Entertainment
Pete Davidson Urges Americans to ‘Unite For Good’ On 9/11
Pete Davidson is remembering his late father, Scott Davidson, as the United States marks 25 years since the September 11 attacks.
The comedian was only a child when Scott, a New York City firefighter, died while responding to an attack. More than two decades later, he continues to honor his dad while acknowledging how difficult the anniversary is for him.
This year, however, Pete Davidson is channeling that grief into something positive by encouraging Americans to perform acts of kindness in remembrance of those who lost their lives.
Pete was only seven years old when his father lost his life responding to the September 11 attacks. Now, 25 years later, he is reflecting on Scott not only as his dad but also as a firefighter who devoted himself to helping others.
“He was a firefighter for Ladder 118, Engine 205 in Brooklyn Heights,” Pete recalled in a video for 9/11 Day, per E! News. “My dad loved being a fireman, and he loved saving people, as he did on that day.”
The anniversary remains deeply personal for the former “Saturday Night Live” star. While millions of Americans remember the lives lost during the attacks, September 11 also represents the day Pete’s own life changed forever.
Rather than allowing the milestone to center entirely on grief, Pete has chosen to remember the qualities that defined his father. Scott’s dedication to serving others has become particularly important to how the comedian wants his legacy honored decades later.
As the 25th anniversary approached, Pete began thinking about a tribute that reflected the kind of person his father was. He ultimately partnered with 9/11 Day and its UNIITE For Good campaign, an initiative encouraging people across the country to perform acts of service.
“9/11 is usually a tough day, but this organization, 9/11 Day, does something cool where you do a good deed for someone and you pass it along,” Pete explained. “You try to make the day a little bit lighter.”
Participants can pledge their own act of kindness or receive an idea through the organization. Those gestures can range from reaching out to someone they care about and supporting charities to donating blood or expressing gratitude to first responders.
For Pete, the initiative provides an opportunity to turn an anniversary associated with immense personal loss into something that reflects Scott’s dedication to helping people. “I think my dad would have loved that,” he said.
Pete Davidson Urges Americans To Turn 9/11 Into A Day of Kindness
Pete’s involvement also carries a broader message about how Americans can remember September 11. Beyond honoring those who died, he wants people to recall the unity and compassion that emerged across the country immediately after the attacks.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, people put aside their differences and found ways to support strangers and communities in need. The 9/11 Day campaign hopes to revive that spirit through simple gestures that can make a difference in someone else’s life.
Those wanting to do more can also volunteer within their communities, allowing the anniversary to become an opportunity for service rather than solely a day of mourning.
Pete hopes enough people will participate to create a nationwide display of generosity. His message ultimately comes down to showing up for others in the same spirit that first responders, like his father, did.
“Together, let’s show up for each other. Let’s unite for good,” Pete said, adding, “I think my dad would have loved that.”
The Former ‘SNL’ Star Continues To Keep His Father’s Memory Alive Through His Daughter
Becoming a father has given Pete another deeply personal connection to Scott’s memory. His daughter, Scottie, who was born last December, was named in honor of the firefighter.
Pete explained that Scott was his father’s name while “Scotty” was his nickname. When his daughter arrived, he and her mother, Elsie Hewitt, agreed that Scottie suited her. “It’s nice to keep that name alive,” he said.
Fatherhood has also made this year’s anniversary more emotional, especially because Pete is now 33, the same age his father was when he died.
He admitted in a chat with the New York Post that the milestone feels “extra tough, but also extra beautiful” because he gets to spend the day with his daughter.
Pete Davidson Is Still Figuring Out How Best To Explain The 9/11 Death Of His Dad To His Daughter
Pete has not yet figured out exactly how he will explain Scottie’s grandfather’s death to her, but he knows he has time.
“Luckily, I have some time,” he told The Post. “Honestly, this year is way harder than it’s been in a really long time because I have Scottie, and now I’m the age that my dad was when he died. So I’m just kind of like, ‘Holy sh-t.’”
For now, Scottie’s name serves as a lasting connection between the father Pete lost as a child and the daughter he is now raising himself.
Tyra Banks wants to get to the root of the latest documentary about her time on “America’s Next Top Model”!
The runway model had expressed her displeasure about some of the comments made by her former pals Miss J Alexander and Jay Manuel to Netflix during the production of the documentary.
Tyra Banks had dragged the producers behind the project to court, claiming that they contributed to the circulation of a false narrative about her by manipulating footage from her interview to paint an inaccurate picture.
The supermodel has expressed in her new filing that she wishes to see some exclusive footage about her former pals Miss J and Jay Manuel’s testimony about her to Netflix. She added that the final version released to the public was a product of editorial decisions and not the whole story.
The television personality noted that she is entitled to acquire the unedited footage of all their interviews, alongside the duo who worked on all the popular series. Hence, Banks has decided to proceed with a defamation lawsuit, as she insisted that claims about her exploiting a contestant’s sexual assault on the show for views were untrue.
