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Ready for a horror movie that's sure to make your skin crawl? Then brace yourself for Grafted. In her feature debut, New Zealand director Sasha Rainbow gifts us this gnarly tale of an ugly duckling who uses experimental science to become the swan of her dreams — and our nightmares.
Joyena Sun stars as Wei, a Chinese scholarship student who travels to New Zealand to pursue medical research at an illustrious university. However, while Wei has a brilliant brain, she's afflicted by insecurities over a facial birthmark. This makes her a target for her pretty, popular, and vicious cousin Angela (Jess Hong). But by burrowing into the skin-grafting research of her late father, Wei believes she can fix herself from the outside in. So begins a dark journey of jealousy and twisted self-discovery.
SEE ALSO: 2025 movie preview: All the films you'll want to know aboutFrom the trailer above, you get a sense of Rainbow's splashy brand of body horror, along with the buzz Grafted picked up on the film festival circuit. Critics have been gagged, and soon it'll be your turn.
Nov. 20, these stocking stuffers from Amazon will still make it in time for Christmas, order now, get deal prices on great gifts like Burt's Bees holiday lip balm, and have something to grin about on Christmas morning.
The best stocking stuffers on Amazon you can still get The best stocking stuffer deal Burt's Bees Christmas Gifts $9.95 ($2.04) Get Deal The best chocolate stocking stuffer Tony's Chocolonely Dark Chocolate with Candy Cane Bar $5.20 Shop Now The best tech stocking stuffer deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (newest model) with AI-powered Fire TV Search $27.99 ($22) Get DealWhether you're working with classic felt stockings hung above a crackling fire, or dad's bulging hiking stocks taped below the apartment window, stockings are one of the most fun Christmas traditions.
Great stocking stuffers are usually low-lift gifts that make you feel good: Think Tony's Chocolonely chocolate, or some really special Christmassy lip balm. However, sometimes you find a deal so good that it makes a case for adding tech to the mix, for example, this Amazon Fire TV Stick deal.
Whatever your stocking stuffer style, we found stocking-worthy gifts from Amazon that Prime members can still get in time to hang from the mantle — most of them are even discounted! Just order quick! Most of these require a Prime Membership to make it in time for Christmas morning.
The best stocking stuffer deal Opens in a new window Credit: Burt's Bees Burt's Bees Christmas Gifts $9.95 at AmazonChapped lips are as much a part of the winter holidays as red berries and holly bushes. Thankfully, Burt's Bees has something to say about that.
With Christmassy flavors including peppermint and shortbread cookies, this four-pack is a great stocking stuffer in its own right. Families can split up the flavors to bless each stocking with a touch of something special. Order today to get Burt's Bees Christmas Gifts pack for 17% off and have it arrive before Christmas morning.
The best chocolate stocking stuffer Opens in a new window Credit: Tony's Chocolonely Tony's Chocolonely Dark Chocolate with Candy Cane Bar at AmazonThe secret's out: Tony's Chocolonely makes some of the tastiest, richest chocolate around. I still remember the first time I tried it.
This special edition Christmas dark chocolate bar has hidden chunks of candy cane within and a Christmas tree pressed right in its center. Order now and get the Tony's Chocolonely Dark Chocolate with Candy Cane Bar before Christmas.
SEE ALSO: Around 10,000 Amazon workers are striking just before Christmas The best tech stocking stuffer deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (newest model) with AI-powered Fire TV Search $27.99 at AmazonThis Amazon Fire TV Stick deal is so good it will make their stocking go up in flames (metaphorically). On sale for 44% off, this small Fire Stick and remote combo is just $27.99 and gets you access to a huge library of streaming services including movies, TV, and games.
Other great last minute stocking stuffers:Toysmith Tech Gear Multi Voice Changer — $15.00 $19.99 (save $4.99)
AMMZO Meat Thermometer Digital — $14.98 $16.65 (save $1.67)
Educational Insights Kanoodle Genius 3-D Puzzle Brain Teaser Game — $9.99 $13.38 ($3.39)
Lenovo has a knack for unusual laptop form factors, but this is a new one even for that company.
