Jon Cassar’s no-frills western drama, Forsaken, follows John Henry Clayton, played by Keifer Sutherland, a former hot-shot gunfighter, who returns home seeking redemption and reconciliation. However, upon his arrival, Clayton quickly realizes things aren’t quite like he left them. An old love lost to time, new ruthless land-grabbing antagonists, and his estranged father force this homeward-bound cowboy to question whether he can truly leave his violent past behind. Ten years later, Prime Video’s well-loved western picture is still celebrated by critics and audiences alike.

Many say the film benefits from the expertly cast on-screen pair of real-life father and son, Donald and Kiefer Sutherland. Additionally, the film includes a further star-studded cast, including but not limited to: Demi Moore as Clayton’s forlorn old flame Mary Alice Watson and Brian Cox as an unscrupulous land baron and Clayton’s primary antagonist. This, combined with the classically riveting grit of an old western, makes for a truly incredible watch.

‘Forsaken’ Embraces Traditionalism for Unadulterated Western Fun

Image Via Momentum Pictures

To state it plainly, this film makes no attempt at reinventing the wheel, per se. However, within it’s traditional western attributes belies its defining strengths. Take the premise itself, for example. How many old, warn out, morally-grey-hero-returning-home flics have audiences seen? More likely than not: infinity. Tons of so-called reinventions of this classic premise have been slapped across silver screens worldwide. However, Forsaken digs into this cliche with reckless abandon. In fact, the script even begins with a classic: “Well, well, well…” Upon Clayton’s fateful return.

John Henry Clayton, a lone gunman, attempts to leave his life of violence behind in hopes of appeasing his preacher father, Reverend Clayton. As he returns home, he is met with an unexpected threat. A railroad is coming, and a ruthless property developer, by the name of James McCurdy, expects each townie in its wake to close up shop and ditch the place. To say the very least, he’s willing to resort to just about anything to make it happen. As McCurdy and his gang begin to resort to violence, Clayton finds it increasingly difficult to let sleeping dogs lie, as his violent past creeps its way to the present. This, combined with the wonderful depth captured between each of the lead characters, allow the film to rise from a boring remake, to a classic benchmark.

The Characters that Truly Make ‘Forsaken’

Image via Momentum

In a film such as Forsaken, expert characterization and portrayal are each essential qualities for success. In each respect, this picture did not disappoint. In particular, both Moore and Cox’s performances struck as rather convincing and, more than that, truly entertaining.

Despite how little screentime was afforded to Demi Moore’s character, her portrayal of Mary Alice Watson was poignantly modest and understated in a highly believable manor. The essence of her character is her wistful, barely there, almost ghostly presence. She is a past love, whose flickering flame still seems to haunt Clayton, with whom she has wonderful chemistry with. Flowers are certainly deserved in respect to her bittersweet realism. And despite her “B-plot” title, it woudlve been nice to see more of her. Cox, on the other hand, is perfect in opposition to the almost translucent quality of Watson. Cox provides a truly menacing presence to the screen. And that very realistically grounds both the film and the town’s defining threat. His authoritative control and humorous, hammy, depiction push the film even further into the classic southern archetype. He creates a truly palpable tension on screen through his sharp conviction and pure villainy.

In summary, Jon Cassar‘s Forsaken is a film for those looking to indulge in cliche western entertainment. The unrelenting revisiting of classic tropes makes for a truly fun watch, and the expert portrayals of each player involved ground the film expertly. This terribly underrated western is often forgotten and left out of conversations for one possible reason. The genre of western dramas has become so convoluted, audiences have lost touch with classics. Filmmakers are throwing far too many overly modernized twists at what could already be considered enough respectively. Forsaken digs into the beauty of sticking to what the genre knows, and executes it perfectly.

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September 16, 2015

Runtime

90 minutes

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Director

Jon Cassar

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2026 marks the 60th anniversary of Star Trek, yet the iconic franchise is approaching a crossroads. The trailer for Season 4 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a grim reminder that the series is slated to end next year. Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, a series meant to carry the Star Trek franchise into the future, is being cut short after two seasons. While Paramount has said it intends to keep the franchise going on the silver screen, Star Trek‘s future on television is looking fairly bleak. There is one creative voice who could help steer the ship in the right direction, and it’s a figure who has a long and surprising history with Star Trek.

