Latest news with #Arlette
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Yvonne Orji Addresses ‘Pop The Balloon' Backlash, Comparisons To OG Host Arlette, And More
Yvonne Orji is filling some big shoes as the new host of Netflix's Pop The Balloon Live! — an adaptation of the popular YouTube series originally hosted by creator, Arlette Amuli. However, as the actress and comedian revealed in a recent conversation with VIBE, the transition didn't come without its hesitations, moments of deep self-reflection, and, unfortunately, backlash from the public. When Netflix first approached Orji about the possibility of hosting the show, she wasn't immediately sold. 'What's funny is I had seen some of the clips, and obviously we had seen Dave Chappelle do it on SNL,' she said, revealing her initial curiosity. 'But when Netflix approached me, I went back and did my research. I was like, 'okay, so what's the show really about?'' After watching more of the show's concept and format, the Insecure star became intrigued by its mix of live-action, unpredictability, and its appeal. 'I got very interested in what it was that made people fall in love with it,' she admitted. However, once she dove deeper into the world of Pop The Balloon, it didn't take long for her to realize what she was getting into. Orji quickly found herself facing the challenge of maintaining her brand —which revolves around joy, love, and kindness — while managing the high-stakes of live TV. 'I had asked all the questions of like, 'Hey, what's the tone of this show?'' she recalled, revealing her concern about keeping the show in line with her core values. 'I'm very specific with the things I say yes to.' But, it wasn't just about doing the show; it was about making sure she could be herself. 'Everyone involved is like, 'We want this to be a place where people can find connection.' But we also have to be realistic knowing that anything can happen,' Orji shared. This meant that she would have to tap into her quick-thinking skills, to handle whatever the live format threw her way. Coming into an already-established space, Orji admitted that she knew she'd be stepping into a cult-classic social series previously dominated by Amuli, the beloved original host of the show. But rather than worry about being compared to her predecessor, the Nigerian-born actress and comedian took a more self-assured approach. 'What Cardi B say? 'I'm my own competition. I'm competing with myself,'' she laughed, dismissing any concern about filling someone else's shoes. For her, it's clear that Pop The Balloon needed a host with a distinct style, especially given the shift to a live format. 'We're two different people with two different styles,' she explained. 'Arlette and BM have been able to do something absolutely brilliant. But the Netflix show is live, and they needed someone who could think on their feet, who could bring levity.' With a background in comedy, Orji fit the bill perfectly. In fact, she embraces the difference in their styles rather than feeling any pressure to mimic Arlette's success. 'This is not a replica of that show,' she asserted. 'It's an adaptation. And once you add the live element, it's a completely different show.' Pretty much, Orji's focus for the live format isn't to recreate what's been done before, but making the experience her own while staying true to the essence of the show. A true realest, Orji admitted that she saw all of the backlash that followed the show's premiere on Thursday (April 10), and couldn't help but to understand what some of the viewers felt. 'That's not the show I signed up for,' she confided, referring to some of the chaotic moments viewers witnessed in the premiere. 'We want people looking for connection and authenticity. It's huge for me because what are we doing if we're not being authentic and true to ourselves?' 'Just watched #poptheballoonnetflix and honestly WTF was @netflix thinking!? Yall took a perfectly good, relatable show OVER produced and gentrified tf out of it. Nobody involved was trying to make connections they all were trying to make MOMENTS even the host. Disappointed,' one viewer wrote on X. Another person echoed those sentiments with, 'Part of the reason Arlette's version of Pop The Balloon worked was bc 99% of the contestants were just regular black folks… Not fake influencers with thousands of followers. They gentrified the hell out this show. Netflix will pay for their sins.' Orji's perspective was made clear that as an unscripted show, she plans to steer clear of sensationalism. Viewers have shown that they crave the dramatic and viral moments that have happened on the YouTube series, such as a man telling a young woman her face was 'too wrinkly' for him to date, or a woman dismissing an eligible bachelor because he 'looked like he reads a lot of books.' Instead of egging on potential embarrassing moments that occur when participants are hesitant to say what makes someone unattractive to them, Orji asserted, 'I can defuse situations. We don't need to belabor something that's not kind.' While Orji's sharp wit keeps the show lively, she's also deeply invested in the underlying theme of the show, which is to connect people. Her own thoughts on love, romance, and dating shines through as she engages with the participants. 'I always say, 'We don't judge, but I do got follow-up questions,'' she laughed. For Orji, she wants to explore the complexities of attraction, pointing out that superficial traits, like height or appearance, shouldn't be dealbreakers when it comes to finding love. 'I think this show really does put a camera onto everybody,' she said thoughtfully. 