It looks like Lenovo is set to debut a rollable concept laptop called the ThinkBook Plus in the near future, perhaps at CES 2025, if leaked images published by Evan Blass are to be believed. These images, which look pretty official and convincing, showcase a laptop that looks normal at first, but whose display can actually "unroll" to the point where you functionally have two displays on top of each other.
SEE ALSO: CES 2025 preview: Mashable's guide on what to expectIn other words, it's a big display that can roll down into a smaller one when needed. This isn't really a shock for those who follow Lenovo's laptop business, as the company frequently experiments with unusual designs. Last year, we saw the Auto Twist, which can twist itself around via voice commands, and the year before, the Yoga Book 9i was a laptop with two entire screens on it.
SEE ALSO: Lenovo Auto Twist: A voice-activated laptop that responds to ‘Open,’ ‘Close,’ and even ‘Dance’It's unclear if this is just a concept for the upcoming CES or something Lenovo plans on selling to consumers in the near future. We will all find out together in the coming weeks.
SAVE 46% OR MORE: Still need a gift? Amazon has last-minute deals on headphones, tablets, and more with delivery by Christmas.
Best last-minute gift ideas as of Dec. 20: Best headphone deal JBL Tune 520BT $34.95 (save $15) Get Deal Best tablet deal Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet (newest model) $74.99 (save $65) Get Deal Best STEM deal National Geographic Jumbo Crystal Growing Kit $12.99 (save $4) Get DealFinding the perfect gift takes time. Sometimes, life is just too hectic to get all of our holiday shopping done early. Between family obligations, work deadlines, and the general chaos of the season, it’s easy to find ourselves scrambling at the last minute, searching for that special something to cross the remaining names off our lists.
SEE ALSO: In a holiday gift pinch? Shop the best gift card deals at AmazonThankfully, we live in a world where the internet and big e-commerce giants like Amazon have made it possible to snag thoughtful, high-quality gifts in the eleventh hour.
Whether you’re shopping for your best friend, your boss, your significant other, or your hard-to-buy-for uncle, we’ve compiled the best last-minute gifts you can get at Amazon — and, yes, all of these options are eligible for speedy before-Christmas delivery.
Best headphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Tune 520BT $34.95 at AmazonYou can snag a pair of JBL Tune 520BT headphones for just $34.95 at Amazon. That’s a $15 discount and a great deal on a quality set of wireless headphones that’ll arrive before Christmas.
The JBL Tune 520BT headphones can last up to 57 hours on a single charge (a quick five-minute charge will get you an additional three hours of music), feature convenient buttons on the ear cup for making hands-free calls, and have a comfortable, lightweight design. (If they’re too tight, the manufacturer recommends placing them over a ball for a few hours to help them expand.)
Best tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet (newest model) $74.99 at AmazonThe Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet (newest model) is currently at its lowest price we’ve seen since October, clocking in at $74.99 at Amazon.
It’s a great tablet for streaming and browsing the web. Mashable’s SaVanna Shoemaker gave it 4.5 stars out of 5 in her review, writing that it’s “faster than its predecessors, with a long battery life and vivid picture that makes it great for on-the-go entertainment.”
Best STEM gift Opens in a new window Credit: Blue Marble Store National Geographic Jumbo Crystal Growing Kit $12.99 at AmazonAmazon still has tons of National Geographic playsets, and they make incredible last-minute gifts. (They’re also super affordable; I bought, like, five of them for my nephew for Christmas.)
For example, the National Geographic Jumbo Crystal Growing Kit is only $12.99, down from $16.99. This kit comes with everything your little one needs to grow their very own crystal. According to the manufacturer, this crystal growing kit produces a crystal three times the size of the standard crystal kits. Plus, it glows in the dark.
