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Daily Shows Desi Lydic reacts to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang allegedly having 3 affairs
The story of (now former) Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang having an affair with an alleged Chinese spy was already dramatic enough, but there are now allegations that he actually had three affairs — and Daily Show host Desi Lydic has thoughts.
"A third affair? Cheating on your mistress you were cheating on your mistress with? This man is a nesting doll of adultery," Lydic says in the clip above. "It's just amazing that just a month ago, Huang was considered the most dignified of all the tech CEOs. Now the news has to bring on Steve Kornacki to break down every district Huang busted a nut in."
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Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on November 13, 2026
The crescent Moon is now more visible in the evening sky, with enough of its surface illuminated to start picking out some lunar features. Keep reading to find out what you might be able to see.
What is today's Moon phase?As of Friday, Nov. 13, the NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in the Waxing Crescent phase, with 14% of its surface visible.
After nights of darkness and limited visibility, Moon gazing is back tonight. If you don't have any visual aids, you'll be able to see the Mare Crisium and the Mare Fecunditatis. With binoculars or a telescope, you'll also see the Endymion Crater.
When is the next Full Moon?The next Full Moon will take place on November 24.
What are Moon phases?The Moon takes approximately 29.5 days to complete one full cycle. As it orbits Earth, the amount of sunlight reflecting off its surface that we can see changes, creating the different phases. This takes us from the New Moon to the Full Moon and back again, before the cycle begins once more, according to NASA.
The eight phases are:
New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).
Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).
First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.
Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it's not quite full yet.
Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.
Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)
Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.
Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.
The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is live at Amazon: Buy for way under market price
TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is available for $59.99 at Amazon. That's way under TCGplayer's $110 market price.
Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box $59.99 at AmazonShop Now at Amazon
After weeks of growing excitement and preorder wars, the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is out in the wild. And Amazon is celebrating by bringing back its stunning $59.99 deal.
As of Nov. 11, the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is on sale for just $59.99 on Amazon. Everything is handled directly by Amazon, but Amazon is still routing orders through its "request invite" system. We can see these are selling fast, so it's clearly a system that's working for many shoppers. Don't be discouraged by the invitation process.
Amazon’s deal is way under TCGplayer’s $110 market price. We rarely see deals this far below market price, so we understand the hype.
The 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box contains nine 30th Celebration booster packs, an exclusive full-art foil Nidorina promo card, 16 foil Basic Energy cards, 65 custom card sleeves, damage-counter dice, a condition marker, card dividers, a collector’s player guide, and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live.
Shop the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration ETB for $59.99 at Amazon, while supplies last.
Zelda Switch 2 restock: Live restock updates at Walmart, Target, and Best Buy (Nov. 13)
If your current morning ritual involves violently hitting refresh on a dozen retail tabs, you already know the vibe: finding the Nintendo Switch 2: The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Edition is turning into an Olympic sport.
Between automated bot armies scooping digital drops, surprise order cancellations at Walmart, and inventory vanishing in seconds on Amazon, this custom black-and-gold console feels like a myth. But while digital storefronts look completely barren, stock is actively circulating behind the scenes.
Where to check for Zelda Switch 2 stock right nowBefore getting into the restock details, bookmark these retailer pages to check for surprise drops:
Nintendo Store — Out of stock right now, but you can add it to your wishlist to get pinged the second a restock hits.
Amazon — Dropping tiny batches of consoles randomly throughout the day.
Walmart — Stock exists but only for third-party listings selling at way over market price, so make sure your in-stock email alerts are turned on.
Target — Sold out online, but periodic drops have taken place in-store.
Best Buy — Sold out online, but select stores ran midnight openings on Nov. 5 with walk-in stock.
GameStop — Online orders are off; you will have to walk into a store to find one.
The feeding frenzy is being supercharged by Nintendo’s staggered release calendar. While the custom Zelda 40th Anniversary hardware dropped first on Oct. 29, the flagship game driving demand — The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2 — arrived on Thursday, Nov. 5.
The remake rebuilds the 1998 classic from the ground up with modernized controls, a fully orchestrated soundtrack, reworked dungeon puzzles, and expanded Hyrule environments. Since the $520 console doesn’t include the game, everyone is rushing to lock down a system before launch day.
Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2 $59.99 at AmazonShop Now at Amazon What comes with the Zelda 40th anniversary Switch 2?
The package includes the special-edition Switch 2 system sporting a custom black-and-gold finish, themed Joy-Con 2 controllers, and a matching dock decorated with the gold Triforce emblem. It retains the platform's signature flexibility, letting you switch between TV, Tabletop, and Handheld modes whenever you want.
Inside the themed chassis, you get 256GB of built-in storage (expandable with microSD Express cards), a vivid display in handheld mode, faster load times, and support for up to 4K resolution on compatible TVs when the console sits in the dock.
The magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers add mouse-style tracking in supported games, while the new GameChat hub lets you voice chat and share your screen directly as you play. It also plays your older Switch games and supports standard multiplayer options.
How can you improve your chances of finding stock?Landing limited-edition Nintendo hardware takes a little prep work, but these battle-tested habits will give you a real edge over the bots:
Save your checkout details everywhere — Log in to Target, Best Buy, Walmart, and the Nintendo Store to save your shipping address and default card. Stopping to type a card number or billing zip code during a live drop is how you lose an order.
Hands off the refresh button in Best Buy's queue — When an online drop goes live, Best Buy puts shoppers into a randomized waiting line to filter out scrapers. Touching the reload button resets your spot and boots you straight to the back.
Watch for Walmart+ early-access paywalls — Walmart frequently locks headline console drops behind paid Walmart+ subscriptions for the first 30 to 60 minutes. If you have a membership, keep that tab signed in; if not, wait for the general public window to unlock.
Dodge third-party sellers — Double-check the seller before buying. Marketplace scalpers frequently list units for jacked-up prices; make sure it says "Sold and shipped by [Retailer]" at the standard price.
Skip the web wars and head to physical stores — Online checkout bots grab website stock in under 15 seconds. Showing up in person is easily your most reliable path to securing one without paying scalper markups.
Most likely, yes.
Stores like Walmart, Amazon, and Best Buy often hold onto popular gaming hardware to use as headline deals during Black Friday and Cyber Monday week.
With that said, Black Friday restocks are usually the hardest ones to catch. You will be fighting website crashes, gift shoppers, and automated bots all at once. If you can grab a console whenever stock appears, take it. Think of Black Friday as a backup plan, not your main bet.
Console hunting sucks right now, period. But between the surprise micro-drops and physical store restocks, you still have real shots at retail price — just be ready to move the second that stock goes live.
Black Friday 2026 at Walmart: See the ad and early deals
Walmart's Black Friday sale is arriving in three waves this year, with the first big deals drop kicking off on Nov. 12 and running until Nov. 15. The retailer's ad scans have been live for some time, offering shoppers a sneak peek at what's to come during its early Black Friday sale.
Credit: WalmartThis three-day-long event is just the start, though. The retailer also has a Black Friday sale planned for Nov. 23-29, plus a Cyber Monday sale running from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2. Walmart+ members can even get early access to the sale (plus exclusive online-only deals during the first 24 hours). If that's piqued your interest, check out our guide to signing up for Walmart+ to learn more.
There are quite a few early deals up that are worth a look before the main event starts. At the time of this writing, we've spotted discounts on AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4, a 65-inch LG C6 TV, and even the Lego Pokémon Pikachu and Poké Ball, which has hit an all-time low price. These are just a few highlights.
Check out more of our favorite finds below, or for a deeper dive into what's available, our rundown of early Black Friday deals at Walmart can help you out.
Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 at Walmart$249 Save $50 Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it
AirPods Pro 3 are our favorite pair of buds for Apple users, so it's always exciting when we spot a discount. Ahead of Black Friday sales, they're currently marked down to $199 at Walmart, saving you $50 off the regular price.
There's a good chance they'll drop a bit lower during the main sale (the lowest price they've dipped to is $169, according to price tracker camelmart), but this is still a pretty good deal if you're itching to pick them up now. They're certainly worth the investment, with Active Noise Cancellation, high-quality audio, built-in heart rate sensing, and up to eight hours of battery life with ANC.
More Apple dealsApple AirTag 4 Pack (2nd Generation) — $69.99 $99 (save $29.01)
Apple AirPods 4 — $89 $129.99 (save $40.99)
Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro, 18-core CPU/20 core GPU, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,816.99 $2,999 (save $183)
$899.99 Save $440 Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it
It's not even Black Friday yet, and this Roborock Qrevo S5V is already down to its lowest price at Walmart. It's currently on sale for $459.99, which is $440 off its list price of $899.99. That's a huge discount, and this combo cleaner is certainly worth the pick-up if you need a little extra assistance with your floors.
It features 12,000Pa suction for lifting dirt, debris, hair, and more, plus dual spinning mops that can hit 200 RPM to scrub out stains. Its Obstacle Avoidance System is very helpful, steering clear of any objects that might be in its way as it cleans around, and PreciSense LiDAR Navigation helps it map out your home for an efficient clean.
More home dealsBissell Little Green Portable Deep Cleaner — $74.62 $101.97 (save $27.35)
Shark Steam & Scrub Scrubbing Steam Mop — $98.74 $149 (save $50.26)
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum Cleaner — $118 $168 (save $50)
KitchenAid Deluxe Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer — $279 $449.99 (save $170.99)
Roborock Q10 X5+ Robot Vacuum and Mop — $299.99 $499.99 (save $200)
$2,699.99 Save $1,300.00 Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it
Black Friday is a great time to upgrade your TV, and this 65-inch LG C6 TV offers an impressive 4K OLED display, support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and a 165Hz Refresh Rate for gamers. Walmart has slashed $1,300 off ahead of its early Black Friday sale, bringing its price down from $2,699.99 to $1,399.99. That's a massive drop, and not too far off from its lowest-ever point of $1,339.99.
More TV dealsSamsung 65-inch Class U8000H Series Crystal UHD 4K TV — $298 $378 (save $80)
Samsung 65-inch Class M70HB Series Mini LED 4K UHD Smart TV — $378 $478 (save $100)
TCL 75-inch Class QM6K Series QD-Mini LED QLED 4K UHD HDR Smart TV — $798 $999.99 (save $201.99)
$199.99 Save $40.04 Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it
The 2,050-piece Lego Pikachu and Poké Ball set is an absolute delight for Pokémon fans, and it's recently received a surprise price drop ahead of Black Friday. Walmart currently has it on sale for $159.95. That's $40.04 off its original price, marking the lowest price we've seen since its launch. If it's been on your radar, this is a great time to act.
