Technology

Say More: R.L. Stine on Fear Street: Prom Queen and Matt Wolf on Pee-wee as Himself

Mashable - Fri, 05/23/2025 - 14:00

Today marks the launch of Mashable Say More, a video podcast where Mashable staffers interview your favorite actors, writers, directors, and more for long-form interviews that allow us to dig into their careers, latest projects, and internet obsessions.

Hosted by Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko and Senior Creative Producer Mark Stetson, this weekly video series kicks off with interviews with Fear Street and Goosebumps author R.L. Stine to talk about Netflix's new slasher, Fear Street: Prom Queen, and director Matt Wolf, to dig into his critically heralded documentary Pee-wee as Himself.

SEE ALSO: Murder, mayhem, and a crown: ‘Fear Street’ makes prom a killer affair

A spinoff of Leigh Janiak's 2021 Fear Street trilogy, Fear Street: Prom Queen is co-written and directed by Matt Palmer. A more direct adaptation of Stine's adored YA horror novels, this movie is set in 1988 Shadyside, where a cloaked killer is knocking off would-be prom queens ahead of prom. Who will take the crown, and who will get the axe? You'll have to tune in to find out.

In his interview, Stine was more interested in talking about his writing process, his funny fandom, and what drives him. Plus, his pitch-perfect comedic timing got the Mashable crew into a giggle fit.

Speaking of giggle fits, Pee-wee as Himself is a two-part doc that explores the man behind the '80s icon, the late Paul Reubens. The American performer died before the film was wrapped, yet Wolf persevered to create a complex and empathetic portrait of Reubens that invites audiences not only to understand him, but perhaps to better understand ourselves.

SEE ALSO: 'Pee-wee as Himself' review: Paul Reubens' documentary is a must-see for 'Playhouse' fans

Wolf and Puchko got personal talking Pee-wee, relating on how Reubens' discussion of his own queerness shaped Pee-wee's Playhouse. Plus, Wolf offers his recommendations to dive down a Pee-wee Herman rabbit hole.

Mashable Say More will have new episodes every Friday, viewable on Mashable and Youtube. You can subscribe to our podcast feed anywhere you download podcasts.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Aaron Pauls Hot Ones is a spicy good time

Mashable - Fri, 05/23/2025 - 12:53

Bryan Cranston is such a Hot Ones machine that he's done the show more than once, but his Breaking Bad co-star and friend Aaron Paul is almost as impressively calm.

In the clip above he joins host Sean Evans to eat increasingly spicy wings while answering questions on everything from his most challenging Breaking Bad scene to the pranks Cranston would pull on him while on set.

Extra points for committing so hard to Da Bomb, and bringing his own caviar accompaniment.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Breville Barista Pro coffee machine is at its lowest-ever price at Amazon

Mashable - Fri, 05/23/2025 - 12:40

SAVE $250: As of May 23, the Breville Barista Pro is on sale for $599.99 at Amazon. That's a 29% saving on the list price, and the lowest it has ever been priced.

Opens in a new window Credit: Breville Breville Barista Pro $599.99 at Amazon
$849.95 Save $249.96 Get Deal

Barista-quality coffee from the comfort of your home is every coffee lover's dream. Perfectly pulled espressos, a beautifully frothed latte, and so much more. It sounds too good to be true, but it's not. Make this dream a reality with the latest Amazon deal on the Breville Barista Pro, currently at its lowest-ever price.

As of May 23, this impressive machine is reduced by $250 to $599.99 at Amazon. If you love good coffee, you'll love this machine.

SEE ALSO: Save over $100 on Sony XM4 headphones ahead of Memorial Day

This coffee machine is exactly what you need in the mornings, boasting a bean-to-espresso time of only one minute. The built-in grinder allows you to use a variety of beans, and the grind settings let you pick between a fine or coarse bean. Other standout features include an integrated conical burr grinder and a ThermoJet heating system that reaches the perfect extraction temperature in just three seconds.

And if you're a latte or cappuccino person, the built-in steam wand lets you create perfectly velvety foam for any drink.

This machine comes with single and dual wall (one and two cup) filter baskets, a 16 fl oz stainless steel milk jug, the razor precision dose trimming tool, and a cleaning kit.

Head to Amazon to grab this great deal before it runs out.

The best Memorial Day deals you can get right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

Save over $100 on Sony XM4 headphones ahead of Memorial Day

Mashable - Fri, 05/23/2025 - 12:36

SAVE $120: As of May 23, Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are on sale for $228 at Amazon. That's a 34% savings on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM4 $228 at Amazon
$348 Save $120 Get Deal

If you're looking for a seriously high-quality pair of headphones, you won't want to miss this great deal on Sony XM4s. Premium noise cancellation, stellar sound quality, and Alexa voice control, these are next level.

And of May 23, you can get them for less. At Amazon, they are currently on sale for $228, saving you $120 on list price.

SEE ALSO: The best Memorial Day headphones deals already live: Shop Bose, Apple, Sony, and more

These headphones are packed with features that make them worth every cent, and more. Noise canceling is handled by dual sensors, so they’re great for cutting out all kinds of background noise. Battery life is also solid and promises to give you up to 30 hours. And when this runs out, simply charge for 10 minutes and get an extra five hours of listening.

The headphones have touch controls for playback, volume, calls, and your voice assistant, plus a speak-to-chat feature that lowers the volume automatically when you start talking. There are also five built-in mics and smart voice pickup tech to make sure your calls and voicenotes are crystal clear.

This deal is only available for a limited time, so don't miss out.

The best Memorial Day deals you can get right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

Looking for a monster of a portable power station? This beast from Anker is $170 off.

Mashable - Fri, 05/23/2025 - 12:31

SAVE $170: As of May 23, the Anker 535 Portable Power Station is on sale for $329 at Amazon. That's a 34% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker 535 Portable Power Station $329 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $170.99 Get Deal

Having a portable power station on hand is always a good idea. Whether you're a regular camper, do life on the road, or just want to be prepared for a power cut, having one of these tucked away in a cupboard is smart.

If you've not yet picked up your own station, or simply want to upgrade, check out this great Amazon deal on the Anker 535 Portable Power Station. As of May 23, this model is now reduced to $329, saving you $170 on list price.

SEE ALSO: This futuristic neck fan will get you through the summer heat — save $10

And this one is quite literally a powerhouse of a unit, and it's really built to last. Its LiFePO4 battery tech means you get 3,000 charge cycles, which is about six times longer than typical lithium-ion setups. It’s made with a durable unibody design, so it can handle bumps and tough environments without a problem, perfect if you want to take it hiking to a perfect camping spot.

Charging is simple and fast too, you only need 2.5 hours to get it to 80%. And when it's charged, you'll have nine ports to choose from: four AC, three USB-A, one USB-C, and a car outlet, enough to power everything from a heater and TV to a portable fridge.

For this price, you can't go wrong. Head to Amazon to grab this deal now.

The best Memorial Day deals you can get right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

Your eyes deserve a treat. Get this luxurious eye massager for $50 off at Amazon.

Mashable - Fri, 05/23/2025 - 12:25

SAVE $50: As of May 23, the RENPHO Eye Massager is on sale for $79.99 at Amazon. That's a 38% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: RENPHO RENPHO Eye Massager $79.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

If you're in need of a self-care night, we've found the perfect product to put a spring in your step and some brightness in your eyes. Meet the RENPHO Eye Massager. With both cooling and warming relaxation modes, this eye massager is the perfect addition to your self-care routine. And as of May 23, it's on sale at Amazon for $79.99.

This eye massager is a solid option if you're dealing with eye strain or migraines, especially if you spend all day looking at screens. There are customizable massage settings: three compression modes, three pressure levels, and vibration, all targeting the eyes and temples. There's even a memory function, so you can save your favorite settings for future use.

SEE ALSO: This futuristic neck fan will get you through the summer heat — save $10

Our favorite feature is the voice control. You can sit back and relax, and hands-free control the 18 commands. It also comes with both heat (three levels between 104-113°F) and a cooling option using a gel mask you can freeze and attach.

And don't worry about the fit. It is adjustable to suit most head sizes and it charges fast, just 1.5 hours for a full charge. There’s built-in white noise too, so you're really in for a relaxing treat.

