Disney is gearing up for the release of its latest “Star Wars” film, “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” However, the company is receiving backlash after a reportedly staged promotional event featuring Pedro Pascal, which reportedly included influencers rather than fans. Plus, reviews for the movie are out, and they are less-than-stellar.

The official “Star Wars” social media channels posted footage of Pascal suited up as the Mandalorian at Disneyland, apparently surprising fans about to board the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ride. The 38-second clip featured the actor preparing to walk out for the audience and later removing the helmet as fans raved.

After that, he posed for photos with the event goers. Disney captioned the video, “Pedro Pascal creates the surprise of a lifetime at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at @disneyland.”

However, the backlash came when the internet learned that Disney had allegedly staged the event. Instead of everyday “Star Wars” fans, the people in attendance were influencers, journalists, and others. Still, it’s worth noting that the company never claimed that the attendees were run-of-the-mill fans.

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‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ Gets Sour Movie Reviews

Disney lifted the “Mandalorian and Grogu” review embargo on May 19. The movie debuted on Rotten Tomatoes with a “rotten” 58%. However, as of writing, the score has increased to a “fresh” 61 percent on the platform. Its current score is based on 77 reviews. Currently, there is no audience score, as it has not yet been released.

Regarding individual reviews, Tessa Smith from Mamma’s Geeky summarized her thoughts, saying, “Underwhelmed is an understatement. ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ feels like a mashed-up TV arc that belonged on Disney+ rather than in IMAX.”

Matt Oakes from Silver Screen Riot gave the movie an “F.” He said, “The biggest problem with ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ is not simply that it is boring, ugly, or dramatically inert. It is that it barely qualifies as a movie. It has the shape and style of content, not cinema.”

In a somewhat positive review, Katie Smith-Wong from Flick Feast stated, “Although a generic premise fails to expand its horizons, Favreau pulls out the big guns to bring The Mandalorian to the big screen, and his emotional and action-packed efforts reiterate that Star Wars isn’t just about the Jedi.”

Fans Call Disney ‘Contrieved’

Regarding Disney’s marketing for “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” fans think the company has lost the plot in promoting its movies organically. One person said, “Everything Disney does feels so contrived. Look at the reaction of those ‘fans.’ What a bunch of cringe.

Someone else criticized the company, writing, “Surprise of a lifetime” with invited influencers with acting chops that would get them cast in a late-night ’90s Cinemax movie.”

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Another fan stated, “Pedro Pascal dressed as the Mandalorian in Smugglers Run is a bunch of bull sh-t. It wasn’t a normal day with guests; it was all influencers that Disney had hired to promote the movie. When Johnny Depp was actually on ‘Pirates,’ it was REAL Day guests, and he was there all day.”

A different person remarked, “Not normal fans. Just a bunch of influencers pretending to be surprised lol. Disney deception knows no bounds.”

In response to the movie’s reviews, one fan said, “POV: You waited 7 years for Star Wars and paid $20 to watch a Disney+ episode with better lighting.” Another one posted, “LMAO who thought that releasing an episode of The Mandalorian in the theaters would be a good idea?”

Still, not all comments were negative. Some Star Wars fans believe in the movie and are withholding judgment until they see it for themselves.

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The New Star Wars Film Is Predicted To Have Weak Box Office

There hasn’t been a new “Star Wars” film since 2019’s “The Rise of Skywalker.” Because of this, as well as criticisms of Disney’s handling of the property, there’s increasing pressure for “The Mandalorian and Grogu” to succeed.

According to Variety, the new film, directed by John Favreau, is expected to open with between $80 million and $100 million across its four-day opening weekend. While this is a solid figure for most films, it’s not the best outing for a “Star Wars” film.

Per Box Office Mojo, “Skywalker” opened to $177 million in the US and another $198 million internationally. However, it’s also worth noting that “The Mandalorian and Grogu” has a smaller budget than most films in the franchise at a lean $165 million, not including marketing.

The New ‘Star Wars’ Film Boasts A Stacked Cast

Disney’s “The Mandalorian and Grogu” boasts a stacked cast, including Pascal. It features the likes of Sigourney Weaver, Jeremy Allen White, Jonny Coyne, Steve Blum, Dave Filoni, Martin Scorsese, and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee.

The movie has a 132-minute runtime. According to Coming Soon, it has no post-credit scenes.

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By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 1 hour ago

Nearly 20 years ago (well before his infamous Oscars slap), Will Smith was one of the hottest action heroes in Hollywood. It felt like a no-brainer to cast him in Hancock (2008), a blockbuster movie where the titular hero has the powers of Superman. Unfortunately, he’s a lazy drunk and reckless superhero, so the general public more or less hates him. In the real world, the moviegoing public shared the same opinion, which is why this film has a Kryptonite-green “rotten” rating of 42 percent. Nonetheless, the movie (currently streaming for free on Tubi) has an unexpected modern charm because it gives us a smarter take on Homelander, the archvillain from The Boys.

