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Movie fans spend a lot of time talking about what Hollywood is doing wrong. Studios rely too heavily on franchises. Everything is “too cynical.” Blockbusters “take themselves too seriously.” Audiences want adventure and escapism again, and they want the kind of crowd-pleasing summer movies that once made going to the theater feel like an event. Then movies like The Mandalorian and Grogu and Masters of the Universe arrive, and something strange happens.
Instead of embracing them for what they are, many viewers immediately begin criticizing them for what they aren’t. Neither movie is trying to reinvent blockbuster filmmaking, and neither is positioning itself as the future of cinema. They’re big, sincere adventure movies designed to entertain audiences for a couple of hours before sending them home with a smile on their face. Yet a surprising amount of the conversation surrounding both movies has focused on their perceived shortcomings rather than their actual successes. That’s not because criticism is inherently wrong. Every movie deserves to be evaluated honestly. The problem is that many modern audiences seem unable to meet a movie on its own terms. Somewhere along the way, we’ve stopped asking whether a blockbuster was fun and started asking whether it justified its existence.
One of the biggest changes in movie culture over the last decade has been the way audiences engage with blockbusters. Every release now arrives carrying the weight of expectations that often have very little to do with the movie itself. A new Star Wars movie isn’t allowed to simply be a Star Wars movie. It has to fix the franchise, or settle years of online debates, or at least prove Lucasfilm has a plan. Likewise, a movie like Masters of the Universe isn’t judged solely on whether it’s an entertaining fantasy adventure. Instead, it’s forced to answer questions about intellectual property, franchise fatigue, and whether Hollywood should be revisiting the property at all.
Those conversations can be interesting, but they often overshadow the movie sitting directly in front of us. Take The Mandalorian and Grogu. At its core, it’s exactly what the title promises: another adventure featuring Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu. That’s why audiences fell in love with these characters in the first place. Their story wasn’t built on galaxy-shattering revelations or franchise-defining twists, it was built on a simple but effective foundation: a lone warrior, a child in need of protection, and a galaxy full of dangers waiting around every corner. The movie understands that appeal, yet much of the discourse surrounding it has focused on whether it does enough to move the larger Star Wars franchise forward. That’s a strange criticism to level at a movie that was never trying to be anything other than an entertaining continuation of a story people already enjoyed.
The reaction to Masters of the Universe has been equally revealing. For years, fans have claimed they want fantasy movies that embrace wonder, adventure, and larger-than-life heroes. They want colorful worlds, memorable villains, and stories that aren’t afraid to be earnest. Then Masters of the Universe delivers exactly that, and many viewers respond by questioning whether the movie should exist in the first place. It’s a bizarre contradiction.
The entire appeal of Masters of the Universe has always been its unapologetic sincerity. This is a franchise about magical swords, cosmic battles, and a hero named He-Man (Nicholas Gailtzine) fighting a villain called Skeletor (Jared Leto) with a skull for a face. It was never designed to be grounded or realistic, it was designed to be fun, and the movie understands that. Rather than trying to transform the property into something darker or more self-important, it embraces the same adventurous spirit that made generations of fans fall in love with Eternia, and yes, that includes even its cringiest moments and dialogue. Not every fantasy movie needs to be the next The Lord of the Rings. Sometimes audiences just want to watch heroes battle villains in an imaginative world filled with monsters, magic, and spectacle. For decades, that was enough.
Perhaps the strangest aspect of modern blockbuster discourse is the way audiences often treat fun as if it’s a lesser achievement. If someone enjoys a movie because it made them laugh, cheer, or sit on the edge of their seat, that reaction is often dismissed as shallow. The movie must be analyzed through the lens of cultural impact, franchise strategy, or artistic ambition before it’s allowed to be considered successful. But why? Some of the most beloved blockbusters ever made aren’t remembered because they changed cinema forever, they’re remembered because they’re endlessly entertaining. Audiences didn’t fall in love with Raiders of the Lost Ark because it solved every problem facing Hollywood, they fell in love with it because it was exciting. The same is true of movies like The Mummy, Back to the Future, and countless other adventure classics.
Those movies succeeded because they understood a simple truth: entertainment matters. That doesn’t mean audiences should stop thinking critically about movies, and it certainly doesn’t mean every blockbuster deserves praise. Plenty of movies fail to deliver on their promises. But there is a growing tendency to evaluate movies against impossible standards rather than appreciating what they’re trying to accomplish. A blockbuster doesn’t need to redefine a genre to be worthwhile, and it doesn’t need to become a cultural milestone. Sometimes its job is simply to provide a memorable night at the movies.
