Category: News

With Beyoncé Bowl now available to watch on Netflix, critics of the “Texas Hold ‘Em” singer’s Christmas Day Halftime Show performance have revved up.

Although Beyoncé probably won’t respond to the harsh criticism, her mother Tina Knowles surely has. Yesterday (December 28), Momma Tina took to Instagram (viewable here) to slam trolls over their asinine commentary.

“It is mind-boggling to me that you would take your precious Christmas day and watch a performance of someone you hate,” she wrote. “You don’t think has talent so that you can go talk ish about it later Obviously you are so obsessed with them, addicted to them, and secretly admire them, wish you could be them, that you cannot help but to watch and critique and comment and say dumb ridiculous stuff that makes you look like a joke.”

She went on to suggest other programs for those upset with Beyoncé’s performance. “So go to another channel when it’s halftime watch goofy cartoons or Bozo the clown or something you can relate to and see yourself in,” she wrote. “Said with love .”

The Beyhive echoed Momma Tina’s post. Many went on to argue that if Beyoncé’s performance wasn’t worth watching it would not have pulled in 27 million views, which set a livestreaming record for Netflix.

The Los Angeles Lakers have clearly needed to shake things up, but the team has been wary of making any major swings on the trade market ever since their disastrous acquisition of Russell Westbrook a few years ago. Since then, they’ve mostly made moves on the margins and never got beyond the conversation phase for bigger trades (the most notable being discussions to acquire Dejounte Murray last season).

On Sunday, they finally took a bigger swing on the trade market, landing Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton from the Brooklyn Nets in a deal that will send D’Angelo Russell back to Brooklyn, along with Maxwell Lewis and three second round picks, per Shams Charania.

Adding Finney-Smith will give the Lakers some much-needed three-point shooting and another quality defender on the wing, as DFS is averaging 10.4 points on 43.5 percent shooting from deep this season for a Nets team where he is very out of place as a quality veteran. Milton likely won’t be high in the rotation in L.A., but will give JJ Redick another option off the bench in their guard rotation and is another quality shooter (38.9 percent from three this season). For the Nets, they bring in more draft assets and Russell, who is on an expiring contract and could end up being used in trade talks once again before the deadline. If not, they’ll open up more cap room next summer (DFS has a player option worth $15 million for next year) to allow themselves even more flexibility as they look to rebuild.

It certainly seems, on the surface, like a very solid deal for the Lakers, who get the 3-and-D wing they coveted without parting with a first round pick and managed to open up some more space between themselves and the apron in the deal, taking on ~$3.5 million less than they sent out to Brooklyn.

Adam Copeland has been absent from AEW since breaking his tibia in May during his Barbed Wire Steel Cage match, while FTR was announced as “not medically cleared” at least through the new year. Business picked up for AEW during Saturday night’s main event, when the Death Riders held their grip on the future of AEW with a World Championship victory for Jon Moxley and Copeland made his much-anticipated return.

After some outside interference by Wheeler Yuta helped Moxley earn the pin on Jay White the retain the championship, the Death Riders began a post-match beatdown on White. FTR’s music suddenly hit and Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood made their way to the entrance ramp before the lights went out and Copeland’s music hit. FTR hit the ring, first taking out Claudio Castagnoli, then hitting the Shatter Machine on Yuta. Copeland then stood face to face with Moxley before dropping him with a spear.

Copeland then knocked a bar out of a steel chair and used it to pull Moxley back in a modified crossface until Castagnoli made the save. Copeland then announced he and FTR are back to take out the Death Riders, with a trios match announced for next week’s Fight For the Fallen in Asheville, North Carolina.

Fight for the Fallen will mark AEW’s debut simulcast on TBS, while streaming live at the same time on Max.

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.

10. Red One – Prime Video/Amazon movie

A-lister holiday movies are inevitable, but Amazon MGM knew how to seize the opportunity to pair two of the most charismatic stars in Hollywood together. In this case, Chris Evans and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson contribute to a family movie that isn’t ideal grown-up material, but it’s endurable enough when the target audience hits “repeat.” Now, if one of them decided to bench press an entire herd of reindeer, that might be better, but perhaps they’re saving that trick for the sequel.

