Entertainment
Bad Boys: Ride or Die – A Nostalgic Dance of Action and Age
Despite the violence in “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” the fourth installment in a nearly 30-year-old franchise, the film feels like a safe area for Will Smith, a calculated retreat following a string of prestige roles and that regrettable Oscar slap.
The end result has a deliberate, worn feel to it, with a few moments of rapid action but not enough to elevate the film beyond a relic.
On the plus side, Smith and Martin Lawrence, who are now in their 50s, still play their characters convincingly, though the most memorable action scene – which appears to have been plucked from another film – does not feature them.
Everything else about their reunion, including their old-married-couple fighting and the countless allusions to past films, has a stale quality to it, from the sounds of the famous song to the bikini-clad background actors the camera scans by to reflect the Miami setting.
“Bad Boys” begins with Smith’s Mike settling down and Lawrence‘s Marcus having a near-death experience that alters his outlook – a comedy flourish that, like almost everything else, is underdeveloped.
Meanwhile, the latest threat comes in the form of a case their late captain (Joe Pantoliano) had investigated involving drug cartels and a ruthless killer (Eric Dane, here playing the type of stock villain who could as well be called McBaddie), exposing a web of corruption that forces Mike to reconnect with his son Armando (Jacob Scipio) and the buddy cops to flee.
Adil & Bilall, the directing team behind “Bad Boys for Life” and “Batgirl,” continue to deliver action and stunts in their latest film.
That said, their efforts to bring a hyper-cinematic quality to the action yields a mixed bag, including a sequence that resembles a first-person shooter game. Despite all the blood, the comedy quotient in Chris Bremner and Will Beall’s screenplay also qualifies as being largely anemic.
Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, and Paola Nuñez return, while Tiffany Haddish makes a brief appearance. Rhea Seehorn’s involvement in “Better Call Saul” is unclear.
In a classic example of bad-guy language, Dane’s character mutters, after a failed attempt to eliminate Mike and Marcus, “These guys just refuse to die.” The fourth “Bad Boys” may not be enough to kill them, but it does imply they might follow in the footsteps of much of Florida’s populace and consider retiring from the buddy-cop business.
“Bad Boys: Ride or Die” Released June 7 2024 in US theaters. It’s rated R.
Entertainment
Big Little Lies Season 3: What We Know So Far
Reading Time: 7 minutesEver since its debut in 2017, Big Little Lies has captivated audiences with its intriguing storylines, breathtaking cinematography, and a star-studded cast that includes Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern, Shailene Woodley, and Zoë Kravitz. The HBO show, based on Liane Moriarty’s best-selling novel, gained a dedicated fanbase and became an Emmy-winning sensation. While originally designed as a limited series, its immense popularity prompted a second season. And now, fans are eagerly awaiting updates on season 3.
The Current Status of Season 3
It’s been nearly a year since Nicole Kidman hinted that a third season of Big Little Lies was in the works. During a November 2023 Q&A event at the Ladies Professional Golf Association’s CME Group Tour Championship in Naples, Florida, Kidman excitedly confirmed the development. However, in a joint interview with Vanity Fair in June 2024, Kidman admitted that she might have shared the news a little too early, saying, “I got excited… But we are now moving fast and furious, and Liane [Moriarty] is delivering the book.”
Reese Witherspoon, who plays Madeline Martha Mackenzie on the show and also serves as an executive producer, recently shared a brief but optimistic update on the progress of season 3. On October 5, 2024, at the Hello Sunshine red carpet event, Witherspoon revealed that the production team is still waiting for the new material from author Liane Moriarty. “Nicole and I have been waiting. We’re in waiting for Leanne Moriarty. She’s going to be turning in something very soon,” Witherspoon told E! News. “We’re back to the original author and we’re going to go back to the original characters.”
This comment not only confirms that Moriarty is involved in the creative process but also hints that season 3 will continue to explore the lives of the original characters that fans have grown to love. Witherspoon also mentioned that the children in the series may have grown older, adding a new dimension to the storyline. “It’s exciting, too, because I think the kids are probably a little bit older now. So that might add another element. I don’t know yet, I haven’t read it yet,” she said.
The Return of the Original Cast
One of the most exciting aspects of Big Little Lies has always been its ensemble cast, which features some of Hollywood’s biggest names. Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern, Shailene Woodley, and Zoë Kravitz delivered exceptional performances throughout the first two seasons, and fans are eager to see them reprise their roles.
