbread Man in all the “Shrek” films, but he also co-directed “Shrek 2” and will be co-directing the fifth installment in the franchise.

John Lithgow Expressed Interest In Past Interviews

This isn’t the first time the 80-year-old, award-winning actor has said that he wanted to revisit Lord Farquaad. In 2024, Lithgow said he would say “yes in a minute” if he were asked to return to the franchise. However, that was quite difficult since his character was dead. “It turns out it’s impossible to recover from being eaten by a dragon,” he added.

In the musical short film “Shrek in the Swamp Karaoke Dance Party,” Lord Farquaad was briefly seen singing the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive” while in the dragon’s stomach. Lithgow returned to voice Lord Farquaad’s ghost in “Shrek 4-D,” an attraction that debuted at Universal Studios in 2003, which was later released on TV, streaming, and home video.

The Actor Had Misconceptions About ‘Shrek’

In 2025, Lithgow revisited some of his most iconic roles for Variety, including Lord Farquaad. The actor admitted that while he thought the project looked “fun” to do, he didn’t think it was a “big deal.”

“I thought it was like a Saturday morning cartoon or something. Not a big deal,” Lithgow said. He also revealed that it took four years before “Shrek” was released, saying, “They would bring me back in once every eight months or so to record some new material. And it was like, ‘Oh, I gotta do this ‘Shrek’ thing again? What is this?’”

“Shrek” officially started production in late 1995 and was released in 2001, grossing more than $484 million worldwide on a budget of $60 million.

The ‘Shrek 5’ Release Was Delayed Twice

In July 2024, DreamWorks officially announced “Shrek 5,” announcing a release date of July 2026. However, the date was pushed back to December 2026, and then again to June 2027. It isn’t known what caused the setbacks.

The last movie in the franchise, “Shrek Forever After,” was released in 2010 and focused on Shrek, who was plunged into a dystopian alternate reality after signing a contract with Rumpelstiltskin.

“Shrek 5” will return with its ensemble cast, including Mike Myers (Shrek), Cameron Diaz (Fiona), and Eddie Murphy (Donkey), as well as newcomers Zendaya, Marcello Hernandez, and Skyler Gisondo, who will be voicing Shrek and Fiona’s triplets, Felicia, Fergus, and Farkle.

Spoiler Alert: This list contains spoilers for The Mandalorian and Grogu.After seven long years, Star Wars finally returned with a new movie, even if the wait wasn’t that bad because of the many Disney+ TV shows. One such series was The Mandalorian, easily the most popular show Disney+ put out because of its badass action and adorable star, Grogu. With the success of the show, Disney felt like a movie sequel would be the best return to the big screen, and while that is up for debate, there is no denying that Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu is one of the most enjoyable Star Wars movies of all time.

The Mandalorian and Grogu have received mixed reviews, but most Star Wars fans appreciate the passion, references, and enjoyability this movie possesses. On the topic of references, there were more than just familiar creatures or Easter eggs, but a handful of Star Wars cameos. That is why this list will highlight every single cameo in The Mandalorian and Grogu, with each person appearing somehow associated with the beloved franchise. While Martin Scorsese was in a cameo, he wasn’t previously in any Star Wars media, meaning he won’t be featured on this list.

Lee Isaac Chung

Image via Walt Disney Company Korea

Out of all the cameos in The Mandalorian and Grogu, most of them were directors of previous TV shows, such as The Mandalorian, with the first on this list being Lee Isaac Chung. While he has directed a few episodes of Star Wars shows, he is best known for helming the blockbuster movie Twisters and the critically acclaimed Minari.

Many of the cameos on this list have appeared sometime before, but for Chung, this is his first on-screen cameo, making it one to remember. Officially credited as Dok Suri, he played one of the X-Wing pilots at the end of the movie who helped Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu escape by bombing the Hutts Castle.

Rick Famuyiwa

Image via HBO

Another director who made a quick appearance during The Mandalorian and Grogu was Rick Famuyiwa. He is a well-known Star Wars director who made his mark in shows such as The Mandalorian and Ahsoka. Famuyiwa even directed some of the most memorable episodes in The Mandalorian, including the penultimate episode of Season 2, along with the Ahsoka finale.

