Month: October 2023

Is Donald Trump’s brain okay? The former president has often called out the current president for his alleged senility. But it’s Trump who’s the one blaming the Iraq War on Jeb Bush, saying Joe Biden is leading us into “World War II,” and spelling “rumor” like this. His latest blunder? Bragging that he’s been praised by a fictitious serial killer.

“Hannibal Lecter, how great an actor was he?” Trump told an Iowan crowd, as caught by HuffPost. Perhaps he forgot the name of the actor who won his first Oscar for The Silence of the Lambs, which then catapulted him to superstardom. (It’s Sir Anthony Hopkins, by the way, and he won a second Oscar for The Father not that long ago.)

Anyway, Trump went on about how he’s got a big fan in “Hannibal the Cannibal.”

“You know why I like him? Because he said on television on one of the – ‘I love Donald Trump.’ So I love him,” Trump said. “I love him. I love him. He said that a long time ago and once he said that, he was in my camp, I was in his camp. I don’t care if he was the worst actor, I’d say he was great to me.”

It’s not clear what Trump is referring to. There is no record of Hopkins singing his praises. The closest thing to a comment the actor has made about him is from a 2018 Guardian profile, in which he said he doesn’t care about Trump, nor about politics.

“I don’t vote because I don’t trust anyone,” Hopkins said. “We’ve never got it right, human beings. We are all a mess, and we’re very early in our evolution.”

During the speech Trump mentioned The Silence of the Lambs, but perhaps he confused Hopkins with another actor who’s played Lecter? Alas, Hannibal star Mads Mikkelsen hasn’t said much about him. As for Brian Cox, who became the first screen Hannibal in 1986’s Manhunter, he is decidedly non-MAGA, calling him “such a f*cking a**hole” and “so full of sh*t.” But Biden’s the one whose brain we should be worried about.

(Via HuffPost)

When Damian Lillard was traded to the Bucks, there was plenty of excitement imagining what he and Giannis Antetokounmpo would look like together on the court, particularly as an offensive duo that seemingly complement each other incredibly well.

Lillard can stretch the floor in a way none of Giannis’ past teammates ever have, while Antetokounmpo can pressure the rim in a way none of Dame’s past teammates have been able to. The results should be spectacular, but like all new star duos they have to create the right chemistry to maximize that partnership. What should help that process is that Giannis is fully embracing what Lillard can bring to the Bucks and it certainly sounds like there won’t be any friction over who takes the lead on offense.

Over the weekend, Giannis spoke with reporters and insisted there won’t be “any competition” between the stars for touches, stating very plainly that Lillard is this team’s point guard and, as such, “he will have the ball more.”

From the outside this certainly makes sense and seems easy to say, but not every superstar who has been the guy on a championship team would be willing to cede that 1A role quite so easily. Giannis, however, seems keenly aware that to make the most of this new partnership, he has to make an adjustment to Dame as much as Dame needs to adjust to him to help meet him in the middle. To so, they need to ensure Lillard is comfortable being himself and Antetokounmpo is doing his part by overtly saying “I trust him” and that the Bucks have to “let Dame be Dame” a few days into camp. That should make Bucks fans excited that this duo will get on the same page quickly, and if that’s the case the rest of the East will have its hands full trying to slow them down.

Every single week, our TV and film experts will list the most important ten streaming selections for you to pop into your queues. We’re not strictly operating upon reviews or accrued streaming clicks (although yes, we’ve scoured the streaming site charts) but, instead, upon those selections that are really worth noticing amid the churning sea of content. There’s a lot out there, after all, and your time is valuable.

TIE: 10. The Equalizer 3 (Sony Pictures Releasing film on VOD & Amazon Prime)

Denzel Washington returns because of course one can never truly give up the assassin life. That’s especially the case when there are more movies to be made, and Robert McCall only thought he was going to enjoy a quiet life. He’s in Southern Italy these days, and when he finds that the local crime bosses are exerting their fearsome power over McCall’s new pals, he relents and leaps into his old ways against the mafia. It happens!

