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Tag: The Rock

  • Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Surprises YMCA Families with Gifts at Walmart Burbank

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    PAPATUI x Walmart Holiday Surprise Event with Dwayne ā€œThe Rockā€ Johnson

    On Friday, December 18 Dwayne ā€œThe Rockā€ Johnson and his menā€™s care brand PAPATUI made an appearance at Walmart in the Burbank Empire Center, to surprise kids and families from the YMCA Los Angeles chapters. Families were given stockings filled with gifts, and Johnson gifted even provided each family with a $500 Walmart gift certificate and a yearā€™s supply of PAPATUI.Ā 

    Five lucky kids received ā€œPapatuiā€™s Dwanta Golden Ticket,ā€ giving them the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fill their carts with as many toys as they could pile high. In addition to the surprise shopping spree, the yearā€™s supply of Papatui, and the $500 gift cards, every child received an extra toy from their personal wishlist, ensuring everyone was overwhelmed with joy,Ā 

    Dwayne Johnson has a personal connection to the YMCA as he spent time in their Hawaii branches when he was growing up. This surprise gifting moment reflects PAPATUIā€™s commitment to showing up for communities, standing for taking better care, and creating impact beyond the aisle, especially during the holidays.

    On Friday, December 18 Dwayne ā€œThe Rockā€ Johnson and his menā€™s care brand PAPATUI made an appearance at Walmart in the Burbank Empire Center, to surprise kids and families from the YMCA Los Angeles chapters.

    About PAPATUI
    PAPATUI is a menā€™s care brand founded by Dwayne ā€œThe Rockā€ Johnson, built on the belief that self-care should be clean, effective, and accessible to all men. Launched in 2024, PAPATUI was created to fill a long-standing gap in the grooming space. The brand offers efficacious, dermatologist-tested formulas with elevated ingredients and premium fragrances. From skincare to body care and beyond, PAPATUI delivers innovative solutions for all skin types helping men show up as their best, most confident selves every day.

    In its first year, PAPATUI quickly made waves in the industry, earning accolades across the board, from the Esquire Grooming Awards for its Enhancing Tattoo Stick to the GQ Grooming Awards for its 48-Hour Antiperspirant Deodorant and the Menā€™s Health Grooming Awards for its Rejuvenating Facial Toner. The brand has also been recognized by EBONY, GLAMOUR, and Glossy, which named PAPATUI the 2024 Menā€™s Beauty Brand of the Year. As PAPATUI continues to grow, it remains committed to delivering clean, hardworking products that raise the standard in menā€™s personal care.

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  • In heavyweight movie showdown, Taylor Swift’s ‘Show Girl’ smashes The Rock’s ‘Smashing Machine’ | Fortune

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    It might have looked like a heavyweight matchup, butĀ Swiftā€™s devoted fanbaseĀ once again proved unstoppable with her film ā€œThe Official Release Party of a Show Girl,ā€ which debuted at No. 1 with $33 million in North America, according to Sunday estimates from Comscore. The AMC Theatres release ā€”Ā announced only two weeks agoĀ with minimal promotion ā€” served as a companion piece toĀ Swiftā€™s 12th studio album, packaging music videos, behind-the-scenes footage and profanity-free lyric visuals into an 89-minute experience.

    The film played at all 540 AMC theaters in the U.S. for three days, ending after Sunday. AMC aired the show in Mexico, Canada and across Europe.

    ā€œFor Taylor Swift to harness the power of the movie theater to build her brand, create excitement among her fans, and create a communal experience outside of her touring, outside of her live performances, is really a stroke of genius,ā€ said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for Comscore. ā€œTo be able to add another $33 million to the box office bottom line is much welcomed by theater owners who were looking for content for their big screens.ā€

    It comes nearly two years after herĀ ā€œThe Eras Tourā€ concert film opened to $96 million, with Swift extending her streak of box office dominance.

    Meanwhile, Johnson saw a more modest showing. His A24 dramaĀ ā€œThe Smashing Machine,ā€Ā co-starringĀ Emily Blunt, opened in third place with a mere $6 million, trailing Paul Thomas Andersonā€™sĀ ā€œOne Battle After Another,ā€Ā which earned $11.1 million and has now accumulated $107 million globally.

    Despite strong reviews and a 15-minute standing ovation at theĀ Venice Film FestivalĀ ā€” where JohnsonĀ drew praise for portraying MMA legend Mark KerrĀ ā€” the film marked one of the lowest openings as a lead.

    ā€œWhen major movie stars branch out into more indie roles, like Tom Cruise in ā€˜Magnolia,ā€™ theyā€™re trying to redefine their career,ā€ Dergarabedian said. ā€œThey can straddle both universes, so Dwayne Johnson and all the acclaim heā€™s getting. That prestige factor. Thatā€™s the currency. He knows box office. He studies this and heā€™s a business person. But also realize that when you go outside of your comfort zone, it puts him in a certain light. ā€¦ Dwayne Johnson is redefining what he can do.ā€

    Beyond the two marquee names, the rest of the weekend lineup offered a wide mix ranging from animated adventures to horror sequels and international releases.

    DreamWorks Animationā€™s family adventureĀ ā€œGabbyā€™s Dollhouse: The Movieā€Ā debuted in fourth place with $5.2 million, expanding the popular Netflix preschool series to the big screen. Warner Bros.ā€™ supernatural thrillerĀ ā€œThe Conjuring: Last Ritesā€Ā followed in fifth with $4 million, pulling in $458.2 million globally.

    In sixth wasĀ ā€œDemon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba ā€“ Infinity Castle,ā€the latest entry in the hit Japanese anime saga, earning $3.5 million. A re-release ofĀ ā€œAvatar: The Way of Waterā€Ā made a splash in seventh with $3.1 million ā€” a solid return for the 2022 blockbuster ahead of ā€œAvatar: The Fire and Ashā€ on Dec. 19.

    Rounding out the top 10 wereĀ ā€œThe Strangers: Chapter 2ā€Ā with $2.8 million, the IFC dark comedy ā€œGood Boyā€ with $2.2 million, marking the companyā€™s second-best opening weekend ever. ā€œKantara: A Legend ā€“ Chapter 1ā€ with $1.7 million.

    Dergarabedian said heā€™s looking forward to October films such as ā€œTron: Ares,ā€ ā€œKiss of the Spider Womanā€ and ā€œRoofman,ā€ starring Channing Tatum.

    Top 10 movies by domestic box office

    With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore:

    1. ā€œThe Official Release Party of a Show Girl,ā€ $33 million

    2. ā€œOne Battle After Another,ā€ $11.1 million.

    3. ā€œThe Smashing Machine,ā€ $6 million.

    4. ā€œGabbyā€™s Dollhouse: The Movie,ā€ $5.2 million.

    5. ā€œThe Conjuring: Last Rites,ā€ $4 million.

    6. ā€œā€œDemon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba ā€“ Infinity Castle,ā€ $3.5 million.