Unlike Chung, this isn’t Famuyiwa’s first cameo. In fact, it is his fourth, appearing as his character, Jib Dodger, in one episode of The Mandalorian Season 1, and in two episodes in Season 3. Joining other cameos in the Adelphi Base hangar, he was chatting away with other pilots and also showed up at the end for the bombing sequence. As a prominent Star Wars director, Famuyiwa is likely to make another cameo in a future project for his fifth appearance.

Doug Chiang

Image via Lucasfilm

As mentioned, most of the cameos on this list are directors who made a quick appearance, but Doug Chiang, on the other hand, is the Vice President and Creative Director at Lucasfilm. He originally worked for Industrial Light and Magic, creating set pieces and designing items that brought the movies to life. He then served as a design director and content supervisor for the prequels, now working on every single Star Wars movie, making him a leading figure.

Like all the cameos in The Mandalorian and Grogu so far, Chiang was also a New Republic officer, being credited as Lieutenant Blick. Despite being a key figure in Star Wars for decades, it took until now for him to make an on-screen appearance. Also, being a production designer for The Mandalorian and Grogu, he was a part of why this Star Wars movie looked so good, which was one of its best attributes.

Deborah Chow

Image via Lucasfilm

Almost all the cameos in The Mandalorian and Grogu come inside Adelphi Base, and at the end of the film, when they bomb Nal Hutta. Alongside Chung, Famuyiwa, and Chiang, Deborah Chow, another Disney+ show director, made a brief cameo. However, this wasn’t Chow’s first cameo, appearing as Sash Ketter in two previous episodes of The Mandalorian, but this was certainly her biggest role.

After this cameo, fans hope to see her and the rest of the directors make future appearances, not only because they deserve to be recognized, but also since they are slowly building their lore in Star Wars canon. After directing the acclaimed episodes three and seven of the first season of The Mandalorian, she was able to be the series director of Obi-Wan Kenobi, which, while it received mixed reviews, included many memorable moments that cemented themselves in the lore, making it one of the best Star Wars TV shows.

Paul Sun-Hyung Lee

Image via Disney+

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Some might not view this entry as a cameo rather than an actor reprising his role, but Park Sun-Hyung Lee returned as Carson Teva in The Mandalorian and Grogu. First appearing in Season 2 of The Mandalorian, he reprised his role in the third season as well as The Book of Boba Fett and Ahsoka. As a recurring character, Sun-Hyung Lee was probably the most easily recognizable cameo in The Mandalorian and Grogu.

Teva is one of the most prominent New Republic officers in the entire series, making cameos in most of the Disney+ TV shows. However, The Mandalorian and Grogu mark the first time he has made his big-screen appearance, with more hopefully in the future. Unfortunately, Sun-Hyung Lee had a lesser role than fans would have hoped, even having less screen time than his TV show appearances. Even though he should have been in it more, this bodes well for his future, likely returning as Carson Teva in an upcoming film.

Anthony Daniels

Image via Lucasfilm

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Up to this point, everyone on this list had been directors or production designers in Star Wars, but this marks the first time a Star Wars legend showed up in The Mandalorian and Grogu. Anthony Daniels is best known for being the iconic C-3PO in every single Star Wars movie, first highlighting the golden droid in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. However, Daniels did not reprise his role as the legendary droid or appear as a New Republic pilot in Adelphi Base, begging the question, who was he?

Arguably one of the most hidden cameos in The Mandalorian and Grogu, Daniels was a simple voice cameo that was easily missable. His voice can be heard as an air traffic droid at Adelphi Base, keeping his streak alive of being in every single Star Wars movie. Fans would love to see more C-3PO, one of the best Star Wars characters, in more projects, but it is nice to know that the legendary actors, including Daniels, can at least appear as standalone cameos.

Sam Witwer

Image via Disney+

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Every Star Wars fan knows Sam Witwer, who himself is a massive Star Wars nerd, even correcting directors and writers. From his first appearance as Star Killer in one of the best Star Wars video games to his most prominent role as Darth Maul, he is a fan-favorite who will be in anything Star Wars related. This isn’t Witwer’s first cameo either, appearing as a Shore Trooper in Season 1 of Andor.

Fans can’t wait to see Witwer as Maul in Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord, especially after the last few episodes. However, if they are really missing him, then they should catch his cameo in The Mandalorian and Grogu. He has appeared in almost every Star Wars project as of late, and in this movie, he was credited for “additional voices,” meaning he likely voiced a handful of random characters. One confirmed voice was that of a Snowtrooper early in the film. It may have been easily missable, but that is what makes this cameo all the more special.