TIE. 10. Reservation Dogs (FX on Hulu series)

Very few shows can get away with making you laugh and get weepy within the same five minutes, but that’s part of what makes this Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi show so special. This season is a send off to the TV world’s favorite four Indigenous teens (Elora Danan, Bear Smallhill, Willie Jack, and Cheese) whose home base of Oklahoma will always be there for them. As always, the elders provide comedy and drama aplenty while the leading quartet attempts to get their bearings for the rest of life.

9. Sex Education (Netflix series)

Another final season is in the books, this time with a series in which Gillian Anderson portrayed a sex therapist who frequently embarrasses the hell out of her son, Otis (Asa Butterfield). He is, however, endlessly resourceful and has used this mortification to his advantage, and even a useful one, as Otis navigates culture shock in college alongside Eric and Aimee. Maeve is doing the same across the pond, where this series is a massive hit and recently scored the top 2023 season premiere for Netflix in the United Kingdom.

8. Star Wars: Ahsoka (Disney+ series)

The season (and perhaps series) finale went over well with some fans calling the episode the “best ending in Star Wars history.” As well, the Rosario Dawson-starring series ended with a final Jedi performance by the late Ray Stevenson, and no one knows what the future of this franchise looks like on Disney+ as they recalibrate release schedules and plans, but for now, fans are feeling fulfilled by this series.

7. Bottoms (MGM film streaming on Amazon Prime)

The rise of Ayo Edebiri continues, far away from the kitchens of The Bear. She stars alongside Rachel Sennott, who also seems to be everywhere right now, and thank goodness that this project is much better than whatever The Idol was attempting to accomplish. This is, of course, a cringe comedy in the spirit of PEN15, and the two lead (queer) characters go about launching a “Fight Club” of sorts, only in a quest to lose their respective virginities. This film will spark conversations, so know that going in, and also enjoy how these characters are not merely portrayed or their sexual orientations. Rather, it’s the heterosexual characters who stumble into classic archetypes. Fun!

6. Our Flag Means Death: Season 2 (HBO Max series)

This terribly funny and pleasant little surprise of a show has been (for obvious reasons) compared to What They Do In The Shadows, only with pirates. Rhys Darby’s Captain Stede Bonnet is loosely based upon the swashbuckling 18th century figure and his adventures. He’s still attempting to win over a crew that could descend into mutiny at any moment. Taika Waititi portrays the infamous Captain Blackbeard, and if you are in the mood for an affecting reunion and a romance of the high seas, then you’d best drop anchors.

5. No One Will Save You (20th Century Studios film streaming on Hulu)

Kaitlyn Dever cements herself as a powerhouse, although viewers of Justified, Booksmart, Unbelievable, and Dopesick knew that already. This movie would have fared immensely well at the box office, yet it went straight to your home theater on streaming, so it’s the perfect way to spend an October evening. Be amazed at how this film flies by with hardly a scrap of dialogue to be found, which only adds to the suspense of this story that delivers home-invasion horror with an extraterrestrial twist.

4. The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon (AMC series streaming on AMC+)

The first season of Norman Reedus’ solo spinoff is nearly halfway over, but do not fear. Daryl Dixon will keep riding (without his motorcycle) in France for at least one more batch of episodes. He’s already taken an unpleasant tour of Paris with Isabelle the killer nun, and the audience will soon learn more about how and why he washed ashore in the first place. If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of watching this breathtakingly scenic and wholly engrossing series, do not hesitate. Then you, too, can consider how Jenner’s cryptic statements about “the French” fit into the entire puzzle.

3. Lupin (Netflix series)

France is not making the most glamorous real-life headlines at the moment, so there’s no better reason for some heist-laden escapism. Could this also be the season for one last job? The Gentleman Thief returns with Assane in hiding but not for long. He comes back to Paris and proposes a new plan for his family, but of course, Assane’s enemies and the police make this much easier said than done. At least he’ll look stylish as hell while dealing with past ghosts.

