Coming Soooooooon: November 2020

Monday, 30 November 2020

Jeremy Renner: His 10 Best Movies Outside The MCU, Ranked (According To IMDb)

Jeremy Renner started as an independent movie actor, starring in films like 2000's Dahmer before working his way up into bigger-budget ventures like 28 Weeks Later and The Hurt Locker. Known these days for playing Hawkeye in The Avengers franchise, Renner adds understated confidence, untold depth, and intense vigor to any movie he acts in.

Whether it's action, drama, horror, or comedy, Renner's diverse skill set makes him one of Hollywood's highest-grossing stars. When he isn't saving Earth alongside Captain America and Iron Man, Renner digs his teeth into quite a few meaty roles, earning him major award nominations and endless praise from film critics.

10 American Hustle (2013) - 7.2

David O. Russell's ensemble crime drama sees Renner acting alongside Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, and Jennifer Lawrence. Renner plays Carmine Polito, the mayor of Camden, New Jersey, who becomes wrapped up in a layered FBI sting operation to take down the Mafia in the late 1970s.

Bale and Adams play two con artists who are forced by Cooper's FBI agent character to become operatives in the mission. Based on true events, American Hustle blends comedy, thrills, and political commentary into one entertaining tale.

9 North Country (2005) - 7.3

Another film inspired by a true story, North Country stars Charlize Theron as Josey Aimes, a mineworker who endures years of sexual harassment from her male coworkers. Aimes is based on Lois Jenson, a real-life mineworker who eventually sought legal intervention and won a major class-action lawsuit in 1984.

Renner co-stars as Aimes' high school ex-boyfriend Bobby Sharp, another co-worker who molests and tortures Aimes every chance he gets. This emotionally daunting film dives head-first into the terror of workplace harassment that women still face in their day-to-day lives.

8 Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011) - 7.4

The fourth installment in the insanely popular and profitable Mission: Impossible franchise finds Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt in hot pursuit of Hendricks, a terrorist with access to Russian nuclear launch codes. Before Hendricks mounts an attack against the United States, Hunt works with his disparate gang of allies to keep the bombing from occurring.

In Ghost Protocol, Renner plays IMF aide and intelligence analyst William Brandt. Brandt joins Hunt on his mission, revealing that he has a few secrets up his sleeve along the way.

7 Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015) - 7.4

Renner returned for 2015's Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, another star-studded popcorn action flick about the trials and tribulation of secret agent Ethan Hunt. After Hunt's IMF organization is dissolved by the US government, the spy goes rogue, desperate to prove the existence of an underground terrorist cell known as the Syndicate.

While the CIA chases him, Hunt relies on intelligence from Renner's William Brandt to keep him one step ahead of the game. Rogue Nation also features performances from Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, and Alec Baldwin.

6 12 And Holding (2005) - 7.5

One of Renner's early indie features, 12 and Holding is a coming-of-age drama that doesn't hold back from depicting scenes of complete despair and hopelessness. The film focuses on three tweens reeling from the death of one of their classmates and neighbors, whose treehouse was set on fire by bullies while he was inside.

Renner plays a grief-stricken man named Gus, who seeks therapy from the mother of one of the main characters, a girl named Malee. Malee develops an unhealthy crush on Gus, who must impose boundaries upon the love-stricken girl.

5 The Assassination Of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford (2007) - 7.5

Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck play infamous 19th-century American outlaws Jesse James and Robert Ford, respectively, in Andrew Dominik's ensemble Western centered around the complicated relationship between the two men. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford includes engrossing supporting performances from Sam Shepard, Sam Rockwell, and of course, Renner.

Renner plays James' cousin Wood Hite, who assisted his older relative with multiple robberies before James was killed in 1882. Despite bombing at the box office, Dominik's film is considered one of the best contemporary Westerns, noted for its stunning cinematography and impressive acting.

4 The Hurt Locker (2008) - 7.5

The Hurt Locker, Kathryn Bigelow's tense war thriller follows a bomb squad tasked with securing areas during the Iraq War. Renner plays the reckless protagonist Sergeant First Class William James, a man whose unorthodox tactics raise tensions within his unit.

By amplifying the terror and theatrics of war, Bigelow's film brings viewers into the chaos of life on the battlefield. Renner's performance is backed up by the likes of Anthony Mackie, Ralph Fiennes, and Guy Pearce.

3 The Town (2010) - 7.5

Ben Affleck stars in and directs this next-level heist movie based on Chuck Hogan's novel Prince of Thieves. Affleck plays Doug MacRay, a lifelong criminal who plans one final holdup before absconding to Florida. Duggie, as his friends call him, wants to rob Fenway Park disguised as a policeman.

Renner plays Duggie's hot-headed main accomplice, Jimmy "Jem" Coughlin, who isn't happy his pal plans to get out of the game. As Duggie and Jem make moves on Fenway, a team of FBI agents swarms the baseball stadium, trapping the gang of convicts inside.

2 Wind River (2017) - 7.7

Wind River is set in the wintry Wind River Indian Reservation, located in the expansive and visually dramatic state of Wyoming. Renner plays a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agent and tracker who teams up with an FBI agent to solve a murder on the reservation.

Elizabeth Olsen plays the FBI agent, who arrives on the scene after an 18-year-old Indigenous woman is found dead. While the film highlights America's shocking history of violence against Indigenous women, it has received some criticism for making white actors the centerpiece of a film about Indigenous experiences.

