What Did Eternals’ Kumail Nanjiani Say About Needing Therapy After The Movie’s Poor Performance?

Fan response to the many Marvel movies in order has changed radically over the past several years, as the post-Infinity Saga films haven’t exactly set the world on fire like the first decade or so of releases did. One of the movies that had the typical Marvel buzz, but disappointed when viewers checked it out was Eternals. Despite the massive star power on screen (along with Kumail Nanjiani, the superhero team included Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Richard Madden, Gemma Chan, Brian Tyree Henry and more) and decent box office, the reviews were mixed at best.

Nanjiani recently appeared on the Working It Out podcast, where he and fellow comedian/host Mike Birbiglia got into the topic of working out new material for their stand-up acts. When asked what he’s been putting together lately, the Oscar nominee revealed that “the last 15 minutes” of his set now revolves around how Eternals’ negative reviews impacted him:

Boy, that’s rough, right? I can only imagine that there are several other actors who’ve have similar experiences. The Big Sick star also mentioned that the movie came out after some of the heat from the pandemic had passed and folks were allowed back into theaters, but this meant that he’d had about a year and a half of sitting at home and dreaming of how successful the film would be.

It might seem foolish for the Silicon Valley lead to have done this, but the fact is that this movie had been built up, even by those at Marvel. In early 2024, Nanjiani talked about how the thought was that the film would be “really, really well reviewed” so they lifted the review embargo early and sent the cast on the press tour at the same time, assuming they’d be able to bask in the glow of unbelievably positive word of mouth. But, that didn’t happen.

The lead up to the film’s debut also set his hopes high, because he mentioned signing on for “six movies, a video game, a theme park ride” believing that his time as Bollywood star/Eternal Kingo would last for at least a decade. While anything within the Marvel multiverse is possible, it seems unlikely that we’ll see Nanjiani or his fellow Eternals again in the near future, but at least it sounds like he’s come to terms with how the movie not quite living up to expectations affected him and can keep on keepin’ on.

And when Season 1 of Wednesday came out, LGBTQ+ fans started getting behind the idea of Wednesday Addams and her roommate Enid Sinclair (played by Emma Myers) perhaps starting a friendship that could blossom into romance. However, the ship known as “Wenclair” has just been shot down by its show creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar. As Gough told Decider:

In the first season of Wednesday, its titular character had a couple of male love interests in Percy Hynes White’s Xavier and Hunter Doohan’s Tyler, but they weren’t really entertained much by Jenna Ortega’s character. Wednesday and Tyler end up going on a couple of dates and ultimately sharing a kiss, but once they lock lips, she immediately learns that she’s being courted by a murderous monster called a Hyde.

In terms of Xavier, which Season 1 seemed to leave open-ended for them, the actor was written off the show after sexual misconduct allegations.

As the series creators clarified in the new interview, their intentions are apparently strictly “friendship” when it comes to Wednesday and Enid. The two young women become roommates in the first season, and they have a sweet storyline about becoming friends despite being opposites. As Millar also added:

The internet has been flooded with posts loving Wednesday and Enid since the series came out, but these new comments will certainly be a disappointment for LGBTQ+ fans who were rooting for the relationship to be a romance.

Of course, there’s been a lot of character pairings of this nature in the past, from Finn and Poe in Star Wars to Steve and Bucky in the MCU to Betty and Veronica in Riverdale. For now, it sounds like Wenclair will have to remain the subject of fan art, fanfics and such.

You can see Wednesday and Enid in Season 2 of Wednesday, which is now streaming with a Netflix subscription. Part 1 is available now, and Part 2 will premiere on September 3.

While I’m not the biggest fan of Netflix releasing things in parts, and have regularly expressed my distaste for the pattern, I still tuned into Wednesday Season 2 Part 1, and I have to admit, the horror is amped up for Season 2. However, there’s one other aspect that really stands out a lot more, and one that I think a lot of different people will notice as well.

I Know Everyone Will Talk About The Horror Of Season 2

So, first things first, I’ll address the elephant in the room and state that Season 2 of Wednesday can be a little scarier than Season 1. And honestly, that’s a good thing.

Jenna Ortega herself has expressed her trust in the writers to bring the character of Wednesday more into horror territory rather than anything else, and they did so this season. I mean, it makes sense considering Ortega is one of the executive producers this time around, so I’m not shocked that the series opens up with some pretty harrowing images.

I won’t spoil anything for you, but I will say some more graphic moments might be a little scary for kids. Still, as the creators told me in my junket interview, it’s a “weird marriage” with horror and comedy, to make sure the series is still fun for younger audiences while also leaning more into the horror aspects of the Addams Family.

Even so, there’s no denying it. Sure, it’s not at the level of some of the best horror movies out there, and I don’t ever expect Wednesday, of all properties, to get there. But it can be scarier, and that is a significant improvement. But there’s one other aspect that I love so much more that I have to talk about.

To Me, I'm Loving How Diverse The Cast Has Become

I love this cast. I really feel like it’s grown even more diverse over time.

While the Wednesday cast itself was already pretty impressive from the first season, something about Season 2 feels a lot more inclusive than ever before. Maybe it’s because certain characters have gotten a glow-up in specific ways, so they are there a whole lot more, but they feel more present.

Something that I did enjoy about the first season of Wednesday is that it really was focused on her – on her story, on her family, and how she is dealing with this mystery while also dealing with two (frankly annoying) high school boys that Wednesday really gave nothing to.

It was fun, and I liked it, but if we were going to continue the show, there had to be more. Season 2 has really given us that with its storylines, and I have to address them.

Including Different Kinds Of Actors, Really Of All Skin Color And Nationality, Is So Fun And Inclusive

There are plenty of storylines in Season 2 of Wednesday that I could sing my praises to because now it’s starting to really feel more like an ensemble rather than just a solo show. I’ll point out a few.

One in particular that I am loving the expansion on is Bianca Barclay, played by Joy Sunday. In the first season, she was initially portrayed as a mean girl who ultimately helped Wednesday by the end of the finale. However, in Season 2, we really start to see the young woman behind the siren abilities, how she would do anything to keep her family safe and protect her mother.

There’s also the fact that we’re seeing them a whole lot more now than ever before. I never really wondered how a siren worked, just because it’s not my favorite mythical creature. However, having Joy Sunday play one is fantastic, and she plays the role so perfectly while adding the touch of humanity the mythical creature desperately needs.

Another character that I’ve been loving is the expansion of Pugsley. I never would have thought I would like learning more about Pugsley, but Isaac Ordonez portrays the character so well, and he’s an active part of the story this time around. He not only interacts with Wednesday but has his storyline with bringing back a crazy inventor from the dead as a zombie, and it’s actually hilarious – and it leads to some humorous interactions with Eugene (Moosta Mostafa), who is his roommate. I love it.

I feel like in many other shows, we wouldn’t get to dive this deep into the side characters and their lives, and it’s just a happy additive that there are so many diverse actors playing these roles. It’s absolutely fantastic and I adore it.

Having The Addams Family Be A Bigger Part Of It Warms My Latina Heart

The last thing I’d love to talk about is the Addams family, overall, becoming a bigger part of this series. I adore these outcasts so much, but it also makes my Latina heart so happy.

I feel that in another life, there was a chance that something like this wouldn’t have happened – where the Addams Family was played by primarily Latinx actors and all of them had such fantastic chemistry, but here we are, and it makes me so happy.

I grew up with these characters, adored every single bit of them, and would literally binge episodes of the original show because I felt so connected to them. But now, as a Latina, it warms my heart to see Ortega play Wednesday so well, but also inspire millions of other young Latinas to chase their dreams because she blew up from this role.

And now having the whole family be a significant part of the show – from Isaac Ordonez to Luis Guzman – makes me happy. I know Catherine Zeta-Jones isn’t Latina, but honestly, the fact that most of this family is really makes me happy – and she plays Morticia so well, I can’t even be upset about it.

While we’re still going to be waiting until September for Part 2, and I, for one, will be champing at the bit for any more of this diversity I can get – and I can’t wait to see what is next for these characters.

See, watching the five-hour HBO documentary about Joel’s hits and misses, ups and downs, and the stories behind his most iconic tracks, I learned that one person in particular played a major role in the entertainer becoming one of the biggest pop stars of all time: his ex-wife and manager, Elizabeth Weber. I just have to give this woman her flowers…

Elizabeth Weber Was Married To Billy Joel During The Very Beginning Of His Career

Though I was aware that Billy Joel had been married and divorced and remarried several times, I wasn’t all too familiar with what kind of impact his first wife, Elizabeth Weber, had on his life and career until watching And So It Goes. Weber was originally married to Joel’s bandmate, John Small, but the relationship deteriorated due to Joel professing his love for his best friend’s girl. Some time later, Joel and Weber got together and married, with the latter coming on as his business manager as well.

As detailed in the documentary, Weber helped Joel navigate the murky and shark-infested waters of the recording industry in the early days, stood by his side when record companies took advantage of him, and was there as he became one of the biggest stars on the planet. However, she was no passive spouse riding the wave of success. Instead, she was the captain of the ship, pushing forward to the promised land.

Her Role In Making ‘Just The Way You Are’ A Single (And Changing Billy Joel's Career In The Process) Shouldn't Be Overlooked

I could sit here all day and talk about all the great and insightful moments in Billy Joel: And So It Goes, but I don’t think anyone besides my dad or other diehard fans would get much out of that. Instead, I need to talk about the scene about halfway through the first episode when Joel’s 1977 breakthrough album, The Stranger, becomes the topic of conversation, specifically how Elizabeth Weber fought Columbia Records executives on the album’s promotion and choice of singles.

There was a pre-release listening party where an executive said there were no singles on the album, which Weber rebuffed by making a deal: the exec could pick the first single – “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)” – if she could choose the second – “Just the Way You Are.” Not only was the single a success (more than 1 million copies sold and two Grammys), but the album became a huge hit, and Joel was transformed into a massive star, selling out Madison Square Garden and flying in private jets instead of showing up in small theaters in an old bus.

In an instant, the couple’s lives were changed, with Joel becoming a household name and Weber earning a reputation for being a tough-as-nails businesswoman who wasn’t willing to back down from a fight.

Several Of Billy Joel's Best Songs Are About Weber In Some Way

I don’t know how much of this will end up in the long-planned Billy Joel biopic, but the “Captain Jack” singer’s relationship with Elizabeth Weber led to some of his best songs, from The Stranger and others. “Just the Way You Are” was famously written for Weber’s birthday before ending up on the 1977 album, where it joined another all-time great track, “She’s Always a Woman,” a song that didn’t hold back with the good, the bad, and the ugly of relationships.

Joel, who would go on to write tracks inspired by his later relationships (“Uptown Girl” was in honor of his relationship with Christie Brinkley), also wrote an incredibly romantic song for Weber long before they were together. “She’s Got a Way,” which is featured on 1973’s Piano Man, was written about Weber when she and Joel weren’t seeing each other and he was missing her dearly.

Hearing These Stories Completely Has Changed The Way I See Joel's Music

Like I said earlier, Billy Joel’s music has been a major part of my life for well over 30 years now, and his songs remain some of my favorite of all time (“Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” is still my go-to karaoke song). However, after watching And So it Goes, I feel like I only had part of the story all of those years, and the way I see his music has completely changed after hearing these stories and others shared throughout the documentary.

It’s not like I didn’t love the songs before; it’s just that I feel like I have a better understanding after learning the context, or at least the inspirations of these iconic tracks that have been a part of literally every stage of my life since 1993 (probably sooner, knowing my dad).

I'm Not Going To Lie, Weber Should Have Gotten Her Due Long Before Billy Joel: And So It Goes Came Out

After watching Billy Joel: And So It Goes, I think that Elizabeth Weber should have gotten her due long before the documentary came out, and talked about everything from Joel’s biggest albums to how the 2012 Concert for Sandy Relief helped him find the joy in music again.

I’m honestly quite surprised Weber’s story and contributions to American music haven’t been talked about in such great detail in the past, because it’s hard to imagine The Stranger becoming a massive success without her hand. And with the way the album changed Joel’s career, you could argue that he wouldn’t have been as successful without her guiding hand.

You can watch Billy Joel: And So It Goes streaming with an HBO Max subscription if you haven’t already. Even if you aren’t a big fan of songs like “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” “Allentown,” or “Only the Good Die Young,” it’s well worth the watch.

Really, this isn't a surprise, because I've liked all of the Fantastic Four movies, and yes, that includes both the Chris Evans Fantastic Four movies, as well as the Michael B. Jordan one that nobody likes. That said, the new one is far and away the best FF movie ever made, and for a number of reasons.

However, one reason that I really haven't heard people talking about is just how much of a female empowerment movie this is. I've heard people call it “woke,” but a lot of people use that word for any movie they don't like. So, why is this movie all about girl power? Well, you're about to find out.

First Off, Sue Storm, Not Mister Fantastic, Is The One Who Was Sent To Speak For The Future Foundation Summit

When people first learned that Pedro Pascal was playing Reed Richards, it left a bad taste in some people's mouths. However, now that we've seen how good he was, I think he deserves an apology, because he was, er, fantastic!

That said, so many people were focused on Mister Fantastic and The Thing's voice that they didn't really put much focus on Sue Storm, a.k.a. The Invisible Woman. Vanessa Kirby's casting was kind of just shrugged off, with the only comments I heard online being that they would “wait and see” if she could fill Jessica Alba's invisible shoes.

The answer to that is a resounding “yes!” and I would argue that Kirby is the best Sue we've ever gotten. I think a lot of that is due to what a prominent role she plays in the film. For example, in a lot of ways, she's the leader of the team, not Reed.

Why else would she be the one who speaks at The Future Foundation Summit? In the comics, Mister Fantastic forms the organization, but in this film, we see Sue speaking, which might be because she (not Reed) is the voice of reason, which I'll get into next.

She's Also The One Who Gets The Earth On Their Side Once People Turn Against The Fantastic Four

In a lot of ways, Reed is actually portrayed as a bumbling genius in First Steps. A lot of fans of the character might not like that the smartest man in the world is portrayed as having difficulty communicating to anybody outside of his family. But, I love that he needs to rely on the other three to get his ideas across to the public.

When the team returns from an unsuccessful discussion with Galactus, Reed stupidly informs the public that the giant said he would spare the earth if they gave him their baby, which immediately makes them public enemies number one (or rather, one through four) since the world views them as selfish for endangering the whole planet for one person.

Who ends up doing damage control? Well, none other than Sue. Showing immense bravery, she takes their child out in public and gives a rousing speech about how she won't give up her baby for the earth, but also won't give up on the earth for their baby.

This is the speech that actually gets people on their side, and if not for Sue, then the eventual plan to save their world likely never would have gotten off the ground. As I said before, she is the true leader of the team, which is refreshing to say the very least.

And Probably, Most Importantly, She Beats Galactus, Making Her The Most Powerful Member Of The Team

When we first got a glimpse of Galactus, it pretty much gave us nightmares for days. Unlike in Rise of the Silver Surfer where Galactus was a giant cloud, we actually saw him in all of his glory in First Steps, and he really did need to be seen to be believed.

I honestly had no clue how the team was going to beat such a monster, but in no way did I ever envision that Sue would essentially defeat him all by herself.

I mean, yes, she got help from the other three, as they created a diversion while Sue did her, er, thing, but that was Sue pushing Galactus toward the trap that initially failed against him. That was Sue using her powers, which were literally moving A PLANET SWALLOWER toward his doom, all by herself.

Actually, there are a lot of powerful women in the MCU (which is another reason why I'd love to see something A-Force related). However, even though people like to debate whether Captain Marvel or The Scarlet Witch is stronger, I'm now under the impression that Sue Storm is the most powerful woman in the MCU, as she beat freaking Galactus! Incredible!

Shalla-Bal Also Gives The Ultimate Sacrifice To Do The Right Thing

Okay, now I know one of the reasons that people called this movie “woke” is because of the gender-swapped Silver Surfer. However, that just shows people's ignorance because this version is NOT gender-swapped at all, as it is not meant to be Norrin Radd, who is the original Silver Surfer.

No, Julia Garner is actually playing Shalla-Bal, who is another character in the comics. She was in the very first Silver Surfer comic, and she is the empress of her planet, Zenn-La. Yes, Radd is the one who offers himself up as Herald in the comics, but this is the multiverse, and in this world, Shalla-Bal is the Herald.

Anyway, all throughout the film, Bal feels guilty for what she has to do in order to save her own planet, and Johnny Storm ends up convincing her to help them fight Galactus, to which she initially thinks there's no hope.

That said, in the last moments, when Johnny heroically decides that he wants to sacrifice himself in order to give that final push to Galactus, it is Shalla-Bal who pushes him out of the way and slams into Galactus. In the end, it was two women who ultimately sacrificed themselves to save the earth. Did I mention that this movie is all about female empowerment?

Lastly, Most Marvel Movies Don't Make An Inherently Female Topic Like Motherhood So Central

Finally, can I just close on how this movie is both fantastic AND also about being fecund. What I mean is, having and protecting babies is a major theme throughout this film. In fact, this film has many themes about parenting that don't often get explored in Marvel films, which I think is pretty cool.

The whole basis for why Galactus is coming to earth is not to eat it, but to take Sue's and Richard's child, and Sue is NOT having it. I mean, Reed isn't, either, but Sue is the one who will sacrifice everything to save him. A lot of the film is also about Reed's fear of raising a child, and Sue's calm acceptance of motherhood.

This is a seismic leap from the days of Wanda being the angry, scorned mother of Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. In First Steps (I mean, the baby allusion is right in the title!), Sue is also an angry mother, but one who will not allow her child to be taken from her, unlike Wanda, who unfortunately couldn't prevent it.

In this way, it was really refreshing to see a positive movie about motherhood, and I'd wish we'd see more of them in the MCU. What do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

SPOILERS ahead for The Fantastic Four: First Steps!

The latest of the new Marvel movies is here with the release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and leading up to its debut in theaters you might have heard that the Silver Surfer would be in the movie after Doug Jones previously played him. However, when Julia Garner was cast in the role, some backlash took shape around a female version of the iconic comic book character being portrayed. However, now that the movie is out, I need to talk about what a lot of people have wrong about the gender-swap conversation.

Julia Garner Is Not Portraying The Original Silver Surfer

As soon as Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer started appearing in the marketing for the new Fantastic Four movie, there was a lot of backlash out there about Hollywood gender-swapping another iconic character after Taskmaster, for example, was also played by a woman. As one Reddit user said last year: “I’m sorry if you are using Silver Surfer, why not just use the actual Surfer??? What’s wrong with Norrin?” or another saying: “Wow, great actress, but this is an L for the movie.”

But, as pointed out in the original casting report and as we now know from seeing the movie, Garner did not simply replace Silver Surfer with a female version. She plays someone separate from the Norrin Raad character that’s actually in the comics: Shalla-Bal.

Why This Version Of Silver Surfer Works

Before we get to the origins of Shalla-Bal, I want to talk about her role in the movie, which was achieved thanks to mo-cap technology. I thought it worked really well in the context of the story, and its themes about parenting. Now that we’ve seen it, I think it was really smart for her Silver Surfer to show up. Her origin story of giving herself up to save her own child served as a really nice parallel to the Fantastic Four’s difficult decision with Galactus and Franklin, which really gave the movie more heart all around.

Her specifically being a mother who was previously met with the same problem as Sue Storm and Reed Richards, and reaching another conclusion, before later helping the team, really served the storyline of First Steps in a great way. I wasn't expecting to feel this way, but how Shalla-Bal fit into the team saving the world really stuck with me.

Who Is Shalla-Bal In The Comics?

In the comic books, Shalla-Bal first appeared in The Silver Surfer #1 in 1968 in an issue written by Stan Lee and with art by John Buscema. She’s initially depicted as the love interest of the original Silver Surfer, Norrin Radd. He is known for roaming the cosmos to search for planets for Galactus to consume, as Shalla-Bal does in Fantastic Four, while she’s been often used as a pawn by Mephisto and Doctor Doom to defeat Silver Surfer.

In the comics, Shalla-Ball is the empress of her planet, Zenn-La and Norrin’s love interest. In the source material, however, Norrin is the one who volunteers to become Galactus’s herald.

Considering we’re in the Multiverse Saga, and Fantastic Four does not take place on the main Earth we know, I think it makes a lot of sense for the MCU to shuffle the story a bit while also leaving room for Norrin to appear down the line. I like that Silver Surfer is a woman, not just because that's what was decided, but because it actually enriches all involved in the story for the better. And, yes, I hope to see Norrin Ladd (and I think there’s room for him to) show up at some point, as well.

Takei, who played Hikaru Sulu in Star Trek: The Original Series, the six TOS movies and an episode of Star Trek: Voyager (all of which can be streamed with a Paramount+ subscription), chatted about this on The Sackhoff Show. The actor, who came out as gay in 2005, recalled how one day, he was swimming in the pool at Gene Roddenberry’s house and told the man who brought Star Trek to the masses how much he admired that the show was touching on subjects like the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War. Takei then asked if Roddenberry would consider exploring LGBT equality on TOS, and here’s how the rest of the conversation went:

Like George Takei said, James T. Kirk and Uhura kissing in the episode “Plato’s Stepchildren” was indeed an historical moment, as this was the first interracial kiss depicted on American television. It helped break down a major small screen barrier, but then as Gene Roddenberry informed Takei, the episode didn’t air in many Southern stations in the United States because of that one moment. Roddenberry felt that if Star Trek started touching on LGBTQ issues as well, that would be pushing the show’s luck too far. Takei continued:

“Plato’s Stepchildren” was Star Trek: The Original Series Season 3’s 10th episode, so there’d only be another 14 episodes before the show was cancelled anyway. But George Takei understood where Gene Roddenberry was coming from, as ratings dictate whether or not a show will stay on the air. Between that, how TOS had already taken a hit from the Kirk/Uhura kiss and Takei still being closed at the time, he didn’t push the matter any further.

Fortunately, Star Trek: The Original Series laid the foundation for a franchise that’s still going strong and been able to delve into LGBTQ storytelling in its more recent history, including with Star Trek: Discovery featuring two of its principal characters in an openly gay relationship. It’s also worth mentioning that in the Kelvin timeline, John Cho’s Hikaru Sulu was revealed to be gay in 2016’s Star Trek Beyond, though George Takei didn’t approve of this creative decision.

Bring Her Back was one of the first of many horror films that premiered this summer. First reactions of the A24 movie being “fucked up” were on-point, because it's full of unforgettable, disturbing moments of “Ollie”'s demonic behavior. After I saw the Philippou Brothers’ terrifying horror flick for the first time, though, what I really need to talk about is the disability representation in its visually impaired character, Piper.

During his interview with FilmUpdates, Danny Philippou said the inspiration for Bring Her Back came from their friend’s little sister, who is blind. After her parents wouldn’t let her catch a bus by herself, “she was trying to communicate that she needed to have her own independence.” This tragic element of the movie centers on the journey of trying to let go. As Piper navigated the world on her own terms, here's how Bring Her Back powerfully represented visually impaired people.

