Shaquille O’Neal built DUNKMAN to prove that dunking deserves to be treated as its own sport, not just a highlight-reel afterthought. Since launching with TNT Sports earlier this year, the league has delivered exactly that: a genuine professional circuit built around the athletes who can jump higher, and do more with that height, than anyone else on earth. But as DUNKMAN barrels toward its August 25 world championship on TNT and HBO Max, one of the loudest voices talking about the league isn’t in the competitor pool. It’s Ellie Blue — model, influencer, competitive fighter, fashion designer, and philanthropist — who showed up to a DUNKMAN qualifying event, walked away stunned, and hasn’t stopped talking about it since.

A front-row seat to something she’d never seen before

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Ellie Blue has built a career on being in rooms most people only see from a distance — Miami Swim Week, New York Fashion Week runways, MMA gyms, red carpets. DUNKMAN, she says, still managed to catch her off guard.

“Attending DUNKMAN was honestly one of the most incredible sporting events I’ve ever experienced,” she said. “I’ve always known dunking takes an insane amount of athleticism, but seeing these athletes perform at this level in person gave me an entirely new appreciation for the sport.”

That appreciation only deepened as the event went on. DUNKMAN’s format pushes competitors well past the traditional dunk contest — cars, people, and ladders have all been used as literal obstacles to clear — and Ellie says watching that in person changed how she thinks about the sport entirely. “Watching these guys jump over cars, people and ladders, and seeing how every athlete had his own completely different style and approach to dunking, was unbelievable,” she said. “There were moments where I genuinely couldn’t believe what I was watching. The height they get, the control they have in the air, and the creativity behind these dunks make you realize these guys aren’t just great dunkers — they are world-class athletes.”

It’s not an offhand compliment. DUNKMAN’s roster includes Darius Clark, who broke the world record for vertical jump this July with a staggering 53-inch leap — the kind of number that turns a dunk contest into a legitimate athletic proving ground. Ellie’s reaction tracks with how the sports world has responded to the league since it launched: this isn’t a novelty act. It’s professional sports with a new set of records still being written in real time.

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Beyond the athleticism, what stuck with Ellie was the stakes. DUNKMAN athletes aren’t just performing — they’re competing for a $500,000 grand prize and the DUNKMAN World Champion title, and Ellie says that competitive charge was impossible to miss courtside.

“I also loved how competitive the entire event felt,” she said. “These athletes are pushing the limits of what people think is physically possible, while competing for the opportunity to become a DUNKMAN World Champion. Being able to experience that energy firsthand made me even more excited for the championship.”

A model, an athlete, and now a believer in a brand-new sport

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Ellie’s own background makes her an unusually credible hype woman for a sport built on physical extremes. Long before Mariella Swimwear — the brand she launched in 2021 after growing frustrated with the swimwear options available to working models, and which now donates 10% of every sale to charity — Ellie was a competitive fighter, training in boxing, MMA, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. She’s talked openly about how that training shaped her relationship with her body and her mental health, and it’s part of why her read on DUNKMAN carries more weight than the average front-row influencer take: she knows what elite physical training actually looks like from the inside.

That same instinct for building something from scratch shows up in Ellie’s Angels, the youth-focused nonprofit she founded in 2025 to support kids facing adversity — a project she says is rooted in the belief that “everyone has a place where they belong.” Between the swimwear brand, the charity, and a modeling career that’s taken her from Jupiter, Florida beaches to Miami Swim Week runways, Ellie has made a habit of showing up early to things and building a real presence around them. DUNKMAN, by her own account, is the newest addition to that list — and she’s making no secret of wanting to be part of where the league goes next.

Don’t miss the finals

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For Ellie, the qualifying event was only a preview of what’s coming. “I cannot wait to see who takes home the title,” she said. “If the championship is anything like what I witnessed at the qualifying event, people are going to be blown away. I definitely want everyone to tune in, because DUNKMAN is bringing something completely different to professional sports, and I truly believe this is only the beginning.”

The DUNKMAN World Championship airs August 25 on TNT and HBO Max, with the winner walking away with the $500,000 grand prize and the league’s first World Champion title. Between Darius Clark’s record-breaking vertical and a 24-athlete field built to push the sport into territory it’s never been in before, DUNKMAN has already proven it belongs on the biggest stage in sports television. If Ellie Blue’s reaction to the qualifying rounds is any indication, the finals won’t just be a dunk contest — they’ll be appointment viewing.

Whew, chile! Claressa Shields has taken over timelines ahead of her big fight against Kaye Scott tonight. Amid all of her viral online clapbacks, fans think she took a shot at Remy Ma after Rem dropped her new single ‘Wanna Go.’ And if that wasn’t enough, boxer Alycia Baumgardner also entered the chat and seemingly called out Shields for copying one of her past outfits at a recent weigh-in.

