Mashable

With its treasure trove of ridiculous gags and a deadpan masterclass from Liam Neeson, The Naked Gun proves to be an inspired reboot of the classic Leslie Nielsen film series. So what was the secret to bringing The Naked Gun's inspired stupidity to life?

SEE ALSO: ‘The Naked Gun’ review: Liam Neeson is a comedy genius in this brilliantly stupid reboot

According to the actors, complete and total seriousness.

"To play each scene seriously, that was certainly a note for myself," Neeson, who plays Frank Drebin Jr., told Mashable in an interview.

"You have to play it seriously in order to be funny," added Pamela Anderson, who stars as femme fatale Beth Davenport.

Paul Walter Hauser, who plays Ed Hocken Jr., agreed, highlighting the importance of separating the characters' comedic circumstances with the actual emotions they're feeling.

"I try not to think about what is actually being said," Hauser explained. "And Liam, if you turn it on mute, he does look intense, and it looks like it could be an action film. Then you hear what he's saying, and you'll lose your mind laughing."

Check out the full interview above to hear more from the cast of The Naked Gun, including how Priscilla Presley, star of the original, sent Anderson a note before filming, and how Saturday Night Live legend Phil Hartman influenced Hauser's performance.

The Naked Gun is now in theaters.

If the internet loves anything, it's cute animals. But now, in the age of AI, you cannot trust the animal videos you see online.

You might've seen a recent viral video featuring bunnies jumping on a trampoline, seemingly captured via a home surveillance camera. It's adorable. And fake. Completely and totally fabricated via artificial intelligence.

Here's the AI video in question. It was seemingly first posted on TikTok by @rachelthecatlovers with the caption: "Just checked the home security cam and… I think we’ve got guest performers out back! @Ring.”

That video has racked up a whopping 203 million views on TikTok. Tech-focused site 404Media first pointed out that it was generated by artificial intelligence. As the site spotted, you can clearly see one of the bunnies spontaneously disappear in the midst of a jump, and the background of the video appears to be very static.

Still, the AI video does a really good job of disguising itself. For one, it's made to look like night-time surveillance footage, which means it's easier to hide AI artifacts and low quality. Second, it does look pretty good and incorporates sounds that seems to be real — bugs in the distance, springs squeaking as the bunnies jump. Third, it even tags Ring to make it seem like it was captured by a real camera. But it is, in fact, fake, even if it did fool lots of folks.

Ever since Google Veo 3 was released, it's become easier to make convincing AI videos with sound.

People are getting a little freaked out that they got fooled by AI, something they thought only happened to other, more gullible people. "This is the first AI that has ever got me," read a top comment. "[How] is this not real," read another. "A few years ago I was laughing at my mother for believing ai," read another.

The bunny video — while possibly the most believable — is far from the only AI-generated animal video to go viral. There seems to be a whole genre of fake videos of people cleaning barnacles off of whales, for instance.

Or here's a mash-up of all the silly, fake doorbell-cam footage of animals. Faux surveillance footage of animals seems to be a new genre of AI slop, unfortunately.

So if you see unbelievable animal footage out there, then maybe don't, you know, believe it.

Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis is one of this century's most confounding movies, a sci-fi epic that draws on Roman history, incorporated a live performance element in certain screenings, and featured a character named Wow Platinum (Aubrey Plaza).

But if you think Megalopolis is crazy — and it is, undoubtedly so — then you might be even more surprised by the story of its production. That's where Megadoc comes in.

SEE ALSO: 'Megalopolis' trailer pulled for using fake quotes from critics

Directed by Mike Figgis (Leaving Las Vegas), Megadoc serves as a fly-on-the-wall look at the making of Megalopolis and Coppola's creative process. The documentary, which will premiere at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, features interviews with Coppola, along with input from Eleanor Coppola, Adam Driver, Aubrey Plaza, Nathalie Emmanuel, Dustin Hoffman, Giancarlo Esposito, Chloe Fineman, Shia LaBeouf, Laurence Fishburne, Jon Voight, Talia Shire, and Robert De Niro.

The first teaser for the film gives a very, very small taste of what to expect from Megadoc, including Coppola declaring, "No one I'm working with realizes how weird a movie this actually is."

Other than that, Megadoc's teaser isn't quite ready to spill its behind-the-scenes secrets just yet. Still, the information that is public about the production of Megalopolis is intriguing enough to act as its own teaser.

Megalopolis was Coppola's passion project for decades. When he couldn't find funding, he financed the film himself, spending $120 million. (It took in just over $14.3 million at the global box office.)

