When Lily Evans set out to walk her dog, she had no idea the story of that walk would later go viral on the internet.
When she took to Twitter to recount her experience, she opened with a simple question, one that many men have probably wondered for a long time — though women already know the answer.
(Before you click through to the thread itself, note that Lily’s Twitter account is expressly for adults and may be NSFW.)
The walk started off normal enough. Until she ran into a seemingly friendly stranger.
A man eating on a nearby bench offered her dog, Echo, a treat.
He eventually asked her if she lived in the area — which could be considered slightly intrusive — but all in all, it was just small talk.
But then she ran into him again shortly after.
Evans says his friendly banter — maybe innocent, but more likely not — was making her incredibly uncomfortable.
And yet he continued to linger.
Then he invaded her physical space with an out-of-nowhere hug.
“I was terrified,” she wrote.
Evans hurried home, petrified the man would follow her.
He didn’t. But the experience left her shaken and upset. Worst of all, she says, she has been through this many, many times before.
Her story went viral in a hurry, with over 44,000 retweets, 68,000 likes, and thousands of comments.
“The response from other women has been pretty heartbreaking,” Evans writes in a Twitter exchange with Upworthy. “Many, many women have used this as an opportunity to share their stories of harassment, assault, or even just being very frightened.”
The replies to Evans’ tweet thread is littered with similar stories — seemingly “nice” guys on the street or public transportation who push small talk far past its acceptable boundaries.
Though she’s glad her story made other women feel more comfortable coming forward with their own experiences, Evans hopes it also leaves an impression on men who read it.
“I had several guys ask me how they can be more non-threatening, and that’s exactly what I was aiming for.”
“I got a lot of replies from men saying, ‘Oh, I’m so sorry that happened, but we aren’t all like that! Some of us are nice guys,'” she says. “And while that’s true, my point was that strangers cannot know what your intentions are until it’s too late.
She hits on an important point: It’s not inherently wrong or creepy to strike up a conversation with a stranger, but women truly never know when a simple “hi” is going to turn into them being followed and harassed.
“I had several guys ask me how they can be more non-threatening, and that’s exactly what I was aiming for,” she says. “I just want men to be more self-aware and understand that when a woman they don’t know is skittish, it’s nothing personal. We’re just trying to be safe.”
News of Matthew Perry’s death on Saturday was a shocking blow. The beloved actor had his share of personal struggles, but he was 54 years old and seemed to have so much ahead of him. In the wake of the stunning news, tributes poured in, from colleagues and fans alike. On Monday, his costars on the show that made his name — Friends, of course — released a joint statement expressing their bottomless sorrow.
“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family,” read a statement from Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer, which was obtained by People. “There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.
“In time we will say more, as and when we are able,” the statement added. “For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”
From 1994 through 2004, Perry played Chandler Bing, the group’s most excitable, gleefully sarcastic member. Perry was also mourned by Friends creators David Crane and Martha Kauffman, who called him a “brilliant talent,” saying they “will always cherish the joy, the light, the blinding intelligence he brought to every moment – not just to his work, but in life as well.”
They concluded with a winking reference to the show’s way of titling episodes, writing, “This truly is The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken.”
Today is Henry Winkler’s birthday. Hooray! The erstwhile Fonz is 78 years young, and for his big day he got to spend on television, talking to the ladies of The View. He was a predictably lovely guest, as one would expect from a beloved actor who loves nothing more than catching fish. But they did something equally lovely for him.
Per People, Winkler was grinning from ear to ear as a View employee brought out a perfectly themed birthday cake. On it was a replica of Winkler as Fonzie, in one of his more iconic Happy Days moments: the bit in Season 5, Episode 3 in which he jumps a shark while waterskiing.
Winkler was beside himself, and he responded to his hosts in kind. “First of all, my birthday cake is that I got to sit at this table,” he told them. “That’s number one and that is the truth. You are very powerful, point-of-view women and that is amazing.
“Number 2,” he added, “I am the only actor in the world that jumped the shark twice — once on Happy Days, and once on Arrested Development.”
It’s true, Season 2, Episode 13 of the latter features an Easter Egg joke in which Winkler, as eternally disgraced Bluth family attorney Barry Zuckercorn, does a little jump over a small shark while on a dock.
