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The trailer for the upcoming action-comedy Novocaine sees Jack Quaid (The Boys, Star Trek: Lower Decks) taking all sorts of physical damage. Stab wounds, third-degree burns, gunshot wounds — the list goes on and on. Luckily for Quaid's character Nathan Caine, he can't feel a thing.

SEE ALSO: 2025 movie preview: All the films you'll want to know about

That's right: Nathan, who's otherwise just an average dude, cannot feel pain. But when the girl of his dreams (Amber Midthunder, Prey) gets kidnapped, he'll use that ability to fight past every evil henchman who stands in his way. In the trailer alone, we see him grabbing a gun out of a vat of hot frying oil and shoving glass into his hands to create makeshift claws. Gnarly stuff.

Novocaine hits theaters March 14.

SAVE $80: As of Dec. 12, the AncerstyDNA + Traits Genetic Test Kit is just $39 at Amazon. That's a 67% discount and $80 off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: AncestryDNA AncestryDNA + Traits Genetic Test Kit $39.00 at Amazon
$119.00 Save $80.00 Get Deal

The holiday season is a time for reflection, connection, and uncovering the stories that make us who we are. This year, AncestryDNA is offering an unbeatable deal to do just that — $80 off DNA kits.

As of Dec. 12, you can get an AncestryDNA + Traits Genetic Test Kit for just $39. That’s a 67% discount or an $80 price cut from the sticker price.

With this specific kit, you can get a closer look at how your DNA influences your traits (e.g., your ear wax type, your ability to smell certain scents, and even your food preferences). AncestryDNA claims the test can reveal more than 40 personalized traits and characteristics, and with the ethnicity estimates and inheritance maps, you can see how your traits relate to your genetic heritage.

All you have to do is send in a bit of saliva, and in a matter of weeks (six to eight), you'll get a detailed report on your ancestry and genetic traits. That’s a pretty good deal for less than 40 bucks.

SAVE $449.01: As of Dec. 12, get the Yeedi M12 Pro+ robot vacuum and mop for its lowest price yet at $549.99. That's a discount of 45% and its lowest price yet.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Yeedi M12 Pro+ robot vacuum and mop $549.99 at Amazon
$999.00 Save $449.01 Get Deal

Let's be real: no one likes to vacuum. No one likes mopping, either. That's why robot vacuums are such a boon if you run a busy household and just don't have the time to keep running a traditional unit — and it's even better when it can mop, too. Cyber Monday may have come and gone, but you can still save big on an appliance that can take care of both needs for a major steal.

As of Dec. 12, get the Yeedi M12 Pro+ robot vacuum and mop for just $549.99 at Amazon. That's $449.01 off its usual price of $999, and a discount of 45%. It's also the lowest price we've seen for this unit.

SEE ALSO: The best robot vacuums in 2024

This compact robovac and mop offers powerful suction with both flat and outward-rotating bristles that keeps it from getting tangled up in hair and losing its cleaning efficiency. It comes with its own compact station for auto-empty, as well as a one tap self-cleaning option and an auto-refill with drain button for when you take advantage of the mop.

When it's finished sucking up all the dirt and debris in your floor, it can switch from carpet to floors that need to be mopped. It uses its special auto-lift mopping system to keep the mopping plates up out of the way when it detects carpet. And when it's time to use them, it offers great stain removal and powerful scrubbing with a 55mL water tank that can handle stains that have set in.

Whether you hate cleaning or you would prefer to take the day off and let a robot do all the hard stuff, this is a deal worth buying into before it's gone.

Another splashy superhero movie is hitting theaters, and with it, parents less versed in comic books might well be wondering if it's age-appropriate for their kids. After all, there's a world of difference between the violence seen in Shazam! and Logan. Maybe your child loves Harley Quinn on the Batman Animated Series, but are they ready for the sexual violence at play in Birds of Prey?

With so many superhero movies playing safely in the PG-13 sandbox, parents might miss when a rated-R movie slips through the MPAA's chokehold on Hollywood blockbusters. Or hey, maybe your kids are a bit older, and can handle some more mature content? I'm not here to make that call for you. After all, you know your kids better than I, random internet film critic.

I'm just here to let you know what's in store in Kraven The Hunter, with the lightest spoilers possible.

SEE ALSO: A parents' guide to 'Deadpool and Wolverine' What is Kraven the Hunter rated? Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Russell Crowe face off in "Kraven the Hunter." Credit: Jay Maidment / Sony Pictures

The latest in Sony Pictures Spider-Man spinoffs, Kraven The Hunter, is rated R.

For context, other R-rated superhero movies include Logan, Kick-Ass, Watchmen, Punisher: War Zone, and all the Deadpools 1-3, including Deadpool and Wolverine.

How violent is Kraven the Hunter?

Well, remember how the red-band trailer showed the titular anti-hero biting the nose off a guy and spitting it at another? That gives a good sense.

The violence in Kraven is often brutal, inventive, and bloody, employing hand-to-hand combat, a tiger tooth as a killing tool, and an array of very gruesome booby traps, including a bear trap to the face. Notably, director J.C. Chandor rarely lingers on the gore. But it's definitely a bloodier film than the Dark Knight trilogy.

What kind of sexual content is in Kraven the Hunter? Aaron Taylor-Johnson smolders in "Kraven the Hunter." Credit: Jay Maidment / Sony Pictures

Nothing notable.

While the movie centers on a murderous vigilante who plays by his own rules, Kraven as a character is very chaste. His relationship with lawyer Calypso (Adriana DeBose) is friendly, but only very, very vaguely romantic.

While the film is absent of sex, it has sex appeal. Kraven is a big fan of popping his top off, displaying his rippling abs. And the cinematography recurringly leers at the actor's brawny bod.

SEE ALSO: Kraven the Hunter is the horny antihero of our dirty dreams How much cursing is in Kraven The Hunter?

By my count, three uses of the F-word, including Calypso dropping a mother— you get the idea. Otherwise, the characters swear casually. But for a movie that involves a lot of gangsters, there are way less F-bombs than the average Martin Scorsese movie.

What should parents know about Kraven the Hunter? Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Fred Hechinger play brothers in "Kraven the Hunter." Credit: Jay Maidment / Sony Pictures

This Spider-Man spinoff is a gleefully violent and pretty gory action movie, involving a vigilante who takes justice into his own hands to kill bad guys. Along the way, drugs will be mentioned — as he battles a pair of nefarious drug kingpins. But most of the horrid crimes of his prey are kept offscreen, save for some poachers cruelly chopping the horns off slaughtered wildebeests.

Kraven the Hunter opens only in theaters Dec. 13.