More than 100,000 people are expected to make their annual trek to Las Vegas this coming January – and no they're not taking the trip to gamble (mostly).
We're, of course, talking about the Consumer Electronics Show, better known as CES. The annual trade show is the largest technology conference of its kind. Every January, some of the biggest and some of the newest tech companies and startups show up to show off their latest products as well as prototypes for potential future technologies.
And CES 2025 will be no exception. So, what should you expect to come out of this CES. Mashable takes a look at some of the latest news, rumors, and announcements to give you a sneak peek at what's likely to be the main events of CES.
New TVsTelevisions are always a showstopper at CES and CES 2025 will likely continue that streak. We'll likely see plenty of new Smart TVs touting AI-integration.
But, alongside announcements regarding new TV consumer products, will be the real headline-stealers that you likely won't find in-stores anytime soon.
LG, for example, is already promoting its "World Premiere press conference" at CES on Jan. 6, the day before the show floor opens to the public. It's very possible that they are going to announce a brand new TV product that attendees will be able to experience in-person the very next day. Just last month, LG announced a new stretchable display, the first that's able to expand by 50 percent – from a 12-inch display to an 18-inch one. LG might have that at the event.
HDMI 2.2Along with brighter OLED displays and more affordable Mini-LED options, there's another big TV announcement likely coming to CES: HDMI 2.2.
HDMI Forum will announce a "new HDMI specification release" at CES 2025. It's expected to be HDMI 2.2, which will bring higher resolutions and refresh rates to your TV set. While there have been some minor updates, the latest major release was HDMI 2.1 in 2017. TV technology has certainly improved since then, so HDMI 2.2 will be much-talked about at CES.
AI wearablesThere's no doubt about it: AI will be the big buzz word out of CES this year. And it won't just be in TVs. Artificial intelligence products, led by industry leader OpenAI and its hit ChatGPT, will be everywhere at CES and ingrained in every product category imaginable.
For example, at last year's CES, Mashable was able to get hands-on with multiple smartglass products from companies like TCL and XReal. Conversational AI, AI-powered translations, and chatbots could be found in nearly every smartglass wearable that was demoed at the 2024 event.
Yes, some big AI wearable launches have been major flops over the past year, but the AI space as a whole has only grown since then, so expect even more AI-related products looking to improve in areas where others failed at CES.
Next-generation laptopsSpeaking of AI, don't be surprised to see new laptop models from basically every PC brand to integrate AI in some way.
In fact, if you want a look into what to expect at CES, just look at what the newest Innovation Award honorees showcase. Yes, CES has already issued awards for 2025. And award-winning laptops like the HP OmniBook 14" Ultra Flip and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition are both winners that highlight AI capabilities. So, look forward to plenty of new laptops accentuating their AI capabilities and Microsoft Copilot integrations.
As always, expect a few next generation laptops that introduce something new to the space. For example, one 2025 Innovation Award winner to keep an eye out for is the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid. There are plenty of tablets out there that you can connect a keyboard accessory to and touch-screen laptops are also a growing market as well. So what's unique about this? Well, for one, the "hybrid" part of this laptop isn't that it's a laptop and tablet. The innovative aspect here is that the computer is both a Windows and Android device.
Gaming computers and laptops should also make their mark at this year's CES for a very specific reason, which brings me to the next likely big CES 2025 announcement.
Nvidia RTX 50-seriesNvidia CEO Jensen Huang is delivering a keynote at CES 2025 and rumors are spreading that the company is planning to use the big event to launch its latest GPUs, specifically the GeForce RTX 5090.
Nvidia's products have been very successful and in-demand thanks to AI. But, don't forget that gamers have been a reliable consumer base for the company too. The Nvidia RTX 50-series will be the first powered by the company's new powerful Blackwell architecture.
At the point, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 is expected to be the big announcement as part of Huang CES keynote on Jan. 6, 2025. So, while CES officially starts on Jan. 7, it seems the party will get started a day before the show floor opens to the public.
