Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for The Bear Season 5.The Bear finally closes its doors with Season 5, and its finale does not disappoint. Since premiering in 2022, culinary prodigy Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) has been at the epicenter of every chef’s kitchen nightmare. From failing a health inspection to nearly setting the place on fire, it often seemed like Carmy’s efforts to save the restaurant his late brother left behind were all for nothing. Even when he transformed the Original Beef of Chicagoland into the high-end fine dining restaurant The Bear, what seemed like a fresh start only brought a whole new set of problems.

Running a restaurant is no walk in the park, and even someone as talented as Carmy isn’t immune to the threat of closure. Yet no matter how many setbacks come their way, the team at The Bear refused to give up, pushing through until the very end. The result is a finale that not only catches viewers off guard, but also delivers a satisfying full-circle moment that proves Carmy’s journey was never just about saving a restaurant.

Season 5 of ‘The Bear’ Is Carmy’s Last Chance To Save the Restaurant

Saving a failing restaurant from near closure by earning a Michelin Star in a single service sounds like a pipe dream, but that’s apparently the case in The Bear Season 5. The final season takes place over the course of one fateful service — in a The Pitt-style format. With the original 1,440 hours from Season 4 finally up, this last service determines the fate of the restaurant, as its primary investor, Uncle Jimmy (Oliver Platt), plans to sell the building to make up for his losses. There is one solution, though: earn a Michelin Star.

Much of Season 5 revolves around the team trying to impress the mysterious “Star Man,” whom the staff believes to be the guest named Dearborn. As seen in Episode 7, “Caramel,” everyone pulls out all the stops to impress their presumed Michelin inspector. From Neil Fak (Matty Matheson) enthusiastically entertaining him with the history behind his tattoos to Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) stepping in with her Coke short ribs after the last lamb chop is lost for the tonnato, every member of the team goes the extra mile to leave a lasting impression. By the end of the service, “Star Man,” along with his dining companion — none other than real-life Chicago meteorologist Tom Skilling — has nothing but praise for The Bear.

The Bear Receives Not One, but Two Michelin Stars Instead

Episode 7 ends on a satisfying note, but the real verdict doesn’t come until Episode 8, “The Original Beef of Chicagoland.” Throughout Season 5, Carmy keeps receiving calls from an unknown number, all of which he declines. It’s only in the finale, after finally getting a breather, that he decides to answer. Longtime fans might assume the caller is someone he knows, like Claire (Molly Gordon), especially since audiences barely see her in the final episode. Instead, much to Carmy’s surprise, the caller turns out to be none other than Peter Clark (Gary Janetti).

That’s when The Bear delivers its final twist. The restaurant hasn’t just earned one Michelin Star — it has earned two. Even more surprising is the revelation that the real “Star Man” was Mr. Clark all along, the same guest from Season 4, Episode 3, “Scallop.” Back then, the staff treated him like any other customer, completely unaware that he was a Michelin inspector. Apart from Richie being his usual friendly self and the food being cooked to perfection, The Bear never goes out of its way to give Peter any special treatment. Instead, what leaves the biggest impression is seeing the team go above and beyond for another diner celebrating their recovery from cancer by serving one of the restaurant’s original beef sandwiches and creating makeshift snow outside as part of their dessert course.

Carmy Achieved More Than Just Michelin Stars

Image via FX

In the end, The Bear wasn’t awarded for its last service at all, but for one ordinary night when the staff was simply doing what they do best instead of worrying about impressing the “Star Man.” As Peter quietly watches the makeshift snow moment unfold from afar with a smile on his face, it becomes clear that it was the restaurant’s genuine hospitality — not a standout, one-night performance for an inspector — that left the biggest impression. That revelation makes the restaurant’s two Michelin stars feel even more rewarding.

But for Carmy, he gained more than just two Michelin stars. It all comes back to a flashback conversation with Mikey (Jon Bernthal) in the opening of Season 4, where Carmy explains to a skeptical Mikey why he wants to build a restaurant in the first place. He knows it’s hard, gnarly, and brutal, but he never set out to build a Michelin-starred restaurant. All he wanted was to create a place where they could take care of people, serve delicious food, and play good music—a place people would want to visit after a great day, and one they’d need even more after a bad one. Carmy may have walked away from the fine dining industry, but the moment he leaves The Bear, he can do so with pride. In the end, he fulfilled the promise he made to Mikey, and the restaurant’s two Michelin stars simply became proof that staying true to that vision was enough.

