Month: April 2025

John Cleese on Comedy Today
Film & TV

John Cleese on Comedy Today

The star and co-writer of 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail' reminisces about the tumultuous journey of creating the beloved film and observes how comedy projects have changed over time, stating, "American culture has become more superficial."Released by EMI Films in the United States on April 28, 1975, this project was the first original feature film produced by the famed British comedy group, which was well-known at that time for the BBC  sketch series Monty Python's Flying Circus and was made up of John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. It was co-directed by Gilliam and Jones. Holy Grail  follows the late Chapman portraying King Arthur on his journey to find the legendary vessel. It is regarded as one of the greatest comedic movies...
The possible 5 best fiction books of the last 20 years
Books & Media

The possible 5 best fiction books of the last 20 years

  ‘The Overstory’ by Richard Powers In Powers’ book we see the scientific insights of Suzanne Simard about the underground networks that connect trees. He dives into how different families grow up in various ecosystems and how their choices impact both the forests and the people living in them. Whether he’s telling the sad tale of the American chestnut or showcasing the frustrations of modern activists fighting climate change, Powers brings a bunch of connected stories together. He really shifts the perspective so you can feel the long history of trees that make human life possible. "The Goldfinch" by Donna Tartt By the end of his story, Theo the main character reflects, "I add my own love to the legacy of those who've treasured beautiful things," finding little joys amidst his sadnes...
The Prince and Princess of Wales Turn to Country Life
The Mill

The Prince and Princess of Wales Turn to Country Life

Finding Peace in the Country Life Prince William and Kate Middleton are celebrating their anniversary somewhere they feel totally relaxed.Starting April 29, they're heading to an island northwest of Scotland for two days. This spot is special to them as it's where their romance blossomed, matching the anniversary of their wedding back in 2011.Royal experts shared with Fox News Digital that this place holds deep meaning for the couple. They've found peace in country life while quietly preparing for their future roles as king and queen. William, who’s 42, is next in line.British royal expert Hilary Fordwich mentioned that they'll stay on the Isle of Mull, close to the Scottish coast, and spend their anniversary night at a vacation cottage where they’ll make their own meals.Fordwich s...
The Breakfast Club Cast Reunion
Film & TV

The Breakfast Club Cast Reunion

"The Breakfast Club" Over the weekend, the cast of "The Breakfast Club" got together for their first reunion in 40 years. It was a special moment seeing these actors from the classic 1980s coming-of-age movie on stage at the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo this Saturday.Molly Ringwald, who played Claire in the film, shared how overwhelmed she felt seeing everyone together. She joked about how this was the first time Emilio Estevez joined them in person instead of just being a cardboard cutout. Emilio Estevez talks Reunion Emilio, who played Andrew, said he felt it was time for him to join the reunion for his own sake and talked about how meaningful it was to be back in Chicago, where they filmed the movie. The actors took a moment to remember John Hughes, the legendary director know...
Donleavy Writes One of the Funniest Books Ever
Books & Media

Donleavy Writes One of the Funniest Books Ever

The Irish Sense of Humor “The Unexpurgated Code” is celebrating its 50th birthday this year. While it’s not as well-known as it once was, it’s found relevance again, and let’s be honest, the world could use it. This book is a real pick-me-up, almost like a shot of joy for your spirit. The table of contents is wonderfully haphazard, even better than some entire books. Here are just a few of the 270 topics Donleavy dives into:“Regarding the Responsibility for Venereal Disease,” “Regarding the Enhancement of Your Background,” “Regarding Being Inappropriately Dressed During an Emergency,” “Regarding Your Saliva Hitting Someone Else,” “Regarding Polluting the Sidewalk,” “Regarding Spewing Insults at the Powerful,” “Regarding the Process of Exorcism,” and “Regarding the Close Approach of a UFO...
How to Survive Hollywood
The Mill

How to Survive Hollywood

Portman recently wrapped up filming a movie called The Gallerist with Ortega and is keeping herself busy. She’s also got a role in Lena Dunham's project Good Sex and a film by Guy Ritchie called Fountain of Youth that seems to have come at just the right time. “It’s so important to look for joy and humor in your work, especially when life gets tough back home,” she tells Ortega, opening up about how she feels.“So what’s something right now that’s inspiring excitement for you? Could be work or something personal,” Ortega asks.“Watching my kids grow and develop their unique personalities brings me joy. I also love spending time with my friends and their kids, plus mine. It’s just really fun,” Portman shares.“Oh totally! You mentioning your kids reminds me—you and I are both child actor...
Best Book Towns in Europe
Books & Media

Best Book Towns in Europe

Redu, Belgium In a charming little village tucked away in the hills of Belgium, Redu is celebrating its 41st birthday as the second book town since 1984. This cozy spot is filled with the lovely scent of old books. Every year, they throw a big book festival with about 30 bookstores that attracts hundreds of folks who come to soak in the culture, history, stunning buildings, and beautiful nature. Just recently, Redu along with nearby towns of Lesse and Séchery made it onto the list of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Wallonia” in July 2024. Wigtown, Scotland Sitting on a hillside with views of the ocean and surrounded by rocky shores, woodlands, and forests, Wigtown is celebrating 20 years as Scotland’s Book Town. With over 250,000 books on offer, both old and new, Wigtown was one of the fir...
“Sopranos”: Who was the Funniest behind the Scenes
The Mill

“Sopranos”: Who was the Funniest behind the Scenes

Michael Imperioli talks Sopranos Michael Imperioli has spent a lot of time thinking about "The Sopranos" since it wrapped up nearly twenty years ago, especially on his podcast "Talking Sopranos." Now, he’s sharing who he thinks was the funniest actor on set during the filming of the HBO show.Imperioli told People that Tony Sirico, who played Paulie Walnuts, often cracked up his co-stars, even if it wasn’t always on purpose. He mentioned that it had a lot to do with Sirico's personality.Sirico passed away in July 2022 at 79 years old in an assisted living home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Tony Sirico Made Everybody Laugh "He was such a one-of-a-kind guy, a wonderful person that we all loved and called a good friend," Imperioli said about Sirico in an article released on Wednesday.The ...
Val Kilmer’s Best Characters
Film & TV

Val Kilmer’s Best Characters

The passing of  Val Edward Kilmer has deeply impacted the entire film industry. He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, and although an operation left him with a raspy voice and difficulty breathing, he became cancer-free but continued to face challenges with subsequent medical treatments. Since 2014, he made a few film appearances, with his last role in 2022 as "Iceman" Tom Kazansky. Top Gun: Maverick , a role he returned to from the original movie. Kilmer died from pneumonia on April 1, 2025. Following his passing, many well-known actors shared heartfelt tributes and memories about Val Kilmer.Val Kilmer was an exceptionally gifted actor who captivated audiences during his impressive nearly 40-year career. Roger Ebert referred to him as the most underrated leading man of his era. T...
Book about “John & Paul” comes out
Books & Media

Book about “John & Paul” comes out

Beatlemania - John & Paul In our world, when we chat about music, we often get stuck on things like sales numbers, streaming stats, and how songs rank on charts. But honestly, that’s not the best way to really get or talk about music.Ian Leslie’s book “John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs” isn’t about that at all. Instead, it dives into how two incredibly talented guys helped each other out, pushed each other, taught each other, and learned from one another.Looking back at famous composer duos before John Lennon and Paul McCartney—like Rodgers and Hart or Bacharach and David—you’d usually see one person making the music while the other worked on the lyrics. But John and Paul flipped that script; they both pitched in on the music and the words. Right from the start, they agreed to...