1 Arrival (2016) - 7.9

Denis Villeneuve's impressive sci-fi alien film Arrival defies all expectations for a big blockbuster fair, relying on complex science, intimate character studies, and slow-burn suspense to tell its story. Amy Adams stars as linguist Louise Banks, who is hired by the US Army to study one of twelve alien spacecraft in stasis around Earth.

Renner plays Banks' colleague and future love interest, physicist Ian Donnelly. As the pair work to communicate with the aliens on-board a vessel in Montana, Banks learns the secret behind the extraterrestrials' labyrinthine language.

NEXT: Jeremy Renner's 10 Best Roles, According To Rotten Tomatoes

The 5 Best (& 5 Worst) Black & White Movies Of The 2010s, Ranked According To IMDb

Every now and then, a movie uses antiquated techniques of filmmaking or draws from methods that are no longer the norm due to technological advances in the art. This is often done as an homage to filmmakers of the past, to give the movie more meaning, to add to the aesthetic, or just simply for the novelty of it.

When a black and white movie is released, there’s usually a reason behind the decision, and more often than not it pays off. But other times, it doesn’t always pan out the way the director expects and comes off as nothing more than a gimmick.

10 Best: The Lighthouse (2019) - 7.5

It might be one of the most polarising movies of the millennium, but The Lighthouse capped off the decade well and featured amazing performances from Willem Defoe and Robert Pattinson, further proving that the latter will make a great Batman.

The movie is a strange psychological drama and being shot in black and white only adds to its mystery and dark tones.

9 Worst: Sin City: A Dame To Kill For (2005) - 6.5

Sin City is one of the best black and white movies of the 2000s, and though there was a lick of color in a few frames here and there, the aesthetics of the movie had never been done before and it was massively influential.

However, the movie’s sequel, Sin City: A Dame To Kill For, is nowhere near as influential as its predecessor, and though it has just as much stylish violence, it lacked the same impact and it bombed at the box office.

8 Best: Cold War (2018) - 7.6

Shot in black and white to better reflect the times in which the movie is based, Cold War was one of the best-received movies upon release, and given that it’s a foreign language film, it surprisingly saw a strong positive reaction from general audiences too.

Thanks to the performances and the terrific cinematography, the romantic drama was not only beloved by moviegoers, but also nominated for several Academy Awards.

7 Worst: A Field In England (2013) - 6.3

Directed by Ben Wheatley, who is better known for his movies Sightseers and High Rise, A Field In England is a historical psychological horror movie that depicts life in the mid-17th century during the English Civil War.

Though the movie is considered one of the director’s best works, it has drawn a ton of criticism for being too absurd and avant-garde, making very little sense.

6 Best: Nebraska (2013) - 7.7

In one of Bruce Dern’s greatest performances in his decades-long career, the actor plays an old man who believes he has won a million dollars based on a spam letter he receives in the mail.

Humoring him, his son agrees to drive him cross-country, and the result is a beautiful drama that’s classically Alexander Payne. Interestingly enough, Nebraska was actually shot in color and converted to black and white in post-production.

5 Worst: The Eyes Of My Mother (2016) - 6.2

Despite being named one of the best horror movies of 2016 and receiving generally positive reviews from critics, The Eyes Of My Mother faired terribly with moviegoers and struggled to find an audience.

The movie is haunting, traumatic, features a hypnotic and eerie musical score, and was shot in black and white to add to the atmosphere of the film, but it seemed to completely miss the mark.

4 Best: Roma (2018) - 7.7

Much smaller in scale than his previous effort, Gravity, Alfonso Cuaron created this semi-autobiographical movie about a middle-class family in Mexico City.

Produced by Netflix, Roma marked many unprecedented achievements in the world of streaming, as it won three Academy Awards, including Best Director. It has become one of the best streaming movies of the decade and the very first Netflix movie to be added to The Criterion Collection.

3 Worst: Escape From Tomorrow (2013) - 5.1

Prior to the movie’s release, Escape From Tomorrow was one of the most talked-about movies of the year, as it was secretly shot in Disney World without permission.

This made many critics excited to see the result, but the unusual way of filming turned out to be just a novelty, and many felt the film was a hodgepodge of nonsensical scenes featuring one gimmick after another, its black and white style just one of those many gimmicks.

2 Best: The Artist (2011) - 7.9

Even though the movie received one of the most scathing reviews upon release, The Artist won Best Picture at The Academy Awards for a reason, as it is one big homage to Hollywood cinema of the 1930s.

Being a homage, The Artist is not only shot in black and white, it’s also a silent movie and even shot in the same aspect ratio of these older films, and yet it was still able to amaze audiences in 2011.

1 Worst: Human Centipede 2 (2011) - 3.8

Being one of the most controversial movies of all time, many felt that the first movie in the Human Centipede series was bad enough, and it followed a scientist who wanted to sew three living human beings together.

But the follow-up takes it a thousand steps further, as it is based around a fan of the original movie who is inspired to try it himself. The movie is full of grotesque scenes, and for no apparent reason, it’s shot in black and white.

NEXT: 10 Best Black & White Horror Movies, Ranked

10 Famous Directors Who Cast The Same Actors Over & Over Again

Every movie buff certainly has their favorite director, and they probably also have actors that they like to see bring their favorite flicks to life on the big screen. Of course, sometimes these go hand in hand - and many of the best directors out there are guilty of recycling some pretty famous actors and actresses.