Advertisement

Release Date

Advertisement

2022 – 2026-00-00

Network

Hulu

Advertisement

Showrunner

Christopher Storer

Advertisement

Directors

Ramy Youssef

Writers

Advertisement

Catherine Schetina, Alex Russell, Karen Joseph Adcock, Sofya Levitsky-Weitz, Stacy Osei-Kuffour

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

One of the most iconic Studio Ghibli films is returning to theaters this month. Lately, a handful of Ghibli films have been given theatrical re-releases years after their original releases. Now, another one is making its way to the big screen for a limited time only.

Studio Ghibli is an award-winning animation studio founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Toshio Suzuki, Isao Takahata, and Yasuyoshi Tokuma. Its first feature film was Castle in the Sky, released in 1986. Since then, it has released over 20 feature films, including award-winning hits like Spirited Away and The Boy and the Heron, both of which won “Best Animated Feature” at the Academy Awards. Recently, films like Princess Mononoke and Kiki’s Delivery Service have returned to theaters for a limited release, and now another notable feature directed by Miyazaki is making its theatrical return.

My Neighbor Totoro is a 1988 animated feature that has grossed over $41 million worldwide. Directed by Miyazaki, it follows two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who discover mysterious spirits called susuwatari in their new home before befriending a large, gentle spirit they name “Totoro.” CBR reported that GKIDS and Fathom Entertainment announced a theatrical re-release of My Neighbor Totoro this July, in both English and Japanese dubs. Additionally, the theatrical re-release will feature a post-film bonus featurette titled “Creating My Neighbor Totoro.” The English dub of My Neighbor Totoro stars Dakota and Elle Fanning as Satsuki and Mei Kusakabe, Tim Daly (Superman: The Animated Series) as their father, Tatsuo Kusakabe, Lea Salonga (KPop Demon Hunters) as their mother, Yasuko Kusakabe, and Frank Welker (2019’s Aladdin) as Totoro and Catbus.

Is ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ Worth Watching?

Since its release, My Neighbor Totoro has become somewhat synonymous with the Studio Ghibli brand, with Totoro featured in the studio’s logo. Additionally, the film was praised, earning a 94% critic and audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 4.2-star rating on Letterboxd. According to critics, ScreenRant claimed My Neighbor Totoro is “a heartwarming and melancholy Ghibli masterpiece,” and many other outlets share the same sentiment. Others claimed that My Neighbor Totoro could “cross generations and cultural barriers” and that watching it would make viewers feel like a kid again. Meanwhile, audiences felt “enamored” after watching the movie and called My Neighbor Totoro a “timeless anime classic.” Some also note that the movie’s charm and innocent vibe make up for its lack of story.

My Neighbor Totoro enters theaters on July 11. You can stream the film on HBO Max and Prime Video. Follow Collider for more updates.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

April 16, 1988

Runtime

86 minutes

Advertisement

Producers

Tooru Hara, Toshio Suzuki

Advertisement

Advertisement

• 

  Noriko Hidaka

  Satsuki Kusakabe (voice)

• 

  Chika Sakamoto

  Advertisement

  Mei Kusakabe (voice)

Advertisement

Advertisement

Taylor Hicks is clarifying the seemingly flirty message he had for Kelly Clarkson.

“I think that’s manifested, not by Page Six or by us, but by somebody else,” the American Idol season 5 winner said in a Wednesday, July 1, interview with SiriusXM’s Page Six Radio.

Earlier this year, Hicks, 49, raised eyebrows when he flirtatiously responded to Clarkson’s revelation that she did not receive a car after winning the inaugural season of American Idol.

“I am a big fan of Kelly Clarkson and consider her one of the most incredible voices to emerge from American Idol,” Hicks told Page Six in March. “I would be more than happy to help her find a new Mustang.”

Related: ‘American Idol’ Winners: Where Are Fantasia Barrino and More Now?

