New Photo - Alibaba to pay US $600M to settle allegations it allowed illegal drug and equipment sales

Alibaba to pay US $600M to settle allegations it allowed illegal drug and equipment sales By FATIMA HUSSEINWed, July 1, 2026 at 8:14 PM UTC 0 WASHINGTON (AP) — The Chinese tech giant Alibaba will pay $600 million to resolve a dispute with the U.S. government over allegations that the Hangzhoubased firm sold and imported illegal pharmaceuticals, controlled substances, regulated chemicals, and pillmaking equipment into the U.S. Alibaba operates some of the world&x27;s largest ecommerce platforms, including Alibaba.com and AliExpress.com. The U.S. alleges that Alibaba’s U.S.

Alibaba to pay US $600M to settle allegations it allowed illegal drug and equipment sales

By FATIMA HUSSEINWed, July 1, 2026 at 8:14 PM UTC

0

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Chinese tech giant Alibaba will pay $600 million to resolve a dispute with the U.S. government over allegations that the Hangzhou-based firm sold and imported illegal pharmaceuticals, controlled substances, regulated chemicals, and pill-making equipment into the U.S.

Alibaba operates some of the world's largest e-commerce platforms, including Alibaba.com and AliExpress.com.

The U.S. alleges that Alibaba’s U.S.-based payment processor, AUS Merchant Services, violated federal law by failing to prevent merchants from selling and importing illegal products into the U.S. through Alibaba.com and AliExpress.com.

Advertisement

Alibaba acknowledges in an agreement with the Justice Department that between January 2016 and December 2024, it failed to stop roughly 80,000 product sales involving unlawful imports that violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and other federal laws.

A news release on the settlement resolution says that Alibaba employees raised concerns that the company’s compliance controls were inadequate and failed to prevent the sale of illegal products — and, in some instances, merchants used Alibaba’s messaging service to direct buyers to third-party messaging platforms to facilitate illegal sales.

Law enforcement officers across the FDA, FDIC, IRS-CI, and other agencies conducted more than 40 undercover purchases of pharmaceuticals and equipment that were illegal to import into the U.S., according to the news release. A non-prosecution agreement was crafted between Alibaba and the Justice Department.

IRS Criminal Investigations' Chief Jarod Koopman said the resolution "underscores IRS Criminal Investigation’s commitment to following the money and ensuring that companies operating in the United States comply fully with federal law.”

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Breaking"

Read More


Source: Breaking

Published: July 1, 2026 at 11:54PM on Source: MORNING MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

Alibaba to pay US $600M to settle allegations it allowed illegal drug and equipment sales

Alibaba to pay US $600M to settle allegations it allowed illegal drug and equipment sales By FATIMA HUSSEINWed, July 1, 2026 at ...
New Photo - Legally Blonde prequel Elle pays tribute to late star James Van Der Beek

The beloved actor had a recurring gueststar role on the series. Legally Blonde prequel Elle pays tribute to late star James Van Der Beek The beloved actor had a recurring gueststar role on the series. By Samantha Highfill :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/SamanthaHighfillauthorphoto0917254112e875604542d49744a27de908d183.jpg) Samantha Highfill Samantha Highfill is an executive editor at , where she's worked for more than 12 years covering television. EW's editorial guidelines July 1, 2026 12:00 p.m.

The beloved actor had a recurring guest-star role on the series.

Legally Blonde prequel* Elle* pays tribute to late star James Van Der Beek

The beloved actor had a recurring guest-star role on the series.

By Samantha Highfill

Sam Highfill author photo

Samantha Highfill

Samantha Highfill is an executive editor at **, where she's worked for more than 12 years covering television.

EW's editorial guidelines

July 1, 2026 12:00 p.m. ET

Leave a Comment

Dean Wilson (James Van Der Beek) in ELLE.

James Van Der Beek as Dean Wilson on 'Elle'. Credit:

Kimberley French/Prime Video

- *Legally Blonde* prequel *Elle *is paying tribute to one of its stars.

- The new Prime Video series dedicates an episode to James Van Der Beek.

- Van Der Beek, who died in February, plays superintendent Dean Wilson on the show.

**This post contains spoilers from season 1 of *Elle*.**

The *Elle* team is paying tribute to one of its own.

The *Legally Blonde* prequel series, which follows a teenage Elle Woods (Lexi Minetree) as she navigates life in Seattle, dropped its first season on Prime Video, and it features a special dedication. Specifically, the show's third episode is dedicated to late star James Van Der Beek, who plays superintendent Dean Wilson.

When Elle's father moves her family from sunny Los Angeles to not-so-sunny Seattle, she struggles to fit in — as does her mother, Eva (June Diane Raphael). But there's at least one smiling face to greet the family, and it belongs to beloved local Dean Wilson, who just so happens to be running for mayor. Dean quickly sees potential in Eva's knowledge and asks her to join his campaign.

Eva Woods (June Diane Raphael), and Dean Wilson (James Van Der Beek) in ELLE.

June Diane Raphael as Eva and James Van Der Beek as Dean on 'Elle'.

Kimberley French/Prime Video

*Elle* is one of Van Der Beek's final projects. The actor was able to finish filming on the series before his death in February of 2026 from colorectal cancer. At the time of his death, *Elle* executive producer Reese Witherspoon posted on social media, saying, "Devastated to hear about James Van Der Beek. What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action. Praying all the angels watch over his family during this difficult time."