What’s particularly interesting about the reactions to The Mandalorian and Grogu and Masters of the Universe is how disconnected some online criticism feels from the experience of actually sitting in a theater. Spend enough time on social media, and you’d think every blockbuster was either a masterpiece or a disaster. There’s very little room left for movies that are simply good, entertaining, and that deliver exactly what audiences expected and leave them satisfied. Yet those are often the kinds of movies that thrive with general audiences. Most people don’t buy a ticket hoping to witness the future of cinema, they just want to escape for a few hours. They want to laugh and to be transported somewhere else for an evening before returning to reality.
That’s what summer blockbusters have always done best. The backlash surrounding The Mandalorian and Grogu and Masters of the Universe suggests many movie fans have forgotten that simple reality. Both movies have flaws, and both are worthy of criticism, but the insistence that they should have been something other than what they were designed to be feels increasingly disconnected from why people fell in love with movies in the first place. Not every blockbuster needs to change the industry, sometimes it’s enough to have a great time. And maybe audiences would enjoy more movies if they remembered that.
June 5, 2026
Travis Knight
Chris Butler
Jason Blumenthal, Robbie Brenner, Steve Tisch, Todd Black
Spin-offs of sitcoms are a risky proposition, at best, and most fail spectacularly. Take Joey and The Tortellis, for example: both failed to live up to their parent series — Friends and Cheers, respectively — and, even if we put their lineage aside, they failed to succeed as sitcoms in general. Cheers, however, tempted the fates with a second spin-off and succeeded, scoring a win with Frasier. The Big Bang Theory is set to test those same waters, but with a third spin-off, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, set to debut on HBO Max on July 23. Only time will tell if it leans closer to The Tortellis than to Frasier, but given the success of the first two spin-offs, Young Sheldon and Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, it’s difficult to write off the ambitious series. In fact, the latter has found success not only on its original streaming home, Paramount+, but also on another streamer: Amazon. And it’s not hard to understand why.
Despite centering the series around The Big Bang Theory‘s breakout character, Young Sheldon kept itself relatively separated from its parent series. The look was different, being shot with single-cam as opposed to multi-cam, and was populated with characters that were rarely seen or even referenced before. And characters seen or referenced more often, like Mary and Meemaw, seemed new, given the setting during Sheldon’s childhood. The biggest difference, though, was in the series’ tone.
Young Sheldon wasn’t a sitcom in the traditional sense like its predecessor, finding laughs in wacky situations rather than building its humor on relatability. The serialized story allowed viewers to get to know the characters more deeply, with the humor arising from how the differing personalities acted during situations. That depth, in turn, made the dramatic elements — and Young Sheldon had no problem addressing more mature themes — that much more impactful.
Arguably, the one character that benefited the most from that depth is Montana Jordan‘s Georgie, Sheldon’s (Iain Armitage) older brother. He came in as a typical Texas high school kid who cared more about girls and football than about academics, which he, unlike his prodigious brother, struggled with. Georgie was almost impossible not to like, a responsible young man filled with optimism and moxie, with smarts in practical ways. Over the course of the series, he grew exponentially, making difficult decisions and showing a knack for thinking outside the box.
With 832.7M Hours Watched, This Sitcom Spin-Off Is the Greatest Weekend Streaming Binge
It doesn’t take a genius to see why this show’s so popular.
Then, in Season 5’s “A Lock-In, a Weather Girl and a Disgusting Habit,” he meets Mandy (Emily Osment) and inadvertently gets her pregnant. But he steps up, and their relationship is allowed to foster over the duration of the series; not romanticized but grounded and real, and the onscreen chemistry between Osment and Jordan was tactile. In essence, the heavy lifting of building the relationship and moving it forward was already being done before Georgie & Mandy’s First Wedding even aired.
Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage took the best of both worlds: the funny situations and multi-cam filming of The Big Bang Theory, with the depth and honesty of Young Sheldon, separating itself from both. It’s paid off in spades, with the series confirmed for a third season. The dynamic between Georgie and Mandy is still as engaging as it was in its parent series, and the ups and downs of the early days of their marriage are relatable. Jordan alone has great charisma that charms viewers into investing in him, hoping the best for the character.
