A former child star has responded to claims that one of his old movies is “super inappropriate” amid calls to have the movie removed from streaming platforms.
Actor Brian Bonsall stars in the 1994 comedy Blank Check as the title character Preston Waters, an 11-year-old boy who inherits a blank cheque and uses it to purchase houses under different names.
While the premise of the movie is seemingly harmless, one part of the plot involves the young boy apparently getting into a romantic relationship with a grown woman, who is approximately 20 years his senior.
The character, who was an FBI agent posing as a bank teller and portrayed by Karen Duffy, even gives the pre-teen a kiss on the lips, adding that the pair can go on a “date” in six years… which would still make him just 17 years old.
The kiss scene left many viewers feeling particularly uncomfortable, with some even taking to social media to discuss the topic further.
“The fact that it takes us being older to realize this wasn’t ok – Blank Check is a kids movie… But they kiss 30 something year old women,” wrote one user while another added: “It’s sooo bad, used to be one of my favorite movies when I was a kid.”
A third branded it as “super inappropriate”, adding that this type of thing wouldn’t last in the modern world.
“Never Forget that Disney’s ‘Blank Check’ was 100% inappropriate!…The ’90s was wild y’all,” one final user shared.
I mean, you gotta admit, it’s a little much for a kids movie, right?
Things got so bad that many even petitioned for it to be removed from streaming platforms such as Disney+, though it’s still available to watch.
However, the child star of the show took to Facebook to tell people to chill out.
“I had an absolute blast filming this movie! Everyone was a joy to work with and it’s awesome to see so many people still enjoy it!” he wrote in a previous post, to which many agreed that the movie was made for a whole “different time.”
Do you agree?
As for Bonsall, he’s seemingly given up acting and is pursuing a different type of career in the world of music with his band, The Ataris.
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Fans of Netflix show with 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating left devastated as it’s canceled for a second time
By Nasima Khatun
Another day, another Netflix cancelation – and let’s just say we’re all devastated over this one.
Now, Netflix seems to have a bad habit of canceling some of our favorite shows, and no matter how much of a loyal fanbase the series in question garners, it just seems impossible to keep some series around.
Scavengers Reign, a show about a group of people who were left stranded on a “beautiful but dangerous planet” after their deep space freighter was damaged, has been canceled not once, but twice by two different platforms.
The animated sci-fi originally debuted on Max and despite earning itself a very impressive 100% score on Rotten Tomatos‘ Tomatometer, as well as a solid 96% score on the Popcornmeter, it was dropped by the streamer.
Shortly after, it was picked up by Netflix who were considering making a follow-up series to it and unfortunately, it seems as though it’s been axed again.
The announcement was made by the show’s creator, Joe Bennett, who took to Instagram to let fans know.
“As of right now, Scavengers Reign is not being renewed for a second season,” the lengthy post started. “I wanted to let everyone know directly because I really love our fanbase, they’ve been such champions for the show, and I don’t want to leave everyone hanging.”
Bennett continued: “We’ve had to fight tooth and nail every step of the way to get this show made, starting all the way back in 2016 with the Scavengers short film to the release of the first season last year.”
The animator went on to state that it was difficult to even get producers to believe in the original project, noting that they had to persevere through “a million and one hurdles.”
“But, it got made, thanks especially to so many people who supported it along the way, in big and small ways. I want to thank some of those people, starting with my co-creator Charles Huettner, Chris Prynoski and everyone at @titmouseinc, my home base at @greenstreetpictures, the writers, directors, and so many incredible artists who worked tirelessly on the show, and the folks at Max who were incredible partners to work with.”
Regardless of the show’s cancelation, the star revealed that this would not be the end for Scavengers Reign.
“There is more story to be told, we are ready to make another season, and we produced in-house at Green Street a teaser for what was going to come in the second season,” Bennett added before concluding: “Thanks again to everyone who watched and supported the show.”
Naturally, fans were devastated upon hearing the news.