Celebrity deaths 2026: Remembering the stars who died this year

Catherine O'Hara on 'Schitt's Creek,' James Van Der Beek on 'Dawson's Creek,' and T.K. Carter in 'The Thing'

Reese Witherspoon gets emotional as 'Legally Blonde' cast reunites ahead of 'Elle' prequel series

Reese Witherspoon tears up as Legally Blond cast reunites

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter.***

Although Van Der Beek is remembered for many projects over his 30-plus-year career, *Elle *wants to make sure it's counted as one of them.

*Elle* is now streaming on Prime Video.

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Comedy"

Read More


Source: Comedy

Published: July 1, 2026 at 07:38PM on Source: MORNING MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

Legally Blonde prequel Elle pays tribute to late star James Van Der Beek

The beloved actor had a recurring gueststar role on the series. Legally Blonde prequel Elle pays tribute to late star James Van...
New Photo - Olivia Wilde says Walton Goggins saved her life after 'very bad horse accident' on Cowboys & Alie...

The actress and director recalled being bucked off her horse and falling into a ditch with dozens of horses galloping toward her. Olivia Wilde says Walton Goggins saved her life after 'very bad horse accident' on Cowboys & Aliens set The actress and director recalled being bucked off her horse and falling into a ditch with dozens of horses galloping toward her. By Emlyn Travis :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/EmlynTravisauthorphotocba6765b433b4f93b9398d18053153b1.jpg) Emlyn Travis Emlyn Travis is a news writer at . She has been working at EW since 2022.

The actress and director recalled being bucked off her horse and falling into a ditch with dozens of horses galloping toward her.

Olivia Wilde says Walton Goggins saved her life after 'very bad horse accident' on Cowboys & Aliens set

The actress and director recalled being bucked off her horse and falling into a ditch with dozens of horses galloping toward her.

By Emlyn Travis

Emlyn Travis author photo

Emlyn Travis

Emlyn Travis is a news writer at **. She has been working at EW since 2022. Her work has previously appeared on MTV News, Teen Vogue, and NME.

EW's editorial guidelines

June 29, 2026 12:11 p.m. ET

Leave a Comment

Olivia Wilde and Walton Goggins side by side

Olivia Wilde; Walton Goggins. Credit:

- Olivia Wilde is sharing a frightening near-death experience.

- The actress and director said she nearly died on the set of *Cowboys & Aliens* but that Walton Goggins saved her life.

- "He's a real-life hero," she said.

Hold your horses! Olivia Wilde is remembering the time Walton Goggins saved her life on the set of* Cowboys & Aliens*.

During a recent visit to the *Armchair Expert* podcast, the 42-year-old *Invite* director revealed that Goggins, 54, prevented her from getting trampled after she was unexpectedly bucked off her horse while shooting the 2011 space Western.

“Walt Goggins saved my life on that movie,” she told host Dax Shepard. “He did. I had a very bad horse accident, and he saved me.”

Olivia Wilde portraying a character in a Westernstyle setting with a revolver holstered

Wilde in 'Cowboys & Aliens'.

Wilde, a lifelong equestrian, explained that the incident occurred two months into filming the Jon Favreau-directed project.

“It was me and Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford galloping, like, full sprint across the desert with 40 horses behind us,” she recalled. “And it was like we were leading the charge to fight the aliens or whatever.”

Olivia Wilde says she and ex-fiancé Jason Sudeikis are better off as 'friends and co-parents'

Jason Sudeikis (L) and Olivia Wilde pose backstage at iHeartRadio's Z100 Jingle Ball 2019 Presented By Capital One on December 13, 2019 in New York City

Olivia Wilde breaks silence on backlash to Harry Styles romance: 'People were f---ing pissed'

Olivia Wilde and Harry Styles

As they sped forward, Wilde spotted a “large ditch” in front of her and knew in an instant that her horse was going to try to leap over it.

“So sure enough, this horse jumps and bucks me off in the craziest way,” she said. “I fell off. I hit my head and my back, and I was laying [on the ground] but, unfortunately, I was on the other side of this kind of lip of dirt, meaning that all horses behind couldn't see me. And there was also a lot of dust.”

***Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our ******EW Dispatch newsletter******.***

In that moment, Wilde recognized that she was likely going to die. “I remember having my ear to the ground and I could hear it and it sounded like thunder, like they were coming towards me,” she continued. “And I had the thought — it sounds so dramatic — but I thought, it'll be quick. It'll be like, pulverized applesauce. Out.”

It was as she was “waiting for it to happen” that Goggins spotted her fall and shielded her from harm. “Walt Goggins had seen it ahead of him and in a split second thought to turn his horse sideways right in front of me and let everyone kind of bash into him,” Wilde said. “And he's a great rider, so he was able to handle that.”

The other riders, in turn, noticed Goggins’ strange maneuver and navigated around him. “People split the two sides around us thinking he had just gone insane, but he was protecting my body on the ground,” she said.

Wilde added, “And so I owe him my life. It's crazy. He's a real-life hero.”

Based on the graphic novel of the same name, *Cowboys & Aliens* follows an unlikely trio of individuals — played by Ford, Craig, and Wilde — as they work together to save a group of townsfolk after they get abducted by aliens. The film also starred Sam Rockwell, Paul Dano, Clancy Brown, and Wyatt Russell.

