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Havoc is Netflix's latest action thriller, not holding back any punches as it is helmed by the legendary Gareth Evans, who delivered the greatest action movie of our generation, The Raid. This new entry features an ensemble cast with the likes of Tom Hardy, Forest Whitaker, Justin Cornwell, Jessie Mei Li, Luis Guzmán, and Timothy Olyphant. The film follows a cop named Walker (Tom Hardy), waging war on the criminal underworld. Havoc ensues after a botched drug deal puts a target on a politician's son. Now Walker has to rescue him from the city's most dangerous criminals, including corrupt officials. What you see is what you get with Havoc . The film delivers all of the high-octane action, gruesome imagery, and meticulously choreographed fight scenes it promised. Though the story itself is straightforward, viewers are guaranteed a thrilling theatrical experience at home, as long as they can stomach the gore on par with that of an R-rated horror movie. Wreak Havoc © Netflix Havoc is essentially Garrett Evans' introduction to mainstream Hollywood blockbusters. After working on the foreign hit, The Raid, Hollywood has been awaiting his mark on the action genre, but Netflix got to him first. The story feels formulaic and predictable, with no new plot points to offer. The dynamic between the characters is one we have seen many times before, and the villains are obvious and one-dimensional. Despite those setbacks, Evans manages to deliver an explosive film with his eye for directing. Though John Wick remains the face of action movies in this generation, Havoc is a strong, persistent contender. The fight scenes and action sequences are exhilarating with brilliant choreography, stunt work, and editing that allows viewers to be immersed in the scenes organically instead of feeling disoriented, unlike many mainstream films, which I will not name. The Faces Of Havoc Fight For Their Lives © Netflix The familiarity of the characters did not stop the cast from taking their roles seriously. At no point does it look like anyone is phoning it in. The cast internalized their characters to synchronize with the director, establishing a relatability we can appreciate. Hardy and Cornwell portray a couple of outcasts on the road to redemption that resembles survival. Hardy's Walker is a disgraced cop still facing the consequences of his actions, while Cornwell is Charlie, the son of a politician who made enemies out of various gangs. The pair, eventually brought together by imperfect circumstances, complement each other well with their tortured souls. Their screen time together is a bonus value for Havoc to boast as they dig deeper holes for themselves. Havoc Is Guilty of Crowd Pleasing Havoc lacks substance in terms of writing and relies primarily on its leads and action sequences. Fortunately, the talented, charismatic cast, stunt work, and fight scenes take care of the heavy lifting. While Gareth Evans disappoints with the script, his directing prowess remains unimpaired. I still enjoyed the film, and I have no doubt audiences will as well. If you want an intense and exciting movie with visceral hand-to-hand combat, chaotic violence, and gore, Havoc has you covered. Rating: ★★★☆☆ About Havoc © Netflix Premiere Date:   April 25, 2025 Executive Producer: Writer: Gareth Evans Director: Gareth Evans Production:   One More One, Severn Screen, XYZ Films Distribution:  Netflix Cast:   Tom Hardy, Jessie Mei Li, Justin Cornwell, Quelin Sepulveda, Luis Guzmán, Michelle Waterson, Sunny Pang, Jim Caesar, Xelia Mendes-Jones with Yeo Yann Yann, Timothy Olyphant, and Forest Whitaker. Synopsis: Walker (Tom Hardy) is a bruised detective fighting his way through the criminal underworld threatening to engulf his entire city. In the aftermath of a drug deal gone wrong, Walker finds himself with a number of factions on his tail; a vengeful crime syndicate, a crooked politician, as well as his fellow cops. When attempting to rescue the politician’s estranged son, whose involvement in the drug deal starts to unravel a deep web of corruption and conspiracy, he is forced to confront the demons of his past.

The action-thriller genre is no stranger to hidden gems, and The Accountant  (2016) is a prime example of a film that found its audience well after its theatrical release. Directed by Gavin O’Connor and starring Ben Affleck as the enigmatic, number-crunching accountant Christian Wolff, the film was among the top-rented movies of 2017. 9 years later, the franchise returns with a fresh tone, a deeper dive into brotherhood. Affleck, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, JK Simmons and Jon Bernthal reprise their roles from the first installment, while Daniella Pineda and Robert Morgan are among the new additions. The Accountant 2  takes a sharp left turn from its predecessor’s moody, methodical thriller roots and decides to embrace something looser, louder, and — surprisingly — funnier. And while it’s not quite as tight or twisty as the first, there's still a lot here to enjoy if you're willing to go along for the ride. Gavin O'Connor and Bill Dubuque return to direct and pen the sequel, respectively, and while their approach is still pretty grounded, the genre shift is hard to miss. This time around, the film leans more into buddy-action-comedy territory, and for the most part, it works. Daniella Pineda and J.K. Simmons in The Accountant 2 . © Amazon MGM and Warner Bros. The thriller edges have been sanded down, and while part of me missed that cold precision and tension that made the first film stand out, the newfound humor brings a refreshing energy to the sequel. The chemistry and banter between the 2 brothers is easily the best asset of the movie. They share crackles with a mix of affection and deadpan absurdity that walks the fine line between genuine character work and pure entertainment. Watching Christian and Brax bounce off each other is consistently engaging, even when the story around them isn’t quite sure where it’s headed. Which brings me to one of my biggest gripes with the film: the story. Unlike the tightly-wound narrative of the first film, The Accountant 2  often feels like it’s meandering. The plot lacks cohesion, and there’s a noticeable absence of the layered twists and reveals that made the original so compelling. It’s not that what we get is bad — far from it — but it doesn’t hit the same highs, and at times, it almost feels like the script is content to just hang out with the brothers rather than build a compelling mystery around them. The film also often gets bogged down in conversations that don’t always feel essential, slowing down the pace and undercutting the momentum. Some scenes feel too dialogue-heavy, which often makes the narrative difficult to follow. Another problem is that for a film that is marketed as an action film, there’s a curious lack of actual action. The sequences we do  get are solid, clean, intense, and well-executed — but they’re spaced too far apart and never quite hit that visceral sweet spot. It left me wishing for a little more grit, a little more edge, especially when they already had the R-rating. Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal in The Accountant 2 . © Amazon MGM and Warner Bros. Affleck and Bernthal, though, are magnetic, which doesn't come as a surprise at all. Their performances elevate even the flattest scenes, and they make you care, even when the plot doesn’t quite pull its weight. The shift into lighter territory is refreshing, but it occasionally feels like the makers made a mistake abandoning what made the original unique. Still, even with the tonal departure, The Accountant 2  is very entertaining. Overall, The Accountant 2 may not match the precision of the first film, but it’s still a fun ride, buoyed by two excellent performances and a newfound sense of humor. If you’re here for intense brotherly banter, some solid laughs, and a few well-executed action scenes, you’ll leave satisfied. Just don’t expect the same cerebral punch as the original. It's not perfect, but it is still worth checking out — and if they keep making more of these with Affleck and Bernthal, I’ll be among the first in line. Rating: ★★★½ © Amazon MGM and Warner Bros. About The Accountant 2 Release Date:  April 25, 2025 Director : Gavin O'Connor Writer: Bill Dubuque Production:  Amazon MGM Studios and Artists Equity Distribution:  Warner Bros. Cast:   Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, JK Simmons, Daniella Pineda, Robert Morgan. Synopsis: Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck) has a talent for solving complex problems. When an old acquaintance is murdered, leaving behind a cryptic message to “find the accountant,” Wolff is compelled to solve the case. Realizing more extreme measures are necessary, Wolff recruits his estranged and highly lethal brother, Brax (Jon Bernthal), to help. In partnership with U.S. Treasury Deputy Director Marybeth Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson), they uncover a deadly conspiracy, becoming targets of a ruthless network of killers who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets buried.

UPDATE 4/23: Emma Thompson has passed on the role of Drusilla in the movie. Emma Thompson is in talks to portray Drusilla Sickle in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping . Thompson would portray Drusilla an escort from the Capitol and had been going to District 12 to carry out the reaping since the 25th Hunger Games as depicted in the recently released novel, Sunrise on the Reaping . Throughout the novel, Drusilla is portrayed as a detached and unsympathetic figure, frequently clashing with other characters such as Maysilee Donner. RELATED: 'The Hunger Games' Prequel 'Sunrise On The Reaping' Sets Filming Date And Location The film adaptation is set to start shooting in July of this year in Germany. As announced at CinemaCon earlier this week by Lionsgate, Francis Lawrence is set to direct the film with Billy Ray writing the script. Brad Simpson and Nina Jacobson will be producing the film. Jacobson has served as a producer for all four films in the series and Simpson returns after producing The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes . Major characters expected to appear who are currently being cast are Maysilee, Plutarch, Effie, Caesar, and President Snow. As reported by DanielRPK, Ralph Fiennes has been offered the role of Snow and Kieran Culkin has been offered the role of Caesar Flickerman. Nexus Point News can corroborate these casting updates. DanielRPK also reported that Jesse Plemons was offered the role of Plutarch Heavensbee. Nexus Point News cannot corroborate this casting update at this time. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is set to release on November 20, 2026.

Disclaimer: This review contains minor spoilers for You Season 5.  You originally started off as a show on Lifetime before making its way to Netflix for its second season, stapling it as the best romantic thriller that the streaming service has to offer. The first three seasons of the show are You at its best, with the series only getting better as we followed our resident stalker Joe Goldberg ( Penn Badgley ). It's up for debate, but what keeps people so tuned in with You is that it tells a story from the perspective of a serial killer and one that's complex and a morally grey character, which can be up for debate depending on what side you take with Joe and how you perceive his actions. After seven long years, You is finally coming to an end with its fifth and final season, which is making its way to Netflix after it got delayed from its original planned date of 2024 due to the 2023 Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes. The fourth season of You was unfortunately its weakest and left fans of the show disappointed after they had just received three well-made seasons of television. There was no better time than now for You to come to its end, as the show was either going to further decline or it was going to end on a high note and stay in the good books amongst the fans. Sera Gamble , who acted as the showrunner for the first four seasons and developed this season alongside Greg Berlanti , was replaced with Michael Foley and Justin W. Lo , meaning that it truly could go either way. Did You get the ending it deserved, or does it end on a pathetic whimper? You Meets Succession This season picks up three years after Season 4 with Joe and Kate Lockwood ( Charlotte Ritchie ), married, living in New York and with Joe's son, Henry ( Frankie Demaio ), back in his custody. Life seems to be going swimmingly well for Joe, and for the first time in a long time, there are no disturbances, but if you've watched even an episode of You before, then you know this peace isn't going to last. In the last season, Joe killed Kate's father, which left her as the CEO of Lockwood Corp. This season introduces her to her family, and it quickly starts to become You meets Succession , as Kate's own family members, specifically her sister Raegan Lockwood ( Anna Camp ) and Uncle Bob Lockwood ( Michael Dempsey ), make attempts to remove her from her seat. They want Kate off the throne and will do anything to achieve this, even look into Joe's history as an attempt to blackmail them. This begins to threaten Joe's family and, most importantly, his son, which means that the cold stone killer has returned, and this is where the season