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My Chemical Romance's "The Black Parade Tour" Is a True Emo Arena Spectacle: Review
Music

My Chemical Romance’s “The Black Parade Tour” Is a True Emo Arena Spectacle: Review

by jummy84
written by jummy84

My Chemical Romance has always had a penchant for theater. Really, it more or less comes with their brand of wildly popular, larger than life emo rock. From their visual aesthetic to their high-concept ideas to the quiver of frontman Gerard Way’s voice, MCR’s popularity in no small part comes from their willingness to throw themselves into angsty, story-driven melodrama, and they perhaps never did it better than on their seminal 2006 rock opera The Black Parade. Cold take, I know, but as their latest run of concerts, the “Long Live: The Black Parade Tour,” proves, the record and all of its accompanying theatrics still resonate 20 years later.

The ongoing tour, which included Friday night’s stop at Chicago’s Soldier Field, isn’t the first time My Chemical Romance has undergone a Sgt. Pepper-esque transformation into “The Black Parade.” Following the album’s initial release, the band embarked on a jaunt that saw them embrace the moniker and perform the record in full. Though “The Black Parade” was canonically killed off at the end of that tour, MCR brought the concept back post-reunion for a pair of headlining sets at the When We Were Young music festival in 2024. As they bring their fictional counterparts back in 2025 for a series of select shows at baseball and football stadiums around the country, they’re following a similar structure, ripping through The Black Parade top-to-bottom before a second mini-set of songs from the rest of their catalog.

Get My Chemical Romance Tickets Here

How does such a performance fare in 2025? Remarkably well, actually, thanks to the production value and sheer spectacle of the whole ordeal.

As MCR makes their way through the 13 tracks of The Black Parade (plus a reprise of “The End.” and a pre-recorded playback of the album’s hidden track “Blood”), a loose narrative with themes of fascism, rebellion, and (you guessed it) death plays out in the background. There are choreographed set pieces in between songs, non-band characters like guest opera singers and ever-present dictators who sit in the audience, parodies of propagandistic media, and, by the end, plenty of pyrotechnics.

Related Video

Then there’s the headline-making, audience interaction element: the execution by vote. Admittedly, it’s a pretty fun gimmick made all the better by Way’s over-the-top, inconsistently-accented protagonist. For Chicago specifically, there seemed to be some issue when it came to distributing the red and black placards throughout the massive stadium. (I, on the other hand, somehow ended up with a full stack of them — there’s a metaphor about the state of democracy in there somewhere…) Luckily, though, the band was able to improvise their way out of any awkward moments, resulting in no cracks in the show’s immersion.

By the end, Way’s attempts to break out of whatever system he’s trapped within fail, as he’s eventually stabbed to death while the rest of the band is ransacked. Brutal stuff, but what else could a fan expect from The Black Parade themselves?

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Claire Foy In True Story Debuting At Telluride
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Claire Foy In True Story Debuting At Telluride

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Movies about the relationship between a person and one of God’s creatures is becoming a virtual genre of its own. My Penguin Friend, Penguin Lessons, The Starling and Penguin Bloom are recent examples, the latter starring Naomi Watts who was also on hand in Telluride last year with another similar story, this time with a Great Dane in the sublime The Friend. This year, we have Claire Foy and the goshawk in H Is For Hawk, which world premiered Friday at the Telluride Film Festival and has much to offer, not just for bird lovers but for those suffering sudden loss and learning how to deal with grief.

This one is a true story based on a 2014 memoir by Helen Macdonald (played in the film by Foy), detailing her bonding with a goshawk after the sudden death of her beloved father (Brendan Gleeson) as a way of somehow replacing this void in her life. Helen is basically inconsolable, her life turned upside down until she sees a way out, or so she hopes. With memories still so vivid of going out into nature and birding with her dad, she meets with a breeder (Sean Kearns) and takes home a goshawk named Mabel, one she plans to train for a life in the wild, and at the same time give her hope to move beyond her despair. It starts out rocky with the restless and anxious bird, but we can tell through Foy’s fearless and dedicated performance that this is a woman who will not easily give up. And, of course, it is something that will connect her with dad, a professional and celebrated photographer, who often took her out into nature with camera in hand to capture moments with feathered friends and others.

Dealing with others in her life who try to be sympathetic, if a little skeptical, is another part of the story. There is Lindsay Duncan as Mum, warm but offering advice to keep her daughter from going completely off the rails, as well as best friend Christina (a sharp Denise Gough), who tries in every way to be supportive in this venture. Since the death of Dad is very early in the picture, nearly all of Gleeson’s role is told in frequent flashbacks of their time together, and the actor is charming, perfectly believable as a parent who truly loves being a dad. In fact, this is a rare kind of film that shows the unique and very universal relationship between a father and daughter rather than son, which is usually the Hollywood way.