I Loved That Piper Wasn't Just "The Blind Character"

At the beginning, we learn that teenage Piper is visually impaired. All she can see are shapes and light. She’s played by Sora Wong, who also has limited vision due to being born with coloboma and microphthalmia. Despite her character having limited vision, Piper's disability was not a plot device. She’s a teenager who happened not to see as sharply with her eyes as her peers.

Sure, we find out that her new foster mom, Laura, wanted to use Piper as a vessel for her deceased daughter, who was also blind. But, Piper’s visual impairment didn’t define her or her actions. She’s still depicted as an everyday teenager who goofed around with her older brother, Andy, played goalball, and went through the same trauma as her brother when they both found the body of their deceased father. Piper’s strength of self was her most defining feature over her disability.

Piper Proved You Don't Have To Be Sighted To Be Strong

In the 2025 movie release, the typical narrative trope of a disabled character is flipped, where disability is not shown as a weakness or an inspirational moment. It just is. Piper’s limited sight didn’t hold her back as she found strength through her other senses. When she found Andy having a breakdown after “Ollie” was being disturbing to him, Piper was able to calm him down with her voice and touch. In that moment, it wasn’t about what she couldn’t see. It was about what she could sense.

Piper navigated Laura’s house by touching the walls, the floor, and objects, rather than relying on others to take her everywhere. Piper also refused to use a cane to get around, saying she didn’t want anyone to “baby” her. She relied on her instincts, memory, and hearing to move through unfamiliar environments. Her disability was never used as a crutch, with the words “I can’t” never coming out of her mouth.

Piper Had Her Own Way Of "Seeing" The Truth

Just because Piper’s eyesight was limited didn’t mean she was easy to fool. For instance, she and Andy had their codeword “Grapefruit” that let the other know when they were being honest. In a world of manipulation where people take advantage of those with disabilities, Piper knew hearing that word from her brother meant she could trust him above all. She and her brother built safeguards to help protect her emotionally.

Piper also trusted her sense of touch and sound to understand the inconsistencies of the descriptions Laura gave her. For instance, Laura told her that her son, “Ollie,” had red, curly hair. When “Ollie” was mimicking Andy’s voice, she made sure to touch the person in front of her to “see” for sure.

Through touching his head, Piper discovered that he wasn’t her brother and that “Ollie” had a shaved head, and not the red, curly hair Laura told her. This made her realize that her new foster mom was a threat.

Watching Piper Undo Every Stereotype I've Seen About Blind Characters In Horror Flicks

Plenty of horror movies with blind characters aren’t always portrayed in the most positive light. Movies like Wait Until Dark had Audrey Hepburn’s character, Suzy, vulnerable to threats because of her blindness. It wasn’t until the climax that she was able to use her other senses to win. Piper, on the other hand, never wanted to be infantilized from the get-go or ever gave off a sense that she couldn’t handle herself.

In one of the top horror movies of 2016, Don’t Breathe, a blind war vet was the movie’s antagonist. His blindness reinforced the trope that disability can make someone violent. Piper was not a villain, and her disability didn't bring out any monstrosity in her. She’s a human being who was no different than the sighted characters around her. Plus, disability should not make a person easily susceptible to danger. Strength can exist in someone that society underestimates.

Piper Didn't Need To Be Saved

After Laura killed Piper’s brother, she was left alone in the house with her. Throughout the movie’s climax, Piper never allowed herself to be helpless or use her disability as a barrier. Through movement and sensory awareness, Piper saved herself.

As the movie’s antagonist was trying to drown Piper to bring her deceased daughter back to life, the girl was smart enough to yell out, “Mum!” This threw Laura off and gave her enough time to escape through the shed and past the grasp of “Ollie.” Compared to waiting to be rescued, she managed her own freedom by flagging down a passing car.

The disability representation in Bring Her Back is a standout quality that movies should strive for. Piper's eyesight may have been limited, but her disability didn’t limit her.

Throughout, Sora Wong’s character aimed to be treated like everyone else and never made herself helpless. With strong representation like this, blind audiences can see themselves in the horror movie reflected with dignity, strength, and resilience. The Philippou Brothers' new horror flick is available for rent on digital streaming platforms.

If you read between the lines, they're implying that we (yes, we, since I'm a Black dad) have a tendency to walk out on our children, which I find to be one of the uglier stereotypes facing the Black community. I feel this way because one, I think many of us are far better dads than other people out there, and two, it's ignoring the societal disadvantages that Black people have endured throughout the years that has created possible parenting issues in the first place.

And, this all makes me think of Jason “Furious” Styles (Laurence Fishburne) from the movie Boyz n The Hood. Not only is he a phenomenal dad, but he also brings up several points of why Black men are often in such dire straits in the first place. Styles almost seems like an anomaly, though, since we so rarely see “the good Black father” archetype in stories these days. So, here's why I wish we'd see more Black dads like Jason “Furious” Styles.

Movies Are Powerful, And Can Help Sway Public Perception

Here’s the thing about people who tell racist jokes. I’m almost certain that anybody who can demean an entire race doesn’t deal with that race on a daily basis. I see it all the time with my mostly Black and brown students (I’m a teacher outside of writing for this website). You can tell that they don’t normally interact with white people by the way they talk about them. It’s almost like they think they’re aliens or something.

But, that’s mostly because the inner city environment they live in has next to no white people living in it. In fact, in order for them to actually see white people, they’d need to go to the more affluent town over, or, go to the mall. So, the only white people they might see on a daily basis are some of their teachers, or, characters in movies and TV shows. And, that’s why I think movies and TV can be helpful, as they often provide the only examples of diversity that some people see regularly.

For example, even though there’s no proof that Obama was elected president after people warmed up to the idea from seeing a Black president on 24, there have definitely been people who have floated the idea in think pieces. And, that’s because, for good or for ill, entertainment is powerful, and it can sometimes sway public opinion.

Which is why somebody like “Furious” from Boyz n the Hood is such an important character. He impregnated his girlfriend back in high school, and even married her (which actually happens in real life, believe it or not, even in the Black community). Unfortunately, like many couples, they get divorced, and his wife takes responsibility for their child, Tre. But, when Tre starts acting up, his mother sends him to his father, as “Furious” is strict, but loving. And “Furious” raises Tre the best he can. Hell, he even gets him out of the hood by the end.

That’s why I wish more people got to see characters like “Furious” in movies. I know everybody likes to say “woke” this, and “DEI” that these days when they see Black characters in leadership roles. But, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t subconsciously hitting people once the movie or TV show is over. If there were more strong, Black fathers in entertainment like “Furious,” then perhaps the perception that Black dads are automatically “bad” fathers wouldn’t be so prevalent with so many people. Just a thought.

Black Kids Could Have Somebody To Look Up To When They Grow Older

I know that not everybody feels this way, but as a gay ally myself, I'm happy that there are great LGBTQ+ characters (played by LGBTQ+ actors) these days, because it means that kids who might be queer, or questioning whether they're queer, have characters who they can connect with.

No, I don't feel like Hollywood is “grooming” children. Nor do I think a TV show or movie can “make” somebody gay. What I do think though is that somebody who is gay might find something enriching or life affirming by seeing LGBTQ+ characters who speak to them as viewers. And, for viewers who aren’t queer, I think these characters make the stories more diverse, which I always feel is a net positive.

Well, in the same way that I think that young queer people could benefit from seeing LGBTQ+ characters, I feel the same way about young Black people having Black father figures in entertainment.

Because while it's cool that there are Black superheroes, how about characters that Black boys can actually aspire to be one day? Growing up, I had a multitude of good dads to look up to in Black sitcoms. I mean, it sucks (for many reasons) that Bill Cosby had such a dramatic fall from grace, as the legacy of The Cosby Show has now been tarnished, but Cosby was “America's Dad” at one point. So, even white, Hispanic, and Asian kids looked up to Cliff Huxtable's parenting. It wasn't just Black kids.

That said, even though there have been other Black dads in shows over the years, there hasn't really been a substitute for someone as beloved as Cliff Huxtable, and I wish there were. Characters like Cliff, or “Furious” could go a long way in teaching young Black boys that there can be different kinds of good Black fathers, which I think could help them when it comes to growing up and being good Black fathers themselves one day.

It Would Make Movies More Interesting Since We Don't Often See This Kind Of Character In Films

Remember when people got upset over Ariel from The Little Mermaid being Black? How about when people wondered why there were Black elves in Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power?

Well, I'm the kind of guy who campaigns for a Black James Bond, so I might not be the best person to ask, but honestly, I'm all for more diversity in my movies.

The examples I mentioned are mostly fantasy characters. That's fine. But, I would love to see more good Black dad characters in films since we so rarely get them.

Yes, we see plenty of great dads in movies, like John Matrix in the greatest action movie of all time, Commando, or Bryan Mills in Taken. But, we don't often see great Black dads in movies. Yes, Denzel's character in John Q, Will Smith’s character in The Pursuit of Happyness, Idris Elba’s character in Daddy’s Little Girls, and of course, Laurence Fishburne from Boyz n the Hood are all great examples. But, there are so few other major ones that that I could probably count them all on two hands.

We should have so many more since I think they would make movies much more interesting since we so rarely see them.

Lastly, It Can Be A Model To Black Fathers

I'm fortunate to have a great father. He’s always been in my corner, and has always been supportive. Also, similar to Tre from Boyz n the Hood, my parents got divorced, and for a time, I lived with my mother, and then later, I lived with my father.

Now, as a parent myself, I have utilized a lot of what my own father taught me, but I've also pulled a great deal of parenting skills from movie and TV dads as well. For example, I'm not ashamed to admit that Bandit, from Bluey, has taught me a great deal.

I've also learned from other great dads as well, with “Furious” being a prime example of when I need to be tough with my son. This is why I think great Black dads in movies can be an example to us in the real world.

Because being a Black father is a little different - I would assume - from being a father from a different race. We have different conversations with our sons, similar to the ones “Furious” has with Tre, and we also have the stereotype that we’re not good enough to be dads in the first place.

Which is often hard to stomach. That’s why seeing a strong, Black father like “Furious” is reaffirming, and proof that we aren’t bad dads at all, and nobody should make us feel that we are.

But, what do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Ruby Shouldn't Have To Be The Family Translator 24/7

Throughout the movie, we see Ruby constantly having to translate for her deaf family. Whether at an embarrassing doctor’s appointment, a news station publicizing her family’s fishing business, or at a board meeting, Ruby was her family’s only hope for bridging the deaf-hearing divide.

However, was it really fair for Ruby’s parents to depend so much on their young daughter to translate for them 24/7? She wanted to practice for her singing audition at Berklee, but her family kept interfering. Putting too much responsibility on the teenager was holding her back from living her own life.

Whenever Ruby tried to be social, her parents acted like that was taking something away from being their interpreter. Instead of the Rossis trying to adapt to the hearing community, they were using their daughter as a safety blanket.

Deaf People Get Left Out Of Everyday Stuff

In one of the best Apple TV+ movies, it made me sad to see the deaf community getting left out so much. Hearing characters, like those in the fishing community, didn’t invite Ruby’s brother, Leo, out drinking because of his deafness. And when he was there, he was ignored and antagonized.

The same was true at Ruby’s school during her choir performance. There was no interpreter to translate the song for any deaf guests to understand. Instead, the Rossis had to watch the audience's reactions to know how to feel about the performance.

What’s heartbreaking about seeing the Rossis being excluded from everyday stuff was that they were fully capable of communicating and running a business. The world just needed to meet them halfway.

Deaf Workers Are Constantly Overlooked

The Rossi family dealt with a lot of struggles in the fishing business. Unless Ruby was there to interpret, their opinions and concerns were brushed aside. Even though Leo and his father, Frank, were experienced fishermen, authorities questioned their ability to safely operate a sailboat without a hearing person with them.

Instead of being provided an interpreter or any other basic accessibility tools, the best that could be done was being provided a federal fishing observer who didn’t know Frank and Leo were deaf or how to communicate with them. The fishing world would have done well to use the Rossi family’s skills and knowledge. However, they refused to adapt to their deaf workers and chose to leave them on the outside.

The Deaf Community Doesn't Deserve To Be Mocked

The hearing community didn’t make it easy for the Rossis to be taken seriously in the fishing industry. At the committee hearing, when Frank voiced his complaint about how fishermen shouldn’t have to pay observers out of pocket, they said they wanted to start their own business.

While all of the other fishermen acted like they agreed with Frank, they weren’t lining up to join him. When Leo tried to fit in with the other fishermen at the bar, he was ignored or mocked when he signed, which led to him getting into a physical fight.

Ruby was also mocked for having a deaf family. Her singing partner initially gossiped about her parents after meeting them, which led to the other kids making fun of her. Throughout the movie, the hearing community treated deaf people as less capable and used their inability to hear as an excuse to avoid connecting with them. The deaf community does not deserve mocking and has strengths, no different than anyone else.

We Need More Shared, Inclusive Spaces

Throughout the Massachusetts-set movie, the Rossi family was socially excluded. They were afraid to reach out to the hearing community for fear of being left out, and the hearing community made no efforts either. We get a clear picture that the hearing community saw themselves as the default and rarely made any efforts to bridge the gap.

CODA reminds us that the hearing community needs to do more than just allow deaf people into hearing spaces. We need to change those spaces so everyone can fully participate. This means affordable accessibility to interpreters, basic sign language classes, and simply being patient and respectful to those who communicate differently. That’s what makes Ruby’s audition scene so beautiful when she signed her song for her family who were watching. She was making space for her family to feel the music with her.

The 2022 Academy Award winner is a powerful reminder of why we need to bridge the gap between the deaf and the hearing communities. We need to remember that being deaf is not a choice. But the hearing community can choose to make things easier by creating spaces that are inclusive, respectful, and accessible. Just like the Rossi family was willing to eventually make an effort when they saw the hearing community was meeting them halfway, CODA reminds us about the simple need for us all to belong.

The actor got a following thanks to his role in Bridgerton (streaming with a Netflix subscription) before starring in a slew of successful TV and movie projects. Bailey has become the internet's boyfriend as a result, and is thirsted over by both men and women alike. His sexuality hasn't dissuaded fans from this, and in fact he may be the reason certain moviegoers went to see Jurassic World Rebirth, which killed at the box office. I'm hoping that his success will quell fears over giving LGBTQ+ actors major blockbuster roles.

Hollywood Usually Sees Queer Actors/Stories As A Gamble

Historically, Hollywood hasn't always been accepting regarding queer stories and actors. Actors like Nathan Lane were scared to come out, even when playing LGBTQ+ characters in projects like The Birdcage. Many actors have shared similar stories about being discouraged against coming out of the closet by their team, over fear of it negatively affecting their careers.

Quite a bit has changed in recent years, with queer legends like Ian McKellen encouraging actors to come out and be their authentic selves. While there are no doubt plenty of closeted actors out there, I have to wonder if Bailey's career is helping to change the minds of execs and actors alike.

Jonathan Bailey Has Played A Romantic Lead And An Action Star

When the Wicked cast list revealed Jonathan Bailey was playing Fiyero, it seemed like a perfect fit. He's got a history with musical theater, including starring in Company on the West End. Even still, audiences were swooning over his performance in the movie musical, particularly his big song "Dancing Through Life." It feels like director Jon M. Chu and company knew what they were doing with the edit, including an unnecessary shot or two of Bailey's butt. While we all know he's a gay man, that didn't stop him from convincingly playing the love interest of both Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba and Ariana Grande's Glinda throughout its runtime.

Then there's his most recent release: Jurassic World Rebirth. As soon as the movie's trailers dropped, tweets started popping up online about the "slutty little glasses" Bailey wore in the blockbuster. The internet can't stop thirsting over the actor, who went viral for kissing Scarlett Johansson during press events. His character, Dr. Henry Loomis, never had his sexuality revealed in the movie, but like Wicked, Bailey is once again the male lead of that dino-centric movie. And, he did a number of thrilling action sequences and stunts in the process.

While I hope to see Jonathan Bailey's career continue to thrive, I'm also hoping that he opens doors and changes minds in the process. Jurassic World Rebirth is in theaters now as part of the 2025 movie release list, and Wicked: For Good will follow suit on November 21st.

Between casting Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson in their iconic roles and finding a vision to thoughtfully adapt Stephenie Meyer’s books, director Catherine Hardwicke helped make 2008’s Twilight the box office hit that it became. However, her experience making the movie led her to discover the following about the world of Hollywood:

In an interview with The Guardian, Catherine Hardwicke got honest about what happened when she helmed the first Twilight movie. The film ended up making $407.3 million worldwide for Summit Entertainment after an opening weekend of $69.6 million (against a reported budget of $37 million), per Box Office Mojo. It was among the Top 15 highest-grossing movies of that year.

While she’d heard of male directors with that kind of success being gifted “a car, or a three-picture deal, or [getting] to do basically whatever you want," that’s not what happened next for her. As she continued:

And then just a month after Twilight’s release, Deadline reported Summit Entertainment had fired Hardwicke and was looking for a new director. The report suggested people thought she “was ‘difficult’ and ‘irrational’ during the making of Twilight,” and parted ways because she needed more “prep time to bring her vision of the film” to the big screen.

Ultimately, Summit Entertainment ended up hiring male directors for the rest of the franchise’s run, which Hardwicke has shown some disappointment over. But the director has also shared that she doesn’t regret leaving after Twilight because once the first movie became a franchise, “the expectations went through the roof" and “there [were] a zillion notes and committees and everything.” This was a stark contrast to the first movie where she said they didn’t micromanage her at all. Hardwicke previously shared that she thinks “they would have never hired a female director if they thought it was going to be a blockbuster”.

While Hardwicke had an unfortunate experience with Twilight, helming the film certainly allowed her to put her own stamp on a beloved property, and it’s widely thought of as the best of the Twilight movies thanks to her direction.

The Old Guard may be the latest hit on Netflix, with the recent release soaring to No. 1 on the streaming service’s top movie list throughout the weekend, but I’m in agreement with critics’ negative reaction to the sequel. (audiences have also echoed this through the movie’s 37 percent Rotten Tomatoes score). But, I want to talk about the aspect of it that bothered me the most: how Andy and Quynh’s romantic plotline simply fizzled out.

I Wasn't Expecting Andy And Quynh's Relationship To Lose All Its Romance In The Old Guard 2

While it’s been five years since the original movie came out, I distinctly remember appreciating the movie for having two queer relationships, the more explicitly gay relationship between Joe and Nicki, and a more heartbreaking and subtext-y one between Charlize Theron’s Andy and Veronica Ngo’s Quynh. When the 2020 movie ended with Quynh escaping from her underwater prison, I was excited to see what was next for her character with Andy in the present day, especially knowing that in the comics their romantic relationship is canon.

Sure, I can get behind Quynh being initially angry with Andy for not being the one to save her and pulling back, but The Old Guard 2 takes a big step backward regarding the pair’s queer relationship. All in all, I think the movie barely counts as one of the new LGBTQ+ movies to be released, counting Joe and Nicki’s relationship being sidelined as well, aside from one kind-of cute scene between them.

Yes, Andy and Quynh have a solid fight scene and they do thankfully make up by the end for the movie’s cliffhanger ending, perhaps teasing more for them in a third movie, but rather than the sequel embracing their romantic potential, you’d have to really look for it to see these two as more than really intense friends.

I Think The Old Guard 2 Watering Them Down Is The Movie’s Biggest Upset

Now, as I spoke to earlier, this is a disappointing movie for many reasons. It might actually be the worst movie I’ve seen this year… and I rather liked the original. But, I think the thing about it that bothered me the most is how the opportunity was right there to inject some romance between Andy and Quynh. It absolutely would have made me actually care about these characters a lot more, and added some more emotional stakes to its stiff premise. I thought both actors did a great job with the material they had, but it felt like the script wasn’t interested in anything outside of the surface level here.

If these two have a romantic history and hadn’t seen the other in literally five hundred years, would it have really hurt the movie to give us some romance? It was right there! If your friend didn’t come looking for you, you’d probably be OK, but if your immortal lover didn’t, it just adds a lot more to the equation, and it felt like the story was trying to go there, but only took it halfway.

And, I'm Definitely Not Alone...

When looking around online, I noticed there’s a big fanbase rooting for these two, as well, and share similar gripes. For example:

Oh, the scene would have been so much better if they did! Lots of fans are rooting for them to finally kiss in the third movie, but what if it never happens?

And here’s one more that I really felt brought the point home. Check it out:

I’m so disappointed not only that The Old Guard 2 wasn’t very good, but rather than forwarding the queer relationships established in the first movie, their queer identities in the DNA of the comics were watered down, and as a result reduced to rather uninteresting characters, as well.

Many of them cross some lines before reuniting with their original partners. Then the last few episodes focus on whether these newly reunited couples should decide to continue their relationship, end it, or start something new with someone else. The final three episodes of The Ultimatum: Queer Love Season 2 has so many twists, turns, and shocking decisions.

It’s really the season that keeps on giving. However, like previous Ultimatum series and seasons, it suffers from a happy ending problem. Let’s discuss it.

Warning The Ultimatum: Queer Love Season 2 Spoilers are ahead. Proceed with caution.

The Ultimatum: Queer Love Season 2 Ends In Record-Breaking Engagements From Original Couples, But I Think That’s A Bad Thing

The Ultimatum: Queer Love host JoAnna Garcia Swisher starts the reunion by announcing that this season broke a record with five out of the six couples leaving engaged. This is a high number, but we have seen many engagements during The Ultimatum and The Ultimatum: Queer Love. Those who really love love may see these proposals as a triumph. They show that love conquers all, including the interference of producers and the instability of a romance.

I do love love, but these engagements don’t often make me swoon. They make me shake my head and wonder if the contestants feel pressure to make a grand gesture at the end. Ultimatums can sometimes be a good thing in a relationship because they force a couple to reevaluate their coupling. It makes them assess whether it’s better to lose this person or change their mind and finally propose. However, they can also show that a couple isn’t on the same page. They may need to end things or separate temporarily to reevaluate themselves and the relationship before making any major decisions. Sometimes, the couples realize that they’re not ready for commitment and either stay together or break up.

The Ultimatum franchise usually plays out the first part, but the couples often decide to stay together and become engaged. All their past problems fade away. I don’t think this is the best direction for the couples because most have a ton of issues that only seem to be highlighted and heightened while participating in this Netflix series. Even if the couples decide to stay together, they definitely don’t seem ready for marriage.

The Ultimatum: Queer Love reunion plays into the idea that these couples are happily together and proud of their decision. Yet, the reunion happens a year after filming ends, and none of these couples have begun the wedding planning process. This has also happened in previous seasons. I just think that most of these couples only decide to get engaged because they want a happy ending. They also believe the viewers want to see them end up together as well. It’s similar to The Bachelor and other romantic reality TV shows, where the contestants and producers think that people tune in for the ring.

They think viewers will feel let down if someone doesn’t propose. However, these actions especially feels disingenuous on The Ultimatum and The Ultimatum: Queer Love, because the premise is problematic in many ways. Then, it’s asking viewers to be happy for couples who spent most of the season talking about the problems of their relationship and how much things work with their new partner. It doesn’t set a very positive tone for the future of these couples.