truly kicks off. Up until towards the end of the season, we don't leave behind the drama between the Lockwood family and their company. Each season tries to bring something new to the table; last season it was teaching and socialites, but this season brings a strong business model allowing for the drama to feel refreshing and revitalising, which is needed after five seasons. © Netflix Kate wasn't a character that was much loved in the previous season, but that goes for most of the characters, as they were just written poorly. To be away from London, although I'm personally from there, is a godsend. Thanks to the new showrunners on board, Kate is better written, which allows for Charlotte Ritchie to work with better material, and the difference is night and day between the two seasons. Kate has another sister beside Raegan called Maddie, also played by Anna Camp. 2025 has been a year for dual roles, and Netflix decides to join in with the fun as Anna Camp gives a performance that can be breathtaking, allowing for the conversations between the twins to feel fluid. There's a scene in episode 5 where Anna Camp truly gets to shine, and getting to see her every time after that becomes a gift. The Final Love Interest Welcome back, Love. No, not Love Quinn but the idea of love and romance within You . Joe is sadistic, and it becomes clear rather quickly in this season that there's truly no hope for Joe. He's stuck in this vicious cycle that involves him showing love for people, losing their respective love and resorting to what he knows best, murder. It doesn't end and even in the final season it looks like there's no end to this violent cycle that Joe is stuck in. © Netflix Joe should be happily married with his new family, but a Bronte ( Madeline Brewer ) enters the picture as she first breaks into Joe's bookshop. They have an odd relationship, and one that puts you on edge, as we're used to Joe never being allowed to feel happiness. Madeline Brewer's performance as Bronte helps bring a mysterious aspect to the show unlike any we've gotten in the past. Their relationship is exhilarating, and with Joe trying to leave behind a past of killing, he finds other ways to tame that need which finds its way into his relationship with Bronte. There have been many relationships throughout the duration of You , but this season highlights the strong female characters and how they're able to overcome Joe's abuse. There are some returning characters that really work well with the new characters, making for a sequence that feels like the Avengers: Endgame of You . As we follow from the point of view of Joe, we're led to believe that how he treats people and specifically women is okay, and the show dives into how the world views Joe Goldberg through the lens of social media and how men and women react to his actions. There are signs of Stockholm syndrome within this season with a specific character, and it never gets named as such, but it becomes clear through Joe's narration and how he manipulates this character that this is the only reason they stick with him no matter how many red flags they're provided with. You Season 5 is a grand improvement from its previous season, and the new showrunners work hard to deliver an ending that feels befitting for Joe. As you edge closer to the final episode, it begins to dawn that there isn't any other way Joe's story can end. Once you reach those final moments, you're left with satisfaction and a sigh of relief knowing that these characters were written spectacularly well. This final season is a return to form for You and is a season that should be binged in one go. Penn Badgley remains the star of You and delivers a performance that's striking and memorable, leaving him with some of his best work yet on the show. Rating: ★★★★☆ About You You © Netflix Premiere Date:  April 24, 2025 Episode Count:  10 Executive Producer/Showrunner: Michael Foley, Justin W. Lo, Greg Berlanti, Sera Gamble, Penn Badgley, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman, Leslie Morgenstein, Gina Girolamo, Marcos Siega and Neil Reynolds . Writer: Michael Foley, Justin W. Lo, Hillary Benefiel, Kelli Breslin, Neil Reynolds, Maren Caldwell, Kara Lee Corthorn, Dylan Cohen, Amanda Johnson-Zetterström, Leo Richardson. Director: Production:   Warner Brothers Television Distribution:  Netflix Cast:   Penn Badgley, Charlotte Richie, Madeline Brewer, Anna Camp and Griffin Matthews. Synopsis: In the epic fifth and final season, Joe Goldberg returns to New York to enjoy his happily ever after... until his perfect life is threatened by the ghosts of his past and his own dark desires.

Charlie Plummer is being eyed to star in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping as young Haymitch Abernathy. The role was previously portrayed by Woody Harrelson in The Hunger Games  franchise. Plummer would potentially portray the victor of the 50th Hunger Games as depicted in the recently released novel, Sunrise on the Reaping . Although being eyed, Plummer has not formally been offered the role yet. The character debuted in the first Hunger Games  novel, as an aging alcoholic living in District 12 as its only living victor. He is selected to be Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark’s mentor and appears throughout the original trilogy of novels. Sunrise on the Reaping , is set 24 years prior to the events of the first novel when Haymitch is 16 years old and is selected to compete in the 50th Hunger Games. By winning with strategy and cunning, he defeats the Capitol’s favored winner and is selected as the victor. His controversial win puts him in the crosshairs of President Snow who has his family killed as punishment.  RELATED: 'The Hunger Games' Prequel 'Sunrise On The Reaping' Sets Filming Date And Location The film adaptation is set to start shooting in July of this year in Germany. As announced at CinemaCon earlier this week by Lionsgate, Francis Lawrence is set to direct the film with Billy Ray writing the script. Brad Simpson and Nina Jacobson will be producing the film. Jacobson has served as a producer for all four films in the series and Simpson returns after producing The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes . Major characters expected to appear who are currently being cast are Maysilee, Plutarch, Drusilla, Effie, Caesar, and President Snow. As reported by DanielRPK today, Ralph Fiennes has been offered the role of Snow. Nexus Point News can corroborate this casting update.  The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping is set to release on November 20, 2026. Update as of 4/23: While Charlie Plummer was being eyed to star as the lead role, the role eventually went to Joseph Zada as reported by Deadline .

