Latest news with #PromNight
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
5 best 1980s slasher movies to watch after 'Fear Street: Prom Queen'
The 1980s were the heyday of the slasher movie, when dozens of films about masked killers slashing their way through unsuspecting, often teenage, victims made their way into theaters and onto video store shelves. That's exactly the vibe that director and co-writer Matt Palmer aims to capture in Netflix's new hit horror movie 'Fear Street: Prom Queen,' the latest installment in the 'Fear Street' franchise. 'Prom Queen' is set in 1988, and its story of a killer stalking the prom queen finalists at Shadyside High could be lifted wholesale from a 1980s slasher movie. I found 'Prom Queen' to be a fun, if disposable viewing experience, but as a longtime slasher-movie fan, I mainly felt inspired to go back and watch more of the real thing. If you're interested in checking out the origins of 'Fear Street: Prom Queen's" style, here are five of my favorite 1980s slasher movies to stream now. Easily the best '80s slasher movie (and one of the best horror movies ever made), writer-director Wes Craven's haunting, hallucinatory suburban nightmare introduces Robert Englund as supernatural serial killer Freddy Krueger, a deceased child murderer who now has the ability to attack people in their dreams. Freddy is a horror icon, and Englund makes him instantly unforgettable as he terrorizes the teens of seemingly placid Springwood, Ohio. Freddy is matched by determined teenager Nancy Thompson (Heather Langenkamp), who is convinced that her classmates are being killed in their sleep, even if no one else believes her. Nancy is a fierce but vulnerable hero, and her inner strength in standing up to Freddy is what gives 'Nightmare' its emotional power. The subsequent franchise is uneven, but Craven's original film is a masterpiece. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Rent/buy at Amazon or Apple The first 'Prom Night' is a lesser Jamie Lee Curtis horror entry, but this quasi-sequel — which was originally produced as a wholly unrelated movie — is much more entertaining, with a campy sense of humor and a welcome oddball tone. It's the best prom-related slasher movie, featuring the ghost of a murdered prom queen taking her revenge 30 years later. Mary Lou Maloney (Lisa Shrage) possesses the body of a current student and embarks on a reign of terror, all with the goal of being crowned prom queen once again. As in 'Fear Street: Prom Queen,' the title is worth killing for, and director Bruce Pittman stages some inventive deaths as Mary Lou murders her way back to the top of the social hierarchy. Watch on Prime Video Summer camps are a common setting for slasher movies (including 'Fear Street: 1978'), and 'Sleepaway Camp' is one of the most memorable, not just for its notorious shock ending. It's appealingly off-kilter even before then, starting with Desiree Gould's unhinged performance as the controlling aunt who sends introverted main character Angela Baker (Felissa Rose) off to sleepaway camp, where she's relentlessly bullied by the other campers. As Angela's tormentors start dying one by one, often in creatively gruesome ways, writer-director Robert Hiltzik keeps the audience on edge, questioning Angela's mental state and her status as both a victim and possible perpetrator. The movie's handling of queer identity is both bold and potentially problematic, but it looks more groundbreaking as time has gone on. The mix of sexuality, trauma and vengeance makes 'Sleepaway Camp' into a stark, brutal experience. Watch on Prime Video Noted mystery novelist Rita Mae Brown originally wrote the script for this clever film as a slasher-movie parody, and while director Amy Holden Jones presents it in a more straightforward manner, it's still full of sly humor. It might be a stretch to call 'The Slumber Party Massacre' feminist, but the filmmakers shift the perspective of the typically male-dominated genre, and there are plenty of opportunities to poke fun at the killer's very phallic weapon, a giant drill. There are also plenty of opportunities for the teen-girl characters to take their clothes off, as they get together for a sleepover at one girl's house while her parents are away. A massacre ensues, courtesy of an escaped murderer, but there are at least as many fake-outs as actual murders, and Jones maintains a playful visual style even as things get nasty. Watch on Prime Video The high point of the mostly glum 'Friday the 13th' franchise is this goofy sixth installment, which brings in self-aware humor to liven up yet another story about hockey-masked murderer Jason Voorhees taking out a series of interchangeable victims. The series has been around long enough at this point to have its own recognizable formula, and writer-director Tom McLoughlin toys with audience expectations, making cheeky references to the movie's own absurdity. McLoughlin also makes Jason (played this time by C.J. Graham) into a completely supernatural force, bypassing any need to explain his frequent resurrections. While past installments could be salacious and sexualized, 'Jason Lives' captures more of a throwback monster-movie vibe, making it almost wholesome in comparison to the frequently sleazy slasher genre. It's a lively, bright spot in a franchise that is more often grim and repetitive. Watch on Pluto TV
