As you can probably ascertain from my name, I'm not a mom.

Even so, I still wanted to watch 2025's If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, which Time Magazine once called “Uncut Gems for Moms.” Well, since Uncut Gems is one of my favorite movies (mostly because of its amazing Adam Sandler performance), I definitely wanted to check it out, and whoa, baby. What a movie!

Now, even though I'm not a mom, I am a dad, and can I just say that I connected with this movie way more than I thought I would? Here's why.

Even As A Dad, I Worry About Being Perceived As A Bad Parent

Just recently, I wrote about how I'm upset that Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is rated R, and it’s mostly because I wanted to take my kids to see it. Now, back when I was a kid, my dad took me to see Terminator 2: Judgment Day when I was only 8, and that’s because parents back then didn't seem to care about taking their kids to see R-Rated flicks. But today, the main reason why I won't take my kids to see The Odyssey isn't because of the mature content (though that's definitely a part of it). It’s mostly because I don't want to be seen as a bad parent taking my kids to see R-rated films.

I'm always thinking about stuff like this (especially as a Black dad, since we're often already perceived to be bad parents from the get-go). Well, Rose Byrne in this movie is constantly feeling like the “bad mom,” and it drags her down. Her daughter has a gastrointestinal illness and needs a tube in her stomach, and Byrne's character constantly feels guilty from all the judgment she receives from others, which is SUPER relatable to me.

So, even though this movie is referred to as “Uncut Gems for Moms,” I definitely felt that tension, too, and I'm not even a mother!

There's Also Always The Fear That Anything Could Just Go Wrong At Any Moment

If you search up what genre this movie is in, you'll likely find it under “psychological drama.” I've also heard people refer to it as a “horror” movie (“realistic horror,” but still!). And, you know what, I agree, because this movie IS scary, though not in the traditional sense.

It mainly tackles motherhood and mental health, and in brutally realistic ways. For example, there's one woman who is undoubtedly suffering from postpartum depression, and she’s constantly worried about her baby. Now, while I have no way of knowing what a woman goes through following childbirth, I will say that as a parent, I have a constant, overwhelming sense of dread that something could happen to my children at any time, and this has been going on since their births.

The same could be said of Rose Byrne's character. She’s both constantly worried about her child, but also in constant need of a break, as she feels alone in taking care of her kid, which I'll talk about next.

Lastly, I Definitely Understand The Feeling Tired All The Time Part

My wife is a nurse, so there will be times when she works four days in a row. This, of course, means that I have the kids for four whole days at a time during these summer months, and anybody with kids will tell you that being a parent is a full-time job in itself.

Thankfully, my in-laws are always available if I need to take a gym break, but I know what it's like to be tired all the time, and Rose Byrne deserved that Best Actress nomination for playing a mom who is literally tired for an entire movie.

And, sister, same. As a parent, I FEEL that to my very core. I may be a dad, but I know what it's like to feel exhausted from morning til night, and that's why even though I might not be a mom, this movie speaks to me on every level.

Outside of this website, I'm a teacher, and one thing that I love about April is that it's Autism Awareness/Acceptance Month.

Because much like I do for Hispanic/Black/Women History Months, where I celebrate and discuss accomplishments from each group of people, I also sometimes devote whole lessons to talking about people on the spectrum, as well as the great contributions they’ve made to society.

That's the classroom. On the internet, I talk about movies. And, one movie that I think needs WAY more attention is the 2009 romantic comedy, Adam, which is about a man with Asperger's Syndrome who falls in love with an allistic woman in his apartment complex. It's a cute flick, and I want to talk about it.

As Far As Romantic Comedies Go, It's A Sweet One

We love romantic comedies here, and mostly because we love to root for unlikely pairings. Not too long ago, I wrote about one such couple in the movie Enough Said, which sees James Gandolfini romancing Julia-Louis Dreyfus. What's great about that movie is that their relationship shouldn't work on paper (and for a time, it doesn’t), but we hope that it does because they’re cute together…even if one of them doesn't initially see it.

And, we have a similar trajectory in the movie, Adam. Starring Hugh Dancy as the titular character, and Rose Byrne as his love interest, Beth, we again have two characters who one might not suspect would work, but do…sort of. You see, Adam has Asperger’s Syndrome, so social interactions are a bit difficult for him. He also has a hard time understanding why you typically wouldn’t ask somebody if they were excited “sexually” on a first date with them.

That’s why this movie works, because their romance flourishes…until it doesn’t, but I’ll get to that later.

The Movie Handles Autism With Sensitivity

A good friend of mine keeps telling me that I need to watch the beloved Netflix show, Love on the Spectrum, and I’m sure I do. I’ve heard nothing but good things about it. My friend tells me that what she really loves about it is how it shows an honest portrayal of people on the spectrum, which I feel is very important when it comes to representation.

Well, Hugh Dancy himself is not autistic, but I still feel the movie handles autism with sensitivity, which I appreciate. The humor that comes across here isn’t mean-spirited or at Adam’s expense.

Instead, it’s the situations that are humorous (and charming), like when Adam gets in a space suit and washes Beth’s windows at night, or when his deceased father’s friend, Harlan (Frankie Faison), has lunch with him, and struggles to have a conversation. It feels genuine, and…I guess fair. For the most part…

It Also Shows How The World Might Look At Somebody On The Spectrum

As I alluded to earlier, the movie swerves in a way that you might not expect. Now, I won’t spoil how it concludes exactly, but I think the movie also shows how loving somebody on the spectrum might be harder than one might suspect, and how not everybody will be okay with the relationship, mostly because they just don’t understand it.

This is why I feel diversity and representation are so important in entertainment, such as with Tal Anderson’s Becca character on The Pitt. Adam does a good job of showing what a relationship between a neurodivergent person and somebody who isn’t neurodivergent might look like.

This is why I think you should give it a watch if you haven’t seen it already. Happy Autism Acceptance Month.

The time is finally upon us. The 98th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, are this Sunday, and here at CinemaBlend, we’ve made our picks on who we think will take home the top eight categories of the night. Three of the categories (Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress) have clear-cut favorites amongst our staff. The remaining five (both screenplay awards, both supporting actor awards, and the award for Best Actor) are, quite honestly, very tricky to guess, because our opinions vary quite a bit.

The ceremony will be live on March 15th at 7pm ET on ABC, and available to stream live with a Hulu subscription. There are sure to be some surprises, but we’ve done our best to predict what we think will happen (though not necessarily our personal choices). We’ll start with the Best Screenplay Awards and work our way towards our pick for Best Picture, hitting all the acting awards and Best Director along the way. Each of our picks will be in bold among the list of nominees.

Best Adapted Screenplay

• Will Tracy for Bugonia
• Guillermo del Toro for Frankenstein
• Maggie O'Farrell and Chloe Zhao for Hamnet
• Paul Thomas Anderson for One Battle After Another – Our Predicted Winner
• Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar for Train Dreams

In our staff poll, the Best Adapted Screenplay choice is perhaps the most divisive. All five nominees were favored by at least one writer, and it was quite close between Hamnet, Frankenstein, and One Battle After Another. This highlights just how tricky this task can be, because it’s easy to make a case for any of the five. Ultimately, in a very tight poll, Paul Thomas Anderson came out on top for One Battle After Another.

Best Original Screenplay

• Robert Kaplow for Blue Moon
• Jafar Panahi and Nader Saivar for It Was Just An Accident
• Josh Safdie and Ronald Bronstein for Marty Supreme
• Joachim Trier and Eskil Vogt for Sentimental Value
• Ryan Coogler for Sinners – Our Predicted Winner

Sinners set the record this year for the most Oscar nominations for a film ever, with 16, including this nomination for writer Ryan Coogler. The momentum for Sinners has only been growing as this very long awards season has gone on (thanks, Olympics). While the staff pick wasn’t as close as it was for Adapted, there was quite a bit of support for Marty Supreme and Sentimental Value, but in the end, Sinners came out on top. This isn’t quite a slam dunk, but it’s the most definitive of the five awards that weren’t easy picks for us.

Best Supporting Actor

• Benicio del Toro for One Battle After Another
• Jacob Elordi for Frankenstein
• Sean Penn for One Battle After Another
• Delroy Lindo for Sinners – Our Predicted Winner
• Stellan Skarsgård for Sentimental Value

This race has been truly all over the place. Del Toro started the season strong with a string of critics' awards, Elordi won at the Critics' Choice, Skarsgård won the Golden Globe, and Penn has come on strong late with wins at BAFTA and the Actor Awards (formerly The SAG Awards). Four of the five nominees were picked by at least two writers each, and though Lindo hasn’t really been in the conversation until very late, on the strength of Sinners and his amazing performance, he is a real contender now. In fact, he is now the frontrunner, in our opinion.

Best Supporting Actress

• Elle Fanning for Sentimental Value
• Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas for Sentimental Value
• Amy Madigan for Weapons
• Wunmi Mosaku for Sinners
• Teyana Taylor for One Battle After Another – Our Predicted Winner

Like Best Supporting Actor, the race for Best Supporting Actress has been a wild ride, but it seems to have come down to three: Madigan, Mosaku, and Taylor. Each of the three has taken home awards this season, and while our choice ultimately had quite a bit of support, it’s impossible to rule out one of the other two women winning. Two months ago, it seemed like Taylor was going to sweep the season, but Madigan and Mosaku clearly have a lot of momentum as we get to the end here. We still think Taylor is the favorite for One Battle After Another, but just barely. Madigan and Mosaku are considered the favorites by quite a few folks around here.

Best Actor

• Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme – Our Predicted Winner
• Leonardo DiCaprio for One Battle After Another
• Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon
• Michael B. Jordan for Sinners
• Wagner Moura for The Secret Agent

Now this is a fascinating race, and CinemaBlend’s poll reflects that. We asked the staff to name both who they would vote for and who they think will win. While the majority of staff have predicted Chalamet to win, a huge majority picked Michael B. Jordan as who they would have voted for, personally. It’s safe to say the race is between these two, and, in full disclosure, much of our polling took place before Jordan won at the Actor Awards. There seems to be a late surge happening in favor of the Sinners star. It would not surprise anyone if he takes home the Oscar, but we predict that Chalamet will win in what could be a historic victory.

Best Actress

• Jessie Buckley for Hamnet – Our Predicted Winner
• Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I'd Kick You
• Kate Hudson for Song Sung Blue
• Renate Reinsve for Sentimental Value
• Emma Stone for Bugonia

Here’s where we’re getting to the Oscars that everyone on staff is most confident about in our predictions. In fact, in the Best Actress race, there haven’t been any surprises at all leading up to the Oscars. Jessie Buckley has completely swept the awards leading up to this Sunday, and there is no reason at all to think that will change at the Academy Awards. Buckley’s performance in Hamnet is incredible, and it’s hard to imagine anyone sneaking in and winning this over her. Stone and Byrne did receive some support from the CinemaBlend staff, but an overwhelming majority picked Buckley to win Best Actress.

Best Director

• Paul Thomas Anderson for One Battle After Another – Our Predicted Winner
• Ryan Coogler for Sinners
• Josh Safdie for Marty Supreme
• Joachim Trier for Sentimental Value
• Chloe Zhao for Hamnet

Like Best Actor, the race for Best Director comes down to two men, Ryan Coogler and Paul Thomas Anderson. All season long, the general consensus is that this is PTA’s time and he’s going to walk away with the win. Our prediction is no different, as a huge majority of our staff believe that this is Anderson’s award to lose. Could he, though? Well, interestingly, yeah, he could. As with Michael B. Jordan, when we ask the staff for their favorite, most picked Coogler as their personal choice, even if almost everyone still predicted PTA to win.

Best Picture

• Bugonia
• F1: The Movie
• Frankenstein
• Hamnet
• Marty Supreme
• One Battle After Another – Our Predicted Winner
• Sentimental Value
• Sinners
• Train Dreams
• The Secret Agent

It has gotten trickier and trickier to predict Best Picture over the years. Sure, there are times like two years ago when everyone pretty much knew that Oppenheimer was going to take home the biggest prize of the night. But then there are ones like last year when Anora came on very strong at the end of awards season, but was a little bit of a dark horse on Oscar night. This year could be either.

The strong consensus of the CinemaBlend staff is that One Battle After Another will win Best Picture, but as in a couple of categories, a majority of the staff picked Sinners as their personal favorite. This isn’t surprising, after all, Sinners was our choice for the best movie of 2025. The late momentum for Sinners has turned this award into a real nail-biter, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see Ryan Coogler on stage accepting the award at the end of the night. However, as a group, we have to stick with our prediction, given that all but three staff members picked One Battle to win (interestingly, the other votes all went to Hamnet).

You can go to our list of the 98th Academy Awards nominees to see who could win in every category, including all the technical ones, and everything else. Other than KPop Demon Hunters winning Best Animated Feature and “Golden” from that movie winning Best Song (sorry again, Diane Warren) being pretty much foregone conclusions, there are close races in every single category.

Keep an eye out for our live blog as well, as we will be reacting along with everyone else when the winners are announced.

If you had told me when I sat down to watch If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, which is now available with an HBO Max subscription, that by the end I would be thinking about Kate Chopin’s The Awakening at the end, I wouldn’t have believed you. I haven’t thought about that book since 10th grade, way back in the 20th century, and I certainly wasn’t expecting to think of it now, because of the movie where Rose Byrne has rightly been nominated for an Oscar (and already has won a Golden Globe for). But, here we are.

And be warned, there are SPOILERS AHEAD, especially of the endings of If I Had Legs I'd Kick You and The Awakening.

The Movie Surprised Me, And The Memory Surprised Me More

One thing is for sure: Chopin’s The Awakening is NOT the best book for 10th-grade boys, like I was when I read it. I dismissed it (and probably worse) at the time, though I did read the whole thing (not something I always did in those days). Because I frankly didn’t understand it then, I thought it was an overwrought, silly book. I didn’t connect with Edna, the book’s protagonist, and that’s putting it mildly. In fact, I’m sure I made fun of her.

That goes right up until the end, too, when she takes her own life by drowning herself in the ocean. As 10th-grade boys are wont to do, this tickled me. Or confused me. Or stunned me. Probably all three, but what it didn’t do was provide me any kind of insight. That’s not a slight on Chopin’s work; it’s a slight on me being a teenage idiot. Still, it has obviously stuck with me, because here I am 30 years later thinking about it in connection with one of the best movies of 2025.

I'm Surprised More People Aren’t Talking About This Homage

Obviously, this isn’t a book-to-screen adaptation of The Awakening, but if you’re familiar with both works, the ending of If I Had Legs I'd Kick You seems to be a clear homage to the book first published in 1899. In it, Edna Pontellier throws herself into the ocean, dying by suicide, after being repeatedly kicked down in life and love. It was, for its time, a startling look at the lives of women in that era, and it has since become one of the most celebrated feminist novels in history.

In If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, Linda (Byrne) also faces similar trials in love, especially with her seemingly heartless husband (Christian Slater), whom Linda sees as abandoning her and their child as he goes off for months away at work as a sea captain. Like Edna, Linda reaches a point where she thinks her only escape is to run into the ocean and end her stressful life.

Linda is rejected by the ocean, and after repeated attempts to drown, she finds herself awake on the beach with her daughter smiling at her. Or does she? Unlike The Awakening, If I Had Legs I'd Kick You’s ending is more ambiguous, and as an audience, we’re left wondering what is real and what isn’t, but the homage, at least for me, is clear. It also made me finally appreciate the book that I read so many years ago.

I can’t wait to tune into the Oscars in March with my Hulu subscription to see if Byrne takes home the trophy for Best Actress.

The first month of 2026 comes to an end this week, and it’s been a month of great streaming movies and an even better month for great streaming TV. Still, some top streamers have been holding onto the best for last, as two highly anticipated series and more get underway this week. Here’s what to look forward to steaming this week.

Wonder Man - January 27 (Disney+)

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is already set to have a big year with Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Avengers: Doomsday, but it will get off to a much smaller start, if you have a Disney+ subscription, with Wonder Man. If nothing else, the show should be entertaining for the return of Ben Kingsley’s Trevor Slattery, but the show might also be important to the larger franchise. We shall see.

School Spirits, Season 3 - January 28 (Paramount+)

The third season of School Spirits may receive something of a boost, considering that Milo Manheim was recently tapped to play Flynn Rider in Disney’s live-action Tangled. If you haven’t watched until now, your Paramount+ subscription will get you the first two seasons of the afterlife mystery series to catch up on before Season 3 arrives this week.

The Wrecking Crew - January 28 (Prime Video)

It seems terribly wrong that a buddy cop movie with Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa is a thing we’re somehow only getting now. The pair play brothers who are both cops, one by the book, the other not so much. It feels like the setup for a perfectly enjoyable action comedy at the very least and perhaps something truly great. If nothing else, it’s a good reason to have a Prime Video subscription.

Shrinking, Season 3 - January 28 (Apple TV)

Shrinking has always been one of the best reasons to have an Apple TV subscription, but Season 3 has a really big reason to watch, as it will see the return of Michael J. Fox to television. Fox, alongside the likes of Jason Segel and Harrison Ford, makes this a must-watch show.

Bridgerton, Season 4 Part 1 - January 29 (Netflix)

One of the best reasons to keep your Netflix subscription finally returns this week when the new season of Bridgerton debuts. Romance fans will likely be glued to their screens as they binge through the first part of the brand new season, which will focus on Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and his quest for a good match. The rest of the season drops at the end of February.

If I Had Legs I’d Kick You - January 30 (HBO Max)

It’s the perfect week for indie darling If I Had Legs I’d Kick You to become available with an HBO Max subscription, considering that star Rose Byrne just secured a Best Actress nomination at this year's Oscars. If you missed the movie in theaters, now is the perfect time to check it out.

February has some incredible content in store for us. Next month, Disney+ will bring us the return of The Muppet Show, while Hulu brings us the long-awaited return of Scrubs, and that’s just the beginning.

The 2026 Golden Globes are humming along, and CinemaBlend's live blog is catching all the highlights. We're also drilling down on some great moments from the celebrities who go from nominees to winners, and Rose Byrne's speech was one to remember. Her win was well-deserved, especially after she took a playful jab at a common criticism surrounding her category.

Byrne took the stage after winning Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy for her delightfully out-there movie If I Had Legs I'd Kick You. It's at times as traumatizing as it is hilarious, but Byrne had to make one thing clear as she took the stage and delivered her speech:

It's true, she didn't sing in the movie. Despite that, the award goes to people who were in a comedy or a musical, which has always been odd. As an example, someone can be nominated for the category if they were in a dramatic musical, even though "comedy" is on the award.

It doesn't make a lot of sense, and others, like director Judd Apatow, further touched on it later in the evening. Will Rose Byrne and Apatow's jabs be enough to spark some real change in the system, and will the Golden Globes start giving more respect to create separate awards for comedies and musicals? I'm not sure about all that, but I have to share her whole speech because the bit about her longtime partner Bobby Cannavale being at a reptile convention was hilarious as well:

Rose Byrne didn't seem to think she'd win the award, as she mentioned she hadn't prepared anything ahead of time. The fact that she had Cannavale go to a reptile show instead almost feels like further evidence she wasn't convinced she'd win the award.