Apple TV+’s new series The Studio might just be one of the best comedies of the decade—if not the best. The show follows Matt Remick (Seth Rogen), the newly promoted head of the fictional movie giant, Continental Studios. It’s a sharp, hilarious window into the heart of Hollywood, capturing both the chaos and the passion that go into making movies. It’s also a revolving door of A-list appearances, with actors and directors popping up in every episode. In many ways, The Studio isn’t just about Hollywood, it is Hollywood. Nexus Point News sat down with creator, co-showrunner, executive producer, and writer Alex Gregory to talk about how the series came to life, the inspiration behind it, and what it really means to him. Demet: The Studio dives headfirst into the chaotic, often ridiculous world of Hollywood, and it feels both painfully real and completely unhinged. What was the original spark for the series? Was there a particular moment or industry experience that made you think, "Yep, this needs to be a show?" Yeah, Seth [Rogen] and Evan [Goldberg] had a meeting with an executive who, after giving them a bunch of notes, told them, "I got into this business 'cause I love movies, and now my job is to ruin them." And I think they thought that was a very poignant thing, and they made a note of that. That's a really interesting character in a really interesting situation. Comedy comes from pain, and that guy seemed to be in an internal struggle. I know that Seth and Evan were watching Larry Sanders over COVID, and they were wondering: is there a way to do our version of an insider show about the movie business, as opposed to the late night talk show business? I had worked on Larry Sanders with Peter Huyck, and they reached out to us about doing their version of The Larry Sanders Show , which would be in the world of movies. They thought the guy whose job is to ruin movies would be a perfect protagonist. So that's how it all came to be. The show obviously pokes fun at the industry, but it also feels like it comes from people who genuinely love it. How do you approach that balance of critic versus affection? I wonder if it's possible to do a good version of Hollywood if you truly hate Hollywood. I think that, in order to understand why people are in this business, it has to be done affectionately, and I think it allows you to want to spend time with people when they truly love what they do, and they really want to do good stuff. So the thing with the show is there are no bad guys, there are no villains. Everyone is just trying their best to do good work, but ego and agenda get in the way of all that, which is really most of what happens in Hollywood. I remember when the writers were on strike, my lawyer said "The thing that writers assume is like some sort of sinister plot on the studio executives’ part is really just chaos in this organization." It's not like evil machinery, it’s [that] everyone is just scrambling at all times, and I thought that was really interesting. So, yeah... We didn't want it to be like, "Oh, this is a savage takedown," because that's not our experience. We've had really good experiences working in the business, and so at the same time, you experience levels of frustration that you could not explain to other people, because so much of your soul and ego is invested in what you're doing that it'll keep you up at night, [even] the smallest thing. Ike Barinholtz and Seth Rogen in The Studio . © Apple TV+ You showcase that well in The Studio . I felt for the studio heads, then actors, managers, publicists... Everything came together so nicely and I was like, "Whoa, that's so chaotic," but also everyone has their own goals and they have their own love for the industry. Yeah, and it's amazing. That's an incredible magic trick: to make you feel for a guy who's ostensibly very rich. He's got these amazing clothes, this great job, he's driving around these vintage cars and just feel like, "Oh that poor bastard, he's just gonna get it again." That's no small feat, so I'm pretty happy that worked, and we were able to pull that off where people feel for him. I want to talk about one of my favorite episodes, "The Pediatric Oncologist" episode was so painful to watch. It was brilliant, funny, and deeply cringe. How did you come up with that storyline? Was there a specific kind of movie zealot or industry figure that inspired it? The truth is, we were talking about Matt dating someone who didn't think what he did was important. That was the thing. And I blurted out "pediatric oncologist." I've had a lot of experience with doctors. I won't get into why, but I always felt, when I was talking to them, I was like — they do such important work, and what I do seems so trivial by comparison. And that sort of concept melded with Seth's real-life experiences. He's like, "I've been to so many of these medical banquets or fundraisers, and they — at least doctors — seem to want to take it out on me and just let me know that what I do isn't important." So those two things: where it was like the pediatric oncology, then Seth's experience with doctors just sort of came together in this one extremely cringy episode. Rebecca Hall and Seth Rogen in The Studio . © Apple TV+ Yeah, it was painful to watch. When did you start to know that it was gonna go off the rails? What was the moment where you're like, "Uh oh, I see where this is going?" I think it was when they were in bed. It seemed OK that she didn't know much, but I was like, "OK, this is not gonna end well." They are so incompatible. Her being a doctor, and him being that... Oh, awesome. (Laughs) I'm so glad you like that one. The pacing is also wild. It barely gives your brain a second to process the absurdity of what's said. It makes it great. Was the speed something you've planned from the beginning to match the chaos of Hollywood? Yeah, we wanted people to feel like they were a fly on the wall of Hollywood, and that the pace of things — sometimes the pace of business here — feels like that. It feels so chaotic when things are going or not going, or there's a deadline and people are freaking out, and [then] there's a frenzy. I mean, things happen within this business with seconds to go before some sort of deadline. We wanted to capture that frenzy of it from the start. That was the mission. And then, by deciding to have no B or C stories and only an A story, and to shoot in the oner style, really makes it viscerally panic inducing when you're in it. So that's all very much by design. The Studio is now streaming on Apple TV+. This interview has been edited for clarity.