Dave Filoni

Image via Lucasfilm

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If Witwer had the most hidden cameo in The Mandalorian and Grogu, then Dave Filoni had the most obvious appearance. The casual moviegoer might not recognize him, but he has been a crucial force in Star Wars’ return, best known for his work on Star Wars: The Clone Wars. He also created, directed, and wrote many other live-action and animated series, as well as having a hand in writing The Mandalorian and Grogu.

Filoni isn’t a stranger to cameos, having a couple of voice roles in Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. However, this time he had a much bigger screen presence, appearing once at the Adelphi Base sporting his iconic cowboy hat and another time near the end of the film in his X-Wing. It was a fun cameo for Star Wars fans, and as the creative officer and president of Lucasfilm, there is a good chance viewers might see him make another cameo in the future.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s upcoming wedding is one of the most highly anticipated pop culture events of the year — and rumors are running rife about where exactly the nuptials will take place.

According to new reports published by Page Six and TMZ on Friday, June 5, Swift and Kelce, both 36, could be planning to tie the knot in front of more than 1000 guests at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The wedding has also previously been rumored to be scheduled for June 13, 2026, a number Swift has long considered lucky.

While the couple has kept tight-lipped about their wedding location and have not yet publicly confirmed or denied where they’ll exchange vows, fans are weighing in on the growing speculation.

Flocking to social media, many Swift and Kelce fans shared that they didn’t believe the couple would choose such a public venue for their ceremony.

“Although Sly Stone was married at MSG, I seriously doubt Taylor Swift is going to do this. She’s excellent at faking out people and especially the press in order to keep her private life private,” one X user wrote.

Others were convinced that the reports were a ruse to keep the real wedding venue a tightly guarded secret.

“Why on earth would they want to have the wedding there? This feels like a cover for where they are really having it,” questioned one X user, while another added, “Oh please. It’s a decoy.  I’ll bet they ARE getting married in [Rhode Island].”

Another echoed a similar sentiment, writing, “Maybe it’s a decoy location and it’s happening someplace else.”

One social media user had another theory about the timing of the reports being released.

“There’s an orchestrated plan to distract from Taylor’s successful song,” they wrote.

The X user claimed that the wedding venue rumors flushed out news of Swift’s song “I Knew It, I Knew You” becoming the biggest first 24-hour streaming debut globally for any song on Amazon Music in 2026.

“When you google TS the MSGarden story comes up instead of her hit song breaking records. Yesterday it was 2 billion status with the ‘greedy’ spin,” they added.

Meanwhile, not everyone was against the idea of the Grammy winner and NFL star saying their “I do’s” at the MSG.

Some fans thought Madison Square Garden was a venue big enough and iconic enough that it could be fitting for such a famous couple, likening the event to a royal wedding.

“This is so romantic, this is honestly gearing up to rival the dream wedding I always envisioned as a child 🥹🥹🥹 (and I’m only a little bit jealous 😒😂) 🥹🥰🥰🥰💒💍🏈🏀🎶♾,” gushed one X user.

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Related: What We Know About Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Wedding So Far

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are gearing up to say “I do.” The couple announced their engagement in 2025, sharing a photo of Kelce down on one knee as he popped the question to Swift. “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,” the pair captioned their Instagram post at the time. Since […]

Another chimed in, “They are kind of our royal couple. I like both of them alot. Taylor is as smart as she is beautiful.”

One fan pointed out that the venue has been used for other large public events and could likely handle another function at the scale required.

“If Madison Square Garden can host President Trump speech event that means that MSG can deliver Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wedding,” they wrote.

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After two years of dating, Swift and Kelce announced their engagement via social media in August 2025.

“Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,” they captioned a joint Instagram post at the time.

As well as the Madison Square Garden rumors, there has been talk that Swift and Kelce’s wedding could be split between her $18 million Rhode Island mansion and Ocean House, a five-star seaside resort nearby.

By Chris Sawin
| Updated 3 minutes ago

A*P*E is one of those strange and horny films from the 1970s that you wonder why, in the present day, it exists in the first place. Originally rushed into production to compete with the John Guillermin directed 1976 remake of King Kong (the one starring Jeff Bridges), A*P*E is a co-production between South Korea and the United States and was originally shot and presented in 3-D.