    7. ā€œAvatar: The Way of Water,ā€ $3.1 million.

    8. ā€œThe Strangers: Chapter 2,ā€ $2.8 million.

    9. ā€œā€œGood Boy,ā€ $2.2 million.

    10. ā€œKantara A Legend: Chapter 1,ā€ $1.7 million.

    Fortune Global Forum returns Oct. 26ā€“27, 2025 in Riyadh. CEOs and global leaders will gather for a dynamic, invitation-only event shaping the future of business. Apply for an invitation.

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    Jonathan Landrum Jr., The Associated Press

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  • You know that movie where the Rock is a Chicken Man? That might be why the WWE star is looking different these days | The Mary Sue

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    With The Smashing Machine drawing closer and closer, a big topic of discussion has been how slim Dwayne ā€œThe Rockā€ Johnson has looked on the festival circuit. Thereā€™s no question that the leading man is carrying himself a bit differently on this tour for The Smashing Machine. But, it turns out thereā€™s a very surprising reason that heā€™s trying to slim down.

    Straight from The Peopleā€™s Champion himself, heā€™s losing weight because heā€™s about to play a character named the Chicken Man. Yes, itā€™s almost as bizarre as it sounds! (And even more surprising, it has nothing to do with Hei Hei?)

    Benny Safdie is the director of The Smashing Machine, and his next movie is going to star The Rock too! Heā€™s going to be playing Chicken Man in the upcoming Lizard Music. The story of this movie coming together is nothing short of bizarre and Johnsonā€™s involvement just adds a little bit more chaos to the festivities. Still, if the actor was charmed enough by this pitch, who are we to judge?

    Lizard Music is a novel written by Daniel Pinkwater. When a lonely boy discovers a secret late night broadcast of lizards playing strange grooves, the door to another world unlocks. Through the looking glass, he finds the ā€œChicken Man,ā€ and his 70-year-old avian friend Claudia. The odd pair try and find a secret society, but end up forging a bond through their whimsical adventures.

    If you thought the strangest role The Rock would ever play was The Tooth Fairy, think again! Itā€™s a wild world out there in the cinemas right now. Who knows, this movie could totally emotionally destroy us?

    Dwayne ā€œThe Rockā€ Johnson is ready to be ā€œChicken Manā€

    (A24)

    As you might be aware, The Smashing Machine sees The Rock stepping into the role of MMA legend Mark Kerr. The actor is supremely physically imposing in the new Safdie movie alongside Emily Blunt. He was already a big man, but the trailer for The Smashing Machine really draws how big he is into sharp focus.Ā 

    But, as soon as they got done filming the awards season contender, Safdie had a very different request from his leading man. During a talk at TIFF Johnson told the assembled press that the childrenā€™s movie project was the first thing on his directorā€™s mind after they wrapped.Ā ā€œBenny pitched me this after,ā€ The Rock told the crowd. ā€œAnd after about 45 minutes, this pitch ended and I said, ā€˜I am your Chicken Man.ā€™ā€

    Itā€™s all charming, in that way Johnson can still be after all this time. The charisma that made him canā€™t miss inside of the squared circle is one of the most powerful muscles heā€™s got. Thereā€™s no doubt that this current run with The Smashing Machine is going to restore a little bit of The Rockā€™s cache as a big-name in Hollywood. But, weā€™ll all be waiting to see what the Chicken Man is up to in the meantime.Ā 

    Has anyone approached Hei Hei for comment? I think we should! After all, weā€™ll see him as the premiere chicken next to The Rock in next yearā€™s live-action Moana.

    (featured image: A24/Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

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    Aaron Perine

    Aaron Perine is a writer that covers Free Streaming TV, normal TV, small TV (the kind that plays on your phone mostly!), and even movies sometimes!

    Phase Hero co-host. Host of Free Space: The Free Streaming TV Podcast.

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    Aaron Perine

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  • Exclusive Interview: Abigail Barlow Is Mastering The Pop Music World And Crafting The Moana 2 Soundtrack All At Once

    Exclusive Interview: Abigail Barlow Is Mastering The Pop Music World And Crafting The Moana 2 Soundtrack All At Once

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    If youā€™re having a conversation about the hardest-working and most talented people in the industry, Abigail Barlow simply has to be in that conversation! From making some of our favorite pop music, including her newest track, ā€˜Strike Out,ā€™ to crafting the soundtrack for Moana 2, there is truly nothing Abigail canā€™t do! We simply had to pick her brain and get all the details about everything she is up to!

    Stream ā€˜Strike Outā€™ here!

    Hi Abigail! Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us! To start us off, how would you describe the music youā€™re making to someone who is tuning in for the first time?
    Absurdly fun, flirty, fierce, and unserious!

    We have not been able to turn off ā€˜Please Me!ā€™ What was the inspiration behind this song and the visuals behind it displayed in the lyric video?
    Aw, Iā€™m glad you love it! ā€˜Please Meā€™ started as a verse and chorus I posted to TikTok in 2020 about nothing and no one in particular. Until this past year, the idea was sitting on a shelf. That is until I met a handsome stranger in NYCā€¦ We went on a date in the city, and the next day, I was baking sweets in his kitchen. Classic 50s housewife behavior! I tried to emulate that energy in the visuals for this song, as itā€™s secretly a fantasy of mine to time travel.

    One thing about ā€˜Please Meā€™ that immediately stuck out to us is that it sounded like you had taken all the best parts of tried and true pop music and combined them all into one song. When crafting the track, were you always planning for the track to be fun, upbeat, and reminiscent of the early 2000s pop songs?Ā 
    Honestly, the production of this song started with me using any producer girl trick I had to make the demo sound somewhat fun and listenable. It wasnā€™t until I collaborated with Michael Dunaief that the production really came to life in that bubblegum 2000s way.

    We know you spend a lot of time creating with a partner as Barlow & Bear, so with that in mind, what do you find is the biggest advantage to working solo on your music, and on the same note, the biggest advantage to working with Emily on Barlow & Bear projects?Ā 
    Being part of a collaboration is so incredibly sacred to my life these days. It grounds me, enlightens me, and fulfills me in ways working alone just doesnā€™t compare to. In the same breath, itā€™s so important that both of us have balance with personal endeavors. It keeps our partnership healthy and ever-evolving, together and separately.Ā 

    Moana 2Ā is officially a go! What is it like jumping in on the soundtrack to a sequel of such a treasured movie?Ā 
    Literally a DREAM. I canā€™t even put into words how honored I am to be a part of the world of Moana. She is my girl, and I canā€™t wait for everyone else to experience the masterpiece weā€™ve been working on for two years!

    Something that we canā€™t just glide over is that you have a Grammy! As a musician, we know what a huge accomplishment that is. What can you tell us about finding out youā€™d won?Ā 
    We were at the ceremony, and it was surreal. Walking onstage and actually giving the speech we prepared *just in case* was an out-of-body experience. Best moment of my life so far!