The media personality added that she did not want to break any silence about the incident, adding, “It’s a little difficult for me to talk about production because that’s not my territory.” As shared by TMZ, Banks continued that she did not know Shandi Sullivan considered the incident a sexual assault or that she would appear in the project.
Netflix Made Stern Demands In Response To The Model’s Lawsuit
Banks had insisted that the way the situation panned out left a dent on her reputation, but the streaming giant hit back in August with claims that Banks’ allegations were watery and should be dismissed.
As noted by The Blast, a representative for Netflix affirmed to US Weekly that their directors Daniel Sivan and Mor Loushy are experienced documentarians who would not play that kind of politics.
Netflix’s spokesperson stressed that Banks was given a level playing field to share her experiences in the documentary, which was fairly portrayed by the producers alongside other participants.
Banks had claimed in her lawsuit that she had a no-holds-barred questioning session while shooting the documentary, which lasted for three hours, but to her shock, only sixteen minutes of that interaction made it out.
The media personality added that she was looking forward to viewers seeing her take accountability for some things that went down on “ANTM.”
More From The Blast
Tyra Banks Received Support From Her Industry Peers
The television personality has not picked up the mantle against Netflix without a support system in her corner. Fellow supermodel Eva Marcille went public with her support as she praised Banks during an appearance on Andy Cohen’s show.
Marcille tagged the production of the documentary as shady, as she revealed that she was not approached to participate in the project because her story may dismantle whatever narrative the producers had in mind.
She continued that the documentary is biased and unbalanced towards Banks, but she believed the model will overcome it thanks to her fierce and unbeatable nature.
As for how far Banks can take her battle with Netflix, a legal expert, Rachel Bennett, explained that producers are often protected by the First Amendment, making it taxing for Banks to identify at what point the defamation occurred.
The 52-Year-Old’s Pal Miss J Alexander Admitted Readiness to Mend Fences
In her confession in the docuseries, Alexander revealed that he had a stroke and spent over a month in a coma. As stated by The Blast, Alexander continued that Banks had promised to come visit him during the ordeal, but she never showed up.
Banks and the media personality enjoyed a close friendship during the time on the “ANTM,” leading to heightened attention around Alexander’s confession about a strain in their friendship in the documentary.
Despite all that had happened, sources close to Alexander told TMZ that she carried no bad energy towards Banks and wished her well. They added that all Alexander wanted was a phone call or a visit in person rather than the text message she had sent during his lengthy stay at the hospital, which had a crushing effect on his mobility.
Tyra Banks Unveiled The Reason Behind Her Latest Creative Adventure
The supermodel has been a household name for decades in the fashion industry. Earlier this year, she intensified that reign when she announced on Instagram that she would be joining the team of judges on the 22nd season of “Project Runway.”
Banks explained that it had been a long time coming for her presence on the show, as she was approached late last year, but she initially had strong reservations about joining. However, she admitted that she needed something challenging to get over all she had been going through, and it came at the perfect time.
She described the energy on set as very warm and endearing, adding that seeing Heidi Klum’s face on set as the host gave her huge reassurance about being in the right space with the right people.
Will Tyra Banks and Netflix eventually find common ground amid this chaos?
Alisah Chanel is making sure the luxury is matching the lifestyle! The wife of NBA star P.J. Washington recently gave social media a peek at her latest ride, and let’s just say this G-Wagon is anything but basic. But while folks were taking in the custom whip, some couldn’t help but bring Brittany Renner’s name into the conversation.
RELATED: Brittany Renner Reacts After Alisah Chanel Alleges She’s Pregnant, Refused To Let PJ Washington See His Son And Begged For $150
Alisah Chanel Gives A Peek Inside Her Custom G-Wagon
In a video shared to social media, Alisah shows off her new silver chrome G-Wagon parked along the curb outside the Chanel store in Malibu. The Benz emblem on the front appears to be bedazzled, while the SUV also features detailed rims, heavily tinted windows, and a bright neon-pink glow coming from inside. Around back, the trunk appears to have a matching silver Chanel surfboard attached, keeping the whole ride on theme. Alisah also gives viewers a look inside, where the baby-pink interior features star detailing across the ceiling and “AW” monogramming on the seat headrests.
The Roomies Clocked In Today
Folks wasted no time running to TSR’s Instagram comment section to share their thoughts on Alisah Chanel’s latest luxury flex. Some joked that Brittney Renner is probably already on her way to say something as we speak, while others said Alisah is riding around in every girl’s dream car. The comments definitely had plenty to say about the G-Wagon!
