Billie Lourd is making the leap from one Ryan Murphy series to another. The Scream Queens star is set for a lead role in the seventh season of American Horror Story, EW has confirmed. Lourd joins AHS veterans Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters in the upcoming election-themed installment of the horror franchise. While little is known about the season, executive producer Tim Minear teased that the plot came from a “completely bats—” idea.
The daughter of Carrie Fisher and granddaughter of Debbie Reynolds, Lourd is best known for her two-season run on Murphy’s Scream Queens, playing the earmuff-wearing Chanel No. 3. She had a small part alongside her late mother in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and is returning for the upcoming Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
A business-savvy Texas preacher with strong political opinions and a flair for media coverage believes that women who marched in the street to protest the election of President Donald Trump were witches, according to The Daily Beast.
"What I believe is happening is there was a deliverance of the nation from the spirit of witchcraft in the Oval Office," Lance Wallnau said in February on televangelist Jim Bakker's TV show.
In a profile of the Keller-based evangelical leader, The Daily Beast describes Wallnau's analysis of the 2016 presidential election and what it says about the nation.
This is not OK. Remember that captivating video that went viral? We loved it, and we’re pretty sure most of the internet did, too—with its 50 million+ views. But since the video went viral, the yogi behind it says he’s received some seriously terrible threats.
Yogi Finlay Wilson says he received a handwritten letter left on his doorstep. “I was warned in this letter that I should leave my home, along with me and my dog, because I was gay,” Wilson said in an interview with BBC Scotland’s The Social.
“The writers of the letter claimed that they’d been watching me for quite some time, that they’re watching my social media.”
In a separate interview with the BBC, Wilson explains how he was full of fear and panic at first, but then frustration and anger.
“I was upset at first, but now I am furious, because someone’s aim is to intimidate me and terrorise[sic] me into leaving my home because of their own bigoted beliefs.
“The people who do this sort of thing need to know that their views are unacceptable and the majority of people won’t tolerate it.”
The threat is being treated by police as a hate crime, as it rightly should.
A police spokesperson said: “Police Scotland does not tolerate hate crime in any form and everyone has the right to live safely and without fear.”
We’re assuming the offenders are not yogis, but you know, who knows these days? It’s downright awful that this is happening in today’s world. We stand with you against hate, Finlay Wilson, and want you to know that others do, too.
If you feel inclined to show your support for Finlay, please leave a comment below, or send him a message on facebook.
Now that we’ve met the Iron Fist, it’s time to look ahead to The Defenders. Marvel‘s heroes of Hell’s Kitchen will assemble in an Avengers-style miniseries event for Netflix, and now we have a release date.
In a brief teaser video, released on YouTube, security camera footage shows the superhuman quartet riding an elevator in Midland Circle, the mysterious corporation at the center of that literal hole in Daredevil season 2. Krysten Ritter’s Jessica Jones spies the security camera and smashes it exactly at the 08:18:20:17 mark. Need more confirmation of an August premiere? If you plug in those numbers in the upper left-hand corner to your browser (http://23.253.120.81), it’ll redirect to a website for The New York Bulletin, the newspaper where Deborah Ann Woll’s Karen Page now works. At the bottom is a message that reads, “Watch Marvel’s The Defenders All Episodes Streaming Only on Netflix August 18.” Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox), Jessica Jones (Ritter), Luke Cage (Mike Colter), and Danny Rand (Finn Jones) will team up to take on a new threat, Sigourney Weaver’s Alexandra. As revealed in EW’s The Defenders cover story, each hero arrives at Midland Circle separately before they’re forced to fight their way through a group of enemies in another hallway fight sequence. “Every one of them is following their own trail of bread crumbs, trying to unpack a mystery in New York,” showrunner Marco Ramirez said. “We wanted them all caught off guard. Once they’re in that room together, it’s kind of like, ‘Oh, s—, who are you?’” Check out the new teaser above.
I am sadly addicted to ChristianAnswers.net. I love to see how Christians, and other religions, view projects with alternate religious, or secular, view points. Currently, Power Rangers has 48% on Rotten Tomatoes, but several of my friends, and my daughter's friends, have seen it and loved it. The reviews through CA.net skips over the Pagan/Witchly character in the film: Rita Repulsa, played by the incomparable Elizabeth Banks. They focus more on the Evolutionary science presented, a gay character, and a singing nun.
