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Olandria Carthen May Not Have Won Love Island—But She’s Certainly The Show’s Biggest Star

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Okay, can we talk about how Love Island USA Season 7 gave us one of the biggest glow-ups in the show’s history? 

Because even though Olandria Carthen didn’t win, she somehow became the name everyone remembers. 

From her Tuskegee pride to her real-life hustle, Olandria basically walked into that villa as the underdog and left as the main character. The cameras may have stopped rolling, but her story’s only getting started.

From Alabama Hustle to Reality TV Spotlight

Before Love Island, Olandria wasn’t sipping mimosas by the pool, she was out there grinding. Born and raised in Decatur, Alabama, she’s a Tuskegee University alum who worked her way through college, literally. I’m talking long shifts at a plant with her mom, cleaning rentals for $200 a pop, and still managing to keep her grades up.

When she couldn’t afford tuition, she wrote letters to donors and alumni asking for help, explaining her story and attaching her transcript. So when she walked into that Love Island villa, smiling, confident, and unapologetically herself, she wasn’t just another contestant. She was a woman who’d already overcome way harder things than a TV dating show.

#NicOlandria: The Couple Everyone Can’t Stop Talking About

Now let’s get into the fun part: the “Nick and Olandria Love Island” storyline. Because whew! 

the villa wouldn’t have been the same without them. From their first flirty conversation, fans were invested.

The chemistry was immediately electric. But as Love Island fans know, paradise is temporary and drama is eternal. Things didn’t quite go as expected between the two at first, but then, everything changed and now, they’re regarded as the power couple of the season (I know that’s right!) 

From the Villa to the Boardroom

While most Islanders return home to figure out their next steps, Olandria came back to a full-blown business empire waiting for her and I’m not even exaggerating. During a talk at the Her Conference “Butterfly Tour” at Texas A&M, she shared that her friends had basically turned into her PR team while she was in the villa. They managed her socials, handled brand emails, and kept things running like she was Beyoncé on tour.

“My friends even made a professional email for me for brands to contact me while I was in the villa,” she said. “They were emailing them back, handling all of that. I came back to an inbox with thousands and thousands of brand partnerships.”

Let’s just say she didn’t waste a second. With her manager onboard, she started signing deals with heavy-hitting brands like Microsoft, NYX Cosmetics, Aveeno, Vaseline, and Sweetgreen. Not bad for someone who left a reality show just a few months ago.

Still Repping Her Roots

What’s really refreshing about Olandria is that she never forgot where she came from. While some reality stars get lost in the influencer sauce, she’s still grounded, still proud of her HBCU story. In fact, she recently returned to Tuskegee for a Back 2 School Kickoff event with Amazon, giving back to the same community that helped make her into the person she is today. 

She’s open about her journey, about what it means to be a first-generation college graduate, to struggle financially, and to still chase your dreams no matter what. Just by looking at the way she lives her life, it’s easy to tell that Olandria is the kind of person that shows that success can come from hard work, a strong support system, and a little bit of faith.

And I’ll be real; seeing someone go from cleaning rentals for tuition money to partnering with global brands? That’s the kind of storyline that deserves its own season.

Why Everyone’s Still Obsessed with Her

Like clockwork, a lot (and I mean a LOT) of reality stars come and go. We root for them for a few episodes, maybe follow them for a bit, and then move on to the next shiny thing. But Olandria Carthen? She’s stuck with people.

All of this is because she’s ambitious without being arrogant, she’s beautiful without being fake, and she represents something we don’t see enough on reality TV—an authentic, hardworking woman who actually stands for something beyond the screen.

Her Love Island journey may have started as entertainment, but it turned into inspiration. She made young women, especially those from HBCUs or small towns, see that their stories matter too. That they can go from “no one’s heard of me” to “everyone’s talking about me” without compromising who they are.

So yeah, Olandria Carthen didn’t get the cash prize. But she walked away with something way more valuable: her independence, her platform, and her purpose. She’s using her fame to inspire, to represent, and to show that being the “it girl” doesn’t mean losing yourself, it means leveling up while staying true to who you are.

At this point, calling her a Love Island contestant feels outdated. She’s a brand, a storyteller, and the kind of woman you can’t help but root for.

Blog

Drake’s Lawsuit Against Kendrick Got Dismissed? Another Loss For The Supposed “Culture Vulture”?

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You know hip-hop’s gone full soap opera when Drake ends up suing his own record label. 

Yep, you read that right—and now, the Drake lawsuit against Kendrick and Universal Music Group (UMG) has officially been tossed out. 

Wait, Drake Sued His Own Label?

Earlier this year, the Nokia singer filed a federal lawsuit against Universal Music Group (the same people who release his albums, by the way) claiming they helped promote Kendrick Lamar’s mega-viral diss track “Not Like Us.”

According to Drake’s team, the song wasn’t just lyrical shade. It supposedly spread “false and defamatory” claims that hurt his reputation and even put him in danger. He blamed the track’s popularity for break-in attempts at his Toronto home and for an incident where his security guard got shot.

To make things worse, the single’s artwork showed a satellite image of his mansion with fake “sex offender” markers all over it. 

Drake said UMG knew it was misleading but pushed it anyway for views and engagement. And so, the lawsuit was born.

The Judge’s Verdict Didn’t Take Drake Seriously

A Federal Judge in charge of the case, Judge Jeannette A. Vargas officially dismissed the case and her reasoning was basically: nobody takes rap beef literally.

She ruled that Kendrick’s lyrics were opinions, not facts, and that the “heated rap battle” context made it obvious to any listener that the accusations weren’t meant to be believed.

But what about the fake sex-offender map? 

Well, the judge called it “obviously exaggerated and doctored.” In other words: no, no one thinks law enforcement labeled Drake’s home. 

So yeah, safe to say the court wasn’t buying what Drake was selling.

Drake’s Team Isn’t Done Yet

Right after the ruling dropped, Drake’s lawyers came out swinging with a promise to appeal. They’re still arguing that UMG crossed the line by promoting a track they say led to real-world harm.

That means this isn’t over and (knowing how hurt Drake was by this whole thing), we can expect another Drake lawsuit update soon. 

UMG’s Clapback Was Pure Corporate Shade

Meanwhile, Universal Music Group’s statement could’ve been a diss track of its own. They didn’t just celebrate their win, they took the petty route and dragged him a little in the process.

UMG’s lawyers said Drake should “accept the loss like the unbothered rap artist he often claims to be.” 

Oof.

They went on to call the lawsuit “an affront to all artists and their creative expression” and said it “never should have seen the light of day.” Still, they ended their statement by saying they “look forward to continuing to promote Drake’s music.” 

Translation: we’ll keep cutting the checks, but please chill with the lawsuits.

Drake vs. Kendrick: The Feud That Won’t Die

At this point, the Drake-Kendrick saga might just end up being one of the most interesting rap beefs in Hip-Hop culture. “Not Like Us” became one of the biggest cultural moments of 2025. It broke records, inspired TikTok dances and had fans declaring Kendrick the new king of the diss track.

Drake fired back with his own responses, but this time, most of the public sided with Kendrick. And now that the case has been dismissed, Kendrick’s “W” just got even bigger.

It’s wild, though, because Drake’s no stranger to feuds—from Meek Mill to Pusha T, he’s been through this before. Which is why a lot of fans found it ironic that he was the one saying the other guy went too far.

In hip-hop, everyone knows the difference between bars and reality. And if you’re going to step into the lyrical ring, you can’t call foul when the punches land harder than expected.

What’s Next for Drake?

Drake’s camp says they’re appealing, so technically, round two is coming. But public opinion might already be decided. The court threw out his case, UMG dropped their statement, and Kendrick’s fans are somewhere quoting “Not Like Us” like scripture.

Maybe Drake will drop another diss track. Maybe he’ll take UMG’s advice and “accept the loss like the unbothered rap artist he often claims to be.” Either way, this feud just became part of hip-hop history, and we’re all just here for the entertainment.

Blog

Cardi B Might Be the Drama, And Honestly, She’s Living for It

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Is “Am I the Drama?” a rhetorical question? Because let’s be honest, Cardi B is absolutely the drama, and she’s thriving off every bit of it. 

The girl just dropped her long-awaited album Am I the Drama?, and within days, she’s already knee-deep in another Twitter war with Nicki Minaj. Like, can we even have a Cardi era without a little chaos? Probably not. And that’s kind of why we love her.

Cardi’s Album Drops… and the Internet Explodes

Fresh off the success of her new project, Cardi is once again proving she is absolutely the moment. Honestly, calling this an album drop feels too small—this was a full-blown detonation. The album debuted at No. 1 and is already being called one of the best-performing female rap albums in history.

Now here’s where things get interesting. 

Apparently, that success didn’t sit well with the self-proclaimed Queen of Rap, Nicki Minaj, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to accuse Cardi of inflating her sales with “bundles and discounts.” Because of course, no major female rap milestone can happen without a little smoke and side-eye.

Cardi, never one to let shade go unanswered, fired right back. “You been in the game like 16 years,” she tweeted. “You need to compare yourself to Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Drake… not me!” 