Production on the film proved tumultuous, with Coppola often shifting shooting plans on the spot. He fired Megalopolis' visual effects team, and many other members of the crew departed soon after.

Several female extras on the film also alleged that Coppola behaved inappropriately with them onset. Extra Lauren Pagone sued Coppola for civil battery and civil assault, as well as negligent failure to prevent sexual harassment. Months before Megalopolis' theatrical release, Variety also published a video of Coppola's alleged sexual misconduct, along with accounts from his accusers. Following the release of that article, Coppola sued Variety for libel, seeking $15 million in damages.

Following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, Megadoc will open in select theaters Sept. 19.

South Park's Season 27 premiere didn't just stir up controversy — it stirred up big ratings for Comedy Central and Paramount+.

SEE ALSO: 'South Park's Trump-bashing Season 27 premiere has the White House fuming

According to a statement from Paramount, the episode, which featured a scene of President Donald Trump in bed with Satan, as well a hyperrealistic deepfake of a naked Trump, scored 5.9 million cross-platform viewers across Comedy Central and Paramount+. These numbers come from Nielsen, which defines the total number of viewers by global watch time divided by run time over the course of the first three days the episode was out, from July 24 to July 26.

The episode also earned South Park its biggest linear season premiere share since 1999 and was up 68 percent from from its Season 26 premiere. In addition, the episode brought in South Park's best season premiere rating since 2022.

The premiere went viral on social media as well, with Paramount claiming it's the "#1 most social episode ever for South Park." #SouthPark trended on X for over 12 hours (five of which were spent in the top spot), and at the time of writing this, the Trump deepfake PSA has raked in 4.4 million views on YouTube.

Following the premiere, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers bashed South Park in a statement sent to Variety, Rolling Stone, and The Hollywood Reporter among other outlets.

"This show hasn’t been relevant for over 20 years and is hanging on by a thread with uninspired ideas in a desperate attempt for attention," Rogers said in the statement. "President Trump has delivered on more promises in just six months than any other president in our country’s history – and no fourth-rate show can derail President Trump’s hot streak."

For a "fourth-rate show," though, it's clear people are watching.

Amazon is investing in Fable Studio, the startup best known for a viral AI-generated South Park knockoff.

According to Variety, Amazon's investment (the amount of which was not disclosed) is going towards the startup's new streaming platform, Showrunner, which the company describes as the "Netflix of AI." Specifically, that means a streaming platform that lets users create shows with Showrunner's generative AI model.

In 2023, Fable Studio published a research paper about its SHOW-1 model that trained on South Park episodes and subsequently posted a 20-minute South Park-style clip entirely written, voiced, and illustrated by generative AI. Part of the video's virality was because it was posted during the SAG-AFTRA strike, which dealt with writers and actors negotiating protections against studios use of AI. The video was created without the permission of the South Park creators. Fable asserted in the research paper that it was an "experimental, non-commercial endeavor aimed at exploring the potential of artificial intelligence, voice synthesis, and deep learning technologies."

But now, Fable has launched a commercial endeavor with Showrunner that went live on Wednesday. The idea is for users to become the creators by generating their own animated shows or inserting scenes and characters into existing shows. Fable CEO and co-founder Edward Saatchi told Variety the company is pursuing partnerships with Disney and other Hollywood studios to license their IP for the platform.

The existing shows created by Showrunner include a Silicon Valley satire called Exit Valley that looks like Family Guy and a show called Everything Is Fine that has a Tim Burton-esque quality. It's unclear whether this is the result of licensing partnerships with copyright holders or from training data acquired without permission. Mashable has contacted Fable Studio for comment.

Showrunner is live in alpha mode on showrunner.xyz and Discord. Saatchi told the outlet that the platform is free to use and watch videos, but will eventually charge $10 to $20 a month for credits for users to want to generate new content.

A love triangle has been rich terrain for cinema of late, ranging from the tender Past Lives to the hot-as-hell Challengers to the clever Materialists — and that's just from married screenwriters Celine Song and Justin Kuritzkes!

But if you're looking for more sweetness with your spice, we recommend The Threesome. Directed by Chad Hartigan, this comedy scripted by Ethan Ogilby begins with some threeway sex, but spins into a funny and heart-filled tale of love, friendship, and the chaos of figuring out adulthood.