RELATED: Oop! Remy Ma Post Clip Of Claressa Shields While Teasing ‘Knuck If You Buck’ Sample In New Song ‘Wanna Go’ (VIDEO) 

The Internet Thinks Claressa Shields Sent A Message To Remy Ma

Fans are speculating that Claressa Shields’ latest comments could be a shot at Remy Ma. LiveBitez dropped videos of Shields leaving a venue with her crew, where she made it clear that she isn’t beefing with anyone and would rather let her fists do the talking. From there, Claressa started rapping the lyrics to her new track, ‘Good Life,’ which she had previously teased to fans. “I don’t beef with b*****s, I beat b*****s.” She continued, “It’s Gwoat with a ‘W’ dumb a** it’s Claressa bum.” Shields said in the video.

Folks online instantly took Claressa’s energy as a jab at Remy, especially since Remy previously used a clip of Shields to promote her new single, ‘Wanna Go.’ On the track, which samples Crime Mob’s ‘Knuck If You Buck,’ Remy talks about being copied and calls out someone for shopping on TikTok and hitting the clearance rack.

Social Media Had One Name In Mind After Claressa Spoke

Once LiveBitez dropped Claressa’s videos, the comment section was quickly split. Some folks said they think she’s pretending to be unbothered by Remy Ma, while others said they would rather see her tune out the drama and focus on tonight’s fight.

Instagram user @nonchalant_barbi wrote, “Would never beef with my dude ex like what 😂” 

Instagram user @to_fabulouss wrote, “Remy lives rent free in head big time.” 

While Instagram user @thesekidsauntie wrote, “She so exhausting. Just go fight. Beefing with the wife of your current bf. How that sound? Then she’ll never be able to be around the kid(s) smh he gotta co parent wit Remy boo. Chill.” 

Then Instagram user @kingjonesthe1st wrote, “So Remy can make diss tracks but Claressa do it and it’s ‘corny’ …” 

Another Instagram user, @ wealthylady144, wrote, “I cannot believe that people think Remy Ma is obsessed with her.” 

Then another Instagram user @tylashboss wrote, “TO CALL REMY A BUM ON THE QUEEN INTERNET IS CRAZY.”

Alycia Baumgardner Enters The Chat With A “Rent-Free” Message For Claressa

Chile, the shade didn’t stop there — it came from a whole different direction when Alycia Baumgardner stepped in and seemingly called Claressa out during a podcast interview. Alycia came through with some “you already know why I’m here” energy, telling the host that she had peeped some “nasty behavior.” She didn’t name-drop anyone, but folks quickly put two and two together and figured she was talking about Claressa’s weigh-in look for her face-off with Kaye Scott. Shields rocked a long, dramatic white furry coat over a nude, strappy, cutout studded bodysuit. When Shields later posted photos from the event on Instagram, fans pointed out that the look resembled one Alycia rocked in December 2025.

Alycia thought the fit choice was wild, but she also said she know she has always been the inspo for the gworls. “Like I said, I been on these b*****s mood board, all of them.” She suggested the look only proved how obsessed folks are with her. “And this b***h in particular, this one tops the cake. You feel me? She’s been obsessed and pressed okay, nasty work.” From there, Alycia seemingly called Shields out again for wearing heels to the weigh-in, saying the whole look gave very much copying vibes. “To the heels. These h*es wasn’t wearing no heels to weigh-ins. But I see it though, that’s really love a b***h, but she a hating a** b***h, so that’s the difference.” 

RELATED: The GWOAT Speaks! Claressa Shields Claps Back At BroRilla After She Compares Her Looks To Remy Ma (VIDEOS) 

Hailee Steinfeld is back on the red carpet, months after becoming a first-time mom.

The actress stepped out for the 2026 D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event to promote her new animated movie, “Hexed.”

Hailee Steinfeld settles into motherhood while preparing for another big moment in her career. She and her husband, Josh Allen, welcomed their daughter, Harper Haize Allen, in April. 

Steinfeld appeared at the D23 event and took the moment to promote “Hexed,” her upcoming animated film. The new mother looked ready for her return as she posed for photos.

Steinfeld wore a white button-up shirt, a grey blazer, and wide-leg jeans. Her appearance quickly caught attention as fans reacted with excitement. This is the first major look at the star since she became a mom. 

Steinfeld also spoke about how special “Hexed” feels to her now that she has a daughter. In an Instagram video shared by E! News, she said she was excited for her baby girl to see the movie one day. She also shared how deeply the mother-daughter story connected with her after becoming a parent. In her words:

“It feels amazing. Just also to the fact that this is a mother-daughter story is so special, and it resonated with me.”