Porn site Clips4Sale is back with its annual fetish of the year. Pegging ruled in 2023, and giantess stomped on 2024 — but what about 2025?

Chastity — the denial of pleasure — is growing in popularity, so much so that Clips4Sale can't keep it under lock and key.

SEE ALSO: Porn viewers wanted 'demure' tradwife content this year, Pornhub's Year in Review shows

"The past twelve months have been full of contradictions when it comes to sex and pleasure," Clips4Sale's blog states. "And from wellness influencers obsessed over semen retention to calls for a global sex strike, a fetish that mines an erotic charge through the renunciation of sexual release seems perfectly fitting." The site refers to several online trends here, both "no fap" (no masturbating, for supposed physical and mental benefits) and the newly-Western interest in the 4B movement (which calls for women to not have relationships, sex, marriage, or children with men).

Along with these trends comes real fears for Project 2025, a far-right wishlist for Trump in his second term. Project 2025 calls for banning porn and threatens abortion access — two outwardly unsexy measures. Perhaps it makes sense, then, that forced abstinence is the fetish du jour.

Credit: Clips4Sale What is the chastity fetish?

The core of the fetish, Clips4Sale states, is orgasm denial. Anyone of any gender can participate, and doesn't require a locked cage, but that's certainly a bonus. Chastity play can last for hours or longer, like a whole "locktober." On Clips4Sale the term has grown 193 percent since 2020, and 71 percent this year alone.

SEE ALSO: How growing up in purity culture impacts sex

Runners-up for the fetish of the year are gooning, or masturbating and edging for hours, and cuckolding, usually a man watching his wife have sex with another man. The latter was named one of Clips4Sale's 10 fetishes that defined the last 20 years — but in 2025, porn viewers will lock it up.

The Critics Choice Award nominations have been announced, and several much-talked-about movies have gotten a slew of nods. But there's also some astonishing commissions.*

Both the humanely hilarious Anora and the polarizing body-horror offering The Substance scored seven nominations. The universally praised drama The Brutalist received nine nominations, while the controversial musical Emilia Pérez and the epic Dune: Part Two earned 10. And tied for most nominations at 11 is the box office smash that is Wicked and the sensational (and slyly funny) thriller Conclave.

Notable snubs include Babygirl, Halina Reijn's torrid thriller that won Nicole Kidman the Volpi Cup out of the Venice International Film Festival, Problemista, Julio Torres' critically heralded comedy about the red tape of immigrating to America, and Love Lies Bleeding, Rose Glass' harrowing and gnarly thriller.

SEE ALSO: The 25 best movies of 2024, and where to watch them

Did your favorite movie of 2024 make the cut? Check out the Critics Choice Awards full list of movie nominations below:

BEST PICTURE

A Complete Unknown

Anora

The Brutalist

Conclave

Dune: Part Two

Emilia Pérez

Nickel Boys

Sing Sing

The Substance

Wicked

SEE ALSO: 'A Complete Unknown' review: Timothée Chalamet infuriates as Bob Dylan BEST ACTOR

Adrien Brody – The Brutalist

Timothée Chalamet – A Complete Unknown

Daniel Craig – Queer

Colman Domingo – Sing Sing

Ralph Fiennes – Conclave

Hugh Grant – Heretic

SEE ALSO: 'Queer' review: Daniel Craig tackles William S. Burroughs in hot, heart-wrenching romance
BEST ACTRESS

Cynthia Erivo – Wicked

Karla Sofía Gascón – Emilia Pérez

Marianne Jean-Baptiste – Hard Truths

Angelina Jolie – Maria

Mikey Madison – Anora

Demi Moore – The Substance

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Yura Borisov – Anora

Kieran Culkin – A Real Pain

Clarence Maclin – Sing Sing

Edward Norton – A Complete Unknown

Guy Pearce – The Brutalist

Denzel Washington – Gladiator II

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Danielle Deadwyler – The Piano Lesson

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor – Nickel Boys

Ariana Grande – Wicked

Margaret Qualley – The Substance

Isabella Rossellini – Conclave

Zoe Saldaña – Emilia Pérez

BEST YOUNG ACTOR / ACTRESS

Alyla Browne – Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

Elliott Heffernan – Blitz

Maisy Stella – My Old Ass

Izaac Wang – Dìdi

Alisha Weir – Abigail

Zoe Ziegler – Janet Planet

BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE

Anora

Conclave

Emilia Pérez

Saturday Night

Sing Sing

Wicked

BEST DIRECTOR

Jacques Audiard – Emilia Pérez

Sean Baker – Anora

Edward Berger – Conclave

Brady Corbet – The Brutalist

Jon M. Chu – Wicked

Coralie Fargeat – The Substance

RaMell Ross – Nickel Boys

Denis Villeneuve – Dune: Part Two

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Sean Baker – Anora

Moritz Binder, Tim Fehlbaum, Alex David – September 5

Brady Corbet, Mona Fastvold – The Brutalist

Jesse Eisenberg – A Real Pain

Coralie Fargeat – The Substance

Justin Kuritzkes – Challengers

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Jacques Audiard – Emilia Pérez

Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox – Wicked

Greg Kwedar, Clint Bentley – Sing Sing

RaMell Ross and Joslyn Barnes – Nickel Boys

Peter Straughan – Conclave

Denis Villeneuve, Jon Spaihts – Dune: Part Two

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Jarin Blaschke – Nosferatu  

Alice Brooks – Wicked

Lol Crawley – The Brutalist  

Stéphane Fontaine – Conclave  

Greig Fraser – Dune: Part Two  

Jomo Fray – Nickel Boys  

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN

Judy Becker, Patricia Cuccia – The Brutalist

Nathan Crowley, Lee Sandales – Wicked

Suzie Davies – Conclave

Craig Lathrop – Nosferatu  

Arthur Max, Jille Azis, Elli Griff – Gladiator II  

Patrice Vermette, Shane Vieau – Dune: Part Two  

BEST EDITING

Sean Baker – Anora

Marco Costa – Challengers

Nick Emerson – Conclave  

David Jancso – The Brutalist  

Joe Walker – Dune: Part Two

Hansjörg Weißbrich – September 5

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

Lisy Christl – Conclave  

Linda Muir – Nosferatu  

Massimo Cantini Parrini – Maria  

Paul Tazewell – Wicked  

Jacqueline West – Dune: Part Two  

Janty Yates, Dave Crossman – Gladiator II  

BEST HAIR AND MAKEUP

Christine Blundell, Lesa Warrener, Neal Scanlan – Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Hair and Makeup Team – Dune: Part Two

