By Robert Scucci
| Published 13 seconds ago

Given the Mad Max franchise’s influence on the pop culture landscape since it kicked off in 1979, it’s easy to call any post-apocalyptic road thriller set in the Australian Outback a cheap imitation. The way I’ve made peace with that kind of assessment is by appreciating the fact that Mad Max created its own distinct genre, where there’s plenty of room for filmmakers to work out similar concepts while still offering their own take. 2014’s The Rover, written and directed by David Michôd, is a shining example of using the punishing Australian desert as a backdrop to tell his story about a society well into its ongoing collapse.

With Guy Pearce leading the charge with support from Robert Pattinson, The Rover is a violent journey across barren landscapes inhabited by people who’ve been forgotten by the rest of the world. It’s a lawless land, but there are still clear power structures at play. Watching those structures slowly fall apart makes for a satisfying watch because society collapsed recently enough for people to remember the before times, but not so recently that they aren’t aware of where things are heading.

A Rampage For A Stolen Car

Before The Rover’s conflict is properly established, we’re introduced to Archie (David Field), Caleb (Tawanda Manyimo), and Henry (Scoot McNairy). They’re fleeing a robbery, and with them is Rey (Robert Pattinson), Henry’s younger brother. Having been injured during the robbery, Rey is kicked out of the vehicle and left for dead. During the scuffle, their car crashes, prompting them to steal a new getaway vehicle.

Unfortunately for the gang, they stole a car belonging to a nomadic loner named Eric (Guy Pearce). Having lived through society’s initial collapse roughly 10 years earlier, which resulted in the loss of his family and his farm, Eric doesn’t take too kindly to the thieves and immediately sets out to hunt them down, obstacles be damned. Stumbling upon a gravely injured Rey, who he knows was at the very least indirectly responsible for his car getting stolen, Eric brings him to a doctor to nurse him back to health before grilling him on his brother’s whereabouts.

Along the way, Eric has violent encounters with a gun-dealing dwarf operating out of an opium den, traveling circus members, and what’s left of the Australian Army, who still try to exert power over the country’s citizens despite lacking the firepower they once had. Rey, dragged along and not fully himself due to his injuries, proves to be more burden than leverage, complicating matters for Eric, who just wants to retrieve his car and get back to being a miserable drunk wandering through the wasteland.

A Madmaxian Action Flick That Stands On Its Own

While the obvious Mad Max setup can be found in The Rover, it never once feels like a carbon copy of the franchise that inspired it. We’ve got the Australian desert, car chases, and showdowns packed with firepower, but given how wide-reaching the lore is in Mad Max, there’s plenty of room for films like The Rover to occupy similar thematic territory while traveling a completely different road. Using that template as a jumping-off point, The Rover tells a more personal story about loss and revenge that would work just as well in any other setting.

Michôd has gone on record about the similarities, stating, “You put cars in the desert in Australia and people are going to think of Mad Max, and with all due respect to that film, I think The Rover is going to be way more chillingly authentic and menacing.” He’s not wrong in that assessment because there are no nitro trucks and masked marauders here. There’s no sprawling folklore that feels almost biblical. Instead, we get a raw glimpse of humanity barely hanging on by a thread, and we witness the continued collapse of society while it’s still actively happening.

As of this writing, The Rover is streaming on Netflix.

Ari Fletcher and Moneybagg Yo have been unbothered and in love. From luxury car gifts to RIAA plaques, the couple hasn’t missed a moment to celebrate each other loudly and proudly on social media. And while they continue to flex their unbreakable bond, the internet has still found its way into the mix.

RELATED: Hol’ Up! Ari Fletcher Appears To Call Moneybagg Yo Her “Husband” In Romantic Clip From Their Valentine’s Day Dinner (WATCH)

Ari Pens A Sweet Message To Her Mannnnn Moneybagg Yo

On Monday, Feb. 23, Ari took to Instagram with a heartfelt message for her man, Moneybagg Yo. On her Story, she shared a photo of her hand showing off a tattoo of his legal first name, “Demario,” while a massive diamond sparkled on her ring finger.

With ‘My Truth’ by India Arie playing in the background, she wrote, “You show me LOVE, real love. Unconditional forever love. I’ll always follow your lead because you are a true leader and I know greatness comes with wherever you decide to go. I would choose life with you over and over again in any life.”

