Numbers often play a surprising role in pop culture, becoming symbols, plot points, or even talismans for devoted fans around the globe. A few figures have outgrown their original context and proved iconic in movies, TV shows, and music, affecting how we consider luck, fate, and success. Here are some of pop culture’s most memorable ones. The […]
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by Nancy Fernandez
Stoner movies occupy a unique corner of cinematic culture—a place where surreal comedy, laid-back philosophy, and absurd escapades come together in a hazy, hilarious high. Whether you’re into trippy visuals, buddy adventures, or deep conversations about the meaning of nachos, stoner films offer a peculiar blend of escapism and insight. These movies don’t just entertain, they create a vibe.
From the early days of Cheech and Chong to modern cult hits streaming on your favorite platforms, stoner cinema has evolved while retaining its core values: chill vibes, irreverent humor, and an unapologetic celebration of cannabis culture. They're films to watch when you're high, sure—but also when you just want to unwind and laugh your face off.
If you’re planning a chill movie marathon, maybe after scoring one of those Florida Dispensary Deals, here’s your definitive guide to the ultimate stoner movie lineup—from cult classics to the latest reefer-fueled gems.
No stoner movie list is complete without this cornerstone of cannabis comedy. The legendary duo Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong play aimless musicians who inadvertently smuggle a van made entirely of marijuana across the U.S.-Mexico border. The film’s chaotic energy, one-liners, and low-budget charm make it a rite of passage for any fan of the genre.
Set in 1976 Texas, Dazed and Confused perfectly captures the freedom and confusion of youth. Directed by Richard Linklater, it’s less about plot and more about vibes, with memorable performances by Matthew McConaughey (“Alright, alright, alright”) and a killer soundtrack. It's the ultimate hangout movie—and the weed is just one part of its timeless cool.
Seth Rogen and James Franco’s hilarious chemistry made Pineapple Express an instant classic. Mixing stoner humor with an action-packed plot, the film follows a process server and his dealer as they flee from a drug lord after witnessing a murder. It’s silly, violent, and surprisingly heartfelt—a high-octane twist on the stoner formula.
Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski is the spiritual patron of stoners everywhere. In this Coen Brothers masterpiece, The Dude gets swept up in a kidnapping plot he barely understands, while trying to live a simple life of bowling, White Russians, and chill. The film’s cult status and surreal dialogue have made it a favorite among cannabis aficionados and film buffs alike.
This movie took the stoner road trip to a whole new level. Harold and Kumar’s epic journey for White Castle burgers becomes an unpredictable adventure filled with raccoons, racist cops, and a horny Neil Patrick Harris. Beneath its ridiculousness lies a surprisingly smart commentary on racial stereotypes and American absurdity.
Dave Chappelle leads this late-'90s classic about a group of friends who start selling weed to bail a buddy out of jail. It's a goofy, quotable romp with cameos from Snoop Dogg, Jon Stewart, and Bob Saget. The film might not be critically acclaimed, but it's pure stoner gold.
Not your typical stoner movie, this adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson’s psychedelic novel takes you on a mind-bending journey through Las Vegas via hallucinogens and anarchic journalism. Johnny Depp's performance as Raoul Duke is unhinged brilliance, and the film’s surreal visuals make it perfect for high viewing—though it veers into darker territory.
Method Man and Redman star as two underachievers who ace their college entrance exams with the help of a supernatural strain of weed. How High is outrageous, stupid in the best way, and undeniably funny. It's one of the rare stoner comedies that doubles as a hip-hop cult classic.
Anna Faris delivers a hilarious and underrated performance as a struggling actress who eats an entire tray of pot cupcakes. What follows is a chaotic odyssey through L.A. as she tries to complete her to-do list while epically baked. The film’s offbeat humor and Faris’ comedic timing make it a hidden gem in the genre.
Though not technically a “stoner movie” in the traditional sense, this apocalyptic comedy is packed with weed, cameos, and absurdist humor. Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill, and others play exaggerated versions of themselves trying to survive the literal end of the world—all while getting high and freaking out. It’s as meta and messy as it is hilarious.
What happens when stoners wear badges? You get Super Troopers, a ridiculous and endlessly quotable cult comedy about prankster highway cops with a love for weed and shenanigans. It’s absurd, lowbrow, and beloved by fans of mindless humor.
While not strictly a stoner movie, Seth MacFarlane’s foul-mouthed teddy bear smokes more pot than most human characters in this raunchy comedy. With a bizarre mix of sentimentality and stoner antics, Ted delivers laughs and surprises—and the bong hits never stop.
This Netflix original follows four high school girls during their last weeks before graduation, bonding over weed, friendship, and the anxiety of growing up. While it skews younger and more dramatic, it’s refreshing to see female-led stoner representation in a genre often dominated by male characters.
Matthew McConaughey plays Moondog, a blissed-out poet living a hedonistic life in Florida. Directed by Harmony Korine (Spring Breakers), this visually lush film is a love letter to carefree living, substances, and eccentric freedom. Moondog is essentially The Dude on a tropical bender.