More Lego dealsLego Classic Medium Creative Brick Box — $21.42 $34.99 (save $13.57)
Lego Pokémon Eevee — $47.96 $59.99 (save $12.03)
Lego KPop Demon Hunters Derpy Tiger and Sussie Bird — $55.95 $69.99 (save $14.04)
Lego Star Wars Grogu with Hover Pram — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)
Lego Harry Potter Diagon Alley Wizarding Shops — $159.99 $199.99 (save $40)
$549 Save $60 Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it
The Ninja Luxe Café Premier is an espresso/coffee maker we have a lot of love for, with Mashable's Samantha Mangino writing that it "strikes the perfect balance of user-friendly design with high-end settings." If you've had your eyes on it, Walmart's knocked it down to a new low price ahead of Black Friday. This has brought its price down from $549 to $489, making now an excellent time to add it to your shopping cart.
More kitchen dealsCrock-Pot Manual 7-Quart Slow Cooker — $34.96 $79.99 (save $45.03)
Nespresso Vertuo Pop Coffee and Espresso Maker — $84.97 $119 (save $34.03)
Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker — $149 $169 (save $20)
Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series Espresso Machine and Drip Coffee Maker — $489 $549 (save $60)
$129.95 Save $50.00 Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it
Whether you plan on sharing holiday tunes or your favorite podcast wherever you go this season, a portable speaker can make everything better. This one has a powerful woofer with a separate tweeter and dual passive bass radiators for room-filling sound. It’s rated IP67 against water and dust, and a full charge lasts up to 12 hours, so the party doesn't have to stop until you're ready. Plus, you can link it up with other compatible JBL speakers for stereo or bigger sound.
More speaker dealsAnker Soundcore 2 Portable Bluetooth Speaker — $29.99 $45.99 (save $16)
JLab JBuds Party Portable Speaker — $47.99 $59.99 (save $12)
$1,199.99 Save $470.99 Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it
If you're in the market for a new daily driver laptop, this is a great option. The 15.3-inch touchscreen has a 1920 x 1200 display, with a 360-degree hinge that means it can transform from laptop to folding tablet or stand modes for sketching or streaming on the couch. It boasts an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor 322 with 16GB of DDR5 memory and a 512GB SSD, and support for WiFi 7 so you stay connected even in larger homes.
More laptop dealsHP 14-inch HD Windows 11 Laptop (Intel N150, 4GB RAM, 128GB Storage) — $199 $259 (save $60)
$65.97 Save $15.99 Get Deal at Walmart Why we like it
If you want to keep an eye out for who darkens your doorstep, this video doorbell is a boon for your home security setup. It has a 150-degree view and motion detection, as well as two-way audio, so you can communicate with anyone on your porch. You can mount it on battery power alone or wire it into the existing doorbell leads for constant power. It works with Alexa and Google Assistant and includes a one-month Cam Plus trial, which adds cloud recording and smarter person and package alerts.
More home security dealsTP-Link Tapo TCW34 Dual-Camera Indoor/Outdoor Security Camera — $49 $58 (save $9)
Black Friday 2026 at Lowe’s: See the ad and shop early deals
We are officially halfway through November, and Lowe’s has already rolled out plenty of reasons not to wait until Thanksgiving weekend to shop.
The retailer just rolled out its early holiday savings, and the official Lowe’s Black Friday ad scans show major discounts hitting the floor weeks before Thanksgiving. Lowe’s current wave of markdowns covers everything from OLED TVs and vacuums to holiday decor. You can already score $400 off a 55-inch Samsung OLED TV, or grab a 9-foot pre-lit snow-flocked Christmas tree for under $250.
Don't burn your evening clicking through pages of bulk hardware; we sorted through the clutter to find the steals you should jump on right now
Best power tool deal Opens in a new window Credit: DeWalt DeWalt 20V Max Brushless Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit $99 at Lowe's$199 Save $100 Get Deal at Lowe's Why we like it
Few tools save a DIY project from going off the rails quite like the DeWalt 20V Max Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool, whether you're flush-cutting baseboards, slicing through stuck plumbing pipes, or scraping away stubborn grout. This kit features a brushless motor and a 3-speed selector, letting you back off for delicate trimming or crank it up to 20,000 OPM for aggressive demo work.
Its tool-free clamp lets you swap blades in seconds without hunting down a hex wrench, an onboard LED lights up cramped undersink spaces, and the whole 13-piece setup comes ready to work with a 2.0Ah battery, charger, and essential accessories right out of the box.
More power tool dealsCraftsman 20-volt Max Variable Speed Brushless 1/2-in Drive Cordless Impact Wrench — $119 $199 (save $80)
DeWalt 20V Max 2-Tool Brushless Power Tool Combo Kit with Soft Case — $169 $249 (save $80)
Craftsman V20 20-volt Max 6-Tool Power Tool Combo Kit with Soft Case — $249 $349 (save $100)
Kobalt Compact 12-in 15-Amp Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Corded Miter Saw — $279 $349 (save $70)
$199.99 Save $50 Get Deal at Lowe's Why we like it
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe makes cleaning stairs, couches, and tight corners much easier thanks to its 2-in-1 design — just hit a button to detach the main pod from the floor nozzle and carry it wherever you need. It also uses swivel steering to weave smoothly around furniture legs, a brushroll shutoff to switch between deep carpets and bare floors without kicking up debris, and a sealed system with a HEPA filter to trap dust and pet dander inside the machine.
More home dealsEufy E25 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo — $599.99 $1,299.99 (save $700)
GE Profile with Pet Hair Removal 4.6-cu ft Ventless All-In-One Washer Dryer Combo — $1,899 $2,699 (save $800)
Eufy S2 plus Accessory Kit and Hard Floor Cleaner — $1,309.99 $2,299.99 (save $990)
$389.99 Save $140 Get Deal at Lowe's Why we like it
Standing 9 feet tall with 2,094 snow-flocked tips, this 9-foot pre-lit pine tree creates a winter centerpiece without the mess of real pine needles. It comes pre-strung with 900 two-in-one LED lights that switch between warm-white and multicolored displays across nine lighting modes via a foot pedal. A three-section hinged design and sturdy metal stand also keep setup simple — just stack the pieces, plug it in, and fluff the branches.
More holiday decor deals9-Foot Pre-Lit Spruce Artificial Christmas Tree with Twinkling Lights — $249.99 $299.99 (save $50)
11-ft Pre-lit Full Rightside-up Green Artificial Christmas Tree — $800.14 $1,094.09 (save $293.95)
$799 Save $200 Get Deal at Lowe's Why we like it
If you're fed up with modern impeller machines that barely get your clothes damp, the Maytag 4.5 cu. ft. High-Efficiency Top-Load Washer brings back the old-school cleaning power families actually rely on. Its Power agitator uses a 360-degree wash action to churn clothes up, down, and around, muscling through caked-on dirt instead of just letting fabrics float in place.
The Deep Fill toggle lets you add extra water whenever you're dealing with heavily soiled gear, while built-in auto-sensing keeps utility bills in check on regular laundry days. Add two extra rinse options to ensure detergent residue washes away completely, plus a 30-minute quick-wash cycle for last-minute emergencies, and you've got a rugged, dependable workhorse.
More appliance dealsEufy E25 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo — $599.99 $1,299.99 (save $700)
GE Profile with Pet Hair Removal 4.6-cu ft Ventless All-In-One Washer Dryer Combo — $1,899 $2,699 (save $800)
Eufy S2 plus Accessory Kit and Hard Floor Cleaner — $1,309.99 $2,299.99 (save $990)
$1,399.99 Save $400 Get Deal at Lowe's Why we like it
Dropping under $1,000 makes this 2026 Samsung S85H one of the easiest ways to bring true OLED picture quality into your living room without paying flagship prices. Because its self-illuminating pixels turn on and off individually, you get deep, inky blacks and crisp contrast that regular LED TVs simply cannot match, backed by Samsung's NQ4 AI Gen2 processor to upscale older shows and movies to sharp 4K resolution. It is also well-equipped for next-gen consoles, thanks to a 120Hz refresh rate and support for both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium, which keep fast gameplay smooth and tear-free.
More TV dealsRoku Select Series 43-inch 4K HDR Smart LED TV — $199.99 $229.99 (save $30)
Samsung M70H 50-inch 4K Smart LED TV — $279.99 $379.99 (save $100)
Samsung M80H 55-inch 4K Smart LED TV — $399.99 $599.99 (save $200)
Kohls Black Friday 2026: See the ad and shop early deals
Get your Kohl's Cash ready: the Black Friday Kohl's ad scan is here.
Here's what you need to know: Kohl's savings event starts Nov. 22, both in stores and online, five days before the actual day of Black Friday on Nov. 27. While the main sale runs through Saturday, Nov. 28, shoppers can save up to 50% across categories, stack an extra 20% off with coupons, and earn a boosted $15 in Kohl's Cash for every $50 spent (up from the usual $10).
If you plan to shop in person, keep in mind that Kohl's stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and will reopen at 5 a.m. local time on Friday, Nov. 27.
SEE ALSO: Everything to know about Black Friday 2026: Best deals, sale dates, how to shop smart, and moreAcross their catalog, there will be deals on apparel, electronics, kitchen appliances, toys and games, beauty products, and even vacuums. Looking for a preview of what to shop? We have you covered.
Note: Kohl's hasn't confirmed specifically what will be on sale in some categories. Products with a 🔍 emoji are ones we hope to see go on sale (or receive a better deal than they currently have) within confirmed product categories. All other products have been announced officially as deals.
Best beauty deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark CryoGlow 🔍 $349.99 at Kohl'sGet Deal at Kohl's Why we like it
The Shark CryoGlow is Mashable's favorite red light mask, period. While pricey (as a red light mask is wont to be), it is one of the more accessible options in a product category that can easily run into the $450-plus range. Still, we recommend picking it up on Black Friday, as it doesn't go on sale often. Treat yourself or a loved one with a mask that emits blue, red, and infrared light, works well for acne and anti-aging, offers a soothing under-eye experience with the cooling pads, and is extremely easy to use.