What started as petty jabs quickly turned into an all-out tweet apocalypse. Nicki went off, Cardi went off-er, and before anyone could blink, there were AI Barney memes, drug allegations, and even mentions of kids. 

Yep! things got that personal. 

By the time the dust started to settle (if we can even call it that), both women had deleted half their tweets, but the screenshots were already making rounds all over the Internet.

But Let’s Talk About the Music for a Second

Because drama aside, the music deserves its flowers. Usually, when artists who skyrocket to fame off their first album finally drop a follow-up, it’s hit or miss. But not for Cardi. This one slaps.

Critics are calling Am I the Drama? one of her most confident projects yet. The Am I the drama cardi b review wave online has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a fun (LOVE the Bodega Baddie song),  unapologetic project that mixes her signature brashness (re: the lyrics in Pretty and Petty) with unexpected vulnerability. It’s also fierce, and surprisingly introspective in moments.

The Am I The Drama cardi b lyrics are peak too. On the title track, she literally says, “I might be the problem, but I’m still the solution.” Like… that’s iconic behavior. It’s giving “yes I said it, now what?” energy. Elsewhere on the album, she experiments with new sounds, softer tones, and even hints of storytelling that remind listeners that under all that glitter and gossip, Cardi’s pen is still strong.

So… Is She the Drama? Absolutely.

Cardi doesn’t just cause drama, She is the drama. And she’s self-aware enough to own it. Her social media may be wild, but her marketing instincts? Chef’s kiss.

While Nicki’s tweets were still flying, Cardi’s album streams skyrocketed. Fans turned the feud into free promo, turning every screenshot, meme, and think piece into more buzz for Am I the Drama? The Am I the drama cardi b latest stats show her streaming numbers shooting through the roof. Coincidence? I think NOT. Cardi’s too strategic for that.

That’s the difference between messy and masterful. Love her or hate her, you can’t ignore her. Because while the internet’s still arguing over who the “real queen of rap” is, Cardi’s out here breaking records, raising kids, dropping bangers, and giving us viral moments for days.

In the end, maybe Am I the Drama? isn’t really a question at all. It’s a statement, and it’s one only Cardi could pull off. So yeah, she’s the drama. And in 2025? That’s exactly what the culture needs.

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Is Fantastic Four (2025) Marvel’s Best Comeback Yet?

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After what seems like 123,456,789 attempts at trying to make the perfect Fantastic Four movie, Marvel may have finally gotten it right. 

The cinematic universe has somehow remembered that this story was never about dark realism or angsty heroes. It’s about a weird, lovable make-shift family of superpowered nerds trying to keep it together.

And it is glorious!

The Fantastic 4 Movies Across The Years

Marvel has had a rough couple of years: a few hits, too many misses, and fans starting to drift away from the cinematic universe as a whole. But Fantastic Four (2025) feels like a creative reset. It’s not trying too hard to connect to twenty other films or shove in cameos. It’s just telling a good story with charm, humor, and a genuine sense of fun.

Back to the Sixties (Kind Of)

This version, titled Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025), throws the audience into a retro-futurist New York (think 1960s sci-fi with flying cars and round TVs). It’s nostalgic, colorful, and weird (which is honestly very fitting for the storyline, to be honest.)

In the movie, Pedro Pascal graces the screen once again, but this time as Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic). 

This time around, however, Reed isn’t your typical brooding genius. Instead, he’s awkward, warm, and often hilariously overconfident. Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm (the Invisible Woman) is, in Gen Z speak, “MOTHER.” She brings calm to the chaos, balancing Reed’s restless energy with wit, strength, and insane amount of aura.

Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn) is pure charisma as the Human Torch, while Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Ben Grimm, the rock-skinned Thing, is a total scene-stealer. His dry humor and heart make him one of Marvel’s most endearing characters in years. Together, they’re messy, relatable, and incredibly fun to watch, kind of like The Incredibles met I Love Lucy on caffeine.

Cosmic Chaos: Silver Surfer and Galactus

Then comes the cosmic curveball. Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer enters like a ghostly ballet dancer on a board of light. The Fantastic Four (2025) Silver Surfer scenes are visually stunning and emotionally charged which helps to add real depth to the story. And right behind her looms Galactus. Ralph Ineson’s deep, bone-rattling voice gives the gives the planet-eating giant a terrifying, godlike presence. The Fantastic Four (2025) Galactus sequence turns the movie’s energy up to eleven. It is massive, dramatic, and visually jaw-dropping in that classic Marvel way.

Now let’s talk about that scene—the Fantastic Four Dr Doom scene. No spoilers, but it’s easily one of the coolest post-credit moments Marvel’s pulled off in a long time. It’s just a glimpse, but that’s all it takes. Fans in my theater literally gasped. And if the next movie delivers on that tease? Yeah, it’s going to be huge.

A Love Letter to Comic Book Weirdness

Director Matt Shakman (yep, the guy behind WandaVision) clearly gets what makes this team special. He leans into the old-school comic book energy by seamlessly incorporating the color, the optimism, the playful banter, all without making it feel corny. The production design is pure retro eye candy, with every costume and gadget bursting with personality.

Even before opening weekend ended, Fantastic Four Marvel movie box office numbers were already looking strong which just goes to show that audiences are hungry for something light, warm, and a little silly again.

If you’re tired of gloomy, overcomplicated superhero movies, Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) might just be your palate cleanser. It’s charming, it’s goofy, and it’s absolutely worth the trip to the theater.

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The Thursday Murder Club Netflix Review: Seniors, Secrets, and Seriously Good Fun

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If you’ve been missing a good old-fashioned British mystery with a generous dose of charm and chaos, The Thursday Murder Club might just be your next Netflix obsession. 

Based on Richard Osman’s wildly successful novel, this new Thursday Murder Club Netflix series gives “cosy crime” a shiny streaming-era glow complete with a star-studded cast and enough tea, wit and twists to keep you smiling through every scene. The thrilling limited series starts off inside Coopers Chase, a luxurious retirement community that looks like it was designed by someone who couldn’t decide between Downton Abbey and a golf resort. This beautiful haven that was meant to be very peaceful ended up being the main site for a deliciously catastrophic series of events. 

Four residents: Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron, form the so-called “Thursday Murder Club,” meeting each week to dig into old unsolved crimes. When a local developer ends up dead, their amateur sleuthing suddenly turns very real. 

A Star-Studded Cast That Shines in Every Scene

It’s almost not surprising how good the series is because The Thursday Murder Club Netflix cast is pure gold. Helen Mirren leads the pack as Elizabeth, a retired MI6 agent whose sharpness could cut glass. Pierce Brosnan brings swagger and just the right amount of roguish charm as Ron, while Ben Kingsley’s intense Ibrahim and Celia Imrie’s endlessly cheerful Joyce round out the dream team. It’s like watching a group of senior-citizen Avengers, each with their own peculiar superpower, from observation to intuition to pure stubbornness. 

Director Chris Columbus (yes, Home Alone and Harry Potter Chris Columbus) clearly understands the assignment. He somehow managed to keep things light without ever forgetting that heartwarming humor is the real hook of the story. 

Perfectly Paced and Comfortably British

Each of the Thursday Murder Club Netflix episodes is beautifully paced, without feeling too rushed or dragged out. In fact, Watch the full series and you could almost forget it’s not just a two-hour Benoit Blanc-style mystery. There’s something oddly satisfying about watching retirees outsmart both the cops and the criminals with nothing but brainpower and biscuits. The writing never feels forced. Instead, it is sharp, funny, and surprisingly touching.

What’s especially nice is how the show doesn’t lean on cheap sentimentality. Yes, there are moments that tug at your heart (especially around Elizabeth’s husband, played by Jonathan Pryce, who’s dealing with dementia), but the tone always bounces back to optimism. It’s less about dying and more about living and finding purpose no matter your age. 

Visually, the series has that polished British look with rolling lawns, soft lighting, cozy interiors and enough tweed to outfit half of Sussex. The setting feels so familiar you might start craving shortbread and afternoon tea halfway through an episode. It is clear Netflix wanted to capture the comfort factor of classic British TV while giving it a global binge-worthy appeal.

Charm Overshadows the Mystery (and That’s Okay)

Now, if there’s one tiny flaw, it’s that the mystery sometimes takes a back seat to the charm. The whodunnit aspect isn’t as nail-biting as a Knives Out (another Knives Out mention, I know. It’s a great movie franchise. Sue me.) or Broadchurch, but honestly, that’s not what this show is trying to be. 

It’s less about shock and more about the slow satisfaction of putting the puzzle pieces together while enjoying the ride. Think of it as Midsomer Murders meets The Golden Girls, and you’re pretty close.

The Thursday Murder Club Netflix review consensus so far seems to agree that the show is a comforting, well-acted slice of crime comedy that’s perfect for Sunday afternoons or late-night cozy binges. The chemistry between the leads is so natural that even when the plot veers into slightly silly territory, you don’t really mind. You’re just happy to be hanging out with these characters again.