I believe Rose Byrne that she didn't expect to win, but that might be because she hasn't been tracking the awards race that heavily. She's already predicted by Variety to be nominated for Best Actress at the 2026 Oscars, but will be up against some stiff competition, like Emma Stone and Jessie Buckley, for the win.

Rose Byrne's speech remains one of the memorable moments of the show, but not the only standout of the night so far. Teyana Taylor's speech for the evening was also a favorite, and I'm still thinking about that wild necklace Julia Roberts rocked on the red carpet. Overall, it's been a great night for Hollywood, one weird cross-promotion from UFC aside.

Continue to stick with CinemaBlend as we continue to highlight all the highs and lows of the 2026 Golden Globes, as well as cover the other major award shows throughout the 2026 TV schedule.

The Bridesmaids cast is so stacked with comedy legends including Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, and Melissa McCarthy, and the Oscar-nominated script is so good that a vast majority of it is quotable. Ever since its release in 2011, people have been laughing over the amazing one-liners from this comedy about a woman who is trying her darndest to be a good maid of honor. Now, it’s time to go over some of the best quotes from this seriously iconic comedy from Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo. 

Help me, I’m poor. -Annie 

The second time Annie infiltrates the first-class cabin, she is promptly approached by the flight attendant, and she tries to claim she’s not her, in fact, she’s actually meant to be in the seat she stole. However, the attendant isn’t buying it, and when he tries to get her out again, one of her last resorts to get into first class is to say “Help me, I’m poor,” in the funniest little voice. 

I'm not going to say I survived, I'm going to say I thrived. -Megan 

After we meet Megan and find out she’s recovering from falling off a cruise ship, she reassures Annie and the audience by saying she “survived.” Then she doubles down, saying that while she “hit a lot of railings” and a dolphin saved her through a telepathic connection she’s thriving. 

It's just... it's the first time I've ever seen you look ugly. And that makes me kind of happy. -Annie 

As Annie and Helen look for Lillian, they have the sweetest moment they’ve ever had, despite the fact that it’s over Kristen Wiig’s character hilariously insulting Rose Byrne’s character by saying she looks ugly. 

I look ugly? No I don't. I don't really look ugly. -Helen 

In direct response to Annie telling her she’s an ugly crier, Helen immediately tries to stop the tears and deny the claim. It’s very on-brand for Helen, and now that she and Annie are on OK terms, it makes this moment super funny. 

Do you want to tell a cop about it? We're just like priests except we would tell everybody afterwards. -Rhodes 

After a rough night, Annie runs into Rhodes at a gas station, and he uses this charmingly odd line to ask if she wants to talk about what’s been going on in her life, and it works!

I’m ready to party! -Annie 

Drunk, and feeling way better than she did a mere second before, Annie infiltrates first class to see Lillian and Helen. She’s relaxed, excited, and “ready to party!” And I think it’s safe to say this one-liner is one of the most iconic from Bridesmaids as it kicks off one of the funniest scenes in the movie. 

You're more beautiful than Cinderella. You smell like pine needles, and you have a face like sunshine. -Becca 

While incredibly drunk, Becca is trying to comfort Rita as they lament about their marriages. When Rita gets self-conscious, Ellie Kemper’s character retorts back with the silliest compliment that sounds like an inside joke from Parks and Recreation considering the way Leslie compliments Ann. 

Why can't you be happy for me and then go home and talk about me behind my back like a normal person? -Lillian 

After a disastrous party, Lillian confronts Annie over her behavior. Wiig’s character can’t stand that her best friend is hanging out with Helen, and her actions that arise out of those emotions are what cause Maya Rudolph’s passionate reaction. 

It's not a missing person until it's at least 24 hours. Have you ever seen CSI? Twenty-four hours. Let me get on with my job, Annie. -Rhodes 

Lillian had been MIA for 12 hours, and Annie and Helen got very nervous. So, they found Rhodes and did everything they could to get him to pull them over. Once they finally got him to acknowledge them, the cop firmly explained, using a fantastic pop culture reference to prove his point, that they can’t file a missing person report until it’s been 24 hours.

I have to go to the bathroom but I heard about a woman who went to the bathroom on the plane - she got sucked into the toilet. Sucked right in. -Nervous Woman on the Plane

Upping Annie’s plane anxiety, and making everything 100% worse is the hilarious nervous flyer sitting next to her. Played by the co-writer of Bridesmaids and Wiig’s hilarious Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar, Annie Mumolo, this cameo is chaotically wonderful, it helps escalate the plane sequence, and it’s a great line about plane suspicions that I think many have pondered at one point or another. 

Lillian and I took Spanish together in school. And so, I would just like to say to you and to everyone here, "Gracias para vivar en la casa, en la escuelas, en... en la azul... "marcada". Tienes con "bibir" en las Fortuashla?" and gracias! -Annie 

Attempting to one-up Helen’s speech, Annie takes the stage. After they go back and forth for a while, and Helen speaks in French to Lillian, Annie recites what she learned in high school Spanish in an attempt to best her. However, it’s just a bunch of gibberish as she strings words like house, school, and blue together while trying to remember her Spanish vocabulary. 

We would like to invite you to no longer live with us. -Brynn 

Before we knew Rebel Wilson for her movies like Pitch Perfect and Senior Year, she had a small role in Bridesmaids playing Annie’s housemate. While she wasn’t the one paying rent, she was the one to ask Wiig’s character to move out. 

I wouldn't want to make you explain what our relationship is to all those people. That would suck for you. -Ted 

Kristen Wiig’s Annie is in an on-again, off-again relationship…sort of…with Jon Hamm’s Ted. When she asks if he wants to go to Lillian’s wedding with her, he has the worst but also hilarious response. 

I took nine. I took nine. Yeah. I did slightly overcommit to the whole dog thing. It turns out I'm probably more comfortable with six. -Megan

Listen, Megan couldn’t get enough of the puppies, and she had to take them all home with her. However, as she said, nine might have been too many.

'Stove' what kind of a name is that? -Annie 

As Annie finally leaves first class, she confronts the flight attendant, named Steve, and she calls him Stove. She then promptly explains that that is not a good name, which leads to Steve correcting her, and her asking him if he’s an appliance, to which he hilariously responds “No I’m a man, and my name is Steve.” 

Hello, Helen. I've heard... wonderful things. -Rhodes 

Putting on a fake smile for a myriad of reasons, Rhodes realizes that the Helen he’s just been introduced to is the one who has been at the center of Annie’s issues for the whole movie. So, he sarcastically says the line above, and let me tell you, it’s pitch-perfect delivery. 

It's a good tub. I slept there for my 30th birthday. -Annie 

Lillian was freaking out about getting married, and she was specifically upset about leaving her apartment. So, while comforting her friend and listening as she listed off all the things she would miss, Annie chimed in when the bathtub was mentioned, reciting the fantastic line above. 

You're like the maid of dishonor. -Rhodes

Considering how poorly most of the events for Lillian’s wedding went, I can’t say this comment from Rhodes is wrong about Annie. 

This is such a stone-cold pack of weirdos, and I am so proud! -Lillian

Before things get gross in the bridal shop, the ladies have what they think is a nice lunch. Lillian shows her love for all of them by toasting her bridesmaids and saying they’re “a stone-cold pack of weirdos.” 

No one can get anywhere in 3 seconds. You're setting me up for a loss already. -Annie 

On his last nerve, the flight attendant tells Annie she needs to book it out of first, and she makes it very clear to him that the expectation he’s set is impossible to meet. 

This is kind of high-octane stuff that really made me want to become a cop. Missing girl found at her apartment. It's adrenaline-pinching. -Rhodes

Somehow delivering the line with both sarcasm and sincerity, Rhodes reacts to the news that Lillian is simply just in her apartment brilliantly. After low-key being tormented by Annie as she tried to get his attention, once they found Lillian, he had every right to be annoyed, but we got this sweet yet dry line instead. It’s perfect. 

I fell off a cruise ship, but I'm back. -Megan 

Bridesmaids is easily one of Melissa McCarthy’s best movies, and she proved that from the jump by having one of her first lines be about her trip that involved falling off a cruise ship.

Excuse me, um, could I have a glass of alcohol when you get a chance? -Becca 

While on the plane, Becca, a very wholesome gal, is having a conversation with Rita about her marriage and love life. In the middle of that conversation, a flight attendant comes by asking if they want a drink, and not really knowing what alcoholic beverage to order, Ellie Kemper’s character just says she’ll take “a glass of alcohol.”

I’m glad he’s single, ‘cause I’m gonna climb that like a tree. -Megan 

After asking the guy standing next to Annie if he’s her fella, Megan is told that the man is not with Annie, and quickly after that, Melissa McCarthy’s character is relieved because she wants him. 

They are cute, but when they reach that age, ugh. Disgusting. -Rita

As a mom of boys, Rita is very clear that while they’re cute when they’re babies, they are gross as they get older. After this line, she continues to go on and on, and it’s safe to say that she’s over living with them. 

I feel bad for your parents. -Annie

At Annie’s job, she gets into quite a verbal battle with a teen. While the kid is just as vicious, Annie is the one who gets in trouble for saying things like this funny and lethal line above, and ultimately she gets fired. 

I’m telling you, hitting bottom is a good thing. Because there’s nowhere to go but up. -Annie’s Mom

By reciting a lesson she learned at AA, which she’s not an alcoholic, Annie’s mom tries to give her daughter advice by saying that being at rock bottom only gives her room to grow. 

That dress is so pretty, it makes my stomach hurt. -Megan

Arguably, one of the reasons Bridesmaids earns its hard R-rating is the wedding dress store scene that devolves into the infamous bathroom moment, and it all begins when the girls realize they have stomach aches, and Megan says this funny line. 

Hold on for one more day. -Wilson Phillips

With one more hysterical surprise up her sleeve, Helen brings Wilson Phillips out to sing “One More Day” after Lillian and Dougie say I do. Meanwhile, Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph, who proved their physical comedy skills as part of SNL’s best casts, hilariously emphasized their comedy genius again by ending the movie lip-syncing during the performance, and it’s impossible to not walk out of this movie humming the tune. 

This should be open ‘cause it’s called civil rights. This is the ‘90s. -Annie

The first time Annie leaves first class, she opens the curtain separating those seats from the economy seats. As she’s heading back she also memorably tells the flight attendant why the classes of the plane shouldn’t be separated by claiming it’s an issue of civil rights that shouldn’t happen because it’s “the ‘90s,” which it isn’t, this movie came out in 2011, making the line even funnier.   

Physically, I don’t bloat. It’s a gift. -Megan 

As they’re enjoying lunch, Helen isn’t eating meat because she doesn't want to bloat. However, for Melissa McCarthy’s character, that’s not an issue, and the way she lets everyone know is fantastic. 

Don’t you dare laugh. -Lillian

The second Lillian walks out in her wedding dress, looking defeated, she tells Annie she’s not allowed to laugh at the giant poof of a gown. However, Kristen Wiig’s character can’t hold it in, and neither can Maya Rudolph’s and they both end up cracking up, even though she said not to. 

While Bridesmaids terrified director Paul Feig, because a comedy like it really hadn’t been made before, the film proved to be a classic. To this day, many of these amazing quotes are still talked about, and it’s impossible not to laugh at them. 

Animated movies like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem usually boast how they’ve scored an amazing cast of familiar voices you’ve heard. To say that director Jeff Rowe had achieved that same feat would be an understatement, as the voice talent for Paramount’s new reboot on the half shell is truly stacked. 

Whether you've seen the movie already or want to double check your assumptions on who's in the cast, we've got you covered. So if you thought you heard a familiar voice or two in this entry of the 2023 movie release schedule, then take a look at the list below and see if your instincts were right. 

Micah Abbey (Donatello)

With two episodes of Grey’s Anatomy, as well as the role of Leaf in Cousins For Life, under his belt, Micah Abbey landed the role of Donatello in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles family. Those experiences have helped Abbey’s portrayal, as his spot as the quick thinking genius of the group benefits from such performances.

Shamon Brown Jr. (Michelangelo)

Ever the prankster, Michelangelo is the class clown when it comes to these brothers in arms. Taking up that role is actor Shamon Brown Jr., who can be seen in the Showtime original series The Chi in the role of Papa. According to Variety, Brown will also be reprising his role as Michelangelo, along with his on-screen brothers, in the the upcoming series Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which will serve as the connective tissue to a greenlit sequel to Mutant Mayhem. 

Nicolas Cantu (Leonardo)

Actor Nicolas Cantu’s collection of roles ranges from the voice of Charlie on Netflix’s Skull Island to Elton on The Walking Dead: Worlds Beyond. With guest spots on Family Guy, The Rookie, and 9-1-1: Lone Star also in the mix, Cantu’s role as the de facto leader and occasional “narc” in the family comes with a lot of experience behind it. 

Brady Noon (Raphael)

Ever the hot head, Raphael is the Ninja Turtle you’d most likely get into a fight with. It’s ok, because his anger totally isn’t a problem; especially when it comes to Brady Noon’s colorful performance! Previously seen on HBO’s Boardwalk Empire as young Tommy Darmody, Noon has recently been a fixture for those with a Disney+ subscription thanks to playing Greg in the animated Diary of a Wimpy Kid movies and Evan Morrow from Mighty Ducks: Game Changers.

Ayo Edebiri (April O'Neil)

You might recognize the voice of April O’Neill in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem thanks to Ayo Edebiri’s previous voice work on Netflix’s Big Mouth. Or you might remember her as Sydney from FX’s The Bear. In either case, Ms. Edebiri has had an amazing run in her recent resume, preparing her to play the hard-hitting teenage journalist to great effect.

Jackie Chan (Splinter)

Traditionally, Splinter has been portrayed as both a master of martial arts and a concerned father. So tying those two factors together by casting Jackie Chan in the role is a pretty ingenious stroke when you think about it. A veteran of action/comedies like Rush Hour, Chan has also built a pretty impressive career in voice-overs through work in the Kung-Fu Panda movies, as well as The Lego Ninjago Movie. Though you may have also seen Jackie Chan in the flesh recently, thanks to the Netflix success of his movie Hidden Strike.

Ice Cube (Superfly)

It takes a villain as cunning, yet charming, as Superfly to terrorize the world of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. That’s exactly what audiences have gotten out of the experience thanks to rapper/actor Ice Cube playing this part with both of those qualities front and center. Cube made a name for himself through acting in the Friday and Barbershop franchises, as well as jumping in on the action/adventure thrill ride xXx: State of the Union. 

Giancarlo Esposito (Baxter Stockman)

Scientist Baxter Stockman isn’t as villainous as you’d think in Mutant Mayhem, as he doesn't turn into Superfly in this incarnation. (Despite that version of Stockman, from the 2012 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series, being pictured above.) This turn is just as shocking as learning that Giancarlo Esposito is the voice behind this fatherly presence. 

As Gus Fring on Breaking Bad and Moff Gideon on The Mandalorian, Esposito’s more menacing side got a true workout. However, there are more ruthless characters in this universe, some of which are connected to his work with “the ooze.”

Maya Rudolph (Cynthia Utrom)

Cynthia Utrom wants all of Baxter Stockman’s research, and she wants it now! The overarching antagonist who wants to milk the Turtles and capture all of Stockman’s creations, Cynthia’s unique voice comes from SNL vet Maya Rudolph. Also known for voice work in The Mitchells vs. The Machines' cast (which was co-directed/written by Mutant Mayhem’s Jeff Rowe), Rudolph is also notable for her role in Paul Feig’s comedy masterpiece Bridesmaids.

Seth Rogen (Bebop)

Speaking of Baxter Stockman’s experiments, they too have formed a superpowered family under the watchful eye of Superfly. One of the most iconic has to be Bebop, one half of a team that’s long terrorized the Turtles, but actually befriends them in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. Played by producer and co-writer Seth Rogen, this “permanent teenager” kicked off his acting career with Knocked Up, and has been in everything from Superbad to Steve Jobs since then.

John Cena (Rocksteady)

If you have Bebop, then you definitely need to have Rocksteady by his side. Completing this dynamic duo is an unlikely, but awesome scene partner: John Cena. Most recently seen in Barbie and Fast X, this WWE veteran is up for pretty much anything… even playing the live-action scene partner to Mutant Mayhem co-star Jackie Chan in that Netflix hit we discussed earlier, Hidden Strike!

Hannibal Buress (Genghis Frog)

Be it in his role as Coach Wilson in Spider-Man: Homecoming or as an exaggerated version of himself in The Eric Andre Show, Hannibal Buress is a fan favorite in the world of comedy. Taking on Genghis Frog is a perfect opportunity for his talents, as Buress’ deadpan delivery and comedic threats are a solid fit for this character’s role in Superfly’s gang.

Rose Byrne (Leatherhead)

An alligator with an attitude, Leatherhead is just as likely to threaten to bite you as she is to make you an onion-based treat that practically blooms on the table. Voiced by Rose Byrne, she’s yet another Bridesmaids cast member on the Mutant Mayhem team. Though you may have also seen her in live-action through the Peter Rabbit movies, as well as in Apple TV+’s Platonic with Seth Rogen.

Natasia Demetriou (Wingnut)

Depending on who you are, casting Natasia Demetriou as the batty Wingnut is either on the nose or clever casting. Thanks to her role as vampire/bat Nadja on What We Do In The Shadows, hearing a flying creature with Demetriou’s familiar voice is certainly going to have her fans recognizing her presence faster than you can say, “Bat!”

Post Malone (Ray Fillet)

Ray Fillet is a creature that loves to sing, and rightfully so, as Mutant Mayhem scored the talents of rapper Post Malone to give him those soulful melodies. Credited under his real name, Austin Post, Malone has also been featured in movies like Guy Ritchie’s Wrath of Man, as well as playing the role of Squeeb in the Netflix film Spenser Confidential. 

Paul Rudd (Mondo Gecko)

Don’t let the “introducing” credit fool you, as that scrappy up-and -omer Paul Rudd has been making a name for himself for some time. Appearing in various comedies like Clueless, and even Knocked Up with fellow mutant vocalist Seth Rogen, Rudd is probably best known as the MCU’s cinematic Ant-Man. Though, to be honest, Mondo Gecko’s vibes could put him in contest with Scott Lang for “best Paul Rudd role of all time.” 

With such a deep bench of talent in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, there are a lot of voices to recognize. So we’re glad to be able to help identify the lot, and keep you from racking your brain too hard over who’s who; as a lot of the lines throughout this exciting action/comedy were bound to ring some bells in the minds of all who have seen it. 

If you haven’t had a chance to experience the Mutant Mayhem for yourself, don’t worry. Turtle Power has returned to a theater near you, and will more than likely wind up as part of the perks to having a Paramount+ subscription at some point in the future. 

These days, it has become a common trend for some of the most iconic characters from some of the best horror movies to return for another big scare, but the latest chapter of the Insidious series — a popular franchise from Blumhouse with a unique twist on the haunted house movie genre — marks a particularly special occasion. 

Most of the original Insidious cast are reuniting for this creepy fifth installment for first time since Insidious: Chapter 2 came out a decade ago and with one working behind the camera, as well, this time. There are also a few newcomers to the franchise to note in the Insidious: The Red Door cast, so let’s talk about who they play and what else you may know them from in our breakdown of the new horror movie’s ensemble, below.