More beauty dealsShark Beauty will be available for up to 30% off on select styles. Coupons will not apply.
Shark Depuffi — $199.99 🔍
Shark SilkiPro Wet to Dry hair straightener — $249.99 🔍
Shark FlexStyle — $299.99 🔍
Shark FacialPro Glow — $399.99 🔍
$349.99 Save $100 Get Deal at Kohl's Why we like it
The Ninja Slushi 5-in-1 Professional Frozen Drink Maker takes the ice-and-blender mess out of making frozen drinks at home. Instead of watering down your recipes with crushed ice, it freezes liquids like coffee, wine, soda, and juice directly in its 88-ounce pitcher and keeps them at the right slushy texture for up to 12 hours. You get five preset settings, along with thickness controls to dial in how icy you want your drink, plus dishwasher-safe parts that make cleanup effortless after a party.
More kitchen and home dealsSelect kitchen appliances will be up to 50% off, plus an additional 20% off with coupon.
Cuisinart Hot and Iced Brew Coffee Center 2-in-1 coffeemaker — $159.99 $199.99 (save $40, plus an additional 20% off with coupon, and earn $15 Kohl's Cash)
Ninja Crispi — $159.99 $179.99 (save $20) 🔍
KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer (5 quart) — $349.99 $499.99 (save $150) 🔍
$149.99 Save $20 Get Deal at Kohl's Why we like it
The Beats Pill is Mashable's favorite Bluetooth speaker to grab on sale, and though it's $20 off at the time of writing, we suggest waiting until Kohl's Black Friday deals properly arrive. Why? Well, this speaker is almost never at its full price, so the $129 sale price is the more accurate list price. We're betting that Black Friday savings will bring it down to below $110, or even $100. The speaker itself has a sleek look, great room-filling sound, and actually works well for calls thanks to the built-in mic.
More tech dealsSelect electronics will be on sale for up to 50% for online products only.
JBL Clip 5 — $79.99 🔍
Victrola Re-Spin suitcase record player — $99.99 🔍
Beats Studio Pro — $249.99 $399.99 (save $50) 🔍
Garmin vívoactive 6 Smartwatch — $249.99 $299.99 (save $50)
$199.99 Save $50 Get Deal at Kohl's Why we like it
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum makes everyday cleaning much easier thanks to its 2-in-1 design — with the push of a button, the main pod lifts off the base so you can carry it up stairs or reach under furniture without lugging a heavy machine around. Even at nearly 16 pounds, its swivel steering helps you weave around table legs, and a dedicated brushroll shutoff lets you move smoothly from thick carpets to bare floors without scattering dirt. It also packs a large 2.4-quart dust cup, a 25-foot power cord, and a sealed system with a HEPA filter that traps dust and allergens rather than blowing them back into the room.
More home dealsShark Navigator Swivel Pro Complete Upright Vacuum — $139.99 $179.99 (save $40)
Bissell PowerClean Lift-Off Pet Vacuum — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)
iRobot Roomba 106 Smart Vacuum — $154.99 $294.99 (save $140)
Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus Carpet Cleaner — $239.99 $279.99 (save $40)
$45.99 Save $16.56 Get Deal at Kohl's Why we like it
The PetSafe EasySport Harness is built for active dogs on runs, walks, and hikes, combining soft padding and an elastic neckline so it moves comfortably with your pup without chafing. It includes reflective piping to keep your dog visible after dark, a rear leash attachment to prevent them from tripping over the lead, and a handy top handle for quickly guiding or steadying them in busy areas.
More pet dealsKitty City Cat Scratch Cave — $13.99 $24.99 (save $11 with code LOVE2SAVE)
Happy Hounds Daisy Deluxe Supportive Pet Bed — $55.99 $99.99 (save $44 with code LOVE2SAVE)
Furhaven Round Calming Faux Fur Donut Dog Bed — $94.07 $146.99 (save $52.92 with code LOVE2SAVE)
Watch SpaceXs wildest test yet: A 22-hour flight and a historic return
SpaceX will try to catch both halves of its giant Starship in one launch, grabbing the booster minutes after liftoff and the ship nearly a full day later.
No one has pulled off such a feat before. If both attempts work, the company says it will become the first to recover an entire orbital rocket for reuse. SpaceX has caught its Super Heavy booster three times before, but it has never tried to catch the the ship — the part that actually reaches orbit — until now.
This test, known as flight 15, seeks to make a leap in progress and could launch as soon as Friday, Nov. 13. Starship's flight 14 test was the first to enter orbit, but controllers cut its planned nine-hour mission short. This time, SpaceX wants the ship to stay in space for about 22 ½ hours and land both pieces back at its Starbase launch site in South Texas, where huge mechanical arms will be waiting to snatch them out of the air.
The stakes reach far beyond Texas. NASA is counting on Starship as one of two lunar landers, along with Blue Origin's Blue Moon, to put astronauts on the moon as soon as 2028. To get there, Starship must refuel in orbit, which takes a series of fuel-hauling launches. SpaceX can only fly that often if it reuses its rockets the way airlines reuse jets. China, meanwhile, aims to land its own crew on the moon before 2030. And while SpaceX juggles the NASA contract, founder Elon Musk is laser-focused on his personal ambition of getting the rocket and ship ready to carry people to Mars and build a city there.
SEE ALSO: Voyager 1 is about to hit one light-day away. NASA's planning to party. How to watch flight test 15If Starship lifts off when the launch window opens at 5:45 p.m. ET / 4:45 p.m. CT Friday, the final ship catch after reentry into the atmosphere would happen around 4:18 p.m. ET / 3:18 p.m. CT Saturday. SpaceX will livestream the flight on its website and X, starting around 5:15 p.m. ET / 4:15 p.m. CT Friday, or about 30 minutes before liftoff.
This spaceflight will stress Starship like never before. The ship will circle Earth about 14 times and release 26 new Starlink internet satellites. It will fly for about 21 hours until its path lines up with Starbase. Then, its engines must fire again to bring it home.
Starship deployed 26 Starlink V3 satellites in space during its September flight test. Credit: SpaceX"Relying on this engine to get us there for that final one percent of a historic return-to-launch-site mission is pretty scary," said Lars Blackmore, senior principal Mars landing engineer, in a new company video, "Go for Orbit."
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The trip back to Earth brings a new kind of risk. Every earlier Starship ended its flight with a splashdown in open ocean. This time, the ship will cross parts of northern Mexico and southern Texas, steering around the region's larger cities. People in and around Cameron County may hear sonic booms, the loud bangs a vehicle makes when it outruns the speed of sound.
But things might not work out as planned. Controllers will only bring the ship home if it passes a set of FAA-approved health checks. If anything looks wrong, they can ditch the ship in the ocean instead. SpaceX built into the timeline ways to bail out near Hawaii and off the coast of Chile.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.The video shared in the above X post is an animation of what the Starship catch should look like during flight test 15 if all goes as planned.
The September test showed why those backup plans matter. During the climb to space, one of the ship's engines shut down early. The team first called off the trip to orbit, then pressed ahead, apparently after Musk questioned the conservative decision.
"We had thought, like, 'Hey, let's not proceed if anything goes wrong,'" said Jeremy Pedro, director of Starship engineering, in the video. "And Elon really questioned the requirements and asked us, 'Is there anything actually prohibiting us from going forward?'"
The ship successfully released all of its satellites, but controllers brought it down early near Hawaii.
"On launch day, we get risks from the engine team, from avionics, from the computers, from the propulsion system, from all the plumbing on the rocket. We get risks from the launch pad. We get risks from the tower and the catch arms," said Shana Diez, director of Starship engineering, in the video. "But the goal is always to take the risk in the place where you can learn the most, and that's the calculus that we're doing every day."
12 12 12 is the final boss of nonlinear TV
From multiple timelines to extended flashback episodes, you can barely get through a TV show nowadays without taking a hop, skip, and a jump through time.
SEE ALSO: What's new to streaming this week? (Nov. 13, 2026)Of course, TV has a rich tradition of playing with chronology. Lost's nonlinear approach revolutionized episodic storytelling, inspiring mystery-box series with several timelines like Westworld and Yellowjackets. Its use of character-focused flashbacks also lingers today, present everywhere from Paradise to Euphoria. While these techniques can build out fun puzzles or deepen our knowledge of characters, they can also devolve into nothing more than flashy gimmicks. Case in point: Apple TV's new heist drama 12 12 12.
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12 12 12 presents three timelines. Jamie Dornan as Paul and José Garcia as Serge in "12 12 12." Credit: Apple TV12 12 12 unfolds across three different timelines: the 12 months of planning leading up to a billion-dollar heist on a Swiss bank; the 12 hours of the heist itself; and the 12 days after, in which FBI agent Jack Strickland (Anthony Mackie) hunts thief Paul Galvin (Jamie Dornan) and his accomplices.
If you forget the structure of the show, don't worry. 12 12 12 lays it out for you at the top of every episode with the help of voiceover from Mackie. It also uses a series of split screens to remind you when we're entering a new timeline, be it "The Planning," "The Heist," or "The Takedown." The amount of hand-holding to get you onboard with the show's premise alone feels tailor-made for audiences who are second-screening the show, a stark contrast from other multi-timeline shows that trust audiences to pick up on context clues.
SEE ALSO: Scarlet Witch's return is everything that's wrong with the MCU Did 12 12 12 even needs its convoluted timelines? Anthony Mackie as Jack in "12 12 12." Credit: Apple TVOn paper, 12 12 12's timeline idea is fascinating. Yet even though the show is built around nonlinear storytelling, the cracks in its conceit quickly begin to show.
A large driving force of any heist story is the tension of whether an unlikely team can pull off an even more unlikely robbery. 12 12 12 undercuts much of that tension from the get-go. During the "Planning" timeline, we know thanks to the "Heist" timeline that the heist will eventually take place. During the "Heist" timeline, we know thanks to the "Takedown" timeline that the money makes it out of the bank vault. Any supposed roadblocks feel hollow. Only the "Takedown" causes any adrenaline spikes, as Jack and Paul's cat-and-mouse game begins in earnest, with no definitive outcome spelled out for us.