“If this show isn’t renewed, it feels like no animated shows can get renewed,” wrote one user, while another added: “This show is everything to me. If u [sic] guys ever made a kickstarter or anything to try & start up s2 again I’d be there.”
A third also chimed in, writing: “Scavengers Reign was an absolute masterpiece, and a stunning work of art. I have no doubt in my mind another door will open soon. We’re all rooting for you. You’ve got fans for life!”
The first season of Scavengers Reign is still available to watch on Netflix.
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Heartbreaking nanny cam footage reveals wife’s horrific abuse of husband in new Netflix documentary
By Asiya Ali
If you or anybody you know is experiencing domestic violence, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text “STRENGTH” to 88788, or message online at https://www.thehotline.org/. Warning: This article contains information some may find distressing.Netflix’s latest true crime documentary has shown shocking nanny cam footage of a wife abusing her husband.
The streaming giant recently released the heartbreaking film, My Wife My Abuser: Captured on Camera, which first aired on Channel Five earlier this year.
Watch a clip from the documentary below:
The 90-minute documentary detailed the horrific abuse Richard Spencer endured at the hands of his wife, Sheree, for over two decades.
From the outside, the couple seemed to have a picture-perfect family life as Richard was a successful IT designer, while his wife held a high-ranking position at the Ministry of Justice. They resided in a six-bedroom house in Bubwith, England, with their three daughters.
However, behind closed doors, Sheree subjected her husband to the most vile humiliation and terror – both physically and emotionally.
The 47-year-old handed over 43 photos of injuries, 36 videos, and nine mobile recordings to authorities after finding the courage to speak out about the violence he was experiencing.
The documentary showed these harrowing pieces of evidence, as well as shocking never-before-seen nanny cam footage that revealed proof of Sheree’s abusive behavior.
One video caught on the camera, which was installed after the birth of the couple’s third daughter in 2015, caught Sheree threatening Richard with a knife in front of their children, according to Daily Mail.
Another disturbing clip revealed Sheree grabbing her husband’s hair and hitting him while calling him awful words like “fat c***” and a “lazy b******” for not putting a chicken in the oven.
In the documentary, the father-of-three said: “Sheree’s abuse towards me evolved and escalated over time, she used repeated acts of physical assault, threats, verbal abuse, and humiliation to punish and exercise control over me.
“The abuse was hidden from the outside world, including friends and family. Sheree manipulated me into believing that I was a responsible and willing participant in the abuse,” he continued. “She remorselessly proclaimed that I deserved to be punished and that it was a justifiable consequence of me disappointing her in some way.”
Many viewers were left in tears after watching the heartbreaking documentary and took to their social media to share their reactions.
“Genuinely can’t put into words the sheer heartbreak and disgust I feel. That poor man and his kids. I feel physically sick. Domestic abuse is not a gendered crime! Anyone can be victims of it,” one person said.
“#MyWifeMyAbuser is such a hard watch, that man is so brave for speaking out about what he went through,” a second commented.
“I’m just watching my wife, my abuser my heart breaks for this poor guy. I’m glad he found the courage to speak out,” a third added.
Richard revealed that the verbal abuse and the humiliation he suffered affected him the most, explaining: “Things that affected me more than the physical attacks would be the more demoralizing things she would do to me,” he said, per Daily Mail.
“In the kitchen, we would often have a box of 12 or more eggs which she would take over to me and crack over my head or push into my face. She was so angry sometimes that the eggshell would cut into my skin.
“I’d have to go upstairs and shower to get the egg out of my hair and clothes – I would feel hopeless a lot of the time after these things happened,” he added.
Sheree was eventually sentenced to four years in prison last year. The judge, Kate Rayfield, described the case as “the worst incidence of controlling and coercive behavior [she had ever] seen”.
My Wife, My Abuser is available to watch on Netflix now.
If you or anybody you know is experiencing domestic violence, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text “STRENGTH” to 88788, or message online at https://www.thehotline.org/.
