At Darren's World of Entertainment - a movie, DVD and game review blog.
The latest movie and DVD reviews - plus game reviews as well. And cool stuff thrown in when I see it.
Chances are you'll have a perception of what you think you can expect from the latest spinoff from The Big Bang Theory, the 10-episode Stuart Fails To Save The Universe.
Given the canned laughter that made the original Big Bang Theory feel so forced (and an endless collection of repeats on TV), you'll probably be expecting something similar from a show that sees Stuart Bloom, the owner of the comic book store in Pasadena, tasked with saving the universe.
But, Stuart Fails To Save The Universe is like nothing on TV - and it's headscratchingly different, maddeningly short and utterly difficult to fit into one genre.
Essentially a kind of Sliders-based comedy drama, with the emphasis on the drama (no canned laughter here), the show follows the hapless Stuart Bloom (Kevin Sussman, looking increasingly like Paul Giamatti's brother) as he tries to save the universe because an alternate version of himself told him to do so.
Armed with an Orac-style gizmo created by Leonard and Sheldon Cooper that's malfunctioned, the group of Stuart, Denise, Bert and Kripke hurtle across multiverses, (yes, there are familiar cameos) trying to get to the root cause of the chaos that unfolded leaving Pasadena in a post-apocalyptic world where people are trading cans for comic books or juggling rats to get food.
Some universes are chaotically bad, some are seemingly perfect until like Homer Simpson in the Treehouse of Horror, one element ruins the whole thing. The budget's clearly been thrown into the FX and while the slipping between universes just uses bubbles and a vortex, the money's been spent elsewhere and is all the better for it.
Armed with a Danny Elfman earworm theme song, Stuart Fails To Save The Universe is an odd show to categorise - there's a sci-fi sweetness here that will thrill some and alienate others. And its finale will certainly leave many discussing the meta edges, but thanks to Sussman's increasingly non-plussed charm and his rapport with both Lauren Lapkus' Denise and Brian Posehn's Bert, there's a real heart here to grab onto.
Not all of the episodes gel and there's a little too much of a feeling of the group navigating their way through the new universe and then finding their escape route to make it feel complex. But with each episode ending on a cliffhanger as such, there's plenty of reasons to continue on week-by-week.
There's also an inventiveness in Stuart Fails To Save The Universe that is far too spoiler-heavy to discuss here. But certainly some of the narrative jumps and storylines made by Chuck Lorre and his writing team add a great deal to the uncertainty of what comes next.
Stuart Fails To Save The Universe won't be to everyone's taste; but its mix of sweet drama and Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die cum Sliders will be a refreshingly original and brave fit on the HBO Max streaming service.
All 10 episodes of Stuart Fails To Save The Universe Season one were viewed for the purpose of this review.
Stuart Fails To Save The Universe streams exclusively on HBO Max from July 24.
Samsung reveals Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Fold8 and Flip8 Foldable Phones
Samsung has released details of its brand-new Foldable phones, the Fold 8 Ultra, Fold 8 and Flip 8.
The company says it's its most complete line-up yet, designed to expand foldables to a wider audience.
The line-up introduces Galaxy Z Fold8, a fresh and exciting form factor that provides a new kind of foldable experience built around the way people explore, discover and immerse themselves in their favourite content.
The line-up also includes Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, which brings Galaxy’s renowned Ultra standard to foldables with maximum productivity and content creation in a larger workspace. Galaxy Z Flip8 — the sleekest one yet — was built for expression and quick interaction on the go. Built on seven generations of foldable innovation and consumer insight, the new Galaxy Z series gives users more choice than ever, with three distinct experiences engineered to fit different needs.
Galaxy AI 1 has been optimised for each of these form factors. Across the line-up, every insight feels more actionable and every action feels more connected. Multitasking is easier on the larger screens of Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, while Galaxy Z Flip8’s AI-native FlexWindow keeps relevant information and shortcuts within reach. And with partner AI experiences such as Gemini 2 Intelligence, Galaxy gives users even more ways to get things done in fewer steps — with transparency, privacy and user control built in.
“As AI becomes more agentic, mobile devices will become the most personal entry point to experiences that understand and adapt to each user,” said TM Roh, Chief Executive Officer, President and Head of the Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. “By setting a new standard for foldables, we are once again advancing the premium mobile experience and opening the next era of intelligence to more people.”
The All-New Galaxy Z Fold8: A New Galaxy Fold Experience for Everyday Immersion
Galaxy Z Fold8 is reimagined for users who want a foldable that feels natural in the moments when curiosity turns into deeper discovery. Galaxy Z Fold8 introduces a form factor designed to move easily from quick interactions on the cover screen to deeper viewing, reading and gaming on the main display. With intuitive display ratios and long-lasting performance, Galaxy Z Fold8 makes it easier to get the most out of the content, stories and ideas that matter.
Built for Discovery
Galaxy Z Fold8’s display ratios are designed around the way people naturally consume content throughout the day. By adapting the screen to the content, Galaxy Z Fold8 creates a more immersive experience whether users are browsing, watching, reading or gaming. At just 201g, Galaxy Fold8 is Samsung's lightest Galaxy Z Fold yet. 4 Despite its lightweight design, it combines the Snapdragon®
Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy 5 with a larger 4,800mAh battery 6 , delivering smooth, responsive performance and lasting power so users can stay immersed longer.
When folded, the 10:16 cover screen 5 feels familiar and comfortable for the short moments people return to most often, such as messaging, social updates, browsing and short-form video.
When unfolded, the 4:3 main display 7 creates a larger canvas that helps users lose themselves in games and films.
When rotated, the same display ratio becomes naturally suited to reading, giving users amore comfortable way to settle into articles, e-books and long-form content without carrying another device.
Together, these display ratios are designed around the way people naturally consume content, helping Galaxy Z Fold8 feel more immersive whether users are quickly checking in or settling in for longer sessions.
A Display Engineered from the Inside Out
Across the new Galaxy Z series, Samsung’s display engineering expertise serves as the foundation for a more refined foldable experience, supporting slimmer design and more seamless viewing. Samsung’s new Flex Titanium technology introduces a titanium-based display structure designed to help make foldables thinner. Combining a titanium-alloy film with an enhanced titanium plate, this structure also refines the way the device opens to make unfolding feel smoother, lighter and more natural.
With up to 3,000 nits of brightness, Vision Booster and a low-reflection display finish, the main screen stays vivid and easy to see even in outdoor settings.
A Clear and Versatile Camera Experience
Galaxy Z Fold8 is designed to help users capture and share the moments that catch their attention.
Whether it’s a sweeping landscape, a group shot or a spontaneous moment on the move, Galaxy Z Fold8 makes everyday photography and video feel easier to capture, edit and share.
50 MP cameras deliver consistent high-resolution detail across wide and ultra-wide perspectives, helping preserve image quality across different scenes and shooting conditions.
Dual Recording lets users capture both sides of the moment while previewing themselves through the cover screen, making reactions and shared experiences easier to frame.
