White Men Can’t Jump is a classic 90s sports comedy. Woody Harrelson stars as Billy, a streetball hustler who lets his opponents underestimate him because he’s white. He forms an unlikely partnership with Sidney (Wesley Snipes) and the two become a renowned streetball pairing. However, Billy must balance his gambling with his home life. The film did well, finishing as the 16th highest-grossing film of 1992. Furthermore, it holds a 77% critics score and a 68% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Talk of a remake has been around since 2017, with Blake Griffin attached as a producer. However, the talk became reality when Jack Harlow was cast in 2022. White Men Can’t Jump is the directorial debut of music video and commercial director Calmatic. Written by black-ish showrunner Kenya Barris, Sinqua Walls (American Soul, The Blackening) will co-star alongside Harlow. DJ Drama is responsible for the film’s soundtrack.
“White Men Can’t Jump” Blends Nostalgia And Originality
The trailer released by Hulu paints broad similarities with the 90s original. Kamal (Walls) is a streetball player who is shown up by Harlow’s unassuming and as-yet-unnamed character. The two team up to hustle local streetball games, while both balancing their respective home lives. Kamal is seen as a liability while Harlow is viewed as a directionless hustler. In a reference to the original being 32 years old, Harlow quips that it’s “outdated” to judge his hoops ability on him being white. The late Lance Reddick briefly appears as Kamal’s father, who suffers from MS. The film also highlights performances by Teyana Taylor and Laura Harrier.
However, the biggest change from the original film appears to be the end goal. In the original, it’s a game against two streetball legends. The remake appears to build towards a flashy streetball tournament with a $500,000 prize. Additionally, it’s clear from the trailer that the roles have been swapped somewhat, with Wall’s Kamal being the central character. However, Harlow does not appear to play second fiddle, being given time to shine outright. The trailer pitches a fun remake of a 90s classic, with big-name stars and an updated feel. White Man Can’t Jump lands on Hulu on May 19.
In the words of Puck‘s Julie Alexander, Fast X is basically The Avengers: Infinity War movie of the long-running franchise. Likely the penultimate film of the main franchise, everyone you loved (or completely forgotten) from the previous films is seemingly back for their biggest ride yet.
Directed by Louis Leterrier (Transporter 2, The Incredible Hulk, Now You See Me), Fast X brings back most of the franchise’s characters to face off against their biggest villain yet. Jason Momoa (Aquaman) will make his franchise debut as Dante Reyes, the son of Fast Five villain Herman Reyes. Reyes now wants revenge against Dom (Vin Diesel) for the death of his father. And with Reyes targeting the allies Dom has made over the years, everyone is back in action.
“Fast X” has bombs, booty, and badassery galore
Our first glimpse of the action in this second trailer sees the gang driving through the streets of Rome. Tyrese is rocking a gold Lamborghini Gallardo while returning fan-favorite Han cruises alongside in an orange Alfa Romeo 2000 GT Veloce. We then cut to Tej (Ludacris) and Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel) trapped in a semi-truck which, surprise! has a big ol’ bomb in the back. With a quirky smile, Reyes reveals that he’s about to blow up the Vatican. Momoa poses an interesting villain, who evidently departs from the machismo style so common in the series. Dante Reyes is set to be vibrant, extravagant, and completely against type for Momoa.
As the dubstep kicks in, Reyes reveals his origin story and tells Dom that he’s going to “break his family.” We are then introduced to just about every returning star – John Cena, Jason Statham, Scott Eastwood, and Charlize Theron to name but four. We get raves, crashes, CQC, the works in just over two and a half minutes. The trailer also introduces new ally Tess (Brie Larson) before ending with Dom racing an explosion down a dam. It’s everything that fans of the ridiculous franchise could want from a film of this scale. While an eleventh film is in development, don’t expect everyone to make it through this installment. Fast X hits theatres on May 19.
Jonathan Majors just keeps getting hit with more bad news. After his arrest for domestic violence, he hasn’t really been able to catch a break. The incident in question took place in March. According to law enforcement, it occurred while Majors and his girlfriend were in a taxi. An argument started when she saw another woman’s message on his phone. Majors reportedly responded with physical aggression when his girlfriend tried to view the messages. Law enforcement was called, and his girlfriend was taken to the hospital with visible injuries. Despite his lawyers sharing messages that they claim will clear him of the allegations, people are distancing themselves from him. Now, more alleged victims are cooperating with the Manhattan district attorney’s office.
