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This A-List Couple Plays Aliens in a New Movie That Left Fans 'Floored'
They've worked together on the big screen before, but the simply titled Hope marks a unique new collaboration for Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender.
The celebrity couple tied the knot in 2017 and recently touched down in France for the 2026 Cannes Film Festival for the premiere of their latest film — something The Associated Press calls a "breathless" sci-fi monster movie.
Hope features the two renowned performers as — believe it or not — extraterrestrials, and a sequel has already been written that reportedly focuses on Vikander and Fassbender's characters even more so. Check out their gracing of the Cannes red carpet in the festival's recent Instagram post below.
View this post on InstagramFans certainly showed their love for the power couple the post's comments section. "They’re giving Old Hollywood glam ✨ so lovely!" wrote one Instagram user, while another person commented, "Talented & beautiful people😍."
Neon will release Hope — which also stars Squid Game standout Hoyeon — later this year, The AP reports. Running two hours and 40 minutes, it's one of the most expensive Korean films ever made — and the Cannes premiere reportedly left viewers awed, befuddled and thrilled.
Here's the film's brief synopsis, offered by IMDb: "A mysterious discovery is made on the outskirts of the remote harbor town. The residents find themselves in a desperate fight for survival against something they have never encountered before."
Vikander, 37, is no stranger to science fiction, of course, having co-starred in the Oscar-winning hit Ex Machina back in 2014. She worked alongside Oscar Isaac (Beef) and Domhnall Gleeson (the male lead in Taylor Swift‘s “Opalite” music video), with the end result going down as one of the great science-fiction films of the 21st century, per Business Insider.
Ex Machina holds an impressive 92% average critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on nearly 300 reviews. This past April 24 marked 11 years since since its official release.
O.J. Simpson Detective Mark Fuhrman Dead at 74
Mark Fuhrman, the former Los Angeles Police Department detective who skyrocketed to international fame during the investigation into the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman and the subsequent trial of football star O.J. Simpson, has died, TMZ.com reported. The Kootenai County Coroner's Office confirmed to NBC4 Investigates that Fuhrman died in the last week. He was 74.
The publication is reporting Fuhrman's cause of death as an aggressive form of cancer. He had been living in Idaho.
Fuhrman retired from the LAPD in 1995, and pursued a new career in the years following the trial. He pivoted and stepped into the world of investigative journalism as an author and radio show host, and published several books investigating high-profile crimes. His first book, Murder in Brentwood, looked at the Simpson case, while he then moved on to others. They included Murder in Greenwich, which delved into the death of high school student Martha Moxley, and Murder in Spokane: Catching a Serial Killer, which investigated a crime spree in the Washington city.
Photo by Jim Smeal on Getty Images
Fuhrman Faced Perjury ChargesDuring the trial, Fuhrman's name became synonymous with the bloody glove which he reported finding on the scene at Simpson's home. While he was being cross-examined on the stand, he testified that he had never made anti-Black racial slurs over the previous 10 years, AP recalled. However, a recording made by an aspiring screenwriter proved differently, showing he had repeatedly done so.
Fuhrman was charged with perjury and pleaded no contest to the charges in 1996.
In 2024, he was barred from law enforcement under a California police reform law meant to strip the badges of police officers who act criminally or with bias, AP confirmed.
Mark Fuhrman's Life on TelevisionIn the last decade, Fuhrman resurfaced on television and radio as a commentator. He appeared frequently on Fox News, discussing issues related to the police. He was tapped by the network to provide analysis and commentary for their overage of Simpson‘s parole hearing back in 2017. On Fox Nation, he hosted Fuhrman Diaries, where he shared his personal notes on "cases that have defined the past half century in America."
Hannah Harper Reveals What Carrie Underwood Advised Her After ‘American Idol’ Win (Exclusive)
It’s been a week since Hannah Harper was crowned the winner of American Idol2026, becoming the first female country artist to win the title since the show moved to ABC, and actually, since Carrie Underwood won in 2004, and life couldn’t be sweeter.
“I'm debuting at the [Grand Ole] Opry,” she told Parade in this exclusive interview. “I found that out just a few days ago. There's several tour opportunities. The books are full for the year, so now we're looking at next year and we're recording. Just so many things have changed in the last few months from being off the show and I continue to be surprised.”
What was especially surprising to Hannah was hearing host Ryan Seacrest announce her name as the winner, but she says, it’s a moment she definitely remembers.
“It felt surreal but more than anything I think in those moments you kind of black out a little bit just from all the emotions, but either way I was going to celebrate because I was ready to celebrate with [runner-up] Jordan [McCullough],” she says. “I was absolutely ready for that and then when they said my name, which normally my name is called last for every single round, it was just an incredible feeling of gratitude more than anything because I know that it wasn't my doing. The people who watched every single week and voted every single week made that happen, so that was an emotional roller coaster for sure.”
Related: American Idol Standout Jordan McCullough Teases a ‘Risky’ Taylor Swift Night Performance (Exclusive)
With all the craziness that happens when the winner is announced, Carrie did find a moment to take Hannah aside and speak with her. Not surprising, because Carrie has been a big supporter of the mom of three since she auditioned with her original song “String Cheese” about postpartum depression, and Carrie told her then during her audition, “You might be my favorite person that’s walked through those doors.”
Last Monday night, Hannah shares that Carrie wanted her to make sure that Hannah knew that winning American Idol wasn’t "real."
“The only thing that was real and mattered was my kids and my relationship with my husband, which I think is very important,” Hannah says. “I think that's why so many people admire Dolly [Parton] because she's such a character. She can put it on and then she can take it off and she can be a separate person, so I'm struggling with that because I take pride in authenticity, of being real on stage and off stage, so just balancing those relationships is going to be hard at first. I think we'll get it, but like I said, Carrie just wanted to make sure that I kept a hold of the grasp of reality once everything settled down and just made sure to still focus on the priorities, which is my kids and my husband.”
Related: Who Won American Idol 2026 Last Night?
As to what’s next for Hannah, after a few weeks relaxing back home in Willow Springs, Missouri, with husband Devon Mendenhall and her children, Hannah wants to get back to work and release more of the solo songs that she’s written.
“Originals are definitely where my heart is,” she shares. “I think we're going to rerelease ‘Married into This Town,’ the full version, because we had to shorten it so much for the show. I think it was like a minute and 10 seconds, so we're going to do a full version of it probably pretty soon. Then I have several that I've been writing for the last couple months in my back pocket that I'm ready to let the world hear.”
Next, Will American Idol Return in 2027 for its 25th Season? Auditions Are Open Now
1983 Pop-Rock Hit That Was Almost a Ballad Became a Defining Anthem of the MTV Era
It feels like yesterday. But really it was 51 years ago this month, when a Brooklyn native left Virginia and returned to New York to pursue a career in music, unaware she was about to become one of the defining voices not just for women in rock, but ’80s rock as a whole.
