Market research firm Newzoo said the games industry is set to grow 2.1% year over year, down from its earlier forecast of 2.8% year-over-year growth.

In 2021, plane manufacturer Boeing was dealing with myriad challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic was continuing to disrupt air travel and plane production, and multiple crashes of the companys best-selling plane, the 737 Max, had landed Boeing in a legal and PR crisis. On top of that loomed the retirement of then 64-year-old CEO, Dave Calhoun, who was just coming up on the companys mandatory retirement age of 65.To maintain some stability in a trying time, Boeing made a key policy decision. It changed its mandatory retirement age from 65 to 70 so Calhoun could continue to guide the company through the crises hed already been navigating. (Calhoun retired earlier this month and was succeeded by Robert Kelly Ortberg.)Who is subject to mandatory retirement?Boeing is not the only major company to have such a policy requiring its CEO to retire at a set age. And stability and experience are chief among the reasons critics of mandatory retirement ages find the practice impractical and at odds with companies success.Its a sentiment Congress has supported since 1967, when the government body prohibited mandatory retirement for anyone over age 40 with the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. A 1996 amendment to the law, however, allowed public employers to institute mandatory retirement ages for jobs like firefighters and police officers. Today, airplane pilots, state court judges, and some C-suite executives and board members are also subject to mandatory retirement ages in the U.S.The law recognizes industries and positions where age may constitute a so-called bona fide occupational qualification, says Stanford University professor Daniel Ho via email to Fast Company. Ho was the lead author of the 2021 paper, Mandatory Retirement and Age, Race, and Gender Diversity of University Faculties.Mandatory retirement ages range from roughly 50 to 70 worldwide, according to the World Bank, with China setting the cap at 50 for women (and 60 for men) and France setting the age at 70 for both genders. Meanwhile, in the U.S. in 2022, the 10 oldest CEOs of the countrys 3,000 largest companies ranged from 84 to 91.Age caps have gradually increased over the years, says Julie Daum, leader of executive consulting firm Spencer Stuarts North American Board Practice. Today 57% of S&P 500 boards set the maximum at 75 or older, up from 24% of S&P 500 boards 10 years ago. Few boards have term limits for their directors, Daum adds, so mandatory retirement becomes the primary tool for encouraging board refreshment.While some consider refreshment to be one of many important side effects of mandatory retirement ages, others call the practice ageist and describe it as a potential squandering of hard-earned experience.Does it have to do with age? Does it have to do with competence? asks David Buck, owner of Kairos Management Solutions, a career and retirement consulting company. Having dug deeper into the reasons behind mandatory retirement ages, Buck found that theyre often instituted to try and create a fair and level playing field that doesnt discriminate against individuals who start losing steam at work as they age. In other words, mandatory retirement ages let employers avoid awkward conversations about letting older workers go because theyre underperforming. Instead, everyone leaves at a certain age, regardless of their circumstances, no hard feelings.In essence, mandatory retirement ages make a betthat most 70-year-olds, for example, wont be as effective at flying planes or policing the streets compared to most under-70-year-olds. Still, theres a case to be made both for and against mandatory retirement ages, as their absence and presence can significantly affect both workers and the organizations that hire (and fire) them.The risks of not retiringSafety often comes to mind first when discussing mandatory retirement ages for certain professions, particularly life-saving ones like surgeons and firefighters. Though the American College of Surgeons doesnt support a mandatory retirement age because the onset and rate of age-related decline in clinical performance varies among individuals, it does acknowledge that gradual decline in overall health, physical dexterity, and cognition generally increases after the age of 60.While Congress has pushed to raise the mandatory retirement age of airline pilots from 65 to 67, the Federal Aviation Administration came out against the proposed change, saying it needed to research its safety. In roles where there are heavy physical needs, says Buck, mandatory retirement ages just make sensesomeone in their eighties is probably not going to have the physical demands required to be a firefighter. The job necessitates quick reactions and physical strength that decline at older ages.The same goes for efficiency, says Buck. Do [workers] have the physical or cognitive abilities to be as efficient as they were [when