One Instagram user @ashleydeonnebutler claimed, “A g-wagon is actually a great tax write-off if PJ bought this thru his LLC or S-Corp. let her enjoy her best Barbie life haters 😂”
This Instagram user @1980yellaboy added, “Ole girl Brittany going live in 3,2,1…..😂😂😂”
And, Instagram user @kizzie_ki commented, “Ohhhhh I know Brittany RUNNING to her lawyer😂”
Meanwhile, Instagram user @__sincerelynishaa joked “Oh he going back to court after Brittany see this 😂😂😂😂”
While Instagram user @_therealjazzz shared, “She stay with the cute stuff thangggyaaa 😍🤏🏽🤏🏽”
Finally, Instagram user @tee_rella_davinci_ wrote, “A Girls Dream Car 😩🎀🩷 it’s so perfect 😍”
So, Why Are Folks Bringing Brittany Renner Into This?
So, why are folks bringing up Brittany Renner under Alisah Chanel’s latest G-Wagon post? Well, the last time these two women had social media going back and forth, things got spicy over P.J. Washington and his co-parenting situation. It all started when a Mavs fan joked that Renner should take P.J. back amid comments about his performance on the court. Renner seemingly defended her ex, calling him her “BD,” before Alisah chimed in with a laughing “Anyways.” Renner later responded by alleging that P.J. had not seen their son, Paul, since May 7, 2025, and asked Alisah, as his stepmother, to help make time between father and son happen.
RELATED: Oop! Brittany Renner Drops SPICY Reply To PJ Washington’s Wife Alisah Chanel Over Her Reaction To A Joke
What Do You Think Roomies?
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EW catches up with the Owens family as the sequel hits theaters.
Sandra Bullock had one of Hollywood’s biggest nights in 2010, but her memory of it is surprisingly blurry.
The actress won the Best Actress Oscar for “The Blind Side” in 2010. “The Blind Side” was a 2009 drama based on the story of NFL player Michael Oher. She almost turned down her role in the movie, saying that she could not do justice to it.
Instead of celebrating late into the night, Sandra Bullock was desperate to return to the baby nobody knew she had. She adopted a newborn son named Louis when he was three and a half months old.
The Oscar-winning actress admitted that she remembers almost nothing from the night she won her first Academy Award. When asked what she remembered most about the ceremony, she jokingly answered, “Nothing.”
The actress confessed that she had secretly adopted Louis just months earlier and said she was running on roughly two hours of sleep. She also revealed that the newborn was dealing with acid reflux and waking every two hours at the time, leaving her focused on getting back home.
Apparently, nobody at the Oscars knew she had a baby waiting for her. Nevertheless, Bullock still attended the entire ceremony and accepted the Best Actress trophy for “The Blind Side.” However, she quickly left the afterparty, even though guests assumed she was exhausted from the long evening.
Bullock had another reason for wanting to desperately to get back to Louis. She recalled sitting in her dress with Louis in her lap while her Oscar award rested on the floor. She wanted to handle his feeding herself because she knew the person caring for him was probably struggling.
The “Live With Kelly and Mark” interview captured Bullock looking back on that extraordinary night and explaining why motherhood overshadowed her Oscar victory.
‘The Blind Side’ Role Almost Never Happened
The Oscar Bullock won came from “The Blind Side,” the 2009 drama based on the story of NFL player Michael Oher. She portrayed Leigh Anne Tuohy, a Memphis businesswoman who adopted Oher alongside her husband, Sean Tuohy. The role ultimately earned Bullock the Academy Award for Best Actress.
She initially kept turning down the part because she was afraid she would not do Leigh Anne justice. “It was really scary. That’s why I just kept saying, ‘No,’” she explained to Tribute Movies. Bullock felt the character had an energy that was unlike anything she had encountered.
She eventually searched for what she called a “crack in the veneer” that could help her understand Leigh Anne. A dialect coach helped her master the accent, but she focused even more heavily on the character’s intentions and energy. She said everything from the clothes to the makeup had to reflect the real woman.
Once she committed to the role, Bullock described the experience as much bigger than simply making a film. She said she left the production feeling “fuller” and believed it had changed her beyond the work itself.
More From The Blast
Sandra Bullock’s Oscar Night Happened While She Was Raising ‘A Little Smurf’
The timing of the Oscar win made the night especially complicated because Bullock was privately navigating a major change. She had initially planned to adopt Louis with her then-husband, Jesse James. Their marriage ended in 2010, and she ultimately adopted Louis on her own that same year.
The couple’s divorce was finalized in 2012 after James admitted to being unfaithful. Bullock later adopted her daughter, Laila, in 2015, expanding the family she had already begun building around Louis. Her private life therefore looked very different from the glamorous Oscar-night celebration happening around her.
Bullock later described another film, “Gravity,” as particularly meaningful because it mirrored what she was experiencing after her marriage ended. She said she was “raising and protecting a little smurf” while grieving and trying to move forward. Spending long periods alone while filming gave her plenty of time to think.
That perspective helps explain why the Oscar itself did not dominate her memories of that night. She was already carrying the responsibility of protecting a child while dealing with a deeply personal transition. The award became part of a much larger chapter in which motherhood and recovery were taking priority.
