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FLCL: Grunge Review – Does the new sequel live up to expectations?

Adult Swim has made a colorful return with FLCL: Grunge. Did the sequel capture the magic of its predecessors with its fresh themes and animation style? Let’s find out!

Based on the cherished anime relic of the 2000s, Adult Swim’s FLCL: Grunge was released on September 9th. The original FLCL was loved and also received global acclaim after airing on Adult Swim in 2003. The classic six-episode-long show is considered one of those coming-of-age stories where we learn how life is unpredictable, and nobody has it all figured out. It’s not the first attempt by Adult Swim to bring back the famous series. They touched upon the same idea with FLCL: Progressive and FLCL: Alternative, and both series didn’t do well enough for Adult Swim to return with the fourth sequel of the same series. But here we are. In such a case, fans had all the reasons to be skeptical when Adult Swim announced the production of FLCL: Grunge and FLCL: Shoegaze. Watching the first episode of the recently released sequel, you will doubt if it’s really going to surpass its predecessors. 

This story centers around the character named Shinpachi, who works in his father’s sushi shop and is bored with his dull life. He believes that only ordinary things can happen in the town he lives in. However, his dull life takes an interesting turn when he meets Haruko Haruhara. The first episode of the show presents a social commentary on how life in this town moves in loops, and everyday people follow the same pattern. While the adults are hopeless and have grown accustomed to this life, the younger generation can only dream of escaping it. Shinpachi’s life isn’t any different as he tries his best to do everything as per his father’s wishes while resisting his urge to stand up for what he wants. He can’t disobey his father, but at the same time, he doesn’t want to fall into the same patterns. FLCL: Grunge tackles themes like cynicism and global issues such as environmental pollution caused by factories, emphasizing how children inherit problems from adults. While they are the ones who must live with the consequences, their opinions and desires matter too little. If it weren’t a sequel, the story could have stood apart for its themes. This aspect of the story might have helped FLCL: Grunge differentiate itself from its predecessors. Speaking about the production of the show, the first thing that catches your attention is the animation. FLCL has shifted from Gainax studios to MonteBlanc Pictures, and this time they chose to go with CGI animation rather than the hand-drawn artistry that we have watched earlier. But above all, this animation style is pleasing to watch.

Overall, FLCL: Grunge would be an exciting watch for someone who is introduced to the series for the first time. However, someone who has seen Adult Swim repeatedly tapping the same idea might find it boring. Despite minor changes, some elements are similar in all the sequels.

Watch the trailer:

FLCL: Grunge Trailer

Also Read: What’s so special about Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron”

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Fashion

Weekly Pop Culture Recap: Donatella Versace has resigned as Versace’s Chief Creative Officer, BLACKPINK’s Lisa is branching out with her graphic novel, ALTER-EGO.

A week of major shifts and fresh projects! Get the latest scoop in this week’s pop culture recap.

This week has been full of interesting changes and updates. There have been some big shifts and exciting moves that have caught everyone’s attention. Let’s take a look at what’s been happening this week!

Donatella Versace’s Departure

Donatella Versace steps down as head of Versace

Donatella Versace, 69, has stepped down as Chief Creative Officer of Versace after nearly three decades due to disputes over declining sales. She will transition to the role of Chief Brand Ambassador effective April 1, 2025, and is restricted from using her family name for future ventures. Dario Vitale, formerly the Design and Image Director at Miu Miu, will replace her as the new Creative Director. 

Donatella will now focus on supporting Versace’s philanthropic efforts and promoting the brand globally, while Dario Vitale aims to preserve Versace’s legacy while embracing modern innovation. 

BLACKPINK’s Lisa Expands Creative Horizons with Graphic Novel ALTER-EGO

LaLisa Comics

Lisa from BLACKPINK has launched her own comic brand, Lalisa Comics, in partnership with Zero Zero Entertainment, releasing a 56-page graphic novel titled ALTER-EGO: The Official Comic alongside her debut solo album, Alter Ego. Created by Lisa and illustrated by Japanese artist Minomiyabi, the comic follows five alter egos—Roxi, Kiki, Vixi, Sunni, and Speedi—each representing different aspects of Lisa’s personality. The storyline features Vixi trapped in a virtual reality nightmare by bullies, with her friends stepping in to rescue her. Available for pre-order on the Lalisa Comics website, the release demonstrates Lisa’s creative expansion beyond music.

Frank & Eileen Launches “House of Frank & Eileen” with Julianne Moore

Frank & Eileen | Official Site | Free Shipping on Orders $250+

Frank & Eileen, a woman-owned and led fashion brand, has introduced the House of Frank & Eileen, a community design initiative collaborating with iconic women. The inaugural collection features “Waverly,” superluxe button-up co-created with award-winning actress and author Julianne Moore. This collaboration reflects Frank & Eileen’s commitment to authenticity and celebrates female entrepreneurship..