they were younger]? Declining efficiency can impact an entire companys performance. As consultant Michael Goldblatt writing for the American Bar Association puts it, mandatory retirement ages can help companies avoid the need to monitor competence. Not to mention its effect on a companys expenses, since long-time employees tend to take home more pay even as their performance may decline.The positives of mandatory retirementChange is also an important factor to consider when it comes to mandatory retirement. In his 2021 study that looked at American law school faculty from 1971 to 2017, Ho and colleagues found that when the elimination of mandatory retirement took effect in 1994 . . . those on the cusp of retirement were disproportionately white (98%) and male (92%). Thirty-nine percent of faculty, per Ho, would have been subject to mandatory retirement before the change. As a result, institutions were slower to hire younger faculty members, who were far more likely to be women and minority scholars.Proponents of mandatory retirement in education posit that it enables newer voices to be heard, the study says. Per its findings, those newer voices were also more likely to bring diverse perspectives and lived experiences to their institutions.The same goes for company boards. One of the positive effects of having a mandatory retirement age is that it allows boards to plan for retirements and turnover, says Daum. Many boards are reluctant to have hard conversations with directors whose skill sets are no longer current or who are not contributing at the same level as they once did.Then theres the question of dignity. Without a designated exit age, theres an increased risk of workers aging out of their roles, physically or cognitively, before they feel ready and willing to leave them. A retirement age allows people to leave the board gracefully and at a planned time, Daum says.The value of experienceWhile ability may decline with age, the flipside is that experience only increases with it. Theres a balance, particularly with surgeons, about the level of expertise, says Buck. If someones athletically fit and has the energy to perform open heart surgery on me, thats needed. But man, experience means a lot. Plus, patients who are loyal to certain doctors might switch practices if the physician theyve been coming to for years is no longer there. The same could be said for loyal clients or customers supporting other businesses.On boards of directors, mandatory retirement can mean the loss of a seasoned board member who has deep institutional knowledge and valuable experience, says Daum. That deep knowledge might come in particularly handy during unexpected scenarios.Think of a difficult economic environment that is outside of the control of a single CEO, says Matteo Tonello, a managing director at business research group The Conference Board. He gives the example of the COVID-19 pandemic, when multiple boards asked CEOs who were ready for retirement to stay on to help navigate the unprecedented crisis. Why compound the business risks of the market difficulty with the disruptions and uncertainties of a CEO transition? he says.Theres also the danger of overestimating cognitive and physical decline in older workers. You can line up 10 75-year-olds against the wall, and each one of them is going to be at a different place, cognitively and physically, Buck says. We are all aging differently. Tonello applies this to CEOs. Say one reaches retirement age but continues to perform very well. Why interrupt the momentum by imposing a leadership transition that almost inevitably comes with internal reorganizations and changes? he asks.Furthermore, mandatory retirement ages have the potential to negatively affect the health of those forced to stop working. Buck, 60, lives in a 55-plus community, where he sees both the benefits and downsides of retirement. Careers foster social connections, which have been shown to bolster both physical and mental health. When you step into post-career or retirement life, immediately, on average, your social network drops by 50% and continues to decline, says Buck, whos seen that isolation negatively affect his neighbors.Other optionsMandatory retirement ages may not be the only way to make room for younger, newer employees. Buck brings up options for phasing older workers out of their roles instead of forcing them into a hard stop.Many companies are willing to be flexible in what theyre allowing their employees to do, he says, meaning older employees can negotiate a part-time or project-based work mode. This also lets them continue to share their expertise and mentor younger employees without having as demanding of a schedule.Ultimately, though, juggling the pros and cons of mandatory retirement might just be unavoidable. The most important thing is to be aware of tradeoffs, says Ho. Our research shows that reducing discrimination along one dimensionagecan undercut advancement along other dimensionsgender and race. We often do not recognize these internal tensions in civil rights laws.