Ultimately, The Thursday Murder Club works because it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It lets its heroes be both brilliant and vulnerable, funny and flawed. Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Celia Imrie and Ben Kingsley make growing older look like an adventure rather than a limitation. So, if you’re scrolling through Netflix this weekend and looking for something that’s equal parts clever, heartwarming, and comfortingly British, give this one a go. You might not solve a murder yourself, but you’ll definitely fall for this delightful gang of detectives.

Movies

Is James Gunn’s Superman (2025) Reboot Finally Giving the DCU Its Heart Back?

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The DCU’s reputation has taken a few bruises in recent years, that is, until… Superman (2025). 

Just by scrolling through reviews on Letterboxd, it’s easy to tell DC might have done their big one with this movie. Superman (2025) is a cinephile’s surprise and, yes, a box office dark horse. From the moment the credits roll to the instant you feel that urge to rewatch every scene, you’ll sense something new is afoot in the skies above Metropolis.

Flying Into a Fresh Dawn

Superman (2025)

Director and co-writer for the New Superman, James Gunn, brings an impressive new creative energy to the franchise. A lot of people think Gunn’s style means tossing out the mythology, but honestly, what he’s done is transform it from the inside. His version feels more introspective, more spiritually curious and far less weighed down by the usual origin retellings. He trusts the audience already knows who Superman is, and instead shows us who he can become.

Blurred Lines Between Myth and Man

Superman (2025)

In this iteration, actor David Corenswet steps into the Superman (2025) role with measured restraint. Gone is the unflappable “boy scout” mask; here is a Clark Kent who is burdened, conflicted, and still learning how to handle his power. The scenes where he pauses, torn between saving one life or twenty, are simple but deeply grounded. When he finally dons the red-and-blue, the transformation feels earned. I’ll admit: I was skeptical at first. I mean, many have tried (and failed) to replace Henry Cavill, but the contrast between Henry Cavill and David Corenswet Superman is clear… and somehow, both work.

Here’s what I mean. On one hand, Cavill’s Superman was grandiose. He has this sort of veneer of invincibility shimmering just below the surface. On the other hand, Corenswet’s Superman has a very bright personality, he feels human, hopeful, and even a little awkward—despite the huge responsibility on his shoulders.

A New Clark, A New Journey

In David Corenswet Superman Clark Kent scenes, the movie slows down. You see him fumbling through human interactions: the awkward small talk, the longing for anonymity, and how he tries his best to not let anyone down. These moments, paired with his wholesome bond with his adoptive parents, bring humanity to an almost invincible being. Of course, there’s spectacle too. There’s that incredible moment where Superman storms into Lex Luthor’s office on a mission to save his cousin’s dog, and the epic sequence where Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi) absolutely steals the show. And then there’s the shot of Superman rising from a dust-choked sky, that might just be the coolest frame in the entire movie. Gunn balances the CGI fireworks with crisp emotional tension, never letting visuals drown out the story’s heart.

Box Office Performance With Heart

Now, a movie like this one that strays away from the status quo so much might seem risky at the box office, yet Superman (2025) box office returns are exceeding expectations. Word of mouth has been strong with viewers praising the film’s fresh tone, its thematic ambition, and its willingness to ask tough questions about heroism. Still, it’s not flawless. Superman’s final monologue to Lex feels a little overcooked, and certain side characters (Ahem! Jimmy Olsen) hog more screen time than necessary. The pacing dips here and there too but those are minor quibbles compared to the emotional weight this film carries. 

What really surprised me was the humor. It sneaks in naturally—dry one-liners, clever callbacks, and warm, human banter. You’ll laugh, you’ll tear up, and if you’re smart, you’ll stick around through the credits (trust me, grab that extra snack). At the end of the day, Superman (2025) feels like a long-overdue breath of fresh air. With James Gunn at the helm and David Corenswet giving us a more “punk rock” Superman that is raw, hopeful, and heartbreakingly human, the film hooks you emotionally, thrills you visually, and reminds you why this character has endured for nearly a century.

If you’re looking for a superhero blockbuster that actually means something, that teaches what it is to fly, to protect, to carry burdens, Superman (2025) delivers.

TV Shows

Why Shanty Town Does Not Deserve Its Hype— From a Critical Lens

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January 20th, 2023 saw the release of the first season of the Nigerian crime TV series Shanty Town. The Netflix show was created by Xavier Ighorodje and Chichi Nworah, directed by Dimeji Ajibola, and produced by Ini Edo and Chichi Nworah. With six episodes, the first season featured several Nollywood stars, including Chidi Mokeme, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Ini Edo, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Nancy Isime, and Sola Sobowale.

The show was greeted with applause and social media fad mostly by people who were impressed with its free display of nudity (yeah, obviously, these individuals subscribed for Netflix, but I termed the nudity “free” because they most likely didn’t pay the subscription fee with the specific nude scenes in mind). Also, regular Nollywood movie lovers were over-excited to see the latest Nollywood show on Netflix (as of then). However, when I sat down to watch the series with an objective mind, I realized there was nothing really spectacular about it. In fact, it was relatively poor. I’ll extensively cite my reasons in the next section.

5 Reasons Shanty Town Is Not as Good as You Think

Here are some shortcomings in the first season of Shanty Town:

1. Shallow Plot

Shanty Town’s core story tries to portray a thrilling and eye-catching connection between the local crime in a slum and the criminal activities of its elite sponsors. The plot heavily depends on violence and features several criminal elements, such as illegal prostitution, drug trafficking, the use of hard drugs, homicides, trafficking of human parts, corrupt politicians, and so on. Naturally, you’d expect a show with these footing and themes to have a rich plot. Still, that’s not the case with Shanty Town. The plot is relatively basic and the show relies more on its visual presentation of violence, crime, and nudity/eroticism.

The chief antagonist of the first season, Chief DaCosta Fernández (Richard Mofe-Damijo), is depicted as a very powerful and aristocratic criminal who intends to occupy the political seat of the Governor of Lagos. This theme of big-time criminals showing interest in politics is quite common in crime shows, just like Russell “Stringer” Bell in The Wire and James “Ghost” St. Patrick in Power. However, the show doesn’t tell us much about Chief Fernández’s rise on the crime ladder and enough of his backstory. Personally, I’d have loved to know why a Nigerian from the Western Part of the country (Yorubaland) would bear both a Portuguese (or Brazilian) first name and last name.

Similarly, the kingpin of Shanty Town (the crime slum), Aboderin “Scar” (Chidi Mokeme), had no proper backstory. The show didn’t give the viewers a chance to know him deeply. We knew almost nothing about how the prostitutes came to Shanty Town, except for Shalewa (Nancy Isime), who her father brought to the Shanty Town. Still, we don’t know much about the transaction or the incident that led to it. What about the show’s portrayal of drug trafficking? Apart from the drug production and packaging scene in the first episode, we weren’t given much to talk over on the drug trade. How did they distribute the illegal substance to other parts of Lagos? Who were their connections and channels? How did they manage to pull off such a major crime?

2. Generally Poor Acting

Richard Mofe-Damijo, Sola Sobowale, and Chidi Mokeme (from left to right)

Although the first season of Shanty Town featured many prominent movie stars, the general acting in the show left a lot to be desired. This brings the proficiency of the show’s director into question. Most of the actors in the series couldn’t excellently portray the emotional aspect of their characters, properly illustrate the stories of their characters to the viewers, and take their characters off the shores of television. Not even RMD, Ini Edo, Nancy Isime, and Sola Sobowale could nail their roles. I wouldn’t want to go into detail about Shafy Bello’s nerve-racking acting. What childish badassery was that? (shakes my head).

On the contrary, Chidi Mokeme deserves credit for trying his best to sync with his character (even though I could argue that he could’ve done more). I was also awed by the fact that he spoke three different languages (Nigerian Pidgin English, Igbo, and Yoruba) fluently in the show. Nse Ikpe-Etim wasn’t bad either, but her performance wasn’t the best.

3. Inem’s Perplexing Role in the Story

Ini Edo as Inem/Amanda

Inem/Amanda (Ini Edo) was undoubtedly the most confusing character in Shanty Town. I mean, what exactly was her story? Was she an undercover police officer or an ex-convicted drug peddler and prostitute? For how long has she been an undercover police officer? Was she ever a criminal, if not, why would she fit too perfectly into the Shanty Town criminal establishment? What is the revenge-for-her-sister saga all about? Why does she seem to hold so much power in the police force and prostitution ring? These are questions with either unclear or flawed answers. At one point or the other in the show, the viewers must have gotten lost trying to figure out who she really was or is. This proves that the Inem/Amanda character and story were poorly written.

4. The Governor’s Presence in Crime Scenes

Shafy Bello as Dame Dabota

Why would the sitting Governor of Lagos State, Dame Dabota (Shafy Bello), directly meet with the kingpin of a crime slum? Didn’t she have people that could help her do her dirty jobs and criminal dealings? That’s not even the worst part. The same Governor was present at a kidnap and multiple homicides spot and was seen leaving the crime scene by police officers. Yet, the cops let her leave without batting an eyelid or thinking something was wrong like it was normal for a sitting Governor to be in such a place.

