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Entertainment

X-Files Spent A Small Fortune To Create The Series’ Most Iconic Images

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X-Files Spent A Small Fortune To Create The Series’ Most Iconic Images

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published

What do you think are the most iconic images related to The X-Files? Honestly, my vote would probably go to that old Rolling Stone cover where Mulder and Scully are in bed together (yes, I had the poster in my childhood bedroom and no, I won’t be answering any questions). If I had to pick images from the show, though, I’d probably go with the countless shots of these plucky FBI agents shining their flashlights down dark corridors. The X-Files was basically a horror show already, and whenever the flashlights came out, I’d sit on the edge of my seat, waiting for some creepy critter to pop out of the shadows.

While Mulder and Scully were always tracking down weird, paranormal phenomena, the flashlights themselves sometimes seemed supernatural. After all, those things were far brighter than anything you can buy at a local store. In fact, they often seemed brighter than the brightest car headlights. The lights were so bright that you might be forgiven for thinking they were a special effect. They weren’t CGI or anything, but they were so expensive that they might as well have been. You see, starting in the Season 2 episode “Sleepless,” The X-Files began using specialized flashlights that cost a small fortune, but the visual effect on the screen is absolutely priceless.  

Lights, Camera, Aliens

So, some of you are likely reading this right now and asking a very straightforward question: “what’s so special about the flashlights in The X-Files?” To best understand the answer, try turning off all the lights and record yourself shining a flashlight in the room. For most flashlights, you don’t really see the actual beam of light. Instead, you just see the area you are pointing at lighting up. However, The X-Files famously has scene after scene where Mulder and Scully are shining their flashlights, and we see very distinct beams of light that stretch into the ominous darkness, creating some of the series’ most iconic shots.

How did the X-Files crew achieve this effect? By throwing money at the problem, of course! Starting with the Season 2 episode “Sleepless,” the crew began using special Xenon flashlights. They were purchased at the insistence of episode director Rob Bowman, who (according to the special features on the Season 2 DVD set) wanted to “have plenty of exposure in absolute blackness.” It worked better than the director could have dreamed of, with each device creating its own very distinct tunnel of light. The result was a beautiful visual effect, but it didn’t come cheap. These flashlights cost a cool $7500, and they could very easily be broken.

Mulder, Scully, And…Tin Foil?

This was money well spent, as the sight of Mulder and Scully regularly shining those tunnels of light into the darkness became one of The X-Files’ signature images. However, there was just one problem: the lights were so bright that they transformed the actors into silhouettes. For the climax of “Sleepless,” Bowman found a solution: he’d crumple up pieces of tinfoil and put them around the darkened set. The crumpling diffused the reflection, allowing the director to softly light the actors’ faces as needed. “The actors were able to, while they’re searching around, just hit that piece of foil and get a little exposure on their face,” Bowman said.

Mulder always insisted that “the truth is out there.” Now, you X-Philes have the truth of exactly how the show created its most iconic visual effect. Those Xenon flashlights cost a small fortune. To put this in ‘90s terms, they cost as much as 2.5 of the spiffiest uniforms on Star Trek: The Next Generation. But the investment was worth it because these lights transformed even the simplest scenes into something dramatic and foreboding. Onscreen, Mulder was always hoping that his own flashlight would reveal an alien. Offscreen, though, we now know another truth: that David Duchovny spent most of these scenes lighting up crumpled pieces of tinfoil!

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OnlyFans’ Lena the Plug, Adam22’s Divorce Details Revealed

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GettyImages-1900523586 OnlyFans Lena the Plug and Adam22s Divorce Details Revealed

OnlyFans star Lena the Plug and her estranged husband Adam22’s financial assets have been revealed as part of their shocking divorce.

The OnlyFans content creator (real name Lena Nersesian) filed for divorce from YouTuber Adam22 (real name Adam Grandmaison) on her 35th birthday on Monday, June 1. The former couple were married for three years and share a 5-year-old daughter.

In light of their divorce proceedings, Us Weekly obtained court documents filed by Lena that shed light on her and Adam22’s financial assets. The OnlyFans star listed her and Adam22’s $1.152 million in real estate as their largest asset and requested half of its evaluation at $576,000. (Lena currently resides in a Studio City home with her daughter.)

Lena asked a Los Angeles Superior Court to let her keep the entirety of her and Adam22’s household furniture and appliances, valued at $50,000. She sought $20,000 worth of jewelry, art and collectibles as well.

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The content creator specified that she and Adam22 had $100,000 in their savings account — of which she sought an equitable share of $50,000, plus half of the $5,000 that she and Adam22 had on hand in cash.

Lena proposed equally splitting the $40,000 value of her and Adam 22’s two podcasts — ”No Jumper” and “Plug Talk” — while keeping $20,000 that her own social media is estimated to be worth.

In total, Lena asked to keep approximately $730,000 in assets as part of her divorce filings.

Us Weekly has reached out to representatives for both parties for comment.

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On Wednesday, June 3, Lena officially sought legal and physical custody of her and Adam22’s daughter. In her divorce petition, Lena listed April 15 as the date of separation.

She reported to the court that she had no job and was dependent on $3,000 in monthly spousal support from Adam22.

“I have no access to any financial resources in this marriage or actual financial information, so all amounts entered are estimates,” she wrote.

GettyImages-1900523586 OnlyFans Lena the Plug and Adam22s Divorce Details Revealed

Adam22 and Lena The Plug on December 31, 2023.
Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Creators Inc.

Both Adam22 and Lena have seemingly addressed their split in recent days. Lena opened up about growth in her personal life via Instagram on the same day that she filed for divorce.

“A few years ago, I was terrified of turning 30. I thought getting older meant something was ending. Instead, it’s been the opposite,” she wrote in honor of her 35th birthday on June 1. “I’ve learned more about myself, built a life I’m proud of, and found a level of contentment I didn’t know was possible.”