Featured image credit: Pascal Le Segretain / Getty
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‘Friends’ fans praise show’s ‘inspired’ casting of Teri Garr as Phoebe’s mom after pics show uncanny resemblance to Lisa Kudrow
By stefan armitage
Following the heartbreaking death of actress Teri Garr, Friends fans have taken to social media to highlight her striking resemblance to her on-screen daughter, Lisa Kudrow.
On Tuesday, Garr’s publicist, Heidi Schaeffer, confirmed the news that Garr had died earlier that morning in Los Angeles following a prolonged battle with multiple sclerosis.
She was 79.
The Academy Award-nominated actress and Hollywood legend was known for her star-making performances in movies like Young Frankenstein and Tootsie.
However, younger audiences may know Garr best for her role in the popular TV sitcom Friends, where she played Phoebe and Ursula Buffay’s birth mom, Phoebe Abbott.
Although she only appeared in three episodes of the show, Garr made a lasting impression on viewers – becoming a fan favorite thanks to her storyline helping to expand the backstory of “Pheebs”.
But fans were also captivated by the comedy timing and mannerisms Garr displayed in the series – as they perfectly mirrored those of on-screen daughter Lisa Kudrow.
However, following Garr’s death, as fans and publications have paid tribute to the actress, more and more photos from the star’s illustrious career have been shared – including many from her early career.
This has led to Friends fans realizing just how much of a striking resemblance Garr and Kudrow shared in their youth.
Responding to photos on X, one fan wrote: “That photo proves the casting people from Friends knew exactly what they were doing
She was so perfect for that part, she could have been mistaken for being Lisa Kudrow’s mom! I love that she appealed to audiences both young & old!”
Another added: “Teri Garr was a great choice to play Phoebe’s mom on Friends. She looked just like young Lisa Kudrow, when she was young.”
.jpg_5SA1ot?tr=w-1024,cr-0.0.1024.1157&config=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)
“Wow! No one else could have played Phoebe’s mum because not only did they both have impeccable comedy timing, young Teri Garr looks so much like Lisa Kudrow,” a third wrote.
Another tweeted: “All these wonderful Teri Garr clips are a reminder of what perfect casting she was in Friends as Phoebe’s mother. I wish she’d had more appearances.”
And one Friends fan added: “Teri Garr had a long, storied career. Loved her in ‘Mr. Mom’ with Michael Keaton!
“She was INSPIRED casting as Phoebe’s birth mother, Phoebe, Sr., on Friends. (She and Lisa Kudrow had the same mannerisms and everything!) May she rest in peace after a long battle with MS.”
Kudrow has also paid tribute to her on-screen mom, telling PEOPLE: “Teri Garr was a comedic acting genius who was and is a huge influence on me and I know I’m not alone in that.
“I feel so lucky and grateful I got to work with Teri Garr.”
Garr is survived by her daughter, Molly O’Neil, 30, and her six-year-old grandson, Tyryn.
Our thoughts continue to go out to Garr’s family, friends, and fans at this time.
Featured image credit: Warner Bros (Screenshot), Hulton Archive/Getty
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‘Jeopardy’ slammed for sexist clue after host Ken Jennings apologizes to contestant
By James Kay
Jeopardy! and Ken Jennings have found themselves in hot water after viewers deemed one clue to be sexist.
The incident unfolded during the game’s “Complete the Rhyming Phrase” category, where Jennings read out the prompt: “Men seldom make passes at…”
Returning champion Will Wallace quickly responded with the correct answer, “Girls who wear glasses,” a line originally penned by famed poet Dorothy Parker.
However, an awkward moment arose as fellow contestant Heather Ryan, who was wearing glasses, became the unwitting focus of the clue’s “problematic” implications.
“A little problematic, sorry Heather,” Jennings remarked, acknowledging the phrase’s outdated tone. Wallace chimed in, adding: “Very.”
Ryan, a health program director from Binghamton, New York, remained silent on the issue but narrowly lost the game, finishing just $1 behind new champion Ian Taylor, a Cleveland-based food sales representative.
After the episode aired, viewers voiced their concerns on social media.
