Mashable

Accessing Pornhub in the US is becoming trickier by the day.

Aylo (formerly Mindgeek), the parent company of Pornhub, YouPorn and RedTube, has now blocked access to users in North Carolina and Montana, following the introduction of age verification laws in both states. People attempting to access Pornhub from these states are now greeted by a talking-head style video of performer Cherie Deville, along with a message from the company pushing for device-based verification and urging users to contact their representatives.

SEE ALSO: Boomers are into trans porn, Pornhub's Year in Review shows

"Until a real solution is offered we've made the difficult decision to completely disable access to our website in your region," says DeVille in the video.

The new age verification laws came into affect on January 1st. Montana's law requires users to provide "a digitized identification card" go through "a commercial age verification system", while North Carolina's law requires a "commercially reasonable method of age and identity verification". One of Aylo's main issue, alongside the method of verification, seems to be with officials "mandating age verification without proper enforcement", and the potential for users to be driven away from Pornhub to sites that don't bother complying with the new laws. The decision to block assess entirely is essentially a form of protest.

Montana and North Carolina aren't the first states to introduce age verification laws. This time last year Louisiana passed a similar law, and subsequently Utah, Mississippi, Virginia, and Arkansas have introduced their own versions of the law.

As well as protesting spreading age verification laws in the US, Pornhub is also facing issues across the pond, where activists have accused the site of abusing user data.

TL;DR: The second season of The Traitors UK will be available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer. Anyone from around the world can access this streaming service with ExpressVPN.

We were all treated to some pretty special TV in 2023, but for juicy drama on an almost daily basis, it was difficult to beat the first season of The Traitors UK.

Well it's back. And we can't wait to see how things unfold. The concept is great, and you just know that everything is going to start falling apart after a few days. We love the drama.

If you want to watch the second season of The Traitors UK for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is The Traitors available to watch?

The second season of The Traitors UK premieres on BBC One at 9 p.m. GMT on Jan. 3. Subsequent episodes will air on BBC One at the same time every Thursday, Friday, and Wednesday. Alternatively, you can stream everything for free on BBC iPlayer.

How to watch The Traitors for free

You can watch the second season of The Traitors UK for free on BBC One, with free streaming available on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can connect to BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Access BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Steam the second season of The Traitors UK for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) £82.82 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to stream the second season of The Traitors UK before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 94 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to five simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream The Traitors UK for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Shooting video on smartphones just keeps getting better, and rumor has it Samsung is advancing the cause this year.

According to reliable leaker Ice Universe, the upcoming (and still technically unconfirmed) Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra will have the ability to shoot 4K video at 120 frames per second (fps), which means videos should be sharper, clearer and zippier.

Tweet may have been deleted SEE ALSO: 4 major Samsung products rumored for 2024 Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra's reported video boost beats iPhone 15 Pro Max

If this leak is true, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is getting an upgrade over its predecessor's 60 fps max for 4K videos. This reported perk beats the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which also shoots 4K videos at 60 fps.

However, as HotHardware pointed out, 120 fps is overkill. Plus, many social media platforms, X included, do not support videos at 120 fps. Still, it's beneficial for those who want to make slow-motion videos.

Ice Universe's recent X post gives you a pretty good idea of how 120 fps benefits slow-mo content creation:

Tweet may have been deleted

"What can 4K120fps do?" Ice Universe asked rhetorically. "Take a look at this video and you will know. You can play it at 30fps and the picture will be 4 times slower, which will create a somewhat cinematic feel."

Another feature the Galaxy S24 Ultra is rumored to get is Nightography Zoom, according a leak from X user MysteryLupin, implying that the top-tier phone will have improved low-light performance for far-away subjects.

"Brighten up your night with Nightography on Galaxy S24 Ultra. Want a closer look? Zoom in from a distance, even in low light," the leaked text (which could be from a retail listing) said.

Unfortunately, we don't have a lot else to work with on the Nightography Zoom front. It's unclear how far the S24 Ultra will be able to zoom, as well as how much it uses telephoto versus digital zoom. The same leaked copy does say the phone has a 200MP main lens, which is nice, but not especially informative on this issue.

As for how it competes with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, we'll have to wait and see. Our review noted that the 5x telephoto zoom on the Pro Max is great in low light situations, so Samsung has a lot to live up to. Hopefully we will have a better grasp of which phone takes zoomed in low light shots better by the end of this month.

TL;DR: As of December 3, get the Complete 2021 Microsoft Office Mastery Bundle for just $39.97 — usually $333.

No matter your field, proficiency in Microsoft Office is typically a must-have skill. Being well-versed in Office can significantly enhance your productivity and career prospects. Whether you're a student, a working professional, or someone looking to upskill, rolling up your sleeves to learn more than just the basics of the apps is a smart move. This Microsoft Office mastery bundle is here to guide you, and it's only $39.97 (reg. $333) through January 1.