Scenes outdoors as Helen continues to train Mabel, making her comfortable to find her own food and thrive in the wilderness, are remarkably captured with some of the most beautiful cinematography of any film this year. Behind the camera is Charlotte Bruus Christensen, whose previous work in films like A Quiet Place and Far from the Madding Crowd indicate she was the perfect choice to take on this challenging assignment shooting the exquisite photography involving the lead hawks and Foy. Mark Payne-Gill contributed the wildlife cinematography. Rose Buck and Lloyd Buck were the hawk trainers so integral to the film’s authenticity. Regarding Foy, not only does she convince as someone learning the ropes of training a goshawk, and then developing true skills along the way, she also takes on a role that is not only highly emotional, but also challenging given a co-star whose behavior is not always so predictable. She’s nothing less than splendid in what is her best screen work to date.

The impressive thing about Philippa Lowthorpe’s assured direction and the script she co-wrote with Emma Donoghue is its resistance to easy sentimentality. This is undeniably a story about grief, loss and trying to cope with it all. In lesser hands, the film could have gone for cute animal stuff to lighten the load, but H Is For Hawk never succumbs to that temptation, and quite frankly, goshawks don’t make it easy for that to begin with it. Coming from Plan B productions, Film 4 and others, this is a film that doesn’t pander for tears, but genuinely earns them. It is the stuff of life.

Producers are Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner. It is looking for distribution.

Title: H Is For Hawk
Festival: Telluride
Director: Philippa Lowthorpe
Screenwriters: Phillipoa Lowthorpe and Emma Donoghue
Cast: Claire Foy, Brendan Gleeson, Lindsay Duncan, Denise Gough, Sam Spruell, Sean Kearns
Sales agent: Protagonist Pictures (international); UTA
Running time: 2 hrs 10 mins

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Karan Johar evolved from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai to Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani, says Janhvi Kapoor: ‘True sign of artist’ | Bollywood
Bollywood

Karan Johar evolved from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai to Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani, says Janhvi Kapoor: ‘True sign of artist’ | Bollywood

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Published on: Aug 27, 2025 06:03 am IST

Karan Johar made his directorial debut with Kuch Kuch Hota Hai in 1998. Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani released in 2023.

Karan Johar recently won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment for his directorial feature Rocky Aur Rani kii Prem Kahani. Interestingly, he had won the same award for his directorial debut, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, which was released in 1998. Actor Janhvi Kapoor stressed how Karan has evolved as a director with the times in an interview with Mirchi Plus. (Also read: Janhvi Kapoor breaks silence on Param Sundari vs Chennai Express comparisons: ‘Not all people from the South can be…’)

Janhvi Kapoor showered praise on Karan Johar and how he has evolved as a director.

What Janhvi said about Karan Johar

During the interview, Janhvi was seen with co-star Sidharth Malhotra, and the two talked about their favourite rom-coms. They went on to talk about how Mani Ratnam’s Saathiya is a toxic love story in many ways. In this regard, Janhvi said, “It is also interesting to see how filmmakers have evolved with society. I think that Karan [Johar] is a great example.”

She went on to explain her point further and added, “If you look back at Kuch Kuch Hota Hai… of course, it was iconic, but phir jaake jab unhone Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani banayi (then he went on to make this film), there you can see that he is a very evolved feminist. I think that is a true sign of an artist.”

About the two films

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai starred Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukerji. The film was praised for its fresh on-screen pairing and music. Still, over the years many viewers have revisited the film and criticised it for its problematic portrayal of gender stereotypes.

Meanwhile, the romantic drama Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani tackled critical issues like feminism, the toxic effects of patriarchy, gender stereotypes, and women’s empowerment. Starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, the film grossed over ₹300 crore upon its release in 2023.

A few days ago, Karan announced via Instagram that he is set to return to the director’s chair in 2026. He has promised to make a classic, old-fashioned Hindi film that resonates with him.

News / Entertainment / Bollywood / Karan Johar evolved from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai to Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani, says Janhvi Kapoor: ‘True sign of artist’

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László Nemes On The True Story Behind His Venice Title ‘Orphan’
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László Nemes On The True Story Behind His Venice Title ‘Orphan’

by jummy84
written by jummy84

EXCLUSIVE: Ten years have passed since Hungarian filmmaker László Nemes won the Cannes Grand Jury Prize with his debut feature Son of Saul. In that time, Nemes has only released one other feature, 2018’s Sunset, but he’s back in Competition at Venice this year with a new work titled Orphan. 