When Winkler first jumped a shark back in 1977, he made history. The term “jump the shark” comes from that beloved bit, although its meaning is not heroic, as was Fonzie’s feat. Instead it’s a pejorative term about either a creative type (or a show, or a franchise, etc.) suddenly losing “it” and going stale. It certainly doesn’t apply to Winkler, who’s had quite the second act post-Happy Days and has, in fact, always ruled.
You can watch Winkler get his birthday cake in the video above and you can see both times he’s jumped a shark on TV below.
It sounds like Bronny James is going to end up playing college basketball for USC this year. In a bit of news that his father, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, shared during the team’s media day at the start of October, James is apparently doing well as he works his way back from going into cardiac arrest while practicing earlier this year. The expectation is that the former 5-star recruit will be able to suit up for the team at some point during the 2023-24 season.
We’re still in the lead-up to the college basketball season, and as such, the USC basketball program is putting fun stuff on social media to give folks some insight into the players who make up Andy Enfield’s program. In one clip, James was asked a simple question: who is your favorite player of all time? What followed next was 15 seconds of deliberation before he, shockingly, ended up on a name you may have heard if you’re a real basketball fan.
“I’ll probably say, like, LeBron James, something like that,” James said.
Kudos to everyone in the room for laughing, as it was very funny, and extra kudos to the person off camera who encouraged him to simply say his dad’s name, as it would have been very easy for them to encourage Bronny to say literally anyone else as a joke.
Believe it or not, it’s already *checks calendar* the tail end of October. We find ourselves in the land of pumpkin spice lattes, cozy sweaters, and warm-hued walks as Mother Nature begins to cool down and prep for a deep cold-season sleep.
If you wish to stay closer to home this fall season, we tapped electronic producers and travel writers for some seasonal inspiration. They’re sharing their favorite towns for a fall getaway — from warmer weekend trips to Joshua Tree to seeking out fall foliage in the Appalachian mountains. See you on the road as the last leaves fall!
Located just two hours south of Denver is the charming downtown area of Buena Vista, CO. It truly is the perfect mountain town to explore in just about every season but come October, just as the season starts to change, things get a little more magical outdoors. Take in the mountain views from the outside patio at The House Rock Kitchen for a delicious lunch, and then head across the street for a tasty treat at Louie’s Ice Cream.
If you’re looking for adventure, Cottonwood Pass offers plenty of hiking and biking trails nearby. If water sports are more your thing, the Arkansas River is a great place to go rafting, swimming, and fishing. However, as the fall season brings cooler weather, it’s the perfect time to visit the hot springs! Buena Vista is home to two very well-known hot springs, Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort, and Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa, both offering incredible experiences and should not be missed!
Mojave Grey (@mojavegrey): Joshua Tree, California
BRITTNEY ROTHWEILER
As the days shorten and the cool desert nights come alive with vibrant colors and subtle whispers of folklore, Joshua Tree stands as an emblematic haven for the soul. This iconic Californian destination has deeply rooted significance to our band, Mojave Grey. Every corner of Joshua Tree, with its vast expanse and ethereal beauty, is the inspiration behind our unique sound—a convergence of classic rock and modern electronic elements. This “sonic gray space” not only defines our music but also narrates our journey.
For those seeking an unparalleled fall experience in Joshua Tree, we’d recommend embracing the raw, wild spirit of the desert: start with a sunrise hike through Hidden Valley, lose yourself amidst the national park’s iconic monolithic rock formations, and treat yourself to an evening under the starlit sky at Pappy & Harriet’s, a legendary desert watering hole. If fortune favors, you may experience a musical echo of what Mojave Grey encapsulates. Because in Joshua Tree, every heartbeat, every whisper, and every tune becomes part of a grander tale—one that we hope to capture in our track “House of the Sun.”
Mike Carroll (@jerseyportraits): Hawks Nest Highway, Sparrow Bush, NY
MIKE CARROLL
Hawks Nest Highway is an autumn gem that offers fall foliage lovers the chance to see a unique perspective of colors that stretch along the Delaware River. During the month of October, adventure seekers travel to this popular destination to capture radiant images of the Delaware River and the well-known winding Route 97 which is just outside of Port Jervis, NY. Keep an eye on the fall foliage reports for the best time to visit!
