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Lisa Kudrow Felt Overlooked During ‘Friends’ Success

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Lisa Kudrow at The 2019 Creative Arts Emmy Awards in Los Angeles

Lisa Kudrow is opening up about a surprising and somewhat painful chapter from her time on one of television’s biggest shows. 

While “Friends” turned its cast into global stars, Kudrow now reveals that her experience behind the scenes didn’t always match the show’s massive success. 

In a recent interview, she reflected on feeling overlooked compared to her castmates, sharing how her career trajectory differed and how those early perceptions shaped her journey long after the sitcom ended.

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Lisa Kudrow Says She Felt Overlooked During ‘Friends’ Fame

Lisa Kudrow at The 2019 Creative Arts Emmy Awards in Los Angeles
River / MEGA

Lisa Kudrow didn’t mince words when describing how she believed she was viewed during the height of “Friends.”

While appearing alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer, she felt she stood on the sidelines in terms of attention and opportunities.

‘Nobody cared about me,’ Kudrow told The Independent during an interview, pointing to a perception that followed her even within her own professional circle. 

She revealed that parts of her talent agency even referred to her as “the sixth Friend,” suggesting she was seen as less marketable than her co-stars.

As the show exploded in popularity, especially from its second season onward, many of her castmates began landing high-profile film roles. 

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Kudrow, however, didn’t feel the same doors were opening for her, leaving her questioning her place in the industry despite being part of a cultural phenomenon.

Kudrow Says There Was ‘No Vision’ For Her Career Early On

Lisa Kudrow at 2019 Creative Arts Emmy Awards
River / MEGA

Despite starring in one of the biggest sitcoms of all time, Lisa Kudrow said she felt there was little belief in her long-term potential. 

According to her, the industry didn’t quite know what to do with her.

“There was no vision for me, and no expectations about the kind of career I could have,” she said, adding, “There was just, like, ‘Boy, is she lucky she got on that show.’”

Before gaining traction in film, Kudrow mostly found herself taking on smaller roles. She appeared in low-budget projects like “Clockwatchers” and had supporting parts in films such as “Mother.”

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Still, she appreciated the experiences, recalling how meaningful it was to work alongside actors like Parker Posey, Toni Collette, and Albert Brooks.

Her breakthrough moment came with the 1999 comedy “Analyze This,” where she starred alongside Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal. 

That role marked a turning point. “That’s when the agents and business people started circling, wanting to put me in romantic comedies and things,” she said.

However, she admitted she didn’t believe that direction suited her, noting she didn’t see herself as “adorable” enough for those roles.

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Lisa Kudrow Addresses Contract Negotiation Rumors And Fallout

Lisa Kudrow at NBC's 'Carol Burnett: 90 Years Of Laughter + Love' Birthday Special
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA

Kudrow also revisited long-standing rumors about her role in the cast’s historic salary negotiations. 

Ahead of season three, the “Friends” cast banded together to demand equal pay, eventually securing massive raises that reached $1 million per episode in later seasons.

However, the 62-year-old said speculation that she led the effort may have backfired professionally. 

“I absolutely was not the ringleader,” Kudrow told the outlet, adding, “And that was reported, and it wasn’t true. My team were very angry about that.”

She explained that her agency viewed the rumor as damaging, even though the outcome benefited everyone involved, including the agents themselves. 

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The narrative, she said, was used almost as a cautionary tale within the industry.

Kudrow admitted she initially thought the situation might reflect positively on her. “But my team were like, ‘No, this is not good! We’re furious that they’re saying this about you,’” she explained. 

Kudrow Reflects On Playing Phoebe And Breaking The ‘Ditz’ Label

Lisa Kudrow Better Nate Than Never
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Beyond industry perceptions, Lisa Kudrow also addressed how her iconic character Phoebe Buffay shaped how audiences saw her. 

In another chat with Interview Magazine, the Hollywood star explained that while Phoebe became a fan favorite, the role required significant effort to develop.

“At first, Phoebe was very, very far from me. It took a lot of work to justify the things she would say and do. Not in an irritating way — it was fun,” the actress said.

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Over time, however, the character began to influence her personally. “Over the course of 10 years, a little bit of her came into me,” Kudrow continued, explaining that she even explored spirituality to better understand Phoebe’s mindset.

She also pushed back against the idea that she only played “ditzes,” noting how that label reflected outdated thinking.

“In 1994, it was like, ‘I love her. She’s such a ditz.’ And it’s like, yeah, OK, that was what a ditz was to us. Someone who wasn’t toeing the line,’ she said, making it clear she no longer views the character in that light.

Lisa Kudrow Returns To ‘The Comeback’ With A Familiar Storyline

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Today, Kudrow is revisiting themes that mirror her own Hollywood journey through her HBO series “The Comeback.”

The show, which she co-created with Michael Patrick King, follows Valerie Cherish, a struggling actress attempting to regain relevance.

The series first aired in 2005, shortly after “Friends” ended, but didn’t return until nearly a decade later in 2014. 

Now, it’s back once more for a third and final season, continuing Valerie’s ongoing battle to reclaim her place in the spotlight.

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Test Your Knowledge With the Collider TV Quiz — April 6, 2026

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There’s no wrong time to break bad with Walter White, Jesse Pinkman, Hank Schrader, and the rest of that Vince Gilligan universe. Let’s start cookin’.

Don’t forget to sign in to your account to track your daily progress. You can always play today’s Movie Quiz for even more trivia, and all of our current and archived quizzes are here.