Stoner movies endure not just because they’re funny, but because they celebrate counterculture, creativity, and companionship. They remind us to slow down, appreciate the moment, and laugh at the absurdity of life. Whether you’re lighting up or just looking for a good laugh, these films offer a temporary escape—and often, a surprisingly thoughtful message.
So the next time you’re lounging at home, maybe after browsing Florida Dispensary Deals or cracking open some edibles, queue up one of these flicks. You’re in for a good trip—cinematically, of course.
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Released: 20 June 2025 Director: Domee She, Madeline Sharifian and Adrian Molina Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldaña, Remy Edgerly, Brad Garrett, Jameela Jamil, Shirley Henderson and Brendan Hunt Pixar’s latest outing has finally beamed into cinemas, but with surprisingly little fanfare from Disney and the beloved animation studio. Their latest sci-fi alien adventure – featuring […]
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This is not just football. Not even just a game. For millions of young Algerians, following the national team is like breathing: a living fire in the chest, a shared rhythm, a real pulse of unity. Every application, every match, every goal is perceived as a personal event. There are no spectators here; everyone lives it. The streets are painted green and white. Some stay up all night, others save on lunches for the sake of the coveted T-shirt, and many tears have been shed to the sounds of the anthem. How deep does this devotion go? Let's find out.
Each Algerian national team jersey is a separate story. Victory at the 2019 African Cup of Nations turned the names of Riyad Mahrez and Ismael Bennacer on the jerseys into almost sacred symbols. All this has long become part of everyday life—and, like the passion for the national team, interest in the game is growing even outside the stadiums. This is also helped by a convenient mobile betting app (in Arabic: برامج المراهنات في مصر), which allows you to follow statistics and support your favorite team from anywhere in the world. And it is available for both Android and iOS.
But let's get back to the jerseys. The new Adidas “Desert Heritage” uniform for 2024 sold out in Algerian stores in literally two days. Children wear it to school. Teenagers wear it to weddings. Even on ordinary days, jerseys hang on balconies like flags. And it’s not just the names of the stars – young fans are increasingly typing their own names, dreaming of one day earning this coat of arms themselves.
On game day, cities change. Algiers' Rue Didouche Mourad, the Oran embankment, the Place Constantine—they all turn into living rivers of fans. Thousands of people gather a few hours before the starting whistle. Youth groups like Les Fennecs Ultras put on a show with flares, teach the crowd new chants, and set up huge screens for broadcasts.
In 2023, more than twenty thousand people gathered in the Place 1 de Mayo to watch the qualifying match against Nigeria. School clubs paint new graffiti on the walls in advance of big games. Even in villages like Tizi Ouzou, young people organize buses so that everyone who wants to get to the stadium can. On such evenings, no one sits at home—and many follow every moment of the action through Melbet (in Arabic: ميلبيت), keeping the excitement alive on their phones as well.
Energy at the stadium does not arise by itself - everything is thought out, built, and supported by traditions. Here's how it all comes to life:
Chants that are passed down from generation to generation: the legendary "One, Two, Three, Viva l'Algérie" was first heard decades ago, but still thunders at every match. Now, teenagers add hip-hop beats to the classics.
Organized fan zones: since 2021, youth projects have been organizing special fan sectors at the Mustafa Chaker stadium in Blida. Everything is synchronized: uniforms, clapping rhythms, signals for the fire show.
Tifos created by local students: entire art departments develop huge canvases and performances. At the game against Egypt in 2024, a banner fifty meters long was unfurled, depicting the team as desert warriors.
Mobile "sound teams": portable speakers carry songs to markets and bus stops, and teenage crews keep an eye on them. The loudest? "Group 12" from Setif—they are known throughout the country.
The sound does not get stuck in the stands. It breaks out—flows through the streets, is absorbed into cafes, and is heard even in taxis. For ninety minutes, the entire country sounds with one voice.
What starts on the streets quickly moves online—Algerian youth are dictating the football agenda wherever they can write and like. Just look at this:
Before matches, TikTok is filled with makeup tutorials in the colors of the flag. After victories, Twitter and Telegram are full of memes, goal montages, and reaction clips. But this is not just content, but real digital holidays: they discuss every moment, argue, joke, argue again—and, of course, post photos in uniform.
Football has long been intertwined with creativity here. Artists such as Mounir Fatmi and Khaled Tamzali have left entire walls of murals in Algeria—the national team players on them are like heroes of folk epics. In Tlemcen, graffiti with Yacine Brahimi looks out onto a school yard, and under this drawing, teenagers kick a ball every evening.
Music also lives by football. In 2022, Cheb Bilal released the track "Ma3ak ya Djazair"—it became almost the second anthem at all street festivals. In 2023, DJ Snake blew up social networks with a remix, where he mixed the old paradise with football chants. As soon as Algeria scores, the volume in the cafes immediately increases. Even classic shaabi performers do not ignore it: they add "One, Two, Three" between verses at concerts. All this is part of the country's general football pulse.