Moneybagg later reportedly responded via his Instagram Story, writing, “Foreva Us my Zawja 🤞🏾 #TheUnbreakables” 

Social Media Reacts 

Ari’s sweet message to Moneybagg Yo sparked mixed reactions in The Shade Room’s comments. While some fans thought the tattoo and tribute were cute, others brought up past drama in their relationship. Specifically, a few critics mentioned recent rumors linking Ari to Lil Baby, while others suggested the latest gestures were related to her ex, G Herbo, and his engagement to Taina Williams. However, Ari’s supporters quickly defended her, saying they love the bond she shares with Moneybagg and believe the couple is genuinely happy.

Instagram user @straightouttachat wrote, “She love that man down, baby! ❤️❤️”

Instagram user @deestackss added, “The D being a heart is soooo cute”

While Instagram user @pay.r0ll wrote, “I love them but I know somebody bout to have something negative to say about this too”

Instagram user @ell. plaga wrote, “After Jayda exposed her for f**** Baby now she loves him again😂😂😂”

Instagram user @m.armanij added. “Idk sista i love you but since taina got engaged sis you been showing bag off more than usual 👀😭”

While Instagram user @addictedtoleelee wrote, “Peep that big ass ring too thangyaaaa 👏🏾 👏🏾 “

Instagram user @mickipeezie wrote, “Lots of haters in the comments, to be young, rich and in love is 🔥 😍

Instagram user @azraa2.0 wrote. “I can’t wait to be this in love wrote 😍 🔥l

While Instagram user @its.dreanaaa wrote, “but why do we have to put people’s names on our bodies like they own us?? like there are so many other ways to show love”

   Love And Going RIAA Gold

A few months ago, rapper Moneybagg Yo celebrated a major milestone after earning 25 new gold. Reflecting on the achievement, he wrote:

“So All My Support, Die Hards and Certified We Got #25 Mo Trophies In Today. We Like 75 Plaques In! This History Coming From Where I Came From! Now Watch How We Shake Sht Up With This New Work. #ForevaHoldYourPeace Album Soon!”

While the Memphis rapper was in a celebratory mood, Ari made sure to show love and support for her partner. Among the plaques was also the couple’s record, ‘Brain Dead,’ which earned a gold RIAA certification. The 2020 record, featured on ‘Code Red,’ the joint project with Blac Youngsta, captures the emotional ups and downs of a relationship and even includes a voicemail from Ari. Celebrating the plaque, Ari wrote: “Not I got my first plaque @moneybaggyo. I’m so proud of you and all of your success. Not just witnessing it but being apart of it.”

RELATED: Cupid’s Move! Ari Fletcher Flexes Lavish Valentine’s Day Gift From Moneybagg Yo & The TL Is In Their Feelings (PHOTOS)

Hilary Duff gave her fans chills when she debuted her comeback earlier this year. Now, just days into releasing her first album in a decade, the pop star is grieving the loss of a dear person from her childhood. On Monday (Feb. 23), she shared two throwback photos and a caption honoring Robert Carradine. Fans of Disney in the 2000s will remember him as her TV dad on the hit show, ‘Lizzie McGuire.’ Carradine’s family confirmed on Monday that he died at age 71.

RELATED: Go Rae, Go Rae! Fans Sound Off After Video Shows Raven-Symoné Dancing In Tribute To Brandy (WATCH)

What Happened To Robert Carradine? 

In a Tuesday statement, Robert Carradine’s family said he lived with bipolar disorder for two decades. His brother, Keith Carradine, told Deadline that Carradine died by suicide. The actor was the youngest of his prolific Hollywood family. His biggest hit was the 1984 comedy ‘Revenge of the Nerds,’ but many millennials remember him for his role as Lizzie McGuire’s dad on Disney Channel.

“We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it,” Keith Carradine told Deadline. “It is an illness that got the best of him, and I want to celebrate him for his struggle with it, and celebrate his beautiful soul. He was profoundly gifted, and we will miss him every day.”

EDITOR’S NOTE — This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988.

Known for both his film and television work, Robert Carradine worked steadily in the industry for over 40 years, starting in the ’70s. Despite his work with top-tier directors, he never gained the worldwide recognition of his more famous brothers Keith Carradine and the late David Carradine.

