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As with television stars of the past who tried to be taken seriously in major films, popular music artists who leap into acting face risk. Some musicians lean into their established personas, while others make great efforts to put aside their iconic image to play a fleshed-out character. Oftentimes, the ones who succeed the most prove to be the biggest surprises of them all.

While legends such as Cher and Barbra Streisand have built award-winning careers both in film and music, this list focuses on the best acting debuts of any artist in the past few decades. Musical performance cameos do not count in this case. These are the films that launched second careers for the music industry’s brightest stars.

8

Bad Bunny

‘Bullet Train’

Image via Sony

Since arriving on the hip-hop scene in the early 2010s, the self-proclaimed “King of Latin Trap” has surprised audiences across all genres. Bad Bunny’s monumental success in bringing Spanish‑language rap to the mainstream has extended to everything from participating as a wrestler in WWE to headlining this year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show. Movies always seemed destined for him, and the Brad Pitt-led action comedy Bullet Train fulfilled just that.

Bullet Train sees Bad Bunny play the role of Wolf, just one of several assassins along the brutal Tokyo ride seeking revenge against the Ladybug (Pitt), triggered by the Hornet’s poisoning of his cartel crew. Packed with a tragic backstory and an insane fight sequence with Pitt, the rapper’s on-screen presence never feels like a debut. Bad Bunny plays his killer role straight without disrupting the absurdly dark comedic tone. Director David Leitch praised the star for his dedication to Bullet Train’s dangerous stunts.

“He came like a consummate professional. I think a lot of those guys are. That’s how they get so successful. I mean, his work ethic is off the charts, and he came and trained with us for three weeks to work on the fighting, and then we had to shoot that whole, non-verbal story that I wanted to tell visually. Wanted to build up the expectation of this character and obviously rip the rug out.”

7

Ice-T

‘New Jack City’

A pioneer in the hood movie genre of the ‘90s, New Jack City took the Warner Bros.-produced gangster pictures of the ‘30s and modernized them for urban audiences. Director Mario Van Peebles changed the perception of crime lords who were usually romanticized in such classics as Superfly and Scarface by revealing the true harm they were causing to the community. A film like this did not scream for a straight-laced hero with a badge to take on Wesley Snipes’ charismatic crack lord. It needed someone real to deliver the truth, which Ice-T did better than anyone else in this film.

Though Snipes is New Jack City’s breakout performer, Ice-T’s role as Detective Scotty Appleton was an ideal role model for young people. The future Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star sees through the lies and deception of Nino’s empire as he infiltrates the gang to break them up from within. His rebellious image rarely gets softened until he endures the tragedy of the drug victim Pookie (Chris Rock), whom he fails to save. Even then, the rapper perfected the ideal cop who fights for the victims on the street.

6

Will Smith

‘Where the Day Takes You’

Image via New Line Cinema

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Will Smith went from kid-friendly rapper to the sitcom star of NBC’s The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and eventually became one of the biggest movie stars in the world. Groundbreaking hits such as Independence Day and Men in Black cemented his leading man status as the go-to actor for movies about saving the world. Before he could battle aliens, robots, and drug dealers, however, Smith surprised his fans in his small role as a homeless teen in 1992’s Where the Day Takes You.

The little-seen ensemble drama starring Sean Astin, Lara Flynn Boyle, and Alyssa Milano features Smith as the paraplegic Manny who hangs around a gang of runaway youths led by their father figure (Dermot Mulroney). Gone is the baggy neon urban wear of Smith’s Fresh Prince days; he is stripped of his winning charm. Smith fully embodies the Hollywood street hustle as a destitute youth embedded in a makeshift homeless family, never once trying to stand out from the pack. Though not as provocative as his next controversial role as a gay con artist in Six Degrees of Separation, Where the Day Takes You showcased Smith’s textured acting versatility which would pay off decades later with his Oscar win for King Richard.