Kidman, who portrayed the complex and resilient Celeste Wright, expressed her enthusiasm for returning to the series in the same Vanity Fair interview, while also cautioning fans not to expect too many details just yet. “We need to shut up,” she joked. “There’s this whole thing that you should never talk about something until you’ve done it. If you talk about doing it, it’s the dopamine hit of doing it. You feel like you’ve done it. It’s a scientific study.”
Laura Dern, who plays the fierce and often hilarious Renata Klein, has also expressed excitement about returning to Monterey with her castmates. In a December 2023 interview with Today.com, Dern stated, “Well, let’s just say we’re best friends in art and in life. And there would be nothing more fun for all of us. You know, we would have the time of our lives.”
Although most of the original cast members seem eager to return, Zoë Kravitz, who portrays Bonnie Carlson, has voiced some hesitation. Following the tragic death of director Jean-Marc Vallée in 2021, Kravitz expressed doubts about continuing the series without him. “I don’t think it is [going to happen],” she said in a November 2022 GQ TikTok interview. “We talked about doing a season three a lot and, unfortunately, Jean-Marc Vallée, our incredible director, passed away this last year, and I just can’t imagine going on without him. He really was the visionary for that show.”
However, with Moriarty now involved in the development of new material and the rest of the cast on board, it remains to be seen whether Kravitz will eventually reprise her role as Bonnie.
The Impact of Jean-Marc Vallée’s Death on the Series
Jean-Marc Vallée’s direction played a crucial role in shaping the visual and emotional tone of Big Little Lies. Vallée, who directed the first season and served as an executive producer on the second, brought a unique, cinematic touch to the series that distinguished it from other television dramas. His unexpected death in December 2021 left a profound impact on the cast and crew, and his absence has raised questions about how the series will proceed without his visionary leadership.
Despite Kravitz’s concerns, the production team appears committed to moving forward with season 3. Vallée’s longtime collaborator, Andrea Arnold, who directed the second season, could potentially return to continue his legacy. Arnold’s directorial style, while distinct from Vallée’s, was praised for its emotional depth and nuanced portrayal of the characters.
New Material from Liane Moriarty
One of the most intriguing aspects of season 3 is that it will feature new material from Big Little Lies author Liane Moriarty. While the first season of the show was directly based on Moriarty’s 2014 novel, the second season had to venture into uncharted territory, as the book’s storyline had already been fully adapted. Moriarty played a key role in shaping the second season’s plot, but with no existing source material, the writers had more creative freedom.
Now, with Moriarty once again providing new content, fans can expect season 3 to stay true to the spirit of the original novel while introducing fresh twists and developments. Witherspoon’s comment about the children being older hints that the new storyline could explore how the characters’ lives have evolved as their families grow and face new challenges.
It’s worth noting that Moriarty has already written a novella, Big Little Lies 2, which she penned as a gift for Kidman and Witherspoon to help develop ideas for the second season. While it remains unclear whether Moriarty’s new material will take the form of a full-length novel, a novella, or simply an outline, her involvement is a promising sign for the quality and continuity of the series.
What Could Happen in Season 3?
While specific plot details for season 3 remain under wraps, there are several potential directions the story could take. At the end of season 2, the Monterey Five—Madeline, Celeste, Renata, Bonnie, and Jane—had seemingly covered up their involvement in Perry Wright’s death, but the season concluded with a hint that their secret might unravel. Bonnie, in particular, appeared ready to confess to the police, leaving fans wondering whether the group’s bond would be tested in the next season.
With Moriarty crafting new material, it’s possible that season 3 could delve deeper into the psychological and emotional consequences of the characters’ actions. Themes of guilt, trauma, and the complexities of friendship were central to the first two seasons, and these could be further explored as the characters navigate the fallout from Perry’s death.
Additionally, the passage of time could introduce new dynamics to the series. With the children growing older, their evolving relationships with their parents could become a focal point of the storyline. Season 2 touched on how the events of Perry’s death affected the children, particularly Celeste’s twin sons, Max and Josh, who were beginning to understand the truth about their father. As they grow into adolescence, their reactions to their family’s dark past could add a new layer of complexity to the narrative.
Moreover, the show could explore how the women’s romantic relationships have evolved. At the end of season 2, Celeste had reclaimed her independence and won a legal battle for custody of her sons, while Jane (Shailene Woodley) had begun a new relationship. Madeline and her husband Ed (Adam Scott) had also reconciled after a rocky patch in their marriage. However, these happy endings could be disrupted as new challenges arise.