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She went on, “If my 30s have taught me anything, it’s that life keeps getting better. Here’s to the next five years. And thank you for being part of the journey.”

Adam22 seemed to make light of his estranged wife’s divorce filing, asking via his Instagram Story on Thursday, “All Black women who want to date me please DM me. I will buy you a car.”

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He also posted the word “freedom” in an Instagram Story set to Jay-Z’s hit “Girls, Girls, Girls.”

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35 Best Gay/LGBTQ+ Movies of All Time, Ranked

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Kaia Gerber and Rachel Sennott looking at each other on the bed in Bottoms

Cinema lovers should always strive to celebrate diversity in film. It might’ve taken long – too long, in fact – but cinema is becoming more inclusive, celebrating stories about every identity in the wide and colorful sexual spectrum. Going back to the New Hollywood Age, stories about LGBTQ+ people have been around, often standing as groundbreaking and pioneering efforts, especially at a time when such films remained controversial and scarce.

Nowadays, representation is much healthier and standardized, with writers, directors, and producers making real and tangible efforts to increase LGBTQ+ presence in mainstream cinema. Fortunately, their efforts have paid off. From certified classics about the seemingly never-ending struggles facing the community to lighthearted comedies about the nuances of gay life, these efforts represent landmark achievements in representation and stand as the best LGBTQ+ films of all time.

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35

‘Bottoms’ (2023)

Kaia Gerber and Rachel Sennott looking at each other on the bed in Bottoms
Kaia Gerber and Rachel Sennott looking at each other on the bed in Bottoms
Image via MGM

Taking an LGBTQ+ approach to the classic style of raunchy, over-the-top coming-of-age romcoms that defined the 2000s, Bottoms acts as both a love letter to this classic era of teen movies and a love letter to modern LGBTQ+ film fans. The movie follows unpopular queer best friends PJ and Josie, who, in an attempt to gain some popularity and recognition from the hot girls at their school, decide to start a fight club. While their plan initially works, with the fight club rising in popularity, it doesn’t take long before the vicious jocks become the target of these self-defense lessons, with them going out of their way to destroy the club.

Bottoms feels tailor-made for the more zany, younger audience of LGBTQ+ youth that has grown up with this style of raunchy comedy and wants to see a version that’s both made for them and goes even farther with its chaotic antics. It’s no secret that the film has become an immediate fan favorite among younger, social media-centric film fans, with its relatable characters and instantly quotable dialogue cementing its status as a cult classic for years to come. – Robert Lee

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34

‘My Own Private Idaho’ (1991)

Keanu Reeves as Scott holding River Phoenix as Mikey in My Own Private Idaho
Keanu Reeves as Scott holding River Phoenix as Mikey in My Own Private Idaho
Image via Fine Line Features

Gus Van Sant came to the Hollywood scene in the late ’80s as part of the new wave of indie filmmakers about to take over the business.1991’s My Own Private Idaho, a loose adaptation of Shakespeare’s Henry saga, stars the late River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves as two friends on an extensive journey of self-discovery, nostalgia, and coming-of-age.

My Own Private Idaho was a breakthrough at a time when queer cinema was beginning to claim a spot in mainstream cinema. Powered by Phoenix’s quiet, subtle, melancholic performance, My Own Private Idaho is a delicate, introspective, and sad reflection on identity and self-discovery that stands as a pioneering achievement of queer cinema.

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33

‘The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love’ (1995)

A trio of women standing outside in 'The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love'

A beautiful story of love and passion that was a massive rarity among movies during the 90s, The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love follows the blossoming love story between Randy and Evie. Both girls come from completely different worlds and economic classes, yet despite their differences, find themselves helplessly drawn to one another in a beautiful display of passion and romance. Despite the divides and pushback they receive from their community and even their own families, they stick to their guns in the name of this true, unexpected love that they’ve fostered.

While sapphic romances weren’t completely removed from making appearances during the ’90s in film, the culture of the era simply hadn’t grown to be as accepting as it is nowadays. This makes it all the more special that a film like The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love exists, being able to use the strengths of the romantic comedy genre in the ’90s to create an emotional and powerful lesbian love story. While many other films would have their LGBTQ+ relationships as the butt of jokes during the era or treat these characters in a bad light, this film treats this love as something pure, honest, and undeniable. – Robert Lee

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32

‘But I’m A Cheerleader’ (1999)

Natasha Lyonne and Clea DuVall as Megan and Graham about to kiss in But I'm a Cheerleader Image via Lionsgate Films

The 1990s were great for campy movies, but few have become as influential for the millennial generation as Jamie Babbit‘s 1999 satirical teen comedy, But I’m a Cheerleader. Natasha Lyonne stars as Megan, a popular girl sent to a conversion camp after her parents suspect her of being a lesbian. Dealing with her sexual identity, Megan becomes close to Graham, a fellow girl at the camp played by Clea DuVall.

Deliciously funny and tongue-in-cheek, But I’m a Cheerleader is a clever and self-aware comedy about the intricacies and struggles of coming out. Opting for a campy approach to a deeply serious subject, the film finds humor in one of the most challenging moments in a queer person’s life, thus finding new power in the experience.

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31

‘The Living End’ (1992)

Mike Dytri in Gregg Araki's The Living End (1992).
Mike Dytri in Gregg Araki’s The Living End (1992).
Image via Cineplex Odeon Films

The 1992 drama The Living End is another example of the New Queer Cinema of the 1990s. The plot centers on two men, Luke, a dissatisfied grifter, and Jon, a meek film critic, who embark on a journey of liberation and recklessness after Luke kills a homophobic cop.