Hilary Duff Shares Touching Message About ‘Lizzie McGuire’ Dad

As mentioned, in the 2000s, Robert Carradine picked up a new generation of fans with the character, Sam McGuire. He played a corny but extremely loving dad to Lizzie, played by Hilary Duff, and a younger son. His character was married to Jo McGuire, played by Hallie Todd. On Monday, Hilary opened about how Robert Carradine and Hallie made her feel protected growing up on set. Her Instagram post included two photos with Robert, a solo shot and another of the McGuire family.

“This one hurts. It’s really hard to face this reality about an old friend. There was so much warmth in the McGuire family and I always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents. I’ll be forever grateful for that. I’m deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering. My heart aches for him , his family, and everyone who loved him. 💔”

Robert Carradine’s Real-Life Daughter Shares Memories

Robert’s survivors include his three children, actor Ever Carradine, Marika Reed Carradine and Ian Alexander Carradine. On Monday, Ever confirmed her dad’s death in a lengthy Instagram caption about his love as a single parent. She was born in 1974 to Robert and Susan Synder.

“Whenever anyone asks me how I turned out so normal, I always tell them it’s because of my dad. I knew my dad loved me, I knew it deep in my bones, and I always knew he had my back,” Ever Carradine wrote on Instagram. “I think it’s partly because we basically grew up together. Twenty years age difference really isn’t that much, and while I never ever thought of him as a sibling, I did always think of him as my partner. We were in it together.”

In 1990, Robert Carradine married Edith Mani, whom he had his middle and youngest child with. After more than 25 years of marriage, they divorced following a 2015 car crash in Colorado. In her divorce documents, she claimed he admitted to her and their two kids that he “deliberately drove into the truck” to kill them both, per TMZ. She alleged he had been depressed after his brother, David, died by hanging in 2009. At the time, she had requested possession of his 17 guns out of fear he might hurt himself. They settled and finalized their split in 2018, per The Blast. He reportedly was allowed to keep his gun collection amid other possessions.

RELATED: Oop! Reginae Carter Recalls Losing Disney Opportunity Over Mack Maine’s Lyrics In “Every Girl” (VIDEO)

AP Film Writer Lindsay Bahr contributed to this report via AP Newsroom. 

Lisa Rinna Directly Addresses Rumors About Harry Hamlin

Lisa Rinna Says Reality TV Culture Played A Role

Harry Hamlin’s Career Choice Sparked Early Speculation

Marriage Built On Trust And Longevity

Recent Headlines Surround Lisa Rinna’s Personal Life

Kendall Jenner
Haute & Bothered for Vogue France!!!

Published
February 24, 2026
10:08 AM PST

Karlissa Saffold Harvey weighs in as folks think Blueface shaded Chrisean Rock, while speaking on how he and Nevaeh Akira plan to have a “great, healthy pregnancy.”

RELATED: In Bliss! Nevaeh Akira Shares A Few Messages After She & Blueface Reveal They’re Expecting A Baby

Blueface Speaks On How He & Nevaeh Akira Plan To Have A “Great, Healthy Pregnancy”

On the evening of Monday, February 23, Instagram user @livebitez shared footage from what appears to be a recent livestream of Blueface’s. Furthermore, during the session, Blue explained that he’s “focused on one thing.”

“That’s a great, healthy pregnancy, a great, healthy baby,” he said. “My pregnant baby momma, she will not be in the club. She will not be partying, drinking, or smoking — or doing any of that stuff. For nine months. That’s the main goal.”

To note, Nevaeh Akira appeared to be by his side and in agreement with his sentiments.

Peep the clip below.

Karlissa Saffold Harvey Weighs In As Folks Think He Shaded Chrisean Rock

Social media users reacted to Blueface’s words in @livebitez’s comment section. Some appeared to think he was throwing shade at Chrisean Rock, with whom he shares his third child, Chrisean Jr.

More On Blueface & Nevaeh Akira’s Pregnancy

As The Shade Room previously reported, Blueface and Nevaeh Akira announced their pregnancy during a livestream on Sunday, February 22. Subsequently, that same evening, Karlissa Saffold Harvey reacted by taking to social media to write, “Kids are a blessing if he happy I’m happy [heart hands emoji] congratulations to them both and may God bless the baby.”

On Monday, February 24, Nevaeh Akira took to her social media to express her excitement for her and Blue’s upcoming chapter. As The Shade Room previously reported, Akira wrote about being “overly in love” with Blue and expressed her excitement about her son having a sibling.

In addition to his unborn baby with Akira and son with Chrisean Rock, Blue also shares two children with Jaidyn Alexis. On Monday evening, she broke her silence and addressed how she feels about his new addition.

