Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will be privately visiting Australia next month, and are scheduled to take part in some business, philanthropy, and media ventures.

For her part, Meghan would be headlining a Sydney “ultimate girls’ weekend” retreat where she is expected to take photos and answer questions from paying vip guests.

However, the retreat is already coming under scrutiny as reports suggest the event’s hosts are wallowing in financial difficulties and are owing over 500,000 Australian dollars in taxes.

Meghan Markle’s Australian Retreat’s Host Embroiled In Financial Troubles

The PR agency responsible for organizing Meghan Markle’s upcoming appearance at an Australian “girls’ weekend” has reportedly entered liquidation, with reports suggesting the brand is owing more than half a million Australian dollars in taxes.

The “Her Best Life Retreat” is a first-of-its-kind seaside weekend outing by event company Besties, which was founded by radio host Jackie ‘O’ Henderson and Gemma O’Neill.

The pair tapped Meghan to headline the ultra-exclusive retreat, where women pay £1,705 [$2,275] for a nice timeout and also get to take pictures with the Duchess of Sussex over dinner.

However, the talent agency promoting the event is said to be having money problems,  with owner O’Neill saying she can’t pay the huge tax bill because of a lack of savings and “limited income.”

A news.com.au report revealed that the brand, Gemmie Agency, went into voluntary liquidation in November, and owes $543,548 to the Australian Taxation Office, with another 3,300 owed to small business Jack Lawrence Accountants and Advisors.

The Meghan Markle Retreat Organizer Has Been Asked To Give An Account

The company hosting the weekend event, Besties Australia, was also mentioned in the insolvency report, as it was noted that it received a loan of $18,143 from the Gemmie Agency.

Besties Australia was registered by O’Neill in October 2022 in her role as director/secretary. However, the report states that she didn’t disclose any loans to related parties to administrators.

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“The director (O’Neill) advised that this balance was incorrectly recorded by the Company’s former accountant and the transactions in the loan account were in respect of costs incurred by the Company, and not by Besties Australia,” the report states.

According to the Daily Mail, administrators have written to O’Neill requesting “a detailed explanation of the balance of that loan.”

She reportedly wrote to them back in February, stating that she couldn’t make any repayment contributions, as she has no available personal savings, limited income, and has failed to refinance her beachside apartment in Sydney.

More Troubles For The PR Agency

O’Neill seems to have endured more challenging situations as her star client, Jackie O, got embroiled in a public row with her KIIS FM radio partner, Kyle Sandilands, which led to their $100M contract being torn up.

Now, Jackie O is understood to have filed a wrongful termination suit against the network after she told executives she couldn’t “continue to work with Mr. Kyle Sandilands” following his comments.

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Meanwhile, it remains unclear how the financial situation would affect Meghan’s meet and greet event from April 17 to 19.

Reports suggest the event will host more than 300 guests to a “VIP Experience” that includes a “group table photo with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex,” as well as the chance to hear her interviewed on stage during a two-night stay in a 5-star Sydney hotel.

It Is Unclear If Meghan Markle Would Be Paid For The

It appears the former “Suits” actress had nothing to do with the booking, which was seemingly handled by her friend Markus Anderson.

The organizer, O’Neill, claims Anderson reached out to her and suggested that Meghan be their guest of honor.

Whether or not the Duchess of Sussex would be paid an appearance fee of some sort remains unknown, as the event coincides with her and Harry’s trip to Australia next month.

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However, royal experts have suggested she’ll appear as a “paid celebrity,” with one insider comparing her to former Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson, saying, “she’s basically Fergie,” per the Daily Mail.

Meghan Markle Was ‘Horrified’ Over A Leaked Email Which Revealed Details About Her Retreat

Meanwhile, Meghan is understood to be uneasy after details of her upcoming Australian trip were leaked.

“She was horrified when word got out, ahead of the official announcement, that she would be appearing at a women’s retreat in Sydney,” a source told New Idea.

They continued, “She likes to be in control, and the chaotic announcement about her arrival was anything but polished. While a leak about the trip isn’t the end of the world, Meghan’s losing sleep at what else could come out.”

Meghan is said to have taken measures to fish out where the leak came from, as she also worries about what other private information may surface.

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“She is on a mission to find out who leaked the information. It’s made the working environment around her office very tense,” the source added.