Set in 1957 Budapest, after the uprising against the Communist regime, the film follows a young Jewish boy, Andor, raised by his mother with idealized tales of his deceased father, who has his world turned upside down when a brutish man appears, claiming to be his true father. Newcomer Bojtorján Barábas stars as the young protagonist. The wider cast features Andrea Waskovics, Grégory Gadebois, Elíz Szabó, Sándor Soma, and Marcin Czarnik.

The film is produced by Ildiko Kemeny and Ferenc Szale of Pioneer Pictures and Mike Goodridge of Good Chaos alongside Nemes. Mátyás Erdély, who worked on the last two Nemes films, once again serves as director of photography. The film was shot on 35mm film. Paris-based Charades and Warsaw-based New Europe Film Sales are handling world sales on the film.

Ahead of his trip to the Lido, Nemes spoke with us about the story behind Orphan, which is inspired by his father’s upbringing in post-war Hungary. The filmmaker also tells us how what he described as his unsuccessful attempt at developing feature projects with the Hollywood studios, following the buzz around Son of Saul and Sunset, stalled his career.  

“It’s hard for me to be compatible with the system run by executives,” Nemes said.

Orphan screens in Venice on Thursday. The festival runs until September 6.

DEADLINE: László, this is your first feature since 2018?  

LASZLO NEMES: Yes, there was a worldwide pandemic that left its mark on my work, as well as on many others. I was supposed to shoot this film in 2021. Alongside the pandemic, we also didn’t get the financing we were hoping for, so we had to wait an extra few years to put the whole thing together. I had also been trying to enter the Anglo-American film industry, without much success, so I’m happy to return as a continental European film director with Orphan.

DEADLINE: That’s surprising to hear. I feel like there’s been a lot of buzz Stateside about your return this year. 

NEMES: It’s hard for me to be compatible with the system run by executives. It seems that it’s increasingly not human beings who make the decisions. It’s whole teams or marketing algorithms. It’s all the more disturbing because they’re not so good. Every time I wanted to make a project, they would say, ‘Oh, it’s great, but it’s not for us.’ Maybe they want me to do something else, but last time I checked, the filmmaker is still someone who’s supposed to bring their own vision and sometimes material. I had to go all that way to bring down my fantasy of the Anglo-American system. Really, I was valorizing a system that has passed.

DEADLINE: Where did this project come from?

NEMES: This project originated in my own family. It’s my father’s story that I adapted to the screen. The story follows a 12-year-old boy in 1957, one year after the failed Hungarian Revolution. The boy thinks that his father can still come back after being killed in the war. But then another man shows up at his door. He’s a brutish guy from the countryside, and he claims to be his father. He’s an abuser, and it’s the journey of this young boy trying to discover whether he can live with this man. When I came to terms with this whole story, I realized it’s a Hamlet story. It’s the ghost of the father.

DEADLINE: Was this history something your father discussed a lot throughout your life?

NEMES: Yeah, especially my grandmother. It became a constant ghost in our family. And in a way, it reflects the fate of 20th-century Europe, the effects of which we still feel today. The traumas that are layered upon each other.  The repression, genocide, and war. After the war, they just turned the page as if nothing had happened, but it all remains in the unconscious. It still haunts us. You see wars popping up in Europe again, and they wonder why. This is why.

DEADLINE: Did you shoot in Budapest?

NEMES: Yes, in Budapest and a little bit in the countryside. But all in Hungary.

DEADLINE: What’s it like shooting in Hungary these days?

NEMES: It’s crazy. It’s so hard to get a crew nowadays. There’s Dune 3 and so many other major series and big films being shot. It’s a big production hub. And because the talent level is high, it has effectively become a mini Hollywood. On one hand, it’s good because there’s a big filmmaking community, but on the other hand, it has become very expensive. Even the international productions are now thinking it’s getting a little bit too expensive.

DEADLINE: Politically, though..? Do you feel any pushback or pressure from the state?  

NEMES: No, not at all. I’m lucky that nobody has ever interfered with me creatively, which is funny, because after trying the Anglo-American system, where everybody wants to control, it’s ironic that in Hungary, they give me so much freedom.

DEADLINE: Let’s talk about your lead, Bojtorján Barábas. He’s 12 years old. How did you find him?

NEMES: We had a huge open call for the movie. Thousands of kids sent in self-tapes. There was one video with a young guy. You could barely see him, and in the background, a little dog was running around him. He was a little bit nervous. But you could immediately feel there was something very specific about him. He had a strength. He had opinions, and it was immediately apparent that he was very photogenic and smart. So that was the process. It was very interesting, even during the read-through of the script, Bojtorján had all kinds of questions. At every line, he had questions about the motivations, like a professional actor. It was very impressive.

DEADLINE: This is your ‘return’ to feature filmmaking. Do you feel pressure to live up to your past success?

