movies – Page 5 – Topical Fruit

Are the Main Characters of These Movies Actually the Villains?

We’ve all rooted for a movie hero who, when you really stop and think about it, is kind of awful.

Whether it’s manipulation, selfishness, or just plain cruelty, plenty of beloved characters are way more villain than hero. Here’s a roundup of films where the real bad guy might just be the one in the spotlight.

Let’s start with “Dumb and Dumber”. Jim Carrey’s Lloyd Christmas is remembered as a lovable doofus, but don’t forget he once conned a blind kid into buying a dead parakeet. His clueless antics leave chaos in their wake, and innocent people usually pay the price.

How about Grandpa Joe in “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”? Twenty years in bed, then suddenly breakdancing at the promise of free candy. Once inside the factory, he even encourages Charlie to break Wonka’s rules, almost blowing his shot at the golden prize. Not exactly role-model material.

Jack Albertson dancing and Peter Ostrum watching him in a scene from the film ‘Willie Wonka And The Chocolate Factory’, 1971. (Photo by Paramount/Getty Images)

In “You’ve Got Mail”, Tom Hanks’ Joe Fox is charming, sure, but he’s also a corporate shark who destroys Meg Ryan’s family bookstore. Rom-com packaging aside, he’s the guy who puts the little guy out of business.

Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in a scene from “You”ve Got Mail.” (Courtesy of Warner Bros. Photo by Getty)

Robin Williams in “Mrs. Doubtfire” gave us laughs, but his character, Daniel Hillard, goes to wild lengths to manipulate his ex-wife. Cross-dressing to sneak back into her home, tricking his kids, and sabotaging her new relationship might be funny onscreen, but in real life, it’s a stalker movie waiting to happen.

Robin Williams brooms in a scene from the film ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’, 1993.
(Photo by 20th Century-Fox/Getty Images)

Ferris Bueller? Fun, yes. Harmless teen rebel? Not so much. “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” is really about a manipulative kid dragging his best friend into felony-level hijinks while showing zero regard for consequences. Poor Cameron never stood a chance.

Matthew Broderick, Mia Sara, and Alan Ruck publicity portrait for the film ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’, 1986.
(Photo by Paramount/Getty Images)

And let’s not forget “Mean Girls”. Cady Heron starts out sweet but quickly becomes just as self-absorbed and ruthless as Regina George. Revenge plots rarely end with moral high ground.

LONDON – Actress Lindsay Lohan attends the low-key premiere screening of “Mean Girls” at the Charlotte Street Hotel June 14, 2004 in London. The film is about a girl who suffers humiliation at the hands of her female classmates after she falls for the wrong guy. (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Even “Meet the Parents” has a hidden villain. Pam Byrnes constantly throws Greg under the bus, putting him in situations that make him look bad. Instead of backing him up, she leaves him to fend for himself in front of her hypercritical family. Thanks, Pam.

Actor Ben Stiller (R) “Greg Focker” meets his girlfriend”s father Robert De Niro (L) “Jack Byrnes” in Universal Pictures “Meet the Parents.” (Photo by Phillip V. Caruso/Universal Studios and Dreamworks LLC/Delivered by Online USA)

ScreenCrush adds even more offenders to the lineup. Clark Griswold in “National Lampoon’s Vacation” is basically the world’s most selfish dad, dragging his family on a road trip nightmare because he refuses to accept reality. The film plays his obsession for laughs, but the Griswolds would’ve been way happier staying home.

Actress Christie Brinkley and actor Chevy Chase on the set of Warner Bros. movie “National Lampoon’s Vacation” in 1983.
(Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

Or take “Passengers”. Chris Pratt’s character literally dooms someone else to a lifetime of isolation in space just because he doesn’t want to be lonely. Not exactly a swoon-worthy love story once you peel back the shiny surface.

PARIS, FRANCE – (L-R) Actress Jennifer Lawrence, dressed in Dior, and actor Chris Pratt attend the “Passengers” Paris Photocall at Hotel George V on November 29, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty Images)

And then there’s “Superbad”. On the surface, it’s a goofy teen comedy. But really, Jonah Hill and Michael Cera’s characters spend most of the movie objectifying people, lying, and manipulating friends. The coming-of-age charm makes it go down easy, but a lot of their behavior is straight-up toxic.