Dezeen School Shows: a board game intending to preserve the traditional language of an indigenousMexican community is included in Dezeen's latest school show by students at Instituto Tecnolgico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. Also included is a table which is 3D-printed,made using coffee-based biomaterials. This school show also features a fashion collection which explores gender identity.Instituto Tecnolgico y de Estudios Superiores de MonterreyInstitution: Instituto Tecnolgico y de Estudios Superiores de MonterreySchool: Architecture, Art and Design (EAAD)Course: Final Design exhibitions, Tecnolgico de Monterrey Design SchoolTutors: Jos de la O, Miguel Arjona, Aldo Caedo, Gerardo Osio, Daniel Zurita, Marcelo Ramrez, Hilda Varela, Sonia Yuruen Lerma, Romain Roy-Pinot, Montserrat Castan, Joel Olgun, Miguel Jimnez Gonzlez, Diana Jimenez, Nathalie Cortes, Jaime Solrzano, Rene Corella, Luis Franco, Edgar Ludert, Hugo Martnez, Marcela Mndez, Ana Paula Snchez, Dania Navarro, Mara Jos Yaz, Alejandra Alfaro, Jos Miguel Tejera Farias and Christiam Ivn MendozaSchool statement:"EAAD is conformed by students all over the country at Tec de Monterrey Institution and it focuses on training professionals capable of facing contemporary challenges in these fields through innovation, creativity and sustainability, by supporting the students' initiatives and giving visibility to their work."Since the founding of our school, it has been a member of prestigious organisations such as the International Association of Universities and Colleges of Art, Design and Media (CUMULUS), the World Design Organisation (WDO), the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), UN-Habitat and the Association of Institutions of Architectural Education of the Mexican Republic (ASINEA) and it has stood at the top 50 according to the QS World University Ranking by Subject, 2024."Each exhibition showcases the best projects created by design students. All the selected projects stand out for their high conceptual and execution quality, as well as their alignment with the principles and DNA of the Tecnolgico de Monterrey School of Design. Every end of the semester our students put on a final exhibition on each of their campuses. This is a small sample of ten of the most significant collections and projects of the Tecnologico de Monterrey School of Design."Puros CircuiotsbyJimena Acosta, Mara Fernanda Arellano, Balkis Gonzlez, Giovanna Vega, Isabella Rincn, Daniela Tinoco, Irlanda Chvez, Fernando Ayala, Jimena Acosta and Mara Fernanda Arellano"T-23 is a printed circuit, inspired by tarot and that provides a combination of messages related to fortune or words of wisdom, intending to encourage dynamism within our interactions and entertain; an atypical fusion that seeks to start a dialogue."Leaving notes: what gives life to the piece is a microcontroller that works as a voice recorder and a microphone, with a button to record and a speaker to another to play messages."Auora: a luminaire composed of two printed circuit boards that are in tune with the golden ratio, representing the passage of time with subtlety, contemplation and poetry."Luminary starlight: a visual timer formed by the union of two printed circuit boards, inspired by the stars and constellations of star charts, for their historical use as a reference for maritime navigation."0-22: an exploration of the convergence between two opposing forces, representing a meeting point between technology and esotericism."Students: Jimena Acosta, Mara Fernanda Arellano, Balkis Gonzlez, Giovanna Vega, Isabella Rincn, Daniela Tinoco, Irlanda Chvez, Fernando Ayala, Jimena Acosta and Mara Fernanda ArellanoCourse: Emerging Technologies and Digital TransformationTutors: Jos de la O, Miguel Arjona and Aldo CaedoQuality Time by Emiliano Snchez, Luca Hernndez, Hellen Castillo, Astridd Huerta, Stephany Pacheco, Mayalen Ramrez, Ximena Irazaba and Regina Contreras"This collection comprises five meticulously conceived pieces, each designed to emphasise the time and dedication invested in every stage of their creation."Incorporating both traditional and contemporary elements that reflect our history and identity, each piece represents a fusion of Mexican heritage with a contemporary aesthetic language, inspired by Scandinavian and Brazilian design."From the selection of wood to the finishing touches, every detail reflects the students' passion and commitment to creating furniture that transcends mere practical use, evolving into an expression of art and culture."By integrating the finest aspects of our national heritage with international design influences, this collection not only appeals to the contemporary luxury market but also celebrates diversity and innovation in design. The collection is integrated by: Ecos de la calle, Xylocopa, Calli and Alabeo."Luxury, beyond opulence, should be perceived and celebrated for the time and effort invested in what provides us with wellbeing; the small details matter the most."Students: Emiliano Snchez, Luca Hernndez, Hellen Castillo, Astridd Huerta, Stephany Pacheco, Mayalen Ramrez, Ximena Irazaba and Regina ContrerasCourse: Form, Function, Sense and ValueTutors: Montserrat Castaon, Joel Olgun and Miguel Jmenez-GonzlezDreams of Lightness by Ana Llanderal, Dulce Gonzlez and Melissa Zamudio, Patricio Serrano, Gabriela Sofa Galaviz, Sebastin Ros, Perla Jaramillo, Juan