For those that want to get a good binge of a similar cast and some great directing work, it might be a good idea to take a look at these movie geniuses that stick with what works. If it's not broken, don't fix it, and these cast members clearly work well with their director - over and over again.

10 Christopher Nolan

Christopher Nolan is one of the most complex action directors, and fans will never forget watching Inception, Interstellar, or Tenet on the big screen. There's not really a good flick of his without at least a Michael Caine cameo.

Other than Caine, Tom Hardy and Cillian Murphy owe Nolan for three movie credits, closely followed by Batman himself (Christian Bale), Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, and Anne Hathaway.

9 Martin Scorsese

One of the best directors of all time, Martin Scorsese is definitely no novice to directing memorable and brilliant films. While he's known for twists, drama, and intensity, he's also pretty well-known for creating iconic characters - acted by some of the best actors in the industry.

He's cast Robert De Niro in over ten movies (including classics like Taxi Driver and Raging Bull), and Leonardo DiCaprio in half a dozen (with some Oscar wins with The Wolf of Wall Street and The Departed). Fans will also recognize Vera Farmiga, Harvey Keitel, and Joe Pesci as recurring cast members.

8 David O. Russell

David O. Russell has some Oscar nominations under his belt, and his projects have definitely helped some of the best stars in the business receive their own golden statues. He certainly knows it works to use some of the most talented and versatile actors more than once.

With Amy Adams and Christian Bale (The Fighter, American Hustle) and Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook, Joy, American Hustle), he also definitely knows how to use some power duos in some pretty brilliant ways.

7 The Coen Brothers

Joel and Ethan Coen have a wide range of flicks, from slap-stick comedies to Westerns to crime dramas. However, each leaves a unique mark in Hollywood, and despite being wildly versatile, they have a pretty regular cast that have become iconic movie characters.

Frances McDormand's fame began in Blood Simple, and she's appeared in seven more since! Steve Buscemi has definitely blown everyone away in their flicks, along with John Goodman, John Turturro, Holly Hunter, and Jon Polito.

6 Francis Ford Coppola

Francis Ford Coppola is the mastermind behind The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, both fundamentally crucial flicks to Hollywood. Most movie buffs will immediately know that the iconic Marlon Brando appears in both of these.

Coppola also often uses Tom Waits (The Outsiders and Dracula), Robert Duvall (The Conversation and Apocalypse Now), and Laurence Fishburne (Apocalypse Now and Rumble Fish).

5 Judd Apatow

There are a lot of talented directors on this list, and Apatow has made that kind of name for himself in the comedy genre. From This Is 40 to The 40-Year-Old Virgin to Funny People, he has some pretty great comedy actors in his mix.

With Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Paul Rudd, and Jonah Hill, there's no wonder he's made some pretty classic, hilarious flicks - and continues to use these popular faces.

4 Quentin Tarantino

Quentin Tarantino is also regarded as one of the most popular and influential directors of all time, and it doesn't take much thought to think of a few familiar faces that appear more than once at this man's directing.

From Brad Pitt to Leonardo DiCaprio to Uma Thurman to Christoph Waltz to Samuel L. Jackson (he's in six of nine!), some of the best names in the business continue to shine alongside Tarantino.

3 Greta Gerwig

Greta Gerwig first burst onto the big screen as an actress, but she's quickly made a name for herself as a unique and brilliant filmmaker - paving the way for female directors everywhere. She's new to directing, but she's already established some patterns.

Her dramas are raw, funny, and often totally romantic, and she's able to create memorable stories - with help from some actors. Saoirse Ronan has definitely burst into even more fame with Lady Bird and Little Women, and most can also recognize Timothée Chalamet.

2 Wes Anderson

Wes Anderson is the king of fantastical, unique, and totally wholesome and hilarious films. He also might be the most guilty of recycling his most famous cast members.

With Frances McDormand, Willem Dafoe, Adrien Brody, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, and Owen Wilson, this director has used most of these names upwards of three times! Fans can catch nearly all of them in Moonrise Kingdom or The Grand Budapest Hotel.

1 Tim Burton

Tim Burton's cast is something almost famous, and anyone who considers themselves a movie lover definitely already knows who this spooky director always casts. It's not a Tim Burton flick without the iconic Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter.

Depp has featured in eight of Burton films, while Carter (his real-life wife) has made it into seven! Christopher Lee has also appeared in five with Tim Burton.

NEXT: 10 Best Films Directed By Actors-Turned-Directors

Mr. Mayor: Ted Danson Is L.A.'s Mayor In New NBC Sitcom From Tina Fey

You've seen him as a babysitter, a bartender, and an afterlife architect – now get ready to see Ted Danson as a politician in Mr. Mayor, NBC's newest comedy. The 73 year-old actor has perhaps one of the most impressive records when it comes to television. Danson kept audiences charmed for almost 10 years as Sam Malone in Cheers, one of the classic sitcoms to come out of the 80s. Most recently, Danson starred in The Good Place as Michael, a demon architect who unknowingly stumbles upon a problem in the afterlife system.

In January of 2021, NBC will premiere its latest Ted Danson-centered sitcom called Mr. Mayor. The show was created by the Tina Fey, the mastermind behind dozens of hilarious movies. She co-wrote the first 13 episodes with Robert Carlock from 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Mr. Mayor will follow Neil Bremer (Danson), a retired businessman who runs for mayor to prove to his daughter that he is not a "useless old man." When elected, Bremer needs to find out what he stands for as he adapts to his new position. The show will also feature Bobby Moynihan, Holly Hunter, Kyla Kenedy, and Mike Cabellon.