Motherhood Eventually Took The Actress Away From Hollywood
Bullock later made the decision to step away from acting so she could devote more time to Louis and Laila. In 2022, she explained to ET that acting was a “24/7 job” and said she wanted to be “24/7 with my babies and my family.”
The actress described motherhood as the place where she was happiest. She was not simply taking a break from work without a plan for her time. She joked that she would be servicing her children’s every need and managing their social calendar.
During the pandemic, she was also known among other parents for being extremely cautious about COVID. Her approach to parenting has included difficult conversations about race and the experiences her children may face.
She has openly discussed being a white mother raising Black children and worrying about whether they might feel disconnected from her culture. She has also spoken about wanting to prepare Louis for navigating the world without her beside him.
Adoption has remained central to how she understands her family. She once said that without adoption and foster care, she would not have her family, while encouraging others to consider adoption.
Bullock stepped away from acting because she wanted to spend her time with her children, describing motherhood as the role she wanted to prioritize.
Sandra Bullock’s Children Became Her Biggest Role
Louis was adopted in January 2010 when he was three and a half months old. Bullock has said she felt a strange connection to him even before meeting him, recalling that Hurricane Katrina made her feel that her child was somewhere in New Orleans.
When they finally met, she described him as perfect and said it felt like he had always been part of their lives. Louis eventually became known in the family as a food enthusiast with an unusually strong personality. His mother has described him as sensitive, wise, and kind, while also revealing that he gives her career advice.
He once advised her against taking a film, and she later admitted that he had been right. Laila joined the family through adoption in 2015 at two and a half years old. Bullock said Louis “spearheaded the whole journey,” and his reaction during a visit from child protective services convinced her that the family was meant to be together.
She also took classes to understand Laila’s experiences in foster care better and learn how to respond to her triggers. Bullock has kept her children’s lives largely private, but she occasionally shares glimpses of their family life.
In 2026, she posted a rare Mother’s Day photo and wrote, “To all the mamas, no matter how you came to be, Happy Mother’s Day.” PEOPLE detailed Bullock’s journey with Louis and Laila, including how motherhood influenced her decision to step back from acting and why she considers raising them her most important role.
Winning an Oscar is unforgettable in Hollywood, but motherhood is what made that night unforgettable for Sandra Bullock.
Jhené Aiko is back from the booth, roomies! And so far, it looks like her fans are vibing with the energy of her new album, as it’s trending across multiple platforms. As listeners began dissecting the lyrics, especially in ‘He Belongs,’ mentions of Big Sean began to creep in. However, Aiko didn’t let the rumors of shading her ex-boyfriend bubble too long before shutting it down!
RELATED: The Internet Revisits Why Big Sean Said He Wasn’t Ready To Marry Jhené Aiko Amid New Relationship Rumors (VIDEO)
Jhené Aiko’s New Album Trends As Fans Break It Down
As mentioned, Jhené dropped her 20-track album, ‘Westside Whimsy,’ on September 11. It’s the first time in six years she’s released a full-length project. From the online reactions, a standout theme for fans appears to be navigating heartbreak and betrayal in a romantic relationship. Songs like ‘He Belongs,’ ‘Ghost,’ and ‘Ceiling’ are sparking debates, speculations of shade and even reflections from fans who can relate! See a few reactions pulled from Threads below.
Singer Clears The Air About Her “Fling…Promise Ring” Lyrics
After the talks involving Big Sean spread to Threads, Jhené Aiko stepped in to clear the air about what inspired her. A Threads user posted that the song ‘He Belongs’ is about Aiko catching her ex-boyfriend cheating. The lyrics they singled out included, “Can’t turn a fling into a real thing…Can’t turn a promise into a wedding ring…Can’t turn a h*e into a husband.” Ultimately, she responded to the post, writing: “Song is not about him.”
RELATED: Who Is Larry June? Everything To Know About The Rapper Amid Romance Rumors With Jhené Aiko (PHOTOS)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Gypsy Rose Blanchard and Ken Urker are facing a new wave of speculation about their relationship and the future of their daughter, Aurora. A viral Instagram post, along with several YouTube videos, alleges that the couple has separated and that Urker may be preparing to pursue full custody of their child. The post also claims that Urker is refusing to communicate with Blanchard directly as tensions escalate behind the scenes. However, neither Blanchard nor Urker has confirmed a breakup or custody dispute. The social media account that circulated the claims also acknowledged that it had not found evidence of an actual custody filing.
The rumors were shared by the Instagram account @audacious.audrey06, which posted a photograph of Ken Urker and Gypsy Rose Blanchard separated by a torn-paper effect and a broken heart emoji. “RUMORS ARE SWIRLING ABOUT GYPSY ROSE & KEN URKER,” the caption began.
The social media account alleged that Blanchard and Urker had ended their relationship and claimed that Urker may be preparing to seek full custody of Aurora. According to the post, Urker is also allegedly refusing to communicate with Blanchard directly and will only speak to her through a third party.