Diego Lira, Alfredo Carrillo, Alejandra Lamas, Ximena Guzmn, Fernada Sosa, Andrea Romo and Ana Hurtado, Jos Luis Gmez, Ian Cabrera, Christa Estrada and Itzel Glvez"Maintaining coherence with the environment and social context in which students operate, the project seeks to generate proposals that reflect and offer reflections on a theme with which they deeply identify."This semester, the focus is on exploring the challenges and difficulties faced by creative individuals in Latin America."These challenges arise from limited opportunities for growth and global recognition in geographically distant spaces, times and forums."Issues such as high transportation costs, economic disparities with the European context and lack of support from local entities have led designers and creatives to take measures that over-optimise the experience of presenting their work at design events."The collection is integrated by: Ausente, Comodn, Difano, Fog, Gami, Hidden Talent Tote, Innotrek Essentials, Luce, Milano Rover, The Unit, Wearable Suitcase and New Romantics."Students: Ana Llanderal, Dulce Gonzlez and Melissa Zamudio, Patricio Serrano, Gabriela Sofa Galaviz, Sebastin Ros, Perla Jaramillo, Juan Diego Lira, Alfredo Carrillo, Alejandra Lamas, Ximena Guzmn, Fernada Sosa, Andrea Romo and Ana Hurtado, Jos Luis Gmez, Ian Cabrera, Christa Estrada and Itzel GlvezCourse: Collection Exhibited at Base MilanoTutor: Miguel Arjonaternit by Tayanna Valerie Arfeuille"Open Room is the vibrant exhibition of the race of Design at the Tec de Monterrey campus Guadalajara, which comes to life at the end of each semester."This event brings together and exhibits the works most notable, innovative projects, prototypes avant-garde and impressive designs created by our talented students during the period school."ternit is a three-piece jewellery collection in 925 silver, two charms and a pin."The movable system that the pieces have works with layers of metal, which help give depth and hierarchy to the pieces."Each section, and are part of the story that the pieces seek to tell through interaction."Student: Tayanna Valerie ArfeuilleCourse: Development of Strategic Design ProjectsTutor: Alejandra AlfaroMetanoia by Paola Haro"This piece is a coffee table with a surface made of modular pieces of 3D-printed coffee-based biomaterial, as part of the Open Room exhibition."Student: Paola HaroCourse: Development of Strategic Design ProjectsTutor: Jos Miguel TejeraVita by Gracia Altamirano"This piece is a comprehensive solution for the effective monitoring and support of young adults with chronic diseases as part of the Open Room exhibition."Student: Gracia AltamiranoCourse: Development of Strategic Design ProjectsTutor: Christiam Ivan MendozaIgnea by Marcela Mndez and Ana Paula Snchez"From the Central Western region we seek a focus on social innovation, sustainability and responsible design. Our vision as a design major is to answer the question: how are we educating the designers of the future?"Ignea is a capsule collection of footwear and bags composed of five elements that challenge gender conventions by fusing elements traditionally associated with masculine and feminine into unisex designs."This collection does not seek neutrality, but rather to celebrate and highlight the unique nuances of each gender, challenging pre-established perceptions of fashion."Each piece in the collection is designed for those who want to feel represented and seen in their authenticity, with the aim of transforming the experience of walking and carrying from an inclusive and modern perspective, without leaving behind the sustainable."Students: Marcela Mndez and Ana Paula Snchez, with training partner Narcisa PichardoCourse: Development of Strategic Design ProjectsTutors: Mariano Garca, Rebeca Torres and Alejandro AcuaNexus by Dania Navarro and Mara Jos Yaez"From the Central Western region we seek a focus on social innovation, sustainability and responsible design. Our vision as a design major is to answer the question: how are we educating the designers of the future?"Nexus is a line of urban furniture with the intention to promote the reactivation of ignored public spaces in the city, in order to reconnect with the sense of belonging and community that has been lost over the years."The aim is to increase permanence in these spaces by facilitating such natural actions for citizens as waiting, resting or eating."The proposal is made up of a series of versatile and adaptable modules (rest, shelter, eating surface and backrest) that are interconnected through slots and flaps and are configured according to the needs of each space."These modules are 100 per cent manufactured in Mexico with laser cutting, bending and welding of carbon steel."Students: Dania Navarro and Mara Jos Yaez, with training partner Laser & ManufacturingCourse: Desarrollo de Proyectos Estratgicos de DiseoTutors: Mariano Garca, Rebeca Torres and Alejandro AcuaCampo Ldico x Ludicalles by Product Family Design students"Campo Ldico (Recreational Field) is a set of 13 urban games developed in collaboration with Ludicalles, with urban furniture which aims to integrate into the streets and meet the needs of the children in the town of Iztapalapa, Mexico City."The proposals are an invitation to reclaim the streets as safe spaces for play; the students designed furniture with the intention of creating a playful and safe