Co-written and directed by Paul Leder with special effects by Park Kwang Nam, A*P*E is considered by many to be a Z-movie; so low budget that it’s a complete failure. The film’s entire budget was $23,000, while the special effects budget for the miniature buildings was only $1,200. Shot in just 14 days, A*P*E is mostly a direct ripoff of King Kong.

Not To Be Confused With King Kong

The story is that a 36-foot ape has been sedated and captured with the intent of showcasing it across the world. He escapes and causes havoc as he makes his way from the sea to Seoul. There’s also an actress in a red dress that he kidnaps on two separate occasions and obsesses over.

The film was originally advertised as The New King Kong before being slapped with a $1.5 million lawsuit by RKO Pictures. The film’s title was then changed to Super Ape and then A*P*E; a play on M*A*S*H and an abbreviation for “Attacking Primate MonstEr.”

The tagline was also changed to “Not to be confused with King Kong.” South Korea and other foreign countries were able to keep the references to King Kong with alternative titles such as Super King Kong and King Kong Returns. Other titles for the film include Ape (without the asterisks), King Kong’s Great Counterattack, Hideous Mutant, and Attack of the Giant Horny Gorilla.

Mr. Canadian Tuxedo Saves The Day

The film opens on an oil tanker in the dead of night, out at sea. Two shipmates discuss the giant gorilla, claiming that he’s been sedated enough to be out cold for five days and that his exhibition will begin at Disneyland, of all places. The ape wakes up and destroys the tanker in an impressive explosion. He then stands up in the middle of the water, clearly showcasing a wet ape suit as it struggles to cover up the actor’s wet arms and neck.

He proceeds to dance-wrestle a shark. He cradles it in his arms, and weaves back and forth in the water with it as if it’s a toddler that he’s teaching to swim. Soon after, he tears the shark’s jaw from its face. The ape then arrives on land and destroys a town in a fiery blaze. He stomps around all of these destroyed homes and throws explosive barrels around. One of these “barrels” is thrown into the camera, and it’s noticeable that they’re just a pile of unlabeled tin cans (think Spaghetti-O cans with the label ripped off).

An American actress named Marilyn Baker (Joanna Kerns in her film debut) has traveled to South Korea to make her first foreign picture. The picture in question, based on the scenes that are shown being shot, is filled with nothing but assault scenes. Her sort-of non-serious boyfriend, Tom Rose (Rod Arrants), decides to surprise her and is the first person to welcome her off the plane.

Tom is cringingly horny, by the way. With his curly white man afro and doused from head to toe in a blue jean jacket and bell bottoms, Tom is DTF and wants Marilyn to blow off her shooting schedule so she can Donkey Kong all night long. He proceeds to be all over her in the car while she pretends to be interested in the buildings they drive past.

Size And Scale Are Merely Guidelines

The film has a funny way of showing scale, as well. A full-size cow is shown before the film jumps to the ape, who steps over what is clearly a tiny cow figure. A man is shown hang gliding one moment, and in the next scene, a tiny version of him is seen by the ape’s head. A giant hand is used to pound through walls and grab Marilyn whenever the ape decides it’s been too long since he’s felt such supple skin, too. For shots farther away with Marilyn, the ape carries a doll in a red dress.

The ape costume is fuzzier than you’re probably expecting, as it’s covered in this curly brown hair, more so than just rubber. There are also peculiar close-ups of him in which the actor slightly moves the mask’s lips. It comes off like a tic because it isn’t really expressive apart from the fact that he’s usually doing it while watching something he shouldn’t. It’s also not flattering at all; the ape has a beer gut, a lumpy butt that’s bulbous in all the wrong places, and giant dark salami areolas.

The ape’s journey from the sea to Seoul is filled with awkward detours. He scares a bunch of kids on the playground, he lip-quiver-stares at a couple who have reluctant sex through a skyscraper window, and he dances some more as helicopters fly above him in the desert while Marilyn hides in a cave. After finally swatting one out of the air, he flips off the camera. The ending sees him throwing rocks down a mountain to cause a rockslide in an effort to continue the comparisons to Donkey Kong.