    Songwriting is a huge part of you as an artist. When youā€™re writing a track, how do you know if itā€™s something you are going to work on for your catalog or offer to another artist?Ā 
    Honestly, Iā€™m not married to anything I write because I write a LOT of songs. A cut is a cut! If a big pop star wants it, I have no qualms with giving it away. My songs are like my children. I just want them to be heard. And loved. :ā€™)

    We have to ask, withĀ The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical soundtrack and the soon-to-beĀ Moana 2Ā soundtrack in your back pocket, if you could go back in time and put ā€˜Please Meā€™ on any soundtrack, which one would it be?Ā 
    LOL! I think it could be in some 2000s rom-com getting-ready montage for sure.Ā 

    ā€˜Strike Outā€™ is the newest track! The song is a full-on pop dream. Where did the inspiration for the track come from?Ā 
    ā€˜Strike Outā€™ is my bi-girl anthem. Itā€™s inspired by my yearning for love and how Iā€™m in search of it literally everywhere, from a club in Santa Monica to a bar in Hollywood.Ā 

    ā€˜Strike Outā€™ follows ā€˜Please Me,ā€™ do you think there is an invisible string connecting these two tracks?Ā 
    Definitely! If ā€˜Please Meā€˜ is the fantasy of being a wife and mother, ā€˜Strike Outā€™ is my reality as a 25-year-old girl just doing her BEST to find love. Either way, Iā€™m just having fun being a songwriter. Itā€™s never too serious. šŸ˜‰

    The cover art for ā€˜Strike Outā€™ dawns on the infamous Barbie font. If you could have had this track play during a scene in the Barbie movie, what scene would that have been?Ā 
    I love this Q! I guess when they start deprogramming all the Barbies from the Kendom. Honestly one of my fav parts of the movie.

    Once again, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us! We like to end these interviews by asking what is on the horizon. What can fans look forward to as we venture into the last half of 2024?
    Iā€™m doing my darndest to release *one more pop song* before the release of Moana 2 in theaters on November 27th! After that, who knows? A tour? An album? I guess youā€™ll have to follow me to find out šŸ˜‰

    We would love to hear from you! What is your favorite Abigail Barlow release between ā€˜Please Meā€™ and ā€˜Strike Out?ā€™ Let us know by commenting down below or by tweeting us @TheHoneyPOP! We are also on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

    Check out more of our exclusive interviews here!

    TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ABIGAIL BARLOW:
    INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER

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    Hailey Hastings

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  • Dwayne ā€˜The Rockā€™ Johnson Regrets 2020 Biden Endorsement, Says He Won’t Do It Again In 2024

    Dwayne ā€˜The Rockā€™ Johnson Regrets 2020 Biden Endorsement, Says He Won’t Do It Again In 2024

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    Screenshot: Benny Johnson

    Fans of the WWE are well aware that ā€˜The Rockā€™ as a character doesnā€™t often express regret. Dwayne Johnson, the man behind that character, however, says he has a few regarding the 2020 presidential election.

    Specifically, his endorsement of President Joe Biden.

    In an interview with Fox Newsā€™s Will Cain released earlier today, Johnson lamented the decision to endorse Biden as well as the effect it had on the country afterward.

    ā€œThe endorsement that I made years ago with Biden was one I thought was the best decision for me at that time,ā€ he said.

    ā€œI thought back thenā€¦ Iā€™m in this position where I have some influence,ā€ Johnson continued. ā€œI felt like that then, itā€™s my job now to exercise my influence and share this is who Iā€™m going to endorse.ā€

    Now though, he isnā€™t planning on ā€˜cookingā€™ up any endorsements for 2024.

    RELATED: Dwayne ā€˜The Rockā€™ Johnson Admits The Truth About Biden And Hollywood

    Dwayne ā€˜The Rockā€™ Johnsonā€™s Endorsement

    In the lead-up to the 2020 presidential election, Dwayne ā€˜The Rockā€™ Johnson gave Joe Bidenā€™s campaign a significant boost with a very public endorsement.

    ā€œAs a registered Independent for years now with centrist ideologies, I do feel that Vice President Biden and Sen. Harris are the best choice to lead our country, and I am endorsing them to become president and vice president of our United States,ā€ he said.

    ā€œYou guys are both experienced to lead. Youā€™ve done great things. Joe, youā€™ve had such an incredible career, and youā€™ve led with such great compassion, heart, drive and soul,ā€ Johnson added. ā€œKamala, you have been a district attorney, a state attorney, a U.S. senator. You are smart and tough.ā€

    Now, heā€™s either having regrets or simply wants to stay out of politics so itā€™s not a detriment to his career.

    RELATED: Oprah And Dwayne ā€˜The Rockā€™ Johnson Slammed For Asking Fans For Maui Fire Donations Despite

    Regrets, Heā€™s Had A Few

    Cain questioned Johnson on whether or not heā€™d be weighing into the presidential race again this cycle.

    ā€œAm I going to do that again this year? That answerā€™s no,ā€ he flat-out declared. ā€œI also realized that what that caused back then, was something that tears me up in my gut back then and now, which is division.ā€

    ā€œThe takeaway after that ā€” months, and months and months [later] ā€” I started to realize like, oh man, that caused an incredible amount of division in our country.ā€

    ā€˜The Rockā€™, who is often cited as a potential candidate himself, also said during the interview that while he may not be handing out an endorsement this year, he will support whoever eventually wins.

    ā€œI will tell you this: While like a lot of us out there are not trusting of all politicians, I do trust the American people,ā€ he states. ā€œAnd I trust that whoever they vote for, thatā€™s going to be my president. And thatā€™s who Iā€™m going to support 100 percent.ā€

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    Rusty Weiss

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  • Does John Cena Use Weed

    Does John Cena Use Weed

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    He has been hailed as the new ā€œRockā€ā€¦but does John Cena kick back and use weed?

    John Cena is having a moment. People are buzzing his star is rising and he could be another Rock. Which is something considering he Rock built an empire worth $800+ million. Ā Like the Rock, Cena is not afraid of hard work, laughing at himself, or comedy. Ā But does John Cena use weed? Ā Would it go with his squeaky clean imagine?

    RELATED: California or New York, Which Has The Biggest Marijuana Mess

    He started out as a wrestler and signed to the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)Ā in 2001. In 2018, he went part-time with wrestling to focus on expanding his acting and rapping career. A record 16-time world champion as recognized by WWE, Cena is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional pro wrestlers of all time.

    WWE hasnā€™t enforced marijuana testing in ages, which was lead by the players. Ā Although cannabis in the entertainment industry is not uncommon.

    Cena has crafted his image and has popped up on the Today show with goodnatured appearances alongside his string of recent movies. His most recent,Ā Ricky Stanicky, leans into comedy heavily. He was a presenter at this yearā€™s Oscars while also taking a nod at a streaker who appeared 50 years ago.