With Star Wars Celebration 2025 not having much to offer in the form of a coherent plan for where the franchise will be heading in the following years, it’s a time where we must be thankful for Andor , as it’s likely to be the last real television show we get within the Star Wars universe for a very long time. It has been three years since the first season aired on Disney+, which released twelve episodes on a weekly basis. Tony Gilroy created a show that expanded on Rogue One: A Star Wars Story , a beloved film that serves as the basis for where Andor is currently trying to make its way to timeline-wise. Disney+ has dropped the first three episodes of Andor S2, “One Year Later”, “Sagrona Teema”, and “Harvest”. Andor Season 2 plans to drop another twelve episodes and follows a similar format to the last season, where every three episodes was a story arc. The only slight difference with this second and final season of Andor is that they have to fill the gap between Andor Season 1’s finale and Rogue One . This initially led to a lot of worrying, as that’s a steep amount of storytelling to get through, but Tony Gilroy found a way to get through it all. With there being 4 years left until Rogue One , Gilroy ensured that show would be following a three-episode drop weekly, and every week would jump forward a year in the timeline. These first three episodes are a slight slow start to the season, which is extremely similar to how it went last season, but it needs to move at this pace to allow for all the characters involved to get their time in the spotlight. Cassian Andor ( Diego Luna ) finds himself stealing a test TIE fighter and getting himself trapped on Mina Rau with the Maya Pei Brigade keeping him hostage in hopes of stealing his TIE fighter. The only issue is that they don’t know how to work it. This plays out through the first two episodes, and at first it can be hilarious with how the Maya Pei Brigade have conflict within their own group, but compared to everything else that’s going on around the galaxy, it ends up being quite tame in comparison. © Disney Krennic was a true force to be reckoned with in Rogue One , but with his introduction in Andor S2, it’s already showcased by Ben Mendelsohn’s haunting performance that audiences are going to get to see how menacing and horrific Krennic can be. It’s within these first two episodes where they begin to plan their control of Ghorman, which we all know will lead to the eventual massacre of their people, a moment in Star Wars that isn’t to be taken lightly, but Gilroy has already set the stones in place for all of this to happen. As slow as these first three episodes may be, they’re clearly paving the way for future story arcs which will move at a quicker pace, which is to be expected as there are three more years to get through before we reach Rogue One. Where the first three episodes of Andor S2 truly shine is with their strong cast of women, specifically Bix and Mon Mothma, who are both played by the extremely talented Adria Arjona and Genevieve O’Reilly , who already felt like standouts from the first season. Bix is still dealing with the trauma from her torture back in the final episodes of Season 1, and we get to see how badly it affects her. Unfortunately, Bix already has to deal with a lot more trauma by the end of the third episode as an Imperial lieutenant makes an attempt to sexually assault her. A moment that Tony Gilroy writes with such care as he touches on topics that have never seen the light of day in the Star Wars universe before. A certain side of the Star Wars fandom is going to feel negatively affected by this storyline, but it only stays true to the themes that Star Wars has had since Return of the Jedi . Genevieve O’Reilly originally played Mon Mothma all the way back in Revenge of the Sith (which is now celebrating its 20th anniversary), although she was cut from the film. She returned in Rogue One and came back once more in Andor , allowing us to witness her climb to the notorious Rebel leader we know her as in A New Hope . Throughout these three episodes, we finally get to see the arranged marriage of her daughter Leida to the son of Davo Sculdun. Mon Mothma goes through so much emotion putting her daughter through something she clearly doesn’t want to do but must to make any progress with the rebellion; to see her own daughter not get fulfilled with happiness is one of the worst pains a mother can feel, and Genevieve O’Reilly delivers a powerful performance that can only get better as the season goes on. Andor's first three episodes of Season 2 may be a slow start to the season, but it's still that grand return to the spy thriller world of Andor that we all missed. The signs of violence and oppression are once again present and being set in stone for bigger moments to happen later in the series, and Tony Gilroy ensures not to shy away from the brutal, harsh realities of the war against fascism that our characters are facing. Rating: ★★★★☆ About Andor Season 2 Andor . © Disney Premiere Date:  April 23, 2025 Episode Count:  12 Executive Producer/Showrunner: Tony Gilroy Writer: Tony Gilroy Director: Toby Haynes Production:  Lucasfilm Distribution:  Disney+ Cast:  Diego Luna, Adria Arjona, Genevieve O'Reilly, Ben Mendelsohn, Stellan Skarsgård, Denise Gough, Kyle Soller, Faye Marsay, Varada Sethu. Synopsis: The second season takes place as the horizon of war draws near and Cassian becomes a key player in the Rebel Alliance. Everyone will be tested and, as the stakes rise, the betrayals, sacrifices and conflicting agendas will become profound. Rife with political intrigue and danger, the series is a prequel to “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” which portrayed a heroic band of rebels who steal the plans to the Empire’s weapon of mass destruction—The Death Star—setting the stage for the events of the original 1977 film. “Andor” sets the clock back five years from the events of “Rogue One” to tell the story of the film’s hero, Cassian Andor, and his transformation from disinterested, cynical nobody into a rebel hero on his way to an epic destiny.

