There are a few actors who’ve been having a pretty sizable run throughout 2026, so far (and into what remains of the year, which is about 60% done, at the time of writing). Robert Pattinson is one of them, since he’s been in The Drama and The Odyssey, and also has Dune: Part Three and Primetime coming out later in the year. Also, Zendaya has been having a big year, since she was also, funnily enough, in The Drama and The Odyssey, and is going to appear in Dune: Part Three, too… and then there’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day and the final season of Euphoria. Finally, there’s Tom Holland, who actually might not look all that busy, compared to Zendaya and Pattinson, having been in “only” two movies, but those two movies were among the year’s biggest: The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Anyway, if you’re feeling fatigue with these actors, too bad. They’re popular, and maybe you could complain that there aren’t enough up-and-comers at the moment, but these particular actors have demonstrated range, and the popularity (in terms of critical acclaim and box office earnings) does make these movies look pretty good in anyone’s filmography. Of course, Zendaya and Tom Holland have been in more movies than just the two from 2026, and then they’re a power couple in real life, having been married in 2026 after becoming a couple in 2021. There are enough collaborations now to make a ranking possible, and The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day have been the two big summer films of the year, so why not rank away?

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‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ (2019)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

Of all the live-action Spider-Man movies, Spider-Man: Far From Home is probably technically below-average, though it’s an ongoing series that’s largely very good, and so “below-average” among such titles really isn’t a bad thing. This one picks up after Avengers: Endgame, so it has value within the Marvel Cinematic Universe for being the first true movie to take place post-Blip, which happened in Avengers: Infinity War and was then resolved in Endgame. So, emotionally, Spider-Man: Far From Home deals with some occasionally intense things, but it’s also a pretty breezy affair, with most of it taking place during a school trip to Europe. Peter Parker/Spider-Man is very much far from home, and it is quite strange to see a Spider-Man movie that doesn’t center around New York City.

It’s still very much Peter Parker/Spider-Man being tied in with other Marvel Cinematic Universe stuff here, and if there’s something that makes Holland’s third and fourth movies arguably a little better, it’s that it feels as though he gets to be a bit more central there (this is the last time he might be something of an “Iron Man Junior” in one of these movies). Also, Holland and Zendaya, as Peter and MJ, start dating in this movie, so it’s obviously important for that whole character dynamic. It is a good Spider-Man movie, just like how most of the Spider-Man movies are pretty good. It’s not especially exciting, and there are flashier/stronger ones, but this is more-than-solid nonetheless.

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‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ (2026)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

Spider-Man: Brand New Day has been huge. Most of the Spider-Man movies that came out before this one were also big, though it just seemed even more like the right time for a Spider-Man movie than usual. At the time of writing, its overall success can’t be known, beyond being like, “Yeah, it’s either going to make a whole lot of money, when all is said and done, or it might end up making all the money.” Somewhere between “so much money” and “all the money.” The quality of the movie itself is also high, so it’s not just a blockbuster and money-maker, doing quite a bit to give Peter Parker/Spider-Man a little more to do, now that he’s well and truly moved beyond high school.

Things are generally well-balanced, in terms of exploring the emotional consequences of what happened at the end of the previous movie, and then setting up a few threads for future Marvel movies (not necessarily just the Spider-Man ones) to touch upon later. It’s a spoiler to say who or what gets focused on in the final act, though it’s interesting… albeit not quite as good as the stuff focused on Peter Parker/Spider-Man. Even if it’s not the best Tom Holland Spider-Man movie, Brand New Day probably has his best performance yet in the role, and Zendaya’s also strong here, playing an MJ who, like everyone else in the world, doesn’t know who Peter is.

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‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ (2017)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

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The first time Tom Holland played Spider-Man, it was in Captain America: Civil War, making Spider-Man: Homecoming his debut in a central role. This Spider-Man movie is “the one where people actually feel like high schoolers.” Previous Spider-Man movies had involved some high schoolers, sure, but they didn’t really feel like teenagers, whereas the main characters in Homecoming do feel more like actual teens (no one standing out in a “How do you do, fellow kids?” kind of way).