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For young Algerians, football is not only about fandom, but also about affinity. Their idols grew up on the same streets, attended the same schools, and shared the same dreams. Here's how this connection manifests itself in practice:
Ryan Ait Nouri: Born in Montreuil, he absorbed Algerian traditions from childhood, and is now a starting player for Wolverhampton Wanderers and a regular member of the national team.
Houssem Aouar: A product of the suburbs of Lyon, he chose Algeria in 2023 and immediately became a favorite of the youth; his transfer was discussed in all fan groups in the country.
Fares Chaibi: The guy is only 22, but after a brilliant season in Frankfurt, he was called up to the national team. Young people appreciate him for his simplicity and openness; he does not pretend to be a star.
Mohamed Amoura: A fast forward from Jijel, now scores for Belgian club Saint-Gilloise. In the playgrounds, children copy his gestures after goals, as if they were playing in a stadium.
When they score, the joy is truly shared, as if the entire neighborhood has shared the success. These are not just footballers: for many, they are big brothers, legends of the neighborhood, kindred spirits.
First you hear, then you see. Balls are pounding the asphalt in Bab El Oued, in the desert; kids are chasing the sand with the same passion as they cheer in the stands. Street football schools, such as ACA Blida and DZ Talents, note that during the years of major tournaments, the number of people interested increases by a third.
And this passion does not go unsupported. The FAF Youth Development Program in 2023 has already covered 18 regional centers, reaching more than 12,000 young players aged 8 to 18 years old. Scouts are increasingly appearing at school matches; now, everyone who dreams has a chance to receive an invitation. The Algerian national team jersey is not just fabric, but a real opportunity.
Even universities have joined in. In 2024, the University of Algiers launched its magazine on youth sports, now featuring serious coverage of student stars and tournaments. Football talk is not only in cafes, but also in auditoriums, at exhibitions, and in cultural centers. This spirit is everywhere.
It's not just shouting from the stands. It's life, it's breathing, it's a real belief in the color green. For the Algerian youth, the team is a reflection of themselves: strength, unity, and confidence in the future. In every stroke of paint on their cheeks, in every flag hung on the balcony, in every chorus that echoes through the city's backstreets, this support resounds throughout the streets. The love for the team here never abates for a day. It's always there, always alive, always loud.
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Released: 27 June 2025 Director: Gerard Johnstone Starring: Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Jenna Davis, Amie Donald, Ivanna Sakhno, Brian Jordan Alvarez, Jen Van Epps, Aristotle Athari & Jemaine Clement In the age of IP and nostalgic familiarity, you have to give M3GAN 2.0 credit for seeking something different for its sequel. Writer and director Gerald […]
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Boxing is not only a fight in the ring, but also many months of training, requiring athletes to undergo tremendous physical and mental strain. The bodies and minds of professional boxers must be synchronised to withstand intense bouts and allow them to maintain a high level for 10-12 rounds.
The key qualities here are strength, endurance, muscular coordination and psychological stability. They can only be achieved through a comprehensive, well-thought-out training system. In this article, we with experts from ringboxingclub.com will look in detail at what training methods professional boxers use to achieve the best physical shape.
Before we get into specific techniques, let's break down the basics of the training process.
Professional training of boxers is based on the principle of cyclicality and periodisation. This means that training should focus on different aspects of physical fitness: strength endurance, aerobic stability, speed, technique and recovery.
Too high frequency and intensity of training are some of the most common mistakes made by novice athletes. Professional boxers, on the other hand, strictly follow a recovery regime including sleep, massage, nutrition and psychological relief.
Each fighter has his own style: some use aggressive attack, others counterattack. Therefore, the training methods are adapted to the specific athlete.
Boxing requires not only accuracy and speed, but also the ability to deliver a powerful punch at the right moment. For this purpose, explosive strength, power of the body and legs are developed.
Professional boxers avoid isolation exercises and do not pump muscles like a bodybuilder does. Instead, they resort to functional training, which activates several muscle groups at once.
The main examples of exercises include explosive squats with dumbbells, throwing a kettlebell upwards with one hand, push-ups with claps, jumping up on a bollard. These workouts are not aimed at gaining mass, but at the instantaneous muscle contraction critical for taking a punch from an opponent.
The muscular frame is the foundation of any kick. Examples of exercises include twisting with a medicine ball, side planks with pelvic raises and standing rope pulls. These exercises develop stability and control of movement, improving balance and punching power.
Boxing is a marathon at a sprint pace. Professional boxing fights last from 6 to 12 rounds of 3 minutes each with short breaks. This is enough to exhaust the body of an untrained fighter.
Preparation involves a combination of long cardio sessions and intense interval training. Aerobic exercise (jogging, jumping rope, cycling) is used to increase resistance to fatigue. Interval training (sparring, exercise bikes, 400m sprints) builds anaerobic endurance and the ability to perform at peak performance despite oxygen deficiency.
Force without speed is ineffective. The blow must be not only powerful, but also fast to take the opponent by surprise. To train this skill, plyometrics (jumps, medicine ball throws), paw combinations with a trainer and shadowboxing with emphasis on explosion are used. Coordination ladder and hurdle workouts are also included to develop leg quickness.