An interesting CES for EVsElectric vehicles always steal at least some of the headlines at CES. Aptera Motors, for example, is going to debut its solar-powered EV at CES 2025.
But, the conversation around EVs at CES will likely be something that can't be showcased: The incoming Trump administration's hostile policies regarding electric vehicles. Trump will likely look to end the EV tax credits, which would hurt many EV companies, especially startup EV manufacturers like the ones that attend CES. Combine that with a global slowdown of EV sales in general and the EV news coming out of this CES may not be all about what new technology was unveiled, but who isn't there this year.
CES 2025 in Las Vegas opens to the public on Jan. 7. Mashable will be there live at the show floor and at the media days before the public opening covering all the latest news from the event.
OnePlus is looking to upstage Samsung's big announcements this year.
The company is preparing to launch its new flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 13, on January 7 - about two weeks ahead of the (leaked) launch date for Samsung's Galaxy S25 flagships.
The OnePlus 13 already launched in China in October, so it's not that big of a surprise. It's a 6.82-inch smartphone, powered by Qualcomm's powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, with a triple 50-megapixel camera, a humongous, 6,000mAh battery, 12/24GB of RAM, and 256/512/1,024GB of storage.
Yeah, the international version might not be specced exactly the same, but the differences will likely be minor, so the biggest reveal on January 7 will be the phone's price.
OnePlus does have one surprise up its sleeve, however. The company is also launching the OnePlus 13R, a slightly more affordable and less powerful phone. We know a few things about it: For example, it'll be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, and it's going to come with (big surprise) a bunch of AI features.
OnePlus 13R - three cameras on the back, and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip inside. Credit: OnePlusThe best thing about the OnePlus 13R could be its battery, as OnePlus confirms that it'll also pack a 6,000mAh battery.
We also have a few images of the phone which, frankly, looks very similar as the OnePlus 13. It will come in two colors: Nebula Noir, and Astral Trail (see image above).
Tweet may have been deletedOnePlus also plans to launch a new color for its earbuds during the event, the new OnePlus Buds Pro 3. They will now be available in Sapphire Blue.
The launch event kicks off at 10:30 a.m. ET on January 7, so stay tuned for more info.
Mufasa: The Lion King stars Mads Mikkelsen, Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jnr, Tiffany Boone, and Billy Eichner sit down with Mashable UK Editor Shannon Connellan to discuss voicing Scar's origin story, unpacking childhood trauma, and working with Barry Jenkins.
Mufasa: The Lion King is out in theatres on Dec. 20 2024.
Martin Short has already brought his roasting talents to SNL, and in his latest promo he brings his flair for the dramatic.
Standing alongside musical guest Hozier and cast member Kenan Thompson, Short announces that the only thing he wants for Christmas this year is "a better script than this" before storming off camera.
The last SNL episode of 2024 is shaping up to be a good one.
Martin Short's appearance on The Tonight Show starts off with some of Short's usual roasting of the host ("You must be very excited, because in one month you're going to be pardoned for your role in January 6th," he tells Fallon) and his Only Murders in the Building co-star Steve Martin ("He's way into Christmas — he's already hung his compression stockings with care"). But then, suddenly, Short requests that Fallon talk to him privately behind the blue curtain.
What follows is an entertainingly silly hot mic-style skit in which Short and Fallon have an escalating argument that involves multiple curtain trips and a smashed urn.
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, December 20, 2024:
AcrossWhat it doesn't hurt to do if you're confused, they sayThe answer is Ask.
The answer is Tata.
The answer is Carol.
The answer is Adore.
The answer is Many.
The answer is Aaron.
The answer is Carol.
The answer is Kale.
The answer is Tada.
The answer is Cam.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of GamesAre you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.
Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones and Guy Pearce dive deep into the architectural movement of Brutalism in Europe that serves as the backdrop of the film The Brutalist.
TL;DR: Live stream Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Miami Heat in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.