5. Redundant and Out-of-Place Action Scenes

Scar and a goon

It seems the director forgot that Shanty Town was a crime series and not an action movie in the last episode of the show’s first season. That would explain the unnecessary and prolonged action scenes in that particular episode, which were reminiscent of Den of Thieves, Commando 2: The Black Money Trail, and some Jackie Chan classics at the same time (of course, not in the quality, but in the idea). Regardless of the efforts, the action scenes were out-of-place. Furthermore, what in the name of motion pictures was the director thinking when he made Chief Fernández magically block (or catch) a bullet and redirect it to the shooter with his hand? That’s incredible in a bad way.

Bottom Line

Note that I’m not using this medium to condemn the show or the efforts of the crew and cast. However, I chose to point out the drawbacks of the first season, hoping similar mistakes won’t be made in the subsequent seasons (if any).

Movies

Black Panther (Wakanda Forever) 2023: A success or Not

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 Marvel’s Black Panther films have broken records and redefined the face of superhero cinema from the outset. Now, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has broken yet another big barrier in the field of female-led films. According to the most recent box office figures, the MCU film has surpassed Captain Marvel, Wonder Woman, and Black Widow to become the most grossing female-led superhero film in the United States.

Today, let’s discuss the financial smashes and hits of the blockbuster Wakanda Forever, which is still making its rounds on Box Offices across the globe. Stick around.

In other conditions, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever might not have been in contention for a new record. Following the death of Chadwick Boseman, the script for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever had to be drastically altered in order to reflect the deaths of both the actor and his on-screen character, T’Challa. This included the Black Panther sequel removing its male lead and replacing him with Letitia Wright’s Shuri, who features as the film’s key character with Angela Bassett, Danai Gurira, and Lupita Nyong’o. Because of this alteration, the film’s success has seen it smash a record that it would not have been in contention to challenge under other conditions.

According to the most recent data from Box Office Mojo, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’s domestic gross was $431.5 million, just enough to surpass Captain Marvel’s $426.8 million and reshuffle Wonder Woman ($412.8 million) and Black Widow (a pandemic affected $183.65 million), who came in second and third, respectively. Although it is unlikely that Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will surpass Captain Marvel’s pre-pandemic global box office total, the achievement at the box office is still something to be proud of because of the many factors that went into it, including post-covid audience volumes and certain countries’ refusal to release the film.

Ryan Coogler wants the Black Panther franchise to last for a very long time.

Yes, Ryan Coogler has been the main inspiration behind the MCU’s Black Panther films. Despite the difficulties the year’s sequel experienced, which were made worse by the Covid pandemic delays and Chadwick Boseman’s passing, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has emerged as a stunning success. Director Ryan Coogler would therefore dearly love to be able to carry on the Black Panther story for as long as he is able to. Recently, he stated:

“I feel blessed that I have the opportunity to work on these movies, bro. When I got asked to do the first one, it was like a moving train. I thank God every day that I was able to jump on it and meet these people, these actors, and to meet Chadwick during some of the last years of his life. I’ll do it as long as folks will have me. But I think it’s bigger than just me or Joe. Between the first and second movie, we made $2 billion at the box office, which is what matters the most to corporations. So I hope that it continues, man. I hope people are still making movies about Wakanda long after we’re gone.”

Let’s see how well the movie has done in Africa.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is currently still in theaters around the world, and will be added to the MCU archive this 2023. The sequel to Ryan Coogler’s 2018 blockbuster “Black Panther” has drawn moviegoers, enthralling crowds in Nigeria and other West African nations. The fact that “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” broke box office records is evidence that the film industry in West Africa is not only alive but also healthy and  booming . Wakanda Forever has received spiffing reviews from critics in the area for to its captivating plot, fantastic visual effects, and excellent cast. There are bigger things coming, and this is just the beginning. The performance of the movie, according to Christine Service, Senior Vice President and General Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa, demonstrates the strength of narrative and the lasting popularity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

“We can’t wait to bring even more exciting and memorable films to audiences in West Africa and around the world”, she said. 

Now Let’s see how well the movie has done across Asian cultures. 

Marvel films have historically performed incredibly well in China, with “Black Panther” (2018) earning $105 million there and “Ant-Man and the Wasp” earning $121 million. With great excitement, Black Panther passed the $1 billion mark worldwide. The movie’s success demonstrated that, despite some skepticism, a black-centered film can not only travel but dominate in the international market. It was bolstered by a strong opening in South Korea, where it reigned as number one at the Box Office, as well as its leap to the top of the Chinese Box Office. Its popularity in the Asian market, however, represented much more than just sales figures, as many people noted, since it also served to forward a more complex narrative about blackness.

Nevertheless, as demonstrated by K Pop’s cultural pre-existent appropriation issue and Koreans’ clear ignorance of what is and is not offensive, a handful of films won’t be able to undo decades of unfavorable reviews overnight. Even the box office success of Black Panther in China was hampered by the overwhelmingly bleak and openly racist comments about the film that were posted on Chinese social media.

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Why The Wire is One of the Best Crime TV Series Ever Made

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The Wire is an American crime drama TV show created by David Simon and broadcast by HBO. The series, which featured 5 seasons and 60 episodes, premiered in 2002 and ended in 2008. Although the Baltimore-centered show wasn’t given the appreciation it deserved when it was originally released, it is now regarded by many television critics as one of the greatest TV shows ever made. In this article, we’ll discuss why The Wire deserves a permanent place among the best crime series ever made.

5 Reasons The Wire is One of the Greatest Crime TV Shows of All Time

Bunk and McNulty

Here are 5 reasons The Wire is one of the best crime series to grace television:

1. Rich Plot

The Barksdale crime family

The Wire presents a well-conceived, entertaining, and largely unpredictable crime plot loosely based on true events. It features several literary societal themes and portrays urban life and the affairs of criminals and law enforcers in Baltimore, Maryland. As reflected in the show’s name, the employment of electronic surveillance and wiretap technologies is a recurrent theme in the series. 

For the most part, particularly in the first three seasons, the show is centered on the Barksdale crime family/organization and the members of the Baltimore Police Department, who investigate their criminal activities using wiretaps and other means. The show also incorporates other intriguing subplots, such as the life of the Sobotkas, a Polish-American family of port workers associated with unlawful smuggling, and the Hamsterdam project– a social experiment involving the legalization of drugs in a monitored space to reduce the rate of homicides. Generally, the show dishes out an immensely enjoyable plot that makes you anxious to see the next episode.

2. Illuminating Portrayal of the Life and Activities of Police Officers and Lawyers

Pryzbylewski, Daniels, and Freamon

Suppose you want to learn about the US police or you’re interested in knowing what to expect if you become a police officer. In these circumstances, The Wire is your best bet at finding the answers to your questions without reading them up in a book. Although The Wire focuses on the Homicide and Narcotics units of the Baltimore Police Department, these two units are enough for you to peer into the life and activities of cops. 

The show characterizes different shades of police officers. You get to see an overzealous, broken cop in the character Jimmy McNulty, a lesbian cop with a relationship crisis in Kima Greggs, an intelligent and decent policeman in Lester Freamon, loyal policemen in Bunk and Carver, a clumsy, protected cop in Roland Pryzbylewski, a middle-aged policeman with the desire to make a change before he retires in Bunny Colvin, a police lieutenant determined to do what he thinks is right in Cedric Daniels, and even a cop that uses drugs.

Furthermore, the show depicts the interaction between police officers, lawyers, judges, and the FBI to achieve better results. It also illustrates the sexcapades, flirting, and romance between these government officials, as well as depicts the corrupt ones.

3. Accurate Depiction of Baltimore Politics

Tommy Carcetti played by Aidan Gillen

David Simon wasn’t afraid to portray and explore Baltimore politics in the show. The Wire frequently demonstrated the activities of the police authorities, including the commissioner, deputy commissioner, police majors, and other commanding officers, and how they pulled the strings and manipulated the Baltimore Police Department. Similarly, it revealed the political games in the Baltimore mayoral office and how the Mayors, both Clarence Royce and later Tommy Carcetti, made sure any decisions they took favored them ultimately.

4. Sumptuous Portrayal of Various Crimes

Bubbles, Marlo, and Snoop

The Wire succeeds in captivating aficionados of the crime genre as it serves its viewers an “eyeful” of various crimes. The show featured drug trafficking, drug abuse, murder, smuggling, human trafficking, robbery, animal abuse, corruption, financial crimes, torture, illegal prostitution, illegal immigration, and so on.

5. Representation of Realistic Societal Elements and Issues

Hamsterdam

The Wire deserves applause for its ability to display real societal issues and events on television. The series threw light on realistic elements, such as drug addiction, the life, struggles, and activities of the urban poor, gang conflicts, HIV/AIDS, crime in Baltimore, prison life, public empowerment programs, betrayal, drug wars, family bond, marital crisis, and gun violence. More interestingly, the Hamsterdam project in season 3 of the show illustrated the consequences of legalizing drugs.

Bottom Line

Other factors that seal The Wire’s status as one of the GOATs of crime TV shows include its impressive acting, characterization, and character development. Overall, the show is one of the best things to have happened since the invention of television.