“‘Yeah, a little problematic’ — Ken. Um, then why didn’t you bring that up to the writers before the game?” wrote one fan, echoing frustration shared by many.
Others expressed disappointment over the phrase’s “sexist” undertone.
“More like extremely problematic! #girlswithglasses,” posted one user, while another added: “Still angry about this. She’s used her intelligence to get on here, only to be insulted by a sexist and rude comment.”
On Reddit, additional viewers questioned the decision to air the clue, with one user writing: “Rhyming phrases category was awful, especially the sexist clue.”
A second said: “Frankly, I don’t need to hear Ken read an obviously outdated and inappropriate clue and then call it ‘problematic’.
“Maybe he can use his position to get it switched out before it goes out over the air.”
Jennings, a former Jeopardy! champion famed for his record-breaking streak, stepped into the hosting role in 2021 following the death of legendary host Alex Trebek.
In September 2023, Jennings became the show’s sole host for Season 40 after co-host Mayim Bialik departed, although Jennings reportedly remains without a long-term contract.
Criticism of Jennings has intensified in recent months, per the New York Post.
Fans have scrutinized his decisions on the show, including rulings on slightly misspelled answers, a joke about elderly contestants that some deemed insensitive, and now, the “problematic” phrase incident.
Rumors circulated earlier this year that Jennings could be replaced by comedian Colin Jost, who is set to host the new spinoff series, Pop Culture Jeopardy!
However, Sony, which produces Jeopardy!, reportedly has no plans to remove Jennings.
An insider told the US Sun: “The only real reason to replace Ken is if the ratings took a nosedive, and that hasn’t happened yet. The show is holding steady.”
Featured image credit: Jeopardy Productions via Getty Images
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Today marks one year since Matthew Perry’s death: We celebrate Chandler Bing’s 10 best moments
By stefan armitage
Today marks one year since we lost beloved actor Matthew Perry.
The Friends star passed away at his home on October 28, 2023, with the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office listing “the acute effects of ketamine” as his primary cause of death.
It came after the actor’s long and public battle with addiction. He was 54 at the time of his death.
Perry’s death led led to a police investigation being launched in May, which authorities say uncovered a “broad underground criminal network” of drug suppliers who distributed large quantities of ketamine, per BBC News.
Five people were arrested and charged in relation to Perry’s death, including two doctors, the actor’s personal assistant, a Hollywood acquaintance, and a woman known as the “Ketamine Queen”. Three of the five have already pleaded guilty to charges against them.
But today, we celebrate the actor who not only made us laugh as the sarcastic and hapless Chandler Bing during his time on Friends between 1994 and 2004 – but who continues to make us smile, as the sitcom continues to be one of the most treasured and popular shows in TV history.
Here are out picks for Chandler Bing’s best moments from the show…
Being trapped… in an ATM vestibule… with Jill Goodacre (Season 1, Episode 7: The One With the Blackout)
Separated from the rest of his friends during a blackout in New York City, Chandler finds himself trapped in an ATM vestibule with stunning model Jill Goodacre. As we hear his internal monologue attempt to win over the model, hilarious ensues when he accidentally starts choking on somebody else’s gum – leading to the model to rescue him.
“Nice going, Imp!”
“15 Yemen Road, Yemen” (Season 4, Episode 15: The One with All the Rugby)
It’s hard to pick between all of the incredible scenes Chandler shares with irritating on/off girlfriend Janice, but him literally leaving the country to avoid her is our pick.
After cowardly refusing to just break up with Janice, Bing instead tells her that he is being transferred to Yemen through work. However, Janice insists on seeing him off at the airport, leading to Chandler actually purchasing a ticket to Yemen in order to keep up his ruse.
Despite Chandler hoping Janice would leave, she insists on watching him go through the departure gate. Chandler, feeling trapped by his own lie, has no choice but to board the plane to Yemen – defeatedly yelling out: “I’m going to Yemen!”