This week, I proudly share with you ChristianAnswers.net reviews for the new film Power Rangers!
"Some may think that the “very offensive” rating is too strong for this film, but I think it is necessary due to the amount of sexual innuendo and inappropriate content present in the film (see below under objectionable content). Especially for a film that appeals to kids, I believe a strong warning needs to be sounded. Children are impressionable, and there are just too many red flags in this film. Even one instance of innuendo can stay in the mind for years. We must not underestimate its damaging effects. Such content is not only harmful but absolutely unnecessary.
There is a scene where it is heavily implied that one of the Rangers has embraced homosexuality. The media is highlighting this fact, calling her the first openly Gay superhero. The film doesn’t actually come right out and say that, but it is strongly implied, fully intentional, and the Director acknowledges that this. In a movie that appeals to kids, parents have to be ready with answers. Even if they don’t allow their kids to see the film, they will likely hear about this character at school or through the media. There are biblical answers for this. Scripture is clear that homosexuality is a sin, but it is also equally clear that it is not a sin too strong for the Gospel (1 Cor 6:9-11). Jesus Christ came to save all sinners who will turn to Him. Christians need to be truthful about this matter, but also compassionate and loving to those who are struggling with this sin, or any other sin. We are to offer them hope in the Gospel. We must not believe Satan’s lie that the Gospel is not powerful enough to change a person struggling with this sin. The Gospel is God’s power to save anyone who believes and repents, and it has the power to break every kind of sin (Romans 1:16; 6:11-14)." "Positive
Positive—I found this movie enjoyable with a decent plot and good acting. In fact, the beginning of the movie was reminiscent of “The Breakfast Club.” I found very little content that was objectionable for this type of movie. There was almost no profanity, the only sexual content was a girl in very modest underwear before jumping into a lake, and there was a mention of bullying and the after effect of such behavior. There was also the two mentions of innuendo, which were mild and would likely go right over small children’s heads.
If you’re worried of a non biblical worldview, I’d be less afraid of the comment of the Earth being 65 million years old and more concerned that all life would be destroyed if the “magical” stone were ripped out of the ground, but this is a sci-fi after all. more »
There were some scenes with Elizabeth Bank’s character that might be too intense or scary for sensitive kids, but I don’t think it would be a problem for most kids. The action was far lighter than any of the stuff in the Transformer movies.
There was one character who was struggling with her sexuality, but it was mentioned only once and is hardly worth raising a fuss over. As much as we may or may not like it, the issue of homosexuality is not going away and is becoming more and more mainstream. Why not use the movie as an opportunity to discuss the issue with your kids? Although, odds are they’ve been exposed to it already.
Overall, this was a pretty clean film with some positive values that the whole family could watch… that is, if they’re into this genre of film.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 4 —James Carpenter, age 46 (USA)
Positive—Honestly, I feel the media has been blowing up this whole gay thing WAY outta proportion just to cast light and attention to themselves. The so called “homosexual” scene in question is when the Rangers are trying to get to know each other more. When they question one particular secluded character, Trini, they ask her about her relationships. They ask “boy trouble, girl trouble?” This is just implied, as they don’t know a thing about her. She doesn’t even respond to the question, only talks about her trouble relating to her parents or them understanding her, which is a serious issue all parents and teenagers face. Ultimately, it’s up to your own interpretation of the character, but it does open good opportunities for both parents and teens to talk. Cautious parents can talk before or after the movie so as their kids will understand the context. more »
Next the whole everyone’s inherently good critique by the reviewer. Remember we were inherently made good in God’s image. However, due to our choices sin comes into our life daily. Our flesh struggles with our spirit. God’s grace makes us free from sin and makes us pure in Christ. We fall short and sin everyday but that doesn’t mean we are unredeemable pure evil creatures. If that was true, God would’ve already wiped us all out long ago. No we learn from our sin and through Christ Jesus we become stronger and better equipped to deal with it. The character Kimberly learns that even though she messed up, she’s still loved and redeemable, which is JUST like all of us in Christ.
