One year ago, Universal Epic Universe opened its gates for the first time in Orlando, Florida. Now, to celebrate its birthday, the park is offering a bevy of exclusive collectibles. Collider is proud to exclusively present a preview of the wares that will be on offer starting this week.

The park’s central area, Celestial Park, is offering Lug bags and coinpurses of park mascot Captain Cacao, as well as a vinyl album of the park’s soundtrack. Fans of the eerie Dark Universe can festoon themselves with themed temporary tattoos and tote their gear in a Frankenstein Manor bag from Loungefly. Super Nintendo World‘s collection is inspired by the Mount Beanpole level of Super Mario 3D World; it includes apparel, a themed tumbler, and a gold “power up” wristwatch. Inhabitants of the Isle of Berk can pick up an adorable Toothless Loungefly bag and the park’s soundtrack on vinyl. And, just in time for HBO’s new Harry Potter series, devotees of the Ministry of Magic can choose from two new series of collector wands; a line of glass wands inspired by Wizarding World characters, and interactive wands with illuminated spell effects and haptic responses activated by locations in the park. These items and more will be available today on-location at Epic Universe, and on ShopUniversal.com tomorrow.

What Is Universal Epic Universe?

Construction on Epic Universe began in 2019 in Orlando, the theme park hub of Florida. The park consists of five separate areas, all themed with a different franchise. The hub that connects them all is Celestial Park, an astrology-themed area that offers gateways to the other areas. Dark Universe celebrates Universal’s rich tradition of horror, which stretches back to the Universal Monsters movies of the 1930s and 1940s. The Isle of Berk sends visitors to the medieval fantasy world of How to Train Your Dragon. Super Nintendo World takes guests into the virtual world of Mario, Donkey Kong, and all their video game pals. Finally, The Ministry of Magic is one of a trio of Wizarding World of Harry Potter areas in Universal’s trio of Orlando parks.

Epic Universe is one of three parks that comprise Universal Orlando. It also includes Universal’s Islands of Adventure, which features areas themed to Marvel, Dr. Seuss, King Kong, and Jurassic Park, and Universal Studios Florida, which includes attractions themed around Universal’s bevy of TV and movie franchises.

Epic Universe’s one-year anniversary merchandise will be available to order on ShopUniversal.com starting tomorrow, May 22. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates.

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Release Date

March 26, 2010

Runtime

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98 minutes

Director

Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois

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Writers

Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders, William Davies, Cressida Cowell

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Producers

Bonnie Arnold

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Chelsea Handler has come under fire after calling out comedians at the Kevin Hart roast for being “racist” and “sexist.”

During a recent appearance on actor Deon Cole’s “Funny Knowing You” podcast, she had a lot to say about the event, branding the vibes “gross,” while especially taking aim at comedians Shane Gillis and Tony Hinchcliff for their jokes.

However, Chelsea Handler’s remarks have now backfired, with many slamming the actress online for participating in the roast in the first place.

Handler had nothing nice to say about the recent Netflix roast of Kevin Hart, which featured her and several other comedians taking jabs at each other, sometimes with some extreme jokes.

While chatting with actor Deon Cole on his podcast, the former talk show host didn’t hold back as she slammed Shane Gillis and Tony Hinchcliff, claiming that she had received info from the men’s ex-partners who told her a lot about them, which made her realize that they are “pretty bad.”

When asked to clarify, she noted, “It’s just everything we know. That they’re racist, that they’re bigots, they’re sexist. That they think they are like, invincible.”

Handler went on to claim that their comedy at the show was “ick” and “gross,” stressing that she doesn’t find such jokes funny.

“Lynching Black people is not a joke. It’s worse than rape,” she said, adding, “people are like, ‘it’s a roast, you go for it,’ I’m like, ‘you can go for it without being gross.’”

The Comedienne Said Jokes About Sherryl Underwood’s Late Husband Crossed The Line

Handler took things a step further by bringing up jokes made at fellow comedian Sherryl Underwood’s expense at the roast.

According to Handler, it crossed a line when they made fun of Underwood’s husband taking his own life, and for her, that was “gross” and shouldn’t have been joked about.

However, she did note that Underwood was fine with the roast before emphasizing that she, however, was not okay with such jokes. “If she says she’s fine with that, she’s fine with that, but I wasn’t fine with that. I thought it was disgusting too,” Handler explained.

She further stated that she came into the roast with the goal of elevating it and making it less “gross” for Kevin Hart.

“There was so much disgustingness that I knew it was gonna be such a gross vibe, that I would be able to elevate it, no problem, and that’s what I went to do,” she said. “I was like, ‘Alright, well, I’ll pick it up because they are gonna try and bring it down, and Kevin didn’t deserve that. He deserved like an elevated roast.”

Chelsea Handler’s Remarks About The Roast Backfired

The comedian’s comments have since gone viral online, with netizens blasting her for being a part of the Netflix special and trying to “cancel” comedians for making jokes at a roast.

One X user noted, “What a disgrace to comedy, missing the point by so much she might as well be looking at this from Mars.”