That figure is Terry Matalas, who shouldn’t be a stranger to Trekkies. Matalas got his start in television working on Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: Enterprise, and cited Star Trek: The Next Generation as one of his all-time favorite television shows. His biggest claim to fame, though, is serving as showrunner on Seasons 2 & 3 of Star Trek: Picard, which remains one of the most beloved entries in Star Trek’s modern era. But there’s another aspect of Matalas’ work on Star Trek: Picard that makes him a perfect fit for the franchise, especially as Paramount is undergoing a major shift in priorities.

Terry Matalas Can Deliver a ‘Star Trek’ Show That Doesn’t Break The Bank for Paramount

Image via Paramount+

Those not in tune with the major business decisions behind Hollywood’s major studios probably don’t know that Paramount was recently acquired by Skydance Media, leading to a major shift in what movies and TV shows are being made. That shift was deeply felt after the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, but other television ventures across Paramount’s vast library have been feeling a financial squeeze. Chief among them is Star Trek, as sets are being dismantled and even sold off. Any future show would have to work on a reduced budget, which is where Terry Matalas comes in.

During his tenure as showrunner on Star Trek: Picard, Matalas was responsible for Seasons 2 and 3 filming back-to-back in order to help with cost control and cast schedules. That approach also shaped Season 3’s story, which saw Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) reuniting with the former cast of the U.S.S. Enterprise-D. Despite the first two seasons of Picard introducing a whole new cast of characters, Matalas had to write them out to accommodate the legacy characters, which he admitted was a hard decision.

“I think probably it’s a bit more difficult to go to the studio and say, ‘Great, we’re doing this, we need to make deals now with all of these legacy characters, and financially what can we afford and what does that mean for some of the new cast?’ I think that was probably the hardest thing is that we just don’t have infinite cash or run time to do justice to the characters.”

Should Matalas take up another creative position on a Star Trek project, he’d more than likely have to deal with similar constraints due to Paramount’s potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Should this merger be finalized, it means that Paramount will have to cut even more costs…and that’s not even considering the fact that Paramount+ and HBO Max could merge, leading to yet another seismic shift in programming. Yet Matalas managed to deliver a season of Picard that was both a hit with audiences and critics, proving that you don’t need a blockbuster-sized budget to tell a good story.

Terry Matalas’ Work on ‘Star Trek: Picard’ Set Up The Perfect ‘Star Trek’ Spinoff

While a common criticism of current Star Trek shows is that they haven’t been able to attract new viewers or exclusively cater to longtime Trek fans, the final season of Star Trek: Picard offers a solution to both problems. Throughout the season, Picard learns that he has a son, Jack (Ed Speelers) and must deal with the resurgence of the Borg. In the series finale, “The Last Generation,” Jack becomes an officer on the U.S.S. Enterprise-G, which is captained by Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan); he’s also visited by the extradimensional being Q (John de Lancie), who frequently appeared to torment Picard during Star Trek: The Next Generation. This all but hints at a potential spinoff, which fans have dubbed Star Trek: Legacy and cast members have said they’d love to be a part of.

Getting Matalas back to helm Star Trek: Legacy would be tricky, as he’s currently working on a wealth of genre projects. In addition to the upcoming VisionQuest, Matalas is also developing a Magic: The Gathering animated series for Netflix and a remake of the sci-fi classic Enemy Mine. Still, if Paramount is looking to give Star Trek a new lease on life, it should reach out to Matalas.

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Release Date

2020 – 2023

Network

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CBS All Access, Paramount+

Directors

Jonathan Frakes, Hanelle M. Culpepper, Akiva Goldsman, Joe Menendez, Lea Thompson, Michael Weaver, Terry Matalas, Deborah Kampmeier, Dan Liu

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Writers

Matt Okumura, Kiley Rossetter, Christopher B. Derrick

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Jon Bernthal is on a ride this year. 2026 started for the fan-favorite with Netflix’s His & Hers, a murder mystery where he stars opposite Tessa Thompson. The miniseries proved a big hit for the streamer as it broke into its all-time top 10 list with 98.2 million views. Then he inflicted some emotional damage with The Bear’s surprise prequel, Gary, which he co-wrote with co-star Ebon Moss-Bachrach.