Another driving force of heist stories is the how of the heist, all the delicious twists and turns and plans within plans that play out during the job. These twists could have solved 12 12 12's tension problem. However, the show becomes far too liberal with them down the line, seemingly in hopes of keeping the wool over our eyes, as if to prove we don't actually know the arc of the story.
As 12 12 12 veers into increasingly bizarre territory — an incident with an avalanche earned a major groan from me — it sacrifices credibility and character. Despite solid performances from Dornan and Mackie, neither Paul nor Jack truly break free from classic heist archetypes. The former is a charismatic criminal roped into one last job before settling down as a family man. The latter is an overworked agent with an obsessive drive to catch these criminals. The pair at least fare better than the other underutilized members of Paul's team, most of whom are total afterthoughts. Even when they're introduced in the "Planning" timeline, there is no "aha" moment of recognition, because there's so little of them to latch onto in the "Heist" and "Takedown" timelines.
Would 12 12 12 work better if it wasn't so tied to TV's nonlinear trend? Perhaps. The heist and its aftermath do come with the occasional slick thrill. Unfortunately, they're so tied up in clichés that said thrills wear off fast. The freshest thing about 12 12 12 remains its structure, but in an age dominated by nonlinear storytelling, this seemingly out-of-the-box structure becomes the last thing it wants to be: conventional.
The first two episodes of 12 12 12 are now streaming on Apple TV, with a new episode every Friday.
Black Friday 2026 at Costco: See the ad and early deals
Costco's holiday ad scans are live, and if you love hunting for bargains, the savings schedule is pretty packed. The markdowns roll out in waves, running through Nov. 30. The next wave of deals begins on Nov. 16. Physical warehouses will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, but the online sale kicks off that day, before doors reopen for regular hours on Black Friday.
To get in on the deals, you will need a Costco card, which starts at $65 a year. That membership gives you access to member-only discounts on laptops, soundbars, TVs, and more, plus Costco's 90-day return policy on electronics.
SEE ALSO: Early Black Friday 2026 deals: See holiday gift guides from Amazon, The Home Depot, Nordstrom, Ulta, and moreThe good news is you do not have to wait for the official kickoff to start saving. Costco already has member markdowns live right now on some appliances, robot vacuums, Beats headphones, and outdoor gear. If you want to skip the packed aisles and get ahead of your holiday shopping early, you can grab them online today.
Best headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Pro Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones $179.99 at Costco$299.99 Save $120 Get Deal at Costco Why we like it
The Beats Studio Pro wireless noise-canceling headphones deliver rich, balanced sound with custom drivers that keep music crisp without turning muddy at high volumes. They block out background chatter effectively with adaptive active noise cancellation, and flip easily into transparency mode when you need to hear traffic or flight announcements. Unlike older models, they play equally well with both iPhone and Android, pairing in a single tap and connecting seamlessly to your cloud accounts.
More headphone dealsSoundcore Space One Headphones — $74.99 $99.99 (save $39.01)
Bose QuietComfort SC Headphones (2nd Gen) — $319.99 $359 (save $39.01)
$529.99 Save $100 Get Deal at Costco Why we like it
Ready to make the upgrade to a pre-lit Christmas tree? Head into your local Costco warehouse to get a 7.5-foot Pre-Lit Radiant Micro LED Artificial Christmas Tree for just $429.99. The sale price is only available in-store, but the online price isn't bad at $529.99 with free shipping.
The tree comes with 1,850 LED lights with 11 lighting functions. Plus, you get a wireless remote control with a dimmer.
More holiday dealsThe Fruit Company Celebration 8-Box Tower — $59.99 $79.99 (save $20)
9-foot Pre-Lit Greenery Garland — $44.99 $59.99 (save $15)
$289.99 Save $50 Get Deal at Costco Why we like it
The Tiki Brand 25-Inch Celebration Smokeless Fire Pit keeps backyard hangs warm without leaving your clothes smelling like a campfire for days. It produces a steady, low-smoke flame with a 4-foot heat radius, keeping everyone comfortable around the patio on brisk evenings. Setup takes just a couple of minutes by twisting on the legs and sliding in the removable ash pan, and you can burn either regular firewood logs or quick-lighting wood pellets depending on how easy you want cleanup to be.
More outdoor dealsGreenworks 2x24V Mower, Trimmer, Blower Combo Kit with (4) 4Ah Batteries — $599.99 $699.99 (save $100)
Generac 11,250W Starting / 9200W Running Electric Start Portable Generator — $799.99 $999.99 (save $200)
Aquaterra Spas Viceroy 72-jet, 6 or 7-person Acrylic Spa — $5,999.99 $8,499.99 (save $2,500)
$439.99 Save $90 Get Deal at Costco Why we like it
The Philips 800 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine makes getting coffeehouse-quality drinks at home completely effortless. With just one touch, its built-in ceramic grinder grinds fresh beans, tamps them down, and brews a rich cup of espresso or drip coffee in under a minute. You can tweak both the strength and the drink size through the simple menu to match your taste, while the attached classic steam wand lets you whip up warm, frothy milk whenever you crave a latte or cappuccino.
More coffee dealsKeurig K-Mini Mate Plus Single-Serve Coffee Maker — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)
Philips 4400 Full Auto Coffee and Espresso Machine — $699.99 $999.99 (save $300)
$979.99 Save $200 Get Deal at Costco Why we like it
The Roborock QX Revo Ultra 2 takes the grunt work out of floor care, packing strong 25,000 Pa suction that digs deep into carpets and pulls up everyday pet hair without flinching. Its smart obstacle sensors steer clear of toys, power cords, and stray pet messes, while anti-tangle brushes keep shedding fur from jamming up the works. Best of all, the hands-off dock does the gross chores for you: it washes the mop pads with hot water to melt away sticky spills, then blows warm air over them so damp pads never sit around smelling funky.
More robot vacuum dealsRoborock QX Revo Ultra 2 Robot Vacuum and Mop — $779.99 $979.99 (save $200)
Dreame Matrix10 Ultra Roller Robot Vacuum and Mop — $1,499.99 $1,799.99 (save $300)
Black Friday 2026 at Home Depot: See the ad and shop early deals
Home Depot is officially kicking off the holiday shopping frenzy weeks ahead of schedule. Running in stores and online through Nov. 25, the retailer’s Black Friday Savings Event is doing what it does best: massive cordless power tool promos, rock-bottom holiday decor, and timely kitchen upgrades designed to bail you out before hosting duties begin. They also have sale prices on robot lawn mowers, which could be the ultimate Christmas gift for your yard.
The main draw for DIYers and woodworkers is the return of Home Depot's power tool BOGO event, where buying qualifying battery or starter kits from heavy hitters like Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Ryobi unlocks a free bare tool.
SEE ALSO: When do Black Friday sales actually start? Official sale times for Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, TargetMeanwhile, the seasonal aisles are loaded with budget wins, including $5.98 LED string lights, $19.98 inflatables, and sub-$50 pre-lit Christmas trees, along with tiered appliance discounts that can add up to $1,250 in total savings.
Instead of making you comb through dozens of pages, we filtered out the filler to bring you the best deals worth grabbing from the Black Friday ad.
Best decor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Home Accents Holiday 6.5 ft. Festive Pine Pre-Lit Christmas Tree $49.98 at The Home DepotShop Now at The Home Depot Why we like it
If you just want a decent tree set up before dinner, this 6.5-foot tree comes ready to go with 200 color-changing lights already wired into the branches. The color-changing micro fairy LEDs stay illuminated even if an individual bulb burns out or gets knocked loose. The 750 branch tips form a classic, dense silhouette with a manageable 41-inch base that tucks neatly into apartments or living rooms without taking up your entire walkways.
You also get plenty of control over the ambiance, thanks to four lighting presets — ranging from steady warm white to multicolor fades — and an included foot pedal switch that saves you from crawling across the floor every night just to unplug the stand.
More Home Depot decor deals3.5 ft. Pre-Lit LED Inflatable Santa — $19.98
3.5 ft. LED Yuletide Running Dog — $59.98
Home Accents Holiday 3.5 ft. LED Pre-Lit Lying Doe with Bow — $89.98
National Tree Company 7.5-foot Downswept Douglas Fir Artificial Christmas Tree — $534.65 $629 (save $94.35)
Puleo International 12-foot Pre-Lit Noble Fir Artificial Christmas Tree — $1,499.25 $1,999 (save $499.75)
$397 Save $198 Get Deal at The Home Depot Why we like it
Cordless tools are useless once their batteries tap out, and this two-pack makes sure you always have a fresh one on standby. With two 5.0Ah packs in the box, you can keep one locked in a drill or saw while the other charges on the charger. They deliver way more runtime than standard packs, handle drops and rough garage knocks without cracking, and even work in freezing weather down past zero degrees.
The everyday perks are just as helpful. Each battery has a built-in LED gauge so you can check how much juice is left before you start a project, and the included charger supports both big M18 and compact M12 batteries, saving you from plugging in two different chargers. Even better, buying the kit unlocks a free bare tool at checkout — with choices, including impact wrenches, circular saws, and jobsite vacs.
More Home Depot tool dealsDeWalt Atomic 20V Max Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit — $169 $249 (save $80)
Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit — $199 $299 (save $100)
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 21-Degree Cordless Framing Nailer — $379 $449 (save $70)
$329 Save $130 Get Deal at The Home Depot Why we like it
The Shark PowerPro Cordless Stick Vacuum features a self-cleaning brushroll that prevents long hair and pet fur from wrapping around the bar, so you don't have to cut clogs. Its FloorDetect feature automatically adjusts the roller speed when you glide from bare floors to rugs, so you don't have to keep pausing to flip power switches.
Beyond floor cleaning, it runs for up to 50 minutes in handheld mode, has headlights to spot crumbs under dark furniture, and includes a sealed HEPA filter to keep fine dust from escaping back into the air. When you want to clean crumbs off the couch or tidy up car seats, the wand unclicks, turning the Shark PowerPro into a handheld with the included crevice and upholstery tools.