This deal is available on Amazon now. What are you waiting for?

Categories: IT General, Technology

This futuristic neck fan will get you through the summer heat — save $10

Mashable - Fri, 05/23/2025 - 12:19

SAVE $10: As of May 23, the TORRAS COOLiTE Neck Fan is on sale for $69.99 at Amazon. That's an 11% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: TORRAS TORRAS COOLiTE Neck Fan $69.99 at Amazon
$79 Save $9.01 Shop Now

Summer is almost here and if you're someone who struggles with hot weather, that means sticky heat, uncomfortable temperatures, and hiding in the shade. Yep, it's the season for sleeping with the fan on all night, but what about the waking hours?

Meet the TORRAS COOLiTE Neck Fan. It does what it says on the tin: it's a fan you can wear around your neck to keep you cool and comfortable. And as of May 23, it's on sale at Amazon for $69.99. You can choose between black, light blue, or ivory.

SEE ALSO: The best Memorial Day deals for under $100

This next fan is built with a unique four-turbo wind fan design and airflow compression tech to deliver a strong airflow. With six hill-type air ducts blowing air both up and down, it wraps your face, neck, and back in full 360-degree cooling. You’ll feel a temperature drop of up to 15°F in just three seconds, ideal when you need a blast of cool air ASAP.

Battery-wise, it'll last up to 14 hours on Eco Mode or about 2.5 to four hours on full blast. Charging’s easy too, just plug it into any USB Type-C plug.

It’s also super portable, meaning it's easy to slip in your bag and take on the go. It can fold down to half its size, and works well even with long hair thanks to its bladeless design.

Say no to a hot, sticky summer, and head to Amazon for this great deal.

The best Memorial Day deals you can get right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology

Shaq and Jimmy Fallon play a very silly game with tiny desks and made up words

Mashable - Fri, 05/23/2025 - 11:35

You can tell The Tonight Show writers liked the idea of Shaquille O'Neal sitting at a very small school desk, and the entire game above got born out of that.

In the clip, Shaq and host Jimmy Fallon play "Trick or Seat", taking turns to give a real or fake definition of a word that their opponent then has to guess. If they get it wrong, they move to a smaller school desk. If they get it right, their opponent moves.

It's the perfect, very silly, mildly entertaining Friday watch.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for May 23, 2025

Mashable - Fri, 05/23/2025 - 11:13

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, May 23, 2025:

AcrossChooses to receive marketing emails, with "in"

  • The answer is Opts.

Buck ___, first Black coach in Major League Baseball (1962)

  • The answer is O'Neil (no apostrophe).

Like your epidermis?

  • The answer is Skinny.

Like the element Fe?

  • The answer is Irony.

Quite a lot of

  • The answer is Many.

DownBulb in the kitchen

  • The answer is Onion.

Like an ink-filled writing tool?

  • The answer is Penny.

Microscopic

  • The answer is Tiny.

Acting deviously

  • The answer is Sly.

Green gumbo ingredient

  • The answer is Okra.

___ card (smartphone chip)

  • The answer is SIM.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Mini Crossword.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The JBL Tour One M3 are feature-rich ANC headphones with a game-changing accessory

Mashable - Fri, 05/23/2025 - 11:03

JBL has put out some of the best portable Bluetooth speakers. Its headphones and wireless earbuds are also revered by critics, though many still place the brand’s offerings a tier or two below industry favorites from Apple, Bose, and Sony. Well, the all-new Tour One M3 just changed this narrative. 

These flagship cans are a noteworthy achievement in wireless audio engineering that come with every feature imaginable. I’m talking everything from adaptive active noise cancellation to intuitive sound settings to lengthy playtimes. They even come with a tiny transmitter that connects the headphones to any audio source and doubles as a remote controller.

Just because the Tour One M3 spoil you with all the functionality you could desire in a pair of wireless headphones doesn’t make them perfect. Flaws are apparent in key areas (e.g., controls, connectivity). Despite that, the Tour One M3 stand out as some of the best noise-cancelling headphones money can buy. Here are my full thoughts.

JBL Tour One M3 wireless headphones specs and setup The design isn't anything special, but these headphones are loaded with features. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

The spec sheet is stacked:

  • Speaker Driver Unit: 40mm

  • Frequency Response: 10 Hz to 40 kHz

  • True Advanced Active Noise Cancellation

  • Bundled Auracast audio transmitter (JBL Smart Tx)

  • JBL Spatial 360 Sound with headtracking 

  • Personi-Fi 3.0 for audio customization 

  • 40 hours of battery with ANC on / 70 hours with ANC off

  • 5-minute quick charging equals 5 hours of ANC listening

  • Colors: black, blue, and mocha

Pushing the toggle switch down on the right earcup will power the headphones on/off and holding it down for three seconds enables pairing mode. I connected them to my MacBook Pro by selecting the product in the Available Devices list via macOS Bluetooth settings, though the Android platform granted quicker access with one-tap Google Fast Pair.

The JBL Headphones app must be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play to obtain most features. There are so many to play with that it can be overwhelming for first-timers. Those who are accustomed to menu-heavy apps will be excited to explore it. 

SEE ALSO: Review: I compared Sony’s new XM6 headphones to the competition Brand-best sound and noise cancellation

It’s no surprise that the Tour One M3 are JBL’s best-sounding and best noise-cancelling headphones to date. Dynamic components (e.g., 40mm mica dome drivers, built-in DAC), intelligible sound technologies, and real-time ANC optimization complement the listening experience, no matter where you hear your tunes. 

Music sounded punchy and resonant right out of the box. The grumbling bassline on Tame Impala’s “New Person, Same Old Mistakes” produced excellent reverb that decayed smoothly, while the hazy and harmonic vocals had a euphoric presence. I dug the crisp cymbals and gritty drums on Dry Cleaning’s “Viking Hair.” Funky chill tracks like Kendrick Lamar’s “i” were serene and delivered impactful percussion that had me head-bobbing in tune with the cowbell and snare drums.

LDAC provided hi-res audio streaming over Bluetooth. Fidelity was better, and instrumental recordings had more nuance. There are other sound enhancement settings worth checking out. Equalizer hosts six well-engineered presets that cater to different categories and lets you create your own sound profile by manually adjusting frequency levels. 

The app provides customization. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

The real star of the show is Personi-Fi, a technology designed to create a sound profile based on your listening preferences. My profile performed better than all JBL presets. I enjoyed greater mids and highs that blended well with slapping lows.

JBL significantly improved its Spatial Sound mode. Sound wasn’t hollow, which has been my biggest complaint about the feature. Precise headtracking added an extra layer of realism to live performances and movies. Watching Whitney Houston’s rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Super Bowl XXV raised the hairs on my arms. Action film sequences were immersive; try watching several of the melee fights in John Wick 4 without ducking once or twice.

Other sound modes are available, but they do little to boost audio output. My ears didn’t pick up on any changes when toggling Low Volume Dynamic EQ or switching from Audio to Video mode. 

Standard ANC mode is sufficient for eliminating close to 90 percent of unwanted sounds. Adaptive ANC maximizes JBL’s eight-mic array and algorithms to tweak noise neutralization on the fill. I preferred Adaptive mode for outdoor listening since it muzzled nearly all low — and mid-frequency sounds. Only a few high-frequency sounds (e.g., crying babies, sirens) entered the soundscape, though none were disruptive. Wind resistance was solid.

JBL’s transparency modes are more rewarding. Ambient Aware does a fantastic job of increasing environmental awareness. I could hear my wife calling out to me when working on the balcony, along with the water fountains and pedestrian chatter by the pool. TalkThru essentially mutes sound to hear conversations clearly. Smart Talk auto-enables TalkThru when the mics detect your voice. There’s also an amplification setting to balance ambient sound input on each earcup and increase gain for greater perception. 

The most feature-stacked headphones ever created

Here I thought Sony equipped its headphones with endless features. The amount of functionality that JBL programmed into the Tour One M3 is absurd. 