2. Loki (Disney+ series)

The MCU’s trickster and ice-giant burdened by glorious purpose will learn a lot more about that purpose (and his fate) this season. First, however, prepare for a wrenching performance for Tom Hiddleston, who is here to hopefully reignite fervor for the MCU after too many shows, too fast. And surprise, Miss Minutes is still a pain in the ass, and there’s the whole King the Conquerer/He Who Remains problem to deal with. Yet there’s always love for Loki though, as he attempts to navigate precarious situations with Hiddleston throwing his entire body and soul into the process.

1. Gen V (Amazon Prime series)

For a dong-obsessed series, this The Boys spinoff manages to unfurl an impressively layered set of characters with each passing hour. This week’s collection of WTF moments follows up during the investigation of that season premiere death and also takes a side in the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard situation. Meanwhile, these characters have managed to hook the audience in less than a handful of episodes. The writing is that superb and one of many aspects of the show that stay true to The Boys brand.

In the age of franchises, it’s a big deal that Oppenheimer — an original movie that probably won’t have a sequel — has gobbled up so much cash. Not that it hasn’t inspired controversy. Big as the “Barbenheimer” memes have been, they’ve been met with (very, very understandable) coldness from those in Japan. Even Spike Lee has some thoughts, though his are far more measured.

As caught by Deadline, the beloved filmmaker, scholar, and sometime actor spoke to The Washington Post, during which he weighed in on some of this year’s big movies. One of them was Oppenheimer. He called it a “great film” and described its maker, Christopher Nolan, as a “massive filmmaker,” saying that he’s shown Dunkirk to his class at NYU, where he teaches.

But he had what he calls “not a criticism” but a “comment”:

“If Oppenheimer is three hours, I would like to add some more minutes about what happened to the Japanese people. People got vaporized. Many years later, people are radioactive. It’s not like he didn’t have power. He tells studios what to do. I would have loved to have the end of the film maybe show what it did, dropping those two nuclear bombs on Japan.”

But Lee added, “Understand, this is all love,” saying, “And I bet [Nolan] could tell me some things he would change about Do the Right Thing and Malcolm X.”

Lee isn’t the only person to make that comment. Throughout the film Nolan sticks to J. Robert Oppenheimer’s perspective (that is, when it isn’t jumping over to Robert Downey Jr.’s meddling Lewis Strauss). Just as in real life, Oppenheimer isn’t even told about the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki until after they’re over, and nor are we the viewers. Mind you, that move has always inspired praise for not dwelling on the death and destruction.

In the same interview, Lee shared some fulsome praise for another new movie: Killers of the Flower Moon. Of its TikTok star director, Martin Scorsese, he said, “That’s my guy.” He also gushed about someone he thinks deserves a Best Actress Oscar nomination. “Lily Gladstone, she’s winning an Oscar,” said Lee. “She’s got my vote.”

Oppenheimer is currently in theaters. Killers of the Flower Moon hits theaters on October 20.

(Via Deadline)

It is only Week 6 of the college football season, but we can officially hand Mario Cristobal the award for worst coaching decision of the year.

After a sloppy performance against Georgia Tech coming off of a bye week, the Hurricanes looked like they were going to escape with a 20-17 win after getting a first down with under two minutes to play and the Yellow Jackets having just one timeout. In fact, the math worked out to where all Miami needed to do was snap it inside 5 on the play clock on third down and take a knee to win the game. Instead, they ran a play — with Tim Hasselbeck rightfully losing his mind on the ACC Network call — handing it off to Donald Chaney Jr., who got held up and had the ball ripped out of his hands for a fumble.

The ruling on the field stood after review, as it wasn’t clear and irrefutable that the ball was not moving when his elbow hit the ground.