To improve reaction and visual perception, boxers use catching a tennis ball from a wall, reaction simulators (e.g. BlazePod), fighting with a "pendulum" - a bag on a rubber band moving unpredictably.
Strength and speed are useless without technique. Every day professional fighters perfect punches, defences, leg movements, clinch and counterattacks. And their coaches constantly complicate the exercises by simulating real-life situations.
There are different types of sparring:
Technical - with an emphasis on techniques;
The control one is closer to real combat;
Defensive - practising dodges, blocks, legs.
Experienced fighters combine 3-5 rounds of sparring 2-3 times a week, matching partners by weight and style.
Psychological preparation is as important as physical preparation. Panic, aggression, uncertainty - all of these reactions can rob you of victory in the ring.
Professionals practice fight visualisation, breath control and meditation before and after training. Some fighters work with sports psychologists to build psychological resilience to stress.
You can't progress without a proper approach to nutrition and recovery.
Most boxers work with professional nutritionists. The key aspects of such nutrition are a balanced diet, avoiding sugar, alcohol and fast food, eating every 2-3 hours, and maintaining water balance. Nutrition varies depending on the cycle (drying, weight gain, weight maintenance).
In order not to overload the body, 7-9 hours of sleep, massage, bath, cryo-chamber, active recovery - swimming, yoga, rest from sparring if CNS overload.
Today's boxers use high-tech tools:
Monitoring of HR, VO2 max, heart rate variability;
Analysing techniques with video and AI;
Use of sports trackers and GPS during running and training.
Altitude tents are also used, creating low oxygen conditions to stimulate endurance.
Here are three generalised categories of training that combine to give a fighter strength, endurance and wins:
Functional strength and explosion - exercises with your own body weight, kettlebells, resistance bands and medicine ball;
Aerobic and anaerobic endurance - running, jump rope, intervals and sparring;
Techniques and tactics - paws, bag, shadowboxing, sparring and video of his own fights.
Professional boxing is a multi-layered training system that includes technical, physical, mental and recovery work. Modern boxers combine traditional methods with a scientific approach to achieve outstanding results.
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Charities supporting people with long-term health conditions carry a vital responsibility — especially when it comes to complex diagnoses like Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS). As demand grows and the needs of service users evolve, it becomes increasingly important for organisations to adapt, expand, and deliver services that make a real difference.
For MS charities, continuous improvement is essential. With the right planning, insight, and professional support, these organisations can become even more effective in supporting people affected by PPMS. One of the most valuable resources available to help make this happen is the guidance of experienced charity consultants.
PPMS is a form of multiple sclerosis that involves a steady progression of symptoms over time, without the periods of relapse and remission seen in other types. This often leads to challenges in mobility, fatigue management, and access to consistent care. People living with PPMS often require specific support that’s tailored, ongoing, and holistic.
MS charities play a vital role in providing that support — whether through physiotherapy programmes, peer support groups, emotional wellbeing services, or practical aids. But providing these services at scale, and at the standard needed, requires clarity of purpose, sustainable funding, and strong internal operations.
This is where charity consultants can be invaluable. These professionals work alongside charities to help them plan strategically, operate efficiently, and grow in the right direction. For organisations supporting people with PPMS, consultants can help identify gaps in service delivery, streamline operations, improve governance, and develop targeted fundraising strategies to reach more people in need.
Bringing in charity consultants doesn’t mean handing over control — it means bringing in an outside perspective with experience and insight. This can be especially useful during periods of growth, structural change, or when launching new services focused specifically on PPMS care and management.
By helping charities align their mission with practical action, consultants allow staff and trustees to stay focused on what matters most: making a meaningful difference to people’s lives.
People living with PPMS often face a unique set of challenges, including limited treatment options and a progressive loss of mobility. MS charities must be able to respond to these needs with programmes that are not only well-funded but also flexible and person-centred.
Whether it’s developing a better outreach strategy, securing multi-year grants, or training volunteers to work specifically with PPMS clients, charity consultants can help design systems that are both sustainable and responsive. This ensures the charity is not just offering support — but offering the right support in the right way.
Supporting people with PPMS isn’t just about the present — it’s about building long-term solutions. The demand for condition-specific care is increasing, and charities must be equipped to evolve with the communities they serve.
Investing in external expertise can feel like a big step, especially for smaller organisations. But working with charity consultants is often the first move in strengthening a charity’s future and expanding its reach — particularly when the goal is to better support individuals dealing with lifelong and progressive health conditions like PPMS.
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Every year brings new trends and priorities when it comes to enhancing our homes. Whether you’re looking to boost your property’s value, improve energy efficiency, or simply create a more comfortable living environment, choosing the right upgrades can make a big difference. In 2025, homeowners are focusing on sustainable solutions, wellbeing, and subtle aesthetic touches that bring everyday joy. Here are some of the best home improvements to consider this year.
