IT General

September is bringing a treat for stargazers: a total lunar eclipse. If you’ve ever wanted to see the Moon turn a deep, reddish hue, Sept. 7 is your chance.

Visible across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, you don't need much to prepare for this kind of astronomical event, as long as it’s not too cloudy, it's easy to catch from your backyard.

Here’s everything you need to know about September's total lunar eclipse.

When is September's total lunar eclipse?

The total lunar eclipse will take place on Sunday, Sept. 7. According to Royal Museums Greenwich, the peak will occur at 7.33 p.m. BST.

How to see the total lunar eclipse

Viewing advice for Sunday's total lunar eclipse is standard for any astronomical event. Head somewhere dark, as far from light pollution as you can. Binoculars and a telescope aren't necessary, Emily Rice, an astronomer at Macaulay Honors College of the City University of New York, told Mashable, but if you already have them, it won't hurt to use them.

What is a total lunar eclipse?

Lunar eclipses happen during full moons, NASA tells us. They occur when Earth lines up exactly between the Sun and the Moon, its shadow falls on the Moon, making it look darker and sometimes giving it a dramatic red glow for a few hours.

During a total lunar eclipse, as the Moon moves into the central part of Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra, some sunlight still reaches its surface after passing through Earth’s atmosphere. Shorter wavelengths like blue and violet will scatter (i.e., light being redirected as it passes through the atmosphere), while longer wavelengths (red and orange colors) make it through. That's why the Moon appears red in color during a total lunar eclipse, according to NASA.

At any one time, a lunar eclipse can be seen from about half of the planet. This eclipse will be happening during the daytime in North and South America, so it won't be visible to that side of the world.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 7.

Tonight's full moon is bringing excitement in parts of the world with the appearance of a full lunar eclipse. For the places that won't be so lucky, tonight's full moon is still worth studying.

Beyond the werewolf folklore, September's full moon marks an important point in the lunar calendar, with seasonal significance. Here’s when it's due, what it’s called, and what it means.

When is the September full moon?

September's full moon will take place on Sunday, Sept. 7. The previous full moon was on Aug. 9.

According to Astronomy.com, this month's full moon will peak at 2:09 a.m. ET.

What is the September full moon called?

The full moons each have a name, a tradition that comes from early cultures using the lunar cycle to track time and seasonal changes.

This month's full moon is known as the Corn Moon, according to Royal Museums Greenwich, simply because this is when crops would be collected at the end of the summer.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon is predicted to occur on Oct. 7, 2025, according to NASA's Daily Moon Guide.

What are the lunar phases?

The full moon is just one day of the lunar phase, which is a 29.5-day cycle of the moon's orbit. Moon phases are how the moon looks from Earth as it goes around us. We always see the same side of the moon, but how much of it is lit up by the Sun changes depending on where it is in its orbit. This is how we get full moons, half moons, and moons that appear completely invisible.

There are eight main moon phases, and they follow a repeating cycle:

• New Moon — The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

• Waxing Crescent — A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

• First Quarter — Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.

• Waxing Gibbous — More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

• Full Moon — The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.

• Waning Gibbous — The moon starts losing light on the right side.

• Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) — Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.

• Waning Crescent — A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

BMW has unveiled the all-new 2026 iX3, and it’s more than just an update, it’s a direct challenge to Tesla. This new generation rides on BMW’s Neue Klasse EV platform, a purpose-built electric architecture that brings lighter construction, better efficiency, and faster charging to the table.

The onset of artificial intelligence has changed the dating game in recent years, from singles using AI to chat up other humans to venturing to "dating" a bot itself. Earlier this year, Mashable's senior culture reporter Christianna Silva and tech reporter Cecily Mauran duked it out over whether dating an AI chatbot is considered cheating. Now, the Kinsey Institute and DatingAdvice.com have statistics on what daters themselves think.

In a survey of 2,000 American adults collected this year, 33 percent said either sexting or having a romantic relationship with AI is cheating. Of those people, 64 percent said both of those activities constitute infidelity; 21 percent selected only sexting with an AI, while 15 percent selected only romantic relationships.

SEE ALSO: A surprising reason some men will date AI instead of a human

"Among those who consider intimate interactions with an AI bot to be cheating, it seems that most people don't make a distinction between sexual and emotional intimacy. Most see any type of intimacy directed toward this technology as crossing a line," Dr. Justin Lehmiller, senior research fellow at the Kinsey Institute and one of the study's lead authors, told Mashable.