Hair and Makeup Team – The Substance  

Frances Hannon, Sarah Nuth, Laura Blount – Wicked  

Traci Loader, Suzanne Stokes-Munton, David White – Nosferatu  

Mike Marino, Sarah Graalman, Aaron Saucier – A Different Man  

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

Mark Bakowski, Pietro Ponti, Nikki Penny, Neil Corbould – Gladiator II  

Pablo Helman, Jonathan Fawkner, Paul Corbould, David Shirk – Wicked  

Paul Lambert, Stephen James, Rhys Salcombe, Gerd Nefzer – Dune: Part Two

Luke Millar, David Clayton, Keith Herft, Peter Stubbs – Better Man  

Visual Effects Team – The Substance  

Erik Winquist, Stephen Unterfranz, Paul Story, Rodney Burke – Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE

Flow

Inside Out 2

Memoir of a Snail

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl

The Wild Robot

BEST COMEDY

A Real Pain

Deadpool & Wolverine

Hit Man

My Old Ass

Saturday Night

Thelma

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

All We Imagine as Light

Emilia Pérez

Flow

I’m Still Here

Kneecap

The Seed of the Sacred Fig

BEST SONG

“Beautiful That Way” – The Last Showgirl – Miley Cyrus

“Compress / Repress” – Challengers – Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross

“El Mal” – Emilia Pérez – Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, Camille

“Harper and Will Go West” – Will & Harper – Kristen Wiig

“Kiss the Sky” – The Wild Robot – Maren Morris

“Mi Camino” – Emilia Pérez – Selena Gomez

BEST SCORE

Volker Bertelmann – Conclave

Daniel Blumberg – The Brutalist

Kris Bowers – The Wild Robot

Clément Ducol & Camille – Emilia Pérez

Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross – Challengers

Hans Zimmer – Dune: Part Two

To see who'll win Critics Choice, tune into E! Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, where the Critics Choice Awards will air live, hosted by Chelsea Handler.

*Full Disclosure: Kristy Puchko is a member of the Critics Choice Association, which holds the Critics Choice Awards.

It's that time of year again, folks. The Game Awards are upon us.

Geoff Keighley's hybrid awards show and announcement livestream is back in its usual mid-December slot. As always, it'll be a celebration of the best games of 2024 for part of its runtime, and a series of trailers for both known quantities and big surprises for the bulk of its runtime. Some of 2024's heaviest hitters like Astro Bot, Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, and Black Myth: Wukong are up for the big Game of the Year award, so you'll want to tune in to see who gets the big prize.

SEE ALSO: The Game Awards 2024 nominations: Which games are up for the gold? The Game Awards 2024: When time it starts and how to watch

In order to do that, you'll need to know when and where to go to see the actual event. The good news is that couldn' t be simpler. The Game Awards 2024 air at 7:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 12. You can watch the event on any of the official Game Awards social media feeds, but the simplest and best options will most likely be either YouTube or Twitch.

Enjoy the show, and don't get too mad if your favorite game doesn't win anything.

In November, Apple announced a new feature called Share Item Location, allowing users to share real-time coordinates of lost or misplaced items with airlines.

Now, United Airlines has announced it will start integrating this feature into its baggage process today, on Dec. 12.

The Share Item Location tool, which went live with iOS 18.2, works with supported Apple and third party accessories, as well as Apple AirTags. So if you have an AirTag in your baggage, and the baggage gets lost, you can open Find My on your iPhone, generate a Share Item Location link, and send it to the airline to expedite its recovery.

SEE ALSO: Apple Watch Ultra 3 might get this life-saving feature

In United's case, customers will be able to add this link to their delayed baggage report in the United app. According to United, this should help its customer service agents "to more quickly find delayed bags and reunite them with customers."

The company says the shared location will be disabled as soon as you get your bag back. Customers will also be able to stop sharing the location at any time, and location tracking will automatically expire after seven days.

To use the feature, customers will need to have an iPhone running 18.2 or later and, of course, have a Find My accessory (such as Apple's AirPods Pro 2, Chipolo One Spot, Apple's iPhone Wallet, etc) or an AirTag, placed into their luggage.

United is just one of many airlines that are joining the program. More than 15 airlines said they would start accepting Find My item locations as part of their customer service, including Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Eurowings, Iberia, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Vueling. Apple says more airlines will be added "in the coming months."

During the dark days of lockdown, we all found ways to connect. Some of us ran Zoom quizzes with mates. Some of us hit play on the same movie as our family on the other side of the world. Some of us staged an immersive, independent, multi-location production of Shakespeare's Hamlet within the world of Grand Theft Auto Online.

The latter is exactly what filmmakers Pinny Gryllis, Sam Crane, and Mark Oosterveen did, filming the ideation, rehearsal, location scouting, casting, and eventual performance of the tragedy befalling the Prince of Denmark all within Rockstar Games' online universe. Grand Theft Hamlet is nothing short of a groundbreaking work of cinema, one that explores the connections between players in online multiplayer action-adventure games, embodies the difficulty of creative pursuits and making theatre, and just how important online spaces were to us during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

SEE ALSO: ‘Grand Theft Hamlet’ review: 'Grand Theft Auto' meets Shakespeare in hilarious, moving doc

In the film, we meet friends Crane and Oosterveen playing GTA online during the third lockdown in the UK. It was a bleak time. They're both theatre actors who found themselves out of work when venues closed (Crane was just about to start his run as Harry Potter in The Cursed Child on the West End). In the film, we never see them in real life — only as their avatars, running around stealing cars and generally causing chaos. During one fateful session, they stumble across an outdoor theatre, and naturally find themselves quoting Shakespeare to the empty crowd while standing onstage.

Crane and Oosterveen started capturing these moments in-game and posting short videos on YouTube, after which Gryllis also joined the game and encouraged them to up their efforts and make it into a large-scale project — Gryllis found a smartphone in her avatar's pocket which could film close up shots; you can see her character filming on her phone during some scenes. From here, the idea snowballs, and the trio start to produce a production of Hamlet just like you would in real life — only here, strangers might just wander through your rehearsal and shoot everyone. Respawning becomes part and parcel of the whole gig.

Grand Theft Hamlet joins the leagues of machinima

Though it's a landmark moment for mainstream cinema and video game overlap, Grand Theft Hamlet isn't the first work of machinima — the art of making narrative films within video games or using video game engines. Artists have dabbled in this arena for decades.

"Machinima has been around for a while. It was one of the kind of early things on YouTube," said Crane onstage at BAFTA, in London in October.

