Latest news with #Alpha
Forbes
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘Marathon' NDA Alpha Leaks Show Visual Improvements, Detail New Additions
Marathon I'm honestly a little surprised that we haven't seen more leaks out of the NDA-ed Marathon Alpha that's been running, but that's what the threat of legal action will do. It also signifies that maybe that's what Bungie should have done with the last Alpha, as originally planned, as we may have avoided that whole negative news cycle. This info is pulled from Twitter user @itsrocksiza, who says they have not signed an NDA themselves, but has access to information and (now deleted) images all the same somehow (a friend?). He says Bungie contacted him to delete the images, and while not legally required to do so, he did it to be nice. I did save them, but I'm not going to actually post them here for a similar reason. But I'll talk about what was shown. Marathon As I've always said, leaks aren't leaks when they're positive! I mean, not really, and you all should not break your NDAs, but here we are, and all of this sounds like improvements from the last public Alpha, and relatively quick changes being made/tested. This is obviously not everything. Bungie said there will be further tests before release, though what the mix of NDA-ed and invite-only and eventually public tests will be is not confirmed. Bungie has not given a new Marathon release date, but says it will this fall. It's likely to be before the end of the 2025 fiscal year which ends in March. We'll see just how many changes and additions Marathon can get before that release, and if they might change its fortunes. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, Bluesky and Instagram. Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.
Otago Daily Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Latest zombie instalment dissects the human condition
28 YEARS LATER Director: Danny BoyleCast: Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O'Connell, Alfie Williams, Ralph FiennesRating: (R16) ★★★★+ REVIEWED BY AMASIO JUTEL Twenty-eight years after the "rage virus" was liberated from an animal testing lab by eco-terrorists, the British Isles are under strict quarantine. On the mainland, the virus runs rampant, giving birth to an array of new "infecteds". Off the northeast coast of England (Lindisfarne, or "Holy Island"), Spike (Alfie Williams) and his parents, Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Isla (Jodie Comer), live in a fenced off survivor community, connected to the mainland via a causeway only accessible at low tide. Armed with bows and arrows, Jamie and Spike cross the causeway for a father-son rite of passage zombie hunt. A casual (and effective) exposition dump lays the Act One stakes bare — in 4 hours, the tide will be too high to return, and they'll be stuck on the mainland; a natural world that takes no prisoners. Despite the drastic change in iPhone megapixel resolution over 23 years, the 28 visual style remains distinct. Cinematographer of the original film, Anthony Dod Mantle, returns with guerrilla-style, over-the-shoulder shots and canted wides of the father-son duo, a visual metaphor to alienate them from a world where they don't belong — two decades free of humanity's blemish means humans come second. Colourful vistas depict crumbling buildings set in the vast greenery. Striking infrared sequences and freeze-frame bullet-time high-speed pans of explosions of infected blood and guts are staggering, and supplement this gruesome, genre-fare video game logic. The creature innovation of the film is the "alphas" — head-ripping, spinal cord flail-waving infected, whose exposure to the virus has juiced them up to 12-foot-tall beasts. Forced to hide under the cover of night, having missed their four-hour window home, Spike and Jamie are taunted by the looming silhouette of an Alpha on the horizon line, twice the size of any infected near it. The menacing threat is actualised in an electrifying foot race across the shin-deep causeway home. A slightly shocking tonal shift finally marks the main protagonist (masked by the strange billing order that likely is owed to a confirmed sequel), who sets out on a Wizard of Oz-style cross-country journey with a haphazard crew, through a colourful array of set pieces to the remarkable "Bone Temple". A document of the lives that have been, it's undeniably amazing scenery, complete with an eccentric "third act Fiennes" masterclass to go with. Garland's writing packages themes explored in his own work. His forensic diagnosis of humanity — folk horror and tribalism, the rule of nature and nationalism — marries well with Boyle's humanistic directorial lens, who has an approach to character direction much less subtle, perhaps even brittle, compared to recent Garland projects, Annihilation, Men and Civil War. The film straddles that line between cold diagnosis of the human condition and the viscerality of the horror and humanity in this film, profoundly so. This is no more resonant than in Spike's first venture across the causeway. Boyle deploys a stern sonic and visual pastiche to a renowned 1915 recording of Rudyard Kipling's Second Boer War poem, Boots . Overlayed with footage from the classic film Henry V , and non-fiction footage of wartime, Boyle harmonises with Garland's thematic endeavour to indicate the splintering society through tribalist strife, harkening back to the act three twist of 28 Days Later . Garland's interest in folk horror is particularly symbolic, characterising the arbitrary centring power of religion amid conflict. Masks and churches figure prominently; ritual practices denote the in-community and those who are cast out. The communal power of the church on "Holy Island" (literally) opposes the structural integrity of those on the mainland, where they're seen as decrepit and crumbling. The bookends of the film materialise this thematic idea very openly. 28 Years Later is post-post-apocalyptic horror with a deep emotional storyline, exhilarating action, and bombastic film-making, and a tale of the cold-hearted tribalism and polarisation that its writer too often pontificates about in less effective films.