Mr. Mayor will be a part of NBC's Comedy Night on Thursdays – the same night dedicated to other funny shows like Superstore and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. The NBC shows that air on this night have a tendency to go on for many seasons. That said, other shows like A.P. Bio get canceled after a couple of years. With industry tycoons like Fey and Danson, hopefully, Mr. Mayor will be one of the shows that can stick around. Mr. Mayor will premiere on NBC on January 7, 2021.

Mr. Mayor's synopsis reads: Mr. Mayor follows a retired businessman (Ted Danson) who runs for mayor of Los Angeles to prove he's "still got it." Once he wins, he has to figure out what he stands for, gain the respect of his biggest critic (Holly Hunter) and connect with his teenage daughter, all while trying to get anything right for America's second weirdest city.

Next: How Peacock Compares to Netflix, HBO Max & Disney+

Source: NBC

#SaveDaredevil Art Floods In As Fans Urge Marvel to Bring Back The Show

Daredevil inspired artwork continues to flood social media amidst the #SaveDaredevil campaign. After the rights to the series reverted to Marvel from Netflix this past weekend, fans rallied to get #SaveDaredevil trending on Twitter. The hope is that Disney will bring back the original cast and retain the series's darker tone. In the show, Charlie Cox played Matt Murdock alongside a cast rounded out by Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson, and Rosario Dawson.

Daredevil aired on Netflix for three seasons beginning in 2015. The show was part of a broader attempt to build a shared universe of Netflix Marvel shows, to mediocre results. Critics praised Daredevil, Luke Cage, and Jessica Jones, but Iron Fist did not fare as well. The heroes team-up in The Defenders was flawed, albeit enjoyed by fans. However, Netflix ultimately canceled the show just as Disney launched their own streaming service, Disney+.

#SaveDaredevil is a coordinated effort to save the series as it was on Netflix. Fans were not only given instructions on how to get the topic trending on Twitter but were also encouraged to flood other social media sites with Daredevil content. Venomhology, Mizuriau, Bosslogic, Ricojr took to Instagram to post Daredevil art to garner more attention. Most of the art centers around Cox's take on the character, adopting the show's darker palette and tone. Check out some of the posts below:

The Netflix Marvel shows have a passionate fanbase, one that loves their grittier take on superheroes. Additionally, after Ben Affleck's failed attempt at the character, fans fell in love with Cox's take on the New York hero. Keeping Cox in the role for the MCU is one of the primary motivations of the fan campaign. Marvel is likely to bring back Daredevil no matter what, but getting the Netflix cast back together could bring new subscribers to Disney+.

The most challenging aspect of bringing Netflix's Daredevil to Disney+ is the tone of the show. Disney's streaming content is highly focused on family-oriented content, while Netflix's shows allowed for a more mature tone. The shows did not hold back on the violence or language, something Disney has been reticent to introduce on its streaming platform. Disney and Marvel could always tone down the more graphic aspects of the show while still retaining the spirit, but that would also risk fan pushback. Whatever Disney decides to do, though, they'll have to contend with Daredevil's vocal fanbase.

More: How All Of Netflix's Marvel Shows Ended (& What Would Have Happened Next)

Source: #SaveDaredevil / Venomhology, Mizuriau, Bosslogic, Ricojr/ Instagram

Crusader Kings 3 Lord Of The Rings Mod Lets Player Rule Middle-Earth

A mod has been released for Crusader Kings 3 that lets players control factions from the epic fantasy series Lord of the Rings. Crusader Kings 3 is a major strategy title from Paradox Interactive which released on September 1st, 2020. The game has been roundly praised for making the notoriously dense tactical genre more accessible to new players with better tutorials and enhanced RPG mechanics.

A game like Crusader Kings 3 seems like fertile ground for a crossover with Lord of the Rings. Fans of the legendary franchise can still fondly recall the epic, large-scale battles which took place in the films, determining the fate of the entire mythical realm for good or for evil. The iconic franchise is no stranger to the video game medium, either. Numerous video games over the years have sought to grasp the grandeur and adventure of the Lord of the Rings, some better than others. A new video game is even under development which focuses on Gollum, of all characters, providing an unexpected spotlight for the diminutive, slimy creature. It's even coming to Nintendo Switch, so players can be Gollum on the go.

If players' ambitions are a bit grander than Gollum and his paranoid obsessions, then they should turn to this recent mod. It was highlighted by the official Crusader Kings 3 Twitter account as part of its tradition of "Mod Monday" which showcases some of the most impressive mods for Crusader Kings 3. This mod is called Lord of the Rings: Realms in Exile, and features the work of modders from previous Paradox Interactive strategy titles. It features a map of Middle Earth which can be explored and conquered by players controlling their choice from three different factions. Players can protect the Riders of Rohan as King Théoden, or attempt to destroy them as Saruman the White. Wulfgar Brynjarsson of Dunland, a character from a pre-existing Lord of the Rings strategy game, is also available.

It's heartening to see Crusader Kings 3 so readily embracing the modding community, especially when the modding community is just as enthusiastically reciprocating. There are already a lot of mods available for Crusader Kings 3; even a day after release, the game had a whole mod based around Vampire: The Masquerade. If there's one thing that's true about modders for any title, it's that their dedication is unparalleled, and they definitely deserve recognition and support from the developers of the games they love to alter.