Drawing inspiration from Ridley Scott‘s groundbreaking ode to feminism, Thelma and Louise, The Living End was an empowering and disruptive film, especially during the early 90s. The film deals with queer themes crucial at the time, including HIV and homophobia. Sexy, chaotic, and ultimately rewarding, The Living End is an achievement of queer cinema that paved the way for many future films.

Advertisement

30

‘To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar’ (1995)

John Leguizamo, Wesley Snipes, and Patrick Swayze as Chi-Chi, Noxeema, and Vida turning to their left from inside a convertible in To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar
The cast of To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar
Image via Universal Pictures

The late Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, and John Leguizamo star in the 1995 comedy To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar. The plot follows three New York drag queens – Vida, Noxeema, and Chi-Chi – stranded in a small town while traveling to Hollywood.

Along with other films from around the same time, To Wong Foo was a major turning point for queer cinema. Swayze and Snipes were major movie stars known for their conventionally manly roles; seeing them starring in an LGBTQ+ film and spending the entirety of the film in drag was not insignificant. To Wong Foo is far from perfect, a tame and superficial look into drag culture; however, it remains a fun and impressive achievement that successfully brought drag into the mainstream.

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29

‘I Saw the TV Glow’ (2024)

Ian Foreman stands under a bi flag parachute while children dance around him.
Ian Foreman standing under a parachute with the colors of the bi flag, while several other children dance around him.
Image via A24

One of the most notable and exemplary transgender allegories in the genre, I Saw the TV Glow secures director Jane Schoenbrun’s status as a modern master of LGBTQ+ filmmaking. The film follows the story of anxious teenager Owen, who finds an unexpected refuge and escape from the pains of life through a spooky television show called “The Pink Opaque.” However, as Owen reflects upon his youth and experiences watching the show with his friend, Maddy, the lines between reality and fantasy begin to blur together.

While the film’s LGBTQ+ nature is much more tied to symbolism and themes than direct mention by characters, said symbolism and allegory manage to be so overwhelmingly confident that it’s near-impossible to not notice the film’s transgender themes. The film brilliantly uses the concepts of dysmorphia as fuel for its dread and horror, creating a cycle where its characters feel trapped inside a body and life that isn’t their own, slowly dying as a result. The film will only continue to be a mainstay for modern LGBTQ+ horror, as it has already amassed a massive and dedicated selection of fans. – Robert Lee

Advertisement

28

‘Pink Flamingos’ (1972)

Divine aiming a gun at something off-camera in Pink Flamingos. Image via New Line Cinema

John Waters is the arbiter of poor taste. The director is infamous for his inflammatory films that offer a campy, excessive, and often disruptive look at queer culture, mocking traditional values and finding the sweet spot between art, camp, and outright sleaze. Nowhere is this remarkable approach more obvious than in his 1972 classic Pink Flamingos.

The film follows notorious drag queen Divine, the self-described “filthiest person alive,” whose title gets challenged by the Marbles, a pair of cheap criminals. Pink Flamingos is not an easy watch – in fact, many might consider it among the all-time sickest movies. However, there’s plenty to admire in its ballsy approach and desire to willfully challenge conventions and notions about appropriate behavior. Pink Flamingos was a major hit in the underground circuit, helping to build a much-needed sense of community during a particularly challenging time.

Advertisement

27

‘The Boys in the Band’ (1970)

The cast of The Boys in the Band (1970)
The Boys in the Band (1970)
Image Via National General Pictures

The 1970 drama The Boys in the Band was a stepping stone in queer cinema’s ongoing journey. Based on Mart Crowley’s eponymous play, the film follows a group of gay men gathering for a party at an Upper East Side apartment. Tensions rise after an unexpected arrival, leading the party into chaos.

Pessimistic, gloomy, and harrowing, The Boys in the Band is not exactly pleasant. However, the film is a major entry in queer cinema, standing as one of the earliest mainstream films to revolve around gay characters. The Boys in the Band offers a decidedly cynical portrayal of the gay community, but its insights into the characters’ self-loathing, doubts, and repression undoubtedly rang true to many in the original 1970s audience – unfortunately, it still rings true today.

Advertisement

26

‘The Favourite’ (2018)

Rachel Weisz and Olivia Colman as Sarah Churchill and Queen Anne in The Favourite
Rachel Weisz and Olivia Colman as Sarah Churchill and Queen Anne in The Favourite
Image via Searchlight Pictures

A trio of mighty performers star in the deliciously wicked comedy The Favourite. Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, and Rachel Weisz star in the film about two cunning and manipulative women vying for the attention of the vulnerable, unstable, and fragile Queen Anne of England.

Sharp, unapologetic, biting, and darkly funny, The Favourite is a stellar achievement of modern queer cinema. Strengthened by a trio of titanic performances from its three leads, the film finds the ideal balance between dark comedy, period drama, and timely subtext, resulting in one of the most complex, layered, and outright hilarious queer films in recent memory.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Entertainment

35 Best Gay/LGBTQ+ Movies of All Time, Ranked

Published

on

Kaia Gerber and Rachel Sennott looking at each other on the bed in Bottoms

Cinema lovers should always strive to celebrate diversity in film. It might’ve taken long – too long, in fact – but cinema is becoming more inclusive, celebrating stories about every identity in the wide and colorful sexual spectrum. Going back to the New Hollywood Age, stories about LGBTQ+ people have been around, often standing as groundbreaking and pioneering efforts, especially at a time when such films remained controversial and scarce.

Nowadays, representation is much healthier and standardized, with writers, directors, and producers making real and tangible efforts to increase LGBTQ+ presence in mainstream cinema. Fortunately, their efforts have paid off. From certified classics about the seemingly never-ending struggles facing the community to lighthearted comedies about the nuances of gay life, these efforts represent landmark achievements in representation and stand as the best LGBTQ+ films of all time.