The Oscar Nominee Finds A Deeper Connection

Steinfeld is particularly drawn to the character Billy in her upcoming film, “Hexed.” The animated film centers on a mother and daughter, making the story especially meaningful to the actress. Her experience as a new mom has given her another reason to feel close to the film.

The “Sinners” actress has also spoken about how quickly motherhood can change the way someone sees life. Steinfeld said her daughter is still very young, but she is already thinking about the example she wants to set. The thought has made some parts of motherhood feel bigger than she expected.

The new mother spoke on self-love during a fan Q&A published through her newsletter community on June 12, 2026. According to PEOPLE, she said one of the most unexpected things she learned was the importance of modeling unconditional self-love. Steinfeld explained that how she sees herself could affect how her daughter eventually sees herself.

How Motherhood Has Changed Hailee Steinfeld 

Steinfeld and her husband, the Buffalo Bills quarterback, announced the birth of their daughter in a Substack post titled “Special delivery.” In a blog post titled “Getting ducks in a row,” Steinfeld reflected on the emotional and practical preparations for welcoming her child. The post offered personal insights into her transition to parenthood.

The actress has been honest about still figuring things out as she adjusts to motherhood. Steinfeld said her daughter will not only hear what she says but also see how she treats herself. She has decided to only focus on what she will teach her child.

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The 30-year-old actress is stepping back into public life while also learning how to balance her career with the demands of motherhood. Her latest appearance shows that the two parts of her life can now exist side by side.

The Actress Plans To Be A Present Mother

Even as Steinfeld begins appearing publicly again, she has made it clear that she does not want to rush through her daughter’s early years. She previously opened up about how quickly babies grow and why this stage feels especially important to her. The Oscar nominee knows she will never get this period back.

During a livestream, Steinfeld explained that this would be the only summer her daughter would be a baby. She said she wanted to be present and enjoy the little moments instead of letting the season pass too quickly. Her focus was less on making big plans and more on simply being there.

That mindset has also shaped the way she has approached her first months as a mother. PEOPLE shared that Steinfeld wants to “truly soak up every moment” with her daughter, especially because she knows how quickly life moves. She has also given fans small glimpses of her new life, including her first Mother’s Day with her baby. 

Inside Hailee Steinfeld & Josh Allen’s Love Story

Steinfeld and her husband, Allen, married in 2025 before welcoming their child in April 2026. Their relationship has continued to draw attention as they settle into life as parents.

The couple first sparked dating rumors in 2023 before making their relationship official on Instagram the following year. They later got engaged and married in Santa Barbara, with their daughter arriving less than a year after their wedding. Their journey has now moved into a new stage with both of them adjusting to parenthood.

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Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 3 finale.

“They say every time a Targaryen is born, the gods toss a coin, and the world holds its breath.” It was almost impossible to watch the third season finale of House of the Dragon without thinking of this iconic quote, repeated many times throughout George R.R. Martin‘s work. When Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) learns about Aegon’s (Tom Glynn-Carney) survival, she takes a tyrannical turn in a desperate attempt to secure her position and to appear as the rightful occupant of the Iron Throne. It might seem like her coin has finally landed on the madness side, once again confirming the old adage. But if Rhaenyra is mad, then it feels like this entire generation of Targaryens ended up on the bad side of the coin flip. This begs the question: Is it really a 50/50 split on madness and sanity, or is there something else at play here?

The Targaryen Saying Is Actually About Power, Not a Prophecy of Madness

Ever since the finale aired, the “coin toss” has been talked about as the final nail in the coffin of Rhaenyra’s stability, as she has been challenged all season long to try and rule the realm peacefully. She loses her son and heir, is sabotaged multiple times in court, is rejected by the Faith, and loses the populace’s support… This all happens within a few weeks; it’s hard to blame her for losing her patience. In fact, Rhaenyra holds on longer than most, considering she has Daemon (Matt Smith) in her ear constantly talking about conquest.

On the Green side, Aegon’s reunion with Sunfyre and Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) seems to have exacerbated the worst in him. Although he is his father’s firstborn son, he was never prepared to be king like Rhaenyra and grew up hedonistic, with the throne highlighting the worst in him. Aemond, on the other hand, worked twice as hard as his brother to earn only half the attention he got, hence his obsessive focus and usurping tendencies. When he sees a chance to take the crown for himself and wipe Aegon off the board, he takes it, even if kinslaying is considered a cultural taboo.

The common thread between all of these Targaryens in House of the Dragon — with the exceptions of Helaena (Phia Saban) and Daeron (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) — is that they’ve been exposed to power and the Iron Throne from a very young age; it has nothing to do with their house. In House of the Dragon, we have the benefit of having seen these characters grow up. None of them were born mad. For Rhaenyra, being denied what she has always been told was her mission is maddening, while for Aegon and Aemond, the sudden promise of power is tempting, especially when, as men, they believe it is their right to rule.