With one episode, the emotional framework for The Bear’s final season changes as we get to see more of Mikey’s (Bernthal) internal state and his friendship with Richie. The 100% Rotten Tomatoes-rated special will tug at your heart and give a glimpse of the character that casts a long shadow on Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) and the restaurant. In the same week, Bernthal also came out with the highly anticipated MCU Special Presentation, The Punisher: One Last Kill.

While we have been on a journey with The Punisher since his Netflix days, his standalone MCU entry meant a lot for longtime fans. Frank Castle was first introduced in Daredevil: Born Again Season 1, but The Punisher: One Last Kill gives him a fresh start before we meet him in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Just like how Gary gave us a peek into Michael’s troubled life, the MCU entry gives a Bernthal character a chance to heal with Frank Castle. One Last Kill finds Frank after he has avenged his family, but as it happens, grief takes its own course, and in the end, vengeance leaves you empty. The special brilliantly showcases a Frank who finds a reason to keep going after he has fulfilled his long-term goal, and with him, fans too move on. The R-rated, pared-down, no-holds-barred actioner was something both fans and the character needed to make an impression in the MCU.

‘The Punisher: One Last Kill’ Has Cemented Itself on Streaming Charts

And indeed, The Punisher: One Last Kill has wowed the fans worldwide as it has cemented itself on Disney+ top 10 charts for over 30 days, as per FlixPatrol. While many new and old movies keep finding and losing the spot over the last month, Punisher has maintained its position, which is a testament to fans’ love. Bernthal will soon reprise Punisher in the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day, dropping on July 31. But before that, both Tom Holland and Bernthal will share screen space in The Odyssey, coming out July 17.

Meanwhile, The Punisher: One Last Kill is streaming on Disney+.

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Release Date

May 12, 2026

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Reinaldo Marcus Green

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Tom Holland is gearing up for the release of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” marking the fourth time he will appear as Peter Parker’s alter ego in a solo film. The actor has weighed in on who should take over the role, mentioning an Emmy-winning actor as his potential replacement.

Tom Holland was in his late teens when Marvel Studios cast him as Spider-Man, and at 30, he is thinking about potential actors who could take his place in the future.

In an interview with Esquire, Holland said Owen Cooper would be an “awesome” Spider-Man. “Obviously, he’s super talented and the talk of the town right now,” the actor said.

Cooper, a 16-year-old British actor, gained fame for portraying accused killer Jamie Miller in the Netflix series “Adolescence.” He made history in 2025 by becoming the youngest male actor to receive a Primetime Emmy Award at just 15, winning the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series category.

Holland said he would love to be involved in the franchise’s next stages as a mentor. “In the way that Robert Downey was such a mentor for me in my first three movies, I would love to be that person for whoever is next,” he shared.

The Actor Was Hesitant To Go Back To The Role

Elsewhere in the interview, Holland said he was “on the fence” about returning to his Spider-Man role, adding that the contract he signed at 18 years old expired after the third movie, “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” released in 2021.

In fact, in an interview that year, the actor famously said, “If I’m playing Spider-Man after I’m 30, I’ve done something wrong.” He’s now looking back at his statement, saying it was “really stupid.” He changed his tune after his 30th birthday. In early June, he told GQ, “I think the point of it is that I would love to pass the baton on, and I haven’t achieved that yet… So maybe I need to change the quote to 37.”

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” director Destin Daniel Cretton spoke about Holland, saying that while some actors become “jaded” with the filmmaking process after playing a character several times, “Tom is the opposite.” Cretton added that they had a lot of fun filming that it “almost seems criminal.”

Tom Holland Was Heavily Involved In The Fourth Movie

According to the actor, he was more involved in the making of the fourth movie, including the pre- and post-production stages.

Holland shared that he spent hours scouring the internet, watching videos, and listening to podcasts to learn what the fans wanted to see in the next installment. For instance, Spider-Man’s new suit was redesigned to take into account viewers’ thoughts from past Spider-Man movies.

Moreover, he was able to pitch his ideas. As he told Empire, he was given the chance to share his thoughts with the writers. He went with what he called “Spider-Puberty,” raising the question, “What happens if Peter Parker is losing control and things are changing?”