Advertisement

35

‘Bottoms’ (2023)

Kaia Gerber and Rachel Sennott looking at each other on the bed in Bottoms
Kaia Gerber and Rachel Sennott looking at each other on the bed in Bottoms
Image via MGM

Taking an LGBTQ+ approach to the classic style of raunchy, over-the-top coming-of-age romcoms that defined the 2000s, Bottoms acts as both a love letter to this classic era of teen movies and a love letter to modern LGBTQ+ film fans. The movie follows unpopular queer best friends PJ and Josie, who, in an attempt to gain some popularity and recognition from the hot girls at their school, decide to start a fight club. While their plan initially works, with the fight club rising in popularity, it doesn’t take long before the vicious jocks become the target of these self-defense lessons, with them going out of their way to destroy the club.

Bottoms feels tailor-made for the more zany, younger audience of LGBTQ+ youth that has grown up with this style of raunchy comedy and wants to see a version that’s both made for them and goes even farther with its chaotic antics. It’s no secret that the film has become an immediate fan favorite among younger, social media-centric film fans, with its relatable characters and instantly quotable dialogue cementing its status as a cult classic for years to come. – Robert Lee

Advertisement

34

‘My Own Private Idaho’ (1991)

Keanu Reeves as Scott holding River Phoenix as Mikey in My Own Private Idaho
Keanu Reeves as Scott holding River Phoenix as Mikey in My Own Private Idaho
Image via Fine Line Features

Gus Van Sant came to the Hollywood scene in the late ’80s as part of the new wave of indie filmmakers about to take over the business.1991’s My Own Private Idaho, a loose adaptation of Shakespeare’s Henry saga, stars the late River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves as two friends on an extensive journey of self-discovery, nostalgia, and coming-of-age.

My Own Private Idaho was a breakthrough at a time when queer cinema was beginning to claim a spot in mainstream cinema. Powered by Phoenix’s quiet, subtle, melancholic performance, My Own Private Idaho is a delicate, introspective, and sad reflection on identity and self-discovery that stands as a pioneering achievement of queer cinema.

Advertisement

33

‘The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love’ (1995)

A trio of women standing outside in 'The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love'

A beautiful story of love and passion that was a massive rarity among movies during the 90s, The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love follows the blossoming love story between Randy and Evie. Both girls come from completely different worlds and economic classes, yet despite their differences, find themselves helplessly drawn to one another in a beautiful display of passion and romance. Despite the divides and pushback they receive from their community and even their own families, they stick to their guns in the name of this true, unexpected love that they’ve fostered.

While sapphic romances weren’t completely removed from making appearances during the ’90s in film, the culture of the era simply hadn’t grown to be as accepting as it is nowadays. This makes it all the more special that a film like The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love exists, being able to use the strengths of the romantic comedy genre in the ’90s to create an emotional and powerful lesbian love story. While many other films would have their LGBTQ+ relationships as the butt of jokes during the era or treat these characters in a bad light, this film treats this love as something pure, honest, and undeniable. – Robert Lee

Advertisement

32

‘But I’m A Cheerleader’ (1999)

Natasha Lyonne and Clea DuVall as Megan and Graham about to kiss in But I'm a Cheerleader Image via Lionsgate Films

The 1990s were great for campy movies, but few have become as influential for the millennial generation as Jamie Babbit‘s 1999 satirical teen comedy, But I’m a Cheerleader. Natasha Lyonne stars as Megan, a popular girl sent to a conversion camp after her parents suspect her of being a lesbian. Dealing with her sexual identity, Megan becomes close to Graham, a fellow girl at the camp played by Clea DuVall.

Deliciously funny and tongue-in-cheek, But I’m a Cheerleader is a clever and self-aware comedy about the intricacies and struggles of coming out. Opting for a campy approach to a deeply serious subject, the film finds humor in one of the most challenging moments in a queer person’s life, thus finding new power in the experience.

Advertisement

31

‘The Living End’ (1992)

Mike Dytri in Gregg Araki's The Living End (1992).
Mike Dytri in Gregg Araki’s The Living End (1992).
Image via Cineplex Odeon Films

The 1992 drama The Living End is another example of the New Queer Cinema of the 1990s. The plot centers on two men, Luke, a dissatisfied grifter, and Jon, a meek film critic, who embark on a journey of liberation and recklessness after Luke kills a homophobic cop.

Drawing inspiration from Ridley Scott‘s groundbreaking ode to feminism, Thelma and Louise, The Living End was an empowering and disruptive film, especially during the early 90s. The film deals with queer themes crucial at the time, including HIV and homophobia. Sexy, chaotic, and ultimately rewarding, The Living End is an achievement of queer cinema that paved the way for many future films.

Advertisement

30

‘To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar’ (1995)

John Leguizamo, Wesley Snipes, and Patrick Swayze as Chi-Chi, Noxeema, and Vida turning to their left from inside a convertible in To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar
The cast of To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar
Image via Universal Pictures

The late Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, and John Leguizamo star in the 1995 comedy To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar. The plot follows three New York drag queens – Vida, Noxeema, and Chi-Chi – stranded in a small town while traveling to Hollywood.

Along with other films from around the same time, To Wong Foo was a major turning point for queer cinema. Swayze and Snipes were major movie stars known for their conventionally manly roles; seeing them starring in an LGBTQ+ film and spending the entirety of the film in drag was not insignificant. To Wong Foo is far from perfect, a tame and superficial look into drag culture; however, it remains a fun and impressive achievement that successfully brought drag into the mainstream.

Advertisement

29

‘I Saw the TV Glow’ (2024)

Ian Foreman stands under a bi flag parachute while children dance around him.
Ian Foreman standing under a parachute with the colors of the bi flag, while several other children dance around him.
Image via A24

One of the most notable and exemplary transgender allegories in the genre, I Saw the TV Glow secures director Jane Schoenbrun’s status as a modern master of LGBTQ+ filmmaking. The film follows the story of anxious teenager Owen, who finds an unexpected refuge and escape from the pains of life through a spooky television show called “The Pink Opaque.” However, as Owen reflects upon his youth and experiences watching the show with his friend, Maddy, the lines between reality and fantasy begin to blur together.