My FanCam 10 automatically tracks a selected subject and reframes footage into a preferred aspect ratio, turning dynamic scenes into social-ready videos with less manual editing.
Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra: The Ultra Foldable Built for Maximum Productivity
Ultra represents Galaxy’s highest standard for performance, capability and innovation. With Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, that standard meets Samsung’s most advanced foldable design. Its expansive 8-inch main display 11 opens up a productive workspace for multitasking, while its advanced camera system and long-lasting battery help users create throughout the day. All of this comes in Galaxy’s slimmest Z
Fold design yet — measuring just 4.1 mm when unfolded and weighs 215 g, 3 it pushes the standard for productivity on the go.
Professional-Grade Creativity with an Ultra-Level Camera System
Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is built to give creators more freedom from capture to edit, with an Ultra-level camera system and creative tools that make high-quality content easier to produce from one device.
The 200 MP main camera system captures rich, detailed photos with greater clarity, and is now enhanced with High Dynamic Range (HDR) capability in 200 MP mode for more true-to life images.
A new 50 MP ultra-wide camera brings greater detail and clarity to wider scenes and macro shots, giving users more flexibility when capturing landscapes, interiors, group shots and close-up details.
Improved Nightography 7 helps photos and videos look brighter and clearer in low light, so users can capture standout moments even in challenging lighting conditions.
For advanced creators, 8K video recording through the new APV codec gives users greater flexibility and quality for editing and production workflows, while Cine LUT adds cinematic colour and tone control directly from a mobile device.
Power, Battery and Cooling Built for All-Day Productivity
Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is engineered to stay fast, responsive and reliable through the most demanding workloads, from heavier multitasking and content creation to AI-powered workflows.
With Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy 5 at its core, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra delivers the performance users need to switch between apps, work across a larger screen and keep demanding tasks moving smoothly.
A larger 5,000 mAh battery 12 helps users stay productive for longer, 13 supporting a full day of work, creation and entertainment in a slimmer foldable design.
Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra introduces a new dual-path charging architecture with 45 W fast- charging, helping distribute power more efficiently across the battery system for faster, more stable and reliable charging throughout the day.
Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra uses an expanded graphite cooling structure engineered for improved thermal conductivity, helping dissipate heat more effectively and keep the device responsive during demanding tasks.
Galaxy Z Flip8: The Sleek and Expressive AI-Native Flip Experience
Galaxy Z Flip8 is built for users who want their phone to feel as dynamic as they are. Designed around quick interactions, personal expression and AI-native experiences, Galaxy Z Flip8 brings the power of Galaxy AI closer to everyday moments through a reimagined FlexWindow and uniquely flexible Flip form factor. Weighing just 180g 3 and with a thickness of only 6.1 mm, Samsung’s slimmest and lightest Flip brings information, actions and creativity closer to everyday moments.
A Smarter, More Intuitive FlexWindow Experience
Galaxy Z Flip8 reimagines the FlexWindow as an AI-native everyday interface, bringing information, actions and assistance closer to the moments when users need them most.
The new FlexWindow brings apps, insights and actions directly to the cover screen, helping users access information, AI-powered features and connected tasks in fewer steps.
Now Brief 14 on FlexWindow home brings timely insights and next steps, helping users move from glanceable information to action at the right moment.
Galaxy Z Flip8 also makes automation 15 through Gemini Intelligence easier to access from the FlexWindow, 10 allowing users to complete connected actions through side-key activation or natural voice requests.
FlexCam Unlocks a More Expressive Flip Selfie Experience
Galaxy Z Flip8 enhances Samsung’s signature Flip camera experience, turning everyday moments into more expressive content through flexible shooting angles, real-time previews and Flip-only creative experiences. From hands-free shooting and real-time preview to cover-screen selfie videos and Flip-only mirror selfies, Galaxy Z Flip8 helps users create, check and share polished moments without setting up extra equipment.
A 50 MP camera with ProVisual Engine delivers Galaxy Z Flip’s most advanced selfie experience, helping users capture detailed portraits and everyday shots with natural skintones, dynamic bokeh and standout detail.
Flex Mode makes hands-free shooting easy from a wide range of angles, while Camcorder Grip with Zoom Rocker provides a more comfortable, stable hold when capturing dynamic shots on the move.
Super Steady — now with a Horizontal Lock option — helps keep footage smooth and consistently framed, whether filming action-filled moments or on-the-go selfie videos.
FlipShot lets users personalise the FlexWindow and capture more expressive mirror selfies, while Mirror view gives users a realistic mirror-like view for quick look checks before taking a photo or heading out.
Intuitive Experiences Optimised for Foldables
As the most personal device people carry, the phone has become the primary entry point where AI meets users — and the new Galaxy Z series sets the tone for the next generation of mobile AI experiences. Galaxy AI now works across more apps and services, with experiences optimised for foldable form factors. By understanding what matters to each user and helping turn insights into action, Galaxy AI becomes more personal, proactive and useful throughout the day.
Now Brief helps users stay informed with personalised insights tailored to their routines, interests and daily needs through expanded scenarios, customisable briefing cards and personalised recommendations. It now also surfaces security and privacy insights, helping users stay on top of potential risks and protective actions.
Now Nudge 17 helps turn insights into action. When plans begin to take shape in a conversation, AI can surface relevant next steps such as checking a schedule, finding a place or saving a location. On foldables, users can continue the conversation side by side on larger displays.
Gemini 2 Intelligence helps users move from request to result with fewer steps. Users can simply describe what they need or even add screen or image context. App automation can now work across 40+ supported apps and services, with capabilities ranging from looking up tickets to finding a nearby restaurant and making a reservation. With Gemini Notebook, users can bring together notes, images, recordings, files and documents in one persistent workspace to collect, organise and develop their ideas. Drag-and-drop support in Split view makes the workflow even more intuitive, allowing users to easily add multiple files and images and turn their content into audio overviews, infographics, reports, meeting recaps, visual summaries, documents and more.
AI experiences become more connected and contextual when the new Galaxy Z series is connected with Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and the Galaxy Watch9 series. From wellness insights to daily routines and connected actions, Galaxy AI helps users move more seamlessly between devices with timely personalised support throughout the day.
Together, these experiences show how Galaxy AI 1 is becoming a more capable and proactive companion, helping users accomplish more with less effort. Across the line-up, foldable form factors make these experiences easier to access throughout the day.
Security and Privacy Built Into the Experience
As AI becomes more personal and intuitive, trust continues to be a critical foundation of the experience. Users need to know how their data is used, understand what AI is doing on their behalf and stay in control of the choices that shape their experience. With the new Galaxy Z series, Samsung builds that trust into the device from the start, keeping personal data secure while giving users transparency, choice and control over how their information is used.
Samsung Knox protects every Galaxy device from the chip up, with a multi-layered approach that includes on-device personalisation and user-controlled cloud processing, as well as future-ready protections such as ecosystem-wide protection through Samsung Knox Matrix. For on-device AI,
Personal Data Engine (PDE) enables context-aware, personalised AI experiences. To protect PDE, Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP) creates encrypted, app-specific storage environments, while Knox Vault adds a tamper-resistant physical layer for sensitive information 18 . These system-level protections work together with Advanced Intelligence settings and Personal Data Intelligence to help users control how AI features manage and use personal data.