That youthfulness does make it one of the more carefree and outwardly likable superhero movies in recent memory, and maybe it’s even a bit low-stakes by the standards of this kind of film, though not so low-stakes that anything feels inconsequential or boring. Peter juggles all the things that people have to do when they’re young, still growing up, and kind of awkward, and then he’s also Spider-Man at the same time. This is something people obviously love about this particular superhero, and Spider-Man: Homecoming explores that angle of the character very effectively, and in a way that succeeds in feeling relatable and genuinely quite down-to-earth.

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‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ (2021)

With Spider-Man: No Way Home, you get a fairly big crossover movie and something of a stealth origin story for Peter Parker/Spider-Man in one. It works as the former in all the ways that have been discussed to death, because even if it was something of a no-brainer to bring back some previously-established villains and both Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, it was still fun to see. And then there are things that happen dramatically in Spider-Man: No Way Home that certainly shape Peter Parker’s life in ways that necessitated Brand New Day being something of a brand-new day and all.

Spider-Man: Homecoming avoided being a traditional origin story for Spider-Man, and then some of the stuff usually associated with his origin story happens in No Way Home, making the previous two Spider-Man movies feel like an extended prologue, in effect. It’s not the everything movie, nor the perfect Spider-Man movie, but it does remain arguably the strongest (and most ambitious) of the Spider-Man films Tom Holland and Zendaya have both been in to date.

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‘The Odyssey’ (2026)

Image via Universal Pictures

To take a break from all the web-slinging and superhero stuff, here’s The Odyssey, which does feature a man at its center who is almost superhuman, since Odysseus goes through a lot, to put it mildly. He also gets beaten up in a way that even Peter Parker might wince at, or feel was a bit overkill, soaking up all sorts of physical and psychological damage as he attempts to get home after fighting in the Trojan War. Odysseus is played by Matt Damon, so compared to the other movies mentioned here, Holland and Zendaya have smaller roles, the latter only showing up every now and then as Athena (or a vision of Athena), only to Odysseus. And then Holland plays the son of Odysseus, Telemachus, who goes on his own journey of sorts to learn about who his father was, and whether he might still be alive.

On top of those three actors/characters, there are countless other people who show up in The Odyssey, with there being ample room for a massive cast because the movie itself is a lengthy three hours (well, a few minutes shy, but still close). Also, for as good as most of the acting is, Christopher Nolan is probably the film’s real star, just because of all the stuff he does behind the camera. He really did find a way to go bigger and more ambitious than Oppenheimer, which was already a step above plenty of other movies he’d made up until that point as far as scale was concerned. Whether he can go bigger than The Odyssey remains to be seen, and it’d be understandable if he doesn’t even attempt to, with a scale-down toward doing something a bit more like Memento or The Prestige being possible. Anyway, even if The Odyssey isn’t as directly a “Tom Holland and Zendaya” movie to the extent that the Spider-Man movies are – and even without them sharing any time together on screen – it’s still the single best movie both have appeared in to date.

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The Odyssey

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Release Date

July 15, 2026

Runtime

173 minutes

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If you’ve spotted flowy, tropical-looking dresses everywhere lately, same. What you’re really seeing are Hawaiian-inspired muumuu dresses, and they’re the hottest late-summer fashion trend for rich moms, and now Us.

Muumuu dresses — or mu’umu’u in Hawaiian — are defined by their tent-like silhouettes, vibrant prints and lightweight fabrics. They’re bold, yes, but undeniably chic. And with such drapey fits, they’re basically loungewear outfits, checking boxes for comfort connoisseurs and fashionistas alike. Scroll on to see what that chatter is all about, and jump into the conversion yourself!

13 Chic Muumuu-Style Dresses — From $10

1. Our Favorite: Ease into the trend with this embroidered maxi dress that works for beach days, brunches and everything in between.

2. Island Time: Whether it’s summer, fall, winter or spring, this relaxed dress channels island energy. We love how the curved hem shows off your shoes.

3. Dressed Up: Instead of a pencil dress, opt for this dressy number that features sparkles, batwing sleeves and sassy side slits.

4. Like Loungewear: Soft and stretchy, this dainty midi is comfier than most of your loungewear, and with the cute print, it’s much more stylish.