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For the week ahead, we’re planning on testing your wits with television spin-offs, series that changed networks mid-run, famous episodes of shows that featured baseball, and the off-beat phenomenon, Atlanta.

For today’s TV challenge, we’re heading to Albuquerque and checking in with our favorite teacher-turned-dealer, Walter White, in order to grill you on the Breaking Bad universe. Scroll down for the cold open!

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Crunchyroll’s New Fantasy Anime Series Is Already One of Its Best

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Reze lying in a bed of flowers in Chainsaw Man the Movie

News of an anime adaptation of the popular manga Witch Hat Atelier made headlines in 2022. Initially scheduled for a 2025 premiere, the show was delayed to ensure “an even higher quality,” making fans more excited but also more anxious. Witch Hat Atelier has been one of the most highly anticipated Crunchyroll titles for a while, considering its production process and the name recognition of its source material.

However, the series not only meets the sky-high expectations set for it but also exceeds them in a few key ways. Fantasy anime is almost always a surefire bet, but there’s something special about Witch Hat Atelier, a sense of warmth and melancholy that makes it the perfect watch for any and every lover of the genre and the medium.

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What Is ‘Witch Hat Atelier’ About?

Witch Hat Atelier tells the story of Coco (Rena Motomura), a young girl who lives with her dressmaker mother in a secluded home. Enthusiastic and hopeful, Coco is fascinated with magic and dreams of one day becoming a witch, but knows it’s impossible since only those with innate magic can perform it. She also has a mysterious book full of drawings and a wand given to her by a witch when she was a child.

Coco’s fate changes when she meets Master Qifrey (Natsuki Hanae), a witch who visits her home, leading to Coco discovering how he uses magic: by drawing signs using special ink. Realizing her book’s drawings are actually spells, and the wand is actually a pen, Coco begins replicating the drawings, accidentally petrifying her mother. Intrigued by the book’s contents, Qifrey agrees to take Coco as a student.

The show also stars the voice talents of Hibiku Yamamura, Kurumi Haruki, and Hika Tsukishiru as Agott, Tetia, and Richeh, three fellow students at Qifrey’s atelier. Witch Hat Atelier is based on the manga by Kamome Shirahama, with Ayumu Watanabe acting as director, Hiroshi Seko in charge of the script, Kairi Unabara as character designer, and Satoshi Nakano as chief animator.

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‘Witch Hat Atelier’ Features Some of the Best Visuals in Anime

The Witch Hat Atelier manga earned considerable acclaim for its beautiful art style, and the anime adaptation lives up to its high standard. Indeed, this anime features some of the most striking and detailed visuals on television, joining the likes of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End among the shows that are currently elevating the medium to new, impressive heights. Many of Witch Hat Atelier‘s panoramic sequences are genuinely breathtaking, creating an immersive world that feels alive and full of magic.

From the jump, Witch Hat Atelier establishes itself as a visual marvel with a truly jaw-dropping sequence where Coco stands on the rooftop and the camera follows a pegasus carriage as it circles her humble home; everything, from the mountains to the tree tops and even the clouds to the winged horses, feels vibrant and almost tactile. A few scenes, like memories and some of the exposition, are presented in the style of a pop-up book, and the result is striking, both gorgeous and somewhat haunting. There’s a level of attention and care to the show that makes it all the more impressive, with shots that fans should be allowed to experience on the big screen.

Reze lying in a bed of flowers in Chainsaw Man the Movie


20 Anime Shows With the Best Art Styles, Ranked

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

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The character animation flows naturally, whether it’s the lively, restless personality of Coco or the quiet, stoic approach of Agott. What truly amazes is the level of care in the characters’ movements — a sequence as simple as Coco tracing measurements in a piece of cloth becomes an outright ASMR session. There’s not a hint of stiffness here; every movement just glides across the screen, like butter sliding down a piece of warm toast. It all combines to create a true sense of coziness, the type of warmth that many crave in their anime but very few shows successfully offer.

Perhaps most impressively is how effectively Witch Hat Atelier builds its world from the ground up. Early in the premiere, Coco establishes her philosophy: magic is everywhere if we know where to look for it, and the show takes it as gospel. It effectively shows us everything from Coco’s perspective, and we discover the marvels of magic alongside her. Every scene drips with a sense of wonder, the innocence of a child just discovering the world and all its possibilities. In that way, Witch Hat Atelier echoes the spirit of Studio Ghibli movies, which convey a sense of awe and charm in every frame. Like the studio’s biggest masterpieces, Witch Hat Atelier reminds us that there is magic in being alive, even if we can’t use special ink to conjure spells.

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‘Witch Hat Atelier’ Has the Perfect Protagonist

Coco with a bright light surrounding her in Witch Hat Atelier
Coco from Witch Hat Atelier
Image via Crunchyroll

A story is only as good as its protagonist, and fortunately, Witch Hat Atelier features a perfect one. Coco is the ideal lead: she’s fallible, and her curiosity leads her to make serious mistakes, most notably petrifying her mother. As Qifrey’s student, she’s eager to please and learn but prone to overreactions, leading to the type of overblown visuals one would expect from an anime. Yet, Coco remains endearing, a classic hero on a journey of self-discovery. Crucially, she’s relatable, frustrating but never annoying, and it’s a breeze to be on this magic journey with her.