"There was a series called Red vs. Blue, it was very popular in the early noughties... [Machinima] has been around for a while, and I think there's interestingly been quite a resurgence in it in recent years, maybe as video games have got more sophisticated and visually more impressive. And also, I think generally, as video games as a cultural medium have gained a bit more respect, maybe amongst people beyond the traditional gaming audience as well."

Grand Theft Hamlet reminds viewers of high art/low art hypocrisy

While staging the production inside the game, Grand Theft Hamlet manages to expose age-old, insufferable, pointless high art vs low art snobbery by fusing Shakespeare with video games. Crane, Oosterveen, and Gryllis spoke about how people have forgotten how Shakespeare's plays were seen as entertainment for the masses in his time, while dismissing the sophistication, intricacy, and timely creativity of modern video games.

"It was considered low art for the masses in Shakespeare's day in much the same way not all but many people from the theatre establishment look at people who play video games and take them seriously and look down on that and think, 'What are you doing with that juvenile nonsense?' I think that is how Shakespeare was viewed," said Crane.

"Shakespeare was, in his day, originally, a very kind of rough, popular entertainment. It was kind of rowdy and a bit naughty, and rough, funny, sweary, and violent," said Oosterveen.

Grand Theft Hamlet is a truly independent, bedroom-made film

When people throw the word "independent film" around, there can be some grey areas. But Grand Theft Hamlet was quite literally made in Gryllis, Crane, and Oosterveen's homes.

"We had a screening at the IMAX last week for London Film Festival, which was just sort of surreal, because I was like, I made this in my bedroom on a Mac with Adobe Premiere," said Gryllis. "We had a capture card, which we captured everything in 4K you know, we didn't have sophisticated post production. It was really, really handmade and on quite a low budget. It was an experiment, but that gives you a lot of freedom, right?"

"We were filming everything. We were always recording. It annoys me a little bit, because a lot of people are like, 'Oh, you couldn't have possibly, that looks like it might be staged or set up. It genuinely happened, like we did have an argument, and it was a continuation of an argument we'd had the night before in real life, but it was still an argument," she said.

Gryllis also pointed out the incredible accessibility gaming provided her as a filmmaker who is deaf, with the technology empowering her where other mediums may not.

"Filmmaking still is really an inaccessible artform to a great number of people — women, it's getting a bit better, but not people who are excluded because of their disability. Gaming does provide you know, anyone can do that, anyone can jump into a gaming server and start filming and recording something and making a story and then editing it," she said.

"I, as a deaf person, had live captioning, when I was interacting with people, I was able to read the captions on my phone with Otter. I stopped making films completely in 2016 when I lost my hearing, because I thought well that's it, it's an audio visual medium, it's over for me. So it's been a really accessible form of filmmaking for me. And I think you'll see from the film, a lot of people who we met, I think, felt very included in the process — maybe they wouldn't have been in theater."

And speaking of the people featured in the film, really, the cast — they're a major part of what makes Grand Theft Hamlet so uniquely online and disruptive to an industry that's notoriously hard to get a foot in the door: acting.

Credit: TullStories Grand Theft Hamlet has a truly miscellaneous, marvellous cast

While I won't spoil exactly how Grand Theft Hamlet recruited its cast, one of the most intriguing elements of the film is how the band got together. Players show up and take auditions and rehearsals seriously, others stand silently by, intrigued by the project, others simply shoot everyone and leave — as is the GTA way. But from a production perspective, it was a challenge for the team to actually lock down, request and get permission for the cast to appear in the final film.

"You've obviously got access to these incredible characters but then it's that thing of they're wearing a mask because they're avatars. Some even had voice changers. We didn't include it in the film, but some of them talked through live translation software, which was actually a digital voice. So the only thing you've got to go on is their gamertag," said Gryllis.

"We made sure that everybody knew that we were recording our footage. We asked them is it OK, do you want to be in this documentary? Can we contact you through PlayStation, and again to verify that? So we had to do everything that you would have to do in a normal documentary. I certainly knew about that from my own background. Sometimes people said no, and there was a lot of kids on the server. We had to go and change servers quite a lot, actually, because we've got people underage that we couldn't include."

The team recruited characters both in game (you should watch the film for their brilliant techniques) and outside the game, from their contacts in theatre. "I think it's me that said it, there's a line in the film, but there's a Venn diagram of people who are into theatre and people into GTA, and there's this tiny, tiny overlap. That's not a joke," said Oosterveen.

NPCs served a higher purpose in Grand Theft Hamlet

If you've ever played GTA, you'll know the NPCs (non playable characters) are crucial to the game's environment — and it turned out, the same went for performing Hamlet within it.

"They sort of became a bit like a Greek chorus in that you could put onto them through filming and editing, almost like a mirror of the emotions of the main characters that I was filming. And they were really moving, they would really listen to you and respond," said Gryllis.

Especially in scenes where the performers get angry or have an argument (one is a real argument between Crane and Gryllis), you can see the NPCs in the game become intrigued, scared, and even cower during these exchanges.

"They're also a tool for us as performers learning about that world and seeing them as a lens to understand Shakespeare within that world. You see when we're trying to work out how to do 'to be or not to be', and discovering all these NPCs and a dive bar and the way they they talk to us and respond to us in the way they exist in that world," said Crane.

When you eventually do get to experience Hamlet within GTA through Grand Theft Hamlet, it's overwhelming, moving, and a one-of-a-kind production. I'm not going to tell you anything, because this is theatre. You just have to experience it for yourself.

Grand Theft Hamlet is out now in UK cinemas. It will release globally in 2025 before streaming on Mubi.

SAVE $150: As of Dec. 12, the Apple AirPods Max are on sale for $399.99 at Best Buy. That's $150 off their list price of $549.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max $399.99 at Best Buy
$549.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal

There are still some great deals available at different retailers after the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale events. If you're looking to pick up some Apple devices ahead of the holidays, look no further than Best Buy. The company currently has an Apple Shopping Event going on that features an incredible deal on the Apple AirPods Max headphones.

All colors of the AirPods Max are currently discounted to $399.99, $150 off their retail price of $549.99. That's a fantastic discount on such high-quality headphones, and even comes with a couple of bonus offers: three months of Apple Fitness+ for free and up to three months of Apple Music for free.

SEE ALSO: Act fast: Save $80 on an Apple Watch Ultra 2 with Best Buy's Deal of the Day

From a comfortable fit to excellent noise cancelation, these headphones are great for audiophiles wanting something reliable to listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks on. In our AirPods Max review, writer Brenda Stolyar said, "When it comes down to it, the AirPods Max check off almost all the boxes for what makes an excellent pair of headphones: great sound quality, ideal battery life, easy controls, and a stylish design (sans Smart Case)."