Holland said the studio didn’t like his “Spider-Puberty” tagline, but was intrigued with the idea, which later evolved into the plot of “Brand New Day.”

The Actor Delayed The ‘Spider-Man’ Filming

The original filming schedule of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” coincided with Holland’s other film, “The Odyssey,” directed by Christopher Nolan. The actor said he had an “uncomfortable conversation” with Sony after asking them to delay filming so he could work with the legendary director. The studio agreed, but Holland said, “Any other director, it might have been a slightly different conversation.”

It all worked out in the end, as the Spider-Man franchise had extra time to develop and improve the script. The actor believes the fourth installment is the “best version” yet, adding, “While it was a tough pill to swallow for Sony, I think in hindsight, they’re very grateful that it happened.”

Tom Holland On Playing The Superhero

While Holland is already thinking about who should replace him as the web-slinging superhero, that doesn’t mean he has closed his doors on portraying Spider-Man. As he told GQ, “I think the truth is that playing Spider-Man has been the joy of my life. I now kind of stand on the plinth of like, I’ll do it for as long as they’ll have me.”

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is slated for release on July 31.

The Real L Word star Francine Beppu’s cause of death has been revealed following her death at age 43.

According to a report by the Honolulu Medical Examiner, with details published by TMZ on Tuesday, June 16, Beppu died by suicide on February 17.

The examiner’s office also conducted toxicology testing which indicated “the presence of amphetamine and alcohol” in her system when she died.

Beppu, who starred on season 2 of the Showtime reality TV show in 2011, was confirmed dead by a spokesperson for her family who spoke to People several days later. “It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved Francine ‘Naoko’ Beppu,” a statement from the family obtained by the outlet read at the time. “The outpouring of care and concern from her friends and colleagues is a testament to the tremendous impact she had on everyone around her. We are deeply grateful to know how cherished she was and how brightly she will continue to shine through all who knew her.”

Related: ‘RHONY’ Alum Bethenny Frankel Mourns Death of Once-Estranged Mom

Bethenny Frankel is mourning the death of her mother, Bernadette Birk, who died on Friday, April 19, at the age of 73 following a battle with lung cancer. The Real Housewives of New York City alum, 53, posted photos and a touching tribute on Instagram, opening up about her complicated relationship with her mom. “She […]

The family added that they had appreciated “the many gestures of love for Francine” while requesting privacy and they navigated “this unimaginable loss and honor her memory.”

The Real L Word was a spin off of The L Word, a Showtime drama series that followed a group of lesbian and bisexual women who lived in West Hollywood, California. It ran from 2004 to 2009 before The Real L Word explored further characters, including Beppu, in L.A. and New York City.

Beppu only featured in the show for one season, alongside her then-girlfriend Claire Moseley, as cameras filmed her coming out as a lesbian to her mom.

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The cause of death for RuPaul’s Drag Race star James Lee Williams, a.k.a. The Vivienne, has been confirmed. The drag artist’s family told BBC News that they died from cardiac arrest caused by use of the powerful anesthetic drug ketamine. The Williams family have confirmed plans to work with a substance abuse charity, Adferiad, on […]

During a 2022 interview for The Hawai’i Herald, Beppu said that coming out was far from easy, despite taking the news well while cameras rolled. “There were some tears but at the end of the day, my mom wants what’s best for me,” she told the outlet at the time. “My parents are great. They’ve been very accepting. I’m really lucky to have them.”

While her cast inclusion was brief, Beppu’s advocation for LGBTQ+ rights endured. She served as a chairperson for the Hawai’i LGBT Legacy Foundation, an organization that focuses on “empowering individuals and communities through education, cultural enrichment and advocacy … to create a world where MVPFAFF/LGBTQIA individuals can thrive, free from discrimination and prejudice,” according to its website.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. https://988lifeline.org/

Mean Girls is among the new millennium’s most influential movies. From the comedic genius of Tina Fey, the film stars a who’s who of future movie stars, including Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Amanda Seyfried, and Lizzy Caplan. Especially with the Mean Girls musical reboot, there is no better time than the present to get into the glamorous and cutthroat mood that Mean Girls and other teen films so effectively provide.