One UI 9.0 also introduces a new AI Assistant Activity dashboard, giving users a centralised view of AI automations running on their behalf. Instead of moving across multiple apps and services to understand what happened, users can review AI actions in one place and navigate directly to the relevant agent 19 for additional context and settings. The Z8 series also brings enhanced Privacy Alerts that proactively notify users about potential privacy risks, including unnecessary attempts to access background permissions, helping them respond before those risks become invisible.
These updates build on Galaxy’s existing security and privacy portfolio, which includes Auto Blocker, Theft Protection, Private Sharing, Secure Wi-Fi and more. Together, these advancements help users take a more active role in managing personal data and AI activities, with transparency, clearer choices and stronger protections at the core of their experience — helping ensure that more personal AI experiences remain grounded in trust.
Getting Started with the New Galaxy Z Series
Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Fold8 and Flip8 are available for pre-order in select markets starting today. All models are available in Graphite and Cream, with Violet Shadow exclusive to Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Lavender to Galaxy Z Fold8 and Pink to Galaxy Z Flip8. Online Channel Exclusive colours 20 21 include Green Shadow for Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Pistachio for Galaxy Z Fold8 and Mint for Galaxy Z Flip8.
The new Galaxy Z series will bring the benefits of advanced AI closer to users’ daily lives by providing a 6-month free trial of Google AI Pro 22 , including 5 TB of cloud storage — equivalent to $19.99 per month. With the expanded access to Google’s most capable AI models, users can boost their productivity and creativity on the foldable screen anytime they want.
Switching to Galaxy is now easier than ever, thanks to a more seamless migration experience across a wider range of devices.
With the updated Smart Switch, iOS users can scan a QR code on their current devices and wirelessly transfer data without downloading additional apps. Smart Switch can also bring over additional types of data including password and passkeys, call history, accessibility settings, eSIM data and more, helping reduce the time needed to set up a new device. And with Quick Share’s new compatibility with AirDrop 24 , sharing files between iOS and Galaxy devices is now seamless in both directions.
To give users peace of mind after upgrading, Samsung Care+ 25 offers comprehensive protection with repairs for accidental damage.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Watch 9 unveiled, pre-sale date released
Samsung has revealed details of its new range of Galaxy Watch at their annual Unpacked event, also revealing details of when pre-sales begin, as well as pricing.
For all the information, keep reading!
Your Health Companion on the Wrist
Deeper insights, more accurate tracking and lasting comfort help users turn daily data into actionable guidance
The all-new Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Galaxy Watch9 have been unveiled, delivering a new era where users can unlock in-depth health insights simply by wearing these devices. To support 24/7 wearability, Samsung delivers powerful innovations that maximise comfort while advancing performance with Galaxy Watch’slargest battery and brightest display ever, as well as the Snapdragon Wear® Elite Platform.
Serving as the gateway to AI-driven health intelligence, this line-up transforms biometric data into personalised, actionable guidance across the full spectrum of user health
Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2 feature the Snapdragon Wear® Elite Platform, alongside the line-up's largest battery and brightest display ever.
"Samsung is committed to helping people live better. We want to make the shift from reactive treatment to proactive care as seamless as possible. By integrating everyday devices with our global scale, we’re building a deeply connected health experience.” said TM Roh, Chief Executive Officer, President and Head of the Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics.
"The new Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 represent a leap forward in Samsung's health vision. By continuously tracking health data from the wrist, these new watches act as a health companion, turning daily vital signs into proactive, actionable insights and providing timely alerts"
Galaxy Watch Ultra2: Fuelling Ambitions and Enabling Peak Performance Through Unrivalled Hardware and Specialised Sports Tracking
Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is Samsung’s most powerful and advanced Galaxy Watch ever. It is built for extreme outdoor adventures and high-performance seekers who demand long-lasting performance, reliable durability, precision tracking and continuous health monitoring in extreme conditions.
Galaxy Watch Ultra2’s dedicated tracking modes for outdoor sports help users excel and safely push their limits. The Trail Run 4 feature tracks detailed elevation, climbing progress and terrain impact so users can better pace themselves and reduce injury risk. It also provides real-time hydration guidance through Nutrition Alert, 5 a new addition to the existing Sweat Loss feature.
By estimating sweat loss relative to body weight, it provides guidance on when and how much to hydrate, helping users achieve their running goals
Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is rated IP69K, 10 ATM and EN13319 certified, also dust and water- resistant. The moment the user enters the water, it can automatically track real-time data such as depth, time and water temperature right from their wrist. 7 Moreover, users can access advanced features, including ascent/descent speed tracking and safe dive limits, by using the exclusive Ultra2 Diving app expected to be available later this year. Developed with Mares, the world’s leading diving equipment brand, these features significantly enhance the watch's capabilities.
Once a user enters the water, Galaxy Watch Ultra2 automatically tracks real-time data such as depth, time and water temperature.
To power these pro-level sports health features, Galaxy Watch Ultra2 is built with unprecedented hardware performance. It is equipped with a massive 800 mAh battery — a 35% increase in capacity compared to the previous Ultra model. Powered by the Snapdragon Wear Elite platform, it establishes a new benchmark in power, speed and highly accurate GPS tracking for the Ultra line.
The expanded display provides the world’s first smartwatch with 5,000 nits of brightness, 9 making crystal-clear visibility possible even under intense sunlight.
Galaxy Watch Ultra2 retains its shock-resistant titanium casing, while also introducing enhanced comfort and stability for a broader, more diverse range of users. Despite a significantly larger battery,
Galaxy Watch Ultra2 achieves an innovative slimmer 10 design that transitions seamlessly from outdoor and sports activities to everyday lifestyle use. Advanced internal re-engineering significantly reduces the device’s thickness by 12% compared to the previous generation. Coupled with lighter and softer bands that reduce weight, Galaxy Watch Ultra2 delivers 24/7 wearability, biometric data tracking and exceptional comfort.
Galaxy Watch9: Everyday Wellness With All-Day Comfort and a Lasting Battery
Galaxy Watch9 is the ultimate everyday health companion, designed for wellness-conscious users who want to build healthier habits through effortless, continuous activity and sleep tracking. This versatile watch turns personal biomarkers into actionable health insights, empowering users to manage their daily routines by simply wearing it.
To maximise its role as a health companion, Galaxy Watch9 is backed by powerful hardware and an incredibly comfortable design. It features a lightweight yet durable aluminum casing that preserves Galaxy Watch’s signature cushion silhouette, refined specifically for a closer, more natural fit on the wrist. Combined with a wide range of interchangeable, soft-touch bands, Galaxy Watch9 helps ensure unmatched all-day comfort — enabling the continuous, 24/7 wear required to help capture accurate health data.
