Out Now

# A Familiar But Welcome Formula

A24 has been on a hit release rampage recently with captivating shows and movies like [**_Beef_**](https://likewisetv.com/items/shows/beef-154385) (featuring an [exceptional performance from Ali Wong](https://likewisetv.com/blog/winner-of-the-week-ali-wong-in-beef)) and [**_The Whale_**](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/the-whale-785084), piquing the curiosity of potential viewers of the upcoming [**_Beau Is Afraid_**](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/beau-is-afraid-798286). Directed by [Ari Aster](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4170048/), known for critically acclaimed films [**_Hereditary_**](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/hereditary-493922) and [**_Midsommar_**](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/midsommar-530385), _Beau Is Afraid_ has become a subject of discussion for many. As Aster’s successes with his previous films have earned the director numerous accolades for his work in the hit-or-miss horror genre, it’s no surprise that all eyes are on the upcoming release.

While Aster’s _Hereditary_ and _Midsommar_ have scored [90%](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hereditary) and [83%](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/midsommar) on Rotten Tomatoes, respectively, _Beau Is Afraid_ is currently sitting at a slightly lower score of [73%](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/beau_is_afraid). While nothing to gawk at, the rating is indicative of [some of the doubts](https://apnews.com/article/beau-is-afraid-review-ari-aster-joaquin-phoenix-38535c76e687d09fc95361f45663d3fd) present about the release. However, those that have been party to prerelease showings have had largely intriguing, positive reviews:

> _As he has in his first two films, Aster has paired powerful performers with a script that plunges into the surreal and the psychological. His movies feel like a dare, challenging audiences with visuals of beautiful bodies destroyed by self-loathing, audio that creeps under your skin, and plot twists that feel wrong yet oh, so terribly right... This is the world we know at its very worst... and at its most chaotically fun. Still, I can't promise you'll enjoy_ Beau Is Afraid. _I can promise it'll **** you up._ - [Kristy Puchko (_Mashable_)](https://mashable.com/article/beau-is-afraid-review)

Reportedly a highly introspective and wildly uncomfortable experience, _Beau Is Afraid_ promises to deliver on the charismatic confusion present in Aster’s other works–which is a very welcome point for those that found themselves enamored by the director’s style in the past. Although Aster’s signature presence on the screen is undeniably unique, other recent indie horrors have seen similar executions in their pacing, atmosphere, and disturbing undertones. Take, for instance, [Robert Egger](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3211470/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_1_nm_7_q_Robert%2520Egger)’s [**_The Witch_**](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/the-witch-310131) and [**_The Lighthouse_**](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/the-lighthouse-503919) (both also falling under A24’s banner)–two unmistakably different movies sharing many similarities to each other and other recent horrors. Personally, I can’t and won’t complain about this as I’ve fallen in love with these stylings in recent years. However, _Beau Is Afraid_ also evokes similar sensations as other experimental non-horror films.

![Joaquin Phoenix cradled against a puddle.](https://likewisestorageprod.azureedge.net/strapi/uploads/Beau_Is_Afraid_Body_dd13bad385.jpeg)

> _[I]t’s funny and terrifying in equal measure, often in the same moments. It achieves what_ [Joker](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/joker-475557)_–which featured Phoenix’s Oscar-winning performance–failed to with jarring tone, practically transforming Aster’s signature close-ups, of dead faces frozen in moments of fear and anguish, into Greek comedy masks... [I]t’s the kind of movie worth recommending for its ambition alone, merely to witness the audacious result of anxious self-loathing writ large across the silver screen, without an ounce of restraint. That it’s also a remarkably well-crafted horror-comedy is a cherry on top._ - [Siddhant Adlakha (_IGN_)](https://www.ign.com/articles/beau-is-afraid-review)

Comparisons between [Joaquin Phoenix](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001618/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_2_nm_1_q_Joaquin%2520Phoenix)’s performances in both roles were bound to be discussed, especially given the tonal similarities between the two movies. Additionally, Phoenix’s lengthy on-screen history shows several similarly unsettling, yet invigorating, lead or supporting roles–[**_You Were Never Really Here_**](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/you-were-never-really-here-398181), [**_The Master_**](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/the-master-68722), [**_The Village_**](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/the-village-6947), [**_Irrational Man_**](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/irrational-man-282984), and so on–that should provide audience members ample reason to look forward to his performance.

> _On one hand, this feels like Aster’s self-flagellation about his own relationship with his mother, but on the other, it also feels like Aster just going absolutely nuts and having a ball with this examination. Either way, it’s absolutely thrilling to watch Aster work this out._- [Ross Bonaime (_Collider_)](https://collider.com/beau-is-afraid-review/)

With a healthy mixture of Oedipus-tinged trauma and bleakly comedic moments, Beau’s life is marred by misfortune and paralyzing fear. Watching the timid hero trudge through the conditions of his meek existence proves provocative enough to perfectly match the film’s larger presence and is sure to spark discussion of the horror-comedy for some time to come.

_Interested in watching_ Beau Is Afraid_? Add it to your watchlist [here](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/beau-is-afraid-798286)!_


Reviews are in! Director Ari Aster's latest release, 'Beau Is Afraid,' is sure to excite.

Joaquin Phoenix, battered and bruised, stares blankly at the viewer.

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Beau Is Afraid - What Can We Expect?

Since the release of the first trailer for [**_The Super Mario Bros. Movie_**](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/the-super-mario-bros-movie-502356), passionate discourse erupted, with plenty of [mixed opinions](https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/chris-pratt-super-mario-bros-movie-voice-controversy-130029645.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAJXhAu0JYUAnmncXgfvJZldZSW6XbqNrY50UvsHX11uj8m1g79et1qZIEpFKswwFBpFN663IWF_s5DacAMb-JL8Jdi-luKF1TUuzDGJGNmAE8v71YI7P8yefmmTP3WKMxveuOp5EgM0RzJy3slG0MemkgNPreQ9QzUVkDKry1Kox) among Mario fans about whether or not [Chris Pratt](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0695435/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1)’s accent did justice to everybody’s favorite mustachioed plumber with a purpose. There hasn't been this much controversy over a classic video game character's fictional attributes since [Sonic the Hedgehog's teeth](https://time.com/5580304/sonic-the-hedgehog-movie-teeth/) (which they “fixed” before releasing the [**_Sonic the Hedgehog_**](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/sonic-the-hedgehog-454626) movie in 2020). 

It’s an interesting predicament for Nintendo to be in since, in the games, Mario doesn’t speak a whole lot and most of his dialogue—"Let's-a go!" "Mamma mia!" and "Wahoo!"—consists of silly one-liners. Check out this [comparison](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Khzf9KBYTDw) of the English, Italian, and French voice overs to decide for yourself which accent you prefer for Mario (and know that there is, of course, no right answer). 

So, why does this all matter? The _Mario Bros._ video game franchise has been around for nearly 40 years, which means many long-time Mario and Luigi fans are now adults with kids of their own. With their original fanbase now having big hearts and deeper pockets to splurge on nostalgic entertainment, Nintendo decided to take another shot at bringing their most beloved characters to life on the big screen. Despite being one of the top five most profitable video game companies of all time, Nintendo had plenty to fear since its first—and only—foray into the movie industry back in 1993 resulted in an unholy abomination that is regarded as one of the worst movies ever made: [**_Super Mario Bros._**](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/super-mario-bros-9607) (although there are some, naturally, who now [consider it a cult classic](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/07/movies/super-mario-bros-bob-hoskins-1993.html)).

I’m happy to report that, after seeing the movie in person, I can say with confidence that Pratt did just fine voicing Mario. But let me go one step further and proclaim it loud and clear: It was [Jack Black](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0085312/) as Bowser, [Anya Taylor-Joy](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5896355/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) as Princess Peach, and [Charlie Day](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0206359/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) as Luigi who turned in standout performances.

![Princess Peach in a red and white gown holding a ball of flame in her right hand.](https://likewisestorageprod.azureedge.net/strapi/uploads/Mario_Body1_41dc8570b7.jpeg)

So are the movie critics just plain wrong and will the fans trounce them at the box office? The job of critics is to, at least in theory, measure the merit of a movie from a technical perspective by analyzing features like story structure, voice acting, editing, and so on. Fans, on the other hand, rate movies based on one simple question: How much did I enjoy the movie? Here at Likewise we tend to pay more attention to audience ratings and disregard the critics. But in the case of _The Super Mario Bros. Movie_, I can’t in good conscience ignore the absurd reviews from critics.

With an audience score of 96% and a critic score of 54% on [Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_super_mario_bros_movie) I have to wonder: Did we even watch the same movie? The discrepancy between movie experts and fans is absolutely preposterous. Sure, there's not much going on in terms of the plot—it’s a straightforward “I lost my brother and I must go on an adventure to find him” storyline—but who cares? Not a single person has played a Mario game for the riveting story. We play _Super Mario_ because we want to immerse ourselves in a magical wonderland with fun gameplay.

As many movie critics have pointed out, there’s hardly any characterization for Mario or the supporting cast. But once again, the appeal of this chromatic universe is all the awesome stuff from the games: exploring fantastical landscapes ([_Super Mario World_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Mario_World)), driving like a maniac ([_Mario Kart_)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_Kart), and destroying things ([_Super Smash Bros._](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Smash_Bros.)). All of which are extremely entertaining in this movie. The entire 92-minute runtime is chock-full of slapstick humor as well as easter eggs and references that only long-time fans will understand, making it equally enjoyable for kids and adults alike.

The lack of deep characterization actually benefits the film because it allows for rapid-fire pacing and constant stimulation—which has proven to be a recipe for success for other silly-yet-satisfying franchises (see: [**_Minions_**](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/minions-211672)). The animation is absolutely stunning and it’s clear that Nintendo didn’t want to pull any punches with the visuals. Jack Black as Bowser was a perfect casting choice and it was a pleasant surprise to hear him break into song. In fact, that was probably my favorite scene in the whole movie.

![Luigi (left) and Bowser (right) look out to a shining star power-up.](https://likewisestorageprod.azureedge.net/strapi/uploads/Mario_Body2_f3dcb10012.jpeg)

The ‘80s rock music soundtrack was a bit off-putting at times, especially considering the soundtrack for the games were riffs on variations of big band and jazz. But it never took me out of the experience because I couldn’t stop grinning. Above all else, the movie was fun. I had a delightful time watching _The Super Mario Bros. Movie_ in a packed theater surrounded by families and friends laughing and cheering. Three of the kids were even cosplaying as Mario!

I’m sure this movie will be a smashing financial success, which means we can expect more Nintendo movies in the future. With a laundry list of iconic IPs (Zelda, Captain Falcon, Fox, Animal Crossing, Metroid, the list goes on), it will be interesting to see which movie they make next.

Interested in watching _The Super Mario Bros._ Movie? Add it to your watchlist [here](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/the-super-mario-bros-movie-502356)!

