Entertainment
The 2000s Most Misunderstood Fantasy Sequel Is Secretly A Great Blockbuster
By Robert Scucci
| Published

When was the last time you watched 2001’s The Mummy Returns? Be honest. It’s probably been about 20 years because you saw it when it first came out and thought the special effects looked like early PlayStation graphics. That was my experience anyway: watch it once, never again. Well, I’m a never say never kind of guy, and decided to revisit what I assumed would be a total punisher of a film. Surprisingly, it holds up shockingly well.
Here’s the thing about CGI-heavy movies from the early aughts: they’re disproportionately ambitious when you consider how limited the technology was back then, and it’s hard to reconcile what the movie intended to look like with what actually made it to the screen. These days, the trick seems to be making everything as dark as humanly possible to obscure filmmakers’ reliance on CGI, and honestly, that looks worse.

Upon revisiting The Mummy Returns, my first thought was that it looks really cool. Not in the sense that it looks great, but in the sense that writer-director Stephen Sommers and Universal Pictures were at least brave enough to show us what we’re looking at, rough edges and all. It’s a PG-13, family-friendly, big-budget fantasy action flick, and it plays out exactly how you’d expect.
It’s not Brendan Fraser’s finest hour, but I’ll gladly sit down with my kids and watch this one because, at the end of the day, it’s a supremely fun, low-stakes movie.
Picks Up 7 Years After The First One

The Mummy Returns picks up seven years after the first film, but first we’re introduced to The Scorpion King (Dwayne Johnson in his film acting debut) in 3067 B.C. His world domination plot fails, and he makes a deal with Anubis so he can continue down the war path, only to get double-crossed the second he conquers Egypt. He and his army of CGI jackals get sucked into the underworld, and that’s all we hear from him for a hot minute.
Back in the present day, which is 1933 in The Mummy Returns lore, we’re reintroduced to an older, wiser, and more cautious Rick O’Connell (Brendan Fraser). Wanting very much to put his treasure-hunting days behind him, Rick would like to settle down with his wife Evelyn (Rachel Weisz), now that the two of them have a 7-year-old son together, Alex (Freddie Boath). Evelyn, the thrill seeker that she is, wants to continue tracking down ancient ruins and artifacts, namely the Bracelet of Anubis, who, if you remember what I said in the previous paragraph, is the ruler of the underworld who had that run-in with The Scorpion King. Something that spectacularly comes into play later.

They find the bracelet, Alex tries it on, and it sets off a constantly escalating chain of events. Evelyn is kidnapped by a cult connected to the original film’s antagonist, Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo), who hopes to gain control of Anubis’ army. The leader of the cult, Baltus (Alun Armstrong), brings along his enforcer, Lock-Nah (Adewale Akinnouye-Agbaje), as well as Meela Nais (Patricia Velasquez), who just so happens to be the physical reincarnation of Imhotep’s ancient lover, Anck-su-namun.
Joining in on the fun are Evelyn’s brother Jonathan (John Hannah), and Medjai chieftain Ardeth Bay (Oded Fehr), who help navigate all of this ancient tomfoolery while providing comic relief. From this point forward, we get blasted with CGI monkey bridge explosions, giant sandstorm faces, Brendan Fraser chewing scenery, and a sensible amount of one-liners while navigating treacherous landscapes.
It’s Not What It’s Lacking, It’s What It’s Trying To Attempt

This is where I talk about how glad I am that I rewatched The Mummy Returns. In the grand scheme of things, the special effects aren’t terrible. The film is clearly dated, and some sequences land better than others. Evelyn’s flashbacks and the visions Alex experiences thanks to the Bracelet of Anubis are genuinely cool to look at, especially when ancient times are superimposed over the 1933 timeline.
However, the third-act sequences involving a reinvigorated and pissed-off Scorpion King stomping through the scenery are beyond rough. I can’t in good conscience say it looks great or even passable, but also, I don’t care, because up to this point we’ve been on the adventure of a lifetime. I didn’t realize until my adult viewing of this film that I kind of like it this way. It’s a movie that requires you to suspend a monolithic amount of disbelief, so moments like this don’t really take away from the storytelling because everything is already so ridiculous in the first place.

The best part about The Mummy Returns, though, is Brendan Fraser, who never misses, even when he does. He has the whole reluctant hero thing down pat here, and most of the laugh-out-loud moments come from that kind of characterization. For my money, there’s nothing better than watching somebody who’s intimidatingly good at what they do, mowing down legions of undead CGI monkey things, but is only showcasing those skills because he wants to go home and relax. I identify with that more than you could possibly imagine.

As of this writing, you can stream The Mummy Returns on Peacock and Max. It’s also available through other streamers like Hulu, The Roku Channel, and Amazon Prime Video, though some require add-ons or bundles, or additional on-demand purchases.