The Oklahoma City Thunder head to Kaseya Center to face the Miami Heat. The Thunder are one of the best teams in the NBA so far this season, sitting atop the Western Conference with a 20-5 record. The Heat aren't faring too badly, but sit in sixth place with a 13-11 record.
When is Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Miami Heat?Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Miami Heat in the NBA starts at 8 p.m. ET on Dec. 20. This game takes place at Kaseya Center in Miami.
How to watch Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Miami HeatYou need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Thunder vs. Heat basketball game.
Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro plan Get DealFuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period.
FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get DealYouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.
Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get DealSling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.
Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
How to watch Thunder vs. Heat from anywhere in the worldIf you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Miami Heat for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.
Sign in to your favorite streaming app
Watch Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Miami Heat from anywhere in the world
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 live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Miami Heat before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the NBA?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
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 free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Miami Heat in the NBA with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream Charlotte Hornets vs. Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.
The Charlotte Hornets head to Wells Fargo Center to face the Philadelphia 76ers in an Eastern Conference matchup. Both teams are hovering near the bottom of their conference. The Hornets are 7-19, which places them in 13th place. The 76ers are faring just slightly better with an 8-16 record, which places them in 12th place right about the Hornets.
When is Charlotte Hornets vs. Philadelphia 76ers?Charlotte Hornets vs. Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA starts at 7 p.m. ET on Dec. 20. This game takes place at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
How to watch Charlotte Hornets vs. Philadelphia 76ersYou need to choose a streaming service to watch the NBA without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Hornets vs. 76ers basketball game.
Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro plan Get DealFuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period.
FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get DealYouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.
Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling TV Sling Orange Plan Get DealSling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.
Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBA TV, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
How to watch Hornets vs. 76ers from anywhere in the worldIf you're traveling outside of the U.S. during this game, you might need to use a VPN to unblock this live stream. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server, meaning you can unblock live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Charlotte Hornets vs. Philadelphia 76ers for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.
Sign in to your favorite streaming app
Watch Charlotte Hornets vs. Philadelphia 76ers from anywhere in the world
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 live streams of the NBA without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream Charlotte Hornets vs. Philadelphia 76ers before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the NBA?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
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 free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream Charlotte Hornets vs. Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA with ExpressVPN.
"You can't let your pain change who you are," James Marsden's Tom says to Sonic the Hedgehog early on in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Because what else would this adaptation of the classic Sega video game series be about, other than trauma? Going super fast? Collecting rings? Beating Doctor Eggman? Nope, this movie is going to be about how pain shapes you. And in case it wasn't clear to the audience the first time it was delivered, the line is repeated later, as are multiple ones about making the right choices. I couldn't help but feel I had made all the wrong ones that led me to reviewing Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
Thankfully, this isn't the type of truly terrible video game adaptation that has been the norm for so many years, from the bizarre nonsense of 1993's Super Mario Bros. to the inept laziness of 2024's Borderlands, but that's also not to say that Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is actually good either. This third movie ends up somewhere in the middle, making it less-than-essential viewing for anyone over the age of 10 who didn't grow up with a Genesis or a Dreamcast in the house. (We were a Nintendo family.) It'll please kids and Sega devotees well enough, but it's likely to leave others bored, wishing the movie would move as fast as its blue hero does so they can do literally anything else.
What is Sonic the Hedgehog 3 about? (Other than trauma.) Credit: Paramount Pictures and Sega of America, Inc.Sonic the Hedgehog 3 begins on Prison Island in Tokyo Bay, Japan, where a mysterious hedgehog breaks out and wreaks havoc in the way that only a hedgehog played by the dude that starred as John Wick and Neo can. Shadow (voiced by Keanu Reeves) is leaving a path of destruction through Tokyo, and Sonic the hedgehog (voiced by Ben Schwartz), Tails the fox (voiced by Colleen O'Shaughnessey), and Knuckles the echidna (voiced by Idris Elba) are called in to help. But even together, they are no match for Shadow, who has plenty of power — and plenty of pain from a death in his past. Surprisingly, the evil Doctor Robotnik (Jim Carrey) might be the only one who can help Sonic defeat this new enemy, but can he be trusted?