More Home Depot home improvement dealsRidgid 16 Gal. NXT Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum — $69.88 $119 (save $49.12)
Samsung 24 in. Built-In Dishwasher w/ 3rd Rack — $499 $799 (save $300)
$1,010 Save $331 Get Deal at The Home Depot Why we like it
The Whirlpool 30-inch Freestanding Electric Range is built for busy dinner nights when you just want to get food on the table without hovering over the stove. Its No Preheat Mode lets you skip waiting for the cavity to warm up when baking frozen pizzas, while a built-in temperature sensor balances heat output so casseroles bake evenly from edge to center.
On the surface, the five-burner cooktop includes a FlexHeat dual radiant burner that expands from 6 to 9 inches, letting you fit smaller saucepans or large stockpots that boil water up to 40% faster. You also get a dedicated low-heat Warm Zone right in the middle to hold sides until the main dish is ready.
More Home Depot kitchen dealsVissani 18.7 cu. ft. Bottom Freezer Refrigerator — $649 $799 (save $150)
Whirlpool 24 in. Built-In Tall Tub Dishwasher w/ 3rd Rack — $729 $1,049 (save $320)
Samsung 30 in. Smart Double Oven Gas Range w/ Air Fry — $1,399 $1,799 (save $400)
$1,299 Save $200 Get Deal at The Home Depot Why we like it
Spending time in the yard is awesome. Doing the work to keep the yard in good shape is less awesome. As the ultimate Christmas present to your yard, upgrade to the Segway Navimow i210 AWD robot lawn mower while it's on sale.
Without needing to bury perimeter wires, the Navimow heads off with RTK+ Vision to mow the lawn. It's programmed to recognize and avoid over 150 common obstacles, and you can program areas in your yard via the app. A single charge will give the Navimow about 120 minutes of mowing power.
More Home Depot outdoor dealsRyobi One+ HP 18V Compact Leaf Blower — $79 $99 (save $20)
DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Powered Pruner — $99 $129 (save $30)
Traeger Pro 22 BBQ Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker — $389 $549 (save $160)
$839 Save $140 Get Deal at The Home Depot Why we like it
Prep for the next store with Home Depot's early Black Friday sale on the Jackery HomePower 1000 v2 portable power station with a 100W solar panel. Together, the bundle is on sale for $699. That's a great deal, considering the power station alone has a list price of $649 at Jackery.
The HomePower 1000 v2 has a capacity of 1.024 kWh, with a consistent output rated at 1,500W and a peak of 3,000W. During the next power outage, you'll be able to keep phones charged up, the living room light on, and make a pot of coffee come morning. The 100W solar panel means you can recharge outside in the sun once the storm passes. As a bonus, it's great for camping trips next summer.
Black Friday 2026 at Best Buy: See the ad and early deals
Black Friday is coming up quickly, but Best Buy is already dropping exciting deals. The retailer's ad scans are officially live, highlighting an excellent range of items already available to shop ahead of the main event, which starts on Nov. 19.
Checking out the ad scan is a great way to get a head start on your Black Friday shopping list. Thankfully, Best Buy has a stacked schedule this year, so there are plenty of opportunities to save. The retailer launched an early sale this past weekend, but there's no need to worry if you missed it. There are even more new deals set to drop this Friday, Nov. 13, according to a Best Buy blog post.
Credit: Best BuyWhether you're hoping to score a new TV ahead of the holidays, some headphones, or even snag an Apple device on sale, Best Buy's here to assist. We've gathered just a few of our favorite early offers to help make shopping around feel a little less overwhelming. There's much more still to come. Keep an eye on the ad scans as we inch closer to the big day.
Best TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch Class R84H Series Micro RGB 4K TV with SamsungVisionAI $999.99 at Best Buy$2,099.99 Save $1,100.00 Get Deal at Best Buy Why we like it
This 2026 Samsung TV is currently sporting a massive $1,100 price cut at Best Buy ahead of Black Friday, dropping its price from $2,099.99 to $999.99. It's a Micro RGB TV — which offers a wider color spectrum while minimizing color bleed in on-screen scenes — with 4K resolution, a responsive 120Hz refresh rate that delivers smooth picture quality, and Dolby Atmos support for immersive sound. If you're in need of an upgrade, this TV is well worth looking at while it's on sale.
More TV dealsHisense 50-inch Class U6 QLED 4K TV — $349.99 $699.99 (save $350)
LG 48-inch Class B6 OLED AI 4K Smart webOS TV — $599.99 $1,199.99 (save $600)
LG 55-inch Class C6 OLED evo AI 4K Smart webOS TV — $999.99 1,999.99 (save $1,000)
Sony 65-inch Bravia 6 OLED 4K TV — $1,199.99 $1,999.99 (save $800)
Hisense 85-inch Class UR8 4K TV — $1,999.99 $3,499.99 (save $1,500)
$458 Save $80 Get Deal at Best Buy Why we like it
The Sony XM6 headphones are our favorite pick for premium sound, with active noise cancellation that's "better than ever" and "noticeable improvements to audio quality." If they've been on your holiday wishlist for this year, you're in luck, as Best Buy's knocked $80 off their price tag right now, bringing them down to $378. This matches where we saw them during Prime Day this year.
More headphones dealsShokz OpenRun Pro — $99.99 $159.99 (save $60)
Sony WH-1000XM5 — $198 $398 (save $200)
Beats Studio Pro — $199.99 $299.99 (save $100)
Bose QuietComfort — $225 $359 (save $134)
Apple AirPods Max 2 (USB-C) — $479 $549 (save $70)
$799 Save $150 Get Deal at Best Buy Why we like it
While the new Apple Watch Ultra 4 may have dropped this year, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is certainly still worthy of attention, especially with this discount at Best Buy. The retailer has dropped it down to $649 as part of its early holiday deals, which ultimately saves you $150 compared to paying its full price. That's a pretty sweet deal for such a premium smartwatch.
With a titanium case and sapphire crystal display, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a durable pick for your wrist. It's stacked with health and fitness features — including a dual-frequency GPS, Heart Rate Zones, a sleep score, tracking for heart rate and irregular heart rhythm, and sleep apnea tracking — that make it a great all-around option for adventurous individuals.
More Apple dealsApple AirTag (2nd Gen, 4 pack) — $79.99 $99 (save $19.01)
Apple AirPods Max 2 — $479 $549 (save $90)
Apple Mac mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $649.99 $799 (save $150)
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop (M5 chip, 16GB Memory, 512GB SSD) — $1,149 $1,299 (save $150)
Apple 11-inch iPad Pro M5 chip Wi-Fi 2TB with OLED Nano-texture Glass — $2,299 $2,399 (save $100)
$999.95 Save $300 Get Deal at Best Buy Why we like it
The De'Longhi Magnifica Duo was released just this summer and is a great pick-up for coffee aficionados. If you've been on the hunt for an espresso/coffee maker to brighten up your mornings with a tasty brew, it's currently $300 off at Best Buy ahead of Black Friday sales, dropping to $699.95.
It's an impressive machine, with 20 preset hot and iced drink recipes to choose from, including espresso, drip coffee, iced lattes, cold brew, and more. It even comes with LatteCrema Hot and Cool Technologies, which can whip up hot microfoam or cool milk froth for your drinks, making it feel like the coffee shop has moved right into your home.
More kitchen dealsNinja UltraCrush Professional Kitchen System — $149.99 $219.99 (save $70)
Ninja French Door Premier Air Fryer — $199.99 $279.99 (save $80)
Ninja Slushi (88 ounces) — $249.99 $349.99 (save $100)
De'Longhi La Specialista Opera Espresso Machine — $599.95 $799.99 (save $200)
$2,574.99 Save $825.00 Get Deal at Best Buy Why we like it
If you're in need of a new gaming laptop or just looking for an upgrade ahead of the holidays, Best Buy has a deal well worth your attention. The retailer has slashed a whopping $825 off the Alienware 16X Aurora 16-inch 3K OLED Gaming Laptop, bringing it down to $1,749.99 from its usual $2,574.99.
It's a serious upgrade, boasting a 16-inch display with 2560 x 1600 resolution for sharp, detailed picture quality, plus a 240Hz refresh rate for smooth, steady gameplay. This model also comes with an Intel Core Ultra 7 Series 2 processor, 16GB of memory, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 graphics card, and 512GB of storage.
More gaming dealsSamsung Odyssey G3 24-inch Gaming Monitor — $99.99 $199.99 (save $100)
Logitech Pro X Superlight Gaming Mouse — $109.99 $139.99 (save $30)
Samsung Odyssey G5 27-inch Gaming Monitor — $149.99 $299.99 (save $150)
LG UltraGear 27-inch QHD Glossy OLED 240Hz Gaming Monitor — $349.99 $499.99 (save $150)
Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle — $549.99 $587.97 (save $37.98)
2026 Black Friday ads are live: The best deals from Amazon, Costco, Home Depot, Walmart, and more
Black Friday isn't just a one-day event anymore. In fact, by the time Nov. 27 rolls around, some retailers will have been running deals for weeks. Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and more have already announced their Black Friday plans, while Amazon has confirmed its Black Friday Week sale will kick off on Nov. 19.
Keeping track of what's going live (and when) can get a little confusing. With that in mind, we've scanned the Black Friday ads to bring you a standout selection of offers already live. Want to see for yourself? Here's where you can find all the live Black Friday ads:
Below, we're showcasing a small selection of the very best early deals from each Black Friday ad.