(072407 Boston, MA) Jonah Hill (left), Michael Cera, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse (right) answer questions following a screening of Superbad at the Boston Common AMC. Tuesday, July 24, 2007. Staff photo by John Wilcox (Photo by John Wilcox/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images)

So maybe the next time you revisit these “classics,” ask yourself: who’s really the villain here? The obvious bad guy, or the smiling lead who charmed us into ignoring their worst traits?

Of All the Iconic Lines He’s Written, Mel Brooks Has a Favorite

Mel Brooks has written so many iconic lines over his career that it’s almost impossible to count them all. From Young Frankenstein to Spaceballs to Blazing Saddles, his scripts are packed with quotable gems that became part of pop culture.

But when asked about his personal favorite, Brooks doesn’t go with the obvious choices like “It’s good to be the king” or “We don’t need no stinkin’ badges.” Instead, he points to the quiet little exchange at the very end of Blazing Saddles.

Gene Wilder’s character asks Cleavon Little where he’s headed. Cleavon answers, “Nowhere special.” And Gene replies, “Nowhere special. I always wanted to go there.”

It’s such a perfect Mel Brooks moment: warm, funny, and a little bit absurd. Especially since right after that, the movie swerves from a classic Western ride-into-the-sunset into something completely unexpected, with the two literally abandoning their horses to hop in a car.

So yes, the man who gave us some of comedy’s sharpest one-liners says that is his favorite. Which is very on-brand for Brooks—his humor has always been about surprising you where you least expect it.

Mark Hamill Turned Down One of the Grossest Movie Roles Ever

Mark Hamill has been part of one of the most beloved trilogies in movie history, but he had a chance to be a part of another trilogy … and immediately said hard pass.

The Star Wars legend revealed he was once offered a role in the infamous horror sequel The Human Centipede 2.

But luckily, his Jedi wisdom told him to turn it down. He said, “That was an easy one. I said, ‘No, don’t send the script.’ The premise alone… I’ll never see one, and I really resent the fact that some human being thought of that concept of sewing people together, mouth to anus. Goodbye, and never enter my life again.’”

And honestly? Fair.

Even fans who love horror movies often admit The Human Centipede series is more about gross-out factor than storytelling.

For someone like Hamill, who has spent decades cementing his reputation as one of pop culture’s most beloved actors, the idea of joining a franchise built around body horror was a no-go from the start.

That doesn’t mean he avoids intense films altogether. His new movie, The Long Walk, is dark and heavy, but Hamill clarified that he just doesn’t have much love for gore-fests. “I get the appeal of ‘Friday the 13th’ and all those horror, slasher, gore movies, but they’re just not for me,” he said.

Fans online have been quick to side with him, joking that Luke Skywalker dodged an even greater dark side than Darth Vader. After all, the internet never forgets, and nobody wants their IMDb page forever tied to a movie about people sewn together in a line.

Stephen King’s 10 Favorite Movies Might Surprise You

Horror master Stephen King has given us decades of nightmares, but when it comes to watching movies, his taste is actually a lot more classic than creepy. The author just shared his 10 all-time favorite films online, and it’s a lineup that would make any film buff nod in approval.

Here’s King’s list, in no particular order:

“Sorcerer” (1977)
“The Godfather Part II” (1974)
“The Getaway” (1972)
“Groundhog Day” (1993)
“Casablanca” (1942)
“Treasure of the Sierra Madre” (1948)
“Jaws” (1975)
“Mean Streets” (1973)
“Close Encounters of the Third Kind” (1977)
“Double Indemnity” (1944)

It’s a mix of crime dramas, Hollywood classics, and a few that show King’s soft spot for suspense and human nature. You can definitely see the fingerprints of these films in his own work, from the paranoia in “Sorcerer” to the small-town dynamics in “Jaws.”

Interestingly, King left off any movies based on his own novels, though he couldn’t resist giving a nod to four fan favorites: “Misery,” “The Shawshank Redemption,” “Stand by Me,” and “The Green Mile.” Each of those films earned critical praise, with “Shawshank” in particular often topping “best movies of all time” lists.