Even with her frightening near-death experience, Wilde described working on* Cowboys & Aliens* as “the most fun I’ve ever had” on the set of a film. “It was like riding horses with Han Solo,” she said. “It was literally Harrison Ford and Daniel Craig and me and Sam Rockwell, who became one of my best friends.”

Listen to Wilde discuss the accident in the clip above.

- Action Movies

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Action"

Read More


Source: Action

Published: July 1, 2026 at 04:38PM on Source: MORNING MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

Olivia Wilde says Walton Goggins saved her life after 'very bad horse accident' on Cowboys & Alie...

The actress and director recalled being bucked off her horse and falling into a ditch with dozens of horses galloping toward her. Olivi...
New Photo - The 18 best happy movies on Netflix that’ll inspire a smile

Start streaming for a mood enhancer. The 18 best happy movies on Netflix that’ll inspire a smile Start streaming for a mood enhancer. By Ilana Gordon :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/ILANAGORDONHEADSHOT80577598f8ed442cacff5de184ceb9f5.jpg) Ilana Gordon is an entertainment, culture, and comedy writer originally from Connecticut. She currently lives in Los Angeles. EW's editorial guidelines and Andrew Walsh on July 1, 2026 6:16 a.m. ET :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/BestHappyMoviesonNetflix0626263af9baa7eadc4d73a1e1e02386da2fe5.

Start streaming for a mood enhancer.

The 18 best happy movies on Netflix that’ll inspire a smile

Start streaming for a mood enhancer.

By Ilana Gordon

Ilana Gordon

Ilana Gordon is an entertainment, culture, and comedy writer originally from Connecticut. She currently lives in Los Angeles.

EW's editorial guidelines

and Andrew Walsh

on July 1, 2026 6:16 a.m. ET

Sean Astin as Daniel 'Rudy' Ruettiger in 'Rudy'; Will Harris (voice: Caleb McLaughlin) in 'GOAT'; Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka in 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory'

Sean Astin as Daniel 'Rudy' Ruettiger in 'Rudy'; Will Harris (voice: Caleb McLaughlin) in 'GOAT'; Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka in 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory'. Credit:

TriStar Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection; Sony Pictures Animation; Silver Screen Collection/Hulton Archive/Getty

Cue the happy chemicals: Netflix just performed its monthly inventory restock and filled its digital shelves with options sure to brighten your mood. Among this month's highlights: Engage your youthful fantasies with *13 Going on 30** *(2004) and *Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory** *(1971), two films about childhood wishes coming true, to unexpected results. Plus, the World Cup wraps up halfway through July, but you can fill the void with a viewing of the uplifting sports drama *Rudy* (1993).

A happiness infusion awaits: here are 's 18 picks for the happiest movies currently streaming on Netflix.**

13 Going on 30 (2004)

Mark Ruffalo as Matt Flamhaff and Jennifer Garner as Jenna Rink in '13 Going on 30'

Mark Ruffalo as Matt Flamhaff and Jennifer Garner as Jenna Rink in '13 Going on 30'.

Melinda Sue Gordon/Columbia Pictures

Jennifer Garner launches a full-scale charm offensive in *13 Going on 30*, a fantasy romantic comedy about Jenna Rink, a 13-year-old who wishes to be grown up after a disastrous birthday party. A cross between *Big* (1988) and *The Devil Wears Prada *(2006), the film follows Jenna from her childhood home to her New York City luxury apartment and dream job at a magazine.

As the teen in a 30-year-old’s body attempts to understand what has happened to her in the last 17 years, she must confront whether growing up was everything she had hoped for. One of the purest and most rewatchable rom-coms from the early aughts, *13 Going on 30* represents some of the best the genre has to offer, and is a joy to watch at any age. *—Ilana Gordon*

Where to watch *13 Going on 30*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A–

**Director: **Gary Winick

**Cast: **Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer, Andy Serkis

Always Be My Maybe (2019)

Ali Wong as Sasha Tran and Randall Park as Marcus Kim in 'Always Be My Baby'

Ali Wong as Sasha Tran and Randall Park as Marcus Kim in 'Always Be My Baby'. Ed Araquel/Netflix

Sasha Tran (Ali Wong) and Marcus Kim (Randall Park) were best friends–turned–high school sweethearts who, after a post-coital fight, lost contact for 16 years. When Sasha makes a triumphant return to San Francisco as a big-time chef, she and Marcus, who is not doing quite as well, find themselves nursing old grudges and long-dormant feelings. EW praises the stars' effortless chemistry, writing, “the bond between them is one of the many elements that make the film feel authentic, sweet, and wildly funny.” *—Andrew Walsh*

Where to watch *Always Be My Maybe*: Netflix

**EW grade: **B

**Director: **Nahnatchka Khan

**Cast: **Ali Wong, Randall Park, James Saito, Michelle Buteau, Daniel Dae Kim

Chef (2014)

Emjay Anthony as Percy Casper and Jon Favreau as Carl Casper in 'Chef'

Emjay Anthony as Percy Casper and Jon Favreau as Carl Casper in 'Chef'.

Director Jon Favreau was coming off a string of big-budget action movies (2008's *Iron Man*, 2011's *Cowboys & Aliens*) when he released *Chef*. A cinematic 180, this road dramedy tells the story of a celebrity chef (Favreau) who gets fired from his high-profile job at a Los Angeles restaurant, only to rediscover his love of cooking by opening a food truck.