American Idol paved the way for reality competition shows to help everyday people achieve their dreams of music stardom. The series premiered in 2002 on Fox with a star-studded judging panel consisting of Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. American Idol‘s freshman season introduced Kelly Clarkson, who would become the show’s first breakout star. […]

Hicks explained on Wednesday that he genuinely meant he wanted to pay it forward to Clarkson, 44, as she helped catapult the success of American Idol, paving the way for Hicks and other winners.

“As the show got bigger, Kelly, she was the first [winner]. She was the pioneer. So there [weren’t] that many sponsors. But when they got to my season, Carrie [Underwood]’s season … It was huge. It was such a big juggernaut. So there were a lot of sponsors,” the singer said. “We got a car, we got a Ford Mustang and Kelly didn’t. So I was like, ‘Let’s take Kelly shopping’ and they took it from there. But she’s a doll.”

During a March episode of Clarkson’s eponymous talk show, the “Since U Been Gone” singer revealed that the prize she got for winning American Idol was different from what she expected.

“I literally was on the show, and they were like, ‘Oh, you win a million dollars’ or whatever. No, you didn’t. It was, like, a million dollars worth of investment in you,” she said. “And then they said you get a car, and I needed it cause my car was bashed in, and I couldn’t afford the deductible. I did not get a car. And then Clay Aiken, who didn’t win the second season, got a car and his mom [also got a car]!”

While Clarkson did not get the American Idol prize she envisioned, her career has since flourished. Clarkson has earned three Grammys and 12 Daytime Emmys for her talk show, which will be coming to an end this fall.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Related: How ‘American Idol’ Prizes Have Changed Through the Years

Advertisement

Winning American Idol has been a dream come true for many singers, but the prizes have changed a lot over the years. Kelly Clarkson was crowned the singing competition’s inaugural winner in 2002. She reportedly walked away with a $1 million prize and a record deal with RCA Records, per Parade. In addition to the […]

As Clarkson has balanced a successful career, she is also the loving mother to daughter River Rose, 12, and son Remington, 10, whom she welcomed with late ex-husband Brandon Blackstock. (Blackstock died in August 2025 following a private battle with cancer. He was 48.)

Hicks applauded Clarkson for her “really great work ethic” as she has balanced everything that has been thrown at her.

“It’s not easy filming television, having two kids and then being able to mother without her ex-husband. Which is tough,” he said on Wednesday. “It’s a tough gig all around. But what a great run she had.”

Ashley Tisdale is reportedly hoping to turn her experience with a toxic mom group into a smash hit. The Disney Channel star is said to be partnering with Netflix to develop and executive produce a new half-hour comedy, “Toxic Moms,” loosely inspired by her real-life friendship breakup with a group of celebrity mothers, including Hilary Duff and Mandy Moore. Tisdale, known for her roles in “High School Musical” and “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody,” made headlines earlier this year when she opened up about leaving her group of moms after feeling excluded from their outings.

According to Deadline, Tisdale, in partnership with Sabrina Jalees and Ali Wong, will help create a new dark comedy series called “Toxic Moms” for Netflix.

It’s said to follow a “sleep-deprived” mother who’s recruited by a group of “cool, wealthy mothers.” Throughout the series, the lead character is said to discover her new clique’s “darker side,” prompting her to ask, “How far would you go to taste community?”

While the series hasn’t been greenlit just yet, if Netflix does pick it up, it would become the next production in the streamer’s lineup of series featuring female leads, including “Running Point,” “Nobody Wants This,” “The Survival of the Thickest,” and “North of North.”

This Could Be Ashley Tisdale’s Newest Project

Tisdale has been in the spotlight since the early 2000s after starring in several Disney productions. In addition to the aforementioned works, Tisdale also snagged a role as Candace in “Phineas & Ferb.”

Over the years, Tisdale starred in “Hellcats,” “Merry Happy Whatever,” and “Carol’s Second Act.” The mother of two also appeared in ABC Family’s “Young & Hungry” and, as of February 2026, secured a role in CBS’ new sitcom “You’re Only Young Twice.”

The latter is in early development and focuses on Emily (Tisdale) and Alex, a young couple who got pregnant and married in high school, and, at 35, have a child starting college.

“That means they can get divorced and start life all over again while they’re still young enough to enjoy it. Newly divorced empty-nesters, they stumble through dating, co-parenting, and maybe a second chance at love,” the show’s description reads, per Deadline.