The account did not identify the source behind the allegations or provide documentation supporting the custody claim, though several YouTube videos have also been posted, claiming the same information.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard Is Allegedly Struggling With The Situation
The same post claimed that Gypsy Rose Blanchard was not handling the alleged relationship problems well and had been experiencing frequent emotional “crash outs.” No evidence was included to substantiate that allegation, and Blanchard has not publicly discussed having such episodes.
The post ultimately acknowledged that the claims remain rumors. “To be clear: These are allegations and rumors circulating right now. I have not seen confirmation that Ken has actually filed for full custody or that the other claims are verified,” the account stated.
Blanchard’s recent disappearance from social media has added more fuel to the rumors. The Instagram post claimed that she recently deleted her public YouTube channel. Her Instagram and TikTok accounts also appeared to be unavailable amid the speculation. Blanchard has not explained why she stepped away from the platforms or indicated whether the decision is permanent.
Blanchard previously deleted her social media accounts in 2024, months after leaving prison. At that time, she reportedly wanted to distance herself from the intense attention surrounding her life.
Gypsy Rose And Ken Urker First Met While She Was In Prison
Blanchard and Urker began corresponding as prison pen pals in 2017. Urker proposed during a prison visit in 2018, but the pair ended their engagement the following year.
Blanchard subsequently married Ryan Anderson in July 2022 while she was still incarcerated. She was released from prison on December 28, 2023, after serving more than eight years for her role in the 2015 murder of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard.
Blanchard announced her separation from Anderson in March 2024 and later filed for divorce. She and Urker rekindled their romance shortly afterward. The couple welcomed Aurora Raina Urker on December 28, 2024, exactly one year after Blanchard’s release.
No Full Custody Filing Has Been Confirmed
A request for full custody would generally require a formal court filing and would not be automatically granted simply because one parent asked for it. A court would consider the child’s best interests and the specific circumstances presented by both parents.
Blanchard and Urker have also not issued public statements confirming that they are communicating through a third party or preparing for a custody fight.
Peaking too soon or storming out of the gates with a sense of bravado? To a degree, the movies that launched these trilogies exist somewhere on a scale between those points. Are they their first chapters that stand as attention-grabbing beginnings to cinematic sagas that almost match their level of brilliance, or are they inspired triumphs that stand alone after sparking sequels that squander their success?
Perhaps it is better to simply ask what makes a great first chapter to a film trilogy. Regardless of the genre, it needs to introduce viewers to the story world, establish the stakes of the story at large, and ground the audience in the first phase of the characters’ journeys while still delivering a movie that is rewarding in its own right. From blockbuster fantasy and sci-fi spectacles to animated family adventures, spoof comedy, and even international crime thrills, these trilogies all find their defining strength in their first movies.
10
The ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Trilogy (2003-2007)
The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is an interesting one. There is a set trilogy of ravishing fantasy adventure flicks… and then there are another two movies, though many would understandably have forgotten about them. Even with the initial three films delivering a rousing treat of blockbuster fun, the 2003 original is a noteworthy standout of immersive excellence as it strikes the perfect balance between swashbuckling adventure, dark fantasy intrigue, romantic passion, and gorgeously-constructed action spectacle.
Every single character dynamic, tonal shift, stylistic choice, and narrative turn excels at hooking viewers deeper into the story, which revolves around a lovestruck blacksmith’s journey to rescue the governor’s daughter from a crew of undead pirates while being aided by the deceitful and nefarious Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp). Its two immediate sequels are underrated blockbusters and triumphs of fantasy adventure in their own right, but Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl stands tall as one of the most infectiously fun movies of the century so far, and the defining highlight of the franchise at large.
9
The ‘Star Wars’ Sequel Trilogy (2015-2019)
Interestingly, each of the Star Wars trilogies has a different movie that stands out as the strongest. The original saga has Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, which stands among the greatest mid-trilogy movies ever made, the prequels end on a high with Star Wars: Episode III – The Revenge of the Sith, and, while the ill-fated sequel trilogy has become a source of fierce derision for the wider franchise, it did begin with an invigorating sense of adventure and fun in the form of Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens.
While it does unfold in a very similar fashion as Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, its storytelling is as assured and emotionally gratifying, its characters are brilliantly defined, and its sense of spectacle is absorbing even if not entirely original. Star Wars fans the world over were left in a state of joyous excitement for what the remainder of Disney’s trilogy would deliver, and while Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi does deserve some praise for making bold decisions, the ensuing two movies ultimately slumped as a poorly planned and shambolic continuation of what was a promising start to one of the most anticipated movie trilogies of all time.
8
The ‘RoboCop’ Trilogy (1987-1993)
One of the more remarkable and enduring titles of ‘80s action excess, RoboCop finds an intriguing balance between bombastic bravado and the social commentary of dystopian sci-fi. Set in a futuristic Detroit, it unfolds as a terminally injured police officer on the brink of death is repurposed by the evil Omni Consumer Products corporation when they turn him into a prototypical cyborg crime fighter.