environment that encourages family and community interaction."Various meetings and workshops were organised among students, professors, coordinators and children to determine the activities that guided the design of the urban games. Each piece is designed from an action related to play."To create ludic spaces within recovered streets repurposed for public use, our students designed a catalogue of ludic elements that were developed based on the desires and needs of children living in Iztapalapa."The projects intend to provide elements that promote free play and sense of community, the projects developed were: Entrelazos, Hoja, Nido, Lianas, Sendero, Escalrbol, Lneas, Ola, Constelacin, Cima, Oruga, Trompa and Saltamontes."Students: Product Family Design studentsCourse: Product Family DesignTutor: Gerardo Osio, Daniel Zurita, Marcelo Ramierz, Hilda Varela, Yuren Lerma, Romain Roy-Point and Alberto MendozaCuenta Cuentos by Jazmn Regalado, Innn Rojas and Jimena Elas"Over the past four years, faculty and students at the Sonora North Campus School of Design have focused their creative energy on two broad areas of 'life-centered design' and 'design for vulnerable communities'."'Life-centered design encompasses regeneration projects, ecosystem preservation and co-multispecies creation working for and with water, birds, bees and other living beings."'Design for vulnerable communities' is dedicated to improving the daily lives of vulnerable groups, positioning design not only as a tool, but as a key attitude and antidote to achieving social and environmental harmony."Cuenta Cuentos is a board game designed with the purpose of supporting the preservation of Cmiique Iitom, the ancestral language of the Comcac nation, originally from Sonora."Through illustrations inspired by its rich worldview, the game invites players to interpret symbols, create stories and let their imaginations run wild, fostering a deep understanding and appreciation for this unique culture."Students: Jazmn Regalado, Innn Rojas and Jimena ElasCourse: Form, Function, Sense and ValueTutor: Diana Jimenez, Nathalie Cortes, Jaime Solrzano, Rene Corella, Luis Franco, Edgar Ludert and Hugo MartnezPartnership content This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and Instituto Tecnolgico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.The post Ten design projects by students at Instituto Tecnolgico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey appeared first on Dezeen.

Unlike your average drones used for cinematic shots or racing gigs, these IKEA drones can scan massive warehouses, tracking the influx and outflow of inventory.IKEAs recent move to scale its fleet of inventory drones marks a pivotal moment in the integration of cutting-edge tech within retail logistics. The company is looking to advanced drone tech to take charge of the decor giants warehouses across Europe. IKEAs collaboration with Verity, a startup known for its specialized drones, now spans 16 locations across Europe. The project initially began in 2021 and has grown steadily, positioning IKEA at the forefront of innovative supply chain management. The 100 drones currently in use represent a practical solution to a logistical challenge: monitoring vast warehouse spaces packed with towering shelves that are difficult for human workers or traditional robots to navigate.Designer: Verity for IKEAThese drones come equipped with sensors and high-resolution cameras that allow them to scan inventory with accuracy and speed, providing a constant stream of data that updates in real time. This capability is especially vital for IKEA, whose warehouses handle everything from bulky furniture to smaller, more complex products. The drones can cover areas that would be impossible or highly inefficient for human workers to manage, enabling continuous operations that reduce errors and ensure stock levels are maintained effectively. This kind of precise monitoring cuts down on the time and labor traditionally required for manual stock-taking, while also minimizing the risk of overstocking or stockoutsissues that can disrupt the supply chain.Beyond hardware, Veritys role in this development involves customizing a solution that aligns with IKEAs needs. The drones operate independently, requiring minimal intervention, which allows IKEA to focus more on strategic planning and less on routine logistical tasks. By maintaining 24/7 operations, these drones are able to deliver inventory data thats constantly updated, offering insights that traditional systems simply cannot match. Their integration is smooth, even down to the brandingwith each drone featuring IKEAs colors and logo, they fit seamlessly into the companys broader identity.As retail continues to evolve with increasing emphasis on automation, IKEAs strategy serves as a model for how large-scale companies can use technology to disrupt operations by radically improving efficiency. The expansion of these drones into multiple European markets signals that this is not just an experiment but a calculated investment in the future of inventory management. It also allows IKEA to focus its literal manpower in other places, rather than having them manage massive warehouses which can be unsafe.I just wish the company sold drones too!The post IKEA adds a fleet of drones to its inventory-management centers all across Europe first appeared on Yanko Design.