Keith Urban is reportedly struggling with an emotional setback after his daughter, Sunday Rose, appeared to overlook him in a recent interview.

The moment has sparked fresh attention around his post-divorce life with Nicole Kidman, as insiders claim the country star has been quietly dealing with the fallout while trying to maintain a brave face.

Sunday Rose Praises Nicole Kidman In Candid Interview

Sunday Rose, 17, opened up about her early influences in a recent interview with Elle Australia, placing her mother, Nicole Kidman, firmly at the center of her inspiration.

The young model spoke warmly about growing up around creativity and how it shaped her path.

“My mum is someone who has always been so creative and my biggest inspiration in life,” Sunday Rose told the publication. “She is a key part of everything I do.”

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She also revealed the practical guidance she has received from her mother while building her modeling career. “The biggest piece of industry advice Mum has given to me is to always be on time,” she said.

While her comments painted a close bond with Kidman, the absence of any mention of her father quickly became a talking point.

Keith Urban Reportedly Left Numb By The Omission

Sources suggest the interview struck a nerve for Keith Urban, who was noticeably absent from his daughter’s reflections.

According to an insider who spoke to New Idea, the reaction has been deeply personal.

“Keith doesn’t know what to say, but he’s trying to put on a brave front,” the source said. “He knows he has to be patient; however, this latest snub – so publicly, there in black and white – has stumped him.”

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The situation has reportedly left the singer feeling shaken, especially given how visible the omission was.

For someone used to life in the spotlight, the emotional weight of the moment appears to have landed hard.

Keith Urban Navigates Life After Divorce And Custody Shift

The development comes months after Urban and Nicole Kidman finalized their divorce following nearly two decades of marriage.

Their separation, announced last September and finalized in January, marked a major shift in their family dynamic.

As part of their agreement, Kidman was granted the majority of custody of their daughters, Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret, 15.

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Under the parenting plan, she will spend 306 days each year with them, while Keith Urban will have 59 days.

The limited time together has been noticeable publicly. Keith Urban has not been seen with his daughters since December 2024, when the family gathered in Australia for Christmas following the passing of Kidman’s mother, Janelle.

Even before that, their last official public appearance as a family dates back to July 2024, when they attended the Paris Olympics to support Australian skateboarder Chloe Covell.

Keith Urban’s Reported Solitary Life In Nashville

Away from public appearances, reports suggest Urban has embraced a quieter, more isolated lifestyle.

According to Woman’s Day, the singer has been living a largely solitary existence in Nashville when he is not spending time with his children.

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The shift is said to extend beyond geography, with claims that he has distanced himself from parts of his past life.

“He’s now living a life that’s been completely purged of everyone to do with his past life,” a source said per the Daily Mail.

The reported changes hint at a broader personal reset, as Keith Urban adjusts to life after his long-term relationship and the restructuring of his family life.

Nicole Kidman Speaks Out As Family Moves Forward

As attention continues to build around the family, Nicole Kidman has also addressed her mindset following the divorce.

In a recent interview with Variety, the actress reflected on her outlook and priorities moving forward.

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“I’m always going to be moving toward what’s good. What I’m grateful for is my family and keeping them as is and moving forward,” Kidman said.

She also acknowledged that the past year had been a period of introspection and change. “Well, not last year. I was quiet. I had other things going on. I was in my shell,” she added.

Despite the emotional complexities, the former couple’s split was handled with minimal public conflict.

Legal documents confirmed they waived claims to spousal and child support, choosing instead to handle their own legal expenses.

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While both Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman continue to move forward in their own ways, the recent interview moment shows how deeply personal changes can still resonate publicly, especially when family ties are involved.

Jeff Goldblum and his wife are facing backlash online after stepping out in a bold fashion statement that has ignited debate across social media. The couple’s look, featuring what appears to be genuine skunk fur, quickly drew criticism from fans and animal rights advocates alike, with PETA issuing a strong response and commenters flooding the post with mixed reactions.

PETA Issues Strong Statement

Not long after the image began circulating, PETA weighed in with a pointed response condemning the use of real fur.

“Fur is fur, no matter when the skunks were killed. Calling it ‘vintage’ doesn’t erase the cruelty,” they wrote, adding a skunk emoji and a broken heart emoji. “Wearing this look sends a dangerous message that torturing and killing animals for fashion is acceptable. Faux and vegan materials deliver the same drama without taking lives.”