It’s wonderful that Coco is such a likable protagonist, because Witch Hat Atelier uses her to introduce many of its detailed worldbuilding blocks, and it can get somewhat tedious. Such an intricate world was always going to need considerable exposition to establish its boundaries, but the show should’ve taken a more subtle approach, especially when explaining how the magic system works. Instead, it opts for a dynamic where Qifrey has Coco repeat all the rules under the guise of teaching. It’s an effective but rather blunt ploy, and while it’s harmless for a few episodes, hopefully, we don’t have much more of that in the future. After all, many fantasy stories have been crushed under the weight of their own worldbuilding, and it’d be a shame to see that happen to Witch Hat Atelier.

Overall, Witch Hat Atelier is a perfect fantasy anime that hits the ground running. The visuals are among the best in current television, creating a sensory experience that will easily transport you into its world of charm, magic, and unforeseen dangers. For all its more obvious qualities, the real strength of Witch Hat Atelier lies in its message about self-discovery and perseverance, and the feelings it’s bound to evoke in its audience. There’s a warmth to it that recalls the comfort shows that are in short supply in this era of prestige TV. It’s the perfect mix of nostalgia and solace, pure hopecore in service of a riveting fantasy tale. Indeed, Witch Hat Atelier is a triumph of feeling, and it’s exactly that quality that makes it a must-watch anime for every fan.

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Witch Hat Atelier premieres with its first two episodes April 6 on Crunchyroll.

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Mark Consuelos emotionally announces death of his father: 'Greatest person I've ever known,' Kelly Ripa says

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“He raised three pretty good kids,” Consuelos said, tearing up on “Live With Kelly and Mark” as he announced the news.

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Rumer Willis Breastfeeding Post Divides Fans Online

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Rumer Willis at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party

Rumer Willis is once again at the center of an online debate after sharing a deeply personal parenting moment that quickly divided opinion. 

The actress, who has been open about her motherhood journey since welcoming daughter Louetta in April 2023, posted a clip of herself breastfeeding, only to be met with both praise and sharp criticism. 

As the conversation escalated, Willis didn’t hold back, defending her choices while also shedding light on her life as a single mother navigating public scrutiny.

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Rumer Willis Fires Back At Parenting Critics With Bold Response

Rumer Willis at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party
CraSH/imageSPACE / MEGA

Rumer Willis made it clear she wasn’t interested in staying quiet after facing repeated criticism over her parenting. 

Sharing a video of herself breastfeeding her daughter on Instagram, she addressed the backlash directly with a pointed message.

Overlaying the clip, she wrote, “When someone starts judging my parenting,” before cutting to a viral TikTok clip of a woman encouraging people to mind their business. 

The TikTok clip featured the woman drawing two circles on a whiteboard and saying, “This is my business,” pointing to one circle, “And this is yours,” while pointing to another circle. 

“I am here,” she continued, referring to the first circle. “The problem is, you are also here,” she added, pointing to the same circle before drawing a line to the second circle. “When you need to be here,” the woman concluded.

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Willis reinforced her stance in the caption with a blunt “Sorry not sorry,” signaling she had no intention of backing down.

Willis Faces Backlash Over Breastfeeding A Toddler

Rumer Willis out and about in Los Angeles
MEGA

Despite her confident stance, Rumer Willis’ post drew sharp criticism from many who questioned her decision to continue breastfeeding as her daughter approaches three years old. 

Several commenters argued that once a child can ask for breastfeeding, it may be time to stop.

One person wrote, “Once a baby has teeth, it’s time to stop nursing. One woman lost her nip when lightening & thunder hit and scared the child.”

Another added, “3 is way too old to keep breastfed. Sorry honey!!” while others suggested transitioning to alternatives like pumping or using a cup, calling it a more typical milestone.

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“This is just insane. Just pump and let her drink from a cup,” one person shared.

Some critics went further, claiming the practice was no longer about the child’s needs. A comment reading, “It’s more for you at this point. Not sorry.” captured that sentiment. 

Others framed their concerns around milestones and discipline, suggesting that parents should guide children away from habits like breastfeeding as they grow older.

Rumer Willis Gets Support From Fans Who Share Similar Experiences

Rumer Willis
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

While backlash was loud, Willis also received strong support from followers who related to her experience. 

Many mothers shared their own stories of extended breastfeeding, pushing back against the criticism and encouraging her to ignore the negativity.

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Some supporters emphasized that nursing beyond toddler years is both natural and beneficial. 

One wrote, “I breastfed my daughter until she was three; no regrets,” while another commented, “I think it’s a beautiful thing. My cousin breastfed her son until he was 5. It’s your business F others and their opinion.”

Some described breastfeeding as something that fosters comfort, bonding, and long-term emotional security. 

Others applauded Willis for being open about a topic they feel is often unfairly judged. 

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“Good job, mama!!! You are normalizing normal, healthy parenting. Carry on — you are on the right path!!!” one fan commented.

Willis Accused Of Inviting Judgment By Posting Private Moment

Rumer Willis
Jeffrey Mayer/JTMPhotos, Int’l. / MEGA

A major portion of the criticism wasn’t just about breastfeeding, but about Rumer Willis choosing to share the moment publicly. 

Many argued that by posting such personal content online, she was inevitably opening herself up to scrutiny.

One commenter wrote, “No one is judging your parenting, just posting breast feeding…..which you’ve now made public and everyone’s business.” 

Another shared, “What a ridiculous post. If you don’t want people in your business then keep it private,” while a third commented, “Why put yourself out there to be judged? Why have to show everyone what you’re doing with your child? Some things should just be private and that’s okay too.”

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Some critics even suggested the post was intentional, labeling it “rage bait” and questioning her motives. 

Others expressed concern about Louetta’s future, wondering how she might feel seeing these moments shared online.