The Legacy of Big Little Lies
Big Little Lies has left an indelible mark on the television landscape, not only for its compelling storytelling but also for its focus on complex, flawed female characters. The show’s success paved the way for more female-driven dramas and highlighted the importance of giving women both in front of and behind the camera the opportunity to tell nuanced stories.
The show’s exploration of themes such as domestic abuse, trauma, and the pressures of motherhood resonated with viewers and sparked important conversations about these issues. Nicole Kidman’s portrayal of Celeste, a woman trapped in an abusive marriage, was particularly lauded for its raw and unflinching depiction of the psychological and physical toll of abuse. The series’ handling of this sensitive subject matter earned praise from domestic violence organizations and helped raise awareness about the complexities of abusive relationships.
In addition to its social impact, Big Little Lies was a critical and commercial success. The first season won eight Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Limited Series, and earned acting accolades for Kidman, Dern, and Alexander Skarsgård, who played the menacing Perry Wright. The show also won a Golden Globe Award for Best Miniseries or Television Film and several Screen Actors Guild Awards.
While season 2 didn’t receive the same level of universal acclaim as the first season, it still garnered several Emmy nominations and continued to draw large audiences. Meryl Streep’s addition to the cast as Perry’s mother, Mary Louise, was a major highlight of the second season, and her performance earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.
Conclusion
As fans eagerly await the return of Big Little Lies, the third season promises to bring new twists and developments to the story of the Monterey Five. With Liane Moriarty once again involved in the creative process and the original cast eager to return, season 3 is shaping up to be an exciting continuation of the beloved series.
While there are still many unknowns about the plot and production timeline, the anticipation for the next chapter in the lives of Madeline, Celeste, Renata, Bonnie, and Jane is palpable. Whether the women’s secrets will finally be exposed or new conflicts will emerge, one thing is certain: Big Little Lies continues to captivate audiences with its rich storytelling and compelling characters.
Entertainment
Austin Abrams Discusses ‘Wolfs,’ Future Projects, and ‘Euphoria’ Season 3
Reading Time: 4 minutesAustin Abrams, who gained fame as a standout in HBO’s “Euphoria,” has a new project making waves. His latest film, “Wolfs,” directed by Jon Watts and featuring Hollywood heavyweights George Clooney and Brad Pitt, showcases Abrams in a unique and comedic light. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival, marking a significant milestone in Abrams’ burgeoning career.
In “Wolfs,” Abrams plays a character simply referred to as “Kid.” The film takes viewers on a wild, chaotic journey through a single night in New York City. The premise revolves around a mishap involving a one-night stand with a district attorney, played by Amy Ryan. The character finds himself in a precarious situation as he attempts to evade two rival fixers, played by Clooney and Pitt. The film’s tone blends dark comedy with elements of a crime caper, giving Abrams the opportunity to showcase his comedic timing and physicality.
One of the standout sequences in the film features Abrams running through the streets of New York in nothing but his underwear and socks. “It was surreal,” he recalls of the experience. “Filming that scene lasted for weeks. Each night felt endless.” He explains that the chaos of the shoot often meant running into regular New Yorkers who were taken aback by seeing someone in their underwear sprinting past them. “You can imagine the looks on their faces,” he adds with a laugh. The blend of spontaneity and the hustle of the city creates an authentic backdrop for the film.
Abrams also reflects on his experience at the Venice Film Festival, noting how exhilarating it was to walk the red carpet alongside Clooney and Pitt. “It was a moment that felt surreal,” he says. “You just had to jump into it and go with the flow.” The festival provided a platform for “Wolfs,” even though its theatrical release was limited. The film transitioned to streaming on Apple TV+ shortly after its brief theatrical run, a decision Abrams finds puzzling. “The vision was always to have a wider release,” he states. “Seeing it with an audience made a difference.”
As the conversation shifts to “Euphoria,” Abrams shares his thoughts on the highly anticipated third season. After numerous delays, production is set to begin in January 2025. Abrams, who played Ethan, the sweet-natured boyfriend of Kat, voiced uncertainty about his character’s return. Season 2 saw Ethan relegated to the sidelines, which left fans wondering about his future. “I loved working on that project,” he says. “But I honestly don’t know what my role will be in the new season.”