I Don’t Think The Editing Choices Paint These Ultimatum: Queer Love Stories Favorably

These couples may not have as many problems as are portrayed on the series, but the editing isn’t favorable to these couples. They all seem on the brink of complete relationship destruction. For example, most of the season, Magan and Dayna are portrayed as a toxic couple. Then the reunion acts as if they’re this pillar romance of their community. They’re treated like a beautiful LGBTQ+ love story. The type you would see in a romance film.

However, this feels like a complete 180 shift from what the series had shown us about them in the previous episodes. Magan and Dayna’s relationship could have been happy and healthy, but that was left out of the edit. The Ultimatum: Queer Love Season 2 also shows a lot of these new couples and almost rushes the reunions of the original couples. We saw the stress of their reunion, followed by a quick overview of them repairing things.

If The Ultimatum: Queer Love will continue to end in engagements, the editors need to reevaluate how things are edited. We need to see that these couples love each other more than we see their struggles and obstacles. It’s hard to root for them when the series spends so much time making us root against them.

To Me, The Many Engagements Made Most Of The Season Feel Pointless

Magan and Haley fall in love during their trial marriage. They both express that they have developed feelings, but then Magan decides that she doesn’t actually love Haley. There are so many of The Ultimatum: Queer Love couples who start the season with major problems. However, they fade away.

Every major issue is forgiven, and past mistakes don’t matter. This doesn’t feel genuine and sets the show up to feel like a waste of time. It almost makes it seem like most of these couples didn’t take the experiment that seriously and always intended to end the season engaged.

The Ultimatum: Queer Love is A Revolutionary Dating Show, So I Can Understand The Desire For Positive Representation

Positive queer representation still matters in all aspects of the TV landscape. In general, queer representation has been on a decline over the last couple of years. Therefore, I can understand why the contestants and The Ultimatum: Queer Love producers may want this show to end positively. It shows that despite the complications, love can overcome anything.

This is a great idea in practice, but if Netflix wants The Ultimatum: Queer Love to remain one of the best LGBTQ+ dating shows, a potential Season 3 may need to make some adjustments.

I still love watching this Netflix reality TV show and will gladly watch Season 3. It’s one of Netflix’s best shows to binge right now. I just hope future seasons show a more balanced and healthy portrayal of some of these queer couples.

Stream The Ultimatum: Queer Love on Netflix.

Let’s be honest, superhero movies of the 2000s and earlier were oftentimes sausage fests. Sure, the X-Men movies gave us heroes and villains like Jean Grey, Storm, Rogue and Mystique, but then you’d have features like Spider-Man, Batman Begins and Iron Man with a lone female lead surrounded by a bunch of men. That’s not to say that this still doesn’t happen every now and then, but there are at least more concerted efforts to include more fleshed-out women in these stories.

Superman is going above, if not quite beyond, in this regard. By my count, the movie has six women appearing in prominent capacities… and maybe even a seventh.

Rachel Brosnahan + Neva Howell

Of course, you can’t have a Superman movie without Lois Lane, and Rachel Brosnhan was perfectly cast in the role. The actress from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel worked with “modern” journalists to prepare to play the Daily Planet reporter, and if you’re like our own Mike Reyes, you greatly enjoyed that moment with her from the Superman trailer released in April.

Then, since we’ll be spending time with Clark Kent’s adoptive parents, we’ll get to see what kind of mother Neva Howell’s Martha Kent is alongside Pruitt Taylor Vince’s Jonathan Kent.

Isabella Merced + Maria Gabriela De Faria

We also have some superpowered ladies in the Superman mix, both on the protagonist and antagonistic sides. On the former, there’s Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl, who makes up the Justice Gang with Guy Gardner and Mr. Terrific. I look forward to seeing this version of her in action, and she’ll be back next month with Guy for Peacemaker Season 2.

Then over on the latter side is María Gabriela de Faría’s Angela Spica, a.k.a. the nanotechnology-powered Engineer, who’s working for Lex Luthor. While it remains to be seen if we’ll actually see Angela in The Authority movie still in development given that she’s on the team in the comics, she definitely looks like a formidable threat, holding her own against the Fortress of Solitude’s robots, Krypton and the Man of Steel herself.

Sara Sampaio + Mikaela Hoover

Finally, we have Sara Sampaio’s Eve Teschmacher and Mikaela Hoover’s Cat Grant. The former is Lex Luthor’s assistant and girlfriend, and from what’s been shown of her in marketing material, she loves to be on her phone. The latter is a columnist for The Daily Planet, although it hasn’t been clarified if she writes about gossip like her comic book counterpart or different subject matter.

In addition to all these women playing significant roles in Superman, it’s rumored that Milly Alcock will debut as Kara Zor-El, Clark Kent/Kal-El’s Kryptonian cousin, ahead of her taking center stage in the Supergirl movie. In her case though, it’s likely she’s only cameoing in the movie, otherwise we would have seen at least a little footage of her in marketing. James Gunn confirmed that Superman has a post-credits scene, so I’m betting that’s where we’ll see her.

Even without Kara, I’m glad Superman will have the other aforementioned six women meaningfully participating in the story. We’ll see how the events revolving David Corenswet’s title character affect them starting on July 11, and then Supergirl will provide the platform for the DCU’s first leading cinematic superheroine to shine on June 26, 2026.

And, why shouldn't I? Eddie Redmayne, who portrayed Hawking in the film, won an Academy Award for his performance, and the movie details how he came up with many of the theories that made him a household name. In every way, even though the title was The Theory of Everything, the focus was purely on Hawking.

At least, that's what I initially thought. But, upon a rewatch, I found it to be so much more than just that. Unlike many films and TV shows that leave me feeling like something is just missing when concerning stories about the disabled, I feel that The Theory of Everything handles it with nuance. Not just for the person who is disabled, but also for the people in his life. Let me explain.

Watching The Progression Of Hawking's Disability Reveals That It Could Happen To Anybody

One of my former coworkers (I’m a teacher outside of writing for this website) had a husband who had Lou Gehrig's Disease, which is also known as ALS. Knowing that it was such a sensitive subject, I gathered the courage one day to ask her how he was doing, and she told me that it was a struggle every day.

It was hard asking her since I had never heard of anybody having ALS before, so I knew so little about it. Then the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge went viral, and it seemed like everybody was talking about the rare disease. This raised a great deal of awareness nationwide, but it also made me realize that anybody could get it, even me, since it’s still not entirely known what causes it.

So, having this information stored away in my brain, I rewatched The Theory of Everything with a new sense of awareness. At the beginning of the film, Stephen Hawking seems to have it all. He’s already a genius at Cambridge – though he’s struggling to come up with a thesis – he’s dating a beautiful woman (Played by Felicity Jones, whose determination in this film is surprisingly not too different from Jyn Erso from my favorite Star Wars movie, Rogue One), and he has a good circle of friends.

But then, he starts losing control of his balance, and he receives the diagnosis of having MND (Motor Neuron Disease – which is ALS here in the States). His brain will still function, sure, but his body will deteriorate, and possibly rapidly. They give him two years to live.

Now, here you have this genius whose mind can imagine how the universe came to be, and yet, there’s nothing he can do about his disability. As the movie continues, his MND gets progressively worse (Though he lives long past the two-year life expectancy), until he’s in a wheelchair and can’t even verbally speak anymore. And yet, he never lets it deter him from greatness. Even so, this movie teaches that nobody is immune to illness. It’s a sobering thought, but a very real one.

It Is Also Intriguing To Watch How People Respond To His Disability

When I first watched this movie, I was mainly focused on Stephen Hawking. However, while I rewatched it, I focused a great deal on the other people around Hawking and how they responded to his disease.

For instance, in the scene where Hawking receives his diagnosis from the doctor (Played by Adam Godley), you get a sense that the doctor is doing his best to deliver the news that Hawking will die young, but also a sense that the doctor is well aware that there is nothing he can do about it, so it’s delivered like he’s already talking to a dead man.

When Hawking later goes to discuss his thesis while using dual canes, the first question he is asked is whether he would like to take a seat, which he declines, only to be asked again.

This is something I notice in my own behavior whenever I find myself around somebody in a wheelchair. I run to the door and open it for them, and they say thank you. Still, I always wonder what impression I’m giving, and if they would prefer that I didn’t do this and would rather just open the door for themselves. They probably get this all the time, and I hope that they don’t view my desire to help as a sign that I don’t think they’re able to do it themselves. I would hate that.

But, back to the movie. In a later scene, we see Hawking struggling to speak, and it’s almost like people are talking around him, as if he’s both in the room, but also not in the room. This was actually harder for me to watch a second time since I could only imagine how Stephen Hawking must have felt as his wife discussed his theories to somebody else for him. It’s a really powerful movie, especially when, as I mentioned earlier, ALS could happen to anybody. But, about Hawking’s wife…

His Wife's Effort To Come To Grips With His Struggle Feels Universal

Now, even though the movie is adapted from the memoir, Traveling to Infinity: My Life With Stephen, which was written by his ex-wife, Jane Hawking, I’ve read that the film takes some creative liberties…and doesn’t entirely give his wife a fair shake. Be that as it may, I really only have the movie to go off of since I haven’t read the memoir, and the Jane in this film handles Hawking’s ALS much in the same way that I imagine my former coworker did.

By that, I mean being as supportive as humanly possible. Because all throughout the film, Jane does her best for her husband. She marries him, even despite knowing his diagnosis, and has children with him, even though he could die at any time. When a doctor gives her a way out and says that they can disconnect him from a ventilator, she refuses.

She even comes up with a way for him to communicate once he loses the ability to speak verbally. It almost reminds me of the Brian Wilson movie, Love & Mercy, in that the woman in Brian’s life, Melinda Ledbetter, seemed to move Heaven and Earth to get her partner out of the slump he found himself in amidst overwhelming odds.

Then, Hawking has an affair with his nurse, and his wife, who says she “did her best,” goes back to a man named Jonathan (played by Daredevil’s Charlie Cox), whom she also loves. You really do feel that Jane did everything possible for Stephen. After a while, she became more caregiver than wife, and both she and Stephen recognized that their relationship had gone down that route.

I knew Felicity Jones did a great job the first time I watched this movie (She did get nominated for an Oscar, after all), but it was only upon this second viewing that I truly saw that this is just as much her story as it is Stephen’s.

Seeing The Great Things That He Accomplished Is Reaffirming That People Will Always Be More Than Their Disability

Lastly, if there’s any final takeaway from this film, it’s that you can be diagnosed with a terminal, terrifying disease, and still change the world, which is extremely reaffirming.

I think back to the ice bucket challenge, and how it grew so big that even celebrities started doing it. It all started from a humble place, as Anthony Senerchia, who has unfortunately since passed, was diagnosed with ALS, and he and his wife got the ball rolling on getting people to start talking about the disease.

As I said earlier, I only knew one person who knew another person who had ALS, but in 2014 (Which was the same year The Theory of Everything came out) it seemed like everybody was talking about it, and it mostly sprung up because of a husband who had the disease, and a wife who wanted others to know, and possibly help.

And this movie also proves that a person who has a disability is always more than just their disability. Yes, it is a part of who they are, but it is not ALL they are. Stephen Hawking is world-renowned, and he did most of it from his wheelchair.

In the end, it’s a story about overcoming the odds that might exist even inside of you, and still prevailing. That’s a message that I think anybody can learn from.

Plus, now that it's coming to MAX, people will likely still be talking about it due to its new feature for the Black deaf community. But, that's the thing about Sinners, right? For “a vampire movie,” it sure does have its heart set on as much representation as possible. What I mean is, Ryan Coogler's masterpiece really does include several underrepresented communities.

Which is yet another thing that I love about this movie, outside of it just being a magnificently told story in general. So, please allow me to be yet another voice that sings the praises for this masterful film. I assure you that I won't be the last when it comes to 2025.

I Love How The Choctaw People Are Certified Vampire Hunters

Do you want to know when I really fell in love with this movie? It’s when a man falls out of the sky, and starts staggering toward a house while his body is literally smoking. It was such a disorienting image, and it pulled me even deeper into this strange world that Ryan Coogler was cooking up.

But then, the Choctaw vampire hunters arrived on the scene, and I was like, aww, hell yeah. Because it’s just so cool that Indigenous people who know the area more than anybody else would be the ones who are aware that vampires are real, and they’re hunting them down.

And the thing is, the white couple (who are members of the KKK) that unwittingly invite the vampire into their home sees him as less of a threat than the Choctaw people who genuinely want to help the family.

As somebody who loves when we get to see characters from Indigenous communities represented in film, it makes my heart glad that the coolest characters in the movie are the Choctaw People, who actually would have been living in Mississippi during this time period.

So, kudos to the people behind this movie for specifically picking the Choctaw People to be the Indigenous vampire hunters. Score one for authenticity.

The Chinese Couple Live In Both White And Black Worlds

Another thing that’s really cool about Sinners is that it taught me so much about American history. For example, I remember watching this movie with my wife, and there was a scene where Smoke and Stack are trying to recruit people to come work for their juke joint, and they pass from the Black side to what appears to be the white side in this Jim Crow era south.

And, that’s the thing. The Chinese couple, Bo Chow and Grace Chow, played by Thomas Pang a.k.a. Yao, and Li Jun Li, respectively, seem to live in both white and Black worlds.

We see that white people frequent their store, but that the Chinese couple also supply food for the Black Moore twins, and this is something I actually learned occurred in real life… the selling of food to both Black and white people in the South, not the Sinners storyline, mind you.

This is yet another thing that I love about the movie. The shopkeepers didn’t have to be a Chinese couple with a child. But they are, and the movie is all the better for it.

I love seeing Bo and Grace interacting with the Black patrons, and how even though they come from different backgrounds, they still all exist in a world where they’re marginalized. In fact, most of the white characters in this film don’t come out looking very progressive – which makes sense given the time period – but there is one who surprisingly does, and I’ll talk about him next.

This Film Even Has Irish Representation

My colleague, Ryan LaBee, wrote a fascinating article about why vampires had to be the monsters in Sinners, and one of his conclusions was that vampires represent becoming what you end up hating. And yes, I can clearly see what he means. But, one thing I took from this film was that its Irish leader, Remmick (played by Jack O’Connell) sure did seem all-inclusive.

Because unlike the KKK-infused community that will sell a building to Black people one day, and then shoot them up the next, Remmick will accept anyone and everyone into his vampire community. His first victims are the white couple that let him into their home, but that was mostly because he was on the run from vampire hunters.

He later takes several of the Black patrons who came out to party, and then Mary (Hailee Steinfeld) herself, who brings her beau into the fold soon afterward. Bo also gets turned into a vampire, and it all culminates in another one of the greatest moments in the movie, that being the Irish dancing, “Rocky Road to Dublin” scene.

Similar to the Chinese couple in the film, adding an Irish vampire, and making him distinctly Irish, ADDS rather than detracts from the movie. It’s like this film is a stew that has all of these great ingredients, and each flavor tastes unique in its own way, but together, it’s the best stew you’ve ever tasted.

That’s diversity in a nutshell (or rather, in a stew metaphor) for me, which again, makes Sinners such a satisfying experience.

I Also Love The Biracial Relationship That’s Presented In This Film

I mentioned earlier how most of the white characters in this film aren’t all that progressive besides the Irish vampire, but there’s of course another character, and that’s Stack’s ex-girlfriend, Mary. The thing is, Mary is what is considered “white-passing,” in that she’s biracial, but most would never know that she’s of mixed race.

And, as somebody who is in an interracial marriage with interracial children, this aspect of the film hit especially hard for me. Because deep down, Mary understands why Stack, who is clearly Black, has chosen to stay away from her (It’s for her own protection). But, at the same time, she resents him for thinking that she needs his protection. This is something I think about myself when my own interracial children grow up and start dating. Will race be an issue for them? Will they struggle to form relationships since they are both Black and Filipino?

I don’t know, but I like that this is a legitimate subplot in the film. Michael B. Jordan (who has been in every single Ryan Coogler movie) plays two roles. One of the characters has an estranged Black wife, and the other has a former mixed girlfriend, and I like that they all get along and work together.

In fact, Mary is openly accepted by the Black community, and it’s almost like they are welcoming her back home when she comes to the juke joint.

And, as we see in the ending to the film, Mary is still with Stack, even sixty years after the events of that fateful night. This means that they lived to see a country go from one that mostly prohibited interracial couples, to a country that eventually accepted them. All of this representation in a single movie!

Plus, The Southern Black Experience Is On Full Display

Lastly, I’m Black, but I’m a Northern Black person. One time, my wife and I went to Busch Gardens in Virginia, and I was seriously freaking out when I saw Confederate flags all over the place, because I am simply not used to that.

But, Sinners goes there, when it comes to the unfortunate history many Black people had to go through in the South concerning segregation. In fact, there’s one “heartbreaking” scene in the movie that legitimately made my wife cry, since it involved a Black person being wrongfully murdered.

And, even this portrayal of the Southern Black experience felt like a form of representation to me.

Because this is a big country, and I often feel like Southern Black people exist in a different world from me sometimes. This expands to music as well, since as a New Jersian so close to New York, I look to rappers like Nas, KRS-One, and the Wu-tang Clan as being the pinnacle of hip-hop, whereas other Black people in the country might look to rappers like Scarface, 2Pac, Kendrick, or J. Cole as being the best rappers this country has to offer.

What I’m saying is, it’s all regional, and watching a film centered in the south really felt like a love letter to the Black people in that area.

But, what do you think? Were you also a fan of the film’s representation? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Ironheart’s six-episode run has come to an end amid the 2025 TV schedule, and Riri Williams and those in her orbit will surely never be the same. The show (which is now available to stream in its entirety with a Disney+ subscription) offers up fun characters and comic book-like thrills. However, that’s not all that executive producer Chanika Hodge and her team convey through this miniseries. There are also themes that relate to grief and mental health, and, after watching the show for myself, I’d like to discuss that a bit.

Ironheart Features Scenes That Beautifully Capture Struggles With Grief

At the onset of this Marvel Cinematic Universe show, protagonist Riri Williams is still reeling from the death of her stepfather, Gary, and best friend, Natalie. Five years before the events of the series, Nat and Gary are killed in a drive-by at the latter’s garage, with Riri in the vicinity as well. In the present, Williams has a hard time dealing with the event and refuses to discuss it with her mother, Ronnie. Despite that, Riri’s feelings manifest in a few ways, and it’s her grief that even causes her to brain-map a digital recreation of Natalie as her A.I.

One of the first scenes of the show that truly illustrates Riri’s grief occurs in the first episode. In it, the young hero is working when she begins to listen to a mixtape put together by Natalie’s brother, Xavier. Riri initially enjoys the tunes, but once she hears Nat’s voice interspliced with the music, she becomes overwhelmed and begins to cry, much to her mother’s concern. It’s a heartbreaking scene, but one that keenly conveys how even little elements can trigger repressed feelings of loss.

Ironheart’s penultimate episode sees Riri unpacking her grief while facing her past, both figuratively and literally. During that installment, she, Ronnie and the A.I. version of Nat visit Gary’s since-closed garage to regroup after Parker Robbins’ team tries to kill Riri. It’s there that Riri openly expresses her discomfort with being there, saying that it’s taken so much from her. Natalie helps her process her feelings, however, by showing her a recorded childhood memory involving Gary.

Marvel’s latest TV offering doesn’t shy away from the angst associated with grief and how it can impact someone’s life. Additionally, it also provides moments of catharsis when it comes to grieving, which may be visceral for viewers who can relate. The same may also be true in regard to the show’s handling of mental health.

Mental Health Also Ties Into Riri Williams' Journey On Ironheart

Riri’s mental health is prominently highlighted throughout different portions of the show. At the end of the third episode, she has a full-on meltdown after joining Parker Robbins and his gang in launching an assault on the Heirlum corporation. Williams’ anxiety specifically stems from the fact that she had to let fellow crew member John die to save herself (and conceal the piece of Parker’s cloak she stole). Later in the season, Riri has another anxiety attack while in her suit due to being overcome with the notion that Parker will kill her and her loved ones due to her betrayal. She panics so much that she has to find a place to land.

This isn’t the first MCU show to approach mental health in some form or fashion. The latest movie in the franchise, Thunderbolts*, serves as a meditation on depression, for example, and the recent Spider-Man movies take a cerebral approach to the topic as well. Most notably, Iron Man 3 showed Tony Stark battling panic attacks due to post-traumatic stress in the aftermath of the Battle of New York. Mental health isn’t a novelty in the MCU, and Ironheart’s writers do a superb job of showing how visceral Riri’s anxiety is.

I always appreciate when the creatives behind the MCU insert deeper themes in their productions. While Riri Williams’ solo series isn’t perfect in my eyes, I have to give the show credit for covering grief and mental health head-on. Wherever Riri Williams shows up next in this expansive fictional universe, I hope these concepts are expanded upon. In the meantime, stream Ironheart now on Disney+ and keep an eye on information about upcoming Marvel shows.

Sinners already made history by being the first original film to cross $200 million domestically since Coco. Not to mention, the 2025 movie release is the ninth highest-grossing movie of the year. Now, the Ryan Coogler flick will continue making history with its HBO Max debut thanks to a cool new feature.

During the Fourth of July weekend, Sinners will be premiering on streaming for those with an HBO Max subscription. But this won’t be like any other streaming movie launch. There’s a cool new feature that will allow the horror movie to continue making historic strides, as Max announced in a press release:

That’s right! For the first time ever in streaming service history, a movie will be interpreted in Black American Sign Language (BASL). It’s a different form of sign language that differs from ASL with its “unique grammar, signing space, rhythm, facial expressions and cultural nuances.”

The written announcement also recommended that a hearing audience still check out the BASL version and “follow along” to learn all about this distinct form of sign language. While Barbie had an ASL streaming release on Max, Sinners will be the first time the streamers' audience will be introduced to BASL. What an amazing major stepping stone for Black Deaf community representation and inclusive storytelling as a whole.

Black Deaf content creator Nakia Smith will be interpreting in BASL for Sinners with deaf performing artist, Rosa Lee Timm, directing her. Timm helped direct ASL versions of Warner Bros. movies like A Minecraft Movie and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.

Naomi Waibel, Senior VP of Global Product Management at Warner Bros. Discovery, said in a statement that HBO Max has a goal to do more inclusive storytelling, and BASL helps achieve that:

Bringing Black American Sign Language to one of the best streaming services is an excellent way to reach a wider audience and show how much language, culture, and identity matter in storytelling. With streaming services like Disney+ adding an ASL version of Ant-Man and Sinners introducing audiences to BASL, I wouldn’t be surprised if sign language features become as widely accessible as closed captioning or dubbing.

Including Black American Sign Language in Sinners’ HBO Max debut is a powerful statement about honoring diverse forms of communication. With people loving the vampire period flick, they’ll get access to a new language that will broaden their understanding of Black Deaf culture and provide a more inclusive experience. Make sure to watch Sinners and its BASL version on HBO Max on July 4th.

That said, the whole “Would you be okay if Black Panther was white?” argument really doesn’t fly with me since I honestly DO NOT CARE. Because I don't know if you know this or not, but Black Panther…is a character. He’s not MLK or any other historical Black figure. He’s from a Marvel comic book series, so I genuinely don’t care who plays him. As long as the story is good, I’ll keep an open mind.

