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Hindustan Times
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Modern Family star Ariel Winter poses as a 12-year-old to catch child predator in ‘scary' undercover operation
Actor Ariel Winter is putting her acting skills to some great use. The 27-year-old, who is best known for playing Alex Dunphy on Modern Family, recently posed as a 12-year-old girl to lure and catch a sexual predator. The actor teamed up with a non-profit organisation for the sting operation. The nonprofit Safe from Online Sex Abuse (SOSA) produces a true crime docuseries called SOSA Undercover, which streams on YouTube. One of the recent episodes had Ariel Winter on the show, wherein she posed as a 12-year-old girl to lure in a predator in Oklahoma City. The actor wore a blonde wig and FaceTimed a 31-year-old child predator in the episode. The actor stayed in a child-like room for the 'performance' and even used a different voice than hers. The episode shows her talking to the man and eventually confronting him with the authorities present. Speaking about the experience in an interview with the Daily Mail, Ariel said, 'It's definitely cathartic to be teaming with SOSA, knowing that I can make a difference. It can be scary at times pretending to be 12 and talking to older men, but it's validating to put away predators that have been harming children.' Ariel said that she drew from her own experiences as a child actor for the show. 'Growing up in the entertainment industry, I've been the girl we are trying to save. It's vital to me to help protect young women from the experiences I endured in my own life,' she said. Ariel began work on television at the age of 6, first appearing in commercials, followed by minor roles in TV shows like Listen Up and Freddie in 2005. The same year, she made her film debut with Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. After several episodic roles on TV and cameos in films, Ariel found her breakthrough playing Alex Dunphy on Modern Family from 2009-20.
Indian Express
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
The Accountant 2 movie review: Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal starrer is an oddball bromance dressed up as a thriller
Every once in a while, Hollywood returns to a property that probably didn't need a sequel but gets one anyway because, well, why not? The Accountant 2 is one such. The 2016 original was a strange cocktail: part crime thriller, part character study of an autistic accountant with a very particular set of skills, and part action film where mathematics and murder intersected in ways viewers didn't expect. It wasn't perfect, but it had its moments. This time around, director Gavin O'Connor leans even more into the bizarre tone, producing a film that is alarmingly weird, occasionally funny, frequently entertaining, and almost entirely pointless. The Accountant 2 doesn't pretend to have a burning narrative reason to exist. The plot, if you can call it that, is a loose collection of events strung together by a single thread. Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck) returns, this time embroiled in a vague murder mystery that somehow snowballs into a conspiracy involving human trafficking, corruption, and some good old-fashioned beatdowns. It sounds compelling on paper, but only until you realise that none of it really matters. The plot isn't so much driven as it is dragged along by the need to give Christian and his estranged brother Braxton (Jon Bernthal) something to do between action scenes. Unlike the first film, which, for all its quirks, had a coherent through-line of trauma, intelligence, and moral ambiguity, this sequel feels like it was reverse-engineered from a few cool action beats and brotherly banter. The rest is filler. The highlight of the film, by far, is the chemistry between Affleck and Bernthal. Their brotherly banter, punches – verbal and physical – and occasional heartfelt moments elevate the film from a forgettable thriller to mildly memorable buddy movie. Every time Affleck's cold, emotionally-muted Christian clashes with Bernthal's boisterous, impulsive Braxton, you find yourself hooting and chuckling. It's the kind of dynamic that feels like it belongs more in a Shane Black film (a la The Nice Guys or Kiss Kiss Bang Bang) than in a tense thriller about accounting and assassination. Every time the story begins to build a sense of dread or tension, it gets sidetracked by a sudden joke or an oddly wholesome exchange. This derails the mood, like finding a TikTok dance break in the middle of Prisoners. You might find yourself laughing at moments you were never meant to. And that's the strange magic of this sequel – it wants to be serious, but it's so caught up in entertaining you, it forgets to tell a story that goes anywhere. To its credit, The Accountant 2 still knows how to stage a fight. The action is clean, crisp, and competently executed. If you came purely for Affleck breaking arms with dead-eyed precision, you won't leave disappointed. But even the action lacks a sense of urgency. It feels like it's happening because the movie feels obligated