There are a wide variety of places to eat before and after your adventure. The Fox N Hare Brewing & Pub offers local craft beer, appetizers and salads. The Black Rabbit Saloon, Two Rivers Grille, and The Riverside Creamery are also great options to satisfy your cravings!
Emily Hart (@emilyventures): Fayetteville, West Virginia
EMILY HART
One of my favorite places to visit in the fall is Fayetteville, West Virginia. The town of under 3,000 comes alive in the autumn season, with plenty of outdoor adventure and leaf-peeping opportunities. Adjacent to New River Gorge National Park, I’d recommend spending a day exploring the park, hiking Long Point Trail, then head over to Arrowhead Bike Farm for dinner, brews, and even a camp spot if you’re interested. Stay in nearby Oak Hill at River Expeditions and book a thrilling whitewater trip on the Gauley River – fall is “Gauley Season,” when dam releases create what is thought to be the best whitewater conditions in the country.
Bridge Day happens on the third Saturday in October – when BASE jumpers fling themselves off the New River Gorge Bridge. There is also a 5K, rappelling, and high lining for the daredevils among us. Head downtown to Cathedral Cafe for a unique breakfast and to Pies and Pints for my favorite Sriracha Shrimp pizza.
As autumn leaves tumble and the evening shadows play on the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, it presents a rhythm, a heartbeat distinct from any other cityscape. LA, in its multifaceted splendor, has been a muse for Night Tales since our transition from the vast landscapes of Australia. The metropolis, with its tapestry of cultures, soundscapes, and electric vibes, has deeply influenced our musical transformation—a fusion of melodic beats with the raw essence of urban life. It’s a testament to our evolving journey and experiences in the City of Angels.
For wanderers keen on soaking up the essence of LA this fall, here’s our advice:
Head over to Tsujita Noodle in Sawtelle Japantown for the best bowl of ramen we’ve had so far in the states. Truly a healing bowl after returning from a week of shows on the road. Plus, the ambiance on that street gives you an authentic experience for being located in west side Los Angeles.
For those in West Hollywood, we frequent a drink and bite at E.P. & L.P. on Friday nights to get the weekend started. Owned by fellow Aussies, they’ve curated a beautiful rooftop bar overlooking the Hollywood hills. It’s the perfect way to kick off your night in Weho.
And if you’re seeking a breather from the hustle and bustle of the city, take a cue from Aaron. He loves taking his dog for a playful afternoon at Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach, just south of LA. It’s a serene escape and a perfect place to reflect upon the myriad influences that LA brings to our music.
Mikala Lugen (@mikalalugen): Asheville, North Carolina
MIKALA LUGEN
I’ve lived in many different states during the fall season, but let me tell you something: nowhere is as beautiful as Asheville, North Carolina. In my first fall season here, I can see why thousands of tourists flock to the city this time of year. Asheville has one of the most dramatic displays of fall foliage in the country due to its extreme elevations. With more than 100 species of deciduous trees, this gives the Blue Ridge Mountains one of the longest and most vibrant leaf peeping seasons.
The Blue Ridge Parkway overlooking the Appalachian Mountains is a sight to see. You can see a rainbow of fall colors at Graveyard Fields, about an hour south of the city on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The pass opens up to a large parking lot where people set up cameras and chairs to bask in the sunshine mountain colors all day, while others opt for the three-mile Upper Falls trail that leads to a waterfall. Because Asheville sits right in the heart of the mountains, you can’t really go wrong with just getting out on a hike anywhere within a two-hour radius of the city. Colorful autumn-setting hikes can be found at Craggy Pinnacle, Black Balsam Knob, Sam Knob, Max Patch Mountain, Mount Pisgah, Bearwallow Mountain, Linville Gorge, Lookout Mountain, and more.