The film was an instant hit that wowed audiences with its hypnotizing appetite for carnage while also impressing critics with its mindfulness towards issues of corporate greed and consumerism, the privatization of the police force, and the impact of media desensitization. It is little surprise that RoboCop spawned two sequels to spearhead a trilogy, but both of its follow-ups faltered on every level to leave the 1987 original as the sole highlight of the trilogy and, if the ill-fated 2014 reboot is considered as well, then the only triumph of the franchise at large.
7
‘The Naked Gun’ Trilogy (1988-1994)
Spawned from the short-lived though underappreciated 1982 television series Police Squad!, The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! delivered a hit of crime parody fun from the spoof comedy geniuses behind 1980’s Airplane!. Operating with the same absurdist style, it soars off the back of its laugh-a-minute lunacy that implements everything from inspired ridiculousness to slapstick hysterics to conjure hilarity as it takes aim at the hard-edged detective drama of the ‘70s and ‘80s.
Fresh, fiery, and frenetic, the first of The Naked Gun movies occupies an air of comedy exuberance that is as captivating as it is uproarious, and while the two sequels maintain this drive for non-stop laughs, their formulaic platform does show through. While it would be a stretch to call them stale, the trilogy’s middle and climactic chapters do also lack some of the energized originality that made the first film such a treat, making 1988’s The Naked Gun a clear peak of the series as well as one of the defining comedies of the decade.
6
The ‘Austin Powers’ Trilogy (1997-2002)
Not dissimilar to the progression of The Naked Gun trilogy, the Austin Powers series started with a sense of inspired comedic fervor that gradually became repetitive as it went on. Lampooning spy action blockbusters, with a particular emphasis placed on the early James Bond films, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery offers intoxicating fun as it follows the titular Austin Powers (Mike Myers), a cryogenically frozen British spy from the ‘60s who is recommissioned when his nemesis, Dr. Evil (Myers again), returns from outer space.
As ludicrous as its story is, International Man of Mystery does unfurl with a tight narrative focus that serves as the perfect platform for all its outlandish gags, a focus that the succeeding movies in the Austin Powers trilogy sometimes lack. Everything from the sight gags and anachronistic send-ups to the dynamic between Powers and his co-star—in this case, Elizabeth Hurley as Vanessa Kensington—and even the narrative itself works a charm in International Man of Mystery whereas, in the ensuing movies, it becomes cyclical and loses some of its comedic punch and polish.
5
The Millennium Trilogy (2009)
Released two years before David Fincher’s Americanized adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s crime novel, 2009’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a moody descent into Nordic noir intrigue accentuated by an arresting sense of slow-burn tension and the boldness to explore the depths of human depravity. Not only did the Swedish crime thriller deliver one of the genre’s greatest movies of the 21st century so far, it was also followed by two sequels released in the same year that adapted all of Larsson’s books in the series.
The trilogy as a whole is a triumph of international thriller cinema, a richly atmospheric journey of mystery suspense, human evil, and power and corruption, but The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo thrives as it introduces viewers to the callous, icy brutality of the story world with striking perfection. It is the noteworthy standout of what is an exceptional crime trilogy, one that benefits from its concentrated story arc and the chemistry between stars Noomi Rapace and Michael Nyqvist, which isn’t featured as prolifically in the two follow-up films.
4
‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2010-2019)
Animated cinema has produced some of the best and most consistent trilogies audiences have ever been treated to, from groundbreaking triumphs like Toy Story to modern-day sensations like The Lego Movie saga. Few trilogies in the animated format have been as unwavering in their quality as the How to Train Your Dragon movies, but even that has a notable high point which comes in the form of its mesmerizing original film.
The trilogy as a whole focuses on the bond between a young Viking leader and his dragon that shifts the social values of the land. The first movie revels in the charm and fun of seeing Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) defy Berk’s culture of hostility and dragon hunting in what is a heartwarming tale of friendship, camaraderie, and coming-of-age self-discovery. Complimented by the majesty of the animation—a quality that is consistent throughout the whole trilogy, to be fair—and the intimacy of its more focused, small-scale story, How to Train Your Dragon emerges as the strongest chapter of what is arguably the best animated trilogy of all time.
3
The ‘Jurassic Park’ Trilogy (1993-2001)
Even within a filmography as illustrious and decorated as Steven Spielberg’s, Jurassic Park has emerged as a defining triumph, a masterpiece of blockbuster spectacle that combines its groundbreaking achievements of visual effects with a beautifully orchestrated story of adventure and excitement. To be fair, despite what their reputations may suggest, neither of its sequels are terrible movies, but they fall well short of the first film with regard to cultural impact, storytelling prowess, and technical excellence.