Social Media Users Call The Look ‘Disappointing’

Many commenters echoed similar concerns in response to the photo, criticizing the couple for their fashion choice. “So disappointing. Can you two really be so out of touch as to wear real fur?” one user asked. “Vintage or not, wearing real fur promotes all fur. With gorgeous faux and other materials widely available, there’s just no excuse. Please do better.”

Others questioned why alternative materials weren’t used instead. “Why not fake fur?!” another asked, adding a thumbs down emoji.

While much of the reaction was critical, some users took a lighter or more humorous approach when reacting to the image. “Y’all are like the energy of supervillains but make them fun nice people,” someone said.

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Another commenter joked about the dramatic nature of the photo shoot itself. “This looks less like a photoshoot and more like two luxury villains negotiating the fate of Europe over espresso,” the user commented.

PETA Previously Called Out Lady Gaga Over Feathered Grammy Look

The backlash surrounding Jeff Goldblum’s look comes just weeks after PETA took aim at another major star, Lady Gaga, over her fashion choices on one of music’s biggest stages.

The 39-year-old pop icon made headlines after delivering a dramatic, rock-leaning performance of her hit “Abracadabra” at the Grammys. Embracing a more theatrical style, Gaga performed solo, skipping the full group of dancers from the music video and instead commanding the stage on her own.

Mostly hidden beneath an elaborate, eye-like headpiece and dramatic feathered styling, Gaga delivered the performance with intensity, earning a standing ovation from the crowd as the cameras captured the audience rising to their feet.

However, not everyone was impressed.

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Lady Gaga’s Grammy Performance Draws Backlash

Shortly after the performance, PETA criticized the singer’s feather-heavy look, sharing a graphic that read,

“Lady Gaga, let birds keep their feathers,” along with a message calling out the use of feathers in fashion. The organization argued that feathers “belong on birds” and suggested the look sent the wrong message, especially during such a high-profile broadcast.

While PETA’s criticism gained traction online, not everyone was convinced the outrage was warranted. Several commenters pointed out that Gaga has publicly moved away from animal-derived fashion in recent years, suggesting the materials used in her performance may not have been real.

“How are we sure it’s not faux feathers?” one person wrote, while another added, “How does anyone know if they’re real or fake? That’s kind of hard to tell just from a photo.”

“Is there evidence that they’re real?” a third fan asked. “Gaga stopped wearing outfits made from animal origins years ago. A lot of her fans are animalists.”

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Who Is PETA? The Outspoken Animal Rights Group Behind The Backlash

PETA, short for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, is one of the world’s most high-profile animal rights organizations and has built a reputation for calling out celebrities over their fashion choices.

The group has long campaigned against the use of fur, feathers, leather, and other animal-derived materials, frequently aiming at stars who wear them on red carpets, in performances, or in editorial shoots.

But despite PETA’s outspoken history on the issue, Jeff Goldblum and his wife have remained silent following the backlash.

Virgin River fans have watched the beloved cast change on and off screen for years and ahead of the show’s series finale.

Based on Robyn Carr’s book series, Virgin River follows the lives of residents living in a small town in Northern California, including Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack (Martin Henderson). The hit series, which premiered in 2019, also stars Colin Lawrence, Annette O’Toole, Tim Matheson, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Sarah Dugdale, Zibby Allen, Marco Grazzini and Kai Bradbury.

Netflix’s hit series is seven seasons in – but it seems like much less time has passed for the residents of Virgin River.

“It’s been [around] six months,” Hollingsworth exclusively told Us Weekly in March 2026 of the time jump between seasons. “It was what everyone figured out it was, which is nuts.”

Grazzini had a different theory, however, sharing with Us in a separate interview, “It’s been about a year and a half, right? Because, if you think about it, it’s been about a year and a half from season 1 because that’s when Charmaine got pregnant.”

He continued, “Now her twins are a couple months old so let’s call it nine months plus five months. Just over a year.”

Allen’s suggestion regarding the amount of time between seasons fell somewhere in the middle. “I think it’s been a year and a half — like a year and three months,” she noted to Us. “I know the writers told us once and I just forgot.”

Scroll down to see then-and-now photos of Virgin River stars:

Alexandra Breckenridge

Since bringing the lead role of Mel to life, Alexandra Breckenridge has appeared on Cast Away Sorta, My Secret Santa and Love in Store.