Rumer Willis Defends Her Choices And Opens Up About Motherhood

Rumer Willis
Jeffrey Mayer/JTMPhotos, Int’l. / MEGA

Willis has faced similar backlash before and has consistently defended her choices. 

During World Breast Feeding Week in August 2024, she described breastfeeding as “one of the most joyful and bonding experiences of my life,” adding that she and her daughter would figure out together when to stop.

She also highlighted its benefits, noting per the Daily Mail, “Breast milk is a miraculous living substance, rich in antibodies, essential nutrients, and enzymes that bolster a baby’s immune system and promote healthy development,” framing it as more than just nourishment.

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Addressing criticism about sharing such moments, Willis previously said, “I didn’t grow up in a house where we had shame about being naked, ever,” making it clear that her perspective is shaped by her upbringing. 

She also pushed back against the sexualization of breastfeeding, stating, “I’m feeding my kid. It’s not sexual unless you’re making it that way.”

Beyond the controversy, Willis has been candid about her personal life. She revealed she is raising her daughter independently, saying, “I am single momming it and co-parenting. I’m so grateful for Lou,” and calling her “the best thing in my life.”

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Fans Are Laughing As He Sings Heart Out At Ye Show

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Rihanna Seemingly Addresses Baby Rumors, Talks "Little Pouch"

Chile! The internet is in tears after Rod Wave was caught fully in his feelings while singing along at Ye’s, formerly known as Kanye West, latest concert.

Related: Yikes! Rod Wave Shuts Down Woman Claiming He Fathered Her Child After She Demands DNA Tests

Ye Brings Out Major Guest For Second L.A. Comeback Show

On Friday, Ye held his second comeback show in Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium. The performance followed his first return show earlier in the week on Wednesday, April 1.

Ye ran through a mix of new and old fan-favorite hits from his catalog. Night two also came with a few surprises, including a special appearance from Lauryn Hill. She joined Ye onstage for a live performance of ‘All Falls Down’ before transitioning into one of her own records.

The show continued to deliver star power, with Travis Scott and CeeLo Green also hitting the stage. Meanwhile, 12-year-old North West returned for another performance alongside her dad after appearing during the first show.

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Rod Wave Goes Viral While Singing ‘All Falls Down’

While the stage was packed with major guests, the crowd also had its own viral moments. Celebrities in attendance were seen singing along throughout the night and sharing their view. One artist in particular, Rod Wave, definitely stole the show online.

The Florida artist shared clips from the concert on his Instagram Story, including one standout moment during “All Falls Down.” As Lauryn Hill and Ye performed, Rod could be heard loudly singing along, passionately trying to hit every note.

The clip quickly made its rounds on social media, with fans joking that his raw vocals sounded just like how they belt out his songs at his own concerts.

Social Media Is Crying Laughing

Social media users wasted no time chiming in, flooding comment sections with jokes and relatable reactions.

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Instagram user @heydimpless wrote, “He sound just like his songs just without the instrument 😂😂😂😂”

Another Instagram user @banksbig4 wrote, “Tb sum “NAH FORREAL” 😭”

While Instagram user @_mickishaaa wrote, “Exactly how I be at his concert 😭😭”

Instagram user @s.for.shametria wrote, “he sound funny bra 😂😂😂😂”

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Another Instagram user @mariiipyt wrote, “Just hootin and hollerin 😂😂😂😂😂”

While Instagram user @nasia.lavay_ wrote, “having the time of his life 😂😂😂😂😂”

Instagram user @iiamroyaltybaby wrote, “he sounds like me 😂😂😂😂 a hot mess”

Another Instagram user @onlyycharm wrote, “this canning be the same Rodarius Green who sings”

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While Instagram user @jadorekiss_monae wrote, “😭😭😭😭 He sang that with his chest too 🫶🏽”

Related: New Era Loading? Rod Wave Clears The Air On His “Sad Artist” Reputation While Teasing New Album (VIDEOS)

What Do You Think Roomies?

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Taylor Frankie Paul ‘Detaching’ From the Mormon Church

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Taylor Frankie Paul revealed she is “detaching” from the Mormon church.

“Born and raised Mormon (LDS) and I’ll always have love and respect towards it. I’ll even continue to go with my family at times … with that being said, it’s time to detach myself from it,” the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star shared in a Sunday, April 5, Instagram Story.

Taylor, 31, continued, “I strongly believe in Christ, God, the bible, the divine. I believe we are loved whether we are praying in [a] church building or from a bathroom floor at home. I’ve also experienced grace and love from amazing people that aren’t sure what they believe if at all and that’s okay too.”

“Point being there is more out there to learn. And I’m writing this out as a release,” she concluded.

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Related: Revisiting Taylor Frankie Paul’s Ups and Downs Through the Years

Taylor Frankie Paul exploded onto the internet when she started sharing social media videos with a group of other Mormon moms during the coronavirus pandemic. Paul, who is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, often teamed up with Whitney Leavitt, Miranda McWhorter, Demi Engemann, Mayci Neeley, Mikayla Matthews, Layla Taylor […]

Taylor first gained fame in 2022 when she went public about a swinging scandal involving members of Utah’s Mormon church. Taylor revealed via TikTok that she and her husband at the time, Tate Paul, had engaged in “soft swinging” with other couples, including her Mormon Wives costar Miranda Hope McWhorter and Miranda’s ex, Chase McWhorter.

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The swinging scandal and Taylor’s life in the Mormon church have both been central to Hulu’s hit reality show, which premiered in September 2024.