9. Black Doves – Netflix series

A second season is in the works for Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw’s spy-series comfort food with more than a few scenes that bring John Wick to mind. This series proves, among other things, that a lady can always benefit from having a gay best friend who happens to be an assassin, and if he’s indebted to her? Even better. Regular doses of bleak humor and a stellar supporting cast left this show’s audience wanting more but also feeling satisfied, which is precisely where every series should take its regularly scheduled breaks.

8. Star Wars: Skeleton Crew – Disney+ series

What, another Star Wars series so fast after The Acolyte? It’s happening. This series stars Jude Law as Jod Na Nawood, a pirate who tangos with the Force but probably not in a trustworthy way. Four kids cross paths with him after leaving their home planet and finding themselves lost in a strange and dangerous galaxy (far, far away). It’s like The Goonies and Stranger Things meet Star Wars of the New Republic, if an analogy needs to be made.

7. Carry-On – Netflix movie

This high-concept film leaves the sequel door open but is also entertaining of its own volition. Taron Egerton stars as a TSA agent who must thwart a plan to wreak havoc during the Christmas travel season, and Jason Bateman going villain with the always underrated Theo Rossi is worth the price of admission. It’s not a The Outsider and Emily The Criminal crossover, but it’s close enough and worth plopping into the queue.

6. Landman – Paramount+ series

Billy Bob Thornton’s many acclaimed roles somehow led to this series that will surely receive a new season going forward. Taylor Sheridan’s endlessly active writing bunker did not shy way from the viral moment-making dirty jokes that helped this series launch in the hardest of ways. This yielded to endlessly entertaining character dynamics from Ali Larter, Jacob Lofland, Michael Peña, and Michelle Randolph. And sure, this series would probably have been better with more Demi Moore, but the season isn’t over yet.

5. The Day Of The Jackal – Peacock series

This remake of the 1970s classic film stars Eddie Redmayne and significantly alters the assassin’s story, and conveniently so, because streaming longevity is a beautiful thing. It’s a sentiment that prevails throughout this list, perhaps more than any other week in this column’s history. Executive producers Gareth Neame and Nigel Marchant were not subtle about the reason why: “Of course, we’re in the business of series television, and there was the idea of sustainability for a returning series.” At least they’re honest about it, and perhaps recent Broadway Cabaret emcee Redmayne will harness that forthright sentiment and tackle this musical next. Just a thought.

4. No Good Deed – Netflix series

This star-packed show revolves around a home with a dark story, which turns into a murder mystery from the comedically talented Liz Feldman, showrunner behind Dead To Me starring Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini. The latter pops up in this show as a glossy socialite type alongside characters portrayed by Lisa Kudrow, Ray Romano, O-T Fagbenle, Luke Wilson, and Denis Leary.

3. It Ends With Us – Sony Pictures Releasing movie streaming on Netflix

[TRIGGER WARNING for domestic abuse content.] This Blake Lively-starring film is receiving plenty of headlines regarding plentiful allegations against director and co-star Justin Baldoni. It’s safe to say that if there is a continuation of this Colleen Hoover adaptation, then he won’t be involved, but more to the point here, this romantic drama raked in $350 million globally and is now pulling in streaming clicks despite the incredibly serious subject matter behind the romantic packaging.

2. Dexter: Original Sin – Showtime series streaming on Paramount+

Word recently broke of a second Dexter prequel (about the Trinity Kiler), and the world hasn’t yet finished enjoying this literally-named origin story starring Patrick Gibson as the younger Dexter Morgan whose inner monologue arrives from Michael C. Hall. He will also star in next year’s Dexter: Resurrection, so if there was any doubt about who the most marketable TV serial killer might be, this Showtime franchise has put those questions to rest. This prequel series’ leading character is still working the kinks out of his Code with about half of the first season to go. Harry and Debra Morgan’s roles also receive more background texture than expected with both Christian Slater and Molly Brown pulling off an admirable amount of nuance. As the show’s promotional material suggested, it really does take a village to pull off a damn fine prequel.