What makes King’s list fun is how eclectic it is. He’s clearly drawn to stories about flawed characters, moral dilemmas, and a bit of the surreal. “Groundhog Day” might feel like the odd one out, but then again, the idea of reliving the same day over and over has a psychological twist that fits right into King’s wheelhouse.

Fans have been quick to react online, with many praising his picks as “spot on” while others joked that they expected more horror. But maybe that’s the point. When your day job is scaring people, maybe you just want to relax with “Casablanca” or “The Godfather Part II”???

So if you’re looking for a Stephen King-approved movie marathon, you’ve got your list. Just don’t watch “Jaws” right before a beach trip.

The Ultimate “Star Wars” Flex: A $1,000 LEGO Death Star

LEGO and “Star Wars” fans, this is either your dream come true or your bank account’s worst nightmare. The toy giant just unveiled its most expensive set ever: a massive Death Star priced at $1,000.

Yes, you read that right. One thousand bucks. FOR LEGOS.

This isn’t just any set, though. It’s part of LEGO’s Ultimate Collector Series and it’s loaded with details. The cross-section-style Death Star includes 9,023 pieces and comes with 38 mini-figures, featuring multiple versions of Luke Skywalker and Han Solo. Basically, you’ll have enough characters to reenact most of the original trilogy in your living room.

Instead of being a sphere like the classic movie Death Star, this version is disc-shaped, and more of a cross-section, so you can see all the different rooms. Builders will recognize iconic scenes like the trash compactor, Emperor Palpatine’s throne room, Princess Leia’s holding cell, and even the Imperial shuttle hangar. It’s less “toy” and more “Star Wars museum exhibit that just happens to live in your house.”

And if you’re already calculating where you could possibly put it, start measuring now. The finished build is 28 inches tall, 32 inches wide, and 11 inches deep. Translation: it’s going to dominate whatever shelf, table, or entire corner of your apartment you decide to sacrifice to it.

The new Death Star launches October 4th, but hardcore fans can sign up now for early access on Lego.com. Translation: it’s going to sell out faster than the Millennium Falcon made the Kessel Run.

This set isn’t just a flex for LEGO collectors, it’s also part of a bigger trend. High-end LEGO kits have become wildly popular in recent years, with many adults treating them as both a hobby and an investment. Some retired sets now resell for thousands more than their original price. So yes, $1,000 sounds steep, but some fans might argue it’s less of a purchase and more of a future collectible.

Whether you see it as an art piece, a stress-relieving project, or just an excuse to spend weekends saying, “Sorry, can’t hang out, I’m rebuilding the Death Star,” one thing is clear: this is LEGO going full Sith Lord on your wallet.

Paris Jackson Isn’t Having It With the Michael Biopic: “There’s Full-Blown Lies”

Paris Jackson is not holding back when it comes to the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, “Michael”. Despite claims that the late King of Pop’s children were on board with the project, Paris is making it clear she’s not buying it.

Paris said she had almost zero involvement in the film, aside from giving feedback on the first draft of the script. And even then, she says her notes were ignored. “I wasn’t involved at all,” she explained. “The narrative is being controlled and there’s a lot of inaccuracy and full-blown lies. I prefer honesty over sales and monetary gain.”

Her comments come after Colman Domingo, who plays family patriarch Joe Jackson in the movie, suggested that Paris and her brother Prince had been supportive. Paris, though, says she’s only met Domingo twice, and both times were extremely brief. In her words, she’s decided to “butt out” since it’s “not my project,” adding she’d rather “keep minding my business.”

The controversy highlights just how tricky biopics can be, especially when the subject’s closest family members feel sidelined.

Fans of Michael Jackson will no doubt be eager to see how the story plays out on screen, but Paris’s public pushback suggests audiences should be cautious about taking everything at face value.

This isn’t the first time a high-profile biopic has been accused of rewriting history for drama or box office appeal. From “Bohemian Rhapsody” to “Elvis”, debates often swirl around whether these films should prioritize accuracy or entertainment. For Paris, the answer seems clear: the truth matters more than ticket sales.

“Michael” is slated to hit theaters on April 24th of next year, but the conversation around it is already heating up. Whether the controversy will hurt or help the film’s success remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: Paris Jackson isn’t afraid to set the record straight, even if Hollywood would rather she didn’t.