The Old Saying About House Targaryen Is One of Their Main Drivers in the Franchise

Image via HBO Max

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With so many Targaryens running around throughout the franchise, it’s easy to lose track of who is mad and who isn’t, but when they are, it’s always because of the Iron Throne’s promise. In Game of Thrones, Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) lived with the pressure of being the Mad King’s daughter and the burden of taking back the throne all her life, only to lose everything to her own “madness” in the end. In reality, she was in an even worse place than Rhaenyra, having lost two of her dragons and learning that Jon Snow (Kit Harington) has a better claim than her, and that’s not even mentioning the threat of the White Walkers.

Because of how Game of Thrones ends, Daenerys is now seen as a mad queen, but before that, she was a conqueror and a liberator who had her heart in the right place. She was ruthless, yes, but never cruel. Only at her lowest did the whispers about madness resurface, implying that madness is simply a Targaryen trait, which just isn’t true. Even her father, the Mad King Aerys II (David Rintoul), grew paranoid because of all the treachery and competing interests around him, but mad is something you become, not something you are.

Like every family, House Targaryen has its fair share of terrible people — Aerys II himself, Aerion (Finn Bennett) from A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Aegon IV (who was remembered as “The Unworthy”), House of the Dragon‘s Daemon, Maegor the Cruel… However, none of them are born and raised in a vacuum. What truly sets them on their destructive path is the allure of power and what they’ll do for it, with their dragons greatly amplifying the consequences of such actions. And in the case of Westeros, doing unspeakable things for power isn’t exclusive to the Targaryens.

The Targaryens Aren’t the Only Power Hungry House in Westeros

The thing about how the game of thrones is played is that we get to see who each player really is along the way and, more often than not, end up rooting for terrible people. In Game of Thrones, for example, Daenerys is the only Targaryen player, but she is far from being the worst person. Joffrey Baratheon (Jack Gleeson), Littlefinger (Aidan Gillen), and Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) all put up a great fight for this title, but none of them had madness thrust upon them like the Targaryens do and no one simply assumed they could be mad because of their family name.

One reason for this saying could come from the Dance of the Dragons, which set the standard for how dangerous Targaryen madness can be to the whole realm. Their dragons wreak far more havoc than one king or queen, and collective memory is powerful, leading to sayings like the Targaryen coin-toss, which viewers usually take as an omen. It’s important to put all this into context, though, because let’s face it, the dragons are not the problem, the Iron Throne drives everyone around it mad and that’s been proven time and time again.

House of the Dragon is available to stream on HBO Max.

TeaMates, NLE Choppa has been making headlines lately. Most recently, the rapper became emotional while previewing his upcoming song and sharing a heartfelt message for his mother.

Related: NLE Choppa Mentions NBA YoungBoy And Pooh Shiesty While Calling Out His Rap Peers For Allegedly Copying His Style (VID + PICS)

NLE Choppa Gets Emotional While Previewing ‘Dear Mama’

On Friday, August 14, NLE Choppa shared an Instagram post in which he got emotional while previewing his new song ‘Dear Mama,’ breaking down in tears as he rapped along to the heartfelt track. Along with the snippet, the rapper shared a heartfelt message apologizing to his mom for not always showing her his appreciation.

“I want to apologize for not being more grateful for having a woman like you in my life. You’ve stood by yo baby boy through his toughest of battles. Never forsaken me, never spoke bad on me, and even when you didn’t understand still supported me. You are THE TRUE embodiment of a mother and I’d pick you every lifetime momma. I love you you are appreciated,” he wrote.

The post comes shortly after the rapper publicly shared that he had been baptized and opened up about how God has changed his life. Around the same time, Choppa also made headlines after calling out NBA YoungBoy, Pooh Shiesty, and other rappers whom he accused of copying his aesthetic.

Social Media Reacts

Social media users had plenty to say about Choppa’s latest emotional moment, with some questioning his recent moves while others defended him for showing love to his mother.

Instagram user @vonjaee wrote, “🥷🏽 just dissed pooh shiesty and YB now he making tributes to his mama come on now 😂😂😂😂”

Another Instagram user @reilentangular wrote, “He’s not emotional he’s just doing his seasonal rebranding 😂😂😂”

While Instagram user @howardmiyah53 wrote, “He don’t know if he wanna be sanctified or a gangsta 😭😭😭😭”

Instagram user @cxssxndrx.g wrote, “He smoking ain’t he got baptized?”