This exceptional wearability is powered by next-generation internal innovations. The new Snapdragon Wear Elite platform gives Galaxy Watch9 a massive boost in speed and efficiency for lag-free, seamless health monitoring. The 40mm size is equipped with an efficient 390 mAh battery
delivers dependable, around-the-clock tracking from day to night. Furthermore, a brilliant 3,000-nit display supports effortless readability and crystal-clear visibility under any lighting condition, making it easy for users to check their health status at a glance.
AI-Powered Health: Comprehensive and Actionable Health Insights
At the core of Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 are Samsung’s AI-powered health features. Galaxy Watch’s BioActive sensor captures continuous biometric data about a user’s lifestyle habits to develop a deep understanding of their health. Galaxy Watch then translates this biometric data into simple, proactive recommendations, helping users understand not just what is happening in their bodies, but what to do next.
The new capabilities — available on both Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 — advance Samsung’s preventive care vision. Built on this foundation, Galaxy Watch is designed to deliver more meaningful health guidance across key pillars including sleep, activity, cardiovascular health and recovery.
Vitals 12 : Proactively monitors a user’s personal health baseline during sleep and provides seamless alerts for significant deviations.
Heart Health Score 13 : Provides an understanding of cardiovascular wellness through a simple, actionable score and personalised lifestyle recommendations.
Daily Cardio Load 14 : Optimises training through tailored guidance on workout volume and estimated recovery needs.
Fitness Index 15 : Delivers a holistic view of physical fitness with personalised goals to improve everyday performance.
Hearing 16 : Protects long-term hearing health with alerts for unsafe noise levels and detailed reports.
With these features, users can gain access to intelligent, personalised insights that empower them to seamlessly manage their long-term wellness journey and reach their goals.
Purpose-Built Band Collections: Designed for Every Lifestyle
A smartwatch should be as unique as the user, and both Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 offer a range of diverse band options to fit every lifestyle.
Because elite performance demands the right gear for the right moment, Samsung offers a specialised collection of Ultra bands. Whether users are tackling rugged terrain or heading into a business meeting, they have the flexibility to choose the perfect band tailored to their specific purpose and environment, ensuring optimal functionality without compromising on style. Users have the following options to choose from:
Marine Band: an even lighter, breathable silicone band designed for all-day adventures and extreme conditions.
PeakForm Band: a hybrid material band delivering a premium finish optimised for both elegance and athletic performance.
Trail Band: a classic fabric band featuring enhanced breathability and a superior fit for lasting comfort, even during demanding outdoor activities like running.
Designed with ultimate self-expression in mind, the expansive new Watch9 band collection empowers users to showcase their personal style and customise their look. Featuring innovative new materials and a vibrant spectrum of colours, these bands maximise comfort across diverse activities — from intense workouts to your everyday routines:
Sports Band: a thinner, softer all-rounder for ultimate comfort and effortless transitions from workouts to daily life.
Misty Band: crafted from premium soft silicone that securely wraps around the wrist for a stable, bounce-free fit. Featuring subtle and soft two-tone colours, it delivers a sophisticated look that effortlessly complements a user’s everyday style.
Fabric Band: a lightweight, breathable daily band offering maximum comfort, even during sleep.
Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 come with exclusive subscription trial benefits:
Strava 60-Day Free Trial 17 : Users can start training with the world's most active community, where 195 million active people across 185 countries track every effort and cheer each other on. But Strava goes beyond training — users can connect with their community and discover new running routes by tracking workouts directly on theirwatch, then opening the Strava app on their mobile phone. To activate a free trial, users can open the Strava mobile app, go to Settings and tap the Samsung offer.
iFIT 2-Month Free Trial 18 : Users can explore global destinations with elite iFIT trainers and track workouts directly on their watch. To activate a free trial, users can open the Samsung Health app on their mobile phone and tap promotion in the Settings menu.
Availability
Together with the new Galaxy Z series, Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Watch9 expands Samsung's AI ecosystem, bringing life companion experiences across every form factor, from wrist to pocket to home.
Galaxy Watch Ultra2 will be available in a 47 mm size, while Galaxy Watch9 will be available in two sizes: 40 mm and 44 mm. Galaxy Watch Ultra2 users will be able to choose from Titanium Silver or Titanium Grey. Meanwhile, the 40mm Galaxy Watch9 will be available in Cream and Graphite, while the 44mm Galaxy Watch9 will be available in Graphite and Silver.
Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 are available for pre-order in select markets starting July 23, with general availability starting August 10.
EA Sports FC27 cover star revealed as Kylian Mbappé
Today, Electronic Arts has revealed the EA Sports FC27 cover star.
It will be French footballing legend Kylian Mbappé.
The French phenom returns to the franchise cover for the first time in four years to make his debut as an EA SPORTS FC™ cover star. Mbappé will also be featured as the new cover athlete for EA SPORTS FC™ Mobile.
"To be featured on the cover of an EA SPORTS FC title for the first time is a very special moment for me,” said Kylian Mbappé. “It's an honor to continue my long-term relationship with the franchise in its latest chapter, alongside the players who have shaped its history. I can't wait for everyone to experience FC 27."
“We're thrilled to welcome Kylian back to the franchise as the cover star of EA SPORTS FC 27,” said Jeff Sharma, Vice President, Franchise Strategy and Marketing at EA SPORTS FC. “Kylian’s achievements for both club and country have established him as one of the defining players of his generation. He embodies the ambition, creativity and global appeal that defines EA SPORTS FC today, and we're proud to continue our partnership with him as he returns to lead EA SPORTS FC 27.”
Since his move to Real Madrid in 2024, Mbappé has excelled, delivering at football's highest level. He has finished as LALIGA EA SPORTS' top scorer in each of his two seasons in Spain, and claimed the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League Golden Boot after scoring 15 goals in the competition.
He has sustained that momentum at the international level with a series of standout performances for his country over the summer, further cementing his place among the world's elite and earning his place on the cover of EA SPORTS FC 27.
This cover star reveal of Kylian Mbappé kicks off a week of announcements for EA SPORTS FC 27, including the gameplay trailer reveal on YouTube which will go live at 02:00 AEST (Friday July 24) / 09:00 PDT / 17:00 BST / 18:00 CEST on Thursday, July 23.
Fans can stay tuned for more EA SPORTS FC 27 news in the coming days across our global social channels.
Cast: Nicholas Galitzine, Jared Leto, Camila Mendes, Idris Elba, Alison Brie, Morena Baccarin Director: Travis Knight
The latest attempt to adapt Mattel's 1980s toy line and slightly campy animated TV series about Prince Adam of Eternia arrives on the big screen.
Starring The Sheep Detectives' Galitzine as Prince Adam, who's been trying to retrieve the sword of Power for the last 15 years after being trapped on Earth when Skeletor's forces invaded his homeland of Eternia.
Working as a HR representative in a dull company, Adam spends his days online, searching for the one thing he was asked to look after. When one day he's contacted by someone who's found the sword, he heads to collect it - only to run headlong into his past and future.
A little bloated in places perhaps, director Travis Knight and his team clearly have a lot of reverence for both the source material and the idea of tone in the film.