There’s a strength in its secondary characters that draws viewers. Will Sasso‘s Jim McAllister is a good man, often caught in the crossfire between his wife and Mandy, with a quiet, profoundness beneath the prototypical, rational sitcom husband and father. Furthermore, he has stepped up as a father figure for Georgie in the absence of his own, earning a lot of goodwill from the series’ audience. Connor (Dougie Baldwin), Mandy’s brother, was introduced as a quirky, one-note character but has quickly evolved into an endearing fan-favorite. Audrey McAllister (Rachel Bay Jones) starts the series off on the wrong foot, but has become less caustic and more engaging as the series has progressed.
What do you call a spin-off of a spin-off?
The other newbie introduced in the series is Ruben (Jessie Prez), a worker at Jim’s tire shop who has been given an increased role as the current co-owner of the same tire shop with Georgie, thanks to the events of the Season 1 finale. Like Connor, Ruben began life as a one-note character, but the increased role has made him far more interesting and well-rounded, with him and Georgie finding a way to work with each other as partners. As far as the “legacy” characters are concerned, like Mary (Zoe Perry) and Meemaw (Annie Potts), they appear often enough to keep the connection with Young Sheldon, but not so often that they trump the journey of the series’ headliners.
So far, those things that appeared to speed up the inevitable divorce between the two leads haven’t presented themselves too clearly, proving that the showrunners are playing the long game. And as long as Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage remains popular — on CBS, Paramount+, or on Amazon — that game could play on for many more seasons to come.
Bill Skarsgård has given fans a rare and relatable glimpse into his personal life.
During a recent interview, the actor was asked whether his famous family keeps in touch through a group chat, and he confirmed that they do. What caught attention, however, was the unusual name he revealed for the chat, along with the kind of conversations that take place within it.
Bill comes from a large family of six siblings and two step-siblings, many of whom work in the entertainment industry.
During a recent appearance on “Good Morning America,” 35-year-old Bill opened up about his family’s group chat.
The Skarsgårds, who have collectively built an impressive legacy in film and television, use the chat to stay connected despite their busy schedules and careers spanning multiple countries and productions.
While a family group chat may be commonplace, less common is the humorous name they gave it, inspired by another well-known acting family in Hollywood.
“Do you guys have a family group text?” Bill was asked by host Lara Spencer.
He responded, saying, “Yes, yes — it’s called ‘The Baldwins.’”

The Baldwins referenced by Bill are the famous acting brothers Alec, Daniel, William, and Stephen Baldwin, all of whom have enjoyed successful careers in film and television.
The comparison appeared to catch Spencer off guard, and she quickly followed up by asking Bill whether he was serious about the family group chat actually being named after the Baldwin brothers.
Bill confirmed that the name was real before joking about how his own family’s chat tends to provide “a lot more critique than help.”
“Harsh critics!” Bill said of his family, which includes several active actors. “I mean, we’re all very supportive, and I think we’re all rooting for each other as well.”
The story of the Skarsgård family’s foray into acting begins with the family’s patriarch, Stellan, who achieved global fame through roles in films such as “Good Will Hunting,” “Mamma Mia!,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Thor,” and “Dune.”
His eldest son, Alexander Skarsgård, entered the industry as a child actor in the 1980s before breaking through internationally with “True Blood.” He later earned widespread acclaim for his performances in “Big Little Lies,” “Succession,” and “The Northman.”
Meanwhile, Gustaf gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Floki in “Vikings” and has also appeared in notable productions such as “Westworld” and “Oppenheimer.” Similarly, Bill rose to international stardom through his portrayal of Pennywise in “IT” and “IT Chapter Two.”
In addition to the three brothers, their younger brother, 30-year-old Valter, and their two half-siblings, 17-year-old Ossian and 13-year-old Kolbjörn, have also pursued careers in acting.

More recently, Bill has further cemented his reputation with his role in “Dead Man’s Wire.”
Starring in the project came after an extended break from acting, during which he watched films and reflected on the type of work he wanted to pursue next.
It was during this break that director Gus Van Sant reached out to him with the script by Austin Kolodney, which was based on a real 1977 hostage incident, and it immediately drew his attention.
“Of course, Gus Van Sant [directing] is an immediate attraction, right? Then I read the script, and I thought it was great, and absolutely crazy,” he said in an interview.

Despite being drawn to the script, Bill was not immediately convinced that he was the right person to play the role.
He noted a physical mismatch between himself and the real-life figure he was set to portray, which he later described as his “own self-doubt” creeping in.
Ultimately, he said the uncertainty helped him in the long run, as it kept him focused on delivering his best performance.
“If I feel like I’ve done a role, and I know exactly how to do it, and I can see the reasons why they’ve cast me, it’s less exciting,” he said. “It’s less dangerous, and ultimately, it won’t motivate me to be as good as I can be. I’m someone that has to be challenged.”