Enter the app, and you’re immediately met with several widgets consisting of all ANC and playback modes, control customization, smart remote settings, and toggles for sleep mode and voice prompts. The Audio section hosts many sound features, including the customizable EQ, LDAC, personalized sound profiles, spatial audio, several call settings, and more. The Other section has a Relax Sound setting to play ambient sound profiles for some peaceful time and an auto-power-off setting to preserve battery life when the headphones are inactive.

Lastly, the app lets you monitor battery life for both the headphones and transmitter.

Accessories maketh the headphones

JBL’s Smart Tx transmitter is one of those devices you didn’t know you needed until you’ve had it at your disposal. It places numerous functions in the palm of your hand, like ANC activation, Auracast transmission, Bluetooth management, EQ settings, playback, VoiceAware, volume, and plenty more. The touchscreen is responsive to touch and swipe gestures, and some of the hidden features (e.g., flashlight, notifications) are practical gems. But it’s not only about the transmitter. 

See your music and settings at a glance on the transmitter. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

A handful of journalists previously reported that the Tour One M2 sounded better when using the bundled aux cable. I’ve never tested that model, but I can say that the Tour One M3 sound great in wired mode. Clarity and the midrange are heightened. 

There’s a USB-C to USB-C cable for charging the headphones. Let’s not forget the carrying case, which is nicely built with plenty of space on the inside to fold up and store the headphones. The huge mesh pocket on the inside holds all bundled accessories.

Comparing the JBL Tour One M3 to other headphones

I pitted JBL’s latest creation against the big three: Apple AirPods Max (2024), Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Sony WH-1000XM5. Audio, noise cancellation, and special features are the three main hallmarks I compared.

The Tour One M3 crush the AirPods Max in sound. They also sound better than the QC Ultra, though Bose’s cans have superior spatial audio. The WH-1000XM5’s expansive soundstage and DSEE upscaling keep them in the top spot.

ANC is equally great as the AirPods Max, but less powerful than the QC Ultra and WH-1000XM5. High-frequency noises are more noticeable on the Tour One M3. Ambient listening is where JBL has an advantage over the competition. The three selectable modes — Ambient Aware, Smart Talk, and TalkThru — are effective in their purposes. I rank JBL’s transparency performance above Apple, Bose, and Sony’s based on variety alone. 

Lengthy playtimes that surpass the big dogs These headphones sound great. Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

A full charge generates up to 70 hours of battery life, not factoring in ANC or special features, which decrease playtime to somewhere between 34 and 40 hours. These numbers held up during testing and outperformed Apple’s, Bose’s, and Sony’s flagship headphones. One week of moderate listening (four hours daily) and the Tour One M3 continued to operate with 10 percent left in the tank. I also spent a two-week stretch listening with ANC off and saw the battery level at 35 percent. These headphones boast some of the strongest quick-charging I’ve tested on a pair of noise-cancellers: a five-minute recharge gets you five hours of ANC listening time. It’s also worth noting that you can listen to the headphones while they recharge.

The transmitter holds 18 hours of continuous playtime and takes two hours to recharge.

Spotty connectivity, underwhelming looks, and other shortcomings

There were some hiccups with connectivity. When using the multi-point feature, the headphones paired to two devices simultaneously, but they suffered from occasional stuttering. The wireless range was weaker than expected. Audio would drop out when moving from my balcony to the bathroom (20 feet).

As much as I respect JBL’s craftsmanship, these headphones don’t look as fancy as other luxury models. The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 and Dyson OnTrac come to mind. In fact, less expensive rivals like the $199 Anker Soundcore Space One Pro look more premium. 

Another issue was the control scheme. I like having physical, touch, and voice controls, but the touch controls aren’t as versatile as other headphones. The touch sensor only supports tap gestures. Models like the WH-1000XM5 support slide gestures to manage volume and skip tracks. More disappointing is the limited control customization; only the single-tap gesture can be assigned. The volume rockers on the left earcup, the ANC button on the right cup, and the transmitter remote pick up the operational slack. 

Are the JBL Tour One M3 headphones worth it?

The JBL Tour One M3 are sonically satisfying, and the Smart Tx transmitter is a game-changer that every competitor will want to seriously consider when developing their next-gen headphones. Special features and playtimes also raise the Tour One M3’s stock.

However, the Tour One M3 are more expensive than Bose’s and Sony’s top entries, which sell for $100 to $180 less. The connectivity issues can be frustrating as well.

I will say that if you’re going to spend $400 on headphones, the Tour One M3 should be at the top of your list because they offer the most value. Just keep in mind that with the current economic state and tariff policies in place, pricing may go up, much like it has with other recently announced electronics (read about the Nintendo Switch 2 accessories price hike).

JBL Tour One M3 ANC headphones $399.95 at Amazon
Shop Now
Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Mickey 17: See the Bong Joon Ho film at home

Mashable - Fri, 05/23/2025 - 11:00
The best streaming deals to watch 'Mickey 17' at home: BEST NON-STREAMING OPTION Buy ore rent 'Mickey 17' on Prime Video $12.99 or $5.99 Get Deal BEST OVERALL Max Basic (With Ads) annual subscription $99.99/year (save $19.89) Get Deal BEST NO-ADS DEAL Max Standard annual subscription $169.99/year (save $33.89) Get Deal BEST FOR CRICKET CUSTOMERS Max Basic (With Ads) Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month unlimited plan (save $9.99/month) Get Deal BEST FOR DASHPASS SUBSCRIBERS Max Basic (With Ads) Free for DashPass annual plan subscribers (save $9.99 per month) Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Max Student $4.99 per month for 12 months (save $5 per month) Get Deal BEST BUNDLE DEAL Disney+, Hulu, and Max $16.99 per month (with ads), $29.99 per month (no ads) (save up to $18.98 per month) Get Deal

You can now take a trip to the planet Niflheim at home and watch a whole bunch of Robert Pattinsons act as human crash test dummies in Mickey 17. Bong Joon Ho's follow-up to Parasite, which made history as the first international film to win Best Picture at the Oscars, serves as another genre-bending adventure with a cutting political message.

Along for the trip, aside from a bunch of Pattinsons, are Naomi Ackie (Blink Twice), Steven Yeun (Love Me), Mark Ruffalo, and Toni Collette. If you missed it in theaters, you can now watch the darkly comedic cross-genre gem Mickey 17 at home. Here's what you need to know.

What is Mickey 17 about?

Inspired by Edward Ashton’s genre-bending sci-fi novel Mickey7, Mickey 17 follows Mickey Barnes (Pattinson), who works as an "expendable" so scientists can figure out how to colonize the strange new planet Niflheim. Being an "expendable" basically just means he's killed over and over again like a human guinea pig and then reprinted (like 3D printing for clones) when things go astray. When two Mickeys unexpectedly wake up on the same day, the whole system is thrown out of whack, leading the ship's corporate overlords (Collette and Ruffalo) to violent means. Suddenly, it's up to the Mickeys and their allies to survive and stop a class war on their new planet.

Check out the official trailer:

Is Mickey 17 worth watching?

Mickey 17 opened with $19 million, which doesn't seem too bad until you account for the fact that it cost $118 million to make. In other words, it was a box office dud and lost a good chunk of change for Warner Bros. And yet, the film has pretty dang good reviews. It sits at a 77 percent critic rating and 73 percent audience rating at Rotten Tomatoes, and Mashable's own reviewer, Kristy Puchko, spoke highly of it.

"The journey Mickey goes on is winding and wild, bucking the conventional flow of a sci-fi action movie, by being only gently sci-fi and barely action. Instead, Mickey 17 plays as a political comedy with cross-genre flair, ultimately urging the audience to see the similarities, and perhaps find our own inner Mickey 17," she writes.

Moral of the story? Box office numbers don't tell the whole story. Also, you can never have too many Robert Pattinsons.

Read our full review of Mickey 17.

How to watch Mickey 17 at home Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

There are a couple of different ways to watch Mickey 17 at home currently: purchasing via digital video-on-demand, renting via digital video-on-demand, or of course, streaming. While renting is the cheapest option, it's also the most limited.

Buy or rent Mickey 17 on digital

Mickey 17 crashed into theaters on March 7, 2025, then became available to watch at home about a month later via digital video-on-demand platforms like Prime Video. You can now purchase the film for your digital collection or rent it for 30 days. If you choose the rental route, just keep in mind that you'll have 30 days to watch, but only 48 hours to finish once you begin.