The film was inspired by the success of Roy Choi's Kogi Korean BBQ truck in 2008, and the script is reflective of the 2014 social media culture into which it was born. (One of the major plot points involves a viral Twitter beef with a food critic.) A charming comedy, *Chef* is Favreau’s return to more intimate filmmaking after his Marvel success. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Chef*: Netflix

**Director: **Jon Favreau

**Cast: **Jon Favreau, SofĂ­a Vergara, John Leguizamo, Scarlett Johansson, Dustin Hoffman

Dumplin' (2018)

Jennifer Aniston as Rosie Dickson in 'Dumplin''

Jennifer Aniston as Rosie Dickson in 'Dumplin''. Netflix

A coming-of-age Southern charmer imbued with the soul of Dolly Parton, *Dumplin’ *is the story of Willowdean Dickson (Danielle Macdonald), a teenager who enters a local pageant overseen by her mom as an act of protest. When Willowdean’s rebellion spurs other misfits to sign up for the pageant, too, she struggles to manage the relationships in her personal life, especially with her semi-estranged mother, Rosie (Jennifer Aniston).

Parton wrote 12 new songs for the movie, filled with mantras, melodies, and the motivation to just be yourself. EW’s critic writes, “Like a pillow cross-stitched with sassy aphorisms, *Dumplin’ *is kitschy and squishy and, if you let yourself, pretty sweet to sink into.” *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Dumplin'*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Director:** Anne Fletcher

**Cast:** Danielle Macdonald, Jennifer Aniston, Odeya Rush, Maddie Baillio, Bex Taylor-Klaus

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020)

Will Ferrell as Lars Erickssong and Rachel McAdams as Sigrit EricksdĂłttir in 'Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga'

Will Ferrell as Lars Erickssong and Rachel McAdams as Sigrit EricksdĂłttir in 'Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga'.

John Wilson/Netflix

Icelandic musicians Lars Erickssong (Will Ferrell) and Sigrit EricksdĂłttir (Rachel McAdams) are lifelong friends and not-yet-sweethearts who dream of winning the Eurovision Song Contest. Despite disapproval from their parents, their town, and the local Eurovision selection committee, the duo dubbed “Fire Saga” refuses to let anything stop them from achieving their goal of songwriting immortality — including their romantic feelings for each other.

Underneath all the spandex and over-the-top production numbers is a sincere film that cares as much about sharing the joy of music as satirizing its ostentatious performance. *—A.W.*

Where to watch *Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga*: Netflix

**Director: **David Dobkin

**Cast: **Will Ferrell, Rachel McAdams, Dan Stevens, Pierce Brosnan

GOAT (2026)

Modo (voice: Nick Kroll), Lenny (voice: Stephen Curry), Will (voice: Caleb McLaughlin), Olivia (voice: Nicola Coughlan), Jett (voice: Gabrielle Union), and Archie (voice: David Harbour) in 'GOAT'

Modo (voice: Nick Kroll), Lenny (voice: Stephen Curry), Will (voice: Caleb McLaughlin), Olivia (voice: Nicola Coughlan), Jett (voice: Gabrielle Union), and Archie (voice: David Harbour) in 'GOAT'.

Sony Pictures Animation

Steph Curry produces and makes his feature film debut in *GOAT*, the animated sports comedy about a small animal who dreams of becoming a professional athlete and competing with the fiercest predators. Caleb McLaughlin (*Stranger Things*) voices Will Harris, an undersized 16-year-old goat who wants to become the greatest of all time at roarball — an all-gender contact sport that infuses basketball with MMA-style fighting, held in the most dangerous stadium. When Will gets a chance to play in the pros for his favorite team, the Thorns, he jumps at the shot. But once in uniform, he feuds with his roarball idol and current face of the Thorns, black panther Jett Fillmore (Gabrielle Union). Think a funnier version of *Rudy *(1993), but with anthropomorphized creatures. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *GOAT*: Netflix

**Director: **Tyree Dillihay

**Cast: **Caleb McLaughlin, Stephen Curry, Gabrielle Union, Nicola Coughlan, David Harbour

The Greatest Night in Pop (2024)

Recording artists in 'The Greatest Night in Pop'

Recording artists in 'The Greatest Night in Pop'.

Courtesy of Netflix

The ‘80s were a different time, man. Back then, you could convince 45 of the world’s biggest artists to spend one night recording a song, with all sales intended to help fight famine in Africa. The song — “We Are the World,” co-written by Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson — facilitated one of the largest and most successful charitable collaborations in music history, and the story of how that one night came to pass makes for a pretty great documentary.

Narrated by the living artists who participated, the film is a shining example of what can happen when celebrities combine their platforms for good, and its relevance is particularly strong today. Littered with pop culture anecdotes and music history, *The Greatest Night in Pop *is a lovely reminder of the healing power of music and a moving tribute to the artists involved who have since died. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *The Greatest Night in Pop*: Netflix

**Director: **Bao Nguyen

**Cast: **Lionel Richie, Cyndi Lauper, Bruce Springsteen, Kenny Loggins, Huey Lewis

Klaus (2019)

Jesper (voice: Jason Schwartzman) and Klaus (voice: J.K. Simmons) in 'Klaus'

Jesper (voice: Jason Schwartzman) and Klaus (voice: J.K. Simmons) in 'Klaus'.