    Cena has long denied taking drugs, including steroids. Ā But the rumor of his steroid use continues to trail him like the whiff of a skunk. Ā He does drink alcohol and has built up a pretty strong reputation for being able to toss quite a large amount back and still function. But it seems he has either not used marijuana or kept it very, very on the down low.

    RELATED: People Who Use Weed Also Do More Of Another Fun Thing

    We know in honor of the 4/20 ā€˜holidayā€™ he was the now gone Ellen show and played a game calledĀ ā€˜Marijuana Strain Or Show Dogā€™. The audience lapped it up and he seemed to enjoy the wink wink nod of it.

    So while it appears he doesnā€™t consume, it doesnā€™t seem like he judges those who do and can appreciate a good chill.

    Ā 

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    Anthony Washington

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  • Dwayne Johnson says his wax figure needs fixing, starting with skin colour – National | Globalnews.ca

    Dwayne Johnson says his wax figure needs fixing, starting with skin colour – National | Globalnews.ca

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    Dwayne Johnsonā€˜s newest wax figure isnā€™t exactly ā€œRockā€ solid.

    When the MusĆ©e GrĆ©vin in Paris, France, unveiled its new sculpture of Dwayne ā€œThe Rockā€ Johnson, 51, this month, the reaction was instantly critical. Hordes of Johnsonā€™s fans complained the wax figure of the Black Adam actor looked nothing like the A-list star. In fact, many felt the resemblance was closer to the Procter & Gamble mascot Mr. Clean.

    The Parisian wax museum has been accused of ā€œwhitewashingā€ Johnson, who is Samoan, as the figureā€™s skin tone is considerably lighter than Johnsonā€™s.

    Johnson himself also took issue with the wax figure and said on Sunday that he is working with the museum to ā€œupdateā€ the figure, ā€œstarting with my skin color.ā€

    Johnson shared a video about the wax figure from the popular social media creator James Andre Jefferson Jr. to his Instagram account. In the clip, Jefferson disparaged the sculpture artist for ā€œmaking The Rock look like David Beckham.ā€

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    ā€œIt looks like he works at H&R Block or something,ā€ Jefferson quipped. ā€œIt looks like The Rock is part of the Royal Family.ā€

    ā€œIs this how yā€™all felt when you lost The Little Mermaid?ā€ he continued, referencing Disneyā€™s casting of Halle Bailey, who is Black, in the new live-action film. ā€œI understand. Letā€™s do Uno reverse, yā€™all get the Little Mermaid back, we get The Rock back.ā€

    (NOTE: The following clip contains foul language. Watch at your own discretion.)Ā 

    Johnson said he ā€œbelly laughedā€ at Jeffersonā€™s video.

    ā€œFor the record, Iā€™m going to have my team reach out to our friends at Grevin Museum, in Paris France so we can work at ā€˜updatingā€™ my wax figure here with some important details and improvements- starting with my skin color,ā€ he wrote.

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    ā€œAnd next time Iā€™m in Paris, Iā€™ll stop in and have a drink with myself,ā€ Johnson concluded.

    Despite Johnsonā€™s desire to improve his waxy likeness, social media users are still enjoying poking fun at the figure.

    ā€œThey made The Rock look more like The Sourdough Loaf,ā€ one follower wrote under Johnsonā€™s post.

    ā€œThey got you lookinā€™ like my iPhone charger bruh,ā€ commented another.

    The Rock is not the only celebrity to have a botched wax figure.

    Just this week, a wax figure created in 2022 of Lil Wayne for the Hollywood Wax Museum again went viral for its likeness (or lack thereof) to the rapper.

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    But sometimes, the artist captures the celebrityā€™s likeness almost too well.

    On Sunday, the Las Vegas location of Madame Tussauds unveiled its newest sculpture of Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker. The rocker called the wax figure ā€œinsaneā€ and ā€œunrealā€ for its incredible similarity to him ā€” down to his many tattoos and the freckle on his ear.

    Perhaps the artist of Johnsonā€™s sculpture will get wax inspiration from the success of Barkerā€™s figure.


    Click to play video: 'ET Canadaā€™s Sangita Patel previews her exclusive sit down with Dwayne Johnson'


    ET Canadaā€™s Sangita Patel previews her exclusive sit down with Dwayne Johnson




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    Sarah Do Couto

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  • ā€œI get itā€: The Rock Understands Why You’re Mad That He Asked For Maui Donations

    ā€œI get itā€: The Rock Understands Why You’re Mad That He Asked For Maui Donations

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    When Dwayne ā€œThe Rockā€ Johnson and Oprah Winfrey announced a fund to support people impacted by the deadly fires in Maui, it’s clear they didn’t expect any backlash for what they viewed as a good deed. But lashed they were, as many argued that by asking the public to contribute to the organization, the monied pair were ducking their own social responsibilities. Over six weeks later, Johnson has addressed the controversy, telling his 389 million-plus Instagram following that he understood why they were angry.

    Winfrey and Johnson launched the People’s Fund of Maui in August with $5 million, each, from their own bankrolls. In a video posted to Instagram, they asked for donations from others concerned about the plight of the fire-torn island’s residents, with Winfrey saying “We appreciate all the support that you can give. All these people who were calling me and texting me and messaging me and saying, ā€˜What do I do? What do I do?ā€™ This is what you do.ā€

    Winfrey, who has an estimated net worth of $2.5 billion, was surprised by what came next, she told CBS a few weeks later. Social media users shot back at the stars almost instantaneously, with scores asking why these extremely wealthy celebrities were asking for donations when they could likely fund the operation out of their own pockets.Ā 

    ā€œMath ain’t mathing with this one,ā€ one comment beneath their announcement read. ā€œYou guys literally have so much moneyā€¦. You can donate it and make it back within a year.ā€ That remark received 10,000 ā€œlikes,ā€ with other critical remarks racking up similar approval.

    Speaking with CBS, Winfrey said that Johnson and she ā€œthought, because both of us have given to charities our whole lives, that starting the fund with $10 million would be a great idea. We’ll do what Dolly did,ā€ she said, referring to Dolly Parton‘s donor-backed My People Fund to support those suffering losses in Gatlinburg, Tenn.’s 2017 fires. The pair hoped to ā€œget other people to give money and then we’ll put it directly into people’s bank accounts,ā€ she said.

    ā€œSo many people were calling, asking, ā€˜Where do we give our money to?ā€™ So I thought, I’m going to give people a place to give it,ā€ Winfrey said. ā€œAnd then I got up the next morning, and I saw all of this vitriol, and I was, like, ā€˜Whoa, what happened here?ā€™ā€

    Johnson, however, remained silent on the backlash, but that changed Saturday. In a video that appears to have been shot poolside by Johnson, himself, the wrestler turned action star (with an estimated net worth of $800 million) first gives an update on the payouts, saying, ā€œThe thousands and thousands of survivors, the families, they have now, over the past couple of weeks, started to receive their first round of funds.ā€

    He then turned to the controversy, saying, ā€œWhen we first launched the fund, there was some backlash ā€¦ I want to say that I get it, and I completely understand.ā€

    “I could have been better, and next time, I will be better. I understand money ain’t falling out of the sky, and it’s not growing on trees, and there’s a lot of people out there who’s living paycheck to paycheck. And I get it, and I know what that’s like. I’ve lived paycheck to paycheck, seven bucks. I know.”