Taylor Frankie Paul Is 'Detaching' From the Mormon Church
Courtesy of Taylor Frankie Paul/Instagram

Taylor recently hit headlines after ABC pulled season 22 of The Bachelorette amid domestic violence allegations involving the reality star and her ex-boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen.

Taylor shares son Ever, 2, with Dakota, 33, as well as daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 5, with ex-husband Tate.

Taylor Frankie Paul's Quotes About Her Bachelorette Journey


Related: Taylor Frankie Paul Teased Her ‘Bachelorette’ Ending Before Cancellation

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Taylor Frankie Paul dropped several teases about her journey on The Bachelorette ahead of ABC deciding to cancel the season. News broke in March that Taylor and on-again, off-again ex Dakota Mortensen were involved in a domestic incident, which led to The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives halting production on season 5. A spokesperson for […]

Earlier on Sunday, the influencer opened up about experiencing “hell on earth” over the last month.

“The last 40 days felt like hell on earth,” she wrote alongside an Instagram video featuring candid moments from her life. “Through every panic attack I prayed for strength as I could feel my body breaking down and out from the distress of it all.”

“And HE sent just that in various ways along with so many undeniable signs saying ‘I am with you’ which I can’t wait to share that part,” she continued. “I’ve prayed since I was young and never strayed away because I believe he wants us to ask for help especially during our lowest points. However, instead of just asking I switched over to thanking him at the end of each day no matter how low I felt.”

ABC announced it was canceling Taylor’s season of The Bachelorette on March 19 after video footage emerged of her and Dakota involved in a 2023 domestic dispute. Utah’s Draper City Police Department and West Jordan Police Department later confirmed they were looking into separate allegations of domestic violence involving the pair, including one as recently as February.

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All 3 Godfather Movies Are Masterpieces, but One Is Untouchable

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Al Pacino as Michael Corleone sitting in a chair outside alone in The Godfather Part III (1990)

When it comes to discussing the all-time greatest movies in American cinema, two names will always come up: The Godfather and The Godfather Part II. Francis Ford Coppola‘s timeless tale of family tragedy, legacy, and the deterioration of the human spirit has become synonymous with American cinema, a celebrated duology that is often used as the standard to compare all subsequent crime and drama movies. Sure, the third part, 1990’s infamous The Godfather Part III, isn’t as great as its predecessors, but it remains a riveting and poignant conclusion to the tragedy of Michael Corleone (Al Pacino). Together, they form one of the greatest film trilogies in the medium’s history, and their standing keeps improving with each passing year.

With such high praises, it’s easy to understand why these three movies are often considered among cinema’s indisputed masterpieces — yes, even Part III, despite its numerous and well-known shortcomings. Thus, the question arises: which of these three silver screen triumphs is the best one, the cream of the crop, the ultimate triumph among a group of undeniable masterworks? Chances are, you know which of the three isn’t the best one, but the other two are neck-and-neck. You might have another opinion, and many will surely have a lot to say about the one they believe is the best. However, there’s no denying that one of the Godfather movies is so good that it’s almost impossible to believe it’s real.













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Collider Exclusive · Middle-earth Quiz
Which Lord of the Rings
Character Are You?

One Quiz · Ten Questions · Your Fate Revealed
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The road goes ever on. From the green hills of the Shire to the fires of Mount Doom, every soul in Middle-earth carries a destiny. Ten questions stand between you and the truth of who you are. Answer honestly — the One Ring has a way of revealing what we most want to hide.

💍Frodo

🌿Samwise

👑Aragorn

🔥Gandalf

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🏹Legolas

⚒️Gimli

👁️Sauron

🪨Gollum

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01

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You are handed a responsibility that could destroy you. What do you do?
The weight of the world falls on unlikely shoulders.




02

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Your closest companion is heading into terrible danger. You:
True loyalty is revealed not in comfort, but in crisis.




03

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Enormous power is within your reach. Your instinct is:
Power corrupts — but only those who reach for it.




04

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What does “home” mean to you?
Where we long to return reveals who we truly are.




05

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When a battle is upon you, your approach is:
War reveals what we are made of — whether we like it or not.




06

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Someone comes to you for advice in their darkest hour. You:
Wisdom is not knowing all the answers — it’s knowing which questions to ask.




07

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How do you see yourself, honestly?
Self-knowledge is the most dangerous kind.




08

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Which of these best describes your relationship with the natural world?
Middle-earth speaks to those who know how to listen.




09

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You encounter a wretched, pitiable creature who has done terrible things. You:
How we treat the fallen reveals the height of our character.




10

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When the quest is over and the songs are sung, what do you hope they say about you?
In the end, we are all just stories.




The Fellowship Has Spoken
Your Place in Middle-earth
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The scores below reveal your true character. Your highest number is your match. Even a tie tells a story — the Fellowship was never made of simple people.

💍
Frodo

🌿
Samwise

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👑
Aragorn

🔥
Gandalf

🏹
Legolas

⚒️
Gimli

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👁️
Sauron

🪨
Gollum

You carry something heavy — and you carry it alone, even when you don’t have to. You were not born for greatness, and that is precisely why greatness chose you. Your courage is not the roaring, sword-swinging kind; it is quiet, stubborn, and terrifying in its refusal to quit. The Ring weighs on you more than anyone can see, and still you walk toward the fire. That is not weakness. That is the rarest kind of strength there is.

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You are, without question, the best of them. Not the most powerful, not the most celebrated — but the most essential. Your loyalty is not a trait; it is a force of nature. You would carry the person you love up the slopes of Mount Doom if it came to that, and we both know you’d do it without being asked. The world needs more people like you, and the world is lucky it has even one.