Kick off your new year with professional learning via the nine courses in this bundle. Microsoft Teams is a communication tool used by millions and is steadily on the rise. This app allows people to communicate instantly with their work teams for a more streamlined experience. A full course is devoted to this app, and it covers how to set up and get started with Teams, as well as how to utilize the notes feature and adjust settings to your needs.

Another popular app is Excel, and this bundle has a beginner and an advanced course on how to use it effectively. You'll get to know how to use functions, formulas, and a lot more at a high level so you can confidently build your skills and add them to your résumé. 

Users can also explore PowerPoint so they can create great slides and presentations, maximize all that Word has to offer, and get well-versed in Outlook so they will be on top of their productivity game. It also has a beginner and advanced course on Access, which is a great tool for more complex data that needs more than a spreadsheet. 

Don't miss your chance to elevate your knowledge at this affordable price.

The Microsoft Office mastery bundle is on sale until January 1 at 11:59 p.m. PT for $39.97 (reg. $333).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Stream Skill The Complete 2021 Microsoft Office Mastery Bundle $39.97 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

TL;DR: As of December 3, get The 2023 Complete Microsoft Excel Expert Bundle for only $34.97 — that's 75% off.

Excel proficiency is a must-have skill in today's data-driven world. If you are in one of the many fields utilizing it or are hoping to join one, having more than basic Excel skills is a good way to enhance your professional value. One way to ensure that's the case is with this 2023 Complete Microsoft Excel Expert Bundle. It's on sale for $34.97 (reg. $144) through January 7, which is just in time to start working on those professional new year goals.

With 12 courses totaling 72 hours, you'll be able to get yourself up to an expert level on your own schedule and from the comfort of your own home. Start out with the beginner's course and learn or brush up on the fundamentals like navigating Excel, correct formatting, using charts to analyze data and keyboard shortcuts.  

There are courses on Excel VBA (visual basic for applications), giving you valuable ways to automate tasks in Excel. You'll also learn to use the VBA editor and VBA syntax and interact with end users via input and message boxes.

Eventually, you can move on to more complex information, such as advanced Excel courses and an Excel for Business Analysts course. There is also an intermediate course, along with a course specifically for Excel for Macs.

Don't miss the opportunity to harness the full power of this indispensable tool with this curated bundle that could be just the thing that sets you apart from the job competition.

Get the Microsoft Excel Expert Bundle on sale for just $34.97 (reg. $144) through January 7 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: StreamSkill The 2023 Complete Microsoft Excel Expert Bundle $34.97 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

TL;DR: As of December 3, get the 10-Piece Damascus Seido Tengoku chef knife set for only $215.99 — that's 56% off.

If you're like so many of us who want to start making healthier decisions this new year, cooking at home is a good way to start because you can control the ingredients. But cooking at home can be a challenge without the proper tools. A great set of knives should be in any home cook's kitchen to make prep easier. This 10-Piece Damascus Seido Tengoku chef knife set is just $215.99 (reg. $499) and can help you chop, slice, and dice your healthy ingredients for years to come.

Let your culinary precision shine as you make healthy meals for yourself and your loved ones with these hand-crafted artisan knives. They feature 15-degree super sharp angles and ergonomic handles (designed not to warp) for comfort and efficiency in the kitchen. Made from superior high-carbon stainless steel, they are an affordable way to invest in your health and happiness.

The knives are not just tools; they are a work of art. You'll probably even impress your guests with the stunning visual appeal of these Damascus beauties in your kitchen.

Here's what's included:

• 8" chef (Gyuto) knife

• 8" slicing (Sujihiki) knife

• 8" serrated (bread) knife

• 8" Kiritsuke (chef) knife

• 7" Nakiri (vegetable knife)

• 7" Santoku (all-purpose) knife

• 6" boning (filet) knife

• 5" Santoku knife  

• 5" utility knife

• 3.5" paring knife

• Ten knife sheaths and a signature Seido gift/storage box

Don't waste your time trying to cook with sub-par knives. Get this set to help you meal prep like a pro in the kitchen.

Pick up this 10-piece Damascus Seido Tengoku chef knife set for just $215.99 (reg. $499) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Seido Knives 10-piece Damascus Seido Tengoku chef knife set $215.99 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

TL;DR: As of December 3, get a lifetime subscription to Citizen Remote for $39.97 — you'll save over 86%.

Hoping to make the move to a remote position in 2024? There's a lot of freedom that working from home can bring, from answering emails in bed to folding laundry while you wait for a Zoom meeting to start. And you can unlock even more perks with a little help from Citizen Remote.

If you'd like to really take advantage of a remote position and explore the world as you work, Citizen Remote helps make it happen. Through January 7, you can tap into the full potential these roles can bring with a lifetime subscription to this handy service for only $39.97 (reg. $299.97), with no coupon code required.