The Best Fart Scenes in Movie History

Let’s be real, fart jokes will never die. They’re the equalizer of comedy, a universal reminder that no matter how classy or famous you are, everybody lets one rip eventually. That’s why Hollywood keeps slipping them into films, and audiences keep laughing.

A list making the rounds online highlights some of the best fart scenes in movie history, and honestly, it’s hard to argue with these choices. From Mel Brooks classics to Will Ferrell chaos, here are the moments that prove flatulence is cinema gold.

Blazing Saddles (1974) – The campfire scene is still the undisputed heavyweight champ of fart humor. Cowboys plus beans plus deadpan delivery equals timeless comedy.
Step Brothers (2008) – Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly weaponize farts in a scene that manages to be both childish and legendary.
The Man (2005) – Samuel L. Jackson and Eugene Levy remind us that even buddy cop comedies have room for bathroom humor.
The Nutty Professor (1996) – Eddie Murphy plays an entire dinner table full of people, and somehow, all of them fart. That’s range.
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999) – Fat Bastard’s brand of humor might be crude, but admit it, you laughed.
The Naked Gun (1988) – Slapstick meets sound effects in a way only Leslie Nielsen could pull off.
Major Payne (1995) – A drill sergeant, a barracks, and a very loud demonstration of “command.”
The Pink Panther (2006) – Steve Martin keeps Inspector Clouseau ridiculous, even with his flatulence.
Police Academy (1984) – The original sound-effects master, Michael Winslow, adds his own spin to the genre.

Whether you think fart jokes are lowbrow or genius, there’s no denying they’ve carved out a permanent spot in movie history. They’re a reminder that sometimes the dumbest jokes are also the funniest. And if you’re curious (or brave), someone actually put together an uncensored video compilation of all these scenes. Consider that your warning.

Are These the 10 Funniest Movies of the Last 50 Years?

Comedy is tricky business. What makes one person laugh might make another roll their eyes. But when Collider.com set out to rank the funniest movies of the past 50 years, they landed on a list that will definitely spark some debate.

At the top of their countdown is “Airplane!” from 1980, which pretty much redefined the spoof genre with its nonstop gags, deadpan delivery, and lines people are still quoting four decades later. Right behind it is “This Is Spinal Tap” (1984), the mockumentary that turned the dial all the way up to 11, followed by “The Birdcage” (1996), a farcical but heartfelt comedy about family, drag shows, and dinner parties gone completely off the rails.

Here’s Collider’s full Top 10 funniest films of the last half-century:

“Airplane!” (1980)
“This Is Spinal Tap” (1984)
“The Birdcage” (1996)
“Bridesmaids” (2011)
“The Big Lebowski” (1998)
“Clerks” (1994)
“Life of Brian” (1979)
“Superbad” (2007)
“A Fish Called Wanda” (1988)
“Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” (2004)

The list is a pretty great mix of slapstick, satire, cult classics, and absurdist humor. You’ve got Monty Python at their peak, Kevin Smith’s low-budget indie breakthrough, Judd Apatow’s brand of raunchy-yet-sweet chaos, and even Will Ferrell doing… well, whatever Ron Burgundy is supposed to be.

Naturally, rankings like this always stir up arguments. Some fans think “Caddyshack” or “Groundhog Day” deserve a spot. Others might be surprised not to see “Dumb and Dumber” or “Mean Girls” in the mix. Comedy evolves with culture, so what felt groundbreaking in the ’80s might feel tame now, while some movies only get funnier with age.

But one thing’s for sure: if you’re looking for a solid comedy marathon, this list is a pretty great place to start. Just clear your schedule, grab some popcorn, and prepare to laugh so hard you’ll have to pause the movie to catch your breath.

So what do you think—did Collider nail it, or did they totally whiff? Which movie makes your all-time funniest list?

Shrekking: Here’s What the Hot New Dating Term Means

A new dating term takes inspiration from one of the most popular movie franchises of all time. But did the person who came up with it do our boy dirty? Here’s what the hot new dating term “Shrekking” is all about.

Have you ever gone out with someone you weren’t attracted to because you figured, “Hey, at least they’ll treat me nice”… only to find out they were also a total bastard?