Set It Up's Zoey Deutch and The Little Mermaid's Jonah Hauer-King star as Olivia and Connor, two friends who've been doing the will-they-won't-they dance for a while. Then they meet the winsome Jenny (Ruby Cruz), and embrace the three-way chemistry for a night of casual group sex. But things get complicated when both women get pregnant, and the wider world all of a sudden knows about their private encounter.

I saw The Threesome out of its SXSW World Premiere and was charmed. This comedy embraces the messiness of modern love while never making its lusty lovers come off as clowns. Instead, it's an empathetic comedy that's equal parts warm and naughty. Plus, on top of the great chemistry of its three leads, The Threesome has got a supporting cast that includes Jaboukie Young-White, Josh Segarra, Robert Longstreet, Arden Myrin, Kristin Slaysman, Allan McLeod, and Julia Sweeney.

The Threesome opens in theaters on Sept. 5.

SAVE $38: The Marvel Legends Series Iron Man electronic helmet is on sale for $61.99 at Amazon, down from the standard price of $99.99. That's a 38% discount, and the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Marvel / Hasbro Marvel Legends Series Iron Man electronic helmet $61.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $38.00 Get Deal

Not to shock anyone, but Halloween is exactly three months away. Yes, somehow summer is coming to a close, and we'll soon be chest-deep in everything pumpkin-spice and then Halloween. If you're a Marvel fan, and you haven't decided on your costume for 2025, Amazon just decided for you, thanks to today's deal.

As of July 31, the Marvel Legends Series Iron Man electronic helmet is on at Amazon for $61.99, marked down from the normal price of $99.99. That works out to a savings of $38 for a 38% discount. It's also the lowest price Amazon has ever offered by a long shot.

SEE ALSO: Welcome back, Skelly: Home Depot finally unveils its 2025 Halloween collection

Sure, you could go with a basic Iron Man mask, but this Hasbro helmet includes light effects that'll make your costume come to life. As part of the Avengers Endgame movie collection from the iconic toy brand, the premium Iron Man helmet has a light-up visor which will illuminate Iron Man's eyes. Plus, it comes with a dimming feature.

Hasbro also considered the fit and comfort when designing the Iron Man helmet, making it adjustable for a better fit on more heads. The hinge at the top of the helmet is useful when opening or closing the helmet.

While it's on sale for the lowest price ever and way before the last-minute push to get a Halloween costume arrives, snag the Marvel Legends Series Iron Man electronic helmet from Amazon while it's just $61.99. Come October, you'll be set to win the costume contest.

SPEND $50, GET A $15 CREDIT: As of July 31, Amazon shoppers get a $15 credit when they spend $50 on household essentials, like cleaning supplies, batteries, laundry gear, insect traps, and more.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Free $15 Amazon credit With $50 purchase of household essentials Get Deal

You have to buy household essentials anyway, so why not get some free money while you stock up?

As of July 31, when you purchase $50 worth of household essentials at Amazon, you'll get a $15 credit back. Just load up your Amazon cart with items from the promo page until you reach the $50 threshold. The offer will then automatically be applied at checkout and, once shipment is complete, you'll receive an email from Amazon letting you know that a $15 credit has been added to your account. You can use the credit on anything you want.

The list of products included in the promotion is lengthy, so there's a pretty high chance it includes items you regularly use and need to stock up on. Just to give you a little taste, there's STEM bug traps, Clorox wipes, Kleenex, toilet paper from many brands, dishwasher detergent, laundry pods, paper towels, baby wipes, all-purpose cleaners, batteries, trash bags, Ziploc bags, and so much more. I scrolled for 10 minutes and still didn't reach the end of the list.

It's worth noting that Target is running a similar deal, but you need to be a Circle member (which is free to join) to score the free gift card. With this Amazon promotion, you (surprisingly) don't even need to be a Prime member. You will, however, need an Amazon account to check out and receive your credit.

During a July 31 Nintendo Direct livestream, Nintendo teased a ton of upcoming games for the Switch 2 (and some titles for the Switch 1 as well). The event focused on Nintendo's partners, featuring games from companies such as Sega, Ubisoft, and EA Sports.

Perhaps the most exciting moment of the event came when Nintendo unveiled a new trailer for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment. This hotly anticipated game is set in Hyrule (duh) and tells the story of “the canonical events that led to the Tears of the Kingdom game.” Nintendo says this game will be released sometime in the winter, with more details to come.

To watch the Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment trailer, skip to 10:55 in the Nintendo Direct YouTube video. Plus, keep scrolling to learn about all the new games coming to the Switch 2 this fall and winter, most of which are available for preorder now.

