Latest news with #Bond-style
Scotsman
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
The Bad Guys 2 review: 'slapstick gags aplenty'
Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Bad Guys 2 (PG) ★★★★ 2022's The Bad Guys was one of the funnier animated movies of recent years. A family friendly heist movie about a crew of lovable rogues, it smartly used all the tricks of a good con artist movie to serve up an amusing message about not judging books by their covers. The Bad Guys 2 | Contributed Set a few years on, The Bad Guys 2 recaptures that vibe, picking up the action as Mr Wolf (Sam Rockwell), Tarantula (Awkwafina), Shark (Craig Robinson) and Snake (Marc Maron) wrestle with the down-to-earth tedium of now being the Good Guys in a world that's reluctant to give them a second chance. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Struggling to find work and bored with a life devoid of car chases and danger, they soon find themselves framed for a series of robberies and decide to use their criminal expertise to prove their innocence and catch the real crooks. Where the first film took its breezy stylistic cues from Ocean's Eleven, the new one kicks the action up a ridiculous notch or two with some old school Bond-style villainy involving rockets to space and obligatory pops at the tech oligarchy. It also makes room for some husky-voiced hilarity from the ubiquitous Natasha Lyonne, cast here as the ominously named Doom, the not-quite-what-she-seems avian romantic interest for Snake who also just happens to be part of an all-female-crew of criminals trying to lure the Bad Guys out of retirement.
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Release Epstein files': Martin Luther King's family as 6,000 documents on him branded ‘distraction'
More than half a century after the assassination of Dr Martin Luther King Jr, the US government has released over 6,000 documents – nearly a quarter-million pages – related to his killing. They were posted, without warning, to the National Archives website late Monday. The Trump administration heralded the move as a victory for transparency. But to many civil rights historians and King's surviving family, the release was something else entirely: a distraction. 'This is a desperate attempt to distract,' said civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton, pointing to the storm of public pressure on the Trump administration to release files related to the death of Jeffrey Epstein. Sharpton accused the White House of using the King files 'to draw attention away from the firestorm engulfing Trump over the Epstein files and the public unraveling of his credibility.' King's daughter, Bernice King, echoed that sentiment. Hours after the documents went live, she posted a photo of her father on X with a sharp caption: 'Now, do the Epstein files.' If the release was meant to be a political manoeuvre, its substance didn't match its fanfare. Despite the volume, there is little in the newly released trove that offers fresh insight into the 1968 assassination of America's most prominent civil rights leader. Most of the material, aging reports, FBI memos, clippings, and tips, has either been released before or adds little to what is already publicly known. 'I saw nothing that struck me as new,' David Garrow, the Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer of Dr. King and chronicler of the FBI's campaign against him told The New York Times. What the files do contain are fragments of an exhaustive manhunt: interviews with people who knew King's killer, James Earl Ray; documentation of Ray's bizarre personal life—his interest in locksmithing, dance classes, and Bond-style aliases; and accounts of tips phoned in by the public in the chaotic weeks after the shooting. The government has long maintained that James Earl Ray acted alone. Ray, a career criminal who escaped from Missouri State Penitentiary a year before the assassination, pleaded guilty in 1969 but soon recanted, claiming he was part of a broader conspiracy. Allegations of official complicity have persisted ever since, pointing to the FBI, Memphis police, and even foreign intelligence services. But the newly released material does little to address or settle those claims. Missing from this release are the FBI wiretap recordings of Dr King, part of the bureau's extensive surveillance campaign aimed at discrediting him. Those remain sealed under court order until 2027. In the 1960s, the FBI sought to expose King's personal life, especially his alleged extramarital affairs, in an attempt to destroy his credibility and halt the momentum of the civil rights movement. Martin Luther King III and Bernice King issued a joint statement Monday, urging the public to consider the files in light of their father's legacy. 'He was relentlessly targeted by an invasive, predatory, and deeply disturbing disinformation and surveillance campaign,' they wrote. 'We ask those who engage with the release of these files to do so with empathy, restraint and respect for our family's continuing grief.'