Another commented, “Chelsea is a has-been hack who is jealous of the new crop. It was a roast. Kevin Hart was laughing his -ss off. Which was the whole point.”

“She’s so god-d-mn annoying sometimes .. Sucks because she can be really funny… smh,” another person said.

Several also called out Handler for seemingly taking offense on Underwood’s behalf over jokes made about her late husband, with many pointing out that Underwood had made an appearance on Shane Gillis’ podcast after the roast, showing that she was okay with the jokes.

“Hilarious, the dawgs just dropped a new pod with Sheryl Underwood while Chelsea is here complaining on her behalf,” one person noted.

Another said, “Leave it to a white liberal woman to be offended over jokes she can’t claim offense over. She’s not black. She’s not Cheryl Underwood. STFU.”

The Former Late-Night Talk Show Host Was Called Out For Dining With Jeffret Epstein

During the roast, one of the moments that stood out was when Gillis took aim at Handler and brought up her relationship with the late financier, Jeffrey Epstein.

“Chelsea is a Zionist,” Gillis began. “Not saying that’s a good or bad thing. Speaking of dead kids, she’s a big fan of abortions. Chelsea’s been scraped more times than the grill at Benihana.”

He continued, “Speaking of tossing tiny shrimp into a child’s mouth, Chelsea Handler went to dinner at Jeffrey Epstein’s house in 2010. Look it up, there are articles.”

Following Handler’s recent remarks, many slammed her for not addressing Gillis’ Epstein comment, with one person noting, “Racism this, misogyny that, she just not gonna address the Epstein callout? Bc that seems more prevalent.”

Amid the backlash, several defended Handler’s stance and praised her for condemning jokes that bordered on being “racist” and “sexist.”

Chelsea Handler Was Called Out For Her Past Hollywood Hustle

The Kevin Hart roast has certainly put Handler back in the spotlight, as insiders recently scrutinized her past dealings with Hollywood power players, noting that her recent brand of mocking the industry was ironic.

A source who spoke to Rob Shuter for his “Naughty But Nice” Substack shared that the comedian was once a frequent face at Hollywood parties and dinners hosted by disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein before the #MeToo movement derailed his once-thriving career.

“Chelsea now acts disgusted by Hollywood culture, but she absolutely benefited from it when it suited her,” an insider told the journalist, adding that she was “playing the exact same game as everyone else.”

Another insider shared that “It’s hard to position yourself as this fearless outsider exposing Hollywood hypocrisy when you were actively participating in the machine for years.”

“Chelsea wasn’t outside the system — she was part of it,” they added.

Melania Trump’s brief conversation with King Charles during his arrival at the White House for his state visit in April has reportedly been revealed.

The First Lady, alongside her husband Donald Trump, welcomed the monarch and Queen Camilla on the South Lawn of the White House. She is also said to have been involved in planning the visit, including organizing the state banquet.

During King Charles’ April visit to the U.S., Melania appeared to share a brief exchange with the monarch as she and Trump welcomed him and Camilla on the White House grounds.

Now, lip reader Jeremy Freeman has shared what he believes was said during the short interaction, per  The Express.

According to Freeman, as Melania and Charles shook hands, the monarch warmly told her, “Oh, it’s so nice to see you.”

Melania reportedly replied, “So pleased to see you,” before adding a brief expression of excitement about the occasion: “I’m really delighted.”

The exchange also appeared to include brief kisses on both cheeks, while Trump greeted Camilla nearby. The four then posed for photographs on the lawn before heading into the White House for tea.

Melania Was ‘Very Involved’ In Royal Visit

Despite the large number of staff available at the White House, Melania is said to have personally ensured that everything was in order for Charles’ first state visit to the United States since his coronation.

According to reports published by The Telegraph, Melania was “very involved” in every aspect of the visit, with her attention to detail reportedly demonstrating a strong desire for perfection.

“Melania is totally across it. There’s lots of attention to detail, and she admits it has to be a great success,” a source told the outlet ahead of the visit.

As part of the preparations, the former model is said to have moved the state banquet to the East Room, choosing it over other available spaces within the White House. She allegedly believed the setting would create a more fitting atmosphere for the visiting dignitaries.

Melania Trump Reportedly Broke Royal Protocol

While receiving the King and Queen on April 27, Melania reportedly breached royal protocol, according to The Daily Express.

For the occasion, the First Lady wore a pale-yellow two-piece outfit consisting of a double-breasted jacket and a pencil skirt. While the ensemble appeared well-suited to the sunny weather, her decision not to wear stockings was said to run counter to expected royal etiquette.

Female members of the Royal Family are typically expected to wear sheer nude or black tights during official engagements to maintain a formal and conservative appearance.

It remains unclear whether Melania was aware of the guideline and chose to disregard it, or whether the fashion choice was simply an oversight.

Melania Also Faced Scrutiny Over Royal Greeting During Past UK Visit

In September last year, Trump and Melania visited the United Kingdom, and she once again found herself at the center of royal protocol chatter.

At the time, the First Lady sparked questions after she did not curtsy to King Charles during their encounter.