You can purchase and rent the film at the following retailers as of April 8:

Opens in a new window Credit: Prime Video Rent or buy 'Mickey 17' at Prime Video $5.99 or $12.99 Get Deal Stream Mickey 17 on HBO Max

As a Warner Bros. Pictures film, Mickey 17 will officially make its streaming debut on HBO Max, the Warner Bros.-owned streaming service. Beginning on May 23, audiences can travel to the icy planet Niflheim from their living rooms.

HBO Max subscriptions begin at $9.99 per month, but there are a few different ways you can save some money on your plan. Peep the best HBO Max streaming deals below.

The best HBO Max streaming dealsBest for most people: Save 16% on Max Basic with ads annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max Basic with ads yearly subscription $99.99 per year (save $19.89) Get Deal

The cheapest monthly Max subscription (Basic with ads) goes for $9.99, but opting for an annual subscription brings that cost down to just $8.33 per month. You'll have to pay $99.99 up front for the year, but ultimately you'll save about 16% compared to a monthly plan.

Best HBO Max deal with no ads: Save up to 16% on a Max Standard annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max Standard annual subscription $169.99 per year (save $33.89) Get Deal

Similarly, you can save 16% on a yearly ad-free plan — now dubbed Max Standard and Max Premium. The standard tier will run you either $16.99 per month or $169.99 per year (about $14.16 per month), while the Premium tier costs either $20.99 per month or $209.99 per year (about $17.50 per month). Both tiers offer an ad-free viewing experience, but the Premium tier comes with 4K Ultra HD video quality, Dolby Atmos immersive audio, and the ability to download more offline content.

Best Max deal for Cricket customers: Free Max with ads for customers on the $60/month unlimited plan Opens in a new window Credit: Cricket / Max Max (with ads) Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month plan Get Deal

Cricket customers on the $60 per month unlimited plan can enjoy HBO Max with ads for free. When logging into HBO Max, just choose Cricket as your provider and enter your credentials to log in. Voilà — you're in.

Best Max deal for DoorDash users: Free Max with ads with DashPass annual plan Opens in a new window Credit: DoorDash / Max Max Basic (with ads) Free with DashPass annual plan ($8/month) Get Deal

Getting streaming services for free is getting harder and harder to come by. That's why we love this DoorDash collaboration with HBO Max so much. Sign up for DoorDash's annual DashPass plan for $96 per year ($8 per month) and you'll get a free Max Basic subscription (with ads) on top of the other DashPass perks. You'll have to activate your Max subscription through your DoorDash account to get started.

Best Max deal for students: Save 50% on Max with ads Opens in a new window Credit: Max Max Student $4.99 per month for 12 months Get Deal

College students looking to check out Mickey 17 and other Warner Bros. films can access the entire Max library for a year for half price. Just verify your student status with UNiDAYS, retrieve the unique discount code, and sign up for just $4.99 per month rather than $9.99.

Best bundle deal: Get Max, Disney+, and Hulu for up to 38% off Opens in a new window Credit: Disney / Hulu / Max Disney+, Hulu, and Max $16.99 per month (with ads), $29.99 per month (no ads) Get Deal

Consolidate your spending and streaming by subscribing to the Disney+ bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and Max, for only $16.99 per month with ads. That lineup of streamers (with ads) would usually cost you $25.97 per month, so you'll end up saving about $9 each month. If you'd rather go ad-free, it'll cost you $29.99 per month as opposed to $48.97. That's up to 38% in savings for access to all three streaming libraries.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Turn your ideas into AI images with no ads and no limits

Mashable - Fri, 05/23/2025 - 11:00

TL;DR: Enjoy endless possibilities with this lifetime subscription to Imagiyo AI Image Generator, now just $39.97 (reg. $495) until June 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: Imagiyo Imagiyo AI Image Generator: Lifetime Subscription (Standard Plan) $39.97
$495 Save $455.03 Get Deal

Even if you’re not an AI buff, you’ve seen the fun people have creating AI-generated images. If you want to expand your imagination and start creating whatever comes to mind — yes, even NSFW images — you may want to take advantage of this lifetime subscription to Imagiyo AI Image Generator. It’s now just $39.97 (reg. $495) until June 1.

Get 500 AI images a month for life

Not an artist? No problem. Thanks to Imagiyo, you don’t need to head back to school for graphic design or animation classes. This AI-powered platform lets you create stunning AI-generated art simply by providing a prompt. Type a few words and your preferred pixel size, then sit back and relax while Imagiyo works its magic.

Whether you’re creating images for work or play, there are no limits on what you can do with Imagiyo. Create commercial content for social media, jazz up a PowerPoint presentation, or make a sentimental gift for a loved one. You can also create high-quality, print-ready images. There are never any watermarks, so the possibilities are endless.

Unlike many AI image generators, Imagiyo also lets you make NSFW images. Just set the privacy to private for that content.

This lifetime subscription to Imagiyo’s standard plan provides 500 images per month and two images per request, with no ads, ever.

Create anything you can dream up with this lifetime subscription to Imagiyo AI Image Generator, now $39.97 (reg. $495) until June 1.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Bring home a speedy MacBook Air M1 for $580 while supplies last

Mashable - Fri, 05/23/2025 - 11:00

TL;DR: Get a powerful MacBook Air M1 for only $579.99, 61% off the usual price, $1,499, right here while supplies last.

Looking for a laptop you won’t mind lugging around? Typically, super portable laptops aren’t impressive in the power department — but that’s where the MacBook Air shines. This slim device still packs a punch, and right now you can bring one home for just $579.99 (reg. $1,499).

Weighing in at just 2.8 pounds, the MacBook Air is ready to tag along on any adventure. But don’t let its convenient size deceive you. It’s still packed with plenty of power thanks to its M1 chip. This Apple feature can help you multitask and even keep up with demanding tasks like video editing and gaming.

This MacBook Air M1 is quicker than Intel-based laptops, boasting an impressive 3.5x faster performance and 5x faster graphics for apps and games. And a 16-core Neural Engine means it will be able to handle more advanced tasks like AI and machine learning.

A 13.3″ Retina display supports millions of colors, letting you stream or game with a vibrant picture. A 256GB SSD ensures you can download apps and keep important files right on your device.

Perhaps this model’s best-kept secret? An amazing 18-hour battery life, which lets you get more done without having to hunt down an electrical outlet.

Wondering why you’re getting this powerful device at such a low price? It’s due to the grade A refurbished rating, which means it will show up in near-mint condition, with virtually no signs of prior use, and you’ll enjoy a deep discount.

Upgrade your daily laptop with this MacBook Air M1, now just $579.99 (reg. $1,499) while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air 13.3" (2020) M1 MGN63LL/A 8GB RAM 256GB SSD Space Gray (Refurbished) $579.99
$1,499 Save $919.01 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

New AI tools, classic apps: Microsoft Office 2024 gives you the best of both worlds, now for $90 off

Mashable - Fri, 05/23/2025 - 11:00

TL;DR: Give yourself a productivity boost with this lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business for Mac or PC, now just $159.97 (reg. $249.99) through June 1.

Jealous of kids getting out of school for the summer? We get it, but as adults, we don’t get the luxury of months off to have fun in the sun. If you’re in desperate need of some motivation at work, let the tried-and-true Microsoft Office apps give you a boost.

Right now, a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business for Mac or PC can be yours for just $159.97, $90 off the usual $249.99 price tag, through June 1.

Make life a little easier with these Microsoft Office staples

There’s a reason Microsoft Office has stuck around for decades. Its apps are dependable and helpful for tackling both work and play. And Microsoft Office 2024 gives you a great blend of old favorites and new additions, all designed to help you create content, stay organized, and collaborate with ease.

Microsoft Office 2024 comes packed with five game-changing apps — Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote —all for a one-time fee, with no recurring subscription costs.. This version works on both PCs and Apple computers. You can also download the apps directly to your computer to work offline if needed.

This updated version introduces some new perks, like recording presentations with voice narration and videos in PowerPoint, and an updated accessibility checker in Outlook. Touch and pen input is also improved, making it more responsive and user-friendly for tablets and hybrid devices.