Imagine being able to live and work in Paris, or clocking into your 9-to-5 from Mexico City. With Citizen Remote, working from abroad has never been easier, as it offers resources to help you figure out how to make an income while traveling the world. It helps you tackle all of the tough logistics of traveling while working remotely...like securing a visa. You'll receive professional visa assistance throughout the entire complicated process, while even allowing you to browse all the remote work visa options you have all over the globe. 

Once you decide where you'd like to explore, you can use Citizen Remote to find places to stay for months or longer with their verified and secured rental properties. Then tackle things like finding global health insurance, grabbing travel insurance, and purchasing e-Sims all on the app. They even offer a social network, so you can find like-minded digital nomads to connect with and bond as you undergo this unique adventure together. 

Make the most of working remotely with this lifetime subscription to Citizen Remote Premium on sale now for $39.97 (reg. $299.97) until January 7 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Citizen Remote Citizen Remote Premium: Lifetime Subscription $39.97 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

Dreaming of a world of high-tech gadgets and out-of-this-world action? Yearning for horror that's rooted in science gone awry? Or maybe you're craving the slow-burn exhilaration of alien invasion? Whatever kind of science fiction you're seeking, Prime Video has the perfect pick for a movie night in.  

We've scoured Prime Video's sci-fi section to uncover celebrated classics, art house dazzlers, quirky adventures, and modern marvels. All you need is a subscription to stream for free, and a DIY marathon of science fiction spectacle is at your fingertips.

Here are the 20 best science-fiction movies now available on Prime Video. 

1. The Thing

"Man might be the warmest place to hide" according to the infamous tagline to John Carpenter’s 1982 classic sci-fi horror hybrid, but you’ll practically feel the frostbite nipping at your fingertips watching this chiller. An update on the 1951 film The Thing From Another World (itself based on the 1938 novella by John W. Campbell Jr.), The Thing is ground zero for the argument that a remake can top the original. The tale of an alien invasion taking over the bodies of a ragtag crew of researchers stationed in the frozen middle of nowhere Antarctica is truly timeless in terror.

Every single thing about Carpenter’s take, from the cast stuffed with ace character actors (Richard Masur! Keith David! Richard Dysart! Wilford freaking Brimley!!!) to Ennio Morricone’s score to the legendarily unsettling special-effects by master Rob Bottin (fresh off the werewolf transformations of The Howling) has become iconic. So who cares if four decades ago this remake summarily flopped at the box office? And that’s even before you get to fun little touches like that great big flouncy hat that Kurt Russell somehow makes work or The Fog’s radio-jockey Adrienne Barbeau voice-cameoing as the chess computer. — Jason Adams, Freelance Contributor

How to watch: The Thing is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

2. Jurassic Park Credit: Amblin / Universal / Kobal / Shutterstock

As perfect as summer blockbusters come, Steven Spielberg’s dino-epic still plays as magnificently today as it did that summer of 1993. Perhaps even more perfect now, in the wake of how godawful every Jurassic World movie turned out to be. Now we can really appreciate the magic that Spielberg worked with Michael Crichton’s concept of Dino DNA being mined and exploited for a friggin’ theme park, of all things.

This thriller was ahead of its time in lampooning the ways that bored rich people trying to entertain themselves will be the ultimate destruction of humanity. “Maybe we can have a coupon day,” the lawyer giggles, not long before the T-Rex eats him on the toilet. But Spielberg keeps his satire out of the way of the dino-mite set pieces. So, even after a hundred viewings, I still find myself holding my breath for the entire length of that rampaging Rex sequence in the rain. — J.A.

How to watch: Jurassic Park is now streaming on Prime Video.

3. Robocop

While bumming around in an unofficial capacity on the set of Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner, screenwriter-wannabe Edward Neumeier came up with the idea of a robotic police officer struggling with its own existential crisis in the face of a horrifically violent future world. From there, he set to work on what would eventually become Paul Verhoeven’s 1987 satirical action masterpiece. 

Starring Peter Weller as a cop gunned down — obliterated, really — in the line of duty who is then reanimated by a hi-tech defense corporation looking to build the perfect killing machine, it’s actually kind of terrifying how prescient this movie turned out to be. What seemed cartoonish in its over-the-top depiction of the overlap between law enforcement and capitalism is now only too real. Today it seems too much like the people making Fox News watch this movie for ideas, entirely missing its satire. — J.A.

How to watch: Robocop is free to stream with an MGM+ subscription add-on or available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

4. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Credit: David Lee / Focus Features / Kobal / Shutterstock

One of the great films of the new millennium, Michel Gondry’s mind-wiping melancholy romance explores how some people are destined to be together even if — maybe especially if — they drive each other absolutely batty. Jim Carrey plays Joel Barish, a sad sack trying to fill the void left in his life by the end of his love affair with the whirlwind of Kate Winslet’s Clementine, a bookstore employee who changes her mind more often than she changes her hair color (and she changes her hair color a lot). Or is the void trying to fill him? 