One World Under Doom is the flagship title of the sprawling comic event of the same name. As a refresher: Doctor Victor Von Doom has managed to declare himself not only Sorcerer Supreme, but also Emperor of Earth. With little public resistance, Doom extends his reign from his home country of Latveria across the globe. Entwining with titles such as The Insurgent Iron Man  and Dr. Strange of Asgard , One World Under Doom brings together both heroes and villains to fight against Doom’s machinations.  Disclaimer: This review contains spoilers for ‘One World Under Doom #3’.  It’s always entertaining to see the “enemy of my enemy is my friend” trope play out, and this issue is no different, the subtitle of The Devil We Know  apt as the Avengers (consisting of Sam Wilson, Carol Danvers, Tony Stark, Thor, Storm, Wanda Maximoff, and Vison) team up with a cabal of villains including M.O.D.O.K., Otto Octavius, Arcade, Mysterio, Baron Mordo, and the Goblin Queen.  As expected, no one is particularly happy about this arrangement. The heroes’ egos are bruised by having to call in the morally questionable calvary. Thor in particular, perhaps expectedly, takes offense to Anthem’s taunts. This is exactly the kind of defeat that rankles Thor: the one that can’t easily be fixed. There is no easy answer of how to wrest control from Doom’s fingers, and part of his tactics is to get anyone who could oppose him fighting amongst themselves and simply ignoring anyone else attempting to take action.  Sound familiar?  One World Under Doom  is a somewhat heavy-handed allegory, similar to 2016’s limited Vote Loki   run. The message is clear: complacency has allowed Doom to ascend to ultimate power and now the populace is realizing the cost. The media is pro-Doom, and there is not as much push back from the global population as one might hope would happen when a tyrant takes control.  The team assembles to fight Dino-Doom. © Marvel Comics Of course, Doom has contingency plans in place in case the world leaders he holds under his sway are released. Forcing the team to decide whether to follow through with their plan or handle the breakout at the Raft is the ultimate catch-22. The Avengers and their villainous helpers will be held responsible no matter what. They failed to keep Doom out of power in the first place and now every attempt they make to usurp him is met with countermeasures.  It’s hard to parse the lies Doom has told from the truth of what is happening with his rule. It’s also difficult to keep track of all of the side missions and plots among those opposing him. What is easy to see, however, is how important it is to rise up against tyranny, especially when Doom, with the help of the media, is able to twist the actions taken on the Raft to make it seem as though it was the Avengers and their allies in the wrong the whole time. This spate of “alternative facts” is familiar and frustrating to see work both in-story and in the real world.  One World Under Doom #3 ends with a reminder that there are worse entities than Doom. The self-proclaimed Emperor has garnered the attention of the dread Dormammu and now the fate of all of the cosmos in the balance. It’s unclear how things will continue to play out, but undoubtedly there will be more lessons about fighting all forms of tyranny. Rating: ★★★★☆ One World Under Doom #3. © Marvel About One World Under Doom #3 Release Date:  April 23, 2025 Written by:   Ryan North Art by: R.B. Silva Cover by: Ben Harvey Page Count: 25 Synopsis : The Avengers have faced Doom...and they LOST. But Earth still needs avenging - and it's not just the heroes who dislike having Doom in charge. And so heroes and villains unite against Doom, intent on taking him down once and for all! But that's not all: A simultaneous magic attack reveals the shocking truth of HOW Doom took over the world - with terrifying implications for how others might - or might not - take it from him. However, Doom's mind - vast and cool and unsympathetic - is not the only one regarding Earth with envious eyes...

A lot is going on in the flagship X-Men  title right now—so much, in fact, that you’d be forgiven for losing track. When we last left our heroes, they were dealing with a missing child who believed she was a mutant, the Marauder shot down with Kid Omega aboard, and the shadowy manipulations of the mysterious 3K looming in the background. It’s a dizzying number of narrative plates to spin, but Jed MacKay balances them with impressive precision throughout the issue. At its core, this chapter zeroes in on two major crises: the missing Kid Omega, whose body is nowhere to be found in the wreckage of the Marauder, and the tragic case of Piper Cobb—or more specifically, her long-absorbed mutant twin sister. This unnamed sibling, consumed by revenge and shaped by biokinetic powers, constructs a grotesque body for herself using the corpse of an Acanti space whale. (Yes, really.) Her goal? To kill the sister she believes stole the life that was meant to be hers. The X-Men are forced to divide their focus, raising the stakes and emotional tension as they confront both moral and physical threats. One of the standout aspects of this issue is its character work. The interactions feel charged, personal, and often surprisingly humorous. There’s a great moment where Juggernaut grows visibly uncomfortable as Magik strikes a bargain in blood with what can only be described as demonic cherubs to help Xorn in his search for Kid Omega, an ironic twist given Juggernaut’s long-standing connection to the demon lord Cyttorak. Elsewhere, Beast and Psylocke clash over how best to handle one of the new mutants in their care; Hank urges caution and compassion, while Kwannon sees overprotection as a dangerous liability. These philosophical debates enrich the story and deepen the stakes. X-Men #15 - © Marvel   This is where MacKay shines most, exploring the complex motivations of these characters as they’re pulled in different directions by escalating threats. These tensions come to a head when Piper’s sister, already a powerful and unstable force, is manipulated by none other than Cassandra Nova. Nova feeds into the child’s grief and resentment, weaponizing her emotions to turn her against the hometown she never got the chance to experience. This puts the mutants in an unfavorable position as they must now keep the child from destroying innocent lives. MacKay and artist Ryan Stegman work in lockstep to paint a dark, desperate picture of heroes backed into a corner. Nova’s presence is menacing, her every word laced with psychological precision, even as she easily thwarts Psylocke’s attempts to stop the monster.  Even combined assaults from powerhouses like Magik and Juggernaut barely faze the threat, underscoring just how dire things have become. And just when you think things can’t get more intense, a new wrinkle emerges: a mysterious group of mutants who boldly proclaim themselves the  X-Men. Is this issue chaotic? Undoubtedly. It’s packed with body horror, moral dilemmas, emotional drama, and ever-climbing stakes. But is it also a blast to read? Absolutely. MacKay continues to showcase the best aspects of these characters, threading previous story beats and their personal arcs into a complex, high-stakes narrative. With Stegman delivering dynamic, intense visuals to match, the creative team seems to have found its stride post-events, and I’m ready to see them knock it out of the park. X-Men #15 - © Marvel About X-Men #15 Release Date:  April 23, 2025 Written by:  Jed MacKay Art by: Ryan Stegman Cover by: Ryan Stegman Page Count: 27 Synopsis :  What began as a simple search and rescue has escalated, with not just the X-Men but the entire town of Merle at danger! And as 3K steps out from the shadows for the first time in order to further their twisted program, will the Means, their anointed headsman, slake his bloodthirst on the X-Men?

