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“The West Wing” cast, then and now: See the stars of the Emmy-winning political drama today
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President Bartlet was always asking “What’s next?” Here’s the answer.
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‘Only Murders in the Building’ Meets ‘West Wing’ in Netflix’s 8-Episode Mystery Miniseries
Comedic murder mystery series seem like an odd concept at first, but the niche genre is gaining ground. From Only Murders in the Building to The Afterparty, each series has its own twist, including the often-forgotten Netflix series, The Residence. The 2025 series combines Only Murders in the Building‘s quirky characters and humorous mystery with The West Wing‘s focus on daily life in the White House. But instead of exploring the President’s senior staff, The Residence offers an upstairs-downstairs twist with a behind-the-scenes look at the White House from the kitchens to the basement.
The series isn’t especially long, with only one season, and after its swift cancellation, there won’t be another installment. However, in just eight episodes, it slowly unravels a mysterious death that no ordinary detective could solve. With unique characters and constant surprises, The Residence does not disappoint. This hilarious, unpredictable Netflix series is the perfect binge-watch for all fans of murder mysteries.
‘The Residence’ Explores a Shocking Mystery
The Residence centers on the death of White House Chief Usher A. B. Wynter (Giancarlo Esposito), which occurs during a state dinner honoring the Australian Prime Minister. However, the series splits its time between the investigation and the following congressional hearing held to address the incident. When the long-serving staff member is found dead, all evidence points to a suicide, and the President’s Chief Advisor, Harry Hollinger (Ken Marino), is eager to have the detectives declare that to be the case and move on, but not everyone is as confident. This is when eccentric consulting detective Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba) gets involved. Throughout the investigation, Detective Cupp doesn’t follow the expected method, but she is effective.
Dragging the reluctant FBI Special Agent Edwin Park (Randall Park) behind her, Cupp has Wynter’s second-in-command, Jasmine (Susan Kelechi Watson), guide her around the White House. Cupp quickly realizes there is much more to the story, declaring that Wynter’s body has been moved and that he wears a bloody shirt that isn’t his own. These oddities push her investigation forward and cast doubt on the initial theory. Cupp uncovers several strange events happening that night as she questions everyone who interacted with Wynter, from the President’s family to the pastry chef. Slowly, Cupp pieces together the complicated truth, but the investigation is routinely interrupted by flash-forwards to the congressional hearing, where the characters are as invested in the story as the audience. The mystery includes shocking twists that will keep the audience guessing until the very end.
The Characters Set ‘The Residence’ Apart
While The Residence‘s mystery is its defining feature, the series works because of its characters. Cupp collects over 100 suspects from those present that night, but only a few stand out. Ranging from a temperamental chef to the President’s screw-up brother, Cupp’s list creates a quirky group to focus on, and that is what makes the series so hilarious. Despite the gravity of the situation, these characters constantly make the audience laugh with their antics and confessions. Yet, the suspects also amplify the mystery, adding ambiguity to the series. With reasons like Harry’s desperation to wrap up the investigation, Jasmine’s interest in Wynter’s position, or Sheila Cannon’s (Edwina Findley) drunken expectation that Wynter will fire her, each seems more guilty than the last, making the mystery difficult to solve.
Each character adds to the comedy with their desperation to cover up unrelated secrets and overdramatic reactions, but none compare to Cordelia Cupp herself. Though a renowned detective, Cupp rarely explains herself, and as she sees things others miss, her moves often confuse those around her and those in the hearing. In addition to her investigative skill, Cupp’s passion for birdwatching makes her a unique hero for the series. Ultimately, The Residence isn’t long, only releasing one season before Netflix cancelled the show, but it does wrap up the mystery of Wynter’s death. While it is disappointing that fans will not see more of Cupp’s cases, this ending turns the shocking mystery into a perfect binge-watch.
The Residence is streaming on Netflix in the U.S.
- Release Date
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2025 – 2025-00-00
- Network
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Netflix
- Writers
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Paul William Davies
Mikayla Matthews is standing by her decision to leave The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
After Taylor Frankie Paul seemingly announced her exit from the hit Hulu reality show on Monday, September 21, Mikayla, 26, responded to fans asking whether she’d return to filming. Mikayla previously cited Taylor’s return for season 6 as the main reason she left the series.
“To answer your question… No, I will not be coming back,” Mikayla shared alongside a mirror selfie posted via her Instagram Stories on Monday.
She continued, “Everyone has to do what’s best for them, and I was the only one who chose to leave the show due to MANY reasons and, of course, the recent news a couple weeks ago.”
“I feel like I took my concerns to the right people and went out of my way over and over again to try to address them. There are so many things wrong with this situation. Because of one person’s actions but also because of the way everything was handled after,” Mikayla wrote.
“Those concerns haven’t changed and neither has my decision right now,” she concluded. “Don’t know what the future holds, but I think we can collectively agree that a lot of changes need to be made.”
Mikayla announced her exit from Mormon Wives on September 14, citing concerns about Taylor, 32, rejoining the cast amid her ongoing custody disputes with her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen and ex-husband Tate Paul. (Taylor shares son Ever, 2, with Dakota and daughter Indy, 9, and son Ocean, 6, with Tate.)
On Monday, Taylor seemingly confirmed her own exit from the show and called out her costars over alleged online bullying.
“My gratitude goes to all the networks that supported me throughout this and gave me the chance to return. However, I don’t desire to move forward like this,” the reality star wrote via Instagram. “I originally was willing to be removed to let them all continue on with less stress, and I’m back to that point.”