Martin Henderson

Martin Henderson has scored roles in X, The Gloaming, My Life is Murder and Madam since joining Virgin River as Jack.

Colin Lawrence

In addition to playing Preacher, Colin Lawrence has appeared in Christmas in Evergreen: Bells are Ringing, Morning Show Mysteries, Dancing Through the Snow and Napa Ever After.

Lauren Hammersley

Lauren Hammersley pulled double duty as Charmaine on Virgin River and Connie on Sullivan’s Crossing. She also appeared in Hallmark’s Christmas Island.

Annette O’Toole

After scoring the role of Hope, Annette O’Toole has also been in The Good Doctor, Kidding and Search Party.

Tim Matheson

Annette O’Toole’s onscreen love interest Tim Matheson, meanwhile, has appeared on This Is Us, Evil, Quantum Leap and 9-1-1: Nashville while playing Doc.

Related: How Much Time Has Passed on ‘Virgin River’ Since Season 1? Timeline Explained

While Virgin River is Netflix’s longest-running scripted series, viewers have been left confused about how much time has actually passed on the show. Based on Robyn Carr’s book series, Virgin River follows the lives of residents living in a small town in Northern California, including Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack (Martin Henderson). The hit series, […]

Benjamin Hollingsworth

Ben Hollingsworth won Us over in the role of Brady, but he has also appeared on A Godwink Christmas: Meant for Love, Love Under the Olive Tree, Debris and Joe Pickett. He has also scored roles in A Splash of Love, Romance in Style, So Help Me Todd, Deck the Halls on Cherry Lane and The Christmas Ring.

Sarah Dugdale

After booking the role of Lizzy, Sarah Dugdale has appeared on Dial S for Santa, Season’s Greetings from Cherry Lane and Allegiance.

Zibby Allen

Zibby Allen has appeared on Nancy Drew, The Good Doctor, The Vows We Keep, Lies Between Friends and more while also filming scenes as Brie for Virgin River.

Marco Grazzini

Marco Grazzini can be seen in Close Up, Right in Front of Me, Designing Christmas, Hearts in the Game and Haunted Harmony Mysteries: Murder in G Major after playing Mike.

Did Steven Spielberg just make a successful return to the world of dinosaurs? You bet Jurass-ic he did, and his collaboration with Netflix, the documentary miniseries The Dinosaurs, immediately hit #1 on global streaming charts upon its release of all four episodes on March 6. Narrated by Morgan Freeman, The Dinosaurs winningly charts the rise and eventual fall of the great creatures, a brutal and unforgiving CGI journey with an attention to detail that puts the docuseries above anything else like it. If you’re looking for another incredible documentary series with a similar focus on dinosaurs, then Apple TV’s Prehistoric Planet is the perfect replacement.

What Is Apple TV’s ‘Prehistoric Planet’ About?

Prehistoric Planet, simply defined, is a 15-episode documentary series about dinosaurs told across three seasons, from the Late Cretaceous period 66 million years ago through to the Ice Age. But the way the series approaches dinosaurs is unlike anything else, simply by being exactly like something else: a nature documentary. It remembers that dinosaurs were animals first, monsters second, stepping away from the conventional eat-or-be-eaten that most dinosaur fare falls into, including The Dinosaurs. As such, it creates a relatability that others lack: no one understands being eaten by a T. Rex (except lawyers), but the frantic search for your baby, as befalls a Triceratops mother in Season 1’s “Forests,” connects.

Prehistoric Planet began over a decade ago with BBC Studios creative director Michael Gunton, who came up with the idea of doing a natural history documentary like the BBC’s Planet Earth, only with dinosaurs: how did they live, migrate, mate, raise their offspring, and so on. Great idea, wrong time. The technology available then simply wasn’t up to the project’s requirements, and with no actual dinosaurs to film, that was problematic. Enter Jon Favreau, who met with Gunton and showrunner Tim Walker in London years later. As Walker recalls: “Jon came in and sat down; we got chatting and he flipped his iPad open and said, ‘Let me show you some of the stuff we’ve been doing.’ It was The Lion King.“

Just like that, the company behind the stunningly life-like effects behind The Lion King, MPC, were tasked with creating the dinosaurs, two-time Oscar winner Hans Zimmer was brought in to compose the score, and nature documentary veteran Sir Richard Attenborough came in to narrate, replaced by Tom Hiddleston for the third season’s focus on the Ice Age. But what truly puts Prehistoric Planet “above anything else like it” are top-to-bottom commitments, both to the latest in palaeontological research, under the watchful eye of chief scientific consultant and palaeozoologist Darren Naish, and to its focus on dinosaur life, refreshingly keeping away from the catastrophic event that ended it.