We’re talking, of course, about Pat Benetar, who would help shape the sound of MTV-era radio with a string of power ballads, new wave, and arena-rock hits that blended power, precision, and attitude.
View this post on InstagramTeaming with guitarist and producer Neil Giraldo, whom she married in 1982 and has remained married to ever since (❤️), Benetar broke through with her 1979 debut album, In the Heat of the Night. The single “Heartbreaker” introduced her powerhouse vocals to a wider audience and set the stage for what came next. In August 1980, “You Better Run” made history as the second-ever video played on MTV, while “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” pushed Benetar further into mainstream success.
But it was her 1983 pop-rock anthem, “Love Is a Battlefield,” that marked her ultimate takeover. Written by Holly Knight and Mike Chapman, the song was originally conceived as a ballad — slow, restrained, melodic. However, that is not how Benetar heard it.
“When Mike and I first heard [the finished version] we were horrified,” Knight told Songfacts. “We hated it, because it was so different. But then it became such a huge hit.”
Benetar’s version transformed the song into a driving pop-rock anthem, powered by urgency and defiance. Released on her Live From Earth album, the song became her biggest international hit, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100and topping the Rock Tracks chart. It also earned Benetar a Grammy Award and helped cement her status as one of MTV’s defining stars, boosted by the track's iconic “runaway video."
Since its release, the song’s cultural footprint has only grown. It’s appeared in films like 13 Going On 30, Small Soldiers, and Prom Pact, and has resurfaced in television series including Stranger Things, Drop Dead Diva, and Rivals. Decades later, it remains a future on “best of the '80s” and Pat BenatarEssentials rankings alike.
What began as a rejected ballad became an MTV-era defining hit — and a reminder that sometimes the biggest hits arrive when you change the plan entirely. Consider the war won.
Related: 1981 Timeless Anthem Inspired by Janis Joplin Became One of Rock’s First No. 1 Hits
‘American Idol’ Star Speaks Out on Health Issues 17 Years After Show Appearance
While starring in Netflix's Nobody Wants Thisas the outspoken Esther Roklov, actress Jackie Tohn got the news nobody wants.
Over the weekend, the American Idolalum revealed that she underwent a preventative double mastectomy procedure in December 2025 and will undergo a preventive oophorectomy after testing positive for the BRCA1 gene.
BRCA1 (which is short for BReast CAncer gene 1) is a human tumor suppressor gene located on chromosome 17 that produces proteins responsible for repairing damaged DNA and maintaining genetic stability. She learned about the gene after her father was BRCA1 positive, meaning she has a 50% chance of having it herself.
When she got her mammogram, the 45-year-old actress mentioned that history to her radiologist, which caused their "whole face [to change]," Tohn told People on Friday.
"I am very proactive about my health, and yet I had no idea how important hereditary cancer screening was," Tohn wrote in a press release. "Working with my genetic counselor, I learned I had an 85% chance of developing breast cancer and a 65% chance of developing ovarian cancer. Given how high those numbers are, I believe hereditary cancer testing saved my life."
Jackie Tohn in a car wearing a recovery vest while promoting Season 2 of Nobody Wants This.Courtesy of Jackie Tohn/Boroff Consulting
The GLOW actress is now partnering with Myriad Genetics to spark more conversations around hereditary cancer risk, prevention, early detection and proactive health decisions.
"I’m sharing my story because I am a Jewish woman in my 40s and no one had ever talked to me about BRCA,” said Tohn. “I hope hearing about my experience encourages everyone to learn more about their family health history, start a conversation with their doctor, and explore a genetic test like the MyRisk Hereditary Cancer Test."
To learn more about hereditary cancer testing and whether it may be right for you or a loved one, visit Learn My Risk.
Jackie Tohn photographed for a Myriad Health campaign in Glendale, CA on April 19th, 2026.Mark Wickens/Courtesy of Myriad Health and Boroff Consulting
Tohn began her career as a child performer, landing early TV roles and commercials before gaining national attention after competing on the eighth season of American Idol in 2009, advancing to the semifinals and making it into the Top 36. Though she wasn't crowned the winner, it exposed her to a wider audience and launched the next phase of her career.
Over the years, Tohn expanded into acting, appearing in the Netflix series GLOW and now in Nobody Wants This. She originally was supposed to only appear in a few episodes in the first season, primarily as comedic relief for the central couple (played by Adam Brody and Kristen Bell), but her character gains far more depth in the second season.
The hit romcom TV series was renewed for a third season by Netflix, and production wrapped earlier this month. Nobody Wants This follows the unlikely romance between an outspoken podcaster and a newly single rabbi as they try to navigate their relationship while dealing with different worldviews, career pressures and meddling families. Both seasons are currently available exclusively on Netflix.
Related: Selena Gomez Teases First Song After Wedding with Benny Blanco
Related: Legendary ’70s Singer Announces Update Amid Health Battle
'Gilmore Girls' Actress On Character's Full Circle Moment Decades Later: 'People See You Now, Girl'
Arielle Kebbel is happy to see that her Gilmore Girls character is finally getting the recognition she deserves.
Kebbel, who played Lindsay Lister, the girlfriend-turned-wife, and then ex-wife, of Jared Padalecki's Dean Forester, reflected on how fans have treated her character over the years.
"I have such a love for her," Kebbel said in a recent interview with Stylecaster. "I also understood why fans hated her in the beginning, so I was all good all of it. The fact that it's come full circle now is the most pleasant surprise because I kind of at peace with the whole thing."
The 41-year-old actress also shared that the role was her first acting role that brought her to Los Angeles.
View this post on InstagramThe show, which aired from 2000-2007, followed the mother-daughter relationship between Rory and Lorelai Gilmore, played by Lauren Graham. Kebbel's character wasn't initially liked as she dated Forester following his break-up with Rory. However later in the show, when the two are married, he cheats on her with Rory, which ultimately results in their divorce.
Nearly two decades after the show has been off the air, and has since found new life, as well as a whole new crop of fans on Netflix, Kebbel is loving how fans have changed their tune when it comes to her character.
"The whole 'Justice for Lindsay' thing, it like warms my heart and brings me so much joy," she said. "Wherever Lindsay is out there, it makes me like, smile and wink at her."
"I'm like, 'See? People see you now, girl. Good for you,'" she joked.
Related: Lauren Graham Announces New 'Gilmore Girls' Project: 'Best Early Christmas Gift Ever'
Following the show's ending in 2007, the show was rebooted in Netflix thanks to its 4-part series 'Gilmore Girls: A Year in The Life.' While Kebbel's character did not make an appearance, Padalecki's character did.