Discover how The Boroughs turned its elderly creature into an unlikely action star with “geriatric parkour,” as the cast and creators reveal the hilarious behind-the-scenes challenges of bringing the monster to life.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are going to extreme lengths to keep the details of their upcoming nuptials a secret.
According to a new report, the power couple is utilizing an ironclad NDA to ensure guests stay quiet about the event, warning of strict ‘consequences’ for anyone who violates the agreement.
This comes after it was revealed that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce will be tying the knot at Madison Square Garden, a move that has ruffled the feathers of some small business owners in the area.

Swift and Kelce are doing everything they can to ensure nothing gets leaked from people who have been invited to their highly anticipated wedding ceremony, which will reportedly be held in New York City on July 3.
Sources who spoke with TMZ revealed that the duo has made their guests sign a strict non-disclosure agreement before they can receive any information about the nuptials. Such individuals, who are subject to the NDA, include work colleagues and even family and close friends.
According to the news outlet, guests who accept the invite to Swift and Kelce’s wedding are sent a link for them to sign the ironclad NDA, which legally prevents them from sharing any information about the event.
Sources further shared that the agreement comes with “consequences” to ensure guests do not break the NDA.

It was recently revealed that Swift and Kelce’s nuptials will precisely take place at Madison Square Garden.
TMZ reported that the popstar has already booked the venue for three days, and paid retail price for it. This means she could be spending roughly $1 million per night for the MSG location.
Swift and Kelce will also allegedly tie the knot in front of 1,100 to 1,200 guests, which will be a mix of A-list stars and regular folks in attendance at the huge venue.
Stars who have likely signed the NDA to attend the lavish event include Swift’s close pals, Selena Gomez and Gigi Hadid.
Singer, Benson Boone, has also reportedly scored an invite to the wedding, along with model Karlie Kloss, who is said to have recently mended her friendship with Swift.

Amid reports of Swift and Kelce’s nuptials being held at MSG, some sources close to the situation have shared that it might all be a ruse to throw off the media due to heavy speculation about their wedding.
Instead of getting hitched at such a massive venue, the sources shared with the Daily Mail that Swift and Kelce likely have a more intimate ceremony planned, which will not feature the thousands of guests rumored to have been invited.
A source said, “Taylor’s official wedding will not have 1,000 guests. There is a private and highly secure ceremony planned for her closest family and friends.”
“Guests of the wider party have been encouraged to donate gifts to charity, but her actual wedding will be a small, intimate gathering. There is something [else] associated with MSG,” the insider added.

On social media, Swift has already begun facing backlash over news that she might be tying the knot at Madison Square Garden.
Critics have slammed the alleged move as tacky and “attention-seeking” due to how lavish and extravagant such a venue is for a wedding ceremony.
“This is beyond trashy,” a critic said, per the Daily Mail. “It is genuinely the most attention-seeking, fanfare-heavy, tacky situation that I couldn’t even have concocted in my own head.”
Another noted, “Yuck, in her song ‘the lucky one’ about not loving being famous […] that was in two thousand TWELVE when she was TWENTY TWO what happened to her intelligence and common sense in the years since. Cognitive decline.”

People who own small businesses, precisely restaurants and bars, around the garden are said to be disturbed by the possibility of Swift and Kelce getting married there.
Many who spoke to TMZ brought up security concerns and the possibility of a lockdown, while also sharing that none of them have been given details about the event and what to expect on July 3.
One small business owner told the news outlet that it could be a “disaster” for the entrepreneurs in the area, with another stating that he does not expect any Swifties to patronize him on that day, unlike NBA fans who tend to flock to his business to watch the games.
A particular person admitted that they were “irritated” by the idea of the couple getting married at Madison Square Garden, suggesting that Kelce and Swift should compensate small business owners due to the potential financial setbacks their wedding could cause.
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Jennifer Garner rarely leans into polarizing styles, but her latest colorful sundress left the internet chatting. The verdict is in: With Garner’s approval, ombré is making a comeback. We found her retro look for only $30 on Amazon!
Garner wore a flowy gradient-style sundress, a simple black cardigan and a structured leather tote. The dress had a rich purple color that faded into a lighter shade, and this Amazon twin appears incredibly similar. The only difference? It costs $2,420 less than Garner’s Gabriela Hearst piece.
Get the Woldress Sleeveless Sundress for $30 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.