The other instances of 3-D are rather bizarre. A soldier pulling up to one of the destroyed towns drives straight into a steel beam that crashes through his windshield and attempts to be a close call like the log sequence in Final Destination 2. The ape throws a snake directly at the camera, which immediately falls over. An action movie is being filmed when the ape shows up. They shoot flaming arrows at him that fly at the screen on strings. There’s a pool sequence where the pool stick comes at the camera before the break. The ape also throws rocks at tanks and the army when they start shooting at him, which are also on strings.

Worth Its Weight In Unintended Comedy

The dialogue is full of cringe as well. When news of the ape first starts making the rounds and people aren’t taking it seriously, the police captain is in the dining room with his family and states, “Eat your breakfast, kids, or I’ll become a monster! Rawr!” Colonel Davis (Alex Nichol) serves as the Secretary of Defense, spending the majority of the film on a telephone in a room that echoes like a public bathroom. He also yells at his assistant, who seems to take notes in a planning calendar. Davis makes it a point to exclaim, “If you happen to run into him, ask him if his name is King Kong!” His facial expression and body language imply that Davis thought he really ate with that line.

Upon Marilyn’s first kidnapping by the ape, the army sends in helicopters while Captain Kim (Lee Nak-hoon) and the police stumped upon how to reach them. Tom’s big plan is to run in to save Marilyn, which somehow works because that’s the power of blue-jean bell bottoms. As Tom and Marilyn are seen driving in the city, Marilyn says, “Take it easy, Tom! Somehow I felt more safe with the ape than I do with your driving.”

And finally, after the ape is finally dealt with in the only logical way after causing so many deaths and nearly destroying all of Seoul, Tom ends the film with, “He’s just too big for a small world like ours.”

Tom claims to be a reporter and never actually reports anything. He and Marilyn joke about getting married throughout the film, which is odd, since it sounds like they were essentially just a Tinder hookup before all of this. Captain Kim has two kids who have no dialogue. Every time they’re shown on screen, they’re laughing, sometimes for full minutes at a time, at the ugliest damn marionette you’ve ever seen. There are weird helicopter-flying and tank-driving montages because the production worked with the actual army.

A*P*E is an awful film with a conclusion that seems obvious from the start, but it’s also entertaining as hell. The special effects are better than they have any right to be, and the overall cheese is thick with a rich ridiculousness that is surprisingly satisfying. The entire thing plays out like a bad drinking game where everyone was totally smashed halfway through, but had to finish the film anyway. Watch it once, then pretend it doesn’t exist. You won’t be disappointed.

I watched A*P*E via the Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, which is now out of print. The film is currently streaming for free on Tubi, Plex, and YouTube.

By TeeJay Small
| Updated 1 minute ago

Last year it was announced that Hulu would be going the way of the dodo bird after Disney purchased the streaming service in its entirety. With little need for two platforms, Disney execs openly stated that the Hulu app would sunset in early 2026. Of course, early 2026 has now come and gone, and there’s been little word about the future of the streamer, or how existing subscribers will be grandfathered in to Disney+. Thanks to a recent report in Business Insider, we’ve got the scoop on what Disney has planned, though their internal documents seem to raise more questions than answers.

According to an internal Disney memo acquired by BI, the House of Mouse is rolling out a plan called “Project Gemini,” which is on pace to be completed by the end of the year. Despite sounding like a Bond villain plan to steal nuclear launch codes, Project Gemini basically entails ruining the Hulu app until nobody wants to use it anymore. At which point, Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro will take the Hulu app behind the tool shed and give it the Old Yeller treatment. An unnamed employee is quoted as saying, “Hulu is on life support at this point, with no active development,” and steps have already been taken to reduce Hulu staff and respond slower to bug reports.

Killing Hulu Softly

The memo specifies that the plan is to “get folks to migrate organically” to Disney+ “by offering a better experience.” In layman’s terms, they plan to let bugs, glitches, and poor streaming quality consume Hulu, until subscribers quit the app and search up their favorite movies and shows on Disney instead. To facilitate this adjustment, they’re working on migrating watch history, likes, and other user data from one app to the other. Once completed, Disney plans to make their app a central hub for streaming, as well as buying merch and tickets to Disney parks.