One of the most impactful upgrades you can make is investing in renewable energy. Hiring professional solar panel installers is a great step toward reducing your home’s carbon footprint and lowering electricity bills. Advances in solar technology mean panels are more efficient and affordable than ever before, making this an accessible option for many households.
A good solar panel installation can increase your home’s value while also helping you take control of your energy consumption. Many installers offer comprehensive services, including assessment, installation, and maintenance, ensuring you get the most from your investment. With the UK government continuing to support green energy initiatives, there’s no better time to consider solar panels.
The ambiance of your home plays a crucial role in your wellbeing. Incorporating scents for the home, such as essential oil diffusers, scented candles, or natural incense, can elevate your living space and reduce stress. Certain fragrances like lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus are known for their calming and mood-enhancing properties.
Adding these subtle scent elements to your home is a simple yet effective improvement. It complements your décor and makes everyday living more enjoyable. Whether you prefer a single signature scent or like to change fragrances with the seasons, incorporating home scents supports a more peaceful and inviting atmosphere.
Lighting is often overlooked in home improvements but has a significant impact on comfort and energy use. Switching to smart LED bulbs allows you to control brightness, colour, and scheduling directly from your smartphone or voice assistant. This not only enhances convenience but also helps reduce electricity consumption compared to traditional bulbs.
Smart lighting systems can be customised for different rooms and moods, creating a versatile environment that adapts to your lifestyle. From bright white for productivity to warm hues for relaxation, this upgrade is both practical and modern.
Extending your living area outdoors is another popular improvement. Composite decking offers a durable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood decking. Resistant to rot, fading, and insect damage, composite decking remains looking great with minimal effort.
This type of decking is perfect for creating outdoor entertainment areas, patios, or garden paths. It’s available in a variety of finishes and colours, allowing you to match your home’s style seamlessly. Investing in composite decking can transform your garden into a year-round usable space, increasing both enjoyment and property appeal.
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LESSON #1: A TRUE KINETIC MOVIE— It helps that it’s a racing movie at its core, but F1 reminds me of a term I’ve tried to coin over the years between reviews of 2012’s Joseph Gordon-Levitt headliner Premium Rush and Edgar Wright’s maniacal Baby Driver from 2017. It’s the concept of an action subgenre I label as a “kinetic movie.” True examples of this term have their characters, cameras, and settings moving in some way, shape, or form. Kinetic movies are snappy and relentless, but are never brainless. Even if tropes or over-the-top acts are involved, they are crafty enough to bring the audience into their quickened pace without exhausting their conceits and gimmicks in the first hour. Through it all, time is their number one element, and they operate with a payoff in mind. That’s F1 to a T.
The man who keeps F1 moving is the oldest member of the main cast. Academy Award winner Brad Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a former upstart Formula One driver who left the sport during his rookie season in the 1990s era of Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna after severe injuries sustained in a gruesome crash at the Spanish Grand Prix. Since then, he’s been a twice-divorced, poker-playing ex-New York City cabbie living out of a lifted Ford Econoline camper van with a surfboard and a dirt bike rachet-strapped to it. F1 introduces Sonny going through his superstitious pre-race routine to suit up for the night shift of the 24 Hours of Daytona competition, where he improbably takes the shaky team car from seventh to first during his leg of the endurance race against drivers half his age, much to the “let him race” delight of Shea Whigham’s team owner Chip Hart.
LESSON #2: LET HIM RACE INDEED— This opening scene, complete with the start of incredible camera work from Oscar-winning Life of Pi cinematographer Claudio Miranda and a brawny beat from composer Hans Zimmer that will follow Hayes and company all movie long, establishes much about who this man is and how he operates. Sonny Hayes, on paper, is a has-been bordering on a never-was who has built a checkered past and urban legend status as a mercenary driver-for-hire. While he certainly loves the paychecks, what Sonny is honestly chasing is his personal quintessence of “flying,” where the pace, line, and feel of a race are going so perfectly that time and speed melt away. That sweet spot of comfort over adrenaline is his chosen high.
Someone who knows this about Sonny is his old Formula One rival, Ruben Cervantes, played by fellow Oscar winner Javier Bardem. Retired from the cockpit, Ruben is now the team owner of the struggling APXGP team in Formula One. Led by a promising young driver named Joshua Pearce (Outside the Wire’s Damson Idris), APX is in last place and scoreless on the season scoreboard with nine races to go. A testy board of directors, represented by Outlander villain Tobias Menzies’s Peter Banning, is likely to oust Ruben and clean house after the season without actual points or, ultimately, a win to show for their millions of invested capital. Desperate to find a mentoring teammate for Pearce and a knowledgable driver able to give tangible handling notes to technical director Kate McKenna (Kerry Condon of The Banshees of Inishirin), Ruben turns to Sonny at truck stop and talks him into returning to his old haunt of F1, prompting just about everyone in the garage and beyond to declare “Who’s this asshole?”