She continued, “Some of the girls know what I’ve been through and then to turn and collectively pile on with their ‘statements’ knowing there has been ongoing abuse through the system the last 8 months on top of what I’ve endured. Almost the entire cast plus some, going at me….laughing about my kids is disgusting. I bit my tongue there.”
“I agree it’s to the point of bullying for months now. What makes it harder to take in is some of these parents have made mistakes that would result in the same judgement I’m receiving yet pointing a finger,” Taylor claimed. “However, it’s a pleasure to remove myself so they can continue, because I’ve almost convinced myself I’m deserving of all this pain and to a certain degree absolutely this is consequences of my actions. My question has been how much suffering and scrutiny is going to be enough…I’m just relieved to be out.”
It’s not an easy job saving the world through the power of K-pop. And sadly, it’s not a one and done for the people involved. We say sadly, just because they might need a rest. Not us, though. We want more KPop Demon Hunters, the Honmoon isn’t going to protect itself, and somebody needs to make sure Derpy Tiger is doing okay. Netflix has announced the newest Kpop Demon Hunters project at last, and HUNTR/X aren’t going into battle alone.
Netflix has officially revealed KPop Demon Hunters: The Immersive Experience, a follow-up story set in the world of its record-breaking animated movie that fans can actually be a part of. The experience opens at Netflix House Dallas on November 12 before arriving at Netflix House Philadelphia on November 20.
It’s also not just a lazy money grab. This isn’t the Willy Wonka experience from Scotland that ended up becoming notorious for all the wrong reasons, this actually has its own narrative which begins backstage with HUNTR/X as the group prepares for opening night on the latest stop of its world tour. As you’d expect, though, Gwi-Ma crashes the party and that means the guests need to team up with HUNTR/X on a mission through neon-lit Seoul to restore the Honmoon and “Takedown” the demons.
The experience will include interactive sets, screens, 3D tech, live actors and animation while all guests will complete music and play-based challenges as the story unfolds around them. Basically, watching Rumi, Mira and Zoey save everyone from the comfort of your couch was apparently the tutorial. Marian Lee, Netflix’s Chief Marketing Officer, explained that the idea grew from audiences wanting to do considerably more than simply rewatch the movie:
“Fans don’t just want to watch KPop Demon Hunters, they want to live in the world of HUNTR/X. Netflix House is where fandoms like this get to live year-round, so it’s the perfect home for everything KPop Demon Hunters fans have been asking for. Singing the songs they already know by heart, facing off with demons, hanging out with Derpy Tiger – every detail is built so fans of all ages can feel, hear and see this world exactly the way they imagined it.”
HUNTR/X’s Biggest Songs Are Coming With Them
You can’t really make an immersive KPop Demon Hunters experience and leave the music behind. The entire adventure will play out against songs from the movie’s Grammy and Academy Award-winning soundtrack, including “How It’s Done,” “Soda Pop,” “Golden,” and more.
Both Netflix House locations will introduce new KPop Demon Hunters merchandise alongside the experience, as well as themed food and drinks and exclusive photo opportunities. Netflix says those additions are part of a wider plan to continually refresh its permanent Netflix House locations around whatever audiences are currently obsessed with on screen.
Tickets start at $39, with children’s admission for ages 3-12 beginning at $34. There’s also a VIP package starting at $89 from Monday through Thursday and $99 from Friday through Sunday. That includes all-day access to the Netflix House VIP Lounge, priority entry to the experience during operating hours on the ticketed date, and an exclusive themed gift while supplies last.
KPop Demon Hunters: The Immersive Experience opens November 12 at Netflix House Dallas and November 20 at Netflix House Philadelphia.
- Release Date
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June 20, 2025
- Runtime
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96 minutes
- Director
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Chris Appelhans, Maggie Kang
- Writers
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Hannah McMechan, Chris Appelhans, Maggie Kang, Danya Jimenez
- Producers
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Michelle Wong
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Shopping for healthy, high-protein snacks can feel harder than it should be. Grocery store shelves might be stocked with a wide array of options, but a closer look can reveal that many of these are ultra-processed and packed with junky ingredients. That’s where Chief Nutrition comes in — the health food brand is offering clean, balanced snacks that taste great and won’t force you to compromise your nutrition goals.
Chief Nutrition, an Australian-based real food company that recently launched in the United States, sells convenient and delicious high-protein snacks. Our favorite part? They offer an impressive ingredient list full of items you can actually pronounce.
Many foods can easily be disguised as healthy options even if they’re packed with less-than-ideal ingredients. Often, we consume highly processed snacks without even realizing it, simply because of the splashy marketing claims on the front of the box. Chief Nutrition stands out because their snacks are made with whole foods for a nourishing, high-protein bite that will leave you feeling satisfied.
Shop high-protein snacks at Chief Nutrition!
While Chief Nutrition sells several different products, one of our favorite options is the collagen protein bars. These aren’t your average chalky protein bars — they have a nice biscuit-like texture and taste like a candy bar without all of the artificial stuff. No ultra-processed ingredients, artificial sugars, sugar alcohols or seed oils — the bars are sweetened with monk fruit and are gluten-free and dairy-free. Choose from many delicious flavors, including double chocolate, peanut butter and salted caramel.
Another snack worth calling out? The air-dried steak, which is a healthier version of traditional beef jerky. It’s made with grass-fed, grass-finished, regeneratively farmed beef, which is then slowly air-dried rather than heat-treated like conventional jerky. There are no added nitrates or nitrites, no MSG and no sugar included. And with flavors like steakhouse, lemon pepper and carnivore, you’ll keep coming back for more.