Apple TV’s ‘Prehistoric Planet’ Is Proof the Streamer Thrives When It Leans Into Science

It could be argued that Prehistoric Planet is as good as it is, in large part, thanks to being on Apple TV in the first place. Apple TV thrives when it leans into science, creating a host of exceptional documentaries that range from biographies and politics to nature and society. The documentaries matter, and the high-end production quality – advanced CGI, customized cameras, cinematic-level scores and editing – is testament to it. Seasoned vets like Attenborough, Paul Rudd, and Hugh Bonneville exude an air of authenticity with their narrations. Not to mention, Apple TV is the best streamer for sci-fi, with exceptional series like Severance, Pluribus, Foundation, and For All Mankind.

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The Best Jurassic Movie in a Decade Is Dominating 2 Streaming Services

A sequel is reportedly in early development at Universal.

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Plus, as with Prehistoric Planet, there’s a commitment to accuracy — buoyed by collaborations with researchers and scientists — that is laudable. It even extends to other projects like Extrapolations, which earned plaudits from scientists for its precise depiction of global warming. Those elements alone aren’t enough to separate the Apple TV documentary from its kin, but its focus on unique, rarely covered moments in nature does. Take The Secret Lives of Animals, for one, which shows navigation signposts made by a wood mouse, or a frog that turns invisible: it’s easy to build a documentary narrative around the predator-prey dynamic, but quite another to make the everyday lives of animals utterly fascinating.

Prehistoric Planet fits right in to that Apple TV formula, and while the everyday actions of dinosaurs that it showcases are speculative, it rings true. The series also goes beyond the fan-favorite dinosaurs to include the likes of Kaikaifilu, a seagoing lizard with flippers and a tail fin, and Qianzhousaurus, an Asian-tyrannosaur whose long snout earned it the moniker “Pinocchio Rex.” Prehistoric Planet takes the route of its Apple TV relations, while The Dinosaurs has the markings of Spielberg’s cinematic touch. The two complement each other in conventional and unconventional ways, making Prehistoric Planet the perfect replacement for The Dinosaurs, and vice-versa.

The badass action icon Jason Statham has made an impressive five movies alongside acclaimed director Guy Ritchie. Beginning in 1998 with Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, which was Statham’s debut role, their now-famed partnership has stretched for over 25 years and included hits such as Snatch, Revolver, Wrath of Man, and Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre. It is fair to say that, whenever a project between the two is announced, the action-loving world is gripped.

Well, that’s exactly what happened in late October last year, when it was confirmed that the pair would tackle the long-awaited Viva La Madness, a new action-thriller based on J.J. Connolly’s 2011 novel, the follow-up to Layer Cake. Billed as a stand-alone feature that won’t directly follow Matthew Vaughn’s 2004 cult hit, Viva La Madness already boasts a star-studded line-up, with Statham joined by the likes of Vinnie Jones (The Gentlemen), Jason Isaacs of The White Lotus fame, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds star Babs Olusanmokun, Camila Mendes (Masters of the Universe), Ben Foster, Jonny Lee Miller, and Raúl Alejandro.

Filming on Viva La Madness reportedly began in London last month and has now moved to Malta. Excitingly, thanks to a video circulating on social media, we now have our first look at Statham suited and booted, in the middle of production on the movie. Against a luxurious backdrop, Statham is surrounded by the crew and seemingly checking his script before action is called. The appearance of a boat in the background hopefully confirms that this upcoming feature will be as grand as other recent Statham/Ritchie projects.

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You Can Rent Jason Statham’s Latest Actioner

Image via Black Bear Pictures

Debuting in January 2026, Statham’s latest actioner, Shelter, was recently awarded the approval of Stephen King, who took to social media to praise the project. On Bluesky, King wrote, “The new Jason Statham movie is terrific. The perfect antidote to Trump’s foolishness.” Helmed by Ric Roman Waugh, the movie was unable to return its reported $50 million in a disappointing box office run and is now available to rent on VOD.