5. Santorini Style: This blue-and-white maxi dress screams ‘European’ in muumuu form. It’s breezy, lightweight and effortless — basically everything you’d find in a Santorini boutique.

6. 1960s Twist: Give your wardrobe a groovy flair with this retro muumuu dress. Canvas sneakers seal the deal!

7. Plus Pockets: You’ll appreciate this midi dress when you’re running from school drop-offs to daytime appointments. The darling floral print is just a bonus.

8. Flattering Find: In addition to a loose silhouette, this maxi dress features lengthening stripes, long sleeves and a plunging V-neckline.

9. Sexy Alert: Leopard print is totally back, and this sexy wonder nails the aesthetic. Strappy sandals make it perfect for date night.

10. Looking Snatched: Shape without squeezing in this tie-waist maxi dress. It cinches your ribcage, then flows loosely over your tummy.

11. Quiet Luxury: Classy, timeless and oh-so versatile, this neutral dress will be your go-to for looking put together with zero effort.

12. Boho Babe: We’d expect to find this graphic floral dress at Free People, but no — it’s only $18 on Amazon.

13. Best for Last: If you made it this far, congratulations. This dreamy dress is the most sophisticated of all, and it’s so comfortable that you could sleep in it.

An expert has shed light on why D4vd is being housed separately while he remains in custody awaiting trial.

The arrangement may reflect heightened security concerns tied to his public profile and the serious nature of the case. According to the expert, the rapper’s time in custody could involve long stretches alone, limited movement, and few opportunities for outside contact.

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D4vd was reportedly placed in segregation shortly after being transferred to Los Angeles County Men’s Central Jail.

The singer arrived at the facility just before 10 p.m. on April 20, according to TMZ. A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department representative confirmed that officials separated him from the general population because he is classified as a “noteworthy inmate.” The designation means D4vd is expected to spend most of his day alone.

He had previously been held without bail at the LAPD’s 77th Street Station Jail following his April 16 arrest on suspicion of murdering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. He was later charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances and other offenses. The musician pleaded not guilty to all charges on April 20.

Expert Says D4vd’s Jail Placement May Be Protective

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According to former federal prison official Dr. DeWayne Hendrix, D4vd’s placement in “special housing” could be driven by safety concerns.

In an interview with Law & Crime Network, Dr. Hendrix said high-profile inmates can face extra risks simply because of who they are. He noted that the seriousness and nature of the charges can also influence where someone is housed.

According to Hendrix, segregation is not always meant as punishment. In some cases, it is used to protect an inmate by limiting contact with others. That can also come with stricter rules and fewer freedoms than inmates in the general population typically have.

What D4vd’s Days In Jail Could Look Like

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D4vd’s separation from other inmates could make for a particularly restrictive stay behind bars. The singer is reportedly alone in his cell and has limited opportunities to move around the facility. He also supposedly has no access to television and, at this stage, cannot receive visitors.

Dr. Hendrix offered additional perspective on what that kind of confinement can entail. The former senior warden explained that inmates under maximum custody procedures typically have their movements closely controlled, significantly changing how they spend their days.

That means D4vd’s routine could look dramatically different from life in a standard jail unit, with much of his time confined to his cell and fewer opportunities for regular interaction.

D4vd Reportedly Faces 24/7 Monitoring In Jail

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More recent reporting has offered a closer look at how D4vd has been spending his time in custody. A source familiar with his housing assignment told PEOPLE in July that the singer eats all three meals by himself and had not been visited by anyone. He also reportedly had no disciplinary infractions since entering custody.

D4vd is now housed in Tower 1 at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility, where his unit operates under 24-hour monitoring. The source claimed officers check on him roughly every 15 minutes.

His limited movements outside his cell are also closely watched. According to the outlet, a sheriff’s sergeant equipped with a body-worn camera accompanies him whenever he is moved through the facility. During his July preliminary hearing, D4vd reportedly woke up around 4 a.m. to shower and prepare before being transported to the downtown courtroom.

Inside D4vd’s Harsh Early Days Behind Bars

In April, law enforcement sources revealed that D4vd was allowed to shower every other day and required an escort when leaving his cell to do so. Phone calls were reportedly restricted to those same days.