CBS News
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Detroit nonprofit makes prom possible for local teens
Prom night is a rite of passage, but for some Detroit students, the cost of that milestone can be too much to manage. From tickets to tuxedos, the expenses add up quickly. That's where The Prom Promise comes in. Founded by Detroiter Mackenzie Thompson, the nonprofit is making sure cost isn't the reason a teen misses out. The Prom Promise provides everything from gowns to hair and makeup at no cost to students. "I always wanted to come back and give back to the community who shaped and raised me," Thompson said. "I want our recipients to feel seen and appreciated and valued and celebrated." For students like Marie Winstor-Turner, the experience has been unforgettable. "It's just amazing. Like, I love it," she said. Some students even received beauty services for the first time ever, thanks to a network of local volunteers who donated their time and talent. One of those volunteers is Cheryl D. Kitchen, owner of CDK Kreative Kreations on the Avenue of Fashion. This year, she's designing a one-of-a-kind gown for one lucky prom-goer. The dress would typically cost more than $1,000, but through The Prom Promise, it's being gifted. "It feels so good to be able to make a difference," Kitchen said. "Prom is really huge for us. Everything we do is glitz and glam." Thanks to the organization, five girls are attending prom this year. And for Thompson, that's just the beginning. "I love just our culture, our community," she said. "I've seen so many people pour into The Prom Promise and just want to be a part of something like this." A local effort that's building confidence while making Detroit and Detroiters proud. To learn more, visit The Prom Promise's website.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Brittany Snow recounts disastrous date with ‘very famous' celeb who fell asleep ‘mid-make out'
Aca-scuse me? Brittany Snow recalled a 'very famous DJ' falling asleep on her mid-make out in her late 20s. 'One of the first dates I'd ever gone on from Raya was this very famous DJ,' the 'Pitch Perfect' star, now 39, shared on a recent episode of the 'In Your Dreams With Owen Thiele' podcast. 'I can't tell you [who], but I'm sure that people can deduce it if they really want to. But he was like a very, he's still famous, I guess,' she added, clarifying that it wasn't Diplo. 'I think it was the first and second and third date that he fell asleep, once, while we were making out,' Snow said. 'Mid-make out. I'm not kidding. Swear to you,' she continued. The actress explained they 'weren't doing anything very spicy' when she was on top of him, and he stopped reciprocating. 'I pulled back and he was just dead asleep,' Snow said. 'I woke him up and I was like, 'Hey, what the f–k is going on?' 'And he was like, 'Oh man, I'm sorry. I'm just so tired.' I mean, he's a DJ, so I was like, 'Did you have a late set last night?'' The 'Hairspray' star claimed her unnamed date was 'really apologetic,' and she decided to go out with him again. 'We go out, like, a week later and he comes over to my place. Same thing. We're kissing … We're making out, he's back asleep,' she recalled. Snow admitted she 'took it personally,' joking, 'Wow, I must really be just so hot.' Snow later went on to marry her ex-husband, Tyler Stanaland, in 2020. She pulled the plug on their two-year marriage in 2022. 'This decision was made with love and mutual respect for one another. We have realized we need to take some time and make sure we are each living our most fulfilling and authentic lives,' she announced via Instagram. Stanaland, 35, later denied rumors that he had cheated on Snow with his 'Selling the OC' co-star Alex Hall after the 'Prom Night' star hinted at infidelity playing a role in their split. This story was featured on a recent episode of , a daily morning show serving up the hottest celebrity headlines, exclusives, and behind-the-scenes buzz. Catch Danny, Evan and Ian chat with celebrity guests every weekday on SiriusXM from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. ET on Stars Ch. 109. SiriusXM service required. See Offer Details.