5

Madonna

‘Desperately Seeking Susan’

Image via Orion Pictures

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The quirky 1985 romantic comedy by Susan Seidelman came in the early days of Madonna’s rise from nightclub singer to an MTV household staple. In her debut motion picture, aside from a musical cameo in Vision Quest, the Material Girl takes on the title role of a hip loner whose personals in a New York tabloid publication catch the attention of a dissatisfied New Jersey housewife (Rosanna Arquette). Suffering amnesia and adopting the tabloid writer’s persona, the housewife ultimately crosses paths with the real Susan, and the real trouble begins.

Desperately Seeking Susan allowed Madonna to break out with a larger audience that may not have had a subscription to MTV in 1985. Donning her trademark fashion and accessories, the ‘80s pop queen embodies the hip Bohemian lifestyle of New York City and acts as the imaginary carefree hero Arquette desires to be. Madonna’s evolution pushed her into greater challenges over time, whether it’s a femme fatale singer in Dick Tracy or the aspirational leader in Evita. But Desperately Seeking Susan is a perfect snapshot of Madonna’s ascent as a legitimate movie star.

4

Ice Cube

‘Boyz n the Hood’

25 years after it hit cinemas across the United States, John Singleton’s Boyz n the Hood made a statement about Black America that remains as relevant today as it was in 1991. Unlike previous crime thrillers dealing with the gangs of South Central, L.A., the landmark drama emphasized the people in the community walking a fine line between falling prey to the violence and finding hope for a better future. Ice Cube’s performance as Doughboy was not merely a mirror image of the N.W.A. rapper. Instead, he was a living, breathing cautionary tale.

Cube’s role provided Boyz n the Hood a much-needed contrast from Cuba Gooding, Jr.’s arc from aimless boy to an honest adult. Doughboy exemplifies a life in which the lack of a male authority figure in his household forces him to resort to crime, with no options available for a legitimate future. There’s no wink and nodding to the audience like Cube’s later roles in Friday and Barbershop. Through his gritty, authentic portrayal, Cube reveals how young men like Doughboy lack proper guidance, which results in making violence the automatic answer in an unjust society.

3

Eminem

‘8 Mile’

Image Via Universal Pictures

Outside his cameo in The Wash, Eminem’s iconic performance in 8 Mile is the only time the Detroit-based rapper headlined a theatrical film. The funky beats of his songs and the comedic visuals of his music videos are completely dropped in favor of a gritty street drama under the direction of the late Curtis Hanson (L.A. Confidential, Wonder Boys). Loosely inspired by Eminem’s life, the hip-hop legend plays a blue-collar factory worker and single father whose aspirations for a better life outside his low-income Motor City surroundings are held back by his alcoholic mother (Kim Basinger) as well as stage fright.

For a leading man debut, Eminem’s quiet restraint and moments of explosive rage echo the grit of the ‘70s New Hollywood era stars such as Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. He never appears like he is acting for the first time in his life because he is actually living the life depicted on screen. The evolution from a working-class nobody to a charismatic rapper is treated like a slow burn, and Eminem lets the anger bubble up every minute until the explosive rap battle finale.

2

Jennifer Hudson

‘Dreamgirls’

The film adaptation of the popular 1981 Broadway musical was a star-studded affair with Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy as the headliners. Add to that Beyonce Knowles, who was a few films into her acting career, playing to her superstar status. But former American Idol runner-up Jennifer Hudson had the greatest challenge of her co-stars by playing the tortured Effie White. In every sense of the word, Hudson exceeded all expectations.

Out of any A-list actor in the Dreamgirls ensemble, Hudson was the ultimate showstopper. Her powerhouse rendition of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” is deeply chilling due to the combination of power and heartbreak registering through the vocals. Add to that the most sympathetic story arc of the entire film, Hudson’s Oscar win for Best Supporting Actress remains one of the most deserving Academy Award wins in cinema history.

1

Prince

‘Purple Rain’

Michael Jackson, Madonna, and George Michael reigned supreme in the ‘80s music landscape. Yet, Prince was the only musician to do more than just dip his toe into acting. Like 8 Mile for Eminem, Purple Rain would elevate aspects of Prince’s life into a grounded, but fantastical tale of a self-centered musical genius caught between love, ego, and the struggle to survive in an abusive household. Unlike the aforementioned artists on this list, Prince’s debut film defined his legacy.