Netflix/Everett

*Klaus* is a Santa Claus origin story that’s enjoyable any time of the year. Starring Oscar winner J.K. Simmons as the film’s eponymous hero, *Klaus *tells the tale of a widowed Norwegian woodsman who is recruited by the town’s new postman, Jesper* *(Jason Schwartzman), to make toys for him to deliver in an effort to prove his postmaster general father wrong. But when Klaus’ toys begin to cheer up the children of Smeerensburg — a town whose inhabitants are perpetually engaged in a feud between two familial clans — Jesper and Klaus must step out of their comfort zones to help save the town from itself. *Klaus* isn’t just another feel-good film; it’s also a film that looks great. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Klaus*: Netflix

**Director:** Sergio Pablos

**Cast: **Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones, Will Sasso, Neda Margrethe Labba**

The 50 best high school movies of all time, for every mood and genre

Molly Ringwald as Claire Standish in 'The Breakfast Club', William Gates in 'Hoop Dreams'; Stacey Dash as Dionne Davenport and Alicia Silverstone as Cher Horowitz in 'Clueless'

Ranking the 11 best Adam Sandler movies, from highbrow must-sees to lowbrow classics

Adam Sandler as Billy Madison in 'Billy Madison'; Adam Sandler as Robbie Hart in 'The Wedding Singer'; Adam Sandler as Howard Ratner in 'Uncut Gems'

Matilda (1996)

Mara Wilson as Matilda Wormwood in 'Matilda'

Mara Wilson as Matilda Wormwood in 'Matilda'.

Before Danny DeVito was Frank in *It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia*, he directed and starred in one of the best adaptations of Roald Dahl’s work: *Matilda*. A movie about a prodigious 6-year-old who develops telekinetic abilities to deal with the bullying she experiences from the adults in her life, *Matilda* was not a box office success, but it is a millennial cult classic.

Like much of Dahl’s work, *Matilda* is ultimately the story of a brilliant child attempting to police the unstable adults around her. But DeVito’s direction — coupled with excellent casting and performances — finds whimsy, comedy, and connection amidst all the abuse and special abilities. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Matilda*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Director: **Danny DeVito

**Cast:** Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Embeth Davidtz, Pam Ferris

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (2022)

Lesley Manville as Ada Harris and Lucas Bravo as André Fauvel in 'Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris'

Lesley Manville as Ada Harris and Lucas Bravo as André Fauvel in 'Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris'. Everett Collection

*Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris* is a charming underdog story about Ada Harris (Lesley Manville), a 1950s English house cleaner who receives a war widow’s pension, and uses it to travel to Paris to splurge on a couture Dior gown. As sweet and soothing as a cup of tea, this historical dramedy was adapted from a 1958 novel that was previously adapted into a 1992 TV movie starring Angela Lansbury in the titular role.

Manville is adorable and determined as Ada, a woman accustomed to sacrificing and serving, who finally decides to acknowledge her own dreams and treat herself. While the plot can be mistaken as off-the-rack for the genre, there’s something special about seeing a wearable work of art being made specifically for someone so used to putting others first. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris*: Netflix

**Director:** Anthony Fabian

**Cast: **Lesley Manville, Isabelle Huppert, Lambert Wilson, Alba Baptista, Lucas Bravo

Muriel's Wedding (1994)

Toni Collette as Muriel Heslop and Bill Hunter as Bill Heslop in 'Muriel's Wedding'

Toni Collette as Muriel Heslop and Bill Hunter as Bill Heslop in 'Muriel's Wedding'.

Ciby 2000/The Kobal Collection/Everett

Landing more on the dramedy end of the comedic spectrum, *Muriel’s Wedding* is an Australian export that stars actress Toni Collette in her breakout role as Muriel Heslop, a geeky, wedding-obsessed 22-year-old who dreams of a brighter future than her small beach town can offer. After being tormented and bullied by her high school friends and overbearing father, Muriel moves to Sydney and enters into a marriage of convenience with an athlete. But when her bridal era fails to transform her circumstances, Muriel must confront reality and discover her true happily ever after. Featuring a soundtrack that leans heavily on ABBA songs, this comedy is affectionate, quirky, and surprisingly poignant. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Muriel's Wedding*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A–

**Director:** P.J. Hogan

**Cast:** Toni Collette, Bill Hunter, Rachel Griffiths

My Octopus Teacher (2020)

Craig Foster with an octopus in 'My Octopus Teacher'

Craig Foster with an octopus in 'My Octopus Teacher'.

*My Octopus Teacher *is an Oscar-winning documentary that chronicles South African free-diver Craig Foster’s bond with an octopus he discovers while on an underwater expedition. As he observes the creature’s life, playfulness, and harrowing encounters with predators, he notices changes in his approach to his own life and relationships out of the water. Filled with gorgeous, entrancing cinematography, this true story of an unlikely friendship inspires wonder about the natural world and our place in it. *—A.W.*

Where to watch *My Octopus Teacher*: Netflix

**Directors: **James Reed, Pippa Ehrlich

**Cast: **Craig Foster

Nimona (2023)

Nimona (voice: Chloë Grace Moretz) in 'Nimona'

Nimona (voice: Chloë Grace Moretz) in 'Nimona'. Netflix

Shape-shifting troublemaker Nimona (ChloĂ« Grace Moretz) aspires to be the villainous sidekick to the Queen’s would-be assassin, Ballister Boldheart (Riz Ahmed), despite the latter's protests that it was a frame-up. As the unlikely pair of outcasts team up, the kingdom’s ancient history and modern politics throw unexpected wrinkles into their quest to clear Ballister’s name.