Entertainment
Jada Wallace Shares Third Sweet Look At Son With Chris Brown
Baby Arrow is continuing to warm hearts less than a month after his mother, Jada Wallace, announced his birth! This is the third time the new mommy has shared a look at her and Chris Brown’s son. She also posted him on Mother’s Day, revealing his name and full face. Still, fans are losing it at the newest look at Breezy’s fourth child and second son. Even Brown’s mother weighed in on the adorable photo.
RELATED: See The Sweet Mother’s Day Messages Shared By The Mothers Of Chris Brown’s Children (PHOTOS)
Jada Wallace Shares Sweet Photo Of Baby Arrow
On Tuesday (May 19), Jada Wallace surprised her timeline with another glance at her new motherhood chapter. She shared a close-up photo of Arrow, seemingly asleep, lying on a white blanket. He was dressed in a blue long-sleeved onesie and it appears he’s still rocking that “newborn perm.” She captioned the photo, “AKB,” referring to his name. While we know the A stands for Arrow and the B for Brown—from his daddy, Chris—it’s unclear what the K represents.
Breezy’s Mom & Fans React To New Look At Chris Brown’s Son
In the comment section of The Shade Room’s repost, the new photo of Arrow drew in nearly 2,500 reactions and more than 57,000 likes. Meanwhile, on Jada Wallace’s page, the post got over 44,000 likes and at least 1,300 comments. At this time, either posts don’t appear to have a like or comment from Chris Brown.
Chris Brown’s mom Joyce Hawkins commented on Jada Wallace’s post, writing, “AWWWWW!!”
@bree.lanyae wrote, “Omg he looks like his big brother 😍😍😍😍😍.”
“He looks like a cute little baby doll 🥺❤️,” @tamaramariexoxo said.
“ATP @chrisbrownofficial your babies are made in the lab because ain’t no way allllllll of them look just like you? Like how have you not lost not 1 outta 4 battles??? 😂😂😂😂😂😂. I need to know the trick because I’m loosing over here,” @blessed_n_beautifu_diva said.
“Every pic you’ve posted, i’ve been seeing his dad. but this angle is all you! how cute fr. 💞,” @shelovescmb wrote.
“Thank you for sharing your Adorably Precious Son 🏹💙 with us!!! God bless him always 🙏🏽 ❤️,” @romariv317 said.
@mama.blossoms.faith added, “He looks like the both of you equally 😍 Such a handsome baby 🫶🏽.”
“Awww him so adorable! Look at them cheeks 😍😍😍😍😍,” @makeupbyshack wrote.
“🥹🩵😍 he definitely got his dads nose and looks like his brother Aeko,” @holl1.weed_ commented.
Chris Brown Recently Celebrated Another Co-Parent
And Jada Wallace is giving the internet baby fever, her son’s father turned heads for spending time with his first son…and the child’s mother. Over the weekend, Chris Brown went viral after footage showed him standing near son Aeko at a birthday celebration for Ammika Harris. He hasn’t addressed why he was there, internet reactions to his presence or whether he dropped a bag on a birthday gift. It’s also unclear how long he stayed for the event. And Ammika shared a recap of the celebration that didn’t include Breezy in any of the photos.
Still, that didn’t stop fans from tossing around speculations about her and Chris Brown’s current status and name-dropping his other co-parents, Jada Wallace and Diamond Brown. Other reactions highlighted how close Ammika and Brown’s ex-girlfriend, Karrueche Tran’s birthdays are—one day apart to be exact. A few fans even noted that Ammika and Brown were matching each other’s fly at the birthday celebration.
RELATED: Hol’ Up! Social Media Is Mentioning Jada Wallace After Video Shows Chris Brown & Son Aeko Celebrating Ammika Harris’ 33rd Birthday
What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
James Gunn’s Superman Is About To Copy The Failed Snyderverse In The Worst Way, By Getting Religious
By Chris Snellgrove
| Published

After James Gunn’s Superman became last summer’s biggest movie and the most successful solo Superman movie ever made, all but the most cultish Snyder Bros had to admit that the nascent DCU improved on the failed DCEU in almost every way. James Gunn’s Superman presented its title character as a flawed icon of hope, one who seemed the deliberate antithesis of Henry Cavill’s Man of Steel. Moreover, his real superpower was clearly optimism, which had an infectiously wholesome effect on the audience. “Isn’t this more fun to watch,” we thought, “than seeing Batman hit him with a grimy bathroom sink?”
Unfortunately, there are early signs that the DCU may make some of the same unforced errors the DCEU made. For example, Lars Eidinger will be playing Brainiac in the upcoming Superman: The Man of Tomorrow, and he recently told The Hollywood Reporter a bit more about his bionic Big Bad. “Brainiac is described as the incarnation of Satan,” he said.
If that is true, then it would position Superman as a Jesus-like figure, destined to defy and ultimately defeat his satanic foe. That sounds neat on paper, but it also echoes the most uncomfortable part of the DCEU: Zack Snyder’s bizarre insistence that Superman be Jesus Christ in a cape.
Could It Be…Satan?

In his interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Lars Eindinger didn’t give too many details about Superman: The Man of Tomorrow or the supervillain he is playing. He simply said, “Brainiac is described as the incarnation of Satan. I find that almost Shakespearean.” That’s high praise coming from this particular actor: if you didn’t know, Eidinger is most famous as a theatre actor, one who has received the most acclaim for his performance as the title character of Hamlet. Therefore, his description of Brainiac as Satan may be his own florid description, or maybe he’s quoting a throwaway bit of characterization from writer/director James Gunn.
Still, taken at face value, the idea of Brainiac being a symbolic Satan has me worried for Superman: The Man of Tomorrow. Not because it’s innately offensive or anything; in fact, if Gunn can come up with something interesting to say by Christian-coding his summer tentpole blockbuster, I’d love to hear it. But, with respect to Lex Luthor, the primary appeal of this sequel is seeing Superman fight Braniac. You don’t have to have gone to Sunday school as a kid to know that if Brainiac is Satan, that would, biblically speaking, make Superman Jesus. Unfortunately, DC has an awful history of turning its most famous superhero into a hackneyed Christ metaphor.
So Help Me, Jesus