The multi-talented singer/songwriter from Minneapolis became a global icon when Purple Rain hit theaters in 1984. The vibrant, often sexually charged musical numbers taking place at Minneapolis’s First Avenue nightclub dazzle across the silver screen, and the red-hot soundtrack elevates everything from motorcycle montages to graphic love scenes. What Purple Rain also revealed was a rock star willing to be open about his personal trauma, specifically the abuse at the hands of his father (Clarence Williams III). Once the title number hits, Prince elicits an emotional intensity few films have since matched.

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Release Date

July 27, 1984

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Runtime

111 minutes

Director

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Albert Magnoli

Writers

Albert Magnoli, William Blinn

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Producers

Robert Cavallo, Steven Fargnoli

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  Apollonia Kotero

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 Toosii has been on a rollercoaster of a journey as he transitions from the rap lifestyle to pursuing football and focusing on his education. After leaving his commitment to the Syracuse University football team and deciding to attend classes at Louisiana State University, he took to social media to address critics who had opinions about his decisions.

RELATED: Social Media Reacts After Toosii Calls Syracuse Football Coach A “Bozo” & Announces First Day At Louisiana State University (VIDEOS)

Toosii Opens Up About His Mental Health As He Embarks On A New Journey

After leaving the Syracuse University football team, Toosii has been transitioning into a new chapter as a student at LSU. The switch sparked a lot of mixed buzz online. Despite the noise, he has continued sharing footage of his football training as he adjusts to his new environment.

He took to his Instagram Story to share the emotional toll the journey has taken on him behind the scenes, noting that it hasn’t been easy and emphasizing his faith and personal growth.

“I wanna be transparent along this journey since I feel like so many of you are along with me on this journey. It’s been taking a toll on me mentally. Not because of the criticism but because behind closed doors things haven’t went the way I may have planned although, that’s just life. You ever wanted something so bad you’d do almost anything for it? That’s how this journey has been. This journey has been a true test of faith. God has great plans and through him all is possible so I have no worries. I will say though forgive and give me grace for my mistakes as I become a better person all around. God bless everyone who supports or even hates this dream of mine. It all is used as motivation.”

A Rapper’s Day In The Life At Louisiana State University 

Despite the mental toll, Toosi is not letting anything dim his spirit. He recently took to his Instagram Story to give fans a glimpse into his life as a new student. He shared photos of his student ID, moments playing basketball with other students, and a look inside his room. In a video of his room, Toosii captioned it, “College life [that] serious,” adding, “Y’all think a n**** got it like that,” as he showed just how real, raw and relatable his life can be. In the footage, his mattress was on the floor with no sheets.

Social Media Reacts 

Fans following The Shade Room Teens tuned in to Toosii’s day in the life as a college student. Some felt he was “cosplaying” as a broke college student and questioned why a rich rapper would live that way. Others defended him, saying he deserves the full college experience. They also emphasized give grace while he’s balancing family responsibilities, school, all while chasing his football goals.

Instagram user @shemarcel_ wrote, “Fiancé, 2 Kids at home but you at a Dorm cosplaying a struggling college Student” 

Instagram user @niyaleshelle added, “it’s cool to get educated but all the testimonies he can save!! just go to school, enjoy yourself, graduate!”

While Instagram user @lakynanmarii wrote, “Coming from a REAL broke college student, please get out my face”

Instagram user @saaytee wrote, “What if he not as rich as we think and this his plan b”

Instagram user @shaaybanks added, “Yall do realize if he wants to play football he has to stay on campus 6 atleast near it”

While Instagram user @chellychelsss_ wrote, “That boy following his dreams and thats okay .. welcome to the boot” 

Instagram user @kalayaha_ wrote, “If he wanna go to college and get his experience etc. what’s the big deal?? so what he’s rich with a house this is what he is choosing to do Ibs”

Instagram user @m3threex added, “he experiencing something he may never got the chance to, yall be so dramatic ab somebody else lives. let that bby shine”

While Instagram user @callmeacenotmitch wrote, “A black man tryna get his education and people wanna make jokes. Our future is cooked fr”

RELATED: Whew! Toosii Leaves Fans Confused After Announcing His Departure From Syracuse University’s Football Team (VIDEO)

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Roommates, some concerning news is coming out of Georgia involving Lil Jon and his son, Nathan Smith. Authorities have issued a missing person report connected to the Grammy-winning hitmaker’s son. And, the details surrounding the situation have left many with questions and concern.