Whether it's getting a cameo from Dolph Lundgren, setting up the return of another character in the credits, inserting the 4 Non Blondes song which became a He-Man meme or playing on the fact most of the episodes of the 80s animated show ended with the characters laughing, there's enough here to satiate fans of the source material.
It's not entirely a nostalgia-fest though, with Knight doing much to try and shoehorn in the kind of goofy humour Guardians of the Galaxy made the sci-fi genre more accessible for. It has to be said it's not all entirely perfect, and occasionally the tone seems at odds with the seriousness of what's on screen and some of the CGI effects don't land as they should.
But it holds aces in Galitzine's wonderfully game performance as the himbo and also Leto's maniacal Skeletor (who occasionally sounds like Stewie from Family Guy for some reason). Their performances hold together the proceedings which do sag a little in the middle and which in truth could have benefited from an expeditious edit.
Whether it's enough to warrant a sequel is debatable, but for an unapologetic popcorn blockbuster in the middle of the season, it's broad enough to be better than it ever hoped to be.
Masters of the Universe to stream on Prime Video from July 22
Based on the Mattel range of toys and after a cinema release earlier this year, it's been announced the Masters of the Universe movie will stream on Prime Video from July 22.
Starring Nicholas Galitzine, Camila Mendes, Alison Brie, James Purefoy, Morena Baccarin, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Charlotte Riley, Featuring Kristen Wiig as the voice of “Roboto” with Jared Leto and Idris Elba
From Director Travis Knight
In MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE, Director Travis Knight brings the legendary franchise back to the big screen in this epic live-action adventure. After being separated for 15 years, the Sword of Power leads Prince Adam (Nicholas Galitzine) back to Eternia where he discovers his home shattered under the fiendish rule of Skeletor (Jared Leto). To save his family and his world, Adam must join forces with his closest allies, Teel a (Camila Mendes) and Duncan/Man-At-Arms (Idris Elba), and embrace his true destiny as He-Man — the most powerful man in the universe.
Behind the epic battles of Eternia, the Masters of the Universe production team was pioneering something off-camera too — piloting clean energy solutions on set in the English countryside. Mercedes electric vehicles were used to transport the majority of the cast and producers across filming locations, with EV charging stations set up on-site. And to power basecamp and those charging stations, the team turned to hydrogen power units (HPUs) from GeoPura — a clean energy system whose only exhaust is water and operates with very little noise.
It's part of Amazon's broader commitment to sustainability across its operations — including entertainment.
Help Kids Unleash Their Inner Power
Masters of the Universe has spread a message of finding power from within for more than 40 years. In partnership with Save the Children, Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel’s ongoing philanthropic campaign transforms the idea that “You Have the Power!” into a global movement, mobilizing fans to help children around the world have a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn, and protection from harm. Fans can support children worldwide by giving via Pledge or by texting HERO to 707070, with all donations benefitting Save the Children directly.
After months of frenzied online speculation, the first look at Avengers: Doomsday has been revealed with a new poster and trailer.
Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Doomsday” is directed by Anthony and Joe Russo; produced by Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito and Jonathan Schwartz; and stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Pedro Pascal, Paul Rudd, Anthony Mackie, Florence Pugh, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Wyatt Russell, Channing Tatum, Simu Liu, Ian McKellen, Tom Hiddleston, James Marsden, Patrick Stewart, Joseph Quinn, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, Letitia Wright, Lewis Pullman, Kelsey Grammer, Kathryn Newton, Danny Ramirez, Winston Duke, Alan Cumming, Hannah John-Kamen, Rebecca Romijn, Mabel Cadena, with Tenoch Huerta Mejia.
In “Avengers: Doomsday,” beloved heroes from three distinct universes will be set on a deadly collision course and face an existential threat unlike anything they’ve ever encountered.
“Avengers: Doomsday” releases exclusively in cinemas December 17, 2026.
Here's everything that's streaming on Neon in August 2026.
The Rapture Season 1 (August 10, 8.35pm)
Forensic psychologist Gabrielle Fox, paralysed from a car crash, takes a job at a juvenile facility. She meets infamous inmate Bethany Krall, convicted of murdering her mother, who claims to have psychic abilities.
Together, they must discover the truth before Bethany's final terrifying vision comes true. Based on the best-selling novel by Liz Jensen.
Stars: Ruth Madeley (Years & Years), India Amarteifo (Queen Charlotte) and BAFTA winner Ruth Jones (Gavin & Stacey)
Free Nelson Mandela (August 29)
The story of Nelson Mandela’s journey from activist to revolutionary prisoner, and the global movement and musical activism that helped bring his freedom.
01 Fizzy and Suds S2
01 Hey Arnold! S3
01 Letterkenny S6-12
01 South Park S9-11
01 The Wonder Gang S2
04 Arrested Development S4-5
06 Doubleparked S1-2
07 Homebound 3.0
07 Louis Theroux: The Settlers
10 The Rapture S1
13 Good Girls S1-4
14 The Bay S1-5
15 Cutting the Curve
19 Endeavour S1-9
20 Ugly Betty S1-4
21 Bear Grylls Is Running Wild S9
24 Chapelwaite S1
25 Murdoch Mysteries S1-15
25 Murdoch Mysteries Christmas Special
27 The Red Stag Timber Hunters Club S11
29 Free Nelson Mandela S1
31 A Spy Among Friends S1
MOVIES
Anaconda (August 18)
Two best friends gripped by a midlife crisis decide to head deep into the Amazon to remake their all-time favourite movie - Anaconda. Things get real when an actual giant snake appears.
Stars: Paul Rudd, Jack Black
Holy Days (August 2)
In 1970s Aotearoa, a grieving young boy joins three nuns on a mission to save their convent. In a car powered by God (and stolen money), this is one unlikely road trip.
In 1970s Brazil, a man on the run arrives in the city of Recife during Carnival. Hoping to find refuge and reunite with his young son, he soon realises his hometown is no safe haven.
Stars: Wagner Moura, Carlos Francisco, Tânia Maria, Robério Diógenes, Alice Carvalho, Gabriel Leone, Maria Fernanda Cândido
The Accountant 2 (August 8)
Forensic accountant Christian Wolff excels at solving intricate problems. A cryptic clue from a murdered friend forces him to team up with his estranged but highly lethal brother to track down mysterious assassins and uncover a deadly conspiracy.
Stars: Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal, J.K. Simmons
Heads of State (August 12)
The U.K. Prime Minister (Idris Elba) and the U.S. President (John Cena) have a not-so-friendly and very public rivalry. But when they become the targets of a foreign adversary, they’re forced to rely on one another to thwart a global conspiracy.
Also stars: Priyanka Chopra, Jack Quaid
The Smashing Machine (August 6)
The unforgettable true story of mixed martial arts UFC fighter Mark Kerr, whose obsession with greatness made him a legend – and nearly cost him everything.
Golden Globe nominees for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress.
Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt
Splitsville (August 2)
When Ashley asks for a divorce, Carey runs to Julie and Paul for support. He's shocked to learn the secret to their happiness is an open marriage.