In a conversation about the partnership, Moore described her personal style as modern, easy, and fairly monochromatic, influenced by her profession’s frequent costumes and red carpet appearances. She found common ground with Frank & Eileen’s founder, Audrey, noting shared values of devotion to family and work, and a mutual appreciation for authenticity.

Lily Allen’s Musical Comeback

Lily Allen Defends Nepo Babies, Says They Have Feelings

After a seven-year hiatus since her 2018 album “No Shame,” British singer Lily Allen is preparing a return to music. She’s collaborating with Grammy-winning producer Greg Kurstin, known for their previous hits like “Smile” and “The Fear.” Major labels, including BMG, have shown interest in her new material. Allen has also been active with her podcast “Miss Me?” and is set to star in the play “Hedda” at the Theatre Royal in Bath. Additionally, she’s developing a new musical but plans to focus on her current commitments before releasing new music.

All We Imagine as Light’ Triumphs at Asian Film Awards

The Gorgeous Mumbai Rhapsody of “All We Imagine as Light” | The New Yorker

Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine as Light” won Best Film at the Asian Film Awards. The movie, which previously won the Grand Prix at Cannes, continues to receive international acclaim.

Passing of Oscar-Winning Producer Stanley Jaffe

Stanley Jaffe obituary: Oscar-winning film producer

Stanley Jaffe, renowned for producing films like “Kramer vs. Kramer,” “Fatal Attraction,” and “The Accused,” has died at 84. His work earned him an Academy Award, and he held leadership roles at Paramount Pictures.

Also Read: Indian Entrepreneur Summit & Awards 2025: Celebrating Innovation and Leadership

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Events

Weekly Pop-Culture Recap: Louis Vuitton to Launch Its Own Makeup Line Led by Pat McGrath, TikTok Expands Into Local Services to Boost Small Business Engagement.

From trends in fashion to big changes in entertainment and social media, we’ve rounded up the highlights you won’t want to miss. Check out the biggest happenings of the week!

With major brands making bold moves and new trends emerging, there’s been plenty to talk about. In this article, we’ll highlight the biggest happenings of the week that made it to our conversations. 

Paris Fashion Week for Fall/Winter 2025

Paris Fashion Week Spring 2025 Hits and Misses - theFashionSpot

Paris Fashion Week for Fall/Winter 2025, which is ongoing from March 3 to March 11, 2025, has already delivered a series of impactful collections. The collections demonstrate how Paris Fashion Week continues to push the envelope in creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity, setting the tone for the future of fashion.

Louis Vuitton Launches Its First Makeup Line

Pat McGrath Becomes Creative Director Of Louis Vuitton's First Makeup Line  - Essence | Essence

Louis Vuitton has officially announced its first-ever makeup line, La Beauté Louis Vuitton, set to launch in Fall 2025. The collection, revealed during Paris Fashion Week, marks the brand’s expansion into beauty and is led by renowned makeup artist Dame Pat McGrath as its Creative Director. The lineup will include 55 lipsticks, 10 lip balms, and 8 eyeshadow palettes, reflecting Louis Vuitton’s commitment to luxury and quality. While details about the formulations remain under wraps, the collection is expected to embody the house’s signature craftsmanship and innovation. This highly anticipated launch is poised to elevate Louis Vuitton’s presence in the global beauty industry, solidifying its status as a leader in luxury beyond fashion and accessories.

Lollapalooza India 2025

Top 9 reasons to attend Lollapalooza India 2024 - Lifestyle News | The  Financial Express

Lollapalooza India 2025 brought an electrifying weekend to Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Racecourse on March 8 and 9, with a lineup that had something for everyone. Green Day, Shawn Mendes, and Louis Tomlinson headlined the festival, making it a dream come true for rock and pop fans. EDM lovers weren’t left out, with Zedd and Alok turning the venue into a massive dance party. Indie and alternative fans got their fix with Glass Animals, Nothing But Thieves, and AURORA. Raftaar x Kr$na, Hanumankind, Niladri Kumar, Lisa Mishra, Talwiinder, and Anushka added their own energy to the mix. 

TikTok Expands Into Local Services to Boost Small Business Engagement

TikTok: TikTok: Can users check who has downloaded video? - The Economic  Times

TikTok is expanding its services in the U.S. by building a dedicated team to help small businesses connect with creators and users on the platform. The company has posted job openings in key cities such as Seattle, Los Angeles, and New York, aiming to strengthen the relationship between local merchants and TikTok’s vast creator community. This move follows a similar approach used in Southeast Asia, where TikTok collaborated with creators to offer deals for restaurants, hotels, and travel. Through this expansion, TikTok intends to further support small businesses and improve the user experience, even as the platform faces ongoing legal challenges in the U.S.