RELATED: Say, WHAT?! Missing Louisiana Teenager Reportedly Found In Basement Box After Meeting Man On Snapchat (VIDEO)

Authorities Release New Details Surrounding Nathan’s Case

According to the Milton Police Department, Nathan Smith, the 27-year-old son of Lil Jon, was reported missing on Tuesday, February 3. Police say Nathan was last seen around 6 a.m. that morning in the area of Baldwin Drive and Mayfield Road in Milton, Georgia.

In a statement shared by officials, police revealed: “Subject ran out of his house and has been missing since. Subject left on foot and does not possess a phone. He may be disoriented and in need of assistance. Family and friends are concerned for his safety.” Law enforcement urged anyone with information to contact the Milton Police Department or reach out directly to Detective Sarah Moore via email.

Lil Jon & Family Request Privacy Amid Support

Nathan is described as standing 5’9”, weighing approximately 150 pounds, with brown eyes and short black hair. As concern continues to grow, a representative for Lil Jon shared a brief statement requesting privacy for the family during this time and also asked for continued prayers for Nathan’s safe return.

Nathan, known professionally as DJ Young Slade, is a rising DJ and musician carving out his own lane in the music industry. He released his most recent single, ‘Feels,’ in March 2025 and has spoken about navigating life as the son of a major hip-hop figure while building his own career. Nathan was last active on Instagram on January 6, where he shared a photo alongside his manager Lil Will and rapper Bow Wow at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena.

Fans Revisit Nathan’s Words Amid Ongoing Concern

The situation has also drawn renewed attention to Nathan’s appearance on MTV’s ‘Family Legacy’ last year, where he opened up about growing up with Lil Jon as his father. In past interviews, Nathan expressed gratitude for the foundation his dad laid, while emphasizing his desire to make his own mark in music.

Furthermore, Lil Jon shares Nathan with his estranged wife, Nicole Smith. The former couple married in 2004 and announced their amicable split in early 2024, after separating nearly two years earlier. As the family waits for answers, supporters across social media continue to rally around them, sending love and hoping for Nathan’s safe return.

Fans Send Prayers To Lil Jon Amid Online Reactions

Shortly after the news broke, fans immediately flooded TSR’s Instagram comment section with reactions. While some raised questions as they tried to process the situation, countless prayer emojis filled the comments as others shared messages of hope to Lil Jon’s family. Many also took the moment to emphasize that mental health is real, urging people to lead with compassion and kindness no matter the circumstances.

One Instagram user @shaniceonline said, “🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽”

This Instagram user @__hot.__.girl__ added, “Grown men don’t just go missing , praying for a safe return 🙏🏾”

And, Instagram user @burgzctx commented, “Everyone going through it , I hope he good 🙏🏾”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @ericasbadd shared, “Mental health is real PLEASE BE KIND…”

While Instagram user @cashmase said, “As a parent, no matter the age, this will always be the worst nightmare…“

Finally, Instagram user @paulaa__1992 wrote, “I’m glad they’re taking this seriously early! Most missing people don’t have this chance. I hope they find him 🙏🏽”

RELATED: You Good? Lil Wayne Raises Eyebrows With Message About How He “Wasn’t Included” In Grammys: “Gotta Work Harder. As Usual”

BLACKPINK’s LISA
Rocks Black Bikini Top For Snow Day

Published
February 4, 2026
2:16 PM PST

General Hospital spoilers for February 9th through the 13th suggest Anna Devane (Finola Hughes) is going absolutely insane and Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) freaking out about something really important.

As we always do on the early edition, we’re going to start with what’s coming the rest of this week and then dive into what is coming next week. There is huge stuff on the horizon.