If you’re looking for clean, high-protein snacks, Chief Nutrition is one brand you absolutely need to try. The best part: we have a discount code that will allow you to test out some snacks for less. Use code REAL10 for 10% off a purchase* of two or more products. Happy snacking!
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Jalen Brunson is just days away from hosting the season premiere of Saturday Night Live, but the New York Knicks star admits he might be in over his head.
Brunson, 30, appeared on Tamron Hall on Monday, September 21, alongside his parents, Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson and Sandra Brunson, where he was asked if he was prepared for everything the NBC late night staple would throw at him.
“Probably not,” he responded. “I’m being honest with you: I have no idea what I’m walking into, but I know it’s going to turn out great.”
Hall, 56, pushed the 2026 NBA Finals MVP a little further, asking if he planned to sing during his opening monologue.
New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson joked that his team’s miraculous NBA Championship run might have played a role in Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce picking Madison Square Garden as their wedding venue. “Maybe. Maybe,” Brunson, 29, said last week at Variety’s inaugural Sports & Entertainment Studio in New York. “But knowing how weddings work, […]
“Um,” Jalen hesitated, pretending to think about it, before bluntly saying, “No.”
But not all hope is lost for fans hoping Jalen showcases some of his other talents. Asked if he would dance, he replied, “I’m not gonna say no to that. Maybe.”
Jalen is scheduled to host SNL on Saturday, September 26, alongside musical guest KATSEYE. He will become the first member of the Knicks to ever host the iconic show, set to begin its 52nd season. He will also join Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Charles Barkley as the only NBA players ever to earn the honor.
Though Jalen is new to sketch comedy, SNL alum and native New Yorker Pete Davidson does not seem worried about the point guard’s performance. Hall introduced a short video from the diehard Knicks fan, who expressed plenty of confidence in the man who helped his team break a 53-year title drought.
New York Knicks player Jalen Brunson is trying his best to stay out of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s love story. During an appearance on Today With Jenna & Sheinelle, host Jenna Bush Hager asked the newly crowned NBA champion whether Madison Square Garden could make a great wedding venue for the couple. “Great venue,” […]
“Jalen does not need any advice from me,” Davidson, 32, said. “He is New York royalty forever, he’s really funny and his podcast is great. He’s going to do great. I’m very excited for him.”
Jalen cohosts “The Roommates Show” alongside Knicks teammate and fellow Villanova alum Josh Hart, as well as longtime friend Matt Hillman.
And even if Davidson wasn’t as confident in Jalen’s ability to host SNL, Jalen has a knack for proving the doubters wrong. First, he fell to the second round in the 2018 NBA Draft, with many analysts believing that at 6-foot-2, he was too small to be an effective NBA point guard.
New York Knicks superstar Jalen Brunson’s wife, Ali Brunson, is a huge supporter of her husband’s friendship with Mariska Hargitay — and who isn’t? “I really love it. It’s captain meets captain,” Ali, 30, told Us Weekly exclusively while promoting her partnership with Reese’s Oreo. “I know that’s so cheesy.” Jalen, 29, is captain of […]
Then, as the Knicks made their way through the 2026 playoffs, Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon doubled down on a comment she made years earlier that a team can’t win a championship with a go-to player of his size.
Jalen was undaunted.
“I didn’t respond to them then and I’m damn sure not going to respond to them now,” he said of his critics in June after the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs to win the NBA Championship.
It has become increasingly apparent that the modern era of filmmaking has been defined by the rise and dominance of streaming services and the original content that they provide. Netflix has especially been at the forefront of this endeavor, producing many original films from a variety of genres compared to other services. Netflix has especially excelled in animation, a medium that is largely overlooked by other platforms like Amazon and Max.
Netflix has quickly risen through the ranks as one of the best modern platforms for exciting and original animated films from different creative and distinct filmmaker voices. With additions to larger franchises like The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf or a distinct cinematic vision that stands on its own, like Nimona, Netflix is by and large one of the best platforms for animated films in the streaming era. Fans on Letterboxd have anointed these movies as Netflix’s best offerings in animation, further cementing the streaming service’s place as the leader in the pack.
15
‘The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf’ (2021)
Letterboxd Average Rating: 3.47/5
Acting as an animated prequel spin-off to the successful Witcher series on Netflix, The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf tells the origin story of Vesemir, a fellow witcher and mentor to Geralt. As Vesemir escapes from his life of poverty into the treacherous and adventurous life of a witcher, he is forced to slay monsters and villains for coin and glory as he travels the world for answers. His new life is soon put to a halt when a new terror arrives, forcing him to face the dread of his past head-on.
Nightmare of the Wolf features a lot of the same writing, storytelling, and worldbuilding that made The Witcher one of the best fantasy series in recent years, yet only amplified by the exceptional 2D animated action on display. Its story also works wonders as a standalone story, not requiring any prior knowledge of the franchise to be able to fully enjoy its fantasy elements and story of self-growth. Many fans even consider this film to be better than the actual Witcher series, as well as more faithful to the messages of the original novels.
14
‘KPop Demon Hunters’ (2025)
Letterboxd Average Rating: 3.53/5
Easily the most immediately recognizable and successful animated film that Netflix has ever released, it may seem surprising that KPop Demon Hunters‘s complete cultural domination has not resulted in it completely dominating this ranking. While the film is still absolutely loved by a passionate fanbase on Letterboxd, its massive popularity has also drawn the eyes of more detractors to the film, with its biggest fans and biggest haters balancing out into a score that, while still respectable, isn’t among the top of this list.
