Rediscovering Happiness Through Wilderness and Self-Discovery

Let’s talk about Helen. You know, the character Ellie Kemper plays in the Netflix movie Happiness for Beginners? She’s not your typical Ellie Kemper character. No, this isn’t about Kimmy Schmidt skipping through the streets of New York. This is about a grumpy, newly-divorced woman who decides to embark on a survival course in the wilderness. And guess what? Ellie Kemper absolutely loves it. “I liked that Helen is a grump,” Ellie admits. “She’s so different from the optimistic, funny, bright-eyed women I’ve played in the past. It was refreshing to take on something new.” Helen’s journey isn’t just about surviving in the wild—it’s about surviving life itself. It’s about self-discovery, learning to be comfortable in your own skin, and realizing that true happiness starts from within. As Ellie puts it, “It’s mostly about Helen going on this journey to get to know herself better. That’s where any happiness begins, making sure that you’re happy with yourself.”

Happiness for Beginners premieres Thursday, July 27 on Netflix.

Exploring the Spooky Side of Life in Haunted Mansion

Who doesn’t love a good ghost story? Especially when it’s inspired by one of Disney’s most beloved theme park attractions. The new movie Haunted Mansion brings that eerie charm to the big screen. The story follows a single mom, played by Rosario Dawson, who moves to New Orleans and quickly discovers her new home is haunted by 999 spooky spirits. Lucky for her, she’s got a priest (Owen Wilson), a psychic (Tiffany Haddish), and a professor (Danny DeVito) to help her out. But here’s the kicker—director Justin Simien didn’t need much convincing to dive into the world of the haunted. “I actually used to work at Disneyland,” he confesses. “And anytime I wasn’t working on the ride I was supposed to, I’d ride my favorite ride, Haunted Mansion.” Sounds like he was destined for this project.

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Haunted Mansion is out in theaters on Friday, July 28.

In the Spotlight: Zach Galifianakis and His Journey Through Comedy and Drama

When you think Zach Galifianakis, you probably think of his hilarious roles in The Hangover trilogy. But there’s more to this guy than just laughs. In his latest project, The Beanie Bubble, he takes on a role that blends drama and comedy as a toy tycoon. “It’s fun to do [different things],” Zach explains. “Once you start doing the one thing, for me, it’s really boring.” And let’s be honest, we’re all here for an actor who keeps things fresh. But it’s not just about his current projects. Zach has a unique perspective on his past work too. “People used to come up to me and be like, ‘Oh, my kids love The Hangover.’ I’m like, ‘You’re a terrible parent!’” Talk about keeping it real.

The Beanie Bubble premieres on Friday, July 28, on Apple TV+.