“I did break up with her, she just took it really, really well!” (Season 4 Episode 3: The One with the Cuffs)
After once again sparking up a fling with Rachel’s boss, Joanna, Chandler finds himself half-naked in her office. However, when Joanna is called away, she handcuffs Chandler to a chair in an effort to keep him around.
Desperate to escape, Chandler must turn to Rachel for help, who – after using a secret key to her boss’ office – must then do anything she can to convince Chandler to remain handcuffed.
The scene has a number of hilarious one-liners, such as Chandler’s: “I’m good at lying, I actually did borrow your Walkman.”
Dealing with Eddie (Season 2, Episode 17: The One Where Eddie Moves In/ Season 2, Episode 18: The One Where Dr. Ramoray Dies)
Without a doubt one of the best characters in Friends who deserved to return in a later season was Eddie, played by Adam Goldberg.
After moving in with Chandler when Joey moved out, Bing quickly realizes that Annie Wilkes from Misery would have been a better choice of roommate.
From watching him sleep to having a goldfish cracker as a pet to accusing Chandler of sleeping with his ex, Bing must go to extraordinary lengths to finally get rid of Eddie.
They don’t know that we know they know we know (Season 5, Episode 14: The One Where Everybody Finds Out)
Taking place in arguably the best episode of the show, Chandler must play an elaborate game of Chicken with Phoebe, as the Friends one-by-one learn about his secret relationship with Monica.
The games culminate in a “rendezvous” between Chandler and Phoebe, each doing their best to get the other to admit they know the truth. From awkward dancing, incredible one-liners, and perhaps the funniest kiss in the show, Chandler eventually gives in and admits he’s in love with Monica.
Toby. (Season 8, Episode 4: The One with Rachel’s Date)
There are many episodes that delve into Chandler’s hatred for his boring office job, but perhaps none encapsulates his lack of passion than this one.
Following a visit from Ross, we learn that one of Chandler’s co-workers thinks his name is Toby after an innocent mistake that Bing refused to correct because he wanted a donut five years prior.
This wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, but when the co-worker learns that his promotion was blackballed by some guy named “Chandler”, Bing is forced to keep us his lie.
The King of Cups (Season 6, Episode 6: The One on the Last Night)
Joey and Chandler as roommates led to perhaps the most beloved sitcom friendship in TV history. And their final night together made for some hilarious moments.
In an attempt to make sure Joey would be able to financially support himself when he’s gone, Chandler comes up with a fake game called Cups – making up the rules as he goes so Joey eventually wins $1,500.
However, Chandler’s plan falls apart when Ross gets involved, and Joey somehow loses all the money he had “won”.
The best one-liner? (Season 2, Episode 1: The One with Ross’s New Girlfriend)
Chandler Bing was synonymous with sarcasm and quick one-liners – so much so that it’s hard to actually pick the best joke from the 10 seasons of Friends.
However, one of our favorites comes in season two – and it just so happened to be one of Perry’s, as he revealed on Good Morning America back in 2017.
The Proposal (Season 6, Episode 25: The One with the Proposal: Part 2)
Looking back on the show after all these years, Monica and Chandler’s relationship should arguably be more celebrated that the “Will they? Won’t they?” phenomenon that was Ross and Rachel.
After watching Chandler struggle with women for four seasons, he finally find love with one of his closest friends.
It is impossible to pick just one “Mondler” moment, but we’re going to go with the emotional climax to season six, when they both propose to each other.
The final goodbye (Season 10, Episode 18: The Last One: Part 2)
After 10 years of being on the air and making us laugh, it was time for Chandler, Monica, Ross, Rachel, Phoebe, and Joey to say goodbye.
In one of the greatest sitcom finales in history, it’s up to Matthew Perry to deliver the final line and joke of the show – something that he said in his book was incredibly meaningful to him.
As the gang leave Monica’s apartment one final time, agree to go and grab a cup of coffee before they inevitability all move on with their lives.
That’s when Chandler – with Perry’s perfect comedic timing – asks the most obvious question going: “Where?”
Thank you for all the laughs, Matthew.