In The Boys, Homelander is presented as the mustache-twirling answer to the eternal nerd question: “what if Superman was evil?” It’s a portrayal built on the old adage that absolute power corrupts absolutely, and Homelander’s fantastic powers make him want to rule humanity as a literal god. For all its flaws, Hancock focuses on the far likelier possibility: that such a superpowered being would lose touch with his humanity and become a withdrawn, sullen mess rather than a dictator wearing a cape. Whether you want to see the Homelander concept done better or just give this beleaguered film another chance, it’s the perfect excuse to watch Hancock.

From Hero To Zero

The premise of Hancock is that Will Smith is a drunken superman who wants to do the right thing but usually screws it up. For example, he saves a PR specialist (Jason Bateman) from a speeding locomotive, but he derails the train in the process. In gratitude, the PR guru tries to help this hated superhero restore his tattered public image. It’s a gambit that yields results, but revelations about Hancock’s forgotten past and the existence of others like him threaten to completely change his life, right when he’s starting to get it together.

It’s a fun premise, and the movie is filled with some great stars, including Charlize Theron. It also happened to generate major box office returns ($629.4 million against a budget of $150 million). Why, then, did the critics hate the movie so much? The short answer is that most reviewers thought the movie began with a paper-thin plot and never really attained much depth. At the same time, they considered the execution of a plot stuffed with too many ideas to be pretty lackluster. Ultimately, Hancock failed to be a traditional superhero film, but it also failed to be a successful satire or deconstruction of the genre.

Sexy And Subversive

Why in Jor-El’s name, then, am I recommending you give the movie another shot? The first reason is, frankly, the performances. While there are some fun guest stars in the movie (including Big Bang Theory’s Johnny Galecki and Reno 911!’s Thomas Lennon), the plot mostly revolves around characters played by Will Smith, Jason Bateman, and Charlize Theron. All of them do an amazing job (even Roger Ebert agreed) of bringing their two-dimensional characters to life, elevating the script even at its most lackluster moments. Smith deserves particular credit for making Hancock both hateable and redeemable, showing us the vulnerability that lurks deep beneath his bulletproof skin.

Additionally, Hancock was made before the Marvel Cinematic Universe became a global phenomenon. Since the MCU became a cinematic juggernaut, it has influenced almost every superhero movie that hits theaters. Eventually, this led to superhero fatigue because the public grew sick of every tights-and-flights film (including later entries in the MCU!) feeling like a half-hearted attempt at copying Marvel’s earlier successes. They don’t all connect, but Hancock deserves praise for taking some huge creative swings and delivering a superhero movie like nothing we’ve seen before or since. It’s the opposite of a Marvel movie in every conceivable way, which is great for anyone who wants a truly original superhero film.

Tights, Flights, And Fights

Finally, your mileage may vary, but I love that Hancock is one of the only cape films to examine the psychological toll that being a superhero would have on someone. Hancock can’t be a man, but he doesn’t know how to be a superman, leaving him with a void of existential dread that he tries to fill with booze and sarcasm. It’s a provocative idea, and one that Will Smith animates with the perfect combo of pride and pathos. Sorry, Boys fans. “What if Superman but evil?” is a tired and lazy premise. But “what if Superman was depressed?” is a concept as fresh as it is relatable to most watching at home.

Care to relate to a man with the powers of a god? Maybe you want to wash the bad taste of the Boys’ series finale out of your mouth. Or (and I wouldn’t blame you on this one) maybe you just want to return to the glory days when people cheered at Will Smith for punching people instead of booing him. No matter the reason, you can now stream Hancock for free on Tubi. It remains one of the most unique pieces of superhero media created in the last two decades, making it perfect for any tights-and-flights fans who are sick of Marvel slop and looking for something fresh and delightfully rough around the edges.

Cate Blanchett has decried the impact of the #MeToo movement, suggesting it “got killed very quickly” by an industry eager to return to the status quo.

The actress’s remarks come after she came under fire online for her comments about Palestine, where she initially said it was a “sad state of affairs” that film festivals have suddenly become the place where people want to talk about conflicts, wars, and genocides happening around the world.

Blanchett has sparked renewed interest in the #MeToo movement after lamenting how quickly its impact appeared to fade.

During a recent appearance at Cannes Film Festival, the “Ocean’s 8” actress spoke with moderator Didier Allouch and reflected on how the movement “got killed very quickly” in Hollywood.