Of course, you can’t go wrong with spending time in downtown Asheville to enjoy the fall weather. Grab yourself a pumpkin spice latte (if that’s your thing) or your favorite hot drink from Summit Coffee or Pollen Coffee & Flowers and walk among the fall foliage in the city center and visit the dozens of cute shops. There’s also never a bad time to spend a day at the idyllic 250-room Biltmore Estate – America’s largest home – but fall especially boasts a stunning fall garden display and scenic hiking trails.
Featured Upcoming Tour Dates: Chicago, IL (12/29); San Francisco, CA (12/30)
WHIPPED CREAM
My favorite spot to go during fall is New York, it’s the ultimate autumn destination. I love to catch the sunset by Brooklyn Bridge Park, there’s nothing quite like savoring the serene beauty here. I love New York for its dynamic energy and diverse fashion scene, it’s always captivated me, and especially during fall, it all blends seamlessly with the cityscape as the leaves and foliage transform and burst into colors and vibrancy.
I love walking the city at any time during fall season because of the ever-changing scenery. I adore NYC during fall because I also feel like there’s less of a crowd during this time and the weather is the classic fall weather I love.
Roanoke, recently dubbed as a “fun fall weekend getaway” on the TODAY Show, is a must-visit this autumn season. Visitors will be treated to breathtaking views of Virginia’s Blue Ridge foliage and an invitation to stay at the charming Liberty Trust boutique hotel in downtown Roanoke. Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke offers a blend of vibrant urban life and natural wonders. A stone’s throw away, you’ll find the Go Outside Festival and the cherished Virginia Tech.
As the leaves turn, Virginia’s Blue Ridge transforms into a canvas of russet, gold, and fiery red. With the Blue Ridge Parkway freshly opened from milepost 121.4 to 136, it’s the ideal time for an unforgettable drive or hike. But for a twist on traditional leaf-peeping, take to the Roanoke River. There, reflections of fall’s splendor dance on the water’s surface, providing a unique and tranquil experience.
Easy to reach from Washington, D.C. by Amtrak or by air through the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, Roanoke promises a captivating fall escape. Visit and let Virginia’s Blue Ridge enchant you.
Fall is my favorite time of the year to escape to the desert for a weekend getaway. The sun finally lets up enough for me to enjoy the outdoors without burning to a crisp but there are still enough daylight hours to spend time in nature. Plus, the temperatures get rather cool at night, perfect for cozying up by the fireplace. While I always love hiking through Joshua Tree National Park for the views, but the towns of Joshua Tree and its neighbors, including Yucca Valley, Twentynine Palms, and Pioneertown, always keep me entertained, too.
Vintage and antique shopping in the area is an absolute must (I usually hop from store to store in Yucca Valley), and there is a seemingly endless assortment of kitschy and eclectic art installations to discover, like the World Famous Crochet Museum and Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum, which are both free! If you love old western movies, you absolutely have to make a stop in Pioneertown. (Cowboy boots and hat not required, but definitely encouraged.) One of my favorite hidden gems is Garth’s Boulder Garden in Pioneertown, which is a donation-based nonprofit nature preserve and artist collective. It’s one of those places that you just have to visit to understand.
As for where to stay, there’s no shortage of Airbnbs to choose from, but my personal favorite is Arro Dunes, which is a gorgeous secluded getaway in Twentynine Palms. It’s the most serene, tranquil escape I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing and I would book and rebook many times over.
The perfect fall weekend requires three things: colorful leaves, autumnal cocktails, and good vibes. Boulder has all three plus Deion Sanders. Since they’re on TV in most American households right now, why not spend a weekend in Buffs territory? Boulder is just under an hour from DIA and downtown Denver, and less than two hours from mountain towns like Vail and Estes Park. But like I said, Boulder has everything you need for a festive fall getaway!
Feel the crisp mountain air with a hike in Chautauqua Park amongst the changing leaves and aromatic pine trees. Consider also taking a drive up Flagstaff Mountain for scenic views of the Rocky Mountains. Of course, treat yourself to a proper Lucile’s brunch of beignets, eggs Pontchartrain, and Baileys Irish coffee afterwards. If you stride down Pearl Street to “walk off brunch” when it’s really an excuse to go shopping, I won’t tell anyone. Just be sure to stop by the Boulder Farmers Market too! You can go leaf peeping in Nederland in early fall or simply drive down Mapleton Ave when the season is in full swing. When night falls, The Sink is the spot for a Buff’s game pregame (some things never change, class of ’17, here). Remember to bundle up in the stands at Folsom Field!
