Movies

I still think Don Siegel’s Invasion of the Body Snatchers is a masterpiece! It really resonated with audiences back in 1956 – in fact, it even gave us the term “pod people” to describe those creepy, emotionless copies in the film. Can you believe it’s been 70 years since it came out? Even though it’s in classic black and white and has that film noir feel, it still influences creators today. Just recently, Vince Gilligan, the guy behind Pluribus, said it was a huge inspiration for his show, which is amazing!

Spider-Man: Homecoming was the first Spider-Man movie set within the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe. It was made jointly by Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios, after Spider-Man was first introduced in Captain America: Civil War. Zendaya stars as MJ, whose full name is Michelle Jones Watson – this is the MCU’s take on the classic character Mary Jane Watson.

I grew up with Star Trek because my mother loved the original series when she was a child. It was always a part of my life, and I happily watched the movies and The Next Generation as I got older. I wasn’t instantly hooked on Deep Space Nine, but I eventually came to enjoy it. I really connected with the character of Jake Sisko because, like me, he was raised by a single parent, had a mischievous best friend, and dreamed of becoming a writer. Since the newer Star Trek shows started, I’ve been hoping Jake Sisko would return, and I was excited to see him appear at Starfleet Academy. While he wasn’t working as a reporter there, it’s a promising start, and I hope it’s not the last we see of him.

The Predator franchise began in 1987 with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s first encounter with the alien creatures, but its future seemed uncertain after the 2018 film didn’t do well. Director Trachtenberg revitalized the series with a thrilling new installment, hinting at exciting possibilities. However, the series’ future is now unclear, especially at a difficult moment for its continued success.

Nia Sondaya, who plays young Akilah, will be a main cast member in season 4 of Yellowjackets, according to Deadline. This means she’ll appear in more episodes and have a bigger role in the show.

Fans finally got a good look at Baby Mario and Luigi in a new trailer clip. The short, 15-second preview is currently airing during NBC’s Olympics coverage, alongside other promotional clips for the upcoming film.

Maki couldn’t initially perceive cursed energy without glasses, but she gained the ability after Mai’s death. This was due to a ‘Heavenly Restriction’ – a unique aspect of the power system in Jujutsu Kaisen where sorcerers trade physical strength for jujutsu power, or vice versa. Because Jujutsu Kaisen‘s power system is so intricate, understanding these restrictions is key to fully understanding how everything works.

Jared Leto’s portrayal of Skeletor was compelling, according to Knight. He described the character as visually striking, frightening, humorous, and surprisingly vulnerable, highlighting his unique voice as a key part of the performance.

Oliver Laxe’s film, Sirāt, is a subtly unsettling experience that initially feels predictable. As you watch the first half, you might think you know where the story is going, despite a few strange details. Then, Laxe unexpectedly changes course, making the characters’ world feel unstable, as if their secure foundation was actually fragile. The film, co-written with Santiago Fillol, builds tension like a thriller, but for a long time, it’s a low-level anxiety surrounding a group traveling across the desert. Luis makes a reckless decision to follow other trucks in his van, hoping to find another party. The tension seems to stem from the uneasy connection between Luis and the people he joins, whom he doesn’t fully trust.

The new season of Below Deck Down Under kicked off this week, giving us a look at the wild charter season from the crew’s perspective – serving, catering, and dealing with guest mishaps, like Angie’s accidents. The crew was already facing challenges – a steward leaving, tension between the chef and his assistant, and a new team getting acquainted – before the demanding guests arrived. The first three episodes focus on this charter, so we spoke with Captain Jason Chambers and chief stew Daisy Kelliher about the buzz from Bravocon, Daisy’s new romance, and the experience of hosting particularly high-maintenance guests.