In the ever-expanding world of Marvel’s mutant stories, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of titles competing for attention. But let me make it simple for you: Magik  is a series worth your time. Magik #4  continues the powerful arc of Illyana Rasputin, mutant, sorceress, and X-Man, and this chapter brings both heat and heart, with a much-welcome team-up alongside her longtime friend, Dani Moonstar. We pick up right where issue #3 left off: Illyana and Dani reunited, racing to prevent the demonic villain Liminal from breaking free of his magical seal and unleashing chaos on Earth. The opening scene is a standout: A cinematic battle atop a cable car in Ecuador. Illyana, wielding her iconic Soulsword, slices through hordes of demons while Dani covers her with a new enchanted bow. For fans of the New Mutants , this isn’t just an action beat, it’s a reunion steeped in history, emotion, and trust. Dani’s presence brings a refreshing emotional contrast to Illyana, who often walks a solitary path. Even after years with the X-Men, Magik remains guarded, her vulnerability rarely on display. But this issue reminds us that even the strongest warriors need allies. The back-and-forth between Illyana and Dani on whether this is a battle Magik must face alone or one they can fight together adds real emotional weight. On one side, Illyana believes only she can bear this burden. After all, it's her Darkchild persona clawing at the edges of her mind, threatening to overtake her should she fail. On the other, Dani—now allied with the mystical Society of the Eternal Dawn—is determined not to let her friend face this war alone, now also bound by duty. Her loyalty is unwavering, even as Illyana tries to push her away for her own safety. Magik #4 - © Marvel And this is where writer Ashley Allen’s storytelling shines. Her Dungeons & Dragons influence is loud and clear (and deeply appreciated), especially in the fantasy-style monster-slaying sequences, swords, spells, and high-stakes tension. It’s thrilling stuff that makes me wish I were at a table playing! Artist German Peralta elevates this even further, with imaginative spellwork visuals that make Magik’s sorcery feel dynamic, powerful, and long overdue for the spotlight. By the end, Illyana and Dani survive, physically, at least. But emotionally, the cracks show. Dani’s relentless support may have saved the day, but it also risks driving a wedge between them. The looming threat of Liminal remains, and Illyana’s internal battle with the Darkchild is far from over. As a fan of both these characters and stories that blend action with emotional stakes, Magik  continues to deliver. With rich character development, compelling conflict, and killer visuals, Magik #4  proves this title deserves a permanent spot on your pull list. I can’t wait to see where Illyana’s journey takes us next. Magik #4 - © Marvel About Magik #4 Release Date:  April 23, 2025 Written by:  Ashley Allen Art by: German Peralta Cover by: J. Scott Campbell & Tanya Lehoux Page Count: 26 Synopsis :  Magik is struggling to keep herself together! But will the return of her old friend, Dani Moonstar, help? Or will the confrontation bring out Illyana's Darkchild self?

The second episode of The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2, “Through the Valley”, has finished airing on HBO and Max, and we’ve not only been delivered the most devastating episode of the show, but also Mark Mylod and Craig Mazin have provided viewers with probably one of the best episodes that the show has seen. The episode spends its time with Abby and her crew, the infected attack on the town and Joel’s encounter with Abby. There’s a lot to swallow in this episode, and even after watching, it’s difficult to believe that it’s all real. This is the exact episode that fans of the game have been waiting for, and it’s what was needed to allow for the story to finally move forward into what The Last of Us Season 2 is all about: Revenge. In The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2, Abby is on the lookout for any members of Joel’s crew, while Ellie and Jesse go on a patrol only to discover that Joel and Dina, who are also on a patrol, are trapped elsewhere, unable to make it back to Jackson Hole. Meanwhile, the town is under attack by a horde of infected which Tommy, Maria and the people of the town must face off against in a battle if they want a chance of survival. THE BATTLE OF JACKSON HOLE Craig Mazin continues to bring original storytelling to The Last of Us as we get epic moments such as the infected making their way to Jackson Hole. While Ellie, Jesse, Joel and Dina are outside the borders of the town dealing with the snowstorm and the arrival of Abby, who’s thirsty for Joel’s blood, their home is being met with one of the worst hordes that this show has had to witness. © HBO One of the downfalls with The Last of Us was the lack of infected presence. They do well with their character writing and allowing for the story to truly flourish, but a lot of the game involves taking down infected. There wasn’t too much of that in the first season. The previous episode also didn’t rectify that issue, but it gave us the early appearance of the Stalker, which made it slightly forgivable. Craig Mazin turns up the dial and gives the viewers exactly what they want: a battle with the infected unlike any other. This attack on Jackson Hole feels reminiscent of large-scale battles that would take place in shows such as Game of Thrones , The Lord of the Rings , The Wheel of Time, and so much more. It’s a gruesome, brutal and harrowing episode, and this is only the surface of it all. Gabriel Luna’s performance as Tommy in this episode is his best yet and keeps you on the edge of your seat as you watch him face off against a Bloater in a corner. He’s the determined leader that the people of Jackson need, and Luna delivers that feeling effortlessly.   THE MOMENT WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR © HBO We finally get to the moment that had fans of the game divided, and Craig Mazin has even made some slight changes here. Abby still finds herself being chased by the infected and being rescued by none other than the killer of her father, Joel, but this time, he’s with Dina instead of his brother Tommy, who is back in Jackson. The first episode showcased that Dina and Joel have a relationship that’s not really found in the game; he plays off as kind of a father figure to her and just someone to look up to. Inserting her into this situation and having her in that room when Joel meets his untimely demise is going to change a lot with her and Ellie’s relationship, which will provide a new dynamic even for people who’ve played the games.  