In 2021, Nobody was one of the first in the action movie landscape to land like a punch you really didn’t see coming — and that was definitely the vibe it was going for. Emmy Award-winning actor and writer Bob Odenkirk, best known from Better Call Saul, suddenly turned into a credible, scrappy action hero with bruises that were far too relatable and somewhat endearing. The film’s incredible bus fight alone earned it a place in the modern action movie conversation with John Wick and The Bourne Identity. But it was Odenkirk’s blend of deadpan humor, irritation, and surprising physicality that was the film’s secret sauce. Immediately after the pandemic, with a need for something refreshing, Nobody worked because it was lean, mean, and knew exactly what it was.

Fast forward nearly four years, and the surprise factor for Nobody 2 might be gone, but the thrill is certainly still intact. You know Odenkirk’s character, Hutch Mansell, can still fight, but you also know things are about to go south for him and his family. Instead of trying to out-crazy the first film, the sequel takes a smarter approach. It picks up where things would naturally land: the family knows who the patriarch is now, and there’s no going back to the suburban façade.

It might seem like a simple shift, but it’s also a strategic one that opens the universe to more, as it lets Connie Nielsen’s Becca step closer to the action for a naturally evolved spark needed for the relationship drama and, of course, the fights. The premise stays tight, the action is bigger and better, and though it’s not aiming to rewrite the rules of the genre, Nobody 2’s got enough craft and personality to make the ride so damn worth it.

What Is ‘Nobody 2’ About

Four years have passed since Hutch (Odenkirk) tangled with the Russian mob, but he’s still chipping away at that $30 million debt to another criminal outfit. The work is steady with international hits, one after another, but it’s pulling him further from his wife and two children, Brady (Gage Munroe) and Sammy (Paisley Cadorath). Becca (Nielsen) is buried in her real-estate grind, the kids are busy with their own lives, and when they do talk, it’s usually just to swap calendar updates. Exhausted and weary by the grind (and still chasing after the garbage truck), Hutch plans what should be a fun family trip (including dad, David — played by Christopher Lloyd) to Plummerville, a cheesy old tourist town he remembers fondly from his childhood with brother, Harry (RZA).

Of course, it doesn’t take long for trouble to find him. A minor run-in at an arcade spirals into a clash with John Ortiz’s territorial theme park owner, Henry, and Colin Hanks’ sketchy sheriff Abel. Though Hutch tries his hardest to have a good time and leave behind his brutal, action hero ways for at least a week, he soon finds out that his beloved summer vacation spot is now a bootlegging route run by Sharon Stone’s crime boss, Lendina, who is eccentric and wild in every way a villain is.

Stone is clearly having a blast chewing the scenery with the flashes of menace a part like this needs. But she’s not as memorable as the first film’s villain, Yulian Kuznetsov (Aleksei Serebryakov). Instead, there’s a gap where a sharper backstory or a truly ruthless moment should be, which leaves some of it feeling campy. You never quite understand what’s driving her as her brand of “crazy” feels more surface-level than bone-deep, but we expected to see it and feel it.

Odenkirk, on the other hand, slots back into Hutch like he never left — equal parts tired dad, reluctant husband, and blunt-force problem solver. He is sharp and clever, and manages to still be so endearing even when he is kicking ass and taking names. Nielsen plays Becca with a mix of affection and readiness, fully leaning into the idea that she loves her husband for who he is, warts and all. It’s her performance that really puts the film in a new light, giving the film a heartbeat in between all the blood and bruises.

‘Nobody 2’s Stunts and Action Sequences Are Outstanding

With the performances and story being at a decent spot, here’s where the sequel really earns its keep. Indonesian filmmaker Timo Tjahjanto (best known for action masterpieces like Headshot and The Big 4) knows a thing or two about crafting brutal, kinetic action that doesn’t try to make Hutch look untouchable. Instead, he keeps the fights scrappy and fun, which makes it relatable but also a breeding ground for comedy. While the film falls victim to a few familiar beats from the previous film, Hutch stumbles, improvises, and takes hits just as often as he dishes them out — and that’s exactly what makes it satisfying to watch.

One of the best, most exciting moments in the film comes from the duck boat sequence, which is a clear showstopper. As a clever bit of sequel one-upmanship, the sequence puts Hutch and the bad guys in a tight position that also creates a sense of obliviousness around them, as no one else is paying attention and instead, taking in the sights. Think the bus fight from the first movie, but now on a cramped, floating tourist trap with slippery decks and questionable safety equipment. You know it’s about to turn into a MacGyver-level of fun when life preservers turn into weapons and railings become choke points. It’s chaotic, funny, and somehow still believable because Odenkirk cranks that energy to an 11, keeping us on our toes every second.

Across the dozen or so fight scenes, there’s a variety and personality that really give the audience exactly what they expect with a movie like this. Blending the best of National Lampoon’s Vacation with Home Alone, the film gives us the best, most eye-catching, ultra-violent, and brutal sequences to really end off the summer. Between a claustrophobic elevator tussle with dizzying camera spins, a sword fight at the theme park that nods to Indonesian action cinema, and smaller dust-ups that keep Hutch’s underdog charm intact, Nobody 2 is some of the most fun you’ll have this the movies before summer ends. Stunt designer Greg Rementer and fight choreographer Kirk Jenkins have managed to make each sequence have its own rhythm, which keeps the film exciting and afloat across its 90 minutes. And because Odenkirk still does most of his own work, you feel the strain and weight of every hit. It’s not graceful, but that’s the point.

‘Nobody 2’ Proves You Don’t Need a Complicated Plot to Land an Epic Sequel

While its performances and action sequences are tight, Nobody 2 keeps things refreshingly straightforward and clean in terms of story. Bad guys show up, Hutch deals with them — alongside the help of his brother, Harry, and a few allies. It’s this lack of overcomplicating things that gives the movie a focus and space to build the family dynamic, especially in the growing sense of Becca and Hutch’s relationship and where it stands by the end of the movie. The tag-team fights with Harry also bring a different flavor to the film, with sibling banter and teamwork that play well on screen and parallel the dynamic we begin to see in the layers between Brady and Sammy.

The villains do their job without stealing the show, which leaves the emotional weight on the Mansell family, mostly of course, Hutch. But what makes the film so charming is how some of the best scenes aren’t even action — they’re the quiet beats in a tiki-themed honeymoon suite, or the glances between Hutch and Becca when they realize they’re both wired for chaos. Those moments keep the movie grounded, so it doesn’t just feel like fight scene after fight scene. Moreover, the film finds a sharp way to build on Nobody’s dark humor by punching it up with a few smart one-liners and physical gags that align with dad humor, but might not easily impress others.

By the end, it’s clear the door is wide open for more, and frankly, after this, we want to see at least one more chapter. Without spoiling too much, there is definitely a universe where Nobody 3 could thrive with new alliances, untold stories, and bigger stakes without dangling an obvious cliffhanger. Of course, it’s not flawless — there’s a bit of midsection lull with a couple of gags that miss, but it also kind of mirrors Hutch’s own exhaustion on this vacation with family, so it works in metaform as an overall, well-assembled, enjoyable follow-up that knows its strengths.

Nobody 2 isn’t out to reinvent the genre, nor does it need to. It’s a well-made, confident sequel that keeps the rough-edged charm of the first film while finding a few new ways to have fun with its characters. Odenkirk remains the franchise’s secret weapon and the type of action hero that is very welcome in the 2020s. If you liked Nobody, this is absolutely worth your time — you’ll get your money’s worth in bruises, banter, and a duck boat fight you won’t forget anytime soon.

Rating: 3.5/5

TL;DR

• Bob Odenkirk is better, bloodier, and funnier than ever, cementing Hutch Mansell as one of the most relatable action heroes of the 2020s.
• Director Timo Tjahjanto stages some of the year’s most insane, unforgettable action sequences — from a dizzying elevator brawl to what will be an iconic duck boat fight that belongs in the action movie hall of fame.
• A lean, bruising, start-to-finish thrill ride, Nobody 2 proves itself a must-watch sequel that blends heart, humor, and pure chaos, and all but demands a third, even bigger installment.