The event featured teasers of upcoming titles like Hela, where you get to play as an adorable mouse and witch's familiar on a journey to heal his beloved mistress. We also got teasers for beloved titles like Apex Legends, Borderlands 4, and the Yakuza franchise.

Nintendo Direct: New titles coming to the Switch 2 A teaser from the 2026 title 'Hela'. Credit: Nintendo / YouTube

During the livestream, we learned about over a dozen games that will soon be available on the Switch 2, Switch 1, or both consoles. Some of the games are remakes of beloved titles (Yakuza Kiwami), while others have already been released for other consoles or PC gamers (Star Wars Outlaws).

From the weird to the wild to the familiar, here are the titles you'll soon be able to play. And if you still haven't gotten your hands on the Switch 2, we have more good news: Our long national Switch 2 inventory nightmare may finally be over. Simply put, it's a lot easier to find the Switch 2 in stock.

• Chillin by the Fire - July 31

• Apex Legends - Aug. 5

• EA Sports Madden 26 - Aug. 14

• Star Wars Outlaws - Sept. 4

• Cronos: The New Dawn - Sept. 5

• Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac - Sept. 26

• EA Sports FC26 - Sept. 26

• Final Fantasy Tactics - The Ivalice Chronicles - Sept. 30

• Borderlands 4 - Oct. 3

• Plants vs. Zombies Replanted - Oct. 23 

• Persona 3 Reload - Oct. 23

• Yakuza Kiwami 2 - Nov. 13

• Yakuza Kiwami - Nov. 13

• Battle Beyond the Limit — Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO - Nov. 14

• Octopath Traveler 0 - Dec. 4

• Hela - coming in 2026

• The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales - coming in 2026

You can preorder most of these games now at the My Nintendo Store.

Yes, I'm already thinking about Christmas. It's kind of my job — and I love my job. I love making gift recommendations, and since I get to try a lot of awesome products before they're released, I have a professional advantage. We at Mashable have pulled together a list of the tech gifts we think will be filling up Santa's sleigh this year. If you notice a considerable lack of Apple products, that's because we expect to see new Apple product launches in the fall, as per usual.

But there's a good reason to get a jump start on your holiday shopping this year. Yes, we're talking about tariffs. One economics professor we spoke to recently predicted that consumer tech products could increase in price by 20 percent in the coming months. So, if you're getting your shopping done way in advance, we've got some Christmas gift ideas for you.

We've already seen some incredible product launches so far in 2025, and not just the new Nintendo Switch 2 (which is finally easier to find in stock, thank goodness). We've also covered the launch of new headphones, earbuds, smartphone gimbals, and Legos galore.

Some of our gift ideas would work great for birthdays, but we also have gifts for gamers, unique gift ideas, and ideas for early adopters who want the latest tech.

Want to buy the gifts featured in the video? Just click the links below:

• Nintendo Switch 2 — $449

• Yoshi Mario Kart Legos — $14.99

• Donkey Kong Mario Kart Legos — $34.99

• Sony XM6 Noise-Cancelling Headphones — $449

• Panasonic Technics AZ100 HiFi Earbuds — $299

• DJI Osmo Mobile 7 smartphone stabilizer — $149

• DJI Mic Mini wireless microphone bundle — $169

• Amazon Kindle Paperwhite — $159

• Panasonic Multishape men's multigroomer — $170

• Sony ULT Field 3 portable speaker — $198

SAVE $60: The Apple Mac mini desktop computer (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is on sale for $539 at Amazon, down from the standard price of $599. That's a 10% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Mac mini desktop computer (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $539 at Amazon
$599 Save $60 Get Deal

In the past, using a desktop computer meant sitting next to a massive box that served as the brains of the computer. Not only did this take up a ton of space, it was usually ugly, too. But Apple has a solution for this dilemma — and it's currently on sale.

As of July 31, the Apple Mac mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is on sale at Amazon for $539, marked down from the normal price of $599. That's a 10% discount that shaves $60 off the price.

In terms of physical size, you're looking at five inches by five inches with a weight of 1.5 pounds. Talk about portability. And even with a super compact size, the Mac mini comes with some serious specs, like the new M4 chip for snappy performance that allows you to multitask and switch between apps with no lag.

SEE ALSO: Save over 60% on this handy Apple MagSafe wireless charger

Apple also added some useful ports to the Mac mini, like two USB-C front ports and a 35mm headphone jack. On the back, you'll get a port for HDMI and ethernet, and three Thunderbolt 4 ports.