Sources say that multiple individuals who claim to be victims of Majors’ alleged abuse have come forward. If more women are able to provide evidence against Majors, it would be a significant turn in the case. Unfortunately for the actor, this development has resulted in his publicists and management company severing ties with him. Additionally, he was advised by Valentino not to attend the Met Gala. However, Majors and his lawyer may have just provided some evidence that could turn the tables for him.
Majors’ Ex-Girlfriend Reportedly Partied After Alleged Abuse
Jonathan Majors has now claimed that the driver who was present during his alleged domestic incident with his ex-girlfriend will testify that he did not harm her. Supposedly, the driver will also testify that Majors never raised his voice or hit the woman in any way. Majors and his attorney further claim that the driver saw the woman attacking him. Majors had to ask the driver to stop the car so that he could escape her attack. The woman claimed to have suffered injuries during the altercation, including a broken finger and a laceration behind her ear, but Majors and his attorney say they have evidence that refutes these claims.
In this supposed new evidence, the ex-girlfriend who accused him of domestic violence was caught on hours of security videos going out to a club and getting drunk after the alleged attack int he car. She also reportedly sent him text messages accusing him of being unfaithful and threatening to harm herself. In the new filing, Majors and his lawyers included screenshots of the security footage. They show the ex-girlfriend using her supposedly injured hand without any issue. Whether or not the evidence is enough to sway the court or even public opinion remains tone seen. What do you think about the new evidence?
Jonathan Majors is still grappling with the allegations of domestic violence against him. The actor’s recent arrest has caused a stir in the entertainment industry. Law enforcement confirmed that his girlfriend is the alleged victim in the case that began his problems. According to sources, the couple had an argument while traveling in a taxi. Majors’ girlfriend reportedly saw another woman’s message on his phone, resulting in a confrontation. Reports indicate that Majors responded with physical aggression when his girlfriend attempted to view the alleged text messages on his device. Reportedly, he slapped her and placing his hands around her neck.
On Saturday morning, March 25, law enforcement was called to the Chelsea area in Manhattan, and Majors’ girlfriend was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital by authorities due to visible injuries on her face and body. Majors’ lawyers have shared purported messages from the woman that they claim will exonerate the actor if they are genuine. Despite this, people seem to be distancing themselves from him. He has now been dropped from several projects, and it would appear that more victims are coming forward to assist in the case against him.
Majors’ Victims Cause Major Shakeup
Jonathan Majors has been dropped from a number of projects as well as his management & publicity team. These projects include:
– An adaption of ‘The Man in my Basement’ – An ad campaign for the Texas Rangers MLB team – A Fifth Estate Otis Redding biopic
According to insiders that have spoken to Variety, several purported victims of Majors’ alleged abuse have stepped forward and are collaborating with the Manhattan DA office in the aftermath of his arrest in March. If more women are able to provide evidence against Majors, it would be a significant development in the case. It’s already not looking good for the actor. This new development Majors’ publicists and management company have severed ties with him. Additionally, Majors was also told that it was not a good idea for him to attend the Met Gala.
Jonathan Majors has also been dropped from several major projects that he was due to appear in, including an Otis Redding biopic and an MLB ad. Marvel has not yet dropped the actor, and it appears they don’t have plans to do so until there is a more clear picture of the events that have transpired. In a statement, Major’s lawyer said, “Jonathan Majors is innocent and has not abused anyone. We have provided irrefutable evidence to the District Attorney that the charges are false.” The actor is due in court May 8th. What do you think of the situation? Do you think Majors is guilty? Sound off in the comments!
Despite not releasing an album yet, Saweetie has absolutely crushed the music scene. The 29-year-old is seven times certified platinum and will likely reap the rewards of her tireless work when Pretty Bitch Music finally drops this year.
However, she has not limited herself to music. Her repertoire includes acting credits in Grown-ish and a cameo appearance on Bel-Air. Beyond that, she has appeared as herself on several big-name shows. These have included being a musical guest on SNL and appearing on Cooking With Paris. But there’s a role, or a genre of role, that Saweetie has her eye on.
Saweetie Wants To Be A DC Villian
Saweetie (@Saweetie) let Metro in on when she’ll finally drop her debut album, after teasing fans for months.https://t.co/w9sx1MaP02
Speaking with Metro in March, Saweetie revealed exactly what sort of acting role she wants to pursue. “I can see myself doing more TV and film projects. I definitely want to be a supervillain in the DC movies. I dressed up as Harley Quinn…I love getting into character and dressing up.” she said. Furthermore, Saweetie’s declaration comes at the perfect time as the DC Cinematic Universe undergoes a significant transformation. In an attempt to move away from the Zach Synder “DC Extended Universe”, James Gunn will launch the “DC Universe” in 2025 with Superman: Legacy. Other films announced for this reboot of a DC shared universe include The Authority, The Brave And The Bold, Supergirl: World Of Tomorrow, and Swamp Thing. There will also be TV projects in the form of Creature Commandos, Waller, Lanterns, Paradise Lost, and Booster Gold.