While the film’s LGBTQ+ nature is much more tied to symbolism and themes than direct mention by characters, said symbolism and allegory manage to be so overwhelmingly confident that it’s near-impossible to not notice the film’s transgender themes. The film brilliantly uses the concepts of dysmorphia as fuel for its dread and horror, creating a cycle where its characters feel trapped inside a body and life that isn’t their own, slowly dying as a result. The film will only continue to be a mainstay for modern LGBTQ+ horror, as it has already amassed a massive and dedicated selection of fans. – Robert Lee

Advertisement

28

‘Pink Flamingos’ (1972)

Divine aiming a gun at something off-camera in Pink Flamingos. Image via New Line Cinema

John Waters is the arbiter of poor taste. The director is infamous for his inflammatory films that offer a campy, excessive, and often disruptive look at queer culture, mocking traditional values and finding the sweet spot between art, camp, and outright sleaze. Nowhere is this remarkable approach more obvious than in his 1972 classic Pink Flamingos.

The film follows notorious drag queen Divine, the self-described “filthiest person alive,” whose title gets challenged by the Marbles, a pair of cheap criminals. Pink Flamingos is not an easy watch – in fact, many might consider it among the all-time sickest movies. However, there’s plenty to admire in its ballsy approach and desire to willfully challenge conventions and notions about appropriate behavior. Pink Flamingos was a major hit in the underground circuit, helping to build a much-needed sense of community during a particularly challenging time.

Advertisement

27

‘The Boys in the Band’ (1970)

The cast of The Boys in the Band (1970)
The Boys in the Band (1970)
Image Via National General Pictures

The 1970 drama The Boys in the Band was a stepping stone in queer cinema’s ongoing journey. Based on Mart Crowley’s eponymous play, the film follows a group of gay men gathering for a party at an Upper East Side apartment. Tensions rise after an unexpected arrival, leading the party into chaos.

Pessimistic, gloomy, and harrowing, The Boys in the Band is not exactly pleasant. However, the film is a major entry in queer cinema, standing as one of the earliest mainstream films to revolve around gay characters. The Boys in the Band offers a decidedly cynical portrayal of the gay community, but its insights into the characters’ self-loathing, doubts, and repression undoubtedly rang true to many in the original 1970s audience – unfortunately, it still rings true today.

Advertisement

26

‘The Favourite’ (2018)

Rachel Weisz and Olivia Colman as Sarah Churchill and Queen Anne in The Favourite
Rachel Weisz and Olivia Colman as Sarah Churchill and Queen Anne in The Favourite
Image via Searchlight Pictures

A trio of mighty performers star in the deliciously wicked comedy The Favourite. Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, and Rachel Weisz star in the film about two cunning and manipulative women vying for the attention of the vulnerable, unstable, and fragile Queen Anne of England.

Sharp, unapologetic, biting, and darkly funny, The Favourite is a stellar achievement of modern queer cinema. Strengthened by a trio of titanic performances from its three leads, the film finds the ideal balance between dark comedy, period drama, and timely subtext, resulting in one of the most complex, layered, and outright hilarious queer films in recent memory.

Advertisement

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Continue Reading

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“The View” cohosts slam Tennessee's 'Nuclear Family Month' during LGBTQ Pride: 'Lesbians will beat your ass!'

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“Dolly Parton is weeping,” guest cohost Kara Swisher said of the star’s home state, after a conservative tweeted “homosexuality has no place in America.”

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Andie MacDowell’s Shiny Silver Loafers Style Is on Amazon

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Metallics and slip-on shoes are both trending right now. Leave it to Andie MacDowell to combine the two. Ever since she stepped out in shiny silver loafers last month, ‘it’ girls are copying the look for everything from casual errands to fancy dinners. We’re doing the same — for under $50!

Metallic loafers are one of this summer’s biggest trends already, and MacDowell practically wrote the rulebook. She strolled into the Cannes Film Festival looking refreshingly simple, wearing a crisp blue shirtdress and easy, sleek loafers that caught the Mediterranean light just right. No towering heels, just pure, effortless polish.

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Get the Beauseen Leather Penny Loafers for $47 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

These Beauseen Leather Penny Loafers have that same liquid-metal shine and classic round shape, and they’re sitting on Amazon for $47. Real leather, intricate stitching and a classic penny strap are just a few highlights.

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Related: PSA! Amazon Prime Day 2026 Is Coming Early This Year

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The anticipation is over! We usually have to wait until July for Amazon Prime Day, but the summer savings event is kicking off early (and we mean early) this year. Prime Day 2026 is June 23, 2026, through June 26, 2026, giving you four full days to save big on rich mom fashion, viral beauty […]

Better yet, these stylish shoes are designed with an anti-slip sole, so you can actually walk on cobblestones and slick city sidewalks. The inside is just as notable, featuring a plush insole with real arch support that carries you through dinner, drinks and the walk back.

One happy shopper wrote, “I teach and am on my feet all day and it’s very hard to find comfortable shoes. The material is soft-soft, my feet don’t sweat and they last. I’ve always bought the loafers that are $100 plus from department stores and these hold up better than any of them.”

MacDowell’s Cannes outfit is a reminder that sophistication isn’t about suffering. It’s about finding pieces that feel as good as they look, and these wear-everywhere loafers are the perfect example. Comfy, chic and so ready for summer, they’ll certainly be your most-worn shoes this season.