Nobody 2 is in theatres on Friday.

There’s a reason why coming-of-age comedies never really go out of style. From Friends to How I Met Your Mother, these half-hour sitcoms have proven time and time again that we’re all just older kids in bigger pants, still trying as best we can. Whether you’re 24, 34, or 44, there’s something deeply comforting and hilarious about watching a bunch of weirdos fail forward, together. This is the case for one of TV’s best new comedies of 2025 with FX’s Adults starring a magnetic and striking cast of relative newcomers who perfectly capture the chaos, cringe, and camaraderie of being Not Quite There Yet. 

Taking the messy, deeply specific growing pains of our twenties and sticking them into a blender to create sharp writing, millennial burnout, and a Gen Z group chat energy, the series created by Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon alums Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw delivers a laugh-out-loud showcase that feels absurdly relatable but also totally fresh. 

What Is ‘Adults’ About?

Aside from a stacked writing room and executive producers like Nick Kroll (Big Mouth), Sarah Naftalis (What We Do in the Shadows), and Jonathan Krisel (Baskets), Adults brings a mix of grounded chaos and off-the-wall wit right from its first episode.

The FX comedy follows five friends — Samir (Malik Elassal), Billie (Lucy Freyer), Anton (Owen Thiele), Issa (Amita Rao) and her very Canadian boyfriend, Paul Baker (Jack Innanen) — as they try to navigate the bumpy terrain of growing up without ever actually growing up. Crashing together at Samir’s childhood home in New York, the five of them are sharing meals, anxiety, toothbrushes, and the occasional identity crisis. Did we mention they also watch each other poop?

One of the best parts of Adults is how each episode walks the line between downright absurd and achingly relatable. Whether they’re navigating the healthcare system, bombing a dinner party, dealing with a dead therapist (RIP George), or trying to make sense of their messy love lives, this friend group is doing their best to become people — despite not really being “good” or even “people” quite yet.

With the show zeroing in on the highs and lows of that awkward phase during adulthood where we think everything is possible, but nothing feels manageable, the show never romanticizes the struggle. Instead, it embraces every level through a balance between disorder and catharsis in 30-minute bursts of hilarity. It’s this element that makes the show such a chaotic, charming hug of a series.

Bordering a tone and style of humor that sits somewhere between Broad City, Friends, and whatever your very unhinged TikTok feed looks like at 3 a.m., the series never goes for traditional sitcom setups or payoffs. Instead, so much of Adults leans into the surreal side quests that bring out the most humor and charm — like AirTagging a romantic interest, speaking to a psychic to get closure, or thinking you’re making the best choice for your BFF only to somehow turn them into a medical spit-roast.

The Cast of ‘Adults’ Brings the Chaos (and the Chemistry)

The ensemble here isn’t just strong across its series — it’s electric and incredibly fun to watch as each combination between the cast sets up another element of humor. Elassal leads the pack as Samir, whose sweet, overthinking energy feels like if Ben Wyatt from Parks and Recreation and Seinfeld’s George Costanza had a lovechild. He anchors the show’s emotional moments with neurotic tenderness, even as he spirals into a full-on identity crisis because he can’t properly degrade someone during sex.

Freyer’s Billie is a scene-stealer. As a young woman who has strong ambitions, she’s painfully relatable even if she’s struggling at work, bleeding from her butt, and has the hots for Mr. Teacher — also known as Andrew, played magnificently by Charlie Cox. The chemistry these two share is also exciting, even when we can see how hard she’s projecting any aspect of growth onto someone who’s spinning off in the opposite direction.

Meanwhile, Innanen’s Paul Baker might be the sleeper MVP with his laid-back charm and sharp observations. He’s quick to his feet and a straight-shooter. But of course, he’s balanced most strikingly by Rao’s Issa, who delivers deadpan brilliance and anchors some of the show’s most piercing insights about being seen past a persona. She’s also the perfect bestie to Thiele’s absorbing Anton, who is a one-man hurricane of co-dependency with the emotional boundaries of a puppy — especially when he unknowingly befriends a stabber. 

With just six episodes made available for review, the show promises more guest stars like D’Arcy Carden and John Reynolds, but it makes great use of its surprise talent like Ray Nicholson as the aforementioned stabber with a sinister smile that is all levels of The Shining. Or Cox, who is at his absolute best with some of the funniest work he’s done on-screen. As a character in the middle of his own mid-life crisis and taking pony doses of ketamine while dancing to Boney M, we find ourselves laughing just as much as we’re cringing. Not because he’s twice their age, but because he’s proof that no one ever really figures it out.

This wildly human aspect makes it fun to see these twenty-somethings interact with older people who look put together, but are just as lost and weird. With this effervescent cast weaving and bobbing through some rather kaleidoscopic layers of comedy, the premise in every episode feels so distinct. And like the best comedy, you find yourself laughing with each of these characters as opposed to laughing at them — a surefire sign that it’s a cut above the class.

‘Adults’ Is So Damn Funny, Period.

With a show that offers some brilliant bits that spiral into absolute mayhem like the roast chicken party from hell — also starring Julia Fox in her funniest, most self-deprecating element yet — the FX comedy isn’t by any means trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s more like, setting that damn wheel on fire and then riding the shit out of it into a bodega.

For a show this funny and brilliant, its best comedy lives in the details: a group smell, trying to sell a gun that the store doesn’t want, or having 40,000 unread texts from hundreds of strangers you meet and think you’re going to be friends with (we’ve all been there, you friend sluts). Every episode is a compact, semi-deranged gem that ends not with an afterschool-like conclusion, but a fiery escalation because Adults thrives in the fallout.

And that’s really what makes Adults stand out most. It’s not about “figuring it out” or tying things up in neat little arcs. The show is all about failing spectacularly with people who love you anyway. With humor that is brutally honest and uproariously funny, the show lets its characters be messy without punishing them for it. It’s that kind of grace from the showrunners sprinkling in a ton of heart with A+ writing and the cast’s razor-sharp performances that makes Adults one of the more honest and funniest portrayals of growing up in recent memory.

Rating: 4/5

FX’s Adults premieres with two episodes on Wednesday, May 28 at 9pm ET/PT on FX, all eight episodes streaming next day on Hulu.

After it was first announced in 2022 that Daredevil would be revived at Disney+ with an 18-episode order, our hearts leaped like one of Matt Murdock’s signature somersaults. Our favorite devil from Hell’s Kitchen, played most strikingly by Charlie Cox, was officially back, and from the sounds of it, so was the gang we’d grown to love. Seven years after the Netflix finale left us wanting more, Matt, Foggy (Elden Henson) and Karen (Deborah Ann Woll) return in Daredevil: Born Again. But while we want to say it’s better than ever, that’s not exactly true.

While we’re glad that Born Again didn’t just distill its brilliance of Netflix’s groundbreaking three seasons into a straight Frank Miller adaptation, something is missing in the nine-episode first season that leaves a sour taste in your mouth. The series, now streaming on Disney+, delivers a gut punch right from the start — and boy, is it a gut punch. It’s so intense that yours truly was left at the edge of her seat in the first 15 minutes and in tears. Pulling us back into the gritty, brutal world of Murdock, it’s clear from the first episode that this isn’t just a continuation of the critically acclaimed favorite — it’s a bold reinvention. The action is intense and the stakes are high. But as Daredevil: Born Again brings much of what fans loved from the original run, it also veers in new directions that, for better or worse, don’t always stick the landing.

Fans of the original three-season run on Netflix might recall how the series became a pure masterclass in Marvel television adaptations. This was the series to show you how to do it! So, when Disney+ tried to make its own catalog of shows within the MCU, it wasn’t the same. Take for example shows like Secret Invasion, Echo, and even She-Hulk that became small screen bombs for the streamer. Though Marvel assumed that would change with Daredevil’s steady fanbase holding their breath, the revival is a much more watered-down version of our superhero and it’s one that you’ll either really love or not like at all.