NEMES: At some point, I had to leave all those anxieties and expectations behind. My wife keeps telling me not to be attached to the outcome. And I have to say, I’m not so much attached to the outcome anymore. What’s important is reaching the people and connecting with audiences. What really touches me is when someone at the end of a screening comes to see me, and I can see some emotion in their eyes. That’s the most important thing.

DEADLINE: If you’ve given up on the Studio System, what do you think is currently the best environment for you to work?

NEMES: I would love something like the new Hollywood era of the 70s. A world in which entertainment and art are cohesive and not separated. Good art is entertainment, and good entertainment is art. When I think about Jaws by Steven Spielberg, the way it’s directed, you cannot find that level of directing in any of the Cannes competition films anymore. At least that’s the way I see it. That kind of directing is hard to find. It seems the world has stopped believing that old archetypal stories can be told in ways that are different. There are a limited number of stories that can be told, but the way you make them can be very different. People are hungry for the retelling of the old stories. A system in which we are allowed, as filmmakers, to bring our singular vision, to tell one of the great human stories, would be the ideal environment. Hopefully, it can exist.

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Kylie Jenner Confirms True Religion Jeans Are So Back, Baby
Fashion

Kylie Jenner Confirms True Religion Jeans Are So Back, Baby

by jummy84
written by jummy84

I don’t care what anybody says: Kylie Jenner looks anything but 2000 and late in True Religion jeans.

On August 22, the 28-year-old reality star transported me back to the summer this writer turned pretty. The year was 2008 and I was an awkward 16-year-old theater nerd who’d never had a boyfriend. But as far as I was concerned, I’d just become the hottest junior counselor at day-camp thanks to a brand new pair of indigo bootcut True Religion jeans with the brand’s signature horseshoes stitched on its butt pockets.

It’s been 17 years and the True Religion renaissance is officially upon us as ’90s fatigue sets in and trends move forward in time. Jenner’s boyfriend Timothée Chalamet personally dedicated himself to reviving the Y2K brand during his A Complete Unknown press tour in winter 2025, while Alix Earle called her own Joey Flares the “cutest jeans ever” on TikTok earlier this month.

TikTok content

This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.

While many millennials balked at the idea of bringing back True Religion—and Earle’s use of the word “vintage”—in the comments, they might just have to get used to the idea as Kylie Jenner signals her approval to 392 million Instagram followers.

Instagram/@kyliejenner

Like Earle, Jenner styled her ultra-low-rise True Religion jeans with a simple white tank top, allowing her red-stitched, lightly distressed denim to take center stage. However, she styled her flap-less pair of horseshoe jeans with the rest of the Millennial Teen Mall Uniform: a pair of flip-flops and sporty Y2K sunglasses.

Image may contain Kylie Jenner Clothing Pants Jeans Photography Person and Adult

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bitchy | “Nicolas Cage is in talks to star in ‘True Detective’ Season 5” links
Celebrity News

bitchy | “Nicolas Cage is in talks to star in ‘True Detective’ Season 5” links

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Nicolas Cage is in talks to star in True Detective Season 5. I kind of think he would be good in that kind of series? [Pajiba]
So… are Christine Baranski & King Princess dating? [Just Jared]
Shawn Mendes, shirtless and tattooed. He has great jewelry?? [Socialite Life]
I think Colin Farrell’s new movie looks like manipulative BS. [LaineyGossip]
Samara Weaving’s skirt is awful! [Go Fug Yourself]
Jinxx Monsoon got a job! [OMG Blog]
Helen Mirren wore Alice + Olivia. [RCFA]
Randy’s Donuts celebrates ten years of Hot Ones. [Seriously OMG]
JD Vance spent the week getting booed & doing Russian propaganda. [Jezebel]
All about the Love Island Reunion. [Hollywood Life]
Donald Trump’s plan for a goth border wall. [Buzzfeed]

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Nicolas Cage in Talks for 'True Detective' Season 5
TV & Streaming

Nicolas Cage in Talks for ‘True Detective’ Season 5

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Between Woody Harrelson, Matthew McConaughey, Jodie Foster, Colin Farrell, Mahershala Ali, and Rachel McAdams, “True Detective” has a knack for getting big movie stars onto the small screen, and the latest could be someone who has only recently dipped his toes into television: Nicolas Cage. In fact, the actor hinted way back in 2023 that he may only have a few movies left in him and would’ve wanted to “have left on a high note” before turning to TV.

Cage is in talks to star in the fifth season of “True Detective” for HBO, a source told IndieWire. This season is said to be set in the Jamaica Bay area of New York City, and showrunner and writer Issa Lopez, who took over for creator Nic Pizzolatto for the fourth season, “Night Country,” is back. Any other plot details are still under wraps.