### Likewiser Reviews:
> _Great movie, especially for fans of the Mario games/world! Very kid friendly but just as entertaining for adults._ - [@siara_crager](https://likewisetv.com/profile/siara_crager)


> _If you love Mario you will love this! Bowser stole the show in my opinion. Jack Black is perfect for the role._ - [@reshawn_garnett](https://likewisetv.com/profile/reshawn_garnett)

'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' is the latest video game adaptation to hit theaters, but does it surpass audience expectations or fall short?

Promotional image for 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' featuring characters such as Mario, Princess Peach, Donkey Kong, and more.

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The Super Mario Bros. Movie - What More Could You Ask For?

The phrase “based on a true story” is slapped on the title sequence of seemingly half the new movies and shows released every month. From tragic war stories ([_Devotion_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/devotion-653851)) to bone-chilling serial killer docuseries ([_Conversations with a Killer: The Jeffrey Dahmer Tapes_](https://likewisetv.com/items/shows/conversations-with-a-killer:-the-jeffrey-dahmer-tapes-209167)), there is no shortage of entertainment about dramatized versions of real events.

The internet has played a big part in opening the public’s eyes to the vast number of bonkers, unbelievable stories that have actually happened over the last 100 years. Naturally, there has been a cultural fascination with the stories that shaped our modern world. And of course, a financial incentive to studios tell them.

The term “inspired by real events” is thrown around generously all over Hollywood. Some films have a nugget of truth but are highly fictionalized, while other movies are nearly one-to-one recreations of actual events. Take a look at six must-watch movies that are based on true stories.

## 1. _Cocaine Bear_ (2023)

![Cocaine Bear's titular bears hugs a tree mid-climb.](https://likewisestorageprod.azureedge.net/strapi/uploads/Cocaine_Bear_Body_df69b1525d.jpeg)

[_Cocaine Bear_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/cocaine-bear-804150) is _**loosely**_ inspired by the events surrounding a 175-pound American black bear (often referred to as [Pablo Eskobear](https://www.historyvshollywood.com/reelfaces/cocaine-bear/)) that died after ingesting a duffel bag full of cocaine that was dropped from a small plane above Georgia in December 1985. “Loosely” is another term that marketing departments love to use on their movie because it allows the film to deviate from the true story almost entirely as long as there is one core piece of truth.

In this case, a bear did in fact consume a bunch of cocaine. Fortunately, the bear did not go on a cocaine-fueled killing spree. In real life, the story has a less sensational ending: The bear was found dead in the Chattahoochee National Forest after overdosing.
 
There is not a human on this planet more excited to watch _Cocaine Bear_ than me. Absurd, goofy disaster movies that you can laugh at with friends will always hold a special place in my heart. This over-the-top hit piece on an innocent bear seems like it’s going to be an enjoyable mindless popcorn movie. Check out the trailer [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuWEEKeJLMI)!

**Likewiser review:**
> _MUST WATCH!_ - [@emily_masters_5238](https://likewisetv.com/profile/emily_masters_5238)

## 2. _127 Hours_ (2010)

![127 Hours' James Franco scales a crevasse in this promotional image.](https://likewisestorageprod.azureedge.net/strapi/uploads/127_Hours_Body_083a80f833.jpeg)

Based on the best-selling novel [_127 Hours: Between a Rock and a Hard Place_](https://likewise.com/books/_CJmjFsJY1cC), [_127 Hours_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/127-hours-44115) serves as a cautionary tale for solo adventurists. [James Franco](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0290556/?ref_=tt_ov_st) stars as [Aron Ralston](https://www.aronralstonspeaker.com/), a mountaineer that becomes trapped under a boulder while canyoneering alone near Moab, Utah and resorts to desperate measures in order to survive.

Stranded for (you guessed it) 127 hours, Ralston battles every physical and mental obstacle you can imagine. The movie is as captivating as it is claustrophobic and is a testament to the power of the human spirit. As with most stories, the book does a better job of accurately portraying who Ralston is as an individual, but the film is still certainly worth a watch.

If there is one thing you take away from this movie, let it be this: always tell someone where you’re going when traveling alone.

**Likewiser review:**
> _Definitely not for the squeamish. Makes you wonder the lengths you'd go to in order to survive._ - [@buck_2918](https://likewisetv.com/profile/buck_2918)

## 3. _Alive_ (1993)

![The numerous members of Alive's cast huddle together atop a snowy mountain range.](https://likewisestorageprod.azureedge.net/strapi/uploads/Alive_Body_bae675669c.jpeg)

[_Alive_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/alive-7305) is one of the first disaster movies I ever watched, and one that still sends shivers down my spine. The film tells the harrowing story of a Uruguayan rugby team’s journey on Flight 571, which [crashed in the Andes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uruguayan_Air_Force_Flight_571). Without help and battling starvation, the survivors have no choice but to resort to cannibalism to stay alive. 

Based on the 1974 book [_Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors_](https://likewise.com/books/nm1EPgAACAAJ), the film portrays the fear and hopelessness the survivors felt while waiting to be rescued. One of the survivors, [Nando Parrado](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nando_Parrado) (portrayed by [Ethan Hawke](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000160/) in the film), served as the technical advisor for the film to ensure that the story was faithful to what actually happened.

If you plan to watch this movie, I recommend eating before viewing because you won’t want to eat during or after.

**Likewiser review:**
> _I am obsessed with the regular people imperiled in the wilderness by accident genre and this is just a great example of it. I’ve seen it like 15 times._ - [@katie_mcateer](https://likewisetv.com/profile/katie_mcateer)

## 4. _The Strays_ (2023)

![The Strays' star Ashley Madekwe sheds a tear againsr a sage background in this promotional image.](https://likewisestorageprod.azureedge.net/strapi/uploads/The_Strays_Body_a1f7471612.jpeg)

What happens when a secret you’ve tried so hard to bury finally comes to the surface? Neve Williams, who has meticulously crafted a life of privilege, is harboring a secret about her past. When two strangers arrive in town, it kick-starts a series of life-changing events. Netflix’s newest thriller [_The Strays_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/the-strays-1063422) has already been compared to popular thrillers like [_Get Out_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/get-out-419430) and [_Funny Games_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/funny-games-8461), and writer/director [Nathaniel Martello-White](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2533322/?ref_=tt_ov_dr) claims his initial inspiration came from a true story he heard from his mom.

Speaking to [_Radio Times_](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/the-strays-true-story-netflix-exclusive-newsupdate/) about the story, he explained "[It] was about a woman who essentially was denying the fact that she had two Black children." The woman was biracial and also had two children who were fair-skinned and almost white-passing. Fascinated by the complexities of what would make somebody feel like they had to erase their past and deny it, Martello-White created _The Strays_. 

Watch the [trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9_UteTT9wA&t=) and add it to your watchlist!

## 5. _BlacKkKlansman_ (2018)

![Raising a fist and holding a pick, this man wears the signature cowl of the Ku Klux Klan in defiance of the hate group.](https://likewisestorageprod.azureedge.net/strapi/uploads/Blac_Kk_Klansman_body_7c8933bd26.jpeg)
 
In 1978 [Ron Stallworth](https://www.ron-stallworth.com/), the first black detective in Colorado Springs Police Department history, infiltrated the regional Ku Klux Klan by convincing Grand Wizard David Duke that he was a white supremacist. The film [_BlacKkKlansman_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/blackkklansman-487558) is inspired by actual events, which Stallworth outlined in his unbelievable 2014 memoir [_Black Klansman: Race, Hate, and the Undercover Investigation of a Lifetime_](https://likewise.com/books/ZSJGDwAAQBAJ).

[Spike Lee](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000490/) and [Jordan Peele](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1443502/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1) teamed up to create one of the most emotional yet simultaneously hilarious comedies in recent memory. As many people who have seen the movie would agree, _BlacKkKlansman_ has one of the most powerful endings in movie history. 

**Likewiser review:**
> _So hard to put into words how much I enjoyed this movie. [John David Washington](link) and [Adam Driver](link) are the best team! Funny, appalling, so well written and directed!_ - [@donna_bagwell](https://likewisetv.com/profile/donna_bagwell)

## 6. _The Impossible_ (2012)

![The Impossible's Tom Holland and Naomi Watts hold hands, both covered in grime.](https://likewisestorageprod.azureedge.net/strapi/uploads/The_Impossible_Body_ccf89cb82f.jpeg)
 
Family vacation gone wrong! This trope has been done countless times to great effect ([_Little Miss Sunshine_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/little-miss-sunshine-773), [_National Lampoon’s Vacation_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/national-lampoons-vacation-11153), [_Us_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/us-458723), etc.) but none have been as terrifying as [_The Impossible_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/the-impossible-80278). This disaster flick stars [Noami Watts](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0915208/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1), [Ewan McGregor](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000191/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0), and young [Tom Holland](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4043618/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) and tells the true story of their family vacation in Thailand when their resort is suddenly slammed by the [2004 Indian Ocean tsunami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_Indian_Ocean_earthquake_and_tsunami). 

**Likewiser review:**
> _An excellent cast. True stories are always the most devastating and it's interesting to watch a family and a nation react to such a tragedy_ - [@pjsgalerie](https://likewisetv.com/profile/pjsgalerie)

There you have it! These are our six favorite movies based on true stories. Add them to your watchlist and leave a comment on [Likewise](https://likewisetv.com/) once you watch them!

_Are you a fan of horror and looking for more scary movies based on true stories? Check out our list [18 Horror Movies Inspired By Real-Life Events](https://likewisetv.com/lists/18-Horror-Movies-Inspired-by-Real-Life-Events-6323553c42e21d0062b6e486)._

Some films are so absurd that you can’t help but doubt if they’re actually true stories. Check out our favorites you won’t believe are inspired by real events.

Cocaine Bear star Keri Russell as Sari hiding from the titular bear behind a tree.

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Movies You Won’t Believe Are Based on a True Story

Ever since the release of [_Clueless_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/clueless-9603) in 1995, there’s this feeling that [Paul Rudd](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0748620/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) has been in nearly every top-tier comedy and wholesome movie to follow. He is known for being one of the most likable stars in Hollywood, in part due to his down-to-earth and genuine interviews but also thanks to his eccentric sense of humor.

In Rudd’s new superhero movie [_Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/ant-man-and-the-wasp:-quantumania-640146), he returns as Ant-Man AKA Scott Lang, the ex-convict that now has to protect the world against [Kang the Conqueror](https://www.marvel.com/characters/kang) ([Jonathan Majors](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3718007/?ref_=tt_ov_st)’ [second role](https://likewisetv.com/items/shows/loki-84958) in the MCU) in the Quantum Realm!

Read on for more about Paul Rudd's 5 most loveable roles:

## 1. Ant-Man / Scott Lang - _Ant-Man_ Franchise

![Ant-Man_Body.jpeg](https://likewisestorageprod.azureedge.net/strapi/uploads/Ant_Man_Body_88c9254ed8.jpeg)

In terms of sheer popularity, Ant-Man is by far Paul Rudd’s most viewed role. From the original [_Ant-Man_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/ant-man-102899) to his most recent role in [_Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/ant-man-and-the-wasp:-quantumania-640146), it’s safe to assume at least half a billion people have seen his performances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Regardless of the constant arguments and disagreements amongst people in the fandom, there’s one thing most fans agree on: Paul Rudd is awesome.