Another Instagram user @asia.fym wrote, “Such an attention seeker 😭”

While Instagram user @sophhhatesmygutz___ wrote, “The second hand embarrassment I’m getting is making me uncomfortable man 😭”

Instagram user @tfoutmylyfe wrote, “A n**** can’t show love to his mom? D*** 😭”

Another Instagram user @immmamakeuppmybish wrote, “At this point he doing anything to go viral 😭😭😭 he doesn’t know what he wants to do or be”

While Instagram user @colddpieceee__ wrote, “He need to also apologize to the mother of his children as well”

NLE Choppa’s Mom Responds

Following her son’s emotional message, NLE Choppa’s mom, Angeleta Potts, responded in the comments, making it clear that she and her son remain “locked in for life.”

Potts wrote:

“It’s all good. We locked in for life. They tried to break a bond from day one to now January 6, 2019 till present. F*** ’em, all the lies (didn’t work), all the naysayers (didn’t work), all the hate (didn’t work), all you MFS that claim you know us and don’t know s*** about us but speaking on OUR NAME, F*** ’em. F*** them too. All the THEY SAY PEOPLE ABOUT ME, F*** ’em. F*** double F*** ’em. Do you my boy. And for the record, all y’all in the industry and you know EXACTLY WHO I’M TALKING ABOUT — too many of y’all to name, that wanted me gone AND OUT THE DOOR, F*** y’all. Plus everyone that knows you from Memphis, know you been you since birth. Last but not least, NOTHING I HAVE BIRTH IS A RAINBOW. NOTHING. No disrespect to those who are baby be you. F*** who don’t agree. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 A___z Freestyle.”

Related: What’s Goin’ On? NLE Choppa Puzzles Fans After Donning Maroon Pixie Wig To Tease Upcoming Album (PHOTOS)

Whew! Roomies, Blueface pulled off on Chrisean Rock after things went left during their latest livestream.

RELATED: Oop! Blueface Alleges Chrisean Rock Posted Message Calling Chrisean Jr. His Son As Nevaeh Akira Reacts To Their Cozy Link-Up

More On Blueface & Chrisean Rock’s Latest Livestream

On Friday, August 14, Blueface went live on his Kick account, showing that he and Rock were apparently walking through the mall while shopping. The pair hit the Burberry store and splurged on a few items before apparently hitting a baseball game with Chrisean Jr.

However, later in the stream, things appeared to go left between the pair. Apparently, after the baseball game, the group stopped at a restaurant, and Blue appeared to vent his frustration.

“I done let you play around all day. I let you cut the music, sock me in the face — pull s**t all day,” he told her. “… Go home! Go home. Go home.”

Blueface Pulls Off On Chrisean Rock After Things Go Left During Livestream

As their conversation continued at the table and later in Blue’s car, he reiterated to her that he had allegedly spent $10,000 to make her day.

“I’m crying because I spent my money today to make you feel special. Now, what did you do in return? What did you do in return?” he asked her before ultimately pulling off and calling her a “manly ass b****h.”

Watch the clips from the streams below.

During A Previous Stream, Rock Was In Tears Over Him

As The Shade Room previously reported, Chrisean Rock and Blueface appeared to be reuniting in a series of multiple streams since the beginning of August. In one stream, the pair appeared in bed together with Chrisean Jr.

In another stream, the pair were seen getting pulled over by cops, per The Shade Room.

@spikedteatalkk

#Chriseanrock and #Blueface get pulled over 👀 #viral #fyp

♬ original sound – SpikedTeaTalk

Most recently, a stream captured Chrisean Rock shedding a few tears as their time together apparently came to an end.

RELATED: Chrisean Rock Sheds Tears Before Blueface Heads Home To Apparent Tension With Nevaeh Akira Over His Cheating (VIDEOS)

The heist movie is one of the greatest triumphs of the thriller genre. Producing many of the most entertaining films of all time, the heist thriller formula is relatively simple, following the events surrounding a major crime, usually a robbery, and the stories of the characters involved. It has a number of recurring tropes as well, like the team-building montage, the double-cross, and the “One Last Job,” but the best heist movies find new, inventive ways of executing the genre’s formula that take the audience by surprise.

The greatest heist thriller films thrive on suspense and plot twists, developing in unexpected directions while playing with audience expectations like a fiddle. In the process, each of them has left an indelible mark on the genre’s evolution, shaping the heist thriller subgenre into its modern incarnation. Without further ado, here’s our handpicked selection of some great heist thriller movies that are packed with plot twists.

1

‘The Thomas Crown Affair’ (1999)

Image via Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

A romantic heist film directed by John McTiernan and written by Leslie Dixon and Kurt Wimmer, The Thomas Crown Affair is a remake of the 1968 movie starring Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway. Like its predecessor, the 1999 film centers on the titular character, a Scottish billionaire who steals a valuable painting from New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art and is pursued relentlessly by an insurance investigator. Pierce Brosnan stars as Thomas Crown, with Rene Russo, Denis Leary, Ben Gazzara, and Faye Dunaway in key roles.