When Mashable showed sociologist and founder of the Center for Courageous Intimacy, Dr. Jennifer Gunsaullus, these statistics, she said. "These numbers reflect how unsettled some folks feel about what counts as intimacy in the age of AI. It can be difficult for us to know how to categorize AI interactions because they blur the lines between fantasy, porn, and the emotions we feel in actual human connections."

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Kinsey and DatingAdvice also asked about other online interactions — including porn. Some believe that conversing with sex workers is cheating: 45 percent said they'd feel cheated on if their partner sent money to cam models (36 percent said the same if their partner talked to a cam model online, while 33 percent said likewise about their partner subscribing to someone's OnlyFans). Twenty percent believe that if their partner watched porn, they'd feel cheated on.

There are other digital actions that some would say are cheating: 72 percent said sexting with someone else, and 13 percent following or liking posts from someone attractive on social media.

But when it comes to the connection between humans and AI, Gunsaullus said that whether specific intimate interactions with AI are treated as cheating depends less on the technology and more on the agreements a couple makes.

"If couples want to cultivate healthy, trusting, connected relationships in the age of AI, they need to have clear discussions and boundary-setting about this within their relationship, and not just assume they are both on the same page in terms of what counts as infidelity," she said.

Big trucks aren’t always the answer. Sure, the Ford F-Series still rules the road, but not everyone needs (or wants) something that massive.

Bose has just announced the next generation of its popular QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. The best part of this new version is how much it has improved on the last generation, which means that upgrading may be a smart option.

Anyone who's seen We Need to Talk About Kevin will know that writer/director Lynne Ramsay has an impressive knack for exploring the dark hearts of seemingly ordinary families and relationships.

The teaser for her new movie, Die My Love, co-written with Enda Walsh and Alice Birch and based on Ariana Harwicz' book of the same name, looks like it'll be no exception. The one-minute mini-trailer doesn't give too much away, but it does show stars Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson locked in a seemingly blissful romance before things take a turn for the confusing and violent.

Die My Love is "coming soon" to Mubi.

Bose has announced the second generation of its QuietComfort Ultra headphones. Priced at $449, the updated model is available for preorder starting Sept. 5 and will be released in the U.S. on Oct. 2. A global rollout is expected the same day.

The new QuietComfort Ultra headphones keep the familiar focus on noise cancellation and comfort while adding several new features aimed at improving everyday use.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) $449 at Bose
Pre-order Here The new QuietComfort Ultra headphones: By the numbers

How will the new flagship Bose headphones differ from the originals? Let's dive into the specs:

• Battery life: up to 30 hours (45 with ANC turned off)

• Charge time: 3 hours

• Quick charge: 15 minutes provides 3 hours of playtime

• Dimensions: 6.299” x 1.772” x 8.071”

• Weight: 0.583 lbs

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound Technology Suite

New color options

The new headphones will be available in four colors: white smoke, midnight violet, driftwood sand, and black. The latter two colors are limited-edition. Bose sometimes releases limited-edition colorways at its online store, though only these four colors will be available at launch.

White Smoke Credit: Bose Driftwood Sand Credit: Bose Black Credit: Bose Midnight Color Credit: Bose What's changed?

The most notable change is USB-C audio support. The headphones can now play lossless audio at 16-bit, 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz when connected to a laptop, phone, or gaming desktop. The first generation Ultra headphones relied only on Bluetooth or a 2.5 mm aux cable for wired listening.

Credit: Bose

Cinema Mode is another new feature. It expands the soundstage while sharpening dialogue, making it more useful for movies, television, podcasts, and audiobooks compared to the original immersive audio setting that focused mainly on music.

Other updates include improved adaptive noise cancellation through a new ActiveSense algorithm, more reliable on-head detection that removes the need for the power button, and a lay-flat disconnect feature that turns off Bluetooth and enters a low-power mode when the headphones are set on a surface.

Battery life has also been extended. The headphones now last up to 30 hours with active noise cancellation, 23 hours with immersive audio enabled, or 45 hours with noise cancellation turned off. They can be charged during use over USB-C, and a 15-minute charge provides around three hours of playback.

Should you upgrade?