The slippery timeline of Charlie Kaufman’s beyond-brilliant script sees the past infiltrating the present as both of them have their memories of the other wiped by a new scientific procedure that’s only kind of brain damage, the doctors say. But then they can’t help but find themselves inexplicably drawn back into each other’s orbit time and time and time again (“Meet me in Montauk…”) — and it is exhilarating on every watch. It forces us to reconstruct what we’ve witnessed in retrospect, and draws us right into the tangle of emotion with them. The bittersweetness of sad goodbyes overwhelm, even as the future on a frozen beach stutters in place. — J.A.

How to watch: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

5. The Terminator  Credit: Orion / Kobal / Shutterstock

The 1980s were the era of AHNOLD. Yet Austrian bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger achieved his mightiest flex when he stepped into the titular role of a merciless killer cyborg from a frightful future. In 1984 Los Angeles, waitress Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) is on the run from this manly machine. He has been sent from 2029 to prevent the birth of her son, who is destined to lead the rebellion against tyrannical robots. Schwarzenegger awed audiences not only with his hulking form and suitably stiff performance, but also with the sheer star power that would launch a franchise and a decades-long action hero career. 

Meanwhile, director James Cameron made a sci-fi classic with laser cannons, careening chase scenes, sprays of bullets, and (once) cutting-edge graphics that put audiences in the POV of the Terminator’s cold, calculating stare.* — Kristy Puchko, Film Editor

How to watch: The Terminator is free to stream with a Max subscription add-on or available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

6. District 9 Credit: Moviestore / Shutterstock

In 2009, writer/director Neill Blomkamp broke through with his feature debut by bringing an extraterrestrial premise to Earth in his hometown of Johannesburg, South Africa. Rather than invasion-focused horror, Blomkamp empathized with the resident aliens, who are ghettoized and terrorized by humans/government agents.

In following the journey of one such agent, he pitches audiences not only into a sci-fi adventure of bombastic action and body transformation, but also a moving parable about the evils of prejudice. District 9 gathered critical praise worldwide and launched the international career of leading man Sharlto Copley. Then, this gritty sci-fi drama scored four Oscar nominations, including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Motion Picture of the Year. — K.P.

How to watch: District 9 is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

7. The Lazarus Effect

Sometimes there's nothing as satisfyingly spine-tingling as science-gone-wrong horror. Documentarian David Gelb might be best-known for capturing the glory of cuisine creation, thanks to the celebrated feature doc Jiro Dreams of Sushi and the gorgeous series Chef's Table. Here, he branched out, bringing his skill for grounded drama to the tale of medical researchers experimenting with resurrecting the dead. When they succeed, their wildest dreams become their worst nightmare as one of their crew becomes telekinetic…and terrifying.

This sci-fi stunner not only boasts sensational scares, but also a cast that includes Olivia Wilde, Mark Duplass, Evan Peters, and Donald Glover. — K.P.

How to watch: The Lazarus Effect is now streaming on Prime Video.

8. The Vast of Night Credit: GED Cinema / Amazon / Kobal / Shutterstock

It feels reductive to even call Andrew Patterson's indie masterpiece science fiction, but given that its 89-minute runtime at least alludes to aliens, it might be all we've got. Everett (Jake Horowitz), a radio jockey, and Fay (Sierra McCormick), a switchboard operator, have their night cut short by a strange audio phenomenon that interferes with the broadcast and confuses listeners. Their night derails as they follow clues about the sound's origin and reports of something odd in the sky. 

The Vast of Night hypnotizes the viewer not with special effects or otherworldly elements, but with grounded, meditative, even slow direction and performance. Many scenes are long, uncut takes of one or more characters talking, and by the end it barely matters what they saw in the sky or choose to believe in. Fay and Everett's night is already one they'll never forget, and a film that stays with you long after you watch it.* — Proma Khosla, Senior Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: The Vast of Night is now streaming with ads on Amazon Freevee.

9. Rabid

The brand of body horror that David Cronenberg has become synonymous with is really just the greatest fusion of science fiction and horror that cinema has to offer. Think the body of Jeff Goldblum at the end of The Fly, meshed together with the machine itself. These two forces are inextricable in Cronenberg’s hands. Mind and flesh, sex and metal: the human future. These obsessions were on display right from the start, and his 1977 picture, Rabid, is one of his most underrated and entertaining riffs upon them.

After a motorcycle accident, a young woman (the porn star Marilyn Chambers) is taken in by an experimental clinic, where they graft genetically altered skin onto her wounds. When she wakes up she finds herself with sudden odd cravings — of the vampiric sort. Passing along this thirst via a little stinger buried in a fresh slit in her armpit, Cronenberg unleashes a sexually transmitted zombie plague that only his singularly strange brain could’ve mustered. — J.A.