Movies

5 Actors Who Failed to Nail Their Roles in Glass Onion

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Rian Johnson attained great success in his 2019 movie Knives Out, both in critical acclaim and at the box office. Consequently, he decided to extend the Knives Out franchise by releasing its sequel, Glass Onion, in 2022. Like its predecessor, Glass Onion featured several popular faces in its ensemble cast. 

The cast of Glass Onion included Daniel Craig, reprising his role as Detective Benoit Blanc, Janelle Monáe, Edward Norton, Kate Hudson, Dave Bautista, Kathryn Hann, Madelyn Cline, Leslie Odom Jr., Jessica Henwick, and Ethan Hawke. Naturally, you’ll expect phenomenal acting in the movie given the big names. Unfortunately, some of these actors failed to hit the nail on the head while playing their roles. Read on as we point out these movie stars in the next section.

5 Actors That Were Under Par in Glass Onion

Daniel Craig and Janelle Monáe were the best actors in Glass Onion without a doubt. Similarly, Edward Norton delivered a satisfactory performance. Ethan Hawke didn’t have enough screen time to do anything spectacular, so you can’t really blame him. Still, the other actors in the movie didn’t leave off a stellar performance.

Here are five actors who were anything but impressive in Glass Onion from those who could’ve done a bit more to the least remarkable:

5. Leslie Odom Jr.

Leslie Odom Jr. as Lionel Toussaint

Leslie Odom Jr. played the character Lionel Toussaint, the head scientist in Miles Bron’s company. The actor first gained major recognition in 2015 when he won a Tony Award for his portrayal of Aaron Burr in the musical Hamilton. Although Lionel initially opposed Miles’s idea to launch Klear, he couldn’t do much about it because he was subordinate to Miles.

Throughout the movie, Leslie struggled to portray Lionel and sync with the character. However, his efforts didn’t click and he failed to steer his acting well beyond the seas of mediocrity. One notable under-par scene of Leslie was when he fell clumsily after dragging a blanket with Helen Bland (Janelle Monáe). I mean, what was that, bro?

4. Madelyn Cline

Madelyn Cline as Whiskey

After her casting in the Netflix TV show Outer Banks, Madelyn Cline was given the role of Whiskey in Glass Onion. Whiskey was the drop-dead gorgeous girlfriend and Twitch channel assistant of Duke Cody (Dave Bautista). The character was meant to be jovial, seductive, attractive, and easy-going, which Madelyn didn’t have many problems with. Besides charming Miles Bron (Edward Norton) with her wiles in a bid to gain favor from him and being a partner to Duke, there wasn’t anything much to expect from Whiskey. Any beautiful actress could’ve played the role effortlessly.

https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7322219860214386 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Despite her character’s simplicity, Madelyn had a few chances to make her character more sophisticated, like when Whiskey had a dialogue with Helen Bland. Still, she failed to make good use of the golden opportunity.

3. Kathryn Hahn

Kathryn Hahn as Claire Debella

Kathryn Hahn portrayed Claire Debella, the sitting Governor of Connecticut, currently running for the US Senate. Kathryn earned popularity after appearing as a supporting actress in various comedy movies, including How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Step Brothers. Yet, she couldn’t do justice to her role in Glass Onion.  

Claire was supposed to be an aristocratic character since she was a US Governor. However, Kathryn played the role with no atom of grace, making Claire look less noble. Even though the character was loyal to Miles, she’d have shown signs of elitism at least, but she didn’t. Kathryn’s performance was also short of quality and charisma. She’d have probably done better if she was given the role of Peg, Birdie’s not-so-sophisticated assistant.

2. Dave Bautista

Dave Bautista as Duke Cody

Dave Bautista is one name that needs no introduction in the entertainment industry. The retired professional wrestler has enjoyed success in various blockbuster movies, including Avengers: End Game, Avengers: Infinity War, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Dune. His roles in these movies and many others involved action scenes, which suit his abilities. Regardless, he was given a more dramatic role in Glass Onion, a role that actually required pure acting. And guess what? He fell on his face.

Bautista portrayed Duke Cody, a macho men’s rights activist (on Twitch and YouTube) and video game streamer, who’s Miles’s friend and subordinate. The movie star was too stiff in his performance and seemed to take a leaf from his acting in his action movie roles, but without the intense action, of course. Besides failing to appear natural, he couldn’t make the viewers take his character seriously. Playing an anaphylaxis-fueled death scene was also a tough row to hoe for him.

1. Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson as Birdie Jay

Arguably, Kate Hudson was the least outstanding actor in Glass Onion. The Golden Globe Award-winning actress previously starred in Almost Famous (the movie that earned her the award), How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and Mother’s Day. Still, she may have just inked her name on the nomination for a Golden Raspberry Award with her role as Birdie Jay in Glass Onion. Birdie Jay embodies a high-spirited supermodel turned fashion designer and one of Miles’s “weird” friends involved in the use of child labor.

Kate Hudson’s performance in Glass Onion was nothing to write home about. Almost everything she did seemed to be off– her acting was mediocre at best, her comical scenes appeared forced, her dialogues didn’t quite flow naturally, the scenes where her character was serious and those where she was playful were both flawed, and she made Birdie Jay look ridiculous. Instead of characterizing Birdie as intriguingly as possible, she slaughtered the character’s energy and visual appeal. An actress of her quality could’ve done much better.

Conclusion

Glass Onion had the potential to be an excellent film. However, the relatively poor acting was one major factor that pushed it off the course of its predecessor, Knives Out. No doubt that the above-mentioned actors would’ve made the movie meet critical expectations if they had executed their roles perfectly.

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Top Five Spiderman Movies of All Time

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One of the most popular and loved characters/superheroes in the Marvel universe is no doubt our friendly neighbourhood Spiderman. He ranks high in both the Marvel comic and entertainment universe due to his cool powers to sling webs, sense danger, and so on. Well, besides being a cool character and all that, Spiderman has also grossed billions of dollars in the box office worldwide.

Spiderman having spanned over a length of 19 years since its debut in 2002 has had a total of eight movie franchises played by three actors of Tobey Maguire trilogy, Andrew Garfield duology, and the Tom Holland trilogy. One can see and say that the franchise is one that “fans will not want to end”.

 All the Spiderman movies are good but some are more preferred by fans than others. Despite that, we are all different individuals and our preferences can vary. Well, this is my ranking of the best Spiderman films as I consider the villains involved, character development, display of strength of Spiderman, and the life of Peter Parker.

5/5

Spiderman(2002)

Sam Raimi Spiderman was the first Spiderman film to air in theatres and cinema in 2002 and continues to be acknowledged by fans till today. How can we forget the nice experience we got from that show, almost every child at that time wanted a spider to bite them and wanted to sling webs. This show has starred actors like Tobey Maguire(Peter Parker/Spiderman), James Franco(as Harry Osborn), Kristen Dunst(as Mary Jane Watson), Willem Dafoe( as Norman Osborn/Green Goblin), and so on helped make this movie remarkable. The movie portrayed Spiderman as a superhero to look up to.

The movie sees a young nerdy high school boy become a hero after losing his uncle. We later see the young boy grow and become a fine young man who was ready to take on responsibilities. Just like any superhero movie, the movie gave us the green goblin which while being a crazy psychotic killer was a perfect villain for Spidey going through his struggles. We saw Peter Parker make some difficult choices like forsaking his love for MJ to protect her and everyone he cares about.

4/5

Amazing Spiderman 2(2014)

Marc Webb adopted franchise of Spiderman led to the birth of Andrew Garfield as Spiderman co-starring Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy and Jamie Foxx as electro. From his role in the movie hacksaw ridge, we saw that Andrew Garfield is quite the drama guy. Although the criticism about him being a bad Peter Parker, I enjoyed the romantic scene between him and his love interest Gwen Stacy right up till her death. He might not have looked like the typical nerd but he sure displayed the emotional and lover boy Spidey quite well. Not minding the story of this movie, the battle between Spiderman and electro are still considered memorable and breathtaking.

3/5 

Spiderman 2(2004)

Tobey Maguire reprises the role of Spiderman in this second franchise which is considered to be one of the best Spiderman. Inside two years of being Spiderman, Peter Parker Owns up to his new life as Spiderman and later battle the evil scientist, doctor, Otto Octavius played by Alfred Molina. One reason fans love this franchise is that we got to see the strength of Spiderman in the train fight with doctor Octavius where Spiderman fucking stopped a moving train. We also see the struggles of Peter as an adult joggling the challenges of life together with his superhero and romantic life. We also had a better understanding of Peter Parker’s abilities during the period he loses them temporarily that spider-man is still human and needs to be physically, mentally, and emotionally stable for the job. 

2/5

Spiderman Far From Home(2019)

The Spiderman adventures continue with Tom Holland as Spiderman in far from home with Jon watts as the director. This franchise is particularly unique with its incorporation in the avenger’s universe. Yes, Spiderman leaves his neighbourhood and tours with the avengers. Most fans claim Tom Holland is the ideal Peter Parker having the correct outlooks and stature. He also gives the nerdy vibe quite well and was mentored by iron Man(Robert Downey Jr). 