AI-powered features in Word offer smarter suggestions and natural language support. And if you’re a frequent Excel user, you’ll enjoy the new data analysis and visualization tools powered by AI.

If you’re working with others, you’ll love the new collaborative tools like co-authoring, enhanced commenting tools, and deeper Microsoft Teams integration.

Secure your own lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business for Mac or PC, now only $159.97 (reg. $249.99) through June 1.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC Lifetime License $159.97
$249.99 Save $90.02 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Pee-wee as Himself review: Paul Reubens documentary is a must-see for Playhouse fans

Mashable - Fri, 05/23/2025 - 11:00

On its surface, Pee-wee as Himself is a loving two-part documentary looking at the life of the late Paul Reubens, the brilliant comic mind behind the iconic Pee-wee Herman. However, even from the film's opening moments, the battle is clear between subject and director. Reubens sits before a camera, looking straight down the lens, and speaking to his annoyance that his perspective may not be the dominant one in the finished product.

"It turns out you're not supposed to control your own documentary," he laments with clear frustration. He promises the unseen director that he will fight him on this point, adding, "You mark my words." The title card that comes up next plays like a punchline: A Film By Matt Wolf. 

As Reubens died in July of 2023, Wolf has the last laugh here. But the beloved yet controversial comedian is not the butt of the joke in Pee-wee as Himself. Instead, Wolf smartly sets up this battle between Reubens and himself as a parallel to the main thrust of this HBO original: Pee-wee versus Paul.

Over the two feature-length episodes, the documentary guides audiences through his cheerful childhood and wild years at CalArts, his rise to stardom, the turbulent sexual scandals that made him tabloid fodder for years, as well as his comeback. Through it all, Reubens and Wolf explore how Pee-wee was a blessing and a curse for the provocative artist. In doing so, Wolf creates as in-depth a portrait of Reubens as any fan of Pee-wee could ever hope for. However, that means seeing behind the playful boyish exterior, which had so long been a shield, to see the sensitive, wounded man behind him. 

Paul Reubens shares his queerness and inspirations in Pee-wee as Himself. 

A dedicated collector, Reubens not only opens his Los Angeles home with its absurd wealth of kitschy collectibles to Wolf, but also his family photo albums, revealing pictures of him dressed in drag in college and on a Halloween in his youth. With long, elegant dark hair down to his waist, he was an androgynous vision at the art school, playing Jesus in one student film and a sultry mermaid inspired in the next. (When he says he was channelling Cher, the inspiration is immediately clear.)

In interviews, Reubens speaks warmly about the creative discovery of these days, when he first became friends with Laraine Newman, Phil Hartman, and Elvira, the last of whom also shares warm recollections in the doc. But cozy remembrances of twenty-something performance art and first love takes a heart-wrenching turn as Reubens admits frankly that he realized his queerness would be an obstacle to success. So he cut his hair short and strove to "pass" so he might make it big.

When he looks into the camera to explain directly to a younger generation less accustomed to brutal homophobia of the 1980s what "passing" means, there's a familiar pull, like when Pee-wee would look right out to the kids at home, urging them to be their weird selves. Yet here, our hero admits how he hid. 

Reubens gets the last word, eventually.

Wolf's team is up front about the access they had to the star. In title cards they note two important elements to the film's context: 1) Wolf and his team interviewed Reubens for 40 hours, and 2) In that time Reubens never chose to reveal his cancer diagnosis to them. So, he was aware these might be his last days, but the filmmakers were not. The film was precious to its director and subject in different ways. As such, there's an electrifying tension watching his interviews, because while he insists he's not fretting about his "legacy," these very videos show it was on his mind. 

In one moment, he'll offer up a deeply personal revelation, but in the next, he'll insist with a sharp or bored tone that he was joking. As Pee-wee's creator and player, he was in control of his image for much of his professional career. On one hand, his alter-ego was a worldwide sensation, heading hit movies like Pee-wee's Big Adventure, the adored children's program Pee-wee's Playhouse and its spinoff Broadway revival, and endless appearances on talk shows — but always in character. This gave Reubens anonymity, but also denied him acclaim beyond his playhouse buffoonery. But all that changed in 1991, over an incident in an adult movie theater in Sarasota, Florida. 

When the film speaks on this scandal and the unrelated obscenity allegations that arose in 2002, Reubens' perspective takes a backseat. It becomes clear through his absence that Wolf and his team hadn't gotten much footage on these topics before the actor's death. In his place, the friends that stood by him, like his personal assistant Allison Berry, Debi Mazar, and David Arquette, share what those years of public scorn and isolation were like for him. There's an ache in his absence from this second half of the doc, which — intentionally or not — reflects the greater loss of Reubens in the world, both during his exile and now, in the wake of his death.

Yet there's a glorious resilience in his example. For each time he was knocked down and publicly scorned, he rose again, making movies and TV shows in character (2016's delightfully daffy Pee-wee's Big Holiday) and out (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Mystery Men, Pushing Daisies). For Wolf, it could have been easiest to make this upswing the end of his movie, remembering Reubens on a high note. Instead, he circles back to the man himself, playing the self-recorded audio that the multi-hyphenate phenomenon left behind for use in the movie. In it, Reubens' sounds painfully exhausted, but he speaks plainly about how he hopes to be remembered, trying one last time perhaps to take control over a project he worried would define him without his direction. 

In the end, Pee-wee as Himself is not a simple love letter to the iconic character or Reubens. That would suggest Wolf goes easy on either, fawning over them without reservation. This is something greater. Wolf gives Reubens the space to speak for himself, allowing in the edit even the moments when the actor — traumatized by tabloid coverage — second-guesses his desire to share himself. Yet, what's clearest in this marvelous movie is how Pee-wee was a kitschy collection of Reubens' greatest loves and most-treasured ideals. Pee-wee's Playhouse embraces queer performance art, Andy Warhol paintings, and punk band graffiti in a candy-colored vision that allowed its subversion to sneak under the nose of Reagan's ruthlessly conservative America. Through bonkers cartoons, outrageous characters, flailing puppets, and secret words of the day, Pee-wee urged children to be seen, heard, and unapologetically themselves. 

This was his gift to us as children. Thought-provoking, boldly funny, and emotionally riveting, Pee-wee as Himself is his gift to us as grown-ups, as it reveals how hard that lesson can be, and how we must keep pushing ourselves to learn it. 

Pee-wee as Himself is now streaming on Max.

UPDATE: May. 21, 2025, 2:57 p.m. EDT "Pee-wee as Himself" was reviewed out of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. This review, which was originally published on Jan. 25, 2025, has been updated to include current streaming information.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Lilo and Stitch review: If you have to watch a Disney remake, make it this one

Mashable - Fri, 05/23/2025 - 11:00

When it comes to Disney's live-action remakes of its own animated films, my position is firmly "against."

Aside from being nostalgia-baiting cash grabs, films like 2017's Beauty and the Beast and 2025's Snow White may boast solid performances, but they never manage to recapture the magic of the medium that built the Disney empire in the first place. Gorgeous, emotive fantasy worlds like The Little Mermaid's underwater kingdom or Aladdin's Agrabah are flattened into CGI sludge. Strange adaptation choices like extra subplots (who needed to know so much about Prince Eric?) clog up what were originally tight, often powerful stories.

Disney isn't even reaching that far back into its catalogue to create these movies. This year's Lilo & Stitch retells the story of a film released all the way back in... 2002. (Meanwhile, 2026's live-action Moana remakes an animated film that's barely a decade old.)

Despite my skepticism, 2025's Lilo & Stitch managed to win me over more than any other Disney live-action remake so far. Much of it comes down to the continuing charm of the original movie, which director Dean Fleischer Camp (Marcel the Shell With Shoes On) capably emulates in the remake. Aside from the occasional baffling change from the original, Lilo & Stitch cements itself as sweetly fun in its own right, thanks to its loving treatment of its central pairing.

Lilo and Stitch shine in live action, too. Maia Kealoha and Stitch in "Lilo & Stitch." Credit: Disney

Like many Disney remakes before it, Lilo & Stitch kicks off as a fairly beat-for-beat recreation of the original film. Exiled alien experiment Stitch (voiced by Chris Sanders, who co-directed and voiced Stitch in the original film) crash lands in Hawaii, where 6-year-old orphan Lilo Pelekai (Maia Kealoha) adopts him as a pet. Together, these two get up to heaps of trouble — but they also learn important messages about family and responsibility.