As for food, Boulder’s dining scene ate and left no crumbs. From farm to table (River and Woods) to “flown in while still alive” (Jax Fish House), you’ll be eating good alllll weekend. For drinks, The Bitter Bar surely has a few fall-flavor-infused cocktails, and the espresso martini at Jill’s always delivers. If you’re looking to mingle, check out Velvet Elk Lounge, License No. 1, or Rosetta Hall (this bar always makes me feel like I’m in Grand Central Station). The weekend wouldn’t be complete without a spa treatment at The Dragontree (deep tissue for me, please).
Concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheatre are scheduled through November 12th, so if there’s still a solid month to catch a show at this world-renowned venue. You can even go during the day when there’s not a concert happening and explore its 738 acres of hiking trails, geological wonders, and astounding views.
The absolute best place to spend those brisk and beautiful fall days is Two Harbors, Minnesota. Just past Duluth, a quarter of the way up the scenic Highway 61 lies the magnificent Two Harbors. Brilliant fall colors, stunning waterfalls, and the endless blue waters of Lake Superior meet one-of-a-kind restaurants, fantastic breweries, and plenty of historic sights to enjoy with family and friends. Palisade Head, Tettegouche State Park, Gooseberry Falls, and the Superior Hiking Trail show off those breathtaking Autumn colors and are must-do’s for the adventurers.
Electric Polar Bears (@weareepb): Phoenix, Arizona
Featured Upcoming Tour Date: Amsterdam Dance Event (10/18)
ELECTRIC POLAR BEARS
Phoenix, Arizona might be synonymous with scorching summers, but the fall season brings a refreshing change to the Valley of the Sun perfect for a polar bear. From September through November, Phoenix is the destination for those seeking pleasant weather, breathtaking natural beauty, and a vibrant cultural scene.
One of our favorite places during this time is the Desert Botanical Garden. As the temperatures cool down, the garden’s diverse cactus and succulent collection come alive in a bouquet of colors. It’s the ideal place for Zero’s leisurely strolls.
Snowball likes to explore the nearby Papago Park, which boasts stunning red sandstone formations and picturesque hiking trails. For a unique experience, take a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert to witness the breathtaking desert landscape.
Fall in Phoenix is also marked by exciting events, with the Arizona State Fair being a highlight. It’s a delightful blend of thrilling rides, delicious fair food, and live entertainment that make us forget we’re living in a desert! Additionally, the Dia de los Muertos PHX Festival celebrates Mexican culture with vibrant parades and music.
Uproxx Life Editor, Steve Bramucci (@steve_bramucci): Leavenworth, Washington
Everybody who goes to Leavenworth, Washington — a city that manages to be built in complete homage to small Bavarian mountain towns without feeling fake or campy — comes back saying, “I can’t believe how much I loved it.” Like a comedian who gets laughs by committing fully to a bit, the town is so thorough in its recreation of Bavaria that you have to give the place credit and you end up being entranced. There are parts of NYC that feel very European but those aside, this is probably the most genuinely ~Euro-feeling~ spot in the United States.
Not surprisingly, Leavenworth is absolutely hammered with guests over Christmas. And keeping it 100 — it is amazing that time of year. But speaking as a Pacific Northwesterner, I vote for the fall season visit. I’m talking about early November, when you can hike and explore outdoors and the Christmas vibes are also getting kicking.
If you go this time of year, make time for the Icicle Gorge Trail. It’s a four-mile mission but absolutely worth it, with stunning views of the gorge, the river, and thick forests. Cholchuck Lake is another must, if only for that whistful picture of you in fall clothes staring out at the middle distance. If you have the money, be sure to wind down from these adventures with an overnight at the Posthotel — one of the most well-regarded, buttoned-up, and sexy hotels/ spas in the entire region.
For starters, the film crushed it at the box office, and Blumhouse Productions CEO Jason Blum has been touting that win all weekend. Dropping an adaptation of a popular horror video game just a few days before Halloween worked like gangbusters, so people can feel pretty confident that Blumhouse will want to repeat that formula.