RELATED: Jaidyn Alexis Breaks Silence & Reacts To Blueface & Nevaeh Akira’s Pregnancy Announcement (WATCH)

Jennifer Garner
Flaunts in Brown Leather!!!

Published
February 24, 2026
9:29 AM PST

Robert Carradine
Actor Was MIA on Current Film, Director Says

Published
February 24, 2026
9:23 AM PST

When The Princess Bride was released in 1987, it quietly rewrote the rules of romantic fantasy. It proved that a love story could be sweeping without being saccharine, ironic without being cynical, and adventurous without losing emotional sincerity. Since then, filmmakers have chased that same 1980s alchemy—the delicate balance of magic, humor, danger, and devotion. And luckily, some have found it.

Many would argue that the best romantic fantasy films released in its wake understand one crucial thing: spectacle alone is not enough. Whether told through animated kingdoms, time-traveling meet-cutes, or sky-bound ships, these stories endure because they treat love as transformative. They remind us that romance, at its best, feels both impossible and inevitable (like destiny, but still chosen). And in a genre built on magic, that sincerity is the most powerful spell of all.

8

‘Tangled’ (2010)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

After a magical flower grants her healing powers, baby Princess Rapunzel is stolen from the palace by the vain and manipulative Mother Gothel (Donna Murphy), who locks her away in a hidden tower for 18 years. Now, on the brink of adulthood, Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) finally seizes her chance at freedom when charming thief, Flynn Rider (Zachery Levi), stumbles into her tower, and promises to escort her to see the floating lanterns she’s long dreamed of.

Tangled feels like a direct descendant of The Princess Bride in the best way: it gives us swashbuckling adventure, razor-sharp banter, and a romance that builds through shared danger. The lantern sequence alone solidifies itself in the Disney hall of fame as it’s not only visually stunning, but emotionally significant as it showcases a true moment of vulnerability. Throughout the film, Flynn’s bravado softens, Rapunzel finds her courage, and the fairy-tale becomes deeply human. It’s a classic romance polished with modern wit, and a true underrated addition to Disney’s animated collection.

7

‘Edward Scissorhands’ (1990)

Image via 20th Century Studios

In a pastel suburban town, an unfinished artificial man named Edward (Johnny Depp) is discovered living alone in a gothic mansion. Taken in by a well-meaning family, Edward struggles to adapt to suburban life, all the while forming a tender connection with their daughter, Kim (Winona Ryder). Unfortunately for him, his scissor-bladed hands and gentle strangeness quickly make him both a fascination and target to others.

Tim Burton’s melancholic masterpiece transforms a simple love story into something hauntingly tragic. Like in The Princess Bride, Edward and Kim’s romance is defined by distance—physical, emotional, and societal. It’s a story about loving someone you can never quite hold. However, where many fantasy romances promise happily-ever-afters, Edward Scissorhands lingers in the longing. Its bittersweet devotion, quiet sacrifice, and gothic atmosphere give it the emotional weight of a modern myth made legendary in the 90s.

6

‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ (2004)

Image via Studio Ghibli

When Sophie (Chieko Baishô), a shy young woman working in her family’s hat shop, is cursed by a jealous witch and transformed into an elderly woman, she has no means to tell anyone of her plight. So, seeking a way to break the spell, she finds refuge in the magical, ever-shifting castle of the mysterious wizard Howl (Takuya Kimura). But as war looms and curses intertwine, Sophie and Howl slowly unravel each other’s defenses.

From the brilliant minds at Studio Ghibli and famed director Hayao Miyazaki, this romance is whimsical, strange, and yet still profoundly tender. Sophie learns confidence in a body she doesn’t recognize, while Howl learns bravery in a world he’s been avoiding. Together, their love unfolds through quiet acts of protection rather than grand speeches. In many ways, the magic externalizes their insecurities, making their emotional growth feel even more profound. Howl’s Moving Castle is fantasy at its most poetic.

5

‘Big Fish’ (2003)

Image via Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group

As Edward Bloom (Albert Finney) nears the end of his life, his estranged son Will (Billy Crudup) attempts to separate fact from fiction in the fantastical stories his father has told for years—those being tales of witches, giants, mermaids, and impossible adventures. Threaded through every outlandish anecdote, however, is Edward’s unwavering devotion to his wife, Sandra (Jessica Lange), whom he claims to have loved from the very first moment he saw her.