to keep the energy up – not because the stakes demand it. The first Accountant toyed with the idea of neurodivergence and weaponised intelligence, and while it wasn't a flawless representation, it offered something unique. This time, Christian's condition feels more like a plot device than a character trait. There's no real development, no emotional evolution – just another excuse for Affleck to monologue about prime numbers in between interactions. If this film were a spreadsheet, it would be labelled 'Sequel: Just Because.' It's better than the first in terms of scale and some emotional beats, but that's like saying a slightly burnt toast is better than completely charred – you're still left chewing on something dry. There's no real point to this continuation. No thematic weight. No personal journey. Christian isn't grappling with anything new. The mission doesn't challenge him. Even the resolution feels perfunctory, like the writers knew they had to wrap it up somewhere and figured, 'eh, this'll do.' It's not bad enough to hate. It's just not good enough to matter. Is The Accountant 2 enjoyable? Yes, in the way a lazy Sunday watch on Prime Video is enjoyable. You'll chuckle at some lines, nod at some action sequences, and forget most of it by dinner. It's a perfectly fine distraction — a popcorn entertainer that occasionally mistakes quirk for quality. But special? No. Thought-provoking? Hardly. Necessary? Not even remotely. In a world where action-thrillers are sharpening their edges, this feels like something from a different time, when simply putting a gun in the hands of a famous actor was enough to justify a movie. Maybe in 2010, this would've wowed. In 2025, it feels quaint. And yet, despite all that, I wouldn't mind seeing these brothers again. Maybe in a better script. Or a completely different genre. Something where their accidental comedy is the point, not the detour. The Accountant 2 The Accountant 2 Cast – Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, J.K. Simmons, Allison Robertson The Accountant 2 Director – Gavin O'Connor The Accountant 2 Rating – 2.5/5
USA Today
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'Modern Family' star Ariel Winter says body shaming 'totally damaged my self-esteem'
'Modern Family' star Ariel Winter says body shaming 'totally damaged my self-esteem' Show Caption Hide Caption 'Modern Family': Ariel Winter, Nolan Gould talk growing up on show Known for playing Alex and Luke Dunphy on ABC's "Modern Family," Ariel Winter and Nolan Gould talk growing up before the fans' eyes over the decade. USA TODAY Ariel Winter is getting real about the emotional toll of body shaming. In an interview with People magazine published May 7, the "Modern Family" star, 27, reflected on being subjected to negative comments scrutinizing her appearance while she was a child actor. Winter played Alex Dunphy, the middle child of the Dunphy family, on the ABC sitcom for 11 seasons. "It was every headline I read about myself, like, grown people writing articles about me saying how I looked terrible or pregnant or like a fat slut," Winter shared. "I mean, I was 14. It totally damaged my self-esteem." She continued, "I understood what it was like to be hated. No matter what I was going through, I was a target. It made it very difficult to look at myself in the mirror and go, 'I love this version of me.'" Winter grew up in the public eye starring on "Modern Family," which debuted on ABC in 2009, when she was 11, and ended in 2020, when she was 22. She started acting at the age of four and before "Modern Family" had already appeared in films like "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" and shows like "Nip/Tuck." Ariel Winter dishes on trolls, why she left UCLA: 'I don't know what it is about me' Winter previously reflected on body shaming in a 2021 episode of "Red Table Talk: The Estefans," remembering how she was called "fat" at age 13 after "I had gained weight and my body changed." The actress, who explained she gained weight after she started taking antidepressants, also said she received comments labeling her "a horrible role model" for "trying to be sexy." In a 2016 interview with Teen Vogue, Winter shared that she has "struggled with self-esteem and body confidence for years," adding that it was "really difficult" to receive cruel comments about her appearance. "I tried to lose weight, I crash dieted, I tried to change what I looked like so I would fit this standard, and it never worked," Winter told the outlet. "I got to a certain point where I realized I was never going to please people, so I decided to make myself happy instead. I'm so grateful I made that decision, because it really made a difference for me." 'Modern Family' star Ariel Winter shuts down body-shamers: I 'didn't get plastic surgery' In her new interview with People magazine, Winter revealed she no longer lives in Los Angeles, where she grew up. Though she clarified she "didn't leave the industry" and will continue to act, she said she decided to move out of the city because it "holds some not-great memories for me, and I'm young and never lived anywhere else, and thought, 'Why not?'"