For the latest updates on the biggest movies, make sure to stay tuned to Collider.

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Release Date

January 30, 2026

Runtime

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107 minutes

Director

Ric Roman Waugh

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Writers

Ward Parry

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Producers

Greg Silverman, Jason Statham, Jon Berg, John Friedberg, Brendon Boyea

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I write about fashion for a living. Most people assume that means I exclusively wear designer clothing, but that’s far from the truth. In fact, most of my wardrobe comes from Amazon, something few people believe.

Amazon has stepped up their fashion game over the past few years, offering high-quality items that are trendy yet timeless. The following 18 items are some of my favorite purchases that have earned me tons of compliments. From comfy lounge sets, to chic flats and jeans that hug every curve, these are the things every fashion lover should buy at Amazon.

My Most-Complimented Amazon Fashion Finds, Starting at $9

Loungesets

1. Airport Necessity: As a frequent flyer, this relaxed yet stylish lounge set has become my plane essential because of how comfortable it is.

2. Cute Enough for Brunch: I’ll always pick a lounge set over jeans. This sleek pick is chic enough to wear out for elevated meals — I just throw on a pair of heels and feel like a rich woman.

3. Mix and Match: I love how this lounge set comes with three pieces — pillowy joggers, a fitted cropped tank and an oversized cardigan. Each element is versatile enough to wear with other items, including jeans and skirts!

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Related: 21 Chic Hidden Gems Hiding in Amazon’s Spring Fashion Drop (All Under $50!)

Refreshing your wardrobe can be a pricey venture, but not on Amazon! It’s an undercover hub for expensive-looking pieces, with a spring collection that takes polished to a whole new level. We sifted through and found 21 rich mom pieces, each with a classy, boutique-like appeal. These chic blouses, dreamy dresses, trendy trousers and beyond […]

Jeans

4. Low Rider: I refused to embrace low-rise jeans until I tried this Levi’s pair. They sit nicely on my hips and don’t make me feel like my belly is flooding over. Plus, because I have a short torso, these make my body look more proportional.

5. Forget Blue: Brown is one of the most flattering colors (and it’s very popular right now!). I added this light brown denim to my closet to elevate my outfits. They look a bit more elegant than your standard blue jeans.

6. Patchwork: The cute patch pockets on these jeans always spark a conversation, probably because they’re adorable and add a bit of personality!

Trousers

7. So Posh: After purchasing these wide leg dress pants, I finally understood the hype with the trend. I feel so sophisticated every time I wear them, even if I’m just wearing a simple tee and white sneakers.

8. I Mean Business: When I have an important day at work, these slim trousers never fail me. I feel like such a boss when I slip into them!

9. Summertime Vibes: These trousers are made from lightweight cotton for a more casual look. I find them to be ideal for summer Fridays, or even relaxed evenings spent by the pier.

Tops

10. I Own Five: My stylist told me a sleek button down is one of the most important articles of clothing you can own, so I bought five of this anti-wrinkle striped blouse. I wear it once a week!

11. Stripes Forever: I never knew how versatile stripes were until I bought this pretty puff-sleeved tee. I adore how simple it is, and it really ties together some of my favorite outfits too.

12. One Small Detail: The cowl neck on this ribbed sweater takes it from every day to elegant. I always wear this with my favorite jeans and heels for date night.

Shoes

13. Fiery Steps: I dreamed of owning red sling-back flats for months, and this style is better than I ever imagined. The faux-leather is soft and supple, and they’re extra comfortable.

14. Like Walking on Clouds: Don’t sleep on Dr. Scholl’s! These white sneaks are so stylish and offer awesome arch support so I can walk for miles and miles pain-free.

15. Walk on the Wild Side: I finally caved in to the animal print trend with these chic leopard mesh flats. I love that they’re neutral and go with most things in my closet.

Handbags

16. Statement-Making Bag: Style tip — I add color to my outfit with a fun accessory, like this red leather satchel that looks much more expensive than it is and comes with a crossbody strap.

17. Woven Wonder: The textured design on this bag adds dimension to my entire outfit. I own this in the brown, but plan on purchasing another color because I always get compliments and it holds my belongings perfectly.