“There are a lot of people with platforms who are able to speak up with relative safety and say this has happened to me, and the so-called average woman on the street is saying #MeToo. Why does that get shut down?” Blanchett asked, per Variety.

She continued, “What [the movement] revealed is a systemic layer of abuse, not only in this industry but in all industries, and if you don’t identify a problem, you can’t solve the problem.”

Blanchett Previously Marched For #MeToo

The #MeToo movement gained viral momentum on social media in 2017 following multiple sexual abuse allegations against film producer Harvey Weinstein.

At the time, several people came forward with claims of workplace sexual abuse and harassment by powerful figures, while demanding accountability from industry leaders and executives.

According to Time magazine, the #MeToo movement resulted in the ousting, resignation, or firing of more than 400 high-profile executives and corporate leaders across various industries. Some of the most prominent figures who faced professional fallout or investigations included Bill Cosby, former Intel CEO Brian Krzanich, and Weinstein himself.

Cate Blanchett Calls Out Hollywood Gender Gap

Weighing in on the campaign’s limited impact on the industry, the two-time Oscar winner lamented that a major disparity still exists between the number of men and women working in Hollywood.

“I’m still on film sets, and I do the headcount every day, and it is still, you know… there’s ten women, and there’s 75 men every morning,” Blanchett said.

“I love men, but what happens is the jokes become the same,” she continued. “You just have to brace yourself slightly, and I’m used to that, but it just gets boring for everybody when you walk into a homogeneous workplace. I think it has an effect on the work.”

Blanchett Led 82 Women In Cannes Protest

At the 2018 march, the “Lord of the Rings” actress was one of 82 women who protested the glaring divide between men and women in Hollywood.

At the time, Blanchett explained that the number represented the 82 female directors who had competed at Cannes since the festival’s inception, compared to 1,866 male directors over the same period.

“Women are not a minority in the world, yet the current state of the industry says otherwise,” Blanchett said at the time. “As women, we all face our own unique challenges, but we stand together on these stairs today as a symbol of our determination and commitment to progress.”

Cate Blanchett Faces Backlash Over Palestine Comments

Social media users immediately took to the comment section to slam Blanchett over her remarks.

“I guess it’s unsurprising that people whose lives are all about playing make-believe are disproportionately susceptible to believing make-believe stories like the Gaza ‘genocide’ hoax,” one X user wrote.

Someone else penned, “She’s trying to sound smart but is stupid. She wishes organizations were more ‘opaque and honest.’ Opaque is the opposite of transparent. She doesn’t know the meaning of words. She should look opaque and genocide up in a dictionary.”

“Film festivals are the only place to talk about global conflicts? How out of touch are celebrities, honestly?” a third user said.

Another critic noted, “Which is precisely why actors like Cate and her fans bring it up so often at film festivals, where there is no expectation of any follow-up action but applause on camera.”

When you think of Christopher Nolan, you think grand, epic cinema. Having the brand recognition of a major IP or movie star, Nolan is one of few directors whose name can be a studio’s primary selling point. While Homer‘s Odyssey is one of the oldest and most formative stories in history, it’s the director’s vision that makes The Odyssey easily the event movie of the summer.

His powers reached new heights in 2023 by turning Oppenheimer, a 3-hour biographical drama about nuclear weapons, into a cultural sensation on par with any Marvel movie of the last ten years. Before he was the king of the modern blockbuster, Nolan began as an inventive, clinical, and precise auteur of gritty neo-noirs that both laid the groundwork for his massive success and signaled an alternative path he could’ve taken in his career. The high-water mark of this era and his breakthrough film, Memento, is a daring execution of an intricate premise that remains brilliant all these years later.

Christopher Nolan Cemented His Inventive Style in ‘Memento’

A noir about a mock detective with short-term memory is a catchy elevator pitch, and Christopher, along with his brother, Jonathan Nolan, who wrote the short story that inspired the 2000 film, pushed this logline to examine the fragility of memory and our manipulation of how we perceive the world. Memento follows the distorted perspective of Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce), a man searching for his wife’s killer in an unnamed American city. There’s one problem: Leonard suffers from short-term memory loss, a condition caused by the unknown perpetrator. He keeps records of his investigation through Polaroid photographs and tattoos inked on his body. Pearce gives a career-best performance as a lone outlaw haunted by his trauma, with his condition making him feel ghostlike, and a ticking time bomb destined to destroy everything in his path if his memory leads him that way. Memento also features exceptional performances by Carrie-Anne Moss, delivering a subversive take on the icy, manipulative femme fatale, and Joe Pantoliano, who plays a morally ambiguous frenemy to Leonard.