SEE ALSO: How 'Grand Theft Hamlet' evolved from lockdown escape to Shakespearean successWith even more action sequences than its predecessors, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 feels like it's aiming for bigger things, sending the Blue Blur and his friends both around the world and beyond it, from Green Hills, Montana, to Tokyo and London and even into space. The fate of the Earth lies in their weird animated hands. The series seems to follow the model of Fast and the Furious franchise, getting more epic with each new installment and turning enemies into allies, as Knuckles and even Doctor Robotnik are brought into the fold. Beyond the emphasis on speed, both franchises are also all about family, especially as Doctor Robotnik finally gets one of his own with the introduction of his grandfather. Gerald Robotnik, who is also played by Carrey, is also evil — maybe even more so than his grandson.
The actor playing Doctor Robotnik continues to… Carrey the series. Credit: Paramount Pictures and Sega of America, Inc.Carrey remains the best part of this franchise, with his wild faces and manic line delivery. Schwartz might voice the eponymous speedster, but Carrey is the real star. Other than money, I can't quite figure out why these films exist, but I can't be too mad at anything that gives Carrey a chance to be this silly in movies meant for kids — especially when he gets to play two characters in this third film and mug twice as much.
Yet for all the silliness Carrey brings, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 gets a bit dark at times. Shadow is fueled by a desire to avenge the death of a young friend, and it feels a bit off when paired with Carrey's antics, as well as the one-liners from Schwartz and the gruff humor from Elba's Knuckles. Plot and character motivation have never really been this series' strength — both so much and so little happened in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 — and the story is certainly not the draw here. There are emeralds and keys and a dance sequence, because why not?
Where is James Marsden, and even more importantly, where is Natasha Rothwell? James Marsden as Tom and Tika Sumpter as Maddie, Sonic's adopted parents, are mostly AWOL. Credit: Paramount Pictures and Sega of America, Inc.But unfortunately with the double Carrey, the trip to space, and everything else, there's less room for the more human, heartfelt parts of the story that were present in early movies, which means less Marsden. Tom and Maddie (Tika Sumpter) have gotten less screen time with each installment, which means that the inevitable Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (which is teased in the requisite mid-credits sequence with a character I had to Google) will just have the adoptive hedgehog parents waving from the side of the road while Sonic races by, relegated to an Easter egg. Even in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, we only get cameos from Adam Pally and Natasha Rothwell, who were both highlights of the earlier movies and bring a delightfully different comic energy than either Carrey or Marsden.
Natasha Rothwell plays Rachel and Shemar Moore plays Randall in "Sonic The Hedgehog 3." Credit: Paramount Pictures and Sega of AmericaThe animated trio is the least interesting part of these movies, at least for adults. The CGI that inserts Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles into live-action scenes alongside human actors is fine enough, but it's difficult to invest in these characters and, by extension, the whole movie. The returning director Jeff Fowler and screenwriters Pat Casey, Josh Miller, and John Whittington don't seem interested in making you care if you don't already, which honestly makes sense. It's the third movie in the franchise: You're likely here because you liked the first two movies, your kids liked the first two movies, or you're getting paid to review it. It has some winking in-jokes for video game fans, but not enough actual jokes, especially outside of Carrey's role. Unless you count Schwartz's Sonic saying, "Konichi-whaaaaaaaa?" while in Tokyo, which I don't.
Despite that eye-roller of a line, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 isn't among either the worst video game adaptations or the worst kids' movies. It's a bit bland and boring whenever Carrey isn't on screen, but it's competently made, and it isn't grating. For better or for worse, it won't create the kind of pain that changes who you are. It's also shorter than Sonic the Hedgehog 2, so if you're only watching out of parental (or critical) obligations, it'll be quick — though sadly not as fast as Sonic himself.
