HBO's Game of Thrones revival has breathed fresh life into the fantasy series with the premiere of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a prequel that has won over fans and critics alike. But the real story here is not just the show's new comedic tone or its condensed, shorter episodes. It's the return of annual seasons, a pattern last seen in 2017 when the eighth and final season of the original series debuted.

A knight of the seven kingdoms brings back the annual cadence

For a show that once maintained a grueling production schedule, with episodes released before April each year to make the Emmy deadline, Game of Thrones has undergone a significant transformation. The first season of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms marks a new era, with a single location, fewer fantastical creatures, and a more streamlined production that allows for annual releases.

This shift is a welcome change for fans who had grown accustomed to waiting years for new content. With its reduced scope, the prequel can operate on a more sustainable schedule, ensuring that viewers don't have to wait too long for the next installment.

A recent customer experience with O2 highlights the potential delays in the mobile and fixed line portability process.

Portability hiccups at o2

A user attempting to switch to O2 faced an unexpectedly lengthy process, with their three lines stuck in limbo for over a week.

According to the customer's social media post, the issue was attributed to O2's 'Risk Department', which had flagged their account for further evaluation.

O2 representatives confirmed the existence of this department, explaining its purpose in preventing fraudulent activity and ensuring customers can meet their monthly payment obligations.

However, this added layer of scrutiny can significantly prolong the portability process, which is typically expected to take no more than two days.

Other common reasons for portability delays at O2 include:

Data mismatches between the customer's identity and the operator's records

Inactive or incorrect SIM card information

Inactive or non-existent fixed line numbers

Customers seeking a smoother transition are advised to double-check their provided details and stay in close contact with O2's customer service.

Nintendo has seemingly defied the laws of cinematic criticism once again, as Super Mario Galaxy has launched to a staggering global box office haul exceeding $370 million, mirroring the surprising success of its predecessor, The Super Mario Bros. Movie. While reviewers have been less than enthusiastic – a familiar refrain – audiences are flocking to theaters in droves, proving that critical acclaim isn’t a prerequisite for blockbuster status in the Mushroom Kingdom.

A galactic debut that defies expectations

The film’s opening weekend performance is nothing short of remarkable. Pulling in $376 million globally, and then continuing to build on that momentum, Super Mario Galaxy eclipsed even its predecessor’s impressive debut, which also faced a lukewarm reception from many critics. The Easter weekend release provided a significant boost, with the film securing $34.5 million domestically on its opening day alone – a new record previously held by Saving Private Ryan. Thursday’s $24.6 million intake marked the third-highest animated film Thursday ever, and Friday added an additional $48 million in the U.S. and Canada, catapulting the cumulative weekend total to an astounding $188 million.

The budget, reportedly around $110 million, means profitability is already assured, solidifying its position as a commercial triumph. But the divergence between audience enthusiasm and critical scores remains a striking pattern. Just like with 2023’s Super Mario Bros. Movie, professional reviewers have expressed reservations, with Rotten Tomatoes currently showing a dismal 41% score based on 167 reviews. Yet, the public has embraced the film with open arms, a testament to the power of beloved franchises and a dedicated fanbase.

The echoes of 2023: a pattern emerges

The parallels with the first film are undeniable. Pre-release buzz was riddled with negative reviews, yet the film went on to amass over $1.36 billion worldwide. Super Mario Galaxy is poised to either surpass or closely match that figure. And, as with the previous installment, the post-credits scenes are already fueling speculation about future installments within the Mario cinematic universe, hinting at a continuous expansion of this lucrative franchise.

Nintendo, it seems, has mastered the art of delivering entertainment that resonates with audiences, even when the critical establishment doesn’t fully embrace it. The company’s ability to cultivate a devoted following and consistently deliver captivating experiences, regardless of critical reception, is a business strategy few can rival. The South Korean government’s initial resistance to the NES, famously leading Nintendo to partner with Hyundai, showcases a history of navigating complex markets and adapting to unique challenges – a mindset that clearly extends to the film industry.

A wave of frustration is washing over Orange TV subscribers after reports surfaced of missing live audio during recent La Liga matches. What initially appeared to be a platform glitch has been clarified by Orange, revealing a surprising dependency on the broadcasting channels themselves.