Best Black Friday deals from Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 $72.99 at Amazon$154.99 Save $82.00 Shop Now at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Tiny Wildflower Bouquet $11.95 at Amazon
$19.99 Save $8.04 Shop Now at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 75-inch QM8L SQD-Mini LED QLED 4K TV $1,397.99 at Amazon
$2,999.99 Save $1,602.00 Shop Now at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTags (2nd Gen) 4-pack $69.99 at Amazon
$99 Save $29.01 Shop Now at Amazon Best Black Friday deals from Best Buy Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Mac mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $649 at Best Buy
$799 Save $150 Shop Now at Best Buy Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 $198 at Best Buy
$398 Save $200 Shop Now at Best Buy Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-inch U6 Mini LED QLED 4K TV $499.99 at Best Buy
$899.99 Save $400 Shop Now at Best Buy Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Ultra $99.99 at Best Buy
$149.99 Save $50.00 Shop Now at Best Buy Best Black Friday deals from Costco Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Pro $129.99 at Costco
$299.99 Save $170 Shop Now at Costco Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple 24-inch iMac (M4, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $1,349.99 at Costco
$1,499 Save $149.01 Shop Now at Costco Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock QX Revo PLUS Robot Vacuum and Mop $429.99 at Costco
$599.99 Save $170 Shop Now at Costco Opens in a new window Credit: MSI MSI 27-inch MAG 274QPCT QD-OLED X24 $299.99 at Costco
$349.99 Save $50 Shop Now at Costco Best Black Friday deals from Kohl's Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Air Fryer Pro XL 6-in-1 (6.5-Quart) $129.99 at Kohl's
$179.99 Save $50 Shop Now at Kohl's Opens in a new window Credit: Keurig Keurig K-Duo Gen 2 $127.99 at Kohl's
$259.99 Save $132 with coupon code LOVE2SAVE Shop Now at Kohl's Opens in a new window Credit: PicassoTiles PicassoTiles Magnetic Tiles Race Track Playset $33.74 at Kohl's
$53.32 Save $19.58 Shop Now at Kohl's Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Power Pro Cordless Stick Vacuum $219.99 at Kohl's
$329.99 Save $110 Shop Now at Kohl's Best Black Friday deals from Lowe's Opens in a new window Credit: Blackstone Blackstone 30-inch 2-Burner Culinary Gas Griddle $349 at Lowe's
$449 Save $100 Shop Now at Lowe's Opens in a new window Credit: Yale Yale Assure Lock 2 Electronic Deadbolt Lock $199.99 at Lowe's
$259.99 Save $60 Shop Now at Lowe's Opens in a new window Credit: DeWalt DeWalt 20-volt max Brushless Cordless Impact Driver $99 at Lowe's
$179 Save $80 Shop Now at Lowe's Opens in a new window Credit: Husqvarna Husqvarna 150BT Gas Backpack Leaf Blower $299 at Lowe's
$399 Save $100 Shop Now at Lowe's Best Black Friday deals from Sam's Club Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 55-inch M70H Mini LED 4K TV $297.99 at Sam's Club
$450 Save $152.01 Get Deal at Sam's Club Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP 15.6-inch FHD Touch Laptop (AMD Ryzen 5 7520U, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $499 at Sam's Club
$549 Save $50 Shop Now at Sam's Club Opens in a new window Monster Bambox Portable Rugged Bluetooth Speaker $149 at Sam's Club
$219 Save $70 Shop Now at Sam's Club Opens in a new window Credit: VIZIO VIZIO 100-Inch Class Quantum Series QLED Smart TV $1,198 at Sam's Club
$1,498 Save $300 Shop Now at Sam's Club Best Black Friday deals from The Home Depot Opens in a new window Credit: Ryobi Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit $199 at The Home Depot
$299 Save $100 Shop Now at The Home Depot Opens in a new window Credit: DeWalt DeWalt 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer $269 at The Home Depot
$349 Save $80 Shop Now at The Home Depot Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Wired Floodlight Camera $29.99 at The Home Depot
$99.99 Save $70 Shop Now at The Home Depot Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum $179 at The Home Depot
$299 Save $120 Shop Now at The Home Depot Best Black Friday deals from Walmart Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Crispi Air Fryer (4-quart) $89 at Walmart
$139 Save $50 Shop Now at Walmart Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Glossi 2-in-1 Hair Styler $108 at Walmart
$179 Save $71 Shop Now at Walmart Opens in a new window Credit: Nespresso Nespresso Vertuo Pop $69 at Walmart
$119 Save $50 Shop Now at Walmart Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Harry Potter Book Nook: Hogwarts Express (76450) $50 at Walmart
$79.95 Save $29.95 Shop Now at Walmart
Boxed copies of GTA 6 are already out in the wild. Heres whats inside.
Grand Theft Auto VI doesn't launch until Nov. 19, but someone appears to have gotten their hands on a boxed PS5 copy more than a week early.
The unboxing video, posted by GTA 6 Intel — a fan account on X who claims to be "The largest GTA 6 fan community" — racked up over 4 million views in 24 hours. It shows the person carefully opening the case to reveal a download code for the game and a folded, double-sided poster.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Rockstar said back in June that the boxed edition would come with a download code versus a physical disc, but knowing that in advance didn't make the empty holder any less comical. "Making a disc slot for no disc is diabolical," one X user wrote in the replies. Another wrote, "#NoDiscNoBuy," a popular hashtag some gamers are using to push back against games going digital-only.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.Their frustration goes beyond just GTA 6 — Sony says it will stop producing discs for new PlayStation games altogether starting in January 2028.
As for the poster, it’s double-sided, with the game's cover art on one side and a full illustration of the woman on the cover art on the other. German retailer MediaMarkt had shown off the artwork in an Instagram post five days ago, along with some other GTA 6 fan pages, so for die-hard fans, this isn't exactly news.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.And if the sight of folded paper in a GTA case made you think of the maps that came with earlier games, that's a separate item this time (much to the dismay of some gamers online). Rockstar will release a free printable map of Leonida on launch day, then sell a physical version with the map on one side and the cover art on the other for 99 cents, or throw it in with another purchase from the Rockstar Store.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.As for the code, Rockstar expects boxed copies to reach retailers starting Nov. 12, and anyone who gets theirs early can redeem it and start downloading right away.
The game unlocks Nov. 19 on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. And while the poster can go straight on the wall, making room for the game itself could take a little longer...the preload can require up to 212 GB. After years of waiting for GTA 6, what's a few days of download time?
You shouldn’t pay for 5 AI apps when one costs $79.99 for life
TL;DR: Get a 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan lifetime subscription for $79.99 (reg. $540) with code DEAL20 through Nov. 15 and give up to 20 people GPT, Claude, and Gemini in one app.
Opens in a new window Credit: 1minAI 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime Subscription $80$540 Save $460 Get Deal
A chatbot here, an image generator there, and a transcription tool on top of that add up to paying for several AI subscriptions every month. If you’d rather pay one time for all of them, try a 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan lifetime subscription. Code DEAL20 brings the price to $79.99 (reg. $540).
1min.AI is an all-in-one AI app with more than 100,000 users. One login gets you GPT-5.5 Pro, Claude 4.6 Sonnet, Gemini 3.1 Pro, and models from Meta, Mistral, and Cohere, so you can switch to another model whenever a draft needs a different approach.
Writers get a blog generator, rewriter, summarizer, and keyword research for SEO. Designers can generate and upscale images or remove backgrounds. You can also translate PDFs, convert text to speech, and create short videos from text or images.
Every month, the plan includes 4 million credits. By 1min.AI’s estimates, that’s enough for about 1.1 million words, 1,186 images, or 37 videos. If you log in daily, you earn an additional 15,000 free credits, up to 450,000 extra credits per month. Up to 20 team members can share the account.
AI drafts still need a human edit, so plan to review the work before it goes public. The app runs in any browser and on iPhone, Android, Mac, and Windows.
You already know which deal makes sense here.
Get a 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan lifetime subscription for $79.99 (reg. $540) with code DEAL20. Offer ends Nov. 15 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
A new piano teacher app listens as you play, and it’s only $120 with this code
TL;DR: Skoove Premium listens as you play piano and points out mistakes in real time, and a lifetime subscription is $119.99 (reg. $299.99) with code DEAL20.
Opens in a new window Credit: Skoove Skoove Premium Piano Lessons: Lifetime Subscription $120$299.99 Save $179.99 Get Deal
Free piano videos online can show you where to put your hands, but they can’t hear you play. If you want lessons that listen, try Skoove Premium. Skoove hears every note you play and tells you when you miss one. A lifetime subscription is $119.99 (reg. $299.99) with this promo code.
A piano app that actually listensSkoove uses AI to recognize the notes you play through your device’s microphone or a MIDI connection. As you work through a lesson, you get feedback on each note, so you know right away whether you played it correctly.
Online tutorials leave the order up to you, so it’s easy to bounce between random videos and miss the basics. Skoove plans your lessons around your level and pace instead, drawing from more than 400 lessons and thousands of instructional videos. Beginners, intermediate players, and advanced players all get a path that fits where they are.
Practice songs range from John Legend, The Beatles, and Adele to Bach and Beethoven. When a video tutorial loses you, the comments section is usually the only place to ask for help. With Skoove, you can get one-on-one support from Skoove music instructors whenever you get stuck on a piece.
Skoove works with any piano or keyboard. You can connect a USB or MIDI keyboard, or play an acoustic piano near your device’s microphone so the app can hear you.
Skoove runs on iOS and Android phones and tablets, and you can use it on as many devices as you want. Apple devices need iOS 13 or later. Desktop use is no longer officially supported, so a Mac or Windows PC needs a third-party tool like BlueStacks or WebCatalog to run the app.
A robot can teach you piano. Through Nov. 15, get a Skoove Premium lifetime subscription for $119.99 with code DEAL20.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Victorian Psycho review: What if Gothic horror were an eat-the-rich comedy?
Gothic horror is going from mad to madcap with Victorian Psycho, a horror comedy that follows a murderous governess to her next — and possibly last — appointment.
Maika Monroe stars as Winifred Notty, a governess who is desperate to make a good impression on her new employers, the Pound family. The broad strokes of the plotline are tropes of Gothic horror. A seemingly fragile young woman must care for the young, defenseless children of a rich and twisted family. At night, strange noises might be heard about their grand house. The family's treasures go missing or are vandalized. Members of the staff vanish without a word. Could it be a ghost or ghoul whose very presence could drive this poor heroine mad? Well, no. Because from the very start, Victorian Psycho shows us its protagonist is already mad, and also the vicious thing that goes bump in the night.
The title alone gives some clue of the topsy-turvy approach that Virginia Feito, who wrote the novel and this adapted screenplay, has to the genre. Director Zachary Wigon (Sanctuary) cements this cheeky attitude with an opening scene in which Winifred addresses the audience in voiceover while looking straight into the camera. There's a sense of Fleabag in this distorted direct address to the audience, as Winifred insists she is the sanest person she's ever met.
This is just the first red flag, warning that Winifred Notty is much more than naughty. Soon after, a dismembered human ear tumbles out of her luggage; she regards it with slight irritation. From here, Victorian Psycho blooms into a deliciously bonkers spin on Gothic horror with an eat-the-rich edge.