In The Man of Steel, we see Superman strike multiple poses (like when he’s flying) that make him look like he’s being crucified. He is 33 years old in the film, making him the same age Jesus was when he struggled with the fact that he had to die to save the world. Obviously, Superman later did die to save the world when he defeated Doomsday, but not before receiving a spear wound to his side, Christ-like. Inevitably, he was also brought back to life after his noble sacrifice, cementing his weird onscreen journey as a superhero version of Jesus.
Even by itself, this was a hack, over-the-top metaphor that made it hard to take Henry Cavill’s Superman seriously. Additionally, the metaphor clashed with so many other aspects of the character. If Superman is Jesus, why can’t he find another way to stop Zod but kill him? If he is a Christ figure who joyfully dies to save humanity, why does he seem downright bored saving people at the beginning of Batman v. Superman? For that matter, what’s up with Superman becoming a global tyrant if Lois Lane dies? Snyder treated his favorite hero more like the Joker, implying that super-Jesus is just one bad day away from going super-crazy.
Too Early To Crucify Anyone

None of this is meant to trample anyone’s faith, of course. But it’s just a little uncomfortable seeing Superman deciding to suit up while getting a pep talk in a church, beneath a stained-glass image of Jesus.
Decades after Alan Moore’s seminal Watchmen reminded us how terrifying an American god would actually be, Zack Snyder comes along to say it’s cool as long as he looks good and gets to do a little murder every now and then (you know, as a treat). Worse, the director does it in a way that arguably cheapens the character while insulting Jesus, someone whose onscreen analog can only defeat his biggest foes by outright murdering them.

So far, though, fans must just have (ahem) a little faith in James Gunn. In Superman, the title character was kinder, gentler, and infinitely more human than his DCEU predecessor, and it would be downright odd if all of that changed in Superman: The Man of Tomorrow. With any luck, the next movie will be another successful entry in the only franchise that can truly give Marvel a run for its money.
If I want more than luck, though, I may just have to pray on the matter. Any suggestions on who I should pray to, though? Because that big, out-of-work guy in the flag-colored pajamas looks pretty pissed at the idea of helping anyone.
Entertainment
Is Star Trek Right-Wing Or Left-Wing?
By Chris Snellgrove
| Published

Star Trek is often seen as a left-wing franchise. Thanks to cutting-edge technology (including replicators that can make anything you need), this moneyless society is often considered the embodiment of the old meme “Fully Automated Luxury Gay Space Communism.” With that being said, Trek has a far larger number of right-wing fans, and this often leads sections of the fandom to ask a simple question: “Why do conservatives watch Star Trek?” After trawling old messageboards and subreddits long enough, I found a tentative answer.
The general consensus online is that liberals like Star Trek for its emphasis on diversity and its portrayal of different groups coming together to solve problems through diplomacy and cultural understanding. Meanwhile, conservatives allegedly like Trek because they see Starfleet as a symbol of America and enjoy watching captains warping in and saving otherwise helpless alien societies (basically, world police on a galactic scale). As you might imagine, the internet considers these positions to be polar opposites. But Star Trek is all about Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations, and, in an ironic twist, the franchise has proven that both liberal and conservative readings of its text are, more or less, correct!
Is Star Trek Left-Wing?

It’s not that hard to see why many consider Star Trek to be a left-wing franchise. Characters like Kirk and Picard have frequently insisted that their futuristic society has moved beyond the need or desire for money (this is largely thanks to the replicator). In this way, Trek thoroughly rejects capitalism, and writers go out of their way to mock 21st-century-style greed. The best example of this is the Ferengi, who are explicitly portrayed as a caricature of capitalist culture and, accordingly, always turned into the butt of the joke.
Star Trek also fully aligns with diversity, both in the stories (again, the future is all about IDIC) and its casting. Back in the ‘60s, The Original Series made Nichelle Nichols into an international icon, and she stayed on the show after Martin Luther King, Jr. told her that what she was doing (being a prominent Black actor during the Civil Rights era) was just as important as marching in the streets for freedom. Trek continued to emphasize diversity in the decades since, with the inclusion of more prominent Black characters, gay characters, trans characters, nonbinary characters, etc.

Finally, Star Trek often rejects prominent conservative values. Not only is Christianity practically non-existent in this franchise, but religion is often portrayed as a dangerous tool used to control others (like Kai Winn trying to force the Bajoran gospel in the classroom). Exceptionalism is more or less non-existent, with characters like Spock reminding us that no one person’s life is worth more than saving the lives of others.
Trek also rejects the notion of cowboy diplomacy: Kirk spends a lifetime shooting at Klingons and resents them for killing his son, but in The Undiscovered Country, he realizes the importance of laying his weapons down, forgiving his enemies, and using diplomacy to create a better future for billions of people.
Is Star Trek Right-Wing?

Star Trek still has great appeal to conservative audiences. For one thing, Star Trek has always stressed the importance of hierarchy, which is part and parcel to right-wing thought. We know exactly who’s in charge at all times, and that chain of command is frequently portrayed as vital to everyone’s survival.
Speaking of which, Starfleet is (despite the nominal emphasis on science and exploration) clearly the embodiment of Federation military might. Notably, we haven’t gotten any Trek series focusing on random space hippies; instead, we keep getting shows and movies focused on heroic military officers fighting hostile nations, terrorists, and other extremists, which clearly appeals to conservatives.
While Star Trek acknowledges the importance of diversity, the vast majority of the crew in any show or film are human. This is even lampshaded in The Undiscovered Country, in which the Federation is described as “nothing more than a homo sapiens only club.”