General Hospital Spoilers: Michael Could Lose

On Wednesday, February 4th, Michael Corinthos (Rory Gibson) is in a position where he knows he needs to cut a favorable deal with Willow Tait (Katelyn MacMullen) on custody before DA Jacinda charges him with Drew Cain (Cameron Mathison)’s shooting. If he waits and that happens, Michael could lose the kids completely. He needs to move while he still has the upper hand to try and make something happen.

At Diane Miller (Carolyn Hennesy) and Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn)’s office, Willow tells Michael that she hasn’t agreed to anything yet. She knows what is coming down the pike for him because she is trying to frame him. Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst) is there representing Michael, while Alexis represents Willow. Alexis is pushing hard to get Willow at least some custody and visitation so she can keep accessing Scout Cain (Cosette Abinante). Sonny wants Ric to make this deal happen because he doesn’t want Willow cut out of the kids’ lives, but Michael is being very stubborn.

Anna Devane’s Mental Health Crisis and the Faison Conspiracy

Anna begs Felicia Scorpio (Kristina Wagner) to get her out of there so she can stop Cesar Faison (Anders Hove). So, Anna is being held over in France, and Felicia, Emma, and Mac Scorpio (John J. York) head over there to see what to do. It looks like they want to stash her somewhere because Anna is talking like a crazy person.

Ross Cullum (Andrew Hawkes), Pascal (Mark Forget), and Jenz Sidwell (Carlo Rota) gaslit Anna. It appears they knocked her out and transported her to France, which explains why Pascal left Port Charles to go to France. Anna has no idea she was ever held captive at Wyndemere. And she seems completely unhinged.

Felicia may struggle to believe that Faison is alive. It would be a nightmare for her if it were true. It looks like Sidwell and Cullum want Anna written off as a crazy person making conspiracy theory claims to destroy her reputation and get her out of their way. Mac, Emma, and Felicia are all going to try to get Anna calmed down, get her released. And bring her back home to Port Charles.

Sonny and Jason Plot Against Sidwell While Romance Blooms on GH

Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) and Sonny are working on a strategy against Sidwell. Sonny tells Jason that the more they know, the easier it will be to take him out. They have to get that photo proof. They know that this guy isn’t just a problem for Sonny and Laura Spencer (Genie Francis), but also the source of the problem for Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud).

Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is digging for dirt. And it may be on Cullum. Meanwhile, Lulu Spencer (Alexa Havins) opens up to Laura. She is going to tell her about the Nathan West (Ryan Paevey) kiss and that she has feelings for him. Laura will tell Lulu she might actually have fewer obstacles with Nathan than she thinks.

Laura may point out that Nathan has been gone from Maxie Jones (Kirsten Storms)’s life for seven years through nobody’s fault other than Faison. Damian Spinelli (Bradford Anderson) is currently the man in Maxie’s life. And Dante Falconeri (Dominic Zamprogna) is not in Lulu’s life romantically either. Nathan eventually goes and confesses to Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros), telling her he has feelings for Lulu.

Nina also has face time with Liesl Obrecht (Kathleen Gati). And we’ll see if she tells her about Nathan and Lulu. She may also vent about Willow and her toxic attitude regarding Michael. Meanwhile, Drew is discharged from General Hospital. He is sent home with Willow, who has a hospital bed set up in the living room for him. It looks extremely tense.

General Hospital Spoilers: Custody Battles and Danger for Drew Cain

On Thursday, February 5th, Michael gives Carly Corinthos Spencer (Laura Wright) and Sonny an update on the custody mediation. Willow is ready to crush Michael, so it will be interesting to see if compromise is even possible or if Willow is going to get greedy and want everything.

Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner) needs some help from Alexis. He may want divorce papers drawn up or may want to force Portia Robinson (Brook Kerr) to get a DNA test. Harrison Chase (Josh Swickard) loses his temper, which may lead to another argument with Michael if he hears Michael isn’t willing to compromise on visitation. Many people don’t know what Michael knows regarding what Willow was doing to Sasha Gilmore (Sofia Mattsson) and Daisy, which is a big reason driving his current decisions.