This Woldress Sleeveless Sundress features the same gradient print as Garner’s, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a flowy maxi length that moves beautifully when you walk. The fabric is soft and breathable, which matters when you want to stay cool yet still look put together.
One five-star shopper called it “the most comfortable piece of clothing” they own and wrote, “It’s thick enough to not see through it and thin enough to feel like you’re wearing nothing. The material is similar to Cuddl Duds pajamas. It can look casual or dressy depending on your accessories.”
Throw it on with sandals and a straw hat for weekend errands, or copy Garner with an easy layer, chic sandals and a roomy bag. And if you’re not a bag person, no worries! Even more functional than Garner’s designer dress, this lookalike dress might be even more functional than Garner’s designer version, thanks to the roomy pockets.
No fussy shoes, no statement jewelry, just a colorful dress doing the heavy lifting. It’s a styling formula that works for brunches, outdoor weddings, travel days and Saturday afternoons. This dress is easy to wear and even easier to style, so go ahead . . . rock it all summer long. We sure are!
Get the Woldress Sleeveless Sundress for $30 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.
Looking for something else? Explore more summer dresses and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!
Once upon a time, in a galaxy far, far away, George Lucas introduced us to an infamous universe of heroes and villains. The epic saga of good versus evil saw those on the light and dark sides do battle in space, using a powerful Force we’d never seen before. Many of the individuals wielding those powers were known as Jedi, and in the Star Wars saga, no Jedi is more iconic than Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). As the Star Wars universe has expanded with new characters, planets, and stories, Luke’s prowess as the primary Jedi has diminished, as he may no longer be the most powerful in the galaxy.
Though we have great admiration and respect for Luke, the truth is, there are other Jedi who beat him in the ultimate power rankings. We’re here to discuss five that are arguably stronger. Some are light-years ahead, while others have maybe a point or two more in their pro list. Nevertheless, this is not a “Knock Luke” list, but rather a celebration of five famous Jedi in the history of the galaxy. The list will mention the Star Wars canon, which includes the films, series, and animated shows. As a note, these are not ranked; they’re just five incredible Jedi we’d draft for battle over Luke! No offense.
Just look at her lightsaber! Need we say more? Ok, we will. A brilliant character first introduced on screen in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, voiced by Ashley Eckstein, and later given her own live-action series starring Rosario Dawson, Ahsoka is a beloved character and a pivotal figure in the Rebellion against the Empire. Ahsoka was a Padawan to Anakin Skywalker (Matt Lanter). Though they had a rocky start, they developed a deep, sibling-like bond. A seasoned warrior, she wielded iconic white lightsabers. She ultimately left the Jedi Order after being framed for a crime she didn’t commit, prompting her to build rebel networks. Her elite training under Anakin ultimately gave her an innate experience to face off against him as Darth Vader (James Earl Jones) in Star Wars: Rebels. Though she is overpowered, it makes sense, as he was always a more powerful Jedi and Sith Lord.
Nevertheless, Ahsoka’s resume was stronger than Luke’s. Coming off the front lines of the Clone Wars, she was a formidable opponent in combat with a mystic connection and received the life-force essence of The Daughter (Adrienne Wilkinson), the literal embodiment of the Light Side of the Force. Ahsoka’s ability to step away was not just a philosophical choice; it was a matter of survival—her eagerness for spirituality allowed her to survive Order 66 and actively shape the rebellion. Her combat mastery, decades of formal training, and battlefield experience appear more powerful based on this conversation. At the end of the day, the lightsaber prodigy mastered dual-wielding. Her martial arts style set her apart from every Jedi in combat, giving her the charge to outmaneuver and easily dismantle many of her opponents. Luke may have the legacy, but Ahsoka has the tangibility.
Many works of fiction seem to focus on offspring whose journeys see them become equal to, if not better than, their parents. In the Star Wars universe, that’s not necessarily the case. For those living under a rock: Anakin Skywalker, aka Darth Vader, is Luke’s father. While their story is one of cinema’s best — father is defeated by son only for father to sacrifice himself for son — the truth of the matter is, when it comes to power as a Jedi, Anakin is number one overall; he is the “Chosen One” after all. Focusing on the prequel trilogy and the stories that relate to Anakin (Hayden Christensen) before his brush with the dark side, Anakin was destined to bring balance to the Force. After being discovered by Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson), he was trained by Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), becoming a legendary Jedi Knight known as the “Hero With No Fear.” But all was lost when Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) manipulated Anakin via his emotions, turning him to the dark side. But prior to that, Anakin’s saga as potentially the greatest Jedi was high.