If you have an iPhone, you'll be able to view and control what's on your phone from the Mac mini with the iPhone Mirroring feature.

If you're in the market for a sleek-looking desktop, the Apple Mac mini is a great option. Snag it while it's on sale at Amazon for $539, connect your monitor, and you're on your way to computing bliss.

Updated on Thursday, July 31 at 5:10 p.m. ET — DJI may be having stock problems for U.S. customers interested in the new DJI Osmo 360 camera, as it is with drones. This product is currently listed as "Out of Stock" at the DJI store. We've reached out to DJI for comment.

The summer of 2025 is one to remember for DJI.

What started off as the "it-brand" for drones has been expanding its product lineup at a seriously hot pace. The creator-approved DJI mics are TikTok's new favorite accessory and the massive DJI Power 2000 portable power station is now a camping must-have. We're also getting DJI e-bikes here in the U.S. (if you've been wanting to drop over $7,000 on a bike) and perhaps even a DJI robot vacuum. And now, the brand has dropped news of the DJI Osmo 360 camera. The specs on this puppy are pretty swoon-worthy.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo 360 (Standard Combo) $549.99 at DJI
Learn More

DJI's newest camera will record native 8k footage with a 360-degree view. Content creators who take us on bike rides, early-morning walks in the city, or on epic snowboarding trips will know these specs are top-notch. If you record in 8k at 30fps, DJI says the Osmo 360 will give you 100 minutes of filming time on a single charge. If you lower recording to 6K at 24fps, you can get up to 190 minutes of continuous filming.

DJI also made other major improvements with the Osmo 360, like SuperNight mode which gives clearer and crisper footage if you're in dark conditions. Selfie mode lets you import wide-angle videos with high frame rates, and the new slow-motion feature records at up to 100 fps.

Onboard storage for the DJI Osmo 360 is 105GB, but this is expandable via a microSD card. The Osmo 360's OLED touchscreen display is designed to be user-friendly and capable of high-brightness for when you'll be filming in bright settings.

DJI doesn't list the Osmo 360 as available for purchase just yet, but we can see the list price set at $549.99 for the standard combo. That includes the Osmo 360 camera itself, a protective pouch, rubber lens protector, charging cable, and a few more accessories.

Credit: DJI Credit: DJI

DJI's listing for the Osmo 360 also includes tons of upgraded combos that are activity-specific, like the Adventure Combo, the Motorcycle Handlebar POV combo, the Vlog Combo, and the Skiing Combo, to name a few. Many of these come with the new DJI Invisible Selfie Stick, which erases itself automatically: no need to edit it out.

The Osmo 360 is incredibly compact and weighs just 0.4 pounds, which is slightly lighter than the Osmo 360's direct competition, the Insta360 X5. That product coincidentally also comes with a $549.99 price tag.

DJI hasn't said when we'll be able to order the Osmo 360 in the U.S., but its website listing has us thinking it'll be soon — potentially even just days away. We'll keep an eye out and update this article as we learn more about a release date.

If you're itching to learn more, check out DJI's video that highlights features of the Osmo 360 on the listing page. Overall, this new launch furthers the notion that DJI is not messing around with making creator-friendly (essential?) gear that's loved around the world.

BoJack Horseman creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg has a new animated comedy coming to Netflix. If it's anything like BoJack, we're both ready for laughs and terrified of the emotional devastation that's sure to be coming our way.

SEE ALSO: Summer TV preview: All the TV shows you need to know, and where to stream them

Titled Long Story Short, Bob-Waksberg's new series looks to be his take on the animated family sitcom. With the new trailer, we're introduced to the Schwooper siblings: Avi, Shira, and Yoshi. Not only do they have a very fun last name to say, they're also voiced by sitcom royalty: Superstore's Ben Feldman, Broad City's Abbi Jacobson, and New Girl's Max Greenfield. The series jumps back and forth through time, chronicling this trio's childhoods and adulthoods, along with all the triumphs and traumas that come in between.

The show's first trailer gives us a deeper look into the Schwoopers' chaotic, yet relatable family dynamic, from game nights gone wrong to backseat car fights. There's also a surprising amount of fire involved, along with a wild conversation where Shira asks Avi to be her partner's sperm donor while at a school Christmas play. Location is everything!

If the trailer and Bob-Waksberg's involvement have already piqued your interest in Long Story Short, we've got even more good news for you. First, the series reunites Bob-Waksberg with other BoJack creatives, like supervising producer Lisa Hanawalt (who designed art for both Long Story Short and BoJack), executive producers Noel Bright and Steven A. Cohen, and co-executive producers Corey Campodonico and Alex Bulkley.