Kebbel, went on to star in 'John Tucker Must Die' and is currently starring in the CBS series Marshals.
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Spencer Pratt Spoofs 'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' Theme Song in New Political Ad: 'Cinematic Genius'
Spencer Pratt just released a spoof of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme song—and fans are declaring it "pure cinematic genius."
On Monday, May 18, the former The Hills reality star (and husband of Heidi Montag) took to Instagram with the new video promoting his candidacy for mayor of Los Angeles. He is running against incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the nonpartisan primary on June 2.
Pratt, 42, was dressed in a gray suit while riding in an Airstream RV. He rapped, "Now this is a story all about how / my life got flipped, turned upside down / And I had to take a minute to run for mayor / I'll tell you how I became the prince of a town called Bel-Air."
He continued, "In West Los Angeles, Palisades / My backyard is where I spent most of my days / Feeding hummingbirds, relaxing all cool / Avoiding all the bums outside of the school / When a couple politicians who were up to no good / Started making trouble in my neighborhood / I got in one little fire, my mom got scared / And said you're moving in with Harvey Levin in Bel-Air."
To conclude the ad inspired by Will Smith's song, Pratt rapped, "I pulled out from my lot about 7 or 8 / And I yelled to the rubble, Yo, Holmes, smell ya later / I moved to my kingdom, I was finally there/ To sit on my throne as the prince of Bel-Air."
View this post on InstagramRelated: Candace Cameron Bure Issues Direct Response to Critics of Her Message About Charlie Kirk’s Death
In the comments of Pratt's Instagram video, fans shared their appreciation for the humorous spoof on the '90s sitcom. "This is just pure cinematic genius 👏👏👏," one follower declared.
Conservative political commentator Tomi Lahren agreed, writing, "This is GENIUS."
Another Instagram user wrote, "Hahahahaha omg 😂❤️."
Someone else echoed, "The People’s Champ! 🙌."
A different follower shared, "Spencer, I am rolling 🤣 I love this lol."
Meanwhile, yet another Instagram user commented, "I'M SCREAMING, hahahha. This is so so good. A mayor that’s also a built-in comedian 👌🏼👌🏼😂🤩."
Pratt's ad was seemingly in response to a report calling out his staying at the Bel-Air hotel and not his Airstream, which was featured in a different ad, after his home burned down in the 2025 LA Fires.
On X, the former reality TV villain wrote, "Hey guys, why don’t they wanna talk about why I need a hotel in the first place? Karen Bass let my home burn down. Also 6,000 of my neighbors. NBD."
What do you think of Pratt's Fresh Prince spoof?
Next: Tim McGraw Sends Political Message With New Song Release
1973 Crime Film With Classic Hit Song Ranked Among ‘Best Movie Soundtracks’ of All Time
Among its stellar story and incredible performances, this film is most notable for its iconic soundtrack, which was crafted by a legendary '70s soul musician.
In 2024, Rolling Stone ranked the 101 greatest movie soundtracks of all time, compiling a list of cinema’s finest scores. Ranked among classics such as Martha Coolidge's 1983 film Valley Girl at No. 49 and Quentin Tarantino's 1997 film Jackie Brown at No. 51, Larry Cohen's 1973 classic Black Caesar secured the No. 50 spot.
Released in the U.S on February 7, 1973, Black Caesar was a massive commercial success, grossing over $2 million against a budget of only $300,000. The film starred major talent, including Fred Williamson, Gloria Hendry and Julius Harris, heavily adding to its mainstream audience appeal.
American soul singer and songwriter James Brown performs live on stage at The Venue in London in September 1979.Black Caesar is a crime drama that follows Tommy Gibbs, a man raised on the streets of Harlem who, after a brutal childhood encounter with a corrupt police officer named Zack McKinney, climbs the ranks of the criminal underworld to find power in the Mafia. Throughout the film, Gibbs rules a vast criminal empire, garnering enough leverage to control local politicians and cops. The movie's unfiltered portrayal of New York City crime made for an intense story that shocked audiences.
While the film captivated viewers with its gritty, fast-paced energy and raw performances, it remains most famous for its legendary soundtrack. Crafted by the Godfather of Soul himself, James Brown, the 11-track soundtrack album matches the film's tone perfectly, pairing street-level ferocity with hard-driving rhythms to create a listening experience just as immersive as the viewing experience.
The most famous song to emerge from the project was "The Boss," a track completely written, performed and produced by Brown. The song served as the centerpiece of the soundtrack, exploring the project's central themes of claiming power and taking control of one's own destiny.
While "The Boss" and the parent soundtrack album did not dominate the mainstream Billboard pop charts, they made a massive, lasting cultural impact. To this day, the soundtrack is considered one of the finest in cinema history and remains frequently sampled by modern hip-hop and R&B artists.
1988 Diana Ross Hit Ranked Among 'Saddest Movie Songs Ever' Still Devastates Fans
After watching the 1988 animated classic The Land Before Time, puffy-eyed audiences sat in their movie theater seats, wiping away tears and trying get it together. But seconds later, the end credits started rolling, along with the heartbreaking 1988 Diana Ross hit "If We Hold on Together." The combined sadness of the popular dinosaur movie and Ms. Ross's moving ballad left rows of late '80s kids and their parents emotionally wrecked.
The Land Before Time ultimately gave moviegoers a hopeful ending, but that wasn’t enough to erase the emotional devastation earlier in the film. Centered on themes of loss, grief, and heartbreak (you know, no big deal for a kids' movie ...), the story hits surprisingly hard, especially for anyone who grew up watching it in the late ’80s and early ’90s.
For anyone who forgot how sad The Land Before Time is, here's a quick refresher (with spoilers!) from TikTok 😭😭😭:
@makethatmagicThe music still sends me 😭 #tiktokretrocontest #fyp #nostalgia #stevenspielberg #thelandbeforetime @Universal Pictures
♬ Whispering Winds - The Land Before Time/Soundtrack Version - James HornerSo yeah, after sitting through this particularly sad movie, the raw power of Diana Ross's vocals and the poignant "If We Hold on Together" lyrics cut deep. "If we hold on together / I know our dreams will never die," Ross sings. "Dreams see us through to forever / Where clouds roll by / For you and I."
Even though the song, like Ross's voice and the film, holds a subtle shimmer of hope, there's still an incredible emotional wasteland to wade through. At best, "If We Hold on Together" helps move the feeling-o-meter from "sad" to "sad but comforting.”
For '80s kids and teens who sat in the 1988 showings of the film (or watched it on VHS at home in the early '90s), this may have been their first devastating movie experience. Watching it with a parent or parent figure, while comforting, also made the death of Littlefoot's mom all the more horrifying and real. For many kids, this movie and Ross's song mark a life-altering watershed moment.