Even though it’s not set in a comic book world, outer space, or World War II, Memento‘s contemporary setting, which resembles Los Angeles, evokes Nolan’s sensibilities. The smoggy outdoors and grimy interior settings feel unique to Nolan’s overarching vision, which is designed to mirror Leonard’s own displacement. For most directors, the ornate narrative structure, which shifts from one timeline in chronological order (the black-and-white sequences with Leonard in his motel room) and another in reverse chronological order (the color sections with Leonard’s investigation), would’ve become too convoluted.

In Memento, the mind-bending timeline is a feature — not a bug — of the story. The film is easy enough to follow so that it doesn’t hinder the viewing experience, but it remains labyrinthine to keep your mind sharp. Losing track of time and place drops the viewer inside Leonard’s headspace. Most of all, the structure underlines Nolan’s fascination with the fluidity of time and the fleeting impact of memories. Every one of his movies, from Inception and Oppenheimer, is centered around characters who can’t escape the past, and, as a result, lose grasp of what’s real and what’s a projection of their subconscious.

Christopher Nolan Proved His Noir Chops in ‘Memento’

Memento was the perfect follow-up to Nolan’s feature debut, Following, a microbudget noir about petty thefts and deception. His breakthrough film, nominated for Best Screenplay at the Academy Awards, was followed by another gritty, hard-edged neo-noir, Insomnia, starring Al Pacino as a detective suffering from the titular condition. Just as he was making a name for himself as the new voice of the noir genre, he was offered to direct Batman Begins, and the rest is history. Vestiges of Memento are scattered throughout Nolan’s filmography, especially in films like Dunkirk that audaciously challenge the conventions of narrative construction, but his work undoubtedly becomes broader and arguably sanded down to fit the blockbuster mold. The operatic emotionality and flashy grandeur in The Dark Knight and Interstellar are a far cry from the assured, grounded formalism in Memento.

Christopher Nolan is responsible for some of the most satisfying and riveting moviegoing experiences of the last 20 years. While he’s climbed to the top of the blockbuster mountain, his movies are way more sophisticated, inventive, and soulful than your average popcorn entertainment. Still, there’s a world where Nolan could’ve become an even greater favorite among cinephiles by sticking to his roots as a highbrow director of noir-thrillers, akin to directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Brian De Palma. Memento is only a tease of that alternate future, and it stands as not just an excellent movie, but also an origin story of the filmmaker the world adores today.

Off Campus has already been renewed for season 2 — but which couple is leading the show after some big book changes?

Based on the Off Campus book series by Elle Kennedy, the show follows an elite ice hockey team — and the women in their lives — as they “grapple with love, heartbreak and self-discovery — forging deep friendships and enduring bonds while navigating the complexities that come with transitioning into adulthood,” read the official synopsis.

Season 1 is centered around the “sexy and fun ‘opposites attract’ romance between quiet songwriter, Hannah and Briar University’s all-star hockey athlete, Garrett.” Going off Kennedy’s book order, Logan’s (Antonio Cipriano) story was expected to be next, then Dean’s (Stephen Kalyn) before Tucker’s (Jalen Thomas Brooks) turn.

The first season focused heavily on Dean and Allie — even devoting an entire episode to their story — which seemed to indicate they were the next possible leads despite them being featured in the third book in the series.

“Since the cast was announced, I feel like there’s been theories circulating online, and it’s been really interesting to read it,” Abdalla told Us Weekly about Allie and Dean’s bond. “I for sure think people are going to be at least surprised.”

She continued: “Even though we do tease Dean and Ali a lot earlier than people expect, you are still left wanting a lot more. That’s something I’m really excited about too because I get it if I was on the other side of it.”

To push Allie and Dean’s story along, the show introduced Hunter Davenport despite him not being linked to Allie on the page.

“It was really important to have that scene to slow down what was happening between Allie and Dean. I want to see them kind of go. I want to see them really separate,” Abdalla hinted. “Allie just got out of a long-term relationship. She can’t do what she always does. … I really like the edition of the Hunter story line drama. They need to grow as individuals. And so I really want to see Ali and Dean grow separately in season 2.”

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Related: Which ‘Off Campus’ Couples End Up Together? Book Order Explained

Prime Video’s Off Campus follows different love stories at Briar U — but which couples end up together in the books? Based on the Off Campus book series by Elle Kennedy, the show follows an elite ice hockey team — and the women in their lives — as they “grapple with love, heartbreak, and self-discovery […]

Before season 2, India Fowler was cast in season 2 as Grace a.k.a Logan’s future love interest. That got some questioning if Logan would in fact become the season 2 leads. Ella Bright and Belmont Cameli, meanwhile, revealed if they planned to return in future seasons.

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“I totally understand your concern,” Cameli, 28, exclusively told Us about each season of the Prime Video show being focused on a different fictional couple. “We will be along for the ride the whole time.”