Still, the global passion and distinct strengths that allowed KPop Demon Hunters to soar into becoming Netflix’s most-watched movie cannot be ignored. The animation is incredibly upbeat and exhilarating to watch, the music ranges from catchy to emotional and hits all the right beats, and the core story of K-pop stars fighting against demons is just a lot of fun to watch. With a sequel already announced, the stature and legacy of this film is already secure, whether or not it has an extremely high rating on Letterboxd.
13
‘Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie’ (2022)
Letterboxd Average Rating: 3.60/5
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have seen a wide variety of different renditions and reboots over the years, ranging from certified classics like the live-action ’80s movies to new hits like Mutant Mayhem. However, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie has quickly risen to be a fan favorite among fans of the turtles, with its focus on flashy 2D animation providing the best action in the entire franchise. Continuing the Nickelodeon series, the film sees a young time traveler from the future sent to the present day to warn the turtles of an impending alien threat.
Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie finds the perfect balance between action, comedy, and charm that has made the film such a smash hit among not only fans but critics as well. High-octane 2D animation is a continued rarity in the modern era of feature-length animation, with this film’s glorious spectacle and use of 2D animation being some of the best of recent years. Even though it comes from a television series, Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie goes to considerable lengths to be unique and is a must-watch for all Turtles fans, even those who missed out on the original series.
12
‘Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood’ (2021)
Letterboxd Average Rating: 3.64/5
Acclaimed director Richard Linklater has proven himself to be a master of nostalgic, humanist filmmaking who can tap into the very essence of human nature and the beauty inherent to the simplicities of life. This is most effectively seen within his most recent animated work, Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood, the director’s third rotoscoped animated film after A Scanner Darkly and Waking Life. The film follows one man’s reminiscence and trip down memory lane to his childhood in 1969, during the height of the space race, and how he was invited to travel to the moon as a 10-year-old a month before Apollo 11.
While the exceptional rotoscope visuals are a clear highlight that helps carve out a signature identity for the film, the major staying power and strengths of A Space Age Childhood come from Linklater’s signature humanist storytelling. The film acts like a direct look into the past, complete with charm and whimsy, blemishes and all, for the era, with an inherent love and respect for the generations of the past. The film accomplishes the seemingly impossible by having audiences feel nostalgic for an era they never lived through.
11
‘Ultraman: Rising’ (2024)
Letterboxd Average Rating: 3.73/5
Ultraman has been one of the most prominent and beloved superhero properties to come from Japan, with a multitude of memorable installments and beloved stories gracing multiple mediums over the years. Ultraman: Rising proves to be one of the series’ finest moments when it comes to crossing over the cultural barrier and becoming a major hit not just in Japan but across the entire world. The film follows a young athlete who, after taking on the Ultraman mantle, is tasked with protecting a young kaiju baby from a government that wants to destroy it.
Ultraman: Rising finds the perfect balance between being a love letter to long-time fans while also evolving the character to new heights, creating an accessible story for those who have never heard of him. The film features breathtaking animated fight sequences that make the most out of modern animation, with colorful visuals and striking set pieces that live up to the legacy of Ultraman.
10
‘Invader Zim: Enter the Florpus’ (2019)
Letterboxd Average Rating: 3.75/5
One of a trio of legacy movies made for classic Nicktoons that was released on Netflix, Invader Zim: Enter the Florpus brings back the cult classic sci-fi animated series as if it never left. The film follows Zim undergoing a depressive episode after hearing that his leaders, the Almighty Tallest, never had any intentions of traveling to Earth for an invasion. His wallowing ends up catching his rival, Dib, off guard as Zim hatches up a new plan to get Earth in the path of the Almighty Tallest.
Invader Zim has a signature style of darkness and chaotic, absurdist humor, helping it become a fan favorite among the 2000s Nicktoons. Enter the Florpus recaptures that signature approach, amplifying these facets to a cinematic scale and scope and acting as a perfect sendoff and love letter to the series and fans. Even for those who haven’t seen Invader Zim, the film has an infectious manic energy that makes it hard not to have a great time while watching.
9
‘The Mitchells vs. the Machines’ (2021)
Letterboxd Average Rating: 3.82/5
Originally planned to have a theatrical release under Sony, The Mitchells vs. the Machines eventually found itself being distributed as a Netflix original film following the COVID pandemic and major shift to streaming services. The film follows the titular Mitchell family, who, while on a road trip to drop off eldest daughter Katie Mitchell at college, end up being the last remaining humans during an AI robot uprising. They are now the unlikely last hope for humanity and must find a way to stop the robot takeover.
The Mitchells vs. the Machines is one of the most beloved and successful projects from producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller, with the same quirky style of humor and stylized animation that has made their recent works such a hit. The film acts as a beautiful love letter to the chaos and creation that happen during youth, slinging everything against the wall and simply having fun with making things, no matter how weird. It also tackles an “anti-technology” message with a more nuanced and intelligent take from its contemporaries, helping it become one of the most acclaimed animated films of recent memory.