Endlessly quotable, hilarious, and infinitely rewatchable, Mean Girls is a generation-defining film and one of the best teen movies in American cinema. Fans of the movie might want to watch other similar films, and, luckily for them, there’s no shortage of options. From films with similar themes to the dark comedies that inspired it, these movies are perfect companions for Mean Girls.

20

‘Mean Girls’ (2024)

Image via Paramount Pictures

As far as films that recapture and fully embrace the type of slick, pop energy of Mean Girls, it’s difficult to find something more similar than the musical remake that came out in 2024. Adapted from a stage musical that was adapted from the original 2004 film, this modern interpretation of Mean Girls features a new cast and the same distinct energy and style that made the musical such a hit. It mostly follows the same story and beats as the original film, yet updated for a modern audience.

While it’s easy to be harsh on modern remakes due to usually not being able to compare in quality to the original film, the 2024 Mean Girls‘ musical angle helps distinguish itself as a separate experience from the original film. At the same time, the film features a lot of the same inherent strengths and qualities of the original story, such as the dynamic between Cady and the Plastics and the array of quotable lines.

19

‘The Clique’ (2008)

2008’s The Clique is based on the eponymous series of teen novels. The plot concerns Claire Lyons, a young girl who desperately attempts to join the most popular girls in her new school, the Clique, doing increasingly questionable things to sneak into the group. The film’s plot and characters find a great deal of inspiration from films like Mean Girls, but instead of simply attempting a blatant copy of the formula, The Clique has a genuine understanding of the important themes and messaging of Mean Girls.

The Clique might as well be middle-school Mean Girls. The plot is similar, visiting the same themes of the dangers of popularity and sacrificing individuality to fit in with the “cool” crowd. However, The Clique is charming enough to warrant a watch, especially for fashionistas; the film is a worthy heir to the Gossip Girl legacy of stunning preppy fashion.

18

‘Legally Blonde’ (2001)

Image Via MGM

One of the most defining romantic comedies of the era, Legally Blonde follows the story of sorority girl Elle Woods, who in an attempt to win back her ex-boyfriend, plans to follow in his footsteps and attend Harvard Law School. However, she soon finds herself taking a liking to the judicial process and decides to prove to her peers that she goes against the nasty stereotypes surrounding preppy blondes like herself.

While not as directly tied to the trends and cliques of high school as portrayed in Mean Girls, Legally Blonde shares a connection with the film through their shared love and importance placed upon female empowerment. Elle is a character who fits perfectly within the style and world of Mean Girls, almost acting as a kind-hearted, perfect version of a preppy plastic-type, combined with Reese Witherspoon‘s signature performance, making her an incredible main character to watch.

17

‘Wild Child’ (2008)

Emma Roberts became a teen icon with her explosive performance in the 2008 comedy Wild Child. The plot centers on Poppy Moore, a wealthy and rebellious girl who gets sent to a prestigious English boarding school to correct her attitude. However, things don’t go as planned when Poppy brings her unique brand of disruptive energy to the school.

Wild Child is a star vehicle for Roberts, who shines in a role similar to her future iconic turns in American Horror Story: Coven and Scream Queens. Wild Child is a great companion for Mean Girls, with both films focusing on young and rebellious girls who learn valuable lessons without sacrificing their individual fabulousness. However, the major difference and focus is the more character study-styled singular focus on Poppy, as opposed to a more generalized story about all of high school.

16

‘Plan B’ (2021)

Image via Hulu

One of the core facets that makes Mean Girls such an effective teen comedy is its focus on female camaraderie and friendship, themes that are greatly felt throughout Plan B. The film follows straight-laced high school student Sunny, who, after a regrettable sexual encounter at a party, finds herself on a wild road trip across the countryside with her best friend Lupe in search of an elusive Plan B pill. Their journey sees them facing off against numerous unexpected hurdles and strange characters as the duo reevaluates their friendship and forms a tight-knit bond in the process.

Plan B features an effective blend of raunchy, R-rated comedy, likable female leads, and effective themes of coming-of-age friendship that are sure to make it a hit with fans of Mean Girls. This film is greatly elevated by its inherent charm and execution, getting a great deal of comedic mileage and earnest emotional moments thanks to the tone and style that it creates for itself. As far as modern teen films go, Plan B is one of the best when it comes to having as much wild fun as it has a great emotional core.