Bright, 19, confirmed the plan is for them to be “sticking” around before Cameli added, “We’re excited to see what season 2 holds for [us].”

Off Campus is streaming on Prime Video now.

Brad Pitt‘s genes remain unmistakable in the appearance of his son, despite the fractured relationship he shares with his family.

During a recent outing over the weekend, the actor’s son, Knox Jolie-Pitt, was spotted looking like the spitting image of the “F1” star, especially while sporting a look that his father once made popular.

This comes amid the ongoing battle between Brad Pitt and his ex-wife, Angelina Jolie, over their French winery, Château Miraval.

Over the weekend, Brad Pitt’s ex, Angelina Jolie, and their son made a rare public appearance together as they attended the graduation of his sister, Zahara, from Spelman College.

They were also joined by the older sons, Pax, 22, and Maddox, 24, but Knox drew the most attention due to how much he resembled his estranged father.

As seen in photos obtained by the Daily Mail, the teenager sported a bold new look, with his dark hair accented by frosted platinum tips.

The style mirrored one that his father had made popular in the early 2000s, although it remains unclear whether the 17-year-old drew inspiration for the hairstyle from him.

Knox also dressed semi-formally for the occasion, donning an ash-colored suit, off-white trousers, and a white inner shirt. He wore no tie with the outfit, kept the suit open, and left his shirt untucked in a fashionable manner. He also complemented the outfit with light-colored casual shoes.

Knox Jolie-Pitt Has Drawn Attention In The Past Over Looking Like His Movie Star Father

On several occasions over the years, Knox has drawn attention for how much he resembles his father.

One such instance came in June 2025, when he stepped out with his sister, Vivienne, in Los Angeles for a visit to a local grocery store.

At the time, Knox closely resembled a younger version of his father, sporting a low haircut similar to the style Pitt wore while starring alongside Angelina Jolie in “Mr. & Mrs. Smith.”

In 2024, he was also photographed in Los Angeles preparing for a boxing match, prompting many fans to reminisce about Pitt’s role in the cult classic Fight Club. The 17-year-old is known to actively participate in Muay Thai and has won medals in various competitions.

In many of these competitions, he has had the support of his family cheering from the stands, excluding Pitt, whom the teenager has not been seen with publicly for quite some time.

Knox Jolie-Pitt And Brad Pitt Have Not Been Seen Together In Public For Years

According to reports, Knox was last publicly seen with his father at Haneda International Airport while departing Tokyo, Japan, in July 2013.

Three years after that appearance, Pitt and Jolie officially separated, citing irreconcilable differences following an alleged physical altercation on a private jet. Their divorce was finalized in 2024.

Since the separation, Pitt’s relationship with his children is reported to have become increasingly strained.

Several of the children have also stopped using his surname as a way of distancing themselves from their father.

Knox Jolie-Pitt Has Not Yet Dropped His Father’s Name, Unlike Most Of His Siblings

As a reflection of their strained ties, Pitt’s eldest son, Maddox, did not use the actor’s surname in the credits and production notes of Jolie’s 2026 film “Couture,” where he worked as an assistant director.

Vivienne, Knox’s twin sister, also omitted her father’s surname in a 2024 Playbill for “The Outsiders,” a production she worked on alongside her mother.

Zahara opted to use his name during a sorority event at her college and even while recently receiving her diploma.

Shiloh has done the same and also took things further by filing a legal petition in 2024 to formally remove “Pitt” from her name. As of now, Knox appears to be the only one of their children still using their father’s last name.

Brad Pitt Is Desperate To Reconcile With His Younger Kids

Knox, not yet dropping his father’s surname, appears to leave room for a possible reconciliation, which is something Pitt is open to.

According to the Daily Mail, he is said to be desperate to reconcile with both Knox and Vivienne, despite being aware that she has already dropped his surname.

“He will always believe and always hope there is a chance to be back with all of them, and he doesn’t want to think otherwise,” a source told the outlet.

“He doesn’t want to give up, he’s not that kind of guy, he’s not that kind of father. He is a proud father, and he would be happy to have them see that eventually,” a second source added.

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 32 seconds ago

When 1986’s Transformers: The Movie came out, this animated masterpiece did the last thing its young fans expected by killing off Optimus Prime. This tough-but-tender truck man was more than the leader of the Autobots: he was a pseudo-father to them and, by extension, to the audience. The filmmakers killed Prime off as a blunt way to demonstrate that this movie was playing for keeps, especially compared to the cartoon. Of course, there was an ulterior motive at play here. By killing off Optimus Prime and many other characters, the film could introduce new characters whose toys the young audience would implore their parents to buy after the credits rolled.