The moment led to debate over whether Melania had actually done anything wrong, with sources later pointing to an explanation on the royal family’s official website.

“There are no obligatory codes of behavior when meeting a member of the Royal Family, but many people wish to observe the traditional forms,” a statement on the website read, per The Mirror. “Other people prefer simply to shake hands in the usual way.”

Melania Trump Has Spoken Fondly About King Charles

Before the 2025 interaction, Melania had also met Charles, then the Prince of Wales, when she accompanied her husband on a state visit to the UK in 2019.

The trio, alongside Camilla, shared an “intimate” dinner at the U.S. ambassador’s residence. She reflected on the experience in her 2024 memoir, “Melania,” per The Express US.

In the book, the Slovenian-born activist recalled sitting next to the then-Prince during the state dinner and said: “It was an absolute pleasure to reconnect with him.”

She also revealed that she and her husband have remained in contact with the monarch through letters, suggesting that the Trumps and the British royals share a warm relationship beyond the political tensions that sometimes exist between the U.S. and the UK.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms defended the honor of HBO’s biggest fantasy franchise this year, and much like Ser Duncan the Tall, it inspired some people along the way. The latest Game of Thrones spinoff was a breath of fresh air for fans following the lackluster second season of House of the Dragon, as well as the public feud between that series’ showrunner Ryan Condal and author George R.R. Martin.

As many critics predicted, the antidote to franchise fatigue turned out to be this simple, earnest story of a true knight trying to live up to his vows. While nothing can completely eliminate negativity online, it’s clear that this show has led to a shift in the discourse, and even restored some fans’ hope that Martin will finish The Winds of Winter and the rest of A Song of Ice and Fire one day.

Fans of Game of Thrones and A Song of Ice and Fire are used to disappointment by now — from the main TV series’ infamous ending to the excruciating wait for the next book, The Winds of Winter, which is now in its 15th year. Fan forums and social media commentary have seen a marked dip in morale in recent years, which should come as no surprise. Many hoped that Martin’s writer’s block would break when the main series ended, while some hoped the spinoff shows would help redeem the franchise. Neither is entirely true, with some commenters even complaining that the spinoffs are distracting Martin from his work as a novelist, exacerbating the delay. As for Martin, he has vowed to stop trying to predict when he might finish after missing several self-imposed deadlines.

Who Was Ser Arlan Talking To?

Image by Jefferson Chacon

Through it all, Martin himself has doggedly insisted that he will finish A Song of Ice and Fire, and that he is still actively working on it. At times, this is a comfort to fans, but at other times it only compounds the heartbreak. Dedicants of Martin walk a fine line between optimism and delusion, but many saw their hopes reflected perfectly in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 6, “The Morrow,” in the flashback scene where Dunk finally asks a dying Arlan why he never knighted him while he had the chance.

“A true knight always finishes a story,” the old hedge knight says with a smile. The line has a few layers of meaning within the scene itself — it refers to the story Arlan was in the middle of telling Dunk despite knowing he had heard it before, but it may also be an indirect answer to Dunk’s question about knighthood. At the same time, it seems to be a dry joke about Arlan’s impending death. It could even be a nod to Tyrion Lannister’s final monologue on Game of Thrones, where he declares that Bran Stark should be king because he symbolizes the best story for the Seven Kingdoms.

This cryptic quote may have more layers of meaning outside of Westeros as well. It clearly applies to Martin’s unfinished fantasy epic, but we can only speculate about how. Showrunner Ira Parker and the writers may have included this wink-and-nod moment as a bit of encouragement for Martin to finish his books, or as a bit of solidarity with impatient fans. On the other hand, Martin spent time with the writing staff himself, so it’s plausible that he suggested this line or approved of it while looking over the script. If so, it reads as a subtle promise to fans, in the absence of more concrete updates.

George R.R. Martin and Fans Need Hope More Than Ever

Whatever the case, fans definitely needed a ray of hope for the future of the A Song of Ice and Fire franchise. Back in 2023, many were devastated when HBO abruptly cut House of the Dragon from 10 episodes per season down to eight, which left Season 2 feeling haphazard and unfinished. On top of that, fans were shocked when Martin himself criticized the season harshly on his blog in a now-deleted post, heaping much of the blame on showrunner Condal. In interviews since then, Martin has been frank about his ongoing dislike of the direction the series is taking.

Martin’s issue seems to be primarily with House of the Dragon‘s changes to the story from his book, Fire & Blood, but he may be upset about ripple effects in the narrative which fans won’t see until Season 3 or even Season 4. Still, whether he’s right about these problems or not, it’s clear that they weren’t the real weakness of Season 2. The season had two episodes cut from its run-time and its budget late in the pre-production process, and the 2023 Writers’ Guild of America strike left little or no time to re-structure the story.

It’s odd to see Martin call out Condal so publicly when he has remained relatively positive on the ending of Game of Thrones itself. That, along with repeated delays to The Winds of Winter, has been eroding the optimism in the A Song of Ice and Fire fandom for the last few years. These days, even fans who still carry the torch for this book tend to acknowledge the absurdity of the long wait. Some have given up hope altogether, or lowered their expectations to hope for The Winds of Winter, but not the subsequent book that would finish the series.