His access to fresh air was also sharply limited. The singer apparently received only three hours of recreation per week, without contact with other inmates. At the time, D4vd had no access to television and no money on his jail books, according to the outlet.

One law enforcement source offered an unflattering description of the surroundings, claiming the area where D4vd was held was “dirty and smelly,” and calling the facility “wild.”

With The Odyssey breaking the bank at the box office and getting Oscar buzz, many are praising director Christopher Nolan as one of the best filmmakers working today. After all, he’s given the film world several perfect blockbusters, namely Memento, The Prestige, and of course, the iconic Dark Knight trilogy. Not to mention his most mind-blowing project to date, Inception, which featured a group of thieves invading the human mind to plant an idea into someone’s head.

While Inception was a massive hit both critically and commercially and is still part of the cultural zeitgeist today, many seemed to have missed that the key element of the film’s intricate plot, planting an idea in someone’s mind, has far darker connotations than initially let on. In a film with so much going on, the core emotional trick that the film is pulling got lost.

The Idea of Inception Has a Dark Edge.

Image via Warner Bros.

The plot of the film revolves around a mysterious but well-connected businessman named Saito (Ken Watanabe), who tasks Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) with implanting the idea in the mind of his competitor to dissolve the company his father built. The target, Robert Fischer (Cillian Murphy), has a fractured and complex relationship with his soon-to-be late father, whose last words to his own son were, “Disappointed.” Saito claims that Fischer’s company going under would do good for the world, but it’s hard to trust these words since it comes from a ruthless tycoon.

Nevertheless, Cobb assembles his team to invade Fischer’s subconscious and plant the concept of splitting up his father’s empire. As the team plots the job, they struggle with how to translate the business strategy into a positive emotion for Fischer, with Cobb saying, “Positive emotion trumps negative emotion every time. We yearn for people to be reconciled, for catharsis.”

The team eventually settles on twisting the narrative surrounding Fischer’s relationship with his father, creating the notion that Fischer Sr. wants his son to be his own man and create something for himself. It all sounds good for Fischer and for Cobb and his crew, but the problem is, the catharsis is all a lie.

The Emotional Deception Runs Deep.

Image via Warner Bros. 

The fact remains that Fischer’s father was disappointed in him, and although Cobb’s plan paints a better picture of him, Fischer will go on living for himself under false pretense. While it seems noble to create catharsis for a broken relationship, that will never change the fact that Cobb and company are lying to a man whose fractured family dynamic made him susceptible to the idea that Saito wants him to accept.

There may also be deeper consequences at play here long after the credits roll. Cobb tells Saito at one point, “You asked me for inception, I do hope you understand the gravity of that request. The seed of the idea that we plant in this man’s mind will grow to define him. It may come to change everything about him.” Planting the idea of Fischer not following in his father’s footsteps so deep into his subconscious may drive him to do drastic and dangerous things, as evidenced by what happened to Cobb’s wife Mal (Marion Cotillard) after he performed inception on her.

Worse, Cobb and his crew are so focused on the job that they fail to consider any of the long-reaching consequences of what they’re doing. For Cobb, it makes sense, seeing as all he wants is to go home to his children, but for the noble Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and the new recruit Ariadne (Elliot Page), the dark side of the task at hand never comes up for them. Not only that, but they are all taking Saito at his word that their mission is the right thing to do, but since Saito beneifts greatly from the end of the Fischers, he is far from trustworthy.

While Inception has long been high regarded in Nolan’s canon, and still is, it is by far one of his darker tales. Manipulation of the mind is a scary thing and although the film presents this in a unique way, the ideas presented here are unsettling and thought-provoking. The core of Inception is all one big trick, but one that may have devastating effect.

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Release Date

July 16, 2010

Runtime

148 minutes

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Franchise(s)

Inception

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Amanda Knox is speaking out in defense of her comedy show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe amid a petition calling for its cancellation. The comedian, who was convicted of murdering her roommate in Italy, was later acquitted after years of fighting to clear her name. Knox has since turned to writing, podcasting, and comedy while continuing to speak about her experience.