Lord of the Rings fans who are keen on strategy should definitely take a look at this mod. A lot of work and a lot of love has clearly been put into making it an engaging and entertaining way to conquer Middle Earth, and the chance to play as iconic characters like Saruman should not be missed. Crusader Kings 3 is proving to be very fertile ground for the modding community, and there will likely be even more excellent mods coming in the future.

Next: Crusader Kings III Review: A Worthy Heir

Source: Crusader Kings 3

Uncharted 4 Trends As Fans Share Their Love For The Game On Twitter

Fans of Naughty Dog’s Uncharted game series are still out there, and still full of praise for its epic conclusion from 2016, as Uncharted 4 once again trends on Twitter. Over the course of ten years, the Uncharted series took players on several globe-trotting adventures. From tropical islands to frozen tundra, gamers experienced the adventures of treasure hunter Nathan Drake, whose roguish charisma somehow managed to offset the incredible kill count he racked up during the franchise's run.

When Nathan’s story concluded in 2016 in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, it was an emotional and fitting finale for its hero. Gamers got to witness the happy life that Nathan builds with series heroine Elena Fisher, after they set up a new business venture together as husband and wife. This ending is clearly one that still holds up today in fans’ memories, even though it has been four years since its release.

Gaming Twitter account bestofvidgames is to thank for starting the nostalgic trip down Uncharted’s memory lane. The account recently shared the famous clip that takes place in King’s Bay, that sees the Drake brothers fleeing a series of armed mercenaries on the back of a motorcycle. Soon after, Uncharted 4 began trending once again on Twitter. Fans of the series flooded the social media platform with compliments and adoration for Naughty Dog’s AAA game. Many go on to laud the game further, wishing that it would receive an upgrade for the current generation of gaming (although it is already able to be played on the PS5 thanks to backwards compatibility).

There are still high hopes for an Uncharted 5 in the future, with a new first party studio from Sony taking shape behind the scenes. Whether or not this new studio venture will in fact be another addition to the Uncharted series though is anyone’s guess. There are theories that Cassie Drake, Nate and Elena’s teenage daughter, could be the ideal character to take the franchise into the new generation of gaming, carrying on the torch of her thrill-seeking parents.

Nothing has been confirmed from any party about another Uncharted videogame instalment, however. Voice actor Nolan North has previously said he would love to reprise his role as Nathan Drake again, giving fans of the series hope that they may once more be able to step into the world of the heroic treasure hunter. Until that day does (or does not) come though, fans will have to content themselves with sentimental trips back to Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and the upcoming live action prequel film with Tom Holland next year.

Next: Awesome Cosplayer Celebrates PS5 Europe Release With Gaming Heroines

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End is available now for the PlayStation 4.

Source: bestofvidgames

Rosario Dawson Understands Ahsoka and Anakin's Relationship

Last Friday, popular Star Wars character Ahsoka Tano made her live-action debut in The Mandalorian's latest episode, titled "The Jedi." The former Jedi was played by Rosario Dawson, fulfilling a popular fan-casting from years prior. This newest episode saw Mando travel to the planet Corvus, where he intends to leave The Child to train with Ashoka Tano. While things don't go according to plan, there are some significant revelations about both Ahsoka and The Child.

Ahsoka wasn't always a beloved character, as her animated debut in the Star Wars: The Clone Wars movie was met with negative backlash. However, as the subsequent animated series went on, and the story began to focus more on Ahsoka's growth as a Jedi, she soon became a fan-favorite character. She has appeared in another Star Wars show, Star Wars Rebels, and returned for the final season of The Clone Wars this past spring. Dawson has made it clear that she understands Ahsoka as a character, specifically the relationship between her and her former master, Anakin Skywalker.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Dawson revealed the interesting connection between Ahsoka's development as a Jedi and her growth as an actor. Both Dawson and Ahsoka began their respective journeys as young teenagers, as Dawson started to pursue acting as a career when she was 16. When she began taking acting classes, she ended up in the same class as Hayden Christensen (known for playing Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars prequels). Dawson thought it was funny how connected she was to Ahsoka before she was even cast.

"...I always just thought it was really cool that I knew someone who was not just in Star Wars but played Anakin Skywalker. Ahsoka was his Padawan, so when the fan-casting came out, I just thought it was pretty wild that I visually connected to this character from being this teenager who met this actor who ended up being this great character. I don’t know, it just felt like the Force was at play."

While Dawson had watched a few episodes of The Clone Wars, she re-watched the entire animated series after being cast as Ahsoka. Dawson vocalized her knowledge of Ashoka as a character and the connection she has to the larger Star Wars universe. She understood the impact Ahsoka had on Anakin's life, especially after she left the Jedi Order. "I started seeing a lot more of the connective tissue," said Dawson. "There was always that conversation around Ahsoka leaving the Order, and that being a major trigger for Anakin going toward the Dark Side."

There is always a level of concern when adapting an animated character to live-action. Sometimes it comes down to aesthetics, as a character might not look as good in live-action. Other times it's an issue in how the character is portrayed, as the live-action actor might not understand what makes this character work. However, it is clear that Rosario Dawson loves and understands Ahsoka Tano's story and has done her best to convey this in her performance. Ahsoka's live-action debut in The Mandalorian has been met with overwhelming praise, and fans can't wait for the next time she appears in the Star Wars universe.

More: Grand Admiral Thrawn Star Wars History: Legends & New Canon Backstory

Source: Vanity Fair

Tesla 'Dog Mode' Explained & Why It's A Great Feature For Pet Owners

Tesla owners old and new can expect a lot from their electric vehicles (EVs), not only in terms of performance but also in high-tech features like Dog Mode. This feature can benefit pets and Tesla owners alike with the tap of a button. Here's everything you need to know.