As for Martin, his last direct progress report on the book was in a January interview with The Hollywood Reporter, where he said that he has about 1,100 finished manuscript pages, and hundreds more to go. This is the same estimate Martin has been giving for several years now, which is disheartening. This year also saw a decrease in Martin’s blog activity — despite the premiere of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, which is unusual for the author. Fans continue to spin out theories and speculation as always, but even some of the most die-hard have decided they can’t wait forever.

Despite it all, Martin continues to insist it is his ambition to finish his series, and fans must take him at his word. If Martin weren’t such a perfectionist, there might not be so many readers clamoring for this book in the first place. In the meantime, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is the underdog champion the Game of Thrones franchise needs right now, and it’s clearly up to the task of keeping honor alive in Westeros. The series is streaming now on HBO Max. House of the Dragon Season 3 premieres on HBO and HBO Max on Sunday, June 21.

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Release Date

January 18, 2026

Network

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HBO

Showrunner

Ira Parker

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Directors

Owen Harris

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Writers

George R. R. Martin, Ira Parker

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  Peter Claffey

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  Ser Duncan ‘Dunk’ the Tall

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Prince Harry is reportedly dealing with the loss of another Hollywood relationship, as insiders claim George Clooney “ghosted” the duke amid his growing rift wth the royal family.

The actor and his wife, Amal, were among the big names who graced the prince’s wedding to Meghan Markle, with the movie star at one point even being rumored to be Prince Archie’s godfather.

However, as things stand, George Clooney seems to have distanced himself from Prince Harry and Meghan, a reality insiders claim has been a “tough pill” for the Sussexes to swallow.

Eight years since their glamorous wedding, Harry and Meghan are said to be quickly losing A-list contacts in Hollywood, with George Clooney being the loss that has “stung” the Duke of Sussex the most.

“Out of all the friendships that have bitten the dust since Megxit, this is probably the one that still stings Harry the most,” an insider told Closer Online.

Early on, the Sussexes and the Clooneys seemed to have been forming a close bond due to their shared love for philanthropy. This budding friendship was put on display when the actor and his wife invited the royal couple to be guests at their Lake Como villa a few months after their wedding.

Also, in 2019, George was one of the big names defending Meghan while she was pregnant with her son, Prince Archie, accusing the media of “villainizing” the duchess, and even comparing the treatment she was facing to that of the late Princess Diana.

However, by 2023, a few years after Harry and Meghan quit their roles as working royals, the Clooneys made a move to support the royal family at the Prince’s Trust Awards, indicating there was a major shift in their relationship with the Sussexes, especially as it came shortly after the duke’s explosive memoir, “Spare.”

“[Harry] really believed that he, Meghan, George, and Amal made for a great combo, and it’s no exaggeration to say that he was counting on their help once they arrived in the States,” the source continued, adding that “the fact they got so brutally ghosted was a real tough pill” for the royal couple to swallow.

The Duke And Duchess Have ‘Tried To Reach Out’ To The A-List Couple Without Success

Nowadays, Harry and Meghan’s relationship with the Clooneys seems to be non-existent, with sources claiming the duo’s attempts to reach out to the Hollywood power couple have been shut down with excuses.

“It stings, big time,” the insider told the news outlet, adding that the duke and duchess have tried to contact the couple, “but their calls have either gone unanswered or on the rare occasions they’ve gotten through, it’s been a case of George and Amal fobbing them off with some type of excuse.”

Although Harry and Meghan are still optimistic about fixing their relationship with George and Amal Clooney, the source claims they are “past the point of groveling or reaching back out.”

“The brutal and hurtful bottom line is that they’re not interested in associating with Harry and Meghan, who have zero choice except to suck it up and move on with their lives,” the insider noted.

Prince Harry Reportedly Blames His Brother William For The George Clooney Snub

The situation with the Sussexes and the Clooneys has left Harry stumped as he is said to be unsure of where things went wrong, and allegedly blames his brother, Prince William, for the painful snub by the Hollywood power couple.

“Harry insists he has no idea why George suddenly ghosted him, although he does believe William is somehow to blame,” an insider claimed. “He just isn’t clear what reason George is using to justify what appears like having ghosted him.”

“And make no mistake, Harry does feel really put out by it,” they continued. “The guy was at his wedding and then suddenly he won’t answer his calls. It’s very painful because there’s no explanation, so Harry’s been left to fill in the blanks.”

Prince Harry Feels He And George Clooney Could Have Formed A Partnership Due To Their Shared Love For Philanthropy

George Clooney’s recent announcement that he’s stepping back from his career to focus on his philanthropy and other causes he finds “fulfilling” is said to have worsened things for the Duke of Sussex.

This is due to the loss of what Harry believes could have potentially been a great partnership with the Oscar award-winning actor.

“Here they are, both devoting themselves to helping the world with very similar goals and political views, and yet they’re worlds apart because George has iced him out for reasons totally unknown,” an insider told Closer Online.