"If We Hold on Together" by Diana Ross is simply one of those sad songs that audiences can't seem to shake. It made the list of "Saddest Scores and Songs" via IMDB, ranking even sadder than "The Portrait" from Titanic, "Rue's Farewell" from The Hunger Games, and "Farewell to Dobby" from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1. So that's pretty darn sad!
Real-world comments on the YouTube video perfectly capture the song's lasting emotional aftermath 😭😭😭:
- "Anybody else just feel tears rolling down their cheeks?"
- "Who else is sad cause their childhood Is literally this song"
- "This song is literally the heart of every 90's kids"
- "I'm 36 and I still cry everytime I hear this song 🥹, beautiful song.....a masterpiece"
- "This song and movie mean so much to me. I was 6 when it came out...I fell in love with Diana Ross and I realized how much I love my mother. 31 years later I still cry with this movie."
- "Oh god this song wipes me out emotionally every time. It goes to show how impactful a movie and a song can be on a child, and how sensitive children are."
- "My mom always let the credits roll and rocked me on her lap in the late 80’s/early 90’s… i’m 40 now, my mom passed 3 weeks ago and i feel like a lost child."
Related: 1987 Movie Ballad Became a Love Song That Defined a Generation
The 1988 song was written by James Horner and Will Jennings, the power songwriting duo who later crushed it in 1997, with Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" from Titanic.
In November 1988, Diana Ross's "If We Hold on Together" debuted on the U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, peaking at No. 23 in January 1989, and remaining on the charts for 13 weeks. The song was later released on Ross's 1991 studio album, The Force Behind the Power.
Even today, "If We Hold on Together" ranks No. 2 on Collider's "15 Best Songs From Non-Disney Animated Movies." And the 1988 hit continues to pop up on today's playlists with over 21.7 million streams on the Spotify streaming service to date.
Almost three decades later, many fans, especially ones who saw The Land Before Time as a kid, still tear up at the song. No one need be ashamed about it; you are definitely not alone. This just goes to show the emotional power and legacy of both Diana Ross and childhood movie music. Nostalgia is a real, complex, and bittersweet emotion, and sometimes it’s tied to the memory of losing that first small piece of childhood innocence.
Watch the official video of "If We Hold On Together" by Diana Ross:
Watch Diana Ross perform "If We Hold On Together":
Viral Granny, 99, Breaks the Internet During Crowd-Surfing Moment at Country Concert — Watch
A nearly 100-year-old woman is getting recognized for reaching a unique milestone that’s hard to achieve. Pauline Kana, 99, affectionately known as ‘Gangster Granny,’ now holds the Guinness World Record title for ‘Oldest Person to Crowd Surf.’
Kana, who is the grandmother of Ross Smith, reached the incredible milestone with the help of country star Brantley Gilbert, who welcomed her to the stage during one of his recent concerts to introduce her to the audience and share the plan to make her the ‘Oldest woman to crowd surf.’
View this post on InstagramA video jointly shared by Gilbert and Smith on Instagram shows the moment unfold as Kana is passed through the massive crowd, wearing a smile spread across her face. At the same time, the singer performs “Son Of The Dirty South,” which usually features Jelly Roll during the rap verses.
“That was awesome,” Gilbert says near the end of the clip as the fans break into a “Granny” chant.
“I did it! I’m the greatest of all time!” Kana says afterward while holding up her Guinness World Record certificate.
“Granny breaks the world record for the oldest person to crowd surf! Thank you to all the 20,000 people for making this happen,” a caption reads alongside the video post. “I still have chills listening to that Granny chant. What an iconic and funny moment. A special thanks to @brantleygilbert for letting us crash his concert.”
Fans and followers were also quick to share their reaction to the social media post, with one person writing, “I love this woman! Time to say no to fear and give this a go! She’s got 40 years on me!”
“The smile that can be seen from outer space! She’s living such an incredible life and deserves it,” another person added, while a third follower wrote, “Someone needs to build her a statue or put her in the Hall of Fame.”
1986 Coming-of-Age Classic That Left Stephen King ‘Visibly Shaken’ Ranked Among Best Rock Movies
A defining coming-of-age classic, Rob Reiner’s 1986 film, Stand by Me, is so good, it was just given an honorable mention on Ultimate Classic Rock’s ranking of best rock movies from every year since 1955. That praise is all due to the film’s blending of emotional storytelling with an iconic medley of classic oldies featuring Ben E. King’s titular hit.
@primemoviesAfter director Rob Reiner screened the movie for Stephen King, he noticed that King was visibly shaking and wasn’t speaking. He left the room and upon his return, told Reiner that the movie was the best adaptation of his work he had ever seen. 🎥: #StandByMe
♬ original sound - Prime MoviesReleased in the summer of 1986 and set in the summer of 1959, the film is a crowd-pleasing adventure drama about four friends who venture into the woods of Oregon on a mission to spy a dead body. Over the course of their journey, they encounter oddballs, dangers, and truths that forever change them.
Reiner’s adaptation was an instant smash when it hit theaters. Produced on an $8 million budget, the film grossed more than $54 million worldwide during its initial release. Everyone loved it, including the source material’s original writer. The film, which is based on Stephen King’s 1982 novella, The Body, moved the legendary author to his core.
According to Prime Video, “After director Rob Reiner screened the movie for Stephen King, he noticed that King was visibly shaking and wasn’t speaking. He left the room and upon his return, told Reiner that the movie was the best adaptation of his work he had ever seen.”
The soundtrack was also a commercial hit. Featuring doo wop, early rock, and pop hits including King's "Stand by Me," The Silhouettes' "Get a Job,” Jerry Lee Lewis' “Great Balls of Fire,” and The Coasters’ “Yakety Yak,” the record flew off the shelves, while peaking on the Billboard 200 at No. 31. Additionally, the film propelled its classic title track, which first peaked at No. 4 in 1961, back onto the charts.
“Oddly, the song would not have been known to anyone in the 1959 setting of the story, since the initial recording of it by King was not released until 1961,”Turner Classic Movieswrote. “There have been hundreds of versions recorded over the years. Because of the film, King's version garnered new popularity, rising to #9 on the charts in 1986 and subsequently used in a jeans commercial. In that same year, BMI recognized it as the most-performed song from a movie in 1986; the organization also named it as the fourth most-performed song of the 20th century.”
Gotta love the power of movies and music.
Stand by Me is available to rent or buy on Prime Video.