There are so many fantastic villains and anti-heroes contained within these properties. The Brave And The Bold, based on Grant Morris’ Batman comics, would be the perfect place to introduce Saweetie as Harley Quinn. Alternatively, Saweetie could flex her anti-hero muscles in a role like Bride of Frankenstein, a core member of the Suicide Squad-esque Creature Commandos. Additionally, the Game Of Thrones-esque Paradise Lost is going to need plenty of villains. Overall, there is a wealth of villain roles that are about to become available in the DC Universe. Perhaps we will see Saweetie take up the mantle of one of them.
It would be unjust to claim Tom Hanks movies are unvaried, with only one form of the fundamentally decent, all-American Everyman to his name. On the contrary, the actor continuously furnishes evidence of his versatility. Examining his filmography, he has transformed himself from a leading man in Sleepless In Seattle to comedic relief in Bachelor Party and a polyphonic performance in Cloud Atlas. No matter which notes he strikes, Hanks always hits it distinctly. To honor this laudable feat, here is our ultimate appraisal of the Tom Hanks movies.
10. Splash (1984)
In what could have been an improbable story, Splash marked a breakthrough for its lead actor, Tom Hanks. Even so, thanks to the renowned screenplay penned by Lowell Ganz, Babaloo Mandel, and Bruce Jay Friedman, audiences were given a glimpse of Hanks’ potential movie stardom. It told the tale of a young man (Hanks) reunited with his mermaid savior (Daryl Hannah) two decades later. Despite what could have been a ludicrous plot, the writers handled it adeptly, while Hanks’ performance aptly mirrored the delicate tones of their work. Additionally, with the success of Splash came the birth of a movie icon.
9. Philadephia (1993)
At a noteworthy moment in Hanks’ early-’90s glory days, he earned an Oscar for portraying a gay man with HIV who had been wrongfully discharged from his job. Intuitively incorporating “liberal balancing” by partnering Hanks with Denzel Washington as the soon-to-be repentant homophobic attorney, this film sparked new discourse about straight actors playing LGBTQ roles. However, there was no more unmistakable message of understanding and respect than casting Hanks. While it is an industry-issue movie, marked by its self-awareness, Hanks conveys both smarts and compassion.
8. Sleepless In Seattle (1993)
Tom Hanks’ performance in Sleepless in Seattle stands out so distinctly; it’s no wonder he’s held in such high regard. He plays Sam, a heartbroken widower bound to fall for Meg Ryan as the love-struck reporter with dreams of an affair to remember. Thanks to the magic and charm of Nora Ephron, this classic feel-good yarn gives us something wonderfully warm and fulfilling. Hanks brings a sensitive touch to his character: the nice guy next door, the one everyone can easily crush on — so innocent yet so appealing.
7. The Post (2017)
Late in his career, Hanks has become an undeniable audience favorite, embodying a type of reassurance that whatever he is involved in will turn out alright. Consequently, he takes on the role originally played by Jason Robards in All the President’s Men, bringing his own degree of authenticity and sincerity to the character of Ben Bradlee. As customary, there is never any doubt that Hanks is on the right side; what’s more, he is willing to challenge himself and recognize his errors – it just makes it easier to root for his characters. Furthermore, his later roles have displayed an endearing grumpiness, and it’s a wonder he hasn’t played a journalist before as it fits him like a tailored coat from days gone by.
6. Apollo 13 (1995)
Jim Lovell’s immortal words, “Houston, we have a problem,” may be all you remember of the Best Picture nominee Apollo 13. As an eye-opener, go back and watch. You’ll witness Tom Hanks portraying Jim Lovell in an unrelenting, no-frills fashion as he endeavors to keep his comrades (Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon) focused during the crisis. As a result, it’s a performance that can be easily neglected, yet Hanks gives it an unwavering power. He displays the heroics of not wholly losing your head in the face of a calamity. Apollo 13 will go down as one best Tom Hanks movies.