In general, human characters are easier for audiences of all stripes to relate to, but this arguably appeals more to conservatives. Not only does this franchise prominently feature tribalism, but it presents tribalism as necessary: now that humans have all united together, we have an easier time helping everyone in the galaxy learn and grow thanks to our superior wisdom.
That leads to the final point: Star Trek really is mostly about humans (most of them straight, white, and male) warping around the galaxy and solving everyone’s problems. In every alternate universe where Starfleet doesn’t exist (the Mirror Universe, the alternate reality of Picard Season 2, even the changed future in “City On the Edge of Forever”), the entire galaxy goes to sh*t. If you accept the premise that Starfleet is a stand-in for America, then the franchise has spent the better part of a century showing how everything falls apart without the United States intervening. Honestly, is it any wonder that conservatives love this message?
Shaka, When The Culture War Fell

What does all of this tell us about the political divide of the Star Trek fandom? That it is, on a pretty literal level, completely useless. Not because fans shouldn’t argue about their favorite media; heck, the entire internet was built on trivial fan debates! But Trek is the literal embodiment of its values, and with Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations, it can mean (wait for it) infinite things to infinite people. It can be a liberal show, with its emphasis on diversity and socialized everything creating a utopia. And it can be a conservative show, with its emphasis on protecting that utopia through military might and strong leadership.
Will this keep people from arguing about politics in Star Trek when they hop online? Probably not. But maybe it will soften the discourse a bit when both sides learn that their favorite franchise isn’t simply one thing. Trek is bigger than all of us, and its values are correspondingly complex. That’s a good thing, of course: we can always come back to our favorite shows and movies to uncover new meaning. If all you’re watching Trek for is to find something to scream about on the internet, though, you need to take William Shatner’s controversial Saturday Night Live advice to heart and do one thing right away: get a life!
Entertainment
Goes OFF, Tommie Lee Reacts To 30-Inch Wig
Victoria “BroRilla” Woods is sharing some words and goin’ OFF after Tommie Lee reacted to her rockin’ a 30-inch wig.
RELATED: Big Mama, Please! Victoria “BroRilla” Woods Seemingly Shades Latto’s Retirement Announcement (VIDEO)
Victoria “BroRilla” Woods Rocks A 30-Inch Wig
Last week, BroRilla shared a joint reel showing herself picking up and rocking a 30-inch glueless wig.
“Brorilla came by and picked up the infamous 30 inch Kim-K Glue-less Unit and broooooooo doesn’t she look stunning #memphisgirlies #901 #901memphis,” the reel was captioned.
Apparently, BroRilla found time to install the unit and took to Instagram on the evening of Tuesday, May 19, to show off the results. Bro shared a carousel of photos showing her rocking the 30-inch wig, many of which appeared to be taken while she was sitting on a kitchen counter.
Check out the photos below.
Tommie Lee Reacts To Her Rockin’ A 30-Inch Wig Alongside Social Media Users
Reactions rolled in via The Shade Room’s comment section. Many came from social media users.
Instagram user @_pettyking wrote, “So now we figured it all out…you actually wanna BE yo’ sister!!?! 🧐”
While Instagram user @toorichtoofine added, “I hope she taking care of her other siblings and her parents like she was begging Glo to do”
Instagram user @jadedaj23__ wrote, “Wanna be her sister so bad. Jealous family members are the worst.”
While Instagram user @breefryecomedy added, “No lie, I hate this for Glo”
Instagram user @iwant.keekee wrote, “Long as she don’t put on them biker shorts to show off her 🫎 knuckle 😩”
While Instagram user @_.theofficialprincess added, “She bout to start taking bookings as glorilla now 😭😭😭”
Instagram user @mshottiebodyx wrote, “Glorilla getting to be famous twice isn’t fair 😭”
While Instagram user @blackbeautyd88 added, “She really wanted to be glow. Secret admiration 🤔😌😂”
Instagram user @hooz.asqen wrote, “Close enough…. Can she do my birthday get together ? 😂”
While Instagram user @jeffgetcash added, “What in the King Latifa is going on 😩”
Instagram user @kennnkaye wrote, “How about verses wanting to be her she actually really look up to her sister just don’t now how to express it without being toxic because they come from that environment.. I think she looks cool here!! Praying they make up .. ❤️✨ a sister bond is unf**kwithable !!”
However, Tommie Lee also shared a few words:
“This gettin weird!”
BroRilla Goes OFF On Tommie Lee
BroRilla peeped Tommie Lee’s comment and returned to Instagram to share a clip. In the clip, she called Lee “old” and “ugly.” Then, she appeared to share words about Lee’s time on reality TV and her apparent tussles.
Watch the NSFW clip here.
From there, BroRilla shared a screenshot of her researching Lee’s age.
Then, she followed up by sharing a photo of Lee and speaking about her appearance.
RELATED: BroRilla FrFr! Victoria Woods’ New Hair Has Fans Saying She Looks Like An Early-Career GloRilla (VIDEO)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
Forget ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2,’ Angelina Jolie’s New Fashion Drama Goes Much Darker
The high-stress world of the fashion industry, and the people who work within it, often makes for great entertainment or the perfect backdrop for film. 2026 has already seen the modern state of fashion journalism explored in the absolutely groundbreaking return of Runway and its staff in The Devil Wears Prada 2, as Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) and Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) fight to secure their place in an industry that has moved on from print magazines. This week, Boots Riley explores another angle with I Love Boosters, following Keke Palmer and her group of shoplifters as they target the high-powered fashion maven who stole their designs. However, one of the most dramatic and emotional explorations of the people who try to live in this world is yet to come next month.