Patrick Wilson (Josh Lambert)

In addition to reprising Josh Lambert — a teacher who hypnotically repressed his ability to astral project in the second film — Emmy Award nominee Patrick Wilson also makes his directorial debut with Insidious: The Red Door, which is fitting since this franchise was his first step to becoming a Scream King. 

Playing Ed Warren in the Conjuring Universe, chasing cannibals in the horrifically violent 2015 Western, Bone Tomahawk, and flipping to “bad dad mode” for Netflix’s claustrophobic Stephen King/Joe Hill adaptation, In the Tall Grass, would later solidify his modern horror movie icon status. The upcoming 2023 movie, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, will mark the Moonfall cast member’s latest reunion with James Wan and his latest DC movie (following 2018’s Aquaman and Zack Snyder’s Watchmen). He's not done chasing ghosts, either, with The Conjuring: Last Rites now in the works. 

Ty Simpkins (Dalton Lambert)

Josh’s son, and fellow repressed astral projectionist, Dalton — now studying art in college — is played, once again, by Ty Simpkins, who first played the son of a Patrick Wilson character in one of the best Kate Winslet movies, 2007’s Little Children, but first got a taste of the horror genre with an appearance in Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds at three years old. 

Some of his better-known credits outside of the Insidious movies include his scene-stealing role in Iron Man 3 (which he reprised subtly in Avengers: Endgame), playing another child in danger in 2015’s Jurassic World, and his reunion with writer and director Shane Black for a small part in The Nice Guys. Simpkins more recently appeared in The Whale opposite Academy Award winner Brendan Fraser.

Rose Byrne (Renai Lambert)

Returning to play Dalton’s mother and Josh’s former wife, Renai, is Rose Byrne, who is also known for comic book flicks — namely a couple of X-Men movies as Moira MacTaggert — and a couple of other horror movies (the realistic zombie flick 28 Weeks Later, and apocalyptic thriller Knowing). The two-time-Emmy-nominated star of FX’s Damages has much more eclectic filmography than that, however. 

For instance, the Australian actor is part of the Star Wars universe (as Padmé’s handmaiden, Dormé), has proven her comedic talents in several movies (such as with the Bridesmaids cast and in Instant Family, to name a couple) and TV shows (the Apple TV+ original series, Physical, and her reunion with Neighbors’ Seth Rogen on Platonic), and continues to shine in dramatic work like the FX miniseries, Mrs. America, as feminist icon, Gloria Steinem. More recently, Byrne appeared in the holiday fantasy musical, Spirited, opposite Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds and is lending her voice to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem as Leatherhead.

Andrew Astor (Foster Lambert)

Dalton’s younger brother, Foster, is just about the best-known acting role to date for Andrew Astor, even after making his (credited) film debut as part of the original Hangover cast as Bradley Cooper’s character's son, Eli, and playing a young “Weird Al” in a 2010 short that inspired the Daniel Radcliffe-led, feature-length biopic, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story. 

He also played a young Spencer Reid in two episodes of Criminal Minds, which is just one example of his impressive collection of TV guest spots, which includes episodes of ER, How I Met Your Mother, and Mad Men. Save the 2019 short, Infiltration, Insidious: The Red Door is actually Astor’s first acting gig since Insidious: Chapter 2, having turned his interests toward music, which appears to be an activity that Foster has also taken up in the sequel.

Sinclair Daniel (Chris)

Making her feature film debut in Insidious: The Red Door as Dalton’s new college friend, Chris, is Sinclair Daniel, whose first acting gig was a 28-minute short called Cannabitches in 2018, which she followed up with a six-minute short called Teresa before kicking off a streak of guest appearances on TV shows like Madam Secretary, The Good Fight, and Bull. 

In 2021, Daniel appeared opposite yet another Scream King — Evil Dead movies star, Bruce Campbell — in the Hallmark holiday movie, One December Night, and, according to Deadline, she is leading the cast of Hulu’s upcoming series adaptation of Zakiya Dalila Harris’s 2021 novel, The Other Black Girl.

Hiam Abass (Dalton's Art Professor)

Starring as an esteemed instructor who inspires Dalton to broaden his artistic talents is Hiam Abass, who last starred in a long-awaited installment of a great horror franchise in 2022 when she appeared in David Bruckner’s Hulu exclusive reimagining of Hellraiser, having also, previously, appeared in a long-awaited sequel to one of the best sci-fi movies with 2017’s Blade Runner 2049. 

The veteran actor — also known for movies like 2005’s Munich or The Nativity Story from the following year — might be better recognized by modern audiences from the acclaimed Hulu dramedy series, Ramy, as the title character’s mother, or from her role in HBO’s Succession cast as Marcia Roy.

Lin Shaye (Elise Rainier)

The only actor to appear in every Insidious movie is Lin Shaye, who deservingly joined the ranks of the all-time greatest horror movie Scream Queens after playing Elise Rainier. However, her horror experience dates back to the original A Nightmare on Elm Street cast, and when she went on to star in the first Critters movie, 2006’s Snakes on a Plane, Tales from Halloween, the Ouija movies, 2020’s version of The Grudge, and the popular horror video game, The Quarry. 

Some of her most notable credits outside of the horror genre include some classic Farrelly Brothers movies (namely Liar Liar, Kingpin, and There’s Something About Mary), 2021’s true crime biopic, Ted Bundy: American Boogeyman, and the Covid-era ensemble drama, We Are Gathered Here Today.

One of my favorite behind-the-scenes facts about 2011’s Insidious is how James Wan — who was not a father at the time — relied on Patrick Wilson’s own real-life experience as a parent as inspiration when directing the family-heavy scenes. So, to see Wilson at the helm of a sequel in which family is a more prevalent theme than ever could not be a more perfect pairing. 

Journeying into the Further again can be a scary thought, but seeing the talent in the Insidious: The Red Door cast should, hopefully, make it easier.

It's been almost a decade since the TMNT graced the silver screen, with the last movies to star the crime-fighting sewer dwellers being the poorly received Michael Bay-produced duology. But die-hard turtle fans can get excited because we don’t have much longer to wait for the reptile brother’s next big screen adventure. The heroes in a half shell are officially on the 2023 new movies schedule, with Seth Rogen’s animated reboot , Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, right around the corner. And if that weren't exciting enough, Rogen just officially announced his cast, and it's putting heavy hitters like Jackie Chan and Paul Rudd in totally tubular roles. Cowabunga!

Producer and actor Seth Rogen took the stage on Saturday, March 4, during the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, to introduce the world to the fresh-faced turtle team voiced by Micah Abbey (Donatello), Shamon Brown Jr. (Michelangelo), Nicolas Cantu (Leonardo), and Brady Noon (Raphael) while also revealing the major A-Listers set for key roles. It was confirmed that beloved Hong Kong actor and martial arts icon Jackie Chan is set to play the turtle mentor Splinter, Rogen will play the mutagen-injected warthog henchman Bebop, and the age-defying Paul Rudd will lend his voice to Mondo Gecko. For the complete cast list, see below:

• Nicolas Cantu as Leonardo
• Micah Abbey as Donatello
• Shamon Brown Jr. as Michelangelo
• Brady Noon as Raphael 
• Jackie Chan as Splinter 
• Ayo Edebiri as April O’Neil 
• Hannibal Buress as Genghis Frog
• Rose Byrne as Leatherhead 
• Seth Rogen as Bebop 
• John Cena as Rocksteady 
• Ice Cube as Superfly 
• Natasia Demetriou as Wingnut 
• Giancarlo Esposito as Baxter Stockman
• Post Malone as Ray Fillet 
• Paul Rudd as Mondo Gecko 
• Maya Rudolph as Cynthia Utrom

What’s notable about this casting announcement is the creative team’s decision not to include the most iconic Turtle villain, Shredder -- and to highlight some of the lesser-known foes, like Wingnut and Ray Fillet. And the inclusions of fun characters such the skateboard-loving Mondo Gecko will make this version of the Turtles stand out from past cinematic incarnations. Stars like Jackie Chan (who's perfectly cast), Ayo Edebiri and John Cena should also help to breathe fresh new life into some of the series' classic characters.

The casting news wasn’t the only exciting information from Rogen’s announcement. It was revealed that the teaser trailer for the highly anticipated film will premiere on the TMNT Movie Socials and Paramount Pictures’ YouTube channel this Monday, March 6. It’s going to be a good day for Turtle fans!

While the plot of the latest flick to center on the world’s most fearsome fighting team was relatively under wraps. What we now know for sure about TMNT: Mutant Mayhem (amongst other details) is that it will center around the team after years of being sheltered from the human world, setting out to win the hearts of New Yorkers until they bite off a bit more than they can chew. The teen ninjas will come face to face with a mysterious crime syndicate that unleashes an army of mutants for them to face off against.

If this cast wasn’t enough to get me excited, Seth Rogen, a self-proclaimed lifelong TMNT fanboy, said that the music has a Tony Hawk connection that gets me so pumped for this new interpretation of the team. It feels like Rogen and his collaborators have put a lot of thought into this production as evidenced by the castings and sweet Easter eggs. I can't wait to hear what he, Jackie Chan, Paul Rudd and co. have in store!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem was directed by one-half of the team that helmed the critically acclaimed Netflix feature The Mitchells vs. the Machines and is set to release in cinemas on August 4, 2023. While you wait for its release, check out our ranking of the Ninja Turtles movies.

There are many Australian actors who have made it big in Hollywood, including Chris Hemsworth (who famously eventually left LA), Nicole Kidman, Rebel Wilson, Hugh Jackman, and more. Aussie actress Rose Byrne falls into this category as she appeared in several television shows in the ‘90s as well as a handful of low-budget Australian indie films before venturing to Hollywood. The Golden Globe-nominated actress recalled how she has late actor Heath Ledger to thank for helping to pave the way for Australian actors to make it to Hollywood. She also shared fond memories she had with him during her early days in Los Angeles.

In 1999, Rose Byrne and Heath Ledger were two 20-year-old Aussies who arrived in the Las Vegas scene with no idea what was in store for them while promoting their Australian comedy-crime film Two Hands. In an interview with The Independent, Byrne spoke about how The Dark Knight star was an inspiration for Australian actors trying to make it in Hollywood after he nailed the audition for 1999’s 10 Things I Hate About You.

Rose Byrne has been a professional actress ever since she was 15 and in her first film role in the black-comedy Dallas Doll. Then, she had small roles in films like Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones as one of Queen Amidala’s handmaidens and Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette. And of course we can’t forget her iconic role as Helen Harris in Bridesmaids who competes against another bridesmaid for the bride’s friendship. 

This followed more unforgettable films like when she joined Anna Faris in I Give It a Year as well as landing roles in Neighbors and This is Where I Leave You. The 42-year-old actress has clearly come a long way since her start and it’s nice to know actors like Heath Ledger helped make a name for herself in Hollywood. It has me wondering where Ledger would be now if he'd had the time to have a career trajectory of the same ilk. 

Before all of this, Rose Byrne and Heath Ledger were two outsiders from Australia trying to make it in the tough entertainment industry, the Insidious actress said she felt like living in LA at the same time as Ledger and other Aussie actors was like an adventure. 

Hollywood is still leaving plenty of room for Rose Byrne to show us what she’s got. She’s got a starring role in one of the best Apple TV+ series Physical when an ambitious aerobic instructor goes through the challenges of an unhappy marriage and an eating disorder in 1980s San Diego. We see her self-discovery journey grow as she becomes a lady boss in the fitness industry. Byrne will also have another Apple TV+ series in the works where she reunites with her Neighbors co-star Seth Rogen in Platonic where two friends who had a falling out when they were younger reconnect as adults and try to mend their friendship. 

Today, Rose Byrne has lived in the U.S. full-time for quite some time -- though she later moved to New York where she and her partner Bobby Cannavale were during the pandemic. Her story with Heath Ledger shows that it helps to have friends when you are braving your way in a whole new country in an intimidating industry like entertainment can be. Years later, it's clear the fond memories she made with her Aussie pal have stayed with her. 

It’s been nearly eight years since the release of Neighbors, the family vs. frat comedy that reintroduced the world to the hilarity of airbag explosions. If you loved following the conflicts between new parents Mac and Kelly Radner and the house of fraternity brothers that live next door, then it shouldn’t be surprising that nearly all the big-name actors from this 2014 movie have gotten even bigger. Let’s take a look at what the Neighbors cast is up to now.

Seth Rogen (Mac Radner)

Despite the fact that Neighbors is a movie featuring gross-out humor and copious amounts of weed jokes, Seth Rogen delivers a heartfelt performance as husband and father Mac Radner while still delivering gut-busting laughs.

Seth Rogen has racked up a long list of acting credits since the premiere of Neighbors, including parts in the Academy Award-nominated film The Disaster Artist, the live-action remake of The Lion King, and Long Shot, in which he stars alongside Charlize Theron.

His current work focuses more on producing and writing for television. In the past five years he’s been the executive producer for eight different shows, two of which he’s also credited as a writer – including the critically acclaimed superhero series The Boys (which has a 97% on Rotten Tomatoes). The Boys will return for its third season this June.

Rogen’s upcoming projects include producing roles for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2023) and The Something, an astronaut thriller. He’s also slated to voice Donkey Kong in the upcoming unnamed Super Mario movie.

Currently, fans can watch Rogen on the new Hulu series Pam & Tommy and hear his voice in Prime Video’s adult comedy Invincible. He’s also branching out into the podcast world with his show Storytime with Seth Rogen and has been honing his crafting skills in his pottery studio.

Zac Efron (Teddy Sanders)

In the years since his role as fraternity president Teddy in Neighbors, Zac Efron’s roles have ranged from a demented serial killer in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile to a singing playwright in The Greatest Showman. The man has range, okay? He’s also one of many actors on this list to appear in The Disaster Artist.

He’s also produced and appeared in the Netflix series Down to Earth with Zac Efron and is set to appear in the recently-announced adventure series-spinoff titled Killing Zac Efron.

In 2022 we can expect to see Zac Efron in the Disney remake of Three Men and a Baby and The Greatest Beer Run Ever, based on John Donohue’s memoir about delivering beer to his friends fighting in Vietnam in 1967. He’ll also star in the new adaptation of the Steven King novel Firestarter and one of 2022’s upcoming films, Gold, where he’ll star alongside writer and director Anthony Hayes.

Rose Byrne (Kelly Radner)

Don’t ever say women can’t hang with the boys. Rose Byrne managed to be one of the funniest actors in Neighbors, from her stressed-out mom outbursts to her devious meddling skills in the war against Delta Psi Beta.

Recent popular gigs from Rose Byrne include the 2018 comedy Instant Family and her ongoing role as Bea in the Peter Rabbit children's movies. But it’s her role as Gloria Steinem in the 2020 Emmy award-winning drama Mrs. America that could mean she’s attempting a shift from comedy to more dramatic roles. 

Rose Byrne’s current starring role in the Apple TV+ dramedy Physical highlights her comedy chops as well as ability to play more nuanced roles. Byrne stars as Sheila, a 1980’s housewife who channels her self-criticism and need for control into dominating the world of aerobics.

Her upcoming movie They Are Us is based on the 2019 Christchurch attacks on the Muslim community in New Zealand, but we’re also excited to see her act and produce alongside her partner Bobby Cannavale in Seriously Red, a musical film about a Dolly Parton impersonator that will feature music from Dolly Parton herself. The film will be the first from Byrne’s production company, Dollhouse Pictures.

Dave Franco (Pete)

Dave Franco’s role as Pete the frat boy in Neighbors (and as Pete the engaged gay man in Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising) definitely proved his comedic abilities to the world. You might have also seen Dave Franco in his appearances in Oscar-nominated films like If Beale Street Could Talk and The Disaster Artist (yes, the same film produced by his Neighbors costar Seth Rogen).

Dave Franco currently appears in the Apple TV+ series The After Party, a murder-mystery/comedy costarring Tiffany Haddish, Ilana Glazer, Sam Richardson, and fellow Neighbors alum Ike Barinholtz.

Upcoming releases for the youngest Franco brother include Day Shift, set to release in 2022. He’ll also reprise his role as Jack Wilder in the recently announced third installment of the Now You See Me franchise and dip his toes into the waters of directing with his upcoming comedy Somebody I Used to Know.

Ike Barinholtz (Jimmy)

You’ve definitely seen Ike Barinholtz as the goofy (but usually well-meaning) sidekick character in everything from Neighbors to The Mindy Project. He also appeared briefly in the beginning scene of The Disaster Artist.

Barinholtz’ upcoming projects include the true story The White House Plumbers, a five-part miniseries about the Watergate scandal, and The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, a Nicolas Cage movie starring Nicolas Cage as Nicolas Cage as an informant for the CIA. You know, typical Nic Cage stuff.

Barinholtz’ writing career will continue in 2022 with Maximum Truth, a mockumentary-style comedy in which he’ll also star as the “sketchy friend” character. You can also catch him on Batman: The Audio Adventures, DC’s scripted podcast series featuring Batman stories. Barinholtz voices Harvey Dent/Two-Face. 

Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Scoonie)

From frat brother to guidance counselor? The upcoming comedy Honor Society features Christpher Mintz-Plasse in a role as Mr. Calvin, the guidance counselor to a group of high school seniors trying to get into Harvard. He’ll star alongside Angourie Rice and Gaten Matarazzo in this 2022 Awesomeness Films production.

To catch up on the projects Christopher Mintz-Plasse has been involved in since Neighbors, check out his voiceover work in the ABC comedy When Nature Calls or the Academy Award-winner Promising Young Woman where he appears as a predator-turned-prey to Carey Mulligan’s protagonist. He’s also a prominent player in the ongoing How to Train Your Dragon cinematic universe, and appeared in The Disaster Artist.

Jerrod Carmichael (Garf)

You may remember Jerrod Carmichael as Garf, the frat brother inexplicably dressed as Samuel L. Jackson at the Robert De Niro Party. This standup comedian has since written, produced, and starred in The Carmichael Show and written for Laugh Factory.

Recent credits include a gritty leading role in the Sundance film On the Count of Three, as well as producing and acting roles for the Hulu series Ramy. He’ll pull more double-duty in the future, acting and producing for an upcoming untitled Nate Bargatze project.

Oh, he also appeared in The Disaster Artist, along with basically everyone else on this list. Neighbors co-stars stick together.

In the near future, Carmichael will appear in the 2022 Victorian period-piece Poor Things alongside Willem Dafoe, Emma Stone, and Margaret Qualley.

Brian Huskey (Bill Wazowkowski)

Mac and Jimmy’s boss Bill Wazowkowski was played by none other than character actor Brian Huskey. He’s been in everything from New Girl to Drunk History to The Disaster Artist and continues to appear in TV and film roles of all sizes and genres. Some of his most impressive parts are his tenure as Leon West on the award-winning HBO show VEEP and an appearance in the Marvel film Ant Man and the Wasp.

Current gigs for Huskey include the recurring role of Rudy on Bob’s Burgers and the voices of Doug and Shart on the Apple TV+ cartoon Central Park. In 2022, fans will see Huskey in the 1990's roller rink film Saturday at the Starlight, as well as the thriller Helen’s Dead, both of which are in post-production.

Hannibal Buress (Officer Watkins)

Buress’ scene-stealing role as the cop in Neighbors may have only lasted several minutes, but the movie truly wouldn’t have been the same without him. In the years following Neighbors, Buress continued to steal scenes as Lincoln in the Comedy Central series Broad City.