'Peacemaker' Season 2 stars John Cena as Chris Smith, and Danielle Brooks as Leota Adebayo

HBO had no comment.

The only other instance of Cage turning to television as the lead for a series still hasn’t come out yet. That would be “Spider-Noir,” the live-action, black and white series for Amazon that is a spinoff of Cage’s character in the animated “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” In it he plays a 1930s private investigator/superhero forced to grapple with his past life choices. The series is set to debut in 2026.

Not only was “Night Country” the most-watched season of “True Detective” in its four seasons, it also broke the losing streak for “True Detective” and won its lead Jodie Foster an Emmy and Golden Globe, the first time a lead for the series has won the top industry prizes. Cage would still be a Tony and a Grammy away from EGOT status if he managed the same, but we can dream.

Pizzolatto had teased that Season 1 stars McConaughey and Harrelson were interested in reprising their roles, with Pizzolatto saying he had another idea for their characters Cohle and Hart, but Pizzolatto last wrote for the series in Season 3.

True to form, Cage has been plenty busy in both prestigious projects and lower-budget shlock, starring in last year’s “Longlegs,” “The Surfer,” and “Arcadian,” as well as this year’s “Gunslingers.” In addition to the “Spider-Noir” series set for next year, Cage is playing NFL legend John Madden in a biopic being directed by David O. Russell, he’s starring in a sequel to “Lord of War” from Andrew Niccol, he’ll appear in a horror film called “The Carpenter’s Son,” and he’s in post on “The Prince,” based on a David Mamet script.

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11 Best Shapewear Pieces for True Before and After Results 2025
Fashion

11 Best Shapewear Pieces for True Before and After Results 2025

by jummy84
written by jummy84

After having four kids, I’ve learned that wearing the best shapewear can be the quickest way to get that smooth, snatched look I love—but finding the right pieces takes serious trial and error. Over the past year, I’ve been continuously testing all kinds of shapewear across dozens of brands, paying close attention to shaping power, fabric quality, how well pieces stay in place, and whether they’re comfortable enough to wear for hours (because no one wants to be counting down the minutes to take it off).

Honeylove is still a top contender in my book, but it’s not the only brand worth knowing about. TikTok-famous Shapellx has some surprisingly impressive options, while legacy brands like Spanx, Wacoal, and Maidenform continue to hold their ground. There’s also plenty of affordable Amazon shapewear worth a look, too.

And because every body is different and your needs can vary based on the outfit or occasion, I also tapped my network of women of all shapes and sizes to weigh in. Ahead, the best shapewear for women, from bodysuits and camis to slips, shorts, and more.

Our favorite shapewear pieces

Featured in this article

Best for Dresses

Maidenform Firm Control Tummy Shaping Multiway Thong Bodysuit

Jump to review

Best Butt-Lifting

Yitty Nearly Naked Ultra High Waist Booty Lift Shorts

Jump to review

To make sure these recommendations are truly worth your time and money, we didn’t just rely on bestsellers or online reviews. Over the past year, we’ve personally tested more than two dozen pieces of shapewear from dozens of brands, wearing them under everything from jeans and tees to cocktail dresses, paying close attention to the following attributes:

  • Wearing duration: Each piece of shapewear was worn by our testers for a few hours to assess its comfort and functionality over time. This helped us determine if the shapewear remained supportive and comfortable or if it started to sag or pinch as the hours passed.
  • Activity testing: Our testers engaged in a variety of activities while wearing the shapewear to simulate real-life usage. This included walking around, climbing stairs, sitting for extended periods, and performing light exercises. The aim was to check the shapewear’s performance during movement and at rest.
  • Fit and comfort assessment: Throughout the testing period, our testers evaluated the fit and comfort level of the shapewear. We paid close attention to whether the garments stayed in place or required frequent adjustments.
  • Ease of movement: It’s crucial that shapewear allows for freedom of movement without restriction. Our testers noted any instances of discomfort or limitation in movement during their normal daily activities.
  • Practicality for long-term wear: Since shapewear is often worn for long hours, we assessed how practical each piece was for all-day wear. This included evaluating breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and whether the shapewear maintained its shape and support throughout the day.
  • Ease of use: We also examined how easy it was to put on and take off each piece of shapewear. A good shapewear piece should be straightforward to use, without needing excessive effort to wear or remove.

By following this comprehensive testing methodology, we were able to identify the best shapewear options that provide both support and comfort, enhancing the wearer’s silhouette while ensuring they feel good throughout the day.