What Doesn’t Work for ‘Daredevil: Born Again’

With the first nine episodes made available to the press for review, it becomes clear that Born Again punches you in the gut and doesn’t let you go. But that doesn’t mean it’s largely appealing. While a plethora of fans are going to watch this with Matt’s rose-colored glasses because they missed their favorite, the reality is the show isn’t without its fair share of flaws. One of the biggest issues is the jarring shifts in tone and execution, which sometimes take you out of the moment of the series. The first 15 minutes are intense, no doubt. But that doesn’t mean they’re done well. 

If the show’s first moments are to set the tone, there’s hell to raise with Marvel and possibly — Kevin Feige. The cinematography sometimes feels off with shots that aren’t always framed the way you expect them to be, especially coming off three seasons that showed us how it was done. Additionally, the pacing of some action scenes feels a bit rushed, which is a real bummer. A great example is the much-anticipated fight between Daredevil and Bullseye (Wilson Bethel), which is less impressive than it should be. If we’re comparing this to the snappy and iconic hallway scene in Season 1 or that chaotic prison sequence across 10 minutes in Season 3, this isn’t it. Instead, it’s scurried and dark with too many effects like strobe lights cutting into the action instead of serving it, while the air of misty gas severs our attention in what should have been a focused moment. In Seasons 1 through 3, the fight sequences felt warranted and added nuance to the story. But now, the hyperviolence accompanying blood and gore feels like it’s only here for shock value without adding meaningful growth to the character or story, and what that violence meant to Matt.

Meanwhile, the show’s episodic format also presents some pacing problems. While the original series managed more self-contained stories in a single season, Daredevil: Born Again feels less cohesive at times and slips into some random stories that go nowhere and the guest-star-of-the-week format, reminiscent of She-Hulk. We can give points to this aspect for being fun but it doesn’t add much value to Matt’s arc, particularly if the stakes are supposed to be higher. But as the guest stars are fun and create cause for excitement, the roster of new characters fragments the show with its overcrowding. New henchmen, lawyers, villains, and even an Irish gang leave you really perplexed, too many subplots go nowhere and feel like a distraction.

Take for example BB Urich (Genneya Walton) also known as Ben Urich’s niece, a Gen-Z reporter of The BB Report, who honors her uncle’s ideals, and Daniel Blade (Michael Gandolfini), a political advisor to the series’ immaculate performance of Vincent D’Onofrio’s returning villain, Wilson Fisk. As Walton and Gandolfini are solid in their roles, cut them out and they feel a lot like filler adding little to the overall narrative. Sure, they come into their own in later episodes but they dilute their own impact with an addition that feels forced. But no character feels more like a complication than Matt’s new girlfriend, Heather Glenn (Margarita Levieva). She’s no Karen in terms of depth and backstory, and tragically, doesn’t add much as a standalone outside of Matt. Worse off, the two don’t actually share that much chemistry either, which gives a feeling of disconnect between the writing and casting.

What Works for ‘Daredevil: Born Again’

After all that doesn’t work, there is still a lot to love about the show, especially for fans of the Netflix series. For starters, the casting is great and Cox and D’Onofrio really carry the show. Though it shouldn’t solely be on their shoulders, these two are the backbone that keeps you wanting more. Cox is as perfect as ever in the role of Matt Murdock as his performance feels both familiar and fresh, capturing the superhero’s inner conflict between responsibilities as a lawyer, the tragedy he endures, and his identity as Daredevil. Then of course, there’s D’Onofrio’s Kingpin, who is every bit as menacing and nuanced as he was before. There are a lot of parallels between the two this season and while we see them taking their own paths, there is a lot that brings them together too. The push and pull Cox and D’Onofrio hold shines as the most appealing part of Daredevil: Born Again, with each character’s arc pushing them deeper into a world of power, corruption, and personal loss.  

As the series feels rushed in its action sequences and doesn’t exactly hold the same level of polish you’d expect from the original, it’s not a dealbreaker when it comes to the action. Sure, some of it feels gratuitous but it does level up its MA rating in a Deadpool & Wolverine way. Born Again doesn’t shy away from brutality and delivers some of the most intense fight sequences Disney+ has ever seen. While the choreography doesn’t always have the same fluid precision with snappy pacing, the action still hits pretty hard. You’ll find yourself wincing at some of the more bone-crunching moments. It’s that gritty, visceral energy that fans will recognize and perhaps even appreciate.  

Another thing to really admire about the show is how it deepens Matt’s character in a few ways. While there are some ways to go, it makes a soft attempt at giving him more reason to be Daredevil. One of the best scenes from the series comes from his moments with The Punisher, played brilliantly by Jon Bernthal. Adding a natural gravitas to the situation and the push and pull of their morals, it’s their dynamic that really spices up the show, and wishes there was more. Bernthal’s Frank Castle in many ways, grounds Matt and elevates his humanity. As the series explores the emotional and psychological toll that Daredevil takes on Matt, there is a heaviness felt this season. It’s this weightiness of his past sacrifices and responsibilities that leans heavily into those emotional beats, which adds a lot of heart to the story — even if it feels a bit more bumpy than it should be.

What’s the Verdict for ‘Daredevil: Born Again’?

Unfortunately, Daredevil: Born Again is not the triumphant return many hoped for. The pacing is uneven, the episodic structure feels disjointed and some of the visual choices, especially some of the action sequences, feel unfocused. The fact that it also really feels like a step down from the Netflix series, which was pretty much perfection across the board, is a bit tragic for a show so hotly anticipated. Keep in mind, that the original showrunners for the Netflix series are not involved with this one, which is evidently felt. The fights are still solid, but they often feel awkward in their framing and are oddly staged for setup. There’s a raw intensity missing that also leaned heavily into its vulnerabilities during a fight that we don’t see here.

If you’re deeply invested in these characters, there’s still something here for fans. Just remember, all of your favorite shows can have one really off-season — and that’s this one. Born Again has its moments, and the performances keep it engaging. But if you’re looking for a pick up as Season 4 following a long hiatus from Season 3, this is having a major identity struggle. It’s hard to justify its place in the MCU’s television lineup when it’s in the same range as its previously panned shows. But it isn’t a complete disaster by any means even if it’s far from the next evolution of Daredevil fans were waiting for. Here’s hoping Season 2 of Daredevil: Born Again delivers a lot stronger!

Daredevil: Born Again is now streaming on Disney+

Rating: 2.5/5

Image credit courtesy of Marvel Entertainment

Almost 30 years ago, the pulse-pounding action flick Twister, became the second-highest-grossing film of the year behind Independence Day. Brimming with innovative visual effects and a dynamic cast led by Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt, the Jan de Bont-directed feature stood out thanks to its unique portrayal of tornadoes. No film had ever done what the 1996 blockbuster could with its cutting-edge technology and groundbreaking special effects blending high-octane action with emotional depth. So, naturally, when a standalone sequel called Twisters was first teased four years ago, the hype was a bit more tempered than usual. Fast forward to its anticipated release last month and the Lee Isaac Chung-directed feature is one of the more compelling releases this summer, capturing that initial spirit and charm, but never imitating it. Whereas the original set the pace for what disaster flicks need, the Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Anthony Ramos-led film recaptures that excitement and wonder through plenty of heart, making it a worthy successor and one of the best films of the summer. 

As a film that firmly exists on its own alongside immense heart and special effects that have only elevated over the years, Twisters manages to use so much of the dangers of climate change to warrant its dramatic, unpredictable action sequences. The two-hour feature, which opened up in theatres on July 19, is a little bit of everything. While it leads as a disaster flick, there is a strong introspective poignancy to the film because of its characters led by Edgar-Jones and Powell. This dynamic organically leans into a bit of rom-com joy but is seasoned with some natural disaster-type creature feature thrills. Though it’s nothing like the first film, it sincerely rides that nostalgia train through a deck of solid performances and fearsome action sequences to be one of the most exciting and fun movies you’ll see this season.

What Is ‘Twisters’ About?