These familiar beats worked well in the animated film, and they translate well to live action. (Even if this movie is sorely lacking the vibrant colors of the original.) Much of that success comes down to the enduring power of the dynamic duo at Lilo & Stitch's heart, both of whom shine in "live action."

SEE ALSO: Snow White's short hair didn't deserve this treatment

Newcomer Kealoha is absolutely precious as Lilo, both a rebellious firecracker and a vulnerable outcast. She faces the tough job of acting opposite a completely CGI character, yet she makes every interaction with Stitch feel grounded and real. Any scene where she and Stitch hug? Instant tears.

Stitch himself proves a star in live action as well as animation. Camp and his team crafted a creature who looks and feels real (get a load of that fur!), all without sacrificing expression for photorealism. From his twitchy ears to his massive dark eyes, Stitch proves to be the most successful translation of an animated Disney creature to live action, in large part because the film maintains his dynamic sense of chaos. (A scene where he tears through a wedding is an early highlight.) Sanders' voice work remains impeccable as well, nicely bridging the two iterations of the character.

How is this Lilo & Stitch different from the original? Pleakley and Jumba. Billy Magnussen and Zach Galifianakis in "Lilo & Stitch." Credit: Zach Dougan

Not every Lilo & Stitch character translates as well to live action, though. Stitch's creator, scientist Jumba Jookiba (Zach Galifianakis), and his partner in hunting Stitch down, Earth expert Pleakley (Billy Magnussen), look uncanny as CGI aliens. In Jumba's case, it's a matter of having two many eyes (four), and in Pleakley's, too few (one).

Lilo & Stitch knows this looks less than ideal, which is why the pair spends most of the film in human forms — thanks to alien cloning technology. This allows Fleischer Camp to focus the creature effects on Stitch, as well as add the physical comedy of two aliens trying to look human. Magnussen excels here, his Pleakley all manic smiles and overzealous body language.

Tragically missing is Pleakley's penchant for female-coded clothing, which Camp has stated on TikTok that he tried to include. The omission feels like an attempt to erase any moment that could be read as queer (even though Pleakley and Jumba still feel very queer-coded), making for another disappointing instance of self-censorship on Disney's part. Earlier this year, Disney's Pixar cut a transgender storyline from its series Win or Lose, and in 2022 cut a same-sex kiss in Lightyear until staff pressure led to its restoration.

SEE ALSO: Pixar's LGBTQ employees say Disney censors same-sex affection

Also missing is Lilo's penchant for photographing tourists in Hawaii. What little critique the original had of overtourism in Hawaii is replaced with Lilo sneaking into resorts instead. This too feels like Disney removing Lilo & Stitch's more subversive elements. Given that this story centers on two wild balls of chaos, taming even the slightest edges of the original undermines Lilo & Stitch's very core.

Another disarming change is the removal of the original's ultimate antagonist Captain Gantu. A 20-foot-tall shark-like alien, he likely would have been difficult to render well considering Lilo & Stitch's $100 million budget, which makes it among the cheaper live-action Disney offerings. Still, his absence moves Jumba into a more antagonistic role. Galifianakis, while generally funny, doesn't channel much of Jumba's mad scientist energy. So his take on Jumba comes across as less menacing and more exasperated — an odd choice for a Big Bad.

Lilo and Nani's relationship is a highlight in Lilo & Stitch. Maia Kealoha and Sydney Agudong in "Lilo & Stitch." Credit: Matt Kennedy

While some of Lilo & Stitch's changes from the original don't function very well, the film's decision to focus even more on Nani's (Sydney Agudong) struggles in raising Lilo proves rewarding. The animated film painted a moving portrait of an overwhelmed young woman trying to do what's right for her sister. Camp takes his cues from that to further explore Nani's aspirations and her anxieties, which include securing health insurance for her and Lilo. Agudong is often heartbreaking in these scenes of real-world struggle. Her and Kealoha share a sweet, playful chemistry that brings their sisterhood to poignant life.

These tender scenes between Lilo and Nani are among the most powerful and grounded sequences I've seen in a live-action Disney remake. Also effective are Lilo's bonding scenes with Stitch, including a water fight and a sweet kiss on the nose. Again, much of that impact comes down to how well these same scenes worked in the original film, which makes talking about Disney remakes feel like grading on a curve.

Still, this Lilo & Stitch retains much of the fun of the 2002 film, and it comes with great performances and effects work that actually makes Stitch feel real. Like with every Disney remake, you'd be better off watching the original, but if you have to watch one of the remakes, make it this one.

Lilo & Stitch is now in theaters.

UPDATE: May. 21, 2025, 2:07 p.m. EDT This review was originally published on May 20, 2025. The article has been updated to include current viewing information.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning review: Tom Cruise vs. AI is a wonky, wild ride

Mashable - Fri, 05/23/2025 - 11:00

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning carries the weight of a meaningful farewell but lacks the courage to commit. The eighth film in the series begins with a sincere American president (Angela Bassett) entreating IMF agent Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) to take one last mission to save the world. This time, he must defeat a scheming AI called the Entity, which is hell-bent on wiping humans off the face of the earth through computer hacking and nuclear war.

As fans have come to expect of this espionage franchise, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning will deliver globe-trekking, tense twists, jaw-dropping action sequences that make grown-ups feel like kids again, the unrelenting star power of Tom Cruise, and a sentimental belief in the righteousness of one noble man playing by his own rules. But amid these treasures, The Final Reckoning is a film at war with itself. Rather than a fitting send-off to a film series rich in stunts and thrills, it feels like an exquisite corpse of warring artistic goals that is incredible to behold, but never really comes together.

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning delivers a plot that refuses to make sense.

Ethan is still on the mission from Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One. He has the hard-won key that should allow him a crack at controlling the Entity. The relentless spy not only needs to outwit this intrepid AI, but also the assassin Gabriel (Esai Morales), who wants to seize its power for his own. Plus, the American president needs some convincing of Ethan's plan, which is not to capture this AI wonder and hand it over to any government. He wants to destroy it, even though stern American counselors to the president insist that killing the Entity would mean destroying cyberspace. How? Despite much, much exposition dropping in brow-furrowing war room scenes, that's never remotely clear.

SEE ALSO: Summer Movie Preview: What's coming to theaters and streaming?

Actually, the script by Christopher McQuarrie (who also directs) and Erik Jendresen makes a lot of declarations about the Entity's intentions, powers, and drawbacks without giving much sense of how any of it is possible. This has the effect of making the movie feel less like a sci-fi espionage thriller and more like flat-out fantasy adventure. The Entity becomes effectively an evil spirit that must be captured to end its reign of terror and its influence on the power-hungry or weak-minded. Final Reckoning even offers a doomsday cult devoted to the Entity to unfurl a thin thread.

At 2 hours and 49 minutes, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning takes off running with the plot line from Dead Reckoning, but runs it into the ground by losing sense of what made audiences so excited about the last installment. This fuzzy focus on AI as some vague but almost inescapable demon makes many of the decisions by Ethan and his crew hard to follow if not impossible. Worse yet, McQuarrie and Jendresen's overstuffed plot forces too many of Ethan's allies into a dull box, where they become tools of the plot over engaging characters.

Tom Cruise is in top form, but Hayley Atwell is criminally misused in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.

Cruise is a producer and star of this movie, and that's clear even without the title card announcing "A Tom Cruise Production." In Final Reckoning, he is an American action star in full, able to drop a powerful glower to underscore a dramatic moment better than any orchestra swell. He can perform a complicated and astonishing stunt with seeming ease. And truly, no one in cinema history can run as intensely as Cruise; his every speedy step seems to propel the iconic Mission: Impossible theme.

At 62, his latest mission pulls him into the depths of the ocean and into a sky-high dogfight. Whether pummeling cronies with his bare hands or leaping from one in-flight plane to another, Cruise (and his stunt team) make Ethan a one-of-a-kind hero, capable of anything, yet able to express keenly his own morality through a powerful glance. This works even amid Final Reckoning's meandering plotting.