The duke is said to be “hurt” and “angry” as he would have loved to work and team up with the influential movie star, as they share a lot in common.

Unfortunately, none of that is possible at the moment, seeing as neither he nor his wife, Meghan, can “even get an invite to George’s parties.”

George Clooney Recently Showed His Support For King Charles

Amid claims of strained ties with the Sussexes, George and Amal have not shied away from continuously showing their support for King Charles.

Weeks after the British monarch’s historic US trip, the movie star made an appearance in the UK as he attended the King’s Trust Award in Buckingham Palace, and was photographed shaking his hand.

According to Closer Online, George even made sure to commend Charles for the US visit, where he met with President Donald Trump, who is known to have a huge public feud with the actor.

“I am very proud to be here in support of the King, who was just in my country and performed rather well,” George said during his attendance at the King’s Trust Award.

Meanwhile, regarding his and Amal’s relationship with Harry and Meghan, an insider shared that the couple has simply decided to distance themselves from “the Sussex circus” to pay more attention to their humanitarian endeavors.

The power couple also reportedly did not want to be “painted as Team Sussex if they kept associating with Harry and Meghan,” so they have decided to “cut the cord” and move on from the Montecito-based royals.

Tom Cruise has given us some amazing movies across genres. From American Made, Jack Reacher, to Vanilla Sky, Jerry McGuire, and Interview With a Vampire, the star has some intriguing titles under his belt, but he shines the best in the action genre. With the long-running Mission: Impossible franchise, he has been entertaining fans worldwide for over two decades.

The franchise has cemented itself as one of the most successful and critically acclaimed action series in cinematic history. With Cruise’s adrenaline-fueled stunts, the movies’ gritty plots, and ability to push boundaries with practical effects, the franchise has a huge legacy behind it. Further, the ever-growing ensemble cast, which adds one power-packed performer after another, elevates each story.

Now, fans are revisiting one of the best features in the franchise, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation. It follows Ethan Hunt and his team, who are forced underground after the CIA decommissions the IMF. Hunt then goes rogue to hunt down a deadly international network of rogue spies led by the sinister Solomon Lane, eventually clearing his team’s name and capturing Lane. The 94% Rotten Tomatoes-scored feature is loved for Christopher McQuarrie‘s slick direction and sharp script. Cruise’s opening stunt, where he hangs off the side of a flying Airbus A400M plane, was also celebrated by fans.

Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation has emerged at fifth spot on Pluto TV’s top 10 list, as per FlixPatrol. The list is full of other exciting titles, like Blended, Cruise’s Top Gun: Maverick, Reese Witherspoon’s iconic Legally Blonde, and many more. Other than Cruise, you should check out the film for its breakout star, Rebecca Ferguson’s performance, along with stars like Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Sean Harris, Simon McBurney, Zhang Jingchu, Tom Hollander, and more.

Where Will We See Tom Cruise Next?

Cruise’s next movie is Digger, which will see him teaming up with Alejandro G. Iñárritu. While other details are scarce, Cruise previously shared the title and teaser, which garnered fans’ attention worldwide. The movie will reportedly follow the world’s most powerful man, who causes a disaster, then embarks on a mission to rectify it and prove himself humanity’s savior. Also starring are John Goodman (10 Cloverfield Lane), Jesse Plemons (Bugonia), Sandra Hüller (Project Hail Mary), Emma D’Arcy (House of the Dragon), and Riz Ahmed (Venom), among others.

Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation is streaming on Pluto TV. Cruise’s next film is currently slated for release on October 2, 2026. Stay tuned to Collider for more such updates.

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Release Date

July 31, 2015

Runtime

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131 minutes

Writers

Christopher McQuarrie

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Shane Gillis has fired back at Chelsea Handler’s comments about his Kevin Hart roast. The comedian found himself at the center of backlash after several polarizing jokes during the Netflix event sparked outrage online. 

Handler openly accused Gillis and fellow comic Tony Hinchcliffe of crossing the line, arguing that the roast turned unnecessarily offensive. 

Gillis, however, appeared unfazed by the criticism and responded with sarcasm as debate surrounding the live event continues to divide comedians and fans alike.

Chelsea Handler ignited backlash after unloading on Shane Gillis and Tony Hinchcliffe during Wednesday’s episode of the “Den Cole’s Funny Knowing You” podcast.

The comedian did not soften her criticism while discussing the controversial material featured during “The Roast of Kevin Hart” earlier this month.

“I knew enough about Tony and Shane — they’re racists, they’re bigots, they’re sexist,” Handler said bluntly. 

Her comments quickly made headlines, but Gillis responded almost immediately through a representative with a sarcastic statement that mocked the growing attention surrounding the feud.

“This is a big moment for Chelsea,” Gillis told Page Six through a rep, adding, “I am glad she’s capitalizing. Good for her. We’re all rooting for her.” 

He then shifted gears entirely by promoting one of his upcoming comedy appearances. “Anyway come see me July 17th at the football stadium in Philly,” he added. 