Over the last seventeen or so years, Tesla has been innovating electric vehicles, pushing the boundaries of both design and performance. Furthermore, the automaker has put a keen focus on practical innovation to help customers in their day-to-day routines, such as Sentry Mode for additional security monitoring and Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities. Dog Mode was officially announced by Tesla in February of 2019, and since then has been a useful tool for Tesla owners running errands with their pets.

Since it was announced by Tesla on Twitter early last year, Dog Mode has allowed owners to set a specific cabin temperature to keep their dog (or any other pet) comfortable. Additionally, the console screen showcases the temperature and a message in a large font to let any passersby know that the animals inside are safe and cool. In a Twitter reply from CEO Elon Musk, Dog Mode was implemented in addition to the "Cabin Overheat Protection" already in place within Tesla's software. This feature monitors high temperatures in a Tesla and self-activates to ensure the cool safety of any children or pets left in the EV. With the addition of a specific Dog Mode, the temperature and small message now appear on the center screen to avoid any confusion.

The best aspect that the Dog Mode feature brings to Tesla owners is peace of mind. In a day and age when pets have become more like family members than pets, Tesla owners can now run errands, go on road trips, and make as many stops as they'd like without having to worry as much about their pet. The EV monitoring the temperature of its own interior puts the Tesla owner's mind at ease while they try to find a replacement Busy Bee toy at the pet store. Furthermore, the large display showcasing the temperature and brief message, "My owner will be back soon," offers additional relief to any passersby unaware of the situation at first glance.

Far too often, pet owners have been scolded or even had their windows smashed for leaving their dog in the car. Tesla has easily alleviated this issue in a clever and effective way, offering safety and reassurance to all parties involved. While this is just one of the many features Tesla has either debuted or teased in the last couple years, Dog Mode has become a popular option for pet owners. With another update on the horizon, it will be interesting to see what new features will become available to Tesla owners and how they might help simplify their lives and the lives of their pets.

More: Why A New Tesla Is Not Such A Crazy Holiday Gift To Give This Year

Source: Tesla/Twitter

Nintendo Switch Fortnite Wildcat Bundle On Sale For Cyber Monday

A specially designed Fortnite Wildcat Bundle for the Nintendo Switch goes on sale today, courtesy of a Cyber Monday deal that lowers the bundle's price down to that of the already-cheap console's base price. This doesn't count as Nintendo's and Fortnite developer Epic Games' first time collaborating on a bundle for the system. However, this particular version of the device is extra special, given the stylized yellow-and-blue color scheme.

The Wildcat Bundle first hit stores in Europe this past October. Naturally, it did not take long for the limited edition system to become hard to find. Because Nintendo's plans for the bundle lacked a North American launch at first, only fans in certain territories were able to get their hands on the unique hardware, but that's about to change for some.

Thankfully, the annual Cyber Monday deals have brought the specially designed console stateside. For $299.99 USD, fans can grab Nintendo Switch's Fortnite Wildcat Bundle at select retailers while supplies last. The Nintendo Switch dock featured in the bundle boasts unique art etched across it, and a yellow Joy-Con (L) and blue Joy-Con (R) fill out the system's stunning design scheme.

This particular release comes with a fair few extras, too, including Fortnite pre-installed on the system, 2,000 V-Bucks (in-game currency), and a code for the Wildcat Bundle. Notably, the latter content serves as an in-game pack complete with cosmetics such as Sleek Strike Back Bling and the Wildcat Outfit.

Such news is no doubt a boon for fans based in the United States who were previously unable to purchase the Fortnite Wildcat Bundle. The $300 USD price seems to be a sweet spot, too. Of course, this high commodity item is likely to prove difficult to get, especially given its release on Cyber Monday. Those interested in picking one up would, thus, do well to keep an eye out for availability through retailers like Best Buy, GameStop, and Walmart. Hopefully, this won't represent the last time Nintendo and Epic are able to put the limited edition hardware on the market.

As has recently been seen with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, limited releases open the door for scalpers who purchase special items and resell them well above market price. While it's hard to say whether these types of individuals will do the same with the Fortnite bundle, a quick Google search shows the Wildcat-designed Nintendo Switch is already being sold on eBay for over $100 USD its original asking price.

Next: Fortnite Mandalorian Skin & Season 5 Battle Pass May Have Just Leaked

Source: Nintendo

Official Poké Ball Replicas Are Now Available For Pre-Order

Earlier this morning, The Pokémon Company announced that official replica Poké Balls are now available for pre-order, ahead of their release next year. Trainers interested in purchasing one should also be aware that, no, they are not meant to be thrown. The release of the iconic Poké Balls are the second wave of new Pokémon merchandise to be announced this week, after 151 different official Pokémon masks were made available for purchase.

There have already hints at big plans for the 25th anniversary of Pokémon next year, and (as expected) new merchandise looks to play a significant role in whatever The Pokémon Company has planned for the occasion. Of course, officially licensed merchandise has been a huge part of the Pokémon franchise from the beginning, from t-shirts and plushies to trading cards. Poké Balls have also previously been available for purchase, but not to the same degree of quality and accuracy as the newly announced item.