The 5g connection and the missing audio

The issue, brought to light by an Orange customer via X (formerly Twitter), centered around the inability to access radio commentary during a recent La Liga encounter. While Orange has been aggressively rolling out its advanced 5G connectivity across Cantabria, offering a host of benefits, it seems the audio stream itself isn't part of that package. The company’s response, delivered via its official X account, explained that the audio is provided directly by the channel—a key distinction that explains why the same problem plagues DAZN viewers.

“The audio of the radio broadcasts is provided by the channel itself,” Orange stated, further elaborating that users should check alternative channels showing the same match to see if audio options are available. This marks a shift in responsibility; Orange isn't solely accountable for the availability of audio streams.

Expanding content, narrowing audio options

Despite this limitation, Orange has been actively expanding its content library. The recent addition of 17 local and regional channels, a significant investment aimed at boosting entertainment options, underscores the company’s commitment to providing a robust television service. However, these new channels are currently exclusive to Orange TV subscribers, not available through the Orange TV Libre OTT service. The focus on localized content, while a positive development for regional viewers, doesn't appear to extend to consistent audio control across all broadcasts.

The situation highlights a crucial point about the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting: control over audio streams is increasingly delegated to the rights holders themselves. While Orange strives to offer a customizable viewing experience, its hands are tied when the source material doesn’t provide the necessary flexibility. For those seeking consistent audio options, exploring alternative channels showing the same event remains the recommended course of action.

Orange’s continued investment in its television offering, including the upcoming coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and a new DAZN channel, suggests a long-term commitment to the market. But the current audio limitations serve as a reminder that even the most expansive content libraries can be constrained by factors beyond a provider’s control.

Alec Baldwin, a name synonymous with both indelible cinematic moments—from the chilling presence in Beetlejuice to the intensity of The Hunt for Red October—and recent, deeply troubling controversy, remains a fixture on screens, albeit often in smaller roles. But what of his siblings, Daniel, William, and Stephen Baldwin, who once shared the Hollywood dream? Their trajectories offer a compelling, and at times cautionary, tale of fluctuating fortunes and diverging paths.

From promising beginnings to quiet retreats

Born in 1958, Alec was the trailblazer, establishing himself as a formidable actor throughout the 1980s. Following closely were his brothers: Stephen, who initially gained traction through television appearances and early film roles; Daniel, debuting in the made-for-TV movie Deadly Obsession (1988); and William, who leveraged a successful modeling career with Calvin Klein before breaking into film. Their collective breakthrough arrived in 1989 with Oliver Stone's Born on the Fourth of July, a defining moment for a generation of actors. While Stephen secured a supporting role as Billy Vorsovich, Daniel and William appeared in uncredited, yet significant, parts, seemingly poised for continued success.

The diverging fortunes of the baldwin brothers

William, arguably, enjoyed the most consistent run in the early years, starring in films like Rapid Fire (1991) alongside Kurt Russell and Virus (1999) with Jamie Lee Curtis. Daniel's resume includes a notable appearance in John Carpenter’s Vampires (1989), and he even ventured into directing with Slav City (2001). Stephen's career, however, never reached the same heights, lacking a truly memorable role that solidified his status.

But the narrative shifts. While all four brothers continued to work, their impact diminished, with many recent projects relegated to the realm of low-budget cinema—films largely unseen and unacclaimed. The initial promise of a Hollywood dynasty seemed to fade, replaced by a scattering of appearances in lesser-known productions.

Turbulence and resilience: daniel and stephen's journeys

Daniel’s path was particularly turbulent, marked by struggles with drug addiction and repeated legal issues stemming from driving offenses, most recently in 2006. In a surprising turn, he has recently reunited with his brothers, directing A Walking Miracle (2025), a drama centered on recovery from a car accident—a project that resonates with a certain irony given the Baldwin family's own brushes with tragedy.

Stephen, meanwhile, publicly documented his journey away from Hollywood and toward evangelical faith, chronicling it in his 2006 memoir, The Unusual Suspect. He has also provided steadfast support to Alec during the fallout from the Rust tragedy, notably appearing alongside the family during Alec's legal proceedings in New Mexico. The presence of Stephen during that pivotal trial underscored a familial loyalty often absent from the glare of the spotlight.