We expect animated family adventures like this to be uplifting and heartfelt, but *Nimona *ups the ante with its explorations of chosen families, queer identity, self-expression, and its complex but inspiring understanding of heroism. *—A.W.*

Where to watch *Nimona*: Netflix

**EW grade: **B+

**Directors: **Troy Quane, Nick Bruno

**Cast: **Chloë Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed, Eugene Lee Yang, Frances Conroy, Lorraine Toussaint

Paddington in Peru (2024)

Paddington Bear (voice: Ben Whishaw) in 'Paddington in Peru'

Paddington Bear (voice: Ben Whishaw) in 'Paddington in Peru'.

Britain’s fuzziest marmalade enthusiast is back for his third adventure, and this time he’s headed home to the jungle. After learning that the bear who raised him after his parents died has gone missing, Paddington convinces his adoptive family to join him on a quest to Darkest Peru to find and rescue his Aunt Lucy.

Of course, nothing on a quest is ever as it seems, and Paddington and the Brown family must contend with gold hunters and scheming villains on their journey. In times of great stress, there’s nothing quite like turning on a *Paddington* movie and setting off on a well-mannered adventure. *Paddington in Peru* doesn’t reinvent the franchise, but it does not disappoint. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Paddington in Peru*: Netflix

**Director: **Dougal Wilson

**Cast:** Ben Whishaw, Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent

Remarkably Bright Creatures (2026)

Lewis Pullman as Cameron and Sally Field as Tova in 'Remarkably Bright Creatures'

Lewis Pullman as Cameron and Sally Field as Tova in 'Remarkably Bright Creatures'.

Courtesy of Netflix

If octopuses are on the brain after watching *My Octopus Teacher*, consider *Remarkably Bright Creatures* as a companion piece. The mystery casts Sally Field as Tova, a grieving cleaning woman living in Washington, who befriends an aging octopus named Marcellus (voiced by Alfred Molina) at the aquarium where she works. When an accident forces Tova to take time off, she forges a bond with Cameron (Lewis Pullman), the young musician hired to replace her. The film is adapted from the 2022 bestselling novel by Shelby Van Pelt, and tells a life-affirming story of grief and unlikely friendships — human and otherwise. Octopuses don't live long, but this Netflix Original is likely to endure. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Remarkably Bright Creatures*: Netflix

**Director: **Olivia Newman

**Cast:** Sally Field, Lewis Pullman, Joan Chen, Kathy Baker, Beth Grant

Rudy (1993)

Sean Astin as Daniel 'Rudy' Ruettige in 'Rudy'

Sean Astin as Daniel 'Rudy' Ruettige in 'Rudy'. Van Redin/Sony

Nearly a decade before Sean Astin first showed his heart as Samwise Gamgee in *The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring *(2001), he bared his soul on the field as the title character of David Anspaugh's *Rudy*. Inspired by a true story, this sports drama follows a young man who is determined to play football for Notre Dame — in spite of his small stature, poor grades, and lack of athletic abilities. Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger is the perfect Astin character, a "5 foot nothing" kid from Joliet, Ill., hellbent on willing his dream into existence, and Angelo Pizzo's script can be counted on to score an emotional touchdown with viewers. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Rudy*: Netflix

**Director: **David Anspaugh

**Cast:** Sean Astin, Ned Beatty, Charles S. Dutton, Lili Taylor, Robert Prosky

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (2024)

Gromit, Norbot (voice: Reece Shearsmith), and Wallace (voice: Ben Whitehead) in 'Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl'

Gromit, Norbot (voice: Reece Shearsmith), and Wallace (voice: Ben Whitehead) in 'Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl'.

England’s most beloved national treasures aren’t all locked away in the British Museum: some are streaming on Netflix. Wallace & Gromit, the U.K.’s favorite stop motion claymation duo, return in their second feature-length film, *Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.*

Released 19 years after the franchise’s first feature (*The Curse of the Were-Rabbit*, 2005), *Vengeance Most Fowl *is a follow-up to the 1993 short, *The Wrong Pants*, and joins the eccentric inventor and his loyal beagle as they confront the modern world. After Wallace invents a robotic garden gnome — which is later hacked by Feathers McGraw, a criminal penguin seeking revenge — the pair must fight to save themselves from the dangers of technology. It's comfort comedy at its finest. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl*: Netflix

**Directors: **Nick Park, Merlin Crossingham

**Cast: **Ben Whitehead, Peter Kay, Lauren Patel, Reece Shearsmith

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka in 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory'

Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka in 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory'.