Auto Blog
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Aston Martin Built Residences in Downtown Miami so You Can Live Like 007 From $550k
If owning an Aston Martin isn't enough to fulfill your fantasies, perhaps living in Aston Martin's Miami condos might do it. The perfect complement to an actual Aston Martin So you own an Aston Martin. Congratulations! A British sports car/supercar with so much power and pedigree should be on anyone's dream car list, especially if 007 lives rent-free in your mind. We don't have to mention the Cygnet, though. Now, what if you could live in a building that exuded the same energy as your car, though? I'm here to tell you that you're in luck. Aston Martin Residences Miami — Source: Aston Martin Living in British opulence During F1 Miami last year, Aston Martin opened the marque's 'Aston Martin Residences Miami,' a 66-story residential building placed smack-dab in downtown Miami at 300 Biscayne Boulevard Way. Living conditions range from one to five-bedroom residences and duplexes. According to Aston Martin's original press release, 99% of the 391 condos were already sold before construction was even finished, with more than 50 residents already owning an Aston Martin. That's a lot of secret agents. Aston doesn't expect you to take care of your own business, so in addition to an exclusive superyacht marina, a private butler service will be on-call 24/7 to help residents with whatever they might need. As for design, residents can pick between three carefully curated interior styles that Aston Martin feels best represent their brand. The Timeless collection builds on the brand's heritage and creates a more contemporary style, the Covert collection is inspired by darker car interiors and sounds the most like a Bond-style room, while the Indulgent collection is the top-of-the line choice, using natural materials for a softer, calming palette with 'bursts of theatre.' Aston Martin Residences Miami Sky Lobby Aston Martin Residences Miami Everything you could ever need in one building The building was designed in collaboration with Aston Martin's design team and world-leading architect Rodolfo Miani of Bodas Mian Anger (BMA). The overall design aesthetic was meant to represent a sail, which makes sense given its waterside setting, with some rather stunning views of the Biscayne Bay, the Miami River, and the Miami skyline. Some of the features that the automaker has distilled into its residences as callbacks to their cars include doors with bespoke Aston Martin handles, number plinths, and kestrel tan leather door tabs. The latter of which is a color often used in Aston Martin interiors. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The real fun times happen between the 52nd and 55th floors, which themselves are connected with a glass staircase of all things. There, residents will find themselves having to pick between a two-floor fitness center with views of the Atlantic Ocean, an art gallery, two movie theatres, a virtual golf simulator, a business center, a conference room, a kids' playroom, a full-service spa, a beauty salon, and a barber shop. The 55th floor also houses an infinity pool, with its own pool deck, jacuzzis, cabanas, sky bar, lounge, an entire ballroom, private dining areas, and even a state-of-the-art chef's kitchen. Short of having its own Whole Foods in the building, I can hardly think of a reason why you would ever have to leave your home. Aston Martin Residences Miami Ballroom Aston Martin Residences Miami Ballroom Chillin like a villain, perhaps? If your net worth is far too high to live in a regular condo, fret not, for the masterminds at Aston Martin have your needs in mind, too. The building features seven penthouses, all with their own private pools and terraces, of course, as well as the building's crown jewel: the 'Unique Triplex Penthouse.' This one is for the real honcho, for whom a single floor in a luxury 66-story building is nowhere near enough. The Triplex Penthouse is a three-floor condominium at the top of the building, spanning a total of 27,191 square feet of living space. Aston Martin Residences Miami Final thoughts Living in an automaker-built skyscraper in the middle of Miami is something out of my finest fantasies. The building's design is tremendously gorgeous and unique, as are the interiors depicted in the photos. It exudes that elegant, minimalist vibe that I'm particularly fond of, but which some may find too bland. According to Miami Luxury Homes, there are currently 85 condos available for sale and 58 available for rent. Sale prices range from $550,000 for a studio condo to $59,000,000 for a 7-bedroom condo. If you thought an actual Aston Martin would set your checkbook on fire, these prices might do a little more. This is merely the automaker's foray into residential developments, too, with projects like the Sylvan Rock private residential estate located in Rhinebeck, New York, and № 001 Minami Aoyama, the first Aston Martin-designed home in Asia, currently underway. About the Author Gabriel Ionica View Profile
The Irish Sun
09-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