When selecting the best shapewear pieces for our guide, we prioritized several key aspects to ensure that each item not only fits well but also meets the needs of diverse body types and preferences. Here’s what we focused on during our testing:

  • Size availability: We looked for shapewear that offers a broad range of sizes. It’s essential that every woman finds a piece that fits her body comfortably and correctly, so inclusivity in sizing was a top priority.
  • Materials used: The fabric of the shapewear is crucial for comfort and functionality. We selected pieces made from high-quality materials that provide both support and flexibility. Breathable fabrics that maintain their shape after washing were also a must.
  • Type of shapewear: Understanding that different occasions call for different types of support, we included a variety of shapewear styles in our testing. From full bodysuits to targeted options like high-waist shorts and contouring panties, each type serves a specific purpose.
  • Comfort and fit: Comfort is key when it comes to shapewear. We tested for pieces that offer firm support without compromising on comfort, ensuring that they can be worn for extended periods without discomfort.
  • Ease of putting on and taking off: Shapewear should be straightforward to put on and remove. We considered the ease with which each piece could be worn and taken off, an important factor for everyday practicality.
  • Functionality: Each piece of shapewear was assessed for its intended function—whether it’s a smoothing effect, shaping, lifting, or providing extra support. We looked for items that effectively fulfill their purpose without restricting movement.

By focusing on these elements, we aimed to recommend shapewear that not only looks good but feels great to wear, no matter the occasion.

Best Shapewear Overall: Honeylove SuperPower Shorts

Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early

Honeylove SuperPower Shorts

  • What we love: Silicone backing to keep it from rolling, plus comes with detachable straps for open bust style; crisscross sculpting panels for great waist shaping
  • What could improve: Too long for shorter dresses

I tried these high-waist shaping shorts with a body-hugging dress I bought for a holiday party. I wasn’t sure I was going to keep the dress, because I didn’t love how it fit—my stomach looked like it was just kind of hanging out there—but these shorts instantly corrected my complaint. Like the brand’s beloved bodysuit, the SuperPower shorts have crisscross panels in the waist that really deliver on the promise to help suck things in and create more of an hourglass shape. It does also have supportive wire on the sides to help keep things squarely in place, but I found it a very comfortable option overall.

I particularly liked how well the shorts stayed in place. Not only does the pair have a silicone backing on the waist to keep it in place, but it also has detachable straps so you can wear the style more like an open-bust bodysuit. With this extra reinforcement, you can be sure the shorts aren’t going anywhere—even if you’re dancing the night away. My only complaint? These shorts are definitely on the longer side. At 5’7″, I’m relatively tall, and this pair was close to hitting my knees—not ideal for shorter dresses. If you want a more seamless silhouette, check out our list of best tummy-control underwear.

Best Value Shapewear: Shapermint High-Waist Shaper Shorts

Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early

Shapermint High-Waist Shaper Shorts

  • What we love: Size inclusive; machine washable; great postpartum option
  • What could improve: The thicker fabric showed through jeans, specifically on the thighs

At less than $30, these shaping shorts offer one of the best overall values out there. We tried the thigh slimmers over the course of four weeks, and found that they were one of the less compressive options but still had a high-waist band that offered enough contouring to lend a smoother look under dresses. (The fabric is a little thick, so we had trouble hiding these shorts under jeans.) We liked that there’s no struggle to slip these shorts on and they leave room for a full range of motion, so you can stay comfortable and move about as usual. They’re also more suitable for pregnant women, since they offer gentle support and shaping without true compression.

Our tester said the anti-slip design was one of the best of the bunch, too. “I’ve never been big on shapewear shorts, because I always felt like the top would roll down, but these stayed in place through a three-hour event.”

Best Shapewear for Dresses: Maidenform Firm Control Tummy Shaping Multiway Thong Bodysuit

Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early

Maidenform Firm Control Tummy Shaping Multiway Thong Bodysuit

  • What we love: Buttery soft fabric; molded cups with concealed underwire; adjustable straps
  • What could improve: Stitching may show through form-fitting garments

Though this style is highly versatile—it has detachable straps that allow you to wear it any which way—we found it best for dresses. While you can definitely wear it with jeans and a T-shirt, our tester noticed the stitching did show lines on more form-fitting shirts. “The material is buttery soft—one of the softest I tried—but still offers extra firm compression that gave me a sucked-in feel without being restrictive,” she said.

We also liked the support and shape the built-in bra lent, whether wearing the bodysuit with dresses and skirts or jeans. The thong bodysuit design also makes the style more suitable for options that tend to show visible panty lines. Our tester wore it with a silk skirt notorious for showing lines and said “it was almost as if I had nothing on underneath.”