As a completely new story with the only common denominator being that of deadly tornadoes, Twisters follows Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a former stormchaser who has resigned from the field after a devastating tragedy involving her boyfriend and two best friends. Fast forward a few years, and Kate is now a weather analyst in New York watching these storms from the comfort of a desk while sharing data with her team. But that is about to change when she is soon coaxed back into the storms by her former partner and best friend, Javi (Anthony Ramos). The dynamic between Edgar-Jones and Ramos is an interesting one and plays strongly to their characters’ shared tragedies. While there is a lot of unspoken grief between the two, the actors offer an absorbing performance that finds you genuinely sympathizing with the pair.

Feeling the need to make a change and create a difference with her understanding of storms that almost makes her a “Storm Whisperer,” Javi’s team seeks to advance storm research with new technology — an aspect that echoes elements from the first film’s iconic device, Dorothy. However, Javi’s investors alongside the untrustworthy Scott (David Corenswet, who is also next year’s Superman) have ulterior motives when it comes to their reasoning. It’s an interesting commentary about disaster capitalism, seen after events like Hurricane Katrina and the COVID-19 pandemic that purports to help individuals.

While on her return to storm chasing with Javi, Kate’s efforts clash with Tyler Owens, played by Glen Powell. With a winning smile, a striking performance and a truckload of charm, it’s no secret Powell is Hollywood’s newest it boy. Tyler is the untamed cowboy of the TikTok generation alongside his crew, broadcasting his tornado-wrangling adventures online as he drives his way into storms and drills his truck into place. But he’s not just all looks and charm. When he’s not risking his life, Tyler is a sharp and intelligent stormchaser, hoping to make a difference. As Kate and Tyler’s paths cross, their conflicting approaches and the tension brewing between them converge into an enthralling chemistry. It’s more than sparks at this point as Edgar-Jones and Powell have an irresistible, striking energy with one another that makes their scenes together so enjoyable. Together, the two face intense storms and challenges behind their respective methodologies while navigating their growing relationship amid the chaos of their high-stakes work.

‘Twisters’ Captures the Awe and Horror of Its Natural Disasters

One of the most striking aspects of Twisters is no doubt its powerful depiction of tornadoes. As a film that manages to firmly establish its natural terrors, Chung pushes forth a strong sense of awe and fear through the film’s cutting-edge CGI and practical effects. The tornadoes are made up of stunning, intricate details that initiate a mighty fright when watching them tear up the Midwest landscape, an effect that plays to its cinematic appeal. Blend that with exceptional performances and a full-bodied soundtrack, and it’s an action flick that truly excels as a formidable blockbuster setting a new standard in the forces of nature genre. Deeply humanistic and sincere with its messaging, Twisters captures the sheer force of these tornadoes as they shred homes, tossing vehicles and scattering debris across the land. That kind of visual intensity serves to emphasize the scale of what this kind of disaster means for communities while immersing the audience in its chaos.

But the destruction and pain of these natural disasters are not just depicted in their visual effects that are both visually stunning and realistically terrifying, but they also work strongly through the drama and pain felt by those affected. We see this first-hand in Kate and the loss she has suffered that has permanently scarred her. Considering Chung is best known for his tender, sweeping story Minari, we are lucky to have a script that equally focuses its story on the emotional and psychological impact these storms bring. Twisters uses its tornadoes to not just heighten the high-octane thrills, but the emotional drama. The harrowing sequences of those swept into these storms amplify the tension, create layers to its characters and immerse viewers into what is a visceral experience. It also opens up an incredible amount of depth to Edgar-Jones’ performance who is delicately and most masterfully handling the weight of Kate’s trauma while chasing these tornadoes.

‘Twisters’ Thrives on Its Starry Cast

As a disaster movie that makes the most of itself through strong special effects and CGI, it is also strikingly complemented by its absorbing story. Written by Mark L. Smith (The Revenant), Twisters works like a monster movie but maintains its heart through deeply layered characters and a spectacular cast. With Powell and Edgar-Jones as the film’s leads, the two give us a ton of chemistry and light up every scene they share. It’s also why it’s such a shame we never get to see these two kiss — but it also works quite well to the film’s story and message. This is not a rom-com, by any means. It’s a very personal journey for Kate that comes to a smart conclusion. It also gives us reason to believe these two are serious about their work, which makes the audience a lot more convinced by their dynamic.

Edgar-Jones delivers a multifaceted performance, balancing charm, intelligence, and emotional depth. Her portrayal captures a very tragic internal conflict that is not unrealistic or farfetched by any means. Storm-chasing is a dangerous job and Kate’s initial reluctance to return to the field gives Edgar-Jones a strong performance. Her ability to convey a wide range of emotions, from terror to determination, adds depth to the film’s central narrative. Her co-star, Powell’s character Tyler is a dynamic, charismatic presence and he never loses steam in the film’s two hours. It’s a testament to Powell’s starpower where he can effectively convey the character’s adventurous spirit and underlying vulnerability with charm. There is more behind this character, who can expand beyond the initial archetype.

That said, Ramos is a force on screen, but being underutilized in Twisters was unfortunate. Sure, his role was an impactful one and the anchor for Kate’s return, but there needed to be more here. As the film progresses, Javi is less central to the story, even though he is still strongly affecting. Mix that sentiment with the rest of the cast and this is really a vehicle for Powell and Edgar-Jones. Even the new Superman doesn’t get that much positive screen time.

Smith’s script offers firm characters with powerful relationships shaped by these stormy antagonists. But it’s Chung’s vision that ties the film together. There is an intricate and sharp narrative that effectively balances tight pacing, palpable tension, and emotionally resonant moments. In keeping with the disaster-horror tone of the original, Twisters treats its villainous storms with a sense of reverence, portraying them as almost sentient, stalking forces of nature. It’s this aspect that makes for a vivid, touching portrayal of such realistic Midwest haunts. As a disaster film that reminds us of our interest in the genre and the unruly fears woven into Mother Nature’s scariest traits, Twisters provides a practical way for us to feel for humanity — and most importantly, the monsters we’ve created along the way.

Rating:

Twisters hits VOD on August 13.

When The Hudsucker first introduced Hailey Miller, we named her “The One” to watch. Now, the rising musician has unleashed her smashing new pop-country single, “Boy Toy.” Following her emotional debut single “The One“, Miller’s sophomore self-release “Boy Toy” is  available to stream and to buy on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, and Amazon.

Based on first-hand experience, Miller wrote the relatable and sassy track after one too many times of sharing the same stories with her girlfriends about dating the same type of boy who is looking for fun but not a commitment, who is lacking in substance and honesty, or who, as she sings in her own words, “[doesn’t] know how to hold a girl down when [he’s] gone”:

“It’s about the type of guy who says one thing but does another and thinks it’s not terribly obvious that their actions don’t match their words. It’s almost comical – and sometimes you just have to laugh it off, or in this case, sing it off! He doesn’t want to be your boyfriend, he just wants to be your boy toy!”

From mid-August to the beginning of October, Miller worked in the studio with  producer Caleb Lovely to create a very different sound in production. When making music, the singer-songwriter is determined to be sonically experimental in an industry that praises rules and boxes. Inspired by pop production and melodies yet loyal to her love for the honest storytelling and instrumentation associated with country music, “Boy Toy” is an evolution of Miller’s musicality.

“I feel like ‘The One’ showed a lyric focused, deeper side of my artistry, and now with ‘Boy Toy’ I get to show a lighter, more fun side.”

The song starts off with a hypnotic synth-pop beat that carries on throughout the verse, and infuses into its catchy chorus with country rhythm, resulting in a truly infectious blending of pop and country.

With killer kiss-off lyrics like “good luck finding someone who wants to put up with you messing around and telling lies”, this is the girl power anthem listeners will want to turn up and shout-sing along to. More than any other song she’s recorded thus far, Miller is excited to release it out into the world:

“It made me feel empowered after going through a frustrating situation, and I’m hoping it can do the same for anyone going through something similar. I want it to be one of those pop-country anthems that you can’t help but sing along to. Something that makes people feel confident!”