15

‘Can’t Hardly Wait’ (1999)

Can’t Hardly Wait follows the stories and events surrounding a massive graduation party, consisting of nearly every student at Huntington Hills High. In each student’s attempt to have the best night of their lives, they each find themselves overcoming a number of unexpected obstacles and changes, resulting in a night that will surely go down in history. While the plot may initially seem completely different, Can’t Hardly Wait shares a lot of DNA with Mean Girls when it comes to its satire and commentary on the trends of then-high school cliques and stereotypes.

Can’t Hardly Wait makes a major effort when it comes to blurring the lines between the archetypes of high school students, with the lines between jocks, nerds, and popular students fading away by the end of the film. It’s also a laugh riot throughout its runtime, as the film’s simple party-centric premise allows for a wide variety of different stories and characters that constantly blend in with one another throughout the runtime. Much like Mean Girls, the film embraces the clichés and trends of the teen movie genre to create its own original story, reflecting upon the clichés themselves.

14

‘Election’ (1999)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Teen movies lend themselves perfectly as avenues for greater satires and social examinations of greater societal structures, something that Mean Girls greatly excelled at as one of the defining satires of the early 2000s. However, before Mean Girls took the world by storm, Election would provide a similar level of using high-school drama as an avenue for its adult satire, telling a hilarious story of abuse of power and elections. The film follows the chaos and infighting surrounding a student election, in which bright-eyed Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon) is running unopposed, to the major dismay of teacher Jim McAllister (Matthew Broderick).

What makes films like Election and Mean Girls stand out from the variety of other teen movies of the era is their distinct use of cynicism and dark comedy to excel their satirical themes and messaging. This style of humor and storytelling lends itself to the high school setting perfectly, creating an effective balance of petty drama and surprisingly high stakes that makes for highly memorable cinematic experiences. Even 25 years after its release, Election is still widely regarded as one of the best teen movies of the era, in the same vein of legacy and status as Mean Girls.

13

‘Do Revenge’ (2022)

Image via Netflix

Netflix’s wickedly funny teen comedy Do Revenge stars Camila Mendes and Maya Hawke. Inspired by Alfred Hitchcock‘s classic Strangers on a Train, the plot follows two students at a prestigious Miami school who team up to get revenge against the people who wronged them. However, as several twists and turns come with their newfound popularity, their original plans prove themselves to be falling apart at the seams.

Campy, self-aware, and endlessly funny, Do Revenge is a pastel-colored teen nightmare elevated by a pair of committed performances from Mendes and Hawke. More than simply acting as a modern retread of classic teen movies, the film finds massive inspiration and growth from the original formula, acting as the perfect modernization of this style of film. The film features a genuinely clever twist that separates it from other teen efforts, and its distinctive visual style and intelligent screenplay echo the heights achieved by Mean Girls.

12

‘Cruel Intentions’ (1999)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

Ryan Phillippe, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Reese Witherspoon cemented their legacies as ’90s teen icons with 1999’s Cruel Intentions. An updated adaptation of Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ seminal epistolary novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses, the film follows two scheming step-siblings who make a bet concerning a newly-arrived virginal student.

Cruel Intentions is a sexy and surprisingly witty update to a literary classic. Powered by a wicked turn by a never-better Sarah Michelle Gellar and with a memorable ending that ranks among the all-time best finales in the teen genre, Cruel Intentions is a scandalous thriller that fans of Mean Girls will undoubtedly enjoy.

11

’13 Going on 30′ (2004)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

One of the quintessential coming-of-age experiences of the early 2000s, 13 Going on 30 stands head and toe alongside Mean Girls as a hilarious examination of teenage life that defined the era. The film follows the story of Jenna, a teenage girl who is tired of the painful social structures of teenage life and wishes that she could simply be an adult and skip these painful teenage years. She suddenly gets her wish when she wakes up as a 30-year-old woman, complete with a stable career and full life, yet it doesn’t take long before Jenna learns that adulthood isn’t what it’s cracked up to be.