Following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival last year, Vertical is gearing up to release the drama Couture in theaters on June 26 in the U.S. Directed by César Award-winning director Alice Winocour, the film stars Oscar winner Angelina Jolie as an American filmmaker named Maxine as she heads to Paris to cover one of the world’s premier designer presentations — Fashion Week. Amid the hustle and bustle, her path intertwines with those of other women of varying ages and cultural backgrounds trying to carve out their own destinies within this cutthroat industry, all while she falls into a personal story of love and self-discovery that forces her to reflect on the choices that got her here. With one month left until release, a new trailer has arrived to tease the emotional twists Maxine’s journey is about to take in her trip to the City of Love.
Maxine’s whole purpose at Fashion Week is to direct the video that will kick off the event, capturing the styles, hopes, and dreams that will flourish under the Paris lights. As the trailer shows, though, she doesn’t think that highly of fashion and sees it more as a lucrative opportunity at a time when she could use the money. Her journey takes an unexpected turn, however, when she’s given a serious medical diagnosis that makes her contemplate her future, her family, and whether her choices have somehow caused all this. Navigating the world in tandem with her is a young pharmacy student named Ada (Anyier Anei), who was discovered as a model in Nairobi and given the opportunity of a lifetime, though she struggles with the pressures the industry places on her and the ridicule she feels from her colleagues. Finally, there’s Angèle (Ella Rumpf), a veteran makeup artist turning her years of experience into a work of fiction that nobody seems to quite understand. Together, they navigate a world of elegance, full of constant choices, small and life-changing.
Who Else Is Involved in ‘Couture’?
Winocour both wrote and directed Couture, with Jolie helping to produce alongside Charles Gillibert, Zhang Xin, and William Horberg. The French production also features Louis Garrel, Garance Marillier, and Vincent Lindon among its cast. The film was a return for Winocour to TIFF after debuting her previous effort, Paris Memories, at the festival back in 2022. Critics weren’t entirely sold on her deep-cutting, high-fashion-exposing new project, however, despite all the award-worthy talent involved. It currently owns a 59% score on Rotten Tomatoes, but Jolie’s emotionally complex performance as Maxine did earn high praise across the board for helping to ground the story.
Couture hits the runway on June 26. Check out the trailer in the player above.
- Release Date
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June 26, 2026
- Runtime
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106 minutes
- Director
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Alice Winocour
- Writers
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Alice Winocour
- Producers
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Charles Gillibert, William Horberg
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Sean Gullette
Ray (voice)
Entertainment
Walmart’s $25 Beaded Slip-On Sandals Scream Summer
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As much as we love neutral tones, summer is really all about incorporating pops of color into our wardrobes. We recently spotted a pair of beaded slide sandals at Walmart that reminded us of a signature designer look, and the four designs are that dose of fun our outfits are missing. Better yet, the slip-on style costs just $25, but the quality tells a much different story.
Leave it to Walmart to wow us with its lively footwear. The No Boundaries Beaded Slide Sandals are a flat option that allows you to slip your foot right in (because who has time to fuss with straps?). They give serious Euro summer vibes without the need to book a plane ticket.
Get the No Boundaries Beaded Slide Sandals for $25 at Walmart!
The No Boundaries sandals come in four designs: pink and white stripes with a lemon, blue and white stripes with a lobster, green and white stripes with cherries and dark blue with pink, yellow and white fishes and detailing. Do they remind anyone else of a particular designer beaded bag. . . ?
Available in sizes 6 to 11, these sandals have memory foam insoles for all-day wear. So, they look good and feel good. This is a Walmart-exclusive offering, but you could fool someone into thinking you bought this pick at a high-end department store.
Walmart shoppers agree that these beaded slide sandals are vibrant and high quality. They’re comfortable, too, so they don’t just look pretty.
“I 100% recommend these shoes. The lobster beading looks extremely expensive and well-made,” one verified purchaser said. “I wear a size 10, and they fit perfectly. They have a great cushion and they don’t rub or hurt my feet when I walk in them.”
“I received the sandals, and they are much better quality than I expected,” shared another five-star reviewer. “They’re made well, and the colors are vibrant. The sandals have some padding on the footbed.”
Summer should be fun and colorful — after all, we got through many gray winter days and deserve bold hues. The fact that these sandals are even better than what they look like on the website is just the icing on the cake.
Get the No Boundaries Beaded Slide Sandals for $25 at Walmart!
Entertainment
‘Euphoria’ Fans Fear Zendaya’s Character Ends In Tragedy
‘Euphoria’ fans are convinced Zendaya’s character, Rue, may be headed for tragedy after the latest episode of Season 3 left viewers in a state of panic.
The hit HBO series has sparked backlash throughout the season, particularly over the provocative storyline involving Sydney Sweeney’s character, Cassie, and her controversial move into the adult content industry.
The turn of events involving Zendaya’s character in the latest episode of “Euphoria” Season 3 has left fans convinced that she may not make it to the end unscathed.
In the episode, which aired Sunday, May 17, Rue returns despite the shocking reveal in the previous installment that her body had been buried. However, her comeback was far from peaceful, as she quickly found herself in danger again and narrowly escaped death twice.
At one point, her boss, Alamo, charged toward her on horseback at full speed while holding a polo mallet, seemingly intent on hurting her. However, as he closed in and terrified her, Rue revealed that she had information about the people behind the hit on his strip club safe, per The Mirror.
She then agreed to cooperate and help him recover his stolen goods, prompting her to contact her former coworker and drug mule, Faye.
Rue Survives Another Brush With Death