Best Buy's Apple Shopping Event ends after today, so act fast to scoop up the AirPods Max headphones for $399.99.

If you're curious to see some more Apple discounts, it's worth checking out our roundup of Apple Cyber Monday deals. While quite a few offers won't be as low as Cyber Monday, there are still some worthy discounts in there to look at.

SAVE $80: As of Dec. 12, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is on sale for $719 as part of Best Buy's Deal of the Day. That's $80 off its original price of $799.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS, Cellular) $719.00 at Best Buy
$799.00 Save $80.00 Get Deal

Black Friday and Cyber Monday may be over and done with, but Best Buy's keeping the seasonal savings alive through its Deal of the Day program. This one-day-only event always has some fun surprises up its sleeve, and today is no different, as you can save $80 right now on a 49mm Apple Watch Ultra 2.

This has dropped the price of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 from $799 to $719, which is a very nice discount if you've had your eye on this smartwatch. It also comes with bonus offers of four months of Apple Fitness+ for free and up to three months of Apple Music for free. What better way to get set up with your new smartwatch?

SEE ALSO: Apple's iOS 18.2 arrives: Here's 4 new features to be excited about

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is for those with a very adventurous lifestyle as it features a rugged design and more advanced features than its counterparts. In our comparison of Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Ultra 2, writer Alex Perry said "Apple Watch Ultra 2 is bigger, more durable, longer-lasting, and has more features than Series 9. It's also not for everyone. Ultra 2 is definitely made with outdoorsy adventuring types in mind."

As Best Buy's own page states, this Deal of the Day only lasts through Dec. 12, so act fast to save on the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

If you're looking for even more tech deals like this one, it's worth having a look through our list of Cyber Monday deals to see if any options that caught your eye are still available. And if Apple deals are on your mind, check out our Apple Cyber Monday deals list to see if any are still live.

Nikki Glaser may have received rave reviews after roasting Tom Brady, but she apparently doesn't kill every set.

Appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the comedian — who is hosting the Golden Globes in January — told a story about performing in a surprise standup set at a conference for "35 billionaires that literally run the media" — and bombing hard.

"The show is a surprise standup comedy show. No-one knows about it. Standup is the worst thing to surprise someone with. It's been a long day, they've just eaten dinner, they want to have a fun night, the DJ is setting up, you can like see the fun is coming, the child sacrifice is being arranged in the corner, the goats blood margaritas are being whipped up," Glaser tells Kimmel in the clip above.

"I walk up to a smattering of applause. The first joke I made was something about, 'I thought if I performed in front of billionaires it would be you guys bidding on my body' — just crickets. It was right before the election, I said, 'Oh it's so cool to meet all the people who are deciding who's going to be president' — no laughter, in a way that was like, how does she know?"

Glaser's only joke that got a laugh? "When I told them how much money I was making for it."

SAVE $100: As of Dec. 12, the 48-inch LG B4 TV is on sale for $699.99 at Best Buy. That's $100 off its retail price of $799.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 48-inch Class B4 Series OLED 4K UHD TV (2024) $699.99 at Best Buy
$799.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

Some of this year's best OLED TVs are still on sale after Cyber Monday. If you've had your eye on an upgrade this year or have been hoping to pick up a brand new model, it's definitely worth checking out this deal on the 48-inch LG B4 TV at Best Buy. It's currently down $100 from its retail price of $799.99 to $699.99, which is excellent value for what you're getting.

This mid-size TV is a great fit for bedrooms or smaller living spaces. Its OLED display is where it really shines, offering vibrant colors and contrast with any picture on your screen. This is made all the better with crisp 4K resolution that brings it all together.

SEE ALSO: Play Xbox games without a console with this Fire TV Stick 4K, Xbox controller, and Game Pass Ultimate bundle

LG's B4 TV offers a little something for gamers and movie lovers alike, too. For the former, this TV features NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for smooth gameplay. And for the latter, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and Filmmaker Mode are here to transform your favorite movies into an immersive, unforgettable experience.

Don't miss out on this excellent deal on the 48-inch LG B4 TV at Best Buy ahead of the holidays.

While a lot of Cyber Monday deals aren't quite as low as they were during the sale event, there are still quite a few discounts worth taking advantage of. If you're interested to see if something that caught your eye during the sale is still discounted right now, have a look through our roundup of Cyber Monday deals.

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 Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, December 12, 2024:

AcrossExchange

• The answer is Swap.

Intense passion

• The answer is Ardor.

Ingredient in a mudslide or Moscow mule

• The answer is Vodka.

Bottom-left key in Wordle

• The answer is Enter.

Horror movie staple

• The answer is Gore.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 12, 2024 DownStat for a ninth-inning relief pitcher

• The answer is Save.

[BZZT!]

• The answer is Wrong.

Expand, as a collection

• The answer is AddTo.

No-limit Texas hold 'em, e.g.

• The answer is Poker.

Like a bloody steak

• The answer is Rare.

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 Games

Are 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.

SAVE $61.98: As of Dec. 12, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, Sky Cipher Special Edition Core Wireless Controller, and one-month Game Pass Ultimate bundle is down to $74.99 on Amazon. That's a saving of 45% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Xbox Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, Sky Cipher Special Edition Core Wireless Controller, and 1-Month Game Pass Ultimate Bundle $74.99 at Amazon
$136.97 Save $61.98 Get Deal

If you're still on the hunt for gift ideas for someone in your life ahead of the holidays, or just looking to pick up a little holiday treat for yourself, Amazon is full of great options that are still on sale after Cyber Monday. If you've been wanting to find something for the gamer in your life, one of our favorite deals at the moment is a Fire TV Stick 4K bundle which can get you setup with Xbox's Game Pass Ultimate library without even buying the console.

This Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K bundle comes with the aforementioned 4K streaming stick alongside the Sky Cipher Special Edition wireless controller and one month of an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership. With this, you can test out the Game Pass Ultimate library and play games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 or the brand-new release Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. This bundle is currently 45% off its full price, down to $74.99.

SEE ALSO: Get your head in the game with 50% off gaming headsets at Best Buy

Compared to buying all of these items separately — which totals $136.97 without any deals on the individual items — you're able to pocket $61.98. That's a fantastic deal to be set up with Xbox and Game Pass Ultimate. Even investing in the 512GB digital Xbox Series S would cost you $299.99, so this is a great alternative to save some cash.

Deals like this don't usually stick around for long, though. Take advantage of this Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, Sky Cipher Special Edition wireless controller, and one month Game Pass Ultimate bundle before the deal disappears.