How to watch: Rabid is now streaming on Prime Video.

10. Alien

All of the Alien films are on Prime, and you could spend a far worse day than one where you marathon the entire shebang. (Although I do recommend steering clear of the two Vs Predator entries). But if you’ve just got the time for one I say go with Ridley Scott’s original 1979 classic, a haunted-house-in-space spin that’s got the greatest Final Girl of all time in Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver, duh) facing down the scariest monster design ever put on screen via visionary German artist H.R Giger.

That cast of exquisite character actors gets gruesomely picked off one by one! Tom Skerritt, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton, Ian Holm, Yaphet Kotto, John Hurt, and let’s not forget Jones the Cat — not a single dud in the O.G. Nostramo bunch. — J.A.

How to watch: Alien is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

11. Prometheus  Credit: Scott Free Prod / 20th Century Fox / Kobal / Shutterstock

In 1979, Ridley Scott gave us Alien, the movie that dared to taunt, "In space, no one can hear you scream." In subsequent sequels, James Cameron, David Fincher, and Jean-Pierre Jeunet took to the helm. But in 2012, Scott returned with a daring and divisive prequel.

Set 30 years before Alien, a band of scientists are trekking across space in search of the origin of mankind. On a distant moon, they find some horrifying extraterrestrials that are new to them, but not to fans of this frightening sci-fi franchise. Though met with mixed reviews, Prometheus undeniably boasts jaw-dropping visuals, pulse-pounding action, and a star-studded cast that includes Noomi Rapace, Logan Marshall-Green, Michael Fassbender, Idris Elba, and Charlize Theron. — K.P.

How to watch: Prometheus is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

12. Signs

With The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable, M. Night Shyamalan forged a reputation as a writer/director who knew how to make genre films freshly fun and joltingly shocking. So, when Signs hit in 2002, audiences turned out in giddy anticipation to be scared out of their wits. We were not disappointed. Sure, in retrospect we might eye-roll over the climactic revelation in this invasion-centered horror-thriller. But its creepy creatures still give chills as they torment a widowed former priest (Mel Gibson) and his family (Joaquin Phoenix, Rory Culkin, and Abigail Breslin) on a remote farm. Embedding us with a family living in fear, Shyamalan brings terror home, answering our twisted prayers. — K.P.

How to watch: Signs is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

13. About Time Credit: Translux / Kobal / Shutterstock

It's bizarre living in a timeline not only where the book The Time Traveler’s Wife was adapted poorly twice, but also where Richard Curtis’ 2013 perfect time-travel romance exists!

Domhnall Gleeson stars as a young man who on his 21st birthday discovers the ability to time-travel into his past. It's a skill he mostly uses to fix mistakes he’s made (kind of like an expanded calendar version of Groundhog Day). We watch him manipulate time to — what else — win the girl. And since the girl, in this case, is played by Rachel McAdams, sure, we get it. But what sneaks up on you about About Time is how it’s really a stealth father-son picture. Amid its sci-fi premise, the heartbreaking relationship between Gleeson and Bill Nighy as his dad is the real tear-jerker on hand. A 10-hankie revelation, be warned! — J.A.

How to watch: About Time is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

14. The Blob 

Maybe not a remake on par with John Carpenter's re-envisioning of The Thing, but I’ve always had a soft spot for the deeply gnarly theatrics of Chuck Russell’s 1988 reboot of the pink-goo-monster from Hell.

It’s the same ol’ tale of yore: A meteorite crashes in Nowheresville, gets promptly poked at with a stick, and starts swallowing up a small town as it expands to terrifying world-dominating gelatinous proportions. But the grotesque practical effects from Tony Gardner are the stuff 1980s nightmares are made out of. Decades on, I still can’t un-see the image of Donovan Leitch being dissolved under a swirling wall of raspberry jelly. — J.A.

How to watch: The Blob is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

15. Being John Malkovich Credit: Melissa Moseley / Universal / Kobal / Shutterstock

The actual “science” of Spike Jonze’s 1999 masterpiece, Being John Malkovich, might remain, you know, a little sketchy. Just a tad. On the 7 1/2 floor of an office building, behind some filing cabinets, there’s a little door that opens into a portal to real-life thespian John Malkovich’s consciousness. This incredible passage allows a pathetic puppeteer (John Cusack), his harried wife (Cameron Diaz), and the co-worker he’s hot for (Catherine Keener) all to walk a mile in Malkovich’s shoes. OK, sure, why not?

But beyond the meta-hilarity and visual magic that Jonze milks from all the nonsense, it’s screenwriter Charlie Kaufman’s script that asks all of the right questions about the nature of self, the existence of a soul. Things like: Am I me? Is Malkovich Malkovich? Malkovich Malkovich. Malkovich? — J.A.

How to watch: Being John Malkovich is available to rent or purchase on Prime Video.