Propelled by Pierce Brosnan’s captivating protagonist, The Thomas Crown Affair is a glamorous heist film with a sophisticated setting, where the theft is more of a game than a desperate or violent act. The film’s narrative hinges on the expertly designed heist scenes, exciting plot twists, intense romance, and suspenseful cat-and-mouse chase, all of which come to an end with a satisfying final act twist. While the remake matches the tone and style of the 1968 original, 1999’s The Thomas Crown Affair makes its plot twists feel more immediate with its fast-paced and more engaging storytelling style.

2

‘Reservoir Dogs’ (1992)

Image via Miramax Films

Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino in his feature film debut, Reservoir Dogs follows a group of strangers who come together for a major diamond heist that goes horribly wrong. While hiding out in a warehouse, the robbers begin to suspect that one of them is a police informant, which leads to immense paranoia and violent confrontations. The film stars Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Chris Penn, Steve Buscemi, Lawrence Tierney, Michael Madsen, Edward Bunker, and Tarantino in the lead roles.

A critically acclaimed independent crime film, Reservoir Dogs is a character-driven story that explores the chaotic aftermath of the heist rather than focusing on the heist itself. The film is most recognized for introducing Tarantino’s signature style, featuring violent crimes, nonlinear storytelling, pop culture references, and intelligent plot twists, which makes it a widely loved cult classic. Rather than a shocking final reveal, the central plot twist opens earlier in the story, creating endless suspense as the characters frantically attempt to find the truth, culminating in a violent, high-tension stand-off in the final scenes.

3

‘Ocean’s 8’ (2018)

Directed by Gary Ross, Ocean’s 8 is a spin-off of Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Trilogy and the fourth installment in the Ocean’s film series. The heist comedy film follows Debbie, Danny Ocean’s sister, as she assembles a ragtag team of women from various walks of life for an elaborate heist at the annual Met Gala in New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Sandra Bullock leads the all-female ensemble cast as the mastermind, Debbie Ocean, with Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Helena Bonham Carter, Awkwafina, and Rihanna in other lead roles.

Fun, feminine, and visually gorgeous, Ocean’s 8 boasts several exciting plot twists, including the true objective of the heist and the unexpected roles of certain characters. While it’s fair to say that the spin-off is not as slick as the original trilogy, Debbie Ocean is as charming, meticulous, and clever as her brother. Taking cues from previous Ocean’s films, the spin-off also relies on a sleek, straightforward robbery plot devised to cover up deeper, more intricate, and unpredictable tricks.

4

‘The Italian Job’ (1969)

Image via Paramount Pictures

A classic British crime comedy directed by Peter Collinson and written by Troy Kennedy Martin, The Italian Job stars Michael Caine as Charlie Croker, a Cockney criminal recently released from prison, who learns about a failed robbery attempt by his friends. With the crime lord, Mr. Bridger, on his tail, Charlie assembles a crew for a high-stakes gold heist from a security truck in Turin, Italy. Noël Coward, Benny Hill, Raf Vallone, Tony Beckley, Rossano Brazzi, and Maggie Blye appear in key roles.

Clever and chaotic, The Italian Job blends comedy, suspense, and action into a thrilling caper powered by Michael Caine’s compelling portrayal of a charming crook. The film is notable for being highly evocative of 1960s Britain and has remained famous for its key plot twists that lead to a cliffhanger ending (quite literally). While the film’s twists may not feel on par with modern thrillers, The Italian Job remains a cult classic for its high-tension plot and memorable climax, which has inspired several subsequent films in the genre.

5

‘Now You See Me’ (2013)

Image via Lionsgate

A heist thriller directed by Louis Leterrier and written by Ed Solomon, Boaz Yakin, and Edward Ricourt, Now You See Me centers on four charismatic illusionists who come together to become the Four Horsemen, staging robberies during their magic shows and rewarding the audience with the loot. Desperately trying to hunt them down, a federal agent and an Interpol detective turn to a famous former magician for his unique insights. Jesse Eisenberg, Dave Franco, Woody Harrelson, and Isla Fisher star as the Four Horsemen, with Morgan Freeman, Mark Ruffalo, and Mélanie Laurent in key roles.

Now You See Me is quite an entertaining heist thriller that keeps you engaged from start to finish with its fast-paced plot, quirky characters, and enough sleight of hand to keep you guessing. It also has some masterfully executed surprises, twists, and turns of events, which keep the audience’s attention on the cool stuff, so you don’t notice some of the more uneven plot points. Though its critical response has always been divided, Now You See Me is still an enthralling heist movie with high-energy action and spectacular illusions.