Kaitlyn Dever gets a lot of time in this episode to shine, with it opening up on her, similar to this episode, but this time we get a scene that has her present-day self try to protect her younger self from walking into the room where her father has been shot. This is a great addition and the best way to open up this episode, as Craig Mazin finds a way to pull in Abby’s dreams from the game while also providing them with greater depth so that the audience can better understand Abby as a character. It’s something that the players of the game struggled with, and it’s clear they don’t want a repeat of what happened 5 years ago. © HBO Abby’s monologue is long but much needed to further understand what it is she’s going through. To feel the anger and hatred that she has for Joel... It’s only within this moment that you realise that Joel is probably not going to make it out alive. It’s the slight changes from the game from the brutality of his death to Ellie’s harrowing reaction and the final crawl she makes to rest on top of him. It takes what the game first did and elevates it to allow for a more heartbreaking moment than anyone could’ve expected. Craig Mazin showcases that he understands the world of The Last of Us, and his collaboration with the rest of the crew alongside Mark Mylod’s direction easily makes this one of the best episodes in television we’ve gotten in a long while. There will always be people upset about the outcome, but it can’t be denied how beautifully crafted this episode is, with Ashley Johnson’s “Through the Valley” cover being the icing on the cake.  Rating: ★★★★★ The Last of Us . © HBO About The Last of Us Season 2 Premiere Date:  April 13, 2025 Episode Count:  7 Executive Producer/Showrunner: Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann, Carolyn Strauss, Jacqueline Lesko, Cecil O’Connor, Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan, and Evan Wells Writer: Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann, and Halley Gross Director: Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann, Mark Mylod, Peter Hoar, Kate Herron, Stephen Williams, Nina Lopez-Corrado Production:   PlayStation Productions, Word Games, Mighty Mint, Sony Pictures Television and Naughty Dog Distribution:  HBO Cast:   Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, Rutina Wesley, Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Ariela Barer, Tati Gabrielle, Spencer Lord, Danny Ramirez, Jeffrey Wright and Catherine O’Hara. Synopsis: Five years after the events of the first season, Joel and Ellie are drawn into conflict with each other and a world even more dangerous and unpredictable than the one they left behind.

Dutch filmmakers are seriously stepping up their game. Sure, all eyes are on Halina Reijn after her recent hit BabyGirl , but the Netherlands, as tiny as it is, is cranking out far more than just one standout voice. Case in point: iHostage , a new thriller now streaming on Netflix, directed by Bobby Boermans, who previously gave us The Golden Hour  (also on Netflix, by the way). Last year, Boermans released Invasion , a film that, let’s be honest, probably didn’t make much noise beyond the Dutch borders. But with iHostage , he’s aiming for a bigger stage. No battlefield drama this time, but this one's tight, tense, and claustrophobic. The story centers around the 2022 hostage crisis in Amsterdam’s Apple Store, a true event that shook the Netherlands but likely made it no further than a brief headline on CNN abroad. Well, Boermans is here to change that. iHostage doesn’t just revisit that moment, it drags  it back into the spotlight, unflinching and full-force. And somehow, he manages to wrap all that tension in a cinematic package that’s both thrilling and oddly satisfying. Soufiane Moussouli and Admir Šehović © Netflix/Elmer van der Marel More Than Just a Headline What really sets iHostage  apart is how it dares to go deeper than the usual clickbait news cycle. Rather than rehashing the event like a tabloid reel, Boermans zooms in on the human experience on both sides of the glass. What does a day like that do to the police officers trying to manage it? What’s going through the minds of the people trapped inside? The emotional aftermath and those long shadows that trauma casts is the film’s true heartbeat. Fans of The Golden Hour  will feel right at home. Tonally, iHostage  lives in that same suspenseful space. Honestly, it could almost pass for a spin-off, and I mean that as a compliment. The Golden Hour  is still one of the strongest Dutch series in recent years, and yes, season two is on its way. A Cast That Surprises Here’s where it gets fun. Instead of stacking the film with the usual (Dutch) household names, Boermans gives the floor to fresh faces and it pays off. Sure, familiar talents like Marcel Hensema and Loes Haverkort pop up. But the real star here? Admir Šehović. His performance as one of the hostages is raw, unnerving, and achingly real. He doesn’t just act, but inhabits the role. Admir Šehović © Netflix/Elmer van der Marel You Know How It Ends—And Still, You’re Hooked Yes, we all know how this ends . There’s no jaw-dropping twist or last-minute plot detour. The climax is telegraphed a mile away. But Boermans plays the long game. He builds tension brick by brick, breathing life into the characters so effectively that you can’t look away, even when you think you know what’s coming. Even the perpetrator gets a bit more nuance than expected. Since the real-life motivations were never fully uncovered, the film leans into creative license here. The result? A fictionalized portrait that adds intrigue without tipping into full-on sympathy. Marcel Hensema © Netflix/Elmer van der Marel A Sharp Dutch Thriller Is iHostage  flawless? Not quite. The ending is too predictable to land a real emotional gut punch. But you know what? That’s a small price to pay for everything the film does  get right. It’s stylish, gripping, and offers a rare, intimate look into a moment that stopped the Netherlands in its tracks. Will American Netflix users be as captivated? Maybe not. But this is a bold reminder that Dutch filmmakers are capable of creating much more than cozy romcoms and lousy feel-good shows. iHostage  is a dutch thriller that hits hard, and leaves you wanting more. Bring on season two of The Golden Hour . We’re ready! Rating: ★★★★☆