More About Ashley Tisdale’s ‘Toxic’ Mom Group

Tisdale’s latest collaboration with Netflix comes after the actress and singer penned a personal essay for “The Cut,” detailing her decision to leave her “toxic” group of mom friends in the dust.

According to a previous report from The Blast, Tisdale wrote about being excited to initially connect with a group of high-profile moms. However, her joy quickly faded as she said she felt they began acting differently toward her over time.

She claimed that she noticed they were hanging out together on social media without her, adding, “Another time, at one of the mom’s dinner parties, I realized where I sat with her — which was at the end of the table, far from the rest of the women. I was starting to feel frozen out of the group, noticing every way that they seemed to exclude me.”

Ashley Tisdale Wrote Her Personal Essay To Offer Support

Tisdale said that she tried not to take the alleged snubs to heart, but revealed it was challenging not to. Eventually, the 41-year-old sent a text message to her group of friends, revealing she was leaving them behind.

Regarding her essay, Tisdale said she wrote it to offer support to other mothers facing similar drama.

“Motherhood has enough challenges without having to wonder if the people around you are on your side,” she wrote. “You deserve to go through motherhood with people who actually, you know, like you. And if you have to wonder if they do, here’s the hard-earned lesson I hope you’ll take to heart: It’s not the right group for you. Even if it looks like they’re having the best time on Instagram.”

Who Was Reportedly Part Of Tisdale’s Toxic Mom Group?

While she didn’t mention names, the internet deduced that Tisdale was speaking about celebs Mandy Moore and Hilary Duff.

While speaking with Andy Cohen, Moore responded to Tisdale’s essay, expressing disappointment that the Disney star made their issues public.

“It’s wild to have anybody talk about your life, and I know Hilary [Duff] has sort of mentioned this too,” Moore said. “It’s like we both have grown up in this business and had people dissect who we are and the choices we make and all of that, but this was something altogether different and decidedly way more upsetting.”

As excitement continues to build for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Sadie Sink has opened up about joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe and what it was like stepping onto the set alongside Tom Holland.

Speaking in a recent interview, Sink admitted that entering one of Hollywood’s biggest franchises was both exciting and intimidating. While she understood the massive popularity of Spider-Man before signing on, she quickly realized just how enormous the production truly was.

“I knew that Marvel was a big deal and had a big brand, especially Spider-Man,” she said. “I know there’s a huge fan base, but it feels really big. I think these blockbuster movies are a whole different beast.”

Joining a cast that had already spent years working together also left Sink feeling like an outsider at first, but she said Holland and the rest of the production made the transition incredibly easy.

“It was interesting stepping into that space and being a little bit of an outsider in that way, but he could not have been more welcoming, and just the whole crew in general.”

She went on to praise Holland’s personality, saying:

“He was just so relaxed and open, and I felt very at ease.”

While Marvel Studios continues to keep Sink’s role under wraps, the actress admitted that watching fans speculate about her mystery character has been an interesting experience. Many fans continue to believe she could be portraying Jean Grey, though neither Marvel nor Sink has confirmed those rumors.

Tom Holland [credit: Sony Pictures]

Advertisement

The actress also revealed that Marvel handled her casting with its trademark secrecy. Rather than auditioning for the role, Sink was reportedly offered the part directly following her previous collaboration with director Destin Daniel Cretton. She also wasn’t given the full script until she arrived in London to begin filming.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day picks up after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, with Peter Parker navigating a world where no one remembers his identity. The film stars Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Mark Ruffalo, and Sadie Sink, with the next chapter of Spider-Man’s story set to arrive in theaters on July 31.

With Sink praising Holland’s welcoming attitude and offering a glimpse into the scale and secrecy surrounding Marvel productions, anticipation for Spider-Man: Brand New Day continues to build as fans eagerly await the reveal of her mysterious role.

India Arie shared her opinion about Yung Miami‘s song ‘Spend Dat,’ and now the song’s producer is weighing in on the viral comments with a new video.

Controversy about the song erupted due to the track’s lyrics about scamming folks. It also advocates for spending money in abundance. After a fan called for a boycott of the song, ‘The Truth’ artist shared her opinion, and it sparked a debate after going viral.