6

‘Inside Man’ (2006)

Image via Universal Pictures

Spike Lee’s critically acclaimed crime thriller film Inside Man centers on an elaborate bank robbery in New York’s Wall Street that quickly turns into a high-stakes hostage situation. Denzel Washington stars as an NYPD detective who begins negotiations with the criminal mastermind, Dalton, but when Manhattan fixer Madeleine White gets involved, the situation evolves into something more complex and unexpected than a simple robbery. Clive Owen stars as Dalton and Jodie Foster as Madeleine, with Christopher Plummer, Willem Dafoe, and Chiwetel Ejiofor in supporting roles.

Energetic, fast-paced, and cleverly plotted, Inside Man skillfully subverts genre tropes with intelligent plot twists that are not only satisfying but also elevate the film above other bank heist movies. The film breaks several expectations, like featuring a bank robbery using non-violent tactics, hidden identities, and a central mystery involving the Nazis, all culminating in a fantastic final twist. Powered by its excellent performances, Inside Man is easily one of the best bank heist films of the century so far and remains the highest-grossing film Lee has ever made.

7

‘American Animals’ (2018)

Image via The Orchard

Directed and written by Bart Layton, American Animals is a docudrama heist film that combines true-crime documentary elements with a fictionalized retelling of a real-life heist that happened at Kentucky’s Transylvania University in 2004. Centered on four friends, the film follows how they discover rare and valuable books at the school library and devise a plan to steal them in what would later be considered one of the most daring art heists in American history. Evan Peters, Barry Keoghan, Blake Jenner, and Jared Abrahamson star as the four central characters, with Udo Kier and Ann Dowd in supporting roles.

American Animals is far from a traditional robbery film and boasts a unique storytelling structure that combines real-world and fictional characters, expertly using unreliable narrators to challenge the audience’s perception of the truth. The film’s plot twists are not necessarily in the big reveals but rather in how the plan falls apart, reversing the cliched “glamorous robbery” trope. More than the heist itself, the film’s greater success is in how the protagonists find the lines of reality and fiction blurred, leading to deep, psychological revelations, which make American Animals a truly original high-concept heist thriller.

8

‘Ocean’s Thirteen’ (2007)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by Brian Koppelman and David Levien, Ocean’s Thirteen is the third installment in the Ocean’s film series, concluding its original trilogy. The film sees Danny Ocean (Georgy Clooney) and his crew reassemble for one last job, but this time, they’re not just after money — they’re seeking revenge for their friend, Reuben (Elliot Gould), who is cheated out of his business by ruthless casino mogul, Willy Bank (Al Pacino). Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Don Cheadle, Bernie Mac, Andy Garcia, and more reprise their roles from the previous films, with Pacino and Ellen Barkin joining the franchise as new cast members.

Smooth, stylish, and sharp, Ocean’s Thirteen didn’t hit audiences quite as hard as the first movie did, but it’s arguably the strongest film of the series. Powered by its clever, suspenseful plot twists and high-stakes tension, the final chapter of the Ocean’s Trilogy is an adrenaline-pumping heist film that never fails to surprise, with greater emotional investment than the previous movies of the series. An intricate web of clever tricks and misdirection that culminates in a well-executed and highly satisfying final twist, Ocean’s Thirteen is a heist thriller at its finest.

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Release Date

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June 8, 2007

Runtime

122 Minutes

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Director

Steven Soderbergh

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Reports have linked 17-year-old Arjun Aravind’s alleged ChatGPT activity to the tragic deaths of his mother and 14-year-old brother. ABC News reports that Aravind is currently in custody, while the Massachusetts district attorney called the deaths of his family an “unspeakable tragedy.”

RELATED: Prayers Up! 17-Year-Old Drowns At Rockaway Beach After Reportedly Urging Lifeguards To Save His Friend (VIDEO) 

Officials Are Investigating The Tragic Deaths Of Teen’s Mother & Brother After Alleged ChatGPT Activity

On Tuesday, August 11, Arjun Aravind’s father called the police and reportedly requested a well-being check at the family’s Massachusetts home. He told officers that he had left for work early that morning and that a tutor couldn’t get into the house or reach anyone inside. When officers arrived, they found Aravind’s mother, Sudha Venkatesan, and his 14-year-old brother, Siddharth Aravind, with what authorities described as “obvious trauma.” Officers found Siddharth on the first floor and Aravind’s mother in the basement. Before his mother and brother died, Arjun reportedly struggled with behavioral issues and concerning internet activity. His family reportedly became so concerned that they hid knives around the house to keep him from accessing them, per NBC News.

Additionally, per NBC News, Arjun Aravind allegedly killed his mother and brother with a laptop and knife after using ChatGPT to search for “theoretical ideas or fantasy stories regarding the killing of his family.” Investigators reportedly found a heavily damaged laptop covered in blood and said its condition appeared consistent with assault. Police also recovered what they believe was a knife used in the attack. Officers additionally found a “bent utensil, possibly a knife with a orange handle,” near the area where the disturbance occurred. District Attorney Marian Ryan said Arjun had an interest in creating fantasy stories and characters and reportedly used ChatGPT to ask questions that appeared to relate to threats against his family.