Related: 1971 Bittersweet Classic With Soulful Soundtrack Ranked Among Greatest Rock Movies
1997 Cover Song Was an Overlooked Hit That Became a Heartbreak Anthem
In the late '90s, if you found yourself "cold" and "shamed" after a breakup, or maybe quite unfortunately "lying naked on the floor," it's probably because you were feeling seen by the 1997 Natalie Imbruglia hit song "Torn." What many listeners, heartbroken and otherwise, never realized is that the song by the Australian-British pop singer is a cover of a previously overlooked recording. It was Imbruglia's smash hit version that became a lasting heartbreak anthem.
Imbruglia changed things up in her rendition of "Torn." She took the original song's relatable lyrics and added her crisp, vulnerable vocals and emotional honesty. The 1997 cover song's bright pop-rock sound made it the ultimate cry-in-the-car ballad. Tears fell, as listeners belted out every word: "I'm all out of faith! This is how I feel!"
For anyone wrapped up in betrayal and heartache, "Torn" became the salve. If you were hijacked by emotions of "should I / shouldn't I take them back?" confusion, Imbruglia's song provided words to make sense of it all: "Illusion never changed / Into something real," Imbruglia sang, "I'm wide awake and I can see / The perfect sky is torn / You're a little late / I'm already torn."
The memorable "Torn" music video only helped solidified the song's effect. Not only did we get to bask in Imbruglia's adorable, late-'90s aesthetic and style, but the behind-the-scenes feel perfectly captured the awkwardness of trying to make a relationship work: It's hard. You try another way. You mess up. You lose faith. In desperation and despair, you try again.
Related: 1990 Tearjerker Cover Hit Became a Devastating Breakup Anthem for a Generation
Natalie Imbruglia released her hit cover in October 1997, as the lead single from her debut album, Left of the Middle. "Torn" debuted on the charts in February 1998, and by May 1998, it hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay, where it held for 11 weeks. The song also saw success globally, selling over four million copies and reaching No. 1 in Belgium, Canada, Spain, and Sweden.
The track earned Imbruglia a Grammy nomination for "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance" in 1999, losing to the Titanic megahit "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion. The video also won the 1998 MTV Video Music Award for "Best New Artist in a Video."
While the Imbruglia cover version of "Torn" is the most famous, the song was originally written by Scott Cutler, Anne Preven, and Phil Thornalley in 1991, and released by the alternative rock band Ednaswap in 1995.
Check out the original recording of "Torn" by Ednaswap:
And now, almost three decades after Imbruglia released the song, the breakup anthem is etched on the hearts of music lovers across generations. Gen X and millennials loved the song in real-time, and then Gen Z favorites like Olivia Rodrigo and Camila Cabello reinvigorated the song by widely performing their own covers of "Torn."
The 1997 hit continues to show up on today's playlists with over 1.1 billion streams on the Spotify streaming service to date.
"Torn" ranks No. 10 on Collider's current list of the "10 Greatest Pop Songs of the ‘90s." But for late ’90s pop fans, “Torn” is more than a simple pop sensation. For so many listeners, the song was right on time to transport them through late '90s heartbreak, and for that reason, it's a forever appreciated anthem for a lifetime of post-healing recovery.
Watch the official music video for “Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia:
Nancy Guthrie Update: Sheriff Offers New Comment on Ending Communication With Guthrie Family
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos recently communication with Nancy Guthrie‘s family—including Todayco-anchor Savannah Guthrie—has ended, now that the 84-year-old has been missing for over 100 days.
On Monday, May 18, People published an interview with Nanos, during which he shed more light on the situation after Nancy was abducted from her Tucson, Ariz., home on Feb. 1.
“I personally am not,” Nanos said, of having ongoing communication with Savannah and her siblings, Annie Guthrie, and Camron Guthrie. However, the FBI is still in contact with the Guthries. “If they need the family for anything, they get in touch with them and the family, he noted. "It works both ways.”
When Nancy's investigation began in February, however, Nanos said he was in regular contact with Savannah, 54. He also hinted at a possible reason why communication has since ceased.
“We text or, every now and then, a phone call,” he explained. “But no, I've not even sat down with her face-to-face. She's got a lot on her plate. The FBI and my detectives and those, they've been talking with her face-to-face. She doesn't need to talk to me.”
View this post on InstagramRelated: Nancy Guthrie Update: Brian Entin Addresses "Twist" in Case
During a May 14 interview with People, Nanos first revealed that the FBI is now handling conversations with Nancy’s loved ones as investigators continue to go through evidence and leads. He also acknowledged the mood toward the case, as no suspect has been publicly named.
“The public is frustrated. Even the Guthrie family,” He admitted. “Every passing second must feel like 100 days because they don’t know. What matters is moving forward carefully so we don’t make mistakes or falsely accuse somebody or make a bad arrest.”
Nancy was kidnapped from her Catalina Foothills home on the evening of Jan. 31. Since then, the FBI has released video footage of a masked individual on the 84-year-old's front porch. Savannah has also offered a $1 million reward, in addition to other reward money on the table.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call 1-800-CALLFBI.
Next: Nancy Guthrie Update: Sheriff Chris Nanos Makes Bold Vow as Case Hits 100 Days
Amazon’s $25 Reef Sandals Feel Like 'Walking on Air,’ and They're ‘Great Summer Flip-Flops'
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No spring and summer wardrobe is complete without a comfy pair of sandals. If you're been searching for a stylish and supportive option to wear on repeat all season long, Amazon's latest deal is worth a look. The Reef Spring Woven Sandals are now on sale for up to 44% off in select colors, and they have a comfortable, breathable design that's perfect for all your warm-weather activities.
Originally priced at $45, the top-rated sandals are now on sale for as low as $25 in the versatile pebble black colorway. You can also shop it in cameo rose and shadow gray at $30 and in sand, warm sand, and black-cream styles at $34. All colors are available in sizes 5 to 11.
Reef Spring Woven Sandals, From $25 (was $45) at Amazon Shop at AmazonDesigned for beach days, outdoor lounging, and everyday errands, these popular sandals feature a cloud-soft EVA footbed that's cushiony, supportive, and comfortable enough to wear all day long. It features thick woven straps that add a pop of color to your look and high anatomical arch support that's designed to give your foot a natural, bouncy feel with every step.
Featuring an open rounded toe and a convenient slip-in design, these sandals have a lightweight, airy feel that supports ventilation and enhances breathability in hot temperatures. They're made of flexible, water-friendly material that's easy to rinse off after a day at the pool or beach, and the durable rubber outsole enhances stability on all types of terrain, including wet or uneven surfaces.
Related: Adidas’ $23 Crossbody Bag Is 'Cute,' 'Comfortable,' and 'Perfect for Travel'
These Reef sandals are a shopper-loved buy, with over 3,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. Several highlighted the "cushy" and "supportive" footbed, with one reviewer noting that it feels like "walking on air." Another said that the effortless, breathable design makes them "great summer flip-flops." Others also mentioned that the "super comfy," easy-to-clean fabric makes them "perfect for the beach."