As those Transformers fans got older, many of them joked about how the animated film effectively killed their childhood by bumping off someone as cool and memorable as Prime. However, the movie’s goal of selling more toys had a far more insidious effect that none of us ‘80s kids could actually predict. You see, this movie was ground zero for the explosion of nostalgia that has dominated every Millennial’s life for the last two decades. Transformers: The Movie effectively taught us the worst possible lesson: that we should never put away our toys, and that we’re just one more throwback purchase away from reclaiming the happiness of our childhood.

Welcome To Prime Time

Transformers: The Movie has a pretty relentless pace. After a bit of world-building (including the introduction of the Galactus-like Big Bad, Unicron), we see the Decepticons take over an Autobot ship, horrifically killing everyone onboard. They use this to launch a daring raid on Autobot City, and it soon looks like the bad guys are going to win the day. That changes when Optimus Prime launches a one-man counter-assault that ends with a duel against Megatron, the ruthless Decepticon leader. Prime wins the battle with one final blow, but he has sustained too much damage and later succumbs to his injuries.

In some ways, that makes things worse. Optimus Prime doesn’t get a quick death like other ‘bots, including Starscream. Instead, we watch him slowly and excruciatingly die in the Autobot equivalent of a hospital room. He flatlines, and all hope is lost. We literaly see the light leave his eyes. As if that’s not bad enough, his entire body turns gray, emphasizing the horrific transformation we just watched. This is no longer the strong, vibrant hero of a mighty army. He’s now just a collection of spare parts. Looking back, older Transformers fans consider this the moment their childhood died, which is ironic. After all, this franchise is why our childhood never ended.

The Real Neverending Story

While Transformers has successfully reinvented itself for later generations (just take a look at the toy aisle if you don’t believe me), the original cartoon and movie were squarely aimed at a young, Millennial audience. As this audience grew up, nostalgia became a core part of our identity. There are several theories about why this is. Some think Millennials, as the last pre-internet generation, long for the days before everything went digital. Revisiting the shows, films, and the toys of that era is an attempt to recapture the magic and innocence of our childhood.

Unfortunately, Millennials never really learned to put the toys away. Hollywood is well aware of this collective nostalgia fixation and constantly floods the big screen with endless prequels, sequels, and reboots. After all, why try something new when most of your core audience is longing for something old? This is how we inexplicably got a third trilogy of Star Wars movies focused on Skywalker family drama. Even when we get a nominally new IP like Stranger Things, it has to be soaked in enough ‘80s nostalgia that it tickles the same part of our brains that still likes playing with vintage toys.

Nostalgia Pill: Transform, And Roll Out!

Now, why am I blaming so much of this depressing phenomenon on Transformers: The Movie? In an attempt to sell toys based on new characters, the filmmakers taught the child audience the worst possible lesson: when an old toy dies, just replace it with a new one. Is Optimus Prime dead? No problem, Ultra Magnus has the Matrix of Leadership now. Wait, they just pulled Magnus apart? No worries, Hot Rod is about to get an upgrade (be sure to buy both figures!). By the time my generation grew older, there was never a thought about putting away childish things because constant consumption of nostalgia slop became our corporate-friendly raison d’etre.

Speaking of which, companies constantly fill store shelves with toys that we scoop up, hoping that we’ll eventually have enough plastic crap to fill that void deep inside us. These tchotchkes are a way of microdosing nostalgia; an attempt to recapture the joy we felt at getting a new Transformer growing up. We never really attain that level of joy, which is part of a very specific tragedy. Namely, that Millennials, often referred to as the “bridge” generation, are stuck between two very different eras. Not fully online, yet unable to put the digital cat back in the bag, the best we can do is swim towards the receding shore of the past, one rerun at a time. 

One Shall Rent, One Shall Fall

Sadly, endlessly watching the Autobots and Decepticons fighting each other won’t teach us to transform into our childhood selves. Just as you can’t go home again, you can never truly return to the past. All you can do is look at fragments of it, hoping to catch a reflection of yourself from the last time you were truly happy. But fragments of happiness are better than no happiness at all, so we continue to pursue our inner peace, one rerun at a time. Sadly, Transformers: The Movie isn’t available to stream, but you can rent it on a platform whose name Optimus would approve of: Prime Video. 

While you’re on Amazon, be sure to order a new toy. Don’t worry; I’m sure this will be the one that finally makes everything better!

Kim Kardashian is getting real about the steps she takes to stay healthy. During a new interview with Amy Poehler, the “Kardashians” reality star revealed that she takes a surprising number of supplements a day. In addition to the supplements, Kim opened up about a scientific test she uses regularly to test the density of her bones.

On Poehler’s podcast, “Good Hang,” Kim, 45, said she goes to extreme lengths to make sure she is healthy, which includes taking a staggering number of supplements.