Pink Villa
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Alia Bhatt pays an ode to 'living legend' Rekha after watching Umrao Jaan, see heartfelt POST for 'ReMaa'
Legendary star Rekha's stardom and aura remain unmatched! Years have passed, but the actress was and is one of the celebrated stars of Indian cinema, owing to her contributions. One of her most iconic films, Umrao Jaan, is now rereleased in theaters, allowing a new generation to experience real art on screen. On June 26, a grand screening of the film was held, which was graced by several celebs, including Alia Bhatt. Alia has now paid her tribute to Rekha in a sweet post. Alia Bhatt pays tribute to Rekha On June 27, Alia Bhatt shared several photos from the screening of Umrao Jaan. In this post, she paid an ode to the veteran actor, Rekha. She dropped a candid snap with the star and penned a sweet note for her. Alia wrote, "An ode to a living legend… there never, was, is or will ever be another like you, ReMaa." In this picture, Rekha is all smiles as she poses beside Alia. Here's Alia Bhatt's PICS with Rekha Alia wowed everyone at the gala event by wearing a stunning sheer purple saree. Known for her impeccable sartorial choices, she once again proved to be a fashionista with her traditional outfit. To complete her look, the Brahmastra actress paired the gorgeous saree with statement earrings, a matching clutch, and adorned her style with a black bindi. About Umrao Jaan's screening Umrao Jaan was originally released on January 2, 1981. Helmed by Muzaffar Ali, the movie featured Rekha in the lead role. After several years, the film was re-released in theatres on June 27. At the grand screening night, several celebrities, including Aamir Khan, Anil Kapoor, Tabu, Asha Bhosle, Vijay Varma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Khushi Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor, Vedang Raina, Hema Malini, and more, marked their presence to celebrate superstar Rekha's legacy. About Alia Bhatt's upcoming projects Alia Bhatt, who was last seen in Jigra, has numerous projects in her pipeline. She is currently filming her upcoming spy thriller Alpha, alongside Sharvari. In this film, the actress is said to have a special dance number. Additionally, Alia will also be featured in Love and War. Helmed by the respected filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the actress will play the female protagonist in this movie. Along with Alia, Love and War also features Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal in lead roles. The film is slated to hit the screens during Eid 2026.
India Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Alia Bhatt calls Rekha her ReMaa in heartfelt ode after Umrao Jaan screening
Actor Alia Bhatt bonded with Rekha at the screening of 'Umrao Jaan' (1981). She shared a picture with the veteran actor on social media and also shared a unique name for shared a series of pictures on her Instagram handle, including a heartfelt moment with Rekha at the 'Umrao Jaan' premiere. In her ode to the veteran, she opted for a 'Silsila' (1981)-themed pink sari while posing with her. The 'Jigra' actor captioned her post as, "An ode to a living legend there never, was, is or will ever be another like you, ReMaa. (sic)"advertisementThe 'Umrao Jaan' actor was captured smiling in the photo. Rekha, in the picture with Alia is seen opting for white elaborate anarkali and vintage jewellery symbolising the 19th century era. Alia Bhatt wrote a heartfelt tribute for Rekha at 'Umrao Jaan' screening. (Credit: Instagram/aliaabhatt) While reacting to the pictures, a fan wrote, "Beautiful in all frames. (sic)" An Instagram user commented, "I'm searching for words to define alia's beauty, but i can't. she is just unbelievably gorgeous. she pulls off any attire with such ease. EVERY WOMAN'S BEAUTY IS ONE THING, BUT ALIA BHATT IS IN A DIFFERENT LEAGUE. NO ONE EVEN COMES CLOSE. (sic)"advertisementA fan also wrote, "Looking so beautiful Aloo all the best for 'Alpha'." Fans praised Alia Bhatt's look from 'Umrao Jaan' screening. (Credit: Instagram/aliaabhatt) Rekha's 'Umrao Jaan' re-released on June 27, is directed and produced by Muzaffar Ali. The director, in a recent interview with India Today, revealed that his first choice for the titular character was Smita said, "Initially, I had thought of Smita Patil. She had worked with me in 'Gaman', and she would have done a good job." He further said, "But then we felt maybe we needed someone with a bit more oomph and physical presence."'Umrao Jaan' also featured Farooq Shaikh, Naseeruddin Shah, Shaukat Kaifi, Dina Pathak, Gajanan Jagirdar, Prema Narayan, Satish Shah and others in pivotal roles.- Ends IN THIS STORY#Alia Bhatt