Amanda Knox has responded to the petition demanding the cancellation of her comedy show, “Cartwheel,” at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. She took to Instagram to release a statement and explained that her set is going to be about her experiences as a mother and the cost of telling her truth.

Knox added that all the people who signed the petition, as well as its author, have not seen her show yet wrote or believed “false assumptions” and mischaracterizations about its content. Instead, she claims the show “honors Meredith Kercher’s memory and calls out the violence that was done to her and to me.”

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“A petition to cancel a show no one has seen, on the grounds of false accusations intended to shame and vilify a wronged woman into silence, is not an argument against Cartwheel. It’s a fairly precise description of what Cartwheel is about and why it deserves to exist,” she wrote.

You never know what sentence you say will end up on the cover of a magazine.

“My very existence offends people.”

True! though I know there’s plenty out there eager to see my creative endeavors! Scoop your tickets to my one-woman show, Cartwheel, in Edinburgh Aug 7 – 17. pic.twitter.com/xvT8AKGXUG

— Amanda Knox (@amandaknox) July 17, 2026

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The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a performing arts festival held in Scotland annually, which features a variety of acts, including stand-up comedy sets, circus acts, musical performances, and theater productions. Knox said it’s the “perfect” place for “Cartwheel.”

“Many of the Fringe’s most celebrated comedy shows tackle difficult subjects including grief, trauma, mental health, addiction, illness, identity, and politics. Comics rarely treat these experiences lightly or make them the butt of the joke,” she wrote.

Knox’s guilty verdict was overturned after spending years in prison. Since then, she has opened up about her experiences by writing two books, appearing in podcasts, and participating in documentaries.

Amanda Knox Says She Doesn’t Cross Certain Lines

Knox rebuilt her life following her wrongful conviction, and she has since started a family, as previously reported by The Blast. She continues to confront her past publicly through stand-up comedy.

While she said nothing is off the table when it comes to comedy, she is also firm in not crossing certain lines. Her fellow comedians advised her to mention the “elephant in the room,” referring to her incarceration, and she followed their advice. However, she would never joke about Meredith Kercher’s murder.

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“I don’t joke about Meredith’s death. I joke a lot about how I was vilified, but I don’t joke about her murder. That’s just a line for me. I set red lines for myself that other comedians don’t,” Knox said in an interview with The Telegraph, adding that she has received suggestions for jokes that she would never do.

Meredith Kercher’s Sister Speaks Out

‘It very much normalises and trivialises violence against women and Meredith in particular’

Stephanie Kercher has told #BBCBreakfast why she wants an Edinburgh Fringe venue to cancel a show by Amanda Knox – the American woman who was twice wrongfully convicted of killing her… pic.twitter.com/fmySdpJo0e

— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) August 6, 2026

A lawyer for the Kerchers said the family isn’t pleased about Knox’s comedy show. Meredith’s sister, Stephanie, spoke on “BBC Breakfast” and asked Knox to put herself in their position. “Think about the family here, think about her friends and to turn the tables if it was your sister that this had happened to, because I know you have a sister as well,” she said.

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Stephanie said Meredith wouldn’t find “comedy value” in what Knox is doing, adding that her family is still in “immense” pain almost 20 years after Meredith’s murder.

Knox’s conviction was officially overturned in 2015, but she assumes the Kerchers still believe she is guilty. The comedian is open to speaking to the family, but they have never directly reached out to her. “I would very much want to establish that kind of communication, but I’m not going to have my life dictated by what they want for me,” she said.

Amanda Knox’s Comedy Show Will Push Forward

The petition to cancel Knox’s show has amassed more than 10,000 signatures since it was launched. It claims the comedian’s show “mocks” Kercher’s death and turns “tragedy into entertainment,” urging people to sign “out of respect for Meredith’s family.”

The festival’s director, Tony Lankester, addressed the issue, saying that they are “not afraid of controversy.” He did say, however, that the final decision rests with the festival’s venue. Knox’s shows will be held at the Gilded Balloon Teviot, and per Deadline, a representative said the comedian’s 11 shows will continue as intended, citing the festival’s “commitment to freedom of expression.”