Unfortunately, all the Ethan-centered heroics leave little room for his expansive crew to shine. Reprising their roles as IMF agents Luther Stickell and Benji Dunn, Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg have little screen time, but solid impact. They've mastered the art of making the most of these brotherly supporting roles. But more recent additions — like Hayley Atwell as pickpocket turned agent Grace and Pom Klementieff as assassin turned ally Paris — have achingly little to do.

Klementieff gets a fun opening fight scene and a tender sequence in the third act. But frankly, that finale feels in conflict with her chilly character, as everywhere in between her dialogue is the same one-note joke of being apathetic, in French. Atwell, who was established as Cruise's next love interest in Dead Reckoning, becomes an unrecognizable nag in Final Reckoning. Her spirited banter and self-assurance has been swapped for tedious dialogue filled with worry or bizarrely out-of-character proclamations, like that Ethan should take over Entity and effectively rule the world!

A collection of critically heralded actors, from Academy-Award winner Bassett to Emmy-winner Nick Offerman to Morales, Hannah Waddingham, Shea Whigham, and Janet McTeer, are similarly underused in scenes that involve a lot of furrowed brow-talking, but too little logic. Their intensity might have better sold the absurdity if McQuarrie didn't linger so long in these preposterous war room discussions.

Tramell Tillman steals Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.

The underwhelming dialogue, which veers from exposition dumping to near-religious proclamations, proves a stumbling block for much of the Final Reckoning ensemble. Even Cruise struggles with comically dramatic lines like, "We can deceive the Lord of Lies!"

But Severance star Tramell Tillman strides where others stumble. It's not that he gets better dialogue. Many of his lines are unremarkable, like, "Oh, OK" in response to some intense Ethan declaration. But Tillman builds a world with his curious delivery.

Playing a smooth submarine captain, Tillman delivers every line as if he is welcoming Ethan into an exclusive resort. There's an almost seductive attitude to Tillman's captain, who moves suavely in the tight confines of the submarine and addresses his crew with a magnanimous warmth. As if he had not a concern in the world, he oozes charisma, which is reflected by his invitingly smirking crewmate Kodiak, played by Love Lies Bleeding's Katy O'Brian. Together they weave an underwater world of camaraderie and personality that had me wishing Ethan would abandon his mission and just hang out there for a spell. This series has offered scads of compelling characters. But I was sad to see the plot plunge away from this submarine crew so soon. I'd follow Tillman's captain anywhere, just because of the beguiling way he says "OK."

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is bloated but very fun.

The final hour of Final Reckoning is jam-packed with suspense as action sequences between Ethan and his crew are cut across each other. Editor Eddie Hamilton masterfully creates tension while underlying how everything in the impossible plan to defeat the Entity must come together in "the blink of an eye." When the action scenes are hitting as they should, it's hard to imagine anything better to experience in a theater than a Mission: Impossible movie. Even Cruise's old-school sincerity is contagious, as Ethan throws his life on the line one more time for life, liberty, and an idealized American way.

Very likely, you'll walk out of the cinema with a rush and joy, marveling over the stunts and heroics. But if you linger on the details of Final Reckoning, you begin to notice plot holes and dangling threads. You may get hung up on the tonal shifts that feel less like a flowing dance — as they did in Dead Reckoning — and more like a frenzied battle between ideas. In some ways, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning feels like the final chapter. Ethan's colleagues praise him so intensely that several scenes feel like a premature eulogy for the still (ass-)kicking agent. The title and the snarling threats of the antagonist Gabriel — who promises a "final reckoning" — suggest this is Ethan's last mission, should he choose to accept it. Cruise's drive to top himself with not one but two absolutely bonkers action set pieces feels like an encore before he retires the character for good. Plus, a reprisal of a character long forgotten in the franchise is not only a welcome surprise, but also suggests this story is coming to a comforting close. (Cheers to Rolf Saxon and Lucy Tulugarjuk, who are splendid scene partners.)

SEE ALSO: 'Fight or Flight's Josh Hartnett and Charithra Chandran on the action movie's wildest stunts

However, McQuarrie also refuses to shut doors that seem to be closing. Without giving away third-act spoilers, I can say Final Reckoning pulls its punches, seemingly to allow for a IMF story to continue. Yet what might make for a happy ending isn't satisfyingly resolved either. Rather than providing a sense of resolution, McQuarrie ends the film with a sequence meant to speak to enduring connection, but it feels jarringly isolating because of how disjointedly it is presented.

Essentially, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning feels like the filmmakers were both trying to make this the final movie in a successful franchise — and also leaving the door open for more. In waffling over that, they deliver a final chapter that is in turns thrilling and frustrating. Rather than going out with a bang, Mission: Impossible may go out with the fizzled whimper of a message self-destructing in a tape deck.

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is in theaters now.

UPDATE: May. 21, 2025, 2:44 p.m. EDT This review was originally published on May 14, 2025. The article has been updated to include current viewing information.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best dating apps worth downloading in 2025

Mashable - Fri, 05/23/2025 - 11:00

Alright, let's talk dating apps in 2025. If scrolling through Reddit or just chatting with friends is any indication, you've probably noticed a vibe: People are feeling... tired. There's a definite sense of burnout, thanks to endless swiping, cookie-cutter profiles, and the sinking reality that we're all just competing in an oversaturated market for a first date that might go nowhere. Some folks are even arguing that you're better off deleting the apps and trying your luck IRL.

Despite the fatigue and the very valid critiques, dating apps are still massively popular. Fresh research from SSRS found that nearly 40 percent of U.S. adults have tried an online dating site or app, and 7 percent are currently using one. Unsurprisingly, usage peaks among 18-to-29-year-olds, with 65 percent having used them and 16 percent actively swiping right now.

SEE ALSO: How to protect your mental health while using dating apps

So, even with the love/hate relationship many have, these platforms remain one of the main ways people connect. And it seems users are often looking for something substantial — that same SSRS study showed shared family values (cited by 57 percent) as the most important factor for users when matching online, ranking higher than politics, religion, or even hobbies. (Though men still rate physical attractiveness pretty highly, second only to family values.)

What's the best dating site or app in 2025?

Dating apps can be a lot, and with so many options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. While a few big names (usually under the Match Group) consistently top the usage charts, the "best" app really depends on who you are and what you're looking for.

According to that 2025 SSRS research, Tinder is the most-tried online dating platform overall (used by 46 percent of those who've ever dated online), followed by Plenty of Fish (29 percent), Bumble (26 percent), and Match (25 percent). But popularity shifts with age: Tinder (73 percent) and Bumble (45 percent) are the clear favorites among 18-to-29-year-olds who've dated online. Meanwhile, users within the 50 to 64 age range are more likely to have tried Match (45 percent) and eHarmony (35 percent).

It's not just about the user stats, though. For example, First Round’s On Me (FROME) is a newish app that's gained popularity for its date invitation feature. Choose a drink, date, time, and venue, and the app will send a personalized invitation to your potential match. Once a date is confirmed, it's locked into both users' calendars, and the in-app chat feature is activated 12 hours before the date.

Other online dating apps like Pure cater to people open to ethical, non-monogamous relationships or threesomes. There really is something for everyone, including more traditional dating apps like eharmony, Facebook Dating (think Tinder Lite, for your grandma), and Christian Mingle, which swap endless scrolling for compatibility quizzes and faith-based connections.

SEE ALSO: How to stay safe on dating apps The best dating apps of 2025

We take dating app research seriously here at Mashable. To find the best options for every kind of dater — whether you're an introvert, a single parent, on a budget, a busy professional, or part of the LGBTQ+ community — we subjected ourselves to potential thumb cramps and dove in. We created profiles, swiped (and swiped, and swiped), and even paid for premium features to see what's truly worth it. We factored in our own experiences, user reviews, privacy considerations, and overall ease of use to build this guide to the best online dating apps of 2025.