The present and the future

Alec Baldwin continues to navigate his career, recently appearing in Torrente Presidente (2026). Daniel and William remain active in film, while Stephen maintains a lively presence on social media and is currently slated to appear in the British film Go West!, alongside Geraldine Chaplin. While the Baldwin brothers may not command the same attention they once did, their story serves as a reminder that even in the relentless churn of Hollywood, family ties—and a shared history—can endure, even amidst shifting fortunes and unforeseen circumstances. The industry’s fickle nature has a way of humbling even the brightest stars, and the Baldwin brothers’ collective experience is a testament to that enduring truth.

Disney+’s latest offering, Pizza Movie, is a revelation—a deliriously absurd, unexpected comedy that slipped onto Hulu (and, by extension, Disney+) seemingly without fanfare. It’s the kind of film that demands immediate attention, yet Disney’s promotional missteps threaten to bury a genuinely entertaining experience.

A retro blend of college chaos and trippy adventures

Pizza Movie isn’t just a comedy; it's a nostalgic throwback, skillfully blending the raunchy, drug-fueled antics of Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle with the carefree, sexually charged atmosphere of American Pie. But instead of chasing burgers or romantic conquests, our protagonists embark on a quest for pizza—the rumored antidote to the effects of a bizarre, experimental drug called M.I.N.T.S. The result is a whirlwind of surreal humor and escalating absurdity.

The film, clocking in at a breezy 97 minutes, is propelled by the performances of Gaten Matarazzo (Stranger Things) and Sean Giambrone (The Goldbergs), who convincingly portray two hapless college students navigating bullying, romantic frustration, and the mind-bending consequences of their ill-advised experiment. Even Daniel Radcliffe, lending his voice to a surprisingly enigmatic butterfly, adds to the film’s peculiar charm.

What's particularly striking is Disney’s baffling lack of promotion. Their April release announcements highlighted titles like Mamma Mia!—a film most viewers have already seen—while completely overlooking this hidden gem. Had Disney given Pizza Movie the marketing push it deserved, it could have easily dominated Easter week viewership.

The film’s premise is simple: Jack and Montgomery stumble upon M.I.N.T.S., anticipating a mellow high. Instead, they’re plunged into a hallucinatory nightmare, with pizza apparently being the only key to restoring sanity. What follows is a chaotic, visually inventive journey that throws logic out the window and embraces the ridiculous.

While some might find its humor a touch dated—a slight pullback from the more explicit content of previous generations—Pizza Movie demonstrates a welcome return to unfiltered comedy, prioritizing laughter above all else. It's a film that embraces its own absurdity, refusing to take itself seriously and delivering a consistently entertaining experience.

The missed opportunity for Disney is evident. Pizza Movie arrives at a moment when audiences are craving precisely this kind of unpretentious, laugh-out-loud comedy. The film’s existence itself serves as a potent reminder that the appetite for absurdity, it seems, never truly disappears.

The allure is undeniable: a cinema-sized picture in your living room, for a fraction of what a giant television set costs. Projectors are enjoying a resurgence, and the ultra-short-throw (UST) models are leading the charge. They promise a seamless, surprisingly elegant upgrade, avoiding the hassle of ceiling mounts and construction headaches. But here's the reality check that often follows the initial excitement: the picture rarely lives up to expectations.

The white wall illusion

You set up the projector, plug it in, aim it at your living room wall, and anticipate a breathtaking experience. Instead, you're met with a lackluster image – lacking vibrancy, contrast, and that impactful 'wow' factor. The culprit isn't always the projector itself. It's the assumption that a plain white wall can deliver the same performance as a dedicated projection screen.

Let's be blunt: it can't. A white wall is just that – a wall. It possesses subtle textures, imperfections, and a reflectivity that falls far short of a properly engineered screen. Even if it appears perfectly smooth, it’s not designed to receive and reflect projected light accurately. The result? Uneven brightness, muted colors, and a frustrating feeling that something is 'off' – without quite knowing what.