    ā€œAnd when you are living paycheck to paycheckā€”I don’t wanna speak for everybody. I’ll speak for myself, but I feel it’s connected. When you’re living paycheck to paycheck…I was easily pissed off, and I was frustrated. And the last thing you want to hear when you are living from paycheck to paycheck is someone asking you for money, especially when the person asking you for money already has a lot of money.ā€

    ā€œSo I get it. I understand. I’d never launched a fund before, but I’m a quick study and lesson learned.ā€

    Speaking in September, Winfrey said that ā€œ2,200 people have been cleared and verifiedā€ to receive money from the fund, and that number is expected to grow. ā€œI still think itā€™s a really strong idea,ā€ Winfrey said.Ā 

    ā€œDolly Parton was right. Putting money directly in the hands of the people is a significant thing.ā€Ā 

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  • Oprah Winfrey, Dwayne Johnson launch the People’s Fund of Maui

    Oprah Winfrey, Dwayne Johnson launch the People’s Fund of Maui

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    Oprah Winfrey, Dwayne Johnson launch the People’s Fund of Maui – CBS News


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    Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson have teamed up to launch the People’s Fund of Maui, which aims to provide immediate and ongoing assistance to those devastated by the Maui wildfires.

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  • BOX OFFICE BREAKDOWN | Drama, horror, and a little something for the kids

    BOX OFFICE BREAKDOWN | Drama, horror, and a little something for the kids

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    Whether you are planning a weekend night out or you’re working a babysitting gig, there’s enough to choose from at the box office.

    In Popdust’s column, Box Office Breakdown, we aim to inform you of the top flicks to check out every weekend depending on what you’re in the mood to enjoy. Looking to laugh? What about having your pants scared off? Maybe you just need a little love? Whatever the case may be, we have you covered. Take a peek at our top picks for this weekā€¦

    Rampage

    A primatologist and a silverback gorilla have a lot more in common than is normal, or even uncanny. The gorilla and the scientist have been together the monkey’s entire life, but when an experiment with CRISPR (a gene-altering science) does not go as planned, the gorilla strays away from his gentle nature. And he is not the only primate of his kind who is going to be trying to destroy anything that comes in his path. The scientist must work with a team of genetic engineers to find the anecdote to the problem, entering in a battlefield and hoping to bring back his friend.

    Purchase Tickets for Rampage

    PG-13 | Running Time 1hr 55m | New Line Cinema | Director: Brad Peyton

    Starring:Dwayne Johnson, Naomie Harris, Malin Akerman, and more!

    Aardvark

    Family drama has never been quite like this. A mentally unstable man goes to therapy seeking out help with his hallucinations. He also casually mentions that his brother is coming to town. Little does the therapist know that the brother of this man is someone she’s interested in starting a relationship with. Crossing the lines of what is appropriate and what isn’t make for a messy situation as she tries to find a diagnosis for her patient, keep up her her romance, and find the truth in the matter of what is real and what is not. Hopefully you will not find it relatable.

    Purchase Tickets for Aardvark

    PG-13 | Running Time 1hr 29m | Before the Door Pictures | Director: Brian Shoaf

    Starring:Zachary Quinto, Jenny Slate, Sheila Vand, and more!

    An Ordinary Man

    An English war criminal and former general has been hiding from authorities all over the world after the trouble he has gotten himself into over the years. Hardly anyone even remembers that he exists. In his latest hideout, he finds a new housekeeper to keep him company. Eventually the two develop a sort of companionship. This grows far more complicated when he learns she is actually an agent who had been hired by the government to protect him. He is about to make a choice that will change the course of both of their lives forever. If that doesn’t sound like something to put you on the edge of your seat, then I don’t know what would.

    Purchase Tickets for An Ordinary Man

    R | Running Time 1hr 30m | Enderby Entertainment | Director: Brad Silberling

    Starring:Ben Kingsley, Hera Hilmar, Peter Serafinowicz, and more!

    Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero

    Yes, this is a movie about a dog who helps save people during World War I, but just stay with me for a second. It’s not as cheesy as it sounds. For one, it’s based on a true story, and explores the history of the most decorated dog in the American military ever. I bet you’re wondering how many dogs are in the military. That is not the point. Follow this pup as he goes through basic training and shows off being much braver than any of the soldiers. Bring your kids (or your friend’s kids) and you all might actually learn something.

    Purchase Tickets for Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero

    PG | Running Time 1hr 25m | Fun Academy Media Group | Director: Richard Lanni

    Starring:Helena Bonham Carter, Logan Lerman, GĆ©rard Depardieu, and more!

    And our ā­ļø TOP PICK ā­ļø …

    Blumhouse’s Truth or Dare

    We saved the scariest for last with this thriller starring a familiar face or two for many of you out there. A bunch of friends are hanging out and playing Truth or Dare. Totally normal right? Things start to go wrong when one of them decides to lie and refuses to perform a dare. Sounds a little extreme and a whole lot of scary. The group must figure out how these terrifying things are happening or run the risk of supernatural forces taking over their game night forever. How long will them demon let them go on before he gets tired of playing the game?

    Purchase Tickets for Blumhouse’s Truth or Dare

    PG-13 | Running Time 1hr 40m | Blumhouse Productions | Director: Jeff Wadlow

    Starring:Lucy Hale, Tyler Posey, Violett Beane, and more!

    Really like a film you’ve seen or know of one coming out soon that we should check out? Shoot me an email and let me know!

    Rachel A.G. Gilman is a writer, a radio producer, and probably the girl wearing the Kinks shirt. Visit her website for more.

    POPāš”DUST | Read More About Filmā€¦

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    Is ‘Unsane’ the Worst Movie of the Decade?