Handler Called Out Specific Roast Jokes

Chelsea Handler’s outrage centered largely around a controversial joke Shane Gillis made about Kevin Hart during the Netflix event.

At one point during the roast, Gillis joked that the actor was so short “they’re gonna have to lynch him from a bonsai tree.” 

Handler strongly condemned the remark while explaining why she believed it crossed a serious boundary.

“Lynching Black people is not a joke. It’s worse than rape,” she said.

The 51-year-old insisted she had no issue with roast comics pushing boundaries, but argued that there was still a difference between edgy humor and material she views as hateful or degrading.

“I don’t find those jokes funny,” Handler explained. She also criticized the overall tone of the event, saying Hart deserved something more thoughtful than what unfolded on stage.

According to Handler, Hart “deserved” an “elevated roast.” “There was so much disgustingness, I knew it was gonna be a gross vibe,” she added.

The comedian also took issue with a separate joke from Hinchcliffe involving the late husband of Sheryl Underwood, Michael Sparkman, who died by suicide in 1990.

Shane Gillis Also Roasted Chelsea Handler

Ironically, Handler herself became one of the targets during the roast. Gillis introduced the comedian with harsh jokes referencing her appearance at a 2010 event hosted by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein while also mocking her liberal political views.

“Chelsea is a Zionist. Not saying that’s a good or bad thing,” the 38-year-old began, adding. “Speaking of dead kids, she’s a big fan of abortions. Chelsea’s been scraped more times than the grill at Benihana.”

Gillis continued, “Speaking of tossing tiny shrimp into a child’s mouth, Chelsea Handler went to dinner at Jeffrey Epstein’s house in 2010. Look it up, there are articles.”

Handler has previously addressed the Epstein dinner publicly. In 2021, she claimed the gathering was uncomfortable and insisted she “didn’t know who” Epstein was at the time.

Chelsea Handler wasn’t alone in criticizing the Netflix roast. “Saturday Night Live” star Michael Che also weighed in days after the event, despite ultimately missing the special due to scheduling conflicts with NBC.

Che posted a series of Instagram messages criticizing the style of humor used by Gillis and Hinchcliffe before deleting them. 

“White guys and black people joke different,” Che wrote. “Black guys roast like, ‘look at this n–a shoes!’ white roasts are like, ‘slavery, math, slain teens, sex crimes, slurs, family secrets.’”

He followed the observation with another blunt remark, “white guys dont give a f–k about they shoes.” Che also criticized the group of writers working behind the scenes on the roast.

In another deleted post, he sarcastically mocked the decision-making process behind celebrating Hart’s career with what appeared to be an all-white writing team.

“‘Let’s do a roast celebrating the career of the most successful black comic in the last 10 years,’” Che wrote, adding, “I love that! Who should we get to write it?”

Chelsea Handler Debate Grows As Other Comics Defend Roast Humor

Not everyone agreed with Handler’s outrage over the special. Sheryl Underwood herself later appeared on the Netflix event, Tudum, and defended controversial comedy while discussing the backlash surrounding the event.

The 62-year-old shared that she understood people felt bad for her, as comedians spoke about her husband’s suicide. 

However, Underwood revealed that she found the jokes hilarious.

“I believe the line is the intention of the comedian and the construction of the joke,” she shared. 

Underwood revealed that actor The Rock, also spoke to her about what to expect on the show.

“For somebody to notice you — you want to be seen, heard, and respected. That night, I was seen, heard, and respected,” she shared.

There are so many movies made each year, it gets harder and harder to keep track of the truly fantastic ones. This is especially true of horror films, as the annual catalog exponentially multiplies, like a mutated virus strain that causes your head to explode. When you factor in all the horrors that have been made internationally, it becomes near impossible to register all the terrifying additions to the world’s best movie genre.

Have no fear (well, some fear after watching these). Here is a monstrous master-list of the best international horror films that you’ve never even heard of. Some come from Africa, like the genre-bending thrill ride Saloum, and others from South America, like the romance-tinged Good Manners — but the one thing they all have in common is that they are frightening as all hell and need to be watched.

10

‘Saloum’ (2021) — Senegal

Image via Lacmé

This exhilarating multi-genre-mash-up, directed by Jean Luc Herbulot, flies across the screen at a break-neck pace. Blending the exciting elements of a crime thriller with the spine-tingling facets of supernatural horror (with a touch of politically-charged action), this coolly devised, sleek film is high on entertainment and low on boring exposition.

The story is centered around a group of slick mercenaries, the “Bangui Hyenas,” including Chaka (Yann Gael), Rafa (Roger Sallah), and Minuit (Mentor Ba). After a successful mission, and an unexpected coup, their escape flight goes sideways, and they need to crash-land in the Sine-Saloum delta of Senegal. Here they sequester themselves to escape detection. The grass is always greener, it seems, since this remote island is full of ancient spirits and deceitful demons. While the mood and tone shift dramatically throughout the film, the fun quotient never does.