RELATED: India Arie Clarifies Her Stance On Yung Miami’s ‘Spend Dat’ After Going Viral For Speaking On The Song’s Influence (UPDATE)

‘Spend Dat’ Producer J. White Did It Mixes Track With India Arie Record

India Arie responded to a fan on Threads saying the song should be boycotted. The artist advised folks to make wise choices while choosing what music to listen to.

The singer sparked an online debate about the track’s influence on the culture, and she later clarified that she was not calling for a boycott. The song’s producer also weighed in on the drama. 

On the evening of July 1, ‘Spend Dat’ producer J. White Did It shared a video on his Instagram page. The footage featured him dancing in a music studio to a blend of two of the artists’ songs.

White mixed Yung Miami’s ‘Spend Dat’ with Arie’s jam ‘Video,’ the it captures him singing along as he exclaimed, “Hey, heeeeey.”

Fans Spoke Out About The Video As Celebs Spoke Out About ‘Spend Dat’

Fans responded to White’s video, and the reactions were mixed.User @kmlstyling wrote, “Provoking and trolling ppl over an opinion is actually weird, to me.”@rahjawilliamss replied, “I’m still just intrigued at how ‘Spend Dat’ is where y’all draw the line…. But do yall thing I guess.”

user @tushay_ wrote, “This kinda proves her point .. idk though.”

@dijouncruz replied, “this was kinda corny, especially at his old age.. not the response J white was looking for 👎🏼.”

Over on Threads, @dreamstreamtelevision noted, “We so behind as a group of ppl it’s not even funny anymore… I call this genre of music bubblegum rap carry on.”

Singer Keri Hilson shared her opinion on the matter as well, allegedly. The ‘Knock You Down’ artist wrote a message on X on July 1, but she didn’t name names.

“If music can heal, music can harm too…”

White Was Unbothered While Responding To Folks After Catching Heat Online

Lil Wayne has finally addressed the controversy surrounding his missed performance after leaving thousands of concertgoers waiting without an explanation.

Fans were disappointed when the rapper didn’t appear at a much-anticipated performance, prompting many questions after the show. In his absence, rumors started to circulate regarding the incident.

Lil Wayne is now attempting to clear the air after publicly apologizing to disappointed fans. At the same time, fresh reports continue to shed light on what happened before and after the canceled appearance.

Lil Wayne broke his silence by apologizing directly to fans in Maine after failing to appear at his scheduled concert. In a message shared on his Instagram Story, the rapper told fans he was “so sorry” and confirmed that the performance had been rescheduled for July 28.

He advised ticket holders not to lose their tickets, as they will be valid for the new date. Lil Wayne also stated that more info would be sent directly to attendees via email as organizers ironed out the new plans.

The rapper concluded by expressing gratitude to the fans for their patience and assuring them that they would receive the justice they deserved. “I ain’t sh-t without you,” he wrote, adding that he looks forward to coming back to give Maine fans “the show you deserve.”

Fans Lashed Out After The No-Show 

Lil Wayne was supposed to do the headliner act at the Bangor Waterfront, but fans were surprised at the rapper’s absence. The rapper was supposed to follow 2 Chainz on the night, but instead the fans were told the show had been canceled after waiting much longer than the start time, as reported by The Blast.

Some of the attendees resorted to social media to vent their frustration over the organizers’ failure to let them know that the performance would not take place.

While some said the DJ was still hyping up Wayne’s arrival at the venue, others said the rapper didn’t make it to Maine and had even skipped rehearsals before the event.

A number of fans called the incident “unprofessional and disrespectful” and said the concert should have been canceled earlier on. This quickly made the rounds on the internet, and many asked, “Has the rapper let his fans down yet again?”

Lil Wayne Has A History Of Missed Shows

The latest cancellation also reignited discussion about Lil Wayne’s past concert no-shows. It was also noted that the rapper previously postponed a Toronto performance in 2025 due to illness and walked off stage during a Los Angeles show after becoming frustrated with the crowd.

Wayne had a history of missing events longer than that. Over the years, fans had been reminded of several canceled shows in Minneapolis, including one in the past due to security fears, and another that was said to have been axed because of mechanical problems with his plane.