The design is largely the same as the first generation, with plush ear cushions, a collapsible frame, and the same overall weight. Comfort was already a strength of the line, but Bose has not reduced the size or weight compared to competitors.

Credit: Bose

Codec support remains limited to SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive. Popular formats like LDAC, found on Sony’s XM5s, are not supported. Sound personalization through Bose’s CustomTune technology is still present, but the improvements this year focus more on usability than raw sound performance.

The original QuietComfort Ultra launched in 2023 as Bose’s first step into spatial audio. While generally well-received, it lacked USB-C audio, battery life was modest, and on-head detection often misfired. The second generation addresses those issues directly. It adds wired lossless playback, a longer-lasting battery, and reliable detection features. Cinema Mode broadens the use cases for spatial audio, but the improvements are incremental rather than transformative. Owners of the first generation may not find the upgrade necessary unless lossless audio or the new cinema-focused sound mode is a priority.

At $449, the price remains higher than some competing models such as the aformentioned Sony WH-1000XM5s, which retail for $399. However, these new headphones can still be purchased for less than Apple’s AirPods Max at $549. It's competitive out there, so every little helps.

Where to pre-order the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) Pre-order in Black Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) $449 at Bose Pre-Order Here Pre-order in Midnight Violet Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) $449 at Bose Pre-Order Here Pre-order in Driftwood Sand Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) $449 at Bose Pre-Order Here Pre-order in White Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) $449 at Bose Pre-Order Here

One of the most important aspects of immersing yourself in the games that you play is the feeling that you are actually within their worlds. Motion peripherals, such as Wii remotes or VR hand controllers, enable you to control your player character using your own hands or feet, helping to create this illusion.

Spike Lee and Denzel Washington have made four films together over the course of 30 years (Mo' Better Blues, Malcolm X, He Got Game, and Inside Man), cementing their legacy in the cinematic hall of fame. Their new film, Highest 2 Lowest, marks their fifth collaboration, making it clear they have a special artistic connection that transcends the screen.

In an interview with Mashable's executive producer Mark Stetson, Spike Lee shares a story from filming Highest 2 Lowest when he was so inspired by Denzel Washington's performance in a scene that he immediately changed the ending song. While Washington's character David King, a record executive, is listening to a new songwriter perform, you see him begin to reconnect with the joy of music he had long forgotten:

"You see in that last scene with Denzel Washington? Like, he's come alive, he's reconnected with the muse... That was recorded live. And in the editing room, I was looking at Denzel's face, and so I said, 'G**damn it, I got it!" The reaction you're seeing in Denzel's face? He's thinking about what the orchestration is going to be. So the song starts out with just piano and Aiyana[-Lee Anderson] singing. And then [in the final cut] as we see the emotion on Denzel's face, then comes the instrumentation. And that came from Denzel Washington, because he was reacting to her singing... So I called Howard [Drossin], the composer. I said, 'We've got to write orchestration for this.' So that came in post because when we were shooting, I just had a piano. That came from the genius of Denzel Washington."

Highest 2 Lowest is now streaming on Apple TV+.

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Lego fans have already been treated to some really fun sets this year. And if you're a Star Wars fan, there's a lot to look forward to as we enter the latter half of the year, including the gigantic Death Star set. This colossal build isn't up for preorder, but it does have a release date of Oct. 4 that you can mark in your calendars.

Whether you're buying for an adult or kid, the latest Star Wars Lego offerings have a little something for everyone to enjoy. The AT-ST Walker from August is a particularly cool build for ages 18 and up, and the incredibly cute Ewok Wicket is great for ages 12 and over. There are even some holiday-themed sets already available if you want to pick those up ahead of time, like the always-popular Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar.

Those are only a few of the latest Star Wars Lego sets. Below you can find all of the newly released Star Wars Lego sets from August and September, and find out what October has in store so far.