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Comedian and paranormal enthusiast Matt Rife is facing criticism over his response to a social media comment made by an autistic man. The exchange has drawn attention online, with some users taking issue with Rife’s choice of words.

Rife has faced criticism from the paranormal community since purchasing the Warren Occult Museum, which the famous ghost hunting duo, Ed and Lorraine Warren, previously owned.

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Matt Rife and business partner Elton Castee are promoting the visit of the infamous Annabelle doll to Salem, Massachusetts, this month for a temporary exhibit. In their social media post, paranormal investigator Chris Mac reportedly wrote a lengthy post discussing the Salem Witch Trials, which, for some reason, irked the comedian.

Rife clapped back at Mac, allegedly writing, “sir, you are lifeless douchebag. Please remove yourself from this earth. Absolutely nobody is reading your novels in these comments. You do not matter to anybody. The event has already sold thousands of tickets. Now watch as i block you and you fall back into non existence,” per TMZ.

Paranormal Investigator’s Father Wants An Apology

Mac’s father is speaking out following Rife’s online attack on his son. According to him, his son, who has autism, is “mentally handicapped” and has been negatively affected by the public attention on him.

The paranormal investigator’s family claims Rife’s words were “unprovoked,” saying that Mac only requested the comedian not to place the Annebelle doll at a specific spot in the museum. Now, they want a public apology from Rife.

Mac also explained to TMZ that his message came from a place of concern. In the paranormal world, Annabelle is widely believed to be inhabited by a negative entity that may cause physical harm or misfortune to those who interact with it.

Mac said he was angered by Rife’s post and said, “Why should I forgive him? He’s not going to say sorry.” He also responded on Facebook, writing, “I don’t ever want see Matt bully a person with autism again do I make myself clear not ok to say with a person with autism I have autism.”

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An insider close to the comedian said Rife has been receiving “vile” comments and is frequently targeted in his social media posts. The comedian sometimes responds to these comments, only for users to later delete their original messages, leaving Rife’s responses online without context.

The source claimed there is also missing context in the exchange with Mac, and there is no proof to suggest the comedian knew he had autism.

Rife’s comments garnered mixed reactions. Many argued that his comments were offensive, regardless of whether or not the person was autistic. “Classic Matt Rife being a terrible and unfunny person,” one wrote

Some defended Rife, saying there must be a reason why he responded that way. “Y’all act like autistic people can’t be a-sholes too & can never do anything wrong,” commented one user.

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Rife doesn’t hold back when responding to people online.

In a screengrab of an exchange, an online user accused the comedian of telling them to “unalive” themself twice. “Stop being a d-ck and I’ll stop,” Rife clapped back, adding another comment saying that “a-sholes” shouldn’t be in his comments section. “You’re mad at me for defending myself – that’s psychotic,” Rife noted.

In 2023, as The Blast previously reported, Rife ripped into a 6-year-old, who commented on a joke from his comedy special. In a since-deleted comment, he wrote, “Santa isn’t real,” adding that his mother buys his presents with money she made from OF.

Per a 2025 report from The Blast, Rife and Castee purchased Ed and Lorraine Warren’s property in Connecticut, which includes the Occult Museum that houses Annabelle. While they own the home and museum space outright, they serve as “legal guardians” of the hundreds of artifacts in the museum for at least five years.

Some paranormal investigators criticized the duo, accusing them of prioritizing profit over historical preservation. The duo has plans to launch an exhibition space, and the original house is open to overnight stays. Admission prices for exhibitions exceed $100, prompting many to believe that Rife is running a tourist trap.

The Warrens’ grandson, Chris McKinnell, also weighed in on Rife’s purchase and said bringing the artifacts on tour was a “betrayal” of his grandparents’ legacy. “This legacy matters. It’s not a brand. It’s not content. It’s not entertainment. It’s sacred,” McKinnell wrote.

Television has never lacked stories about injustice; the challenge, however, has always been to tell them in a way that feels human rather than performative. For this reason, The Red Line stands out seven years after its debut. Released as an eight-episode CBS limited series in 2019, the drama arrived during a national conversation about police violence and systemic racism that, unfortunately, has only grown more urgent. Time hasn’t made its central questions feel dated.