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Culture Agenda: The best things to do, hear, see or watch in Europe this week
Monday, monday - always a bit of a slog. The good news is, April is bringing sunshine and eclectic events to help hurry us out of hibernation. Alongside this week's suggestions, we also recommend checking out the Mauritshuis museum's showcase of 60 charismatic takes on Vermeer's 'Girl with a Pearl Earring', and Centre Pompidou's celebration of Black artists in Paris. Following the sad news of Val Kilmer's passing, there's never been a better time to watch (or re-watch) some of his classics - put Kiss Kiss Bang Bang at the top spot. Speaking of cinema, keep in mind that this Thursday is the announcement of this year's Cannes Film Festival line-up... And it's already looking mighty promising. Keep your eyes peeled for our full coverage. Until next time, have a great week. José María Velasco: A View of Mexico Where: National Gallery (London, UK) When: Until 17 August 2025 To see a José María Velasco painting is to fall in love with Mexico, every brushstroke an encapsulation of the country's natural beauty and evolving state. The 19th-century polymath was renowned for his landscape works, combining fascinations in geology, archaeology and botany (to name a few) alongside commentary on creeping industrialisation. What resulted were deeply personal, intellectually textured and elegantly detailed studies of a place few had truly ever seen before, caught in periods of both gentle and dramatic transformation. Coinciding with the 200th anniversary of Mexico and the UK establishing diplomatic relations, this is also the first exhibition to be dedicated to a historical Latin American artist at the National Gallery. Inner child Where: Opera Gallery (London, UK) When: Until 5 May 2025 Openness on social media alongside a gradual shattering of stigmas around mental health have led to increased discourse on the concept of the inner child, a way for people to reconnect with and process early experiences and their ripple effect. It was an idea born from Swiss psychiatrist and psychotherapist Carl Jung's 'child archetype', who would have been 150 this year. The subject is explored in-depth at Opera Gallery's latest exhibition by two artists: Yayoi Kusama and the late Niki de Saint Phalle. A total of 41 artworks depict the playful, eclectic whimsy of childhood while sometimes subverting it, capturing the ways in which returning to our childlike selves opens up a renewed worldview that's both liberating and conflicting, tangled fragments resurfacing. A merging of creativity and psychology, it's a vibrant visual reminder of how art can help us to find and heal ourselves. War Child's Secret 7" 2025 exhibition Where: NOW Gallery (London, UK) When: 11 April – 1 June 2025 For their 2025 exhibition, the charity organisation War Child will display 700 specially designed record sleeves to be auctioned on 1 June 2025. Contributors include The Cure, Gregory Porter, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Jessie Ware, in collaboration with artists Yinka Ilori, Sir Paul Smith and Antony Gormley. It's the ultimate record sale for those looking to add something completely one-off to their collection while donating to a good cause. There's also an element of surprise: buyers only find out which artist designed their album cover after the auction ends. For those simply looking to admire, the exhibition includes a dedicated listening space where visitors can tune in to all seven records included, as well as the entire Secret 7" archive. Milan Design Week View this post on Instagram A post shared by milan design week 2025 (@ Where: Milan, Italy When: 7 - 13 April 2025 The world's biggest design festival somehow feels even bigger this year, featuring everything from striking modular lights by designer Michael Anastassiades, an installation by filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino, and a collection of exquisite urns by acclaimed architects and designers like David Chipperfield and Audrey Large. While the main event is focused around the Salone del Mobile furniture fair, there are a plethora of diverse events happening all around the city, including plays, talks, and even an exhibition where visitors can live and sleep in the gallery - good to know, we'll undoubtedly need a nap after exploring everything here. Barcelona Beer Festival Where: Barcelona, Spain When: 11 April - 13 April 2025 Beautiful Barcelona and bountiful beer? Need we convince you more?! An idea brewed up by four friends in 2012, the BBF has become the largest craft beer event in Spain. More than 100 breweries from all over the world take part in this yeasty haze of tastings, workshops, talks and good old fashioned communal spirit fuelled by a shared love of sipping something refreshing in the heady glow of Spring. Did we mention that there are also over 600 craft beers on tap (including limited-edition brews)? Cheers to that - and drink responsibly, of course! Drop Where: European cinemas When: 11 April 2025 Ever been sitting on a train when someone airdrops you a meme of a cat wearing