Lego Star Wars sets released in August 2025AT-ST Walker Set Credit: Lego

The Lego AT-ST Walker set is a complex kit recommended for ages 18 and up. It comes with 1,513 pieces and builds a sweet looking model of an iconic machine. Alongside a plaque detailing what it is and a minifigure of an AT-ST Driver, the display model itself features a hatch at the top that opens up to display a two-person cockpit. The model's "head" can also be rotated, the laser cannons can be adjusted, and the shutters over the viewports open and close. It's a very detailed model that's a great pick-up for any Star Wars fan, and it's available to buy now for $199.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego AT-ST Walker $199.99 at Lego
Shop Now Wicket the Ewok Set Credit: Lego

This Wicket the Ewok Lego set is a very adorable new drop. It's a great fit for slightly younger fans, recommended for those aged 12 and up. It comes with 1,010 pieces that come together to create Wicket, his spear, and a little treat you can give him. Similar to the AT-ST Walker, this set also comes with an information plaque and a minifigure of Wicket that can be set up alongside it. It's listed for $129.99 but is, unfortunately, currently on backorder. If you place an order, it'll ship in 60 days.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Wicket the Ewok $129.99 at Lego
Shop Now K-2SO Security Droid Set Credit: Lego

The beloved droid from Rogue One and Andor, K-2SO, is now available to buy in Lego form for $89.99. The K-2SO Security Droid set is recommended for ages 10 and up and comes with 845 pieces. These come together to build K-2SO, alongside an information plaque and minifigure of the droid. K-2SO's head and arms are also posable, so you can find the best way to display the droid at home, whether you choose to set it up on a bookshelf, table, or desk.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego K-2SO Security Droid $89.99 at Lego
Shop Now Jango Fett's Starship Set Credit: Lego

This set is a great fit for even younger Lego fans, recommended for ages nine and up. Jango Fett's Starship Lego set comes with 707 pieces to build the titular starship, and the set also features minifigures of Jango Fett (complete with two blaster pistols and a jetpack), Young Boba Fett, and Lama Su. The ship itself has cool features as well, including a cockpit that opens up and can fit two minifigures inside, four stud shooters, a seismic charge-dropping function, and rotatable wings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Jango Fett's Starship $69.99 at Lego
Shop Now Republic Juggernaut Set Credit: Lego

This is another set recommended for ages nine and up. The Republic Juggernaut set boasts 813 pieces to build the transport vehicle — which features front and rear cockpits that open, an observation post, and a turret with a stud shooter — and comes with a variety of minifigures, including Ki-Adi-Mundi with a Lightsaber, Commander Bacara with a blaster, three Galactic Marines with blasters, and three Battle Droids with blasters. It's now available to buy for $159.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Republic Juggernaut $159.99 at Lego
Shop Now 327th Star Corps Clone Troopers Battle Pack Set Credit: Lego

The 327th Star Corps Clone Troopers Battle Pack set can be built by even younger Lego fans aged seven and up. It comes with 258 pieces, the lowest total on this list so far, that build up a platoon of Clone Troopers. This set includes four minifigures of Clone Troopers in their 327th Star Corps uniforms and three Super Battle Droids, alongside an AT-RT walker and a Spider Droid. If it has caught your eye, you can pick it up now for $44.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego 327th Star Corps Clone Troopers Battle Pack $44.99 at Lego
Shop Now The Force Burner Snowspeeder Set Credit: Lego

Coming to 349 pieces, the Lego The Force Burner Snowspeeder set is another one recommended for ages seven and up and features the snowspeeder from Season 2 of LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy. Alongside the snowspeeder, this set also comes with a STAP and three minifigures — Sig Greebling, Darth Dev, and Solitus — who are each equipped with lightsabers. It's now available to buy for $54.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego The Force Burner Snowspeeder $54.99 at Lego
Shop Now Battle of Felucia Separatist MTT Set Credit: Lego

The Battle of Felucia Separatist MTT Lego set comes with a grand total of 976 pieces and is recommended for ages nine and up. It's a very cool set that comes with a full build of a Separatist MTT vehicle — which even features a droid deployment rack that slides out the front — and plenty of minifigures, including Commander Bly, Aayla Secura, three Commando Droids, a Pilot Battle Droid, and six Battle Droids with accessories. If you're looking to add this set to your collection, it's now available to buy for $159.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Battle of Felucia Separatist MTT $159.99 at Lego
Shop Now V-19 Torrent Starfighter Set Credit: Lego

This V-19 Torrent Starfighter Lego set is recommended for ages nine and up and comes with 567 pieces. These come together to create the V-19 Torrent Starfighter, which features a cockpit that opens, adjustable wings, and two stud shooters. The set also comes with three minifigures: Asajj Ventress, General Obi-Wan Kenobi, and a Clone Pilot. If you're looking to pick up this action-packed set, it's now available to buy for $64.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego V-19 Torrent Starfighter $64.99 at Lego
Shop Now Lego Star Wars sets releasing in September 2025Star Wars Advent Calendar 2025 Credit: Lego