Set in the era after the death of iron Man in avengers endgame, Peter now struggles with how to be the modelled superhero just like his mentor and was quite skeptical. Tom did great in his portrayal of a confused teenager who has no idea where to begin following the death of his mentor Tony Stark(Iron Man). Due to that, he fell prey to the trickster Mysterio, played by Jake Gyllenhaal. Mysterio can be considered to be the perfect villain for Peter at that time as his tricks all suited to peters wishes. We saw how peter steps up to responsibility and saves the day as iron Man would want him to. Huge character development I must say and the ending in particular where Mysterio reveals Spiderman’s identity was an unforseen one. Nice suspense marvel, kudos.

1/5

Spiderman No Way Home(2021)

The just-released Spiderman movie in December 2021 made it the third trilogy of Tom Holland Spiderman which has made waves around the world. Although some criticisms about various plotholes, fans still consider it a good movie with a box office success of over 1 billion dollars, and a high rating to show for it. It is one of Marvel’s highest-rated movies at that. If it’s the characters we talking about, we got to see all our Favourite Spiderman in one movie. Not an easy feat to accomplish but Jon watts pulled it off. So many plot twists for young Peter Parker leading to quite an ending. I think it’s safe to assume another franchise is on the way.

Final thoughts

All Spiderman movies were good, but we talking relatively now. This is my opinion, If you disagree, you can drop your opinions and reviews in the comment section below.

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The Witcher Series: 5 Most Powerful Characters So Far

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The Witcher is a fantasy drama television series running on Netflix. The show, which premiered in 2019, is based on the eponymous book by the Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. Just like the book, it focuses on the activities of Geralt of Rivia, a magically enhanced monster slayer, and Ciri, the princess of Cintra, in a fictional landmass known as The Continent. The TV series stars Henry Cavill, Freya Allan, and Anya Chalotra as its main roles.

In December 2021, the second season of the show was released. This season was filled with intense events and an eye-opener into the immense power some characters in the show possess.

Accordingly, in this composition, we’d be reviewing the most powerful characters in the Netflix series, The Witcher. Take note that this list only comprises characters with physical embodiments, as potent spirits like Voleth Meir will be deliberately left out. Also, note that this piece is entirely sourced from the Netflix series and no reference or spoilers from the book will be shared here.

5 Characters That Hold the Most Power in The Witcher TV Series

In a continent where magic is real, and humans, mages, elves, witchers, monsters, mutants, spirits, and dwarves coexist, it is certain for beings with massive strength to prevail. Regarding this truth, we’d be presenting the most powerful characters indicated by the first and second seasons of The Witcher series.

5. Fringilla Vigo

Fringilla

Fringilla is a mage who was assigned to the Nilfgaardian Empire. The character was excellently portrayed on screen by Mimi Ndiweni. Previously, she was one of the initiates taken in by the sorceress Tissaia and taught how to control chaos to perform magic at Aretuza.

During the flower and rock lesson by Tissaia, she was the first student to succeed in lifting a rock without touching it. However, her hands soon began to instantly age and shrivel up as a consequence of the “give and take” principle of magic. She was also able to trap lightning in a bottle during another lesson. Subsequently, Fringilla was among the mages inducted into the Brotherhood.

After the conquest of Cintra by Nilfgaard, she was successful in determining that the missing Princess Cirilla was in Brokilon Forest. Fringilla was again spectacular at the battle of Sodden, as the principal mage assisting Nilfgaard against the Brotherhood. When she realized they were losing the war, she opened a portal through which the Nilfgaardian soldiers shot arrows, annihilating Vanielle, one of the Brotherhood mages, and several others. She was able to break down the frontline of her opponents and take down most of the Northern mages, including Tissaia.

Furthermore, Fringilla was skilled enough to intercept Yennefer’s telepathic message and capture her to be offered as a tribute to the White Flame.

Another extraordinary feat performed by Fringilla was the dramatic paralysis of the White Flame’s generals, who were plotting against her at the dining room, with botany and possibly magic, and consequently executing them. She’s surely a formidable character as Cahir would agree.

4. Tissaia de Vries

Tissaia

Tissaia is an experienced mage who serves as the rectoress of the Aretuzan mages. She is also a member of the Chapter of the Gift and the Art, a higher chamber of the Brotherhood usually reserved for 5 talented individuals. In the Netflix TV series, she is played by the Swedish actress MyAnna Buring.

Tissaia was in charge of training the initiated mages of Aretuza, including Yennefer, Fringilla, Triss, and Sabrina, proving she was adept at practicing magic. Similarly, she helped mold Yennefer into the fine mage she eventually became, teaching her how to control chaos and her emotions. At one point, Yennefer directed lightning at her due to anger and frustration, but she rechanneled the lightning into the sky.

She also led the Brotherhood to defend the Northern Kingdoms against the Nilfgaardian forces at the battle of Sodden. Tissaia also mentally tortured a captive Cahir in an attempt to find out Yennefer’s whereabouts and fate, after the battle. Additionally, she rescued Yennefer when she was being tortured by the Redanian intelligence officer Dijkstra.

3. Geralt of Rivia

The White Wolf

Geralt is the protagonist of the show, and the series is named after his profession. This character, who was masterfully portrayed by Henry Cavill, is agreeably one of the strongest characters in the show. Additionally, he’s also known as the White Wolf and Butcher of Blaviken.

Geralt is a magically enhanced monster-killer, known as a witcher, and an incredibly skilled one. He exhibits superhuman abilities, exceptional swordsmanship, and alchemy skills. Throughout the series, the Butcher of Blaviken has slain various monstrous creatures, including the kikimora, selkiemore, bruxa, and leshy. He also defeated Princess Renfri and her soldiers, and helped cure the Striga.

His destiny is bound to Princess Cirilla of Cintra who he earned through the Law of Surprise after defending her father Duny from the opposition of Queen Calanthe. Geralt has also shown his capability by protecting Ciri from several adversaries. Notably, he fought and killed otherworldly monsters, got rid of the Michelet brothers, and defended Ciri against Voleth Meir, the deathless mother. His ability to stand his ground against a Voleth Meir-possessed Ciri speaks highly of his power.

We couldn’t possibly finish this writing if we were to mention all the amazing deeds of the great White Wolf of Rivia.

2. Yennefer of Vengerberg

Yennefer performing fire magic

Yennefer, Yenna, Yen, and Piglet seem to be too many names for one character. Still, you’ll realize that Yennefer, played by Anya Chalotra, is more than one character if you properly watch the series. She is a quarter-elf from the town of Vengerberg, initially having the appearance of a hunchback, who was sold by her father to Tissaia for less than the price of a pig. Tissaia took her to Aretuza as an initiate to be taught how to tap into chaos to execute magic.

Though she wasn’t a quick learner at the Aretuza school of mages, like Fringilla, she later transforms and grows up to become one of the greatest and most reputable mages in the show. Geralt of Rivia even called her the “most powerful mage” he ever knew. Yennefer and Geralt, who had their moment of romance, once fought side-by-side to protect an old dragon and his child. He had also previously persuaded her to help cure Jaskier, his bard, from the effects of a djinn. 

Yennefer was also terrific when she defended Queen Kalis of Aedirn and her baby against an assassin and a koshchey, opening portals upon portals, until she ultimately killed the koshchey.

Undoubtedly, Yennefer’s biggest moments in the show was when she performed fire magic, one of the most immense types of magic, at the battle of Sodden. This heroic act made her already losing side win the war against the Nilfgaardian Empire, thanks to her stamina. Although she subsequently lost her magical abilities, she was also impressive in helping to contain Voleth Meir, seizing her magic back in the process. Which better mage could Geralt have entrusted to nurture Ciri?

1. Princess Cirilla of Cintra

Child of the Elder Blood

Commonly referred to as Ciri, Princess Cirilla is the Child of Ithlline’s prophecy, Child of the Elder Blood, granddaughter of Queen Calanthe, Lion Cub of Cintra, daughter of Emhyr the White Flame, Geralt’s Child Surprise, and heir to the Cintran throne. How could this highly special child, portrayed by Freya Allan, not be the most powerful character in the show?

Ciri inherited the elder blood from her mother, Princess Pavetta, who didn’t live long enough to fully depict what it feels like to have elder blood running in your veins. She was already pledged to Geralt of Rivia before her birth and has been the interest of many beings, including elves, kings, men, mages, monsters, and demons.

Her first major feat was collapsing a monolith and causing an earthquake, with a scream, when Cahir and the Nilfgaardian soldiers attempted to abduct her after conquering Cintra. After being claimed by Geralt, she went on to learn some basic fighting skills at Kaer Morhen, indicating her resilience. It was later discovered that the monolith she fell brought otherworldly monsters into The Continent.

Princess Cirilla’s massive strength was also displayed when Voleth Meir, the highly powerful deathless mother, used her as a vessel of chaos. She shattered more monoliths with her screams, manufactured deadly weapons, summoned various monsters from other spheres, and killed several witchers. Indeed, Ciri is a great force to be reckoned with.

Given that she’s young currently, she’s likely to exhibit more powerful stunts as the series progresses.