In terms of what’s next, Miller will continue to do a lot of her favorite thing — writing. She is actively working on new music in her home base of Nashville, playing writer’s rounds and collaborating with her fellow creatives in town. In August, she celebrated her first year anniversary in Music City, noting that “it was really fun to look back on all the things [she’d] done musically in the last year.”

As Miller shares, it won’t be too long until we hear from her again!

“I’ve been super intentional about the music I’ve been creating, constantly searching for the last few songs to put on a potential EP next year. I will continue to work on new music in the coming months and get even more new stuff to your ears in 2020!”

Follow Hailey through her website at haileyemillermusic.com and her social media channels on Instagram and Facebook.

Since we last caught up with Macy Krew on the eve of her debut single release for “Wherever You Are”, the sparkly and sassy country singer-songwriter has been keeping busy with building up her firecracker of a solo career.

From performing live sets to making her promo rounds on the country music circuit while jetting back and forth between Nashville and her hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan, this past year has been moving non-stop for Krew. At the end of August, she will making her official move to Music City, of which Krew has to say, “I’m excited about the opportunities and collaborations Nashville will bring my way!”

Krew turns up the heat with her latest single, “Playin’ With Fire,” now available to purchase on iTunes and stream on Apple Music and Spotify.

The song kicks off with a guitar riff that sounds reminiscent of “The Beat Goes On,” setting the fiery tone for this southern rock stomper about letting out the fire inside you. As Krew belts out the line, “you want to play with fire, bring it on,” the singer challenges the one who has wronged her to meet their match in her, as she is not afraid to show them what she’s made of. The songwriter pens quotable lyrics like “light a match, start a flame, you’re the one to blame” and “you lit sparks in me that you can’t put out.”

In talking about the story behind her new song, Krew says “Playin’ With Fire” came to her one day when she was upset and wanted to channel those feelings into something bigger than herself at that moment: “You know when you get angry, and the more you think about it, the angrier you get? Well, everything started simmering to that point and I realized I needed to use that ‘fire’ to push myself forward instead of back.”

Through “Playin’ With Fire,” Krew hopes to convey the message that releasing your anger out into the world isn’t always bad. “Anger isn’t a bad thing if you use it to motivate you or push yourself. Don’t apologize for who you are. Take charge and OWN it. I wanted to write an empowering country song that embodied all that. I hope this is the song people want to turn up and sing at the top of their lungs. Have everyone be warned that they are playin’ with fire.”

Fans can expect to see Krew sing this bold and sassy anthem along with her other original songs during her headlining shows across Michigan this summer. The country artist could not be any more excited for this upcoming adventure: “We currently have over 30 shows booked for this summer and my band and I are SO ready for it.”

Keep up with Macy through her brand new website at macykrew.com and her social media channels on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

In an exclusive interview with The Hudsucker, rising country singer-songwriter Hailey Miller discusses her diverse influences, living in Music City, her songwriting secrets, and the release of her debut single, “The One.”

Singing before she could talk and writing before she could hold a pencil, Hailey Miller was born to be an artist.

Growing up in Eugene, Oregon, she discovered her passion for music and calling for her creative craft at a young age by playing piano, doing talent shows, listening to lots of different music, and going to as many concerts as she could go to.

The greatest defining moment for Miller was when she started writing her own songs: “When I realized that I could combine writing and singing to make my own unique music, it just clicked. It’s been so natural to me, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”

Looking up to her aunt, a professional country singer and a celebrity in her eyes, she knew she wanted to follow that same path towards doing music for a living.

Today, Miller is settling into her new home of Nashville (which has been part of her plan since she was 11 years young) to pursue her dream career as a professional singer-songwriter in Music City. Graduating a year early from high school and working as a legal assistant at 17, she eagerly began preparing for her big move to the city with a big country music scene and community of songwriters to get her country artist career started.

As she reflects, “there were moments where I asked myself if I was totally crazy moving across the country alone at 19, but I knew it was something I needed to do.”

So far, making the big leap to make her music dreams come true is paying off. Within no time, Miller found a supportive and inspiring network of mentors and teachers within her group of peers in the Nashville music community: “Everyone in the industry here is SO talented. I feel like I’m learning so much from other writers, producers, and artists here all the time.” Still, she counts on her biggest cheerleaders from miles away: her family. Miller draws much encouragement from her big, tight-knit family, never going a day without feeling fully encouraged by them.

Miller describes her musical identity as a country artist with influences drawing from a diverse pool of genres including pop, soul, and rock. As she shares, “I grew up listening to so many different forms of music, that I think you can really hear it in the way I write and sing”. As a self-taught musician without a classical training background, Miller is open to experimenting and evolving her artistry, which gives her the advantage of setting herself apart as a different kind of artist: “I don’t necessarily follow all of the “rules” when it comes to genre and songwriting, because I never learned them. I write and play whatever feels and sounds good to me.”

Miller’s list of dream writing collaborations includes names like Shane McAnally, Natalie Hemby, Nicolle Galyon, Liz Rose, Heather Morgan, and Luke Laird, along with country stars Dierks Bentley, Keith Urban, and Tim McGraw.

As far as who her musical inspirations are, Miller looks up to Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert, and Sheryl Crow: “They all have strong, incredible voices but also know how to harness the softer sides of their voice. It makes things sonically interesting.”

When asked about her thoughts about the current state of country music, with the demand for more diversity and inclusion of female country artists, Miller believes the conversation is of utmost importance.

Growing up listening to iconic women like Twain and Crow on country radio stations, it didn’t cross her mind that a women’s career might be different because of her gender, instead thinking of her role models as country artists, not as female country artists. She hopes that one day, the reality faced today will be different: “The conversation is getting bigger, and that makes me super hopeful.”

She cites Song Suffragettes as an organization making a conscious effort to support female artists in country music. Drawing from that encouragement and the discussions being had, Miller is hopeful of the change that’s happening and the change that is to come. She is excited to be an artist at this pivotal time in country music history: “Regardless, we’re still out here creating our art and telling our stories, despite the challenges we may face!”

Ready to make her mark as an independent musician, Miller is proud to share the release of her debut single, “The One,” which is available now through digital retailers.

Talking about “the one” is a common theme in songs about love and relationships, with songs about finding “the one” or wanting to be “the one,” but in Miller’s “The One,” she presents a different perspective on that universal concept.

A nostalgic and hopeful twist on the common situation of losing one’s first love, “The One” is about finding the good after the heartbreaking end of a relationship.

As Miller sings, “I wasn’t The One, but in the back of your mind, I hope I’m the one who taught you how to treat The One right.”

She write the song as she was reflecting on the long, drawn-out, and messy ending of a long-term relationship. When it comes to “the one,” she found that “nobody ever talks about having to be the one who teaches someone all the hard lessons, so that they know how to treat “the (final) one” right once they come along.”

Knowing of the relatable relevance of that very idea, she wrote the song in hopes that people who’ve been through similar perspective-altering and life-changing experiences can connect with the song.

“Being the person to teach someone how to love is still an important role to play in someone’s life, even if you don’t necessarily reap the benefits.”

The message that she conveys is that “no relationship is ever a waste as long as something is learned from it” and that while endings “might be painful, that doesn’t make them pointless.”

Miller hopes that “The One” can be a point of healing and closure for listeners, just like it was for her.

Writing from a place of vulnerability by digging into personal experiences is a key component of Miller’s songwriting style, and it is what you can expect from Miller’s future releases: “It can be really hard to be completely vulnerable and honest when going into a room to write with other people, or even just writing alone. But I’ve found that the best songs always come from when you’re honest. I will never put out a song that I don’t 100 percent connect with, and most, if not all, of my songs are about personal experiences. I think people can feel when you’re being genuine, and it’ll always be received better.”

As for what’s next for Miller in her music career, she is looking forward to continuing to develop her artistry by collaborating with other writers and producers and working on songs for her first EP, which she hopes to release within the year. Along with more writing sessions, Miller plans on playing shows around the United States for her listeners and fans, striving to make deep connections like the ones she will certainly capture with “The One.”