If you’ve spent any time browsing Disney+ in recent months, you’ll know that almost everything from Hulu has already been moved over to the new library. Once the last movies and shows are migrated, app support for Hulu will be abandoned entirely. Disney’s official stance is that “The Hulu tech stack and app will be decommissioned after all users have transitioned,” but Business Insider reports “there are no current plans to sunset” the Hulu outlet at all. Meanwhile, certain app stores, such as the Nintendo eStore, have stopped offering downloads and update support to Hulu already.

Where We’re Going, We Don’t Need Timelines

So it looks like the initial ‘early 2026’ timeline is firmly out the window, but there’s really no telling when we’ll get a straightforward update. For many subscribers, this is all meaningless, since Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions are largely intertwined. A majority of Hulu users even use a MyDisney login to manage their account on both apps. For others, though, this poses a major problem.

I personally maintain a free Hulu subscription bundled with my Spotify monthly plan. As of June 2026, I have received no communication from any party explaining how my account will be impacted by this new management. Disney and Spotify are not officially linked, meaning there’s technically nothing forcing the conglomerate to grandfather my free subscription into their updated library. So, by the end of the year, I may be part of a small minority clinging to the scraps of Hulu like Jack on the door of the Titanic.

Stripping Hulu For Parts

Losing Hulu won’t be the end of the world, especially if all of the content is migrated into Disney+. Despite my personal distaste for monopolies, I can admit that this change will make everything more streamlined and simple for consumers. Still, the lack of transparency behind the transition concerns me, and makes me feel like executives at Disney are moving with reckless abandon. In a media landscape that already disrespects the consumer at every turn, the least they can do is provide clearer info as they strip one of the largest streaming outlets for parts.

Sean Penn was noticeably absent at the 98th Academy Awards held in March, where he won his third Oscar. In a recent conversation at the Tribeca Festival, the actor opened up about why he was absent from the prestigious ceremony and why he most likely won’t be attending one in the future.

During the candid discussion, the actor also touched on his well-known dislike of taking selfies, a stance he has maintained for years. His comments provide a glimpse into his low-key approach to fame and public appearances.

At the 2026 Tribeca Festival’s “Storytellers” series, Sean Penn talked to moderator Kaitlan Collins about his decades-long career. At one point, Penn addressed his absence from the 2026 Oscars, telling Collins and the audience that he deliberately missed the ceremony because it “always represented social discomfort to me.”

Penn spoke with his “One Battle After Another” co-stars prior to the Oscars and told them he wouldn’t be attending. They understood his refusal, citing it was best for his mental health. The actor flew to Ukraine instead to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and support the country’s war efforts.

Penn further explained that he missed the Oscars not just because it was an awards show. He would also feel the same in any setting with large crowds. “Too many people. I’m now down, committed for life, that I won’t go anywhere to be in a designated group beyond eight people,” he said, adding that large gatherings were “dread-provoking” and gave him “anxiety.”

The Actor Attended The Golden Globes

Penn said attending the Golden Globes in January 2026 cemented his decision to no longer attend those types of affairs. “I went to the Golden Globes. I’d never been to that before. And that’s where I decided, ‘I can’t do this,’” he said, saying that he felt relieved when he decided not to go to the Oscars.

The actor made headlines at the Golden Globes after he was reportedly warned to stop smoking at the event. As The Blast previously reported, Penn was repeatedly approached by event staff to put out his cigarette, but he refused to comply.

Sean Penn Reaffirms His Hatred Of Selfies

Apart from large crowds, Penn also discussed his aversion toward selfies, telling Collings he refused to do it, no matter who the fan is.

“People should not do selfies ever with anyone. It’s bad for you. It’s bad for everyone. It’s a soul-sucker. It’s the Holocaust grandmother and her 6-year-old paraplegic wheeling over? It’s a hard no,” Penn firmly said.

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His stance goes way back, and also extends to fans and paparazzi taking photos of him in public. In 2009, he kicked a paparazzo and damaged his camera equipment, which resulted in a misdemeanor charge. He pleaded no contest to the charges and was ordered to attend anger management classes and do community service. In 2013, he had an outburst over a fan taking his photo, and he was caught on video screaming, “Do we look like f-cking zoo animals? I’ll make you eat your phone!”

The Actor Has Mellowed Over The Years

Penn has had a long-standing reputation as a hothead. In June 1987, the actor was sentenced to 60 days in jail and ordered to pay a fine of $240. On the set of the movie “Colors,” Penn repeatedly punched an extra who was taking photographs of him. He also had a reckless driving charge. The actor ended up spending 33 days in jail.