From then on, Rue mostly sat out her boss’s negotiations with her former boss, Laurie, while continuing to speak with the cops in a bid to avoid jail time.
In an emotional scene, Rue appeared to spiral as she reflected on her life choices, making separate visits to a church and to her ex-girlfriend, Jules, portrayed by Hunter Schafer. During her visit with Jules, Rue even suggested that they start a family together.
At the church, Rue had a moment of sober reflection before finally receiving a call from her mother. She then tearfully admitted, “I just want to be free to start over.”
As the episode drew to a close, Rue was seen driving while listening to the Bible. However, her media player began to glitch, prompting her to look down and adjust it, completely unaware of an oncoming truck.
Just before a possible head-on collision, Rue snapped back to attention and swerved into a ditch. As she climbed out, a nearby tree caught fire, seemingly leading her to believe that a divine hand had saved her.
Fans Fear Zendaya’s ‘Euphoria’ Arc Is Nearing A Tragic End
Following the emotional scenes, many fans appeared unconvinced that Rue would survive the Season 3 finale and took to social media to share their fears after the episode aired.
Several viewers suggested that Rue’s troubles had become overwhelming, while others questioned whether the character’s increasingly emotional scenes were setting up a devastating final arc.
On X, one fan wrote that they “can’t believe next week is the last time we see Rue alive,” while another added, “Tentative RIP Rue. I relate to her the most.”
Another viewer claimed they had believed since Season 1 that Rue’s story was always headed toward a tragic ending, while others speculated that the character’s latest near-death experience may have been hinting at something darker to come.
Sydney Sweeney’s Cassie Storyline Divides Fans

So far, fans have repeatedly bashed the current season of “Euphoria” over its risqué and nude scenes, particularly those involving Sweeney’s character, Cassie. Some viewers have even gone so far as to call for the show to be pulled.
In the first two seasons, Cassie was portrayed as a sweet, deeply insecure, and hyper-feminine teenager desperate for male validation to fill the void left by her father. However, in the current season, she comes across as a more unhinged and money-obsessed version of her Season 2 self.
Following a five-year time jump, Cassie is now married to Nate Jacobs, played by Jacob Elordi, and living in a suburban mansion. However, her desperation to contribute financially leads her to begin posting provocative content on OnlyFans.
The storyline has only grown more controversial as Cassie takes on increasingly bizarre requests from subscribers, including dressing up in infantilized outfits, selling personal items, and carrying out other disturbing paid demands.
Sam Levinson Defends Cassie’s Controversial Arc

However, show creator Sam Levinson has addressed the uproar surrounding Sweeney’s storyline, saying the nature of the scenes was intentionally absurd.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Levinson explained that Cassie’s outfits, including the moments where she dresses as a baby and a dog, were meant to add humor to the scenes, which were filmed from the housekeeper’s point of view.
“[Cassie] has got her dog house and her little dog ears and the nose, and that has its own humor, but what makes the scene is the fact that her housekeeper is the one filming it,” Levinson said. “What we wanted to always find is the other layer of absurdity that we’re able to tie into it so that we’re not too inside of her fantasy or illusion… the gag is to jump out, to break the wall.”
In another interview with The New York Times, he stated that the controversial plot was made to highlight the “combination of her desperation and need for validation,” but with a humorous undertone.
Entertainment
Tom Hanks Shocked To Still Be Part Of ‘Toy Story’
Tom Hanks is known for many things, such as his Oscar-winning performances in “Philadelphia” and “Forrest Gump.” However, his role as Sheriff Woody in the “Toy Story” franchise has stayed with the 69-year-old for over 15 years. During a new interview, the esteemed actor spoke about the franchise’s upcoming fifth installment and expressed his gratitude for still being part of the box-office juggernaut all these years later.

Speaking with PEOPLE about “Toy Story 5” on Monday, May 18, in New York City, Hanks gushed about the upcoming sequel. “Oh my Lord, all I can say is the saga continues,” he said.
The original “Toy Story” hit theatres in November 1995, featuring Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts, John Ratzenberger, Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn, and Jim Varney. The film grossed $401.2 million against a $30 million budget.
Over the years, the roster of talented actors has returned for additional films in 1999, 2010, 2019, and will be featured in the latest film, debuting in June 2026.
While Hanks can’t spill the beans about the film just yet, the father of four hinted that fans would be pleased with the final product.
“I have seen it. I don’t know how they do it, but it is a vibrant and proper chapter in the Toy Story canon,” he said. “None of us can believe that we’re still a part of it.”
What Can Fans Expect From Tom Hanks And The Rest Of The ‘Toy Story’ Gang In The Upcoming Film?

The upcoming installment was directed by Andrew Stanton, and at the Disney D23 expo in August 2024, he said that the beloved crew of children’s toys will face an unexpected issue in the new film: technology.
“In Toy Story 5 the toys’ jobs get exponentially harder when our toy crew goes head to head with what kids are obsessed with today: electronics,” he said.
According to the movie’s synopsis, Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and the others will work to overcome obstacles when a new tablet, Lilypad, captures Bonnie’s (their owner) attention.
In a separate interview, Allen shared a few behind-the-scenes details about the film, hinting that much of the story would center on Jessie. He also teased an “unbelievable” opening scene as Buzz Lightyear before encouraging fans to go see the film.
“I can give you that, but I can’t give you much more,” he said.
Tom Hanks’ Brother, Jim Hanks, Has Stepped In For Him As Woody In The Past
“Toy Story 5” will hopefully feature more iconic lines from the admired fictional characters, such as Woody’s “There’s a snake in my boot” and “You’re my favorite deputy.”
And speaking of catchphrases, Tom Hanks’ brother, Jim Hanks, previously revealed on the “Love It Film” podcast that he’s actually stepped in for his brother as Woody on numerous occasions.
“The first thing I ever did was one of the pull-string toys from the first movie where he’s saying ‘You’re my favorite deputy’ and ‘There’s a snake in my boot’ and stuff like that,” Jim said. “They had processed the voice so much that they needed a cleaner [version] so I come in and do it.”
Like his brother, Jim also expressed his gratitude to the Pixar team for allowing him to stamp his name in movie history, before noting that while they’re two separate people, he always tries to stay “as true to the character as possible.”
Another Actor Opened Up About His Role In An Iconic Franchise