16. Transit

German director Christian Petzold’s 2018 film updates the 1944 novel by Anna Seghers of the same name, which is about refugees trying to escape Nazi-occupied France to an alternate present where Europe exists under the thumb of a vague fascist rule.

Franz Rogowski plays a German man on the run from the authorities. To escape to Mexico, he'll try to use the papers of a dead man whose body he's discovered. While waiting for his literal ship to come in, Rogowski becomes romantically entangled with the dead man’s wife. Making matters more complicated, he develops a friendship with the dead man’s son. All as the walls close in and paths of escape get severed one by one. A slow-burn of speculative timeline political allegory a la The Man in the High Castle, Transit feels like a thriller that Kafka never wrote, where we’re smothered by paperwork and done in by signing on the dotted line. — J.A.

How to watch: Transit is now streaming on Prime Video.

17. The Endless

Co-directors Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead made a name for themselves over the past decade by mixing loopy hard-sci-fi concepts with low-budget character-based stories like Synchronic and Something in the Dirt. 2017’s The Endless is probably their most beloved project to date. (Well before they started dabbling in the MCU with Loki, anyway.)

Starring, as several of their projects do, the directors themselves, The Endless sees Benson and Moorhead playing brothers who get drawn back into the weird UFO cult they escaped from 10 years earlier. Blame it on the mysterious videotape that appears on their doorstep. Before you know it, there are several moons in the sky, deadly dangerous time-loops are springing up around the campgrounds like rattlesnakes, and Benson and Moorehead have crafted the kind of movie that stoners will be dissecting for decades to come. — J.A.

How to watch: The Endless is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

18. Shin Godzilla

The best Godzilla movie since Toho’s heyday, Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi’s 2016 kaiju blockbuster makes the wise choice of rebooting the series back to the beginning, before giant crabs and smog monsters began mucking about and over-complicating the simple aesthetic pleasures of watching a great big lizard step on itty bitty buildings. Unrecognizable from his iconic form for the majority of the picture, this Godzilla radioactively mutates through several deeply strange iterations before we see the big-hipped, small-headed figure we’ve come to love. But none of those iterations are any less destructive.

The greatest trick the movie pulls off in reaching back to the franchise’s roots is in having an actual political perspective. The real villain is the stopped-up government bureaucracy and the egos of the empty-heads in charge, which keep the works gummed up just long enough to do the exact opposite of averting disaster. And for a culture still reeling from the lingering devastation of the 2011 tsunami, this was no doubt a pointed commentary. — J.A.

How to watch: Shin Godzilla is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

19. The City of Lost Children Credit: Moviestore / Shutterstock

Before he brought us the magic and romance of Amelie (or Alien Resurrection), French filmmaker Jean-Pierre Jeunet teamed with Marc Caro and Gilles Adrien to write and direct this tender tale of fantasy and science fiction, which was nominated for the Cannes Film Festival's prestigious Palme d'Or in 2015.

In a murky world of minefields and mad science, children are being abducted by a band of cyborgs to appease a brilliant but vile creature who feeds on their dreams. However, the kidnappers bite off more than they can chew when they snatch the little brother of a circus strong man (Ron Perlman). Full of imagery odd and awe-inspiring, The City of Lost Children is an imaginative adventure that's sure to snatch at your dreams. If you love the work of Terry Gilliam, then you'll want to know he absolutely adores this movie. — K.P.

How to watch: The City of Lost Children is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

20. Vivarium

Vivarium isn’t the sci-fi journey to pick if you’re seeking tidy explanations or slickly satisfying reveals. But if you’re open to a more ethereal sci-fi experience — one that will make you ask a lot of questions about the world you’ve been introduced to and then fail to answer most of them — this uniquely baffling outing from director Lorcan Finnegan is worth a go. 

Jesse Eisenberg and Imogen Poots star as a couple looking to buy a house. Yonder, a suburban development touted as having "All you’d need and all you’d want" catches their eye, and they schedule a visit at one of its many identical properties. But after a strange house tour, the pair find they can’t exit the neighborhood, with the labyrinthine rows of matching units trapping them in some kind of loop. 

Things only get stranger from there, so cue this one up when you’re feeling a bit weird. It’s visually beautiful and narratively bonkers.* — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Vivarium is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video.

*This blurb has appeared in a past Mashable list.

UPDATE: Dec. 22, 2023, 6:32 p.m. EST This list has been updated to reflect the current streaming options.

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The US Supreme Court has addressed the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal system, acknowledging its potential while cautioning against "dehumanizing the law." 

Published on Sunday, the 2023 Year-End Report on the Federal Judiciary offers a 13-page overview of the past year in the US legal system. This year US Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. chose to continue its history of addressing "a major issue relevant to the whole federal court system" by focusing on AI, comparing machine learning to past technological advancements such as personal computers.