Fans have speculated about a time jump in Season 3, raising questions about how characters like Ethan will fit into the narrative. Abrams acknowledges the uncertainty but remains hopeful about rejoining the cast. “It’s hard to say where Ethan will fit in,” he admits. “There’s a chance that his relationship with Kat might not leave room for him in the new story.”
Looking ahead, Abrams is excited about other projects on his slate. He recently completed filming “Weapons,” directed by Zach Cregger, known for his work on “Barbarian.” This new film, which co-stars Julia Garner and Josh Brolin, delves into a mysterious series of child disappearances in a small Florida community. “It has a similar vibe to ‘Barbarian,’” he notes, describing it as a mix of suspense and dark humor.
Abrams emphasizes the importance of working with talented directors. “My goal is to keep collaborating with great filmmakers,” he explains. He expresses a desire to work with classic directors he has admired for years, highlighting his commitment to evolving as an actor. “I want to rise to the occasion,” he adds. “I’m always doing my homework to prepare for roles.”
As he discusses his craft, Abrams notes the fine line between preparation and authenticity. “You don’t want to show your homework,” he says, referring to the delicate balance actors must strike. “It’s about being present in the moment and connecting with the material.”
With “Wolfs” now streaming on Apple TV+, viewers are eager to see Abrams in this new light. The film’s comedic yet tense atmosphere allows him to shine, even alongside iconic stars. As the industry continues to evolve, Abrams stands poised for a promising future. His dedication to his roles and willingness to take risks reflect his ambition and talent.
In conclusion, Austin Abrams has proven himself as a versatile actor, capable of holding his own in high-profile projects. With “Wolfs” now available for audiences, anticipation builds for both his return in “Euphoria” and his involvement in upcoming films. His journey showcases the potential for growth and the thrill of navigating a career in Hollywood, especially when sharing the screen with legends. The next steps for Abrams will be closely watched by fans and industry insiders alike, as he continues to carve out his path in film and television.
Entertainment
Davide Sanclimenti Denies Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu’s Fake Proposal Claim: A Relationship Breakdown
Reading Time: 6 minutesIn the world of reality TV, high-profile relationships often unfold under intense public scrutiny. One such relationship that has recently captured the spotlight again is the breakup between Love Island winners Davide Sanclimenti and Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu. After a romance that played out both on and off-screen, the former couple is now embroiled in a very public dispute over the reasons for their split.
Davide Sanclimenti, often dubbed the “Italian Stallion” for his good looks and charming persona on Love Island, has come forward to deny allegations made by his ex-girlfriend, Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu. Ekin-Su claimed that their breakup was sparked by Davide planning a fake proposal prank, but Davide insists this is far from the truth. His denial, however, has opened up a deeper conversation about their relationship, Ekin-Su’s claims, and the impact of fame on their personal lives.
Ekin-Su, a Turkish-British actress and reality TV star, has been vocal about the reasons for the breakup, sharing her side of the story in a candid interview on Abbey Clancy’s podcast. During the interview, she recounted that their final breakup occurred after Davide allegedly attempted to prank her with a fake marriage proposal. According to Ekin-Su, this cruel stunt was the breaking point for her, and it was during this incident that she realized the relationship had reached its end.
She claimed that the fake proposal wasn’t just an off-the-cuff joke but was something that left her feeling deeply hurt and disrespected. Ekin-Su also shared that her mother was present during the incident, which further complicated matters. According to her, Davide lost his temper and ended up screaming at her mother, leading to a highly charged confrontation.
Ekin-Su’s revelations about the breakup didn’t stop there. She painted a picture of a relationship that had gradually fallen apart due to increasing tension, particularly around their personal and professional lives. She described Davide as becoming more difficult to deal with over time, and this fake proposal incident was, for her, the final straw.
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In the days following Ekin-Su’s public statements, Davide felt compelled to respond. In an interview with MailOnline, he firmly denied Ekin-Su’s claims of a fake proposal, stating that it never happened. According to him, the reality she described was not a reflection of the truth but rather an attempt to manipulate public perception and elevate her own popularity at his expense.
Davide accused Ekin-Su of dragging his name through the mud and damaging his reputation. He expressed frustration, stating that her version of events was a deliberate attempt to paint him in a negative light while making herself appear more sympathetic to the public. The reality star made it clear that he felt wronged by her comments and believed she was using their breakup as an opportunity to gain media attention.