There's only one Star Wars set dropping in September for Lego fans, and it's a perfect pick-up for those who simply can't wait for the holidays to kick in. Recommended for ages six and up, the Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar 2025 is now available to purchase for $44.99. Each day in the lead-up to Christmas offers a new buildable toy to enjoy, alongside some adorable minifigures of characters like C-3PO, a holiday-themed Jawa, Babu Frik, and droid figures including R7-A7, BD-72, a Scrap Battle Droid, and even a very cute BB-8 who looks like a little snowman.

If you want to spread some holiday cheer this year, now is the time to grab this advent calendar for the Star Wars fan in your life.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar 2025 $44.99 at Lego
Shop Now Lego Star Wars sets releasing in October 2025Death Star Set Credit: Lego

You'll want to clear your schedule in October, as the set on everyone's mind right now is the Lego Star Wars Death Star — Ultimate Collector Series set. Recommended for ages 18 and up, this gigantic build — no really, it comes to 9,023 pieces — is set to be released on Oct. 4 (though Lego Insiders can get early access from Oct. 1). It comes with a hefty $999.99 price tag to match its size, but there's a lot to love about this stunner. Coming with 38 minifigures, this set features iconic moments from A New Hope and Return of the Jedi, making it the ultimate build for Star Wars fans to tackle.

It's not available to preorder yet, but keep your calendar marked for Oct. 4 to grab it on release day.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Death Star — Ultimate Collector Series $999.99 at Lego
Shop Now Gingerbread AT-AT Walker Set Credit: Lego

This is another adorable little holiday-themed set that Lego is releasing this year: the Lego Gingerbread AT-AT Walker. Coming to 697 pieces, this set is recommended for those aged 10 and up and is a great alternative to the traditional gingerbread house display. Once pieced together, it creates a gingerbread-style AT-AT that features a comfy interior with a fireplace, table, stockings hung up on the wall, a little drinking cup, and more to make it feel fantastically festive. In addition, there's also a gingerbread-style Darth Vader minifigure.

It's not available to preorder yet, but is coming soon on Oct. 1 for $59.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Gingerbread AT-AT Walker $59.99 at Lego
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The Conjuring universe has quite literally administered its Last Rites, the ninth and (apparently) final installment in the religious horror franchise. It's been 12 years since James Wan scared the Valak out of audiences with the first film, when Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga first took on controversial real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. 

With director Michael Chaves (The Conjuring 3: The Devil Made Me Do It, The Nun II) at the helm, and a storyline based on the alleged demonic haunting of the Smurl family in the late '80s, The Conjuring: Last Rites intentionally plays to every trick in the Conjuring book. Fan service in horror franchises comes with the territory, and Last Rites' cup runneth over with series cameos, familiar production design, and characteristic jumpscares aplenty.

SEE ALSO: Fact vs. fiction: 'The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It'

However, it's the film's reverence for the real Ed and Lorraine Warren and the Conjuring universe at large that could be its undoing. With the majority of the film spent delivering referential nods and unbridled adulation for its leading duo, we're left waiting long stretches for what we came for: one hell of a final scare.

What is The Conjuring: Last Rites about? A young Lorraine and Ed Warren (Madison Lawlor and Orion Smith). Credit: Giles Keyte

The Conjuring: Last Rites plunges us back into familiar territory. Like The Conjuring 2, there are parallel hauntings afoot: the alleged demonic disturbance of the Smurl family in West Pittston, Pennsylvania in the late '80s, and chilling visions experienced by the clairvoyant Lorraine Warren (Farmiga) and her now-grown daughter Judy (Mia Tomlinson), who is attempting to silence her burgeoning psychic powers.

To open the film, we're sent back to 1964, where a young Lorraine and Ed (Madison Lawlor and Orion Smith) investigate a spooky storeroom full of clocks (sure!), where a creepy mirror adorned with wooden angels screams "do not touch." Disregarding this of course, Lorraine's contact with said mirror propels one of the film's most disturbing sequences, in which our paranormal communicator is sent into early labour in the company of a demonic presence. As if giving birth wasn't intense enough, Last Rites plunges Lorraine into an experience of terrifying vulnerability. From here, however, Last Rites spends an outlandish amount of time on the Warrens' family life, in a saccharine montage of Judy's childhood, carousels, and running through flower fields, all the way up to their demon-shunning retirement in Connecticut.