As he mentioned in an interview with GQ, “These things are seen all over the world and by all ages, you know? That’s a somewhat new experience for me.” Unlike Rudd’s other comedic films that tend to cater to an American young adult audience, _Ant-Man_ is global. Scott Lang’s light-hearted charm is refreshing and often hilarious. Rudd has a magical ability to always feel innocent despite what his character might have done in the past—including going to prison! 

**Likewiser review:**
> _Can Paul Rudd do anything wrong? No. The answer is no._ - [@Cassie](https://likewisetv.com/profile/Cassie)

## 2. Mr. Anderson - _The Perks of Being a Wallflower_

![ThePerksOfBeingAWallflower_Body.jpg](https://likewisestorageprod.azureedge.net/strapi/uploads/The_Perks_Of_Being_A_Wallflower_Body_38d813a23b.jpg)

Although Rudd only has a few scenes in [_The Perks of Being a Wallflower_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/the-perks-of-being-a-wallflower-84892), his portrayal of Mr. Anderson is truly touching. He is the English teacher and mentor to Charlie ([Logan Lerman](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0503567/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0)), a freshman in high school struggling to make friends. Mr. Anderson portrays the positive impact that a great teacher can have on a young adult’s development, especially for someone like Charlie who’s high school experience was even more isolating than middle school. 

From the beginning of the film, it’s clear that Mr. Anderson is a genuine person with the best intentions. He sees Charlie’s potential and often engages with him after class, giving him new books to read and small nuggets of life advice. In fact, Mr. Anderson gives charlie his own personal copy of his favorite book growing up: [_The Catcher in the Rye_](https://likewise.com/books/FqSiDwAAQBAJ) by J. D. Salinger.

Although he has limited screen time, Mr. Anderson drops some genuinely profound one-liners. When Charlie becomes comfortable enough to ask Mr. Anderson “Why do nice people choose the wrong people to date?” Mr. Anderson responds with the most famous line from the movie:

## _“We accept the love we think we deserve.”_

How could you not adore a teacher like that? The final scene with Charlie and Mr. Anderson ends with a perfectly awkward and wholesome hug that is guaranteed to leave a smile on your face.

**Likewiser review:**
> _This film brought me to tears! The realism, coming of age and dealing with difficult experiences too soon in life… All of it hits different when you see yourself in the characters on screen. The writing, casting, and portrayal was really well done._ - [@erin_michelle_266](https://likewisetv.com/profile/erin_michelle_266)

## 3. Brian Fantana - _Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy_

![Anchorman_Body.jpeg](https://likewisestorageprod.azureedge.net/strapi/uploads/Anchorman_Body_96309e4d68.jpeg)

In [_Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/anchorman:-the-legend-of-ron-burgundy-8699), Paul Rudd plays Brian Fantana, a tryhard ladies’ man with plenty of unearned confidence. Brian is self-assured on the outside but deeply insecure on the inside. Much of what comes out of Brian’s mouth is pure gibberish, but the nonsensical one-liners are what makes his character so funny. The humor of _Anchorman_ is certainly not for everybody, but if you can appreciate off-the-wall gags, you’ll enjoy Brian Fantana.

_Anchorman_ is unique because the script was largely improvised. Thanks to one of the funniest casts in Hollywood (rounded out with [Steve Carell](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0136797/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0), [Will Ferrell](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002071/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0), and [David Koechner](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0462712/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0)), this absurd comedy was unlike anything that had ever been released back in 2004. 

If you’re ever anxious about the future or lacking confidence, just remember what a wise Brian Fantana once said:

## _“60% of the time, it works every time.”_

**Likewiser review:**
> _Classic for a reason. Endlessly quotable and still holds up._ - [@the_girl_abides](https://likewisetv.com/profile/the_girl_abides)

## 4. Peter Klavin - _I Love You, Man_

![ILoveYouMan_Body.jpeg](https://likewisestorageprod.azureedge.net/strapi/uploads/I_Love_You_Man_Body_d3293518fb.jpeg)

Peter, an awkward and friendless man, is searching for someone to be his best man at his wedding. Soon he meets Sydney [(Jason Segel](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0781981/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0)) and they quickly become best buds, which puts a strain on his relationship with his bride ([Rashida Jones](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0429069/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0)). 

A bromance that feels like a romantic comedy? Sign me up! Jason Segel and Paul Rudd feel like kindred spirits that were brothers in another life. The way they finish each other’s sentences is similar to the type of chemistry that twins have. There’s something about witnessing a socially inept character slowly break out of their shell and show their personality that is incredibly heartwarming.

It’s a shame that [_I Love You, Man_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/i-love-you-man-16538) never blew up to the level of other bromance comedy movies because it is substantially better than movies like [_The Hangover_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/the-hangover-18785) or [_Ted_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/ted-72105). Paul Rudd often talks about how much fun he had while filming this movie, and it’s clear when watching that the actors were having an absolute blast. But little did he know that his impression of a reggae artist would lead to the most infamous line of his acting career:

## _“Slappin da bass!”_

If you know, you know… If you don’t, do yourself a favor and add _I Love You, Man_ to your watchlist. You won’t regret it.

**Likewiser review:**
> _This is a great movie, super funny about an awkward guy who needs a friend. But ultimately it's about being yourself._ - [@BHEB87](https://likewisetv.com/profile/BHEB87)

## 5. Pete - _This is 40_

![ThisIs40_Body.jpeg](https://likewisestorageprod.azureedge.net/strapi/uploads/This_Is40_Body_07ea9f7ad3.jpeg)

Paul Rudd was placed in a peculiar situation when he played Pete in [_This is 40_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/this-is-40-89492). He was acting as the husband to Debbie ([Leslie Mann](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005182/)) and the father to Charlotte ([Iris Apatow](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2957717/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0)) and Sadie ([Maude Apatow](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2654829/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0))... The real-life wife and children of [Judd Apatow](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0031976/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1), who was directing the movie. 

Pete and Debbie are both about to turn 40, their kids hate each other, both of their businesses are failing, they're about to lose their house, and their relationship is on the verge of falling apart. _This is 40_ depicts the mid-life crises and familial struggles that are so familiar for American parents. From getting a little too high and fantasizing about ways they would kill each other to arguing about farting in the bed, Rudd’s and Mann’s performances as Pete and Debbie are goofy and wildly relatable.

There are some actors in Hollywood that play fantastic roles but are not necessarily popular outside of acting. Then there are other actors, like Rudd, who’s real-life personality is so endearing that you can’t help but love all of his characters, which makes ranking his performances from best to worst nearly impossible.

**Likewiser review:**
> _This is hilarious! I love Leslie Mann and Paul Rudd is great in it too!_ - [@jennie_dahl](https://likewisetv.com/profile/jennie_dahl)

_Are you excited for Paul Rudd’s new film [Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/ant-man-and-the-wasp:-quantumania-640146)? Take a look at our list “[Paul Rudd’s Most Lovable Characters](https://likewisetv.com/lists/Paul-Rudds-Most-Lovable-Characters-63ee764e98b68d006db4d3a3)” to see all his other movies that you should add to your watchlist!_


Paul Rudd has been beloved by movie fans since the 90s. As the latest Ant-Man movie hits theaters, it’s the perfect time to reflect on his most lovable roles.

Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania releases Friday, February 17th, 2023.

large_Paul Rudd and cast in Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania

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thumbnail_Paul Rudd and cast in Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania

Paul Rudd's Most Loveable Characters - Ranked

Leading into the holiday season, many of us love watching cheesy, heart-felt rom-coms. Unfortunately big-budget, quality romantic comedies seem to be few and far between these days. Why is it so hard to find rom-coms that make us feel the way they did back in the 1990s and 2000s? Using the new film [_Ticket to Paradise_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/ticket-to-paradise-800939) as the foundation, we will explore why many fans have been deprived of their favorite genre for so long and if there’s hope for these types of films moving forward.

# Micro-review

_Ticket to Paradise_ is a new enemies-to-lovers, second chance romantic comedy starring [George Clooney](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000123/) and [Julia Roberts](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000210/). News of the movie immediately sparked interest in all the long-time rom-com fans who have been desperately wanting another cheesy, lighthearted, large-scale romantic comedy. The top comment on [the trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkP4tVTdsz8&ab_channel=UniversalPictures) perfectly sums up what many moviegoers have been feeling for years:


>A cheesy, late 2000s style rom-com? YES PLEASEEEEEE

David (George Clooney) and his ex-wife Georgie (Julia Roberts) race to Bali, Indonesia, to stop their daughter ([Kaitlyn Dever](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3239803/)) from marrying a seaweed farmer. As they desperately try to sabotage the wedding, the bickering duo soon find themselves rekindling old feelings that once made them happy together.

If you’re looking for a wholesome, lighthearted romantic comedy that’s easy to digest and will have you leaving the theater feeling warm and fuzzy, _Ticket to Paradise_ will be perfect for you. I didn’t adore this movie the way I did with other modern hits like [_The Big Sick_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/the-big-sick-416477) or [_Crazy Rich Asians_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/crazy-rich-asians-455207). But it’s clear that I, a 24-year-old guy seeing the movie alone, am not the ideal demographic for this movie to begin with. I’m sure that couples, families, and anyone who can appreciate the two Hollywood icons on screen together will have a blast. Let’s discuss what works in the film and what doesn’t. 

The chemistry between George Clooney and Julia Roberts shines; the movie’s best moments are the scenes where they bicker and flirt in equal measure. Thanks to great direction by [Ol Parker](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0662530/?ref_=tt_ov_dr), who also directed gems like [_Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/mamma-mia-here-we-go-again-458423), the two stars really feel like a divorced couple that still has some sort of spark between them. We were all hoping the movie would deliver on what the trailer seemed to promise— two of the most beloved actors from the 1990s teaming up for a movie that will make you smile and laugh with the occasional eye roll. Thankfully, it does.

Unfortunately, although the actors have great chemistry, the characters they play, David and Georgia, have few redeeming qualities. During the first half of the film, I found it quite difficult to root for either of them. Both David and Georgia are blatantly rude to each other and the strangers around them. Their harsh personalities were intended to be the catalyst to many of the jokes in the first two acts of the movie, but I found myself not laughing because they were so unlikeable.

I have no problem with harsh humor, but it’s hard to find a particular scenario humorous when both characters involved seem to hate each other. Worse, they participate in a few borderline unethical activities like stealing the wedding rings right before the ceremony, making their daughter feel terrible. After the film's climax, when tensions between the family are at an all-time high, the parents’ perspectives abruptly shift to be much more positive and supportive. The sudden shift felt jarring and didn’t make sense because the event that precipitated the change didn’t feel drastic enough to warrant this radical change in outlook. David never even apologizes to his daughter for sabotaging her wedding and stealing the wedding ring (not a spoiler, it’s in the trailer!). Although the tonal shift felt strange, it did help make the characters more likable, leading to substantially better jokes and more laughs in the last act of the movie.