Second, Netflix has already been renewed Long Story Short for a second season, weeks before the show's release! The news bodes well for the show, and for any prospective fans who already want to see more of the Schwoopers.

Long Story Short also stars Lisa Edelstein, Paul Reiser, Angelique Cabral, Nicole Byer, Dave Franco, and Michaela Dietz.

Long Story Short hits Netflix Aug. 22.

Nicolandria hive...we're staying fed. Since Love Island USA season 7 wrapped up, second-place couple Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen — aka Nicolandria — have been keeping their fans entertained with casual Instagram lives, an outing to Disneyland, and now a dreamy Greek vacation.

As the couple has been documenting their so-called "baecation" among the dreamy blue seascapes of Greece, they've also been posting what they packed, and we spotted a favorite camera on Olandria's Instagram.

As a shopping reporter, of course I'm curious about my favorite Love Island contestant's favorite products. Credit: Olandria Carthen / Instagram

In a quick snapshot posted to her Instagram stories, Olandria posted her beach bag along with a Fuji Instax Mini, pink personal fan, and vlogging camera. And that vlogging camera? It's the DJI Osmo Pocket 3.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Pocket 3 $968 at Amazon
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This DJI vlogging camera is a favorite among content creators, but it's also a Mashable favorite. It has impressive stabilization and motion tracking, plus a vertical video mode, perfect for creating social content. While it is expensive, with the Creator Combo priced at $968, it essentially functions as a Steadicam for filming your daily content.

Also spotted among Olandria's belongings: a personal fan, specifically the Gaiatop Mini Portable Fan. While we might not have an official song of the summer, we do have a product of the summer, and it's the personal fan.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Gaiatop Mini Portable fan $7.99 at Amazon
$9.99 Save $2 Get Deal

With temperature's rising, summer temps are reaching an all-time high, meaning more and more people are reaching for a personal fan to stay cool. It's no surprise Olandria packed one for Greece, where summer temps easily reach the high 90s. The Gaiatop Mini Portable Fan is an adorable option in its delightful shade of pink and less than 6-inch tall stature. It even comes with three speeds and is USB-C rechargeable. Plus, it's on sale now for just $7.99 — $2 off of its usual $9.99.

So whether they're in or out of the villa, Olandria and Nic are still keeping us under their influence.

The internet is a wild place, where memes can be mean, AI slop is everywhere, and users can post violent videos that will cause trauma. Into this treacherous terrain, American Sweatshop wades to unfurl a thriller about what one woman will do once she's seen something she can't unsee.

Riverdale's Lili Reinhart stars as Daisy, who dreams of being a nurse and helping people — but currently has a survival job as a social media moderator. At night, she gets stoned and watches videos on her phone. But by day, she's exposed to the darkest corners of the web, forced to watch videos of mutilation, beheadings, and animal torture to determine if they violate her company's user agreements.

Such a job takes a heavy psychological toll. So who better to helm American Sweatshop than Uta Briesewitz, who's directed episodes of such wickedly clever tech-centered shows as Severance and Black Mirror? Just like those mind-bending series, American Sweatshop goes down a twisted rabbit hole. Once Daisy sees a seemingly real snuff film, flagging it as offensive isn't enough. She can't shake the images therein, and needs to know if it's real. And if so, she wants justice — even if that means going vigilante.

Out of the film's SXSW premiere, I reviewed American Sweatshop. And as you see in trailer above heralded it "a cyberthriller for the doomscrolling age." I also cheered of this freaky thriller it, "gets under your skin, creeping up your spine to bend your brain. Like the internet videos that are its grim inspiration, it's not easy to shake off the chills American Sweatshop triggers."

American Sweatshop opens in select theaters and on demand on Sept. 19.

SAVE $86.99: As of July 31, the Sony WF-1000XM5 noise-cancelling earbuds are down to just $213 at Amazon. That's 29% or $86.99 in savings compared to the list price of $299.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds $213 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $86.99 Get Deal

If you’ve been searching for a pair of high-end noise-canceling earbuds, but don't want to pay full price, we've got a deal for you. The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds — some of the best around — are less than $215 on this random Thursday.

As of July 31, you can pick up a pair of WF-1000XM5 noise-cancelling earbuds for $213 at Amazon instead of the usual $299.99. That's a savings of nearly 30% or about $86.99 you'll get to keep in your pocket. Due to an inflated list price, Amazon makes the deal look slightly better than it actually is. But regardless, saving $87 is still a pretty decent bargain.