Featured Video For You Weapons, and the comedian turned horror director

It's this overt admiration for the Warrens that feels extremely stretched out in Last Rites, despite the couple's real-life controversies. From the film's beginning to end, Wilson and Farmiga's Ed and Lorraine are portrayed as reluctant heroes of paranormal valiance and fiercely pious and devoted family members. The film spends almost half its run time following the Warrens in their barbecue-throwing, post-investigation era bliss and through a particularly tedious meet-the-parents sequence with Judy's boyfriend, Tony (Ben Hardy). Whatever you think of the real Warrens, Wilson and Farmiga have long imbued the screen Warrens with overwhelming credibility; Farmiga has always channelled Lorraine with understated believability, and Wilson's commitment to Ed's character is the only thing that makes a scene where characters need to move a mirror genuinely compelling.

Judy (Mia Tomlinson) has inherited her mother Lorraine's (Vera Farmiga) cursed talents. Credit: Giles Keyte

For those tapping their watch for the Warrens to get back to investigating, there's the other storyline, described by the series' signature bright yellow Courier New font declaring the subsequent events as "based on a true story" and loosely adapted from the Warrens' reported haunting cases — following the Perron family of Rhode Island in 1971 (The Conjuring), the Amityville murders and the "Enfield Poltergeist" case in the late '70s (The Conjuring 2), the murder trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson (The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It).  This time, it's a notorious case from 1986 in Pennsylvania, where we're introduced to characters based on the real Janet and Jack Smurl (played by Rebecca Calder and Elliot Cowan), who claimed that their family was plagued by a demonic presence.

And it's this storyline that sees the film slotting into classic Conjuring style.

The Conjuring: Last Rites is a Conjuring movie by-the-numbers Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga take a final bow as Ed and Lorraine Warren. Credit: Giles Keyte

Director Michael Chaves is well-versed in the Conjuring universe, having directed the third Conjuring film as well as the sequel to The Nun and the thinly connected The Curse of La Llorona. However, despite its solid scares, the film feels somewhat trapped in fan service, ticking off signature Conjuring boxes and delivering two passable but undeniably well-soundtracked (hell yes, The Cult) storylines at once.

Everything you'd expect from a Conjuring film is here. Real footage of the Warrens spliced with that of Wilson and Farmiga. Eerie music boxes and cursed dolls from yesteryear. A happy family being terrorised in the night, often by way of their favourite games or in a creepy-ass basement. A family dog who makes the audience nervous for its safety. Menacing notes scrawled with the words "Miss me?"

There's a copious amount of references to previous Conjuring films in Last Rites, including The Nun and Annabelle movies. Fans might delight in hearing Ed warn his guests yet again not to touch anything in the basement of the Warrens' Connecticut home where cursed objects like the Annabelle doll dwell — the film even has Wilson repeat his lines from the first Conjuring movie: "Nothing's a toy, not even the toys." And as for the cameos? Just wait to see for yourself (though seeing Officer Brad Hamilton rocking his bite mark from The Conjuring in a barbecue scene is a frankly hilarious heads up).

But the real Conjuring style comes out in the scares — of which there are many.

The Conjuring: Last Rites delivers on jumpscares Uh, Judy? You OK? Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Never fear, Conjuring-style scares are present in both storylines, with the Smurls beset by more than bumps in the night in Pennsylvania, and poor Lorraine unable to order linguini or do the dishes in Connecticut without being interrupted by a malicious presence. Last Rites' parallel narratives follow the Warrens' constantly cited "three stages of demonic activity" to the letter: "infestation, oppression, and possession," from those early ghostly whisperings to the dreaded takeover, with ample scares along the way.

The Conjuring universe, established by Wan's brilliant 2013 original, has become synonymous with that classic horror weapon of the misdirected jumpscare. Cameras pan back and forth building up dread with fake-outs. Characters are consistently forced to use torches with limited lighting. Audiences frantically search for faces in dark corners, plunge their fingers into their ears, and wait for the drop. Though without as much unexpected innovation as the original (but with Wan in a producing role), Last Rites is brimming with these jumpscares, with Eli Born's audacious cinematography, nail-biting sound design by Harry Cohen, a particularly effective scene involving a phone cord disappearing into a pantry, and savvy use of VHS footage for solid creeps.

