The Circleslammed as 'ham-fisted,' 'dated,' 'bland' by critics

Unfortunately, for many critics,The Circlefell short of the mark. Tasha Robinson’s review forThe Vergecalled it “a toothless, bland satire of a Google fantasy dystopia.” Read a selection ofThe Circlereviews below. Credit: Frank Masi/STX Entertainment Chris Nashawaty (Entertainment Weekly) “Hey, did you know that technology is a double-edged sword? That all of the byte-sized computing power that’s supposed to liberate us may also be enslaving us? But it’s so cartoony and ham-fisted it sabotages its own argument....

May 1, 2025 · 1 min · 195 words · Kenneth Holmes

The Comedian: Robert De Niro seen in first look at new film

But he refuses to be thrown on the scrap heap. He really aspires to get up and practice his art in front of an audience and still be relevant. AndThe Comedianpromises to be a humorous look at a world full of crusty, loony characters. Credit: Alison Cohen Rosa So better to call it a dark comedy with drama. Either way, De Niros sad clown is sure to garner applause perhaps even on Oscar night....

May 1, 2025 · 1 min · 74 words · Dalton King

The Crown recap: Season 1, Episode 9

Before she accepts, she wants to know if he’s still hung up on Elizabeth. Porchy assures her that he is not. “For her, there was only ever Philip,” he says. Credit: Alex Bailey/Netflix Meanwhile, at Buckingham Palace, Philip is not earning that love. He comes home drunk, and Elizabeth pretends to be asleep. Their marriage is on the rocks now more than ever. Elizabeth calls Porchy late at night to talk about her horses....

May 1, 2025 · 3 min · 435 words · Rachel Tucker

The Crown trailer: Queen Elizabeth's marriage is tested

Debuting in November,The Crownis a new period drama about the life of the queen. Each season will track about a decade of her rule starting in the late 1940s. I have seen three great monarchies brought down through their failure to separate personal indulgences from duty. Credit: Alex Bailey/Netflix You must not allow yourself to make similar mistakes, someone warns Elizabeth in the elegant trailer. The crown must win mustalwayswin....

May 1, 2025 · 1 min · 112 words · Kimberly Ford

The Crown: John Lithgow talks transforming into one of Britain's most iconic figures

I think I said yes before my agent even finished the sentence, even though I was quite astonished. I was a combination of thrilled and terrified. At least you had tons of research to draw from.Yes. Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images I started doing a lot of reading and seeing as much video and audio as I could. I was so fascinated by his childhood and his young years. He was really a miserably unhappy boy....

May 1, 2025 · 2 min · 335 words · Michelle Guerra

The Crown: Michael C. Hall explains his surprising JFK portrayal

Exclusive: This will be a John F. Kennedy unlike any you’ve seen before. ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: What was your first thought when offered this role? MICHAEL C. HALL: I knew the show was very well regarded but I had yet to see it. But that was also exciting. And when I looked at the script I thought the presentation [of Kennedy] was pretty broad spectrum. He’s perhaps the most previously depicted president in Hollywood history....

May 1, 2025 · 2 min · 344 words · Jonathan Williams

The Crownpremiere recap: 'Wolferton Splash'

We begin in 1947 at Buckingham Palace. King George heads downstairs to a room filled with noble-looking men. Once the ceremony is over, she shares a fairly intimate moment with her fiance. Alex Bailey/Netflix Philip:I’ve signed myself away. Elizabeth:Or, won the greatest prize on Earth. Philip:That’s certainly what they think [beat]it’s what I think, too. The episode draws more attention to the future tension in the marriage with Elizabeth’s vows....

May 1, 2025 · 2 min · 253 words · Patricia Rice

The Crownrecap: 'Hyde Park Corner'

However, King George VI declines and delivers a great explanation for why. “I no longer am Albert Windsor. We see how Queen Mary is informed. Credit: Alex Bailey/Netflix We see how the BBC is waiting for Churchill’s go-ahead to break the news. We see how every national outlet starts reporting on his death. And, she and Philip seem incredibly happy to be spending this time together. But, is that adulation any different than how we treat the royals now?...

May 1, 2025 · 2 min · 223 words · Alison Miranda

The Crownrecap: Season 1, Episode 8

When she goes low, you go high, Your Majesty. But Churchill’s not having it: “What is it you would have the Queen do? Stay at home in the wake of minor incidents prosecuted by insurgent rabble?” Credit: Alex Bailey/Netflix he says, as only he can. “What kind of a signal would that send?” Even modest Elizabeth can’t argue with anactual government directiveto look her best. Who is she to say no to that?...

May 1, 2025 · 2 min · 267 words · Xavier Padilla

The Crownstar Claire Foy celebrates Emmy nod, teases 'completely different' season 2

EW caught up with the actress to see how she reacted to the news. Ive never been before and I cant wait. Is there a group text?Well definitely be in touch. Ill definitely be getting in touch with John to say congratulations. I just really thought it was near perfect. I just want them to be happy together!I know! Its like, bloody hell, its just awful! They need to go on another safari and have fun....

May 1, 2025 · 1 min · 182 words · Sabrina Johnson

The crucial importance and splendid madness ofFriday Night Lightsseason 2

If you punch links we provide, we may receive compensation. There’s no reason to defend season 2 ofFriday Night Lights. The show survived it and thrived. But it deserves study, close analysis, and maybe a new cockeyed appreciation. (Think Don Draper flashbacks, think Sand Snakes, think “He’s therealSeymour Skinner!") Everyone becomes their most aggressive worst self. Matt tackles Smash, and kicks his car, and calls his teacher a “bitch.” This is the only season where someone steals $3,000 from one of the biggest drug dealers in Dillon....

May 1, 2025 · 7 min · 1323 words · Jennifer Morris

The CW sets premiere date for DC's Legends of Tomorrow

The news comes soon afterDCs Legends of Tomorrowreleased its first trailerMonday afternoon. WatchThe Vampire DiariesandThe Originalswhen they start off their Friday night takeover Jan. 29 at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. ET, respectively, and see the premiere ofDCs Legends of Tomorrowwhen it debuts Jan. 21 at 8 p.m. Credit: Jordon Nuttall/TheCW The season premiere ofThe 100will air right after at 9 p.m. RELATED VIDEO: Who said it: Stefan or a Disney character?...

May 1, 2025 · 1 min · 78 words · George Black

The CW's fall 2017 schedule: A snap judgment

A military drama or a glitzy family feud? Either way, let the (snap) judging begin. Valor Mondays, 10 p.m. ET Heres my knee-jerk reaction to the trailer: Who is thisfor? The trailer fires its shots all over the place. There are some soapy elements, too look, a love triangle! and tantalizing shots of shirtless cast members. And then on top of all that, theres a dash of intriguing, albeit clunky dialogue (Itsalwaysclassified!...

May 1, 2025 · 1 min · 187 words · Joseph Wise