Good luck out there.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Now streaming: How to watch Pamela Andersons comeback in The Last Showgirl

Mashable - Fri, 05/23/2025 - 11:00
The best streaming deals to watch "The Last Showgirl" at a glance: BEST NON-STREAMING OPTION Buy "The Last Showgirl" at Prime Video $4.99 (save $10) Shop Now BEST OVERALL Hulu annual subscription $99.99 per year (save $19.89) Get Deal BEST BUNDLE DEAL Hulu and Disney+ $10.99 per month (save $8.99 per month) Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Hulu Student $1.99 per month (save $8 per month) Get Deal BEST WAY TO GET HULU FOR FREE Hulu (with ads) free for T-Mobile Go5G Next plan subscribers (save $9.99 per month) Get Deal

Feathers, rhinestones, and visually stunning cinematography draw you in from the get-go in The Last Showgirl, but the heart and soul of the outstanding cast keep you hooked. Pamela Anderson, in her ostensible comeback role, leads Gia Coppola's gripping Vegas drama about aging and resilience alongside other big names — Jamie Lee Curtis, Dave Bautista, Kiernan Shipka, Brenda Song, and Billie Lourd.

As Mashable's reviewer noted, there are "several strokes of smart meta-textual casting, resulting in an ensemble that grounds the movie's visual chaos in distinctly human melodies." It's no surprise the film was nominated for several major awards.

As of May 23, you can finally stream The Last Showgirl at home. Here's what you need to know.

What is The Last Showgirl about?

The Last Showgirl follows 50-something Shelly (Anderson), a veteran Las Vegas burlesque dancer, who learns from her boss, Eddie (Bautista), that her show is unexpectedly being closed down after decades of success. Lost as to what to do next, she strives to reconnect with her estranged adult daughter, Hannah (Lourd), who has often taken a backseat to her showgirl family.

Peep the official trailer below:

Is The Last Showgirl worth watching?

The Pamela Anderson renaissance alone is reason enough to watch The Last Showgirl. The largely positive reviews are just a bonus. Currently, the film has an 83 percent critic rating and 72 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it certifiably fresh. Unfortunately, it was snubbed by the Academy for any Oscar nominations, but it did earn nods at the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and BAFTAs.

"Gia Coppola's The Last Showgirl is a spellbinding film about aging, made with tremendous texture and soul," Mashable reviewer Siddhant Adlakha writes.

Read our full review of The Last Showgirl.

How to watch The Last Showgirl at home Credit: Roadside Attractions

Buy or rent on digital

The Last Showgirl originally opened for an awards-qualifying run in limited release, then opened nationwide on Jan. 10. Just a little over a month later, the Vegas drama officially became available to watch at home on Feb. 18. You can purchase the film at video-on-demand retailers like Prime Video and Apple TV or rent it for 30 days. If you choose to rent, just keep in mind that once you start watching, you'll only have 48 hours to finish.

Here are some quick links to buy the film on digital:

Stream it on Hulu

Streamers can finally tune into The Last Showgirl as well. The Pamela Anderson comeback movie officially made its debut on Hulu on May 23. Hulu subscriptions start at $9.99 per month, but there are a few different ways you can save. Check out the best Hulu streaming deals below.

The best Hulu streaming dealsBest Hulu deal for most people: Hulu annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu (with ads) annual subscription $99.99 per year (save $19.89) Get Deal

The best way to cut back on streaming costs is to sign up for an annual Hulu plan instead of a monthly plan. Paying for a year up front costs just $99.99 ($8.33 broken down monthly), while a $9.99 monthly plan would add up to $119.88 in a year. That means you'll save about 16% or just shy of $20 in the long run.

Best bundle deal: Get Hulu and Disney+ for 45% off Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu / Disney+ Hulu and Disney+ (with ads) $10.99 per month (save $8.99 per month) Get Deal

Disney's bundle plans are the best way to slash the costs of multiple streaming services at once. You can bundle Disney+ and Hulu in the Disney Duo Basic bundle and get both streamers with ads for only $10.99 per month. That's just $1 more than paying for one streamer on its own, saving you about 45%. You can also throw HBO Max into the mix for a total of $16.99 per month, saving you about 44% on all three services.

Best for students: Hulu Student Opens in a new window Credit: Hulu Hulu Student (with ads) $1.99 per month (save $8 per month) Get Deal

College students can get a Hulu subscription for only $1.99 per month. That's 80% off the usual cost of a Hulu with ads plan. The only requirement is that you can verify your college email address using SheerID.

Best for T-Mobile users: Hulu (with ads) included for Go5G Next customers Opens in a new window Credit: T-Mobile / Hulu Hulu (with ads) free for select T-Mobile customers Get Deal

If you're looking for a way to get Hulu for free in 2025, this is it. Aside from the 30-day free trial, you can get a free Hulu subscription with ads if you switch your phone plan to T-Mobile's Go5G Next plan. Not only will you get Hulu, but also Netflix and Apple TV+. If you're already on the Go5G Next plan and have yet to take advantage of this deal, head over to the T-Mobile promo page and choose "redeem now" to claim the offer. You'll just have to enter your T-Mobile number and account details in order to sign up for Hulu. You can read more terms and details on the promo page as well.

Note: After your initial 12-month promotional period, you'll also have to take action in order to keep your subscription alive.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Memorial Day deals for under $100

Mashable - Fri, 05/23/2025 - 10:43
The best Memorial Day deals for under $100: BEST SPEAKER DEAL Sony ULT Field 1 $88 (save $41.99) Get Deal BEST TECH DEAL Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera $64.99 (save $64.99) Get Deal BEST TOY DEAL Tonies Toniebox Starter Set $99.99 (save $40) Get Deal BEST HOME DEAL Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 multicooker $59.99 (save $30) Get Deal

Memorial Day might be the holiday for reopening swimming pools, long days in the late spring sun, and kids getting out of school, but these days, it's also a time to secure excellent savings on products from online commerce platforms. And if you've got the itch to shop, you can upgrade a ton of your gadgets for less than $100. From noise-cancelling headphones to Lego sets, there's a little something for everyone.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Memorial Day Sale has already started — shop tech, home goods, and more

Below, we're keeping a running list of the best deals under $100 that are available this Memorial Day. We'll keep this list updated with new deals that we find.

The best Memorial Day speaker and headphone deal under $100 Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony ULT Field 1 $88 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $41.99 Get Deal Why we like it

The Sony ULT Field 1 came out last year and quickly joined the ranks of our favorite Bluetooth speakers. Its battery life is just OK at 12 hours, but we love practically everything else about it — the sound quality, customizable EQ levels, low-profile design, bass-thumping ULT setting, and durable everything-proof build. As Mashable's Miller Kern put it in her review, "The ULT Field 1 speaker is impressive, there’s no denying that." During Amazon's Memorial Day sale, it's back down to its best price ever: just $88.

More Memorial Day speaker and headphone dealsThe best Memorial Day tech deal under $100 Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera $64.99 at Amazon
$129.98 Save $64.99 Get Deal Why we like it

The floodlight version of the Blink Outdoor 4 camera shines a light — 700 lumens of motion-triggered light to be specific — on what's happening outside of your home at night. With two-way audio and crisp HD footage, you can speak to people and pets and get a better idea of whether the noise you heard was an intruder or just a raccoon. You can unlock even more features with a Blink subscription plan as well. Slash 50% off for Memorial Day and invest in your home security before your summer travels.

More Memorial Day tech dealsThe best Memorial Day toy deal under $100 Opens in a new window Credit: Tonies Tonies Toniebox Starter Set $99.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Built for screen-free listening and play, the Toniebox inspires kids' imaginations with bedtime stories, music, and education. The starter set includes four Tonies to get your kids playtime started ASAP: Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and Playtime Puppy. Each one plays between 20 minutes and an hour of songs, stories, and more. Snag it while it's on sale for just below $100 and swap tablet time for something a bit more inspiring.

More Memorial Day toy deals under $100The best Memorial Day home deal under $100 Opens in a new window Credit: Instant Pot Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 multicooker (3-quart) $59.99 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Instant Pot is still worth all of the hype years later. The 7-in-1 Duo is a cult favorite multicooker that serves as seven different gadgets in one: pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer. It also includes 13 customizable smart programs for pressure cooking ribs, soups, beans, poultry, and more. At just $59.99 (about $20 shy of its record-low), it's a total steal.

More Memorial Day home deals under $100 The best Memorial Day deals you can get right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts
Categories: IT General, Technology
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