Recent projects include the 2018 buddy comedy Tag, as well as appearances in both Spider-Man: Homecoming and Spider-Man: No Way Home. (And yes, Hannibal Buress was also in The Disaster Artist.) 

Buress continues to perform as a stand-up comic and has released several comedy specials, including Miami Nights which premiered for free on a YouTube live stream in 2020. He also takes part in the internet series TheDailyBugle.net, a viral marketing campaign for the MCU’s Spider-Man trilogy.

Fans of Neighbors can see many of the cast members reunite in Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising.

Every moviegoer (or, at least, ones who enjoy horror movies, I should say) has a great, lasting memory about seeing a creepy classic at the theater, and 2011’s Insidious is one such fun and frightening experience I will never forget. I would even call the story of a school teacher (Patrick Wilson) and his wife (Rose Byrne), taunted by relentless, malevolent spirits after their son (Ty Simpkins) mysteriously falls into a coma one of the best horror movies to ever come from director James Wan and writer Leigh Whannell (the duo also behind the original Saw). 

Some of the Insidious cast would go on to become genre mainstays (if they were not already) and are confirmed to appear in the upcoming fifth installment of the franchise. We will name who as we dive “further” into their career highlights, starting with a bonafide “Scream King.”

Patrick Wilson (Josh Lambert)

Leading the Insidious cast would take Emmy-nominee Patrick Wilson (already acclaimed for the Oscar-nominated Little Children, for instance) to new heights, especially after reteaming with James Wan in 2013 for the first of several Conjuring movies as Ed Warren. That would lead to plenty more horror thrillers that range from grounded (such as the brutal 2015 western Bone Tomahawk) to crazy (like Netflix’s In the Tall Grass in 2019). 

Wilson will branch out into cosmic horror in 2022 with Roland Emmerich’s Moonfall, reunite with Wan again for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (his third DC movie after the 2018 original and 2009’s Watchmen), and will make his directorial debut with Insidious 5, in which he will also reprise Josh Lambert.

Rose Byrne (Renai Lambert)

Another superhero movies star from the Insidious cast is Patrick Wilson’s onscreen wife Rose Byrne - not that Moira Mactaggert in the X-Men movies is the Aussie’s defining role. In fact, the two-time Emmy nominee (for FX’s Damages), who also had thrillers like 28 Weeks Later and a Star Wars installment under her belt previously, is capable of doing everything from comedy (2011’s Bridesmaids, both Neighbors movies with Seth Rogen, and plenty others), drama (FX miniseries Mrs. America as Gloria Steinem), and a mix of both (2018’s Instant Family and Physical on Apple TV+). 

She will continue expand on her talents by producing and acting in the musical-comedy Seriously Red and leading the tense fact-based drama They Are Us, but there is currently no word on if Byrne will appear in Insidious 5.

Lin Shaye (Elise Rainier) 

Confirmed for Insidious 5, unsurprisingly (despite her onscreen death at the end of the first movie), is Lin Shaye for her fifth time playing medium Elise Rainier - the role that propelled her to much deserved Scream Queen status at 68, after already appearing in classics like A Nightmare on Elm Street, Critters, and Snakes on a Plane (if you want to count that one). You might also recognize the star as Cameron Diaz’s mother in There’s Something About Mary or, more recently, from Penny Dreadful: City of Angels in 2020. 

Surprisingly, most of Shaye’s next projects (outside of Insidious 5 and Jackson Hole, which releases in December 2021) are not horror movies, including writer and director Sean Patrick Flanery’s crime drama Frank and Penelope and We are Gathered Here Today - a story inspired by Covid-19.

Barbara Hershey (Lorraine Lambert)

An Insidious cast member who previously dealt with an insidious spirit in 1982’s allegedly fact-based thriller, The Entity, before playing Josh Lambert’s mother, Lorraine, is Barbara Hershey, who is better known for lighter dramas like The Natural with Robert Redford or Hannah and Her Sisters. 

However, the Oscar nominee is not without her dark roles outside of the Insidious franchise, such as in Black Swan, in the Once Upon a Time cast, on the Omen sequel series Damien, and, more recently, the Amazon original haunted house flick Manor. The actress will next appear in the crime thriller Nine Bullets, which is currently in post-production.

Ty Simpkins (Dalton Lambert) 

Playing the young, unwitting astral projectionist Dalton Lambert marked the second time Ty Simpkins played Patrick Wilson’s son after Little Children. However, after starting out on soap operas such as One Life to Live when he was just an infant, it was Insidious that made him one of Hollywood’s most promising child stars, later appearing in Iron Man 3 in a role he would subtly reprise in Avengers: Endgame, as one of two brothers struggling to survive in Jurassic World, and in his recent return to horror with Where’s Rose in 2021. 

In addition to playing Dalton again in Insidious 5, the now 20-year-old will next appear in Darren Aronofsky’s The Whale, is filming the comedy The Re-Education of Molly Singer, and plays the title role in the dramedy, Growing Up Gorman, which also stars another frequent James Wan collaborator: Madison Wolfe of The Conjuring 2 and Malignant fame.

Andrew Astor (Foster Lambert) 

Before playing Dalton’s younger brother, Foster, in Insidious, Andrew Astor made his credited feature-film debuts part of the Hangover cast as Bradley Cooper’s son, following an impressive early career of guest spots on TV shows like Mad Men, Criminal Minds (as a young Spencer Reid in two episodes), ER, and How I Met Your Mother. 

The only other theatrically released movie the young actor has appeared in is Insidious: Chapter 2, reprising his role as Foster Lambert, but I would not count on seeing Foster Lambert in Insidious 5 as Astor’s main job these days is producing music. 

Angus Sampson (Tucker)

Australian actor Angus Sampson made his American movie debut in another cult horror flick (2003’s Darkness Falls) before playing Hot Pocket-munching paranormal investigator, Tucker, whom he has played in every Insidious movie, while also popping up in the likes of Mad Max: Fury Road as The Organic Mechanic or the Helen Mirren-led haunted house thriller Winchester in between. 

You may have seen him in a recurring role in the Fargo Season 2 cast, as a series regular on Hulu’s Shut Eye, in an episode of CBS’ The Stand remake, or in 2021’s Mortal Kombat remake as the voice of Goro most recently. Whether or not he will appear in Insidious 5 is up in the air for now, but you can see him next in co-writer and director Taika Waititi’s Next Goal Wins, and CBS’s upcoming series adaptation of The Lincoln Lawyer.

Leigh Whannell (Specs)

Tucker’s partner in ghost hunting, Specs, was played by fellow Aussie Leigh Whannell, who also wrote Insidious and its three sequels (making his directorial debut with Insidious: Chapter 3), after he and director James Wan broke into the mainstream with Saw, which he also acted in. Despite starting off in the business as an actor (such as on Australian soap opera Neighbours and The Matrix Reloaded as Axel), and also appearing in recent films like Aquaman as a favor to his buddy Wan, Whannell is better known from behind the camera, having later written and directed Blumhouse’s brilliant remake of The Invisible Man in 2020. 

He has two more remakes currently in the works (Wolfman with Ryan Gosling and an update of John Carpenter’s 1981 cult classic Escape from New York) and is working on a TV series adaptation of his 2018 sci-fi gem, Upgrade.

Joseph Bishara (Lipstick-Face Demon) 

Leigh Whannell was not the only one pulling double duty on camera and behind the scenes for Insidious as the film’s composer, Joseph Bishara, also made his acting debut as the Lipstick-Face Demon - the terrifying main antagonist with a strong resemblance to Star Wars’ Darth Maul. The musician has since become, essentially, the John Williams to James Wan’s Steven Spielberg, as well as the Doug Jones to his Guillermo del Toro, collaborating with Wan on many film scores (such as most of The Conjuring movies, Malignant, and the trench sequence from Aquaman), and playing heavily-made-up evil entities for him (such as The Conjuring’s Bathsheba or as the demon possessing the titular doll in Annabelle). 

He most recently did both for 2020 horror flick Dreamkatcher, composed the score for an upcoming thriller called The Free Fall, and I hope he returns in either capacity for Insidious 5.

Philip Friedman (Old Woman) 

Another creepy, spiritual threat in Insidious who is especially possessive of Josh Lambert is the Old Woman, who was revealed to be the ghost of a cross-dressing serial killer (a la Ed Gein) in Insidious: Chapter 2. The ominously silent character was played originally by Phillip Friedman, whose earlier and most notable roles include “Customer” on a 2000 episode of 7th Heaven, “Older Doctor” on the short-lived ABC drama Eli Stone, and Sonny Klankman on Nickelodeon’s True Jackson V.P. with Keke Palmer. 

Friedman most recently appeared in another horror movie called The Lady of the Dead (not as the title character, to be clear) and, as much as I would love to see him return for Insidious 5, his character’s later recasting and conclusive arc in Chapter 2 makes that reprisal unlikely.

Speaking of which, I would actually consider Insidious to be a bit of an unlikely success, being a horror film based on a completely original (and quite inventive) idea and making almost 100 times its budget worldwide. It is also usually unlikely for me to anticipate the fifth installment of any series, but with Patrick Wilson taking over one of the most popular horror movie franchises, I have never been more amused by the idea of returning to the Further.

There are few modern comedies — R-rated or otherwise — that have shaken up the zeitgeist quite like 2011’s Bridesmaids. Directed by Paul Feig and starring and co-written by an Oscar-nominated Kristen Wiig, this lewd, gleefully debauched, unsuspectingly (yet expectedly) sweet-natured romp turned the rom-com genre on its head, letting the ladies get their chance to cuss, be crass, and have a ball in ways Hollywood larks traditionally didn't. The results were an instant critical and commercial success, and its rippling effects can still be felt in Hollywood today. 

Now that a whole decade (!!) has passed since Bridesmaids made its way into theaters, let’s take a look and see how far this talented female-lead ensemble, including Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Chris O'Dowd, and an Oscar-nominated Melissa McCarthy, has come since they starred in producer Judd Apatow's satire. 

Kristen Wiig (Annie Walker)

As Annie Walker, a single 30-something woman who becomes Lillian’s maid of honor, Kristen Wiig plays the protagonist in Paul Feig's Bridesmaids. She also received an Oscar nomination for co-writing the screenplay. Most notably, Wiig received multiple Emmy nominations for her work on NBC’s Saturday Night Live. Her other television credits include The Spoils of Babylon, The Last Man on Earth, Arrested Development, Nobodies, The Spoils Before Dying, Bored to Death, and Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp. Additionally, Wiig can be heard in Bless the Harts, Big Mouth, and The Looney Tunes Show. Also, the film and TV actress starred in Lifetime’s A Deadly Adoption opposite Will Ferrell. 

Kristen Wiig reunited with Paul Feig with Ghostbusters (2016). Her other starring roles include The Skeleton Twins, Where’d You Go, Bernadette, Welcome to Me, Girl Most Likely, and Hateship, Loveship. Wiig’s other notable film credits include The Martian, The Diary of a Teenage Girl, Downsizing, mother! Her, Paul, MacGruber, Whip It, Extract, Adventureland, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, Knocked Up, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, and Wonder Woman 1984. As a voice actress, she can be heard in the How to Train Your Dragon movies, the Despicable Me sequels, Sausage Party, and Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs. Most recently, Wiig co-wrote, produced, and starred in Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar. Next, she will appear in Netflix’s A Boy Called Christmas. 

Maya Rudolph (Lillian Donovan)

In the role of Lillian Donovan, Annie’s soon-to-be-married best friend, Maya Rudolph plays our woman in white (and, to her distress, brown) throughout the ill-fated wedding preparations in Bridesmaids. Most notably, the actress won two Emmys for NBC’s SNL and two more Emmys for her voice work on Netflix’s Big Mouth. Her other television credits include The Good Place, for which she was also Emmy-nominated, Up All Night, The Spoils Before Dying, Maya & Marty, The Grinder, Forever, and Mapleworth Murders. Moreover, as a prolific voice actress, Rudolph is heard in Bless the Harts, Big Hero 6: The Series, and The Awesomes. Next, she’ll be seen in an untitled new Apple TV+ series and heard in Netflix’s Human Resources, a Big Mouth spin-off. She’s also expected to host Baking It. 

In film, additionally, Maya Rudolph can also be seen in Away We Go, The Way, Way Back, Inherent Vice, Idiocracy, MacGruber, A Praire Home Companion, 50 First Dates, Sisters, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, CHIPS, Life of the Party, The Happytime Murders, Wine Country, Hubie Halloween, and the Grown Ups movies. She can also be heard in Big Hero 6, The Willoughbys, The Emoji Movie, The Nut Job, Turbo, Shrek the Third, Zookeeper, and The Angry Birds Movie. Most recently, Rudolph lent her voice to Disney+’s Luca and Netflix’s The Mitchells vs. the Machines. Next, she'll appear in Licorice Pizza and Disney+’s Disenchanted.

Rose Byrne (Helen Harris III)

Playing the part of Helen Harris III, Lillian’s uber-successful and very well-to-do bridesmaid who quickly becomes the source of Annie’s envy and disdain, Rose Byrne became a comedy favorite through her prominent supporting role in Paul Feig’s Bridesmaids. Most notably, the actress received two Emmy nominations for her portrayal of Ellen Parsons in FX’s Damages. Byrne also appeared in Echo Point, No Activity, and HBO’s The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. Last year, she was seen in Hulu’s Mrs. America. Currently, Byrne stars in Apple TV+’s Physical. 

On the big screen, Rose Byrne’s other notable film credits include the Neighbors movies, the Insidious films, X-Men: First Class, Get Him to the Greek, 28 Weeks Later, Sunshine, Troy, Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones, The Goddess of 1967, Juliet, Naked, Marie Antoinette, Knowing, The Place Beyond the Pines, and X-Men: Apocalypse. She also reunited with Paul Feig for Spy. Byrne's other movie credits include The Meddler, Annie (2014), Instant Family, Jexi, This is Where I Leave You, Adult Beginners, I Am Mother, and Peter Rabbit. Last year, she appeared in Like a Boss and Irresistible. Most recently, Byrne reprised her role as Beatrix in Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway. She was also seen in the short film, Shark. Next, Byrne will star in Seriously Red, which she will also produce. 

Melissa McCarthy (Megan Price)

As Megan Price, the most outspoken and foul-mouthed bridesmaid, Melissa McCarthy got an Oscar nomination for her thunderous supporting role in Bridesmaids. She later received her second Oscar nomination for her leading role in Can You Ever Forgive Me? Moreover, McCarthy reunited with Paul Feig with The Heat, Spy, and Ghostbusters (2016). Her other notable film credits include Identity Thief, The Happytime Murders, St. Vincent, The Hangover Part III, This Is 40, The Nines, Go, The Kitchen, and Charlie’s Angels. Additionally, McCarthy co-wrote, produced, and starred in Tammy, The Boss, and Life of the Party. Most recently, she produced and starred in HBO Max’s Superintelligence and Netflix’s Thunder Force. Also, McCarthy starred in Netflix’s The Startling and she produced Netflix’s Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed. Next, the actress will be seen in The Little Mermaid (2023) and Thor: Love and Thunder.

On TV, Melissa McCarthy won an Emmy for her starring role in CBS’s Mike & Molly and another Emmy for her guest work on NBC’s SNL. Furthermore, the actress is well-known for playing Sookie St. James in The WB’s Gilmore Girls and Netflix’s Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. McCarthy was also seen in Samatha Who? and Nobodies. Most recently, she produced and starred in Hulu’s Nine Perfect Strangers. Next, McCarthy stars in Netflix’s sitcom, God’s Favorite Idiot.

Chris O’Dowd (Officer Nathan Rhodes)

In the role of Officer Nathan Rhodes, a kind-hearted police officer who forms a cutesy friendship with Annie, Chris O’Dowd was an affable love interest in Paul Feig’s Bridesmaids. Most notably, the actor played Roy Trenneman in Channel 4’s The IT Crowd. Also, O’Dowd created and starred in Sky 1’s Moone Boy and won an Emmy for his performance in Sundance TV’s State of the Union. His other television credits include Girls, The Clinic, FM, Roman’s Empire, Family Tree, and The Twilight Zone. Currently, O’Dowd stars in Epix’s Get Shorty. Additionally, as a voice actor, he can be heard in Monsters vs Aliens. Puffin Rock, and Family Guy. 

Moreover, as a movie actor, Chris O’Dowd starred in The Sapphires. He can also be seen in This is 40, Calvary, St. Vincent, Thor: The Dark World, The Cloverfield Paradox, How to Build a Girl, Molly’s Game, The Incredible Jessica James, Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children, Friends with Kids, Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel, Pirate Radio, Gulliver’s Travels, Cuban Fury, and Mascots. O’Dowd also reunited with Rose Byrne in Juliet, Naked. Furthermore, the actor can be heard in Epic, Mary Poppins Returns, and Loving Vincent. Earlier this year, he reunited with Bridesmaids co-star Melissa McCarthy with Netflix’s The Startling. Next, O’Dowd will star in Hippie Hippie Shake and Slumberland. 

Ellie Kemper (Becca)

As Becca, an enthusiastic, overeager bridesmaid who’s very excited to be in the bridal party, Ellie Kemper played a happy-go-lucky gal in Paul Feig’s Bridesmaids. Most notably, she received two Emmy nominations for Netflix’s Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Additionally, Kemper is well-known for playing Erin Hannon in NBC’s The Office. Furthermore, she can be seen in The Mindy Project. As a voice actress, moreover, Kemper can be heard in We Bare Bears and Sofia the First.

Away from TV, Ellie Kemper is known for playing Ms. Griggs in 21 Jump Street. She can also be seen in Sex Tape, Laggies, They Came Together, Somewhere, Identity Thief, Get Him to the Greek, and Mystery Team. Additionally, as a voice actress, Kemper can be heard in The Secret Life of Pets 1 & 2, Smurfs: The Lost Village, The LEGO Batman Movie, and We Bare Bears: The Movie. Most recently, she was seen in The Stand-In. Next, Kemper will star in Disney+’s Home Sweet Home Alone. Currently, the actress is filming Netflix’s Happiness for Beginners. 

Wendi McLendon-Covey (Rita)

In the role of Rita, Lillian’s domesticated cousin who’s really, really ready to let loose and have fun, Wendi McLendon-Covey plays a spirited character in 2011’s Bridesmaids. Most notably, the television actress is known for her starring parts in Comedy Central-Quibi’s Reno 911! and ABC’s The Goldbergs. McLendon-Covey can also be seen in Rules of Engagement, Lovespring International, and Modern Family. Additionally, as a voice actress, she has lent her voice to Big City Greens, Puppy Dog Pals, Crossing Swords, Bob’s Burgers, Pickle and Peanut, American Dad!, The Looney Tunes Show, Birdgirl, and, most recently, Marvel’s M.O.D.O.K. 

In film, Wendi McLendon-Covey can be seen in What to Expect When You're Expecting, Bewitched, Think Like a Man Too, Hello My Name Is Doris, What Men Want, Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween, Think Like a Man Too, Reno 911! Miami, and Blended. She also co-wrote, produced, and starred in Cook Off! Most recently, McLendon-Covey was seen in Sylvie’s Love, Braking for Whales, and Long Weekend. Next, the actress will appear in Paint and Sick Girl. 