13 Going on 30 employs a similar style of coming-of-age comedy and humor as Mean Girls, with its focus simply placed on the contrast between teenage culture and adult life as opposed to entirely focusing on teenage life. Jennifer Garner gives a standout performance throughout the film, having to bring out the inherent optimism and beauty for the world in the eyes of a child, and elevating the entire experience as a result. Even despite there differing plots, there is an undeniable parallel in the tone and execution of Mean Girls and 13 Going on 30 that makes them complement one another perfectly.

Stephen Colbert may have signed off from “The Late Show” with one final joke, but it turns out the gag came with real-world consequences for CBS. 

Nearly a month after the comedian playfully suggested that a musical stunt during his show’s finale could cost the network money, a licensing agreement has now been confirmed. 

The situation, which began as a tongue-in-cheek moment involving one of television’s most recognizable tunes, ultimately led CBS to strike a deal with the company that controls the rights to the beloved music.

During the final episode of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on May 21, the longtime host appeared to knowingly flirt with copyright trouble while discussing legal disputes surrounding music from the classic “Charlie Brown” television specials.

The segment focused on recent enforcement efforts involving the “Peanuts” franchise and the iconic music composed by Vince Guaraldi. 

As Colbert spoke about lawsuits tied to unauthorized use of the music, he reminded viewers that the rights holders take the matter seriously.

“Peanuts is a powerful brand and corporation in and of itself. Anyone illegally using that music is going to have to pay through the nose,” Colbert said during the broadcast. 

The warning set up what would become one of the show’s final comedic moments.

Colbert Called Out His Own Band Mid-Segment

As Stephen Colbert continued speaking, bandleader Louis Cato and “The Late Show” house band, the Great Big Joy Machine, began playing Guaraldi’s instantly recognizable “Linus and Lucy” theme in the background.

The host immediately drew attention to the music, pretending to realize what was happening in real time. 

“Louis, Louis! Is the band right now playing the same Peanuts music I just said people were being sued for, for using without permission? Is that what you’re doing?” he asked.

Moments later, Colbert delivered the joke that would later prove surprisingly prophetic. “Oh no, I hope this doesn’t cost CBS any money!” he joked.

At the time, the line appeared to be just another playful jab during his farewell episode. 

Weeks later, however, it became clear there was more truth behind the joke than viewers realized.

Stephen Colbert’s Musical Bit Led To A Licensing Agreement

According to the Daily Mail, Lee Mendelson Film Productions, Inc., the company that oversees Vince Guaraldi’s musical catalog, has now confirmed that CBS entered into a licensing agreement covering the use of “Linus and Lucy” during the finale.

According to the company, the performance required formal licensing approval after the episode aired. While the financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, the arrangement officially resolved the use of the famous Peanuts tune featured during the broadcast.

The licensing agreement also produced an unexpected charitable benefit. Lee Mendelson Film Productions announced that all proceeds generated through the CBS licensing deal will be donated to World Central Kitchen, the nonprofit founded by celebrity chef José Andrés.

The organization is known for providing meals to communities affected by humanitarian crises, natural disasters, and conflicts worldwide.

The donation carries additional significance because World Central Kitchen had already played a role in the final days of Colbert’s program.

During the penultimate episode of “The Late Show,” Colbert and the show presented a $2.5 million donation to the organization and Andrés.

Stephen Colbert’s Final CBS Gag Earns Praise From Rights Holders

Rather than expressing frustration over the unauthorized use of the music, Lee Mendelson Film Productions embraced both the humor and the outcome.

Jason Mendelson, the company’s chairman, praised the segment while explaining the broader purpose of the organization’s enforcement efforts.

“LMFP found the music’s use on The Late Show funny and entertaining, and is proud to support World Central Kitchen’s mission,” Mendelson said in a statement.

He also emphasized that protecting the music remains an important part of the company’s work.

According to him, “A principal goal of our enforcement actions is to educate individuals, businesses, and government entities about the need to obtain written license agreements to use music in a commercial setting.”

Colbert Takes Aim At CBS During Surprise Hosting Return

Last month, Stephen Colbert made an unexpected return to television less than a day after ending his 11-year run on CBS’ “The Late Show,” stepping in as guest host of Michigan public-access program “Only in Monroe.”