Listen to Hailey Miller’s debut single “The One” via Apple Music, Spotify, and more here.

For news and updates from Hailey, check out her official website

{Image Credit: iStock}

If you happen to live in North America like the majority of us here at The Hudsucker, do you know that it is cold? Very cold. And winter doesn’t seem to want to let go anytime soon, but that hasn’t stopped us from looking toward spring for not only a little psychological warmth, but style inspiration as well.

Warmer days and sunshine may be a ways off, but spring style and beauty trends are already upon us, so to help you get ready for spring even if you’re still bundled up in your parka and scraping ice off your car, we’ve rounded up the five hottest trends for spring.

Lilac hair

The fun hair color trend is still going strong and for spring it’s shifting into pretty pastels — especially lilac! The highly Instagrammable look appears to be an offshoot of last year’s unicorn or mermaid multi color hair trend, but what we love here is how well it pairs with Pantone’s color of the year.

Almond-shaped nails

Last year was all about the coffin nails, but in 2019 the style is going in a softer direction. What really works about this style is because of its rounder tip you can wear your nails shorter and still have the appearance of length. Given that we will be out and about more in warm weather worrying about breaking a nail due to length or pointy tip will be something we’re all glad to leave behind.

Bold lip

Does a bold lip really ever go out of style? We think not, but it takes center stage this spring. And, like the lilac hair, this goes well with the color of the year so we are all for it! Give it a try in a matte formula for longer wear.

Gloss and glow

If bold isn’t your vibe, another major trend this Spring is glossy. Glossy lips, glossy eye color, even a subtle sheen on the cheeks, it’s all part of this year’s glow up.

{Image Credit: iStock}

Manicures

You may ask yourself if manicures ever stopped being a thing, but there was a bit there that they seemed a little high maintenance for anyone who wasn’t an influencer. This spring, though, everyone will be getting their nails done and for those not wanting to go to a salon, there are great home options. From nail polish strips from companies such as Color Street to dip-style products like newer ones from OPI, you don’t even have to leave your couch to get great nails. Oh, and the guys can get in on this too. Men’s salons are offering basic manicure services more and more when guys come in for a trim.

Will you be checking out any of these spring style and beauty trends? Let us know in the comments!

Image Credit: AMPAS

As award season comes to a close, one of film’s most prestigious awards will be given out this Sunday! The Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, California once again plays host to the 91st Academy Awards ceremony. This year the show will be host-less, and there’s bound to be some surprises and big moments. Once again, here at the The Hudsucker we try our best to predict the winners in each of the major categories.

For the seventh year in a row, our resident cinephiles share their thoughts on the nominees, as well as who they feel was snubbed and who they’d like to see win each category.

Image Credit: Universal Pictures

Best Picture

Black Panther
BlacKkKlansman
Bohemian Rhapsody
The Favourite
Green Book
Roma
A Star is Born
Vice

Predicted Winner: Green Book
The Hudsucker’s Choice: Roma (also receiving votes: Black Panther and A Star is Born)

Best Actor

Christian Bale, Vice
Bradley Cooper, A Star is Born
Willem Dafoe, At Eternity’s Gate
Rami Malek, Bohemian Rhapsody
Viggo Mortensen, Green Book 

Predicted Winner: Rami Malek
The Hudsucker’s Choice: Bradley Cooper (also receiving votes: Christian Bale and Rami Malek)

Best Actress

Yalitza Aparicio, Roma
Glenn Close, The Wife
Olivia Colman, The Favourite
Lady Gaga, A Star is Born
Melissa McCarthy, Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Predicted Winner: Glenn Close
The Hudsucker’s Choice: Yalitza Aparicio (also receiving votes: Lady Gaga and Melissa McCarthy)

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Mahershala Ali, Green Book
Adam Driver, BlacKkKlansman
Sam Elliott, A Star is Born
Richard E. Grant, Can You Ever Forgive Me?
Sam Rockwell, Vice

Predicted Winner: Mahershala Ali
The Hudsucker’s Choice: Adam Driver (also receiving votes: Mahershala Ali and Richard E. Grant)

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Image Credit: Annapurna Pictures

Amy Adams, Vice
Marina de Tavira, Roma
Regina King, If Beale Street Could Talk
Emma Stone, The Favourite
Rachel Weisz, The Favourite

Predicted Winner: Regina King
The Hudsucker’s Choice: Regina King (also receiving votes: Amy Adams)

Best Director

Spike Lee, BlacKkKlansman
Pawel Pawlikowski, Cold War
Yorgos Lanthimos, The Favourite
Alfonso Cuarón, Roma
Adam McKay, Vice

Predicted Winner: Alfonso Cuarón
The Hudsucker’s Choice: Alfonso Cuarón (also receiving votes: Spike Lee)

Best Animated Feature

Incredibles 2
Isle of Dogs
Mirai
Ralph Breaks the Internet
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Predicted Winner: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
The Hudsucker’s Choice: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Best Original Song

Image Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

“All the Stars” (Black Panther)
“I’ll Fight” (RBG)
“The Place Where Lost Things Go” (Mary Poppins Returns)
“Shallow” (A Star is Born)
“When a Cowboy Trades His Spurs for Wings” (The Ballad of Buster Scruggs)

Predicted Winner: “Shallow” (A Star is Born)
The Hudsucker’s Choice: “Shallow” (also receiving votes: “All the Stars”)

Snubs

Crazy Rich Asians

Liz says:

Image Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

The fact that “Crazy Rich Asians” failed to receive a single nomination from the Academy proves that despite all the talk about championing diverse stories in film, the art and the hard work that goes into it is far from being fully appreciated. How can you forget Michelle Yeoh’s scene-stealing Eleanor Young for Best Supporting Actress? This groundbreaking film should have at least received recognition in the categories of Production Design and Costume Design.

Tania says:

“Crazy Rich Asians” was one of 2018’s most celebrated films, beloved by so many and surprisingly didn’t pick up a single nomination. That is just honestly, downright garbage. Representation matters and for a film to hit it out of the park in just about every category from performances to soundtrack, to directing and production, I am baffled it got no love. When the Oscars snubs films like this it makes it feel as if they just don’t care about the impact of movies and their numerous vessels or aspects in quality storytelling.

Bo Burnham

Alex says: 

There is definitely no shortage of celebrities who have made a name for themselves that got their start on YouTube. And while some of their antics may make you roll your eyes, that definitely is not the case with Bo Burnham. His film “Eighth Grade” was hailed by critics for the original screenplay that was written by Bo and has a score of 99 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Bo also directed the film which makes its absence at the Oscars all the more shocking. Bo doesn’t seem phased by it, stating, “Have fun at the Oscars, losers!” after recently winning an award for Best Original Screenplay at the Writers Guild of America Awards. A win that should make the Oscars all the more embarrassed they snubbed him.

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

Katherine says:

Image Credit: Focus Features

I was absolutely shocked when “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” didn’t receive a nomination for Best Documentary. The film showed great insight into the life of Fred Rogers and the creation and sometimes controversy surrounding “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” It showed that he wasn’t always a perfect person but that he did have a genuine love and care for children. When I saw it, there wasn’t a dry eye in the theater at the end! Both audiences and critics loved the film, and though this was a good year for documentary films, it definitely deserved a nomination.

Bradley Cooper/Best Director

Nicole says:

I’ve loved Bradley Cooper since “Alias.” I really want him to win Best Actor. He and Ryan Coogler also both deserved Best Director nominations for their amazing work.

A Quiet Place

Tania says:

“A Quiet Place” was arguably one of the best movies from the first quarter of 2018 and needed the perfect sound mix to work, which is why it’s such a travesty it didn’t pick up a nomination for Best Sound Mixing. Being so light on dialogue, the sounds gave great importance to the story and its depth to elevate emotion and scares, and that was an inventive aspect in redefining the genre. That said, it did get a nod for Best Sound Editing, so maybe something’s better than nothing.