Best Butt-Lifting: Yitty Nearly Naked Ultra High Waist Booty Lift Shorts

Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early

Yitty Nearly Naked Ultra High Waist Booty Lift Shorts

  • What we love: Silicone grippers to prevent rolling; compression all around with dedicated shaping panels in the back
  • What could improve: A bit hard to pull on

Lizzo’s shapewear, Yitty, is made from a thick nylon and elastane blend. These particular shaping shorts deliver great compression all around but really shine in the back. The back has extra panels that encircle your butt to lift it up, providing a little lift in the booty that our tester said was subtle under a silk skirt. It would also be great for shaping under satin skirt or dresses or even jeans, but keep in mind that shaping shorts often show lines at the thighs—particularly if your jeans are on the tighter side.

Though they were a bit hard to put on, our tester said they were largely very comfortable. “I wore these out to dinner for a few hours, and felt confident in my outfit without feeling totally squeezed or pinched.” And while she appreciated that the pair has interlocking fabric at the gusset to get in and out of the bathroom without having to shimmy the whole thing on and off, we found that this type of closure isn’t nearly as convenient as snaps or hook-and-eye closure. This is, however, a cross-brand problem with shorts, so take it with a grain of salt.

Best Bodysuit: Honeylove Liftwear Cami Bodysuit

Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early

Honeylove Liftwear Cami Bodysuit

  • What we love: Smooth, soft fabric; molded cups with thicker straps for more support up top; crisscross panel design at the waist for a cinching effect; hook-and-eye closure at the gusset
  • What could improve: Not ideal for jeans, since it shows VPLs

In tests we found some bodysuits felt more like an extra layer than a second skin. But we loved Honeylove’s Cami Bodysuit, because it fell squarely into the latter camp. The soft, buttery fabric glides over the skin while offering a medium compression that’s effective yet comfortable enough for prolonged wear—like under a wedding guest dress or even under officewear. You could also wear the bodysuit with jeans and a tee, but we’re more inclined to recommend the brand’s Cami Thong Bodysuit for that, since this full-coverage option did show panty lines when our tester gave it a spin with denim.

The bodysuit really shines in the midsection, where it has a crisscross panel design that really cinches the waist to help give an hourglass look. We also like that the molded cups don’t have any underwire (more comfortable and more natural looking, IMO!) but do have relatively thick, supportive straps that would offer enough support for larger-chested women. And by now you already know, I love that there’s a hook-and-eye closure on the gusset, making it easier to pop in and out of the bathroom. I also find this style more comfortable than snaps.

Best Plus-Size Shapewear: Skims Underwire Thong Bodysuit

Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early

Skims Underwire Thong Bodysuit

  • What we love: Molded, padded cups to enhance the bust; great compression without feeling too restrictive; available in seven shades to match more skin tones
  • What could improve: It would be nice to have fully detachable straps

Leave it to Skims to make a slimming bodysuit that gives you a whole lot of love in more than one area. I wore the bodysuit with my favorite tee—a stretchy option that doesn’t require a bra but leaves me looking a little bit flat and sometimes nipply—and appreciated the waist cinching. But I was really blown away by the lift and shaping it provided in the chest. I also wore this bodysuit with a dress and found it to be just as suitable for special occasions, delivering the same push-up effect in my V-neck dress.

Overall, the bodysuit does run a little on the small side—I had to shimmy and shake a bit to get this one on—so be mindful of that if your chest is on the very small or very large side. You may want to size up or down accordingly to get the right fit in the chest. And although the straps are adjustable (you can cross them in the back), I wish they were detachable. In both outfits, I felt like I had to push the straps to the side a bit (and continually check on them) to ensure they weren’t peeking out.

Best Shorts Shapewear: SpanxSclupt OnCore High-Waist Mid-Thigh Shorts

Original video by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early

SpanxSclupt OnCore High-Waist Mid-Thigh Shorts

  • What we love: Easy to slip on; available in regular and petite sizes up to 3X; one of the more comfortable styles while still offering compression
  • What could improve: A bit long for shorter dresses; no silicone grippers

Spanx was the first shapewear I ever tried—and admittedly, it was the brand I gravitated toward until last year when I started experimenting with other labels. The brand is just so reliable, and its styles are some of the most comfortable options out there. I do find they’re not quite as compressive as some other brands’, but if you have an all-day event or don’t want to feel squeezed, Spanx is made for you.

Of the half-dozen styles I’ve tried from the brand, these shorts are—hands down—my favorite. They offer strong-to-medium compression in the thighs and the stomach, plus have dedicated panels in the back that give the booty a little lift. They’re also made of more breathable fabric, making them a good option for warmer months when you can barely stomach the thought of adding another layer to the mix but want shaping. Unfortunately, there isn’t any silicone on the waist, so I do find they are more prone to rolling than some other shorts I’ve tried and loved.