While Wayne has apologized after a few earlier cancellations, many concert-going fans have expressed that the repeated interruptions have undermined respect for the rapper, making the Maine incident even more difficult to swallow.

White Party Sighting Deepens The Rapper’s Backlash 

Fans were further outraged after TMZ reported that the rapper went to Michael Rubin’s annual White Party in the Hamptons just hours after they learned he hadn’t made it to his planned appearance in Maine. Wayne was part of the cast of celebrities that graced the lineup, which included DJ Khaled, Kevin Durant, Jake Paul, and Alicia Keys.

Although it was noted there is no confirmation that the exclusive gathering was the reason behind the canceled concert, the timing sparked fresh criticism online. Many fans questioned how Wayne could skip a scheduled show without explanation, only to be seen celebrating at one of the summer’s biggest celebrity parties.

The report also pointed out that the missed Maine concert was not an isolated incident. With previous no-shows in Toronto, California, and Los Angeles still fresh in fans’ minds, many are now hoping Wayne follows through on his remaining tour dates after rescheduling the Maine performance for July 28.

Lil Wayne And Denise Bidot’s Relationship Ended In Public Allegations

Wayne’s personal life also made the news much longer than his current concert controversy. In May 2025, model Denise Bidot publicly accused the rapper of breaking up with her via a text message on Mother’s Day while she was still recovering from surgery.

According to The Blast, Bidot alleged that Wayne forced her and her daughter out of the home they shared and claimed he had been physically and emotionally abusive during their relationship. She also suggested other women had experienced similar treatment, though those allegations have not been publicly substantiated.

The couple’s relationship since going public in 2020 had been tumultuous, with some heartbreaks and reconciliations. The rapper didn’t publicly respond to Bidot’s accusations, but they brought a new level of controversy to his public persona.

Netflix just announced a scripted show about the murder of JonBenét Ramsey that might sound familiar after the series was originally meant to premiere at Paramount.

In July 2026, Netflix announced the new limited series The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey would be released later that year.

“The series centers on one of the most infamous unsolved murder cases in American history, and the devastating personal and public reckoning that followed the death of JonBenet Ramsey on Christmas night in 1996,” read the official synopsis.

True crime fans, however, remember that the series was previously referred to as Unspeakable: The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey when it was set for a release at Paramount+. According to Deadline, David C. Glasser’s 101 Studios had been in turnaround with the show since its original platform opted not to proceed with it late last year.

Related: Most Anticipated Scripted True Crime TV Shows Coming Out Soon

Getty Images (3); MEGA From the murder of JonBenét Ramsey to convicted killer Ed Gein, there’s several scripted true crime shows coming our way soon. Paramount+ recently announced a limited series that will cover the Ramsey family before and after JonBenet’s murder in 1996. The unnamed JonBenét Ramsey series specifically centers around parents John and […]

The show was commissioned by Paramount and got greenlit in March 2024. After casting commenced, the series was officially picked up by Paramount+ in September 2024 as production kicked off.

Filming wrapped in January 2025 — months before Paramount Global was acquired by Skydance Global. As a result, new leadership reviewed The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey and there were concerns after a version of the show was screened.

Deadline reported that a defamation lawsuit previously filed against CBS by Ramsey’s brother, Burke, could have played a role. (The lawsuit was previously settled.)

Amid the evaluation, 101 Studios closed a deal in late October 2025 to move from Paramount to NBCUniversal at the start of 2026. The production company then took their limited series and started shopping it, which is how it was acquired by Netflix.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Related: Where Is JonBenet Ramsey‘s Brother Burke? Inside His Life After Her Murder

Burke Ramsey was thrown into the public eye after his sister, JonBenét Ramsey, was murdered in 1996 — but where is he now? Ahead of Netflix’s Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey, which premieres on Monday, November 25, a Ramsey family member exclusively told Us Weekly about Burke’s whereabouts these days. “Burke had a very […]

Advertisement

Unspeakable: The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey was previously teased to be centered around parents John and Patsy dealing with the loss of their child as an investigation questions their involvement in her death.

“At the heart of the series, it is the story of Patsy and John Ramsey,” read a September 2024 press release. “Exploring the unbreakable partnership of these two complex people — as husband and wife, as mother and father — who had committed themselves and their children to building the narrative of a perfect, privileged life only to have it destroyed one Christmas night in 1996.”