Overall I saw a very enjoyable, action packed movie for both young ages and nostalgic fans alike. I would recommend this film based upon what I saw. It also creates great discussions about who we are as Christians as far as our relationships with not just God, but each other a united body in Christ, a family just like the Power Rangers.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 4 —Joshua, age 28 (USA)"
"Comments from non-viewers
Negative—…I was disappointed that the new “Beauty and the Beast” film was promoting the LGBT propaganda. Now here’s another film that I’ll have to boycott. I’m so tired of having this agenda crammed down my throat. The only way we as Christians will get this to stop is to put our money where our mouth is. If we don’t take a stand now, what will the future look like? —John Johnson, age 21 (USA)
Negative—Of course I am not watching “Power Rangers,” another movie targeting preteens with promoting Gay agenda, promiscuity, gender confusion, etc. It’s disgraceful with as many church-going Christians in America, that movies like this continue with success. Until Christians and conservatives begin to put their money where their mouth is, we’ll continue down the same trajectory as gutted Europe. Wake up America—Boycott Hollywood!!!… —Harry, age 45 (USA)"
Sarah Michelle Gellar loves “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” as much as we do. She’s proud to have been a part of such a culturally impactful show ― she just really, really doesn’t want to revive those supernatural beings, people.
“They want it until they see it and don’t like it, and then they’re like, ‘Why did you do that?! You ruined my favorite show!’ And then it all comes back down on you,” Gellar said, smiling.
Although she believes revivals like “Gilmore Girls” are successful due to progressing storylines, the actress and author just thinks “Buffy” is one of those shows that wouldn’t work as well now that the cast is older.
“We have to remember it was about the horrors of adolescence and how those manifest into the monsters that were the actual monsters in our show, and I don’t know necessarily what that translates to into today,” she explained. “I also think that you can’t please everyone and we had seven amazing seasons. And it still lives on in fan fiction and comic books and graphic novels, and I think that’s really cool that it can live on in that immortal way. Because James [Marsters], David [Boreanaz], myself ― none of us are immortal.”
Boreanaz echoed Gellar’s sentiments during a previous interview with HuffPost, admitting, “[Angel] is just the type of character that’s youthfully oriented. I’m getting a little older, so ... It’s one of those things [where] I loved what I did, but just kind of move on from there.”
“He’s very adamant,” Gellar said of Boreanaz’s comments, throwing in the fact that she’s, also, no longer in her 20s.
“This body, I don’t think could put up ... I would break every bone in my body,” she joked. “I’m just not sure how the horrors of adolescence translate into a very tired girl over here that really doesn’t want to work all night in a graveyard. If the show still works and people are enjoying it, don’t mess with it. If it ain’t broke, I’m not fixing it! I feel like there’s other ways to keep it going and honor what we created.”
Getty Images via Getty Images
Sarah Michelle Gellar and David Boreanaz star in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” in 1998.
Despite all that, Gellar is so thankful for everything the role of Buffy Summers has given her, calling the fandom “incredible.”
“As an actor, all you hope is that you do something that means something to someone, that makes an impact, that stands the test of time,” she said. “So, it’s awesome.”
And although a reboot may be forever dead, the 20th anniversary reunion hosted by Entertainment Weekly was just as special for fans as it was for Gellar.
“Very rarely, maybe at a college reunion, do you sit back and reminisce a little bit. But you don’t really get to think about the impact on both you and on the culture, and it was nice to sort of be able to take that walk.”
If you’re worried of a non biblical worldview, I’d be less afraid of the comment of the Earth being 65 million years old and more concerned that all life would be destroyed if the “magical” stone were ripped out of the ground, but this is a sci-fi after all. more »
There were some scenes with Elizabeth Bank’s character that might be too intense or scary for sensitive kids, but I don’t think it would be a problem for most kids. The action was far lighter than any of the stuff in the Transformer movies.
There was one character who was struggling with her sexuality, but it was mentioned only once and is hardly worth raising a fuss over. As much as we may or may not like it, the issue of homosexuality is not going away and is becoming more and more mainstream. Why not use the movie as an opportunity to discuss the issue with your kids? Although, odds are they’ve been exposed to it already.
Overall, this was a pretty clean film with some positive values that the whole family could watch… that is, if they’re into this genre of film.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Better than Average / Moviemaking quality: 4
—James Carpenter, age 46 (USA)