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Get the Beauseen Leather Penny Loafers for $47 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Not what you’re looking for? Shop other summer shoes and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

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Related: Skip Chunky Sneakers — These Rich Mom Walking Sandals Are Comfier

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‘Walking’ and ‘sandals’ might feel like contradictory terms, and for a while, they were. But it’s 2026. Designers have finally heard our wishes, creating chic walking sandals that deliver the support of sneakers with the style of summer. They’re still hard to come by, but we found 15 comfy sandals that effortlessly balance comfort and […]

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Stefon Diggs Reveals Where He Stands With Cardi B Now

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Cardi B at the 2025 Grammy Awards

Stefon Diggs is setting the record straight after a public argument with Cardi B sparked speculation about their relationship status. 

The NFL star addressed the viral confrontation weeks after the pair were seen having a tense exchange outside a Maryland coffee shop and gym. 

While the incident fueled breakup rumors, Diggs insists there is no bad blood between them. His latest comments come after a whirlwind year that included a romance, a child, a split, and an unexpected reunion.

Stefon Diggs brushed off concerns about the heated exchange that made headlines last month, insisting that things between him and Cardi B are still good. 

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In a video published on Wednesday, the 32-year-old athlete spoke with TMZ and was asked about his current relationship with the rapper following their very public disagreement.

Diggs made it clear that he still has deep affection for Cardi B, saying, “That’s my child’s mother. I love her to death.” 

When pressed for more details about where they stand today, however, he declined to speak for her, adding, “You have to ask her.”

The football player also downplayed the seriousness of the confrontation itself. Asked about the explosive argument that was caught on camera, Diggs responded, “What argument? I don’t even think that was an argument,” while pointing out that he remained calm throughout the interaction.

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Diggs Says He And Cardi B Are Still ‘Great’

Although paparazzi noted that Cardi B appeared considerably more animated during the encounter, Stefan Diggs refused to characterize the moment as a major dispute. 

After TMZ suggested the Grammy-winning artist looked fairly fired up, he simply replied, “That’s okay … women get like that sometimes.”

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Despite the attention surrounding the footage, Diggs repeatedly emphasized that there is no ongoing tension between the two. He described their current relationship status in simple terms, insisting they are “great.”

His comments came after fans were left confused by the pair’s recent public appearances. Diggs and Cardi B shocked followers when they reunited in May and packed on the PDA at Diggs’ Mother’s Day event. 

The affectionate outing led many to believe the former couple had rekindled their romance after their split earlier this year. 

However, that hope was quickly overshadowed with doubt when they were later spotted arguing outside a coffee shop and gym in Maryland, fueling fresh speculation about trouble behind the scenes.

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Stefon Diggs And Cardi B’s Relationship Has Seen Plenty Of Twists

Cardi B at the 2025 Grammy Awards
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

The latest chapter in Diggs and Cardi’s relationship follows a roller-coaster timeline. 

The pair began dating in 2025 and eventually made their romance Instagram-official last June. Their relationship continued to draw attention after they welcomed a son together.

However, the couple broke up in February, making their Mother’s Day reunion all the more surprising to fans. Meanwhile, Cardi has since addressed the viral video of her altercation with Diggs.

As The Blast reported, the “I Like It” hitmaker offered a humorous explanation for what happened, rather than fueling speculation. “Sometimes I forget I’m a celebrity,” she tweeted.

She followed that up with a relatable explanation for the confrontation, writing, “Damn y’all ain’t never cuss your babydad out when you hungry?”

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Diggs’ Former Staff Accuses Him Of Abuse

NFL's Stefon Diggs's Brother, Darez Diggs, Avoids Jail Time For Involvement In Elevator Attack
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Besides the public altercation, Stefon Diggs and Cardi B’s recent reunion was also overshadowed by explosive allegations from Diggs’ former personal chef, Jamila Adams. 

Just weeks after the pair sparked reconciliation rumors, Adams publicly claimed that Diggs mistreated Cardi during her pregnancy and after the birth of their son. 

As The Blast reported, Adams posted a social media video on May 11 directed at the rapper and alleged, “The same person that abused you abused me.”

Adams also revealed that there were text messages to prove that Diggs spoke down to and belittled the Grammy Award winner during their time together. 

Stefon Diggs’ Accuser Alleges Prior Romance Before Becoming His Personal Chef

NFL's Stefon Diggs's Brother, Darez Diggs, Avoids Jail Time For Involvement In Elevator Attack
MEGA

Prior to the revelation, Diggs’ legal saga took another dramatic turn after Adams made a claim about the nature of their relationship.

According to The Blast, Adams stated during court testimony tied to her assault allegations against Diggs that she and the former New England Patriots receiver had a sexual relationship before she was hired as his live-in personal chef in 2025. 

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According to her testimony, what began as a friendship eventually became romantic, then evolved into a professional arrangement.

Adams also alleged that Diggs assaulted her during a dispute at his Massachusetts home, while Diggs consistently denied the accusations and pleaded not guilty.

After a two-day trial, a jury found Diggs not guilty of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault charges.

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Who Is Together? Who Broke Up?

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Love Island USA Couples Status Check Who Is Still Together and Who Broke Up After Leaving Villa 719

Love Island USA is all about coupling up — so which Islanders are currently together and which have already called it quits in the villa?

Peacock’s popular dating show returned in June 2026 with contestants Aniya Harvey, Beatriz Hatz, Bryce Alakai Dettloff, KC Chandler, Mackenzie “Kenzie” Annis, Melanie Moreno, Sincere Rhea, Sean Reifel, Trinity Tatum and Zach Georgiou.

While the Islanders paired off during Day 1, it didn’t take long for those bonds to shift. There was also the arrival of bombshells Gabriel Vasconcelos and Kayda Bosse, who tempted several Islanders to Paradise Cove.

Viewers continue to tune in to see how each couple flourishes — or falls apart. Peacock, meanwhile, issued a message before the show returned to remind the audience to be kind.