That meant Georgia Tech got the football with under 30 seconds to play and no timeouts, needing a field goal to tie or a TD to win. Given the Yellow Jackets hadn’t moved it well offensively all game, there were low expectations for the drive, but Haynes King found two big pass plays to pull off a truly stunning upset. The first was a lofted pass over a DB to get Miami across midfield, and the second was on a rollout near midfield where he was able to catch Miami’s defense off guard in the scramble drill, with Christian Leary leaking out behind the defense for a touchdown with two seconds to play.

It was a truly unbelievable finish to the game and Cristobal will get rightfully torched, because this was impossible game to lose once they got to that third down and they managed to do it. Not only did the offense cough up a (questionable, for sure) fumble, but the defense then allowed two big passes to a team that couldn’t move it through the air all night, including a busted coverage in a scramble drill for the game-winning touchdown. Just watch all three plays in succession and tell me it doesn’t hurt your brain.

All credit to Georgia Tech for taking advantage of the opportunities Miami gave them all night with turnovers, and they deserve plenty of praise for how they fought to pull off this win. That said, the story of the night is Cristobal and the Canes, who lost their undefeated season in the most unimaginable way possible.

Pretty much everybody thinks Breaking Bad stuck the landing, but there’s a chance — a slim chance — it might not have. In a new interview with Variety, Vince Gilligan talks about AI as “plagiarism” and his new, non-crime-related Rhea Seehorn show. He also reflects on “Felina,” the beloved capper to the show that made his name, specifically on “one of the dumbest things” he’s ever done in his career: having Bryan Cranston’s Walter White get “that damn machine gun” towards the beginning of the final season.

“That was the thing I remember freaking us out the most because we did that, I committed to that,” Gilligan said, in a bit teased out by The AV Club. “One of the dumbest things I’ve ever done in my career was committing to the idea of Walter White buying a machine gun when we did not know what he was going to do with it. We had no clue. There were literally months on end when I was completely freaked out. We’d be in the writers room’ for a full day, and I’d be slowly banging my head against the wall — not enough to hurt myself but just enough to jar the ideas loose. And everybody was kind of worried about me.”

But it all worked out in the end:

Once we figured out this machine gun, that was when the dam broke and things started slowly to click together. It was after that point that we figured he’s got to win. He’s lost everything because of his hubris and his pride and his ego. He’s lost his family, he’s lost his soul. But he’s got to win on some level. He’s at least got to deliver that money to his family. How the hell does he do that once the world knows who he really is? When we figured out that Gretchen and Elliott could be the mechanism by which Walt wins and gets that money to his family, that was a good day.

Granted, one could still argue that giving Walt a remote-controlled machine gun he uses to take out a bunch of white supremacists is maybe the weakest aspect of Breaking Bad’s otherwise killer episode. But hey it could be worse and who doesn’t enjoy watching neo-Nazis get wiped out by a machine gun?

In the meantime, here’s hoping that once the AMPTP gives SAG-AFTRA what they want, Aaron Paul can finally start making some bucks off his Breaking Bad residuals.

(Via Variety and The AV Club)

Tallahassee is less than an hour from the beach, and FSU’s Lawrance Toafili decided to save the trip and body surf over humans instead on his way to a touchdown.

With 4:57 remaining in the first quarter and No. 5 Florida State facing a 3rd and 7 at the Virginia Tech 28-yard line, Toafili got the ball and ran it up a gaping hole up the middle.

At full speed, it seemed that he wouldn’t be caught but Virginia Tech safety Jalen Stroman made contact at the 10-yard line. Then Hokie defensive back Mansoor Delane appeared to get Toafili wrapped up and on the ground. Well, one out of two isn’t bad.

Toafili did go to the ground, but he managed to stay ON TOP of Delane and body-surf his way straight into the end zone. Toafili has three carries for 43 yards, but the 28-yard run is the Seminoles’ longest of the afternoon. Florida State only has 70 yards on its other 19 carries (3.7 per attempt).