Last Rites feels like a Conjuring film in every sense of the franchise, but it's slightly disappointing the film doesn't pull out all the stops to bid adieu to Wilson and Farmiga's now iconic characters. Fan service, it has in spades. But truly memorable scares and compelling storylines that push the Conjuring series as far as it could go? Less so. However, if you want to take one more trip into the Warrens' basement of cursed curiosities, it's worth a watch, for old terrifying time's sake.

The Conjuring: Last Rites is now showing in cinemas.

Virtual private networks, or VPNs for short, are used to encrypt web traffic by creating a secure tunnel between your device and the wider internet. They promote privacy and anonymity, with additional benefits like circumventing region restrictions thrown in for good measure.

30 years ago, a 20-year-old Drew Barrymore made headlines when she danced on David Letterman's desk at the end of their interview.

Now, three decades later, she's reprised the stunt with Stephen Colbert, removing her blazer to reveal a "We Heart Stephen" shirt before climbing up on The Late Show desk and dancing while the band plays.

"Well, Drew," laughs Colbert as Barrymore finishes the desk choreography by lying down. "That's all we've got time for."

SAVE $200: As of Sept. 5, the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air M4 is on sale for $999 at Amazon. That's $200 off list price and the lowest-ever price for this model.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 15-inch Apple MacBook Air M4 $999 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $200 Get Deal

We're not sure why, but our favorite MacBook Air deal looks like it's on the way out. The MacBook Air M4 has been sporting a $200 discount since just after Prime Day, but that deal is disappearing before our eyes. Maybe it's because Apple is preparing to launch a range of new products in the 2025 Apple Event. Or maybe it's because these MacBooks have been selling so well during this busy back-to-school season.

We don't have all the answers, but what we do know is that you can still get the record-low price across all configurations of the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air M4 in starlight. As of Sept. 5, the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air M4 is on sale for $200 off at Amazon. We can't predict exactly what's going to happen to this deal, but given that prices have increased for all other colors and on the 13-inch MacBook Air, we don't expect this low price to last long.

SEE ALSO: Buy a pair of Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE, get a free Galaxy SmartTag 2

In our review of the 15-inch MacBook Air M4, Stan Shroeder said it's "powerful, silent, and comes with a couple of much-needed upgrades." The MacBook Air M4 also claimed top spot in our roundup of the best MacBooks. When it comes to cost, Dylan Haas praised the price point: "When most tech device prices are going up, it's nice to see a price decrease from a large company like Apple. This doesn't happen often, so take advantage of the deal while you can."

Save $200 on the Apple MacBook Air M4 before this deal vanishes before our eyes.

SAVE $100 As of Sept. 5, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE comes with a free $100 Amazon gift card.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung/Amazon Samsung Galaxy FE + $100 Amazon Gift Card Get Deal

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is finally here, and you can already secure a special launch deal at Amazon. As of Sept. 5, if you buy the new smartphone from Amazon, you'll get a free $100 gift card to spend on whatever you like. A new phone and a free $100 voucher? That's a win-win situation.

And if that wasn't enough of a sway, this phone really sells itself. It comes with a 6.7-inch display, a comfortable size for scrolling, streaming, and gaming. It’s designed to be lightweight and slim, so it’s easy to carry around and fits comfortably in your hand or pocket.

SEE ALSO: The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 has just launched, and it's already on sale for $60 off

A big selling point for any phone is the camera, and the S25 FE won't disappoint. The 12MP front camera has a ProVisual Engine that captures sharp selfies and videos. For editing, use tools like Generative Edit that lets you move, resize, or remove unwanted elements from your shots, with Galaxy AI filling in the details naturally.

If you multitask a lot, or switch between a lot of apps at once, this phone can cope. It is powered by a premium chipset with improved cooling, so it handles all kinds of multitasking without slowing down. And let's not forget about battery life. The 4,900mAh battery keeps you going through the day, with Super Fast Charging 2.0 for quick top-ups when you don't have time for a full charge.

This deal comes in four colors: icyblue, jetblack, navy, and white. Get this limited-time launch deal from Amazon now.