'Is this who you portray yourself to be? Is this what you want to portray? Let's be for real.' For her, the show gives her a chance to challenge her guests, but also to get them to challenge themselves. As she continues with her hosting duties, Orji hopes to inspire viewers to give people a chance, even if they wouldn't have expected to click with them on paper. Although Pop The Balloon Live! has faced its share of backlash, with viewers quick to judge after just one episode, The Blackening star urges fans to 'stick around' a little while longer. 'We're so quick to judge off one episode. Stick around, there might be a second, third, fourth episode that you're like, 'Oh, there it is,'' she encouraged. And while Orji is taking the reins on Netflix, Pop The Balloon with Arlette will still be on YouTube every Wednesday, offering fans a chance to enjoy the original series alongside the new live version. Outside of hosting and her two-year first–look deal with Sony, Orji has exciting projects on the horizon. She's working on her third comedy special, set to delve into the challenges of dating as a successful woman in her forties with no kids. 'There's a whole generation of women who find themselves still single at 40, making good money and no children, and it's like, what does society put on you?' she excitedly shared. As for now, fans can tune in to see Yvonne Orji on Netflix's Pop The Balloon Live! every Thursday at 5PM PT / 8PM ET. More from YouTube Dating Show 'Pop The Balloon' Headed To Netflix With Yvonne Orji As Host 50 Cent "Ain't Jackin" Courtney A. Kemp's Alleged 'Power' Inspired Netflix Series Tyler Perry's 'Beauty In Black' Renewed For Second Season At Netflix
Edinburgh Live
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
'Terrifying' Netflix little-known Stephen King horror 'really gets under viewers' skin'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The 2017 Netflix film 1922, directed by Zak Hilditch, is a mind-bending horror drama that has garnered a staggering 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Based on Stephen King's 2010 novella of the same name, the movie stars Thomas Jane as Wilfred "Wilf" James, a proud farmer living in rural Nebraska in 1922 with his wife Arlette and their 14 year old son Henry. When Arlette reveals plans to sell the farm and move to Omaha, Wilf manipulates Henry into helping him murder his mother, exploiting the teenager's romance with Shannon Cotterie, which Arlette strongly disapproves of. As the story unfolds, Wilf's actions lead to a downward spiral of guilt, paranoia, and madness, ultimately culminating in the family's devastating downfall. Thomas Jane's chilling performance as the troubled Wilf earned him widespread critical acclaim. Interestingly, the film's production team initially began principal photography in Vancouver but struggled to find a suitable farmhouse with a cornfield due to the timing of the harvest season. Despite this challenge, Hilditch successfully brought King's haunting tale to life, weaving a dark and unsettling narrative that explores the darkest corners of the human psyche. The corn seen in the film ultimately had to be created with a mix of Chinese corn props, computer graphics (CG), and scenes shot in Boort, Australia. Eventually, they anchored down in Langley city for a farmhouse scene and wrapped up the movie's production in Boort, reports Surrey Live. Critics warmly greeted the slow-burning intensity of 1922 at its release, noting its creeping eeriness. One critic said: "There's an unshakable menace that lingers, a tale of guilt and regret that burrows its way under the skin." Meanwhile, another observer added: "1922 is a movie that gets under your skin. It maintains a menacing vibe from start to finish without ever relying on overused gimmicks or formulas." (Image: Channel 4) The acting was also lauded, with one review saying: "The performances are great from was a movie that probably should have been on the big screen." Compliments continued as another critic said: "1922 is an effective, chilling bit of work that boasts a revelatory lead performance and a compelling, gradual erosion of a man's psyche." From the audience perspective, 1922 had a more varied reception, enthralling some while leaving others less enthused. An impressed viewer said: "I love this movie, it's so entertaining to me. The scenery is probably my favourite part and the story in general, and just the way it was filmed and the song placement and choice is just amazing." One less impressed viewer added: "Honestly, this movie is bad. It's not on the cinematic side as much as the storyline. It was so slow of a movie I couldn't keep watching. I have been watching it for 2 days and kept falling asleep. It's very forgettable. After they killed his wife there was no more thrill to the story, nothing to make me remember anything." But others loved the film, saying: "This movie is great, I think the problem people have with it is that it's not for them. People use movies to escape life, this is not what this movie is. It is life, and it has no mercy. One of the best movies I've seen, amazingly done." While one reviewer described the film as "a disturbing story of betrayal, love, and murder" that provides "an intense viewing from start to finish", another offered their view listing it as an "amazing psychological horror" featuring "perfect pacing" and a "great and accurate atmosphere". Another meticulous critique noted: "Each moment within this film is employed judiciously. Even during quieter scenes, the camera lingers, skilfully eliciting the very emotions coursing through the characters. Each frame possesses the potential to be a captivating photograph, exuding sheer beauty. The ensemble cast delivers an astounding performance, with Thomas Jane standing out in particular. His portrayal breathes life into Wilfred's emotions, resonating deeply within me. Undoubtedly, this ranks among my all-time favourite horror films." 1922 is streaming on Netflix now.