sunglasses, leaving you feeling deeply unsettled but also ever so slightly amused? Just us? Ok. Well, imagine that scenario BUT you're on a first date and the airdrops become increasingly sinister, asking you to murder the man you're with else they'll kill your son and sister. Ain't nothing amusing about that. This is the basis for Christopher Landon's latest horror film, Drop. It stars Meghann Fahy as Violet, a widow enjoying a fancy date with Henry (Brandon Sklenar) when the mysterious and nerve shredding events mentioned above start to unfold. A good reminder to switch off your phone when watching - and avoid dating? Death of a Unicorn Where: European cinemas When: Out now Don't mess with unicorns - especially ones with girthsome horns. This latest release from A24 stars Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega as a father and daughter trying to repair their rocky relationship when they accidentally crash into and kill a unicorn. This leads to the revelation that it has mystical abilities to cure cancer - something Rudd's boss (Richard E. Grant in full Saltburn mode) is excited to exploit, leading to gruesome consequences when the creatures retaliate. Out critic David Mouriquand wrote: "From the premise alone, there's plenty to love about Death Of A Unicorn. Caricatures of pharma arseholes getting bloodily impaled while a fractured father-daughter dynamic gets healed in the process. It sounds like something Roger Corman would have saluted." Then he liked it less... Read the full review here. The Last of Us Where: HBO When: 13 April 2025 After two long years, the wait is finally over baby girls. We last saw Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) during that explosive finale that had the rebel Fireflies militia dropping like, well, (fire)flies. Based on the seminal post-apocalyptic franchise by Naughty Dog, it takes place in a world ravaged by a mutated fungus called Cordyceps that transforms people into rabid zombies, with Ellie's character harbouring a rare immunity. Four years on from the events of season 1, we're now following Ellie on a revenge mission alongside her girlfriend Dina (Shannon Woodward). Expect more high tension, heartbreak and screaming 'holy shiitake' at the screen (we hope the book of puns returns too). Bon Iver: SABLE, fABLE When: 11 April 2025 Bon Iver has always captured transitions; the pause between thoughts, between moments, between who we were and who we're becoming. It feels like perfect timing, then, that we get this new album at the advent of spring, as softer realisations blossom from the chilly ruminations of winter. Recorded in Justin Vernon's hometown of Wisconsin at the tail end of the COVID pandemic, 'SABLE, fABLE' completes last year's EP release, which we called 'an achingly lovely confrontation of anxiety and change.' Through his trademark repetitions, reverberations and layered harmonies, Vernon soothed the restless emotions of a generation - and from the album's already released tracks, like 'If Only I Could Wait', it's clear we're about to be collectively healed once again.
The Independent
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Tom Cruise ‘cried' during emotional reunion with Val Kilmer on Top Gun: Maverick
The American actor, also famed for his performances in Willow, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Tombstone and as Jim Morrison in The Doors, died at the age of 65 on April 1. The cause of death was pneumonia, his daughter confirmed. Kilmer, who appeared alongside Cruise in the 1986 original Top Gun, was diagnosed with cancer in 2015. After successfully undergoing chemotherapy and two tracheotomies, Kilmer spoke with the use of a voice box. When he reunited with Cruise in Maverick, his character, Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky, was seen speaking through a computer due to an unspecified illness. 'I just want to say that was pretty emotional. I've known Val for decades,' Cruise said while appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2023. 'For him to come back and play that character… he's such a powerful actor that he instantly became that character again. You're looking at Iceman.' 'I was crying. I got emotional,' Cruise admitted. 'He's such a brilliant actor, and I love his work.' In the original Top Gun, Iceman is Maverick's chief rival in the naval aviator training program. Maverick eventually earns Iceman's respect after saving his life, leading Kilmer to the immortal phrase: 'You can be my wingman anytime.' In 2022, 63-year-old Kilmer shared a still from the movie on Instagram with the poignant caption: '36 years later… I'm still your wingman <3.' Cruise previously revealed that he 'rallied hard' to get Kilmer into the first action movie. Top Gun: Maverick was the top-grossing film of 2022; it was the 11th highest-grossing movie in history worldwide and was nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. At the Academy Awards nominees luncheon that year, Steven Spielberg credited Cruise with saving 'Hollywood's ass.' 'Seriously. Maverick might have saved the entire theatrical industry,' the director told the actor.