Victorian Psycho blends gore, goofiness, and class conflict.On the surface, Winifred seems a darling young woman, eager to be accepted into a household that'll appreciate her. She's demure when meeting the servants of the Pound estate, as well as the family themselves. Among them, there is a mightily mustachioed father (Jason Isaacs), a fearsome mother (Ruth Wilson), teen daughter Drusilla (Evie Templeton), and the spoiled little heir to the family fortune, Andrew (Hamnet's Jacobi Jupe).
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But there's a spiky antisocial undercurrent to Winifred, especially when she's left alone with the children. She speaks of the wickedness and pain that lie inside all living things, frightening the young Master Andrew, who watches in shock as she bludgeons a fallen deer to death with a rock. Still, few around her could imagine what horrid secrets she's left behind her, and what deranged fantasies fuel her dark heart. She swiftly befriends the children's nurse, Miss Lamb (Thomasin McKenzie), and offers to this wide-eyed waif tales of a ghoul that's prowling the property. For how else to explain the blood all over Winifred's dress?
When it comes to Winifred's violence, Wigon is unblinking in brandishing spurts of blood but knows when to keep certain especially heinous homicides off-camera. This keeps the tone of Victorian Psycho thrillingly zany, despite the grim content.
As for Feito, she seems to pull inspiration from Jane Austen's brilliantly dummy dialogue for oblivious rich folk. These are caricatures of entitled affluence. The father bloviates about the value of phrenology, a pseudoscience that proposed personality could be predicted by skull shape. The mother punishes a scullery maid by chopping off the girl's long hair after a strand once ended up in her soup.
Like with Saltburn, there's a delicious lunacy to watching these careless rich assholes embrace an outsider who's sure to bring them to ruin. Not all of Winifred's targets feel as worthy of her brutal brand of comeuppance. Still, the breathtaking cruelty is part of the fucked-up thrill ride.
Maika Monroe gives a career-best performance in Victorian Psycho.The American actress's career has been largely defined by horror since she broke through in 2014 with a supporting role in the gripping thriller The Guest and then starred in the STD-as-slasher allegory It Follows. Though she's done a slew of films since then, horror offerings like Watcher, Longlegs, and The Hand That Rocks The Cradle stand out. Yet here, she's turned from haunted heroines of her filmography and Gothic horror in general to become a compelling monster all her own.
Typically, in these types of stories, like Crimson Peak, The Others, or The Turning of the Screw, the heroine is an innocent with good character and bravery in the face of an inhuman threat. Here, Winifred is that threat, and Monroe makes a meal out of playing the baddie as if she's been starving for the opportunity (though, yes, she's been the villain before).
There's an electrifying mix of menace and mischievousness in her delivery, whether she's flirting with the nurse or threatening a child. Her face shifts smoothly from a mask of civility to a reveal of wrath or revulsion. However, when Winifred gives over to her dark side, Monroe's performance ratchets into a gnarled physicality of demonic possession, which will likely remind viewers of Lily-Rose Depp's turn in Nosferatu. On top of all of this, Monroe offers a sharp humor through unhinged physicality that cuts deep as a shattered tea cup shard through a jugular.
Victorian Psycho offers fantastic WTF moments.In scenes where Winifred is spiraling out of control, high-angle cinematography from Nico Aguilar distorts her proportions, turning this beautiful woman into a warped stranger. Whip pans, rarely used in period pieces, snap from a could-be victim's expression of shock to Winifred's face, and it can feel like a slap to it. But the gnarliest visual choices are when Aguilar gives a point-of-view of objects of violence, like the aforementioned dismembered ear or the rock used to fatally brain the deer. Such choices not only throw an exciting manic energy into Victorian Psycho but also force the audience to feel a part of the action, either to be gobbled up by Winifred's all-consuming darkness or party to it.
Composer Ariel Marx embellishes this tone of creepy complicity with a score studded with familiar and strange sounds. You might hear a plunking piano or stinging strings, common instrumental choices for Gothic horror. Sometimes, there are slippery sounds (maybe a theremin? Or a saw being bowed?) and distorted voices, perhaps the cries of babies. These aural collisions of the expected and unexpected reflect how Feito and Wigon build on the bones of Gothic horror, but create something more modern with their mesmerizing murderess.
In the end, Victorian Psycho is a hoot, wildly fun, and unapologetically deranged on its surface. Then, just beneath that, Feito, Wigon, and Monroe weave a tapestry of class conflict, sexism, and trauma that urges audiences to probe deeper to understand that while Winifred is a monster, she was not born one. Instead, she was made from a society that regards cruelty as another luxury the ultra-wealthy get to take for granted. Well, that is, until someone reflects it back.
Victorian Psycho was reviewed out of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. It opens in theaters Nov. 13.
UPDATE: Nov. 11, 2026, 4:15 p.m. This review was first published on May 22, 2026. It has been updated to reflect its theatrical debut.
How to Rob a Bank review: This eat-the-rich thriller from Amazon has the psychological depth of a kiddie pool
Earlier this year, I reflected in my review of How to Make A Killing that cinema has been riding a wave of eat-the-rich comedies since 2019, when Parasite and Ready or Not made class conflict into ghoulish fun. Since then, we've seen the good (Triangle of Sadness, The Menu, Send Help, I Love Boosters), the bad (How to Make a Killing), and the truly awful (The Running Man reboot).
So, how does How to Rob a Bank, the latest from David Leitch, stack up? Oh, very poorly, and that's actually shocking at first glance.
SEE ALSO: 'Triangle of Sadness' review: The "eat the rich" comedy goes gross-out, and it's greatLet's consider the talent behind How to Rob a Bank. For starters, the production is helmed by David Leitch, who's directed such compelling action movies as Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2, and The Fall Guy. The original screenplay comes from Mark Bianculli, a writer who worked on Hunters, an intense drama about a group that hunts down Nazis. The ensemble cast boasts Nicholas Hoult, Anna Sawai, John C. Reilly, Zoë Kravitz, and Pete Davidson.
All this suggests that a bank robbery thriller centered on class warfare might feature explosive action, challenging ideas, and rich emotional moments. However, produced and distributed by billionaire Jeff Bezos' Amazon MGM Studios, this eat-the-rich movie never dares to get that deep. Instead, How to Rob a Bank is a flashy, brainless mockery of the great American bank robbery movie. Who could guess why?
How to Rob a Bank dabbles in class politics. Nicholas Hoult stars as Ryan and Rhenzy Feliz as Hugo in "How to Rob a Bank," from Amazon MGM Studios. Credit: Megan Schoenbachler / Amazon MGM StudiosThis thriller gets off to a kinetic start by pitching the audience into a band of charismatic bank robbers; they wear animal masks and document their crimes in a YouTube web series that encourages others to follow in their footsteps. Through voiceover narration, their dashing leader Ryan (Hoult) delivers some rapid-fire statistics about the American wage gap, arguing that robbing a bank offers a better chance of financial security than banking on the system playing fair.
Exactly which system Ryan is referring to is left vague in Bianculli's screenplay. There will be glancing critiques about the mistreatment of military veterans, healthcare under capitalism, and immigration reform, but the focus here is on banks. These robbers explain that banks bleed lenders dry, steal homes, and essentially kill people who can't afford medical care. These arguments are delivered in bullet-point form, as are the scraps of character development of their central anti-heroes. That makes it hard to feel invested in either.
Instead of delving into the robbers' lives, the movie cuts to the FBI agent (Reilly) who's cajoling a bitter hacker (Kravitz) to give him her Batman-level stalker tech to track them down. She agrees reluctantly between bong hits, which make up about 40% of her character, and they set off on a wonky buddy-cop adventure. While this setup has promise, she eats junk food and cracks meh jokes while he furrows his brow to unmask these robbers. It's far from the sparks and fun of Lethal Weapon or Beverly Hills Cop.
By the time How to Rob a Bank has set up this could-be cat-and-mouse dynamic, the actual exploration of who these thieves are feels like an afterthought. To Hoult's credit, he and his onscreen wife, Emi (Sawai), manage to muster engaging intimacy in some thin scenes. But all of these backstory scenes reek of tropes and stereotypes.
For instance, Hugo (Rhenzy Feliz) lives in a crowded apartment building, where he provides for his Spanish-speaking grandmother, who we learn later is undocumented. Meanwhile, Ryan and his wife live in a decaying house, where pictures of their deceased child provide an unspoken motive. And then there's Pete Davidson's Vince, who lumbers into a treacly scene singing a lullaby to his child, while his wife, Skyler (Tati Gabrielle, who is given nothing to do), looks on smiling.
They aren't characters but figures propped up by cliché and half-hearted politics the movie has no real interest in. It's never really clear what Ryan's big plan is between the robberies and his social media campaign. Is he just seeking revenge? Or is he earnestly pushing for revolution? And if so, what kind? Hoult is given plenty of rabid monologues for the gang's YouTube audience to enjoy. But who Ryan is behind his wolf mask remains ambiguous, and frankly boring.
How to Rob a Bank is a toothless bank robbery movie. Nicholas Hoult stars as Ryan, Pete Davidson as Vince, and Rhenzy Feliz as Hugo in in "How to Rob a Bank." Credit: Megan Schoenbachler / Amazon MGM StudiosIn American cinema, bank robbers have a dubious place of honor alongside gangsters. They are the flip side to the white hat-wearing cowboy, who fights for the good of all by going outside the rules of a polite society. These anti-heroes expose the broken system of American capitalism and its corrupt government, and then suggest that their crimes are a defiant middle finger to it all. To them, they must break the laws to achieve their American dream.
In movies like Dog Day Afternoon, Set It Off, and The Town, audiences are urged to identify with the robbers, who are average folks making extraordinary choices to combat their bad fortune. In each of these films, a great director explores the bank robbers' psyches and their worlds, so that we, the audience, can relate. Their hopes, fears, and pain become our own. So, when they inevitably suffer a deadly loss in their pursuit of this twisted American dream, we hurt too. And then we're left to wonder what it means about our world that we can root for armed thieves to topple some aspect of it.
How to Rob a Bank gestures to this classic arc. To Leitch's credit, the film feels firmly set in Pittsburgh, where long-standing brick buildings, towering yellow bridges, and rolling hills strewn with weathered houses give a distinct look that speaks of America's promise and decline. He also embraces vibrant color, which adds pizzazz to the robbers and their online videos. But when it comes to creating complex characters who can make an onscreen death hit hard, he falls absolutely flat.