9

‘Pizza’ (2013) — India

Image via Sangam Cinemas

The low-budget Tamil language hit Pizza is the perfect example of a film that does a whole lot with very little; we’re talking extra toppings on this one. Director Karthik Subbaraj blends horror with satire, and, of course, romance. It’s such a smartly executed film, as it’s eerily atmospheric vibe instills tension in the audience, rather than just good ole (sometimes cheap) jump scares.

Vijay Sethupathi plays Michael, a pizza delivery guy just trying to make a buck (or so it seems). On a routine job one night, he gets stuck inside a bungalow and a cavalcade of supernatural occurrences besiege him. What makes Pizza really fun is the cheeky way that some of the specters are handled, and Sethupathi’s convincingly real (and humorous) performance, and the sly one given by Michael’s wife, Nikita (Parvathy Omanakuttan). In true ironic horror fashion, there is a big twist, and then an even bigger ending twist. Grab a slice and sink your teeth into this little-known, tasty flick.

8

‘Baskin’ (2015) — Turkey

Image via IFC Midnight

The word “baskin” in Turkish translates to “police raid” or “ambush,” which is a very clever title because the film is centered on a group of cops who raid an abandoned building — and then are ambushed by a satanic cult. It’s a dream-like hellscape of surrealism, chocked full of uniquely Turkish perspectives and engaging, idiosyncratic characters.

Can Evrenol’s Baskin is also stacked with gore and stunning visuals, but it’s really the trippy atmosphere and disturbing ambience that elevate it. Oh, and frogs — tons and a tons of frogs. The police, anchored by a great performance by Görkem Kasal as Arda (a cop fresh out of the academy), are led into a dark abyss of guilt and shame. Mehmet Cerrahoglu as the leader of the cult, Baba, is another standout; utilizing his interesting look as his greatest asset in character building, and backing it up with disturbing glee.

7

‘Angst’ (1983) — Austria

Image via Les Films Jacques Leitienne

How does an institutional system, such as the one that governs prisons, know when an individual/inmate has served their time and is properly rehabilitated and ready to re-enter society? That’s one of the major questions posed by director Gerald Kargl in the harrowing, ultra-disturbing Angst.

The story is loosely based on an actual murder case, involving real-life serial killer Werner Kniesek (portrayed here as K, by Erwin Leder). He killed someone, only had to serve ten years, and then was sprung onto an unsuspecting public. He subsequently took a family hostage and murdered several of them. Obviously, the real horror of this story makes it terrifying. The way Kargl depicted it in Angst, utilizing POV shots from the killer’s perspective, made this tale even creepier and more unsettling. Another, rarely used device: the audience is treated to the killer’s internal thoughts, as voice-over plays during a lot of the vicious action. The film’s commentary is interesting too, as it is clear that the murderer is mentally ill. Angst raises a salient question: “Are we giving sick people the help they actually need?” — all while scaring the heck out of the audience.

6

‘The Long Walk’ (2019) — Laos

Image via Yellow Veil Pictures

The Long Walk has the unique distinction of being directed by Laos’s first female horror director, Mattie Do. What may not be as publicized is the nuanced way in which she tackles issues of loss, guilt, separation, and the difficulty of moving on. It’s an aesthetically beautiful, often morose tale. Using supernatural aids to convey messages related to the stages of life all people experience (youth, old age, death), this is a special film indeed.

The movie is segmented into two time periods: the present, and five decades prior. In the modern era, the protagonist, played by Yannawoutthi Chanthalungsy, is a bitter old man (and that literally is his character’s name). He’s laconic and somber, and one gets the sense that he is obsessed with the past. Lucky for him, he is able to see and communicate with a ghost (Noutnapha Soydala) that allows him to travel back in time (kind of like a very depressing Back to the Future). His goal is to prevent the death of my mother, which is the one tragic event that he believes led to his glum existence. The huge existential question raised then is this: if he can save her, and his life is improved, what difference does that make in the end? Does that take away the pain he’s already felt? These queries and various other mind-trips leave the audience pleasantly head-spun after viewing this wonderful, haunting work.

5

‘Good Manners’ (2017) — Brazil

Image via Imovision

Good werewolf movies can be a real howwwlll. Same-sex love story werewolf movies can be even better. Good Manners is about a woman, Clara (Isabél Zuaa), who is hired by another, wealthy woman, Ana (Marjorie Estiano), to help raise her imminent child. On full moons, though, Ana wolfs out, and things get rather hairy.

When Ana attempts to deliver her baby, it happens to fall on the lunar cycle of, yup, a fully waxed moon. Ana doesn’t survive the birth, but luckily her offspring Joel does. Flash forward seven years, and Clara is still caring for the fanged rug rat. Writer-Directors Marco Dutra and Juliana Rojas’s furry fantasy is captivating for a slew of reasons. They tease out the initial mystery of just what Ana is in a wry, engaging way. Interestingly, when the narrative shifts to Clara being the half-feral kid’s caregiver, the story becomes more of a coming-of-age one; a reckoning of how to deal with life’s changes and the challenges of an adoptive family. For a sub-genre that can often just be about bloodlust and excessive shedding, this film deals with topics of race, class, and intimacy in a rather sophisticated, poignant way.

