Category: Viral

John Krasinski’s A Quiet Place Part II dominated the box office over the holiday weekend, to the tune of a pandemic-era record $58.3 million, but another post-apocalyptic action-horror movie unexpectedly popped up in the top 10 too.

World War Z, starring Brad Pitt as a former-United Nations field agent who’s tasked with stopping a zombie pandemic, made $448,000 this weekend on 80 screens. That was good enough to push Mortal Kombat out of the top 10, although it still finished behind Godzilla vs. Kong ($1.06 million) and Dream Horse ($639,636), which has a 30 Rock-esque poster. Still, not bad for a movie that came out eight years ago.

And it made for a solid — if depressing — double feature with A Quiet Place Part II:

Attendance-wise, the figures for World War Z are not as easy to analyze since the movie was part of a double-feature with A Quiet Place Part II at eighty drive-in locations across the country. If we broke it down based on the average ticket price, that’d be about 38,000 people over three days (and 49,000 over four days), but we can’t assume that sort of breakdown with a double-feature price point, which typically offers two movies for the price of one and can vary tremendously among those eighty drive-ins.

It appears A Quiet Place Part II played before World War Z, in case people weren’t in the mood for a pandemic movie. I can’t imagine why.

(Via Film School Rejects)

A violent overthrow of the government is no laughing matter, but if there’s even an ounce of humor to be found in a disgraced former National Security Advisor telling an unhinged group of conspiracy theorists who actually believe that Donald Trump is their rightful leader that a coup is a pretty good idea, then swearing he didn’t say it, Jimmy Kimmel will find it. And on Tuesday night’s show, he did, telling the audience:

“Trump’s old pardon pal Michael Flynn, a man who admitted to lying to the FBI, who went to prison for it, appeared at what was essentially QAnon-Con this weekend. Where he quite plainly supported an idea from a man in the crowd who asked, ‘Why don’t we just overthrow the government?’ Keep in mind, the man on stage answering this question is a former general and National Security Advisor.”

After taking a moment to address the way the QAdude in question pronounced the name Myanmar, Kimmel went on to explain the situation in question—and paint a more detailed picture of what people were witnessing in the video taken of Flynn’s talk:

“Myanmar is a country in Southeast Asia. In February, the military seized control of the… country. They refused to accept the results of an election there so they organized a coup. Thousands of protestors have been imprisoned and hundreds have been killed and General Lie-senhower up there thinks we should do that here, too. Although after it was suggested that he be court-martialed for that remark, Flynn tried to walk it back.”

Flynn took to social media to actually claim that he did not say the very thing you just watched him say.

You can watch the full segment in the video above (it starts around the 4:05 mark).

Finally, concerts are returning and festival season is coming up. So, yesterday, SZA was rehearsing some songs, but when it came time to run through one of them, she had a hard time: On Twitter yesterday, SZA revealed that she cried after performing her Ctrl song “20 Something.”

SZA wrote in a pair of tweets, “Jus tried to get through 20 something at rehearsal n burst into tears LMAOOO what ? Is wrong w me ? 20 something makes me think of my granny . N everyone else I’ve lost . What a ride .”

It’s certainly one of the more vulnerable songs from SZA’s discography. On it, she sings about feelings of instability and uncertainty she was experiencing at the time: “How could it be? / 20 something, all alone still / Not a thing in my name / Ain’t got nothin’, runnin’ from love / Only know fear / That’s me, Ms. 20 Something / Ain’t got nothin’, runnin’ from love / Wish you were here, oh.”

Meanwhile, SZA is a couple months removed from the release of her Doja Cat collaboration “Kiss Me More,” which is a strong contender for the unofficial Song Of The Summer title. Also, as SZA tends to do from time to time, she shared her frustrations with her record label, a stance she later clarified.