Anakin contained more raw potential than anyone before or after him. Lucas himself had said that at his full potential, Anakin was destined to be twice as powerful as Emperor Palpatine. But alas, it never reached that point, you know, because of his physical injuries on Mustafar. In combat, Anakin’s connection to the Force provided him with superhuman reflexes and unparalleled foresight, making him arguably the most lethal lightsaber duelist of his era. Add in his tactile battlefield brilliance, and Anakin was a force to be reckoned with. Luke contained many of the same attributes, but his training was never as strong. Luke was fragmented and often self-taught, finding his footing by intuition. While some might find that more powerful, Anakin’s hands-on experience built him into the Jedi he was destined to be.
A key player in the prequel trilogy, Mace Windu (Samuel L. Jackson) served on the Jedi High Council. Why? He was extraordinary, notorious for his trademark purple lightsaber, blunt, no-nonsense leadership style, and for creating the aggressive Vaapad lightsaber combat form. That alone has made him a profound Jedi. A formidable warrior and one of the respected leaders of the Old Jedi Order, Mace Windu represented the past as the future was being crafted. Though he was wary of training Anakin, believing him to be too unpredictable and dangerous, hindsight is 20/20. Mace Windu famously denied him the rank of Master, so that gut feeling was right all along. Or was he one of the catalysts of Anakin’s descent? You decide.
While some of his contemporaries may have been wiser, Mace Windu’s skill set was specifically designed to counter dark-side users. That purple lightsaber is unique and iconic, but its power is what made him stand out. Vaapad allowed Windu to channel his inner darkness and tap into the dark energy of his opponents, turning their aggression against them without falling to the dark side himself. Mace Windu’s combat prowess remains one of his greatest assets. His unique combat skills and mastery of the Force made him a nearly unmatched warrior who successfully disarmed and defeated Darth Sidious in single lightsaber combat. One thing that made him stand out among the rest was his rare and powerful Force ability called Shatterpoint, which allowed him to perceive the weak spots in a person, situation, or even a battle’s outcome. More formidable and disciplined than Luke, Mace Windu had a lifetime of dedication to evolving and creating a Jedi who was nearly invincible.
When a sequel is created, it’s often executed in a way that is reminiscent of its original. So, when Star Wars: Episode VII— The Force Awakens arrived, and we met a young child who lived on a dusty planet, skilled as a scavenger, highly proficient in piloting and mechanics, the comparisons to Luke Skywalker were obvious. For the longest time, many viewers assumed Rey (Daisy Ridley) was a descendant of Luke. Boy, were we wrong! As the primary protagonist of the sequel trilogy, Rey represented the new generation of Jedis in more ways than one. Her life changed when she met the droid BB-8 and the former stormtrooper Finn (John Boyega), soon learning her immense natural Force sensitivity when Luke Skywalker’s original lightsaber called out to her. Trained by the man himself, Rey’s unique attribute was the Force Dyad she shared with the villain Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), also known as Ben Solo.
More than just incredible girl power, Rey’s arc was resounding, giving her the wherewithal to become stronger than her mentor. Like Luke, Rey was filled with raw power, inheriting an extraordinary connection to the dark side of the Force due to her lineage. Of course, having a biological connection to the greatest and most powerful Sith Lord gives her immense strength and a natural capacity to manipulate the Force that vastly exceeds that of a typical Jedi. The Force Dyad gave both Rey and Ben unprecedented powers; through that bridge, she could perform complex Force techniques almost instantaneously simply by interacting with him. In a stunning storytelling device and movie moment, during her final confrontation with Emperor Palpatine, Rey channels the collective spiritual energy and life force of every past Jedi, becoming a conduit for generations of light-side users. Between bloodline, cosmic connection, and the accumulated wisdom of the Order, Rey’s ceiling for Jedi power is nearly limitless.
Of the many incredible creatures and aliens introduced in the original Star Wars series, one little green guy had the biggest impact: Yoda (Frank Oz), the definitive Jedi of any species. Yoda is a legendary and immensely powerful Jedi Master, recognized for his small stature, green skin, and unique inverted speech pattern. As the Grand Master of the Jedi Order, Yoda became one of the most skilled practitioners of the Force in galactic history. To many, he was the greatest Jedi of all time because of the legacy of who he trained— some of whom are included in this story. Further, unlike many others, Yoda trained for nearly 900 years, studying, mastering, and deeply connecting with the Force. No one will ever be as wise as Yoda.