Looking for even more gaming deals? There are still quite a few available after Cyber Monday. Outside of Xbox, PlayStation fans can also still save on the Chroma Pearl DualSense controller, the PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of The Mountain bundle, and the PlayStation 5 Slim (disc edition) console.

A Japanese spacecraft has made a daring approach to a discarded rocket in Earth's orbit.

The mission — undertaken by the satellite technology company Astroscale — intends to eventually remove the 36-foot-long spent rocket stage, but has first tested its ability to rendezvous with the problematic object (one of 27,000 space junk objects larger than 10 centimeters in orbit).

The pioneering space endeavor is called Active Debris Removal by Astroscale-Japan, or ADRAS-J.

"Ending 2024 with a historic approach!" Astroscale posted online. "Our ADRAS-J mission has achieved the closest ever approach by a commercial company to space debris, reaching just 15 meters [almost 50 feet] from a rocket upper stage."

SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.

This rocket stage, weighing three tons, is the upper part of the Japanese Space Exploration Agency's (JAXA) H2A rocket, which launched the Earth observation GOSAT satellite in 2009. The greater space debris removal mission is part of JAXA's "Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration" project, which seeks a proven way to remove problematic space junk from orbit.

ADRAS-J previously flew around the hunk of discarded metal, capturing imagery and gathering data on the rocket's condition and motion. This latest and closest endeavor, achieved on Nov. 30, demonstrated the spacecraft's ability to operate precisely in such close range to the derelict rocket, a requirement for the future capture of the unwieldy, large object. An accident between large objects, moving at thousands of miles per hour, isn't acceptable: It would exacerbate the problem.

To complete this close-proximity endeavor, ADRAS-J moved from behind the rocket, approaching in a straight line from 50 meters (164 feet) away. The craft then stopped at 15 meters out from an even closer point. This mission had successes, but as is the norm for novel space missions, it didn't go entirely as planned. The craft didn't reach the point where a follow-up mission will actually capture the rocket stage.

"ADRAS-J successfully maintained this position until an autonomous abort was triggered by the onboard collision avoidance system due to an unexpected relative attitude anomaly with the upper stage," the company said. "The spacecraft safely maneuvered away from the debris as designed before reaching the Capture Initiation Point. Astroscale Japan is currently investigating the cause of the abort."

The rendering below shows what this close approach looked like, and Astroscale has released previous images of the actual space junk target (also shown below).

A rendering of the ADRAS-J spacecraft approaching the 36-foot-long spent rocket stage. Credit: Astroscale Views of the large Japanese rocket debris orbiting Earth. Credit: Astroscale

The $82 million follow-up mission, ADRAS-J2, is expected to launch in 2028.

That spacecraft, currently under construction, will bring the rocket stage down to a lower orbit using a robotic arm. Eventually, it will largely burn up in Earth's atmosphere. In the future, the hope among spacefaring nations and commercial space interests is to keep low Earth orbit (LEO) largely clear of threatening space debris — especially inert craft that can't maneuver on their own.

"LEO is an orbital space junk yard," NASA explains. "There are millions of pieces of space junk flying in LEO. Most orbital debris comprises human-generated objects, such as pieces of spacecraft, tiny flecks of paint from a spacecraft, parts of rockets, satellites that are no longer working, or explosions of objects in orbit flying around in space at high speeds."

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television within each one!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services trying to determine what to watch! We've got your back whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, animation, and more.

But if you're seeking something brand spanking new (or new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

SEE ALSO: The best Netflix TV shows of 2024

Mashable's entertainment team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of this week and ranked them from worst to best — or least worth your time to most watchable. Whether you're looking for some festive action, bad romance, spiritual scares, moving musician biopics, an addictive new mystery series, or papal intrigue, we've got you covered.

Here's what's new on streaming, from worst to best.

11. Red One

Dwayne Johnson re-teams with Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Jumanji: Next Level director Jake Kasdan for Red One, an action-comedy about an elite squad who must rescue a kidnapped Santa Claus.

The premise promises madcap fun, and the cast is bursting with star power from Johnson to Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, J.K. Simmons, Kiernan Shipka, and Game of Thrones' favorite Kristofer Hivju. However, critics absolutely thrashed Red One, calling it "bland," "head-scratching" and "absolute crap" with "not a crumb of Christmas charm." So, maybe leave this one off your Nice list. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, J. K. Simmons, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, Nick Kroll, Kristofer Hivju, and Wesley Kimmel

How to watch: Red One debuts on Prime Video on Dec. 12.

SEE ALSO: 25 of the best Christmas horror movies to haunt your holiday 10. It Ends With Us

Sorry to say, the drama behind the scenes of It Ends With Us' press tour is way more intriguing than the movie itself. Produced by and starring Blake Lively, the film centers on aptly named flower shop owner Lily Bloom, who falls hard for Ryle Kincaid, a hot brain surgeon (played by It Ends With Us's director Justin Baldoni). But the bloom on their romance wilts as Ryle gets viciously jealous and even violent, causing Lily to flee to her ex Atlas Corrigan (Brandon Sklenar) to find a way out of this toxic relationship.

The domestic violence drama begins like a poorly written rom-com, with a meet-cute and a wacky yet chic bestie (Jenny Slate). But the only funny thing in this adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel is how awkward the central couple is. Lily makes brash declarations like, "The first guy I had sex with was homeless ... or temporarily unhomed," and Lily describes herself as an "unreliable narrator." Ryle exists chiefly to glower or grapple. The onscreen lovers have zero chemistry, and then the movie has the absolute nerve to be over two hours long!

We've got a long list of love stories you could watch instead. — K.P.

SEE ALSO: The best romantic movies on Netflix right now

Starring: Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, Jenny Slate, Hasan Minhaj, Brandon Sklenar, Kevin McKidd, Amy Morton, Alex Neustaedter, and Isabella Ferrer

How to watch: It Ends With Us is now streaming on Netflix.

9. Joker: Folie à Deux

Todd Phillips' follow-up to the Oscar-winning Joker wasn't a complete disaster. For one thing, it made John Waters' top 10 of the year, as did some of our favorites like Love Lies Bleeding. For another, Lady Gaga shines through the macho muck and meandering menace of a movie that can't decide what it wants to be or who it's for.

With Arthur "Joker" Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) awaiting trial for the murder spree from the first film, he is a subject of pity, scandal, mockery, and infatuation from a caustic cavalcade of characters. Chief among them is Lee (Gaga), a fangirl who wants to live out a Bonnie-and-Clyde movie musical with her clown prince of crime. But Phillips is determined to keep anyone from getting what they want out of Joker 2.