Bottom Line

Apart from these characters, other powerful figures worth mentioning include the Nilfgaardian commander Cahir Mawr Dyffryn aep Ceallach, the old witcher Vesemir, and the mage Triss Merigold.

If you don’t agree with this list, feel free to drop your opinions in the comment section below.

ALSO READ: 5 Reasons House of the Dragon Won’t Measure Up to Game of Thrones

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DC confirms that Santa Claus is Faster than the Flash

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A special holiday comic issue released by American DC comics, the makers of your favourite comic DC superhero comics has let the cat out of the bag on the question every kid and adult’s been asking every Christmas season; How’s Santa able to get around hundreds of homes in just one night. We’ll see.

In the brief story comic written by Bobby Moynihan who once worked as an SNL cast member and artist Pop Mhan, we see this Santa’s secret out in the open as the comic proves that Santa Claus is a better speedster than the flash. The story “Tis the Season To Be Freezin’ #1, features Captain Cold and The Flash in their attempt to save Central City’s Christmas, set aside their differences although it seems Flash is not a speedster at all when compared with Big Ol’ Santa in delivering various gifts to the many children counting on it.

Looking into “Christmas: Cold and Fast” we see a truckload full of toys which Captain Cold had initially wanted to sell in the market for a nice Christmas profit, Flash gets to come in contact with him and Captain Cold tells him in a confession that he wants to give the less privileged kids in the city a memorable Christmas morning by delivering the toys to them instead. This shows that not all heroes wear capes and Captain Cold has a good heart. Flash eventually convinces him to do something extra by refreezing Central City’s Ice rink which had shut down following the massive heatwave that occurred in the city.

The duo eventually agrees to work together to save Christmas for the kids. Captain Cold conditionally refreezes the ice rink and makes the season complete with the snow falling, while Flash does dress-up as Santa Claus to bring the toys to the kids. It’s all in the Christmas season as we see how different individuals, no matter association or creed or race set aside their differences and work together for the common good. However, the closing point brings up the “Big Man in Red” with his eight reindeer and sledge with a speed that can be rivalled, if not surpassable to The Flash’s speed force. Well, it might seem that way due to his ability to deliver toys to a lot of homes on the night of Christmas Eve. Bringing us to the thought of who would prevail between the two if they were put to the test, say a big race. It’s a very funny way to bring the story to a close, but does this now suggest that Big Ol’ Santa is a mighty speedster and can function in the same capacity as The Flash looking at his speed force?

Overall, the comic issue’s a big one for the yuletide holidays and even more memorable due to this Flash v Santa discussion as in the buildup to putting smiles on faces, we see The Flash’s speed as one of the many abilities he brings to the table in saving the world. Don’t you just love the Christmas season? Would you like to see this two faceoff in one big race? (I sure would) who do you think would win? Would like to know what you think about it.   

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5 Most Suitable People to Play the Next James Bond

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Previous Bond Actors

James Bond is a fictional character created by the British novelist Ian Fleming in 1953. The character is a British secret service agent for MI6 with the code number 007 (double-oh-seven).

James Bond’s introduction in the cinema was marked by the movie Dr. No in 1962, with Sean Connery spotlighted as Agent 007. This project was overseen by Eon Productions, a movie company owned by Harry Saltzman and Albert “Cubby” Broccoli. Since then, the character has attracted and garnered considerable fandom and attention. As of 2021, James Bond is among the most popular and talked about movie characters.

Between 1962 and 2021, six actors have been cast as James Bond in the Eon Productions films. These thespians include Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig.

At present, the seventh actor that will play James Bond for Eon Productions is under deliberation. The movie company board currently has some actors in mind. However, they are yet to conclude.

In this piece, we’d be citing the actors who are most likely to give an adequate portrayal of James Bond on screen. This list may contain some actors presently under the considerations of Eons Productions and other performers who the company hasn’t expressed interest in featuring as the next James Bond.

5 Actors Who Will Portray Agent 007 on Screen Most Adequately

For a successful portrayal of the character, the next Bond actor has to come considerably close to Ian Fleming’s James Bond. In this light, Ian Fleming’s James Bond is British, 183 cm (6 ft) tall, weighs 76 kilograms, possesses a slim build, blue-eyed, cruelly handsome, and dark-haired in physical appearance. In terms of character, he’s a charismatic, classy, Martini-loving, heavily smoking, peerless, womanizing, gambling-addicted, and strong fellow.

Indeed, one may argue that no past Bond actor has met all these features. Nonetheless, we can all agree that the successful Bond actors fulfilled a significant fraction of these elements.

Having said that, let’s take a look at 5 actors that may follow the footsteps of other successful Bond actors or even give a better portrayal of James Bond on screen.

5. Cillian Murphy

Cillian Murphy

Blue eyes, slim build, good looks, dark brown hair, Cillian Murphy has some of the primary physical attributes of Ian Fleming’s Bond. The Irish actor has played several posh roles, such as his young businessman role in the American sci-fi thriller movie Inception and the charismatic gang leader Thomas Shelby in the British crime drama series Peaky Blinders. These characterizations suggest he could easily conform to the stylishness and charisma of James Bond.

Murphy has also shown his grasp of action in some movies and TV shows. For instance, his action roles in the sequel of the horror thriller movie A Quiet Place and his role as Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders. It wouldn’t also be difficult for him to exhibit the strong, heavily smoking, alcoholic, and women-magnetic aspects of Bond since these elements constituted Thomas Shelby.

On the minus side, Cillian Murphy isn’t as tall as Fleming’s Bond. He stands at 173 cm against the 183 cm of James Bond. Consequently, if he’s cast as Bond, he’d be the Bond actor with the least height. Still, Barbara Broccoli and other key members of Eons Productions may choose to overlook this drawback and concentrate on the other criteria for a suitable James Bond, which he fulfills tremendously.

4. Richard Madden

Richard Madden

Who remembers Robb Stark from the fantasy drama series Game of Thrones? Before the character’s tragic and unexpected death in the Red Wedding, it was said that he never lost a war. Now, imagine Robb Stark in a tuxedo, with dark hair, wielding a gun instead of a sword.  That remodeled version of Robb Stark is James Bond.

Richard Madden, the Scottish actor who played Robb Stark, has the right build, blue eyes, strength, and charm to star as the next James Bond. The actor’s role as a bodyguard in the British political thriller series Bodyguard, for which he won several awards, including a Golden Globe Award as the Best Actor in a drama series, proves that he can adequately and effortlessly portray the most prominent fictional MI6 agent on the screens.

Additionally, Madden is a stylish young man. He has been recognized as one of the most stylish men by Hugo Boss. This virtue will facilitate his illustration of James Bond. Similarly, he can spend quite some time playing James Bond in the movies since he’s just 35 years old, as of 2021.

3. Christian Bale

Christian Bale

There’s hardly any English actor who rocks a tuxedo better than Christian Bale and there’s barely any movie character who renders a better meaning to tuxedoes than James Bond. Bale is 6-foot tall, highly fashionable, physically fit, very masculine, and experienced in acting. These remarkable features make him capable of properly representing Ian Fleming’s Bond in a movie.

Bale’s incredible portrayal of Bruce Wayne (Batman) in The Dark Knight Trilogy speaks highly of his adequacy and sophistication to be the next Bond actor. In addition, his well-played role in the American horror film American Psycho indicates that he’d do even better if his character is “licensed to kill”.

Unfortunately, Christian Bale has revealed his unwillingness to take a James Bond role and even turned down a contract because he isn’t very fond of the character. Nevertheless, it’ll be wonderful if he changes his mind. 

2. Tom Hardy

Tom Hardy

Although Tom Hardy earned his breakthrough role in 2010 as Eames in Christopher Nolan’s sci-fi thriller Inception, he has been a creative actor for a considerable period. The English actor’s handsomeness, eloquence, blue-green eyes, dress sense, acting skills, and portrayal of charismatic characters, such as the Jewish gangster leader Alfie Solomons in the British crime drama Peaky Blinders, make him suitable for the role of James Bond.

Furthermore, Hardy has performed greatly in action roles, notably in the 2015 Australian post-apocalyptic action film Mad Max: Fury Road. It’s noteworthy that if he’s eventually chosen to play James Bond, the character wouldn’t be the first British agent he’d be portraying on the screens. Earlier in 2012, he supported Gary Oldman as a British field agent in the thriller Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.

Though Tom Hardy is slightly taller than his Inception and Peaky Blinders co-star Cillian Murphy, at 175 cm, his height may not disqualify him from playing Bond. In his role as Bane in The Dark Knight Rises, Hardy wore padded shoes which enabled him to fairly measure up to Christian Bale in height. He could do the same in his potential James Bond roles if the opportunity is presented to him.

1. Henry Cavill

Henry Cavill

What would happen if Superman decides to be James Bond? Wouldn’t the outcome give rise to a “Super Bond“? Henry Cavill was once the director Martin Campbell’s preferred choice to play James Bond. However, Daniel Craig was chosen instead because Cavill was too young to portray Agent 007 since he was just 22 years old then.