How-To Geek is on the ground at IFA 2025, getting our hands on the latest technology. While there is a lot to choose from, these are the gadgets that we think stand out as the best of IFA this year.

SAVE $60: The brand-new Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 (256GB) is on sale for $799.99 at Amazon. That's a $60 saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 (256GB) $799.99 at Amazon
$859.99 Save $60 Get Deal

Samsung's new tablets are here with the launch of the Galaxy Tab S11 series, unveiled at IFA 2025. The lineup includes the Tab S11 and Tab S11 Ultra, both available to order now. And better yet, the Galaxy Tab S11 is already on sale at Amazon.

As of Sept. 5, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 (256GB) is now just $799.99 at Amazon. That's $60 off its list price of $859.99.

SEE ALSO: ReMarkable Paper Pro Move: A perfectly pocket-sized e-ink tablet

It measures only 5mm in width, so it's impressively slim. But that doesn't mean it isn't powerful. It runs on a 3nm MediaTek processor that makes multitasking fast and easy, whether you’re working with multiple apps or scrolling through TikTok. And it's tough, too. It's built with an IP68 rating (meaning it can withstand 1.5 meters of fresh water) and a long battery life. It's hard to believe such power comes out of a portable tablet like this, but tablets are the new laptops, so what did we expect?

It also has an 11-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display for bright and crisp visuals. And it comes with the new and improved S Pen, which feels more natural for notes, sketches, or doodles.

Get the new Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 for $60 off at Amazon now.

That's no moon... it's the Lego Star Wars Death Star — Ultimate Collector Series, which has been officially announced and is the "largest Lego Star Wars set to date," according to a press release from Lego. Coming to an astonishing 9,023 pieces, this set promises to be quite the undertaking for even the most dedicated of builders. It comes with an equally hefty price tag of $999.99, but you just know this is going to sell out fast.

Fans don't have to wait too long to get their hands on this massive set. The set is expected to be released on Oct. 4, but if you're a Lego Insider, you can get early access from Oct. 1. Time to become a Lego Insider? We think so.

SEE ALSO: The best new Star Wars Lego sets dropping this month

Unfortunately, this gargantuan Death Star is not up for preorder at the moment, so excited fans will have to mark their calendars for release day instead. As a bonus, Lego has stated that those who buy the Death Star set between Oct. 1-7 will also get the Lego Star Wars TIE Fighter with Imperial Hangar Rack for free with their purchase, while supplies last.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Death Star — Ultimate Collector Series (75419) Shop Now

This truly is the ultimate Star Wars set, and is packed full of details for serious fans. For starters, the Lego Death Star set comes with 38 Star Wars minifigures. Yes, you read that correctly. Included are two variations of Luke Skywalker (Jedi and Stormtrooper), two variations of Han Solo, Princess Leia, Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, Chewbacca, C-3PO, and R2-D2. There's also Stormtroopers, the Royal Guard, and more to build out the rest of the crew on the station. It's a packed house, allowing you to recreate iconic scenes from A New Hope and Return of the Jedi.

Credit: Lego

This set features a variety of unforgettable locations that were the stage for some of the original trilogy's most unforgettable scenes. These include the trash compactor, Emperor Palpatine’s throne room, Princess Leia’s prison cell, the tractor beam control unit, the Imperial shuttle hangar, and many more of your favorites.

Credit: Lego

It has a nice, open design as well, so you can admire each section of the station and the scenes on display once it's fully pieced together. It measures over 20.6 inches (52.3 cm) high, 18.9 inches (48.0 cm) wide, and 15.1 inches (38.3 cm) deep according to Lego, so you'll want to clear plenty of space if you're planning on displaying this beast. And why wouldn't you? It's glorious.

Credit: Lego

This set will be available from Oct. 4 or from Oct. 1 if you're a Lego Insider. Ready to drop $999.99 on Lego? You might need to start saving now.

Looking for more Lego sets before the Death Star is available? Check out our breakdown of our favorite Lego sets or check out Walmart's Bricktember event for excellent deals on just about everything.

I’ve been skeptical of low-profile mechanical keyboards ever since they hit the scene. How could a small mechanical switch ever live up to a regular-sized one? Well, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Low-Profile Tenkeyless HyperSpeed showed me just how wrong I was, though it has a few unrelated issues.