Movies

As a critic, I’ve seen the “body swap” concept pop up *a lot* over the years. We’ve had multiple versions of *Freaky Friday*, and while those films work, it’s become a surprisingly common trope. Think about the recent *Jumanji* movies – kids ending up in the bodies of Dwayne Johnson and other stars! Or even more direct takes like the horror-comedy *Freaky*, *Nine Lives*, or John Woo’s action classic, *Face/Off*. But amidst all these films, there’s one comedy from 2011 that I think really deserves more attention – it’s a genuinely underappreciated gem.

Johnson addressed the film *The Smashing Machine*’s disappointing opening weekend on Instagram. He expressed gratitude to those who had seen it, writing, “Thank you to everyone who has watched *The Smashing Machine*.” He explained that while you can’t influence how a movie performs in theaters, you *can* control your own dedication and how fully you immerse yourself in a role, and he always welcomes that challenge. Johnson added that making the film was a transformative experience for him.

The movie ‘So Bouchra’ is an animated story about a lesbian coyote revealing her identity to her mother, who is a heart doctor. According to the filmmaker, Orian, it’s a deeply personal film based on real conversations between Meriem and her mother, exploring themes of love, acceptance, family, and the experience of being part of the diaspora.

Putting the bread news aside, Taylor Swift revealed that Travis Kelce had the engagement ring for quite a while before he actually proposed. She admitted she can’t stop looking at it, saying it feels surreal and represents their future together. Swift was also surprised to see Kelce so nervous, as he proposed immediately after they finished recording their New Heights podcast. She joked that she’d never seen him like that, and wondered how high his heart rate was when he listened to the song “Wood” with his family – that might have been a close second in terms of nerve-wracking moments!

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck finalized their divorce earlier this year, but she seems to hold no resentment. In fact, she publicly thanked Affleck for helping to make her new movie happen. During an interview on the *Today Show*, Lopez explained that “things happen” and you have to move forward, before mentioning the divorce. The situation has sparked speculation about a possible reconciliation, especially considering Affleck’s support of her film project.

Jenny and Sumit Singh, who are well-known from 90 Day Fiancé, have been on the show for a long time, and it feels like TLC tries to include them in as many seasons as possible. Usually, I don’t mind seeing them, but I feel the need to share my thoughts about their appearance in Season 7 of The Other Way.

The Xbox brand at Microsoft is a prime example of this trend. In many respects, Xbox took over the role Sega had when Sega stopped making consoles. It’s interesting, then, to see Sega and Microsoft following similar paths, but this might not be a good sign for Xbox players.

Aesha is a strong leader who believes a team is only as effective as its weakest member. She recalls a difficult experience on her first boat trip, where a sexist captain treated her so poorly she confronted him and left. Determined not to repeat that behavior, she’s stayed true to her word. She’s direct with V, guiding her on tasks like cleaning the dryer filters, but also quick to praise and celebrate successes, like when V sets the breakfast table beautifully, even including the small jam jars.

Shane Black, known for directing films like *Lethal Weapon*, *Kiss Kiss Bang Bang*, *Iron Man 3*, and *The Nice Guys*, is back with *Play Dirty*. This action-packed movie is full of thrilling sequences, explosions, and witty banter. It’s a fun, two-hour ride that honors the Westlake character while also offering a fresh take on his story.

Recently, the show has become popular again, unexpectedly trending on streaming platforms three years after it first came out. This renewed interest is bringing attention to a series that many felt deserved more recognition, letting viewers discover – or rediscover – what it has to offer. While *The Winchesters* felt different than *Supernatural*, it stayed true to the original’s core elements while adding a darker, more gothic feel. It also took a risk by exploring the previously untold story of Mary and John, which challenged some established lore. This new perspective offered a fresh take on their history and allowed for the introduction of even more fantastical creatures.