“I take probably 35 supplements a day,” she said. “I spread them out three times a day.”

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According to Kim, there was one supplement that she struggled to continue taking: fish oil. “I thought, ‘Okay, I can’t do this fish oil anymore. I have pill fatigue,” she said.

However, after looking at her bloodwork with her doctor, the mother of four said it was apparent that she was skipping out on a necessity for her.

“I got my bloodwork, and it was so evident that I stopped and I had to start again,” she said.

Kim then said that she wished there was “like an IV drip I could do every day, and I would just do it on my way to work.”

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Kim Kardashian Said Her Whole Family Does DEXA Scans…

As the conversation continued, Kim told Poehler that she and her family are big fans of DEXA scands. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a DEXA scan is a bone density test that measures the strength and mineral content of your bones.

“I actually know a portable DEXA scan person that comes in a van, and you lay down,” Kim said. “Each one of my sisters and my mom, we all live in the same gated community, so we have the van drive by, and we all jump in the van, and you just lay down, and it scans your body maybe like three minutes. And, it tells you all about your bone density.”

Kim Kardashian Previously Said Doctors Found An ‘Aneruysm’ In Her Brain

This isn’t the first time Kim has spoken out about health tests and scans. During a previous episode of “The Kardashians,” the A-lister told her sister, Kourtney, that doctors had actually found an aneurysym in her brain.

“I did a Prenuvo scan, and they called me today, and they’re like, ‘Everything looks great. But you have an aneurysm in your brain,’” the SKIMS founder said. “They’re like, ‘It’s been there for years. It was here a few years ago.’”

Kim’s Mom, Kris Jenner, Gets Real About What She’s Using To Maintain Her Looks

During a May 2026 appearance on the “SHE MD Podcast,” Kim’s mom, Kris Jenner, opened up about the “game changer” she’s been using after realizing Ozempic caused her to feel unwell.

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“I realized that a peptide injection was really great for me,” the popular momager said. “And then I follow it up with supplements.”

Like Ozempic, injectable peptitides can help trigger weightloss, per the Cleveland Clinic. Kris called the drug a “game changer,” revealing that it “actually bought me an extra couple hours at night because I get up so early.”

She said, “I tend to want to go and collapse as soon as I have my last email or my last call or see my kids and have dinner, and I’m done.”

Khloé Kardashian Shoots Down The Idea That Losing Weight Is Easy

In an interview with PEOPLE, Khloé Kardashian spoke about her own health journey, which included her losing over 80 pounds since having her first child, True, in 2018.

Khloé explained that she began working out for her own mental well-being, stating, “You just have to do what feels good to you.”

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Continuing, the mother of two said that weight loss journeys aren’t easy, saying, “… as much as people wanna believe, there is no magic anything, I think we all have to work at something.”

According to Khloé, it may take a particular person a bit more effort to reach their fitness goals; however, she said that’s part of what makes the process so fun.

“… I also think that’s like a cool thing to brag about. And I think that’s okay to just be on your own race with yourself,” she said.

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Nothing says summer like J.Crew’s East Coast aesthetic. The style is having a serious moment in the fashion spotlight, and you don’t need a Nantucket zip code (or bank account) to pull it off. We found classy pieces on Amazon that scream ‘country club,’ yet start at just $6!

Scalloped hems, breezy poplin fabrics, crisp stripes and tailored silhouettes are just a few highlights of these polished wonders. From blouses and dresses to pants, shorts and sandals, there’s a J.Crew-looking piece with your name on it below. People will assume you own a yacht (or two) out East.

J.Crew-Inspired Summer Pieces on Amazon

J.Crew-Style Tops

1. Our Favorite: If your closet skews basic, this $20 blouse adds the pizzazz it’s missing. The timeless stripes and ruffle neckline read expensive without trying.

2. Runner Up: Wear this short-sleeve cardigan over a slip dress for dinner on the porch, or rock it solo with white shorts. The cerulean blue color plays nicely with everything navy-adjacent.

3. Total Steal: When you want something dressier than a tee but not full blouse territory, this rich wine-red top hits the sweet spot. The V-neck flatters while the puff sleeves keep it interesting.

4. Office Envy: Work blouses don’t have to be stiff! This trendy bow-tie number is professional enough for meetings, yet charming enough for spritzes after.

Related: Shoppers Confirm It: These Comfy Sets Have *That* Upscale Rich Mom Vibe

It doesn’t matter what time of year it is. We’re always searching for comfy errand sets. Although they’re the easy-going ‘fit we wear while lounging, that doesn’t mean the sets sacrifice on style. Amazon shoppers uncovered 13 relaxed two-piece outfits that make anyone look like a Hamptons socialite. They start at just $7! Our favorite […]

J.Crew-Style Pants and Shorts

5. Our Favorite: Throw on these striped palazzo pants with a white tank and raffia sandals for lunch with the girls and you may ditch stiff denim for good.