Some Final Thoughts on the Nominees Before the Show:

Tania says:

Image Credit: Focus Features

I would be really upset and broken up if Adam Driver didn’t win for Best Supporting Actor. I think he is such a fantastic, underrated actor, it would be such a shame if his performance in “BlacKkKlansman” was overlooked by the Academy. Working with some of the industry’s most prolific filmmakers in the span of a decade, the former theatre actor brings something unique and refreshing to every role of his and this was no different. Playing an undercover detective in the KKK, Driver honed in on that role most precisely and charmingly, while helping to give gravitas and depth to the film’s message. He’s incredible and I would really like to see him in more roles and an Oscar win would be the stepping stone for his captivating versatility.

Elizabeth says:

Though “If Beale Street Could Talk” is nominated for its screenplay and score, this beautiful film directed by Barry Jenkins was snubbed in terms of nominations for Best Picture and Best Director, along with acting nods for other members of the cast. The film deserves an Academy Award and Best Supporting Actress nominee Regina King is their best bet at the prize. Her portrayal of a mother who is willing to sacrifice everything for her family was astonishing, and the incredible King deserves all the acclaim she is receiving this awards season.

Alex says:

Christian Bale has transformed his body for numerous roles in his career. Whether it is shrinking down for “The Machinist” or bulking up to play Batman. Bale changed up his look once again to play Dick Chaney in the film “Vice” but his performance is just as impressive as the physical change. The film is well represented at the Oscars including, but not limited to, Amy Adams being nominated for Best Supporting Actress, Sam Rockwell for Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Screenplay by Adam McKay, and Best Picture. But none of those awards will seem as fulfilling if Bale does not come away with his rightfully earned award for his incredible performance.

Katherine says:

Image Credit: Marvel Studios

It’s highly unlikely, but I really hope “Black Panther” wins Best Picture. It’s a movie that transcends the superhero genre, and its cultural impact cannot be overstated. Its Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture win gives me a hope that it has a shot to take home the top prize at the Oscars, even though many voters will always look down on superhero movies. A win would send an important message at a critical time in America, plus its storyline, acting, costumes, cinematography, and score make it more than deserving of a win.

Nicole says:

I’m going to be so mad if “Black Panther” doesn’t win. That movie was an incredible film, not just a great superhero movie.

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Now that we’ve given you our thoughts, we’d love to hear yours! Who do you think will take home the golden statue at the 91st Academy Awards? Think we got it right? Or do you think we’re way off the mark? Who do you think was snubbed and what award are you most looking forward to?

Leave us a comment and let us know who you think will win big at the Oscars this Sunday! And please come back on Sunday after the show to share your thoughts on the results in the comments.

The Oscars air live on Sunday Feb. 24 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

{Image Credit: Getty Images}

With every advancement in the world today, there is sadly, no painless solution to get over a breakup. The time it takes to really feel like yourself again can a be a rough ride and sometimes feel like years. But who is counting? There is no right or wrong way to heal and thankfully, there are ways around the broken shards that eventually help you feel like yourself again.

Chocolate and ice cream might seem like solid solutions thanks to their delicious comfort and ease, but they don’t add real value to who you are. What you need during a time like this is mantras and encouragement — and thankfully, you can find it in some of our favorite celebrities. More than a few have lived out their romantic lives in the public eye and have shared advice for getting over a breakup in the easiest way possible.

Khloe Kardashian

Khloe Kardashian might have been at the center of a cheating scandal last year after her boyfriend was caught red-handed while she was giving birth to their first-born, but the reality TV star knows how to heal her broken heart as she looks ahead to better days. Focusing all her attention on their daughter, True amid expanding her clothing company, Good American, Kardashian revealed on her blog that the best way to go through the feelings is to be productive.

“The busier you are, the less you’re going to think about something, so I would try to consume your thoughts with productive things,” she wrote on her blog. “Try to just find a hobby and keep yourself busy in a really positive way. Or surround yourself with friends and family that you love and who do really occupy your mind.”

Jennifer Aniston

In a Vanity Fair interview with Aniston, the former Friends TV star, who was famously married to Brad Pitt from 2000-2005, and Justin Theroux from 2015-2017, shares that though breakups are hard, it is important to face and pain and rise above it.

“It’s sad, something coming to an end,” Aniston told Vanity Fair. “It cracks you open, in a way — cracks you open to feeling. When you try to avoid the pain, it creates greater pain. I’m a human being, having a human experience in front of the world. I wish it weren’t in front of the world. I try really hard to rise above it.”

George Clooney

Before marrying one of the most influential women creating social change, it was no secret that George Clooney was playing the field for years. But with Amal by his side and now two children, Clooney recognizes that the dynamics in a relationship are important and shares how being alone is better than being in a relationship that’s not right.

“I’ve had some absolutely great relationships and some not so great relationships,” Clooney told the Daily Mirror. “I’ve been in some relationships where I’ve felt terribly alone. Just because you’re with someone it doesn’t mean you’re incredibly happy and complete.”

Taylor Swift

There is no real protocol to healing a broken heart and no one knows this better than singer/songwriter, Taylor Swift. Famous for putting her emotions and pain from public relationships into words, she advises fans and those alike to write about the hurt and let it go as a cathartic experience in healing.

“The only way that I can feel better about myself — pull myself out of that awful pain of losing someone,” Taylor Swift told Vogue, “is writing songs about it to get some sort of clarity.”

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez, like Clooney, has had her fair share of love stories over the years. But they did not all work out and she knows it. One thing she does know at the end of every relationship is the real value in loving yourself before anyone else.

“You’ve got to love yourself first. You’ve got to be OK on your own before you’re OK with someone else. You’ve got to value yourself and know that you’re worth everything,” she told Glamour. “And until you value yourself enough and love yourself enough to know that, you can’t really have a healthy relationship.”

Lauren Conrad

Former MTV star Lauren Conrad might have traded in reality TV star status for lifestyle blogger, but she still feels the pain of some very public breakups, sharing with fans that it is okay to feel all the pain in whatever way you want to, while grieving the loss in your own way.

“There are those breakups that are so bad that you will need a good cry and a pint (or two) of Ben & Jerry’s. Let yourself have what you need. (Note: Hanging with Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda will help too),” she wrote on her blog. “Let yourself go and let yourself obsess over every little detail of the breakup and the relationship. You will need to do this for yourself. You will need to allow your mind to take it all in so that by the time you get back up on your feet, you know how you feel.”

* * * * *

What advice would you share about healing a broken heart? Share with us in the comments below.

{Image Credit: iStock}

We finally made it through January and are more than ready for February! Clear eyes, full hearts can’t lose… right? If this past month has proven anything for a majority of us, it’s that even with the best of intentions, it can be hard to stick to your New Year’s resolutions and see them play out over the course of the year.

But it doesn’t have to be difficult or even tedious for that matter to just “get healthy.” If you can’t stick to resolutions because of time or role constraints, take baby steps that will help you reach your goals. At the end of the day, all you really need to do is become fully aware and mindful of the things we want to achieve, while showing ourselves some kindness.

Prioritize sleep

With more than 70 percent of Americans getting less than eight hours of sleep a night, it’s important to manage a proper sleep cycle. Not only can inadequate sleep put you at risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other diseases, but truth be told — if this is the one thing you can fix and make an active effort for, everything else is going to fall into place, exactly as you want it. Try to create a routine by scheduling sleep time and stick to it. If your job makes it hard, try creating a fixed wake-up time that will allow you to get to bed at anytime and still reap the benefits as your body adjusts to this new wake-up prompt, letting you rest all night. Good sleep prompts healthy habits and a positive outlook that truly makes a difference in overall happiness. After all, the way we live our mornings is actually how we experience the rest of our days.

Do more of what you love

If you want to live a happy life, then you have got to do what makes you happy. The best way to live your life is by doing more of what you love, and that can be anything. From traveling and building, to writing and acting, we are the source — the I Ching, rather — of all our happiness. In addition to creating a sense of overall happiness and positivity, doing more of what you love has the ability to challenge you, help you to learn new things, meet new people and best of all, feel true contentedness.