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Love Island USA Couples Status Check Who Is Still Together and Who Broke Up After Leaving Villa 719


Related: ‘Love Island USA’ Status Check: Which Couples Are Still Together?

They got a text — and found love in the Love Island USA villa. The beloved British dating show made its way across the pond in 2019, following a crop of American bombshells searching for The One in a luxury tropical villa. In season 1, eventual winners Elizabeth Weber and Zac Mirabelli had a connection […]

“The Villa runs on good vibes, and so does this community. We love seeing your reactions, opinions, and debates, but everyone deserves to feel safe and respected,” read their statement. “This is a space for fun, not negativity – so keep it kind, keep it positive, and remember: this is LOVE Island!”

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Keep scrolling to see the current status of each Love Island USA season 8 couple:

Aniya and KC

Love Island USA
Ben Symons/Peacock

After being the last two single Islanders on Day 1, Aniya and KC chose to explore their connection and are still going strong in the villa.

Kenzie and Zach

Love Island USA
Ben Symons/Peacock

Despite developing a mutual interest, Zach started to second guess his decision to pair off with Kenzie since she’s not his usual type. Zach opted not to continue to explore their connection — and left for the Paradise Cove with the new bombshells.

Melanie and Sincere

Love Island USA
Ben Symons/Peacock

The duo had chemistry on Day 1 and are still an item in the villa.

Beatriz and Sean

Love Island USA
Ben Symons/Peacock

While Beatriz and Sean were hot and heavy quickly, she chose to explore her options when given the chance. She then went to Paradise Cove with bombshell Gabriel.

Trinity and Bryce

Love Island USA
Ben Symons/Peacock

The couple paired off on Day 1 but their age gap immediately became an issue. They both chose not to pursue their connection further, which meant they were in Paradise Cove with the new bombshells.

Gabriel and Beatriz

Love Island USA
Ben Symons/Peacock

After a day in Paradise Cover, Gabriel chose Beatriz over Trinity and they are currently still a couple.

Kayda and Zach

Love Island USA
Ben Symons/Peacock

Similar to Gabriel, Kayda had to make a choice and she went for Zach over Bryce.

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22 Years Later, Nicolas Cage’s Near-Perfect Indiana Jones Replacement Still Holds Up

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Before Nicolas Cage played the web-slinging superhero in Spider-Noir and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, he starred in one of the most iconic film franchises from Disney which has recently made a streaming comeback. This feature led to a franchise, including a Disney+ series with 10 episodes and starring notable Hollywood names. And while it got mixed critics’ reviews, audiences loved it.

Cage started his career in 1981 and has since appeared in many projects, with the most recent being Prime Video’s Spider-Noir, as well as The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Teen Titans GO! To the Movies, and Snowden, but he also has many producer credits under his belt. But out of all the movies and TV shows Cage has worked on, there are a few projects that he’s known for, and one of them recently became a streaming hit.

National Treasure was a 2004 historical fiction action-adventure that kick-started a franchise, leading to a sequel and a Disney+ show that came out in 2022. Cage starred in the film as treasure hunter Benjamin Gates, as he and his friend Riley (Justin Bartha) attempt to find the treasure hidden in America by the Founding Fathers and other notable people in history, before crime boss Ian Howe (Sean Bean) can. Recently, National Treasure landed at #5 on Hulu’s Top 10 Movies in the U.S., sitting between 2024’s Twisters and The Home with Pete Davidson.

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Collider Exclusive · Action Hero Quiz
Which Action Hero Would Be
Your Perfect Partner?

Rambo · James Bond · Indiana Jones · John McClane · Ethan Hunt

Five legends. Five completely different ways of getting out alive — with style, with muscle, with charm, with luck, or with a plan so intricate it probably shouldn’t work. Ten questions will reveal which action hero was built to have your back.

🎖️Rambo

🍸James Bond

🏺Indiana Jones

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🔧John McClane

🎭Ethan Hunt

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01

You’re dropped into a dangerous situation with no warning. What do you need most from a partner?
The first few seconds tell you everything about who belongs beside you.





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02

You have to get somewhere dangerous, fast. How do you travel?
How you get there is half the mission.





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03

You’re pinned down and outnumbered. What does your ideal partner do?
This is when you find out what someone is really made of.





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04

The mission is paused. You have one evening to decompress. What does your partner suggest?
Who someone is when the pressure drops is who they actually are.





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05

How do you prefer your partner to communicate mid-mission?
Good communication is the difference between partners and a liability.





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06

Your enemy is powerful, well-resourced, and has the upper hand. How should your partner approach them?
The approach to the enemy defines the partnership.





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07

Things go badly wrong and you’re captured. What do you trust your partner to do?
Who someone is when you need them most is the only thing that matters.





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08

What does your ideal partner bring to the table that you couldn’t replace?
A great partner fills the gap you didn’t know you had.





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09

Every partnership has a cost. Which of these can you live with?
No one comes without baggage. The question is whether you can carry it together.





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10

It’s the final moment. Everything is on the line. What do you need from your partner right now?
The last question is the most honest one.





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Your Partner Has Been Assigned
Your Perfect Partner Is…

Your answers have pointed to one action hero above all others. This is the person built to have your back — for better or considerably, spectacularly worse.

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Rambo

Your partner doesn’t talk much, doesn’t need to, and will have assessed every threat in your immediate environment before you’ve finished your first sentence. John Rambo is not a man of plans or politics — he is a force of nature shaped by survival, loyalty, and a capacity for endurance that goes beyond anything training can produce. He will not leave you behind. He has never left anyone behind who deserved to come home. What you get with Rambo is the most capable, most quietly ferocious partner imaginable — one who has been through things that would have broken anyone else, and who chose to keep going anyway. You’ll never need to ask if he has your back. You’ll just know.