The critical role of the screen, especially with ust

With UST projectors, the screen isn't an optional accessory; it’s an integral component. These projectors sit close to the wall, projecting at a steep upward angle. They aren’t forgiving like traditional models. Many buyers, seduced by the convenience of a UST, rush into the purchase, thinking any screen will suffice. A grave error.

A proper projection screen is engineered to control light. It's designed to bounce light back to the viewer in a uniform and consistent manner, maximizing brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. Think of it less as an add-on and more as a crucial partner to the projector.

Alr screens: taming ambient light

This is where Ambient Light Rejecting (ALR) screens come into play. The name sounds technical, but the concept is straightforward: these screens are designed to minimize the impact of ambient light in your room. While a completely dark room is ideal, most of us don't have dedicated home theaters. We have living rooms with windows, lamps, and everyday life happening around us.

ALR screens don't perform miracles; a flood of sunlight will always degrade the image. However, they significantly outperform standard screens or walls when some ambient light is present. Different types use various techniques – some redirecting projector light while deflecting ambient light, others enhancing contrast and black levels. The goal is consistent: ensure the good light reaches your eyes, while minimizing the disruptive effects of surrounding illumination.

The ust advantage: precision matters

The importance of a quality screen is magnified with UST projectors. Their short throw distance means the light path is more direct, making them even more sensitive to imperfections in the projection surface. A well-matched UST and ALR screen can deliver an image that rivals, and in some cases surpasses, a large flat-panel television. But a subpar screen will leave you wondering why your investment isn't performing as expected.

Many get caught up in projector specs – lumens, resolution, laser technology. These are all important, of course. But in projection, the room and the screen are just as critical. A premium projector paired with a mediocre screen will yield a disappointing result. Conversely, a well-configured setup – even with a mid-range projector – can elevate the experience considerably.

Don't make the mistake of treating the screen as an afterthought. If you're investing in a UST projector to create a truly immersive home theater experience, the screen is the final, and arguably most crucial, piece of the puzzle. Skimping on it is a false economy.

Ultimately, the promise of a UST projector is a cinematic experience without the construction. But that promise can only be fulfilled when paired with the right screen. It's not just about displaying an image; it's about controlling the light, and that requires thoughtful engineering, not wishful thinking.

The awards season dust has settled, leaving a trail of glittering ceremonies and well-deserved recognition. But amidst the fanfare for the blockbuster titles, a few compelling films quietly slipped through the cracks. Now, with a little streaming exploration, you can uncover these hidden treasures of 2025—films that deserve a second look.

A descent into body horror with 'together'

Michael Shanks, the Australian filmmaker known for his visceral explorations of the human form, returned with Together, a film starring Alison Brie and Dave Franco. The narrative unfolds with a chilling premise: a couple, seeking respite in a remote countryside home, find their idyllic retreat shattered by unsettling physical transformations triggered by water from a nearby cave. The performances are taut, the practical effects unsettlingly effective. While Together didn't achieve the widespread acclaim some might have anticipated—perhaps overshadowed by the year’s more prominent releases—it’s a tense, gripping experience readily available on MGM+.

'Hind': a harrowing true story

Kaouther Ben Hania's Hind offers a stark and profoundly moving counterpoint. The film recounts the desperate attempt to rescue a six-year-old girl trapped in a car in Gaza during the 2024 conflict. While it garnered significant critical praise and even earned Oscar and Golden Globe nominations, it ultimately fell short of awards night glory. But don’t let that deter you; Hind is a vital and unforgettable cinematic experience, now streaming on Movistar Plus+ and Filmin. The film’s strength lies not in spectacle but in its unflinching portrayal of human resilience amidst unimaginable circumstances.

Park chan-wook’s darkly comic detour

Park Chan-wook, the visionary director behind the brutal masterpiece Oldboy (2003), surprised many with No Other Option. This Korean thriller, adapted from Donald E. Westlake’s The Ax, marks a shift towards darkly comedic territory. Lee Byung-hun, gaining international recognition through Squid Game, delivers a compelling performance as a middle-aged man abruptly fired after 25 years of service, launching him on a desperate quest for employment. It’s a sharp, cynical, and frequently amusing exploration of modern anxieties. MUBI is the platform to seek it out.