Although the plot is lacking and the characters aren't always likable, _Ticket to Paradise_ does deliver some great moments for rom-com fans. I mean let’s be real, nobody is going to this movie for an overly deep plot. They just wanna see some cute stuff! When it comes to the romance, it was as cheesy and wholesome as you’d expect. This movie wins the award for the longest “gaze into each others’ eyes” scene I’ve seen all year. Right when I thought the shot was over, it just kept going. My personal favorite scene was the party sequence teased near the end of the trailer. How could you not love seeing drunk George Clooney and Julia Roberts dancing to House of Pain’s [_Jump Around_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhzpxjuwZy0&ab_channel=TommyBoy)?

Did _Ticket to Paradise_ deliver what the trailer promised? Absolutely. Is it the next [_When Harry Met Sally_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/when-harry-met-sally-639) that will lead to a cultural shift and resurgence in massive rom-coms? Not quite. But maybe it doesn’t need to be. Let’s use _Ticket to Paradise_ as a jumping-off point to discuss why these types of movies are so rare nowadays and what to watch if you’re itching for more fantastic rom-coms.

# What led to the downfall of romantic comedies?

If so many moviegoers are hungry for more romantic comedies, why did they disappear in the first place? As with all things in Hollywood, a profit-driven industry, it comes down to one thing: money. Let’s discuss the three major factors that have played a role in the decline of quality rom-coms and why we might finally be at the beginning of a rom-com renaissance.

### 1. A cultural shift in the types of movies most people consume:

There’s a reason one of the first big-budget, mainstream romantic comedies to have a wide theatrical release in months is starring [George Clooney](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000123/&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1666985092322854&usg=AOvVaw01iwds-b6uO-ApV6TRAA_3) (61) and [Julia Roberts](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000210/) (54) as opposed to [Timothee Chalamet](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3154303/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) (26) and [Zendaya](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3918035/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) (26). The studio is trying to appeal to the older demographic that will go to the theater to see the iconic actors that they recognize from hits 20 years ago. One of the most-liked comments on the _Ticket to Paradise_ trailer says:

>I miss movies like this. And who better than these two to give us that good 2000’s feeling? I’m glad it’s coming to theatres. I love streaming as much as the next person but I’ll still choose a theatre any day.

In a broad sense, it seems as though a lot of moviegoers simply don’t care about rom-coms anymore. That’s not to say there aren’t many people out there who do, but the vocal majority seem to mainly go to the theaters for the next superhero movie or blockbuster action film rather than a more uplifting, contained story like _Ticket to Paradise_. This could also be a testament to how much more cynical people are today, especially when it comes to their consumption of media. It could also be a natural byproduct of the fact that rom-coms inevitably don’t appeal to as wide of an audience as franchise films or Disney movies, which ultimately makes them less profitable. 

Fortunately, people have been showing up to the theaters to support _Ticket to Paradise_, which has already made $107 million at the worldwide box office on a $60 million budget. While $107 million is certainly not a smashing success yet, this is a promising sign that there’s a hunger for more rom-coms and we can hope it sends a message to movie studios that these films should make a resurgence, especially in theaters. 

This brings us to our next major factor in the downfall of big-budget rom-coms.

### 2. The rise in popularity of streaming:

Although Netflix had trouble competing with Blockbuster during the early 2000s, [in 2007 Netflix launched its first streaming product](https://producthabits.com/how-netflix-became-a-100-billion-company-in-20-years/#:~:text=2007%20was%20a%20huge%20year,truly%20radical%20for%20that%20time.), _Watch Now_. The introduction of streaming was truly revolutionary at that time. Up until then, if you wanted to watch a movie that you didn’t get to see in theaters, you had to head to your local video store and buy or rent a DVD. As home streaming has become increasingly popular, DVD sales quickly plummeted.

A few months ago a clip of [Matt Damon](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000354/?ref_=fn_al_nm_0) on [_Hot Ones_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaXma6K9mzo) went viral as [he explained](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jx8F5Imd8A8) how the death of DVDs drastically impacted which types of movies studios would greenlight.

>The DVD was a huge part of our business, of our revenue stream, and technology has just made that obsolete. And so, the movies that we used to make, you could afford to not make all of your money when it played in the theater because you knew you had the DVD coming behind the release. And six months later, you’d get a whole ‘nother chunk. It would be like reopening the movie almost. And when that went away, that changed the type of movies we could make.

It’s also important to note that actors sometimes get paid residuals for the movie’s DVD sales. In fact, it’s not uncommon for Hollywood stars to receive upwards of [20% of the total profits generated from DVD sales](https://www.thegreatdebatersmovie.com/hollywood-stars-and-their-percentage-of-dvd-sales/). Once DVD sales dried up, it became less affordable for studios to pay the actors what they deserve and to take risks on rom-coms and other niche movie genres.

As [Bruce Nash](https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/08/the-death-of-the-dvd-why-sales-dropped-more-than-86percent-in-13-years.html), founder and president of Nash Information Services explains, “The big fundamental shift here is that when you look at a film you want to watch, and maybe you missed it in theaters, 10 to 15 years ago, you can buy the DVD or rent from Blockbuster. Now, I’ve got HBO and [the film is] going to be on HBO in a couple months. It’s not worth buying the DVD to watch it. I’ll just wait a bit.”

The rise of streaming has not only drastically changed the revenue stream for movie studios, but also made the consumption of entertainment drastically more affordable, all things considered.

### 3. Most people won’t go to the theater to see romantic comedies

With the price of movie tickets rising every year (it was nearly $16 for a standard movie ticket last night!), it’s increasingly unlikely that an average moviegoer will spend that much on a theater ticket when they could just wait a few months to watch it on a streaming service they already have. For many people, if they’re going to spend the money to go to a theater, they want to see a spectacle. Whether it be a sci-fi of preposterous scale like [_Dune_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/dune-438631), or a grand musical like [_In The Heights_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/in-the-heights-467909), people want to watch something *big*.

This is why theater subscription services are so important. They allow fans to go see a movie in theaters that they otherwise wouldn’t have paid to see. While some may argue that the quality of content available on a particular streaming service is not great, the sheer number of titles available is unbeatable. For example, Netflix has over [17,000](https://www.comparitech.com/blog/vpn-privacy/netflix-statistics-facts-figures/) titles for only $9.99/month! Why spend $15 for a ticket to a movie that might be disappointing when you could just wait three months and put it on your home TV while curled up under a blanket?

# Is there hope for the future of romantic comedies?

Yes! We may be in the midst of a romantic comedy renaissance right now. After a decade of dense, gritty, intense action and thriller films, fans have been craving some straightforward fun at the cinema, and movies like _Ticket to Paradise_ are already proving that to be true! However, the new wave of rom-coms are going to look and feel different than they did in the 90s and 2000s. 

As explained by Jessica Sager from [Parade](https://parade.com/1333321/jessicasager/why-dont-they-make-romcoms-anymore/#:~:text=%22Romantic%20comedies%20largely%20disappeared%20at,two%20poles%2C%22%20he%20added), “Romantic comedies, for a long time, were all essentially the same: Conventionally attractive white boy meets conventionally attractive white girl, hijinks ensue, then they live happily ever after. Two problems with that formula: Audiences aren't all white, and they get bored with the same thing over and over. Viewers craved more personal stories, as well as cultural diversity on their screens.”

While we’ve been in this romantic comedy lull over the last 10 years, outliers like [_The Big Sick_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/the-big-sick-416477), [_Crazy Rich Asians_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/crazy-rich-asians-455207), and [_Palm Springs_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/palm-springs-587792) are proof that culturally diverse rom-coms with unique premises can still perform incredibly well.

_The Big Sick_ made $56 million in box office sales on a $5 million dollar budget. _Crazy Rich Asians_ made $238 million on a $30 million budget. _Palm Springs_ broke the record for the biggest sale ever at Sundance Film Festival ($17,000,000.69) and subsequently blew up on Hulu during the early days of the pandemic lockdowns.

Only time will tell whether new romantic comedies will continue to be released directly to streaming or if they’ll make a return to theaters. For now, all we can do as moviegoers is to go to the theater to support the movies we want to see more of. So get out there and go watch _Ticket to Paradise_ with your significant other, friends, or parents!

_If you’re interested in more of the best modern rom-coms that feel unique and exciting, check out:_

[_Long Shot_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/long-shot-459992)
Journalist Fred Flarsky reunites with his childhood crush, Charlotte Field, now one of the most influential women in the world. As she prepares to make a run for the Presidency, Charlotte hires Fred as her speechwriter — much to the dismay of her trusted advisers.

[_About Time_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/about-time-122906)
The night after another unsatisfactory New Year's party, Tim's father tells his son that the men in his family have always had the ability to travel through time. They can't change history, but they can change what happens and has happened in their own lives. Thus begins the start of a lesson in learning to appreciate life itself as it is, as it comes, and most importantly, the people living alongside us.

[_Obvious Child_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/obvious-child-248774)
An immature, newly unemployed comic must navigate the murky waters of adulthood after her fling with a graduate student results in an unplanned pregnancy.


Why is it so hard to find romantic comedies that make us feel the way they did in the 2000s? Ticket to Paradise might be the start of a rom-com renaissance.

George Clooney stars alongside Julia Roberts in the new rom-com, Ticket to Paradise

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The Start of a Rom-Com Renaissance — Ticket to Paradise Surprises at the Box Office

[_Black Adam_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/black-adam-436270), DC’s latest installment into the [DC Extended Universe](https://dcextendeduniverse.fandom.com/wiki/DC_Extended_Universe), is a mess. There’s no other way to put it. An entertaining experience for fans of The Rock, but a mess nonetheless. In many ways it feels like the film was written by an A.I. robot after analyzing the tropes and quips of every superhero movie in existence. The story is an amalgamation of all the safest, most predictable, and most moderately entertaining aspects of the superhero genre, leaving the viewer with exactly what you would expect: [Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0425005/) being a badass, a convoluted plot, some jokes that give you a half-hearted giggle, and a whole lotta cheesiness that’s sometimes charming, sometimes not.

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

# Synopsis Refresher

In ancient Kahndaq, Teth Adam was bestowed the almighty powers of the gods. After using these powers for vengeance, he was imprisoned, becoming Black Adam. Nearly 5,000 years have passed, and Black Adam has gone from man to myth to legend. Now free, his unique form of justice, born out of rage, is challenged by modern-day heroes who form the [Justice Society](https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/Justice_Society_of_America_(New_Earth)): Hawkman, Doctor Fate, Atom Smasher and Cyclone.

The film starts with a massive exposition dump where an unknown voice narrates the history of the last 5,000 years, providing the viewer with a vague understanding of the origin of Black Adam. Minutes after the initial exposition dump, we’re thrust into an extraction mission with four new characters, none of which the viewer has any reason to care about. In fact, I’ve already forgotten the names of these supporting characters. At this point in the movie, my friend, who’s a massive superhero fan, leaned over and whispered in my ear “I have no idea what’s going on right now”.