Sure, there's that scene where one of the gang will inevitably be slain by stone-faced police. But this time it won't hit, because How to Rob a Bank's characters all feel like gestures to a point of view, be it disillusioned, revolutionary, apathetic, or dedicated to the status quo. They don't feel real enough to move us, because How to Rob a Bank is in such a rush to plop in action set pieces.
And how are those action set pieces? Underwhelming. Sure, there's gunfire, car chases, motorcycle races through untamed woods, and street-level mayhem. None of it is all that memorable. As someone who fell hard for the jaw-dropping stunts and awesome battles of Atomic Blonde, I take no joy in telling you that it feels like Leitch is phoning it in here.
To the ensemble's credit, they do seem committed to making the most out of thin characters, stale jokes, and nattering political rhetoric. But they can't elevate a script that is juvenile in its politics and devastatingly uninterested in challenging its audience.
In the end, How to Rob a Bank adds nothing to the conversation about the wealth gap. Instead, the movie callously steals markers from online political discourse to use as flair, which is haphazardly flung upon a subgenre framework meant to stir up an audience and then haunt them with a film's final moments. This gutless knockoff gives no thought-provoking turns or heart-wrenching reveals. Then it delivers an ending that's senseless and pointless. Simply put, this movie could have been a meme.
Paper Tiger review: Adam Driver, Miles Teller, and Scarlett Johansson enter a tense love triangle
Marriage Story stars Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson reunite in writer/director James Gray's Paper Tiger. But don't expect a desperate rehash of Noah Baumbach's divorce drama.
For one thing, Gray is a filmmaker less drawn to such wall-punching theatrics, as evident through films like Two Lovers, Ad Astra, and Armageddon Time. For another, Driver and Johansson are not lovers in this film, though they are in a love triangle of sorts, with Miles Teller at the center.
Gray gives Driver, Johansson, and Teller some unexpected roles, allowing each a place to display their range. But make no mistake, this is Driver's movie.
What's Paper Tiger about?Set in 1986 New York City, Paper Tiger unfurls the story of a Jewish family from Queens that gets on the wrong side of the Russian mob. In a cozy home in Elmhurst, Irwin Pearl (Teller) raises his two sons, Benjamin (Roman Engel) and Scott (Gavin Goudey), with his dedicated housewife Linda (Johansson).
Far from the cocky persona Teller forged through performances in The Spectacular Now, Whiplash, and the Divergent film series, the 39-year-old actor now oozes doofy dad energy. Teller's signature smirk is swapped for an aw-shucks smile, and a patronizing eyebrow raise that insists, "Father knows best." A pair of oversized eyeglasses completes the look; it's is such an evocative detail of the era that the title card reading "1986" might be deemed egregious.
As Irwin, Teller is guileless, relishing every chance to play with his boys or annoy them with dad jokes. Still, he yearns for their respect, and wilts when his eldest huffs they only have "crappy" stuff because Irwin, an educated engineer, isn't bringing home bank like their uncle, Gary (Driver).
A former NYPD officer turned security consultant with City Hall connections, Gary Pearl is flashy, rich, and successful in a way his younger brother can only envy. He wears tailored suits and a debonair smile. He drives a luxury car, and brings Peter Luger Steak House takeout to family dinner. So, when Gary promises Irwin a business opportunity to make $10,000, his brother is practically drooling at the possibility.
Gary wants to create a consulting firm with Irwin that would advise Russian immigrants who own property alongside the Gowanus Canal on how to meet the city's building codes. The elder brother insists this legit business shouldn't run them afoul of the Russian mob, but an overeager Irwin makes a misstep that puts all of the Pearls at risk.
How is Paper Tiger a love triangle tale? Credit: NEONAt first, Irwin seems the protagonist of Paper Tiger, but Gray's clever script steadily shifts focus to Gary and Linda. Once Irwin has earned the ire of the Russian mafia, it's up to his brother and wife to fix it, because this family man with zero street smarts is incapable. And in this battle to protect Irwin (and the rest of his household), Gary and Linda become unexpected rivals, in part because they deal with Irwin the same way.
Paper Tiger becomes a story about the things we can't say to the person we love. Whether because we don't want to hurt them or we want to protect them, some truths are just too terrible to utter. For Gary, he tries to maintain a breezy exterior, promising Irwin he'll work it out with the mob. But in the meantime, thugs creep into the Pearl home and intimidate them by taking Polaroids of the parents and boys, defenseless in their beds. It's only when Irwin finds these pictures that he finally admits to Linda what's going on.
She's understandably furious, but she's got a big secret of her own: a fatal diagnosis she can't bring herself to share. With the mob threatening his life, Gary and Linda are in a similar situation: with an uncertain amount of time left to set Irwin up so he and the boys will be okay. But wife and brother are not allies, and so their paths lead in different directions, while Irwin spirals in impotent plans of his own.
The tragedy of the film is not so much what happens to Irwin's family, but that — as smart as he is — he can't see the troubles mounting before his very eyes.
Adam Driver is riveting in Paper Tiger. Credit: NEONGray's ensemble overall is strong. But Driver dominates the film, committing body and soul. The swagger he employs as Gary schmoozes cops and crooks alike is beguiling, recalling James Caan as Sonny Corleone in The Godfather. But in moments when that veneer cracks, Driver's fear is so sparking the screen itself might catch fire. When he reprimands his onscreen brother with love and radiant frustration, he evokes Al Pacino's Michael Corleone, specifically when he kisses the traitor Fredo. The masculinity and the heartache swell to a violent expression of love.
But Gary isn't as direct as Michael, and so Irwin gets to remain smugly self-righteous, unable to recognize his brother's sacrifices for him. Teller is smartly cast in this role. The bravado that carved his career at the start comes into play in the third act as a shield that Irwin carries to distance himself from his own failings. He is a beloved fool whose smile shocks the audience, because it displays his blissful ignorance.
Playing the desperate and dying housewife Linda, Johansson is urged by Gray to go into a space of melodrama the cool blonde has rarely tread. Big bouncy curls, thick eyeglasses, and a raspy Queens accent attempt to scrub the movie star glamour from Johansson's appearance. But it is a futile effort. As weary and mumsy as the costuming of housecoats and made-up eye bags tries to make her, the role of Linda might have been better realized by an actress with a mug, not the face of numerous luxury beauty brands. That might have more firmly grounded the Pearl family's blue-collar identity, and by extension, Linda's grit-teeth determination to secure their future. Johansson tries, but her ache and ire ring hollow.
Driver's performance recalls '70s gangster cinema, where toxic masculinity roared with a debonair allure. Teller's jolly blend of ego and ignorance makes his '80s dad a believable buffoon. But Johansson's (perhaps impossible to dim) glamour makes Linda feel like she's from a '50s melodrama, so beautiful and so sad! In this context, as grounded as she aims to make Linda, it still feels heightened, a performance of wifely limitations rather than a portrait of them.
Still, even with this tonal collision, Paper Tiger is a thoroughly engaging drama. Gray's dialogue shrewdly builds not only characters, but the barriers of what they can and won't share with each other. Like Conclave, Paper Tiger becomes as much about what's talked around as what's talked about. So, with each moment, in words spoken and unspoken, a labyrinth is built, daring the characters to escape it. And rather than calling us to relate to Irwin, the good guy and family man at the film's center, Gray urges us to share in the frustration of those who love him until the bitter end.
In this way, Paper Tiger is a uniquely thrilling and purposefully infuriating family drama. Because as we watch a final moment unfold that is undeniably sweet and tender, we are haunted by what lies beneath it. Gray challenges us to take that trembling awareness home, and look to our own families, lives, and lies.
Paper Tiger was reviewed out of the New York Film Festival, where it was the Opening Night selection. The film will open in theaters on Nov. 13.
How to set up a joint AdultFriendFinder account
There's a fun feature of AdultFriendFinder that many users sleep on. The online hookup site actually allows couples to share an account. Registering as a couple, as opposed to a singleton (particularly a solo male), helps boost your visibility on the site, since the search algorithms will treat your account as representing two people rather than one. That means it's easier for other users to find you in searches, helping you make more connections.
The process of creating a joint account is reasonably straightforward, but there are some extra steps you'll need to take to ensure it is properly registered as a couple's account.
Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder Learn MoreHere's a quick guide on everything you need to do.
How to create a joint AFF accountThe first hurdle you'll have to pass is the "Who would you like to connect with?" screen, which offers up four options: Man, Woman, Couple, or Trans. This screen is totally inconsequential to creating a joint account, so if, for example, you're open to meeting people of all genders, don't worry that you've limited your options by your choice here. It doesn't matter overall.
On the next screen, "Let's get your details," the site will prompt you to choose between a solo and a joint account. Under the "I am/we are a" tab, select "Couple." You'll then have to provide an answer to the "Your Orientation" screen before you can proceed. The partner you'll be using the account with will also have the opportunity to provide their own answer later down the line.
SEE ALSO: AdultFriendFinder vs. Tinder: How they compare as hookup appsNext, you'll have to specify what kind of connection you're looking for as a couple (Love, Casual, Friends, or Hanging Out), and then provide your birthday and location, followed by your email address and chosen password.
At this point, congratulations! Your account has been created, but your profile still isn't complete.
Completing a couple's profile on AFFYou'll know you're on the right track when your account's blank profile photo features not one anonymous avatar, but two. If you see just a single avatar in your profile photo, you've made a mistake along the way and need to start again to create a new account.
Your work isn't done, though: Just as you filled out information about your date of birth and sexual orientation on the registration screen, you now have to do the same for the person with whom you're sharing an account (AFF does not support accounts of three or more people). It's extremely important that you fill this information out as well, because the AFF search filters will be able to parse your group account as having, for example, a bisexual man and a heterosexual woman, making the account appear in many more search results.
Can you combine individual accounts on AFF?Let's say, hypothetically, that you meet your significant other on AdultFriendFinder and decide you want to search for a third person as a couple. Can you combine your two accounts that were created before you met? Unfortunately, the answer is no.
If you already have an AFF account and want to add another person, follow the steps above to create a new joint account.