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  • Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson makes 7-figure donation to SAG-AFTRA relief fund amid actors’ strike

    Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson makes 7-figure donation to SAG-AFTRA relief fund amid actors’ strike

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    How 1960, 2023 Hollywood strikes compare


    How the Hollywood strikes of 1960 and 2023 compare

    01:58

    Superstar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made a “milestone” seven-figure donation to a relief fund for actors amid their ongoingĀ strike against major Hollywood studios.Ā 

    Following the announcement that thousands of film and television actors in SAG-AFTRA were going on strike beginning July 13, leaders of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation ā€” a nonprofit group associated with the union which provides emergency assistance to members ā€” sent a letter to 2,700 of the union’s highest-earning actors, explaining the financial strains the strike would cause, Variety reported Monday.Ā 

    Shortly after, Johnson’s team made an undisclosed seven-figure donation to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation Emergency Financial Assistance and Disaster Relief Fund, the union confirmed to CBS News Tuesday.Ā 

    “While the Foundation does not disclose amounts from its donors, we can reconfirm Dwayne Johnson contributed a 7-figure to its charitable Emergency Financial Assistance Program,” a SAG-AFTRA representative said in a statement, calling it the “single largest donation” since the foundation was created in 1985. Ā 

    For the first time since 1960, both Hollywood actors and writers are on strike simultaneously, a move which has effectively shut down scripted production across the industry. The Screen Actors Guild has more than 160,000 members, although the strike only affects the union’s roughly 65,000 actors.Ā 

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  • Dwayne ā€˜The Rockā€™ Johnson makes ā€˜historicā€™ 7-figure donation to striking actors – National | Globalnews.ca

    Dwayne ā€˜The Rockā€™ Johnson makes ā€˜historicā€™ 7-figure donation to striking actors – National | Globalnews.ca

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    Dwayne ā€œThe Rockā€ Johnson has made a seven-figure donation to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation Relief Fund ā€” a contribution the organization says will help support thousands of Hollywood actors currently on strike.

    Johnsonā€™s donation came after SAG-AFTRA Foundation president Courtney B. Vance and executive director Cyd Wilson sent a letter asking the unionā€™s highest-earning actors for financial support, according to Variety.

    Though the exact amount of Johnsonā€™s seven-figure donation has not been publicly disclosed, Vance said Johnson ā€œstepped up in a major, historic way.ā€

    Wilson estimated the donation from Johnson, 51, is enough to provide financial aid to 7,000 to 10,000 members on strike.

    ā€œItā€™s the largest single donation that weā€™ve ever received from one individual at one time,ā€ Wilson told Variety. ā€œAnd what is amazing is that that one cheque is going to help thousands of actors keep food on their table.ā€

    Story continues below advertisement

    Johnson has not commented publicly on his donation.

    Performers represented by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) walked off the job on July 14 to join the already striking Writers Guild of America (WGA). The two strikes have brought most Hollywood productions to a screeching halt.

    The SAG-AFTRA union represents about 160,000 Hollywood actors. The union declared its members would strike after negotiators failed to reach a deal with Hollywoodā€™s biggest studios regarding fair pay and improved residuals for actors in todayā€™s streaming age.


    Click to play video: 'Canadian impact of the SAG/AFTRA strike'


    Canadian impact of the SAG/AFTRA strike




    The SAG-AFTRA Foundation, a non-profit organization that collaborates with the union but is not a part, will use its Emergency Financial Assistance Program to support actors during the strike. Johnsonā€™s donation will be added to the program.

    Trending Now

    ā€œWhen we hit a crisis like this and weā€™re going to spend millions and millions of dollars in financial assistance, this is when we need our high profile talent who can afford it, who are in a situation to help others,ā€ Wilson said.

    Story continues below advertisement

    She said the foundationā€™s financial assistance provides up to US$1,500 (nearly C$2,000) per individual member, unless there are extreme conditions or health issues, in which case a union member may qualify for up to US$6,000 (about C$7,900).

    According to Forbes, Johnson was the fourth highest-paid entertainer in 2022. Though he was the highest-paid actor on the list, Johnsonā€™s 2022 income ā€” reportedly a whopping US$270 million (almost C$356 million) ā€” was only surpassed by Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson, musician Bruce Springsteen and rapper Jay-Z.

    &copy 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

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    Sarah Do Couto

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  • Unbelievable facts

    Unbelievable facts

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  • Your 2023 Grammy Awards Recap

    Your 2023 Grammy Awards Recap

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    For football fans, February 12 marks the Super Bowl. For music fans, February 5 marked their version of the Super Bowl: the 65th annual Grammy Awards. Itā€™s a day where everyone comes together to celebrate their favorite artistsā€¦and brutally criticize the Recording Academyā€™s decisions.

    For three and a half arduous hours, the Grammyā€™s held viewers captiveā€¦delaying the Big Four categories until the very end with Trevor Noah monologues, performances by Stevie Wonder, Lizzo, Harry Styles, and an ode to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. But, at the end of the day, history was still made.

    Lizzo

    Rob Latour/Shutterstock

    BeyoncƩ, who arrived late after being stuck in traffic, became the most decorated artist in Grammy history, earning her 32nd Grammy award for Best Dance/Electronic Recording. Fans of BeyoncƩ, however, were outraged when she lost Album of the Year to Harry Styles. This makes it the fourth year where she was nominated for AOTY and lost.

    But thatā€™s not allā€¦Kim Petras became the first transgender woman to win a Grammy in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category for her song ā€œUnholyā€ with Sam Smith. The catchy song dominated the Billboard Hot 100, which they also performed in Satanic-chic clothing.

    Kim Petras & Sam Smith

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    One of the most wholesome moments was Adele accomplishing her lifelong dream. It wasnā€™t to win another Grammyā€¦but to meet The Rock. After Trevor Noah revealed this fact earlier in the show, Dwayne ā€œThe Rockā€ Johnson took the stage to present his new best friend, Adele, with the Best Pop Solo Performance award.

    Adele and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

    Rob Latour/Shutterstock

    Ticketmasterā€™s worst nightmare and our queen, Taylor Swift, won Best Music Video for ā€œAll Too Well (Taylorā€™s Version) (10 Minute Version).ā€ Not only that, but she stood and cheered for every act and winner. Drinking wine and just vibing at the Grammys? My exact vibe.

    Lizzo is the first Black woman to win Record of the Year for ā€œAbout Damn Timeā€ since Whitney Houston for ā€œI Will Always Love You.ā€ She looked equally ecstatic for friend Harry Styles, who won the first and last awards of the night: Best Pop Vocal Album and Album Of The Year, for his album Harryā€™s House.

    The winners of the Big Four categories:

    1. Album of the Year: Harry Styles, Harryā€™s House
    2. Song of the Year: Bonnie Raitt, ā€œJust Like Thatā€
    3. Record of the Year: Lizzo, ā€œAbout Damn Timeā€
    4. Best New Artist: Samara Joy

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    Jai Phillips

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  • The Best Celebrity Memes of 2022

    The Best Celebrity Memes of 2022

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    By JC Villamere.
    Published:

    From big events like the Super Bowl and the Oscars to big stars from Nicole Kidman to Jack Harlow, there were plenty of moments worthy of the meme treatment this year. Here, we look back at some of our faves.

    Back on Feb. 13 at the Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, and Eminem, 50 Cent treated the crowd to his 2003 hit ā€œIn Da Clubā€ and recreated the videoā€™s opening by hanging upside down. Cue the kick-off for many a meme:

    The hip-hop mogul also got in on the game with a few memes of his own:

    In a now-deleted Instagram post from November, Vin Diesel called for WNBA athlete Brittney Grinerā€™s release from Russian prison, writing ā€œI need Brittney Griner home before Christmas,ā€ alongside a photo of himself at a basketball match. Following Grinerā€™s release in a prisoner exchange for arms dealer on Dec. 8, social media users jokingly thanked the actor for his part.