1. Squid Game – Netflix series

Do I really need to explain the premise of this series? You’ve watched it, and you know how brutal this series is while satirizing the real-life circumstances of a several current generations. Lee Byung-hun returns (as Front Man) with Wi Ha-jun (as Detective Hwang Jun-ho), both with secret motives, and naturally, the stakes are larger now, and Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) is more hardened now, but that doesn’t mean that he can quell the death machine. Whew. (Fingers crossed that series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk can take a long nap soon.)

Jamie Foxx has had a challenging year. After undergoing intense medical treatment following a stroke, with the support of his family, the They Cloned Tyrone actor is in good spirits.

Sadly, Jamie found himself seeking emergency treatment yet again. Back on December 13, Foxx was assaulted during his birthday dinner in Beverly Hills, California. While the incident is still under investigation, according to TMZ authorities are closing in on a suspect.

The outlet claims music collective Odd Future’s found member Jasper Dolphin (real name Davon Wilson) is wanted by cops for questioning.

An insider alleged that the assault of Foxx while dining at Mr. Chow could have been part of a prank. Onlookers told police that after a laser projection of a penis was placed onto Foxx’s table, he went over to a group of people to deescalate the situation. Unfortunately, tempers flared and Foxx was supposedly hit with a glass bottle. Sources say that the prank was supposedly “organized by members of the Jackass production team,” of which Dolphin is seemingly a member of.

Although Dolphin hasn’t been formally named as a suspect, a source told TMZ that the rapper-turned-actor could help fill in details surrounding the altercation.

At this time, no one has been charged with assaulting Foxx. But Foxx allegedly told investigators that when someone is, he is ready to press chargers to ensure “this type of incident does not happen to others.”

This year in music was filled with surprise album releases, jaw-dropping collaborating, and shocking reunions. At Coachella 2024, No Doubt pulled off the latter. Back in April, the “Don’t Speak” musicians rekindled their musicial flame onstage with a headlining set.

Despite the band’s performance magic for frontwoman Gwen Stefani, it was “overwhelming” to take in. During a chat with Britain magazine HELLO!, Stefani opened up about the performance.

“Incredible,” she said. “Performing at Coachella and feeling all that love for us after all this time was kind of overwhelming. We hadn’t done anything together for so long, so to do that and be there for each other, with all of our families, meant so much to me. It had been so long but it was as if we had never been apart.”

However, Stefani still feels “incredibly lucky” to have had the opportunity and the group’s overall success.

“Just incredibly lucky I have been and still am,” she said. “I look back at that little dyslexic girl from Orange County and I think she did okay. To be able to sing and write songs is all I ever wanted to do. It’s all I’m good at. I feel so blessed to still be out there sharing the music.”

Both Kendrick Lamar and SZA treated fans to brand new full-length albums before 2024 came to a close. They even squeezed in collaborations on each other’s releases. For SZA’s SOS Deluxe: Lana that was track “30 For 30.” On Kendrick’s GNX, SZA appeared on “Luther.” Still, the Grammy Award-winning musicians’ fans supporters want more.

In a now-viral TikTok video (viewable here), one fans begged for the acts to drop a joint EP. Well, SZA say the clip and subtly co-signed the request by reposting it to her Instagram stories.

“I speak for all Kendrick and SZA fans when I say – we need an EP bro,” yelled the fan. “We need an entire project of Kendrick and SZA collabs. Because this chemistry is undeniable at this point! Every time they get together it’s a hit, bro!”

Shortly after the duo announced their joint Grand National Tour, users online began to theorize that a collaborative album could be in the works. Although nothing has been confirmed at this time, SZA’s coy response was all supporters needed to further fuel the speculation.

With Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s Grand National Tour slated to kick off on April 19, 2025, there is still plenty of time for the TDE alum to make the joint venture a reality.