Executive produced by Ava DuVernay and Greg Berlanti, The Red Line begins with a devastating tragedy before widening its scope into something far more layered. Rather than treating one fatal police shooting as an isolated event, the series examines the ripple effect left behind, following the lives of this cast. It’s an emotionally demanding watch, but one that rewards viewers with thoughtful performances, complicated relationships, and a willingness to explore difficult conversations without losing sight of the people at their center.

The Red Line Shows the Human Cost Behind One Tragic Moment

Image via Elizabeth Morris / ©CBS / Courtesy Everett Collection

In the opening scene of the series, we see the character of Harrison Brennan (Corey Reynolds), who works as a respected Black doctor in an emergency room, making a stop off at a store just before he reaches his husband Daniel Calder (Noah Wyle) and kid, Jira (Aliyah Royale). When the robbery occurs, Harrison tries to aid the injured cashier but fails as a police officer erroneously identifies him as one of the criminals present and shoots him in the back, killing him immediately.

The Red Line depicts the lives of three connected families as they deal with its repercussions. Daniel tries to keep his family united while mourning the death of his husband; at the same time, teenage Jira is trying to find out answers regarding her identity at a time when she is experiencing a great loss. Also in the midst of this, attorney and future city council candidate Tia Young (Emayatzy Corinealdi) unexpectedly bonds with this family through a personal discovery, while Police Officer Paul Evans (Noel Fisher) and his family face the effects of the shooting from the other side.

The Red Line in Chicago, by virtue of its name, exemplifies the institution the show conveys effectively: where individuals of different backgrounds and social positions are still connected – particularly through shared experiences and modes of communication.

Noah Wyle Anchors an Ensemble That Never Loses Sight of Its Characters

Image via Elizabeth Morris / ©CBS / Courtesy Everett Collection

The topics discussed in this series are undeniably heavy, but its greatest strength is that it avoids depicting the characters as mere political statements. Each important plot is primarily driven by emotional themes such as loss, family, and identity. Wyle delivers one of the strongest performances of his career as Daniel, a husband trying to parent through unimaginable heartbreak while wrestling with his own place in a national conversation. His restraint makes Daniel’s emotional breakdowns all the more devastating, and the series wisely allows him to be more than just the grieving spouse.

Royale is equally impressive as Jira, whose search for belonging becomes one of the show’s emotional pillars. Having lost the one parent who most understood her experiences as a young Black woman, Jira begins questioning where she fits and what family means after tragedy reshapes her life. Corinealdi also brings great depth to Tia, whose political ambitions are interwoven with very personal decisions. Instead of considering her just a useful narrative device, the production shows how public duties and personal tragedies sometimes clash in uncomfortable ways.

Even Paul, the officer who caused Harrison’s demise, is portrayed as more than just a one-dimensional villain. The series acknowledges his remorse and the broader atmosphere surrounding policing without leading viewers to believe he has committed irreparable deeds.

Its Themes Haven’t Become Less Relevant Since 2019

Image via Elizabeth Morris / ©CBS / Courtesy Everett Collection

The series addresses issues such as police accountability, racial profiling, adoption, political activism, LGBTQ+ families, disability, community identity, and systemic inequality while still feeling like it hasn’t made a list of social issues they feel like discussing. Rather, these conversations arise spontaneously from the characters’ experiences.

The Red Line does an amazing job of showing us that trauma doesn’t end when it’s no longer in the public eye. The legal process and public investigation will shatter relations and cause pain, and they will not spare anyone even after the tragedy has occurred. Watching the show today, we realize how little has changed since then. Things that are important today, like questions relating to policing, building trust, accountability, and racial equality, make the show feel quite relevant even now.

Broadcast television isn’t quite this daring these days. Back in 2019, The Red Line appeared to be quite different from anything CBS had on the air, combining relatable storytelling with topics other drama serials were normally afraid to tackle. Rather than giving straight answers, The Red Line shows the audience the lives of the people whose lives are forever changed by brutal violence, injustices, and different dilemmas they must face.