    Some users believed the actor singlehandedly infiltrated the Russian prison by himself.


    A meta meme was born when Spider-Man stars Tom Holland, Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire suited up to recreate the Spider-Man pointing meme.

    Spider-Man was hot meme fodder beyond the triple-point pose, too:

    Ā 

    The Acade-meme Awards


    The Oscars is a perennial feast of memes, and this year was no different. While reliable meme star Nicole Kidman pulled her weight, there was obviously a new source of inspiration for meme-makers at the 2022 ceremony.

    This reaction shot was initially thought to be in response to The Slap, but it was later revealed that it was shot before the show got underway. It makes you wonder what her slap reaction looked like.

    Ā 


    Cameras caught a catty chat between Caitlyn Jenner and Lady Gaga outside the Elton John AIDS Foundationā€™s 30th annual Academy Awards Viewing Party.

    Jenner: ā€œAre you spending time around Malibu anymore?ā€
    Gaga: ā€œYes.ā€
    Jenner: ā€œI havenā€™t seen you at the Starbucks in a while.ā€
    Gaga: ā€œIā€™ve switched baristas.ā€
    Gaga abruptly exits stage right.

    Prestige Memes Courtesy of the Royals


    Letā€™s start off with the smallest and cutest of them all.


    The four-year-old appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony with his fam, but he was not a fan of the sound of the Royal Air Force fly-over.

    Elsewhere, royal watchers were identifying with Prince Harryā€™s priorities.

    And folks were feeling King Charles IIIā€™s anxiety level as he prepared to ascend to the throne:

    And now, letā€™s move on from royalty to The King.


    This sweaty shot of ā€œElvisā€ star Austin Butler as the icon in the ā€™70s was too hot not to meme:


    After the nearly-finished, $90-million ā€œBatgirlā€ movie was suddenly cancelled, fans used the meme medium and the hashtag #HBOMaxJustCanceledĀ to theorize what else might be on the chopping block:


    Martha Stewart, 81, maintains that Davidson is like a son to her, but that didnā€™t stop creators from speculating about her relationship with the BDE originator.


    The star received aĀ  muted reception for his performance at ā€˜College GameDayā€™, and meme-makers had a field day.

    His chat with the ESPN panel didnā€™t do him any favours:

    Meanwhile, on the basketball court, NBA refs had questions about ā€” and for ā€” the star:

    Harlow offered a mythically-minded response:


    A negroni sbagliato with prosecco in it = stunning! This interview clip discussing drink choices was seized on by fans:

    @hbomaxIā€™ll take one of each. #houseofthedragonā™¬ a negroni sbagliato w prosecco l hbo max ā€“ hbomax

    Ā 


    On the ā€œCall Her Daddyā€ podcast, Julia Fox was asked if she was then-boyfriend Kanye ā€œYeā€ Westā€™s muse.

    She replied, ā€œYeah. A little. I mean, I was Josh Safdieā€™s muse when he wrote ā€˜Uncut Gemsā€™, you know?ā€ But her elaborate pronunciation of ā€œUncut Gemsā€ was catnip to TikTok users, who garnered millions of views with their imitations of ā€œUnka Jhaaaams.ā€

    Over on Reddit, the most popular celebrity memes of the year featured the beloved Dwayne Johnson:

    Ā 


    Itā€™s bad enough to be caught up in an Instagram cheating scandal. Itā€™s even worse when the world makes fun of your (lack of) DM game.

    Hereā€™s hoping that 2023 brings an equally mind-blowing meme harvest. Thatā€™s our one Christmas wish. Itā€™s the toast weā€™ll be making on New Yearā€™s Eve. Itā€™s our biggest hope for the holidays. Feel free to meme it.

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  • Dwayne

    Dwayne

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    Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson said this week that he had finally “exorcised this damn chocolate demon” after he returned to a 7-Eleven in Hawaii to “right the wrong” of stealing candy when he was a teenager.Ā 

    In an Instagram post, the “Black Adam” star explained that his family was “broke as hell” when he was living on the island and, for nearly a year when he was 14, he would steal a Snickers bar from the store on the way to the gym “every day” as his pre-workout snack because he couldn’t afford to buy one.

    He recalled that “the same clerk was there every day and always just turned her head and never busted me,” but admitted that his actions had been weighing on his conscience for three decades.

    Johnson documented the recent visit to the store, in which he emptied the shelves of every Snickers bar, bought them and then left the candy bars for any customers to take for free.

    “If somebody looks like they’re stealing Snickers, give them these so they don’t steal it,” Johnson told the store clerk.

    He wrote that he realized the deed might seem “silly,” but every time he would come back home to Hawaii and drive by 7-Eleven, he always knew he “needed to go in and clean out every Snickers bar they had ā€” the right way.”

    Johnson racked up a bill of $298 and also tipped the clerk who had to count the dozens of bars he bought and another cashier who was working at the time. The former wrestling star even posed for selfies with fans while trying to film the visit.

    “And as a bonus, it was a lot of fun to take care of everybody who walked into 7-Eleven while I was there,” he added.

    “We can’t change the past and some of the dumb stuff we may have done, but every once in a while we can add a little redeeming grace note to that situation ā€” and maybe put a big smile on some stranger’s faces,” Johnson said, adding, “I finally exorcised this damn chocolate demon that’s been gnawing at me for decades.”

    Natacha Larnaud


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    Natacha Larnaud is a social TV producer for CBS News.

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  • Here Comes the Sun: Actor Dwayne Johnson and The Lost Kitchen restaurant

    Here Comes the Sun: Actor Dwayne Johnson and The Lost Kitchen restaurant

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    Here Comes the Sun: Actor Dwayne Johnson and The Lost Kitchen restaurant – CBS News


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    Actor Dwayne Johnson sits down with Tracy Smith to discuss his childhood, his career as both a professional wrestler and actor, and his favorite role: being a dad. Then, Martha Teichner visits The Lost Kitchen restaurant in Freedom, Maine. “Here Comes the Sun” is a closer look at some of the people, places and things we bring you every week on “CBS Sunday Morning.”

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  • Black Adam Has The Biggest Rotten Tomatoes Score Disparity Since Venom | Black Adam

    Black Adam Has The Biggest Rotten Tomatoes Score Disparity Since Venom | Black Adam

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    With Jaume Collet-Serraā€™s Black Adam opening to a solid $67 million worldwide, thereā€™s no doubt that audiences are still very much hungry for big-budget DCEU superhero flicks spearheaded by recognizable stars. But despite a sizable box office draw, a curious dilemma thatā€™s haunted many a superhero movie before has popped up yet againā€”a drastic difference in the Rotten Tomatoes audience and critic scores.