8
‘Cosmic Princess Kaguya!’ (2026)
Letterboxd Average Rating: 3.82/5
A high-energy modern rendition of the classic Japanese folktale, Cosmic Princess Kaguya combines dazzling colors, idol music, and an intimate female relationship to create an experience that has massively connected with worldwide audiences. The film follows the unlikely relationship that blossoms between high school student Iroha Sakayori and the titular Kaguya, a girl from the moon. Together, the duo compete in an online streamer tournament and perform musical numbers in the virtual world, with their bond growing stronger as they sing together.
Cosmic Princess Kaguya, more than most other modern idol anime, taps into the signature charms and culture of online Japanese media in a way that overwhelmingly helps the film connect with its audience. More than simply referencing and paying tribute to this culture, it positions said culture at the very core of the film, using the raw passion for anime culture and streamer culture to create a tailored love letter to this dedicated audience. As such, the film has seen a massive wave of support and passion from said audience, leading to its prominent high rating on sites like Letterboxd.
7
‘Entergalactic’ (2022)
Letterboxd Average Rating: 3.82/5
Largely following in the massive trend of stylized animation set by films like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and the previously mentioned Mitchells vs. the Machines, Entergalactic utilizes this beautiful animation to create a one-of-a-kind musical romcom experience. This visual companion piece to Kid Cudi‘s album of the same name follows the charming romance that begins to blossom between artist Jabari (Cudi) and his next-door neighbor, Meadow (Jessica Williams).
With the story beats and flow of the film largely set to the passion and emotions of Cudi’s music, Entergalactic is a beautiful combination of visual and audio mediums to create a one-of-a-kind experience unlike any other animated film on Netflix. What truly makes the film special is that it works tremendously well as its own standalone experience, as the core romance has enough chemistry and passion to work wonders, even without the masterful animation and emotional music.
6
‘Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl’ (2024)
Letterboxd Average Rating: 3.83/5
The quirky British stop-motion duo of Wallace & Gromit have been at the forefront of animation brilliance ever since their initial short film in 1989. Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl shows that the inherent charms of the duo are as effective as ever, as this modern evolution of the characters taps into the signature strengths that have made them cultural icons for decades. While it may not have as high a rating compared to other Wallace & Gromit stories on Letterboxd, it has still undeniably cemented itself as a prominent and well-suited chapter in this legendary franchise.
The film sees the classic duo facing a deadly enemy from their past, Feathers McGraw, as he makes use of Wallace’s latest smart gnome invention to wreak havoc on the town and create a divide between Wallace & Gromit. Vengeance Most Fowl features the same sense of timeless, slapstick humor mixed with quaint dialogue that makes these characters so lovable.
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If you haven’t seen Practical Magic 2 yet, you’re in for a treat. Honestly though, for Us, the sweetest treat is seeing Sandra Bullock‘s outfits. Our favorite is her Anthropologie-style fall dress, and we found the luxe look hiding on Amazon!
In an Instagram Reel, Bullock blew out a candle with costar Nicole Kidman. Yes, the vibes were cute, but Bullock’s royal blue dress style practically stole the moment. It had a billowy skirt, short puff sleeves and a neat V-neckline that gave it romantic energy.
Get the Simplee Empire-Waist Maxi Dress for $46 (was $50) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.
What makes her dress style work isn’t just the color (though that shade of blue is genuinely stunning), but rather the shape. It’s tailored through the waist and breezy through the skirt, with sleeves that flutter just enough to feel playful.
‘Wedding’ might make you think ‘black dress,’ especially if you want something slimming, but Penélope Cruz proved that the right floral dress is just as flattering and much more luxe. Her fall maxi is loose, classy and totally rich-mom-coded, and we found the chic look for only $36! Spotted in Venice with beau Javier Bardem, […]
This Simplee Empire-Waist Maxi Dress has all the telltale signs of Bullock’s, and it goes a step further in the flattering department with a stretchy smocked waist. One five-star shopper wrote, “The fit was true to size and really flattering without being too tight. I especially love the slim fit in the waist. It gave the dress such a flattering shape without feeling restrictive.”
Another happy fan shared, “The fit is so flattering and hides the areas of my belly that I don’t like. The material is soft, high quality, and it breathes really, really well.”
Soft, boutiquey and comfortable enough for an evening of dancing, this boho wonder checks every box. Whether you wear it to a wedding, baby shower or date night with your boo, you’re guaranteed to turn some heads — no witchcraft involved.
Get the Simplee Empire-Waist Maxi Dress for $46 (was $50) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.
Looking for something else? Explore more chic dresses, and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!
UsNow Fall Sale Alert: These chic fashion finds are up to 60% off – plus free shipping
Welcome to fall with our biggest sale of the season. Our favorite dresses, tops, handbags, and shoes are all on sale + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.
If you’re tempted to drop hundreds at Free People, we get it. But Amazon is hiding 17 chic fall pieces that channel the brand’s aesthetic eerily well. The only difference? The price. Our top picks start at only $6! These boho-luxe pieces are mega marked down ahead of Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, which runs […]
The ongoing controversy involving Ed Sheeran, Macklemore, and Robert Kraft took a satirical turn over the weekend when “Saturday Night Live UK” delivered brutal jabs at all three.
On the show’s “Weekend Update” segment, presenters Ania Magliano and Paddy Young mocked Kraft as a “wealthy corpsemaxxer” while calling Macklemore a “good guy with bad music.”
Meanwhile, Sheeran returned to the stage on Saturday in Philadelphia, but photos circulating on social media appeared to show rows of empty seats.
‘SNL UK’ Takes Aim At Ed Sheeran’s Tour Controversy
“Saturday Night Live UK” pulled no punches in a Sept. 20 segment about the controversy surrounding Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour, targeting Robert Kraft with sharp-witted jokes that quickly circulated on social media.