While Big Fish operates as a father-son drama, its most enduring thread is romantic devotion. Edward’s love story unfolds like folklore—exaggerated, stylized, larger than life—yet grounded in something deeply sincere. Whether every detail happened exactly as told almost becomes irrelevant. What matters is that Edward’s love for Sandra feels mythic in its consistency. For many, this movie highlights how romance isn’t just about how love begins, but how it is remembered and retold. And in that sense, it’s one of the grandest love stories of all.

4

‘Enchanted’ (2007)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

When animated fairy tale princess Giselle (Amy Adams) is banished by an evil queen into live-action modern-day New York City, she finds herself navigating a world without talking animals or instant happily-ever-afters. Taken in by pragmatic divorce lawyer Robert (Patrick Dempsey) after an accidental stumble, Giselle’s unwavering optimism begins to disrupt his carefully ordered life—especially when people (and creatures) from her world begin to creep in.

There’s no doubt that Enchanted thrives on its playful collision between sincerity and skepticism. Giselle’s belief in true love initially seems naive, but the film gradually proves that romance can survive even outside storybook rules. The love that develops between Giselle and Robert surely isn’t instant magic—instead, it’s built through partnership and growth. By lovingly poking fun at classic tropes while still embracing them, the film becomes both parody and love letter to the genre.

3

‘Shrek 2’ (2004)

Image via DreamWorks Pictures

After returning from their honeymoon, Shrek (Mike Myers) and Fiona (Cameron Diaz) are invited to return to the Kingdom of Far Far Away to meet her royal parents. The only problem: they don’t know that she’s married to an ogre, nor that she’s fully become one. Throw in a scheming Fairy Godmother (Jennifer Saunders), a swoon-worthy (and deeply smarmy) Prince Charming (Rupert Everett), and one unforgettable potion mishap, and you have a sequel that goes bigger in every possible way.

Underneath the meme-worthy one-liners and iconic needle drops lies a romance that feels shockingly grounded. Indeed, Shrek 2 dares to ask whether love should be reshaped to meet the world’s expectations—or whether the world should adjust instead. Fiona choosing Shrek again and again, even when offered conventionally “perfect” versions and alternatives, makes their relationship one of the most affirming in animated history. There’s no doubt that it’s truly one of the best movies (and sequels) to ever be made.

2

‘About Time’ (2013)

Image via Universal Pictures

When Tim Lake (Domhnall Gleeson) learns from his father that the men in his family have the ability to travel through time, he decides to use his newfound ability to improve his life—starting with finding love. Lucky for him, after a series of awkward first encounters, Tim finally meets Mary (Rachel McAdams), and their relationship unfolds with a mixture of do-overs, missteps, and small triumphs.

Directed by Richard Curtis, About Time transforms a high-concept premise into something incredibly intimate. In this world, time travel isn’t about spectacle, but about presence. Tim slowly realizes that perfection isn’t the goal—appreciation is, leaving the fantasy element to reinforce the film’s central truth: love lives in the ordinary days, messy conversations, and feeling moments you can’t rewind forever. It truly is romance in the most grounded way possible.

1

‘Stardust’ (2007)

Image via Paramount Pictures
 

In the quiet village of Wall, Tristan Thorn (Charlie Cox) promises the woman he adores that he will retrieve a fallen star for her birthday. Needing to cross into a magical realm, Tristan soon discovers that the star is not a stone at all, but a woman named Yvaine (Claire Danes). But as dangerous forces close in, a reluctant partnership develops, alongside an unexpected love story.

Based on the famed Neil Gaiman novel, Stardust easily earns the crown in this list as it most faithfully channels the spirit of the grand, unabashed romantic fantasy. Between sword fights, sky pirates, wicked witches, and declarations that make your heart lurch—it never undercuts its own sincerity. Tristan begins the film by chasing the fantasy of love and ends it by choosing real partnership, while Yvaine proves she’s not a mere prize to be won, but a force in her own right. It’s funny, bold, and deliciously ridiculous in the best way. For any Gen Z, this is our Princess Bride.

Advertisement

Stardust

Advertisement

Release Date

August 10, 2007

Advertisement

Runtime

127 minutes

Director

Advertisement

Matthew Vaughn

Writers

Jane Goldman, Matthew Vaughn, Neil Gaiman

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Next: 10 Fantasy Movie Flips That Are Actually Misunderstood Masterpieces