Cast: Bentley Storteboom, Skywalker Hughes, Karl Urban, Anna Faris, Ethan Hawke, Jemaine Clement
Director: Andrew Niccol
For a director who's dealt in Eugenics and digitally created actresses, Andrew Niccol's self-written I,Object marks a distinctly retro movie, reminiscent of the kind of gentle family fare that used to play on Sunday afternoons on the BBC back in the 1980s.
This whimsical tale is the story of Tom (Storteboom, subtle and sweet), a 10-year-old kid who's still grieving the loss of his father and who appears to horde everyday objects, much to the annoyance of his stepfather Frank (a gloweringly monstrous Urban, barely seen in full view during the film).
Unable to connect with other kids and bullied because he talks to himself, Tom has a condition - Pareidolia, wherein he sees faces in normal objects. From a talking grater to a speaking bag via his father's beloved clock Benny (voiced by Hawke, who's the film's narrator), Tom has created his own world to help him cope.
But when he meets Allie (Hughes) who shares his condition, the two form a bond - however, the adults in their lives soon determine both need help from other sources.
A cautionary tale about growing up, it would be easy to posit that I, Object shares similar DNA with Toy Story (even down to one terrifying furnace sequence). But unlike Toy Story, there's a whimsy coursing through Niccol's film that plays toward the innocence of a child and the fear of growing up.
While Niccol has stuffed his story with some terribly crowbarred puns, the script's commitment to the fantastical edges and the grounded heart helps it greatly, bringing a story of grief to life in ways that you'd least expect.
While Clement adds a kind of deadpan humour to his soda can who yearns for reincarnation as part of an aeroplane, Hawke brings a wistfulness to Benny, a clock whose years have brought him wisdom that he hopes to pass on to Tom as he guides him.
It all sounds fantastical - and in many ways, it is - but I, Object's heart lies in its innocence and the ability to see everything in the world as something wonderful. Thanks to its canny effects and its gentle touch, don't be surprised if you end up looking at plugs or many other household objects in different ways after you've seen it.
Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced sells 3 million in one week
Vantage Studios, a Ubisoft company, announced more than 3 million copies sold in a week for Assassin’s Creed™ Black Flag Resynced, the latest installment in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, released on July 9.
The game started strong with 2 million copies sold on day 1 and this new milestone confirms the momentum. Following positive reception from critics at launch, player feedback has been increasingly positive with Steam user reviews improving to Very Positive, showing strengthened player sentiment thanks to responsive post-launch support.
This includes quality-of-life updates and bug fixes, as well as the recent announcement of the highly requested New Game+ mode, further enhancing replayability for the most dedicated players.
A testament to Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag, originally released in 2013, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, led by Ubisoft Singapore*, is a faithful remake rebuilt from the ground up and powered by the latest Anvil engine.
The game features stunning updated visuals and enriched gameplay, including parry‑driven combat, improved stealth and parkour, deeper naval mechanics, and new narrative content.
Set during the Golden Age of Piracy, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced invites players to sail the Caribbean as Edward Kenway, a rebellious pirate captain drawn into the centuries-old conflict between Assassins and Templars. As Edward pursues glory and fortune, he crosses paths with legendary figures such as Blackbeard, Anne Bonny, and Calico Jack, while the fate of everything the pirates have built hangs in the balance.
The game is available on Ubisoft+**, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, as well as Windows PC through the Ubisoft Store, Steam (Steam Deck verified) and the Epic Games Store.
Electronic Arts and Battlefield Studios revealed the franchise's largest seasonal update to date with Naval Warfare, new content, and a meticulously crafted knockout Top Gun crossover experience in partnership with Paramount Games Studio.
Key Details:
Season 4 kicks off on July 21 with Phase 1 (Pacific Front) introducing the biggest map in Battlefield 6 yet, Tsuru Reef
Phase 2 (Top Gun) debuts on August 18th with Battlefield and Top Gun’s collaboration content alongside a reimagining of one of Battlefield’s classic maps, Wake Island
The final phase of Season 4 (Tidal Strike) releases on September 15
Battlefield Debuts First-Ever Entertainment Collaboration with Paramount's Record-Breaking Franchise, Featuring All-Star Talent from Top Gun: Maverick for Battlefield 6 and REDSEC
Sydney, Australia. (July 18, 2026) – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) and Battlefield Studios today revealed a first look at Battlefield 6™ and Battlefield REDSEC, delivering the franchise's largest seasonal update to date with Naval Warfare, new content, and a meticulously crafted knockout Top Gun crossover experience in partnership with Paramount Games Studio. The update will include the F-18/Super Hornet and iconic F-14 Tomcat, fan-favourite characters from Top Gun, as well as two new modes inspired by the franchise’s iconic aerial combat.
Three characters from Top Gun come to life in-game, fully voiced by their original performers: Lt. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw (Miles Teller), Lt. Robert “Bob” Floyd (Lewis Pullman), Adm. Solomon “Warlock” Bates (Charles Parnell), with Top Gun-inspired character skins and cosmetics available in-game.
“It's a huge honour to appear in a long-running franchise like Battlefield with its millions of fans, and talented people working on it,” said Miles Teller. “And with Top Gun, it's like two titans meeting.”
“I’ll actually be the one giving orders in-game, which I love,” said Charles Parnell, “If it’s my voice that pushes players on to clutch a win, that’s awesome.”
Carrier Strike is a new Battlefield 6 mode debuting during this collaboration that pits naval, air, and ground forces against one another as teams seek to destroy the enemy aircraft carrier in a showdown creating an incredible blending of Battlefield and Top Gun’s defining characteristics.
“Battlefield is very intense, whether you're in the sky or on the ground or fighting in the sea, “ said Lewis Pullman, “In that way, it’s a perfect pairing with Top Gun.”
Players can also jump into a new Gauntlet mission for Battlefield REDSEC, a jets-only combat mission set on a reworked version of Tsuru Reef, where they compete to be the best of the best.
“Jets. Adrenaline. The drive to be the best. Battlefield’s unmatched sense of scale is the perfect way to bring Top Gun’s iconic and cinematic aerial combat to life.” says Ryan McArthur, Executive Producer. “We can’t wait for our players to experience the update when it hits on August 18 but our collaboration is also just a piece of Battlefield 6’s biggest season yet.”
Season 4 officially kicks off on July 21 with Phase 1 (Pacific Front) introducing the biggest map in Battlefield 6 yet, Tsuru Reef. This massive Pacific theater battleground features vast air and sea spaces as well as naval aircraft carriers with operational flight decks, and the introduction of our new Dynamic Wave System. This system adds a new dimension to ocean combat, where waves affect boat movement, player aim, and line of sight, allowing players to strategically ambush, flank, and use as cover in firefights.
Phase 2 (Top Gun) debuts on August 18th with Battlefield and Top Gun’s collaboration content alongside a reimagining of one of Battlefield’s classic maps, Wake Island. The final phase of Season 4 (Tidal Strike) releases on September 15 and includes a collection event offering rewards for those who complete naval-based contracts and challenges.