Which is why the idea of a Black (or Asian, or Hispanic) James Bond doesn't twist my underwear into a bunch. In fact, I actually think it might be a great idea for the long-running franchise, and I have a few reasons why.

Aaron Pierre Is One Rumored Name, But There Are Other Great Choices, Too

Firstly, anybody who’s watched Rebel Ridge can likely tell you that Aaron Pierre would make for a phenomenal James Bond. Your eyes are just drawn to him in every scene, and he can play cool and calm effortlessly, which is one of the most important traits for any 007–Somebody who is debonair, but also has a killer’s eyes. Pierre could probably play that role in his sleep.

However, there are several other Black actors who I think could fill in the tuxedo as well. Like, for example, I know the ship has probably already sailed on Idris Elba (And even he felt that it was “less of a compliment” over time to be dreamcasted for the role), but to hell with all that. I still think Elba would be the perfect James Bond.

I mean, yes, he has a bit more white in his beard now than he had years ago when people started petitioning for him to be Bond, but look at Sean Connery! Dude might have been 32 when he debuted in Dr. No, but he damn well looked like he was in his 40s, even back then. Hell, Roger Moore was 57 in A View to Kill! And Elba is only 52. Couldn’t he still get one or two James Bond movies in before they gave it to somebody else? I mean, if he had two, then that’d be one more than George Lazenby.

Alright, alright. I know. Whomever plays Bond next will likely be in it for the long haul, like most of the other Bond actors. Well, if that’s the case, then how about Rege-Jean Page of Bridgerton fame? His work in The Gray Man and the recent Black Bag shows he has range.

What about Kingsley Ben-Adir? He’s played both Malcolm X AND Bob Marley in One Night in Miami…, and Bob Marley: One Love, respectively. Is James Bond really such a complex character that a man who can morph into two totally different historical figures couldn’t pull it off? And, I think Aml Ameen would do a great job, too. He was wonderful as MLK in Rustin. The point I’m trying to make is, I think it’s more important that whoever plays Bond next be English, rather than race being the issue. That said…

This Could Be The Opportunity To Reveal That James Bond Is A Codename, And Not Just A Person

Now, I know the 007 news is moving at breakneck speeds (Like, Tom Holland is now a possible candidate). However, I lean more toward the next Bond being Black since I want Bond 26 to finally be the movie where we learn that James Bond is a codename, and not a single person.

Yes, I know. James Bond is supposed to be like Bruce Wayne or Peter Parker. In other words, even though the character has been around for several decades, it’s assumed that this is the same person in every story. That said, unlike the Batman or Spider-Man movies, which stylistically change whenever there’s a new person cast in the role, the James Bond movies feel like they have the same elastic timeline as The Simpsons.

What I mean is, when I grew up watching the show, Marge and Homer were teenagers in the ‘70s. But now, when my 9-year-old daughter watches it, Marge and Homer were young during the ‘90s. Of course, this is to “get with the times,” but it feels similar to when I watch a movie like 1979’s Moonraker, which FEELS like it’s from the ‘70s, and then a film like 2012’s Skyfall, which FEELS like it’s from the 2010s.

These two films–and the Bonds who are playing them, Roger Moore and Daniel Craig–couldn’t feel any more different! So, in my mind, these people ARE different, and have always been different. I never could reconcile that Sean Connery and Roger Moore are supposed to be the same person.

So, if there were a Black Bond, there could be no other possibility that James Bond is just a codename that anybody could take, rather than being a single individual. Yes, we would have to kind of forget James Bond’s wife’s existence (Because that seems to be the main connective tissue to the idea that James Bond is one person and not a codename), but does the general audience really need to know that? The idea that there have been multiple James Bonds could even be a part of the story. Come on. What do you say? Don’t you think that could work?

The Franchise Has Been Getting A Little Stale With The Last Few Entries

Now, please don’t take this the wrong way, but the James Bond franchise has been getting a little stale over the past few years, and having another white dude play the role kind of doesn’t seem like that much of a leap.

Yes, Daniel Craig being a brutish James Bond was a HUGE contrast from Pierce Brosnan’s suave demeanor, but still! Aren’t we a little bored with the current concept of James Bond? I mean, by the time 2021’s No Time to Die came out, the franchise felt like it had run out of so many ideas that the only possible solution was to just kill James Bond off. And, while I thought it was pretty cool to do that (And Ralph Fiennes agrees), I remember people being VERY upset at the time when it happened.

Sure, it wasn’t the same fervent hate that The Last Jedi received, but people were notably upset, and I get it. James Bond is TIMELESS. You don’t just kill him off. Even so, Daniel Craig kind of ran his course as Bond, and the franchise in general just feels like it needs a huge injection of something fresh.

And, I think a Black actor could be that injection. Because even though there are certainly some parameters that James Bond needs to stay within (Like, if you deviate too much, you essentially have a different character), I think that having a Black Bond could make the character automatically feel different, which is important.

Because look, I’m speaking as a casual fan. I’ve seen almost all of the movies, but I’m not THE BIGGEST JAMES BOND FAN in the world (That would probably be my colleague, Mike Reyes). So, speaking as a casual fan who won’t just see the next Bond movie just because it’s a Bond movie, I need something new and exciting to make me want to see it, and I’m sure I’m not alone. Which brings me to my last point.

Lastly, James Bond, As A Franchise, Is Bigger Than Just Race

James Bond is not just a character. It’s a franchise!

Yes, Ian Fleming’s books spawned the character. But the movies have arguably made Bond bigger than he ever was in book form, and he’s one of the most recognizable figures around the world. That said, James Bond, as a character, is interchangeable, as we’ve seen several times over.

Here’s what remains constant, though: James Bond is a lady killer. He’s a secret agent. He goes on missions. And he’s English (Unless he’s Scottish). And, up to this point, he’s been white. But, does he HAVE to be white?

I know many of his most fervent fans will shout YES! But, this next movie is not necessarily FOR Bond’s most fervent fans, because honestly, those people will see the next movie regardless (Even if it’s just to confirm that it sucks).

No, this next movie needs to have broad appeal, as the character itself has broad appeal. And that's because James Bond is a BRAND. He’s a movie poster. He’s a theme song. And, a theme song is bigger than any race.

But, what do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Even the negative ones!

There is so much going on in Season 2, including developing love stories, possible manipulation, and even the formation of genuine platonic and romantic connections. The Ultimatum: Queer Love Season 2 is a must-watch series for fans of entertaining but chaotic reality TV shows. One particular constant in this season has me debating the whole process of the show. I need to talk about it.

Warning The Ultimatum: Queer Love Season 2 Episodes 1-7 spoilers are ahead. Proceed with caution.

I Was Shocked By How Many People Crossed Physical Intimacy Lines On The Ultimatum: Queer Love Season 2

The Ultimatum always involves a couple breaking up and then dating around to figure out who they want to couple up with for a few weeks. The new couples are supposed to treat this relationship like a trial marriage. However, how deep or serious the new couples take the new relationship depends on the dynamic. Some find themselves fully immersed in the experiment and treat their new partner like a real spouse.

Others keep things fairly platonic and treat their new person like a friend. In The Ultimatum: Queer Love Season 2, we once again see these dynamics play out in various ways. However, more than usual, take things further than the norm.

In Season 2, we see many new couples cross the lines of physical intimacy. This sometimes means kissing another person or having sex. This isn’t the first time it has happened on an Ultimatum series, but it feels like the most it has happened on a single season. Haley and Magan fully embrace becoming a couple. This includes having a sexual relationship.

They even end Episode 7 telling their former partners that they have fallen in love with each other. We also witness what appears to be intimacy between Mel and Dayna. This couple denies going all the way, but the edit tells a different story. We shall have to wait for The Ultimatum: Queer Love Season 2 reunion to see if the producers make it as dramatic as some other reunions and reveal unseen footage.

It Made Me Consider The Nature Of The Experiment

If you take The Ultimatum seriously, it makes physical intimacy a bit of a gray area. These are their trial marriages after all. Exclusive romantic relationships often involve physical intimacy, so if you’re taking this new person as a possible partner, that could mean sex is an option. However, I would hope that these couples set boundaries and limits on the nature of these trial marriages.

If they didn’t even discuss limits or boundaries in these relationships, that already shows some lack of communication. The couples should be comfortable setting boundaries or establishing that they’re taking the experiment as seriously as possible. This means that either whatever naturally happens happens, or nothing should happen out of respect for their partners.

In general, any couple needs to discuss what their partner is allowed to do, especially if they hope to get back together after filming ends. It may be a major sign to end things if someone crosses an established boundary, because it shows a lack of respect and consideration of their partners’ wants and needs.

However, I Still Consider All The Hookups To Be Infidelity On The Ultimatum: Queer Love Season 2

I am pretty much anti-infidelity. Therefore, if it’s not an open relationship or polyamory, I think having sex with someone outside of your relationship is cheating. Now, The Ultimatum is a bit more complicated because it’s a social experiment and reality TV show. We’re sure the producers probably encourage exploring connections. They likely thirst for sexual intimacy because they know the drama it will produce. Often, drama leads to iconic reality TV moments. The producers want the drama and likely want to see newly formed couples develop deep connections.

This makes the possibility of the final decision a bit more intriguing. However, if the couples establish that sex is off the table with the new partner and someone goes against that agreement, then that’s cheating. That immediately makes their actions a betrayal.

I Felt Like Some Of The Betrayals Were Harsher, And That Made The Season So Interesting

The Ultimatum: Queer Love is an interesting case whether the editors followed a story or created it. Mel and Dayna’s romance almost feels nefarious because it feels like an actual betrayal. This could be due to the way the series paints Mel. She comes off as this questionable character. You don’t know if she’s there to genuinely assess her relationship with Marie, or just there to have some guilt-free fun.

Dayna and Magan allegedly both have an affair, but I found myself more forgiving of Magan. She’s portrayed as this genuine person who becomes hurt when Dayna treats her a certain way, and maybe cheats first. Magan and Halley’s bond feels genuine. Therefore, I find myself rooting for them.

It’s the same situation of infidelity, but, either through the power of editing or the couples and characters themselves, one just feels like less of a betrayal. It feels more like people following what feels right versus someone who just wants an excuse to cheat. Things aren’t that simple but The Ultimatum: Queer Love’s editing makes things simplistic in that one feels right and one feels wrong. There is more gray area but you just can’t see that during the first seven episodes of Season 2.

The Ultimatum: Queer Love’s Infidelities Prove That So Many Shouldn’t Get Married, But I Am Worried Too Many Will Leave Engaged

The Ultimatum and The Ultimatum: Queer Love have had way too many couples who ended up engaged when they should have ended their relationship. It’s a constant that I find annoying. So many of these couples do not work. They could at least give the series a very memorable breakup.

However, they pick the happy ending of staying together. I think most of the couples featured in The Ultimatum: Queer Love Season 2 should breakup. However, I believe the majority will stay together and possibly become engaged. I really hope I am wrong. Magan and Dayna, Mel and Marie, and Pilar and Haley should all end their relationships. Go home single.

I like Haley and Magan together, but it’s probably best they spend some time as single ladies before reexploring whether their feelings were real or just the haze and intoxication of this experiment. Additionally, their feelings could have developed as reactions to their partners’ behaviors.

The final episodes of The Ultimatum: Queer Love stream on Netflix on Wednesday.

Stream The Ultimatum: Queer Love on Netflix.

Scarlett Johansson has long been one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, known for both her dramatic range and her action chops. Recently, she took some time off from promoting her 2025 movie schedule of projects to give an interview, and the Oscar-nominated actress got refreshingly candid about the early years of her career, and how they were shaped by the male gaze and a constant pressure to prove her worth beyond surface-level roles.

The star of the upcoming Jurassic World: Rebirth recently shared in an interview with The Times that her journey to creative freedom hasn’t exactly been smooth. The Black Widow actress opened up about how, early in her career, she was routinely cast for her looks and often found herself playing characters whose stories revolved around their desirability or place in a man’s narrative. She recounted:

And she’s right. The cultural conversation around female representation in film has shifted significantly in recent years. Johansson, who began acting at the age of nine and became a household name in her teens, says she has noticed the change, not just in Hollywood, but in the opportunities available to women. She continued:

That shift didn’t happen overnight. For much of her early career, the former Avenger was typecast and lauded for her sultry voice and looks, but offered limited roles that rarely tapped into her depth as an actor. She made a conscious decision to wait for more meaningful projects, even if it meant enduring some career anxiety in the process. The actress added:

That patience paid off. From the critically acclaimed Marriage Story to Her, Johansson has carved out a distinctive career path marked by bold and diverse roles. She even recently directed her first feature film, Eleanor the Great, which premiered at Cannes earlier this year to strong reviews. Up next she stars in Jurassic World: Rebirth, where she plays a former soldier on a mission to extract dinosaur DNA to cure human heart disease, and based on the trailers, it looks like it's bringing the dino action back to basics, and I’m here for it!

Johansson is also refreshingly open about the impact of AI and deepfakes in entertainment, especially following a recent controversy in which a voice assistant was launched that sounded eerily like hers. She, along with several other Hollywood A-listers, took legal action, and the company pulled the tool.

Scar Jo continues to prove waiting for the right role, the right moment, and the right message isn’t just smart. It’s powerful. Her latest movie, Jurassic Park: Rebirth, is set to hit theaters on July 2.

I’m thrilled to report that this time around, my opinion about this movie has changed, and I loved it so much more this time.

The First Time I Watched Rent, I Had A Hard Time Following It And Wasn’t Into The Music

Rent is like a musical epic, it’s a rock opera, it’s all music basically all the time. That can be hard to follow, and that was the case for me the first time I watched this story play out.

This musical follows a group of friends in New York City as they handle all the good and the bad that gets thrown at them. It takes place during the AIDS epidemic, and focuses on how that impacted this crew as they also dealt with financial issues and the trials and tribulations of love.

While an overall relatable and beautiful story, it was hard for me to follow every character’s arc, especially since most of the important details are communicated through song. Since I didn’t find myself in love with the music the first time around, that made watching this all play out difficult.

However, as we’ll talk about next, coming into Rent this time, I had a much better understanding of Jonathan Larson’s life and work, the power of this story centered around many LGBTQ+ characters, and a love for the music that enhanced the viewing experience tenfold.

However, Now That I’m More Familiar With Jonathan Larson’s Work And Legacy, I Was All In

When it comes to what really changed between the first time I watched Rent and this time was my knowledge about Jonathan Larson, the man behind the musical. The first time I watched the 2005 movie, Tick, Tick…Boom’s film adaptation didn’t exist and wasn’t available to stream with a Netflix subscription like it is now. Now, the movie made by Lin-Manuel Miranda has been out for years, and I’ve been obsessed with it and its music since it premiered, which gave me a newfound appreciation for Rent.

For those who don’t know, Tick, Tick…Boom is the autobiographical musical by Jonathan Larson that came before Rent. The movie adaptation, which is one of Andrew Garfield’s best, fully opens the door into the writer's life and tells the story of his quest to write a brilliant musical while making basically no money and living in New York City.

So, this musical gave me a deep insight into Larson’s work and life, and it highlighted how he got to Rent. That, and knowing that he died the day Rent opened on Broadway, added a level of vital meaning and power to this 2005 film.

Along with that, the music of Tick, Tick…Boom clicked with me. The rock tunes used to show Jonathan’s journey perfectly captured everything he was going through, and the soundtrack, which scored the best musical of 2021, was one of my top-played albums of the year.

So, going into Rent, I had a better knowledge of and affinity for Larson’s music. Tick, Tick…Boom doesn’t have as much music as Rent, so watching that was almost like training wheels, preparing me to re-watch the 2005 rock opera with a new appreciation.

So, I was primed and ready with an entirely new understanding and love for the mastermind behind Rent as I rewatched the film adaptation.

I Was Deeply Moved By The LGBTQ+ Stories Larson Told Through This Diverse Friend Group

Jonathan Larson is a known and beloved LGBTQ+ ally, and the story of Rent proves that as he told a story about a group of diverse friends and the trials and tribulations they faced.

The story’s primary conflict centered around the intersection of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and financial struggles that many people face, especially those who are trying to make it in New York City.

I was particularly moved by the story of Tom and Angel. In the film, Tom falls for Angel, a drag queen, and they both have AIDS. Their love story is wonderful, and songs like “I’ll Cover You” made me so happy, because they so unapologetically and loudly loved each other.

Then, when Angel died, it broke me. And the fact that Tom’s final song about her was mashed with Rent’s biggest number, “Seasons of Love,” was so deeply poignant and moving.

And that’s just one example of a story that left me feeling all the feelings.

Along with that, the fact that this story was told in such a mainstream way in the ‘90s on Broadway and the early 2000s on film added to its impact. Even today, LGBTQ+ representation in film could be significantly better; though, we’ve made significant positive steps forward in the last 20 years. However, Rent served as a beacon of light and representation as it told multiple moving stories about people who identify as LGBTQ+ that were both deeply tragic as well as beautiful and celebratory.

And Can We Take A Minute To Appreciate This Cast?

Finally, we need to talk about this cast. As I wrote about at length, since the first time I watched Rent, I’ve found a new appreciation for Larson. However, I’ve also developed a much deeper love for this cast, especially the folks who also played these characters on Broadway.

Obviously, I’ve always had a love for Idina Menzel’s work, and seeing her in the role of Maureen, which came toward the start of her career, was wonderful. Plus, I’m pretty sure “Take Me or Leave Me” is one of the greatest showtunes, and hearing her belt it with Tracie Thoms – who didn’t play Joanne in the first Broadway production, but did portray her on stage – blew me away.

Jesse L. Martin’s performance as Tom also really stood out to me this time. He originated his role on Broadway, and so did Wilson Jermaine Heredia, who plays Angel. That history mixed with their chemistry made me love Tom and Angel’s story even more.

However, hands down, the place where this Broadway history made the biggest difference for me was in Anthony Rapp and Adam Pascal’s performances as Mark and Roger, respectively. The first time I watched Rent, I knew these guys were in the Broadway production; however, I didn’t know they were still so close today. Watching them on screen this time, I felt that true friendship they share, and that mixed with their perfect harmonies, made for a duo I loved seeing on screen.

I’m at a place in my life and my understanding of Rent and its origins that I deeply wish I could have seen it during its long Broadway run. However, sadly, I can’t. Luckily, we have this movie, and each time I see it, I find more to love about it. This time, I had a newfound appreciation and knowledge about it and Jonathan Larson’s history that deeply moved me, and that mixed with a relevant and important story played out by a stellar cast made for a viewing experience that I didn’t get the first time around.

Alec Santos will star in the upcoming flick Unwrapping Christmas: Tina’s Miracle, which premieres on the 2025 TV schedule July 5. A few years ago, however, Santos played Chris in Hallmark’s Campfire Christmas, who is involved with Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman’s Beckett. Santos opened up about why he loves to see Hallmark telling LGBTQ+ stories, saying:

Alec Santos has played both straight and queer characters, telling me that regardless of gender, “if the other actor is a pleasant human being, it's easy to fall in love with them.” In Campfire Christmas, Santos and Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman apparently shared Hallmark’s first same-sex interracial kiss, and he said he thinks because of Hallmark’s large audience, there’s an opportunity for moments like these to make a huge impact. He continued:

Hallmark actors Jonathan Bennett, Holly Robinson Peete and more expressed pride in the network for its inclusivity, while Candace Cameron Bure — who left Hallmark to become the chief creative officer at Great American Family — suffered backlash for her comment about “traditional marriage” during a Wall Street Journal interview a few years back.

While queer representation has been at the forefront of the network's programming, Alec Santos acknowledged the issue can be divisive but that movies, music and other media serve as a mirror to society, so if people who identify as LGBTQ+ are accepted there, it can help them feel more accepted overall. In his words:

You can see Alec Santos in the first of four Unwrapping Christmas movies — Tina’s Miracle — which premieres on the Hallmark Channel at 8 p.m. ET Saturday, July 5. That and his June movie, A Machu Picchu Proposal, are both available to stream on Hallmark+.

When it comes to seeing autism represented in media, I am 100% for representation. It’s important for people to recognize themselves in who they watch on TV, and it’s important to show what autism might look like in the real world. However, sometimes I get in my head about the stereotypes that are perpetuated or whether the person in question is being made fun of or exploited in some way. Love on the Spectrum was different, and here are some reasons why.

Love On The Spectrum Avoids Autism Stereotypes By Featuring A Diverse Cast

Autism is a pretty tricky thing to try to portray, especially in fiction, because one character on the spectrum isn’t going to be an accurate representation of every person with a diagnosis. I don’t enjoy watching characters with autism if generalizations about the disorder are the biggest aspect of their being.

Love on the Spectrum is able to challenge the stereotypes by showing so many different examples of what autism can look like. We see people of different ages and races from different backgrounds with different sexual orientations, and in none of those cases is their autism diagnosis the most interesting thing about them.

Love On The Spectrum Is Often Funny But Never Mean

I can admittedly be pretty sensitive when it comes to how neurodivergent people are treated, and I was honestly afraid Love on the Spectrum would feel like it was making fun of its cast members (as some reality shows tend to do). I didn’t find that to be the case, though.

There are plenty of laughs to be had — whether it’s Connor Tomlinson proudly saying he might “cop a feel” but not knowing what that meant, or watching the expression on Madison Marilla’s dad’s face each time she and Tyler started making out — but those laughs never feel like they’re at anyone’s expense. Creator Cian O'Clery treats his cast members with respect but still isn’t afraid to get a little quirky.

Take the intros before each date (apparently inspired by Amelié). Some of the likes and dislikes are pretty amusing (and often relatable), but it’s also such an ingenious way to give us a sense of someone’s personality before we’ve ever even really met them.

I also like that the cast’s well-being always seems to come first, like when Madison Marilla’s date Brandon needed to leave a restaurant that got too noisy or when autism expert Jennifer Cook reminded Tanner Smith that he didn’t have to smile all the time for people to like him. It also puts me more at ease knowing these are all adults giving their consent to be on TV, and I love that they’re enjoying the perks of being famous.

The Series Doesn't Shy Away From The Struggles But Also Encourages Special Interests

I feel like it’s often hard for shows featuring autistic TV characters to find the balance between portraying autism as too much of either a disability or a superpower, but Love on the Spectrum (available with a Netflix subscription) kind of shows both sides. Many of the cast members feel comfortable sharing the things they struggle with, and they’re also given the space to show off their special talents and interests.

I find it very enlightening to hear the cast members’ opinions about their autism in their own words, and I was constantly touched by how honest they were about their fears, whether that was not wanting to say something embarrassing on camera or running out of things to say on a date.

On the other side of that, I like that they’re never asked to temper their excitement about their interests — Abbey Romeo and David Isaacman have their lions (and even get to travel to Kenya); Dani Bowman has her animation; Pari Kim has the trains, etc. Other cast members are also allowed to show off their talents, but I don’t feel like it perpetuates the misconception that all people on the spectrum are savants.

Having The Families And Friends Involved Gives Depth And Context To The Cast

One of the best parts of Love on the Spectrum for me is seeing how the cast members interact with their families. Seeing them in the comfort of their own homes and around the people who care about them most gives so much context to their lives that you don’t often get on reality TV.