The controversy began after rapper Macklemore called for a “Free Palestine” during his opening set on Sheeran’s tour a couple of weeks ago.
He was subsequently dropped from the tour after several venue owners reportedly refused to let him perform at their stadiums. In a later statement, Macklemore said Sheeran had told him that Kraft rallied the other owners against his continued involvement.
During the show’s news recap, host Ania Magliano opened by joking that the Israel-Palestine conflict “just got serious” because of the controversy involving the artists.
Robert Kraft Gets The ‘Wealthy Corpsemaxxer’ Treatment
Magliano went on to explain how the “Shape Of You” singer was under pressure to cancel his tour, joking that the controversy was the worst thing to happen to his fans “since their head injury.”
Calling Macklemore the “good guy with bad music,” she recounted his removal from the tour at Kraft’s request as the billionaire’s picture appeared onscreen. She joked that it showed him “picking a coffin.”
Co-host Paddy Young took over, calling the 85-year-old a “wealthy corpsemaxxer” with a “checkered past.” Kraft was charged with two misdemeanor counts of soliciting prostitution in February 2019. Prosecutors dropped the charges in September 2020.
Young also took aim at Sheeran, showing a photo of the singer and joking about his eyes as he described him as “looking at both sides of the issue.”
He then noted the “Perfect” singer’s longstanding support for Ukraine, quipping that Sheeran was a passionate advocate of “causes that are allowed.”
Ed Sheeran Apologizes For ‘Mistakes’ Amid Tour Fallout
Meanwhile, Sheeran continued to face intense criticism after Macklemore was dropped from the tour.
He returned to the stage on Saturday, Sept. 19, in Philadelphia, where he addressed the situation and apologized to fans for making “mistakes,” per the BBC.
“I never wanted to be an activist musician, but this has put me in the middle of an important and passionate argument about free speech and the most complex political issue on the planet,” Sheeran told the crowd.
The British singer noted that he was used to criticism. However, he said the events of recent weeks “were about something much more important, and I’ve had to take and make difficult decisions – and I am making mistakes – and I’m so, so sorry.”
Sheeran Calls Gaza Conflict ‘Unjustifiable’
The “Perfect Duet” singer also clarified his position, describing the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks as “horrific” and the conflict in Gaza as “unjustifiable.”
“My heart has been broken by the scale of devastation and loss of civilian lives, of children’s lives, and this systemic injustice we’re seeing unfold in the West Bank cannot be overlooked,” he continued.
Sheeran said he was still exploring ways to help victims of the conflict while acknowledging gaps in his understanding of the situation.
Visibly moved to tears, he added that his concert was “still a place where everyone is welcome, and everyone here can stand beside people that have opposing views.”
Protesters Gather Outside Sheeran’s Philadelphia Show
Although the show went ahead as scheduled, the controversy remained a focal point outside the venue.
Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered to criticize Macklemore’s removal and urge Sheeran to take a stronger stand on the Israel-Gaza conflict, per the BBC.
Protest messages appeared on placards and merchandise, including a red baseball cap modeled after President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” hat. Its message read, “Make Palestine Free Again.”
Tickets also remained available in the hours before the show began.
Prince Harry opened up about how he cheered up his two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, as they embark on a new school year following the family’s U.K. move.
“At breakfast this morning, they had a bit of Monday morning blues,” Harry, 42, told Hello! before the 2026 WellChild Awards at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel on Monday, September 21. “There’s always something like Sunday night blues or boarding school… when you’ve been away, or before you go to school.”
The Duke of Sussex added that he managed to cheer up his kids by sharing that he would be attending the WellChild Awards — a charity ceremony held annually to honor those who provide support and care for seriously ill children in the U.K. as well as the kids themselves.
“At breakfast this morning, I decided, ‘You know what? You’re being a little bit tricky, so I’m going to tell you exactly what I’m doing tonight,’” he revealed. “And they were genuinely fascinated and asking all sorts of questions. So, like with all of my work and their mum’s work as well, whatever we can do to try to instill some of that awareness, I think is absolutely crucial.”
Prince Harry and Gaby Roslin pose with the WellChild winners. Aaron Chown – Pool/Getty Images
Harry — who has been a patron of WellChild since 2007 — added that his dedication to the charity has only increased since he became a dad. (Harry and wife Meghan Markle welcomed Archie in May 2019 and his sister Lilibet arrived in June 2021.)
“Once you become a parent, it does change everything. It’s not the fact that for all the years that I wasn’t a parent that meeting the kids didn’t matter as much, but you suddenly realise how grateful you are to have kids that aren’t sick,” he said.
The prince went on to say, “And again, day in, day out, coming off the back of kids being out [of school] for 11 weeks… but you find yourself going, ‘Wow, in that room with those parents, you really can’t complain about anything.’ Of course, it’s all relative, but the inspiration that I get from these guys — not just the kids, but the parents themselves — it fills me up for a whole year.”
Harry attended the WellChild Awards solo on Monday — just as he did for his first U.K. appearance since moving home at the Invictus Spirit Gala Dinner and Awards in London on September 7. (Meghan, 45, has shared glimpses of her new life in the U.K. via social media but has yet to make any public appearances in an official capacity.)
The royal couple arrived in the U.K. late last month in time for their kids to start at a new school — but they soon announced they were switching where Archie and Lilibet will be educated.