In February that same year, Penn was given a one-year probation and fined $1,700 for assaulting songwriter David Wolinski, whom he assumed was attempting to kiss his then-wife, Madonna.

During his conversation with Collins, Penn shared that he has learned to walk away from confrontations. “I haven’t had a yelling match with anyone in four years. I have not listened to anyone yell for more than two seconds before I walk away,” he shared.

Sean Penn Enjoyed The Oscars From Far Away

While he didn’t attend the Oscars in March, Penn said he still made time to watch it despite its 2 a.m. airing in Ukraine.

Penn won Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw in “One Battle After Another,” and his award was accepted by Kieran Culkin on his behalf. His recent win marks his third Oscar, following his previous Best Actor victories for “Mystic River” in 2004 and “Milk” in 2009.

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“I really got to enjoy the Academy Awards for the first time. It was great,” Penn said of his decision to watch from afar.

Keke Palmer is giving credit where she believes it is due.

While reflecting on her upbringing and family life, the actress and television personality opened up about the important role her father played during her childhood, praising him for taking on responsibilities often associated with mothers.

Palmer shared the heartfelt detail during a conversation with “Euphoria” star Sharon Stone for Variety’s Actors on Actors.

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Reflecting on her earliest years, the former child star described her father as highly disciplined and hardworking, though she said he often preferred to let her mother take the lead.

The actress also praised her father for taking on responsibilities that society has traditionally associated with women, something she believes remains uncommon among many men today.

“He did a lot of things that people would assume are mom things. My dad cooked and helped us with our laundry. If we had a problem with something tearing, he would sew it up. As I got older, I expected men to be like my dad,” Palmer said of her father, Larry.

The Actress Shares Funny Detail About Her Mother

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Elsewhere in the conversation with Stone, Palmer also spoke about her mother, Sharon, who married her father in the 1980s.

She revealed that her mother loved swearing, a comment she made in response to Stone’s discussion of her own mom’s tendency to use colorful language.

Palmer further noted that her household was more matriarchal than patriarchal, echoing her earlier remarks that her father often stepped back, allowing her mother to take the lead in family affairs.

Sharon welcomed Palmer in 1993, nearly a decade after giving birth to her first child, Loreal, in 1989. She also shares twins, Lawrence and Lawrencia, with her husband, Larry, whom they welcomed in 2000.

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Keke Palmer Reveals Parents’ Huge Sacrifice

During Palmer’s childhood, Sharon worked as a teacher while Larry was employed by a polyurethane company. When Palmer began finding success as a child actor, the family made significant sacrifices to support her career ambitions.

Among those sacrifices was her father giving up his pension, while the family also relocated to California so Palmer could be closer to acting opportunities and auditions as her career continued to grow.

“My dad gave up his pension. He had worked at the company he worked at for over 15 years and gave up his pension for me to have an opportunity for my dreams,” Palmer said during an appearance on the “Club Shay Shay” podcast, per Afrotech.

She added, “My mother, they gave up everything. She gave up everything so she could travel with me and do what she needed to do with me. So, how I feel about it is, what’s mine is theirs. What’s theirs is mine, and I would do it again. I would give up and sacrifice 20 more years of my life.”

Palmer’s Parents Took Steps To Protect Her Money

Though Palmer has said she has no regrets about becoming the primary breadwinner for her family at a young age, her parents were careful to ensure there was no confusion about how her earnings were managed.

As her income grew, they hired a manager to oversee her finances, ensuring they were properly handled and protected from misuse.

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“They wanted me to know that they weren’t the ones controlling my money. They had heard these stories, and my mom said, ‘I don’t want money to come in between me and my child,’” Palmer told the podcast host.

Keke Palmer On How She Learned Early To Give Back

A value Palmer’s parents worked hard to instill in her as her career flourished was the importance of giving back to the community.

From a young age, they involved her in community service efforts to ensure she remained grounded, remembered what truly mattered, and understood the importance of helping others during times of need.

“So, from the beginning, we would take her to do events with the NAACP, the MLK Foundation, and the Boys and Girls Club,” Sharon told Essence in an interview. “The goal was to keep her rooted in the community, to make sure she learned that a good life is a life of service and when much is given, there is a responsibility to give back in return.”

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