“When Battlefield 6 launched, it had a strong core of content that we’ve grown over time, using feedback from the community to make the game even better,” says Byron Beede, General Manager of Battlefield. “With the addition of Naval Warfare, our Top Gun collaboration, our largest map, and so much more, Season 4 is our biggest update yet and is the perfect opportunity for players old and new to dive in.”
Season 4 will also see the release of several eagerly anticipated updates to the game. Battlefield Studios is rolling out a series of quality-of-life updates, with Spectator Mode and the Portal Custom Lobby launching this season.
Visit us on Battlefield.com. Join the official Battlefield community channels over at discord.gg/Battlefield. Follow us on @Battlefield to stay informed on the latest updates, and @BattlefieldCom for the rollout of live updates.
Mortal Kombat II to stream on HBO Max from July 24
New Line Cinema’s Mortal Kombat II will make its global streaming debut on Friday, 24 July, only on HBO Max.
Mortal Kombat II stars Karl Urban, Adeline Rudolph, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, Ludi Lin, Mehcad Brooks, Tati Gabrielle, Lewis Tan, Damon Herriman, Chin Han, Tadanobu Asano, Joe Taslim and Hiroyuki Sanada.
The film will feature the fan favourite champions, as well as Johnny Cage, pitted against one another in the ultimate, no-holds barred battle to defeat the dark rule of Shao Kahn that threatens the very existence of the Earthrealm and its defenders.
The film is directed by Simon McQuoid and written by Jeremy Slater, based on the video game created by Ed Boon and John Tobias. The film is produced by Todd Garner, E. Bennett Walsh, James Wan, Toby Emmerich and Simon McQuoid, and executive produced by Michael Clear, Judson Scott, Jeremy Slater, Ed Boon and Lawrence Kasanoff.
Mortal Kombat II debuts Friday 24 July, only on HBO Max.
Here's everything that's streaming on HBO Max in August 2026.
Monsters of God (August 7)
The HBO Original five-part documentary series Monsters of God, directed by Emmy® Award-nominated filmmaker Eric Goode (HBO’s Chimp Crazy, Tiger King), debuts Friday, 7 August, only on HBO Max. Subsequent episodes will debut Fridays at the same time. The series had its world premiere at the 2026 SXSW Film & TV Festival where it won the TV Premiere Audience Award.
Filmmaker Eric Goode follows his first love – reptiles – into the dark and gonzo underworld of exotic animal smuggling. In this global network, everyone is chasing the ultimate prize, whether it be owning the rarest of species, claiming the biggest fortunes or taking down the most elusive criminals. The billion-dollar criminal enterprise is fuelled by extreme obsession for these creatures, driving many to push the boundaries of laws and environmental ethics. As he digs deeper, Goode uncovers a labyrinth of outlaw traffickers, bombastic collectors and the dogged law enforcement agents on their tails.
Unfolding over decades, Monsters of God traces the evolution of the reptile trade as it skirts the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and grows into a secretive, high-stakes world of backroom dealings and fanatical collectors. With unprecedented access to the major players, from traffickers to animal enthusiasts to federal agents, Goode unravels a web of larger-than-life characters who run a complex international crime ring. A thrilling exposé of a hidden underworld, Monsters of God warns of the devastating impact of the insatiable desire for the forbidden, and how this mad obsession is pushing some species to the brink of extinction.
Featured participants include reptile dealers, Tommy Crutchfield, Hank Molt, Anson Wong, Ray and Mike Van Nostrand, Mario Tabraue and Beau Lee Lewis; author, Bryan Christy; former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agents; reptile collectors; federal prosecutors; customs agents; reptile handlers; former DEA agent, Larry Loveless; zoo officials; snake breeders; and investigative journalist, Steve Chao.
Cast: Neve Campbell, Isabel May, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Anna Camp, David Arquette, Roger L. Jackson, Michelle Randolph, Jimmy Tatro, Mckenna Grace, Asa Germann, Celeste O’Connor, Sam Rechner, Mark Consuelos, Tim Simons, Matthew Lillard, Joel McHale, Courteney Cox Director: Kevin Williamson
The latest entrant in the Scream slasher series goes back to its roots.
When Neve Campbell's Sidney Prescott thinks she has it all, a new life in a new town, she's shocked to once again receive a taunting call from serial killer Ghostface.
But this time, it's personal with Sidney's daughter is the one being threatened...
Formulaic suspense, fake-outs, OTT deaths, masked killers and a general malaise pervades much of the latest Scream film, the first to see Neve Campbell return as Final Girl Sidney Prescott after she sat out the prior film.
But this Scream feels more like a whimper with the idea of Sidney taking on a new life as a suburban mom to growingly rebellious teen daughter Tatum (Isabel May) feeling like it's wasted, rather than built upon.
With original scribe Kevin Williamson back and behind the camera, as well as Campbell, you'd expect a meta-film that is full of clever twists and turns. Instead, as Sidney once again battles Ghostface, what emerges is a film that's content to make comments about how Sidney was wise to sit out the events of New York and less interested in advancing or reshaping the genre.
It starts with a pre-titles sequence set in the original Woodsboro house that's now visitable by tourists (Scare BnB, anyone?) but it's limp and obvious in its execution(s).
Messing with the idea that Matthew Lillard's Stu has returned to kill again and dabbling with the idea of deepfakes and AI, Scream 7 had real potential to ensure it was going to be killer. Instead, what emerges is largely filler, that takes nearly 2 hours to play out and has a deeply unsatisfying reveal of the final reasons for the stab-fest.
Campbell's stoic enough and it's good to see her having gone through the transition to becoming more proactive. Cox has a great entrance and little else, and the film's obsession with leaning into examining why everyone could be a suspect leaves you distinctly feeling that all of this has been done before - and better.
The whole thing lacks a freshness and feels like the franchise has fallen foul of itself (the very idea that a rewrite cost $500,000 after Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega dropped out is laughable given how poor it is).
If anything, while box office will probably guarantee a return, creatively, this franchise is done - it's time to stick a knife in its heart and end it for good.
Cast: Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliott Page, Zendaya, Jon Bernthal, Charlize Theron, Himesh Patel, Mia Goth, Samantha Morton Director: Christopher Nolan
Homer's The Odyssey is one of the world's first original stories, a tale of an epic journey written some 3,000 years ago.
So it's perhaps apt that Christopher Nolan's movie is an equally epic outing, lasting nearly 3 hours on screen and cramming in an all-star cast of talent.
And there's no doubting Nolan's ambition here - a film of such immeasurable scale from the very beginning as it follows Damon's Odysseus as he tries to get his men home after the end of the Trojan War.
But it's not all perfect going, no matter how much you're willing to fawn over and fall over the spectacle that plays out.
Its opening is a mess, a mix of exposition and dialogue dumping that's made worse by the almost piecemeal and episodic feel of some of the tribulations of the men as they try to get home. In trying to assemble all the pieces early on, Nolan almost falls over himself and ends up making the start incredibly boring and emotionally bereft as he struggles with the film's flow.