As I jeered in Mashable's review: "It's all so much clown paint on a pig. Phillips has crafted an astoundingly tedious courtroom drama bedecked with musical numbers, star power, and DC IP, yet it still feels like a slog. To his credit, he's broken out of the superhero cliches that have resulted in fatigue from critics and audiences alike. But his pastiche brings nothing new or exciting to the screen for a woefully indulgent runtime of two hours and 18 minutes. 

"In the end, Joker: Folie à Deux doesn't feel provocative, romantic, or even entertaining. This sequel feels like a punishment." — K.P.

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Zazie Beetz, Leigh Gill, Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Steve Coogan, and Harry Lawtey

How to watch: Joker: Folie à Deux debuts on Max on Dec. 12.

8. Queer Eye, Season 9

Queer Eye is back for a ninth season. It's the first since interior designer Bobby Berk left the show, with the colossal renovation part of the makeovers now run by Jeremiah Brent. Following seasons in New Orleans, Atlanta, Austin, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Tokyo, and the Australian town of Yass, this season is set in Las Vegas, with a new set of "heroes" for Tan France, Karamo Brown, Antoni Porowski, Jonathan van Ness, and Brent to meet and make over. There's been a fair bit of rumoured tension swirling around the show, so we're sure the team is keen to get this season live, just like we are to watch it. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

How to watch: Queer Eye Season 9 is streaming on Netflix Dec. 11.

7. Heretic

We love Hugh Grant when he goes villainous. Be it the deceitful rogue in Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, the nefarious burglar/thespian in Paddington 2, the chocolate-stealing Oompa Loopa of Wonka, or the cheating cad of Bridget Jones's Diary, we can't get enough. But Heretic takes the villainy to all new level, casting the English icon as a mansplaining zealot who is absolutely giddy to trap two young female missionaries in his labyrinthian home.

In her review, Entertainment Reporter Belen Edwards cheered for this frightening performance, writing, "Frightening reveals and boatloads of religious and occult iconography (much of it delivered in impressively crafted statues and images throughout Mr. Reed's house) certainly get the blood pumping. But they're something you could see in any religious horror movie. What really sets Heretic apart is Grant, the absolute monster of a man he plays, and just how awfully familiar that man is." — K.P.

Starring: Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, and Chloe East

How to watch: Heretic is now available to rent or buy on Prime Video.

6. Carry-On

Director Jaume Collet-Serra has excited audiences with the shark-infested Shallows, the twisted killer thriller Orphan, and Liam Neeson vehicles like Non-Stop and Unknown. Now, he's teaming with Taron Egerton (Rocketman, Kingsman: The Secret Service) for an unusual holiday adventure.

Set in a Los Angeles airport on Christmas Eve, Carry-On follows a TSA agent (Egerton) who is desperate to stop a suspicious package from making it to a deadly destination. There are some truly wild things in this cat-and-mouse game that pits an eager Egerton in everyday hero mode against Jason Bateman as a snarling mercenary hellbent on getting his package delivered, whatever the collateral damage. Those seeking fresh thrills will relish Collet-Serra's competent approach to suspense, and may well feel their travel anxiety spike. But hey, can we all admit that asking English hunk Egerton to do an American accent is a crime against cinema? It's not even that he's bad at at. It's more that, in a world where so much is terrible, why waste even a moment by not hearing Egerton in his native tongue? — K.P.

Starring: Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman, Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler, Sinqua Walls, Logan Marshall-Green, Theo Rossi, Josh Brener, and Dean Norris

How to watch: Carry-On debuts on Netflix on Dec. 13.

5. Venom: The Last Dance

Sometimes good is overrated, and you just want something goofy as hell. Well, Venom: The Last Dance is here for you.

The third film in the Tom Hardy-fronted double act of Eddie Brock and Venom has the odd couple on the run from an alien entity, hungry for power. Though stuffed with the bonkers bits fans have come to love of the squabbling symbiotic besties, Venom: The Last Dance is dragged down by an earnest military plotline that tries to treat this world seriously. As I wrote in my review, "Venom: The Last Dance is therefore one-half of a wonderful movie. Still, it's worth sticking through the rest for a totally gonzo finale that's somehow equally absurd and moving." —K.P.

Starring: Tom Hardy, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple, Rhys Ifans, Stephen Graham, Peggy Lu, Clark Backo, Alanna Ubach, and Andy Serkis.

How to watch: Venom: The Last Dance is now available on digital.

4. Maria

Chilean director Pablo Larraín loves spinning surreal and stirring cinema inspired by the life of a famous but tragic female figure. First, there was Jackie, the Oscar-nominated drama in which Natalie Portman portrayed widowed first lady Jackie Kennedy. Then came Spencer, a Kristen Stewart-fronted film that felt like a haunted house movie, focusing on Princess Diana's tumultuous inner life over a Christmas with the royal family. Now, there's Maria, a dreamy eulogy for world-renowned opera singer Maria Callas, played by an exquisite Angelina Jolie.

In his review out of the film's world premiere at the 2024 Venice International Film Festival, Siddhant Adlakha praised the film's cinematography and Jolie's performance. "The further Callas reaches into her soul, the more the curtain slips; you can practically see Jolie and her character becoming one," he writes, "crying out in unison for some kind of respite from simply being themselves, and living at their level of constant visibility, no matter how much they love the spotlight. It's heart-wrenching to witness." — K.P.

Starring: Angelina Jolie, Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Haluk Bilginer, and Kodi Smit-McPhee

How to watch: Maria debuts on Netflix on Dec. 11.

3. Elton John: Never Too Late

If you love Elton John, then this documentary is a must-see. Probing more deeply on some tender areas — like the pop god's struggle with his sexual identity — Elton John: Never Too Late centers on frank conversations from the man himself as he spills stories for a biography. Directed by R.J. Cutler (The September Issue, Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry) and John's husband David Furnish, the film relies heavily on archival footage, press clippings, and personal snapshots. However, there's also a warm window into John's life now, where he meets with groundbreaking queer artists (though he prefers to say "LGBTQ") and FaceTimes with his young sons after school lets out.

Admittedly, there are no earth-shattering relevations here, as John's life has been an open book for ages. Still, it's a pleasure to follow him down the yellow brick road of his memory as he prepares for his farewell concert, his greatest hits playing the booming soundtrack along the way. — K.P.

Starring: Elton John

How to watch: Elton John: Never Too Late debuts in theaters and on Disney+ on Dec. 13.