# Where Black Adam Falls Short

I surprisingly found the **other** four side characters, the members of the Justice Society, to be more interesting than the titular character, an antihero who would fly away whenever things got complicated and who spoke in almost exclusively one-liners that sounded like they were written for a trailer rather than a movie. It’s hard to root for Black Adam when his character has hardly any lines that feel genuinely thoughtful. 

Fans of the MCU will notice that the Justice Society characters mirror the attributes or appearances of many of Marvel’s superheros. Doctor Fate has multiple scenes that look straight out of a [_Doctor Strange_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/doctor-strange-284052) movie. From his ability that’s almost identical to Doctor Strange’s “mirror dimension” to another power where Doctor Fate can clone his body to distract the enemy. Atom Smasher’s suit and mask also looks eerily similar to [_Deadpool_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/deadpool-293660)’s uniform and the character has basically the same abilities as Marvel’s [_Ant Man_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/ant-man-102899). And finally, the Hawkman’s wing suit is essentially the same as Falcon’s mechanical wings. 

These characters’ abilities and designs have existed in the comics long before any of the movies were created. I’m not implying they stole anything from Marvel, but fans will inevitably draw comparisons between the sequences in _Black Adam_ and the iconic MCU scenes, and the similarities contribute to the sense that _Black Adam_ has nothing new to contribute to the genre. 

![The cast of characters from the 2022 DC movie, Black Adam](https://likewisestorageprod.azureedge.net/strapi/uploads/Black_Adam_c16fb9d537.jpeg)

The film is tonally all over the place, jumping rapidly from comedy to seriousness then back to comedy. Scenes have serious music in the background to build tension, but goofy jokes and quick jump cuts undercut the mood. This is unsurprising for a movie that [supposedly went into reshoots](https://movieweb.com/black-adams-reshoots-reported-added-dceu-tie-in-post-credits-scene/) after a 60% approval rating from its first test screenings, which were worse than the reported _Batgirl_ tests. As we’ve seen from films like the theatrical release of [_Justice League_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/justice-league-141052), lots of reshoots is generally a bad sign for the overall quality of the movie, at least from the fans’ perspectives. 

_Black Adam_ also suffers from a lack of clarity and cohesion when it comes to the villain of the story. At the 90 minute mark, if you were to ask an average viewer “Who’s the villain of this movie?” I think many of them wouldn’t be sure how to answer that question. There are at least two main conflicts: First, there’s the struggle between the people of Kahndaq and the oppressive imperial government that rules over them. Then, there’s the conflict between Black Adam and the Justice Society, since he spends most of the movie beating them to a pulp. Finally, there’s a third, less interesting storyline happening between Black Adam and [Ishmael Gregor](https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/Ishmael_Gregor_(New_Earth)), who we eventually learn is the second [Sabbac](https://www.ign.com/articles/black-adam-villain-sabbac-explained-dceu-ishmael-gregor). By the time we finally learn about the main villain, Sabbac, who happens to be the descendent of the ancient ruler of Kahndaq, the story is already so muddled and confusing that you don’t really care.

There was a five minute sequence near the end where I caught myself in a trance, zoning out and losing interest in the main plot, resigning my eyes to the role of spectator of the mind-numbing, fast-paced action rather than being an active participant in the uncovering of the story.

# What’s the Verdict?

While _Black Adam_ is undeniably entertaining to experience with friends (how could you not enjoy seeing The Rock take missiles to the face and literally rip bad guys in half?), the film is, without exaggeration, the most archetypal superhero movie I’ve seen with regards to the writing. If you can appreciate a corny, goofy story with some fun action, definitely give this one a watch! If you’re looking for a movie that offers something new and unique to the superhero genre, _Black Adam_ is not your best option.

# What Critics and Fans Are Saying:

David Ehrlich ([IndieWire](https://www.indiewire.com/2022/10/black-adam-movie-review-1234773729/))

>Not a single beat that doesn’t feel like it hasn’t been audience-tested within an inch of its life, not a single fight scene that isn’t smothered to death by the DCEU’s signature CGI gloop. ‘The superhero-industrial complex is worth a lot of money,’ a character whose name I’ve already forgotten observes at one point, and “Black Adam” becomes a part of that business with all the fun and enthusiasm of a hedge fund buying $200 million worth of blue chip stocks.”

Justin Huddleston ([Likewise user](https://likewisetv.com/profile/justin_huddleston))

>This is a bit of a disappointment considering how much time they had to work on it. Very boring characters, uninteresting story. Nothing novel about this.

Nell Minow ([Movie Mom](https://moviemom.com/black-adam/))

>Black Adam does not have a clear idea of where its title character should fall on the spectrum from anti-hero to hero. And he is tamped down emotionally for most of it, which means we get only glimpses of Johnson’s limitless charm.

Kyle Smith ([Wall Street Journal](https://www.wsj.com/articles/black-adam-review-dwayne-johnson-dc-comics-sarah-shahi-bodhi-sabongio-jaume-collet-serra-adam-sztykiel-rory-haines-sohrab-noshirvani-pierce-brosnan-aldis-hodge-quintes-swindell-noah-centineo-11666302833))

>Black Adam is a six-aspirin cacophony of pounding music, exploding fireballs, low-I.Q. badinage and laughable plot twists. Mr. Johnson, forsaking his primary skill of playing a genial lug, spends the movie with an unconvincing scowl.

_If you’re interested in superhero movies that successfully pull off the humor and drama combo that Black Adam attempted, check out:_

[_Deadpool_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/deadpool-293660)
The origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson, who, after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter ego Deadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.


[_The Suicide Squad_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/the-suicide-squad-436969)
Supervillains Harley Quinn, Bloodsport, Peacemaker and a collection of nutty cons at Belle Reve prison join the super-secret, super-shady Task Force X as they are dropped off at the remote, enemy-infused island of Corto Maltese.

[_Doctor Strange_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/doctor-strange-284052)
After his career is destroyed, a brilliant but arrogant surgeon gets a new lease on life when a sorcerer takes him under her wing and trains him to defend the world against evil.



The Rock's Black Adam is unfortunately a combination of all the safest, most predictable, and most moderately entertaining aspects of the superhero genre.


Dwayne Johnson plays Teth Adam in the 2022 DC movie, Black Adam

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Black Adam Feels Like It Was Written by an A.I. Robot

 [_Smile_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/smile-882598), the new psychological [horror](https://likewisetv.com/horror) film starring [Sosie Bacon](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1788739/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) (daughter of the legendary [Kevin Bacon](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000102/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1)) has dominated the box office for the second week in a row. No film has topped the list twice in a row since the highly anticipated summer blockbuster [_Bullet Train_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/bullet-train-718930) starring Brad Pitt. This is no small feat, especially for first time feature director [Parker Finn](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6475689/). For a film with a small budget that almost went straight to streaming, Smile has been a smashing success that is perfect for a night out with friends this spooky season.

Whether you’re a fiend for jumpscares or a horror fanatic who simply wants to feel something after years of being desensitized, Smile is worth a watch.

![mVNPfpydornVe4H4UCIk7WevWjf.jpeg](https://likewisestorageprod.azureedge.net/strapi/uploads/m_VN_Pfpydorn_Ve4_H4_UC_Ik7_Wev_Wjf_28212181b0.jpeg)

Why has the film spread like wildfire over the last two weeks? We’ll discuss all the details of the movie and why viewers are loving it, but first let’s take a look at what sparked the hype train for Smile before it even released: the genius marketing strategy. 

Smile has had one of the most unique marketing campaigns since [_The Dark Knight_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/the-dark-knight-155)—which hosted an Alternate Reality Game designed to get people involved in discovering clues and details about the film through real-life clues and events. Smile’s campaign took an equally distinct approach. After the release of the initial trailer—which depicted the film as a fun yet admittedly derivative and unoriginal popcorn flick, [Paramount Pictures](https://www.paramountpictures.com/) hired actors to [photobomb sporting events](https://twitter.com/ErikDavis/status/1573670514110889986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1573670514110889986%7Ctwgr%5Ea45745154214b28b40f434e6d7f3efec3e9308a7%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.slashfilm.com%2F1024062%2Fa-viral-marketing-campaign-for-smile-is-photobombing-baseball-games-and-the-today-show%2F) and the background of the [_Today_ ](https://likewisetv.com/items/shows/today-1709) show. Each anonymous actor would stand with an unnerving smile on their face and stare into the camera for the entirety of the broadcast. 

But that’s not all. In addition to the creepy smilers, a new [website](https://www.smilesightings.com/) allows users to report smiles they spot around the world or upload photos of themselves or their friends using the "Smile" filter on Snapchat. This surprise marketing strategy sparked the pop culture buzz for Smile, intriguing users on social media and getting people excited to see the movie in theaters. Thankfully, the film itself was as unsettling as its marketing, an accomplishment in its own right. 

![s8SVbEmbUhGVRJOCF1C5CPm9m7o.jpeg](https://likewisestorageprod.azureedge.net/strapi/uploads/s8_S_Vb_Emb_Uh_GVRJOCF_1_C5_C_Pm9m7o_8d476ecb7f.jpeg)

**Synopsis Refresher**

After witnessing a bizarre, traumatic incident involving a patient, Dr. Rose Cotter starts experiencing frightening occurrences that she can't explain. Rose must confront her troubling past in order to survive and escape her horrifying new reality.

In terms of the plot, Finn clearly took inspiration from well-respected horror films like [It Follows](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/it-follows-270303) and [The Ring](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/the-ring-565). There will inevitably be comparisons to [Truth or Dare ](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/truth-or-dare-460019) which has an eerily similar premise, but fortunately Smile is nowhere near as derivative as that disappointment. Although the "evil entity hunting you down" trope is nothing new in the horror genre, it’s executed well thanks to a fantastic lead performance by Sosie Bacon and glorious visual effects. 

**The Best Jump Scares of the Year**

Smile’s plethora of unique and effective jump scares stand out from the horror movie pack. While not all of them land, there were moments when I literally jumped out of my seat. I went into the film expecting the smiling component to be a bit silly and nonsensical, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that the smiles are truly unsettling and work well for building tension. The jump scares and visual design of the evil entity are not for the faint of heart.

**Chilling Sound Design**

In addition to unexpected jump scares, Smile places a huge emphasis on sound design. From the score, to bass, to unique sound effects, there is never a dull auditory moment thanks to gripping audio mixing. Nearly every scene ends with some form of audible transition to the next scene, leading to a continuous building of tension. As a result, the pacing is fast, making it the ideal movie to watch with a sibling or significant other who falls asleep within 10 minutes of putting on a new movie (I’m speaking from personal experience). 

**Sosie Bacon is a Rising Star**

Sosie Bacon’s performance as Dr. Rose Cotter elevates Smile from “so bad it’s good” to true horror standout. Rose is a psychologist with a traumatic past. She got into the field of medicine in order to help people struggling with mental illness, something she wasn’t able to do for her own mother, who battled addiction. Bacon’s portrayal of this complicated, nuanced doctor was genuinely moving. The dialogue feels natural and comedic at times, courtesy of a great dynamic between Rose and her ex-boyfriend, providing a welcomed counterpoint to the movie’s tense moments.