Kai Taylor (Jens Austin Astrup) explains himself to Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali). And Drew is completely shocked. I am wondering if Kai is going to go over to the house, check on Drew. And tell him that Willow was the one who shot him. Drew has locked-in syndrome and is helpless, so Kai may be concerned. Even though Drew is a bad guy, he is at risk from the woman who tried to kill him before.

General Hospital Spoilers for February Sweeps and Valentine’s Day

On Friday, February 6th, Britt gives a little pushback, possibly to Cullum. She needs another dose of her meds to give to Jason to get them reverse-engineered. Michael lets Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton) in on a few things bothering him, including the PCPD interrogation and his concerns about the shooting charges and the custody case.

The following week, February 9th through the 13th, we are midway into February Sweeps. We’re going to see Portia and her DNA test results coming soon. I’m dying to know if it’s going to be Curtis or Isaiah Gannon (Sawandi Wilson). Sonny doubles down on his plan to protect Michael, and he and Jason continue their plot to take down Sidwell.

Drew is worried about what Willow may do to him. I expect him to recover from his locked-in state but then hide it from her, which would be a very General Hospital thing to do. Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna) is going to be livid that Josslyn put herself on Cullum’s radar, which is exactly what Jack didn’t want for her.

Britt is going to spend Valentine’s Day with Jason. They’re going to get a little romantic, but they’ll have to do it on the sly. Ric takes Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) out on a date soon. And there is supposed to be a major development for them. Willow continues pushing for more access to her kids while trying to get Michael in the crosshairs of the PCPD.

Sidwell gets an ultimatum from Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring)—likely a “me or Ava Jerome (Maura West)” choice. Jordan Ashford (Tanisha Harper) and Curtis make more time for romance. Nathan and Lulu find it hard to stay away from each other. And we may see more heat between them. Very importantly, Maxie wakes up. We’ll see how long it takes until someone tells her that Nathan is back from the dead. That information will likely be withheld until she is stable.

Footage has surfaced showing Chrisean Rock reacting to Zenith Zion saying that she’s going to “kick” her “ass” in the boxing ring in April.

RELATED: Pepa’s Daughter Egypt Criss Turns Heads After Offering To Hop In Ring With Chrisean Rock For Super Middleweight Championship (VIDEO)

Chrisean Rock Reacts To Zenith Zion Saying She’s Going To Kick Her Butt In The Boxing Ring

On Tuesday, February 3, Instagram user @livebitez posted footage from what appeared to be a recent livestream showing Chrisean Rock with her boxing coordinators. Furthermore, in one clip, Rock tells viewers that she has “a lot of pain and anger” inside her, so the match “should be cool to watch.” Meanwhile, another clip showed what appeared to be the moment when Rock was informed that her opponent was Zenith Zion.

“Who that?” Rock says initially, staring at a phone screen. “What’s her name?”

As Rock started scrolling on the phone, the coordinators told her that she could do her “homework” later. But one then asked, “What’s going through your mind right now?”

“So how long is the fight? And how many minutes in the ring?” Rock asked, pounding her fist.

Furthermore, another clip showed Rock watching a video where Zion shared a direct message for her, saying, “Be prepared, Chrisean. ‘Cause I’m coming to kick your ass.”

“Oh, that’s who that is,” Rock says in reaction. “How is she already talking stuff? We don’t know each other like that.”

See the videos below.

Social Media Continues Weighing In

Social media users shared their thoughts on Chrisean Rock’s reaction to Zenith Zion in the comment section of @livebitez’s post.

More On Zenith Zion Saying She’s Going To Kick Chrisean Rock’s Butt In The Boxing Ring

As The Shade Room previously reported, last month, XRumble announced that Chrisean Rock signed a deal to fight in the platform’s first female Super Middleweight Championship fight. The fight goes down on Saturday, April 25, at Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino in Chester, Pennsylvania. However, at the time of the announcement, Rock’s opponent remained undecided.