On top of that, Five Nights at Freddy’s star Matthew Lillard made some interesting remarks back in February that definitely increases the chances of a sequel. While appearing on the WeeklyMTG podcast, Lillard revealed that he’s going to busy working on the horror franchise for more than one film.
“I just got cast in a movie called Five Nights at Freddy’s. It’s very fun, it’s a three-picture deal with Universal and Blumhouse,” Lillard said via Fangoria. “So, unfortunately, my day job is taking me off to work.”
There have you have it. Not only is a sequel most likely in the works, but Five Nights at Freddy’s could even be a trilogy.
Here’s the official synopsis:
Can you survive five nights? The terrifying horror game phenomenon becomes a blood-chilling cinematic event, as Blumhouse brings Five Nights at Freddy’s to the big screen. The film follows a troubled security guard as he begins working at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. While spending his first night on the job, he realizes the night shift at Freddy’s won’t be so easy to make it through.
Five Nights at Freddy’s is now playing in theaters and streaming on Peacock.
Netflix’s latest docuseriesLife On Our Planet shows the long (very long) and tumultuous journey that the planet and its inhabitants have gone through over the last few billion years (give or take a few thousand).
Even though the show consists of CGI animals, long-extinct dinos, and various special effects, the team worked hard to make sure the whole story was historically accurate. Tom Fletcher, an actual paleontologist who worked on the series, said that the research was surprisingly accurate.
Fletcher told Tudum, “We would build a fact file [text database], which usually numbered around 100 pages per creature and would include all of the known evidence. We’d then turn this over to [VFX studio Industrial Light and Magic] saying, ‘This is what the skeleton is like, this is what the teeth are like, how they should be walking, what color they are’ — basically everything. At first, I think they were a bit overwhelmed, but they soon began to cherish the fact files as much as me.” This way, everyone was on the same page when it came to making the T-Rex look extra creepy while also being factually correct.
Even though they couldn’t film certain extinct animals without breaking the laws of space and time, the crew did film in historically accurate locations based on which species they were focused on. “It makes the VFX feel much more real in my view,” Sophie Lanfear, director and writer for the series, told Den of Geek. “Of course, we could have had the backgrounds be CGI as well as the animals but by choosing to film real locations, the scenes became somehow more believable—I guess because they’re grounded in reality. This also helped make our VFX scenes blend in really well with our modern-day natural history ones.”
Life On Our Planet is currently streaming on Netflix.
For all of Drake’s accomplishments, his son Adonis is already off to a strong start at bypassing him at just six years old. After Adonis drew the cover of Drake’s new album, For All The Dogs, he later appeared on the album, stealing the show from his famous dad, then wound up dropping a completely separate solo track. Now, Adonis’ artwork will adorn a limited-edition varsity jacket commemorating the album’s success, making him basically a fashion designer too.
In celebration of Drake’s eighth studio album For All The Dogs, October’s Very Own continues tradition with the release of the brand’s iconic commemorative varsity jacket.
The October’s Very Own varsity jacket is available for pre-order now in sizes XS to XXXL for $998. The jacket follows Drake’s tradition of getting custom jackets made to commemorate special occasions like the Raptors winning the NBA championship in 2019. The tradition goes back to 2011, when his OVO jackets went for “just” $500, and includes collaborations with the University Of Toronto. Of course, this jacket will probably arrive far too late for you to try to dress up as Drake for Halloween this year, but hey, at $1000, you’ll probably want to get as many wears out of the thing as you possibly can, right?
You can find out more about the jacket — and OVO’s recent collaboration with the Toronto Maple Leafs — at the brand’s official website.
Bankman-Fried made headlines when he was arrested in the Bahamas after billions of dollars was seemingly looted from the exchange following a series of shady financial dealings that has the former CEO sharing a jail cell with high-profile detainees. While taking the stand, prosecutors wasting no time grilling Bankman-Fried over every detail of his CEO tenure. Most notably, prosecutors zeroed in on Bankman-Fried’s disdain for his customers who he’s accused of bilking with his shady transactions.