SEE ALSO: ChatGPT is writing legislation now

"For those who cannot afford a lawyer, AI can help," said Roberts. "It drives new, highly accessible tools that provide answers to basic questions, including where to find templates and court forms, how to fill them out, and where to bring them for presentation to the judge — all without leaving home."

However, though Roberts acknowledged the benefits AI may offer, he also noted that it comes with risks, particularly when inappropriately applied. In particular, he noted that much decision-making in the judicial system requires human assessment, discretion, and understanding of nuance. Simply entrusting such power to an algorithm is likely to result in unsatisfactory and unjust results, especially considering that AI models often contain inadvertent bias.

"In criminal cases, the use of AI in assessing flight risk, recidivism, and other largely discretionary decisions that involve predictions has generated concerns about due process, reliability, and potential bias," wrote Roberts. "At least at present, studies show a persistent public perception of a 'human-AI fairness gap,' reflecting the view that human adjudications, for all of their flaws, are fairer than whatever the machine spits out."

Roberts did state that many AI use cases help the judicial system resolve cases in a "just, speedy, and inexpensive" manner. Still, he cautioned that AI isn't necessarily suitable for all situations, and that "courts will need to consider its proper uses in litigation" as the technology evolves.

"I predict that human judges will be around for a while," said Roberts. "But with equal confidence I predict that judicial work — particularly at the trial level — will be significantly affected by AI. Those changes will involve not only how judges go about doing their job, but also how they understand the role that AI plays in the cases that come before them."

AI is already impacting the US legal system

Unfortunately, legal professionals' understanding of AI is already lagging behind overeager application in at least a few cases, with machine learning technology having had a dubious impact on the US legal system thus far.

Last year two lawyers were fined for citing non-existent cases in a legal filing after using OpenAI's ChatGPT. The AI chatbot had completely fabricated six cases, which the lawyers had subsequently attempted to rely upon in their arguments. According to one of them, he had been "unaware of the possibility that its content could be false."

Though this case was widely reported, not all lawyers seem to have gotten the memo about relying too heavily on AI. Another US lawyer was recently pulled up for also citing fake cases, having failed to check them after his client generated them using Google Bard. Said client was disbarred former Trump attorney Michael Cohen, who stated last week that he thought Bard was a "super‑charged search engine" and hadn't known it could generate results.

Attempts have also been made to use AI chatbots to generate legal arguments. Early last year online legal service DoNotPay cancelled plans to have its AI chatbot represent a defendant in court after being warned it could be charged for unauthorised practice of law. DoNotPay's chatbot was developed using ChatGPT.

AI company Luminance also conducted a demonstration of their legal large language model Autopilot last November, automating a contract negotiation "without human intervention." Artificial intelligence is even being used by lawmakers to write legislation, both within the US and internationally.

Anyone who has drafted or read a legal document will know it is typically an arduous task that requires parsing long, dull pages of complicated, obfuscating text. Simply asking an AI to check over a contract, evaluate a legal submission, or generate an affidavit may feel like a much quicker, less painful solution. Still, even using AI as an assistive tool comes with dangers, as humans may subconsciously absorb its biases.

There may be a few carefully considered use cases for machine learning algorithms in the legal system. However, the technology should be approached with caution. Undue reliance on AI in law carries a real risk of further muting humanity in an already notoriously bureaucratic system.

TL;DR: The 2024 Masters Snooker is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming service from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

2024 has only just begun, but snooker fans have already got something to be excited about. Snooker’s greatest invitation event is kicking things off this year, with the world’s best players battling it out for the Paul Hunter Trophy.

If you want to watch the 2024 Masters for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is the Masters Snooker?

The Masters is a professional invitational snooker tournament that has been held every year since 1975. It's the second-longest-running professional tournament after the World Snooker Championship, and is one of the three Triple Crown events.

Since 1984, the standard invitees have been the top 16 players in the world rankings. Judd Trump is the defending champion.

When is the Masters Snooker?

The 2024 Masters will take place from Jan. 7 to Jan. 14 at Alexandra Palace in London, England. This tournament is the 50th edition of the Masters.

Where can you watch the Masters Snooker in 2024?

The great news for snooker fans is that, wherever you are in the world, you can watch everything play out thanks to these broadcasters:

• Brazil — DAZN

• China — CCTV5, Migu, and Huya.com

• Europe — Eurosport and discovery+

• Hong Kong China— Now TV

• Malaysia — Astro SuperSport

• Pakistan — Fastsports

• Philippines — Premier Sports Network

• Thailand — True Vision

• Taiwan — Sportcast

• UK — BBC (free and recommended)

• USA — DAZN

Most of these services are not free, but all is not lost because you can unblock free streaming sites from around the world with a VPN.

How to watch the 2024 Masters Snooker for free

You can watch the 2024 Masters Snooker for free on the BBC, with free live streaming available on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can connect to BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Access BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Steam the 2024 Masters Snooker for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) £82.82 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to stream the 2024 Masters Snooker before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 94 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to five simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. You can use the money-back guarantee to recover your cash after watching the match.