With many Jedi powers, perhaps Yoda’s greatest was his ability to sense disturbances across the entire galaxy. From there, we watched Yoda throughout the Skywalker Saga engage in other integral skills, including manipulating massive objects and even absorbing and redirecting pure dark side energy with his bare hands. Perhaps because of his stature, Yoda just made it look cool. With that, his prowess with a lightsaber was integral to his success. He had the agility to overwhelm elite duelists like Count Dooku (Christopher Lee) and spar on equal footing with Darth Sidious. Yoda achieved a level of oneness with the Force that allowed him to manifest as a Force ghost after death, a technique few Jedi ever mastered. As the one who trained Luke, Yoda gets some bonus points.
Fans who pulled up to Summer Walker’s recent concert in Atlanta got the ultimate surprise when Yung Miami popped out and shut it DOWN with a performance of her hit single, ‘Spend Dat.’ Caresha came through and did her big one while the crowd screamed, cheered, and rapped along. Videos making rounds on social media show her having a time on stage, and of course, fans who missed the show wasted no time weighing in with their opinions.
Clips circulating on TikTok show Yung Miami strutting onto the stage at Summer Walker’s concert while ‘Spend Dat’ blasts through State Farm Arena. She pulled up looking like money — literally! She served a look in a black latex bustier top and matching mini skirt while a neon green buss down flowed over her shoulders. Miami even stayed on theme with ‘Spend Dat’ by adding dollar bill symbols to the back of her hair.
@summerwalker.sa BRO ATL WON! #summerwalker #stillfinallyoverittour #finallyoverit #spenddat
Other angles show Miami smiling from ear to ear as fans rapped every single word. She also hit a little two-step to the beat and sprinkled in some of the moves from the viral dance to the song. Peep the vibes from the show below.
@innocencelost94 Atlanta crowds stay winning 😭🔥🔥 @Caresha Yung Miami x Spend Dat . . . . . . . . . #yungmiami #spenddat #summerwalker #finallyoverit #atlanta
Once videos of Miami’s performance made rounds on TikTok, folks didn’t hesitate to weigh in with reactions. Plenty of fans said they loved seeing Caresha have her moment, while others said ‘Spend Dat’ has been on replay ever since it dropped.
TikTok user @BigB👑 wrote, “Neva switched up on my good sis 😻”
TikTok user @🦈 wrote, “She look so good.”
While TikTok user @Naomi Marntell wrote, “I love this song real bad.”
Then TikTok user @Mari🍒 wrote, “Baby she got her a HIT!!!!”
Another TikTok user @Santi 💙 wrote, “I’m so glad to see her comeback! Bc we all loved Caresha’s personality and she didn’t deserve that hate train at all.”
TikTok user @𝑅𝓎 wrote, “she’s meant for this 😍😍😍”
Then another TikTok user @🔌🌹 wrote, “Always liked her 😍😍”
While another TikTok user @valval1 wrote, “I’m loving this for Caresha!♥️”
Finally, TikTok user @Thubelihle Mandlazi wrote, “Body tea 👌”
Amid Miami’s performance, reactions to ‘Spend Dat’ continue to take over the internet. Recently, an X user pulled up one of her old posts from when she first dropped the track and fans flooded with critiques. At the time, Miami shared a message saying, “Maybe it’ll grow on yall.” The fan ended up agreeing, writing on X, “The one time Caresha was right.” Once Caresha peeped the post, she slid in with a peeking-eye emoji.
What Do You Think Roomies?
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Bloating always comes at the worst times, but with the right blouse, it really doesn’t matter! We found 13 tummy-flattering blouses that fit the description, making you look slim, polished and anything but ‘poofy.’ They should cost hundreds, but our tailored-looking picks start at just $4!
The chic, rich mom blouses on our list are structured where it counts and loose everywhere else, including around the tummy area. So whether you’re running errands or leading a boardroom meeting, you’ll look and feel your best. See top styles like button-down shirts, babydoll ‘fits and more on Amazon. Scroll on!
1. Our Favorite: Crafted with a flattering peplum design, this slimming blouse flares where you want a little extra tummy coverage. The elongating vertical stripes do the rest, drawing the eye up and down.
2. Boutique Find: This under-$30 blouse features a dainty floral print that gives it a small-shop appeal, without the boutique markup. The relaxed cut floats over your waistline.
3. Mediterranean Style: Just $10 gets you a buttery-soft blouse with a Mediterranean print that looks straight from Greece. The fabric drapes without bunching for a slimming effect.