'The bad guys 2': a sequel that surpassed the original

While K-Pop Warriors reigned supreme as the animated hit of the year, and Zootropolis 2 secured its place as a stellar Disney sequel, The Bad Guys 2 quietly achieved something remarkable: it outperformed its 2022 predecessor. The reformed crew of misfits returned with a bold new scheme, facing off against a formidable new adversary: the notorious “Bad Dames.” The film’s blend of action, humor, and surprisingly poignant character development resonated with audiences – a testament to the enduring appeal of these unlikely heroes. Catch it on SkyShowtime or Movistar Plus+—a reminder that sequels can, indeed, surpass expectations.

A flicker of nostalgia, or a sign of things to come? Several classic Xbox 360 games, long relegated to the digital graveyard, mysteriously reappeared on the Xbox Store this week before vanishing just as quickly, fueling speculation about Microsoft's potential plans for console emulation.

The ghostly return of digital classics

The brief resurrection of titles like Armed and Dangerous, a beloved LucasArts shooter from 2003, the free-to-play Prince of Persia: Sands of Time, and others sent a ripple of excitement through the gaming community. Better xCloud, a user specializing in data mining Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure, first spotted the listings. The games were accessible for a short window—measured in hours—before disappearing again, leaving players wondering if it was a glitch or a deliberate test.

While Microsoft has remained conspicuously silent on the matter, the timing is particularly intriguing. This comes on the heels of comments made by Jason Ronald, Xbox’s VP, at GDC 2026, where he alluded to the team's efforts to explore “new ways to play some of the most iconic titles from the past,” a promise linked to the upcoming 25th-anniversary celebration of Xbox this November.

The prevailing theory centers on the possibility of official Xbox-PC emulation. Imagine a future where titles that never made the leap to PC—like Gears of War 2—become accessible on a wider range of devices. It’s a tantalizing prospect, especially given the buzz surrounding Project Helix, rumored to be a hybrid console-PC platform potentially incorporating storefronts like the Epic Games Store. The arrival of these games, even for a fleeting moment, lends considerable weight to this speculation.

But there's a crucial detail. Microsoft's push for a unified game development pipeline, requiring studios to create versions compatible across various devices, further strengthens the argument for broader emulation capabilities. The company is clearly laying the groundwork for a future where the Xbox ecosystem extends far beyond dedicated consoles.

The episode serves as a potent reminder of the enduring appeal of classic games and the growing demand for ways to preserve and access them. While the brief reappearance remains unexplained, the community's hopes for a robust emulation library, potentially unveiled alongside Project Helix or during the Xbox anniversary celebrations, are undeniably heightened. The scent of retro gaming is certainly in the air.

As a skeptic who once viewed virtual reality as a gimmick, I was blown away by the PlayStation VR2. The difference between a cursory glance and fully immersing yourself in a virtual world is staggering. Sony's latest headset delivers on the promise of in-depth immersion, thanks to its clever haptic feedback and precise eye-tracking.

Game-changing haptics

The VR2's integrated haptic feedback is a masterstroke. As you navigate the digital landscape, you'll feel subtle vibrations that mimic the real world. It's a strange yet exhilarating sensation, as if the environment is responding to your every move. This level of realism elevates the gaming experience to new heights.

Combine the VR2's haptic capabilities with the adaptive triggers and precise motion sensors found in the included DualSense controllers, and you have a truly immersive experience. Your hands will feel as if they're actually manipulating virtual objects, drawing you deeper into the game's world.

Visual splendor and expanded compatibility

The VR2's visuals are equally impressive, with crisp, detailed textures and stunning lighting that will leave you breathless. If you splurge on the Pro model, you'll be treated to an even higher level of detail, making the experience feel almost indistinguishable from reality.

Beyond its stunning visuals, the VR2's biggest selling point is its compatibility with both PS5 consoles and PC systems. The official adapter allows you to use the headset with your computer, unlocking a vast array of VR experiences beyond Sony's ecosystem.

In short, the PS VR2 is a revelation in gaming technology. Its innovative haptic feedback, precise eye-tracking, and expanded compatibility make it an absolute must-have for anyone serious about immersive gaming. At this price point, it's a no-brainer for anyone with a PS5 or PC.