Patsy and John are set to be played by Melissa McCarthy and Clive Owen, respectively. The series also stars Garrett Hedlund, Alison Pill, Owen Teague, Shea Whigham and Will Patton. The role of Burke has yet to be announced.

By Robert Scucci
| Published 9 seconds ago

If there’s one thing I love more than a reluctant hero who’s clearly a master of their craft, it’s the exact opposite: a bunch of willing participants in a heist who are absolutely terrible at what they do. Both character archetypes scratch the same itch because the situational humor pretty much writes itself. Killing Mary Sue (2025) is beautiful because its hero is actually a sleeper agent, but all she wants to do is play video games, party, and pass out. 1996’s Bottle Rocket, on the other hand, features some of the dumbest criminals you’ve ever seen, and they sincerely believe their 75-year plan involving small-time, poorly planned robberies will be enough to sustain them until retirement.

Kicking off Wes Anderson’s career two years before Rushmore started making its rounds, Bottle Rocket is a tight comedy thriller in which its protagonists constantly have to adjust their plans. It greatly benefits from Owen and Luke Wilson playing best friends because their familiarity as brothers makes for natural, seemingly effortless chemistry as they continually shoot themselves in the foot for the love of the game.

From The Loony Bin To Planning Heists

It doesn’t take long for Bottle Rocket to establish its bumbling protagonists. Dignan (Owen Wilson) shows up at the mental institution where his best friend Anthony (Luke Wilson) is staying. Anthony isn’t committed, but is there voluntarily because of his ongoing “exhaustion.” Against medical advice, Dignan has Anthony released into his custody and immediately makes his intentions clear.

The two of them, with the help of Dignan’s friend Bob Mapplethorpe (Robert Musgrave), plan a practice heist at Anthony’s house, stealing a list of predetermined items and assessing their efficiency when it comes to breaking and entering. Even this operation, while not sloppy enough to get the law involved, goes terribly wrong because Dignan is already skimming off the top, revealing just how weak their dream team really is.

Heck, the only reason Bob’s involved in the first place isn’t even a matter of trust. He just happens to be the only person they know with a working car.

Dignan’s main goal in Bottle Rocket is to reconnect with his former accomplice, Mr. Henry (James Caan), who he hopes will help him build his criminal enterprise. Along the way, after robbing a bookstore of all places and laying low at a motel, Dignan and Anthony are stranded when Bob, who I need to remind you is the only person with a car, bails to help his brother after the authorities discover their marijuana crop; something he should have probably let them know about before associating with him.

During their brief stay, Anthony falls in love with a motel maid named Inez, who doesn’t speak a lick of English. Before leaving the motel and stealing a car that immediately breaks down, Anthony gives all the money from their previous robberies to Inez as a parting gift, which naturally causes tension between him and Dignan.

It goes on like this …

The Ultimate Comedy Of Errors

In some ways, Bottle Rocket reminds me of 2013’s Blue Ruin for one specific reason. In that film, a man seeks revenge for the death of his parents, but he’s just an average guy, not some jacked up John Wick type. He’s not dumb, and the film isn’t a comedy; he’s simply never lived a vigilante lifestyle and never stopped to think through every possible consequence before kicking off his violent odyssey. “What could go wrong when you slash a tire but the car it’s attached to becomes your only getaway vehicle?” or “I just punched through a window and now my hand is really messed up,” are exactly the kinds of problems Macon Blair’s Dwight Evans runs into in Blue Ruin.

Bottle Rocket operates on that same internal logic, except it’s played for laughs. These guys are so shortsighted that it’s tragic, but they’re also such a walking, talking embodiment of the Dunning-Kruger effect that it makes for inherently fantastic comedy. It all culminates in an elaborate cold storage facility heist that goes exactly how you’d expect, but you’ll still be surprised by just how badly they screw everything up in every conceivable way.

It’s almost poetic just how bad the criminals in Bottle Rocket are at crime, and it’s a must-see, especially if you’re a fan of Anderson’s work but don’t often revisit his earlier films.

As of this writing, you can stream Bottle Rocket for free on Tubi.