Shop More Deals- Kidmi H-Band Flat Sandals, $26 (was $40) at Amazon
- Mikarka Espadrille Wedge Sandals, $36 (was $50) at Amazon
- Mazeskin Faux-Leather Flip-Flops, $14 (was $22) at Amazon
If you're looking for a pair of stylish shoes you can keep by the door for all your spring and summer activities, these woven Reef sandals tick all the right boxes. They're soft, supportive, and available in a range of versatile colors that will complement any wardrobe. Don't hesitate to grab a pair (or two!) while they're on sale for as low as $25 at Amazon.
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Walmart’s 'Beautiful' $21 Reversible Outdoor Area Rug Is a 'Fabulous' Patio Upgrade
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If you've been spending more time outdoors this spring, gardening or getting your yard in pristine shape, you might have noticed an area that could use some extra attention — your patio. Even if you already have seating set up or lights hung, a pretty rug can tie the whole space together, creating a more inviting ambiance. Right now, Walmart has a reversible outdoor area rug on sale for just $21 that can take your patio from drab to fab without breaking the bank.
Normally $46, the Vunate Reversible Waterproof Outdoor Rug is now discounted by over 54% at Walmart. The best deal is on the 5-by-8-foot size in black and white with a crosshatch chevron pattern for $21, but it comes in seven other colors available in multiple sizes at various price points. There are also three round rugs and select versions available with built-in LED lights, many of which are on sale.
Vunate Reversible Waterproof Outdoor Rug, From $21 (was $46) at Walmart Shop at WalmartThe chic look of this rug is just the start of its appeal. Made from woven recycled plastic straws, the material is incredibly low-maintenance but holds up well. It's waterproof and can be easily cleaned just by spraying it down with a water hose. Plus, a UV-protectant coating ensures the colors won't fade, and the heat-treated edges resist fraying.
Beyond your backyard, its lightweight and foldable design means it's easy to pack up and take with you, making it a perfect mat for beach days, picnics, or to add to your camping setup. For added convenience, the rug comes with a carrying bag and stakes to keep it securely in place wherever you use it.
Shoppers described this outdoor rug as "beautiful" and "fabulous," noting that the reversible design "pulls everything together" in outdoor spaces. "The material is lightweight but durable, and the woven plastic design makes it easy to clean," one reviewer said. Many shoppers agreed that it felt "nice and soft" to walk on.
Attesting to the rug's "amazing" quality, one shopper raved, "I have four boys, and they are tough on things, but this held up through many camping trips, storms, even snow!"
Shop More Deals- Deorab Reversible Outdoor Rug, $24 (was $50) at Walmart
- Lahome Indoor Outdoor Area Rug, $27 (was $40) at Walmart
- Sunderey Waterproof Outdoor Rug, $24 (was $50) at Walmart
Whether you want to transform your patio or need a versatile outdoor mat that's as functional as it is cute, the Vunate Reversible Waterproof Outdoor Rug is an excellent pick. Snag it now for as little as $21 at Walmart.
Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.
25 Years After His Soap Debut, This ‘Mean Girls’ Star Is Shaking Up Port Charles Starting Today
Former Mean Girlsstar Jonathan Bennet is making his debut on the ABC soap opera General Hospital on May 18, 2026, and the show has now released a first look at the award-winning actor.
The official General Hospital Instagram account released a preview of the actor's first episode. In the scene, Detective Fitzpatrick is questioning Curtis Ashford's (Donnell Turner) influence with the Port Charles Police Department and asks a fellow officer, “What are the chances Ashford talks his way out of an arrest?”
“You're asking if it's possible,” the other officer replies.
Fitzpatrick responds, “Curtis Ashford seems to be a pretty powerful guy around here. The kind of guy that's used to getting away with stuff.”
View this post on InstagramThe soap account promised that "Detective Fitzpatrick doesn’t think anyone is above the law."
Fans immediately took to the comment section to react excitedly to the series' preview scene. “Curtis finally having to face consequences for his own actions is exactly what he gets for hurting Isaiah currently.”
A second user added, “I may be biased… but bringing Jonathan Bennett to Port Charles is one of the best decisions GH has ever made. 💖💖"
While a third theorized, “Do we finally have the detective that will put things together?? Just like Dante did?? Ha, maybe this detective will give Curtis a run for his money!! Maybe He’ll figure out Nathan isn’t Nathan!! May sweeps people!! Let’s gooooooo!! 🙌🙌"
This will be Bennett’s second daytime role, having previously appeared on All My Children as JR. Chandler, the son of Adam Chandler (David Canary) and Dixie Cooney (Cady McClain) in 2001.
While specific details about Fitzpatrick’s role remain scarce, Bennett expressed his anticipation for his debut, stating to TV Guide's Stephanie Sloan, “I’m also laughing because I can’t wait for the world to see what Joe Fitzpatrick is all about.”
Bennet’s debut will air on Monday, May 18, 2026.
General Hospital airs new episodes weekdays on ABC with episodes streaming weeknights on Hulu.
Related: Is Jonathan Bennett Leaving Hallmark for ‘General Hospital’?
Neurologists Warn This Nightly Habit Could Be Secretly Shrinking Your Brain
Mindfulness experts often urge us to focus on the present: Live in the moment rather than worry about what you said yesterday or what you might have to deal with three months from now.
Still, that doesn't mean you should never think about the future. And what you do today—tonight, even—can lay the foundation for better brain health as you age, especially if you turn a single smart choice around your nightly routine into a habit.
"By far the most critical single nightly habit is sleep," saysDr. Paul E. Bendheim, MD, a clinical professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine—Phoenix and the founder of BrainSavers, Inc. "Good sleep improves and protects brain health. Poor sleep quality is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and all-cause dementia."
Another neurologist agrees, noting that nighttime is a pivotal period for your brain.
"Nighttime is when the brain does a large portion of its recovery work," says Dr. Jasdeep S. Hundal, Psy.D. ABPP-CN, the director of The Center for Memory & Healthy Aging at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute.
Dr. Hundal tells Parade that your brain recharges, repairs and organizes information from the day into memory while you sleep. A good night's rest also helps regulate your mood and reset attention for the next day, which 10/10 explains why you feel on edge after a bad night of sleep.
He notes that habits can, over time, affect your clarity, memory and the efficiency of your brain. There's one specific nightly habit that could be secretly shrinking your brain, though. Neurologists reveal the habit, which was once thought to be "healthy."
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This Nightly Habit Could Be Secretly Shrinking Your Brain, Neurologists Warn"Alcohol shrinks the brain," explainsDr. Fawad Mian, MD, a neurologist and the founder of Ascend Regenerative.