Jon Hamm (Ted)

Playing the part of Ted, Annie’s self-absorbed, dim-witted friend with benefits, Jon Hamm stole the show in his uncredited role in Bridesmaids. Most notably, the actor is acclaimed for his Emmy-winning lead performance as Don Draper in AMC’s Mad Men. His other notable TV credits include Black Mirror, A Young Doctor's Notebook, Good Omens, 30 Rock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Parks and Recreation, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Division, Children’s Hospital, and Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp. Additionally, Hamm can be heard in Bless the Harts, Marvel’s M.O.D.O.K., The Amazing Gayl Pile, Legion, Archer, and Robot Chicken. Most recently, he lent his voice to Amazon Prime’s Invincible. 

Furthermore, Jon Hamm’s other film credits include The Town, Tag, The Report, Beirut, Million Dollar Arm, Baby Driver, Keeping Up with the Joneses, Marjorie Prime, Friends with Kids, We Were Soldiers, Ira & Abby, Richard Jewell, Sucker Punch, Lucy in the Sky, Bad Times at the El Royale, and Kissing Jessica Stein. As a voice actor, he's heard in Shrek Forever After and Minions. Most recently, Hamm was seen in The Jesus Roll, Wild Moutain Thyme, and HBO Max’s No Sudden Move. Next, he’ll appear in Top Gun: Maverick, Corner Office, and Confess, Fletch, which he'll also produce. Currently, Hamm is filming Maggie Moore(s). 

Rebel Wilson (Brynn)

Playing the part of Brynn, Annie’s immigrant roommate, Rebel Wilson had a pre-fame supporting role in Paul Feig’s Bridesmaids. Shortly after this film’s release, the actress found fame as Fat Amy in the Pitch Perfect movies. Wilson’s other movie credits include Bachelorette, What to Expect When You’re Expecting, How to Be Single, Struck By Lightning, The Brothers Grimsby, Isn’t It Romantic, The Hustle, Jojo Rabbit, Pain & Gain, Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, and Cats. The actress is also heard in Ice Age: Continental Drift. Next, Wilson will star in Senior Year, which she'll also produce, and The Almond and the Seahorse. 

Additionally, on TV, Rebel Wilson wrote, produced, and starred in Bogan Pride. She's also seen in Pizza, The Wedge, and Thank God You’re Here. Furthermore, Wilson created and starred in ABC’s Super Fun Night. Moreover, the actress was the host of Seven Network’s Pooch Perfect and Amazon Prime’s LOL: Australia. 

Bridesmaids is available to rent on Amazon.

The craft of acting sometimes demands that its participants go to some extreme places, all in the name of a performance. Whether it’s a dramatic and sweeping film or a family-friendly blockbuster like Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway, that same rule applies, and the results can sometimes be quite extreme. Take, for example, the fact that Domhnall Gleeson and Rose Byrne shared a scene in their new sequel where, according to Gleeson, Ms. Byrne went so hard that she almost got electrocuted.

Believe it or not, that story is actually true! I learned all about this potentially dangerous moment as, during our Peter Rabbit 2 interview, I was able to speak with both Rose Byrne and Domnhall Gleeson about their roles in the latest Beatrix Potter-based adventure. When I had asked them if there was a moment that they truly lost themselves in the process of making the movie, Mr. Gleeson shared the following:

If you’ve seen Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway, or even if you’ve merely glimpsed the trailers, this moment was set to take place during the big train ride taken by Thomas and Bea MacGregor, as well as Peter Rabbit and his family. As they’re making their way to a big meeting that will see Rose Byrne’s Bea striking a big deal with an ambitious publisher, played by David Oyelowo, a bowl full of jelly beans go to Cottontail’s head. Cue the gigantic sugar rush for the green-sweatered bunny that leads to her proclaiming that she’ll live forever; as you’ll see in the trailer for the film below:

Apparently that wasn’t the only madness that was supposed to take place on that train, as Domhnall Gleeson has now revealed at least one deleted scene that could be included with Peter Rabbit 2’s home release. Perhaps in the same spirit of improv that saw both James Corden and Elizabeth Debicki adding on to their animated characters, Rose Byrne seized the moment and tried to steal an antique lighting fixture from a really nice train set. It’s a good thing she failed too, as success in this case would have literally been shocking.

Obviously everyone’s health and safety is important when making a movie, but when the muse strikes, you sometimes have to walk that line. Also, if you look at the lighting on the train in that part of the trailer, it looks like it would have taken a lot of force to even get anywhere with stealing such an object. Thankfully, everyone went home unscathed, and Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway didn’t involve any mayhem that couldn’t be handled. Still, this is a moment too good not to wind up on the blooper reel in the future.

That time hasn’t come just yet though, as Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway is still in theaters and there’s no blooper reel to speak of attached to the finished film. And if you’ve already seen this particular movie, then you’ll probably want to check out the 2021 release schedule. There’s plenty of adrenaline-filled thrills waiting for you throughout the year, and who knows what other fantastic stunts will rank in as part of this year’s best action scenes, with or without the participation of rabbits.

Finally hopping its way into theaters after several COVID-related delays, Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway will bring Beatrix Potter's most beloved character back to the big screen. Likewise, James Corden will also return to voice the titular bunny. Once again starring Domhnall Gleeson and Rose Byrne and featuring the returning voice talents of Margot Robbie, Elizabeth Debicki, and Sia, this live-action/animated sequel includes some new faces and voices this time around — many of whom you'll recognize, including David Oyelowo. If you're wondering where you've seen/heard the Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway cast before, we're here to help!

Domhnall Gleeson (Thomas McGregor/Mr. Jeremy Fisher)

Reprising his role as Thomas McGregor, Domhnall Gleeson returns to play the male lead in Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway. He also voices Mr. Jeremy Fisher. First gaining notice for playing Bill Weasley in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 and 2, Gleeson became a Tony-nominated actor for his 2006 Broadway performance in The Lieutenant of Inishmore. Later, the actor starred in Ex Machina, About Time, Frank, Goodbye Christopher Robin, Crash Pad, and The Little Stranger. Also, Gleeson played General Armitage Hux in the Star Wars movies. His other film credits include Brooklyn, The Revenant, A Futile and Stupid Gesture, Never Let Me Go, True Grit, Anna Karenina, Dredd, Calvary, Unbroken, and mother!

Additionally, on television, Domhnall Gleeson starred in HBO's Run last year. Most recently, the actor appeared in BBC 4's Frank of Ireland, which he co-created with his brother, Brian Gleeson, who plays the titular Frank. His other TV credits include Catastrophe, Your Bad Self, and When Harvey Met Bob. Currently, Gleeson is filming a role in HBO's The White House Plumbers.

Rose Byrne (Bea McGregor/Jemima Puddle-Duck)

In the part of Bea McGregor, Rose Byrne returns to play the female lead in Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway. She also lends her voice to the role of Jemima Puddle-Duck. Following her lead performance in The Goddess of 1967, Byrne transitioned into Hollywood with Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones. She found success through her Emmy-nominated part in FX's Damages and her standout supporting turn in Bridesmaids.

From there, Rose Byrne starred in the Insidious movies, the Neighbors movies, I Give It A Year, Adult Beginners, The Meddler, Juliet Naked, and Instant Family. Her other film credits include X-Men: First Class and Apocalypse, Knowing, 28 Weeks Later, Marie Antoinette, Tory, Wicker Park, Get Him to the Greek, The Place Beyond the Pines, This Is Where I Leave You, Annie (2014), and Spy. As a voice actress, Byrne is heard in I Am Mother and Jexi. Last year, the actress starred in Like a Boss and Irresistible. On TV, Byrne appeared in FX's Miss America. Later this year, she'll star in Apple TV+'s Physical.

James Corden (Peter Rabbit)

As our titular hare, James Corden returns to the voice booth to bring the animated Peter Rabbit to life once more. Better known as the host of The Late Late Show with James Corden, the actor found fame through starring/co-writing BBC's Gavin & Stacey, for which he won a BAFTA. He also won a Tony for his Broadway performance in One Man, Two Guvnors. Prior to this stage work, Corden received acclaim for his performance as Timms in The History Boys. He reprised this role for the 2006 film version. His other notable film credits include Into the Woods, Begin Again, Ocean's 8, Cats, Kill Your Friends, Gulliver's Travels, Starter for 10, and The Three Musketeers. Most recently, Corden had a Golden Globe-nominated supporting turn in The Prom.

As a voice actor, additionally, James Corden is heard in The Emoji Movie, Smallfoot, Trolls, Planet 51, and the English dub of Animals United. He also lent his voice to the UK version of Norm of the North. Last year, Corden was heard in Superintelligence and Trolls World Tour.

David Oyelowo (Nigel Basil-Jones)

Playing the dastardly Nigel Basil-Jones, David Oyelowo is the human antagonist in Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway. Rising to prominence through his commanding lead performance as Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma, Oyelowo was Emmy-nominated that same year for his central role in HBO's Nightingale. His other lead performances include A United Kingdom, Queen of Katwe, Gringo, Don't Let Go, Five Nights in Maine, Middle of Nowhere, and Who Do You Love? His other notable film credits include Lee Daniels' The Butler, Jack Reacher, Lincoln, A Most Violent Year, Interstellar, A Wrinkle in Time, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, The Last King of Scotland, The Help, The Cloverfield Paradox, and Red Tails. Last year, he appeared in Come Away and The Midnight Sky. This year, Oyelowo provided supporting turns in Chaos Walking and The Water Man, which served as his directorial debut.

Additionally, on television, David Oyelowo appeared in Les Miserables, Five Days, and the upcoming The Girl Before. As a voice actor, Oyelowo can be heard in The Lion Guard and Star Wars Rebels.

Margot Robbie (Flopsy Rabbit)

As the voice of Flopsy Rabbit, as well as the narrator of this tale, Margot Robbie returns to the voice booth for Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway. A rising superstar following her scene-stealing supporting turn in Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street, Robbie received her first Oscar nomination for her lead performance in I, Tonya. Later, she starred in Suicide Squad, Focus, Mary Queen of Scots, Focus, Terminal, The Legend of Tarzan, Z For Zachariah, and Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. She received her second Oscar nomination for her supporting turn in Bombshell. Her other notable film credits include Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, About Time, Goodbye Christopher Robin, and The Big Short.

Furthermore, on TV, Margot Robbie played Donna Freedman in over 300 episodes of the Australian series Neighbours. She also starred in ABC's Pan Am. Last year, Robbie reprised her role as Harley Quinn in Birds of Prey, which she produced. She also starred in and produced last year's Dreamland. Outside of acting, Robbie produced Promising Young Woman. Next, she'll star in The Suicide Squad and David O. Russell's new film.

Elizabeth Debicki (Mopsy Rabbit)

Returning to the role of Mopsy Rabbit, Elizabeth Debicki provides another supporting vocal performance in Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway. Following her breakout role in The Great Gatsby, Debicki turned heads through her standout performances in The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Widows, and Macbeth (2015). The actress received more notice through her roles in Showcase's The Kettering Incident and BBC One/AMC's The Night Manager. Prior to these acting turns, Debicki gave an award-nominated performance in Sydney Theatre's stage production of The Maids.

From there, Elizabeth Debicki had a starring role as Virginia Woolf in Vita & Virginia. Last year, Debicki starred in The Burnt Orange Heresy and impressed in Christopher Nolan's Tenet. Her other film credits include A Few Best Men, Everest, Breath, The Cloverfield Paradox, and The Tale. She also lent her voice to Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. Next, Debicki plays Princess Diana in The Crown Seasons 5 and 6.

Aimee Horne (Cottontail Rabbit)

Filling in for Daisy Ridley, who lent her voice in 2018's Peter Rabbit, Aimee Horne receives one of her most high-profile film acting roles yet in Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway. Most notably, the actress received notice and acclaim for her stage work, notably for her touring role as Polly in Fawlty Towers Live. Prior to this vocal performance, Horne played Ms. Woodcock in Burning Man. She also provided a supporting turn in Love is Now. Additionally, the actress starred in short films like 2010's The Filmmaker and the upcoming The Playlist. Furthermore, Horne can be heard in 2014's Raker. Outside of film, Horne had guest star appearances in Winter and Psychotown. As a voice actress, she has done a large volume of voiceover work.

Hayley Atwell (Mittens)

Joining the voice ensemble for Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway is Hayley Atwell as Mittens. Receiving her breakout role in The Duchess, for which she was BAFTA-nominated, Atwell was Golden Globe-nominated for her lead performance in Starz's The Pillars of the Earth. Shortly thereafter, she found more prominence when she played Peggy Carter in Captain America: The First Avenger. She reprised this role in ABC's Agent Carter, as well as Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Ant-Man, and Avengers: Endgame. Her other film credits include Testament of Youth, Cinderella (2015), Christopher Robin, Blinded by the Light, Jimi: All Is By My Side, Brideshead Revisited, and Cassandra's Dream. Next, Atwell will star in Mission: Impossible 7.

Outside of film, Hayley Atwell led ABC's Conviction and BBC One's Howards End and The Long Song. She also voices a main character in Netflix's 3Below: Tales of Arcadia. Additionally, Atwell is seen in Black Mirror and Any Human Heart. Away from acting, the actress hosts the spy podcast, True Spies.

Sia (Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle)

Similar to the first movie, Sia lends her voice to the role of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle in Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway. Best known as the chart-topping artist behind "Chandelier" and "Cheap Thrills," the musician-turned-actress is heard in a couple of animated movies, including My Little Pony: The Movie and Charming, along with the original Peter Rabbit. She also narrated the 2018 documentary, Dominion. Also, Sia provided cameos in Annie (2014) and Piccadilly Jim. On TV, additionally, Sia can be seen in Nobodies and Home and Away and heard in South Park, Transparent, and Scooby-Doo and Guess Who?

Outside of acting, Sia made her feature screenwriting and directorial debut with this year's controversial Music. She also wrote original music for the soundtrack of 2018's Vox Lux. Her music can also be heard in Zootopia, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, Dumplin', Pitch Perfect 2, Fifty Shades of Grey, The Great Gatsby, Finding Dory, Dolittle, Fifty Shades Freed, Lion, Star Trek Beyond, and Wonder Woman, to name only a few movies.

Lennie James (Barnabas)

In the role of Barnabas, Lennie James joins the voice cast of Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway in a supporting turn. Most notably, James is known for playing Morgan Jones in AMC's The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead. He also played the mysterious Robert Hawkins in CBS's Jericho. Additionally, James is the creator, writer, and lead actor behind Sky Atlantic's Save Me.

Furthermore, Lennie James wrote and starred in Storm Damage, resulting in a BAFTA nomination for the TV actor. His other notable TV credits include Low Winter Sun, Line of Duty, Hung, and Out of the Blue. Most recently, James lent his voice to Amazon Prime's Invincible. Additionally, in film, James can be seen in Blade Runner 2049, The Next Three Days, Get On Up, Sahara, 24 Hour Party People, Snatch, and Lost in Space.

Damon Herriman (Tom Kitten)

Also joining the vocal ensemble of Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway is Damon Herriman, who lends his voice to the role of Tom Kitten. Best known for his portrayal of Dewey Crowe in FX's Justified, Herriman gained notice for his striking portrayals of Charles Manson in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time In Hollywood and Netflix's Mindhunter. He also starred in the title role of Punch in 2020's Judy and Punch. His other notable film credits include J. Edgar, The Nightingale, The Lone Ranger, The Water Diviner, Son of a Gun, Son of the Mask, Candy, Redbelt, House of Wax, and 100 Bloody Acres. Earlier this year, Herriman was heard in the role of Kabal in Mortal Kombat.

Additionally, on television, Damon Herriman plays a main role in FX's Mr. Inbetween. He's also in the main cast of Epix's Perpetual Grace, LTD and Showcase's Lambs of God. Earlier this year, Herriman appeared in BBC's The Serpent. The actor's other television credits include Battle Creek, Squinters, Incorporated, and The Commons.

Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway is in theaters now.

Nearly a whole decade ago, Fox unveiled X-Men: First Class, which followed the early adventures of the mutant-based superhero team. Featuring the rising talents of James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, and Zoe Kravitz as our title-bearing X-Men, the early years of the Marvel property served as a great profile builder for its soon-to-be high profile cast, while also providing prominent supporting roles for Rose Byrne, Kevin Bacon, and January Jones. In the years following its release, the young ensemble has worked on several noteworthy projects, particularly following Lawrence's Oscar win. But what is the X-Men: First Class cast doing now? Let's find out!

James McAvoy (Charles Xavier/Professor X)

As Charles Xavier, i.e. Professor X, a telepathic mutant who becomes the founder of the X-Men, James McAvoy took on the lead role in Fox's superhero prequel blockbuster, X-Men: First Class. Most notably, McAvoy is known for his Golden Globe-nominated performance in Atonement. He's also recognized from Wanted, The Last King of Scotland, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, Filth, Trance, Atomic Blonde, Split, and Glass. Additionally, McAvoy played Professor X in X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men: Apocalypse, Dark Phoenix, and Deadpool 2.

James McAvoy's other film credits include Penelope, Becoming Jane, The Last Station, Wimbledon, Swimming Pool, Starter for 10, and The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby. Additionally, McAvoy starred in IT: Chapter Two. He's also heard in Gnomeo & Juliet, Sherlock Gnomes, and Arthur Christmas. Recently, McAvoy appeared in HBO's His Dark Materials. Next, the actor will be heard in the video game, Twelve Minutes. He'll also star in My Son and narrate The Bridge.

Michael Fassbender (Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto)

In the role of Erik Lehnsherr, i.e. Magneto, a mutant who can manipulate and generate electromagnetic fields and befriends Xavier before they become fierce enemies, Michael Fassbender played a formidable ally-turned-antagonist in Matthew Vaughn's X-Men: First Class. Away from this film franchise, Fassbender was Oscar-nominated for Steve McQueen's 12 Years a Slave and his titular turn in Steve Jobs. He also starred in Hunger, Shame, The Counselor, Macbeth (2015), Assassin's Creed, Jane Eyre, A Dangerous Method, Prometheus, Alien: Covenant, Frank, Slow West, The Snowman, and Centurion. Additionally, the actor appeared in supporting roles in 300, Fish Tank, Inglorious Basterds, Jonah Hex, and Haywire. Also, Fassbender played Magneto in X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men: Apocalypse, and Dark Phoenix.

Next, Michael Fassbender stars in Kung Fury 2 and Taika Waititi's Next Goal Wins. It was also recently announced that Fassbender will star in David Fincher's The Killer.

Jennifer Lawrence (Raven Darkholme/Mystique)

Playing the part of Raven Darkholme, a shape-shifting mutant who joins Erik's Brotherhood of Mutants, Jennifer Lawrence took on a chameleon of a character in X-Men: First Class. Most notably, Lawrence is an Oscar-winning actress for her leading role in David O. Russell's Silver Linings Playbook. She's also the star of The Hunger Games franchise. Her other notable film credits include Winter's Bone, American Hustle, and Joy, all for which she received Oscar nominations, as well as mother!, Serena, The Beaver, Like Crazy, and Passengers. She also reprised her role as Mystique in X-Men: Days of Future Past and Apocalypse. On TV, additionally, Lawrence starred in The Bill Engvall Show. The actress was also seen in Monk, Medium, and Cold Case.