LESSON #3: THE WHEELED CHESS OF FORMULA ONE TEAM RACING– In a different racing movie with two roosters in the henhouse—one young and one old—F1 would rely on a pissing contest of straight speed and ego measurement. Think “rubbin’ is racing” from Days of Thunder. While speed ultimately vaults the fastest F1 driver to the checkered flag, this racing league is built on positional advantage gained from teamwork track strategies, engineering edge, calculated fuel and tire decisions, and dangerous risks you will, beyond hope, to break your way. As McKenna’s character puts it, you have twenty teams “fighting to the death for a tenth of a second.” Seeing that type of patient and long-game racing is an informative experience. Training and racing montages juxtapose the new school versus the old school approaches, battling noise and focus, between Pearce and Hayes. The plot of the film, written by former Transformers series scribe and Top Gun: Maverick Oscar nominee Ehren Kruger, banks and corners like a sports film from there, with different narrative severities of turns matching the unique tracks being conquered in the film.
Sonny Hayes gets by on conditioning, confidence, and guile, not unlike Brad Pitt himself at this stage of his illustrious career. Every bit a movie star showing off in a proudly vibrant summer film, Pitt is channeling the bravery and coolness of Paul Newman and Steve McQueen, who came before him. Newman was 44 when he made Winning, and McQueen was 41 with Le Mans and later wouldn’t live past 50. Here’s Brad Pitt, north of 60, putting himself behind the action wheel of these furious machines for stunt coordinator Adam Kirley (The Little Mermaid) alongside Damson Idris and real racers like the bankrolling producer and 7-time series champion Lewis Hamilton.
The champion’s personal involvement next to legendary Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer was to ensure his sport came out looking like the billions of bucks poured into it each season. Sure enough, the elitism of the F1 sport brought elitism of filmmaking that succeeded in that task. Perfect for the skill and savvy required of a true “kinetic movie,” director Joseph Kosinski was the ideal hire for F1: The Movie. To follow Tron: Legacy, Oblivion, and Top Gun: Maverick with this crisp, charming, and screaming banshee of a movie vaults him over the likes of Michael Bay, Justin Lin, and J.J. Abrams and next to Christopher McQuarrie and James Cameron as the best mayhem conductors and action storytellers working today.
LESSON #4: HOW DO THEY MAKE IT LOOK AND SOUND SO GOOD?-- The pulse-spiking thrills of F1’s IMAX-sized action sequences exemplify Kosinski’s high-quality filmmaking and will leave you gobsmacked and impressed. On the racecar front, Bourne franchise action vehicle supervisor Graham Kelly moves those aerodynamic gasoline dragons every which way, giving the aforementioned Claudio Miranda a plethora of mounts and positions to track, whip, zoom, and pan the balletic and perilous movement. As evident by The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Top Gun: Maverick, Miranda knows how to do two things, among many, really well: capture the best vehicle-mounted film footage in the business and make Brad Pitt look dreamy. Traffic Academy Award winner Stephen Mirrione hones the rest with expert splicing and shot selection variety in the editor’s chair. Very few features this enormous at 156 minutes have ever expedited time so well or sustained so many spiked pulse rates.
Right on down to frequent fireworks that reach a Blow Out level of enveloping, spectacular dazzle, the athletic and moviemaking muscles are flexing in tandem to a stupendous degree in F1: The Movie. Goodness gracious, you could bottle this movie’s testosterone and outsell Nugenix and burn the publishing presses of Men’s Health to the ground with its vigor. Through it all, there Brad Pitt is, glowing like a lithe, tanned, and tattooed demigod putting everyone else to shame.
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The organisers of the Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival are excited to announce that the Iris Industry Day will take place on Wednesday 15 October 2025. The Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival – celebrating global stories and Cardiff charm, supported by The Michael Bishop Foundation, will return for its 19th edition on Monday 13 October […]
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Every year brings new trends and priorities when it comes to enhancing our homes. Whether you’re looking to boost your property’s value, improve energy efficiency, or simply create a more comfortable living environment, choosing the right upgrades can make a big difference. In 2025, homeowners are focusing on sustainable solutions, wellbeing, and subtle aesthetic touches that bring everyday joy. Here are some of the best home improvements to consider this year.
One of the most impactful upgrades you can make is investing in renewable energy. Hiring professional solar panel installers is a great step toward reducing your home’s carbon footprint and lowering electricity bills. Advances in solar technology mean panels are more efficient and affordable than ever before, making this an accessible option for many households.
A good solar panel installation can increase your home’s value while also helping you take control of your energy consumption. Many installers offer comprehensive services, including assessment, installation, and maintenance, ensuring you get the most from your investment. With the UK government continuing to support green energy initiatives, there’s no better time to consider solar panels.
The ambiance of your home plays a crucial role in your wellbeing. Incorporating scents for the home, such as essential oil diffusers, scented candles, or natural incense, can elevate your living space and reduce stress. Certain fragrances like lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus are known for their calming and mood-enhancing properties.
Adding these subtle scent elements to your home is a simple yet effective improvement. It complements your décor and makes everyday living more enjoyable. Whether you prefer a single signature scent or like to change fragrances with the seasons, incorporating home scents supports a more peaceful and inviting atmosphere.