You were born to lead, and you have spent years running from it. The crown is yours by right, but you know better than anyone that right means nothing without the will and the worthiness to back it up. You are tempered by loss, shaped by long roads, and defined by a code of honour you hold to even when no one is watching. When you finally step forward, the world shifts. Because it was always waiting for you.

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You have seen more than you let on, and you say less than you know — which is exactly as it should be. You are a catalyst: you do not fight the battles yourself, you ignite the people who can. Your wisdom comes not from books but from an age of watching what happens when it is ignored. You arrive precisely when you mean to, and your presence alone changes what is possible. A wizard is never late.

Graceful, perceptive, and almost preternaturally calm under pressure — you see things others miss and act before others react. You do not need to make a scene to be remarkable; your presence speaks for itself. You are loyal to those you choose to stand beside, and that choice is not made lightly. You have lived long enough to know that the most beautiful things in this world are also the most fragile, and that is why you fight to protect them.

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You are loud, proud, and absolutely formidable — and beneath all of that is one of the most fiercely loyal hearts in Middle-earth. You don’t do anything by half measures. Your friendships are forged like iron, your grudges run as deep as mines, and your courage in battle is the kind that makes legends. You came into this fellowship suspicious of everyone and ended it willing to die for an elf. That is not a small thing. That is everything.

You think in centuries and act in absolutes. Order, dominion, control — not because you are cruel by nature, but because you have decided that the world left to itself always falls apart, and you are the only one with the vision and the will to hold it together. You were not always this. Something was lost, or taken, or betrayed, and the version of you that stands now is the answer to that wound. The tragedy is that you’re not entirely wrong — just entirely too far gone to course-correct.

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You are a study in contradiction — pitiable and dangerous, cunning and broken, capable of both cruelty and something that once resembled love. You are defined by loss: of innocence, of self, of the one thing that gave your existence meaning. Two voices war inside you constantly, and the tragedy is that the better one sometimes wins, just not often enough, and never at the right moment. You are a warning, yes — but also a mirror. We are all a little Gollum, given the right ring and enough time.

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‘The Godfather Part III’ (1990)

Al Pacino as Michael Corleone sitting in a chair outside alone in The Godfather Part III (1990)
Al Pacino as Michael Corleone sitting in a chair outside alone in The Godfather Part III (1990)
Image via Paramount Pictures
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As I said, you probably know which movie is not the best in the Godfather trilogy, and that’s The Godfather Part III. Arriving sixteen years after Part II, this coda to the story of Michael Corleone might be the most uneven of the three, but it remains a satisfying payoff to this decades-spanning tragedy. Set in the late ’70s and early ’80s, with an epilogue set in the mid-’90s, the film tells the final portion of Michael’s story, particularly his efforts to legitimize his family business, much to the chagrin of the other mafia dons. Meanwhile, Michael’s illegitimate nephew, Vincent (Andy Garcia), throws the family into chaos with his arrival and eventual romance with Michael’s daughter, Mary (Sofia Coppola).

For years, Part III has been unfairly maligned as the black sheep of the Godfather trilogy. Now, to be fair, much of the criticism is fair: in their review, Variety called it “two hours of exposition and 40 minutes of payoff,” and you know what? They’re spot on. Yet, there’s some real gold in those two hours of exposition, and the 40-minute payoff packs a strong punch, albeit far less impactful than the first two movies. Pacino is brilliant as the weary and nearly broken Michael, finally bearing the weight of decades of violence, ruthlessness, and moral compromise: his spirit is deteriorated, and his body is barely hanging on. For his part, Garcia is a welcome addition to the cast, making Vincent equal parts charming and reckless. Alas, we can’t discuss Part III without mentioning Sofia Coppola, whose performance has been widely panned for years now. It’s fair to say she was woefully miscast, but it’s also fair to say there is a certain ugliness in the way the film’s shortcomings are often solely placed at her feet. In the end, Part III is convoluted and uneven, but it remains a somber and melancholic culmination to a larger-than-life tale that redefined American cinema.

‘The Godfather’ (1972)

In 1972, Francis Ford Coppola revolutionized the industry with The Godfather, an adaptation of Mario Puzo‘s 1969 pulpy crime novel of the same name. The plot centers on Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), the aging don of the Corleone crime family, and his efforts to shape his youngest son, Michael, into a worthy heir. Although initially unwilling to commit himself to a life of crime, Michael soon surrenders to his family’s influence, going from a reluctant outsider to a ruthless mafia boss who will stop at nothing to protect his empire. James Caan and John Cazale co-star as Vito’s oldest and middle sons, Sonny and Fredo.

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The first Godfather marked a distinct before-and-after in mainstream filmmaking. Arriving in the early years of New Hollywood, it was a formative entry in the movement, challenging notions and reshaping what audiences expected from their crime sagas. There is a pervasive sense of dread looming over the film, an inescapable and nearly suffocating notion that everything can change from one scene to the next. Here, Coppola presents the erosion of the soul with such assuredness that one can’t help but feel empty after it ends. Yet, Michael’s deterioration is so compelling, so brutal yet so operatic that it becomes almost irresistible; you’re watching the very destruction of the human spirit, and there’s an eerie beauty to eat. It’s well known that The Godfather influenced how the real mafia behaved, making it one of the few films that actually changed history. Its legacy is nearly indescribable: much has been written about this film, and much will follow still. The Godfather is among those movies that are as good as everyone says, a true masterpiece that you must simply watch at least once before kicking the bucket.