“He was engaged in the use of ChatGPT in creating fantasy stories, kind of the gothic novel kind of stories, asking questions, creating characters, asking what about this if this happened to that, and they seem to appear to relate to threats to his family,” DA Ryan explained.

What’s Next For Arjun Aravind?

Authorities have charged Arjun Aravind with two counts of murder, two counts of assault and battery on a household or family member, two counts of assault and battery, using a vehicle without authority, and stealing a motor vehicle. After the alleged murders, Aravind reportedly fled the scene, and his mother’s 2014 green Honda Accord went missing from the home. Officers later found him asleep inside the vehicle with bedding and a large supply of protein bars.

Aravind appeared in Concord District Court on Thursday, August 13. A not guilty plea was reportedly entered on his behalf. The court ordered him held without bail and will have him undergo a mental health evaluation. Aravind will return to court on September 11 for a probable cause hearing.

Social Media Questions AI’s Role In The Family’s Tragic Deaths

After 1questtimes shared a clip of Arjun Aravind in police custody, the comment section was flooded with reactions. Plenty of social media users questioned how he managed to use ChatGPT, given that it typically restricts certain questions and content.

Instagram user @lilneika wrote, “How ??? You can’t even mention certain words on ChatGPT without it telling you ‘I’m sorry your request goes against my policies’ blah blah. A which plan him have ????” 

Instagram user @m3ka_unruly wrote, “LIKE WTH BE WRONG WITH THESE KIDZZZZ???? Smh.” 

While Instagram user @empressharon wrote, “This has nothing to do with AI, people are just inherently evil. This has been happening long before AI.” 

Then Instagram user @daddys_gurl__3000 wrote, “ChatGPT didn’t even wanna tell me how to spell nunchucks.” 

Another Instagram user @la_indiaa wrote, “Meanwhile I’m on ChatGPT asking how I can lose 15 pounds by November!” 

While another Instagram user @wzhnry wrote, “ChatGPT has too many restrictions to let that happen, can’t even ask it to do your homework much less plan a murder.” 

Finally, Instagram user @rafshady wrote, “We need to start helping young people before all this happens….. that’s the real issue.” 

RELATED: Wait, WHAT!? Former NFL Player Darron Lee Allegedly Consulted ChatGPT To Help Cover Up Girlfriend’s Murder 

Chile, sometimes you don’t need to hit every note to deliver a performance! GloRilla had the timeline feeling seen with a recent sing-along that reminded everybody that when your favorite song comes on, the vocals are secondary to knowing every single word.

RELATED: Locked In! GloRilla And Brandon Ingram’s New Photo Has Fans Cheering On Her Lover Girl Era

GloRilla Gave Us Some Off-Key Greatness

In a new video shared to GloRilla’s Instagram Story, the rapper appeared to be driving with her seat belt on while singing along to Jazmine Sullivan’s ‘Need U Bad.’ GloRilla kept it cute in a white top, braided hairstyle, and natural face beat as she sang directly into the camera. And while she may not have been serving Beyoncé-level vocals, GloRilla clearly knew every lyric and gave the song her absolute all — off-key moments and all.

The Gworls Had Plenty To Say About Glo’s Sing-Along

Fans ran to The Shade Room’s Instagram comment section and let it all out over GloRilla’s latest sing-along. Some claimed Glo has clearly fallen in love with Brandon Ingram, while others couldn’t get over how much the two allegedly look alike. Meanwhile, a few fans said GloRilla sounded a little like Fergie in her rendition.

One Instagram user @perry_africana said, “aaaw glowww done fall inlove😮😂.. we left hating on men alone noww❤️😂”

This Instagram user @jjulianlo commented, “She look just like BroRilla 😂😂”

And, Instagram user @1_naturally_eva added, “She sounds like me in the shower. 😂😂”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @solanakayxo wrote, “How is your middle name Hallelujah and you can’t sing sis 😂”

While Instagram user @kweenmocha joked, “She sounds like Fergie and i love that for her 😍”

Finally, Instagram user @fungirlneek__ shared, “She got her man and LOCKED IN 😍😍😍 I LOVE THIS for her!”

Glo Stays Ten Toes In Her Lover Girl Bag

GloRilla stays in her lover girl bag, and this latest snap with Brandon Ingram had the gworls taking notes. The rapper cozied up to the NBA star as he wrapped his arms around her, with Glo cheesing while holding a drink and Brandon adding a playful touch by sticking his tongue toward her eye. To make the moment even sweeter, GloRilla added lyrics from Future’s ‘No Matter What’ reading, “No matter what, we gon’ forever be together,” giving fans yet another reason to believe she’s deep in her lover girl era.

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