The touchdown put Florida State up 15-0 on the Hokies. Virginia Tech notched its first Power 5 win last week over Pittsburgh, but was always going to have its hands full with the Seminoles. Coming off of a bye week, the ‘Noles still lead the Hokies 22-10 at halftime.

Back in February, Don Toliver released his third studio album, Love Sick. Days later, the Houston-native singer released a deluxe edition of the album. Still, fans are pressing for new music.

Offset, one-third of rap group Migos, is gearing up to drop new music. Like Toliver’s fans, Offset’s fans are also anticipating a new album from him, and thankfully, his second solo album Set It Off is arriving very soon. As the date gets closer, the album’s collaborations have been a buzzy topic.

In the past, the two artists have delivered a fire collabs in the form of 2019’s “Had Enough,” which also features Quavo. But fans have been wondering if Offset and Toliver will link up for another collab.

Do Offset and Don Toliver have a new song coming?

Offset and Toliver have once again collaborated. Their upcoming song, “Worth It” will appear as the third track on Set It Off.

Snippets of the song have surfaced online, on which, Toliver sings, “You got me, got me workin’ / I hope it’s worth it,” over a smooth, afro-fusion-inspired beat.

You can listen to a snippet of “Worth It” above.

Set If Off is out 10/13 via Motown/Capitol. Find more information here.

Don Toliver is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Boston College has had a hard enough time winning football games without the referees playing for the opponent.

But that’s exactly what ACC umpire Mark Wilson did when he unintentionally tackled BC quarterback Thomas Castellanos on Saturday.

The Eagles were in Annapolis to play Army out of conference. Boston College trailed most of the way before coming back to win, 27-24.

In the second quarter, Castellanos had a designed run on second-and-9 and it looked like he was headed straight towards the first-down marker. But Castellanos ran straight into the beefy shoulder and forearm of Wilson instead.

“He gets credit for the tackle. Put him in the box score,” CBS Sports’ play-by-play announcer Charles Lewis quipped after the play.

Castellanos bounced right back up after the hit, though it did seem to (understandably!) surprise him. Wilson, meanwhile, smiled sheepishly after the play and got right back to work.

Castellanos went on to lead Boston College in rushing with 142 yards on 31 carries and four touchdowns, including the game-winner he ran in with 25 seconds to go. The Eagles’ defense played well, as the normally-beleaguered unit held Army to just 161 rushing yards.

There is word on whether or not BC coach Jeff Hafley has inquired about Wilson’s eligibility.

After releasing a critically acclaimed album like Un Verano Sin Ti, there’s a lot of pressure to follow said project up with even more heat. But for Bad Bunny, that comes easily. This is especially great, as anticipation is high for a new album.

And it looks like new music may arrive soon, especially as Bad Bunny fans have taken to social media to share theories about his impending project.

Does Bad Bunny have an album coming soon?

At the end of the video for his song “Where She Goes,” a dembow and Jersey Club-inspired song that dropped this past May, fans noticed a billboard reading “Nadie Sabe,” which is Spanish for “no one knows.” Fans immediately guessed that this may have something to do with Bad Bunny’s upcoming era, and may even be the album title.

The Puerto Rican hitmaker himself has not commented, however, more billboards have begun to show up in real life.

This past week, Spotify billboards appeared in Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and Argentina. The billboards read “Nadie sabe si será este año o el próximo,” along with the English translation, “No one knows if it will be this year or next.” This has led to further speculation about an upcoming album.

Today (October 7), Spotify shared a picture of what looks like a tracklist. On it are 15 tracks, all titled “FIRE” with a fire emoji. The post was captioned with the hashtag, “#NadieSabe.”

In the comments, fans are speculating that if Bad Bunny actually does have a new album on the way, it may arrive as early as this week.

Which would make sense, as he is scheduled to host and perform on Saturday Night Live on October 21.