‘The Godfather Part II’ (1974)

Robert De Niro as a younger Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II (1974)
Robert De Niro as a younger Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II (1974)
Image via Paramount Pictures

Two years after Coppola wowed the world with The Godfather, he did it all over again. The Godfather Part II presents two stories: the first is the rise of young Vito Corleone (Robert De Niro) at the turn of the century, chronicling how he went from a lowly Italian refugee in New York City into the head of one of the most powerful mafia families. The second continues Michael’s rise in power as the new don of the Corleone family, focusing on his efforts to protect the business and ensure his place following an attempt on his life.

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The question of whether The Godfather or The Godfather Part II is better has been going on for decades now. You could make a convincing argument for both, but this time, we have to give it to the sequel. Part II is monumental in scope, brilliant in construction, tragic in storytelling, and outright masterful in execution. The choice to juxtapose Michael’s further descent into darkness with Vito’s rise in the criminal world is a stroke of genius, allowing the parallel stories to build towards the same conclusion. Part II is more operatic, more detailed in its exploration of Vito and Michael’s psyche, and therefore far more tragic. There is a solemnity and melancholic inevitability to the story, the sense that ambition will always come first for the Corleones: they will get everything, only to lose it all because, in a world of absolute power, there can never be absolute trust. Here, commitment becomes imprisonment, and family is a life sentence. In the end, The Godfather Part II surpasses its predecessor in every possible way, presenting a heartbreaking tale of power, a beautiful calamity that is, quite possibly, the greatest achievement in American cinema.

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The 25 best miniseries ready to binge-watch this weekend

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For those who can’t commit to dozens of 20-plus-episode seasons, miniseries are a major solution.

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47 Years Later, This Remains The Most Addictive Sci-Fi Franchise of All Time

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47 Years Later, This Remains The Most Addictive Sci-Fi Franchise of All Time

In this day and age, franchise films have overwhelmed the cultural landscape, but one still finds a way to reinvent itself. This IP continues to impress, even decades after it came screaming out of the darkness. Sci-fi horror was in its early days in the ‘70s, but Ridley Scott’s Alien redefined what it meant to be scared.

Starring Sigourney Weaver, the first Alien film was a jarring flip on the script. Instead of slasher films that often victimized women, the pendulum swung the other way. Weaver stars as Ripley, an officer on the spaceship Nostromo who is really the only person concerned when an alien lifeform is found. Instead of adhering to the quarantine protocols, Captain Dallas (Tom Skerritt) brings an infected crew member on board, which allows the Xenomorph to be born — literally and painfully. Alien shows sexual violence pointed at men instead of women, and this first film fueled a sci-fi franchise that continues to impress audiences.

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‘Alien’ Is Still Terrorizing Film and Television Audiences

The heart of the Alien films is the “perfect organism” that has been terrorizing viewers since 1979. This concept is what makes the series so addictive — and why the Weyland-Yutani corporation continues to try and capture the ultimate predator for profit. Alien has always been a source of fascination for viewers in the theaters, even with the less-than-popular franchise films. Following Sigourney Weaver’s tenure as Ellen Ripley, the series continued with some unfairly criticized sequels.



















































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Collider Exclusive · Sci-Fi Survival Quiz
Which Sci-Fi World Would You Survive?
The Matrix · Mad Max · Blade Runner · Dune · Star Wars

Five universes. Five completely different ways the future went wrong — or sideways, or up in flames. Only one of them is the world your instincts were built for. Eight questions will figure out which dystopia, galaxy, or desert wasteland you’d actually make it out of alive.

💊The Matrix

🔥Mad Max

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🌧️Blade Runner

🏜️Dune

🚀Star Wars

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01

You sense something is deeply wrong with the world around you. What do you do?
The first instinct is often the truest one.





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02

In a world of scarcity, what resource do you guard most fiercely?
What we protect reveals what we believe survival actually requires.





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03

What kind of threat keeps you up at night?
Fear is useful data — if you’re honest about what you’re actually afraid of.





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04

How do you deal with authority you don’t trust?
Every dystopia has a power structure. Your approach to it determines everything.





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05

Which environment could you actually endure long-term?
Survival isn’t just tactical — it’s physical, psychological, and very much about where you are.





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06

Who do you want in your corner when things fall apart?
The company you keep is the clearest signal of who you actually are.





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07

Where do you draw the line — if you draw one at all?
Every survivor eventually faces a moment that tests what they’re actually made of.





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08

What would actually make survival worth it?
Staying alive is one thing. Having a reason to is another.





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Your Fate Has Been Calculated
You’d Survive In…

Your answers point to the world your instincts were built for. This is the universe your temperament, your survival instincts, and your particular brand of stubbornness were made for.

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The Resistance, Zion

The Matrix
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You took the red pill a long time ago — probably before anyone offered it to you. You’re a systems thinker who can’t help but notice the seams in things.

  • You’re drawn to understanding how the system works before figuring out how to break it.
  • You’d find the Resistance, or it would find you — your instinct for spotting constructed realities is the machines’ worst nightmare.
  • You function best when you have access to information and the freedom to act on it.
  • The Matrix built an airtight prison. You’d be the one probing the walls for the door.


The Wasteland

Mad Max
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The wasteland doesn’t reward the clever or the well-connected — it rewards those who are hard to kill and harder to break. That’s you.

  • You don’t need comfort, community, or a cause larger than the next horizon.
  • You need a vehicle, a clear threat, and enough fuel to outrun it — and you’re good at all three.
  • You are unsentimental enough to survive that world, and decent enough — just barely — to be something more than another raider.
  • In the wasteland, that distinction is everything.