Silver Screen Collection/Getty

Before there was *Charlie and the Chocolate Factory* (2005) and *Wonka* (2023), there was 1971’s *Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory*. Based on the acclaimed children’s book by Roald Dahl — who also wrote the screenplay for the film — *Willy Wonka* tells the story of an eccentric chocolatier (as played by Gene Wilder) who orchestrates a contest to help him select a child to carry on his candy-making empire. Fantastical, whimsical, funny, and scary, the film was nominated for an Oscar for Best Music for its score, which included the debut of the song “The Candy Man.”* —I.G.*

Where to watch *Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory*: Netflix

**Director: **Mel Stuart

**Cast: **Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum, Roy Kinnear

- Movie Reviews & Recommendations

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW Movie"

Read More


Source: Movie

Published: July 1, 2026 at 01:38PM on Source: MORNING MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

The 18 best happy movies on Netflix that’ll inspire a smile

Start streaming for a mood enhancer. The 18 best happy movies on Netflix that’ll inspire a smile Start streaming for a mood enhan...
New Photo - Who Had the Most Expensive Royal Wedding Dress? Comparing Princess Diana, Kate Middleton, and Queen Elizabeth’s Gowns

Who Had the Most Expensive Royal Wedding Dress? Comparing Princess Diana, Kate Middleton, and Queen Elizabeth’s Gowns Bailey BujnosekTue, June 30, 2026 at 12:00 PM UTC 0 Credit: Getty Images / InStyleThe Gist Royal wedding dresses, which are almost exclusively custom, cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Both Princess Diana and Kate Middleton&x27;s regal gowns cost upwards of $100,000. Though Queen Elizabeth&x27;s wedding took place just after World War II and was paid for in part with ration coupons, when adjusting for inflation, it cost more than $1 million.

Who Had the Most Expensive Royal Wedding Dress? Comparing Princess Diana, Kate Middleton, and Queen Elizabeth’s Gowns

Bailey BujnosekTue, June 30, 2026 at 12:00 PM UTC

0

Credit: Getty Images / InStyleThe Gist -

Royal wedding dresses, which are almost exclusively custom, cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Both Princess Diana and Kate Middleton's regal gowns cost upwards of $100,000.

Though Queen Elizabeth's wedding took place just after World War II and was paid for in part with ration coupons, when adjusting for inflation, it cost more than $1 million.

When it’s time for a royal wedding, the Crown spares no expense. Prince William and Prince Harry rang up eight-figure bills for their respective weddings in 2011 and 2018. And those pale in comparison to the budget for Prince Charles and Princess Diana's 1981 nuptials, which cost an estimated $48 million, the equivalent of $140 million today. Even Queen Elizabeth II’s 1947 ceremony, held during a period of post-war austerity, featured luxurious touches—her hand-beaded satin gown being chief among them.

The wedding dress is often the priciest single item on the bill for a princess’s big day. Generations of royal brides have tapped star designers and legendary couturiers to craft their gowns. The pressure is on for the finished looks to be perfect, but they make it worth the seamstress’s while. These custom gowns come with price tags in the hundred thousands, not to mention an incomparable level of exposure.

Wondering which bride spent the most on her gown? Here’s how the royal wedding dress of Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana, and Kate Middleton measure up.

Kate Middleton reportedly spent $434,000 on her wedding dress.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, in her Alexander McQueen wedding dress on her wedding day in 2011.Credit: Carl De Souza/AFP via Getty Images

Middleton proved herself fit for the role of future Queen when she walked down the aisle in April 2011. Taking cues from another royal bride, her lace and satin gown drew instant comparisons to actress-turned-princess Grace Kelly’s 1956 wedding dress. Both frocks feature long sleeves and lace bodices, offset by full skirts. Leaning into the comparisons, Middleton also donned a short, sheer veil like the one worn by the Rear Window starlet.

Designed by Alexander McQueen’s Sarah Burton, the gown was a work of art featuring hand-cut lace, a Victorian corset-style bodice, and a voluminous white satin gazar skirt. At the back, a column of 58 gazar- and organza-covered buttons formed an elegant closure, according to a statement shared by the royal family ahead of the wedding. A nine-foot train completed the silhouette.

Kate Middleton arrives at Westminster Abbey for her royal wedding to Britain's Prince William in LondonCredit: Brooks Kraft/Getty Images

While the price of the dress was never officially confirmed, it cost an estimated $434,000—equivalent to $627,637 in 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI Inflation Calculator. That’s more than Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth spent on their gowns, making Middleton’s the most expensive of the three. Yet adjusting for inflation puts her in second place—more on that later.

Princess Diana’s wedding dress cost $115,000, equivalent to $448,500 today.

Princess Diana posing in her David and Elizabeth Emanuel wedding dress in 1981.Credit: Fox Photos/Getty Images

The ‘wedding of the century’ demanded the dress of the century too. Diana, Princess of Wales, asked design duo David and Elizabeth Emanuel to create her fairytale dream gown for her July 1981 nuptials. The Emanuels went to great lengths to avoid spoilers, disposing of decoy fabric scraps, hiring security to watch over the gown and creating a backup wedding dress in case the first leaked to the press.

Advertisement

Diana’s stunning silk taffeta gown featured a 25-foot train—the longest in royal history—and the dress itself wowed with billowing puff sleeves and a frilled neckline. Glittering pearl and sequin embroidery decorated her glorious ivory silk tulle veil, crafted from over 150 yards of tulle, per the royal family’s official website.

At the time of the royal wedding, reports estimated it cost $115,000. That’s the equivalent of about $448,500 today. Compared to the costs of Middleton and Elizabeth’s dresses (adjusted for inflation), Diana's is the least expensive. Her wedding tiara, on the other hand, has a dizzying estimated worth of $500 million.

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Diana, Princess of Wales, leave St. Paul's Cathedral following their wedding on July 29, 1981Credit: Anwar Hussein/Getty ImagesQueen Elizabeth’s wedding dress would cost over $1.5 million today.