Britain's Bond-style ‘Q' boffins unveil underwater drone to take on Putin's cable-cutters…by blowing them to smithereens
BRITAIN'S top defence brainboxes have unveiled a Bond-style underwater drone designed to stop Putin's cable-cutting saboteurs in their tracks. The super sub can hunt out and destroy sabotage threats lurking on the seabed - by blowing them to smithereens. Advertisement 5 The underwater drone can prevent adversaries from sabotaging undersea cables and pipelines by disarming or removing threats Credit: UK Gov 5 The high-tech robot has already been trialled Portsmouth's Horsea Island, Portland Harbour, South Wales and Norway Credit: UK Gov 5 The sub targets any potential saboteurs by blowing them to smithereens Credit: UK GOV Developed by the MoD's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), it is armed and ready to protect the UK's vital undersea cables and pipelines. Using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), Dstl's boffins have added cutting-edge sensors, cameras, and explosive systems to high-tech underwater robot. That way, operators are able to spot unexploded bombs, place charges remotely, and safely neutralise the threat — without risking Royal Navy divers. John, a Dstl explosives engineer, said: 'This technology would be a valuable toolset for keeping our Armed Forces safe whilst providing the public with value for money. Advertisement Read more on Russia 'This unique capability with its sensors, tools and cameras will give operators a real time ability to deal with these underwater hazards in a safe, effective and efficient way.' The underwater drone goes deeper than any diver can, staying down for far longer and working tirelessly. It can be launched from a ship or even a shoreline, sending back sonar and video feeds to operators who remain at a safe distance while disarming explosives or fending off hostile actions. Crucially, it's reusable. Once a threat is neutralised, the drone sub lives to dive another day - cutting costs while keeping seas safe. Advertisement Most read in The Sun The project is also a win for British industry, supporting specialist jobs through partnerships with firms like Alford Technologies, Atlantas Marine, Sonardyne and ECS Special Projects. Trials have already taken place in Portsmouth's Horsea Island, Portland Harbour, South Wales and as far afield as Norway. Putin humiliated as Russian war facility EXPLODES in Ukrainian drone strike The Royal Navy is now developing tactics and techniques to make full use of the new tech. The Ministry of Defence hailed the innovation on social media, calling it a leap forward in protecting sailors and vital undersea cables. Advertisement The new underwater drone arrives amid warnings about Russian undersea activity in UK waters. In April, it was revealed that The sensors, reportedly deployed using Russian oligarchs' luxury yachts, were discovered washed ashore and picked up by Navy minehunter ships. Officials fear the covert operation could be part of a wider 'greyzone' campaign to gather intelligence and target undersea infrastructure. Advertisement Royal Navy and RAF assets were scrambled last November when the Around the same time, RAF fighter jets intercepted a Russian warplane over the North Sea, and unmanned Russian underwater vehicles were also detected near communication cables. 5 The Minehunter HMS Cattistock (R) shadowing Admiral Vladimirsky through the English Channel Credit: SWNS 5 Advertisement One senior source told The Sunday Times: 'It's a bit like the space race. This is a world clouded in secrecy and subterfuge… but there's enough smoke to suggest something is on fire somewhere.' In March, HMS Cattistock and a Wildcat helicopter were sent to HMS Somerset and other Royal Navy units were also deployed multiple times to At least 11 internet cables in the Baltic Sea have been damaged in the past 15 months — some suspected to have been dragged by Russian ships — while surface vessels like the Admiral Vladimirskiy have continued probing waters near the UK. Advertisement In response, military chiefs are drawing up Operation Atlantic Bastion — a sweeping new patrol mission using air, land and sea forces to defend UK and Nato interests in the North Atlantic. What is the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory? THE Defence Science and Technology Laboratory — better known as Dstl — is the UK government's secretive hub of military innovation. Based at Porton Down in Wiltshire, it's packed with some of Britain's brightest scientific minds, often likened to James Bond's Q Branch. Part of the Ministry of Defence, Dstl works behind the scenes to give UK Armed Forces a cutting-edge advantage. From cyber warfare and AI to battlefield tech and bio-defence, it develops, tests and fine-tunes everything that keeps British troops one step ahead. Dstl collaborates with industry, universities and international partners, but much of its work remains classified. Its projects aren't just for warfighting — they're designed to save lives, protect national infrastructure, and deliver tech that punches well above its weight on the world stage.