Congratulations, you’ve been Shrekked!

“Shrekking” is the new term for a delightfully savage concept. It’s when you “date down” (aka, go out with someone who’s not up to your normal standards) under the assumption that they’ll be kind, loyal, or emotionally available. But instead of a sweet and self-aware Prince Charming, you get an ogre who’s just as bad (if not worse) than the hottie who ghosted you last summer. Basically, you gambled on inner beauty and lost hard.

@thisiswhyimsingle2024
Getting shreked. I’m here for it 🤣 #shreked #onlinedating #datingsucks
♬ original sound – Bekah

But Shrek is a sweetheart!

The term takes its inspiration from the “Shrek” movies, where Princess Fiona looks past appearances and falls for a literal ogre. But if you’re a little peeved Shrek got looped into this at all, you’re not alone. In the films, he’s a lovable grump with a heart of gold. So naming a trend after him when there’s so much negativity surrounding it isn’t really fair. But here we are.

Yes, it’s mostly about d-bag dudes

While the term technically applies to anyone, it’s mostly being used in reference to men. Which, let’s be honest, kinda tracks. Half of all sitcoms involve a hot wife being low-key Shrekked by her pudgy husband who knows his favorite NFL team’s schedule by heart, but can’t remember his anniversary. (“King of Queens,” “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “According to Jim,” “The Simpsons,” “The Flintstones,” “Family Guy,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Married… with Children”… to name a few.)

A new term for an old trend

Dating coach Amy Chan – author of “Breakup Bootcamp: The Science of Rewiring Your Heart” – told “USA Today“ it’s a trendy term for something she’s seen many times before. Lots of folks (often women) have taken a chance on someone who wasn’t their type, hoping that physical attraction would grow or that personality would win the day. And being open-minded like that can totally pay off… unless it backfires.

The term might be new, but the behavior isn’t. Plenty of people have put looks lower on the list or hoped attraction would grow over time, and that in itself isn’t a bad thing. Where it backfires is when someone assumes that just because they’re dating ‘down’ in looks, they’ll automatically be treated better.”

Check yourself before you Shrek yourself

The point is that being “less attractive” (whatever that means to you) doesn’t automatically make someone nicer, more mature, or better at relationships. That dumpy guy with one ear two inches higher than the other could be just as likely to ghost you, cheat, or pick fights about pineapple on pizza.

So what’s the takeaway? Don’t go into any relationship – whether hot, not, or even medium cute – with the expectation that their looks say something about their personality, or that you’re owed better treatment just because you’ve “lowered your standards.” People are people, no matter what they look like, and jerks come in every shape and size.

Stifler from “American Pie” Has All the Cash He’ll Ever Need

Seann William Scott is probably best known for playing Stifler in the “American Pie” movies, or for the cinematic classic that is “Dude, Where’s My Car?” But that all seems like ancient history. So how is Seann surviving? Very well, thank you.

The actor, who split from his wife last year, just handed over a detailed rundown of his finances in their ongoing custody and child support case, and let’s just say… the guy is set for life.

According to court documents, Scott pulls in about $110,000 every month. That includes $45,000 in royalty payments (yes, American Pie is still paying) and another $31,000 from dividends and interest. And that’s just the regular monthly flow of cash.

On top of that, his net worth is stacked: more than $12.2 million tied up in stocks and bonds, another $18.8 million in property, and hundreds of thousands in additional assets.

Translation: Stifler’s still cashing checks, not crashing parties.

The funny part is that Seann has never really been a Hollywood spotlight guy. Aside from American Pie and cult-favorite comedies like Role Models and Goon, he’s mostly kept a lower profile. Yet while some actors struggle after their breakout roles, Scott seems to have played his cards (and his investments) wisely.

Fans online had a mix of reactions to the financial reveal. Some were surprised at just how much royalty money he’s still pulling in. Others pointed out that while people love to joke about actors getting “stuck” in one role, Scott’s “one role” has been paying him the kind of passive income most people dream about.

So next time someone says, “Whatever happened to Seann William Scott?” you can tell them: he’s quietly living like a multimillionaire, thanks to a steady stream of Stifler money. Not too shabby.