Based on Michael Crichton’s novel of the same name, it unfolds as a small cohort of special guests are invited to a soon-to-be-opened amusement park where scientists have cloned dinosaurs. However, a power failure places the lives of everyone in danger and calls into question the morality and purpose of the achievement. Littered with iconic moments, Jurassic Park isn’t just the best movie in the trilogy, it stands tall among Hollywood’s most beloved and distinguished accomplishments as well.
2
The ‘Back to the Future’ Trilogy (1985-1990)
One of the most beloved movie trilogies of all time, Back to the Future epitomizes the essence of ‘80s adventure fun while incorporating elements of time-travel sci-fi, uplifting romance, and plenty of comical fun. In many respects, the two sequels could be viewed as the more extravagant stories as they venture to the exciting future of 2015 and the lawlessness of the Old West respectively, but in terms of storytelling perfection, it is the 1985 original that delivers the best movie of the trilogy.
Soaring off the back of its screenplay, Back to the Future delivers a structurally perfect story that balances high-stakes thrills against meaningful character development while maintaining flawless pacing and never once losing any of its effortless charm. Furthermore, the time-travel paradoxes that become somewhat convoluted in the sequels are handled with impeccable clarity and logic in the ’85 original.
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‘The Lord of the Rings’ Trilogy (2001-2003)
Marking one of the most breathtaking feats in cinematic history, The Lord of the Rings trilogy at large is ceaselessly brilliant across the entirety of its 9+ hour runtime (11+ hours for the extended editions). The adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkien’s epic books captures the essence of movie magic, immersing viewers in the realm of Middle Earth as it follows Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) and the fellowship in their journey to Mordor to destroy the ring of power and defeat the evil of Sauron.
The Two Towers features what is arguably the greatest battle cinema has ever seen, and The Return of the King delivers a perfect conclusion to the epic, overarching story, and yet The Fellowship of the Ring is the trilogy’s magnum opus. Its elaborate and engrossing world-building works beautifully in tandem with its enrapturing air of warmth, the air of eye-opening grandeur, and the charm of the fellowship adventuring as one tight-knit unit. The trilogy as a whole is packed with awe-inspiring sequences that stand among the greatest moments of 21st century cinema, but The Fellowship of the Ring is a divine highlight amid a trilogy of utter perfection.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard is facing new speculation about her well-being as her reported feud with Ken Urker’s sister, Autumn, continues to unfold publicly. Autumn allegedly claimed in a now-unavailable YouTube video that Blanchard was planning to enter a behavioral health center. However, Blanchard has not addressed the allegation, and no independent confirmation of an admission has emerged. The claim should therefore be treated as an unverified allegation rather than confirmation that Blanchard is receiving treatment.
According to an account of the deleted video, Autumn claimed that Blanchard was checking herself into a behavioral health center. She also reportedly alleged that she had been receiving texts from Blanchard suggesting that Autumn would be “next.”
The context and meaning of the alleged messages remain unclear. The video containing Autumn’s claims is no longer available on her YouTube channel, making it impossible to independently review her complete remarks or determine whether anything was omitted from the account circulating online.
Neither Blanchard nor Urker appears to have publicly confirmed the behavioral health claim.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard Has Not Addressed The Rumor
Blanchard has not announced that she entered a behavioral health facility or disclosed any recent treatment connected to the rumor. Without a statement from Blanchard, her representative, or a verifiable public record, Autumn’s alleged remarks remain unconfirmed.
The deleted video also raises questions about whether Autumn continues to stand behind the allegation. Her reason for removing it is not publicly known.
While the reported dispute has generated considerable online attention, there is currently no verified information explaining what may have prompted the alleged messages or whether Blanchard intends to respond.
The Rumor Comes Amid An Alleged Family Feud
The behavioral health speculation surfaced against the backdrop of reported tension between Blanchard and her partner’s sister. Autumn and Blanchard have reportedly clashed publicly, pulling Urker’s family into the intense scrutiny that has followed Blanchard since her release from prison in December 2023.
Blanchard’s relationship with Urker has also remained a major part of her public story. According to A&E, the couple first connected as prison pen pals in 2017 before becoming engaged during a 2018 visit. Their engagement ended the following year, and Blanchard later married Ryan Anderson in July 2022 while she was still incarcerated.
After her release, Blanchard announced her separation from Anderson in March 2024 and filed for divorce. She and Urker subsequently rekindled their romance in April 2024.
Gypsy Rose And Ken Urker Share A Daughter
Blanchard and Urker welcomed their daughter, Aurora Raina Urker, on December 28, 2024, exactly one year after Blanchard was released from prison. PEOPLE reported that the pair had selected Aurora’s name years earlier because of their shared fascination with the Northern Lights.
Blanchard revealed that Urker was the one who chose their daughter’s name, Aurora Raina. “Ken came up with that,” she said. “There’s a whole backstory to it.” Despite the name’s apparent Disney connection, Blanchard clarified, “Some people think that it’s because of the Disney princess,” referring to the title character in “Sleeping Beauty.”