Buzzy Lee (aka Sasha Spielberg) has been a fan of Julia Holter and her remixes for years now. After Holter did an edit of Spielberg’s Nicolas Jaar collaboration “Avalanche” (under their moniker Just Friends), she remembers being blown away by her perspective. “When Julia Holter remixed ‘Avalanche’ (a song I did with Nicolas Jaar), I was amazed by how unique her take was,” Spielberg said in a press release. “From there I continued listening to her work and fell in love. It feels meaningful that she would be the one to re-interpret ‘Strange Town’ ten years later.” Holter’s take on the lead single off Buzzy’s album is above, and it’s a beautiful rework, though none of us would expect anything less.

This isn’t the only bit of news for Buzzy Lee fans today, either. Buzzy is appearing on NPR’s Tiny Desk series for the first time, following up the release of her full-length, Spoiled Love, earlier this year. Bob Boilen lead a full band into Buzzy’s childhood bathroom for the recorded performance, as she noted the significance of the room for her early creative process. “This bathroom was where I would go to sing!” she shared. “I would spend hours on end coming up with songs about each of the fairytales on the tiles and sing as loud as I wanted as I felt I had enough privacy in there. I’d dream of singing in front of crowds and in this tub is where I wrote my first song, ‘You’re Just Like Pie Crust.’ It was a pop song. Huge hit.”

Buzzy also announced a hometown LA show at Zebulon on September 29… perhaps we’ll get a rendition of “Pie Crust” then? Check out her Tiny Desk show below and the remix above.

Westworld‘s Ben Barnes is enjoying his own moment right now with the Netflix audience’s embrace of Shadow and Bone, which almost (but not quite) erases that “we’re not so different, you and I”-style dialogue that he had to utter as Jigsaw in The Punisher. Still, he had plenty of energy to devote to the Friends reunion. While he did not weigh in on the Joey Tribbiani meme that’s captivating the Internet, Barnes did something similarly valuable: he covered the theme song.

Below, you can enjoy Barnes’ soulful version of The Rembrandts’ “I’ll Be There For You.” Sorry Lady Gaga (and your version of “Smelly Cat”), your moment is over. Barnes has actually improved on the theme song, right? Maybe it’s not suitable for dancing in a fountain with umbrellas, but I could relax at home while listening to this joint.

“Who’s feeling nostalgic at the @friends reunion?!” Barnes captioned the photo. “Felt compelled to mess with the theme song. #jenniferanniston @LisaKudrow #courtneycox #mattleblanc @MatthewPerry @DavidSchwimmer were such a huge part of my teens. I got the VHS every Xmas. #illbethereforyou #FriendsReunion.”

VHS fans qualify as the most hardcore variety. Waiting to rewind was a first-world problem that we’d all love to have these days, though.

When the Los Angeles Clippers trailed by 19 points in the first half of Game 3 against the Dallas Mavericks, the team looked to be in a dire position. After all, the Clippers lost the first two games at home and, with a road loss in Game 3, Los Angeles would’ve been an off-the-charts underdog in the best-of-seven series.

On cue, Los Angeles erased that deficit on the way to a 10-point win and, just two nights later, the Clippers throttled the Mavericks by a 106-81 margin to even the series. On Wednesday, the two teams get together for Game 5 at STAPLES Center and the dynamics of the series are wildly intriguing.

Los Angeles posted a 125.1 offensive rating in the two games in Dallas, making life impossible for the Mavericks with a 65.1 percent true shooting clip. For the series, the Clippers have been in a groove offensively, with Kawhi Leonard averaging 33 points and 8.5 rebounds per game and Paul George adding 25 points per contest. The big difference in Dallas was the defense, though, and the Clippers papered over a disastrous showing in the first two games by forcing the Mavericks into tougher attempts and benefitting from shooting regression.

The Mavericks have a close eye on the injury report with Luka Doncic (cervical strain) and Maxi Kleber (right Achilles soreness) both listed as probable. Doncic is the unquestioned leader offensively for Dallas, and Kleber is wildly important in at least attempting to slow down Leonard. After a Game 3 in which the Mavericks shot just 5-for-30 from three-point range, the Mavericks certainly know they must be better from long distance to steal another road win against the suddenly confident Clippers.

From a betting standpoint, Game 4 went Under the total of 220 points and Los Angeles covered the closing point spread of 3.5 points as a favorite.