“The decision for the children to move school was taken following a discussion with the family’s security team about the practicalities of their current arrangements,” a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex told Hello! on September 14. “The parents remain extremely grateful to all the teachers and staff for the love, care and effort they have shown their family. This decision should in no way be interpreted as a reflection on the school or the exceptional care the children have received there.”
The Sussexes previously lived on the West Coast in the U.S. for six years after stepping down from their senior royal duties in 2020.
Fantasy movies aren’t beholden to any borders. Many of them take place in completely fictional worlds based on an odd assortment of historical, folkloric, and mythological inspirations. Fantasy can come from anyone and anywhere, but in many films, especially those that are high fantasy, there’s a certain inherent antiquity. They take place in worlds that resemble Medieval England, with characters that speak with some semblance of an English accent.
That may be a narrow view of the genre, but it’s prevalent enough that, in 2026, viewers took issue with the actors in The Odyssey using American accents as opposed to English ones. Despite that strange association, many amazing fantasy movies were produced by the good old U.S. of A, and this is a list of the greatest of them. For simplicity, this list will stick to those that are majority American-financed and produced. Based on those criteria, Harry Potter belongs to the Brits, and The Lord of the Rings to the Kiwis, but there are still plenty of great American fantasy films, and these ten are the greatest.
10
‘Edward Scissorhands’ (1990)
Gothic fantasy comes to the suburbs in Tim Burton‘s romantic fantasy Edward Scissorhands, arguably his most personal effort that cemented his unique style as a filmmaker. The film is a wonderful modern American fairy tale that could have only come from the mind of Burton. Johnny Depp plays Edward, an artificial man built by an inventor (Vincent Price in his final film role), who is brought out of his castle home and into the brightly colored suburbs by a kindly Avon lady played by Dianne Wiest. Naturally, some of the suburbanites turn out to be far more monstrous on the inside than Edward outwardly appears.
Like much of Burton’s filmography, Edward Scissorhands appeals to those who feel like outsiders. While his aesthetics may have been co-opted by mainstream brands like Hot Topic and, ironically, mass-produced for merchandising, Burton’s legacy as an original voice of American cinema is assured by films like Edward Scissorhands.
9
‘Coraline’ (2009)
Burton’s work in fantasy also expanded beyond live-action into the world of stop-motion animation. The unique medium lends itself to the genre, but the film most famously associated with it that bears Burton’s name, The Nightmare Before Christmas, wasn’t actually directed by him. It was the work of famed animator Henry Selick, who also gifted audiences with the whimsical stop-motion movies James and the Giant Peach, Wendell & Wild and his greatest masterpiece, Coraline, a vivid fantasy film filled with dark delights for children and adults.
The film follows the titular pre-teen (Dakota Fanning), who moves to a new home in rainy, grey Oregon with her parents, where she discovers a portal to an alternate universe. Her Other Mother (Teri Hatcher) seems perfect on the outside, but there’s more than meets the button eye. With incredible animation and design, the world of Coraline is both beautiful and unnerving, taking full advantage of the benefits of stop-motion and its inherent creepiness. Selick’s triumphant return to the medium was also the first film produced by animation studio Laika, who have continued the tradition with its own pantheon of fantastic fantasy movies.
8
‘Where the Wild Things Are’ (2009)
As singular an American filmmaker as both Burton and Selick, Spike Jonze has brought a grounded naturalism to his films, be they a sci-fi romance like Her, a surrealist comedy like Being John Malkovich, or his overlooked fantasy adaptation Where the Wild Things Are. In bringing Maurice Sendak‘s classic children’s book to the screen, Jonze expanded it into a meandering journey of self-discovery and emotional maturity. Despite receiving the most mixed reviews of Jonze’s career, it’s a deeply moving movie that’s unlike almost any other kid’s movie.
The film maintains the same basic narrative of the short book, following hellion Max (Max Records) as he journeys into a fantasy world populated by the titular Wild Things. It’s a stunningly realized world, grounded in majestic Australian location filming and impressive creature effects which combine suits created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop with expressive CGI. Where the Wild Things Are is a more deliberately paced fantasy film that demands deeper engagement but rewards it with pure inspiration and imagination.
7
‘Groundhog Day’ (1993)
Time loops are usually the result of some kind of sci-fi trickery, but there’s no such justification given for the loop experienced by Bill Murray in the romantic fable Groundhog Day. This comedy classic, directed by Harold Ramis, isn’t interested in the mechanics behind the repeated day, but the effect it has on one cynical man and how it inspires him to be better. While it wasn’t the first film to use a time loop as a plot device, Groundhog Day has become so synonymous with the concept that it’s often used as a shorthand description of repeating the same events over and over again.
Murray’s Phil Connors is one of the many sardonic protagonists the comedic actor became known for playing. His outlook isn’t helped when he finds himself repeating the titular day in the small town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The premise lends itself to all sorts of potential, and Murray and Ramis leave no comedic stone unturned, but it’s when the film begins to explore the deeper emotional turmoil of the time loop that it gets interesting. Phil’s arc, from cold-hearted cynic to a genuinely empathetic human being, is more effective through repetition, and Murray gives one of his most nuanced performances in the role.
6
‘The Princess Bride’ (1987)
For as much of a cult favorite turned canonized classic as Groundhog Day was, it can’t compete with the ultimate cult fantasy film, The Princess Bride. Eternally quotable and practically universally beloved, it’s inspired the kind of admiration that can often inspire a frenzied backlash. Certainly, there are some contrarians to it, but the overwhelming joy that Rob Reiner‘s film brings has conquered even the most hardened cynics. It’s got everything: fences, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love and miracles.