Best Shapewear on Amazon: Wacoal Red Carpet Bodysuit

  • Courtesy of brand

  • Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early

  • Original image by Glamour contributor Brigitt Early

Wacoal Red Carpet Bodysuit

  • What we love: Supportive cups; ideal for larger busts; removable straps
  • What could improve: Not ideal for smaller busts; hand-wash and line-dry only

Need shapewear for a special occasion? This bodysuit is different from others—in a great way that makes it more versatile—because it features a convertible design. You can wear it with the straps or you can wear it under off-shoulder and strapless pieces while providing a smooth, seamless look. You could even wear it with racerback styles. We tried it various ways over the course of four weeks, including under an everyday T-shirt and with a short cocktail dress. When it was worn strapless, we appreciated the silicone strips along the upper edges—it didn’t slip even when dancing.

Our tester, a size 34C, liked that the full-coverage underwire cups offered shaping properties that she said made her look more well-endowed than your average bra. It’s a great pick for women with larger busts, too, as the sizes go all the way up to a 40DD and the style has a wide, supportive band with three rows of hook-and-eye closures. Another standout feature? It has three rows of hook-and-eye closures on the gusset. “It didn’t dig in the same way other bodysuits—namely those with snaps—did.”

Best Slip: Knix LuxeLift Slip

  • Courtesy of brand

  • What we love: Built-in bra with removable cups; lightweight and stretchy fabric; adjustable straps
  • What could improve: Straps are a bit thick for some tank-style dresses

Made with Knix’s LuxeLift technology, this slip style offers built-in wireless support and a mid-thigh length that smooths your silhouette without feeling restrictive. The adjustable straps may be a bit thick for some tank dresses, but allow for a customizable fit and provide plenty of support for larger busts. We also like that the built-in bra includes removable cups for an adjustable level of padding.

I don’t always love slips, because I end up wearing three layers: a bra, the slip, and whatever dress I’m wearing on top. But this option’s built-in bra offers enough support to ditch that first layer. It’s also a lot less restrictive than your average bra. I also appreciated the lightweight, breathable fabric that feels less like traditional shapewear, offering plenty of stretch while still holding everything in place

Best Body Shaper: Shapellx Tummy Control Faja Body Shaper

  • Courtesy of brand

  • Original photo from Brigitt Earley testing SHAPELLX Tummy Control Faja Body Shaper

SHAPELLX Tummy Control Faja Body Shaper

  • What we love: Offers much stronger compression than most others we tried; zippered crotch;
  • What could improve: A little complicated to get on; more restrictive than other styles

When you’re looking for serious midsection sculpting, this waist-cincher from TikTok-famous SHAPELLX nails it. It offers intense compression that pinches the waist, flattens the tummy, and lifts the butt all at the same time, thanks to strategically placed panels and built-in lift pads.

While it’s a bit tricky to shimmy on (and then zipper and fasten a hook-and-eye closure!), I was genuinely impressed by how much shaping power this open-bust shapewear provides. I also really appreciated the zippered crotch. Unlike overlapping designs that can get messy, the zipper makes bathroom visits much easier, which is hugely practical. And despite the high level of compression, the multiple layered panels combined with breathable nylon-spandex fabric make it surprisingly comfortable—great for an event like a wedding.

Best Tummy Control Underwear: Spanx SPANXshape Invisible Briefs

  • Courtesy of brand

  • Original photo from Malia Griggs testing Spanx Invisible Shaping Brief

Spanx SPANXshape Invisible Briefs

  • What we love: Full coverage; no-show; don’t ride up or roll down; very smoothing
  • What could improve: Some testers said they were hard to pull on and off
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Inside The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox and More True Crime TV Dramas
Celebrity News

Inside The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox and More True Crime TV Dramas

by jummy84
written by jummy84

However, Knox says the Hulu show goes beyond the final verdict. 

“This series is not just a courtroom drama that ends when Amanda Knox gets out of prison,” the 38-year-old explained to The Hollywood Reporter in an Aug. 18 video. “That’s typically how you see these stories told. This story is really anchored in the long consequences of the trauma that happened in the courtroom and how a person rebuilds their life and rebuilds their faith in humanity by taking risks. There’s a story of me, Amanda, taking a big risk to have faith and trust in people again and the benefits of that and the costs of that.”

Teaming up with Monica Lewinsky—another public figure quite familiar with being at the center of a media storm—Knox was eager to share that piece of her journey.

“That’s why it’s so important to show the afterwards,” she added. “Once you’ve been labeled and diminished and buried as a human being, how do you emerge as a person who is more complex and has more value than what society gave you credit for?”

The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox premieres on Hulu Aug. 20. However, it’s hardly the first true crime case to inspire a based-on-real-events story. Check out the other IRL dramas that became must-see TV.

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