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Parker Finn has a strong sense of visual style and direction, as displayed by the unique use of drone shots, seamless transitions, and interesting camera placement. Near the end of the film, we finally get a look at the “entity” (I’m keeping it vague to avoid spoilers) and its appearance is genuinely unnerving. If you’re worried about bad dreams, be warned that the last 15 minutes of the film is pure nightmare fuel.

**Should you watch the 2022 horror movie _Smile_?**

There are many redeeming qualities to Smile, but I was left a bit disappointed by the ending. It feels as though every modern horror movie has some variation of the same ending. Right when I thought Smile might actually be going in a new direction and subverting my expectations, it unfortunately reverts right back to the predictable ending that we’ve all come to expect.

Smile is not revolutionary, but its themes of dealing with mental health and facing long-surpressed traumas add a layer of depth that many modern horror films don’t even come close to. Convince your friends to go with you and go watch Smile in theaters today!

**The Numbers:**

Smile raked in $22.6 million on opening weekend and followed it up with a whopping $17.6 million last weekend. As explained on [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/article/ed376505348/?ref_=bo_hm_hp).

>This is the year's best second weekend hold and it is among the best ever for a horror film. With a cume of $49.9 million, Smile is running ahead of the year’s highest grossing horror movie The Black Phone, which had $47.4 million after ten days and went on to gross $89.9 million. - Box Office Mojo

**What the Critics Are Saying**  

Joe Aragon [@cinemajoe](https://www.tiktok.com/@cinema.joe?lang=en)  

>When Smile is actively trying to be a horror film it is a glorious, gruesome, and terrifying ride. The issue is that it spends a good amount of time trying to be a detective story, which is never as deep or interesting as it thinks it is.


Wendy Ide ([The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/oct/02/smile-review-sadistically-effective-supernatural-horror))  

>The combination of a committed central performance from the increasingly gaunt and haunted Bacon, and a jarring, tortured score, makes for an enjoyably nasty brush with the smiling face of evil.

Amon Warmann ([Empire Magazine](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/smile-2022/))


>Though it may be derivative, Smile still manages to be a scary, unsettling ride that is powered by an 
impressively committed Sosie Bacon performance and some assured direction. Finn is one to watch.

[Sydney Volpe](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCs0W15olok)  

>Smile is not my favorite horror movie of the year but it is the horror movie I’ve been waiting for. Mid budget, kind of corny, uncomplicated popcorn horror with really good jump scares. I think this rocks for what it is and audiences are really going to like it. 

**If you’re interested in other movies that put a twist on the "evil entity hunting you down" trope, check out:**

[_The Grudge_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/the-grudge-1970)
An American nurse living and working in Tokyo is exposed to a mysterious supernatural curse, one that locks a person in a powerful rage before claiming their life and spreading to another victim.

[_It Follows_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/it-follows-270303)
After carefree teenager Jay sleeps with her new boyfriend, Hugh, for the first time, she learns that she is the latest recipient of a fatal curse that is passed from victim to victim via sexual intercourse. Death, Jay learns, will creep inexorably toward her as either a friend or a stranger. Jay’s friends don’t believe her seemingly paranoid ravings, until they too begin to see the phantom assassins and band together to help her flee or defend herself.

[_The Ring_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/the-ring-565)
It sounded like just another urban legend: A videotape filled with nightmarish images, leading to a phone call foretelling the viewer’s death in exactly seven days. As a newspaper reporter, Rachel Keller was naturally skeptical of the story, until four teenagers all met with mysterious deaths exactly one week after watching just such a tape. Allowing her investigative curiosity to get the better of her, Rachel tracks down the video… and watches it. Now she has just seven days to unravel the mystery of the Ring.




Thanks to the best jump scares of the year and terrifying creature design, the psychological horror of Smile is spreading like wildfire among critics and fans.

A still from the 2022 horror movie smile, directed by Parker Finn.

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Smile is Killing at The Box Office Two Weeks in a Row

Olivia Wilde’s second feature film, [_**Don't Worry Darling**_](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/dont-worry-darling-619730), has become the buzziest movie of the year—but sadly, for the wrong reasons. What at first seemed like an exciting film with an all-star cast turned into headline-making chaos. The off-screen drama—that spanned from an alleged feud between its star [Florence Pugh](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6073955/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) and director [Olivia Wilde](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1312575/), to a viral video which seemingly showed [Harry Styles](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4089170/?ref_=fn_al_nm_0) spitting on [Chris Pine](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1517976/?ref_=fn_al_nm_0) (which the pop star’s team denied), has overshadowed the movie itself. Critics came to a consensus that despite all the attention the movie’s received, there’s plenty to worry about when it comes to the film itself.

While fans and critics do have valid criticisms and concerns with the movie (which we’ll discuss), after a second viewing of the film, it’s clear that _Don’t Worry Darling_ becomes a substantially better and more enjoyable movie upon rewatching. Similar to movies like [**_The Sixth Sense_**](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/the-sixth-sense-745), some stories just hit differently a second time.

Although nobody should have to watch a movie twice for it to make sense, and clever easter eggs don’t make up for blatant plot holes, _Don’t Worry Darling_ isn’t as bad as critics are making it seem.

![Don't Worry Darling 2.jpeg](https://likewisestorageprod.azureedge.net/strapi/uploads/Don_t_Worry_Darling_2_0717753aa8.jpeg)

**Synopsis Refresher:**

Set in the 1950s, the film introduces us to Alice (Florence Pugh) and Jack (Harry Styles), a couple blissfully in love and living in the idyllic community of Victory, an experimental company town that houses the men who work on a top-secret project. While the husbands go to work on their mysterious project, the wives enjoy the beauty and harmony of their seemingly perfect community. This facade of perfection has been upheld for 987 days. However, when glimpses of the dark truth behind the Victory Project begin to appear, Alice begins to question exactly what she's doing in Victory.

Don’t Worry Darling shines in its visuals and music. The chromatic, impossibly perfect Palm Springs-esque town is complemented by beautiful cinematography with long, hypnotizing shots. The use of mirrors and practical effects do a great job of making the viewer feel the terror that Alice is experiencing. The film is accompanied by a period-appropriate soundtrack including artists such as Ray Charles, Little Willie John, The Chords and more.

As with any great thriller, _Don’t Worry Darling_’s premise is unique enough to keep you asking yourself: What's actually happening here and where is this going? Normally, that is a fun aspect of any story, as long as the pieces of the puzzle are periodically revealed to the viewer. Unfortunately, Wilde waits until the last 30-40 minutes to provide us with any meaningful answers to our questions. By that point, it’s too little, too late because the story is unable to adequately tie together all of its loose ends.

Pugh upholds her standard as one of the best in the business, and her descent into madness is what keeps you engaged. Unfortunately, rather than learning anything substantial about Frank, the lead antagonist of the film, we’re given scene after scene of Alice experiencing deeply traumatic events. Just to give you an idea, here are the sequence of events that happen to Alice before we get any glimpse of clarity as to what’s going on or what Frank’s motives are:

*SPOILERS AHEAD*
- Alice notices a whole box of eggs is hollow. She crushes each egg in her hand and is utterly shocked.
- Alice has her first unsettling vision.
- Alice witnesses Margaret, one of the wives in the community, have a disturbing outburst during a party.
- While on a bus ride, Alice witnesses a plane crash.
- Alice approaches an ominous building in the desert and then suddenly wakes up at home.
- Alice’s wall collapses in on her, pushing her face against a window.
- Margaret calls Alice begging her for help.
- Alice has a vision of Margeret smashing her head against a mirror.
- Alice witnesses Margaret commit suicide.
- Jack incessantly gaslights Alice.
- Alice has another vision and suddenly wakes up standing next to her window.
- Alice uncontrollably wraps plastic wrap around her face, as if possessed by something else.
- Dr. Collins tries to sedate Alice and prescribe her pills for her “false memories”.

Keep in mind, all of these events happened in rapid succession without providing any clarity on Frank or the Victory Project. Don’t get me wrong, it’s incredibly gripping to watch Florence Pugh play someone in the midst of horrific events (see _Midsommar_) but it feels as though the film is saying “We have a bigger story to tell, but we’ll get to it eventually.”

![Don't Worry Darling 3.jpeg](https://likewisestorageprod.azureedge.net/strapi/uploads/Don_t_Worry_Darling_3_887bb85aea.jpeg)

**What Could’ve Been Better**

All we ever learn about Frank is that he’s the well-respected, wealthy leader of the Victory Project and he hosts a popular podcast in the real world (which Jack is a big fan of). In an [interview](https://variety.com/2022/film/news/chris-pine-dont-worry-darling-character-jordan-peterson-incel-hero-1235358212/), Olivia Wilde stated that Frank was inspired by Jordan Peterson, the Canadian author and media personality described by Wilde as “this pseudo-intellectual hero to the incel community.” When the ending relies on our understanding and believability of the world the film has created, it’s important that we understand who the antagonist of the film is and what their motivations are. With Frank, we get neither. Even just a few minutes of building Frank’s character dispersed throughout the movie would fill in a lot of plot holes. Considering he stole the show every time he was on screen, I don’t think anyone would mind a few more mysterious monologues from Chris Pine!

Ultimately, many viewers were left disappointed, feeling like the film had an interesting premise with all the right pieces to be something truly groundbreaking, but lacked cohesion and fell flat.

As explained on [The Movie Podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-movie-podcast/id1452428025) “I love the mystery around the trailer… it gives you more questions than answers. Now when it comes to the movie, the same effect occurs but it’s not for the benefit of the film. I left with a lot more questions than I did answers.” This sentiment of leaving the theater more confused and disappointed was a common trend.



**What the Critics Are Saying:**
Try to keep an open mind while reading some community reviews before we dive into why _Don’t Worry Darling_ is so much better upon a rewatch.

**Not Its Stars Shining Moment**
Florence Pugh is one of the most sought-out actors in Hollywood, with an Oscar nomination under her belt. Her co-star Harry Styles has also received acclaim for his role in _Dunkirk_. Unfortunately, this isn’t the film fans of theirs will want to watch them in. As Soren Anderson at [The Seattle Times](https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/movies/dont-worry-darling-review-olivia-wilde-picks-styles-over-substance/) writes, “With the exception of [Chris] Pine, the performances are undistinguished. Pugh seems oddly disengaged from Alice. She doesn’t own the part. And Styles’ work is often tinged with hysteria.” Anthony Lane at [The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2022/09/26/the-glib-dystopianism-of-dont-worry-darling) has harsher words about the pop star: “Harry Styles can carry a tune, halfway around the world, but give the bloke a line of dialogue and he’s utterly and helplessly adrift.”