Henry Cavill is British, 183 cm, blue-eyed, dark-haired, sufficiently built, incredibly tough-looking, charming, very masculine, and insanely handsome. Thus, he meets all the crucial physical characteristics of Ian Fleming’s Bond.

Cavill has starred in action spy films, such as The Man from U.N.C.L.E and Mission Impossible: Fallout. In the former, he technically had a Bond-like character and Bond-worthy performance. Again, he showed his ability to enthrall women in Showtime’s historical drama series The Tudors.

Concerning these realities, in 2020, an artificial intelligence device chose Henry Cavill as the optimal successor to Daniel Craig following the latter’s retirement from the James Bond franchise. Since Cavill is 38 years old as of 2021, he may portray Bond on screen for a significant period. 

Final Thoughts

Any of these actors mentioned above are likely to give an ample portrayal of James Bond in the cinema. Still, if you’ve got someone else in mind fit to occupy the spot, feel free to air your view in the comment section.

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Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl: Art, Ambition, or Just Really Fancy Capitalism?

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It’s official. 

Taylor Swift has done it again.

And by “it,” I mean dropped six different versions of her brand-new album The Life of a Showgirl in less than a week. Yes, six. 

Somewhere out there, a Swiftie’s credit card is going through it. 

The Life of a Showgirl: A Glamorous Hustle

Taylor’s twelfth studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, arrived on October 3rd with 12 tracks produced by pop powerhouses Max Martin and Shellback (the same dream team behind 1989 and Red.) And true to its name, this record is a full-on performance. It’s glitzy, theatrical, and part pop spectacle, part emotional confessional.

Sadly, just like her last two albums, The Life of a Showgirl is starting to look like a cash grab scheme. In less than a week, she’s rolled out unplugged renditions, acoustic cuts, and limited-edition covers—each one more “exclusive” than the last. I think one of these even had a deadline of 24 hours. Greedy much?

So when fans say they’re “exhausted,” you kind of get it. One minute you’re listening to “Showtime,” the next you’re debating if you should buy the DELUXE Alone in My Tower vinyl before it disappears forever.

Fans Are Calling It: “Calculated Scarcity”

Sure, Taylor is known for her business savvy, after all, she is known to be the first billionaire to have made her fortune solely from music alone. But this time around, some fans think she’s crossed into capitalist chaos.

“Another special version for 24 hours only? This isn’t nostalgia or artistry, it’s calculated scarcity,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Another added: “Every time I think she’s done squeezing the same songs, she finds a new ‘limited CD’ angle. Marketing genius or just exhausting at this point?”

And honestly, they’re not wrong to ask the question. With vinyls, deluxe editions, and color-coded cover art, it’s starting to feel less like music and more like a Wall Street trading floor — just with sequins.

Still, Swifties are Swifties. The Life of a Showgirl vinyl releases sold out faster than concert tickets. Collectors have turned album-buying into a competitive sport. The pearl-white and “red lipstick & lace” variants vanished within hours and even turned eBay into a feeding frenzy. It’s both genius and slightly unhinged—but that’s the Taylor Swift economy in 2025.

Capitalism or Double Standards?

There’s a valid argument to be made here. If Taylor were a male artist, her hustle might have been labeled “brilliant business strategy” instead of “greedy capitalism.”

Also, Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend and Cardi B’s Am I The Drama? albums have used similar marketing plays, but no one’s dissecting those moves with quite as much intensity.

That said, Taylor isn’t exactly hurting for cash. Like I said earlier, she’s a billionaire with an army of young fans, many of whom will spend their last $30 on a vinyl variant. So, it does make you wonder… should artists with that kind of power also carry a bit more responsibility?

Beyond the capitalism talk, what fans seem to miss is connection. The emotional core that made albums like Folklore and Evermore feel so personal now feels drowned out by collector hype and countdown timers.

It’s not that fans don’t appreciate the artistry, they just want to feel like the art comes first, not the merch drop. One comment summed it up perfectly:

“I love you, but girl, people don’t have the money right now to buy your album multiple times. What about free drops for those who already did?”

It’s a fair point. When every new release feels like an “exclusive” opportunity, the genuine excitement starts to diminish. Even devoted fans are admitting they’re tired of feeling like customers instead of listeners.

Still, despite all the debate, The Life of a Showgirl Taylor Swift review numbers don’t lie. The album sold 2.7 million copies in the U.S. on day one, including over a million vinyls. She broke multiple records and even managed to make vinyls cool again, and in this streaming era, trust me, that is no small feat at all.

So, is she overdoing it? Maybe. But she’s also changing how music is sold, marketed, and consumed. Maybe the real “showgirl” move is that Taylor knows exactly what she’s doing—pulling the strings, spinning the glitter, and leaving the audience wanting just a little bit more. And whether you love or hate it, everyone’s still talking about it, which means she’s winning the PR game, one limited-edition drop at a time.

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The Wonder Netflix Review: Faith, Famine, and Florence Pugh Doing What She Does Best

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If you’ve ever watched a Florence Pugh movie, you know she doesn’t do simple at all. 

Instead, almost all her movie roles from her haunting performance in Midsommar to her captivating the audience in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer proves that her entire schtick is raw, layered, complicated. In true Pugh fashion, The Wonder on Netflix is all of that and more. 

So, let’s break down this gem of a movie from its weird beginning to that perfect ending that everyone can’t seem to stop talking about.

The Wonderful Storyline of The Wonder 

Set in Ireland in 1862, which is basically when the Great Famine had a huge hold on the country, Florence Pugh plays English nurse Lib Wright. She has been sent to a small, suspicious village to observe a young girl, Anna O’Donnell (played by the incredible Kíla Lord Cassidy), who claims she hasn’t eaten in four months.

The townsfolk call Anna a miracle, the church sees her as a sign from God, but Lib, being the practical English nurse that she was, thought all of that was just pure balderdash (see what I did there?)

To Lib, Anna was a medical mystery—or maybe a tragedy waiting to happen. Her job is to watch the girl for two weeks and report her findings. Of course, things get complicated fast. The deeper Lib digs, the less sense anything makes and the harder it becomes to separate truth from belief.

Florence Pugh Is the Whole Show

As with nearly every other movie in her discography, I think it’s safe to say that the entirety of The Wonder Netflix sits on Florence Pugh’s shoulders, and she carries it really well. As Lib, she’s sharp, skeptical, and heartbreakingly human. You can see every ounce of her inner conflict: her frustration, her guilt, her exhaustion, just in the way she breathes.

Lib’s nights are a haze of laudanum (a mix of alcohol and opium), which she drinks to dull old pain. She pricks her finger for blood before bed, almost like she’s checking if she’s still alive. It’s weirdly poetic—and very Pugh.

The cast of The Wonder Netflix adds to the movie’s eerie magic. Young Kíla Lord Cassidy is haunting as Anna. She could be calm one minute and terrifyingly devoted the next. Her real-life mom, Elaine Cassidy, plays her mother in the film, and that chemistry shows. Tom Burke (The Souvenir) shows up as William, a journalist who becomes Lib’s unlikely ally. And then there’s Niamh Algar, who bookends the story as both character and narrator—and she absolutely nails it.

Faith and the Lies We Tell Ourselves

About halfway through the movie, Lib figures out what’s really going on. It turns out that Anna’s mother has been secretly feeding her daughter by mouth—literally transferring chewed food through a kiss. It’s disturbing (and honestly disgusting, if you ask me) but it makes sense. That’s the only way Anna was able to survive that long without eating. And when Lib forbids the mother from visiting, Anna’s health spirals very fast.

Even with proof, nobody wants to believe the miracle isn’t real. The priest, the villagers, even Anna’s family; they all cling to the story because it’s more comforting than the truth. That’s when you realize what The Wonder is really about. It’s about how far people will go to protect the stories that give their lives meaning. Faith can keep people alive, but it can also destroy them.

The Perfect Ending Everyone Deserved And Got!

Okay, here’s The Wonder Netflix explained in plain English. Lib decides that if stories can kill, they can also save. So she makes up a new one. She tells Anna she can die—but be reborn as someone new, free from the pain and guilt she’s been carrying.

Lib fakes Anna’s death, burns down the family’s cottage to cover her tracks, and, with the help of the Journalist, sneaks the girl away to Australia under a new identity: Nan. The last shot shows them at a dinner table, finally eating together, alive and free.

Why The Wonder Netflix Is Worth Watching

Now, The Wonder isn’t a movie for when you’re half-asleep or multitasking. It’s this sort of deeply atmospheric movie that requires your full attention. The cinematography makes Ireland look both breathtaking and haunted. The sound design; creaking floors, whispered prayers and faint wind,  keeps you tense even when nothing particularly “big” is happening.

But when it does hit, it hits hard. The incredible direction by Director Sebastián Lelio (who gave us A Fantastic Woman, by the way) combined with Pugh’s emotional gravity, turns what could have been a historical curiosity into something painfully human.

So, is The Wonder Netflix movie worth your two hours? Absolutely! Florence Pugh gives another powerhouse performance, and Sebastián Lelio crafts something that feels like both a dream and a warning. You’ll walk away thinking about faith, storytelling, and the fine line between devotion and delusion.