While we wish they were named better, the mouthful of a name doesn't detract from how great these earbuds are. Not only are they the best earbuds Sony has to offer, but they're also some of the best-sounding earbuds we've tested overall. "The WF-1000XM5 sit safely atop the true wireless throne," Mashable's reviewer writes. "Two years in and they still maintain a heavy lead over industry favorites like the AirPods Pro 2 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds."

If rich sound quality is important to you, but you don't want to carry around clunky over-ear headphones, these babies are your best bet. Our reviewer called them "sonic bliss." They're also praised for their excellent noise cancellation, comfortable and lightweight design, customizable EQ, high-resolution audio support, and impressive battery life (up to 12 hours on a single charge, 36 with the case).

They've been cheaper than this before, most recently on Prime Day. But if you don't feel like waiting around for another holiday or shopping event in hopes of a bigger price drop, this is still a pretty solid discount for Sony's premium wireless earbuds.

PopSockets' latest grip, the Suck-Up Grip and Mount, is here. The Suck-Up grip borrows the classic PopSockets design but adds suction cups to the surface, letting you stick your phone anywhere. It's geared toward content creators for hands-free filming, but there's a broader appeal of being able to mount your phone to watch videos or scroll social media without having to hold up the phone.

Opens in a new window Credit: PopSockets MagSafe Suck-Up Grip & Mount $30 at PopSockets
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Phone accessories range from decorative, like a Sonny Angel Hipper hanging on for dear life, to the practical, like a PopSockets offering a more ergonomic grip. Content creators often lead the charge on these mobile embellishments, not surprising considering the profession centers around the phone. But those needs are dictating the evolution of classic phone accessories, like PopSockets.

PopSockets CEO Jiayu Lin says on the product's design: "You’ve seen countless creators and celebrities with suction phone accessories, but PopSockets is stepping up the game. We designed the Suck-Up Grip & Mount as a versatile 3-in-1 solution that combines our signature grip and stand with strong suction mount technology. It empowers content creation on-the-go, has MagSafe snap-on convenience, and is a great addition to anyone’s phone wardrobe."

The Suck-Up grips combines the classic PopSockets design with the popularity of suction mount technology. Credit: PopSockets

The suction cup-style phone accessory has been in the creator sphere for some time, but popularity is at an all-time high. When we ask creators what their essential tools are for creating content, the most common answer is the Octobuddy, a suction grip tool that clings to surfaces so you can film hands-free almost anywhere.

The Suck-Up Grip will attach to phones with Magsafe. Credit: PopSockets

PopSockets' new suction cup grips work on the same premise as the Octobuddy, but in a different design. While Octobuddies attach with adhesive to the back of a phone, the Suck-Up grip attaches through MagSafe, making it easily removable. The grip remains true to PopSockets' style, popping in and out for a better phone grip, but now the top of the PopSockets will be adorned with suction cups. The Suck-Up Grip and Mount is designed to hold for up to 10 hours on smooth surfaces.

The Suck-Up Grip is available to purchase for $30 from PopSockets.com and Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: PopSockets MagSafe Suck-Up Grip & Mount $30 at Amazon
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These days, I don't get a lot of free time to do the things I truly enjoy. I have a beautiful one-year-old at home, which means my schedule revolves around her. I'm at the mercy of a little girl who doesn't want to sit around all day watching sport. She desperately wants to read a book about farm animals, and I'm not going to say no to that face.

But when I do get a rare moment of peace, you best believe I'm sitting back, relaxing, and tuning into whatever sport is on offer.

But here's the problem: It's extremely difficult (and expensive) to stream live games legally without stacking up subscriptions. All sports fans know the struggle. Some games are on Sky, others are on TNT Sports. This tournament is on DAZN, the next is on Prime Video. And then pay-per-view events are another frustrating layer on top of everything else. Keeping up with everything would cost a small fortune, and nursery isn't free.

An alternative way to stream sport

What I really need is a way to stream top-quality sport for free, but legitimate channels are few and far between. Highlights are great, but there's nothing quite like live action.

With so few options on offer, I started to wonder whether there was a smarter way to stream sports without breaking the bank. Curiosity and a little desperation led me to ChatGPT. I asked if there were any free or cheaper ways to watch live sports. Initially, ChatGPT suggested free UK-based platforms like ITVX and BBC iPlayer. Don't you think I've tried these services, ChatGPT? I watched Wimbledon on BBC iPlayer. I'm watching the Tour de France on ITVX. I've exhausted everything on offer.