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The Red Line

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Release Date

2019 – 2019-00-00

Directors

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Kevin Hooks, Victoria Mahoney, Aurora Guerrero

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It’s now almost four months until the biggest date on the 2026 cinematic calendar. On December 18, Avengers: Doomsday will join Dune: Part Three (a partnership lovingly dubbed ‘Dunesday’) in making theaters the place to be, as millions across the world sit down for the biggest double-feature in recent memory. The former we now know will be the second-longest movie in the MCU, clocking in at 165 minutes, or 2 hours and 45 minutes, and falling short of Avengers: Endgame‘s eye-watering runtime. If it can have close to the same impact as Endgame, then the gamble will have paid off.

But last year, the chances of Doomsday hitting this high benchmark were put into question as all three MCU releases — each designed as a precursor to Doomsday — performed poorly at the box office. Of the three, which also included The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Captain America: Brave New World, it was Thunderbolts* that perhaps stood out as the highlight, introducing the world to the New Avengers ahead of their pivotal role in Doomsday. Among them was a returning Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, one of the countless confirmed characters in the December 18 blockbuster.

In anticipation of Stan’s involvement in Doomsday, and also before he portrays Harvey Dent in 2028’s The Batman: Part II, one of the actor’s most underrated recent projects is back in the global streaming charts. Before he portrayed POTUS Donald Trump in the biopic The Apprentice, and starred in the 2025 gem A Different Man, Stan featured alongside Julianne Moore (Sirens) and John Lithgow (Dexter) in Sharper, a 2023 mystery flick telling the tale of a con artist in non-linear vignettes. At the time of writing, Sharper is one of the ten most-streamed movies on Apple TV worldwide.

The Latest MCU Movie Is Breaking Records

2025 might’ve proved a misstep for the MCU, but if the success of the latest franchise entry is anything to go by, then everyone is ready to splash their cash on Doomsday. After just one weekend, Spider-Man: Brand New Day has earned the biggest opening for any movie in domestic box office history, as well as becoming the second-fastest film to hit the $1 billion mark worldwide. As it stands, Brand New Day is on track to challenge for the title of the highest-grossing movie of all time.

For more streaming stories, make sure to stay tuned to Collider.

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Release Date

February 10, 2023

Runtime

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116 minutes

Director

Benjamin Caron

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Writers

Brian Gatewood, Alessandro Tanaka

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In the last 10 years, few action franchises have flourished at the same level as John Wick, which has blossomed with several spin-offs and four main installments. On the back of a stoic yet commanding performance from Keanu Reeves and some of the finest action directing from Chad Stahelski, John Wick has set a new standard when it comes to action movies. Although John Wick seemingly met his end in the final minutes of John Wick: Chapter 4, Lionsgate confirmed last year during CinemaCon that a fifth installment in the franchise was officially in the works, with Keanu Reeves and Chad Stahelski on board to star and direct, respectively. Reeves even starred in the first spin-off movie, Ballerina (starring Ana de Armas), but that won’t always be the case going forward.

The John Wick franchise is seemingly ready to move forward with or without Keanu Reeves, though, especially with the release of its next spin-off movie, Caine. Based on Donnie Yen’s character who was first introduced in John Wick: Chapter 4, Yen is also directing the action feature in addition to starring, but it’s been confirmed that Reeves will not have a role — this will be the first John Wick movie to not feature John Wick. Additional cast members for Caine include Bill Nighy, Mason Thames, Dacre Montgomery, and even Rina Sawayama, who starred as Akira in John Wick: Chapter 4. Details about the film are being kept quiet for now, but after wrapping filming earlier this year, it’s a safe bet that Caine will be released in theaters before the end of 2027. An official release date announcement is expected any day now.

Are the John Wick Movies on Streaming?

All four of Keanu Reeves’ John Wick movies are currently streaming exclusively on AMC+ at the time of writing. The films were recently streaming on HBO Max before being removed from the platform earlier this year. However, while the Ana de Armas-led spin-off film was streaming exclusively on Starz after the end of its theatrical run, the film has since made the jump to HBO Max, where it currently calls home in America. There’s also the controversial John Wick spin-off show, The Continental, starring Mel Gibson, but most fans agree that it’s not essential franchise viewing.

Stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of the John Wick franchise, including Caine, which is expected in theaters before the end of next year.