“Back whenever Ken and I were together seven years ago, both of us have a fascination with the Northern Lights, and the proper term is the Aurora Borealis,” she added, referencing when she and Urker first dated during her time in prison. “I think it was maybe in 2018, we wrote each other’s future kid’s name on pieces of paper and Aurora is what we both picked without even knowing each other was picking it.”
The behavioral health rumor surfaced shortly after Blanchard appeared to delete both her Instagram and TikTok accounts.
Her sudden disappearance from the platforms quickly raised questions among followers, particularly as speculation about her reported feud with Autumn continued to spread online.
Destin Daniel Cretton appears to be sticking around for another adventure with Tom Holland’s Spider-Man.
Following the massive success of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, producer Amy Pascal has indicated that Cretton will return to direct the next installment in the franchise.
When asked whether the filmmaker would be back for Spider-Man 5, Pascal reportedly gave a remarkably straightforward response:
“Daniel is doing the next one.”
While Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios have yet to formally announce Cretton as the director of the fifth film, Pascal’s comments are the strongest indication yet that the filmmaker will remain behind the camera for Peter Parker’s next solo adventure.
The news isn’t entirely unexpected. Cretton’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day has become an enormous theatrical success since opening July 31. Sony previously confirmed that the film delivered a record-breaking $932 million worldwide during its opening weekend alone.
Cretton has also previously expressed openness to returning.
When discussing where Brand New Day leaves Peter Parker and the possibilities for another movie, the filmmaker acknowledged that conversations surrounding the next chapter would eventually continue in the writers’ room.
Jay Maidment/Columbia Pictures
Pascal had similarly expressed her desire to keep Cretton involved. When previously asked whether the director could return for another installment, she responded, “If we have our way, he certainly will be.”
It now appears they may have gotten their way.
Cretton joined the Spider-Man franchise after previously directing Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. His Brand New Day stars Tom Holland alongside Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Tramell Tillman, Michael Mando and Mark Ruffalo.
The filmmaker has a busy slate outside the Marvel Cinematic Universe as well. He’s attached to direct a live-action adaptation of Naruto and is developing a Hawaii Five-O feature film for Paramount.
Sony has not announced a release date for Spider-Man 5. Sony Pictures CEO Ravi Ahuja recently confirmed that the studio doesn’t have a date set yet, suggesting another live-action Spider-Man film could still be a couple of years away.
But if Pascal’s latest comments are any indication, one major piece of the next Spider-Man movie is already falling into place.
Former Nickelodeon producer Dan Schneider has suffered a major legal defeat in his defamation lawsuit over the 2024 documentary series Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV.
California’s Second District Court of Appeal ruled Thursday in favor of Warner Bros. Discovery, Sony Pictures Television and producers Mary Robertson and Emma Schwartz, reversing an earlier decision that had allowed Schneider’s lawsuit to move forward.
Schneider filed the lawsuit in 2024, arguing that Quiet on Set falsely implied that he was involved in or facilitated the sexual abuse of children who worked on Nickelodeon productions.
The documentary examined allegations surrounding the working environment on several popular Nickelodeon shows while also detailing crimes committed by individuals including dialogue coach Brian Peck and production assistant Jason Handy.
Schneider argued that the documentary’s editing, including the placement of images and footage of him alongside discussions of abuse committed by others, could lead viewers to falsely associate him with those crimes.
The appeals court disagreed.
Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV [Warner bros.]
In its ruling, the three-judge panel determined that Quiet on Set clearly distinguished the allegations involving Schneider from the child sexual abuse attributed to other individuals featured in the documentary.
The court also pointed to the documentary’s acknowledgement that an investigation into Schneider’s conduct found inappropriate workplace behavior but no evidence that Schneider sexually abused children.
The decision overturns a 2024 ruling from Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Ashfaq G. Chowdhury, who had previously denied an attempt by the defendants to have Schneider’s lawsuit dismissed.
The defendants appealed that decision under California’s anti-SLAPP law, which provides protections against lawsuits targeting speech involving matters of public interest. The appeals panel unanimously sided with the defendants and concluded Schneider had not demonstrated a likelihood of succeeding with his defamation claim.
Schneider’s attorney Gerry Silver expressed disappointment with the ruling and said his legal team is evaluating its options for further review and appeal.
Silver also emphasized that the court acknowledged Quiet on Set presented no evidence that Schneider sexually abused members of his casts and that such an allegation would be false.
Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV premiered on Investigation Discovery in March 2024 and examined the experiences of former child actors and employees who worked on Nickelodeon productions during the network’s highly successful run of live-action programming.
Schneider was behind some of Nickelodeon’s biggest series, including The Amanda Show, Drake & Josh, Zoey 101, iCarly and Victorious. Nickelodeon and Schneider parted ways in 2018.
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