Irish Daily Mirror
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
One of the best Netflix horror movies I've seen - but I fall asleep watching
Zak Hilditch's film 1922 has garnered a whopping 92 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, marking it as a deeply affecting horror drama. The flick, which is an adaptation of Stephen King's 2010 novella by the same title, was both penned and helmed by Hilditch and made its debut on Netflix in October 2017. Thomas Jane's portrayal as the protagonist received heaps of acclaim for his chillingly powerful act. The cast of 1922 also includes Neal McDonough, Molly Parker, Dylan Schmid, and Kaitlyn Bernard. In the movie, Thomas Jane embodies Wilfred "Wilf" James, a modest yet staunch farmer residing in Hemingford, Nebraska, during the year 1922, alongside his spouse Arlette James and their teenage son, Henry. Confronted with Arlette's intent to sell off their land and relocate to Omaha, Wilf manipulates his son into colluding to murder his mother. He leverages Henry's affair with Shannon Cotterie as leverage – due to Arlette's vehement objection to their relationship – and the youngster hesitantly consents to assist his dad. Wilf ultimately disposes of Arlette's remains in a deserted well, reports Surrey Live. The aftermath is the family's – and particularly Wilf's – gradual and excruciating disintegration. Despite plans to shoot 1922's main photography in Vancouver, the team faced a snag as they couldn't secure a farmhouse with an adjoining cornfield during harvest season, throwing a wrench in their filming schedule. The film's team had to get creative when it came to depicting corn, opting for Chinese-made corn props, computer-generated wizardry (CG), and scenes shot in the Aussie town of Boort. They then settled on a farmhouse in Langley as a prime location before wrapping up filming back in Boort. Critics hailed '1922' as an intense slow-burner that garnered plenty of positive buzz for its skin-crawling impact. One critic said: "There's an unshakable menace that lingers, a tale of guilt and regret that burrows its way under the skin." While another added: "1922 is a movie that gets under your skin. It maintains a menacing vibe from start to finish without ever relying on overused gimmicks or formulas." Praise was also lavished on the stellar cast, with one reviewer saying: "The performances are great from was a movie that probably should have been on the big screen." Another reviewer praised its storytelling prowess: "1922 is an effective, chilling bit of work that boasts a revelatory lead performance and a compelling, gradual erosion of a man's psyche." Viewer reactions were split, with some thoroughly captivated by the film, but others weren't quite as taken. One viewer said: "I love this movie, it's so entertaining to me. The scenery is probably my favourite part and the story in general, and just the way it was filmed and the song placement and choice is just amazing." While another viewer added: "Honestly, this movie falls short. The issues lie more with the narrative than the cinematic aspects. The pacing was so slow that I struggled to stay engaged, and it took me two days to finish, frequently dozing off. The storyline is very forgettable, and after the wife's death, the plot lost its thrill, leaving nothing memorable." On the other hand, another audience member disagreed, saying: "This movie is great, I think the problem people have with it is that it's not for them. People use movies to escape life, this is not what this movie is. It is life, and it has no mercy. One of the best movies I've seen, amazingly done." One enthusiastic review described the film as "a disturbing story of betrayal, love, and murder" that provides "an intense viewing from start to finish" Another viewer praised it as an "amazing psychological horror" with "perfect pacing" and a "great and accurate atmosphere". A more in-depth review praised the film's thoughtful approach: "Each moment within this film is employed judiciously. Even during quieter scenes, the camera lingers, skilfully eliciting the very emotions coursing through the characters. Each frame possesses the potential to be a captivating photograph, exuding sheer beauty. The ensemble cast delivers an astounding performance, with Thomas Jane standing out in particular. His portrayal breathes life into Wilfred's emotions, resonating deeply within me. Undoubtedly, this ranks among my all-time favourite horror films."