Game 5 TV Info

Tip Time: Wednesday, June 2; 10 p.m. ET
TV Network: TNT

Game 5 Betting Lines (via DraftKings Sportsbook)

Series Prices: Clippers (-385), Mavericks (+285)
Spread: Clippers -7 (-110), Mavericks +7 (-110)
Total: Over 217 (-112), Under 217 (-109)
Money Line: Clippers (-286), Mavericks (+235)

The Utah Jazz are on the verge of the conference semifinals. After falling in Game 1 to the pesky Memphis Grizzlies, Utah has ripped off three straight wins, although they haven’t all been easy. Memphis has proven a worthy challenger despite being the 8-seed, and it is not hard to come away from what we have seen in this series with the belief that brighter days are not too far down the line for Grizzlies fans.

But while their day is a little down the line, right now, all eyes are on the Jazz and their attempt to continue this magical season by punching their ticket to the second round. With Donovan Mitchell back healthy and looking fantastic, there are reasons to believe that Utah has what it takes to make a run to the NBA Finals. But of course, they have one last bit of business to tend to on Wednesday night, and perhaps once that it all out of the way (if they can pick up a win, of course), they can take a moment to imagine the Larry O’Brien trophy in their possession, even if that wouldn’t come until a little down the line.

Game 5 TV Info

Tip Time: Wednesday, June 2; 9:30 p.m. ET
TV Network: NBA TV

Game 5 Betting Lines (via DraftKings Sportsbook)

Spread: Jazz -9.5 (-110), Grizzlies +9.5 (-110)
Total: Over 225.5 (-112), Under 225.5 (-109)
Money Line: Jazz (-500), Grizzlies (+380)

After a hiccup in Game 2 at Madison Square Garden, the Atlanta Hawks toppled the New York Knicks in back-to-back games at State Farm Arena over the weekend. As a result, the Hawks lead the first round series by a 3-1 margin as the scene shifts back to Manhattan on Wednesday, and the Knicks must find their footing in order to avoid a hasty elimination.

Hawks big man Clint Capela provided some potential bulletin board material for the Knicks on Tuesday but, aside from that, New York must find answers on the offensive end. The Knicks are scoring only 103.1 points per 100 possessions in the series, and that won’t cut it, even while acknowledging New York is holding Atlanta below its regular season offensive efficiency. Julius Randle enjoyed a tremendous season, but the All-Star forward is shooting just 27 percent in the series, and the Knicks will need Randle, RJ Barrett, and Derrick Rose to carry a considerable offensive workload in Game 5.

For Atlanta, Trae Young has been a revelation in the series, continuing his stellar play from the regular season under the brightest of lights. Young is averaging 27.5 points and 10.0 assists against the Knicks, and he appears to be in total control offensively. The Hawks also put high-level shooting on the floor most of the time, with Atlanta catching fire to the tune of a 47 percent three-point clip in their two home games. Though the Hawks are unquestionably favored in the series, they also may have some urgency in Game 5, as the Knicks have home-court advantage and any signs of life in front of a raucous crowd could provide optimism for New York to generate a comeback.

From a betting standpoint, Game 4 went Over the total of 208.5 points and Atlanta covered the closing point spread of 5 points as a favorite.

Game 5 TV Info

Tip Time: Wednesday, June 2; 7:30 p.m. ET
TV Network: TNT

Game 5 Betting Lines (via DraftKings Sportsbook)

Series Prices: Hawks (-1430), Knicks (+700)
Spread: Knicks -1.5 (-112), Hawks +1.5 (-110)
Total: Over 208 (-112), Under 208 (-109)
Money Line: Knicks (-121), Hawks (+102)

The Washington Wizards visit Wells Fargo Center to take on the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 5 on Wednesday night. Washington trails 3-1 in the best-of-seven first round series, though the Wizards put together a spirited effort in a home win in Game 4. Still, Scott Brooks’ team will be facing elimination again on Wednesday, though the projected path to success could be a bit easier for Washington due to a high-profile injury.