Dr. Mian notes that alcohol is toxic to brain cells. "It suppresses growth factors, which impairs the health of our neurons," Dr. Mian explains. "It’s like taking away sunlight and water from plants."
Another neurologist compares it to a side effect of another nighttime habit: taking a bath.
Dr. Jessica Zwerling, MD, MS, encourages people to consider how "wrinkled" their fingers can look after a long soak in the bathtub. Drinking can have a similar effect on the brain.
"When the brain is exposed to ongoing heavy drinking, it can shrink, or 'lose volume,' which affects the way we think," Dr. Zwerling reveals. "These changes can happen in vulnerable areas of the brain, particularly the hippocampus, which we think of as a 'storage chip.'"
She notes that shrinking (or "atrophy") can also happen in white and gray matter areas (neurons and axons in the central nervous system that help you process information), adding that areas affected by the shrinking can include the cerebellum (the balance center) and the frontal lobes (known for judgment and planning).
Alcohol can have a shrinking effect on the brain at any time of day. But nighttime is when you sleep, which can add an extra layer of stress on the brain (and your whole body). Alcohol's effect on sleep may surprise you if a cocktail or glass of red wine makes you sleepy.
"Alcohol acts as a sedative in the first half of the night," points out Dr. Bendheim. "In the second half of the night, as alcohol is metabolized, there is restless sleep, increased awakenings and a tendency towards unpleasant dreams—anxiety-laden."
But those sleep stages are the deep, restorative ones your brain needs to recover and store information, Dr. Hundal warns. "In simple terms, your brain is not getting the full reset it needs. Alcohol also slows communication between brain cells, so even if you sleep through the night, your brain is not processing and organizing information as effectively."
Related: The Popular Lunchtime Habit Brain Health Experts Are Begging You To Stop
Other Ways Nightly Drinking Affects Brain HealthDr. Hundal warns that alcohol can have short and long-term brain health consequences beyond shrinkage. "In the short term, alcohol slows down brain function," he says. "That affects attention, reaction time and decision-making. It also interferes with memory because your brain has more difficulty forming and storing new information, especially if sleep is disrupted."
Over time, Dr. Hundal shares that repeatedly consuming alcohol can have a cumulative effect, worsening all of the above and more. In the most severe cases, that long-term alcohol use is associated with structural and functional changes in the brain.
Related: Neurologists Say This Nutrient Is Critical for Brain Aging—but Most Adults Don’t Get Enough
How Much Alcohol Is Safe for the Brain?There's not a "safe" amount of alcohol for brain health, although this was not always thought to be the case. "The conversation around this is shifting," Dr. Hundal explains. "Moderate use was previously considered relatively safe, but more recent data suggests even lower levels may have some negative impact on brain health. From a brain perspective, less is generally better."
Dr. Bendheim understands that the whiplash on alcohol and health is real, but the more recent data on alcohol is sound.
"Although alcohol is deeply embedded in many cultural and social practices, the current evidence is clear: abstinence or very low consumption is generally the best choice for long-term brain and overall health," he explains.
He notes that more recent data trumps older research that suggested a possible link between heart health benefits and light drinking.
"It is important to acknowledge that not using alcohol can create meaningful psychological and social difficulty for some individuals," Dr. Bendheim explains. "However, and importantly, that concern does not negate the broader medical-scientific evidence documenting beyond doubt that even modest alcohol use carries real and severe long-term health risks."
Related: A Neuroscientist Swears by This Simple Morning Habit for All-Day Mental Clarity
3 Brain-Healthy Nightly HabitsNeurologists advise against drinking at night, saying it can shrink the brain. However, other habits can support a more restful sleep and improved brain health—starting tomorrow. Below, they shared some of their favorite brain-healthy nightly habits.
1. Keep a consistent sleep scheduleGoing to bed and waking up at the same time—even on non-workdays—is one of the best ways to shift your sleep quality and duration in the right direction
"The brain functions best with regular sleep timing," Dr. Hundal says. "Most adults should aim for about seven to nine hours per night. Consistency helps regulate the brain’s internal clock, which improves sleep quality and supports memory, focus and overall cognitive performance."
2. Take a walk after dinnerThis habit doesn't just help your pancreas and gut. Sure, it can improve digestion and lower blood sugar spikes, helping with insulin resistance. But insulin resistance does more than raise your risk for Type 2 diabetes.
"Insulin resistance causes damage to many structures in the body, including the arteries that feed our brain," Dr. Mian says. "Moreover, it reduces cortisol levels—the hormone that rises when we are stressed—which makes it easier to sleep. It makes it easier to shut your brain off, so you are not counting sheep or staring at the clock."
3. Limit screens before bedTonight's headlines can wait for tomorrow—ditto for whatever your friend has to say on social media about what her puppy just did or your favorite TikTok influencer's newest dance moves.
"Late-night phone use and scrolling keep the brain stimulated and make it harder to transition into sleep," Dr. Mian says. "It delays the natural wind-down process and reduces sleep quality. Giving your brain time to disconnect helps it move into a more restorative state."
Up Next:
Related: We Asked 4 Brain Doctors the Best Daily Habit for Memory—Their Answers Were Identical
Sources:- Dr. Paul E. Bendheim, MD, a clinical professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix and the founder of BrainSavers, Inc and author of The Brain Training Revolution: A Proven Workout For Healthy Brain Aging.
- Dr. Jasdeep S. Hundal, Psy.D. ABPP-CN, the director of The Center for Memory & Healthy Aging at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute
- Dr. Fawad Mian, MD, a neurologist and the founder of Ascend Regenerative. He is also board-certified in clinical neurophysiology and sleep medicine
- Dr. Jessica Zwerling, MD, MS, the director of the Montefiore Einstein Center for the Aging Brain. She is also a professor of neurology and psychiatry at Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Sleep Abnormalities and Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease. Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports.
- The effect of alcohol on subsequent sleep in healthy adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep MedicineReviews.
- About Moderate Alcohol Use. CDC.
- Association Between Alcohol Consumption, Cognitive Abilities, and Neuropathologic Changes: A Population-Based Autopsy Study. Neurology.
- The Potential Effects of Red Wine and Its Components on Neurocognitive Disorders: A Narrative Review. Nutrients.
- Alcohol Consumption Patterns and Mortality Among Older Adults With Health-Related or Socioeconomic Risk Factors. JAMA Network Open.
- How Does Alcohol Affect Your Brain? Cleveland Clinic.
Indie Singer-Songwriter Shares Unforgettable Experience With Paul McCartney on 'SNL': 'What Is My Life?'
Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith wasn’t the only special guest sitting in with Paul McCartney’s band when the Beatles legend appeared on Saturday Night Live on May 16.
