Don’t Miss the King of Pop
When the new Michael Jackson biopic faced criticism for ignoring the sexual abuse allegations against the pop icon, audiences had a straightforward response: the film was a hit. Last weekend, fans rushed to theaters, contributing to a significant $97 million at the U.S. box office.
There’s quite a divide between critics and everyday viewers.
With such impressive numbers, Lionsgate is hinting at a sequel. There’s still plenty to explore regarding Jackson’s life—like his marriage to Lisa Marie Presley and the extensive cosmetic surgeries that altered his appearance, making him somewhat fragile.
His reliance on surgical anesthetics as a sleep aid ultimately contributed to his demise. Then, of course, there are the many legal issues and accusations related to his behavior towards children. This rich narrative could easily fuel a series, but the Jackson family’s control over the story leaves us uncertain about what will ultimately be portrayed.
Revamping Horror Classics
We recently learned about a new installment of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre—promising, or maybe just an attempt to squeeze more from a horror franchise. This time, perhaps it’ll feature some sort of environmentally friendly twist.
Also, the film that shocked audiences with its realism, The Blair Witch Project, is getting yet another revival. Released in 1999, it surprised many with its marketing that made it seem more like a documentary than a horror film. It was made on a shoestring budget of $60,000 and turned out to be one of the most lucrative films ever, despite the two less-than-stellar sequels that followed.
Now, there’s talk of another version, heading to the Cannes Film Festival, with a budget of $10 million. Fingers crossed someone knows how to use a camera properly.
A Surprising Stand on Jeopardy
One would think “Jeopardy!” champions are, well, smart. Jamie Dinh, a recent winner, took his time in the spotlight to throw shade at Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He displayed a card saying, “As an immigrant and a person of color.” What a statement!
However, even after 31 wins, there seems to be some confusion on his part about differentiating his situation from that of many undocumented individuals. Maybe someone could clarify what an illegal immigrant is?
The Daily Show’s Contradictions
“The Daily Show” had an interesting week, not necessarily the worst show on TV, but still noteworthy. The segment featured comedian Mo Amer, who, while discussing Muslim accomplishments, glossed over the harsher realities, ending with an assertion that Americans are racist.
Amer emphasized that lazy narratives fuel division and violence, suggesting that Americans react negatively to positive contributions from Muslims. To be fair, it’s not Muslim doctors who typically pose threats, but terrorists motivated by hate. I suppose you can find those who wear multiple hats, trying to balance both careers.
Reality Stars in Politics
So, why are we turning to reality TV stars to address societal issues? After Trump’s two presidential runs, it seems Spencer Pratt from “The Hills” is doing something similar in Los Angeles, targeting current leaders who he believes have failed the city.
This is one of those sequels Hollywood seems eager to push—”Reality Show Star Strikes Back,” but given the state of affairs in California, who knows if he’ll get his break?