Lighting is often overlooked in home improvements but has a significant impact on comfort and energy use. Switching to smart LED bulbs allows you to control brightness, colour, and scheduling directly from your smartphone or voice assistant. This not only enhances convenience but also helps reduce electricity consumption compared to traditional bulbs.
Smart lighting systems can be customised for different rooms and moods, creating a versatile environment that adapts to your lifestyle. From bright white for productivity to warm hues for relaxation, this upgrade is both practical and modern.
Extending your living area outdoors is another popular improvement. Composite decking offers a durable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood decking. Resistant to rot, fading, and insect damage, composite decking remains looking great with minimal effort.
This type of decking is perfect for creating outdoor entertainment areas, patios, or garden paths. It’s available in a variety of finishes and colours, allowing you to match your home’s style seamlessly. Investing in composite decking can transform your garden into a year-round usable space, increasing both enjoyment and property appeal.
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Running a business in 2025 demands a proactive approach, whether you're competing for new contracts or keeping your online presence polished and secure. With technology evolving and competition increasing, business owners must stay alert to the kinds of support that can make daily operations more efficient and success more achievable. Here are two business solutions that can dramatically improve how your company functions, plus some other essentials to consider this year.
For many organisations—particularly those in construction, healthcare, or consultancy—winning tenders and contracts is crucial to growth. However, the bidding process is time-consuming, technical, and competitive. This is where professional bid writing services come in.
Experienced bid writers understand the nuances of different sectors, funding bodies, and procurement frameworks. They can take your business objectives and craft persuasive, well-structured bids that meet exacting requirements and maximise your chances of success. Whether it's a public sector tender or a private contract, having experts handle your submission can save time and increase revenue.
Outsourcing this work allows your internal team to focus on service delivery while knowing your proposals are in capable hands. It’s an investment that often pays for itself many times over.
A well-functioning website is no longer just a digital brochure—it’s the foundation of your brand and business operations. However, managing a WordPress site can be a complex task, especially when it comes to security patches, plugin updates, and performance optimisation. That’s where wordpress maintenance packages offer real value.
These services typically include regular backups, malware scans, core and plugin updates, and uptime monitoring. By subscribing to a tailored package, you reduce the risk of downtime and security breaches while ensuring that your website continues to offer a smooth user experience.
This peace of mind is invaluable for businesses that rely heavily on online leads or e-commerce. You don’t have to be a tech expert to maintain a professional, secure website—just work with a provider who offers reliable WordPress support.
Efficient document handling is another area that can transform your business’s agility and organisation. Investing in a cloud-based document management system—or working with a provider who offers reliable scanning, storage, and retrieval—helps streamline your admin processes and enables remote access when needed. It reduces clutter, boosts compliance, and makes collaboration easier across teams.
With more businesses operating on hybrid models, digital document solutions are becoming essential rather than optional. It’s a smart way to future-proof your operations.
Clear, consistent branding and communication are crucial as your business grows. From professional email domains and brand guidelines to scalable customer relationship management (CRM) systems, having the right infrastructure in place helps you appear credible and stay organised.
Modern CRM platforms, for example, make it easier to track client interactions, send targeted emails, and automate follow-ups—freeing up time for your team to focus on relationship-building rather than admin.
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Familiar Touch introduces a senior woman named Ruth, played by Kathleen Chalfant of Old and Duplicity, working in her modest home. She’s torn momentarily on what to wear to start the day, flipping through the hanging garments in her closet. Once settled, Ruth moves to the kitchen and begins to prepare a pair of open-faced breakfast sandwiches. The preparation looks intricate and delicious. Ruth seems fine in her home until she takes a piece of toast, turns from the counter, and slots it into the vertical dish rack over the sink, as if it were a plate to dry.
As a viewer of Familiar Touch, we catch it, and our head tilts a bit. Maybe Ruth, as a cook or chef, has some special technique for toast prep we don’t know about. She goes back to her room for another outfit change and greets her breakfast guest, a bearded middle-aged man with glasses and thinning hair (Bob’s Burgers voice actor H. Jon Benjamin). After she forgets his name and profession, he reintroduces himself as Steve, an architect. Answering his questions, Ruth is surprised he seemingly knows so many details about her, her husband, and her father. Gladdened, she affectionately puts her hand on his knee, almost in a pursuantly romantic fashion.
That move switches the mood of Familiar Touch. This man knows enough details, where we ascertain that Steve is her son, and she doesn’t know it. As they move to the car for a ride, he’s whisking her off to a senior living center, not a hotel for a getaway. When they arrive for the check-in, Steve changes the way he talks to Ruth. He drops the “Mom” line to get her attention, and the atmosphere again moves to something more and more fragile.
Ruth, nor the film, ever goes back for that slice of toast in the dish rack.
LESSON #1: A DIFFERENT TYPE OF ALZHEIMER’S MOVIE— From that tender opening scene, the stage is set for writer-director Sarah Friedland’s sophomore feature film. There is no musical score. There is no voiceover or narration. Only through body language, words, and actions do we know what Ruth is feeling and thinking. Unlike other common stories for similar films, the descent Ruth has taken into dementia has already happened. This isn’t the type of movie where we painfully watch a character lose their grasp on reality with monologues and mistakes alongside family characters fighting to keep their loved one engaged in the present with their fullest faculties. The crowd-swelling fight is long over.