Seeking more, I asked ChatGPT if there were other legal streaming options that I could consider. That’s when ChatGPT suggested using a VPN to significantly boost my content offering. By connecting to a server in another country with a VPN, I could access free platforms in other countries — like RTÉ Player in Ireland or SBS in Australia — to watch all the live sports that they host.

I know that the best VPNs aren't free, but I'm already equipped with a streaming-friendly VPN, sports fans. And even if you're not already subscribed to something, most services offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free streaming services without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream live events before recovering your investment. This is a sneaky trick, but it works.

Of course, the important detail here is that you need to use a reputable VPN and you should always double check the legality of access in your country — but this simple process opens up a whole new world of possibilities. I've gone from a very limited selection of live sport to everything the world has to offer.

How to watch sport for free in August 2025

With this new hack in hand, I asked ChatGPT to list out all the live sport taking place in the coming weeks that you can watch for free. Here are the best suggestions:

• British & Irish Lions Tour — free on 9Now (Australia)

• MotoGP — free on ServusTV (Austria)

Anyone from around the world can access these free live streams with a VPN. These tools can hide your digital location and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to access free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world.

Unblock free streaming platforms by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in location with access to live sport

4. Visit streaming service of choice

5. Live stream sport for free from anywhere in the world

The process is simple, but picking a VPN is not.

What is the best VPN for sport?

ExpressVPN is my favorite VPN, but it's not going to be for everyone (just ask my colleague). In my opinion, it's the best choice for streaming live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

In a world where everything seems to be costing more and more, I'm going to take all the help I can get.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

SAVE OVER $10: As of July 31, the Lego Botanicals Orchid is on sale for $39.95 at Amazon. This is 20% off its list price of $49.99, saving you over $10.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Orchid $39.95 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $10.04 Get Deal

Lego's Botanicals line is great for those looking for cute floral displays to have around their home. If you've been hoping to pick one up, the good news is there are some great deals available at the moment. One of our favorite floral Lego sets, the Lego Botanicals Orchid, is even on sale right now.

While the Lego Botanicals Orchid is usually listed for $49.99, you can pick it up for $39.95 right now. This is a 20% discount, allowing you to save just over $10 on it. If you've had your eye on this set, now is a great time to grab it.

SEE ALSO: Score a rare discount on the Lego Disney and Pixar ‘Up’ house set

The Lego Botanicals Orchid comes with 608 pieces that fit together to create stems, blooms, roots, and leaves (alongside a little blue vase for it) that bring this orchid to life. These elements can be rotated as well so you can pose it to your liking. No matter where you choose to put it — whether it's a table, bookshelf, or desk — it's sure to be a lovely little display to have up.

If it's been on your radar, now is a great time to pick up the Lego Botanicals Orchid and save 20%. It's not the only discounted Lego set that's caught our eye lately, either. If you're a Harry Potter fan, you can also score a nice deal on the Lego Harry Potter Flying Ford Anglia right now.

SAVE OVER $20: As of July 31, Woot is offering an Apple MagSafe Wireless Charger (1st Gen) for just $14.99. This is 62% off its original price of $39.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MagSafe Wireless Charger (1st Gen) $14.99 at Woot
$39 Save $24.01 Get Deal

If you've been on the hunt for a wireless charger for your iPhone, Woot's the place to look. The Amazon-owned retailer is offering a great discount right now on the 1st Gen Apple MagSafe wireless charger, allowing you to save over 60% on list price.

If you're interested in buying the 1st Gen Apple MagSafe Wireless Charger, you can score it for just $14.99 right now at Woot. This is 62% off the original price of $39. However, if you're looking to pick up more, Woot's also offering value packs of two units or three units for $27.99 and $39.99, respectively. The former offers savings of 64%, the latter 66%.

SEE ALSO: Apple's iPhone 17 could come with a $50 price hike

This is a great way to stock up on wireless chargers, and these are a good option for Apple users to invest in. These 1st Gen Apple MagSafe chargers attach to MagSafe-compatible AirPods and iPhones with the help of magnets, offering up a fast charge so you can boost your battery without waiting around too long. These models come with a one meter USB-C integrated cable.

Deals like these from Woot only last for a limited time — in this case, a month or until they're sold out — so act fast to save on the 1st Gen Apple MagSafe wireless charger.

If you're curious what else Woot is offering at the moment, it's worth checking out this discount on a 55-inch Factory Reconditioned Samsung OLED S85D TV.