The Pokémon Company is looking to change that, according to its website, as it has announced a partnership with The Wand Company to produce high quality, die-cast replica Poké Balls. The Poké Balls are, "Equipped with proximity-sensing technology," which causes the button to glow when it detects nearby movement. Pressing the button also, "changes the light color or starts a Pokémon-catching illumination sequence." The Poké Ball is capable of performing other eye-catching displays as well, per the post,

"Each replica comes with a presentation case—authenticated by a uniquely-numbered hologram—and a polished stainless steel ring that provide multiple ways to properly protect and display the product. Fans will also enjoy multi-colored lights when opening the lid of the case, which can be controlled through a touch-sensitive metal plaque on the front of the case."

The post also mentions that other variations of the iconic Poké Ball will be released throughout 2021, including the great ball, ultra ball, and premier ball. However, The Wand Company's FAQ makes two things clear: the Poké Ball can't be opened, and under no circumstance should it be thrown, as it is a heavy collector's item and throwing it could easily damage the Poké Ball or even injure someone. The Poké Balls are listed for $99.99 (plus taxes and shipping), and pre-orders are scheduled to arrive on February 27 of next year.

The 20th anniversary saw the release of Pokémon Sun & Moon, and there have been long running rumors that remakes of Pokémon Diamond & Pearl are in the works, so 2021 will be a big year for the Pokémon franchise. But, until there is official news regarding any Generation 4 remakes, dedicated fans will still for sure have a chance to buy their own die-cast official Poké Ball starting now, as pre-orders are live at various retailers.

Next: Pokemon Can Kill Each Other, Manga Confirms

Source: The Pokémon Company, The Wand Company/Youtube

Star Wars: All 11 New Force Powers Introduced In Disney’s Sequel Trilogy

Disney's Star Wars sequel trilogy delivered a number of new characters, planets, stories, and, of course, several new Force powers. The sequel trilogy in many ways redefined the Force, particularly the definition of “balance” as it was understood in the original and prequel trilogies, and made good on the promise of new applications of the Force and its dark side. Now that the sequel trilogy has concluded, all the new Force powers that were introduced in the movies can be analyzed and explored.

The Force is a ubiquitous aspect of the Star Wars franchise. It can be summarized as fundamental energy created and nourished by the natural cycle and balance of life, death, emotion, and nature. The corruption of this natural balance is the dark side, whose users undermine the natural energy for their own needs. Technically, there are no Force “powers” per se, because it can do anything its user needs. The Force and its dark side can be applied in various ways that resemble superpowers.

Nearly all of the new Force powers introduced in Disney’s sequel trilogy technically made their debut in non-movie material from both the current canon and the Star Wars Expanded Universe (now known as Legends). Though these powers were first seen in comics, video games, and television series’, Disney’s sequel trilogy gave these Force powers their live-action cinematic debut.

In his introductory scene in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Kylo Ren (who is neither Jedi nor Sith, but the leader of a new dark side religion, the Knights of Ren) freezes Resistance pilot Poe Dameron in place and a blaster bolt in midair. Later in the film, he freezes Rey in place to probe her mind and capture her. Force Stasis is also used by both Kylo Ren and Rey in their final duel on Kef Bir, stopping their opponents’ lightsaber blades from hitting them.

This power was first introduced in the Legends novel Children of the Jedi, and was also seen in the opening cutscene of Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II, and is a usable power in the Knights of the Old Republic video games. Its use by Jedi, Sith, and Knights of Ren makes it something of a “neutral” power. An incredibly potent ability, Force Stasis can be used offensively to end a fight instantly, as Kylo Ren and Jerec did. As seen in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, it can be used defensively too, blocking lightsaber strikes that its user might otherwise be hit by.

In their brief conflict on Takodana, Kylo Ren probes the mind of a frozen Rey. Once he feels that Rey knows the information he needs, he uses the dark side to render Rey unconscious before taking her to Starkiller Base for a more intense bout of dark side-fueled interrogation. This was the only use of this power in the Skywalker saga, though a similar one was used by Qui-Gon Jinn to calm a panicked Jar Jar Binks. Because of this, the power is likely also a neutral one.

Using the Force to sedate someone has been seen before in both continuities. In Legends’ Star Wars: The Old Republic, Jedi Master Yonlach uses this ability on the Sith Warrior’s companion, Vette to gain an advantage in their battle. In canon, Mace Windu uses it on Raki Hardeen after concluding an interrogation in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. This power may be derived from the Jedi mind trick, as it entrances its victim into a deep sleep, yet unlike the mind trick, it works on the strong-minded, like Vette and Rey.

In Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Luke Skywalker opted to spend his final days on the planet Ahch-To, where he’s cut himself off from the Force. Because of this, he couldn’t sense the deaths of those in the Hosnian system when the First Order destroyed it, nor could he feel the loss of one of his best friends, Han Solo, when he was murdered by Kylo Ren. The ability to sever one’s connection to the Force has been seen before from Jedi in times of personal crises. In Legends, Kyle Katarn famously used this ability in Jedi Outcast, in response to his brief turn to the dark side in Mysteries of the Sith. The current canon’s Kanan Jarrus severed his connection as well after surviving Order 66 and becoming a fugitive of the Empire. An offensively-used dark side version of this power also exists in Legends, with the Sith Lord Darth Caedus temporarily blocking Ben Skywalker from using the Force.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi featured a moment that was cathartic for many viewers: Leia finally using the Force in a live-action film. Seemingly doomed after being blown out of the bridge of the Raddus by First Order TIEs, Leia survived the vacuum of space for a time by protecting herself with the Force and pulling herself back to the Raddus where Resistance medics could then tend to her. Using the Force to protect oneself has been seen many times before in the Expanded Universe. Protection is a useable power in the Jedi Knight and Knights of the Old Republic series’. The power is typically used by the Jedi as a last line of defense in extremely life-threatening scenarios. In Legends, Jedi Master Shaak Ti survived what would have been a fatal lightsaber strike from General Grievous on Hypori by using the Force to protect her.