It's not further helped by encounters with the Cyclops which feel rushed and stripped of danger as the men are menaced by a larger-than-life character, with beats of the story sacrificed for speed. Another meeting later with oversized enemies suffers similarly, though the technical execution of this scene (as opposed to the Cyclops, which seems to pay homage to Ray Harryhausen unintentionally and with a blasting score) is impressive and once again a demonstration of the scale of Nolan's ambition.
Fortunately, things become more settled with a disturbing encounter with Samantha Morton's Circe, who proves to be as menacing as she is quiet. And it's here that Nolan appears to be adding layers to the film, presenting a woman on her own that has been affected by the nature of the invaders, leaving her traumatised and with PTSD.
It's a thematic thread which is sown early on and which pays off in the end with Damon's Odysseus showing some of the hubris that Homer intended for him during the oratory of The Odyssey (a man who wouldn't listen to gods, his wife and his men) but adding in a layer at the horror that men do in the search for victory.
It all comes to the boil with the Fall of Troy, the majority of which is saved for the back third of the film, adding a more morally ambiguous edge to proceedings.
Visually, there are moments that soar - early shots in the IMAX presentation reveal the solitude of their quest to return home. A ship alone in turbulent waters, a man walking alone on a seemingly endless beach with debris scattered around him - there's no end to Nolan's visual and visceral take on the Odyssey and it's worth seeing on the largest screen possible because of the craft at play here.
Of the ensemble cast, Himesh Patel deserves praise for his role as Odysseus' second-in-command, whose steely determination to exhort him to listen to his men falls on deaf ears; as mentioned Samantha Morton is uniformly excellent as Circe and while Damon digs deep and delves into darkness for his Odysseus, he's elevated by those around him. Pattinson once again explores his snivelling weasly side as Antonius, and Hathaway has a steely presence as the wife holding court - and hope - after years of her husband's absence.
Perhaps some of the pathos of the original is missing and Nolan sacrifices character moments that matter for visual scale and practical heft, but The Odyssey manages to right its course after some choppy waters to start.
A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms: Season 1 Blu Ray Review
Game Of Thrones certainly knew how to peddle its wares.
From political shenanigans to copious amounts of violence and dense lore, it was an essential watch for fans of the genre. But as the years went on, it became more impenetrable to casual viewers.
So it's pleasing to note that A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms is blessed with none of its Game Of Thrones, making it an ultimately more accessible beast to casual viewers - for at least half of the series anyway.
Bathed in a warmer aesthetic and visually lighter than the brooding ways of Westeros, this spin-off from George R R Martin's novella, The Hedge Knight, follows Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey, wonderfully warm and approachable) as he negotiates life after the death of his Knight mentor.
Determined to seize upon the ways of the Knight and honour what he's been taught, as well as champion the innocent, Ser Dunk (as he's affectionally known) tries to enter a local tournament to gain some standing among the community. However, roundly mocked by all for his incompetence and inexperience, he soon finds himself on the outer edges of that world.
Stumbling across the precocious Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell) at an inn one night, Ser Dunk finds himself with an unexpected squire on his journey into the echelons of Westeros society.
A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms has a tongue-in-cheek approach to its Westeros lore.
Within the opening moments alone, the chords of the original Game Of Thrones soundtrack begin blasting away only for the cameras to quickly cut to a shot of Ser Dunk relieving himself from behind a tree.
There's humour scattered throughout the series too. From the banter between Egg and Ser Dunk to the cutscenes of the reality of Dunk's life as a squire, the series does much to build up a sympathetic and warm approach to its lead, ensuring that you're on his side from the beginning.
And while the show does little to build any decent female characters outside of a few loose stereotypes, its desire to separate itself from the lore of the original series is to be lauded. For the first three episodes, this is a gently warm show about what honour truly means and how hard it is to do the right thing.
But from the end of episode three's cliffhanger, the show falls back into the darkness of its successor (even visually) and leaves you feeling that once again, being part of Westeros is going to be a burden. Fortunately, Claffey has laid much of the tenderness and groundwork to forgive such concerns, and the fact the show is only six parts long also means that it's worth taking the journey to its conclusion.
If anything, A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms shows what TV fantasy can do when it follows the more human trappings and failings of its characters. It's a welcome show that, thanks to episodes that are only around 35 minutes long at the most and dealing in elements that seem like they've evolved from A Knights Tale, feels like it's an engaging portrait of what it means to be a decent person.
If its ending hints at more, then this would be cautiously welcome - though given the coming-of-age elements of the first and the warmth of the Mandalorian-style duo's antics can only be deployed once, it would come with a certain degree of caution.
But thankfully, A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms represents the very best of what a genre can do when its source reinvents the world around it. With a few nods to future elements kept thankfully to a minimum, this is a highly accessible series that's more than worth taking a gamble on.
Developed by Ubisoft Singapore Published by Ubisoft Platform: PS5
Back in 2013, Ubisoft released their much-loved seafaring version of the Assassin's Creed franchise.
Set in a time of piracy and with the traditional Assassin's world mixed in as well, it was a heady concoction - one that offered thrills to players and endless playability thanks to its story and its graphics.
Originally developed by Ubisoft Montreal, the Resynced remake has been taken on by Ubisoft Singapore - and for those worried about whether the game would suffer as a result, there's really no need. It's not a remake per se, but an enhancement of the original, with new content added in a new look in parts to take advantage of the upgraded systems.
For those not in the know, Assassin's Creed: Black Flag follows pirate Edward Kenway, who finds himself yearning to escape the low-paying world of the pirate and heading out to sea for 2 years to earn enough money to keep his wife safe and the wind from blowing through his house.
But when his ship's boarded and attacked and wrecked, he follows a would-be member of the Assassin's Creed syndicate to an island, kills him and then assumes his identity, after being promised a big payday in Havana.
The gameplay is similar but improved on before - and with upgraded graphics, there's a distinctive shine to the world of the pirate and the high seas - even if you can kill someone, dump them in the water and they somehow remain sideways in there...
Whereas the map is still a big one to explore and sea-faring shenanigans are encouraged, the sense of discovery has been dialled back in line with the Valhalla Assassins, where points appear on the map after you've encountered them or synced up in the world. As a result, the world of Havana and the pirates feels more realistic, rather than feeling like it's a list of perfunctory missions to perform to knock icons off your screen.
With smooth parkour, subtle transitions and combat feeling much easier than before, Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced has a way of getting under your gaming skin.
Additional narrative including Blackbeard and more on Stede Bonnet (probably after the success of Our Flag Means Death) gives the game a feeling of depth and immersion - nothing feels like a chore in Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced even if there is a nagging doubt of quests hanging over some of the storyline.
Great writing means Edward Kenway's story still stands the test of time and it's easy to see why it remains so beloved in the franchise. Added to the fact that it looks exceptional, (aside from some gravity-related bugs) and plays well, Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced is well worth sailing again.