5. A League Of Their Own (1992)
Hanks donned flab for his starring role as Jimmy Dugan, the alcoholic, gruff manager of a women’s baseball team. A League of Their Own was an interesting point for Hanks in his career—a rebound from Bonfire of the Vanities preceding his back-to-back Oscars. It’s amusing to see him hurl insults left and right. Nonetheless, beneath Dugan’s tough exterior lies a heart of gold, and his shallow character could have been a parody but Hanks, with all his charm and benevolence, elevates the movie.
4. Cast Away (2000)
After receiving a near-Robert De Niro–level physical transformation, Tom Hanks embodied a FedEx executive in Cast Away. He is stranded on a desert island after a plane crash. Eventually, Hanks’ character grapples with solitude and discovers an impetus to continue living. The actor endowed this intimate and primal performance with great intensity, expressing that even the most unwavering individuals have their limits. His portrayal of fierce determination, within his trademark good-natured persona, was slightly daunting yet captivating.
3. A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood (2019)
Tom Hanks created a masterful performance as Fred Rogers, an iconic children’s TV star from the 1960s who reigned for decades. Matthews Rhys stars alongside him as a hardened magazine journalist sent to interview Rogers. Rather, Hanks crafts a complex and distinct character with unique physical and vocal mannerisms contrasting his perceived ”aw-shucks” style. Most notable is when he asks Rhys to sit silently for a full minute.
2. Toy Story (1995)
Woody, voiced by Tom Hanks in the beloved Pixar Toy Story films, is quite a remarkable character. An antiquated pull-string cowboy toy, he is the favorite of Andy, much to the dismay of Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen). Representing an old Western figure pushed aside by space-exploration-inspired science fiction, his vocal performance casts a spell of pure delight upon the audience. This casting is one of Hanks’s most beautiful and sorrowful moments. It puts him to the test in terms of acting challenges more so than in other movies. This is especially prevalent in Toy Story 2, when his previous toy pals suggest that he forget about pleasing kids whose love will surely fade. Marvelousness ensues.
1. Forrest Gump (1994)
Tom Hanks received a second consecutive Best Actor Oscar for his iconic performance in Forrest Gump. Twenty-nine years since its release, it is still considered one of the best Tom Hanks movies. Director Robert Zemeckis is credited for his work on the film, yet Hanks’ portrayal truly stands out. He never portrays Forrest as an idiot; instead, there’s a sincerity to the character that makes him endearing to viewers. His purity is admirable, as he is loving, trusting, and curious without being a liar. If only we were all like Forrest.
Insidious was a staple of the 2010s horror boom. The first film, Insidious, premiered in 2010 and focused on the Lambert family, whose son falls into a mysterious coma. Malevolent spirits then set upon the family due to the connection with the spirit realm their son has formed. The Lamberts’ story was continued in 2013’s Insidious Chapter 2, as the family learns more about what keeps them tied to the spirit realm.
The franchise then moved into lore-building sequels for Insidious Chapter 3 (2015) and Insidious: The Last Key (2018). However, reception for the films cooled immensely over the course of the franchise. Insidious holds a 66% critics rating and 62% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Meanwhile, Insidious: The Last Key sits at 33% critics rating and 50% audience rating. Now the franchise is set to return to its roots.
The Lambert Family Return In “Insidious: The Red Door”
Canonically set a decade after we last saw the Lambert family in Insidious 2, Insidious: The Red Door seems set to finally close the book on their story. After receiving treatment to suppress their memories, patriarch Josh (director Patrick Wilson) is still haunted by what happened. However, it is his college-age son Dalton (Ty Simpkins) who is the primary target of the spirits. After falling into a coma 13 years prior (and kickstarting the franchise), Dalton is now experiencing the spirits reaching out to him once more. Moreover, they are reaching out to him via his artwork. That seems like a problem, given that Dalton is now at art school.
The trailer balances scares and action, giving us the franchise’s signature “blink and you’ll miss it” spirit appearances. However, that quickly changes when violent spirits are seen attacking Josh and Dalton. Dalton, who has become estranged from his father, must battle the spirits Josh faced a decade ago. The film also hints at a significant amount of time spent in the spirit realm, as father and son looked to end the haunting that has plagued their family. Rose Byrne and Lin Shaye are also set to reprise their franchise roles as the trailer gives a sense of finality to the franchise. Insidious: The Red Door is set to hit theatres on July 7.
1998’s Belly is a cult classic. The film focuses on “Buns” (DMX) and “Sin” (Nas), two young criminals in Queens and their growing criminal empire in Nebraska. While it holds a 27% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences loved the film. It holds an 87% audience rating and tripled its budget at the box office.
Tyrin Turner plays a small but memorable part in the film. Turner plays Big Head Rico, an Omaha-based drug dealer who attempts to take Bunds and Sin down for taking over his turf. However, in a recent interview, Turner revealed that his iconic performance was something completely different.