No, Familiar Touch is about the transition into a different normalcy for this proud woman. Director of photography Gabe Elder (The Sparks Brothers) uses the running time here to voyeuristically follow Ruth as she acclimates herself to new surroundings. She can try the line of “I’m not one of those elderly people you have to watch constantly,” but we already know that’s not the case, or Steve wouldn’t be here. Forgotten in her memory, Ruth actually chose and arranged this place several months ago on a previous tour. They’ve been expecting her and Steve, and today is the day for Room 318 to get its new tenant. Rus
LESSON #2: SETTING NEW ROUTINES FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT RETAIN NEW ROUTINES— Ruth is assigned to a nurse named Vanessa (Carolyn Michelle of TV’s The Chi) the physician Brian (Andy McQueen, seen soon in Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest alongside Denzel Washington), who will see to her care. As we see when Ruth is pointed to a table in the dining hall, sits down asking for a menu, only to meet and question the cook (Mike G. of The Way Back), we see this is going to take some time. That’s certainly the case the next day when Ruth, remembering her old life, grabs an apron, heads to the kitchen, and reinvents the morning breakfast with a new flair as if it’s a day at work in “her” kitchen 40 years ago.
LESSON #3: THE PATIENCE REQUIRED OF CAREGIVERS— Even at a film’s selective pace to go through this adjustment period for its protagonist, Familiar Touch informs us on the prescribed purposes and, even greater, the immense patience required of good caregivers in facilities like this. What goes on might not be exciting or life-changing, but when done right, the way of life organized and built by the workers maintains a person’s dignity and value through conveyed patience. While there are likely plenty of abusive horror stories out there of harsher treatment at senior centers (even the cartoonish types like Ben Stiller’s character Hal in Happy Gilmore), kindness is at the forefront here in Friendland’s movie, where Carolyn Michelle’s performance is as wonderful and nuanced as Chalfant’s in the lead.
Filming for Familiar Touch was done in collaboration with the residents and staff of Villa Gardens Continuing Care Retirement Community in New York. Backed by casting agent Betsy Fippinger (Eighth Grade and Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret), 67 residents, 13 staff members, and 12 caregiving and geriatrician consultants were credited for their involvement in making the movie, granting a tangible and uplifting authenticity that we’re being shown a positive standard of care and not an entirely sugarcoated movie version, just to perk up a plot with conflict.
LESSON #4: THE REALIZATION OF TRUTH— Vanessa’s line of “Your truth and ours are just a little different, and that’s OK” rings truest of all intentions laid by the film. Realization of the truth comes and goes, which can be difficult to comprehend from the outside looking in. Familiar Touch, without title cards, a calendar, or a clock to create any discernible—nor necessary, for that matter—passage of time, visits the different therapy and activity steps set up for Ruth, shown in a quiet montage arranged by Pachinko editor Aacharee Ungsriwong from water therapy to social time with fellow residents. Little exposition is given. It’s up to us to watch and learn as Ruth does.
And watch we do! Kathleen Chalfant’s creative and expressive character work in Familiar Touch is magnetic and appealing. Ever since that toast, we are attuned to watch her every move, and carry on that hope for improvement and success through the film. When she hits those goals to feel alive and useful, we feel them too and applaud the moments. Yet, mistakes and misunderstandings do come. In contrast, we’re never wallowing when the film is down either, thanks to the wide appreciation given to the setting used for Familiar Touch. In a rare development, the setting goes on to warm our hearts as much as the woman we’ve come to know walking its hallways.
LOGO DESIGNED BY MEENTS ILLUSTRATED (#1315)
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For their 201st episode, two mask-pulling film critics, two special agent dads, and two stuntman teachers, Will Johnson and Don Shanahan, begin a group of retrospective episodes reflecting on the recently finalized Mission: Impossible franchise. Taking them a pair at a time, this first episode covers Brian De Palma's Mission: Impossible from 1996 and its wild 2000 sequel M:I-2 from director John Woo. Will and Don are united in praising these two standalone adventures that flaunted what made Tom Cruise and this series interesting and cool before the larger and increasingly overinflated arc would take over later. Come learn more and stay for the mutual love and respect that fun movies encapsulate. Enjoy our podcast!
Cinephile Hissy Fit is a Film Obsessive media podcast, brought to you by the Ruminations Radio Network, and a member of the Critics Choice Podcast Network. Please visit, rate, review and subscribe. If you enjoyed this show, we have more where that came from, with interesting hosts, and wonderful guests. All are available on iTunes, Spotify, and anywhere you find your favorite shows. Follow the show on Twitter at @CinephileFit and on Facebook. Also, find both Will Johnson and Don Shanahan on Letterboxd as they accumulate their viewings and build their ranks and lists. Lastly, check out their TeePublic store for merchandise options from stickers to t-shirts!
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