Stream the 2024 Masters Snooker for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Stream Crystal Palace vs. Everton in the FA Cup for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming service from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The FA Cup is arguably the most famous domestic cup competition in the world of football, and you can watch some of the biggest third-round fixtures for free. We're all staying in and doing less at this time of year, so this opportunity couldn't have come at a better time.

If you want to watch Crystal Palace vs. Everton for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Crystal Palace vs. Everton in the FA Cup?

Crystal Palace and Everton will kick off at 8 p.m. GMT on Jan. 4 at Selhurst Park Stadium. Everton won the last game between the two sides.

How to watch Crystal Palace vs. Everton for free

You can watch the FA Cup fixture between Crystal Palace and Everton live on ITV4, with coverage starting from 7:30 p.m. GMT on Jan. 4. You can also live stream this fixture for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can connect to ITVX from anywhere in the world.

Unblock ITVX by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit ITVX

5. Steam Crystal Palace vs. Everton for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) £82.82 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most VPNs do offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to ITVX without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to stream Crystal Palace vs. Everton before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking ITVX, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 94 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to five simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Crystal Palace vs. Everton for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Stream Real Madrid vs. Mallorca for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming service from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

2024 has started with some good news for fans of La Liga. ITV will broadcast La Liga in a new three-season deal, with some of the biggest clubs in world football set to be broadcast live and exclusively free to air on ITV, ITV4, and ITVX.

If you want to watch Real Madrid vs. Mallorca for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Real Madrid vs. Mallorca?

Real Madrid and Mallorca will kick off at 6:15 p.m. GMT on Jan. 3 at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

How to watch Real Madrid vs. Mallorca for free

You can watch the fixture between Real Madrid and Mallorca live on ITV4, with coverage starting from 5:45 p.m. GMT on Jan. 3. You can also live stream this fixture for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can connect to ITVX from anywhere in the world.

Unblock ITVX by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit ITVX

5. Steam Real Madrid vs. Mallorca for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) £82.82 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to ITVX without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to stream Real Madrid vs. Mallorca before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking ITVX, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 94 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to five simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. You can use the money-back guarantee to recover your cash after watching the match.

Stream Real Madrid vs. Mallorca for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: The All-in-One American Sign Language Bundle is on sale for £15.73, saving you 80% on list price.

Would you like to better communicate with a deaf loved one or colleague? Or maybe you just find sign language interesting and want to learn it for your own personal growth and satisfaction. If either of these scenarios is true for you, this learning bundle might be what you're looking for. This comprehensive American Sign Language course bundle is on sale for the low price of £15.73.

According to the Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, ASL is the most common form of sign language used in the U.S. Join over half a million people using the language when you immerse yourself through this bundle.

This bundle is comprised of 13 courses totalling 39 hours of content. Users can learn ASL from the seasoned instructors at Intellezy at their own pace and from the comfort of their own homes.

Start with the course titled American Sign Language: Beginner to gain a strong foundation in American Sign Language. Here, you'll learn the alphabet and the origins of ASL, along with finger-spelling and some essential basics like colours, animals, verbs, important nouns, and more.

The courses go on to zoom in on more specific topics like ASL for business, love and marriage, emotions, and more. There's even one that focuses on everyday necessities and phrases, such as asking, "Where is the bathroom?"

Don't miss this affordable price on an essential beginner's bundle that will help you on your way to learning this exciting language. Get this American Sign Language course bundle for just £15.73.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pexels All-in-One American Sign Language Bundle £15.73 at the Mashable Shop Get Deal

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for Jan. 3's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

Not the day you're after? Here's the Wordle answer for Jan. 2.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

Why are there two different Wordle answers some days?

Though usually Wordle will only accept one correct solution per day, occasionally it has rebelled against the norm and deem two different answers acceptable. This is due to changes the New York Times made to Wordle after it acquired the puzzle game.

The Times has since added its own updated word list, so this should happen even less frequently than before. To avoid any confusion, it's a good idea to refresh your browser before getting stuck into a new puzzle.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To spin quickly.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no letters that appear twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter T.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. What's the answer to Wordle today?

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to Wordle #928 is...

TWIRL.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Reporting by Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for January 3's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Moving in three dimensions

• Green: Spy devices

• Blue: X marks the spot

• Purple: Rappers

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Move Through The Air

• Green: Hidden Listening Devices

• Blue: Select, As A Box On A Form

• Purple: Rappers Minus First Letter

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for December 21

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to Connections #206 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Move Through The Air: FLOAT, FLY, GLIDE, SOAR

• Hidden Listening Devices: BUG, MIKE, TAP, WIRE

• Select, As A Box On A Form: CHECK, MARK, TICK, X

• Rappers Minus First Letter: 40, COLE, PAIN, TIP

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.