These parents, siblings and friends are leading by example in how to treat people on the spectrum, and that doesn’t include condescending to them. I loved that they showed the gentle ribbing from family members, like Dani Bowman’s uncle chuckling over her misusing the phrase “mind in the gutter,” because that’s how families are, right?

I think it’s OK to laugh because there is so much love and patience and grace behind it all. I have adjusted the way I parent my children (autistic or otherwise) to best serve their individual needs, but we all still poke fun at each other. I just really enjoyed these authentic moments.

Love On The Spectrum Still Made Me Cry, But More Often Than Not, They Were Tears Of Joy

Another reason I sometimes avoid shows centering around autism is because they have a tendency to make me sad. In my down time, I don’t want to think about struggles my child has faced or might someday face, and I don’t want to see people on the spectrum getting hurt or bullied — even if the point is for them to eventually overcome it.

That doesn’t mean Love on the Spectrum hasn’t brought me to tears, but it's more the good stuff, like when Abbey Romeo’s mom cried because Abbey didn’t need her as much since she found David. I also cried (not happy tears) when James Jones’ mom got upset that her son hadn’t matched with anybody at speed dating. I guess it’s safe to say I related to the moms!

Overall, though, I found the series to be exponentially more uplifting than sad, and I think it has the potential to make people kinder, more understanding and more inclusive of those on the spectrum. My biggest takeaway from Love on the Spectrum is how brave all of the cast members are to share their stories with such vulnerability. There’s a lot to be learned about expressing honest emotion and allowing others to be themselves.

It really is the antithesis to other reality dating shows in that way, but it also proves that people on the spectrum face the same challenges as everyone else — from being nervous about running out of things to say on a date to coming up with the best words to gracefully end a relationship.

Not everyone is going to agree with my opinion on Love on the Spectrum, and that’s OK. I’m certainly no expert, and I've seen some valid concerns. For me, though, the show works because I feel the focus is ultimately on the cast members and their lives, not just their autism. Season 4 has been ordered by Netflix, so stay tuned for a premiere date.

Why? It’s what I would categorize as a life-affirming movie, and the more I think about it, those are actually really hard to come by. I seriously haven’t stopped thinking about this movie since I watched it. You can read more about my thoughts on its moving ending or why it had our staff member sobbing in a movie theater for the first time ever, but what I want to talk about here is the importance of watching movies that remind one about the beauty of living, and the journey I’m now embarking on to discover more. I get why it’s visually less appealing for movie-going audiences, but I think they are my favorite type of film.

The Life Of Chuck Is My Favorite Theatrical Experience Of The Year So Far

Somehow we’re about six months into the year, and as a movie journalist who goes to the theaters a lot, I realized that The Life Of Chuck is the best time I feel like I've spent there this year (behind some honorable mentions being movies like the twisty horror flick Companion and Ryan Coogler’s universally-acclaimed Sinners). While I didn’t necessarily realize it at the time, as I’ve had more time between seeing it almost a month ago and now, the messages of the movie continue to cycle through me in the best way.

Without spoiling the movie itself, The Life Of Chuck takes you through one man’s life, which is oftentimes very tragic, and ends with a message about how vast and incredible our minds are, and why living life itself is the greatest gift – especially if we make it a priority to live it to the fullest, despite whatever is thrown at you. If you’re reading this and thinking that maybe I should read more ‘pull yourself up by the bootstraps’ quotes, I get where you’re coming from, but also it’s not about the message itself really, it’s about the way in which writer/director Mike Flanagan adapted Stephen King’s short story to deliver the message.

For those who have seen it, I can’t stop thinking about the scene where Chiwetel Ejifor and Karen Gillan are staring at the stars, or when Chuck leaves the locked room at the end of the movie. How you experience the journey with the characters themselves is what I think makes The Life Of Chuck so enduring, and I can’t wait to come back to it throughout my life, especially when I’m experiencing another phase of it.

It Made Me Think About What Other Movies Make Me Feel Similarly

I started to think about what other movies under the category of life-affirming have even come out prior to The Life Of Chuck, and I originally drew kind of a blank – especially in terms of recent releases. I then turned to some of my co-workers, who are all big cinephiles like me by posing the question, and I received some stellar examples. The Field of Dreams, Big Fish, Everything Everywhere All At Once, It’s A Wonderful Life, The Pursuit of Happyness, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Forrest Gump were some of the titles thrown out.

Upon further research I found some more to mull over and a trend started to form. IMDB for example suggests The Shawshank Redemption (which makes sense given the Stephen King of it all), Good Will Hunting, Dead Poets Society, Groundhog Day, Cast Away and Inside Out. And I can distinctly remember the first time I watched each of these movies, and the handprints that it left on me as a movie viewer. Yet oftentimes, as a viewer, I also haven’t watched many of these more than once because they made me so emotional and gave me a lot to think about, too.

I’m Officially On A Journey To Watch More

I’m a huge fan of all kinds of movies, from horror to science fiction and so forth, but seeing The Life Of Chuck is making me realize something else. The life-affirming film is high up there on my favorite types of movies I like to watch. Maybe it’s because I’m someone who deals with general anxiety disorder, and I am constantly having to find a positive side of things outside the “what if” bad thing, but I think greater than that, I love to experience movies that make me feel happy and joyful to be experiencing the life I am living.

I think so many movies fall into the escapism or distraction category, which I totally love too, but I’m absolutely drawn to the idea that we’re all kind of experiencing the same thing as humans and when movies can remind me that my own life is actually as valid as all these make-believe worlds that oftentimes seem more exciting. I definitely need to pull out some of the oldies more often and rewatch these sorts of movies more.

But that brings me to my final point. Upon reflection of all of this, I'm actually quite bummed, because I’m also realizing how hard life-affirming movies are to come by these days. While a movie like Forrest Gump in 1994 made $678 million worldwide becoming the second-highest grossing movie behind The Lion King of that year, The Life Of Chuck has practically bombed at the box office, with a $6 million haul across a month. And yet, movies like this are so vital to why I love the medium in the first place.

Now I turn to you...

While rewatching it the other day, I somehow only noticed for the first time that it was directed by a woman, but immediately put all my attention into learning more. Because while Half Baked might not be the most game-changing film with a woman at the helm, I do love it when I learn that some of my favorite movies of all time were directed by female talents, especially when it comes to comedies.

The filmmaker who's kept me chuckling all these years is Tamra Davis, whose most familiar work to people of a certain generation is likely 2002's Britney Spears comedy-drama, Crossroads. Once I learned that she also directed Half Baked, however, it led me down the intriguing rabbit hole that is her career, and now I'm even more impressed than ever.

Not Only Did She Direct The Definitive Stoner Movie In Half Baked. She Also Directed The Definitive Rap Satire In CB4

Oh, my God. Have you ever watched CB4? If not, it's arguably the best rap movie of the ‘90s.

Essentially the rap version of This Is…Spinal Tap, CB4, which stars Chris Rock and Charlie Murphy, is a mockumentary about three struggling rappers who pretend to be recently released jailbirds (Straight out of LoCash!) and their rise to fame.

The film documents their ascension up the charts, and also the tension within the group. What's great about this movie is that, similar to the musical satire This Is…Spinal Tap,, it taps into a lot of what was going on at the time behind the scenes and within the fandom of genre that it’s parodying.

For example, a politician played by Phil Hartman (R.I.P.) goes after the group litigiously for being too obscene, which was a big thing back in the ‘90s for groups like N.W.A., and 2 Live Crew.

The film is utterly hilarious, and to learn that the same person who directed the outrageous Half Baked also directed CB4 utterly blew my mind. However, now that I’ve looked deeper into Davis’ career, it's not surprising that she made such a good music movie. And that’s because…

She Started Out By Cutting Her Teeth On Music Videos -- More Than 150 Of Them!

Once I went down the Tamra Davis rabbit hole, I discovered that she really got her start making music videos, to which she directed a whopping 155 of the mini-movies.

As a huge fan of music videos growing up, I just had to see some of Davis’ work, and I was surprised to find that she went as far back as 1986, as she directed Depeche Mode’s “But Not Tonight.”

I’m familiar with Depeche Mode, but I’d never seen that video before, so I was impressed by just how expressive the video is. That was interesting, but when I scrolled down the list of some of her other videos, I was blown away when I learned that she directed Young M.C.’s “Bust A Move,” which I am VERY familiar with.

The most shocking video in her catalogue, though – for me, anyway – is 1997’s “MMMBop” by Hanson, which (Okay, I’ll admit it!), I was a huge fan of back in the day. She also directed “Movies” by Alien Ant Farm, which is low-key one of my favorite music videos of all time.

So, it was delightful to go down memory lane and find that Tamra Davis had a hand at directing some of my favorite videos on MTV. That was fun to learn!

She Also Directed My Favorite Adam Sandler Movie, Billy Madison

Now, I’m a teacher outside of writing for this website, and it’s interesting to note that my students, who are mostly 12, have a very different idea of Adam Sandler than I do.

For them, the Sandler they connect with starred in movies like Pixels, Hubie Halloween, and as a voice in Hotel Transylvania. But for me, the best Adam Sandler has ever been was in 1995’s Billy Madison, and would you believe that Tamra Davis directed that, too?

The story of a rich dimwit who has to go back to school in order to inherit the family business, Billy Madison was pretty much my introduction to the man-child archetype. And, while Jim Carrey will likely always be the most important actor who defined my childhood, Sandler is a close second, and Billy Madison (Not SNL) was my first time seeing the actor.

And, guess what? Billy Madison, despite unmistakably feeling like a ‘90s flick, is still one of Sandler’s best movies. It’s just so goofy. That said, while it’s not as profane as CB4 or Half Baked, you can still see Davis’ imprint all over this film as the comedy in Billy Madison is slightly off-kilter in the same heightened way, which I never noticed before until I actually thought about it.

Later Sandler movies like Happy Gilmore, and The Waterboy would also skew slightly strange, with Sandler and Tim Herlihy co-writing both screenplays. But, I’m now under the impression that Davis’ direction on Billy Madison helped get the cinematic ball rolling for this specific silly tone for Sandler, as it carries throughout those movies as well. Again, it’s just an impression, but it’s one that I now have.

I Want To Check Some Of Her Documentaries as Well Now

I love a good documentary, so I’m now enthused to check out some of the ones that Tamra Davis has directed.

The first one I want to check out is her most recent one, that being 2024’s, Larger Than Life: Reign of the Boybands. It features stars from groups like *NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, and New Edition, among others (ahem, Hanson), and seems to celebrate, rather than deride, boy bands, which I find refreshing.

I then want to go backward in her catalogue, as there’s a documentary called The Punk Singer, which is about Kathleen Hanna of Bikini Kill, and Le Tigre-fame, two bands that I’ve been meaning to check out for awhile now.

But, the ones I’m most interested in are her documentaries about the late artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat, as I’m only really familiar with him through the movie starring Jeffrey Wright.

So, it looks like I have Davis’ documentaries to look forward to as well now.

Her Work In Television Also Can't Be Overlooked

Is there anything Davis can’t do? Not only has she directed movies, documentaries, and music videos, but she’s also done SEVERAL episodes of TV shows, many of which I’m a fan of.

For example, in 2004, she directed the episode “One Tree Hill” of Method & Red. And as a huge Method Man fan, you know I was tuned in to FOX on July 7th when that episode originally aired.

She also directed episodes for shows like My Name is Earl, Everybody Hates Chris, Grey’s Anatomy, and Ugly Betty, all in the early 2000s.

Her biggest contribution to TV though was the mostly VH1 show, Single Ladies, to which she directed 21 of the show’s 43 episodes (She was also an executive producer for the show).

So, filmmaker, documentarian, music video director, and TV director? Is there anything else she’s done? Well, yes! Yes, there is!

As A Major Foodie, I'm Happy To Know That She Even Has A Cooking Show!

Though the videos go pretty far back, I’m happy to report that Tamra Davis even has a cooking show!

Now, as somebody who is a major foodie (Who is trying to cut back on meat), it’s cool to know that Davis made multiple videos on healthier, vegetarian options for meals, such as her video on Thanksgiving Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie, or her Kung Pao Un-Chicken.

While not a great cook myself, Davis breaks her steps down very simply so that even I could make any of these meal plans.

So, yeah, that’s Tamra Davis. Thanks for joining me on my journey!

Olivia And Viola Had A Stronger Emotional Connection

You can tell throughout She’s the Man that Olivia didn’t care about dating the handsome jock or she would have fallen for “Sebastian’s" roommate, Duke. When she met “Sebastian,” Olivia instantly felt a spark and felt validated hearing “him” say that men are afraid to treat women as equals.

Both Viola and Olivia shared a common bond: Viola wanted to feel equal as an athlete, and Olivia was constantly objectified by guys who didn’t know her. Their connection wasn’t about attraction in the traditional sense. Olivia was willing to put her guard down for someone who valued her mind and didn’t treat her like a prize to be won. Viola recognized that while disguised as her brother.

A Disguised Viola Could Have Discovered Her Hidden Love For Women

Since She’s the Man is based on the Shakespeare play Twelfth Night, it’s supposed to be funny to see Olivia falling for Cesario without realizing he’s a disguised woman. However, what if, through living in disguise, Viola could have discovered her hidden feelings for women she didn’t realize she had?

After all, Viola, as Sebastian, told Olivia that she’s one of the few people in school whom she felt comfortable around. Not to mention, she did look flattered hearing Olivia compliment “Sebastian’s” smile. So, it would have been nice for a little twist to come with Viola discovering through living as her twin brother that she could like women, too.

She's The Man Could Have Introduced Pansexuality

We’ve seen pansexuality represented in shows like Schitt’s Creek, Big Mouth, Gen: Lock, and more. This sexual orientation is when gender is not a factor in who you are romantically, emotionally, or sexually attracted to.

This film could have explored pansexuality in both Olivia and Viola. If either of them felt an attraction to each other while Viola was disguised, it could mean that both of them were after the person inside the gender more than the gender itself.

Olivia may have thought she fell for “Sebastian,” but she really fell for a person who listened to her, made her feel seen, and respected her. If the great rom-com on Paramount+ leaned into this, it would show that love can be about attraction after discovering the person they are, regardless of gender.

Duke And Sebastian Hardly Knew The Real Olivia And Viola

I understand that She’s the Man is supposed to be one of the best friends-to-lover rom-coms in terms of Viola and Duke. They started off as roommates, became soccer buddies, then confused ties when Viola kissed Duke as herself in a kissing booth.

However, Duke didn’t really know Viola. After he first kissed her, he already wanted to ask her out without knowing her personality. Plus, it would be complicated if Duke always had feelings for Viola as “Sebastian,” since he clearly wasn’t attracted to men, and it never looked like he had confused feelings for his roommate. I feel they were better off as friends.

As for Olivia and the real Sebastian, you can make the argument that Olivia liked Sebastian’s lyrics when she found them. But that’s about it. Sebastian called Olivia "the girl of my dreams" after she kissed him. Olivia only kissed him thinking she was kissing the “Sebastian” she met, who was really Viola. I doubt a smart girl like Olivia would be happy with a slacker like Sebastian, who ditched school constantly to play with his band. In the end, the pair looked more like a convenient wrap-up than a true love match.

Olivia And Viola Really Were Their Authentic Selves With Each Other

When Viola disguised herself as her brother, it was easy for her to still be herself. Examples would be naturally complementing Olivia’s shoes, confiding to her how science class dissections would freak her out, and saying how comfortable she was around her without trying to be Sebastian. It didn’t take any effort on Viola’s part to impress Olivia, which proved that the two had natural chemistry.

Olivia felt comfortable around “Sebastian” in her ability to freely open up to "him." Especially since we learned Olivia previously got her heart broken, it says a lot that she felt relaxed talking to “Sebastian.” Whereas Duke felt like he had to come off as this confident Prince Charming to impress Olivia, Viola (as Sebastian) was able to do that for Olivia when her authentic self came out.

While others may think this is a movie about young love between Viola and Duke, I truly believe that a better romantic twist would have been if Viola and Olivia discovered their feelings for each other. If there was a moment where they realized that gender doesn’t always define our feelings, the movie could have been a celebration of connection without labels. Not to mention, you can't spell Olivia without Viola, right? You can see what I mean by watching She’s the Man with your Paramount+ subscription.

While the 2025 movie calendar continues to drop flick after flick, DuVall opened up to People about the coming July 7 anniversary. During the chat, she shared that at the time of making the eventual cult-worthy comedy romance, no one had any idea that the young ragtag cast (Natasha Lyonne, Melanie Lynskey, Michelle Williams and more) was making something big. As she said:

I can only imagine what a time it was for the cast on the seemingly easygoing set. The Babbit film tackled conversion therapy camps in a satirical but meaningful way that hit home with many of its eventual viewers. Audiences of the beloved title, and specifically those within the LGBTQ+ community, continue to deeply resonate with the experiences and emotions showcased same sex relationships on screen.

The ensemble’s realistic depictions of queer realtionships and dealings cemented its place in film, and was ahead of the curve. DuVall, who’s no stranger to discussing LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood and how it's changed over the years, continues to note that But I’m a Cheerleader is her favorite project. With the thought, she shares that it is because it provides fans with comfort in regards to sharing more of themselves:

It’s wonderful that the actress and director connect so deeply to the iconic staple. Any piece of art or media that helps connect a lot of people to themselves and others is always a good thing in my book.

DuVall then remembered an instance where she and Lyonne had a mother-daughter duo express how much the movie meant to them at a film festival. They shared how far they traveled to see it and why it resonated with the two, sharing:

The film has certainly done that countless times over for viewers of all ages, and the 47-year-old recognizes that it’s as important for individuals as it is for families. Representation on screen helps bridge hard conversations, and something as positive and humorous as this is A+ material to work with in that regard.

So, if you’d like to celebrate along with DuVall and co. how much the campers of True Directions have endured, you can stream But I’m a Cheerleader with a Paramount+ subscription. And let’s hope some of the upcoming LGBTQ+ movies are just as powerful and funny as the Jamie Babbit flick.

I've talked about my journey with sexuality a few times here. I'm proudly bisexual, and I've realized that for a long time, probably ever since high school. However, there was a time when I didn't fully understand what it was like and how it felt, and that's what led me to watch a lot of movies, such as Brokeback Mountain, back then.

I didn't quite get it – I think we have to be a certain age for things like this to hit us harder. While I regularly recommend some of the best LGBTQ+ movies and television shows available, I sometimes like to revisit certain films and shows that helped set me on the right path to understanding my feelings.

So now, I decided to rewatch Brokeback Mountain in honor of its 20th anniversary – jeez, Louise, that just aged me – and its re-release in theaters. I didn't quite realize back then just how much this film meant to me and how it guided me in the right direction of understanding who I was. So let's get into it.

Aside From The Story, The Movie Itself Is Amazing

I know everyone talks about Brokeback Mountain for the story, and don't get me wrong – the story is phenomenal. I mean, it beats out many of the other best romance movies out there because it truly portrays love in its rawest form and how it can either change or break you.

That's something that, as a mild fan of romance movies and fun rom-coms, I can appreciate – taking an honest look at love.

But this movie, in general, is just fantastic all around.

There's something about the cinematography that makes me smile every time, as I feel like every shot is filmed with such intention. Of course, the backdrop of the mountains only adds to the intensity of the moment. I don't even need to comment on the acting because you already know it's great – both the late Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal give all-time great performances here.

Even the score is fantastic. It was written by Gustavo Santaolalla, whom I know very well from both The Last of Us games and the HBO adaptation of The Last of Us. I just never knew he also wrote for this film, so it makes sense why it's fantastic.

This movie is a cinematic triumph by director Ang Lee, and we are fortunate to have witnessed it in our lifetimes.

It Shows The Complexities Of Sexuality, Something I Didn't Quite Understand.

But enough about how fantastic the movie is overall – let's talk about the story and why it meant so much to me.

As a young woman, I didn't really understand what sexuality was until I was older. As I've mentioned before, I grew up in a fairly religious household, with crosses in every single room, saying grace at dinner, and attending church every Sunday – you know, the usual.

To this day, I'd say I still am religious, not like when I was younger and forced to be, but I still believe in God and have come to terms with both that as well as who I am. But for a time, I was really struggling because it felt like I couldn't really be who I was without angering my family or my faith.

This movie really made me realize that I'm not alone in holding this thought. Let me explain.

While religion doesn't play a super heavy role in Brokeback Mountain, it opened my eyes to the fact that sexuality is such a complex topic for so many people, and it was totally alright for the younger me to be confused. Ennis is the perfect example of that.

As a teen, I didn't quite understand why it was so passionate and intense. Still, as an adult, I guess seeing Ennis struggle with his feelings and trying to come to terms with it was an eye-opener for me that it's a pretty constant thing even for older people to really understand whom they like, what they are into, and how they are going to approach it – especially when it conflicts with everything they have ever known.

It's one of those movies that really gave me the confidence to embrace the feelings I did have, because why spend my life constantly trying to push them down when I know they are there? There are other people out there who feel the same way.

It Also Details How Life Changes So Quickly Without Even Realizing, Leading To Regrets

Something else that I think hit me hard as a kid and now hits me even harder as an adult is how quickly life changes – and it's a lesson I believe everyone should learn.

When it comes to Brokeback Mountain, watching the downfall of Ennis and Jack is something that hits you hard every time because, in reality, everything that leads to their separation is laced with worries over the future and then leads to regrets about the past.

If you haven't seen the movie, I won't spoil it, but certain moments occur where the outcomes of decisions could have directly altered the future, and it prompts one to think.

How does one come to live a life with no regrets? Because this movie is the exact opposite. It's almost like a warning sign to those who watch – try to live your life as authentically as possible, because if you don't, you will have regrets.

And I think, as a young woman, that sat with me. While I certainly didn't make as much living in college as I had hoped to earn while pursuing my degree, I have made it my mission over the last few years to say yes more, to go out and do more, and to say no as little as possible. I never know what I might be missing out on – that includes accepting who I am.

As I said, I struggled with that for a while, but once I truly learned to accept my sexuality, and also where I came from and who I was, I realized that I could actually start living. And that…was a fantastic feeling.

Upon Further Thinking, I Really Don't Understand How This Didn't Win Over Crash

I know that this is old news, but I don't understand how Crash won Best Picture at the Oscars over Brokeback Mountain; you must have already known that, though.

I do think that Crash is also a good movie and a decent commentary on racial tensions across the United States and the police force. I also believe that Brokeback Mountain is one of those movies that, even if you aren't a part of the LGBTQ+ community, has a lot going for it. Anyone could find a connection with it. It hits every part of the soul.

Even twenty years later, people are still talking about this movie while Crash has sort of…vanished into the ether except for the controversy surrounding it, but that's just my take.

Either way, I really enjoyed rewatching this movie as an adult, and if you haven't seen it in a while, I would highly recommend checking it out. Trust me, you won't regret it – and you probably won't want to quit it either. (Did that pun make sense? I'm not sure, but watch the movie.)

Abby Suso is Seriously the Most Loyal Best Friend a Queer Teen Would Be Lucky to Have

Abby Suso was the first person to whom Simon came out to. Even though he only knew her for six months, he clearly felt comfortable confiding in her. When he told her he was gay, she smiled and said she loved him. She didn’t ask any questions or treat him any differently. It was a beautiful moment between the two.