Davide offered his own perspective on the incident that Ekin-Su cited as the moment their relationship ended. He recounted a trip they took to Rome, which was supposed to be a relaxing holiday where the couple could enjoy some time together. However, according to Davide, the trip was anything but peaceful.
He explained that the two of them were in the midst of planning some content for their social media channels when Ekin-Su’s mother became involved in their discussions. Davide claims that Ekin-Su’s mother disrupted their plans by publicly interfering in their outing, which created a tense and uncomfortable situation. The interference, he said, led to a confrontation between him and Ekin-Su’s mother, which eventually escalated and contributed to the breakup.
Davide emphasized that he was not to blame for the breakup, instead pointing to Ekin-Su’s mother’s overbearing presence as a key factor. He stated that her interference had put a significant strain on their relationship, making it difficult for them to move forward. The public nature of the argument only added to the pressure they were feeling, ultimately causing irreparable damage.
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One of the central points of contention between the former couple is the alleged fake proposal. Ekin-Su has stood by her story that Davide had planned to prank her with a fake marriage proposal, while Davide has flatly denied that this ever took place. So, what really happened?
From Davide’s perspective, there was no fake proposal. He has categorically stated that he never intended to play such a prank on Ekin-Su and believes that her claim is entirely fabricated. He feels that Ekin-Su is using this narrative to make him look bad, framing him as someone who would be cruel enough to joke about something as serious as marriage.
For her part, Ekin-Su has not backed down from her claims. In her interview, she expressed her belief that the fake proposal was indicative of a deeper issue in their relationship — a lack of respect. Whether or not this proposal was ever seriously discussed, it’s clear that both parties have very different recollections of the events leading up to their breakup.
One of the more cutting remarks Davide made in his response to Ekin-Su’s allegations was that she was a “liar” and an “actress” in both senses of the word. He accused her of presenting one version of herself in public while being a completely different person behind closed doors. He further insulted her by saying she was “fake like a Louis Vuitton from China,” a comment that has stirred further controversy among fans and the public.
Davide’s comments reflect the complex nature of relationships that are formed and maintained in the public eye. Reality TV stars, in particular, are often expected to keep up a certain persona for their fans, which can sometimes create a gap between who they are on screen and who they are in real life. In Davide’s view, Ekin-Su was putting on an act for the cameras, making it difficult for their relationship to thrive once the spotlight was off.
Adding to the already dramatic situation, Davide dropped another bombshell during his interview. He claimed that throughout their relationship, Ekin-Su had remained in contact with one of her ex-boyfriends, a revelation that, according to him, only added to the strain between them. While he didn’t go into detail about the nature of this contact, it was clear that Davide viewed it as a serious breach of trust.
This accusation has only deepened the rift between the former couple, making it even less likely that they will reconcile. Trust is a foundational element in any relationship, and for Davide, the idea that Ekin-Su might have been in contact with an ex was too much to handle.
The very public nature of Davide and Ekin-Su’s breakup raises important questions about the impact of fame on personal relationships. The two met and fell in love on Love Island, a reality show where viewers watched their romance unfold. While their connection seemed strong at the time, the pressures of life outside the villa, combined with the demands of maintaining a public image, may have played a significant role in their eventual split.
When reality TV stars like Davide and Ekin-Su leave the confines of the show, they often face the challenge of navigating a relationship in the real world, where the expectations of fans and the media can put enormous pressure on them. This was undoubtedly the case for Davide and Ekin-Su, whose relationship was constantly under the microscope. Their attempts to balance their personal lives with their professional responsibilities, including managing their social media presence, may have added additional strain.
As things currently stand, it seems unlikely that Davide and Ekin-Su will rekindle their romance anytime soon. The accusations and counter-accusations between them have created a deep divide, one that appears to be beyond repair. Both Davide and Ekin-Su have made it clear that their relationship is over, and they are now focusing on moving forward separately.
While fans of the couple may have hoped for a different outcome, it’s evident that their relationship was plagued by issues that couldn’t be resolved. From allegations of fake proposals to claims of parental interference, the breakup between Davide and Ekin-Su serves as a reminder that reality TV romances, like all relationships, are often more complicated than they appear on screen.
In the end, both Davide and Ekin-Su will likely continue to build their careers in the public eye, though it seems that their days of sharing the spotlight together are over. Whether their respective accounts of the breakup will continue to evolve remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the drama of their relationship has captured the public’s attention, and for now, it shows no signs of fading away.
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