On the topic of iconic children’s movies, another actor recently opened up about his experience as the lead character in a well-known franchise.
According to a previous report from The Blast, Mike Myers said he almost turned down the role of Shrek in the 2001 film.
Myers explained during a recent interview that he was approached by Jeffrey Katzenberg with an idea at the premiere of “Saving Private Ryan.”
He said that the film executive’s children performed a dance from the “Austin Powers” movie, which took him by surprise.
“This was after such a heavy movie, and I was in tears because my parents were in World War II. I was shell-shocked, and then they’re doing the dance, and I was like, ‘Yeah, that’s great. Read a room!’” he said.
Myers then said that Katzenberg explained his idea of “Shrek” to him, to which he replied, “Well, that’s the worst f–king title I’ve ever heard in my life.”
After some time, though, Myers changed his tune, explaining that he loved how the film “turned fairy tales on its head.”
‘Shrek 5’ Is On Its Way

Like “Toy Story,” a fifth installment in the “Shrek” series is on the way. According to PEOPLE, fans can expect to see the movie in theatres in June 2027, with the return of Myers as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, and Cameron Diaz as Fiona. Per reports, Zendaya also joined the cast as Fiona’s daughter, Felicia.
Entertainment
These Petite Spring Pants Actually Fit and Flatter Women Over 40
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Finding breezy spring pants that actually fit when you’re petite can feel like an endless cycle of returns, especially when hems drag, waists gap and proportions just feel off. And if you’re searching for polished pieces that are flattering for women over 40, the search gets even trickier. But this season, there’s finally a lineup of styles that check every box — no tailoring required!
From lightweight palazzo pants to cropped denim and office-ready trousers, these petite-friendly finds are designed with real proportions in mind. Our options below feature higher rises that stay put, inseams that hit exactly where they should and silhouettes that elongate legs nicely. To sweeten the deal, every single pair starts at just $13, making it easy to refresh your spring wardrobe without overspending.
13 Petite Spring Pants That Fit and Flatter Women Over 40
1. Our Favorite: The cropped wide-leg cut of these flowy palazzo pants hits at just the right spot above the ankle, and the high waist actually stays put. Plus, the pockets are deep enough to hold a phone.
2. Darling Details: Made from 100% cotton, these lace-trim capri pants breathe well in heat. The lace hemline keeps them looking pulled together, and stylish.
3. Floral Fun: A built-in belt cinches the waist on these floral palazzo pants, which solves the gaping problem petites usually deal with. The gaucho cut hits cleanly mid-calf.
4. Travel-Ready: These pleated wide-leg dress pants are sized specifically for petites, so the inseam works without alterations. They feel closer to soft loungewear than slacks.
5. Cropped Classic: The front patch pockets give these cropped white jeans a relaxed, retro feel that’s ‘in’ for spring. Meanwhile, the high waist and wide leg gives the pants a modern touch, thanks to the shortened hems.
6. Office-Ready: The slight flare on these bootcut dress pants balances hips and keeps the line slimming through the thigh. Not to mention, they come in petite sizing from XXS to XXL.
7. Luxe Linen: These linen trouser pants keep their shape through humidity while still giving you a relaxed appearance. Unlike cheap linen lookalikes, this option isn’t sheer at all, so you can feel secure wearing it to work. Plus, the pleated waist elevates the full look.
8. All Day Comfort: The non-binding waistband on these ultra-comfy trousers flexes through the day, so you might just forget you’re wearing dress pants. They’re ideal for eight-hour days, followed by cocktails after.
9. Throw-On-and-Go: Mornings when nothing feels good are the worst, which is where these pull-on cropped pants come in. They go on in seconds and look intentional with any tee or tank.
10. Palazzo Perfection: Wear these flowy palazzo pants to an outdoor wedding with wedges, or to the beach as a swimsuit cover-up with a straw tote and sandals.
11. Tummy-Control: The built-in Ab Solution panel on these straight-leg petite jeans smooths the front without the rolled-waistband effect shapewear usually creates. They sit cleanly under fitted tees and tucked-in tops.
12. Darling Denim: These wide-leg jeans look like real denim but feel closer to leggings. Plus, the stretchy pull-on pair has a true high waist, minus a zipper or buttons.
13. Slimming Skinnies: These stretch skinny jeans tuck neatly into ankle boots for spring with an oversized blazer. However, you could also pair them with ballet flats and a striped tee for casual Fridays.
Entertainment
Nicolas Winding Refn’s Cyberpunk Sci-Fi Horror Just Ruined the Word “Daddy” for Me Forever
Sci-fi has many flavors. You have the post-apocalyptic world, the space epic, the dystopian society, and then you have cyberpunk. As one of the most popular subgenres, cyberpunk is easily recognizable. Mammoth cityscapes, neon glowing signs, a touch of retro technology for added flavor, and an overwhelming and oppressive darkness blanketing it all. Nicolas Winding Refn‘s Her Private Hell has all of those traits. On the very surface, it appears to be a sci-fi lovers’ dream, encapsulating the cyberpunk aesthetic perfectly. But dig a bit deeper under that neon, glossy surface and all you’ll find is a hollow core.
‘Her Private Hell’ Is a Visual Feast — One That You Can’t Look Away From
There’s no denying that Refn is a talented visual artist. His previous films, like Drive and Neon Demon, show that he’s been refining this aesthetic for years. The culmination of his sleek and almost storybook-like style is Her Private Hell. Every single shot feels manicured. From the costuming to the lighting to the set design, one gets the sense that Refn was unwilling to compromise in the preciseness of his vision. While some cyberpunk worlds like Blade Runner have a more lived-in and gritty feel, his world is immaculate. Every surface is clean, all of the costumes are perfectly tailored and ironed, and even the murders seem contained.