As the year comes to a close, music fans are looking forward to what 2025 has in store. Well, in hip-hop heads should expect the joint album trend to continue. In a post on Instagram (viewable here), Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) announced his official return to rap.

Earlier in the month, Bey held a livestream performance where he debuted all new music. However, many supporters believed it was a one-off set. But, according to his recent upload he has more where that came from. Next year, Yasiin Bey’s first full project in over six years will arrive, thanks to his collaborative efforts with famed producer The Alchemist.

As the newly formed super duo Forensics, Yasiin Bey and The Alchemist will drop a new album in 2025. “FORENSICS is His project with legendary producer The Alchemist. Although details surrounding the forthcoming release are limited, the post’s caption provide limit insight. On January 25, 2025, the pair will host a private world premiere party at the Le Trianon theater in Paris. There attendees will be treated to a preview of Yasiin Bey and The Alchemist’s secret tracks.

The Alchemist’s production plate has been full this year having worked with J. Cole, Uproxx cover star Big Sean, and with in bid in to work on Young Thug’s next project.

Bey, on the other hand, has been much more reclusive which builds the anticipation surrounding the project. Bey’s last solo album (or sound installation) Negus was released in 2019 and could only be enjoyed in-person at the Brooklyn Museum. But in 2022, he reconnected with Talib Kweli as Black Star for No Fear of Time.

Yasiin Bey’s return to rap will show where his daughter Laila! got her artistic gene from.

Charli XCX is preparing to take the plunge into acting. With several roles on the horizon including Sacrifice and ERUPCJA. Back in November, the “Guess” singer put her acting chops on display during her Saturday Night Live appearance.

But behind-the-scenes, Charli XCX has been making the rounds as an anonymous film critic. Yesterday (December 27), fans leaked Charli XCX’s Letterboxd account. While the platform has many purposes, based on her profile activity Charli XCX was keen on not only listing out her top movies but penning her thoughts on new releases.

Some of Charli XCX’s favorite films are 1995’s The Addiction, 2000’s Charlie’s Angels, 1974’s Céline and Julie Go Boating, and 1935’s Bride of Frankenstein.

Among her latest penned review were the pictures 2021’s The Tragedy of Macbeth and two recent releases Nosferatu and A Complete Unknown the Bob Dylan biopic which stars Timothée Chalamet.

Although Charli XCX didn’t write anything overly critical, the stark differences between her reviews demonstrate what films she truly favored.

“There were a lot of songs in this,” write Charli about A Complete Unknown.

While her spoiler-filled authored piece about Nosferatu read more like a love letter. “Ok wow there is so much I love about this movie,” she wrote. “I just really loved it, and I’ll probs watch it another 2 times this month. Go off Robert Eggers.

In her updated description (viewable here courtesy of Pop Crave), she had a laugh about fans discovering her profile. “My account got leaked I guess,” she wrote.

Now, Charli XCX’s once anonymous page has amassed over 75,000 followers. So much for a peaceful place to pick apart featured films.

The Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns were both in action on Friday night, and it was the renewal of one of the newer rivalries in the NBA. Even though both teams were down a star with Luka Doncic and Devin Booker out, things still got heated as Jusuf Nurkic and Naji Marshall got in a squabble after Nurk picked up an offensive foul.

Nurkic didn’t appreciate something Marshall said to him after he bulldozed through Daniel Gafford and confronted him, eventually slapping/shoving Marshall in the face. Naji took exception to that and swung on Nurkic, appearing to catch him in the side of the face with a punch, with Nurkic then going to the ground after also getting a shove from PJ Washington.

Unsurprisingly, Nurkic and Marshall were ejected, with Washington also getting tossed for his role in pushing Nurkic to the ground. It was more actual action than we typically see in an NBA scuffle, as things rarely get past the pushing and shoving stage, but Nurkic swatting Marshall in the face escalated things quickly and the Mavs forward returned the favor with a punch that didn’t seem to connect cleanly. Luckily that was where things ended as the two were quickly separated, but both teams found themselves even more shorthanded than they already were with most of the second half still to play.