For many people, the New Year is a fresh chance to ditch habits that don't serve them. It's often also paired with new aspirations tied to self-improvement or behavior change.
On social media, this unique season often revolves around a vague but familiar idea—setting an intention.
Just how one does this varies from person to person. Some TikTok users swear by (and sell) intention candles and journals. Others make it simpler by advising their followers to set an intention and repeat it regularly, sometimes multiple times a day.
SEE ALSO: Stop scrolling so much. Try these rituals instead.But the high stakes and newfound motivation can be a trap for people who set an unrealistic intention for themselves.
Consider the person in debt who's determined to get rich within a year's time. Or the erstwhile runner who decides to complete a marathon by the spring. While these may be worthy goals, it's unlikely that they're the right ones to set, given the change they require.
Dr. Richard J. Davidson, founder of the nonprofit organization Healthy Minds Innovations, Inc., says successful intention-setting involves a few important factors. These include understanding your aspirations, identifying manageable steps to make them a reality, and adopting self-compassion as you navigate the natural ups and downs of behavior change.
"I think one of the most important things about intention is to be realistic and kind with ourselves," Davidson says.
An intention is an opportunity for "awakening"Davidson, who has spent his career studying the effects of meditation on the brain, thinks of an intention as the "conscious representation of a future goal."
To some, this might sound like a New Year's resolution. But an intention often implies something deeper, like an urge to shift one's mindset, not just change everyday behavior.
In this sense, Davidson says that an intention can be as straightforward as practicing gratitude or connecting with your purpose, which can have positive effects.
In research that Davidson previously conducted, school teachers who spent a few minutes each morning reflecting on their purpose as educators felt the benefits of doing so.
"When people do that, they report that it's like an elixir for their soul," Davidson says. "It really helps to restore their vitality and navigate the adversities that they face."
Simple exercises like this, which help people remember or imagine their deepest intentions, can provide opportunities for "awakening," he adds.
Davidson does say that people should be skeptical of those who charge you to set an intention. Similarly, he recommends exercising caution when encountering scientific claims about intention-setting online, because the person expressing them may not understand or may misrepresent scientific research. (The Healthy Minds app, which offers content on behavior change, is available for free, and has been the subject of peer-reviewed studies.)
You can set an intention any time, anywhereThe new year brings big expectations for many, along with anxiety about properly taking advantage of a clean slate. Davidson warns against believing that your life needs to look a certain way before you set an intention. In fact, waiting for the perfect combination of factors can have the opposite effect by holding you back from being able to change.
By contrast, flexibility can help someone encode an intention in their brain and be able to access it regardless of the circumstances. So while it might not feel ideal to set an intention during a stressful period, it may make it easier to remember it when things are calmer.
"In order to make an intention become repeatable and have it turn into a new habit, it's important to be able to do it in different contexts," Davidson says.
Make your intention realisticSocial media is full of promises that you can manifest your grandest dreams if you set the right intention, in just the right way. This approach may very well lead to a "failure experience" depending on the goal and the steps someone takes to achieve it, Davidson says.
What you want is to choose a reasonable intention. So if you hope to become rich one day, perhaps start by first setting the intention to pay off and avoid new debt in the coming year.
Also try thinking of an intention as the first of many nesting dolls. In order to achieve a broader goal, you'll likely need to take smaller steps toward it.
You can set an intention to align your career with your purpose in the new year, but that will require setting related goals on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. This could mean volunteering for a nonprofit you admire and developing new professional skills related to that purpose. It could also involve simply connecting with that purpose every day for a few minutes, like the school teachers did in Davidson's study.
Keep revisiting your intentionDavidson says the brain can become habituated to a new goal if you continue to revisit it. Writing it down, saying it aloud, or otherwise reflecting on it every day is a good strategy. Integrating rituals, like lighting a candle or playing a specific song, into this process can be helpful, too.