Most recently, Jennifer Lawrence starred in Red Sparrow and Dark Phoenix. Following a brief acting break, Lawrence will next be seen in Adam McKay's Don't Look Up. She'll also star in Red, White, and Water, which she also produced. Additionally, the actress is attached to Mob Girl, which she'll produce as well.

January Jones (Emma Frost)

As Emma Frost, a mutant telepath who can change her body into a hard diamond, January Jones played a prominent supporting player in X-Men: First Class. Most notably, Jones is known for her Emmy-nominated performance in AMC's Mad Men. She also starred in Fox's The Last Man on Earth. Her other television credits include The Politician, Law & Order, Huff, and Get Real.

In film, meanwhile, January Jones appeared in Unknown, Seeking Justice, Sweetwater, The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, American Wedding, Full Frontal, Bandits, Love Actually, Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, We Are Marshall, Good Kill, The Glass House, Anger Management, Pirate Radio, and Taboo. Prior to acting, Jones worked as a professional model. Most recently, she was seen in Netflix's short-lived Spinning Out.

Nicholas Hoult (Hank McCoy/Beast)

In the role of Hank McCoy, a genius scientist whose mutant abilities turn him into a blue, hulking beast, Nicholas Hoult played a volatile character in X-Men: First Class. Most notably, Hoult is known for his breakthrough role in About a Boy. He also starred in Mad Max: Fury Road, A Single Man, Warm Bodies, Jack the Giant Slayer, The Favourite, Tolkien, Clash of the Titans, and Kill Your Friends. Additionally, Hoult played Beast in X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men: Apocalypse, and Dark Phoenix. Additionally, on TV, he had a main role in Skins and he was heard in Watership Down.

Most recently, Nicholas Hoult starred in Hulu's The Great. He was also heard in Hulu's Crossing Swords, where the actor served as a consulting producer. Additionally, Hoult was seen in True History of the Kelly Gang and The Banker. Next, he'll appear in Those Who Wish Me Dead.

Rose Byrne (Moira MacTaggert)

Playing the part of Moira MacTaggert, a CIA agent who befriends our lead mutants, Rose Bryne had a prominent supporting role in Fox's X-Men: First Class. She's best known for Bridesmaids, the Insidious films, the Neighbors movies, 28 Weeks Later, Star Wars: Episode II —Attack of the Clones, and Peter Rabbit. Byrne's other film credits include Marie Antoinette, Sunshine, Troy, Get Him to the Greek, The Place Beyond the Pines, Annie (2014), Spy, Juliet Naked, Instant Family, and The Internship. She can also be heard in Jexi and I Am Mother. Additionally, Byrne returned for X-Men: Apocalypse.

Also, on TV, Rose Bryne starred in FX's Damages. Furthermore, she appeared in Portlandia, Angie Tribeca, and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. Most recently, Bryne was seen in Irresistible, Like a Boss, and FX's Mrs. America. Next, the actress stars in Peter Rabbit 2 and Seriously Red.

Kevin Bacon (Sebastian Shaw)

As Sebastian Shaw, also known as Dr. Klaus Schmidt, the leader of the Hellfire Club, Kevin Bacon plays our snarling villain in X-Men: First Class. Most notably, Bacon is known for Footloose, JFK, Apollo 13, Mystic River, Hollow Man, A Few Good Men, Animal House, Sleepers, Friday the 13th, Tremors, Wild Things, and Flatliners. His other film credits include The Woodsman, Diner, Crazy, Stupid, Love., Frost/Nixon, Black Mass, Stir of Echoes, Patriots Day, She's Having a Baby, The Big Picture, My Dog Skip, Death Sentence, Super, Beauty Shop, and Cop Car.

Additionally, on TV, Kevin Bacon starred in Fox's The Following. He also played a main role in Amazon Prime's I Love Dick, for which he was Golden Globe-nominated. Also, the actor appeared in Guiding Light, Frasier, and Will & Grace. Most recently, Bacon starred in You Should Have Left. Currently, he headlines Showtime's City on a Hill.

Caleb Landry Jones (Sean Cassidy/Banshee)

In the role of Sean Cassidy, i.e. Banshee, a mutant capable of emitting strong ultrasonic screams, sonic blasts, and sonic waves, Caleb Landry Jones played a loud personality in X-Men: First Class. Away from this superhero flick, Jones is best known for Get Out, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and The Last Exorcism. He also starred in Antiviral. His other notable film credits include No Country For Old Men, The Social Network, The Florida Project, American Made, The Dead Don't Die, and Superbad.

Additionally, on TV, Caleb Landry Jones appeared in Friday Night Lights, Breaking Bad, Victorious, and Twin Peaks' third season. Also, away from acting, Jones is a musician. Most recently, the actor was seen in The Outpost and Viena and the Fantomes. Next, Jones will star in BIOS, The Forgiven, and Nitram.

Zoe Kravitz (Angel Salvadore)

Playing the part of Angel Salvadore, a mutant who possesses acidic saliva, Zoe Kravitz provided a supporting turn in X-Men: First Class. She's also known for Mad Max: Fury Road, the Divergent series, Dope, Rough Night, and the Fantastic Beasts franchise. Additionally, Kravitz can be seen in The Brave One, Gemini, The Road Within, and Beware the Gonzo, as well as heard in The LEGO Batman Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. On TV, she starred in Big Little Lies and appeared in Californication.

Most recently, Zoe Kravitz starred in Hulu's High Fidelity, where she also worked as a writer and an executive producer. Additionally, the actress appeared in Viena and the Fantomes. Next, Kravitz plays Selina Kyle, i.e. Catwoman, in The Batman. Also, she'll star in Steven Soderbergh's KIMI.

Lucas Till (Alex Summers/Havok)

As Alex Summers, a mutant who can absorb energy, Lucas Till played an energetic guy in X-Men: First Class. He's also known for Hannah Montana: The Movie, The Spy Next Door, and Monster Trucks. Additionally, he reprised his role as Havok in X-Men: Days of Future Past and Apocalypse. His other notable film credits include Battle: Los Angeles, Stoker, Paranoia, Walk the Line, and All Superheroes Must Die, which he also produced.

Additionally, on television, Lucas Till can be seen in Medium, House, and Blue Mountain State. Also, Till is recognized for his appearance in Taylor Swift's "You Belong With Me" music video, as well as his cameo in Tony Oller's "Someone Like You" music video. Currently, he stars in CBS's MacGyver. Most recently, Till was seen in Son of the South.

Jason Flemyng (Azazel)

In the role of Azazel, a teleporting mutant, Jason Flemyng plays a transportive character in X-Men: First Class. The British actor is best known for Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch. Flemyng also appeared in From Hell, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Rob Roy, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, as well as Alive and Kicking, Seed of Chucky, The Death and Life of Bobby Z, Stardust, Mirrors, Kick-Ass, The Social Network, Hanna, and Military Wives. Additionally, his television credits include Jamestown, The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles, and Doctor Finlay.

Currently, Jason Flemyng appears in Epix's Pennyworth. Next, he'll be seen in Creation Stories, Ire, and Viy 3: Travel to India. Also, Flemyng is attached to The Knife Thrower.

Edi Gathegi (Armando Munoz/Darwin)

Playing Armando Munoz, a mutant with the ability of "reactive evolution," Edi Gathegi is an evolving part in X-Men: First Class. Away from this prequel, Gathegi is known for his recurring roles in Fox's House and NBC's The Blacklist. He also starred in The Blacklist: Redemption. His other TV credits include Into the Badlands, Justified, Veronica Mars, CSI: Miami, Life on Mars, and Nikita. In film, additionally, Gathegi appears in Gone Baby Gone, the Twilight series, Crank, My Bloody Valentine 3D, and Aloha.

Most recently, Edi Gathegi starred in Caged. He was also seen in The Last Thing He Wanted and USA Network's Briarpatch. Next, Gathegi appears in The Harder They Fall.

Oliver Platt (Man in Black Suit)

As Man in Black Suit, a CIA agent and head of Division X, Oliver Platt plays a secretive authoritative character in Fox's X-Men: First Class. Most notably, Platt is an Emmy-nominated actor for his performances in Nip/Tuck, The West Wing, and Huff, the latter for which he was also Golden Globe-nominated. His other notable TV credits include The Big C, Fargo, The Good Wife, Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Modern Family.

Away from television, Oliver Platt can be seen in Lake Placid, Bulworth, Bicentennial Man, Please Give, Pieces of April, The Ice Harvest, Frost/Nixon, 2012, Kinsey, A Time to Kill, Dr. Dolittle (1998), Benny & Joon, Beethoven, Working Girl, Postcards from the Edge, Flatliners, and Simon Birch. Currently, Platt stars in NBC's Chicago Med. He was also heard in Netflix's I'm Thinking Of Ending Things. Next, the actor will be seen in Emperor.

Stream X-Men: First Class on HBO Max here.

Sometimes actors don’t have a lot of time to prepare for their roles and that was especially the case for Rose Byrne on the set of Irresistible, the political comedy written and directed by Jon Stewart. This became an even harder reality for Rose Byrne as her first day required her to do something gross and would be impossible in this post-COVID world.

Recently, Rose Byrne spoke with CinemaBlend about her role as Faith Brewster in Irresistible, a villainous character out to stop Steve Carell’s Gary Zimmer from winning a local mayoral election. When she signed on, she flew in and within a matter of hours had to come in very close contact with Steve Carell. Check out what she said below,

Yikes. Baptism by fire, indeed. I can’t imagine having to do that much less within hours of coming on set. But it sounds like they all hopped right into the production and did what they needed to do to make the story work. Besides, that's one way to break the ice between co-stars.

This cringe-worthy scripted scene of Rose Byrne licking Steve Carell’s face was surprising, to say the least, when it appeared in the Irresistible trailer. It comes so fast and sudden after Rose Byrne’s character calls Steve Carell’s character fat, it takes you off guard a little.

But this is the type of extreme and hyperbolic comedy that you might come to expect from Jon Stewart, who played with satire and extremes for years on his hit comedy show The Daily Show. It’s also the kind of comedy Steve Carell is familiar with since he worked with Jon Stewart on The Daily Show in the past. So, all things considered, Steve Carell is the perfect fit for the role.

Of course, none of that would be possible if Jon Stewart were filming Irresistible today. Many movie productions are currently shut down due to COVID-19. Films that are starting back up again, like Jurassic World: Dominion, The Matrix 4, and Avatar 2, will have to follow safety and health protocols which includes some form of social distancing, among other things.

Irresistible is a political comedy about Gary Zimmer (Steve Carell), a Democratic political strategist who wants to score a win for the party after the 2016 presidential loss. After witnessing a video of a man giving a passionate speech in a small town, Gary Zimmer believes this man could help the party by winning in a small town mayoral election.

Unfortunately, Irresistible has received mostly poor critical reviews. Cinema Blend’s own Eric Eisenberg said it struggles to find its comedic voice and that its smart, surprising ending fixes some of the movies issues, but not enough of them. But, if you’re like me, and you’re super curious about this mysterious and unexpected ending, you can watch Irresistible on VOD right now.

Jon Stewart is an incredibly smart person. Though he long argued that he should be always be seen as a comedian first, he spent years delivering some of the most insightful commentary on television, capitalizing on his maintained outsider status to critique both the media and political atmosphere at large with sharp intelligence and biting wit. With solely that in mind, his latest effort as a writer/director, the new comedy Irresistible, should be met with great anticipation. After all, after his 2014 debut, the dramatic thriller Rosewater, the feature is a return for the filmmaker to the tone for which he is best known.

Unfortunately, as a vehicle for the message Jon Stewart wants to get across with the movie, it equates to sticking a high performance engine built for a Maserati underneath the hood of a faux-wood-paneled minivan.

Centering on a small town that winds up being the epicenter of a battle between two bullish, hot shot campaign strategists, the film definitely has something to say about the way modern elections are run in America, and effectively drives home that point before the credits are ready to roll… but the majority of that lives in the third act, and there’s unfortunately not a great deal of entertainment value to be found prior to all that. The movie primarily subsists on stale humor and demanded leaps in logic to explain character motivation up until it’s ready to showcase its big ideas, and while those big ideas are ultimately interesting enough to elevate Irresistible to being “fine,” your larger expectations won’t be met.

Steve Carell, Stewart’s former Daily Show cohort, stars as Gary Zimmer, a victory-obsessed, high-level political junkie feverishly in pursuit of a candidate who could become the next big voice of the Democratic party – most notably as an extension of the loss experienced during the 2016 presidential campaign. His attention is drawn to a video online featuring a farmer/veteran (Chris Cooper) from a small Wisconsin town delivering an impassioned speech to a city council in defense of immigrants, and he immediately jumps into action thinking that he has found a man who, despite lacking any kind of political background, could represent the future of the Democrats (it’s weirdly never acknowledged that this is kind of a strange notion given that the actor in the role is turning 69 in 2020).

Gary travels to Wisconsin in the aim of getting this man, Jack Hastings, to campaign in the upcoming mayoral election, and while his initial plan is to simply provide resources to the effort, that changes when Jack says that he will only run if Gary serves as his campaign manager. He reluctantly agrees, as he is forced to make a major personal adjustment to small-town life, but a fire is lit underneath him when his rival, Faith Brewster (Rose Byrne), having gotten wind of Gary’s activities, arrives on the scene to support the opposition, incumbent Mayor Braun (Brent Sexton). Washington tactics slowly ensconce the little burg as more and more money is poured into the race, the two strategists employing their entire playbooks in attempts to one-up the other.

Irresistible struggles to find its comedic voice, and uses a lot of treaded-over material.

To its credit, Irresistible is a movie that has a statement to make about the status of the entire electoral system in America, and plays no favorites when it comes to political parties, but as modern as it works to be it doesn’t have much fresh material when it comes to either the day-to-day of campaigning or “urbanite travels to farmland” shtick. In the case of the former there’s nothing that we haven’t seen from movies like Jay Roach’s The Campaign or David Gordon Green’s Our Brand Is Crisis (not to mention Veep or Parks & Recreation on the television side), and the latter weirdly winds up draining the film of any likable characters.

You definitely expect a lot more from Steve Carell and Rose Byrne.

Despite being the protagonist, Gary is fully intended to be an offensive character (possessing no real values and only working to aid his own ego), and while that’s not inherently a bad approach for a comedy, the problem is that Steve Carell’s performance doesn’t get the laughs necessary to pull it off, and there is an unintended side effect in that the negativity rubs off on characters who are meant to be much more relatable. Jack Hastings and his daughter (played by Mackenzie Davis) are presented as reasonable, good people, but that leads you to spend the majority of Irresistible wondering why they are willing to put up with so much of Gary’s assholery – particularly because Jack never demonstrates any kind of real enthusiasm that suggests he is getting anything meaningful out of the relationship.

Getting the shortest end of the stick of all is Rose Byrne, who simply isn’t given enough to do despite her significant role in the plot. Faith Brewster isn’t so much a character as she is a plot device/random profanity-laced insult generator. Her interactions with Gary play like bits included solely to showcase the callousness and closed-door attitude of Washington rather than coming from any kind of real place, and all of the actions she takes don’t come from any kind of personal motivation, but instead just to create a conflict that moves the story forward. Making things worse is that while there is a lot in the third act that justifies elements of the first two, that doesn’t include anything involving Faith.

Irresistible's ending mends a number of issues, but doesn’t totally fix the film.

Because this is a spoiler-free forum, discussing the best parts of Irresistible is a challenge simply because all of its best parts are reserved for its conclusion – which is legitimately clever and unpredictable. Certain elements that appear to be odd issues throughout the film, including some of those mentioned above, are made clearer by the revelations, and while the problems aren’t totally resolved, the greater understanding of why things play out the way they do makes a hell of a lot more sense. It’s possible that knowing how the movie ends winds up having the effect of further improving how everything plays on rewatch rather than just in retrospect, but I can’t say I’m overly excited to quickly revisit.

Irresistible is a strange watch, and it could result in some very divisive reactions – with those like me who see the film breaking even in quality as a result of its twist flanked by those who don’t think anything is justified at all, and those who absolutely love it and find that it makes everything click. At the very least the hope can be that it’s strictly an argument about the quality of the movie, and that at least everyone can agree about its messages regarding election reform.

January is traditionally a time of year full of promise, as there is hope to embark on a fresh set of 12 months full of changes and bold decision making. That is, unless you’re looking at the calendar for movie releases; in which case it’s part dreaded wasteland of mostly regrettable content occasionally featuring the rare unexpected surprise.

The female empowerment comedy Like A Boss from director Miguel Arteta is the latest example of why January is a scary time to be at the movies.

Best friends since middle school, Mia (Tiffany Haddish) and Mel (Rose Byrne) have seen their partnership lead them to become cosmetic queens of their own empire after starting as small business owners. Unfortunately, things haven’t been rosy as of late, with their company massively in debt, and sales not being what they could be.

So when beauty mogul Claire Luna (Salma Hayek) comes in and promises not only to invest in their company, but to pay off their debt, the pair jump at the opportunity after some careful discussion. As you may have guessed, though, this was a bad decision, which leads to the pair of friends fighting to take back what’s theirs... Like A Boss.

The comedy in Like A Boss is some of the laziest I’ve seen in years.

The recent news that major studios will start to greenlight projects based on the advice of an A.I. built to maximize marketability may have sounded scary, but after watching Like A Boss you wonder if it might be a good idea. That sort of approach may have recognized that audiences aren't amused by lazy comedy that aims for all of the low hanging fruit it can grab. The writing team leaves director Miguel Arteta and his cast out to dry.

If you’re a fan of simple gags involving people with accents mispronouncing words, smoking pot around babies, and a scene where two well-endowed women collide in supposedly comedic fashion, Like A Boss could have been your kind of movie. Yet somehow, the script can’t even figure out what to do with those jokes, except to just tell them with no nuance or build up.

Clocking in at only 83 minutes, Like A Boss still feels like a long movie.

Another mistake the audience might make upon entering Like A Boss is thinking that they’re safe because the film wraps itself up under the hour and a half mark. Timing like that would suggest a quick, easy sit that might not tickle the imagination, but would be manageable at best.

Guess again, folks, as Like A Boss is going to make you feel every second of its runtime. It does so without even fully drawing its lead characters in full detail, relying instead on emotional and comedic shorthand to tell the audience what they're supposed to feel. Rather than let you feel the friendship built between Tiffany Haddish and Rose Byrne as an organic experience, this story instead tries to force you to accept it with manufactured tragedy, which never truly gels.

It also doesn’t fail to waste the talents of the impressive supporting cast, as even usually vibrant talent like Jennifer Coolidge, Billy Porter, Natasha Rothwell, and Salma Hayek all manage to be put through an unfunny wringer, extracting every ounce of charm out of their skill sets.

Usually, when a picture like this fails to entertain, there’s a B-story that brightens things up with outrageous characters. Without that safety net, Like A Boss plummets to the ground right out of the gate, and never gets back up. You could just watch the trailer at home, imagine whatever story you think should play out in-between those moments, and I could almost guarantee you’d come up with something better than what was put onto the screen with this project.

Like A Boss is exactly the movie what you think it is, and even at that it fails miserably.

A basic outline of what Like A Boss was trying to do with its finished product would be the following: an R-rated female empowerment comedy that isn’t afraid to confront issues of gender and business with a healthy sense of humor. But this movie is afraid to confront those issues, as well as make anyone laugh in a truly R-rated fashion. This is an extremely banal comedy that doesn’t remotely live up to a mature rating, and can easily be cleaned up for television.