While this type of aesthetic might have been appealing in a 2015 Tumblr blog kind of way, this all ends up making Her Private Hell feel like a perpetual perfume ad. Coming in at 109 minutes, the film still feels like a slog as every shot lingers more on the setting than it does on the characters. Admittedly, Refn’s world is gorgeous and dreamlike, but it feels oddly empty and lifeless. Mix that with the stilted and agonizing dialogue and mechanical storytelling and the whole thing feels somehow both high effort and low effort.
Nicolas Winding Refn Cannot Be Trusted To Write Women Characters
Partway into the movie, one of the characters dully remarks, “This movie’s gonna be hell,” and I couldn’t help but laugh at the meta commentary. Because the fact is that as pretty as Refn’s film appears, what is at its core is rotten if not completely hollow. Obsessively attached to the male gaze, this film primarily features female actors that Refn likes dressing up and revealing outfits while also making them pout and say the word “Daddy” so much your ears might be bleeding by the time you leave the theater.
Sophie Thatcher plays the main character, Elle, who is essentially a nepo baby with daddy issues. Her father, Johnny Thunders (Dougray Scott), has married one of her close friends, Dominique (Havana Rose Liu), simultaneously ruining their friendship and making Elle’s new stepmother the same age as her. The two characters nip and bite at each other, but it’s largely toothless as Refn is more interested in exploiting the sexual chemistry between the characters but too cowardly to actually commit to it. It would have been interesting to push this subtext closer to the surface of the story, but that would have required two women talking about something other than a man, and that seems unacceptable.
But Refn’s worst character is Hunter (Kristine Froseth), who plays a doll-eyed ingénue who embodies the peak of all that is wrong with the film. Hunter spends most of the movie obnoxiously invading Elle’s home, writhing around and flirting with every man in sight, and generally speaking in a baby voice that is far more grating than it should be. The script doesn’t do anything to help. Penned by Refn himself and Esti Giordani, I wouldn’t have needed to look at the credits to know that this is a movie written by men and for men. The characters are all beautiful but shallow, their only conflict is fighting amongst each other for the attention of men, and the only character to get any hint of depth in their storyline is a soldier named Private K (Charles Melton).
Refn Wastes All of the Talent in ‘Her Private Hell’
This is not to say that the cast can really be blamed for Her Private Hell‘s failures. When you’re given a pseudo-noir script that feels more like Sin City fanfiction than an actual script, you don’t exactly have a deep well to draw from. The standout performance is Liu, who is doing everything she can to give Dominique a bit more depth beyond just being that girl who married her best friend’s dad. There are moments when, rather than deliver a line in the same monotone and robotic manner as everyone else, she adds a bit of her own punch, and it actually serves to give the film a bit more color, even if it is for a split second.
The same can’t unfortunately be said for Thatcher, who is undoubtedly playing Elle exactly how Refn wants her to, but therefore creates an insufferable, spoiled brat who is not only hard to relate to, but exhausting to watch. There’s no nuance to her character, and Refn makes no effort to really offer her anymore to do. Instead, she spends most of the movie looking beautiful and complaining about her daddy, with the film taking a sharp turn in the third act by giving her a groan-worthy sex scene while someone is being killed.
The action sequences are fairly entertaining, with one main one featuring Melton, who plays a soldier who has tragically lost his daughter. Melton employs all of his physical prowess in these fight scenes, and they land solidly, though there’s little action in the film in general. The plot of the film follows a villain named the Leather Man, who murders girls by tearing them apart at the chest, but there’s never really any fear or anticipation built up for the character. For something marketed as a horror-thriller, there’s nothing thrilling about Her Private Hell and the only horrific thing is that someone deemed this a worthy endeavor to invest money and time into it.
Unfortunately, this is the exact type of bait for the movie buff that we all know and hate. That pretentious film lover who waxes on about his Criterion collection, who is happy to admit to loving Woody Allen in 2026, who uses words like “kafkaesque” without any hint of irony. It’s for this type of man that Her Private Hell is made for. There’s very little mainstream appeal to this. Indeed, there’s one scene where Thatcher, Liu, and Froseth simply lounge on a couch, looking beautiful, and bark at each other like dogs. Every time you think the film might finally actually step into the horror arena, it takes a step back and instead indulges in empty titillation. This film is for people who already love Refn’s work and are willing to look past any faults to simply rejoice in his return ten years after Neon Demon. But after walking out of Her Private Hell, the movie has me thinking that perhaps Refn should have stayed dormant another 10 years if this is the final product.
- Release Date
-
July 24, 2026
- Director
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Nicolas Winding Refn
- Writers
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Esti Giordani, Nicolas Winding Refn
- Producers
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Nicolas Winding Refn
Cast
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Sophie Thatcher
Uncredited
-
- The visuals of the film lack some girttiness but ultimately are gorgeous to look at.
- A first year film student could definitely write a better script than this one.
- Refn exposes himself as someone who simply doesn’t understand women or how to write them.
- The film comes in under two hours and yet it is an undeniable slog to get through.
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