Disney Cancels ‘Tiana’ Series

Disney Animation Cancels Long-Awaited 'Tiana' Series, Will No Longer  Develop Longform Content For Streaming

Disney has canceled the planned ‘Tiana’ animated series, which was to be based on characters from ‘The Princess and the Frog.’ Instead, the studio is developing a short-form special inspired by the original movie, with new storytelling overseen by Joyce Sherri and Steve Anderson. This shift is part of Disney’s strategy to move away from long-form streaming content.

Also Read: Milan Fashion Week 2025: The Biggest Highlights and Trends

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Events

The Most Memorable Highlights from the 2025 Academy Awards

Surprises, Stunning Wins, and Emotional Tributes – The 2025 Oscars Had It All. Catch Up with All the Highlights.

The 2025 Academy Awards, held on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, was a night of triumphs and surprises that had the attention of audiences worldwide. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the event was lively, full of humor, and celebrated the diversity and creativity of cinema from all around the world. This year’s ceremony stood out for its focus on inclusivity and representation, highlighting the growing diversity and global reach of the film industry. It was also about recognizing talent and stories from across the globe, signaling a shift in how the Academy values the changing trends in filmmaking. 

Historic Wins for Anora

Anora dominates the Oscars as Mikey Madison named best actress and Adrien  Brody wins for The Brutalist | Oscars | The Guardian

The evening’s biggest winner was undoubtedly Anora, an indie film that took home five Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture. Sean Baker’s direction was celebrated with a Best Director win, making him only the second person in history to win four individual Oscars in a single night, joining the ranks of Walt Disney. But the film’s success didn’t end there—Mikey Madison, portraying a sex worker entangled with a Russian oligarch’s son, secured Best Actress. At just 25, Madison made history as the ninth youngest actress to win the prestigious award. The triumph of Anora was a testament to its sweeping storytelling, captivating performances, and fresh perspective in filmmaking.

Zoë Saldaña and Paul Tazewell Breaking Barriers

The night also saw a series of groundbreaking wins that reflected Hollywood’s ongoing push for inclusivity and diversity. Zoë Saldaña made history as the first American of Dominican descent to win Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez. Saldaña’s win was not only a recognition of her immense talent but also an important milestone for the representation of marginalized voices in the film industry.

Zoe Saldaña wins best supporting actress Oscar for 'Emilia Pérez' | AP News

Meanwhile, Paul Tazewell took home Best Costume Design for his work on Wicked. Tazewell became the first Black man to ever win in this category, making a significant mark on the history of the Academy Awards.

Paul Tazewell Makes Oscar History│ConnectComm

Adrien Brody’s Second Oscar Win

Adrien Brody Wins Best Actor Oscar for 'The Brutalist'

Another highlight of the evening was Adrien Brody, who secured Best Actor for his performance in The Brutalist. Brody’s win, marking his second Oscar, was well-deserved after delivering a deeply compelling and nuanced performance. His emotional portrayal in the film left a lasting impact on both critics and audiences, making his victory one of the night’s most celebrated moments in the acting categories.

A Heartfelt Musical Tribute by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Open Oscars 2025 With a Magical Medley of  Songs From Oz | Vanity Fair

The musical performances were another standout feature of the night. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo took the stage for a touching tribute to Los Angeles, which was recovering from the devastating wildfires. Their renditions of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Defying Gravity left the audience in awe, showcasing the emotional power of music and its ability to unite and heal. It was a heartfelt moment that reminded everyone of the strength of the city and the spirit of resilience.

Adam Sandler’s Quirky Fashion Moment

Adam Sandler pulled yet another Adam Sandler at the Oscars; Here's what he  wore - The Times of India

In true Oscar tradition, the night wasn’t without its lighthearted moments. Adam Sandler became the talk of social media when he showed up to the ceremony in gym shorts. Conan O’Brien couldn’t resist poking fun at Sandler’s unconventional choice, adding humor to the event. The quirky fashion moment quickly became a viral topic, sparking discussions about casual red carpet looks and how even the most unexpected outfits can become part of the Oscar narrative.

Controversies and Unexpected Upsets

Not everything went smoothly, though. The night also saw some controversies that added an extra layer of drama to the proceedings. One of the most talked-about moments occurred when Iranian co-director Hossein Molayemi interrupted his partner, Shirin Sohani, during their acceptance speech for Best Animated Short Film for In the Shadow of the Cypress. Molayemi’s actions were met with backlash on social media, with many criticizing him for overshadowing Sohani’s moment. The ceremony also saw a surprising upset in the Best Actress category when Demi Moore, who was widely favored to win for her role in The Substance, lost out to Mikey Madison. This unexpected loss left many questioning the voting choices and added to the evening’s fair share of shocking moments.

Despite the controversies, the 2025 Oscars will undoubtedly be remembered as a night that reflected both the changing tides of the industry and the enduring power of film.

Also Read: Weekly Pop Culture Recap: Microsoft to discontinue Skype by May, Best Highlights from the Milan Fashion Week

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