**One-Dimensional Feminist Story**
The film is supposed to be a feminist story about the harms of patriarchal structures, but ultimately, the message gets lost in shoddy writing and directing. Katie Walsh at [Tribune News Service](https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/entertainment/2022/09/20/dont-worry-darling-dazzling-but-murky-beneath-surface/8065115001/) writes, “Wilde brandishes a sword of Betty Friedan-inspired feminist critique, but loses her tenuous grasp on this unwieldy tool, and rather than delivering an incisive blow to nostalgic misogyny, she slices the whole project to ribbons in front of our eyes.” Amil Niazi at [The Globe and Mail](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/film/reviews/article-olivia-wildes-messy-dont-worry-darling-is-an-active-concern-though/) also remarks that it’s an “ultimately one-dimensional portrayal of toxic masculinity.”

**Style Over Substance**
While _Don’t Worry Darling_ looks stunning, critics point out that it simply lacks substance. Jeff Nelson at [Showbiz Cheat Sheet](https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/dont-worry-darling-movie-review.html/) notes that it “has style in spades, but it’s a bit too light on the thrills.” [NYC Movie Guru](http://nycmovieguru.com/sept23rd22.html#dontworrydarling)’s Avi Offer also says that though the film is “slick and stylish,” it is “vapid and emotionally hollow.”

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**Why Don’t Worry Darling is Actually Great on a Rewatch**

Clearly, lots of people had variations of the same opinion: _Don’t Worry Darling_ isn’t great. And trust me, I get it. That’s how I felt after my initial viewing as well. After watching the film for the first time and formulating my general thoughts and opinions, I was still confused and had quite a few unanswered questions. I figured the best way to really understand the themes and nuanced character decisions would be to watch the movie again with a fresh perspective now that I know what’s actually happening in Victory. Here’s what I learned:

Many of Jack’s strange actions and behaviors throughout the film are informed by the big reveal near the end of the movie.  Jack’s inconsistent accent and “bad acting” make total sense in the context of the story. After the reveal, we learn that Jack is actually an unemployed American incel that is pretending to be British inside the simulation. Before the movie even released there was quite a bit of chatter on social media regarding Harry Styles’ bad performance and weird accent. On August 24, a clip of Styles speaking as Jack went viral on Instagram, sparking criticism from fans who dubbed his English accent "fake" and pointed out slips, adding that his voice "changes twice" in the clip. However, as explained by Chanel Vergas from POPSUGAR, “For those paying close attention, the breaks in Jack's accent are actually hints at his regular speaking voice and the fact that Alice has more to question about her "reality" than she initially realized… Styles's delivery as Jack acts as a clue to the fragility of their world and adds an extra layer of nuance to the plot.”

As with his accent, Styles’ strange mannerisms and performance— which many people considered bad acting, actually makes complete sense once you understand what the Victory Project actually is. Jack is an immature, self-conscious incel that is doing his best to act like a good man. He’s simply living out a fantasy. No wonder he’s so jittery and awkward when he gets promoted!

There’s a scene where Jack cooks dinner for Alice after she wakes up confused and disoriented. On first viewing, the viewer is starting to get suspicious of Jack but we still view the dinner scene as a clumsy, cute, and somewhat romantic attempt to cook dinner for his wife. He’s clearly not great at cooking, since he almost never does it, but at the very least it feels like Jack is doing his best to help out with dinner. While Jack certainly does some questionable things during that scene—like downplaying Alice’s concerns and confusion as to what happened earlier that day and how she got home, I still got the impression that he was simply trying (although ineffectively) to lift the mood and to help his wife to feel better.

On second viewing, however, this scene takes on a whole new meaning. Once you understand the twist, this scene displays Jack’s immaturity and creepiness in a whole new way. He can’t cook dinner because in the real world he’s a degenerate. He ignores Alice’s concerns because he doesn’t want her to know the truth, and her asking questions threatens the whole operation. As stated by Frank in the first act, the men ask their wives for “discretion above all else”.

![Don't Worry Darling 6.jpeg](https://likewisestorageprod.azureedge.net/strapi/uploads/Don_t_Worry_Darling_6_ba5b59854e.jpeg)

Bunny’s (Alice’s friend and neighbor) subtle indifference towards everything unusual that is happening in Victory, should’ve set off alarms on first viewing. However, it wasn’t until rewatching the film that I noticed just how dark her character really is. One of the big twists near the end of the movie is that Bunny has actually known the truth about the Victory Project the entire time. She chose the simulated life so that she could live with her kids forever (it’s implied that she lost her kids in real life). She knew all the other women were prisoners and yet she didn’t do anything about it. 

On second viewing, Bunny’s decision to regularly smoke cigarettes seems to indicate her character not worrying about any health consequences. She knows none of it is actually real, so she can smoke anytime she wants. Considering it was the 1950s, it was surprising to see Bunny is the only woman in Victory who smokes. This also ties into Bunny’s apparent indifference and detachment throughout the film. There are many close-ups of Bunny’s face where she seems to be mentally checked out and disconnected, either because she knows she doesn’t have any real responsibility in Victory, or because she needs a break from the facade she is attempting to uphold.

There are multiple moments throughout the film when Bunny attempts to convince the other women that there is nothing to worry about and they have no reason to leave Victory. Bunny’s character is complicit in the criminal behavior of the Victory Project, making her character feel substantially more evil on second viewing.

![Don't Worry Darling 7.jpeg](https://likewisestorageprod.azureedge.net/strapi/uploads/Don_t_Worry_Darling_7_58a250987f.jpeg)

Even the soundtrack has deep layers of meaning. In the first act of the film, the first time we see the men leave for “work”, the song playing is “Comin' Home Baby” by Mel Tormé.

_Hey I'm comin' home (Come on home)
Comin' home, baby now (You know I'm counting everyday)_

On first viewing, you might think this song is referring to the men coming home to their wives after a long day at work. However, on a rewatch you realize that the song is a double entendre. The men are “coming home” in the sense that they are leaving the Victory Project simulation, and temporarily heading back into the real world. As we learned during the twist reveal, the men leave the simulation during the day to go make enough money to pay for the Victory Project. This realization puts a sinister spin on an otherwise upbeat song.

![Don't Worry Darling 8.jpeg](https://likewisestorageprod.azureedge.net/strapi/uploads/Don_t_Worry_Darling_8_e3082b4327.jpeg)

Although a second viewing does clarify many of the plot holes from the film, there are still quite a few that go unanswered:
- What is Shelly’s (Frank’s wife) backstory and motive? Did she know the truth the whole time too?
- If the Victory Project really was concealed from all the women for 987 days, and they allegedly have a top tier security team, why would Doctor Collins be openly carrying his folder on Margaret?
- What was the airplane crash even supposed to mean? It was certainly unsettling but we never got any clarity on what it means and it was never addressed again.
- What happened to Alice at the end of Don’t Worry Darling? Did she survive? 
- What is the fate of Victory?
- How will Frank’s death impact the project in the real world?
- How did Jack get Alice out of work, essentially kidnapping her without any repercussions?
- How much of a pull did Frank have in the real world and how did he run the Victory Project without raising any red flags?

As with any layered story like Don’t Worry Darling, I’m sure there are plenty more hidden details to uncover on subsequent viewings. Whenever you decide to rewatch Don’t Worry Darling, keep an eye out for these details and questions. You might find something new!

**If you’re interested in other movies that put a dark twist on suburban life, check out:**

[The Stepford Wives](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/the-stepford-wives-9890): A family moves into a seemingly idyllic town called Stepford, but they quickly realize that nothing’s quite what it seems, uncovering Stepford’s dark secret.

[Pleasantville](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/pleasantville-2657): Two current-day siblings are transported into a 1950s TV show but realize that the seemingly perfect and wholesome life they dreamt of is nowhere near as happy as they expected it to be.

[Vivarium](https://likewisetv.com/items/movies/vivarium-458305): A couple searching for the perfect starter home follows a mysterious real estate agent to a new housing development. They soon become trapped in a maze of identical houses.

Olivia Wilde’s Don't Worry Darling, has become the buzziest movie of the year—but sadly, for the wrong reasons. Fortunately, it's much better on a rewatch.

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Why Don’t Worry Darling Is Actually Great on a Rewatch

During World War II, airmen risk their lives with the 100th Bomb Group, a brotherhood forged by courage, loss, and triumph.

Masters of the Air

Set against the complex tapestry of Hong Kong residents, a multifaceted group of women sets off a chain of life-altering events that leaves everyone navigating the intricate balance between blame and accountability.

Expats

A precocious young writer becomes involved with her high school creative writing teacher in a dark coming-of-age drama that examines the blurred lines of emotional connectivity between professor and protégé.

Miller's Girl

Jaycen 'Two Js' Jennings is a washed-up former pro football star who has hit rock bottom. When sentenced to community service coaching the Underdoggs, an unruly pee-wee football team in his hometown, he sees it mostly as an opportunity to rebuild his public image. But in the process, he may just turn his life around and rediscover his love of the game.

The Underdoggs

An all-new “Fab Five” advise men on fashion, grooming, food, culture and design in this modern reboot of the Emmy Award-winning reality series.

Queer Eye

Hosted by Alan Cumming, this unscripted competition series is a nail-biting psychological adventure in which treachery and deceit are the name of the game. Twenty contestants (including reality A-listers) come together to complete a series of challenges with the objective of earning a cash prize. The catch? Three of the contestants coined "the traitors" will devise a plan to steal the prize from the other contestants coined "the faithful."

The Traitors

After a harrowing home invasion and kidnapping in 2015, a couple is accused of staging the ordeal when the woman reappears in this true-crime docuseries.

American Nightmare

Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.

Barbie

Inspired by real events, this fictional dramatization shows Griselda Blanco's journey from Medellín to becoming "the Godmother" of Miami's drug empire.

Griselda

A single bachelor dates multiple women over several weeks, narrowing them down to hopefully find his true love.

The Bachelor

When Lorna Brady, a survivor of one of Ireland's Magdalene Laundries, wakes to find a corpse in her house, she has no idea who the dead woman is or if she's responsible for the apparent murder, because she has long suffered from extreme bouts of sleepwalking.

The Woman in the Wall

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An Austrian teenager marries the Dauphin  of France and becomes that country's queen following the death of King Louis XV  in 1774. Years later, after a life of luxury and privilege, Marie Antoinette loses her head during the French Revolution.

Marie Antoinette

Eleanor Shellstrop, an ordinary woman who, through an extraordinary string of events, enters the afterlife where she comes to realize that she hasn't been a very good person. With the help of her wise afterlife mentor, she's determined to shed her old way of living and discover the awesome (or at least the pretty good) person within.

The Good Place

Speed Racer is a young and brilliant racing driver. When corruption in the racing leagues costs his brother his life, Speed must team up with the police and the mysterious Racer X to bring an end to the corruption and criminal activities.

Speed Racer

Suburban soccer moms find themselves constantly competing against each other in their personal lives as their kids settle their differences on the field.

Greener Grass

An apocalyptic story set in the furthest reaches of our planet, in a stark desert landscape where humanity is broken, and most everyone is crazed fighting for the necessities of life. Within this world exist two rebels on the run who just might be able to restore order.