James Bond

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Your partner will arrive perfectly dressed, perfectly briefed, and with a cover story so convincing it’ll take you a moment to remember what’s actually true. James Bond is the most professionally dangerous person in any room he enters — and the most disarmingly charming, which is the point. He operates in a world of layers, where nothing is what it appears and every advantage is used without apology. You’ll never be bored. You’ll occasionally be furious. But when it matters — when the mission is genuinely on the line and the margin for error has collapsed to nothing — Bond is exactly the partner you want. He has survived things that have no business being survivable. He does it with style. That is not nothing.

Indiana Jones

Your partner will know the history, the language, the cultural context, and exactly why the thing everyone else is ignoring is actually the most important thing in the room. Indiana Jones is brilliant, reckless, and occasionally impossible — but he is also one of the most resourceful, most genuinely knowledgeable partners you could find yourself beside. He approaches every situation with a scholar’s eye and a brawler’s instinct, which is an unusual combination and a remarkably effective one. He hates snakes and gets personally attached to objects of historical significance, both of which will slow you down at least once. It doesn’t matter. What Indy brings is irreplaceable — and the adventures you’ll have together will be the kind people write books about. Assuming you survive them.

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John McClane

Your partner was not supposed to be here. He does not have the right equipment, the right information, or anything approaching the right odds. He has a sarcastic remark and an absolute refusal to accept that the situation is as bad as it looks. John McClane is the greatest accidental hero in the history of action cinema — a man whose superpower is stubbornness, whose contingency plan is improvisation, and whose capacity to absorb punishment and keep moving would be alarming if it weren’t so useful. He will complain the entire time. He will make it significantly more chaotic than it needed to be. And he will absolutely, unconditionally, without question come through when it counts. Yippee-ki-yay.

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Ethan Hunt

Your partner has already run seventeen scenarios by the time you’ve finished reading the briefing, and the plan he’s settled on involves at least two things that should be physically impossible. Ethan Hunt operates at the absolute edge of human capability — technically, physically, and intellectually — and he brings the same relentless precision to protecting his partners that he brings to dismantling organisations that shouldn’t exist. He is not easy to know and he will never fully tell you everything. But he will carry the weight of the mission so completely, so absolutely, that your job is simply to trust him — and the remarkable thing is that trusting him always turns out to be the right call. The mission will be impossible. He will complete it anyway.

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Is ‘National Treasure’ Worth Watching?

Since its release in 2004, National Treasure has generated over $347.5 million at the box office, leading to a sequel released in 2007 called National Treasure: Book of Secrets, which performed higher at the box office, and there’s speculation that a third installment could be on the table. Disney attempted to lure new viewers to the franchise with a Disney+ series called National Treasure: Edge of History, but it was poorly received and was canceled after its first season. While critics gave the first National Treasure movie a 47% score on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences praised the 2004 feature, earning a 78% score on the popcornmeter and a 3.3-star rating on LetterBoxd.

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Critics criticized National Treasure, stating it was trying to be Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, but merged with a history lesson, or that it was like The Da Vinci Code, but with the religious context replaced with American history. Others didn’t believe that Cage was convincing enough to be a treasure hunter and saw him as a “social studies teacher.” However, some critics gave National Treasure some praise, saying that it “gave America sex appeal” and that it’s a guilty pleasure, and the only reason why is because of Cage’s performance.

National Treasure is available to stream on Hulu.


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Release Date

November 19, 2004

Runtime

131 minutes

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Director

Jon Turteltaub

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Writers

Cormac Wibberley, Jim Kouf, Marianne Wibberley, Charles Segars, Oren Aviv

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    Diane Kruger

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    Abigail Chase

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Amanda Seyfried’s Slimming Capri Pants Style Is $7 on Amazon

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Amanda Seyfried's Slimming Capri Pants Style Is $7 on Amazon

Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!

If you’re not in the mood for stiff, scratchy denim lately, you’re not alone. Amanda Seyfried is in the same boat, as are New York rich moms who rock Seyfried’s comfy and flattering (yet polarizing) capri pants style. We found the look on sale for only $7!

For a movie premiere in Paris, Seyfried paired capri leggings with a skirt and a sharp blazer, a getup that works on the streets of the 8th arrondissement and Tuesday in Milwaukee alike. These chic cropped pants infuse any getup with intention; with Seyfried’s style stamp of approval, they’re not so controversial anymore.

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Get the Sinophant High-Waisted Capri Leggings for $7 (was $10) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

These trendy Sinophant High-Waisted Capri Leggings have the same slimming, lengthening effect Seyfried showed off. The high waist smooths your midsection, while the cropped hem elongates your frame, making your legs look longer and leaner without even trying.

Then, there’s the buttery-soft fabric that feels like a second skin. These capri pants are designed to carry you from the boardroom to boxing class, looking and feeling your best.

One happy Amazon shopper wrote, “They are soft and stretchy, but bounce back when you are wearing them, so they don’t become baggy . . . For a short person like me, they are very high-waisted, but it stops me from having a muffin top and keeps my tummy flat.”

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Over 5,000 fashionistas bought these leggings last month alone, wearing them for lounging, errands and everything in between. They go from casual to dressy in seconds, working just as well with a quarter-zip and sneakers as they do with a silk blouse and flats.

Capri pants have a long road to credibility, but we can thank fashionistas like Seyfried for nudging them along. This comfy, skin-soft version makes it easy to rock the look, and once you slip it on, you’ll understand why it’s winning over even the skeptics.

Seyfried approves. Paris approves. At just $7, your wallet certainly approves, too!

Get the Sinophant High-Waisted Capri Leggings for $7 (was $10) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

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John C. Reilly tried to convince Leonardo DiCaprio to turn down “Titanic” and do “Boogie Nights”: 'Everyone knows the boat sinks!'

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The actor told his “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” costar that he “should not miss this opportunity” to work with Paul Thomas Anderson.

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