However, the brain also craves novelty. Davidson says that if your interest in an intention is flagging, you might need to switch up how you engage with the intention. You can try writing a new version, reciting it at a different time of day, or pairing it with a new ritual.
Be kind to yourself if you forget your intentionYou will naturally forget an intention, even if you've worked hard to build a streak revisiting it every day. It may have slipped your mind on a particularly stressful day or during a bout of illness. This is normal and not something to punish yourself over, Davidson says.
When this happens, he says it's important to practice self-kindness, then move on. These moments can also be an opportunity to learn about what distracts you from an intention, or discourages you from starting over the next day. Take that information to make necessary changes that will help you succeed.
"We all fail at these things; it's not anything to be ashamed of," Davidson says. "We need to be kind and patient with ourselves."
The No. 12 Clemson Tigers and the No. 5 Texas Longhorns will face off in the first round of the College Football Playoffs (CFP). The match will take place at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin on Saturday, Dec. 21, and is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.
The Tigers are 10-3 overall and 7-1 in conference, but earned their way into the CFP field by defeating SMU in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship. Texas is 11-2 overall and 7-1 in conference, but lost to Georgia in the SEC championship, taking away their own first-round bye.
The CFP has moved to a 12-team playoff format that allows the highest ranked winners of the top four conferences to take the top four seeds. The highest ranked winner of a fifth conference will take the 12th seed, if the team is not ranked higher than 12. The rest of the playoff field is filled out by ranking in a bracket released by the CFP committee. The top four seeds earn a first-round bye.
The winner of Clemson vs. Texas will go on to face the Arizona State Sun Devils in the Peach Bowl.
SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable Clemson vs. Texas football kickoff time and networkThe Clemson vs. Texas football game is scheduled for a 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT start on TNT/Max on Saturday, Dec. 21.
The game will air on TNT/Max through a five-year deal between TNT and ESPN to sub-license CFP games. The broadcast crew will still be handled by ESPN. Therefore, Dave Pasch is expected to do the play-by-play, while Dusty Dvoracek joins him in the booth, and Taylor McGregor reports from the sideline.
Best streaming services for Clemson vs. Texas football gameYou need to choose a streaming service to watch college football without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Clemson vs. Texas football game on TNT/Max.
Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get DealYouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.
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The No. 11 SMU Mustangs and the No. 6 Penn State Nittany Lions will face off in the first round of the College Football Playoffs (CFP). The match will take place at Beaver Stadium in Pennsylvania on Saturday, Dec. 21, and is scheduled to start at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT.
SMU is 11-2 overall and 8-0 in conference. The Mustangs lost in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship to the Clemson Tigers, knocking them out of a top-four seed. Penn State is 11-2 overall and 8-1 in conference in the Big Ten.
The CFP has moved to a 12-team playoff format that allows the highest ranked winners of the top four conferences to take the top four seeds. The highest ranked winner of a fifth conference will take the 12th seed, if the team is not ranked higher than 12. The rest of the playoff field is filled out by ranking in a bracket released by the CFP committee. The top four seeds earn a first-round bye.
The winner of SMU vs. Penn State will go on to face the Boise State Broncos in the Fiesta Bowl.
SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable SMU vs. Penn State football kickoff time and networkThe SMU vs. Penn State football game is scheduled for a 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT start on TNT/Max on Saturday, Dec. 21.
The game will air on TNT/Max through a five-year deal between TNT and ESPN to sub-license CFP games. The broadcast crew will still be handled by ESPN. Therefore, Mark Jones is expected to do the play-by-play, while Roddy Jones joins him in the booth, and Quint Kessenich reports from the sideline.
Best streaming services for SMU vs. Penn State football gameYou need to choose a streaming service to watch college football without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the SMU vs. Penn State football game on TNT/Max.
Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get DealYouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.
Most channels: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Orange Plan Get DealSling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.
Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get DealFuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period.
FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
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