6. Runner Up: These wide-leg trouser pants look tailored from every angle, though they don’t squeeze like most work pants. Thanks, elastic waist!

7. Elevated Shorts: Shorts can totally be sophisticated. These high-waisted shorts are the answer to your dressy-shorts woes.

8. Linen Blend: Once June hits, you’ll be glad you snagged these linen-blend shorts. The fabric breathes, the high waist tucks and the stripe print keeps everything sharp.

J.Crew-Style Dresses

9. Our Favorite: Finally, one summer dress that handles weddings, showers and Sunday brunch. This crowd-loved floral maxi is up for anything (and photographs beautifully).

10. Runner Up: With flutter sleeves, a V-neckline and roomy pockets, this billowy midi sundress checks every box. You don’t even need a bag!

11. You Mean Business: Wear this sage-colored work dress with loafers to the office, then swap in flat sandals for the wine bar. The sage color flatters more skin tones than navy.

12. Busy Mornings: Need a throw-on-and-go dress? This quiet luxury maxi dress has your name on it. Plus, it’s long enough to skip shaving your legs.

13. Boho Twist: Give your J.Crew aesthetic an Urban Outfitters twist with this sunny yellow midi. The empire waist flows right past your midsection.

J.Crew-Style Sandals

14. Our Favorite: Wear these square-toe slides with linen shorts and a tucked tank for the marina lunch. The raffia-style material elevates outfits better than flip-flops ever could.

15. Runner Up: Instead of kitten heels, opt for these brown flat sandals that do the work of dressy sandals, no aching involved. Just slip them on and you’ll be out the door in minutes.

Related: Parisian Rich Moms Walk Everywhere in These Luxe Sandal Styles

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Go to Paris and you’ll see all the locals wearing chic sandals. This is especially true for Parisian rich moms, who make every outing an excuse to turn heads without sacrificing comfort. The secret is having the right pair of sandals, and these 13 classy numbers do it right. They look straight from Avenue Montaigne. […]

Hayden Panettiere detailed the first time ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson got physical in her debut memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning.

“I hear it before I feel it, the unmistakable sound of an open-hand slap,” Panettiere, 36, wrote in the book, released on Tuesday, May 19. “There’s the burning on my cheek, like I’m on fire. There’s ringing in my head.”

Prior to the incident, Panettiere wrote that Hickerson was screaming in her face. The actress claimed it was rage “like I’ve never seen before.” Panettiere grabbed a pairing knife nearby, but threw it to the side before he hit her.

“None of it happened, at least for me. If I think about it, it’s real. But it wasn’t real,” Panettiere wrote. “I can play tough and will it away and it’s gone. Buck it up, then wipe it off the whiteboard and delete it from the tapes. I love this man and this wasn’t him. It couldn’t have been him, not in a million years.”

Following that first incident, “the slaps become hits,” Panettiere wrote.

“One night he busts up my face so badly I don’t leave the house for weeks. Another day he screams at me to run as far as I can in five seconds because I’ll need a head start before he throws the remote control at me,” she claimed. “This is a man who doesn’t miss, I think. And he doesn’t.”

Panettiere and Hickerson were first linked in 2018. He was arrested the following year following an alleged domestic violence incident against the actress. Hickerson was charged with felony domestic violence and was ordered to stay away from Panettiere. Those charges were eventually dropped.

He was arrested again in 2020 after another domestic violence altercation against Panettiere. Hickerson ultimately served 33 days in prison, was placed on four years probation and ordered to pay a $500 fine.

Panettiere wrote that her friends and family were concerned that she was “in a dangerous situation” during her relationship with Hickerson.

“What I never told them was that the abuse I’d endured didn’t feel as bad as the thought of being alone,” she wrote.

Hickerson told TMZ ahead of the book’s release that he and Panettiere have “a mutual respect thing” now. “We’re just good buddies,” he added, calling This Is Me an “incredible” read. However, Hickerson did admit that there was one story he asked Panettiere not to include in her book.

“There’s a story where I was drunk,” he recalled. “Hayden was standing across and I had a phone in my hand and I said, ‘I’ll give you 10 seconds to run as fast as you can before I throw it at you.’”

Panettiere reflected on her relationship with Hickerson in her Us Weekly cover story, published earlier this month.

“It was brutal. It was traumatic. It was emotional. It was important for me to word that experience properly,” she said. “I needed to believe that it happened for a reason.”

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Panettiere continued, “For something so horrible to happen, the only thing that I could think of to make it all worth it, was [to] let people know that they’re not alone and help people.”

This Is Me is out now.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.