    Originally intended to serve as the antagonist to Shazam in Fury of the Gods, Dwayne Johnonā€™s gargantuan anti-hero Black Adam had enough backstory that DC felt he warranted his own film, which also features the Justice Society of Americaā€™s big-screen debutā€”including the likes of Pierce Brosnan as Doctor Fate, Noah Centineo as Atom Smasher, and Quintessa Swindell as Cyclone.

    Despite featuring a set of heroes who arenā€™t all-too-familiar to broader moviegoing audiences, Black Adam as a film is a project thatā€™s been in the works (and more often than not, development hell) as early as 2006, when Dwayne Johnson was originally approached to play the role of Shazam. Of course, the role ended up going to Zachary Levi, and it would take fifteen years for both Black Adam and Shazam to make it to the big screen. So, after waiting nearly a decade and a half to get his movie off the ground, itā€™s understandable that Johnson might be disappointed that Black Adam received less than stellar critical reviewsā€”the film currently sits at a lackluster 39% critic rating, averaged from 229 reviews. This rating means that out of those 229 reviewers, only 39% gave the film an overall positive rating.

    Though 39% is hardly a passing grade, a below-average score isnā€™t out of the norm for DCEU superhero films. Suicide Squad, Batman v Superman, and Justice League all currently sit below the 50% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. What is out of the norm, though, is the drastic disparity between the Black Adam critics scores and audience ratings. With over 5,000 user-submitted ratings, Black Adamā€˜s audience score currently sits at 92%.

    For context, the only other DCEU film with an audience score over 90% is Zack Snyderā€™s Justice League (boasting 94%), a film which was able to secure a streaming release because of significant fan support. But even Snyderā€™s Justice League didnā€™t have such a significant disparity in reviews between audience and critics. The Snyder Cut nabbed a 71% critics rating, which makes sense in conjunction with and is much closer to the similarly high audience rating.

    Itā€™s not news that audiences generally tend to be kinder to blockbusters than critics are, but the disparity between Black Adamā€˜s audience and critics scores points to a a deeper phenomenon than critics coming down harsher on films than moviegoers. The last time a superhero film saw such a disparity was 2018ā€™s Venom, which sits at a 30-80 critic vs audience scoreā€”drastic, yes, but still a solid 10% less than the Black Adam disparity.

    So where is this difference coming from? Why are audiences responding so positively to Black Adam (even moreso than usual) when critics panned it? Even the Black Adam marketing seems to have noticed just how extreme the difference is between critic and fan reactions. The majority of their marketing materials tout the impressive audience Rotten Tomatoes score, taking care to emphasize that the support is coming from fans, not critics:

    Regardless of the unsavory critical reception, Dwayne Johnson and the rest of the Black Adam team are more than happy to embrace the unprecedented fan response, with Johnson going so far as to personally thank fans for the filmā€™s lofty Rotten Tomatoes score:

    Although the reason Black Adam, of all DC films (the franchise has certainly delivered more divisive titles) as been able to score so well with online audiences remains a mystery, itā€™s undeniable that the social media response to Black Adam points to a continued thirst for superhero films, even if critics are beginning to sour on the genreā€™s oversaturation.

    (featured image: Warner Bros.)

    ā€”The Mary Sue has a strict comment policyĀ that forbids, but is not limited to, personal insults towardĀ anyone, hate speech, and trolling.ā€”

    Have a tip we should know? [emailĀ protected]

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    Lauren Coates

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  • Dwayne Johnson discusses new film

    Dwayne Johnson discusses new film

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    Dwayne Johnson discusses new film “Black Adam” – CBS News


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    ā€œCBS Morningsā€ co-host Gayle King sits down with Dwayne Johnson ahead of the premiere of his new film “Black Adam.” Johnson shares why he had to push the studio for 15 years to make the film.

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  • ā€˜Black Adamā€™ Is Currently The Fourth Worst-Reviewed DCEU Movie Ever

    ā€˜Black Adamā€™ Is Currently The Fourth Worst-Reviewed DCEU Movie Ever

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    While early ā€œsocial media impressionsā€ of Black Adam were largely positive in the wake of its premiere, now that scored critical reviews have come rolling in, itā€™s much more of a mixed bag. At the time of this writing, 64 reviews are in for Black Adam, which has scored a 55% on Rotten Tomatoes, making it ā€œrottenā€ by the designations of the site.

    While many are content to wait for audience scores, which many believe are the superior metric (thatā€™s a debate for another day), we can see how Black Adam stacks currently up against the rest of the DCEU. And itā€™s not great. With the 55% score, that means Black Adam is the fourth worst-reviewed DCEU offering out of 13 projects, a cinematic universe already not exactly known for its consistent quality. Hereā€™s the list as it stands.

    1. Peacemaker (TV) ā€“ 94%
    2. Wonder Woman ā€“ 93%
    3. The Suicide Squad ā€“ 90%
    4. Shazam ā€“ 90%
    5. Birds of Prey ā€“ 79%
    6. Zack Snyderā€™s Justice League ā€“ 71%
    7. Aquaman ā€“ 65%
    8. Wonder Woman 1984 ā€“ 58%
    9. Man of Steel ā€“ 56%
    10. Black Adam ā€“ 55%
    11. Joss Whedonā€™s Justice League ā€“ 40%
    12. Batman V Superman ā€“ 29%
    13. Suicide Squad (Ayer) ā€“ 26%

    So here, Black Adam is only above the absolute worst of the DCEU, the original Justice League, Batman V. Superman and Suicide Squad. I will say I disagree with a lot of rankings on this list. Shazam, Birds of Prey and Wonder Woman 1984 should be lower, if you ask me. Man of Steel and Aquaman should be higher. So it remains to be seen if critics got Black Adam ā€œwrongā€ or not.

    I have absolutely no doubt that audience scores will be higher for Black Adam, and those are what The Rock will end up touting on social media, given that a 55% critic score is nothing to brag about. Itā€™s possible that audiences are genuinely more entertained than critics, but also The Rock has made himself a slew of powerful internet allies in the form of Zack Snyder fans for supporting the Snyder Cut and going to bat for Henry Cavillā€™s Superman. I think thereā€™s little chance audience scores are not significantly higher than critic scores for this one.

    But even still, this isnā€™t great. The Rock has hyped up Black Adam beyond belief, and the movie is scoring 35% below Shazam, the film he extracted himself from and the character he seems content to ignore in favor of moving on to bigger rivalries like Superman. And outside of the DCEU, these Black Adam scores put it below every single MCU movie ever made except for Eternals. These numbers may go up or down as more reviews come in, but itā€™s clearly not going to reach a much higher tier.

    Of course, what really matters in the end is box office. If Black Adam does huge numbers then critic scores donā€™t matter and The Rock will get all the sway heā€™s hoping for in helping guide the future of DC, most likely. But if Black Adam underperforms or even bombs, this grand vision of making the character a key part of the universe going forward with sequels and face-offs against Superman does not seem likely to materialize.

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    Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.

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    Paul Tassi, Senior Contributor

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