Scottish Sun
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Britain's Bond-style ‘Q' boffins unveil underwater drone to take on Putin's cable-cutters…by blowing them to smithereens
BRITAIN'S top defence brainboxes have unveiled a Bond-style underwater drone designed to stop Putin's cable-cutting saboteurs in their tracks. The super sub can hunt out and destroy sabotage threats lurking on the seabed - by blowing them to smithereens. 5 The underwater drone can prevent adversaries from sabotaging undersea cables and pipelines by disarming or removing threats Credit: UK Gov 5 The high-tech robot has already been trialled Portsmouth's Horsea Island, Portland Harbour, South Wales and Norway Credit: UK Gov 5 The sub targets any potential saboteurs by blowing them to smithereens Credit: UK GOV Developed by the MoD's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), it is armed and ready to protect the UK's vital undersea cables and pipelines. Using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), Dstl's boffins have added cutting-edge sensors, cameras, and explosive systems to high-tech underwater robot. That way, operators are able to spot unexploded bombs, place charges remotely, and safely neutralise the threat — without risking Royal Navy divers. John, a Dstl explosives engineer, said: 'This technology would be a valuable toolset for keeping our Armed Forces safe whilst providing the public with value for money. 'This unique capability with its sensors, tools and cameras will give operators a real time ability to deal with these underwater hazards in a safe, effective and efficient way.' The underwater drone goes deeper than any diver can, staying down for far longer and working tirelessly. It can be launched from a ship or even a shoreline, sending back sonar and video feeds to operators who remain at a safe distance while disarming explosives or fending off hostile actions. Crucially, it's reusable. Once a threat is neutralised, the drone sub lives to dive another day - cutting costs while keeping seas safe. The project is also a win for British industry, supporting specialist jobs through partnerships with firms like Alford Technologies, Atlantas Marine, Sonardyne and ECS Special Projects. Trials have already taken place in Portsmouth's Horsea Island, Portland Harbour, South Wales and as far afield as Norway. Putin humiliated as Russian war facility EXPLODES in Ukrainian drone strike The Royal Navy is now developing tactics and techniques to make full use of the new tech. The Ministry of Defence hailed the innovation on social media, calling it a leap forward in protecting sailors and vital undersea cables. The new underwater drone arrives amid warnings about Russian undersea activity in UK waters. In April, it was revealed that Kremlin spy sensors had been found close to British territory — believed to be tracking the Royal Navy's nuclear submarines. The sensors, reportedly deployed using Russian oligarchs' luxury yachts, were discovered washed ashore and picked up by Navy minehunter ships. Officials fear the covert operation could be part of a wider 'greyzone' campaign to gather intelligence and target undersea infrastructure. Royal Navy and RAF assets were scrambled last November when the suspected Russian spy ship Yantar was seen 'lurking around pipelines and internet cables' in the Irish Sea. Around the same time, RAF fighter jets intercepted a Russian warplane over the North Sea, and unmanned Russian underwater vehicles were also detected near communication cables. 5 The Minehunter HMS Cattistock (R) shadowing Admiral Vladimirsky through the English Channel Credit: SWNS 5 One senior source told The Sunday Times: 'It's a bit like the space race. This is a world clouded in secrecy and subterfuge… but there's enough smoke to suggest something is on fire somewhere.' In March, HMS Cattistock and a Wildcat helicopter were sent to monitor the Admiral Vladimirskiy, a so-called research ship revealed in 2023 to be a spy vessel suspected of probing Britain's power supply and internet links. HMS Somerset and other Royal Navy units were also deployed multiple times to escort Russian vessels including a beach landing ship returning from the Mediterranean. At least 11 internet cables in the Baltic Sea have been damaged in the past 15 months — some suspected to have been dragged by Russian ships — while surface vessels like the Admiral Vladimirskiy have continued probing waters near the UK. In response, military chiefs are drawing up Operation Atlantic Bastion — a sweeping new patrol mission using air, land and sea forces to defend UK and Nato interests in the North Atlantic.