In The Last Jedi, Luke Skywalker’s final act before his death was to distract a First Order military formation and Kylo Ren by projecting an image of himself from across the galaxy to engage in a “duel” with the newly-appointed Supreme Leader. Though the exhaustion from this feat ended up killing him, it demonstrated an incredible mastery of the Force, and successfully bought the surviving Resistance members enough time to escape the planet Crait and fight another day.

Force projection first appeared in the Expanded Universe comic Dark Empire, where Luke, feigning allegiance to Darth Sidious and drifting dangerously close to falling to the dark side, used a projection of himself to get Han and Leia to safely leave the Deep Core world of Byss so that he could continue undermining Palpatine’s hidden Empire from within. Though it was first introduced as a dark side power, projection can also be seen used by Jedi, such as Mara Jade in Mysteries of the Sith. Unlike canon, the Legends version of projection does not appear to put a strain on its caster, let alone fatal levels of exhaustion.

While Luke’s training on Dagobah in The Empire Strikes Back partially involved doing a hand-stand while levitating various objects, Rey’s introduction in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker shows her meditating while floating in the air, with rocks orbiting her. This moment was allegedly going to be how Luke was introduced in Star Wars: The Force Awakens before Rian Johnson stated that Luke would be cut off from the Force in his film. This form of meditation indicates a Force user with an incredible intrinsic connection to the Force. Although only Rey was seen meditating this way in canon, the ability appears several times in the Expanded Universe. Notably, this telekinetic meditation was first seen in The Courtship of Princess Leia, performed by Luke, one of the galaxy’s most powerful Force users, especially in Legends.

One of the most powerful applications of the Force in the films, Force healing was used in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker by Rey to revive a wounded Vexis and a dying Kylo Ren. When Kylo became Ben Solo once more, he resurrected Rey herself moments after her demise. In canon, healing with the Force is not a power that a dark side practitioner can use, and it requires one to transfer their own life energy into another. Because of this, the redeemed Ben Solo died shortly after reviving Rey. While this was the first cinematic appearance of Force healing, this power was seen in a canon live-action story shortly before the release of The Rise of Skywalker. In The Mandalorian, Baby Yoda heals a wounded Greef Karga and simultaneously cures him of the effects of deadly venom.

Force healing was similarly used in the current canon by The Daughter of Mortis to resurrect a deceased Ahsoka Tano. In Legends, the power works differently. Instead of transferring one’s own life energy to another, it’s simply calling on the Force to rapidly heal wounds, cure diseases, and neutralize poisons. It can be used on oneself or another, and, like in canon, is not a power afforded to dark side users. Force healing was a specialty of some Jedi, known as “Jedi Healers.” One such example: The Legends version of Barriss Offee, and her use of the ability on Clone Troopers was seen in the MedStar duology of books.

The Force-powered bond between two people made its live-action debut in The Last Jedi with Rey and Kylo Ren, but this use of the Force has appeared many times before in both continuities. A Force bond is where two close beings can communicate and feel each other’s thoughts and feelings more easily through the Force. In canon, Darth Sidious exploited the bond between Yoda and Count Dooku in a bid to turn Yoda to the dark side. Force bonds appeared several times in Legends, such as the ones between Revan and Bastilla Shan, Meetra Surik and Kreia, and the Sithspawn Gorc and Pic.

But the bond between Rey and Kylo Ren goes beyond a typical Force bond, as shown in The Rise of Skywalker. They are a “dyad in the Force,” a concept created in canon in which two beings are essentially one as far as the Force is concerned. In the film, this led to even more unique uses of the Force, such as transferring objects from one person to the other, no matter their distance.

Though not properly explained in the film, the method that Palpatine used to return from the dead in The Rise of Skywalker is transferring his consciousness to a new body. After his death aboard the Second Death Star in Return of the Jedi, Palpatine, who had unstable cloned bodies waiting for him on the Sith world Exegol, transferred his mind into one, returning from the dead, albeit far weaker than he was in his original form. This power, first used almost identically in Legends’ Dark Empire comic series, shows the “unnatural” nature of the dark side and shows that Sidious learned the secrets of immortality from his master, Darth Plagueis.

The dark side equivalent to Force healing, this power was used by Sidious to revive himself upon discovering that Rey and Kylo Ren are a dyad in the Force. Sidious revitalized his body, using the combined life energy of the two. This left him with enough additional power to blast frigates out of the sky with his Force lightning. Force drain appears in several Legends-era video games as well, used as a dark side user’s way of replenishing health at the cost of their enemies.

While Force ghosts have existed since the very first Star Wars film, The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker introduce new abilities for them that haven’t been seen before in either continuity. As seen with Yoda and Luke on Ahch-To, they can now interact with solid objects, and in some cases use their own Force powers, such as Yoda summoning a lightning storm and Luke lifting his X-Wing from the water. In one final, awe-inspiring moment, Jedi from throughout the saga lend their power to Rey during her battle against her grandfather, Darth Sidious.

Next: Star Wars: Every Upcoming Movie & Release Date