The first miracle of the film is its pitch-perfect casting. Cary Elwes and Robin Wright make for adorable star-crossed lovers Wesley and Buttercup, while Mandy Patinkin is the most charming rogue out for revenge, Inigo Montoya, alongside André the Giant‘s soft-hearted Fezzik and Wallace Shawn‘s loquacious Sicilian Vizzini. The second miracle is the tone management of William Goldman‘s screenplay, which balances ironic humor with genuine emotion. The final miracle is Reiner’s direction, walking a fine line between whimsical and parodical that makes the film the perfect evolution of the classic fantasy adventure formula.
5
‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ (1988)
Speaking of miracles, Robert Zemeckis‘ cartoon noir slapstick fantasy Who Framed Roger Rabbit could have only been made at the exact time it was and by the exact creators behind it. While corporate consolidation has made it easier for some modern movies to bring different fictional characters together in a single film, it’s usually just a calculated act of franchise synergy. The act of bringing animated characters from the worlds of Looney Tunes and Disney together for this film was an act of creative passion, and was only accomplished through the sheer producing power of Steven Spielberg.
Zemeckis was the perfect director for such a technically precise film, aided tremendously by animation director Richard Williams. Equally important is the committed lead performance by Bob Hoskins as private eye Eddie Valiant, who gets mixed up in a toon-based conspiracy of greed, sex, and murder. Hoskins plays the role with a hard-boiled authenticity that makes the fantasy of the cartoon characters he interacts with all the more fantastic. Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a classic Hollywood fantasy made by some of the most talented filmmakers of ’80s cinema.
4
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ (1946)
There have been many Christmas miracles featured in classic American movies—some on 34th Street, others in Whoville, and in more Hallmark movies than there may have been actual Christmases. The greatest Christmas miracle comes in the form of an angel sent to save the soul of one hopeless man named George Bailey, in Frank Capra‘s classic It’s a Wonderful Life. Only becoming beloved after years of perennial airings on television during the holiday season, it captures the kind of hope and magic that only a filmmaker like Capra, working with a leading man like James Stewart, could make feel genuine.
Stewart imbues Bailey with a selflessness and generosity that many actors, both of the same era and now, would have difficulty making feel authentic without tipping into pitiable naivety. It’s that balance that makes Bailey a paragon of his hometown, Bedford Falls, and what makes his depressive spiral into contemplation of suicide so effective. When he’s saved by the angel Clarence (Henry Travers) and shown the impact he’s had on everyone in the town, it’s easy to believe because of how effortlessly Capra and Stewart sell it. It’s a Wonderful Life is an aspirational American fantasy classic.
3
‘Pinocchio’ (1940)
There’s no discussing American fantasy films without bringing Disney into the discussion. For all the many faults of the company, it’s built on a solid foundation of classic storytelling and magical movie-making. Of the many fairy tales that it completely changed the cultural perception of, Pinocchio reigns supreme. Only the second feature film produced under the Disney banner, it’s become a pillar of American animation and the fantasy genre, inspiring hundreds of filmmakers and providing the foundation for every film version of the classic story that’s come since.
Carlo Collodi‘s The Adventures of Pinocchio provided the basic framework for the Disney directors and animators who brought the film to life. The rest is classic Disneyfication, turning the rude wooden boy of the book into a precocious hero and his talking cricket into his singing conscience. Ambitious, charming, and a little bit terrifying, Pinocchio is a classic fantasy for old and young alike, and it’s aged perfectly. The songs are classics, the animation is still astounding, and the fantasy still inspires wonder.
2
‘Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back’ (1980)
Not all American fantasies take place on our planet: some are set in a galaxy far, far away. George Lucas‘ original trilogy of space fantasies changed the cinematic landscape forever, ushering in an era of franchise filmmaking that has continued to evolve and dominate the box office. Beyond that blockbuster success, the films are also the best kind of fantasy storytelling, creating an entirely new world that feels lived-in and wholly unique. Every chapter has something to offer, but part five, The Empire Strikes Back, is the greatest American space fantasy of all time.
With Irvin Kirschner taking over as director from Lucas, the performances are all more natural, while the effects and action are bigger and better. From the opening battles on icy Hoth, to Luke training with Yoda on Dagobah, to Han and Leia lying low in Cloud City, The Empire Strikes Back is one iconic setting after another, adding to the larger universe. It’s the darker elements, the more personal stakes, that really make this sequel one of the best. It’s a far-flung fantasy that set a bar no Star Wars film has been able to clear since.
1
‘The Wizard of Oz’ (1939)
The greatest fantasy adventure of all time in the land of Oz also just happened to come from the land of the U.S.A. The Wizard of Oz is paramount to American fantasy cinema, setting many of the storytelling techniques and visual techniques that would become standards in the genre. The transition from black-and-white Kansas into the Technicolor land of Oz is so iconic that it essentially became the official moment that movies went to color, even if it wasn’t.
That iconic status extends down through every aspect of the film’s production, from its makeup and costume design to its Oscar-winning score and songs. It’s the greatest American fantasy film ever made. Judy Garland, who endured well-documented abuse on set, is inimitable as Dorothy, the Kansas farm girl who gets sent spinning into the land of Oz by way of tornado and finds herself on a journey down the yellow brick road to meet the titular Wizard, joined by the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion. The setting and characters as depicted here may differ from their counterparts in the novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, but they’ve become the standard representations by which all others are judged.
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