2. No Good Deed

Emmy–winning creator and showrunner Liz Feldman previously gifted us the twisted pleasures of Dead to Me, a dramedy that intoxicatingly blended crime and comedy. Now she's back at it with No Good Deed, another enticing Los Angeles series co-starring Linda Cardellini.

Ray Romano and Lisa Kudrow star as a married couple looking to sell their beautiful Los Feliz home. The interested — and nosy — buyers are played by a crackling ensemble cast. Beyond buyer rivalry and family drama, there are also skeletons in the closet to be uncovered, and plenty of socially awkward shenanigans to boot. Funny, addictive, and sharply cast, No Good Deed is a no-brainer to add to your watch list.* — K.P.

Starring: Ray Romano, Lisa Kudrow, Linda Cardellini, Luke Wilson, Abbi Jacobson, Poppy Liu, Kate Moennig, Teyonah Parris, and O-T Fagbenle

How to watch: No Good Deed premieres Dec. 12 on Netflix.

SEE ALSO: The best Netflix TV shows of 2024 1. Conclave

One of the best films of 2024, Conclave is low-key also one of the funnest films of 2024, and no one is more surprised than lapsed Catholic me. Sure, on the surface, Conclave, adapted from Robert Harris' 2016 novel of the same name, is a thriller. In the sacred halls of the Vatican, the Catholic Church's most revered leaders gather together for a series of secret votes to determine who among them will be God's representative on Earth. And as dean of the conclave, Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked not only with keeping things running smoothly but also sussing out what skeletons lie in the closets of the contenders.

SEE ALSO: 'Conclave' review: Vatican-set thriller is divinely fun

And yet within this dramatic framework, the charming ensemble (which includes Isabella Rossellini, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow) laces in a catty sense of humor, which has been catching on in memes and social media. Through this divine blend of suspense and subtle comedy, helmer Edward Berger delivers a thriller that is divinely entertaining.* — K.P.

Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini

How to watch: Conclave begins streaming on Peacock on Dec. 13.

TL;DR: Get a refurbished HP 11.6-inch Chromebook 11A G8 EE through Dec. 15 for just $69.99 (regularly $239).

Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP Chromebook 11A G8 EE (4GB RAM, 32GB SSD) $69.99
$239.00 Save $169.01 Refurbished Get Deal

Looking for an affordable laptop for travel, school, or as a backup device? The refurbished HP Chromebook 11A G8 EE (4GB RAM, 32GB SSD) fits the bill for just $69.99 (regularly $239). This compact machine is ideal for kids, road trips, or anyone who needs a no-fuss device that simply gets the job done.

It has an 11.6-inch HD display and a lightweight design. Whether it’s streaming videos on the go, tackling homework assignments, or checking emails during downtime, it's made to handle everyday tasks. Powered by an AMD A4-9120C processor and Radeon R4 Graphics, it offers smooth multitasking and a surprisingly responsive experience for the price.

Durability is where this Chromebook shines. Able to withstand even classroom use, it’s built to survive life’s little mishaps, from spilled drinks to accidental drops. The keyboard is resistant to accidents, while reinforced corners and a sturdy design keep it safe even on rougher days.

Running on Chrome OS, the device boots up quickly and integrates seamlessly with Google apps like Docs, Sheets, and Drive. It’s ideal for professionals, students, educators, or those who thrive in a cloud-based environment. 

Its fast-charging capability allows you to go from nearly empty to 90 percent battery in just 90 minutes, making it ideal for those who need a quick recharge before heading out. The Chromebook’s Qualcomm WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 ensure seamless connectivity, even in shared or busy networks. And with multiple USB ports, including USB-C, you’ll have the flexibility to connect peripherals or external drives with ease.

Refurbished with a grade-A rating, you can expect it to arrive in near-mint condition with minimal to no signs of usage.

Order this HP 11.6-inch Chromebook 11A G8 EE through Dec. 15 for just $69.99 (regularly $239) and enjoy on-time Christmas delivery.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: The grade-A refurbished 2019 Apple iPad mini (5th gen) delivers power, portability, and performance for just $279.99 (reg. $529).

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Refurbished Apple iPad mini (5th gen, 64GB, WiFi & Cellular) $279.99
$529.00 Save $249.01 Get Deal

Need a device that balances portability with power? The refurbished 2019 Apple iPad mini 5th Gen is an ideal pick, and at just $279.99 (regularly $529), it’s a steal. With on-time Christmas delivery guaranteed when you order by Dec. 15, it’s the ultimate gift for the tech lover in your life or yourself.

This 7.9-inch mini is a workhorse in a petite package. The Retina display dazzles with True Tone and wide color, making everything from e-books to blockbuster movies look vibrant and crisp. The A12 Bionic chip is made to power through multitasking, creative apps, and even AR experiences with ease. And with 10 hours of battery life, you can work or play all day long without missing a beat.

However, the iPad mini is also about connectivity. The unlocked cellular capability lets you pop in a SIM card and stay online wherever you go. Whether working remotely, video chatting with family, or streaming your favorite series, you’ll stay connected on your terms. Plus, fast 802.11AC WiFi ensures smooth streaming and browsing.

Capture life’s moments with the 8MP back camera, or hop on FaceTime with the 7MP HD front camera for crystal-clear video calls. The stereo speakers enhance everything from music to movie nights, delivering rich, immersive sound. All this, wrapped in a sleek design in your choice of gold or silver.

The iPad mini is a versatile, portable device that’s a great option for students, professionals, or anyone who needs a reliable, compact tech companion. And while it’s small in size, its capabilities are anything but.

Get the grade-A refurbished Apple iPad mini for just $279.99 (reg. $529) and on time for Christmas when you order through Dec. 15.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat in the NBA with FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV.

The Toronto Raptors are heading to the Kaseya Center in Miami to face the Heat. The Raptors are struggling in 14th in the Eastern Conference while the Heat are fifth place.

The Raptors are also riding a three-game losing streak heading into Miami, which is not a good look for a team about to go up against Miami's three-game winning streak. The Heat's last three wins included victories over the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers, no small feat.

These two teams have faced each other twice this season, splitting a pair of games in late November and early December. Players to watch include Miami's Tyler Herro and Toronto's Jakob Poeltl.

When is Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat?

Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat in the NBA starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 12. This game takes place at Kaseya Center in Miami.

How to watch Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat

You 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 Raptors vs. Heat basketball game.

Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo TV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV 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 Deal

YouTube 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 Deal

Sling 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 Raptors vs. Heat from anywhere in the world

If 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 Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat for free 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 U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming app

5. Watch Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 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 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 Toronto Raptors 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:

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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 Toronto Raptors vs. Miami Heat in the NBA with ExpressVPN.