Los Angeles, 2049

Blade Runner
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You’d survive here because you know how to exist in moral grey areas without losing yourself completely.

  • You read people accurately, keep your circle small, and ask the questions others prefer not to answer.
  • In a city where humanity is a legal designation rather than a feeling, you hold onto something that keeps you functional.
  • You’re not a hero. But you’re not lost, either.
  • In Blade Runner’s world, that distinction is everything.


Arrakis

Dune
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Arrakis is the most hostile environment in the known universe — and you are precisely the kind of person it rewards.

  • Patience, discipline, and political awareness are your core strengths — and on Arrakis, they’re survival tools.
  • You understand that the long game matters more than any single victory.
  • Others come to Dune and are consumed by it. You’d learn its logic and earn its respect.
  • In time, you wouldn’t just survive Arrakis — you’d begin to reshape it.


A Galaxy Far, Far Away

Star Wars
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The galaxy far, far away is vast, loud, and in a constant state of violent political upheaval — and you wouldn’t have it any other way.

  • You find meaning in being part of something larger than yourself — a cause, a crew, a rebellion.
  • You’d gravitate toward the Rebellion, or the fringes, or whatever pocket of the galaxy still believes the Empire’s grip can be broken.
  • You fight — not because you have to, but because standing aside isn’t something you’re capable of.
  • In Star Wars, that willingness is what makes all the difference.

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Prometheus served as a divisive prequel to the franchise, co-written by Lost co-showrunner Damon Lindelof. Viewers took issue with the Engineers, but the origins of the Xenomorph were still a captivating story. Starring Noomi Rapace, Charlize Theron, and Idris Elba, Prometheus shows the challenges of looking for faith in all the wrong places.

For some, the film was a misfire, but like the Xenomorph, the franchise always returned. Recent additions, such as Alien: Romulus, capitalized on what made the franchise so enduring to begin with. A love letter to the series, Romulus, takes place between Alien and Aliens as a crew imprisoned by Weyland-Yutani gets trapped in another version of Ripley’s story. Horror director Fede Álvarez finds the sweet spot with the film, showing the heartbreaking reality of an android with the character Andy (David Jonsson) and a killer third act – in more ways than one.

It was with FX’s television series, Alien: Earth, that really showed how to do a franchise right. The series elevated the original concept of a victim stuck in a room with a killing machine and broadened the concept even further. Created by Fargo scribe Noah Hawley, the series is set a couple of years before the first Alien film.

At its core, Alien has always been a criticism of capitalism, which Hawley’s series explores. At a time when technology has reached its peak, corporations have been looking for a path to immortality. Humanity has created cyborgs, fully synthetic life, and hybrids. This sets up the main conflict when a research ship crashes into Earth, carrying a deadly secret.

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Alien: Earth is just another way to explore the themes set up in Alien with even more specificity. This franchise continues to draw in viewers not just because of the scares, but also because of the social commentary that was always part of the IP’s DNA. Alien defined sci-fi horror and continues to show others in the genre how it’s done.

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Keanu Reeves’ Forgotten Fantasy Movie Surges on Streaming 1 Year Later

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Ma-Rainey's-Black-Bottom-Chadwick-Boseman

There are some movies that feel like they should have sparked a much bigger conversation than they actually did. Good Fortune is one of them. A comedy about angels, fate, and a messy clash between ordinary people and heavenly interference already sounds like the kind of thing that should click with streaming audiences, especially with Keanu Reeves in the mix. Now that it’s landed on Prime Video, it looks like the movie is finally getting that chance.

Prime Video’s global chart has shown the film surfacing in multiple territories, even if its exact placement is shifting day to day. That still matters. For a title that didn’t exactly arrive with a huge cultural footprint, just breaking through at all is a strong sign that viewers are finding it now in a much more relaxed streaming setting.

The film stars Reeves as the angel Gabriel, with the story following his attempts to meddle in the lives of a struggling worker and a wealthy capitalist. That premise alone makes the movie feel like a spiritual cousin to Dogma, even if it’s playing a much newer game. It may not have exploded in theaters, but on Prime Video, Good Fortune is finally getting to make its case.

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Remembering the Icons of Film — Collider Movie Quiz

We pay tribute to the talents who helped define Hollywood.

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Is ‘Good Fortune’ Worth Watching?

Collider’s review by Joe Schmidt stated that Good Fortune is a fun and thoughtful comedy that does not always come together as smoothly as it should. The film clearly pulls from stories like It’s a Wonderful Life, using a familiar idea to explore money, privilege, and the struggle of getting by in a big city. It does not go especially deep with those themes, but it stays earnest enough to keep you invested. The strongest part of the movie is the cast. Ansari and Rogen both do what you expect them to do, and they are funny doing it. But Reeves and Keke Palmer are the real standouts. Reeves brings a goofy charm to Gabriel that makes him a constant highlight, while Palmer gives the movie warmth and heart whenever she is on screen.

“That’s not to say Ansari is consistently nuanced throughout this journey. Your mileage may vary on that. After a gigantic middle finger to capitalism, coupled with each character’s realization of what it takes to be a good person and why it’s worth it, Ansari finally takes something that has been prevalent throughout the entire film and puts it in the spotlight. Good Fortune is about love, redemption, and privilege, but it’s also an indictment of exploitative labor and the forces that enable it, even if it takes many clumsy steps to get there. Its greatest strength is a reminder that being a good person doesn’t get you a reward — being a good person is the reward.”

Good Fortune is streaming now.


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Release Date

October 17, 2025

Runtime

98 Minutes

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