Philadelphia reportedly considers All-NBA center Joel Embiid as doubtful for Game 5 after he left Game 4 in the first half with a knee injury. Embiid did not return to the contest on Monday and, with a bit of a cushion in the series, the listing projects that the 76ers may be cautious with his status. After all, the 76ers are still the more talented team, led by Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris, with home-court advantage and a two-game lead in the series. From there, Philadelphia boasts a top-flight defensive infrastructure that can withstand the absence of Embiid in short bursts.

On the Washington side, Davis Bertans (calf) has been ruled out for Game 5, leaving the Wizards with one less sharpshooter to stretch Philadelphia’s defense. The Wizards do have Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal, however, and second-year forward Rui Hachimura enjoyed one of the best games of his young career in the Game 4 victory. Washington could also target Philadelphia on the interior, as they seemingly benefitted from Embiid’s exit in the middle of Monday’s win.

From a betting standpoint, Game 4 went Over the total of 231 points and Washington covered the closing point spread of 8.5 points as an underdog.

Game 5 TV Info

Tip Time: Wednesday, June 2; 7 p.m. ET
TV Network: NBA TV

Game 5 Betting Lines (via DraftKings Sportsbook)

Spread: 76ers -6.5 (-110),Wizards +6.5 (-110)
Total: Over 229.5 (-112), Under 229.5 (-109)
Money Line: 76ers (-250), Wizards (+205)

The Phoenix Suns are 48 minutes away from eliminating the Los Angeles Lakers from the 2021 playoffs. The Suns played picture-perfect basketball against a shorthanded Lakers squad on Wednesday night, racing out to an early lead, reinforcing it with a jaw-dropping second quarter, and going on cruise control during the second half en route to a 115-85 win that gave them a 3-2 lead on the series.

Before the game even tipped off, signs were pointing towards this ending up being a long evening for the purple and gold. Anthony Davis, the team’s star forward, was ruled out with a groin strain that he suffered in Game 4, with L.A. turning to Markieff Morris in his stead.

Even if Davis played, though, it is hard to imagine anyone or anything stopping the Suns on Tuesday night. Los Angeles raced out to an early 8-3 lead, and from approximately that moment on, it was all Phoenix all night. The Suns ripped off an 18-2 run from that point on to give themselves a double-digit lead, and while the Lakers managed to get it down to five, Monty Williams’ bunch kept having answers behind an 18-point frame from Devin Booker.

And then, the avalanche came. The Suns began the second quarter on a 19-2 run and finished were up at the half, 66-36. Los Angeles scored 10 points in the entirety of the second. It was part Phoenix masterclass, part Lakers disaster, and while a second half of basketball took place after, the message was sent: L.A. is going to have to win two games in a row, perhaps without Davis, if it wants to continue its championship defense.

Booker was the man of the night for the Suns. In his best game of his young playoff career so far, Booker scored 30 points in 33 minutes, connecting on 13 of his 23 attempts from the field with seven rebounds and five assists.

Beyond him, Cameron Payne provided quite the scoring punch off the bench, with 16 points in 19 minutes of action. Mikal Bridges stuffed the stat sheet — 13 points, six rebounds, three assists, three steals two blocks — and while Deandre Ayton (eight rebounds, seven assists) and Chris Paul (nine points, six assists, four rebounds, a steal) had relatively quiet nights, Phoenix did more than enough to win.

A major reason why was the absolutely wretched play by Los Angeles, although the Suns deserve tons of credit for making them uncomfortable. LeBron James did not looked like the all-encompassing player he can be on his best nights, as he had 24 with seven assists and five rebounds. It was also, shockingly, the first time in his career that he lost back-to-back games in the first round of the postseason. Kyle Kuzma scored 15 and Talen Horton-Tucker gave the team 11 points and 11 rebounds off the bench, but on the whole, it was very much a burn the tape night for the Lakers. That’s especially the case for Dennis Schröder, who scored no points on 0-for-9 shooting.

Game 6 between the Suns and Lakers will take place on Thursday night at the Staples Center. It is scheduled to tip off at 10:30 p.m. EST on TNT.