RELATED: Chrisean Rock Responds After Claressa Shields Sends Support Following Announcement Of Her Boxing Deal (EXCLUSIVE)

By the end of the month, Pepa’s daughter, Egypt Crisis, dropped her proposal for stepping into the ring with Rock. However, Zenith Zion was ultimately chosen as Rock’s opponent, and she didn’t hold back with sending her sentiments to Rock.

RELATED: Oop! Chrisean Rock’s Opponent For Super Middleweight Championship Boxing Match Revealed Along With SPICY Message (VIDEO)

By Robert Scucci
| Published 1 hour ago

I can finally end my search for an action adventure thriller set entirely in a hot air balloon after watching 2019’s The Aeronauts. While we can get into the nitty gritty about how it’s “based on true events,” as depicted in the 2013 Richard Holmes book Falling Upwards: How We Took to the Air, anybody with access to Wikipedia can do that. Instead, let’s talk about the film itself. Since we’re ultimately dealing with a fictional piece of cinema inspired by multiple real-life balloon ascents, it’s all but expected that creative liberties are taken, and composite characters are stitched together from their historical counterparts for the sake of a cleaner, more dramatic story.

The Aeronauts, like most films that carry the biographical label, is no exception. As long as you’re not treating it like a history lesson, it’s well worth your time for the visuals and sheer level of suspense alone. I never thought a movie about a giant balloon could be this intense, but here we are, watching two deeply committed people float through the troposphere without even packing proper winter coats.

Floating High And Above

Set in 1862 London, The Aeronauts centers on scientist James Glaisher (Eddie Redmayne) and balloon pilot Amelia Wren (Felicity Jones). James believes that ascending to unprecedented heights will allow him to study atmospheric patterns in a way that could eventually make weather prediction possible. When the Royal Society refuses to take him seriously enough to fund the project, he turns to Amelia, whose skill and nerve make the entire expedition feasible. Through a series of flashbacks, we learn about the political resistance and personal motivations surrounding the journey, but that groundwork is not the main reason you’re here.

The real spectacle unfolds once James and Amelia leave the ground, rising beyond 30,000 feet and shattering the standing record for balloon travel. Completely devoted to his research, James pushes forward as Amelia repeatedly urges him to descend. Awestruck by the vast skyscape around them, James loses track of the balloon’s physical limitations and just how drastically the temperature has dropped while he continues taking notes and running tests.

When it becomes clear they’ve gone far too high for their own good, Amelia takes decisive action after recognizing the signs of James’ worsening hypoxia. That plan immediately falls apart when she realizes the gas release valve at the top of the balloon has frozen shut. Reduced to a speck drifting through the sky, Amelia braves brutal conditions in her attempts to bring both of them back to land. The elements are not on her side, and she soon begins suffering from frostbite as well. With their lives and James’ research hanging in the balance, every split-second decision carries real consequences, and the margin for error disappears fast.

Stunning Cinematography All Around 

While the flashback sequences in The Aeronauts are necessary for context, they lean into familiar tropes tied to dangerous missions. Both characters are haunted by their pasts and repeatedly revisit traumatic moments while grappling with their present situation. If I’m being completely honest, I have a hard time taking people in top hats seriously, so these scenes occasionally play as unintentionally funny for me. I fully recognize that I might be a sample size of one here, and your mileage may vary.

What truly impressed me were the sequences that take place inside and around the balloon itself. The horizon, the clouds, and even butterflies drifting through air currents at what were once unheard-of altitudes are the real draw of The Aeronauts. Ice crystallizing across the balloon as Amelia struggles with the frozen gas valve, along with wide shots that emphasize how small she and James are against the open sky, are genuinely striking. The storms that threaten to consume them as they push higher in the name of science add another layer of tension, made all the more effective by how grounded and tactile everything looks.

It’s safe to assume The Aeronauts received a healthy dose of VFX in post-production, but it’s difficult to spot while watching. The visuals feel real and cohesive, creative liberties with characterization aside, and the result is an immersive experience even from your couch. If you’re looking to challenge your fear of heights, or you’re simply in the mood for historical fiction that focuses on discovery rather than warfare, you can stream The Aeronauts on Prime Video as of this writing.