As Abby kept Simon’s secret and gave him tips on how to describe hot guys, any queer teen would love to have a friend like Abby. She listened and accepted her friend’s sexuality with no hesitation or awkwardness. She still saw Simon as the good friend he’s been to her.

I Felt So Bad for Leah Burke's Unrequited Feelings For Simon, But I'm Glad She Was Still There For Him

At some point in our lives, we have had experiences with unrequited love. That’s what happened to Leah Burke in the great LGBTQ+ rom-com. She was in love with her best friend, Simon, whom she had known since kindergarten. Then, when Leah found out Simon was gay, she knew her best friend was never going to see her the way she wanted him to.

Despite the sadness that Leah felt knowing she was never going to end up with her long-time crush, she didn’t ditch her friendship with Simon. When someone is that important to you, I'm sure Leah felt she'd rather have Simon as her friend than not at all. She still allowed herself to learn about the guy he liked, all while getting over her crush on him. It takes a strong person to do that, and Leah deserves all the credit for it.

Ms. Albright's No-Nonsense Attitude Against Homophobia Deserves a Standing Ovation

Ms. Albright was the drama teacher at Simon’s school and definitely not someone to mess with. When Simon got bullied in the cafeteria, Ms. Albright had no problems interfering and telling those boys off. Otherwise, I'm sure things would have escalated very badly. Ms. Albright probably calling those teen boys “sweaty, hormonal virgins” wouldn’t be the traditional way for a teacher to handle things, but I still love her for it!

Instead of ignoring Simon's bullying, Ms. Albright showed true inclusivity by being a strong ally who refused to tolerate hate. Vice Principal Mr. Worth's awkward, unnecessary way of showing acceptance was through wearing a rainbow pin and assuming Simon and another gay student, Ethan, were “boyfriends.” But Ms. Albright gave Simon what he needed, which was a teacher who was there for him and not afraid to take action.

Simon's Parents' Reactions to Simon's Sexuality Weren't Perfect, But I Still Saw the Love

When Simon first came out to his parents on Christmas morning, their reactions weren’t the most ideal. Simon’s mom was silent for the most part, and his dad was joking around about which girl “turned” him and walked away. Sometimes, unexpected news can lead to unexpected reactions.

Even though Simon’s parents handled their son's coming out uncomfortably at first, it was their treatment of Simon afterwards that deserved a round of applause. Compared to Simon being turned away by his parents, the love between them all was ever-growing.

There’s a reason Love, Simon is one of Jennifer Garner’s best movies, as she played a mother who told her son about finally getting to “exhale” after coming out and reminded him how special Simon was. Simon’s dad emotionally apologized to his son for his past bigotry and even hilariously wanted to join LGBTQ+ social media with him. Simon was really lucky to have such loving parents as he did, who made sure to remind him that the love they had for him would never change.

Nora Spier May Not Always Know What To Do, But I'm Loving Her Showing Up For Her Big Bro

After Simon’s secret of being gay came out online, his little sister, Nora, was trying to show she was there for her big bro. However, she didn’t know what the right thing to do was. She tried to report the leaked post despite it going viral. Nora was also confused why Simon didn’t want to deny his sexuality if he was scared of his secret circulating online. It’s clear that Nora cared deeply, but didn’t understand what Simon was going through.

Nora’s big standout moment was when she called out their dad for joking about Simon being gay while he was coming out to everyone. She recognized those jokes weren't making it easy for her big brother and did something about it. By speaking up, Nora showed Simon that she’d make sure their household was an accepting one under her watch.

One of the best teen rom-coms, Love, Simon, shows that through each of Simon’s friends, family members, and school staff, LGBTQ+ allies don’t need to be perfect. Showing up, listening, and being there can make all the difference in a person’s coming out story. Director Greg Berlanti believed his movie was still special for being available to LGBTQ+ youth struggling with their sexuality. By watching Love, Simon, you can see that you don’t have to be alone when coming out and that a loving community will accept you just the way you are.

Many LGBTQ+ community members felt frustrated with the Dance Moms alum for revealing her relationship with British reality TV personality Chris Hughes. Siwa and Hughes seemingly coupled up following the latest season of Celebrity Big Brother UK on the 2025 TV schedule. However, Siwa was also reportedly in a relationship with queer internet creator Kath Ebbs during her entire time in the BB house.

Given that Jojo Siwa centered much of her brand around her sexuality, many fans questioned whether this new relationship was real, or part of a PR rebrand. During a quick chat with TMZ, the “Karma” singer responded directly to the hate she’s receiving from the LGBTQ+ community over her relationship with the Love Island UK alum:

During her “life changing” season of Celebrity Big Brother UK, the 22-year-old pop star reflected on her sexuality, saying she realized she was no longer gay, but instead identified as queer. Much of the backlash following her sentiments on live TV came from the lesbian community, as the “Guilty Pleasure” singer added “Fuck the L, I’m going to the Q” to the end of her declaration. Additionally, many displeased fan comments on TikTok chastised Siwa's supposed treatment of Kath Ebbs (a popular queer creator) and the end of Siwa’s relationship with them.

As of this writing, there are various comments and videos that question the former DWTS contestant’s queer sexuality. (Given the content of such posts, they will not be included in this article.)

On an episode of The Viall Files that dropped back in April, Siwa addressed those denouncing her queerness, reminding listeners that sexuality and gender identity are fluid. She explained in an exclusive interview with Daily Mail how she felt pressure from within the LGBTQ+ community to publicly label herself as a lesbian. She told Viall that now, having dated a spectrum of genders including someone nonbinary, she now feels more queer than when she initially came out at 17.

This June, the “Boomerang” singer is celebrating her queerness during Pride Month, while also being in a relationship with a straight man. Siwa also told TMZ Hughes is “her favorite person” and that she’s “very grateful and happy.” The two recently celebrated the former child star’s 22nd birthday with a week-long trip to Mexico. Ultimately, Siwa made her new relationship Instagram official in a birthday post:

While in Mexico, the pop star also performed at Tecate Emblema, a music festival held in Mexico City. In regard to upcoming performances, Jojo Siwa announced the cancellation of her upcoming U.S. tour dates, including her performance at Chicago Pride. Whether or not this decision has to do with the recent backlash from the LGBTQ+ community is unconfirmed, but the singer’s website says she will be back for shows in the U.S. soon.

I’ve always had my eye on the friendship pairing between Roberta and Chrissy for being total opposites, though they work well together. But, after re-watching the comedy-drama, I’m still upset that the two didn’t end up together romantically as adults.

The Original Script Intended For Roberta To Be Gay

Back in 2023, on Now What? With Brooke Shields, Rosie O’Donnell, who played older Roberta, said her character’s lesbian identity was cut out. She got real about a producer (a rep later told People she meant to say that the studio, New Line Cinema, made the final decision) who reportedly saw the movie and wanted to take out “every little, tiny thing that I had done to build the character into an accurate gay woman.” That fear the studio allegedly had is a real shame. With Now and Then being a coming-of-age story, it would have been radical and invigorating to see a young queer character in the ‘70s, and later as an adult in the '90s, navigate her sexuality at a time when coming out wasn’t common.

The Harriet the Spy actress also acknowledged that Now and Then came out during a time before great LGBTQ+ characters made an impact on television, like in Will & Grace, or when Ellen DeGeneres came out. Even though O’Donnell didn’t explicitly say that the script had Roberta and Chrissy as endgame, it still would have been a great opportunity for Roberta to have explored her sexuality if she started to have feelings for her best friend.

Roberta And Chrissy Looked Out For Each Other More Than Their Other Friends

Throughout the female friendship movie, Roberta and Chrissy were shown to be closer to each other than to Samantha and Teeny. When it came to being there for Chrissy, Roberta was the first to run to her rescue, specifically protecting her from The Wormers’ jello balloons or trying to get bird droppings out of her hair while everyone else laughed.

However, the one scene that really made me ship Roberta and Chrissy was when Roberta pretended to drown in the pond, and Chrissy was the only one willing to do mouth-to-mouth. While Samantha and Teeny saw Roberta’s faking as a moment of defeat for not being quick to perform CPR on their friend, Chrissy saw it as a moment of anger and hurt that she pretended to be dead. After Roberta apologized to Chrissy, the awkward looks between the two suggested that maybe something more could have happened if their friends hadn't interrupted them.

Chrissy Wanted To Get Married To A Doctor, Which Roberta Ended Up Being

Towards the third act of Now and Then, Chrissy had her three friends make a pact to always be there for each other, saying, “If Teeny goes off to Hollywood or I marry a rich doctor.” Yet, lo and behold, Roberta ended up being a gynecologist as an adult who delivered Chrissy’s baby. But unfortunately, Roberta is not the doctor that Chrissy married. It’s Morton, the geeky kid who was pining for Chrissy in 1970. Roberta instead "lives in sin with her boyfriend." Those random pairings just don't sit right with me.

It would have been a sweet reveal if the film revealed that the doctor Chrissy envisioned marrying ended up being her best friend, Roberta. For Roberta to have delivered her wife's baby would have been really romantic and a cute ending for the two. Especially the endearing exchange the pair had after the delivery, where they both mouthed “I love you” to each other.

Their Differing Personalities Could Have Balanced Each Other Out

The two were very different from each other. Roberta was a tomboy who cussed, played sports, and wasn’t afraid of confrontation. Chrissy, on the other hand, was girly, against cursing, and was the farthest thing from an athlete.

Despite the differing personalities between Roberta and Chrissy, they could have helped each other grow if they had ended up together. Roberta would have inspired Chrissy to push out of her comfort zone, and Chrissy would have helped bring out Roberta's softer side. When opposites attract and build a life together, it can be a beautiful thing.

A Same-Sex Pairing Would Have Embraced Queerness In The ‘90s

There were a few films of the ‘90s that had LGBTQ+ themes, but had bad representation. In movies like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and The Crying Game, transgender reveals were depicted as a shocking twist that led to characters reacting by throwing up. Movies like Clueless and My Best Friend’s Wedding had lovable male gay characters in supporting roles, but were depicted as stereotypical with no development.

Now and Then could have been a ‘90s movie where we see that by the time Roberta is an adult, she’s embraced her queerness and settled down with a lucky lady. If Chrissy and Roberta were endgame, the romantic pairing could have shown audiences of the era that female childhood best friends can evolve into life partners without the relationship being viewed as tragic or as a comic relief. Their authentic portrayal of lesbian love could have simply been just as ordinary, warm, and loving as any other couple’s.

No matter how many times I rewatch Now and Then, I’ll always ship Roberta and Chrissy, with plenty of disappointment that the two weren’t endgame. I’d like to believe that if the planned film-adapted TV series panned out and was made today, LGBTQ+ inclusivity would have been seen through the pairing of the two pals, with hints that Roberta and Chrissy had the potential to develop more romantically. To further see where I’m coming from, you can find the friendship dramedy available to rent or purchase on digital streaming platforms.

With the 20th anniversary rerelease of Brokeback Mountain right around the corner (it opens for a limited run on Friday, June 20th), I decided to finally go back and watch the magnificent Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal movie. While I was initially a little ticked off at myself for waiting all these years, upon reflecting, I’m really glad I waited until I was a 37-year-old father of three opposed to being a foolish high school senior. Here’s why…

I Don't Think The Inner Turmoil Of Ennis And Jack's Relationship Would Have Hit As Hard

Above all, Brokeback Mountain is a movie about love, loss, heartbreak, and the enduring human spirit despite living in a world that won’t accept you for who you are. Being a teenager, who a) didn’t know nothing from nothing, and b) had never experienced true heartbreak, I think the inner turmoil of the core relationship wouldn’t have hit as hard. I honestly don’t think I would have fully understood everything these two cowboys with hard exteriors and tender hearts were going through over the course of the movie.

Honestly, watching Heath Ledger’s Ennis and Jake Gyllenhaal’s Jack attempt to hide their true nature from their wives, children, bosses, and society as a whole while putting up a facade of standard heterosexual roughnecks was heartbreaking. It was only on Brokeback Mountain that the two felt they could be themselves and be happy.

The Passage Of Time And Its Effect On Relationships Resonated So Much For A Man Approaching His 40s

At its core, art forces you to reflect on your past, your present, and what brought you here, and Brokeback Mountain did just that. Watching Ang Lee’s dramatic take on Annie Proulx’s transformative 1997 short story in the New Yorker, with its depiction of the passage of time and its effect on relationships, was nothing short of masterful. The agony and ecstasy of life and love are explored in great detail as Ennis and Jack go from two strangers on a sheep drive together to star-crossed lovers who just can’t quite make it work, while also not being able to quit each other either.

With my 40s quickly approaching (time seems much faster these days), this aspect of the movie resonated with me a whole lot, and it’s something I’ve been thinking about ever since the credits rolled. At the same time, this is something that I think would have been lost on me way back when. Again, having not gone through love, heartbreak, and rebirth at the time the film came out, I don’t think the messages and themes of this heartbreakingly poignant movie would have been lost on me.

I Also Found Myself Wrapped Up In The Drama Of Ennis And Jack's Families

Though the main focus of Brokeback Mountain is on the decades-long relationship between Ennis and Jack, I can’t sit here and claim that this was the only aspect of the movie. Everything about the two leads’ respective lives off the mountain was just as interesting, especially as the two separate worlds become entangled and increasingly more complicated, especially as the two main protagonists marry, have kids, and attempt to build lives for themselves away from Brokeback.

Though I’ve never had to go through an experience like Ennis and Jack, I found myself getting wrapped up in the ups and downs of their respective marriages and trials and tribulations through parenthood. Being married and having children of my own, I oftentimes find myself being torn between who I was and who I am now, and I can only imagine how difficult it had to be for two people who couldn’t admit to their families (or the world) that they weren’t with the one they loved. Heartbreaking, to say the least.

Brokeback Mountain Requires Patience, Empathy, And Restraint, All Of Which I Didn't Have Back Then

The thing about Brokeback Mountain is that it’s a long movie. Though not the longest movie I’ve ever seen, the pacing of the film makes it so that you need a great deal of patience while taking it all in. The same can be said about the story, as you need to be patient while Ennis and Jack’s relationship slowly blossoms into something so powerful. I don’t know how I would have been able to handle the slowness of the epic back then, but as a 37-year-old, it was absolutely stunning and created a slow and meditative experience.

The movie also requires a tremendous amount of empathy from its audience. If you aren’t able to put yourself in the shoes of the main characters, or even their families at times, this is a hard film to watch. It also takes a surprising amount of restraint at times, especially when it comes to Jack’s heartbreaking death, which is left ambiguous after recalling a story Ennis told earlier in the movie. Like patience, my empathy and restraint back in 2005 weren’t what they are today, though I still need to work on all three.

Also, I Don't Think I Could Have Handled Brokeback Mountain's Complexities As An Immature 17-Year-Old Boy In The South

I make no claims of being a perfect human being these days, but I am a much better person than I was at 17 years old, and I don’t think I’m alone. Here’s the thing: I don’t think I could have handled the complexities, the nuances, or even the emotions at the core of Brokeback Mountain way back when.

This isn’t to say that I wouldn’t have liked the movie, as I probably would have enjoyed it all the same. I just think that an immature teenage boy from the South wouldn’t have been as open to everything that unfolded. Times change, and so do people, and I honestly think waiting so long to watch this gem was the right choice. However, I’m still kicking myself for missing out on such a lovely story.

All in all, watching Brokeback Mountain was a profound, emotional, and delightful experience, and no, it's just because I can now enter the conversation about it getting snubbed at the Oscars.

For years, there have been theories and speculation about Gobber, the beloved How to Train Your Dragon blacksmith, being gay. Moments in the second and third animated movies allude to the idea, however it’s never directly confirmed or denied. So, with the live-action film being on the 2025 movie schedule, we asked Nick Frost about this ongoing conversation.

During CinemaBlend’s interviews with How to Train Your Dragon’s cast, Jeff McCobb asked Gobber actor Nick Frost about this ongoing discourse. Noting that the actor, who is “something of an unexpected gay icon a la Golden Girls or The Babadook," he brought up the theories regarding his character's sexuality. In response, the Hot Fuzz star said:

McCobb noted the theories and evidence surrounding the idea of Gobber being gay. This included a line from How to Train Your Dragon 2 (which you can stream with a Peacock subscription), where he noted the reasons why he wasn’t married. To that point, Frost explained that he really hopes this is an aspect of his character that can be explored more in these live-action movies, saying:

I certainly hope this story blooms as well. It’d be wonderful to have this LGBTQ+ representation in this franchise, and it’d be lovely to see Gobber in a loving relationship. So, here’s hoping that this long-speculated storyline gets some direct love in the officially upcoming How to Train Your Dragon 2.

I mean, they already have a gay icon in the role, as Frost told us:

He’s right; he has been considered a gay icon for a very long time. In fact, back in 2013, when he was on Conan, he explained that he wanted to be on the cover of American Bear. He noted that “big guys” who like “big hairy guys” find him attractive. Then he pitched Conan O’Brien the outfit he would wear on the cover, explaining that it’d have “white chaps, a kind of white cowboy vest and a tiny little cowboy hat” and “two little revolvers."

Clearly, his vision for this cover image hasn’t really changed. And I doubt his thoughts on Gobber will either.

Now, I’m hoping that Gobber and his sexuality can be explored more in How to Train Your Dragon 2. While LGBTQ+ representation in animated movies from Disney, DreamWorks and more has gotten better over the years, there’s still a lot of room for growth. Seeing Gobber speak openly about being gay and maybe even getting a love story would open a lovely door to fully open so we can welcome a new story to this beloved franchise.

The latest upcoming book-to-screen adaptation is the We Were Liars TV show, and as a fan of the original novel by E. Lockhart, I had my reservations about changes they could make to the source material for the series. But after watching it early, I was pleasantly surprised by how it expanded the plotline of the original novel. So when CinemaBlend had a chance to speak to Lockhart, I asked the author about her perspective on what was added to the book's storyline for the new streaming series.

The 2014 bestseller follows Cadence Sinclair, a teen girl, who has spent all her summers on her family’s private island by Martha’s Vineyard. But when she has an incident one summer that leaves her washed up on the beach with a serious head injury and some missing memories, she returns to get answers from her group of playmates who didn’t check on her all year. Here’s what E. Lockhart told me regarding her favorite addition made for the TV series:

In the We Were Liars novel, Cadence has a group of friends she hangs out with over the summer. It consists of her two cousins, Mirren and Johnny, and the nephew of her aunt’s partner, Ed Patil, Gat. Both Ed and Gat are explicitly of Indian descent in the novel, but as Lockhart told us, for the TV series, she got to work with four writers who could relate to them from a cultural perspective and then add that into the storyline of those characters.

Gat is played by newcomer actor Shubham Maheshwari, who told us he found the role through an open casting call on Backstage and got the part “many, many auditions later.” In the novel, Gat becomes the object of Cadence’s affections the summer when she has her incident, they reunite and a switch is flipped from a friendship to a romantic attraction between them.

While the novel is told solely from the perspective of Cadence, the series gets into all the perspectives of the surrounding characters, including Gat (especially in episode six). E. Lockhart’s writing style in We Were Liars makes Cadence an unreliable narrator and doesn’t allow for well-rounded POVs for the people around her. So, I’m with her that it’s great that she called on a number of writers to not only build upon this, but offer more depth to Gat.

While there have been more great South Asian characters pop up in recent movies and television, it’s amazing to see We Were Liars build on this with the TV show. The actor behind Gat’s uncle Ed is Rahul Kohli, who is well-known for being in many of Mike Flanagan's movies and TV shows. E. Lockhart also said this about these two characters getting more of a storyline in our interview:

It’s one thing to write in Indian characters, but to invite people who can relate to the characters’ experiences is a solid way to build upon the representation of the title. Check out the series for yourself once it hits Amazon on Wednesday, June 18.

From its roots in The Wizard of Oz to the coming release of Wicked: For Good this November, the cultural phenomenon has long found a deep connection with queer people. Let’s get into it, because it’s an important piece of its legacy.

The Wizard Of Oz Has Long Been Thought Of As Queer-Coded

You can’t really talk about Wicked without going way back in time and starting with The Wizard of Oz. Based on the Oz books from L. Frank Baum, one of the most iconic movies ever made by Hollywood is of course 1939’s The Wizard of Oz movie starring Judy Garland. It’s a classic-period to every fan of cinema, but it also holds a lot of significance to the queer community.

No, there’s not explicitly any LGBTQ+ characters in the musical fantasy, but there’s something about Dorothy leaving her black and white world to go “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” that does make it explicitly queer coded. When Dorothy arrives in the beautiful Technicolor world of Oz, she finds solace in a group of outsiders like herself coming together to protect her. The movie’s “found family” story has resonated with queer audiences for decades, especially before there were actual queer characters anywhere to be found in media. There’s also this camp quality to the movie that has long served as inspiration for the queer community, particularly through drag queen performances.

And these days The Wizard Of Oz is so intertwined with the LGBTQ+ community that it’s hard to even separate the two, such as the saying “friend of Dorothy” becoming a code gay men used to identify each other and themselves back in the day when many more were closeted. Or, there being speculation that The Wizard Of Oz in part inspired the Pride Flag being a rainbow as a reference to the film as well, per Queer Sites by David Higgs (via Google Books).

There’s also the piece that Judy Garland is hailed as a gay icon, too. LGBTQ+ scholar Nathaniel Frank said (via EW) because she “compared herself to a wind-up doll, manufactured by adults for their entertainment” and was “was never able to really be herself. And yet, when she performed, she exhibited this level of authentic emotion,” she developed such a prominent following of gay fans who could identify with her struggles, and came in droves to support her during her career.

The Wicked Book Makes The Romantic Undertones To Glinda And Elphaba’s Relationship Canon

With all that history in context, let’s move over to Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch (which became a series of four books). The novelist, who is gay himself, decided to explore the origin story of the Wicked Witch through his book series before it would become the hit musical a few years short of a decade later that we all know and love. After years of readers sensing some romantic tension between Elphaba and Glinda in the book, including through the characters sharing a kiss in one moment, Maguire said this to Them in 2024:

In the book itself, Elphaba and Glinda never get into an official relationship together, but there’s absolutely some romantic tension between the pair throughout in a way that could be seen as a romance for those who want to ship them, or a complex friendship for those who want to see it too. As Maguire shared in the above statement, he didn’t want to make a “declarative statement” about their relationship, and so he didn’t. This certainly carries over to the musical and the movie, though there is never a kiss in the musical from Stephen Schwartz.

Elphaba’s Arc Is A Queer Allegory, Too

When it comes to Wicked the book and musical, it’s also worth noting that aside from a hint of romance between its two main female characters, perhaps even greater is the queer allegory at the center of Wicked Witch’s arc. In both versions Elphaba, has to deal with the ramifications of being different (since she has green skin), and through her journey to become the Wicked Witch she accepts herself for who she is. Particularly through the song “Defying Gravity,” she finds power in being green, and chooses to lean into it rather than hide who she is. The song is thought of a gay anthem just like The Wizard Of Oz’s “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”.