Big Head Rico Was Supposed to Sabotage “Belly”
Appearing on the DUB C And CJ Mac Show, Turner revealed that he had originally been offered the part of Buns in Belly. “I met Hype Williams, I did the ‘Mary Jane’ video for Scarface, and then Hype was like, ‘I got this movie called Belly, I want you to be DMX’s character.” However, a few months later, Williams recast the role with the New York-born DMX. After finding out that he had been replaced, Turner vowed to ruin the film. “I’m young, I’m mad I didn’t get the character I wanted so [I was like], ‘I’m gon’ fuck this movie up. I’ma put on some glasses, I’ma be the worst country snitching dude that I could ever be.’”
However, Big Head Rico turned out to be one of the most-loved parts of the film. Turner’s portrayal of the milk bottle glasses wearing, banana-eating drug dealer was seen as a hilarious caricature rather than taking away from the film. “I’m thinking that I’m sabotaging the movie, but I’m thinking I’m irritated. I’m thinking that I’m just gon’ fuck the movie up. It was iconic. I couldn’t even fuck up what I wanted.” Turner said. What unintentionally sold the character further was that it was seen as a departure from type for Turner. In 1998, Turner was best known for starring in the lead role in 1993’s Menace II Society. Thus, the ridiculous appearance and self-seriousness of Big Head Rico was a complete change for audiences already familiar with Turner.
2023 was meant to be the year that Jonathan Majors broke out. After starring in 2019’s Last Black Man In San Francisco and 2020’s Da Five Bloods, Majors jumped to the MCU. He was first introduced in the Disney+ series Loki as “He Who Remains”, indicating that comics icon Kang would be the next big MCU villain. He then explicitly appeared as Kang in this year’s Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania. However, 2023, also saw Majors appear in Magazine Dreams, a film festival darling about a bodybuilder’s twisted journey for physical perfection, and Creed III, the latest in Michael B. Jordan’s acclaimed Rocky successor.
But all that might be coming to an end piece by piece. On March 25, Majors was arrested on charges of assault, strangulation, and harassment. This was in response to a report that he had attacked a 30-year-old woman in New York. Majors was released from custody and publicly denied the allegations, but was arraigned the following day. New reports indicate that Majors’ professional career is now being affected by the continuing legal proceedings.
Majors Splits With Reps, Dropped From Multiple Projects
Jonathan Majors has been dropped from a number of projects as well as his management & publicity team. These projects include:
– An adaption of ‘The Man in my Basement’ – An ad campaign for the Texas Rangers MLB team – A Fifth Estate Otis Redding biopic
According to a report from Deadline, multiple companies and upcoming projects have cut ties with Majors. The US Army dropped an advertising campaign featuring Majors in the days following his initial arrest. However, he has since been dropped by his representing agency, 360 Entertainment. This follows a similar move by PR firm The Lede Company soon after his arrest.
Additionally, Majors has now been reportedly dropped from several upcoming film projects. This includes Nadia Latif’s The Man In My Basement and an Otis Redding biopic entitled Otis And Zelma. In a move similar to that of the US Army, MLB’s Texas Rangers have also scrapped an ad campaign featuring Majors. However, what about Marvel? As mentioned, Majors is set to be the villain that the MCU builds towards in Phases Five and Six. Furthermore, Majors has already finished shooting Loki season two. However, Deadline‘s sources reveal that no discussions about replacing Majors have taken place at Marvel as of yet. Despite this, it’s clear that Majors has gone from a hot commodity to a pariah in the blink of an eye.
Appearing on Good Morning America, Ralph revealed one time her advice missed the mark as she mentored another rare talent in the entertainment field, Lauryn Hill. The two were cast together in Sister Act 2 when Ralph advised Hill against naming her then-new hip-hop trio “Fugees.” Recollecting the conversation, Ralph gave effusive praise to her then-teenaged co-star while jokingly self-deprecating her rare show business miss.
“That was one of the best times because I got to work with this enthusiastic, bright, talented young woman,” she said. “When I tell you, I look at Lauryn Hill, I remember Lauryn Hill telling me, ‘Ms. Ralph, I’m going to have a band, and the name is going to be the Fugees,’ and I was like, ‘Baby you will definitely have a band, but you may need to rethink that name.’ And she said, ‘Ms. Ralph, you oughta get it, Fugees. Re-fugees,’ and I was like, ‘Okay, I get it, but, rethink it.’ But she was absolutely right.”