Eating well

If the word “diet” is too overwhelming, consider this more of an integration of two worlds: the food you love to eat and the food you should eat. Part of eating well is creating a balance, and that includes filling your plate with clean, non-processed foods as often as possible. We’re not saying to give up your favorites at Taco Bell, but we are saying it’s good to try new things and starting with fruits, veggies, whole grains and lean protein is a great base point. Filled with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, these are critical components to keeping your immune functions running strong.

Fit in fitness

One of the best ways to stay healthy and happy this year is to truly integrate a form of fitness into your schedule. Regularly exercising not only promotes strong muscles and bones, but it can improve respiratory, cardiovascular health, and overall health. Staying active also helps you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk for diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. While some have a schedule that allows to integrate exercise in fairly well, others don’t. But this doesn’t mean you can’t still stay active. It just means, you’ve got to get a little sneaky! Use the commute, use your down time to jump rope, always take the stairs, create an exercise date with friends or a loved one… just get up off of your butt! That’s all you’ve got to do.

Stay hydrated

Drop the pop and stay away from the caffeine—drinking water needs to be better prioritized if you want to feel happier and healthier this year.  Drinking water is crucial to maintaining the function of just about every cell and system in your body, including heart, brain and muscles. Water carries nutrients to your cells, flushes toxins and bacteria from your bladders and prevents constipation. With the recommended 30 to 50 ounces a day to drink, staying hydrated with water will also clear your skin, relieve fatigue, aid in weight loss and improve your mood.

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What are some ways you are staying happy and healthy this year? Let us know in the comments below.

Image Credit: Pantone

We’ve done, it folks! January is almost over, which means that we’ve reached the point where our resolutions are either well on their way to good habits or we’ve given up entirely and can now focus on something a lot more fun: looking ahead to spring and all the fun colors that season comes with.

Fortunately, the color department is going to be super easy this year thanks to Pantone’s Color of the Year. Back in December, the color authority declared the 2019 shade to be Living Coral. It’s a gorgeous pinky peachy shade that is not only truly lovely, but one of the most versatile shades declared Color of the Year in a long time. Almost universally flattering, Living Coral is going to be giving us all life this year and we are so here for it.

Of course, even with a versatile and wearable shade like Living Coral it can be a bit of a challenge to figure out exactly how to incorporate it into your life. So, to help with that, we’ve got a few suggestions of how to bring the Color of the Year into your life in 2019. From makeup to fashion to even home decor, check out or favorite ways to liven it up with Living Coral.

All about the lips!

One of the quickest, easiest, and frankly most convenient ways to bring Living Coral into your life in 2019 is with a lip product and what’s truly great here is that the color works well in a full range of products. From a simple balm to a full-coverage lipstick, the lip products have you covered. Some of our favorites? Tarte’s Quench Lip Rescue Balm in Coral, Nars Sheer Lipstick in Barbarella, and NYX Glitter Goals Liquid Lipstick in Shimmy.

Nailed it!

Nail color is another great, low commitment way to bring Living Coral into your style. We especially like this idea because the color is close enough to a neutral that you can wear it with nearly anything and it will transition well through the seasons — we are especially excited for summer pedicures! Some options to checkout include Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Peach of Cake, Butter London Coral Patent Shine Polish, and Essie’s Tart Deco.

All about the accessories.

If makeup isn’t your thing, don’t worry. You can accessorize with Living Coral as well. For a small pop of color, consider a coral wallet or clutch. The best part of this option is that the color is bright enough that it will actually make it easier to find your wallet in your larger bag — win! Not a wallet person? No problem! We’ve been seeing fashion sunglasses in the peachy-pink tone of Living Coral pop up just about everywhere and if you’re looking for something to help get you to the warmer weather of spring? Check out scarves! And, bonus, there’s a good chance you can still find a warm scarf in a coral shade that is very likely on sale.

Living Coral where you live.

Want to liven up your house with the Color of the Year? That’s easy, too! For a simple and elegant touch, consider flowers! Fresh are always fun — and as we get closer to Valentine’s Day floral shops will have all sorts of beautiful pink and peach shades to choose from in addition to classic red roses — but artificial flowers can make for a beautiful and often inexpensive alternative. Check out the options at your local dollar store for a frugal, DIY approach. Looking for something a little more bold? Throw pillows, throw blankets, even fresh new curtains are a great way to bring color to your space.

However you choose to incorporate Living Coral into your life in 2019, we hope these suggestions have given you lots of great ideas. How will you be enjoying Living Coral this year? Let us know in the comments!

{Image Credit: iStock}

Between bundling up in multiple layers and wrapping ourselves from blistering gusts of winds and snow, surviving in the dead of winter can run a real dent in our style. Of course, it’s no secret that our wardrobe can get a little monotonous pretty fast too, but that’s where blanket scarves come into play.

You know the ones — the literal, oversized scarf that runs pretty big and can double as a Snuggie. Well, not as stylish though. Whether it’s puffer vests or classic plaid peacoats, no matter how you style your outerwear, blanket scarves offer an easy opportunity to stave off the boredom of winter fashion without the sacrifice of warm and cozy.

To help you stylize your wardrobe this winter that just screams comfort, opt for a blanket scarf to add a bold, block of color to your outfit — from vibrant colors to prints, knits and celebrity favorites, there’s something out there for everyone.

Nordstrom, Tissue Weight Wool and Cashmere Scarf 

Nordstrom | Price: $99

This Nordstrom branded, comfy and extra soft tissue-weight scarf is made of a comfortable cashmere and wool blend.  With deliciously vibrant colors — 27, to be exact — it is a welcome accessory to any outfit this season thanks to its beautiful fringe detailing that allows for a chic elegance without the bulk. Worn by lifestyle blogger and former MTV star, Lauren Conrad, this scarf can be paired atop atop your favorite jeans and a lightweight sweater for style that’s casual and trendy.

Anthropologie, Ruana Plaid Wrap

Anthropologie | Price: $59.95

A little bit country and a whole lot of comfort, this blanket scarf is ideal for when we get bored of our winter wardrobe. Versatile enough to be worn as a scarf or shawl, its reversible plaid design is the perfect seasonal layering piece. Wear with denim overalls and a matching neutral top for a casual chic look that will be your best bet for running errands or brunching with the gals.

Wilfred, Diamond Mosaic Blanket

Aritiza | Price: $85

Back by popular demand, this beautiful versatile scarf is exceptional in both its quality and softness. Made of Australian wool and designed by Wilfred, this scarf’s fringed edges are finished by hand for a look that’s trendy and one of a kind. And best of all, it’s available in a wide variety of colors with a print that’s fully reversible, giving you more than one way to wear it. Worn most notably by Kendall Jenner, this unique print allows for perfect pairing with your favorite denim, moto jackets and suede booties. As the ideal staple for your wardrobe, it can also be worn as a cardigan when edged around the shoulders.

Universal Thread, Olive Women’s Scarf

Target | Price: $48

Cozy comfort is the name of the game with this scarf. And while cozy reigns supreme, this scarf is a visually interesting statement that you’re going to want to make all season long. With faux sherpa details, it’s loose-fitting wrap combines style, texture and charm in this one size fits all olive and white knitted cocoon wrap, perfect to layer over fitted tees, skinny jeans and yet, still polished enough to wear for work. Best of all, it is easy to clean and care for!

Bess Bridal, Plaid Blanket Winter Scarf

Amazon | Price: $11.99

Vibrant and luxuriously soft, this best-seller is a must-have for your seasonal wardrobe. Delicately woven with stylish frayed edges for a gorgeous femininity, it’s no wonder this super cute tartan knit blanket scarf is a favorite among fashionistas. In addition to keeping you warm all day, this extremely soft and warm oversized blanket can double as a poncho and comes in a variety of colors. Most notably seen on HGTV star Mina Starsiak of Good Bones styling the camel-printed scarf on her series and social media, this will become your favorite wardrobe companion.

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Are you wearing blanket scarves this season? Let us know in the comments below as to how you style them and whereabouts you grabbed them up from!

Photo credits: Getty Images/WireImage; Anthropologie; Target; Instagram (@mina_starsiak_hawk)