18. Early Aughts Called: Turn-of-the-century designs are trending, and I can’t get enough of this buckled bag that reminds me of my favorite 2000s movies like Mean Girls and She’s The Man.

Related: 21 Fashion Finds That Quietly Went Viral on Amazon in the Past Month

If your Amazon cart has been working overtime lately, you’re definitely not alone. February brought a wave of fashion finds that shoppers couldn’t stop adding to their wish lists, from easy tops that instantly elevate denim to comfortable sets made for busy days on the go. There’s something undeniably satisfying about discovering pieces that thousands […]

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John Wick radically reshaped the action movie landscape,thanks to the expert direction of Chad Stahelski and David Leitch​​​​​. The duo crafted a compelling tale in which Keanu Reeves‘ titular henchman is drawn back into the life of violence he left behind; they also expertly balance bloody battles and emotional catharsis in a way that made John Wick a smash hit and led to a franchise that attempts to top itself with each installment. Before Stahelski and Leitch brought John Wick to life, they would take part in an iconic comic book adaptation when they worked on V for Vendetta.

Based on the DC Comics/Vertigo graphic novel by Alan Moore, David Lloyd, and Tony Weare, V for Vendetta is set in a future where Britain is under a totalitarian regime. This regime is opposed by V (Hugo Weaving), a mysterious figure clad in a black cloak and mask who seeks to ignite a revolution with the help of Evey Hammond (Natalie Portman). The combination of bloody violence and a stylized world feels perfect for Stalheski and Leitch’s sensibilities, and director James McTeigue recently revealed during a conversation for Collider Rewind, that the duo stood in for Weaving at key action moments.

“There are a few other people underneath the mask, too, actually, like Dave Leitch, who has great success with Bullet Train and Hobbs & Shaw. Right? He’s under the mask at one point, he and Chad Stahelski, who’s the John Wick director. They were the stunt coordinators on that movie, so Dave was under the mask for a bit of it.”

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Chad Stahelski & David Leitch Brought Their Stunt Expertise to ‘V for Vendetta’

Image via Warner Bros.

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Before they were two of the most sought-after directors in the action realm, Chad Stahelski and David Leitch were stunt actors and second unit directors who worked on some of Hollywood’s biggest franchises. Chief among them was The Matrix, where Stahelski served as Keanu Reeves’ stunt double while Leitch offered his services to The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions. This forged a bond between the duo and the Wachowski siblings, and with the Wachowskis penning the script for V for Vendetta, they opted to bring Stahelski and Leitch on board alongside James McTeigue. The end result features some of the best action sequences for any comic book adaptation.

The standout scene in V for Vendetta comes toward the end, where V is cornered by the secret police known as the “Finger” and their leader, Peter Creedy (Tim Pigott-Smith). Rather than surrender, V proclaims that he’ll kill all of his opponents before they reload, and die with his hands closed around Creedy’s throat. What follows is a beautiful, yet brutal action sequence that makes use of the slow motion that populated the Matrix films, and the swift violence that would come to define John Wick. While you’d never know that they were in the suit, Stahelski and Leitch’s fingerprints are all over this final fight.

Members of the ‘John Wick’ Crew Have Worked on Other Comic Book Adaptations

V for Vendetta wouldn’t be the last time that a member of the John Wick filmmaking team helped bring a comic book to life. David Leitch’s Atomic Blonde adapts the graphic novel The Coldest City, and Deadpool 2 brought his action sensibilities to the Merc with a Mouth. Surprisingly, it’s screenwriter Derek Kolstad who’s become the most involved with the world of comics. In addition to penning episodes of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Kolstad is set to adapt the Bad Idea comic book Ordained, featuring a former soldier turned priest who stands against a legion of mobsters. Ordained will also team Kolstad with Colin Farrell (The Penguin), who’s set to play the priest, and Joe & Anthony Russo (Avengers: Doomsday) as executive producers.

Chad Stahelski and David Leitch helped elevate the comic book movie with their work on V for Vendetta. The duo proved that violence, when filmed the right way, can be as gripping as any well-written piece of dialogue, and it’s an aesthetic they embraced with gusto on John Wick.

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Release Date

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February 23, 2006

Runtime

132 minutes

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Director

James McTeigue

Producers

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Grant Hill, Joel Silver, Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski, Lorne Orleans

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