The female empowerment angle never really goes anywhere, except to deliver the cinematic equivalent of someone writing “Yaaaas Queen” or “You Go Girl” on the screen at random intervals. This is a movie built around hashtags, rather than plot points, and it’s just as disposable. In a post Booksmart world, Like A Boss isn’t just a missed opportunity, it’s a mismanaged attempt to crassly cash in on social trends in exchange for relevance.

If you ever wanted to know what it would look like if a Facebook sticker set gave birth to a movie, Like A Boss answers that question in horrifically accurate detail. It may look like a major motion picture, with the talented cast and manageable editing, but the breakneck pacing of the script leaves the film feeling as fulfilling as the empty part of a bag of chips.

I wouldn’t recommend it for a girl’s night out, and I would go as far as to say that I don’t suggest you send your frenemies to see it either; as that could be considered a social war crime.

It's hard to believe that it's only been two years since Tiffany Haddish had her breakout role in Girls Trip. Since then the comedian and actress has been taking Hollywood by storm and while we most recently saw her in the non-comedy The Kitchen, she she'll be back in another raucous comedy early next year, alongside Rose Byrne and Salma Hayek. Check out the first trailer for Like a Boss below.

Haddish and Byrne play Mia and Mel, two people who have been friends for years and have started their own cosmetics company. The pair seem happy, even apparently living together, but the store is in significant debt. However, things look up when cosmetics mogul Claire Luna (Salma Hayek) arrives and offers to invest in the company.

Of course, things won't be that easy, this is a movie after all.

If you're a fan of physical comedy, especially involving women, then Like a Boss looks like a solid time. The trailer opens with our main characters jumping off a roof together Tiffany Haddish has to struggle to keep from falling from the walkway of a tall building as does the classic "eating a hot pepper" gag. Rose Byrne is the one who gets the honor of punching Salma Hayek in the face.

Tiffany Hadish and Rose Byrne should be a solid pairing in a movie like this. Both have made similar movies in the past and shown how good they can be. The chemistry between them in Like a Boss looks solid, though it's always hard to tell those things with trailers.

The plot synopsis for [Like a Boss](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LikeaBoss_(film) says that the new situation will put the friendship between the two lead characters in jeopardy, but we don't really see that in this trailer. While they're both uncomfortable doing things like firing workers, they're also united in their decision to take on their new boss.

It's actually the most surprising thing about the trailer. It's a story of two women who are friends who don't appear to have that friendship threatened by anything. There also doesn't appear to be a romance angle of any kind in the story. It's a nice thing to see.

That, and, of course, the fact that all three of Like a Boss' major roles are played by women. It's not that long ago that a movie like this would have had a hard time making it to the screen.

As it is, it's unfortunate the movie is dropping in January, a period that isn't always all that great for the box office. It doesn't mean the movie isn't going to be successful, a good movie will almost always find an audience, but it does give an indication of what the studio thinks of the film.

Like a Boss hits theaters January 10, 2020.

Modern science fiction films are too often another chapter to a continuing saga. Oh, how we crave a self-contained tale! After all, some of the best sci-fi entries are brief windows into an imagined future that seek to examine humanity and spark discussions. In being single stories, their conclusions can often serve as acts of abandonment that leave us alone with ourselves and new existential questions to ponder.

Grant Sputore's I Am Mother is this choice type of sci-fi. Netflix’s own Ex Machina. It’s an effective, small-scale genre film that follows the relationship between a empathetic robot mom (Rose Byrne) and its teen daughter (Clara Rugaard) – lovingly named “Daughter.” The pair are the sole life forms living in a high-tech facility with walls lined in human embryos. Mother tells her that one day they will build a family together with these embryos and keep humanity from fading from existence. That is, until a mysterious woman (Hilary Swank) turns up at their front door.

Daughter is then faced with an intriguing predicament. Who will she trust? The strange woman, who is the first she’s seen of her kind, or the hunk of metal that has raised her all her life? She’s caught between the emotional and the logical. Nature versus nurture. The clear side for Daughter to take isn’t obvious.

What makes I Am Mother so clever for audiences to enjoy is how little we know about the world we find ourselves in, so here we are right along with the protagonist for the ride. Blinded. What a beautiful position that is to be in when the sci-fi genre feels more formulaic than ever.

I Am Mother is Clara Rugaard’s first leading role in a film, and witnessing her play Daughter feels like the legitimate rise of an up-and-coming leading lady. In one scene you’ll do a double take… wait, is that Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley? Her character’s situation is heartbreaking, but her strength is even more enthralling.

Hilary Swank may take a backseat to Rugaard’s talent in her first Netflix outing, but she too still dazzles nonetheless. It’s great to see the actress take on a smaller production that reminds us of her raw talent. Her unnamed character is in survival mode throughout, and her motivations suspicious. Rose Byrne’s voice role as Mother is the second side of the same coin, and unrecognizable without her typical Aussie accent. The pair disappear in their roles, thus elevating the alienating tone I Am Mother presumes.

The movie places us in the position of what it might be like to be raised by a machine. How might we turn out? I Am Mother also asks the question the engineers behind self-driving cars have had to ask: how does an A.I. decide who lives and who dies when places in a life or death situation? What casualties are necessary and who’s concerns are more important? If you love to think through these kinds of questions, I Am Mother is a good space to live in.

The presence of so many ideas is, however, also a double-edged sword for the movie. While just a couple of themes approached are interesting enough, the film ultimately offers two times as many as needed. Perhaps it’s more realistic to find the future dizzying then have the luxury to just explore a few. Either way, it doesn’t benefit the film when we reach I Am Mother’s third act. While the goal may be to give audiences the kind of hit in the head Interstellar or Arrival does by the time they reach their twisty conclusions, the execution underwhelms in this outing.

Don’t be too discouraged by this, however. I Am Mother still ends up making the journey feel worth it. The movie is a nice reminder of how special a good indie science fiction movie really is. It’s the kind of fix we turn to nowadays on television shows such as Black Mirror and the recent Twilight Zone revival. It’s exciting to live in these kinds of thought experiments, and then think through it all as the credits roll. It’s a unique feeling when a story has the power to unfold our imagination and expand our brain for a moment without a huge budget. I Am Mother does that, even if not executed with perfect precision.

During last year's press junket for Aaron Sorkin's Molly's Game, Jessica Chastain opened up to CinemaBlend and explained that Simon Kinberg's X-Men: Dark Phoenix will do some great things for its female characters. Keeping that in mind, we recently sat down with X-Men: First Class and X-Men: Apocalypse star Rose Byrne during the junket for Peter Rabbit to see if CIA agent Moira MacTaggert would be among those badass women. Alas, Byrne revealed that we shouldn't get our hopes up about seeing Moira return in Dark Phoenix, saying:

So while Moira MacTaggert played an integral role in the plots of X-Men: First Class and X-Men: Apocalypse, it sounds like she will be sitting things out when the powers of Jean Grey (Sophie Turner) start to go haywire. It's arguably somewhat surprising to learn this, as the return of her memory at the end of X-Men: First Class could've easily allowed her to segue back into action as an ally of the X-Men team and full-time member of the X-Men franchise.

Then again, there are definitely arguments to be made for the case that it's better for her not to return. By the time we were reintroduced to Moira in X-Men: Apocalypse (she had sat out in X-Men: Days of Future Past), the character had already gone on to a new stage in her life, complete with a family to call her own. For her to suddenly drop that and become a new member of the X-Men supporting cast might not line up with her characterization.

Besides, there are still plenty of badass female character waiting to take center stage in X-Men: Dark Phoenix. Jean Grey is obviously the star of the show, but Storm (Alexandra Shipp) Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) and Jessica Chastain's mysterious Smith (who is definitely not Lilandra) are all (among others) characters that we can't wait to see as well.

Of course, this doesn't mean that Moira won't receive a wink, nod or mention during the events of X-Men: Dark Phoenix. All it really tells us is that Moira won't be joining the ensemble on this adventure. Charles' long-dormant romance (although at this point, it's really little more than a crush) has informed much of his characterization since James McAvoy stepped into the role in X-Men: First Class, so for someone like Hank McCoy (Nicholas Hoult) or Magneto (Michael Fassbender) to mention her in passing would make a certain degree of sense.

Simon Kinberg's X-Men: Dark Phoenix will hit theaters later this year on November 2. As for Rose Byrne, you can catch her in Will Gluck's Peter Rabbit this weekend starting February 9.

In the wild and raunchy comedy Neighbors, Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne played suburban parents who had to tap back into their hard-partying days to take down a fraternity filled with noisy idiots. The movie was a smash success, so a sequel seemed inevitable. The first full trailer for Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising just dropped, and eased the fears of fans who might have thought director Nicholas Stoller was going to shake up the winning formula too drastically. If you loved Neighbors, you’re likely going to love this:  

The script is flipped ever so slightly in Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, as the title implies. The fraternity isn’t jeopardizing Mac (Seth Rogen) and Kelly’s (Rose Byrne) way of living. This time out, it’s a fledgling sorority led by Chloe Grace Moretz, who’s unhappy that Selena Gomez’s sorority doesn’t support partying, drinking or drug use. In the opening scene, we see Moretz smoking weed at a sorority meeting – giving new meaning to the nickname Hit-Girl. And in opposition to the straight-laced, uptight college atmosphere spawned by the first Neighbors, Moretz founds Kappa Nu… until Mac and Kelly attempt to burn it down to the ground.

They’re not doing it alone, though. In order to figure out how college-aged girls think, Mac and Kelly lean on their former antagonist, Teddy Sanders (Zac Efron). This is right out of the "sequels" playbook, where former rivals become friends against a new opponent. Also, Efron looks like this, which explains why casting agents keep hiring him:

Neighbors 2 looks to capitalize on the success of the original, keeping the chemistry of the incredibly funny cast intact, while also inviting some new faces to the party. Chloe Moretz hasn’t been given enough opportunities to show just how funny she can be, and I want to see her going toe-to-toe with Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne. The rest of the supporting cast includes wall-to-wall funny people, from Ike Barinholtz (in the terrifying clown makeup) and Lisa Kudrow to Dave Franco and Billy Eichner. The trailer already has given us a memorable catchphrase, as it’s my goal to use "I’m on painkillers, bitch" in conversation at some point today.

Neighbors 2 will be directed by Nicholas Stoller. It reaches theaters on May 20, where it will compete against The Angry Birds Movie and The Nice Guys. What did you think of the first trailer?  

Neighbors was one of those comedies that you don’t really expect to see a sequel to. It was a funny premise and it was a good movie to be sure, but even in Hollywood’s ongoing efforts to make everything a franchise, you wonder why that one got tapped, other than the obvious "it made a boatload of cash" reasons. But here we are, with Neighbors 2 on the way. Now, having said all that, I look at this image from the upcoming film, and damned if I’m not starting to get curious. What in the blue hell is going on here?

What are they all looking at? Why is their a clown in this picture? Does anybody else really feel like they need to get to the gym right now? These are the questions that Neighbors 2 forces us to ask. We’re trying to figure out if there’s actual smoke in the image. It’s quite possible that something is on fire. The image, courtesy of Entertainment Weekly appears to show one of the party scenes that will be included in the film. This one is a Mad Max inspired tailgate. So, yeah, to answer an earlier question, something is probably on fire. These parties are thrown by the new sorority that has moved into the block occupied by Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne’s characters from the first film. While the swapping of a fraternity for a sorority may seem a little too obvious for the sequel, according to Rose Byrne, this time the stakes are more than a little personal for our lead characters.

The sorority in question will include a host of great women including Chloe Moretz (Kick-Ass), Kiersey Clemons (Dope) and singer/actress Selena Gomez. Zac Efron will also be returning to his role from the previous film. From what we understand, Rogen and Byrne will call on their old nemesis for help when they realize that they need help dealing with the sorority house. While we’re sure that everybody is glad to have Efron back, even Seth Rogen was forced to admit that some of the scenes, like the one above, could be a little difficult to film with him.

Are you looking forward to Neighbors 2 when it comes out May 20? The first film was a box office smash and the sequel is hoping for a repeat performance as an alternative to the standard summer blockbuster.

From what we’ve heard about Nicholas Stoller’s Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, the film will feature some big elemental changes that make it different from the first movie. Most notable is that, as the title implies, there will be a sorority causing chaos this time around instead of a fraternity. But while the sequel will be different in key ways, there are also many elements that will remain the same – including many of the stars that made the original so great.

The Wrap has published the news that yet another one of the great comedic actors from 2014’s Neighbors will be reprising his role in the sequel – so we figured now would be as good a time as any to do a quick rundown of the returning cast. So who’s coming back? Let’s start with the latest addition first…

Fans of Nicholas Stoller’s Neighbors will certainly remember Dave Franco’s role as Pete – the only fratboy with a modicum of intelligence – and the good news is that he’ll be back to support his brothers in Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising. The actor just recently closed his deal to return for the sequel, but sadly we don’t know exactly how he will fit into the plot of the movie. When we last saw him, he was getting ready to graduate from college and start his life as an adult… but we can presume that the plot of the new movie will have him return to his childish ways.

It would definitely be weird if Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising didn’t bring back Seth Rogen, but the good news is that the actor will not only be reprising his role as Mac, but also producing the movie and co-writing the script with Nicholas Stoller, Andrew Jay Cohen, Brendan O’Brien, and Evan Goldberg. At the end of the first movie, Mac’s troubles were all seemingly solved, and he is shown as being ready to commit his life to being a father to his daughter, Stella – but obviously the sequel will find his life thrown back into conflict when a sorority moves in next door

Playing Kelly, Mac’s wife in the first Neighbors, Rose Byrne was definitely a highlight - and while no official details have been revealed about her role just yet, one can hope that she will get to play an even more significant plot in the story. Given that the plot is going from fraternity to sorority in the sequel, it would be great if Kelly became the lead of the movie playing off of the sorority president character set to be played by Chloe Moretz. For now, everything is being kept hush hush, however.

Reprising his role as former fraternity president Teddy, Zac Efron will also be back in Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising - though the nature of the part will be changing significantly. In the first movie he is the central antagonist, committed to making Mac and Kelly’s life a living hell, but in the sequel he will be coming back as a force for good – aiding the same young parents in a battle with the girls who have moved into the old Delta Psi Beta house.

Carla Gallo has been a part of the Judd Apatow family dating back to the canceled-too-soon series Undeclared, and after playing bit parts in movies like Superbad and Forgetting Sarah Marshall she upgraded to a supporting role in 2014’s Neighbors. In the sequel, she will be back reprising her role as Paula Faldt. In the first movie we saw her reunite with her ex-husband (more on him in a bit), and in the sequel she will presumably be back to help Mac and Kelly in their quest to shut down obnoxious college kids.

It’s possible that the next few weeks will reveal more actors from the first Neighbors coming back for the sequel, but for now our list comes to an end with Ike Barinholtz. Playing Jimmy Blevins, the actor spent most of the first movie being jealous of his ex-wife (Gallo), but wound up winning her back in the end with promises of a baby and a fun trip to Burning Man. Something tells us that their relationship won’t be the most stable thing in the world, so expect to see them fighting a lot in the upcoming movie.

Chloe Moretz, and actresses Kiersey Clemons and Beanie Feldstein will be just a few of the brand new faces that we will be seeing showing up in Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, and while we have high hopes for their contributions, it will be great to see all of the aforementioned characters return as well. The movie is currently gearing up for production, and is currently on track to be in theaters on May 20, 2016.

The original comedy Neighbors was a rare non-visual effects-filled studio-released summer blockbuster, it ended up being a huge hit when it was released back in 2013. When inexpensive movies make studios huge profits, it usually means that the sequel green light isn’t far off – and the Nicholas Stoller-directed comedy is no different. Now Neighbors 2 is set for release next summer, and it has just been revealed that it has a subtitle which gives us some insight into what the movie will be about: Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising. Really, we should have seen this coming.

Production Weekly posted the full title, which seems to sync up with what we’ve learned so far about the sequel currently in production. Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising will revolve around a sorority house moving in next door to the family played by Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne from the first film. When they have trouble dealing with the sorority, they turn to their previous nemesis, played by Zac Efron, for help. We assume shenanigans ensue at this point.

As was confirmed earlier this week, Chloe Moretz has been cast in a major role in the film, and it’s expected that she will be the primary antagonist sorority sister. The female Zac Efron if you will. Moretz was the highlight of the Kick-Ass movies and we know Hit Girl could get pretty vile, so Moretz should feel right at home with the exceptionally vulgar comedy. In fact, we're more than a little curious to see what this plot will have her up to.

Neighbors R rating was one of the reasons its success was so surprising. During the summer movie season, PG-13 is always the ideal rating in order to allow the majority of moviegoers into the theater, but the Nicholas Stoller movie blazed the trail helped formed by titles like The Hangover and Ted. Ultimately, the movie managed to gross $268 million on an $18 million budget – so, again, it’s little surprise a sequel got the go-ahead. That being said, Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising will need to provide the same sort of laughs, but without being the same laughs, to be successful – which is arguably a much higher bar.

Of course, that may be the only problem facing the movie. One wonders if the plot of the movie feels too obvious. It would probably be very easy for the production to take the original script, run a "find and replace" and swap out fraternity for sorority, and call it a day. One thing that would be nice would be to see a female-centered story that gives Rose Byrne more time to shine. Critics hailed her as one of the highlights of the original, as she really held her own. Maybe it’s time for Rogen to play second fiddle. That could go a long way to making the movie feel fresh.

Whatever ends up happening, we’ll certainly be checking out Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising when it hits next summer. Chloe Moretz has high bar to clear if she wants to out do Zac Efron’s performance in the original, but if anybody can do it, we have a feeling she can.

The last time we saw CIA agent Moira MacTaggert in the X-Men series, her memories of her time with Charles Xavier and his team were erased so that she couldn’t accidentally reveal their whereabouts. After sitting out the time travel shenanigans of X-Men: Days of Future Past, it was revealed earlier this year that Rose Byrne will reprise her role in X-Men: Apocalypse. Although the specifics of her part in the 2016 blockbuster haven’t bee disclosed, we now know that she’ll be returning in style with at least one unique costume.

Although she didn’t go into detail, Bryrne told MTV that Moira will have several “cool looks” in X-Men: Apocalypse, and also commented on her overall interest in ‘80s fashion. Said Byrne:

As with the previous in installments from the First Class trilogy, X-Men: Apocalypse is taking full advantage of the fashions that were prominent in its respective decade. In this case, expect to see a lot of bright, vivid colors. We’ve already gotten a taste of the ‘80s clothes that will be seen in the film from the set picture of Sophie Turner’s Jean Grey and Lana Condor’s Jubilee. Byrne also mentioned that James McAvoy will be wearing a suit that makes him “look like he’s in Spandau Ballet,” so some of the older characters will also be dressing for the times.

As for Byrne, it sounds like she’ll be wearing at least a few outfits that will be the epitome of ‘80s fashion, or as the actress put it, anything you can buy nowadays at Marc Jacobs. If she’s still working for the CIA (or another government organization) at this point, perhaps one of these outfits will be an updated design of the spy suit she wore when Xavier, Magneto, and the First Class team went to stop Sebastian Shaw. 