As The Blast reported, the comedian used the appearance to poke fun at his former network, joking, “It’s been an excruciating 23 hours without being on TV, so I am grateful to be able to be here on Monroe Community Media before they also get acquired by Paramount.” 

Colbert also mocked CBS’ approach to streaming, telling viewers they could watch online through technology and adding, “which I promised not to learn about while I was on CBS. And evidently CBS also decided not to learn about it.” 

Ultimately, the surprise hosting stint became a talking point among fans, as it also featured appearances by Jeff Daniels, Jack White, Steve Buscemi, Eminem, and Byron Allen.

Sofía Vergara has once again shown herself to be one of Shakira’s biggest supporters.

The actress attended the World Cup opening ceremony, where the singer performed the event’s anthem, “Dia Dia.”

Vergara later took to Instagram to share a photo of herself with the “Hips Don’t Lie” hitmaker, as well as a video of herself dancing while Shakira performed on stage. The singer was also spotted blowing a kiss to her fellow Latin star.

At Shakira’s World Cup opening ceremony performance, Vergara was front and center, dancing along as the singer thrilled the packed crowd.

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The actress was there to support her friend, and the gesture seemingly didn’t go unnoticed by the Latin superstar. In viral videos that circulated online, the two shared a brief but heartwarming moment that drew cheers from attendees.

While singing and dancing on stage, Shakira spotted Vergara in the front row, fully immersed in the performance. The singer then blew her a kiss before continuing her choreography.

The gesture immediately brought a huge smile to Vergara’s face, and she continued dancing and singing along to the performance.

Fans Call Shakira And Vergara ‘Latina Royalty’

Fans on social media appeared to enjoy the heartfelt moment between the two Latin stars and expressed their excitement in online comments.

“Two icons in one moment, that’s a cultural crossover we didn’t know we needed,” one individual wrote.

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“Aww man, two queens from Barranquilla just making the whole stadium melt. Shakira blowing that kiss was so pure,” a second user commented.

“Latina royalty acknowledging Latina royalty. The crowd never stood a chance,” said a third.

“Shakira spotting Sofia and blowing that kiss is pure bestie energy,” one more wrote, while another remarked, “you can tell there’s a lot of mutual respect between them.”

Another user also praised Shakira for acknowledging her friend’s support.

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“I really like the way she cares about the people she knows,” the individual mentioned.

Sofía Vergara Gushed Over Shakira After The Show

After the performance, Vergara headed backstage to see Shakira and ended up taking a photo with the singer.

She later took to Instagram to share the picture, which showed both women all smiles as they enjoyed each other’s company.

In the shot, Vergara remained dressed in the outfit she wore to the event, a yellow tank top paired with denim jeans. Meanwhile, Shakira had changed out of her performance attire and was wearing what appeared to be a glittering light blue tracksuit.

Vergara also added another clip from the performance showing her dancing, singing, and clapping along as Shakira performed. She captioned the post, “Con la más más!!!! Barranquilla in tha house!!!” which loosely translates to, “With the best of the best! Barranquilla is in the house!”

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Shakira Celebrated Sofía Vergara’s ‘Griselda’ Success

Last year, Shakira also shared her love for Vergara by congratulating her ahead of the premiere of Vergara’s Netflix series “Griselda.”

“Hi Sofi, congratulations on your new show ‘Griselda’, I’ll be seeing you this Thursday, a kiss,” the singer said in a social media post, referencing the premiere date in January 2024.

In the series, Vergara stars as Griselda Blanco, the former leader of the Medellín Cartel and mentor to Pablo Escobar, who became known as the “Godmother of Cocaine.”

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Following its debut, the series received positive reviews from critics, with much of the praise directed at Vergara’s performance in the lead role.

Subsequently, the “Hot Pursuit” star was nominated for several awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Film.

Shakira Will Return For The World Cup Final

Fans of Shakira will see her on stage again to round off the 2026 World Cup on July 19.

The singer is set to make history as a co-headliner of the inaugural World Cup Final halftime show at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. During the event, she will share the stage with music legend Madonna and global K-pop powerhouse BTS.

The event will also serve a charitable purpose, with proceeds supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The initiative is dedicated to expanding access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world.

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