4. Girly Girl: Ruffles, cap sleeves and bright colors make this playful, feminine blouse anything but basic.
5. Elevated Button-Up: Designed with short puffed sleeves, this dramatic button-up shirt provides intentional volume with a feminine twist.
6. One-of-a-Kind: Throw this elegant blouse on for a gallery opening or a long dinner. It’ll earn you compliments, while the loose fit earns your loyalty.
7. Boho Babe: A pretty print draws attention exactly where you want it, i.e. away from your midsection. Grab this boho-style blouse and make suck-it-in moments a thing of the past.
8. CEO Alert: Wear this CEO-worthy blouse with tailored pants and you’re ready to run the room. If you’re experiencing bloating, it’ll be your little secret.
9. California Cool: Sometimes you just want to wear a summer top tucked in and sharp, while other days you may prefer it loose and flowy. Regardless, this on-sale number reads intentional for both.
10. Center of Attention: Yes, you can get this Amazon top for $4. The vibrant red blouse costs less than your latte and still delivers a flattering fit.
11. Elegant Embroidery: The textured fabric elevates this embroidered blouse, turning it from a basic find to a boutique-level style. The shape is generous through the torso and the stitchwork carries the elegance.
12. Simple Stunner: This barely-there blouse flows instead of clings, which makes all the difference during the summer. You’ll forget you’re even wearing it.
13. Picnic Party: Gingham looks crisp, even when you’re feeling puffy. This summery number features a relaxed, effortlessly flattering silhouette.
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See where “Disclosure Day” ranks among the legendary filmmaker’s other works.
Steven Spielberg’s latest science-fiction epic, Disclosure Day, is proving that a Fresh Rotten Tomatoes score doesn’t always mean unanimous praise. While the film currently holds a strong 80% critics score and a respectable 74% audience score, reactions to Spielberg’s newest blockbuster have been notably mixed, creating one of the year’s most interesting critical debates.
Starring Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, and Colman Domingo, Disclosure Day follows a world-changing extraterrestrial mystery that forces humanity to confront its place in the universe. As Spielberg’s latest original sci-fi project, comparisons to classics such as E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and Minority Report were inevitable.
For many critics, the legendary filmmaker has delivered another thrilling reminder of why he remains one of Hollywood’s most celebrated directors.
One of the film’s strongest reviews came from Matt Maytum of Total Film, who praised Spielberg’s return to blockbuster science fiction, writing:
“Spielberg’s best blockbuster since Minority Report.”
The review reflects a common sentiment among supporters of the film, who have praised its ambitious scope, emotional storytelling, impressive visual effects, and Spielberg’s signature sense of wonder. Many positive reviews have also highlighted the performances of the ensemble cast, particularly Emily Blunt, while applauding the latest collaboration between Spielberg and legendary composer John Williams.
However, not every critic was won over by the filmmaker’s latest adventure.
Offering a much harsher perspective, Nicholas Barber of the BBC wrote:
“A flimsy, outdated car-chase thriller with no ideas about aliens that we haven’t heard before.”
The review stands in sharp contrast to many of the film’s positive notices and highlights one of the primary criticisms surrounding Disclosure Day. While even some detractors praised Spielberg’s craftsmanship and technical execution, several critics felt the film’s central mystery and conspiracy-driven narrative lacked the originality and emotional impact found in the director’s most beloved works.
Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, and Colman Domingo in ‘Disclosure Day’. {credit: Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment]
That divide among critics helps explain why Disclosure Day has become such a heavily discussed release. An 80% score is typically considered a strong result on Rotten Tomatoes, but the gap between the film’s most enthusiastic supporters and harshest detractors reveals a movie that is generating genuine debate rather than universal acclaim.
Audience reactions have mirrored that split, though generally leaning positive. The film’s 74% audience score suggests most moviegoers are enjoying the experience, particularly its spectacle, suspense, and large-scale storytelling. Others, however, have criticized the pacing and felt the film’s ambitious ideas don’t always receive the payoff they deserve.
Despite the mixed reactions, Disclosure Day remains one of the year’s most successful original science-fiction releases from a critical standpoint. The film’s Fresh rating demonstrates that the majority of reviewers enjoyed Spielberg’s latest effort, even if opinions vary significantly on where it ranks among his legendary filmography.
Whether audiences see it as a modern sci-fi classic or a flawed but fascinating blockbuster, Disclosure Day has achieved something few films manage to accomplish: it has people talking. And nearly five decades after changing cinema with films like Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Steven Spielberg continues to prove that his work can still spark passionate discussion among critics and moviegoers alike.
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