Princess Elizabeth (the future Queen Elizabeth II) with her husband on their wedding day in 1947.Credit: Topical Press Agency/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

While the late Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding dress cost the least at the time, when adjusting for inflation, it’s worth more than Middleton and Diana’s dresses combined.

First, some context: then-Princess Elizabeth and her husband-to-be, Prince Philip, wed in 1947. Britain and the wider world were still in the grips of post-war austerity when their engagement was announced. Elizabeth even had to use ration coupons to pay for her dress. In a touching show of support, citizens across the U.K. sent her their own coupons to help, but these were returned, as it would have been illegal to use them.

Sir Norman Hartnell masterminded her elegant gown with the help of 350 seamstresses. They adorned the Duchesse satin and silk dress with 10,000 seed pearls imported from the U.S. But the real pièce de rĂ©sistance was the floral- and star-patterned train, symbolizing hope for the country’s renewal following the devastation of World War II.

The future queen's gown cost an estimated $42,000, a price tag that equates to $1.6 million in 2026. With inflation in mind, Queen Elizabeth is crowned the royal bride with the most expensive dress.

Then Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on their wedding day, November 20, 1947Credit: Central Press / Getty Images

on InStyle

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Entertainment"

Read More


Source: Entertainment

Published: July 1, 2026 at 09:45AM on Source: MORNING MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

Who Had the Most Expensive Royal Wedding Dress? Comparing Princess Diana, Kate Middleton, and Queen Elizabeth’s Gowns

Who Had the Most Expensive Royal Wedding Dress? Comparing Princess Diana, Kate Middleton, and Queen Elizabeth’s Gowns Bailey B...
New Photo - Why a World Cup of upsets has England coach Thomas Tuchel calm despite pressure to deliver

Why a World Cup of upsets has England coach Thomas Tuchel calm despite pressure to deliver By JAMES ROBSONWed, July 1, 2026 at 1:10 AM UTC 0 ATLANTA (AP) — Germany is out of the World Cup. Brazil was pushed to the edge by Japan and the Netherlands was sent packing. Soccer&x27;s traditional super powers have been rattled by a combination of fearless underdogs and emerging forces who are shaking things up. And England coach Thomas Tuchel has no issue with it at all. “I think it can calm us down in a way. It’s just narrow margins.

Why a World Cup of upsets has England coach Thomas Tuchel calm despite pressure to deliver

By JAMES ROBSONWed, July 1, 2026 at 1:10 AM UTC

0

ATLANTA (AP) — Germany is out of the World Cup. Brazil was pushed to the edge by Japan and the Netherlands was sent packing.

Soccer's traditional super powers have been rattled by a combination of fearless underdogs and emerging forces who are shaking things up.

And England coach Thomas Tuchel has no issue with it at all.

“I think it can calm us down in a way. It’s just narrow margins. It’s just tight football matches and it helps us not to over expect. It helps to put it in the right framework what is happening in this World Cup and in world football,” he said ahead of England's round of 32 game against Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday.

England is the overwhelming favorite to advance against a team that is playing in the knockouts for the first time and is in its first World Cup since 1974.

But Tuchel, whose team was criticized after its goalless draw with Ghana in the group stage, said the gap is closing in international soccer.

That was evident as four-time world champion Germany lost a penalty shootout to Paraguay. Record five-time champion Brazil needed an added time winner to rally to a 2-1 victory against Japan.

Earlier in the tournament Cape Verde held European champion Spain to a goalless draw and Congo drew 1-1 with Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

“It’s difficult for any team to break teams down, especially when you arrive as a favorite. Especially when you face teams who have nothing to lose,” Tuchel said. “For me and for us it almost helps us to calm our minds, to accept the situation, and make the most of it.”

While Morocco's shootout victory against the Netherlands was less of a surprise, the African champion has quickly gone from underdog to serious contender at the World Cup.

Advertisement

Congo is some way from those heights, but goes into the match against England without fear.

"It is true we are looking at a difficult match, but in no way insurmountable. We have proven this against teams that were supposed to be superior to us, that we could actually put in a good performance,” said coach SĂ©bastien Desabre. “So we are focusing on our strengths, we are walking our path and once you get to this point in the competition, it’s difficult for everyone.”

There has been a mixed response to England's performances so far, despite topping its group with an unbeaten record of two wins and a draw.

Tuchel said he was determined to entertain fans and had no problem coping with the expectations of a country that hasn't won a trophy since lifting the World Cup in 1966.

Tuchel, a serial winning coach from Germany, was specifically hired with the intention of breaking that barren run.

“I love these situations. I feel it's a privilege to be in these situations. We can just accept it. We are the favorites. We play against our own expectations," he said. "We expect to go further than the round of 32. That’s just how it is.

“So why would our fans not expect it? Why would the public opinion not be the same?”

___

James Robson is at https://ift.tt/7vorYxz

___

See more of AP’s World Cup coverage here

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Sports"

Read More


Source: Sports

Published: July 1, 2026 at 04:27AM on Source: MORNING MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

Why a World Cup of upsets has England coach Thomas Tuchel calm despite pressure to deliver

Why a World Cup of upsets has England coach Thomas Tuchel calm despite pressure to deliver By JAMES ROBSONWed, July 1, 2026 at...

 

MORNING MAG © 2015 | Distributed By My Blogger Themes | Designed By Templateism.com