Despite playing a key role in X-Men: First Class as the woman who recruited Charles Xavier (as well as being briefly his love interest), because of the mind wipe, director Bryan Singer has stated that when she meets Charles and the others 21 years later, they will essentially be strangers to her. Whatever circumstances reunite her with the mutants, she’ll find herself involved in their battle against the ancient Apocalypse. So far Byrne is the only major human character that’s been announced, so she’ll need to keep her distance from the millennia-old powerhouse.

You can check out Byrne’s full comments in the video below.

X-Men: Apocalypse hits theaters on May 27, 2016.

We’ve been getting bits and pieces of the puzzle that is X-Men: Apocalypse recently, and each bit of news has been generating excitement. Just recently, the official casting of young Cyclops, Jean Grey and Storm was announced, and now we have news of a returning cast member who we weren’t sure we’d see in the newest film. The writer of the latest X-Men film confirms that Rose Byrne will be returning as Moira MacTaggert, the CIA agent and Charles Xavier’s love interest from X-Men: First Class.

We weren’t sure Rose Byrne would be returning, mostly because Professor X wiped her memory at the close of the last film. But, Simon Kingerb, writer of X-Men: Apocalypse confirms that she will indeed appear in the new film, and she will be a significant character to the plot. He told Entertainment Weekly:

Byrne’s character, Moira MacTaggert was an essential character in First Class. Yes, she played the main love interest of James McAvoy’s Professor X, but as a CIA agent she was key in providing Xavier with the tools he needed to find and protect mutants. Kinberg also teased that this film will dive deeper into Xavier and Moira’s relationship, which will be an interesting dynamic to explore, considering Moira has forgotten most, if not all of what she knows of Xavier and the other mutants.

The film, which will further the character arcs of our original team we met in First Class including the above mentioned as well as Magneto played by Michael Fassbender, Mystique played by Jennifer Lawrence, and Dr. Hank McCoy (aka Beast) played by Nicholas Hoult will take place in the 1980s. Kinberg details that these key characters are going to be the center of the story, and that this film is going to mark an end to a particular phase of their lives.

What type of closure will this mean in the relationship of Charles Xavier and Moira MacTaggert? Will he expose his powers to her, once again, or leave her in the dark? We’ll have to wait and see. X-Men: Apocalypse will finally introduce a few other original team members, too, including Cyclops, Jean Grey and Storm. The three newbies will be a bit younger than our familiar protagonists, and will be portrayed by young-and-upcoming actors, Tye Sheridan, Sophie Turner and Alexandra Shipp. Oscar Isaac will be taking on the titular role of the ancient mutant villain, Apocalypse.

X-Men: Apocalypse is set to hit theaters May 27, 2016.

What happens when you turn Melissa McCarthy into a secret agent? Pretty much exactly what you’re envisioning in your head right now. After much talk, the first trailer for Spy, the comedienne’s new movie with her Bridesmaids and The Heat director Paul Feig, has landed online in both a family friendly green-band trailer and a not-so appropriate red-band version.

We’ve already seen McCarthy in those buddy-buddy movies. She was buddies with Sandra Bullock in The Heat. She was buddies with Jason Bateman in Identity Thief. And she was kinda buddies with Susan Sarandon in Tammy. It’s at least good to see her set out on her own as a first-time undercover agent, though we can’t really say it’s all that refreshing.

Spy, formerly called Susan Cooper, sees McCarthy as a CIA analyst who’s tired of blending in with everyone else. As she says in the trailer, which premiered over at Yahoo Movies, her mother always told her, "Making a wave isn’t always brave." But this all changes when the CIA needs to unearth the location of a nuclear bomb from a dangerous woman (Rose Byrne) who knows the identities of all their agents. They need someone who can easily blend in. Enter Susan Cooper. We don’t know what’s better — McCarthy in a cat sweater or Jude Law trying to do an American accent?

The red-band version of the Spy trailer, seen above, is a bit longer, though the only additions seems to be a bullet to the head, a bit more cliched footage of McCarthy screaming in slow motion, a couple of more gags and a lot more cussing. Sometimes we wonder if there’s an actual comedic purpose for Jason Statham throwing around the word "twat" or if he’s doing so just because he can. Though, if you like this kind of movie, you’ll probably get a laugh out of McCarthy’s "limp-dick unicorn" line at the end.

McCarthy and Feig have been working together for a long time now — he is the one who put her on the map with Bridesmaids — and the two are planning to continue this relationship even after Spy. It was revealed recently that the actress is currently in talks to join her director buddy for his female-led Ghostbusters reboot. Based on this trailer for Spy, though, these two are getting complacent with the same old style of gags that worked so well for them in the beginning of their on-screen relationship. Now, however, it’s getting a bit stale. They’ll no doubt keep making money at the box office, but we want nothing more than for them to get a bit more creative with the humor.

Spy will hit theaters on May 22.

Just last weekend Rose Byrne was down in Austin, Texas for the North American premiere of the comedy I Give It A Year at SXSW, and only just recently completed production on Insidious: Chapter 2, but she's not slowing down at all. In fact, she's only speeding up.

The Hollywood Reporter has learned that Byrne has signed on for big roles in two major upcoming films, This is Where I Leave You and Townies. The former will reunite her with director Shawn Levy (with whom she worked with on this summer's The Internship) and have her joining a cast featuring Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Corey Stoll, Jane Fonda, and Adam Driver.The story finds a dysfunctional family being forced to reunite after the patriarch passes with a dying wish: for them all to spend a week together after his funeral. According to the trade, Byrne will be playing "an old crush of Bateman’s character who happens to be a former wild child."

Townies, meanwhile, is a horse of a different color. Unlike This Is Where I Leave You, the new Nicholas Stoller-directed comedy is being described as a raunchy, R-rated comedy about a regular guy, played by Seth Rogen, who goes to war with a frat house near his home that's ruining his life. Byrne will be playing Rogen's wife, described by THR as "the adult in the relationship," while Zac Efron is also set to star as the leader of the frat. Filming is set to start in the spring before cameras roll on This is Where I Leave You during the summer.

Byrne also recently played a part in the Australian omnibus film The Turning and co-starred with Jason Sudeikis, Blythe Danner and Beau Bridges in the Sean Mewshaw's upcoming romantic comedy Tumbledown.

It would seem that Australia seems to be really into the idea of bringing talented filmmakers together to make omnibuses. Earlier this year producer John Polson brought together directors Toni Collette, Russell Crowe, Anthony LaPaglia, Alex Proyas, Liev Schreiber and more to helm Sydney Unplugged, a love letter to the country's capital city, and now a new one in the works with a whopping 17 directors involved. And it's just found two brand new stars as well.

Hugo Weaving, who just recently graced screens in the Wachowski Starship/Tom Tykwer movie Cloud Atlas, and Rose Byne - both Australian born - have both signed on for parts in The Turning, according to THR. The film will tell an incredible 17 short stories, all of which were written by Aussie writer Tim Winton. Actors including Cate Blanchett, Mia Wasikowska and David Wenham will be making their directorial debuts with the project, and they will be joined by filmmakers such as Benedict Andrews, Jonathan auf der Heide, Tony Ayres, Claire McCarthy and Stephen Page.

In addition to Byrne and Weaving the cast includes Callan Mulvey, Susie Porter and Harrison Gilbertson. The trade doesn't mention any of the characters that the actors will be playing, but all of the shorts will be set in the Australian coastal town of Angelus and will be about a person experiencing a turning point in their life.

Bryrne has two comedies in the mix next year, including Dan Mazer's I Give It A Year and Shawn Levy's The Internship, and Weaving will next be seen in Peter Jackson's The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

When we reported the news last week that Simon Baker would be playing a role in the upcoming comedy I Give It A Year, there was a key piece of information missing. It was unclear in the report if it would be Baker or the previously cast Rafe Spall who would play the husband in the recently-married couple who would have to deal with the ups and downs that come in the first year of marriage. Today we have not only found the answer to that question, but two lovely and talented actresses have joined the cast.

Reporting that it will be Spall playing the husband while Baker plays a "strong supporting character," Variety has learned that both Rose Byrne and Anna Faris have joined the ranks. Byrne, who showed off her comedic talents in the blockbuster his Bridesmaids last year, will be playing Spall's wife, while Faris will be another "strong supporting character." The project was written and directed by Dan Mazer, whose previous credits include Da Ali G Show and co-writing the script for both Borat and Bruno. I Give It A Year will mark his feature directorial debut.

This is an interesting move for Faris. She's spent so much of her career as a leading lady, it will be fascinating to see how she performs in a supporting role. Given that three of her last four films included What's Your Number?, Alvin and the Chimpmunks: Chipwrecked, and Yogi Bear, this could definitely be a chance for her to start being in funny movies again. Hopefully Mazer's work allows her to do that.

It seems a little premature talking about the DVD release of a summer blockbuster when said tentpole film is still in theaters and can be enjoyed on the big screen, where the director intended audiences to see it. But Matthew Vaughn’s X-Men prequel First Class connected with the Marvel mutant fan base, and they’ll likely be excited by the extras we are hearing will be included on the pending Blu-ray and DVD version when it finally hits streets.

There will be 13 deleted scenes on the First Class DVD, according to the BBFC’s site (and shared through Bleeding Cool News). Just don’t expect a lot more insight into the finished product, as the site says all 13, collectively, will run just under 14 minutes. Brendon Connelly, who spoke with Vaughn at the time of the film’s release about cut footage, speculates that most of the scenes would revolve around Rose Byrne’s character Moira MacTaggart, beefing up the work she did as part of the CIA and expanding on her relationship with James McAvoy’s Charles Xavier.

No offense to Byrne and McAvoy, both of whom were excellent in their respective parts, but if I had to single out two characters from Vaughn’s prequel I’d love to see more of, it would be Fassbender’s brooding Magneto and Kevin Bacon’s lusciously evil Sebastian Shaw. And every Bacon clip would involve him speaking German and eating chocolate. I’m buying it, no matter what. But I’m holding out hope that out of the 13 deleted scenes on the DVD, we’ll get at least one chocolate Bacon.

Thanks to great word of mouth, Bridesmaids is doing solid business at the box office this weekend. The R-rated, female-fronted comedy was written off almost from the beginning by many analysts and insiders who’ve long assumed chicks could never laugh their way to a sizeable opening, but stars Kristen Wiig, Mya Rudolph and Rose Byrne have proven the naysayers wrong. Whether Bridesmaids goes on to make Hangover or Beverly Hills Cop money or not is inconsequential. The film will turn a big profit for Universal, and as has happened so many times throughout history, Hollywood will alter its direction and start producing more female comedies. That, along with a wonderful, thoughtful and moving movie, will be Bridesmaids’ legacy, but now it’s up to a generation of female writers and actresses to keep being funny.

It’s as simple as that really. Women, perhaps rightly so, have bitched and bemoaned for years about the lack of female opportunities in a male-dominated movie industry, but if there’s one thing Hollywood likes more than the boy’s club, it’s making money. Bridesmaids has proven ladies can make people laugh, turning a profit in the process, but one successful chick comedy only opens the door for more. It doesn’t prove the genre itself is viable over the long haul. Women need three or four more big successes. They need to be funny again, and they need to do it within the next few years. Here’s 5 things Bridesmaids did right that its successors need to keep in mind…

Comedy Doesn’t Need To Be Loud

For too long many comediennes have tried to cry the hardest, scream the loudest and make themselves look the ugliest to get a laugh. Some of the comedy in Bridesmaids may be a bit over the top (see the shower freakout), but the vast majority of it just involves normal women shooting the shit with each other. The lunch scene between Mya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig is a perfect example, just two ladies, talking about life and making each other giggle, coaxing laughs out of the audience in the process. The bigger you go and the closer you get to Ace Ventura territory, the further you disconnect from real life. If given a choice between any of the ladies here or Amy Sedaris’ character in Strangers With Candy, I’ll take the Bridesmaids girls every time.

Female Interpersonal Relationships Are Great Fodder For Comedy

The dynamics between women are so much more complicated than the dynamics between men. My head hurts just thinking about it. There’s no way I could survive for a second in girl world. Comments I might find innocuous can be fuck-you’s of the highest order and asides I would find mean are just par for the course between ladies. Just as men grow up learning a code of behavior that eventually becomes inherent, women too have their own set of rules governing what you can and can’t say and what you can and can’t do. Both Bridesmaids and the highly underrated Mean Girls (written by Tina Fey) relied heavily on these interpersonal relationship structures, and there’s seemingly no end to how much they can and should be explored.

No Subject Matter Is Off Limits

There’s been endless debate over the years in regards to what women can get away with as compared to their male counterparts. Certain subject matters are supposedly taboo, and it’s thought best for comediennes to steer clear of those bugaboos. That’s bullshit. Women should only be guided by what their character’s real life reactions would be to those taboo situations. Let me give you an example. In Bridesmaids, most of the women are stricken with food poisoning during their bridal fittings. What follows is a five minute sequence of decidedly blue comedy even the dirtiest of R-rated gross-out man movies would grow squeamish at. Bridesmaids is successful because it lets its women respond to the situation like women. Three men projectile vomiting in a nice bathroom would probably be laughing their asses off at each other. I suspect one of them may even pull out his phone and take a picture, but the horrified women react to the disgusting situation like females. That’s what ultimately matters.

Most Women Aren’t The House Bunny

The history of comedy is littered with numerous examples of women playing emotional brides, dutiful wives, scorned mistresses, selfish hot chicks, dumpy, self-deprecating fat girls, passed-over best friends and mean bitches. Most women are a hell of a lot more complicated than that. They’re a lot of different things on a lot of different days, and making them out to be just a raving psychopath or just a virginal nice girl is wrong and decidedly unfair. The majority of women fall somewhere in the middle. They inhabit a range. Bridesmaids cares enough to let us see all facets of its women’s personalities, and it’s a better, more honest movie because of it. Putting any of the four leads within one single basket would be an impossible exercise. They all impress, fall down, act impulsively, nurture and find redemption in being slightly better versions of themselves.

Bridesmaids Is A Good Movie

It sounds stupid to say so overtly like that, but the truth is most films directed at women are awful. They might coax girls out to the theater, but I suspect that has more to do with a subject matter that makes them feel included as opposed to some inherent need to support shit. For too long, women have been treated the way children used to be. Kids will watch anything so who cares about quality. Disney proved that theorem wrong, and Bridesmaids is one of several steps in taking down the women will show up for anything thesis. Will there always be a market for formulaic romantic comedies? Sure. But that’s no different than the sophomoric and violent shoot-em-ups men have been hitting up for years.

Bridesmaids is not a perfect movie. It’s too long. It doesn’t properly use several of its title characters, and there are a few scenes that lose track of its overall goal. When lead Kristen Wiig gets a little too antsy and tries to force things on her own, the overall film suffers, but if anything those critiques are ultimately positives for female comedies as a whole. Because it didn’t do everything right, there are plenty of ways to improve. Bridesmaids isn’t lightning in a bottle. It’s not a perfect storm of ideal scenarios that happened to come together. It’s just a very funny movie fronted by funny chicks that have something to say. Like Gilda Radner, Tina Fey, Catherine O’Hara, Jane Lynch and so many other brilliant female minds before them, these ladies have done their part. Now it’s up to others to carry on the mantle.

Here's a brief word of advice to movie marketers regarding the evolution of the movie poster in the last decade or so: just because Photoshop exists, does not mean you have to overuse it. Of course it’s going to get used for some touching up and to add some neat text and whatnot, but poorly superimposing the heads of your actors on to body doubles is not the proper application of the program.

Unfortunately for them, that’s exactly what the marketing team behind X-Men: First Class have done with this atrocious excuse for a one sheet. Not only are most of their heads disproportionate to their bodies, but it would seem that the person or persons behind this poster only recently started learning about the most remedial application of standard reflections.

If the poster you release is going to look this bad, at least put Rose Byrne and January Jones in the foreground to distract us from James McAvoy’s “Come Hither” stare. Would it really have been that hard to put the actors in these poses and snap actual pictures of them? Call me old fashioned. The excessive Photoshop plight is spreading rapidly throughout Hollywood marketing, but there is a solution-- stop it. Just cut it out. Thanks to Empire, who agree this is Photoshop gone wrong, for the poster.

After the success of the Saw franchise and Paranormal Activity, who passes up the opportunity to work with James Wan, Leigh Whannell, Jason Blum and Oren Peli on a horror flick? Certainly not Patrick Wilson and who teamed up not only with the best of the best in the horror genre, but a talented cast too, for Insidious.

In Insidious, Wilson stars alongside Rose Byrne as Josh and Renai Lambert, a generally happy couple with promising careers and three cute kids. Problems arise when one of their kids, Dalton (Ty Simpkins), falls off a ladder and winds up in a coma – or so the doctors think. You think that’s bad? Just wait until a little while later when Dalton’s still in this state and the bumps in the night begin.

After having done big budget action films like A-Team and Watchmen, this independently run experience was a nice change of pace for Wilson. The team may have had just 22 days to film the entire feature, but between Wilson’s natural chemistry with Byrne, his existing relationship with Simpkins and enthusiasm for the unique script, making Insidious was a wholly natural and successful process. Hear all about it straight from Patrick Wilson himself in the video interview below.

Rose Byrne has acting for quite a role, with roles in Troy, Marie Antoinette and 28 Weeks Later, but now more than ever she’s in the spotlight and really expanding her repertoire. After tugging on our heartstrings in Adam she starred alongside Nicolas Cage in the sci-fi mystery Knowing. From there she unleashed the comedy in Get Him to the Greek and up next, she’ll get her horror on in James Wan’s Insidious. What can’t she do?

And this summer she'll finally check "summer blockbuster" off the list in X-Men: First Class where Byrne stars as Dr. Moira MacTaggert, a non-mutant CIA agent who joins forces with Xavier, Erik and the rest of the gang. While chatting up Insidious, Byrne took the time to update us on the new X-Men film, her experience making it, her affection for how universal the X-Men world is, and even her plans for potential sequels. Check it all out in the video clip below.

When Rosamund Pike's name was floating around the rumor mill for Matthew Vaughn's X-Men: First Class, the assumption was that she would play Emma Frost until Alice Eve got the job, and then that she would play Moira MacTaggert. Whether or not Pike ever had the job, though, we'll never know-- THR is now reporting that Rose Byrne has the job, just in time to join the production before it starts at the end of the month.

Though no one really knows how the characters will fit into the movie, in the comics MacTaggert was both a colleague and love interest of Charlies Xavier, a.k.a. Professor X, who will be played by James McAvoy. She helped found Xavier's Scool for Gifted Youngsters, which is presumably where she'll fit into this origin story while also making time to make out with McAvoy (and really, who wouldn't?)

Byrne has a regular gig on TV's Damages but got a chance to stretch with a funny turn as a spoiled pop princess in this summer's Get Him to the Greek; doing superhero movie duty looks like just another example of a young actress branching out as she attempts to establish herself as a proper star. With so many names crowding the First Class lineup-- Michael Fassbender, Nicholas Hoult, Jennifer Lawrence, Kevin Bacon and the aforementioned Alice Ever are also on board-- it probably won't become Byrne's show, but hey, between this, the TV show and the ridiculous "Ring Around My Posey" music video from Greek, no one will ever be able to claim the girl doesn't have range.