Axios
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Local band Lawn talks Miami's music scene
Miami band Lawn is new to the local scene, so we asked them a couple of questions about their journey. Responses were edited for clarity When did you start your band? Romeo (singer songwriter), Cooper (bass) and Daniel (guitar) started the band last summer after working together in a different band. They decided to leave that project and start their own band so they could explore the indie genre more deeply. Once they found Cliff (drums), Lawn was created. How would you describe your sound? Lawn's sound, which takes inspiration from psychedelic rock and shoegaze, is raw yet danceable. Our new EP "House Party Hero" explores a range of styles, from grunge influences ("Overdoser") to the energizing guitar solo on "Prom Night." What's the best part of Miami's music scene? What are the challenges? The best part Romeo: The jazz scene. I've seen a lot of great performances at the Fish House and Lagniappe. Cliff and Cooper: The diversity of venues and the people that go to them. You've got clubs, bars, waterfront restaurants and rundown warehouses. Daniel: It's diverse and growing rapidly. Especially when it comes to Latin and EDM music, Miami is the place to be if you want to see firsthand how those genres are evolving. The challenges
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Yahoo
Experts Sound the Alarm on ‘Unacceptable Risk' Social AI Companions Pose to Teens
Common Sense Media just dropped a bombshell report about social AI companions, and it leaves no room for a devil's advocate. If you're unfamiliar with the nonprofit, you can think of it as a Rotten Tomatoes where the reviews come from parents and experts who want to make sure kids and teens are consuming age-appropriate content. It's a tool for parents and educators who want to know what movies, TV shows, books, games, podcasts, and apps they should steer clear of, and an astounding resource and research hub that works to improve kids' wellbeing in the digital age. More from SheKnows Uber Is Giving Teens Free Rides for Prom Night - Here's How to Get One And as media options expand, so too does their workload. Recently, the group launched an AI Risk Assessment Team that assesses AI platforms (ChatGPT and the like) for 'potential opportunities, limitations, and harms.' They have developed a scale to rate the likelihood that using a certain AI tool would result in 'a harmful event occurring,' and their latest findings are nothing short of disturbing. On a scale from 'minimal' to 'unacceptable,' social AI companions — like Nomi, and Replika — ranked 'unacceptable' for teen users. The platforms are designed to create emotional attachments (ever heard of an AI boyfriend?), and this is incredibly dangerous given that teens' brains are still developing, and they may struggle to differentiate and create boundaries between true, IRL companions and AI 'companions.' It's why one Florida mom believes ultimately led her 14-year-old son's death by suicide. In an interview with CNN, Megan Garcia alleged that the designers of the bot didn't include 'proper guardrails' or safety measures on their 'addicting' platform that she thinks is used to 'manipulate kids.' In a lawsuit, she claims the bot caused her teen to withdraw from his family and that it didn't respond appropriately when he expressed thoughts of self-harm. It's just one of many harrowing stories that come with teens using similar chatbots, and though there are studies that suggest AI companions can alleviate loneliness, Common Sense Media argues that the risks (including encouraging suicide and/or self-harm, sexual misconduct, and stereotypes) outweigh any potential benefits. When it came to the eight principles by which Common Sense reviews an AI platform, three ranked as having an 'unacceptable risk' associated with not doing these things (keep kids and teens safe, be effective, and support human connection), four ranked as 'high risk' (prioritize fairness, be trustworthy, use data responsibly, and be transparent), and one was 'moderate risk' (put people first). Why? Because the chatbots engage in sexual conversations, they can share harmful information, encourage poor life choices, increase mental health risks, and more. You can see concerning conversations between Common Sense Media employees and AI companions HERE. 'Our testing showed these systems easily produce harmful responses including sexual misconduct, stereotypes, and dangerous 'advice' that, if followed, could have life-threatening or deadly real-world impact for teens and other vulnerable people,' James Steyer, founder and CEO of Common Sense Media, said in a statement. And so what should parents do? Despite platforms working on supposed safety measures, per CNN, Common Sense Media recommends that parents not let minors use social AI companions. At. All. Which might sound easier said than done. In September, the nonprofit released another report that showed that of the 70 percent of surveyed teens who have used at least one generative AI tool, 53 percent use it for homework help. With the technology quickly infiltrating every part of many teens' lives, how can parents intervene? SheKnows spoke to Jennifer Kelman, a licensed clinical social worker and family therapist with JustAnswer, who says she sees a lot of 'exasperated' parents who are 'afraid' to start these conversations about AI usage. 'I want parents to be less afraid of their children and to have these difficult conversations,' Kelman says. At the time, I admitted to Kelman that I am embarrassed to talk to teens about AI because I assume they will know more than me. 'Use that feeling,' she says. 'If we want our kids to talk about their feelings, we have to talk about ours … plus it's the biggest ice breaker.' '[You could say], 'I am so embarrassed to have this conversation with you, and maybe I should have done a little research before, but I'm worried about AI. Tell me what you know about it. Tell me how you've used it in the past. Tell me how you think you'll use it. And what are the school rules? … I feel silly because I've never used AI before, but I want to learn. I want to learn from you.'' It can be empowering for teens to be able to lead the conversation, and then you can have a conversation ('Which should be ongoing!') about how maybe using AI to brainstorm ideas for a school project is appropriate, but turning to a companion AI tool is never OK. Talk to them about the 'unacceptable risks' and discuss other ways for them to find the companionship they seem to be seeking. Sure, the conversation could result in some footstomping or eyerolls, but experts assert that parents can't let the fear of an exasperated sigh keep them from talking to their kids about the urgent need to end any relationship-building conversations with these of SheKnows 18 Celebrity Parents With Trans & Nonbinary Kids Target's Car Seat Trade-In Event & Other Ways to Get Rid of an Old, Expired Seat Heather Graham & Other Celebs Who Are Doing Just Fine Without Biological Children