The Movies Feature Numerous Queer Actors

And when it comes to the cast of the Wicked movies, the production has stayed true to the queer history of the title by casting predominantly LGBTQ+ actors in many of the main roles. Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba), Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero). Marissa Bode (Nessarose), Bowen Yang (Pfannee) and Bronwyn James (ShenShen) are all queer actors.

So, there’s no doubt The Wizard of Oz and Wicked belong to the LGBTQ+ community, and have connected so deeply to the queer community for years. But perhaps what sets it apart from other more niche new LGBTQ+ movies is that the beauty of the Wonderful World of Oz is how it’s made to appeal to everyone. Whether you are a gay person who loves the Glinda/Elphaba relationship, or someone with no ties whatsoever to this context, it’s clearly been made for anyone to enjoy and feel connected, and will continue to for generations to come. We can’t wait for Wicked: For Good, which is part of the 2025 movie release calendar to hit theaters on November 21.

With the movie and TV series Limitless arguably being a hyperbolic extreme, an intimidatingly high IQ is often played up as being a quasi-superpower in fictional settings, while High Potential doesn’t ever shy away from highlighting the foibles and fumblings that can come part and parcel with all of the additional synapses. For Kaitlin Olson, bringing out that side of Morgan’s life is more ideal than only leaning into her victories. Talking to Deadline, she said:

Preach it! I don't think there's ever been a point where Kaitlin Olson popped up in a show as a character who could be described as "perfect" or "predictable," which is why she's among the very best and deserves all the Emmy-related praise that comes her way. So it only makes sense that she aims to keep Morgan and her family on a similarly varying path forward into Season 2 and beyond.

Kaitlin Olson On Exploring This Particular Form Of Neurodivergence On TV

More often than not, extremely smart characters are friends of the lead whose lives aren't explored in full. The Big Bang Theory's characters are obvious exceptions to the norm, though within a sitcom universe that isn't exactly faithful to realism. So bringing a character like Morgan to the masses is important to Olson, as is making sure these characters' differences aren't being unfairly exploited. As she put it:

I love that even in its first season, High Priority gave audiences episodes that tweaked the format where Morgan's expansive knowledge was the most vital piece of each investigation, while also playing up how much she struggles with not knowing answers to things. Olson spoke to that feeling of anxiety over the unknown being such a relatable character trait.

She also spoke to the]negativity that neurodivergent people deal with, whether stemming from within or from exterior factors.

Olson continued, pointing out that super-smart people inspire the same kinds of misplaced assumptions that extremely affluent people might. In her words:

Just because someone has three of the coolest and cutest kids on TV, that doesn't mean her life is grea...wait, no, that part of Morgan's life actually does provide a ton of happiness and good feelings. And Olson said she's hoping Season 2 will dig deeper into the issues that Morgan's son Elliot faces as a high-IQ student, and how that may or may not contrast with Ava's life.

Of course, some High Potential fans are no doubt reading this and saying, "Yeah, that's great, but what about Morgan and Karadec getting it on?" And I'm sorry to say it, but Olson recently addressed Morgan and Karadec’s shippers in flippant way that doesn't exactly inspire a ton of first-date speculation.

While waiting for Season 2 to arrive, fans can rewatch all of Season 1 with either a Hulu subscription or a Disney+ subscription.

Today, I want to talk about one of my favorite horror franchises, A Nightmare on Elm Street. Now, I’ve already discussed why I prefer Freddy to Jason and Michael, but now, I want to discuss one particular movie in the franchise, that being A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge. Because, I don’t know if you know this or not, but it’s kind of gay.

And, I mean that in the best sort of way! Because unbeknownst to many, the entire movie could be viewed as one giant allegory for coming out of the closet (or, for staying in the closet – it could be viewed either way). I find it fascinating that a movie in a popular horror franchise can be beloved by the LGBTQ+ community (similar to the Scream series). So, let’s dive into this film, shall we? The man of your dreams awaits!

I've Known For A While That This Movie Was Meant To Be Allegorical, But Now That I'm Actually Looking For It, It's Clear As Day

True story: The first time I watched A Nightmare on Elm Street 2 when I was younger, I had no idea that it could be viewed as anything more than just a horror movie. But, several years later, I heard rumors that Freddy’s Revenge was about being gay, and that it was intentional.

So, I watched it again much later as an adult, and…holy cow! This movie isn't subtle at all!

First off, some context: In this sequel, a teenage boy named Jesse Walsh (Mark Patton) and his family move into Nancy Thompson’s old house. Soon afterward, Jesse starts having dreams about Freddy. Now, for those who don’t know, Nancy (played by Heather Langenkamp) was the heroine from the first film, and she reappears in the third flick, as well as in Wes Craven’s New Nightmare.

Anyway, horror movies of the ‘80s typically featured female protagonists, and they would often be dubbed “Scream Queens.” But, Jesse kind of offsets that notion. Here was a boy who Freddy Krueger would literally come out of, and tell him to kill for him. Also, even though there is a female love interest in Lisa Webber (Kim Myers), it sure does seem like Freddy doesn’t want Jesse anywhere near her. In fact, it almost seems like Jesse himself doesn’t want to be near her once he kisses her, and that he would rather be with his best friend, Ron (Robert Rusler), who Jesse wants to watch him sleep.

Then there’s the whole, I don’t know, gay bar scene, but I’m getting a little ahead of myself. Let’s talk about Freddy now, shall we?

Freddy As A Representation For Repressed Sexual Desires? I Can Dig It

I’ve seen all of the Halloween movies, as well as every Friday the 13th flick (I’m actually getting ready to rewatch the early movies soon, since I do it every summer). And, while I really like both series, the one thing that, surprisingly, bothers me about both of them is their boogiemen, as they’re kind of boring.

It’s mostly because neither Jason nor Michael talks. But Freddy? The dude won’t shut up, and we love him all the more for it! Played by Robert Englund in almost every movie, Freddy started off scary, but then became comical in the later films.

Even so, in Freddy’s Revenge, he’s both scary and funny. Oh, and he also might just be a giant metaphor for repressed sexual desires. No biggie. Throughout the film, whether he’s physically coming out of Jesse, or trying to keep his female love interest away from him, the subtext is barely subtext at all, and it’s pretty clear what Freddy represents.

Because, as I said earlier, we get a sense that Jesse wants to be with Lisa, but something keeps holding him back. Yes, the plot shows that it’s Freddy, but why? Like why does Freddy want Jesse to kill for him? Why does Lisa’s kiss essentially destroy Freddy? I mean, since this was the ‘80s, homosexuality definitely wasn’t widely viewed as a positive thing.

So, by Lisa kissing Freddy – who has taken over Jesse’s body, by the way – it’s pretty clear that she was meant to be “saving” him from homosexuality (though, in the end, Freddy is still alive, meaning you can’t get rid of something that exists inside of you). This is kind of why I’ve always preferred Freddy to Jason or Michael. By being such an interesting character, he can be a pretty potent metaphor, too, which is cool.

The Clues Are All Over In This Film

Were Cary Grant and Randolph Scott lovers? Maybe. I mean, they lived together for 12 years, and there’s always been speculation.

Nobody knows for certain, but it’s certainly interesting to watch a movie like My Favorite Wife, which stars both men in a plot involving jealousy regarding a woman. (But, is that where the jealousy really stems from?)

You see, as a huge nerd, I really love reading between the lines and analyzing stories. Yes, I first thought that Freddy’s Revenge was the lesser movie sandwiched between the excellent first movie, and the stellar third one. But, when you start looking at the clues of this being an allegory for being closeted and gay, it becomes a lot more interesting.

And, there are a LOT of clues. Like Jesse having a dream about his gym teacher at what looks like a gay bar. Or that the gym teacher has balls that fly in his face. (Subtle!) Or that the poster for the film itself talks about “The Man of Your Dreams” being back.

I mean, when I initially saw this film as a teen, I just thought stuff like this was “weird.” But, as an adult and as a gay ally, I see how intentional it all was, which makes this film hold a special place in my heart, given all the subtext.

The Lead Actor Being Gay, As Well, Adds Another Layer To The Allegory

There’s a great 2019 documentary called, Scream, Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Street, and it details what the main actor, Mark Patton, had to go through with the making of this film. It also talks about homosexuality in general when it comes to horror.

And, that's really cool! When I first watched Freddy’s Revenge, I got a sense that something was different about it in the same way that I felt something was different with my favorite Halloween movie, Season of the Witch.

Unlike that film, which was blatantly different since it didn’t feature Michael Myers, Freddy's Revenge felt different for another reason that I couldn’t quite put my finger on. But, upon further introspection, I think it's due to Patton's performance.

No, I don't think he “acts gay” in the film. Instead, it's more a matter of all the pain and uncertainty that Patton's character exhibits throughout the movie. He seems so tortured and vulnerable, and it’s even more potent when you realize what Patton was actually going through on a personal level during the making of this film.

To be gay in a movie that could possibly be read as subtext for gay acceptance? It works on so many levels!

Lastly, It's Cool That A Popular Horror Series Has An Entry That The LGBTQ+ Community Can Really Identify With

Finally, I really love when any minority embraces a movie that feels like it's made just for them.

For instance, Sinners is pretty much universally loved by everyone, but it just hits differently if you're Black. The same goes for Get Out, which definitely hit harder the second time I watched it.

The same could be said for A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge and the LGBTQ+ community. And, I only feel this way (aside from having watched Scream, Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Street) because the person who clued me into it having a queer subtext was one of my queer friends from college.

In fact, his very words were, “You’ve seen all the Nightmare on Elm Street movies?” To which I bragged, “Of course.” He then asked me what I thought about the second movie, to which I just shrugged and said, “It’s okay, I guess.” He then told me, “You know it’s about being gay, right?” Which floored me at the time, but then he told me all about why it’s much better if you view it from that lens, and he was right! It absolutely is.

Which is really cool. So, if you haven’t seen it in a while, check it out again, and watch it as a queer allegory. It’s all there, and all the better for it!

In UnBroken, we learn that Alexander and Lina Weber had seven children — Alfons, Senta, Ruth, Gertrude, Renee, Judith, and Bela. After Lina was arrested and murdered in a concentration camp, farmers Arthur and Paula Schmidt volunteered to take in the Weber siblings for Alexander. In the two years the children were hidden, their father made them promise to “always stay together,” which was kept throughout times of hunger, fear, and the danger of discovery. Here are five forms of bravery shown throughout the 2025 Netflix release that have truly impressed me:

Lina Weber Had The Courage To Shelter Jews

Lina Weber, daughter of a cantor, felt in her heart that it was the right thing to do to protect Jews under Nazi rule. She would obtain visas and passports for many Jews and hide them safely in her home. Despite her husband telling her to stop her acts of defiance in fear of being caught, Lina was persistent in her mission. Unfortunately, the Gestapo caught on to her activities. The youngest sibling, Bela, remembered when she was three years old, her mother hid her in a closet and ordered her to be quiet before she was taken away and ultimately murdered in Auschwitz.

It was a tragedy that Lina Weber did not survive and see her children grow up. But the matriarch of the family risked her life due to her moral beliefs and love for others. Her persistent protection of those who needed it, despite the life-threatening cost, is an act of bravery that we all wish we could embody under an authoritative threat. Her legacy clearly lived on in each of her children and the next generation of family that came after.

Lina Weber Challenged Nazi Authority To Free Her Husband

In 1933, Alexander Weber was arrested by the Nazis and spent nine months at the Oranienburg concentration camp in Berlin working in the laundry room. Ruth Weber speculated that the reason for his arrest was that he was a Catholic man who converted to Judaism and married a Jewish woman.

The documentary described a letter sent to the Weber house that both exonerated Alexander but still kept him imprisoned. Lina was described in Alons’ memoir, the oldest Weber sibling, as having “chutzpah” for marching herself down the courthouse with the letter in her hand and “used the Nazis’ own beauracracy against them” which secured his release.

The Nazis were a scary, terrifying force. Anyone who dared to defy them risked arrest, torture, or even death. With Lina likely aware of the risks that would come with trying to secure her husband’s release, she was truly admirable for standing up against prejudice and fighting for someone she loved. It shows that when you love someone fiercely, fear no longer stands in the way of doing what's right.

The Weber Siblings Survived The Holocaust Through Unity

Everything that the seven Weber siblings went through was as a family. As the only set of siblings who survived the Holocaust together, they endured harsh conditions while hiding in a laundry hut. Having to go through no cooking or running water for two years, as well as the fear of being taken to a camp, was a real hardship on them and an unimaginable situation no one should have to go through.

However, being together like their father told them to, and their love for each other, was the glue that held them together. Bravery came in the form of children not allowing the panic of WWII to drive them apart. If I were in a life-threatening situation myself, I would be able to get through it much easier knowing I was with loved ones through it all.

Arthur And Paula Schmidt Bravely Hid The Weber Siblings

After Lina was arrested for her underground activities, Alexander Weber entrusted the care of his children to Arthur and Paula Schmidt. Both running a produce farm in Worin, the couple hid the Weber siblings in their truck at night and transported them to their farm, where they hid in a laundry hut for two years. The Schmidts did everything they could for the children, making sure their basic needs were met. They even sought out help from the mayor of Worin, Rudi Fehrmann, who made ration cards for them so they could have food beyond what they could forage from the Schmidts’ farm.

Hiding Jews was considered a capital offense under Nazi rule that could have resulted in imprisonment, torture, or even execution. The kind of bravery the Schmidts exemplified takes a lot of selflessness to put yourself in that position. Even when the documentary’s director, Beth Lane, asked the youth hanging around the Webers’ old building if they would do what the Schmidts did, one girl struggled to answer. Knowing that saving lives means you could risk death is a courage that goes beyond words. Even in the most fearful times, there can still lie a hero in everyday people.

Documentarian Beth Lane Had The Courage To Uncover Her Family History

Bela, the youngest Weber sibling, showed her daughter, Beth Lane, the farm in Worin, Germany, that she and her siblings hid in during the Holocaust. After that, the documentarian refused to let her family’s story of survival slip away and felt it was important for the whole world to know about it. Through her uncle Alfons’ 40-page memoir, visiting her relatives’ hometown, and each sibling’s recollection of that time, UnBroken was born.

I give Lane a lot of props for having the courage to be able to talk to her aunts and mother about their painful past. It’s scary to ask someone to reopen old wounds, but she did it with care and the selfless purpose of making sure their stories were told. Lane was also brave for not being afraid to ask hard questions, not only to her relatives, but also to German citizens she visited, asking, “Would you hide me?” Not to mention, you could see throughout the documentary how hard it was for her to hear the devastating stories and see documents of arrest records. But, she still went forward with the documentary, knowing that this was a story that deserved a large audience.

UnBroken is one of the greatest documentaries that highlight Jewish-American history as well as real-life bravery we all wish we had. It's truly astounding what people are capable of doing for others, and it makes you wonder what type of courage lies in you that you didn't know you had.

By adding Beth Lane’s documentary to your streaming schedule, you’ll learn about the bravery of the Weber family, Arthur and Paula Schmidt, and the movie’s documentarian. Whether these real-life figures hid Jews away from the eyes of Nazis, stayed through hardships together, and dared to uncover the story decades later, UnBroken teaches us that heroism shines in many ways through the lives of ordinary people.

Star Trek (which is streaming on your Paramount+ subscription) was ahead of its time in the 1960s, sending the message of the future with its diverse casting on the USS Enterprise. However, showrunner Gene Roddenberry felt he had to stay away from LGBT issues for fear of the show getting cancelled.

If Gene Roddenberry felt portraying queer characters wouldn’t have fared well on television in the ‘60s, you can imagine why one of its stars, George Takei, didn’t come out until 2005. With his 20-year relationship with husband Brad Altman kept private, and watching his close friends die of AIDS, Takei told USA Today why keeping his sexuality a secret came with “a sense of guilt." He said:

I understand very well George Takei’s perspective. While ‘60s television was bold with Star Trek showing the first interracial kiss and The Twilight Zone capturing themes of racism and war, actors did not come out during that era to protect their careers. It must have been very frustrating for the Los Angeles native to feel like he had to hide. He described that period as feeling just as “imprisoned” as when he grew up in the Japanese internment camps with his family behind barbed wire.

Two decades after coming out, George Takei certainly isn’t holding back about his sexuality. When gay marriage became legal in California in 2008, the American actor and Brad Altman were the first same-sex couple to apply for a marriage license. He also just came up with a new graphic novel, It Rhymes with Takei, about his life-changing decision to come out. With the LGBT rights activist being out and proud, Takei continued to talk about how it felt showing his “whole self" to the world:

Actors may have to portray other people when the cameras are on, but in their own personal lives, they shouldn’t have to be anyone but their authentic selves, free to love their partners without worrying about their careers or judgment.

While the ‘60s Star Trek may not have had LGBT themes, that changed in the J.J. Abrams reboot series when George Takei’s character, played by John Cho, was written as gay. While the intentions of having Hikaru Sulu as gay were a nod to the first actor who played him, Takei had a mixed reaction to the character change. While he wasn’t opposed to LGBT representation being shown on the USS Enterprise, he would have preferred an original character to be gay compared to his own.

Fortunately, the actor’s wishes were honored as he was pleased with Star Trek: Discovery’s original gay character, Anthony Rapp's Lieutenant Stamets. It proves that change can take time, with both legacy and progress being respected.

George Takei may have felt “a sense of guilt” keeping his sexuality quiet for all of these years, but finally coming out decades later turned out to be a “very liberating” experience for him. Now that The Big Bang Theory guest star is open about his sexuality, he’s shown no fear lending his voice towards the equality of the LGBT community as well as in his personal graphic novels. It’s truly inspiring for Takei to use his platform to inspire the kind of change he once felt powerless to make.

Right now, however, I’m thinking about how Ncuti Gatwa’s relatively short time on Doctor Who was its most LGBTQ-friendly yet. While queerness has been built into Doctor Who since it was revived in 2005, it’s chiefly been through other characters and rarely focused on with The Doctor. But with 15, the adventuring Time Lord’s own queerness was brought to the forefront, which was was arguably best demonstrated through his passionate kiss with Rogue in Season 1. Alas, because Gatwa has now left the show, I can’t help but be frustrated by where things stand with Jonathan Groff’s character.

Where We Left Off With Rogue In Doctor Who

Rogue was featured in the aptly-titled Doctor Who Season 1 episode “Rogue” as a bounty hunter who was hired by the mysterious “Boss” (no, we still don’t know who that is yet) to kill a member of the Chuldur, an avian-like shapeshifting species, in 1813 England. He initially thought The Doctor was once of these aliens, but the mixup was soon cleared up. The two men then teamed up to stop the Chuldur, albeit under The Doctor’s condition all these foes were sent to another dimension rather than killed.

They were successful, but it came at the cost of Rogue being transported to that same dimension, as he took Ruby Sunday’s place within their trap when she was accidentally also caught within it. Before he disappeared, Rogue asked The Doctor to find him, a line that should have just come with a neon sign flashing, “This storyline will continue!” But was Rogue rescued in Doctor Who Season 2? Nope!

Instead, Rogue made a cameo appearance in “Wish World,” Doctor Who Season 2’s penultimate episode, where he sent a cryptic message to The Doctor that helped him realize that Conrad’s World was not the way reality was meant to be. Jonathan Groff shot this cameo back in 2023 when he was working on “Rogue,” so there was never any plan for the Frozen actor to have any major role in Season 2, which is fine.

Why I’m Frustrated The Lingering Rogue Storyline

The problem now is that because Ncuti Gatwa’s time on Doctor Who is finished, there’s only two ways I can think of for how this Rogue storyline is resolved. The first is that… well, it isn’t resolved. Rogue just stays trapped in that hellish dimension, and he even stated that he might not survive for much longer. The second is that Rogue is rescued by another incarnation of The Doctor, whether it’s Billie Piper’s (again, we don’t know if she’ll be named as such) or an even later one

Both these options are less than ideal for me, but especially the latter one. As I mentioned earlier, the Fifteenth Doctor being queer was an integral part of his characterization. This was the first time The Doctor was show actively pursing a romantic connection with someone of the same sex. Yes, the Thirteenth Doctor had feelings for Yaz, but she never really acted upon them, something that was acknowledged when she appeared in “The Reality War.”

Jack Harkness kissing the Ninth Doctor was certainly a big deal in 2005, but Rogue and the Fifteenth Doctor kissing was a much bigger moment in Doctor Who history. Like I said earlier, it was abundantly clear that Rogue would appear on the show again at some point, though I understood it might not happen for a while given how busy Jonathan Groff is. Regardless, I was looking forward to seeing the Fifteenth Doctor rescue Rogue from that other dimension and pursue a romantic relationship with him.

I’m Not That Interested In Rogue Meeting Another Doctor

Frankly, I’m not nearly as invested in Rogue getting romantically involved with another Doctor. If that happens years down the line with another male Doctor, then it will still serve as another example LGBTQ representation, but I’ll remain disappointed that Rogue and 15 didn’t get more time together. Granted, I wasn’t expecting their relationship to be explored for nearly the same length of time as River Song had with the Tenth, Eleventh and Twelfth Doctors, but a multi-episode arc would have been nice.

And then if Rogue meets a female version of The Doctor, well that just makes further exploration of this relationship even less appealing. We’ll be back to Doctor Who delivering what ultimately amounts to another heteronormative relationship for its title character, only this time it’s The Doctor who’s the woman. To be clear, I don’t mind a female Doctor having a romantic connection with a male companion or some other character, I just don’t want it to happen with Rogue.

My fandom and enthusiasm for Doctor Who is in a weird place right now, and I’m hoping I won’t feel the same way whenever the show returns, which might not be until 2027. What’s not going to change is my feelings about how Rogue was handled and the loss of what could have been. Whether this storyline is revisited or just left unresolved, it’s just disappointing what could have been another huge step for Doctor Who on the LGBTQ front will no longer get the resolution I, and I’m sure many other fans, were hoping for.

Laika Reveals Mitch’s Boyfriend From ParaNorman

Over a decade ago, the stop-motion-centric studio did something unprecedented. The filmmakers had the jock character Mitch (voiced by Casey Affleck), who the cheerleader Courtney (Anna Kendrick) pined pining over, reveal at the end of the film that he has a boyfriend. However, viewers didn't actually get to meet him, until now! Check out the YouTube video below:

As ParaNorman writer/director Chris Butler shared in the video, when he was crafting the film's story, he thought of the movie as a more subversive take on Scooby-Doo. With that, Mitch and Courtney were essentially Butler's take on Fred and Daphne. And, in that context, he decided it would make sense if Mitch were gay. Butler said another reason behind the creative decision was also due to the movie's key theme of “not judging a book by its cover.”

In the video, Butler enlisted Principal Character Designer Thibault Leclercq and Laika Development Art Director Iuri Lioi to imagine Mitch’s boyfriend, and it turned out so well! As Butler put it: “Coutney is going to be so annoyed!”

So... Can We Get A ParaNorman Sequel?