Mad Max: Fury Road

After stealing the Tesseract during the events of “Avengers: Endgame,” an alternate version of Loki is brought to the mysterious Time Variance Authority, a bureaucratic organization that exists outside of time and space and monitors the timeline. They give Loki a choice: face being erased from existence due to being a “time variant” or help fix the timeline and stop a greater threat.

Loki

The Grand Budapest Hotel tells of a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars and his friendship with a young employee who becomes his trusted protégé. The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting, the battle for an enormous family fortune and the slow and then sudden upheavals that transformed Europe during the first half of the 20th century.

The Grand Budapest Hotel

The Shadow Mountains, 1983. Red and Mandy lead a loving and peaceful existence; but when their pine-scented haven is savagely destroyed, Red is catapulted into a phantasmagoric journey filled with bloody vengeance and laced with fire.

Mandy

An ex-con becomes the traveling partner of a conman who turns out to be one of the older gods trying to recruit troops to battle the upstart deities. Based on Neil Gaiman's fantasy novel.

American Gods

One gunshot, one death, one moment out of time that irrevocably links eight minds in disparate parts of the world, putting them in each other's lives, each other's secrets, and in terrible danger. Ordinary people suddenly reborn as "Sensates."

Sense8

An assassin is shot by her ruthless employer, Bill, and other members of their assassination circle – but she lives to plot her vengeance.

Kill Bill: Vol. 1

Driver is a skilled Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a getaway driver for criminals. Though he projects an icy exterior, lately he's been warming up to a pretty neighbor named Irene and her young son, Benicio. When Irene's husband gets out of jail, he enlists Driver's help in a million-dollar heist. The job goes horribly wrong, and Driver must risk his life to protect Irene and Benicio from the vengeful masterminds behind the robbery.

Drive

When a young boy vanishes, a small town uncovers a mystery involving secret experiments, terrifying supernatural forces, and one strange little girl.

Stranger Things

When a machine that allows therapists to enter their patient's dreams is stolen, all hell breaks loose. Only a young female therapist can stop it and recover it before damage is done: Paprika.

Paprika

As bass guitarist for a garage-rock band, Scott Pilgrim has never had trouble getting a girlfriend; usually, the problem is getting rid of them. But when Ramona Flowers skates into his heart, he finds she has the most troublesome baggage of all: an army of ex-boyfriends who will stop at nothing to eliminate him from her list of suitors.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

After four college girls rob a restaurant to fund their spring break in Florida, they get entangled with a weird dude with his own criminal agenda.

Spring Breakers

Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K, unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what's left of society into chaos. K's discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard, a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years.

Blade Runner 2049

Paul Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. As malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet's exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence-a commodity capable of unlocking humanity's greatest potential-only those who can conquer their fear will survive.

Dune

When aspiring model Jesse moves to Los Angeles, her youth and vitality are devoured by a group of beauty-obsessed women who will take any means necessary to get what she has.

The Neon Demon

In a world where people collect pocket-size monsters (Pokémon) to do battle, a boy comes across an intelligent monster who seeks to be a detective.

Pokémon Detective Pikachu

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After trading in the seemingly charmed life of a gentleman for one of a swashbuckling buccaneer, Stede Bonnet becomes captain of the pirate ship Revenge. Struggling to earn the respect of his potentially mutinous crew, Stede’s fortunes change after a fateful run-in with the infamous Captain Blackbeard. Stede and crew attempt to get their ship together and survive life on the high seas.

Our Flag Means Death

Follow Captain Christopher Pike, Science Officer Spock and Number One in the years before Captain Kirk boarded the U.S.S. Enterprise, as they explore new worlds around the galaxy.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

This quick-witted spy drama follows a dysfunctional team of MI5 agents—and their obnoxious boss, the notorious Jackson Lamb—as they navigate the espionage world’s smoke and mirrors to defend England from sinister forces.

Slow Horses

This psychological thriller follows two Navajo police officers, Leaphorn and Chee, in the 1970s Southwest as their search for clues in a grisly double murder case forces them to challenge their own spiritual beliefs and come to terms with the trauma of their pasts.

Dark Winds

Foul-mouthed, chirp-serving, mother-loving, fan favourite character, Shoresy, joins the Sudbury Bulldogs of the Northern Ontario Senior Hockey Organization (The NOSHO) on a quest to never lose again.

Shoresy

Dan Chase absconded from the CIA decades ago and now lives off the grid. When an assassin arrives and tries to take Chase out, the old operative learns that to ensure his future he now must reconcile his past.

The Old Man

Finding love, making friends, getting a job, adulting. Watch as three roommates on the autism spectrum navigate their early 20s with all its joy, tears and laughter. With the help of their families, aide, and sometimes even each other, these roommates experience setbacks and celebrate triumphs on their own unique journeys towards independence and acceptance.

As We See It

In 1943, Carson Shaw travels to Chicago to try out for the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. There, she meets other women who also dream of playing pro baseball and makes connections that open up her world. Rockford local Max Chapman also comes to the tryouts but is turned away. With the support of her best friend Clance, she must forge a new path to pursue her dream.

A League of Their Own

When a high school reunion’s afterparty ends in a stunning death, everyone is a suspect. A detective grills the former classmates one by one, uncovering potential motives as each tells their version of the story—culminating in the shocking truth.

The Afterparty

Sam is a true Kansan on the surface but beneath it all struggles to fit the hometown mold. As she grapples with loss and acceptance, singing is Sam’s saving grace and leads her on a journey to discover herself and a community of outsiders that don’t fit in but don’t give up, showing that finding your people, and finding your voice, is possible. Anywhere. Somewhere.

Somebody Somewhere

A high-stakes competition series where twelve players work together in challenges to add money to a pot that only one of them will win at the end. Among the players is one person who has secretly been designated "the Mole" and tasked with sabotaging the group's money-making efforts. In the end, one player will outlast their competition and expose the Mole to win the prize pot.

The Mole

A pro League of Legends esports team pursues their first championship after years of close calls and heartache. To win it all, they will need their prodigy, a 17-year-old rookie, and their 27-year-old veteran to put their egos aside and work together.

Players

A psychotherapist finds himself held prisoner by a serial killer with an unusual request: curb his homicidal urges.

The Patient

The tight-knit Garvey sisters have always looked out for each other. When their brother-in-law winds up dead, his life insurers launch an investigation to prove malicious intent—and set their sights on the sisters, all of whom had ample reason to kill him.

Bad Sisters

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A brilliant toy company roboticist uses artificial intelligence to develop M3GAN, a life-like doll programmed to emotionally bond with her newly orphaned niece. But when the doll's programming works too well, she becomes overprotective of her new friend with terrifying results.

M3GAN

A dark odyssey about the dawn of artificial consciousness and the evolution of sin. Set at the intersection of the near future and the reimagined past, it explores a world in which every human appetite, no matter how noble or depraved, can be indulged.

Westworld

Caleb, a coder at the world's largest internet company, wins a competition to spend a week at a private mountain retreat belonging to Nathan, the reclusive CEO of the company. But when Caleb arrives at the remote location he finds that he will have to participate in a strange and fascinating experiment in which he must interact with the world's first true artificial intelligence, housed in the body of a beautiful robot girl.

Ex Machina

In 2035, where robots are commonplace and abide by the three laws of robotics, a technophobic cop investigates an apparent suicide. Suspecting that a robot may be responsible for the death, his investigation leads him to believe that humanity may be in danger.

I, Robot

Over the last ten years, technology has transformed almost every aspect of our lives before we've had time to stop and question it. In every home; on every desk; in every palm - a plasma screen; a monitor; a smartphone - a black mirror of our 21st Century existence.

Black Mirror

Humanity finds a mysterious object buried beneath the lunar surface and sets off to find its origins with the help of HAL 9000, the world's most advanced super computer.

2001: A Space Odyssey

High School student David Lightman has a talent for hacking. But while trying to hack into a computer system to play unreleased video games, he unwittingly taps into the Defense Department's war computer and initiates a confrontation of global proportions. Together with his girlfriend and a wizardly computer genius, David must race against time to outwit his opponent and prevent a nuclear Armageddon.

WarGames

The U.S. has handed over control of its nuclear defense system to the Colossus supercomputer designed by scientist Dr. Charles Forbin. It soon becomes clear, that the now-sentient Colossus is far more intelligent than its creator realized—with the fate of the world hanging in the balance.

Colossus: The Forbin Project

When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to The Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for an epic and unique global adventure.

Avengers: Age of Ultron

In the smog-choked dystopian Los Angeles of 2019, blade runner Rick Deckard is called out of retirement to terminate a quartet of replicants who have escaped to Earth seeking their creator for a way to extend their short life spans.

Blade Runner

In the distant future, Earth has become a desolate wasteland, abandoned by humanity and overrun by mountains of trash. Amidst the rubble, a small, lovable robot named WALL-E spends his days tirelessly cleaning up the mess. But when a sleek, high-tech robot named EVE arrives on a mission to search for signs of life, WALL-E is immediately smitten. Together, they embark on a journey across the cosmos.

WALL·E

Set ten years after the events of the original, James Cameron’s classic sci-fi action flick tells the story of a second attempt to get the rid of rebellion leader John Connor, this time targeting the boy himself. However, the rebellion has sent a reprogrammed terminator to protect Connor.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Set in the 22nd century, The Matrix tells the story of a computer hacker who joins a group of underground insurgents fighting the vast and powerful computers who now rule the earth.

The Matrix

When a destructive space entity is spotted approaching Earth, Admiral Kirk resumes command of the Starship Enterprise in order to intercept, examine, and hopefully stop it.

Star Trek: The Motion Picture

When brilliant video game maker Flynn hacks the mainframe of his ex-employer, he is beamed inside an astonishing digital world...and becomes part of the very game he is designing. In his mission through cyberspace, Flynn matches wits with a maniacal Master Control Program and teams up with Tron, a security measure created to bring balance to the digital environment.

Tron

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An aging Chinese immigrant is swept up in an insane adventure, where she alone can save what's important to her by connecting with the lives she could have led in other universes.

Everything Everywhere All at Once

Doctor Strange, with the help of mystical allies both old and new, traverses the mind-bending and dangerous alternate realities of the Multiverse to confront a mysterious new adversary.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

A young man struggles to access sublimated childhood memories. He finds a technique that allows him to travel back into the past, to occupy his childhood body and change history. However, he soon finds that every change he makes has unexpected consequences.

The Butterfly Effect

When carefree Nyles and reluctant maid of honor Sarah have a chance encounter at a Palm Springs wedding, things get complicated when they find themselves unable to escape the venue, themselves, or each other.

Palm Springs

On the night of an astronomical anomaly, eight friends at a dinner party experience a troubling chain of reality bending events.

Coherence

On the night of the discovery of a duplicate Earth in the Solar system, an ambitious young student and an accomplished composer cross paths in a tragic accident.

Another Earth

Nemo Nobody leads an ordinary existence with his wife and 3 children; one day, he wakes up as a mortal centenarian in the year 2092.