US Assistant Attorney Danielle Sassoon noted Monday that SBF publicly advocated for crypto regulation, citing a tweet in which he wrote his support for regulation was “contingent on protecting customers.”
“That was just for PR, wasn’t it?” Sassoon asked.
“No.” Bankman-Fried replied.
Sassoon then referenced an exchange SBF had with a reporter in which he said “f*ck regulators” and that his advocacy was “just PR.” Another private conversation showed SBF calling some customers “dumb m*therf**kers.”
Sassoon also grilled Bankman-Fried about his unkempt hair and the allegations that he told his ex-girlfriend that it was the source of his power, and cutting it would have a “negative EV” or estimated value.
“I don’t think I said it that way,” Bankman-Fried shot back before prosecutors moved onto his trips to the Middle East with Anthony Scaramucci because, for real, this trial has everything.
You’d think pairing John Cena and Alison Brie into an action comedy would be casting gold, but that is apparently not the case for their new movie Freelance. The film dropped into theaters over the weekend and received a brutal zero percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Freelance centers on Mason Pettis (Cena), a former special forces operative stuck in a desk job and pining for his old action-filled life. When tarnished journalist Claire Wellington (Brie) needs an escort to interview a dictator to revive her career, Cena jumps at the chance to relive his glory days. While that premise sounds great on paper, the execution left much to be desired as critics can’t believe what they saw on screen.
Freelance fails to deliver on every front. Worse, it barely seems to try. Though it’s billed as a comedy, the script (by Jacob Lentz) includes few real jokes — its idea of a hilarious running gag is Venegas repeatedly describing things as “petite” because he’s amused that Mason’s last name is Pettits. Though it purports to be an action movie, it makes no attempt to craft a single memorable set piece. A foot chase moves back and forth across the jungle at moderate speed until even the characters seem bored. A climactic shootout ends not with a bang but with a smash cut to a news report, as if the film itself grew restless and changed the channel.
From Pierre Morel, director of Taken, From Paris with Love, and the truly atrocious Peppermint, Freelance continues his trend of bland, unremarkable action films. Freelance looks cheaply made, and while this film puts Cena, Brie, and Raba in a chase for their lives across Paldonia, this always looks as though it was filmed on backlots and green screens. The action is never exciting, the jokes never land, and the pacing is all over the place.
This lifeless action rom-ish-com fails every genre in its multi-hyphenate description. Writer Jacob Lentz’s thoughtless feature debut screenplay is a shambles of contradictory dialogue and forgotten plotlines whose thematic fumbles are fit for an ESPN Not Top 10 reel. At no point does anyone in front of or behind the camera seem to understand the movie they’re making. It’s a mess from start to finish, but not the fun type of disaster where bad turns to worse with entertaining discombobulation.
“Freelance” is barely a movie. Sure, it’s got a budget ($40 million!), a semblance of a plot, and stars that you’ll recognize, but none of it was developed beyond the bare minimum to get released on VOD and in a few theaters. It is a defiantly lazy work, a project that echoes better films when it’s doing anything. The most impressive thing about Pierre Morel’s film is how it takes two actors as generally likable as John Cena and Alison Brie and makes them such bland avatars for actual people that they fade into the dull background of action-comedy noise this “movie” tries to achieve.
Such awkward, ultimately pointless scenes are par for the course in Freelance, a film that doesn’t seem to know what it wants to be. By its conclusion, what we’re left with is a cinematic Frankenstein, whose disparate genre elements have been cobbled together without much consideration or fuss. As such, the film ultimately feels as aimless as it does airless—too blasé for its more serious messaging to land and not nearly funny enough to make you forget it.
A head-scratching disaster that doesn’t so much as mix genres and tones but rather puzzlingly cycles through them with no apparent reason or thematic purpose, desperately hoping something starts to click. Just when you think you have the film pinned down as an action-comedy romp about a private security agent protecting an ambitious journalist in the jungle of a hostile fictional country amid a coup, it doesn’t just introduce dramatic political elements but full-on becomes a political drama for what feels like forever. Honestly, the entire film feels never-ending, even at only 105 minutes.
Freelance is now playing in theaters.
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Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