Mint
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Why Gen Z loves fake weddings
The world may be breathlessly watching all the drama surrounding the Jeff Bezos-Lauren Sanchez wedding in Venice, but in India, a new trend is unfolding: the non-wedding wedding party. In cities like Pune, Delhi and Bengaluru, event managers, clubs and bars are organising 'wedding-themed parties" (some are brashly calling them fake weddings, no cap) and they are a hit with Gens Z and Alpha. More than 1,500 people turned up over the course of a few hours for his 'big fat fake wedding", says Rahul Avadhani, a Bengaluru-based events curator who recently 'hosted" a mega wedding party at the JW Marriott Hotel. Most of the attendees were between 21-30 years old, and it was put together by a private members club that organises experience-based events across cities in India, inspired by similar events that became mega popular at locations such as Ballr Club in Pune, which was among the first event venues to kick off the trend. Yes, people paid to be there: while women could enter for free, 'stag entry' was at a cover charge of ₹5000, fully redeemable against food and drinks. 'The vibe was like a typical Indian wedding, with mehendi wallas, dhol, wedding decor, photo booths, a DJ… only the bride and groom were missing," says Avadhani. 'The idea is why wait for someone to get married to have fun and dance till you drop? This way, the pressure is off and everyone gets to have fun." It was such a hit that 8club is planning to replicate the event in Delhi at Bel-La Monde, a posh wedding venue in Chhattarpur. As part of the promotions, a ghodi (horse) dressed in Punjabi wedding finery has been filmed around Gen Z-friendly spots in the Capital, such as the mysteriously popular Faqir Chand Bookstore in Khan Market. Without clutching our pearls and going into 'everything is a photo op for Gen Z of course they love fake weddings!" lamentations, the popularity of these events is a bit puzzling to someone not from the generation, at least initially. As someone who gets literal nightmares about weddings—losing one's entire wardrobe, turning up under or over-dressed, landing up at the wrong venue —it seems almost masochistic to do this voluntarily, without the spectre of family obligation and rashly sent RSVPs hanging over one's head. And yet, maybe that is the trick—being able to enjoy a wedding without feeling like a misfit, wondering if everyone's judging your clothes, and having people come up to you wagging a finger and going 'you're next!". I can sort of see the appeal—Indian weddings are hella fun if you can leave all that baggage behind. You get to hang out with friends, a chance to air all those outfits you wore just one time for a cousin's wedding, eat, drink and dance, take some lovely photos for Instagram, and go home without worrying if your gift will be deemed good enough. Who wouldn't want them? Are there any fake weddings for Gen Xers? Apparently, there are. The trend has advanced so rapidly in such a short time that now there are spin-offs of the same idea, such as more traditional fake wedding parties—think Hum Aapke Hain Kaun rather than Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani. Your Third Place, a Bengaluru-based events company that promotes 'curated IRL experiences that spark real connections", is organising a Sober Sangeet Social in July. Founder Anurag Pandey calls it a 'begaani shaadi" (someone else's wedding) and says guests can expect 'flowers, food, mehendi, and some classic shaadi games" including a Sangeet Social Antakshari. As a child of the 1990s with bona-fide antakshari-winning credentials, I could see myself at one of these parties. Maybe Gen Z has got it right, after all. Maybe weddings should not be about managing egos, expectations and stress, the way I grew up experiencing them (hence the nightmares), but having one hell of a good time.