Laika has made a lot of good movies over the years, from Coraline to Kubo and the Two Strings. Yet, with ParaNorman, not only did the company make another sweet horror movie kids can watch but one that also involves LGBTQ+ representation. Other studios like Disney, for example, hasn’t included many queer characters in its movies and queer representation on TV has also been decreasing, per analysis that's been conducted. So while it’s great that Laika is celebrating pride with Mitch’s boyfriend, now I need to see a sequel with the two characters in it.

The first movie is all about Norman, an 11-year-old who finds out he can speak to the dead, and I think there's plenty of sequel potential given that premise. I’d love to see Mitch and his boyfriend interact in the aftermath of Courtney finding out about their relationship. I also think the world Chris Butler created is rich enough to have another horror-inspired adventure involving the supernatural elements that surround the town of Blithe Hollow, Massachusetts.

Another ParaNorman movie with Mitch and his BF would be a nice addition among new LGBTQ+ movies. At the very least though, I'm pleased that Laika gifted fans with this reveal to celebrate Pride Month. The studio’s next movie is called Wildwood, and it's set to hit theaters sometime in 2026.

I don’t usually eat popcorn outside of a movie theater, and I don’t like to collect things that will do little more than collect dust on a shelf. However, this new Pride Bucket, of Mickey Mouse’s gloved hands around a rainbow heart, is sort of beautiful. And the hands are hollow, so you can even wear the gloves yourself.

You can’t swing a cat at a Disney Park without hitting several different popcorn buckets. Just today, Disney World unveiled another one, which combines the classic Mickey ears look with Epcot’s geodesic sphere. Not all of them become such hits that they sell out, but you’ll be sure to find them all on eBay before too long with a substantial markup.

While people love popcorn buckets in theme parks, and have for a long time, they have become big business in movie theaters as well. We're getting very complex popcorn buckets and very intricate designs as each movie tries to come up with something unique to make their bucket stand out.

My biggest issue with popcorn buckets is what to do with them when I’m not actively eating popcorn out of them, They are fine for walking around a theme park and munching on a snack, but then what? This one, at least, would look sitting on a shelf. It’s not just a toy going unused, as so many popcorn buckets are. This one would be a statement of one’s love for Disney and one’s support for a community, all in one move. I can get behind that.

Disney Parks often release interesting and unique merchandise as part of Pride month. While Disney’s support, or lack thereof, of the LGBTQ+ community has frequently put the company under fire from both sides of the issue at different times, the House of Mouse isn’t looking to distance itself entirely from Pride, which is something.

I can only imagine that this bucket is going to sell well during Disneyland’s upcoming Pride Nite celebration. The after-hours hard ticket event is being offered again this year, on June 16 and 18. The event was clearly a big enough success last year to bring it back this year.

The bucket is available now at select locations, both at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. It will likely remain available until supplies sell out, though depending on how quickly that happens, it might not be around for too long.

I vividly remember the wide range of emotions that I went through at that very moment. At first, it felt like one of those dreams where you wake up and still think you’re able to fly, or that a Switch 2 is sitting underneath your bed, only for you to fully realize that it was all just a dream.

Unlike those moments where the realization is really disappointing, this time, it was a moment to rejoice (For me anyway). Much like my colleague, Eric Eisenberg, believed, I also thought that Moonlight deserved to win Best Picture, and I’m still happy that it beat La La Land, even 8 years later. Here’s why.

After What Happened To Brokeback Mountain, I'm Glad That The Academy Has Grown To Recognize The Importance Of Gay Stories

I’ve already written about this, but I’m still upset that Brokeback Mountain didn’t win Best Picture back in 2006, and for a few reasons. But, the main reason (besides it being a far better film than Crash) was because it was a hauntingly beautiful love story, and one that was about a gay relationship, which felt both ahead of its time, but also directly of its time back in 2005.

I was worried that a movie like Moonlight, which was about a Black boy who explores his sexual identity (among other themes) all the way up to adulthood, was the kind of story that the Academy would acknowledge, sure, but would never give the ultimate prize to.

Yes, we had come a long way toward acceptance when it came to LGBTQ+ stories since Brokeback, but for it to beat a thoroughly popular musical like La La Land, with two likeable leads? I honestly didn’t think Moonlight had a chance in Hell. Unlike Crash (which I actually do like, don’t get me wrong), La La Land was a film that was generally seen as worthy of winning Best Picture, and it was the film to beat in 2017 (It had a whopping 11 nominations, after all).

And yet, Moonlight beat it. As an LGBTQ+ ally, I want these stories to win, but I honestly thought that it wouldn’t. Moonlight, like Brokeback Mountain, was a hauntingly beautiful story, and the way it dealt with homosexuality was both bold and yet surprisingly subtle. Showing Chiron in three stages of his life – childhood, teenage years, and adulthood – and learning to understand (and find comfort in) his sexual identity by adulthood truly deserved the award, and it actually won!

Which I found to be wonderful. This is despite the fact that I really love musicals too, which I'll get into next.

I Love Musicals, But Moonlight Just Hits Differently

Ten musicals have won Best Picture, and I want to say that I love most of them, but, do you know the last time that a musical actually won? It was all the way back in 2003 for Chicago. So, by 2017, I think another musical was definitely due.

And, I wouldn't have hated it if La La Land had won. The dance numbers in particular were wonderful, and I liked that the music itself was integrated into the story. So, much like martial arts movies (for example, I think Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon should have won Best Picture), I almost always prefer when genre pictures, like musicals, fantasy, or sci-fi, win the coveted prize over the standard drama, since it's such a rare occasion.

This time, I wanted the drama to beat the musical. Because Moonlight just hits differently.

Essentially a story told in three acts, with each act reflecting the different periods of an impoverished Black person's life, we get to explore the hardships of his existence and the people who make a difference for him, both positive and negative.

Maybe it just hits differently since I'm Black myself, and I teach students who may be going through similar hardships as Chiron. But, whatever the case, I'm glad that the more personal-feeling story beat the one about the two love birds heading in different directions due to their success. It felt like a personal win of sorts.

We Need More Stories About Minority Communities Within Minority Communities, And Moonlight Is That Story

Black stories are important. Gay stories are important. The thing is, the two stories don't necessarily have to be separate. Because there are gay Black people. In fact, there are gay people of every race and nationality. So, for that reason, I think there should be more stories that explore the concept of being a minority within a minority.

While homosexuality isn't widely accepted in any community, the Black community in particular often has major issues with people within the community being gay.

For instance, I've heard Black people tell me that “it's a sin,” to be gay (their pastor told them so), and as a teacher of mostly Black students, I've been informed by some parents that their children will not participate in any writing assignments that contain the word “Pride” in them, since they automatically associate the word “Pride” with “Gay” (even though the assignment was about what gives you pride, though I'm not going to argue with parents. I gave their kids something else to write about).

So, I really do want to see more stories about minority communities within minority communities, since the gay students that I have deserve stories that they can relate to.

Moonlight is that story. I'm glad that there are other LGBTQ+ movies and shows that they can watch (some of them on Netflix), but I'm glad that there's a film that is exclusively about the Black and gay experience, and that it also won Best Picture.

Overall, I Think Moonlight Winning Benefits Both Itself As Well As La La Land

It might sound like I was belittling La La Land by referring to it as the story of “two love birds heading in different directions due to their success,” but I honestly wasn’t. The tale of Sebastian, a talented jazz musician played by Ryan Gosling, and Amelia, an aspiring actress played by the Academy Award-winning Emma Stone, is a good one, and their “what could have been” love story was definitely worthy of winning Best Picture.

Now, if it had won, I don’t think I’d categorize it as one of the greatest movies to win Best Picture. That said, there certainly have been worse films that have won the highest prize, so I wouldn’t have been upset if it had ultimately gotten the gold.

However, I think Moonlight winning Best Picture benefitted both itself and La La Land, because if the latter had won, then it might only be looked upon as the film that beat Moonlight, which I don’t think is fair, since, like I said before, La La Land is a good movie. What I mean is, I don’t think it should be scorned like, say, Crash beating Brokeback Mountain, or a Driving Miss Daisy winning Best Picture, when Do the Right Thing wasn’t even nominated (How?!).

By “losing” to Moonlight, and in such a dramatic fashion, I really do think La La Land has a better chance of being remembered in a positive way than if it had beaten Moonlight. In turn, I think Moonlight is looked upon for its historic win, and remembered as the film that “beat” the more conventional La La Land.

The actress whose best work includes 13 Going on 30 and Alias declared June her “favorite time of the year,” as that’s when the rainbow trees grow. OK, so maybe the colorfully wrapped trunks got a little help from Jennifer Garner, but it’s hard to argue with the beautiful result, which she showed on Instagram:

I’m definitely not the only one enjoying the effort she put into decorating her trees for Pride Month, as fans and celebrities alike hit Jennifer Garner’s comments with praise including:

• Tracee Ellis Ross: LOVE YOU LADY and LOVE THIS 🌈
• Dylan Mulvaney: My queen
• Melanie Lynskey: 🌈❤️🌈❤️🌈
• Brady Tolbert: And this is why we love you ❤️🧡💛💚💙
• Michelle Pfeiffer: 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
• Heather Dubrow: Amazing !!!❤️❤️🌈🌈🌈🌈

Other famous faces didn’t waste time in posting their own celebrations of the queer community. Full House alum Jodie Sweetin said she was “in my element” as she took part in the WeHo Pride Parade this weekend, posting from the parade route:

Jennifer Lopez, meanwhile, has a lot on her plate — including the upcoming rom-com Office Romance with Brett Goldstein — but she took time to tell her fans via Instagram Stories to be proud and remind them that she’s got an entire 2025 Pride playlist on Spotify for their enjoyment this month and beyond:

There are lots of LGBTQ+ movies we’re looking forward to, with many even set to hit the 2025 movie calendar, but One Tree Hill veteran Hilarie Burton is already dipping into some of her old favorites, including a 2024 flick starring her husband Jeffrey Dean Morgan:

She also showed her love from New York as she posed in front of a rainbow-colored heart:

Speaking of New York, Lisa Ann Walter of The Parent Trap fame (and also, of course, Abbott Elementary) sent her well-wishes from the Big Apple, posting:

Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson chose a simple throwback photo to ring in the month, posting an Instagram Story selfie of him and his husband Justin Mikita from 2012:

I love seeing how all the celebrities are welcoming in June (personally, I’m here for ALL of the rainbows), and as this past weekend was just the beginning, I can’t wait to see what excitement awaits us for the rest of the month.

If you’re looking for even more movies to honor the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month, check out these directors who have helped to shape queer cinema.

Overcompensating is super binge-able, thanks to its short runtime and endlessly charming cast. That certainly applies to star and creator/creator Benito Skinner, who expertly brings us back to the college experience. The awkwardness of trying to make friends and be your authentic self was palpable, especially with the added pressure of being closeted. And this is an experience that will hit close to home for countless queer people out there who went away to college.

In many ways Overcompensating feels like another raunchy comedy in the vein of Animal House or American Pie. But despite the laughs (of which there are countless), the coming-of-age story and chemistry between Benny and Walla Baram's Carmen is touching. And after bingeing Season 1, I need at least a few more seasons. In my opinion, Overcompensating is one of the best Amazon shows streaming right now.

While I personally came out just one year before college, I felt Benny's same pressure to fit in and make friends, especially with my male classmates. And I saw as year after year new freshman took their first year of college to find themselves and methodically come out to those around them. This is a season-long journey throughout Overcompensating, and by the end he's still told a few people that he was queer.

The authenticity also really touched down in Episode 7 "Welcome to the Black Parade", where Benny and Grace go home for Thanksgiving with Carmen in tow. Thanksgiving is a very common time for young LGBT+ folks to come out to their family, and that definitely hung in the air throughout the episode. In particular a scene where he's alone with his mother (Connie Britton) toward the end of the episode. But in the end he needed more time, and Overcompensating not rushing the character (or the story) was really refreshing.

But while I found Overcompensating's tender moments to be very moving, ultimately its an outrageous college comedy, which is fueled by cheap vodka and beer. The cast is really firing on all cylinders, and features roles from iconic comedians like Bowen Yang, Matt Rogers, Tommy Do, and Caleb Hearon. And that's to say nothing of the surprise guest stars like Charli XCX, Megan Fox, and Grease legend Didi Conn. Seriously give me more episodes yesterday.

Overcompensating is streaming in its entirety on Amazon as part of the 2025 TV premiere list. At the time of writing this story we are still waiting on a renewal announcement

Reneé Rapp recently appeared on Good Hang With Amy Poehler, and the two discussed everything from Rapp winning the Jimmy Awards in high school to her new upcoming album, Bite Me. A lot of the conversation revolved around the “Pretty Girls” singer’s queer identity, including the time she publicly came out as a lesbian live on SNL (of which the episode can be streamed with a Peacock subscription). The 2024 Mean Girls actress described what led to that decision and why she made it:

She’s come a long way in a few years, and her fans have had a front row seat. In an emotional interview last year with Alex Cooper for the Call Her Daddy podcast, the “Tummy Hurts” artist detailed how difficult her first season on The Sex Lives Of College Girls actually was. At the time, she was cast as Leighton, a closeted lesbian navigating her freshman year and, all the while, Rapp was struggling with her own sexuality.

Up until Rapp's exit in Season 3 of TSLOCG, fans watched her own journey mirror Leighton’s, making her portrayal of the fan-favorite queer character all the more impactful in hindsight. Around the same time Rapp came out as bisexual, her music career started taking off. Her debut album, Snow Angel, is truly a masterpiece and a raw reflection of her exploring her bisexual identity freely, and it even won her a GLAAD award in 2024.

Earlier that same year, Rapp appeared on SNL as a musical guest, slaying her ballad “Snow Angel,” and a fun, sexy performance of “Not My Fault,” if I do say so myself. Now, I can see it was all a victory lap after her decision to switch her skit introduction from bisexual to something that better represented her identity. It sounds like she felt the same way:

The “Talk Too Much” singer told Amy Poehler that she talked about the line edit with cast member Bowen Yang as well. But the 25-year-old pop star said it was her conversation with her girlfriend, British music artist Towa Bird, that sealed the deal:

As a fan of Reneé Rapp, this announcement did not exactly come as a shock. I’d watched as her music slowly progressed to being all about women. Fans watched as the lights at her concerts subtly turned from the colors of the bisexual flag to those of the lesbian one. The signs were there, all culminating in this iconic public identity confirmation. Check out the sketch in which she formally came out:

One of the main reasons why the 25-year-old actress and singer arguably has so many fans, though, is because she has always been unapologetically herself, making this move undeniably her. When Poehler asked her about the feedback from this skit, the Mean Girls: The Musical alum said that she personally feels so good about that life decision.

As for what other people think, she doesn’t really care. The “Poison Poison” songstress knew it was probably going to disappoint some people who really related to her bisexual media, and just anger others. Rapp says she lives for controversy though, something she made clear with the first single off her upcoming album, in which she seemingly shades The Sex Lives of College Girls. Whatever the case, chances are she'll continue to capture people’s attention with her c-ntiness (positive), and I'm here for it.

Florence Pugh Is The Star Of Youngblud’s Latest Music Video

Yungblud is a British pop punk star who has been on the music scene since around 2018, but I think he can officially say he’s made it now that he has Florence Pugh in one of his music videos. Check out the new video for “Zombie”:

Wow, I totally understand why Florence Pugh not only signed on for this, but was thought about for “Zombie.” It’s not your average video starring a famous actress as a nurse; it’s really taking viewers into the mindset of what it feels like to be a healthcare worker day by day, and how harrowing it can be to see so much death all the time.

While we'd assume when Yungblud made the song that he was thinking about his own experiences with “looking like a zombie,” he gave a new meaning to the song on his upcoming album called “Zombie” by making it about a young nurse just trying to get through the day.

The Music Video Is Getting Flooded With Sweet Comments From Actual Healthcare Workers

Upon the release of “Zombie,” the music video has been labeled as a “love letter to nurses.” In Pugh’s own commentary on the video on her Instagram Stories, she thanked the punk star for having her “on your journey.” She said she will “always be grateful for this moment and forever impressed” by what he does and “why” he does it.

The comment section of the Instagram announcement video is also flooded with healthcare workers thanking Yungblud and Pugh for making the video. Check out some of them:

• “As a Healthcare worker. THIS is a true representation of our daily struggles. We laugh. We cry. We scream. What a beautiful video and anthem. Thank you Dom.” - @thejennorater
• “As a healthcare worker who worked in critical care during the pandemic and witnessed so much death. Thank you for this. It truly hit home. Ugly crying by how beautiful this was.” - @missgio_
• “As an icu nurse, I felt every scene! Thank you 🖤💋” - @pattie.bhc
• “As a nurse, thank you ❤️ This is a beautiful song and video.” - @katherinefruendt
• “This video really highlights the intense ups and downs with being a nurse. As a nurse, thank you, this was lovely to watch 🥹🤍” - @adellaturay
• “As a nurse this makes me feel so seen and appreciated🥹🖤 I love you so much, thank you🖤” - @grayson.onmars

Sure, Florence Pugh is a lot more likely to show up in a sparkly dress on her usual day to day, but her talent to make us feel deeply is already touching so many who can relate to the content of the video. Pugh has already made us cry for her Thunderbolts role and playing a young mom with cancer in We Live In Time, and this new role for “Zombie” is another great performance from Ms. Pugh.

A lot of the films in the latter category come in the form of social justice movies, but many also come in the form of slave dramas. Sure, we occasionally get what I like to call “wish fulfillment” films where Black people fight back and don't end up dead, like Django Unchained, which I always find satisfying, or the recent, Sinners, which is now one of my favorite movies.

But, we usually don't get stories with what I'll call cathartic endings on a regular basis. Instead, we mostly get the more realistic outcome, and this is what we get with Nickel Boys, which I just watched recently. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name by Colson Whitehead, it is certainly in the “hard-to-sit-through” category, but I still think everybody should watch it anyway. Here's why.

This Is The Only Movie I've Ever Watched Where The Viewer Is Forced Into The POV Of A Black Person

I know a lot of non-Black people don't want to hear this, but being Black isn't easy. There are a number of contributing factors that make life challenging (not all of them self-inflicted, by the way), and oftentimes, filmmakers have a difficult time showing the actual nuance behind why it's so difficult sometimes.

Look, I'm fortunate. Where I live, I'd say that 9 times out of 10, I don't encounter any problems. In fact, I even tend to forget my skin color on most occasions, and can just live my life. However, in that 1 time out of 10, it becomes glaringly obvious that I’m Black, and I become super uncomfortable. Because sometimes, I'll just get that look. For example, I’ve watched people cross the street when they see me coming.

Other times, I’ll get a “What-are-you-doing-here?” expression on people’s faces. Now, I don't want you to think that this is an experience that I’ve mostly had with white people. In fact, from my experience (as I said earlier, I've been lucky), it's usually not white people, but rather, other races who have given me this look.

That said, I bring all of this up since it's hard to understand unless you've actually experienced it for yourself. And Nickel Boys is the first and only film that I can think of that puts the viewer in the POV of a Black person. In this way, whether the viewer wants to or not, they have to experience all of the disdainful looks that I’ve had to witness firsthand in that one time out of ten (and I’m sure other Black people have experienced it on way more occasions than I have).

It’s really audacious filmmaking, and, like my colleague, Alexandra Ramos said in her article where she picked her favorite movie of last year, it’s a “criminally underrated” film and quite possibly my favorite movie of the ones that were nominated last year.

The Filmmaking Technique Is Probably Unlike Anything You've Ever Seen, And It Comes From A Visionary Black Filmmaker

Look, I’ll shout out Black filmmakers all day, every day. Nia DaCosta, Steve McQueen, Ava DuVernay, Barry Jenkins, Antoine Fuqua, etc, etc, etc. If you’re Black and you make good movies, then I will shout about you from the rooftops.

Sure, some Black filmmakers, like Jordan Peele (whose Get Out still haunts me), Spike Lee, and Ryan Coogler are so mainstream nowadays that they don’t need any more endorsements. But, others could still use that little extra spotlight, and RaMell Ross is one of those.

Nickel Boys is his first feature length scripted film (his previous two films, Hale County This Morning, This Evening, and the short, Easter Snap, are both documentaries). While he has gotten plenty of critical recognition for it, the movie mostly stands as a highly lauded, under-seen masterpiece.

In fact, even though I wanted to see the film last year in theaters, it wasn’t really playing anywhere around me. It actually wasn’t until it landed on Amazon Prime that I was able to check it out after hearing so many good things, and I can confirm that it’s just as good as people say it is.

Plus, the first-person perspective thing really does make all the difference. It isn’t just a gimmick or a conceit that wears out its welcome only a few minutes in. Instead, Ross really committed to the concept of seeing the story from two Black boys’ perspectives. It's bold filmmaking from a promising Black director, and I think everybody should see this spectacular movie. It’s truly that good.

The Movie Handles A Specific Event In History That You Likely Aren't Familiar With

There are plenty of movies that handle the tumultuous time period of the ‘60s from a Black lens. There’s the fairly recent Rustin, which is a phenomenal Civil Rights movie, Judas and the Black Messiah, which is about the betrayal of Fred Hampton, Malcolm X starring Denzel Washington, and several movies about Dr. King.

However, most historical movies about the ‘60s tell the stories of Black figures you read about in history textbooks. Not many of them are just about regular people going through the struggle, but Nickel Boys is.

Inspired by a real school in Florida called the Dozier School for Boys, it follows two young men named Elwood (Ethan Herisse) and Turner (Brandon Wilson) who are too young to be put in adult prison, so they’re instead placed in Nickel Academy, a segregated reform school where Black youths are regularly beaten, abused, and possibly raped.

Elwood had his whole future ahead of him, but because he got into the wrong car, he was accused of being an accessory to a crime, and was wrongly sent away to Nickel. Throughout the story, he bonds with Turner, but they both see the injustice of their situation, and ultimately…well, as I said, I would like you to watch this movie, so I won’t spoil the ending.

But, it’s just fascinating to learn about this apparent reform school of horrors, as I’d never heard of it before, and I’m sure others haven’t heard of it either, unless they've read the novel that it’s based upon. Speaking of which…

The Film Will Hopefully Get People Interested In Other Colson Whitehead Stories

I love reading. In fact, I read a hell of a lot more books than I watch movies, which is kind of crazy because I watch a lot of movies.

Even so, whenever I can turn CinemaBlend into LiteraryBlend, I jump at the occasion. Such was the case when I wrote about movies that are arguably better than the books, or when I ranked every book in the Dark Tower series. If there’s a good book that’s out there, I want to read it, and now, after watching Nickel Boys, I definitely want to read the book that inspired it.

I know Colson Whitehead is a fantastic writer. I read his other Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Underground Railroad, which both blew me away and horrified me, and I’ve been itching to read Harlem Shuffle, which has been in my “Want to Read” queue in Goodreads ever since it debuted back in 2021.

However, I think I have to bump that even further back on the queue because I now want to read The Nickel Boys ASAP after watching this startling film, and I think other people will want to read it, too, once they watch the movie.

Which is yet another reason why I think everybody should see this film. I want people to become fans of Colson Whitehead just like I am. Because if you think I’ll shout out Black filmmakers, just think how loudly I’ll shout out Black novelists! Especially since I am one.

Have you seen Nickel Boys yet? If so, I’d love to hear what you thought about the film.