Joining Smith and McCartney’s longtime backing musicians Rusty Anderson (guitar, backing vocals), Brian Ray (guitar, bass, backing vocals), and Paul “Wix” Wickens (keyboards, basking vocals), was singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson.
Best-known for the hits “The Way I Am” (2006) and “Girls Chase Boys” (2014), the platinum-selling indie artist has continued her career as a singer-songwriter, while also making waves on Broadway. She wrote music and lyrics for the Tony- and Grammy-nominated musical adaptation of The Notebook, which appeared on Broadway in 2024. She’s also contributed music to and appeared on several TV shows and films.
Yet despite all those career highlights, Michaelson hit another unbelievable high last week as a guest member of McCartney’s band. She posted about the experience on social media.
“I got a call on a monday to fill in in Sir Paul Mccartney’s band for that Saturday for @nbcsnl and proceeded to have 6 days of “what is my life????” what an honor it has been to be inside this music that has shaped me. his band and crew and team are all as lovely as he. and he is lovely. just as you’d imagine. even lovelier i’d say. I will never forget these 6 days for the rest of my life. I wish my father could see me now. he’d be prouder than punch,” she wrote. The caption was accompanied by a carousel of photos documenting her SNL experience with McCartney and his band.
View this post on InstagramMichaelson’s father, Carl, who was a noted composer and music publisher, died on Sept. 11, 2017, due to complications of Parkinson’s disease, according to The New York Times.
Her post prompted a comment from McCartney’s longtime guitarist Ray, who responded with words that seemingly confirmed her “lovely” experience with McCartney and company. “Thank you Ingrid, you were great!” Ray wrote.
“@brianrayguitar thank YOU for being so amazing !” she responded.
While it’s unclear whether Michaelson’s work with McCartney will extend beyond his SNL appearance, her role was crucial. As some fans noted that the 83-year-old Beatles legend appeared to be struggling with his lead vocals, Michaelson and the other members of McCartney’s band assisted him with backing vocals through the three televised songs. Michaelson also performed Saturday night with McCartney and company on two Beatles’ classics that weren’t televised—Help!” and “Drive My Car,” according to setlist.fm. For the two non-televised songs, McCartney was joined by SNL guest host Will Ferrell.
1972 Classic Film With Iconic Rock Soundtrack Ranked Among ‘Greatest Music Films’ of All Time
In 1972, Pink Floyd released a concert film unlike anything audiences had ever seen before.
Rather than performing in a packed arena filled with screaming fans, the band played inside the haunting ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheater in Italy for Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii, a visually ambitious project that was later ranked among the greatest music films of all time by Classical-Music.com.
Directed by Adrian Maben, the film captured the band performing in the ancient ruins of Pompeii without a live audience, creating an eerie and hypnotic atmosphere that perfectly matched Pink Floyd's experimental sound.
"It's funny how we took to that concept," Pink Floyd drummer, Nick Mason, told Rolling Stone. "It is that thing of substituting an audience for a remarkable venue."
The performances themselves became legendary among fans.
The film featured sprawling live renditions of songs including "Echoes," "One of These Days" and "A Saucerful of Secrets," showcasing the group during a pivotal moment just before the release of their career-defining album The Dark Side of the Moon.
What made Live at Pompeii especially groundbreaking was the way it blurred the line between concert movie, experimental film and visual art piece. The absence of a crowd shifted all attention onto the music, the ancient surroundings and the band's immersive soundscapes.
The movie's imagery, musicians surrounded by volcanic ruins and empty stone seating beneath the Mediterranean sun, helped create one of the most iconic aesthetics in rock film history.
"“ think over a six-day period, we went from vaguely interested to enthusiastic [about performing in Pompeii], and I think we built a relationship with the film crew that helped as well," Mason added. "I like the great image of Roger on the top of the wall with the gong."
The soundtrack also became a major part of the film's legacy. Pink Floyd's atmospheric, progressive rock compositions paired naturally with the surreal visuals, helping establish the movie as a favorite among both music fans and cinephiles.
"I wanted to make a film where there would be zero audience, just the band and some of the crew, but with Pompeii itself as an integral part of the film – the amphitheatre, the streets, the ruined temples and mosaics," Maben said in an interview.
In later versions of the film, additional footage showed the band working at Abbey Road Studios during early sessions for The Dark Side of the Moon, giving audiences a rare glimpse into the creative process behind one of the best-selling albums ever recorded.
More than 50 years later, Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii remains one of the most distinctive concert films ever made.
Its inclusion among the greatest music films of all time reflects not only the enduring power of Pink Floyd's music, but the film's ability to transform a rock performance into something timeless, cinematic and almost otherworldly.
Related: 1972 Soft Rock Classic Became a Timeless Road Trip Anthem, Despite Never Reaching No. 1
Dr Pepper's New Long-Awaited Release Is a Must-Try: 'I Need a Dozen'
Dr Pepper is making its way back into the candy aisle, this time offering a brand-new product that's a first for the brand: Dr Pepper Gummy Soda Bottles candy.
The snack infuses the classic taste of Dr Pepper into a bite-sized gummy treat, providing a new way to enjoy the flavor profile of the beloved dark soda, according to several posts across social media.
On Monday, May 18, food blog account Snackolator shared a video featuring the new item, claiming that it's due to drop in stores this September. "This is an immediate 'yes' purchase," the industry insider began while describing the upcoming release. "I love the Haribo cola ones, so Dr Pepper—just get 'em right now."
In a separate Instagram post by @frankfordcandy, a video showcased the product out of the bag. Each gummy is half clear, half burgundy, featuring a 'DP' on the top half of the mini bottle-shaped morsel.
Related: Dr Pepper’s Brand-New 'Special' Release Is Already Flying Off Shelves
View this post on InstagramSnackolator popped into the comments section to declare, "I need a dozen bags please."
Meanwhile, more chimed in to echo that sentiment. "Please send them over! Must try!" one exclaimed, while another said, "Needdd!!!! 🙌🔥❤️," and a third scream-wrote, "YES!!!!"
More commenters left fire flame, heart-eyed, and red heart emojis to describe how they felt about the new product.
While the Dr Pepper Gummy Soda Bottles candy bags are already listed on some websites for sale, like Kroger and Snackoree, they are currently all showing "out of stock" at the time of writing.
"Fear of spilling that delicious liquid nectar known as Dr. Pepper? Dr. Pepper has got you covered with their delicious Dr. Pepper Gummy Soda Bottles; the same original flavor without the worry of making a mess. Eat this gummy treat on the go by the handful or take your time to savor each individual gummy," the description on online retailer Snackoree notes.
Next, Slice Soda's Brand-New Drink Launch Is the First of Its Kind