4

‘Vampir’ (2021) — Serbia

Image via Alarm Pictures

Can you ever really go home? That’s what exceedingly ambitious auteur director, writer, and star Branko Tomović speculates about in Vampir. Laden with some of the coolest, folkiest imagery in films from the Balkans, this stunning work makes this list because of the heady themes raised by Tomović. These include the immigrant experience, and, conversely, what it’s like to return to your native country and feel like a stranger in a strange land.

The plot focuses on Arnaut (Tomović), a prodigal chap who comes back to visit his village. He doesn’t even speak the language, so he feels a thick sense of alienation right at the onset. When tales of ancestral vampires (real humans who drank blood during the 18th century) begin to seep into the present, Arnaut begins to regret his choice in Expedia destinations. Overall, the film is a dark, brooding, very vibe-y piece that strikingly scares and deviously delights in equal measures.

3

‘Pensive’ (2022) — Lithuania

Image via Cinedigm

Proudly proclaiming itself the “first Lithuania slasher movie,” Pensive does not seem that necessarily groundbreaking out the gate. It does deliver all the juicy tropes of a slasher with aplomb, but only later in the film, with the reveal of some truly unexpected twists, does this movie really become noteworthy. Director Jonas Trukanas takes the audience on a devilishly fun, ultimately unexpected ride. It begins in the traditional “dumb kids partying awaken evil wrath” manner, but things shift, and the protagonist that emerges is an anti-hero whose morals rival Tony Soprano’s.

What kicks off the action in Pensive (also titled We Might Hurt Each Other in English — and Rupintojelis in Lithuanian, obviously), is when the partiers desecrate some wooden, religious figures in the forest. This, naturally, causes Algis (Marius Repšys), the manifestation of vengeance born of cultural disrespect, to start picking off the kids like pesky gnats. The aforementioned protagonist is Marius (Šarūnas Rapolas Meliešius), an envious dweeb who starts off kind, then undergoes some “changes,” and eventually uses Algis’ killing spree to leverage things in his own festering favor. Things end in a very clever subversion of the slasher sub-genre, as the audience is left with some interesting head-scratchers (hence the title)…and a warped sense of “justice.”

2

‘Kuroneko’ (1968) — Japan

Image via Toho

There’s something very satisfying about revenge stories, especially when the perpetrators of the initial sins are real jerks. This is the case with Kaneto Shindō’s little-seen but amazingly conceived, shot, and edited Japanese horror gem Kuroneko (aka Black Cat). The story is about two women (Kichiemon Nakamura as Gintoki and Nobuko Otowa as Yone) who are abused and murdered by mercenary samurais (“swords for hire”). The women’s spirits come back to exact revenge…but in the form of fantastically devious, ebony-coated felines. Me-ow.

Relying heavily on Japanese folkloric myths and allegorical figures (featuring the “God of Death, for one), this hidden jewel in the Japanese horror catalog is atmospheric, thrilling, and ultimately relays pressing themes of equality and justice. Every frame of this movie has a ghastly, but somehow beautifully ghostly, quality to it. Plus, it’s always fun to watch slinky little cats killing people.

1

‘A Dark Song’ (2016) — Ireland/Great Britain

Image via IFC Midnight

A big theme for horror films in general is guilt, with a capital G. This harsh, cloying emotion can cause even the most staunch protagonist to take excessively extreme measures. That’s precisely how Liam Gavin’s A Dark Song unfolds, as the lead character, Sophia Howard (Catherine Walker), grieves so much for her son that she will do seemingly anything just to communicate with him again. Enter a reluctant occultist, Joseph Solomon (Steve Oram), who eventually takes Sophia on as a “client.” The two of them venture to a secluded house and then the (dark) magic begins — and doesn’t end for a long, long time.

Packed with torturous scenes and head-spinning set pieces, this mostly contained, budget-conscious film explores the very depths of the human soul, and what we are willing to do to get what we want (Sophia, ultimately, craves revenge against the dastardly bloke who took her son from her). Walker gives a dynamic, melancholic, deeply-layered, and at times, touching performance — and Oram delivers one that is laced with surprises. Gavin creates a scary, freaky, and often all-too-real ambiance (even when dealing with rapacious demons). When it comes to the characters’ feelings of regret, loss, and vengeance, there’s nothing particularly “lucky” about this Irish film.

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A Dark Song

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Release Date

April 28, 2017

Runtime

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100 Minutes

Director

Liam Gavin

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Writers

Liam Gavin

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  Catherine Walker

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  Sophia Howard

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  Mark Huberman

  Neil Hughes

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  Susan Loughnane

  Victoria Howard

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Related: Jane Fonda Uses This Serum That Users Say ‘Fills the Wrinkles’

At 88, Jane Fonda isn’t just aging well — she’s redefining what great mature skin can look like. Her complexion is consistently smooth, luminous and full of that unmistakable vitality, with a firmness and radiance that doesn’t rely on heavy makeup or over-the-top treatments. Naturally, when someone’s skin looks that healthy and refined at her […]