Depth of field looks nice in a trailer, but in practice it audaciously tries to do your eyes' job for you.The visual frippery that games could do without.

Kerning fans, this ones for you.

Although Fields of Mistria wears its inspiration on its sleeve, it isn't just another Animal Crossing, Harvest Moon, or Stardew Valley. Here are 16 things I wish I knew before starting Fields of Mistria.

Black Magic users have been a constant threat to the magical world, and the main antagonists in most of Fairy Tail's arcs. But little is known about the origins of these scoundrels and their motivations, aside from what they manifest during their endless monologues.

Hello! I'm a videogame composer looking for work. I'm just starting out so I don't have much experience, but I have made other works of music in the past, including a small EP based off of the music from Ridge Racer Type 4. My range is pretty large when it comes to things. If anyone is working on a game project and needs music, please reach out to me.

July has come and gone, and with it so too have the dog days of summer. We still have a few more weeks to luxuriate in the sun, but theres nothing like sitting down after a hot day outside to watch a good movie. If youre looking for an exciting sci-fi flick on Netflix to watch this weekend, youre in luck: Weve once again cherry-picked the best of this best selections on the streamer to watch this month. Whether its ne0-noir drama exploring the intersection of nostalgia and grief, grandiose space opera epics, or a transformative sequel from one of the modern living masters of the genre, theres plenty to choose from and enjoy in August.Lets see what this month has to offer!Editors Pick: ReminiscenceDirector: Lisa JoyCast: Hugh Jackman, Rebecca Ferguson, Thandiwe NewtonReminiscence is not what I would call a great movie. So why am I recommending Reminiscence? Simple: While I dont think its perfect, I do think its interesting, and what I find most interesting about it is its unabashed willingness to stare the future in the face and not flinch, unlike so many other modern sci-fi movies that conspicuously avoid grappling, let alone acknowledging, one of the most pressing existential concerns of our lifetime in lieu of crowd-pleasing nostalgia fare.Director Lisa Joys sci-fi neo-noir explores the relationship between nostalgia and trauma, following the story of Nick Bannister (Hugh Jackman), a man searching for his missing lover Mae (Rebecca Ferguson) using a machine that can transform memories into 3D projections. Imagine if someone took the Esper machine scene from Blade Runner, where Deckard uses a voice-activated computer to forensically scrutinize the contents of a polaroid using generative technology, and built a whole movie around that.Reminiscence is set in a future where climate change has reached its natural tipping point, flooding the shorelines of Miami and forcing the citys population in turn to adapt to their new reality. The opening expository sequence, with its flood-swallowed skyscrapers and nocturnal Venetian nightlife, is a bolder, more bracingly honest vision of the future than Ive seen in any other modern sci-fi film in recent memory. Its a world where world powers are too busy fighting over scant resources to care about or protect their own citizens, leaving them prey to the private security forces of land barons who reign over the remaining dry lands with impunity.In a world like this, its no wonder that people retreat into a world of their own memories of a past where some semblance of a different, better future still seemed possible. And whats even more fascinating than this is how this worldbuilding doesnt even call attention to itself, remaining more or less on the periphery of Nicks personal journey. For those reasons alone, Reminiscence is worth watching, even if only once. Toussaint EganRebel Moon Part 1 and 2 Directors CutDirector: Zack SnyderCast: Sofia Boutella, Djimon Hounsou, Ed SkreinRebel Moon is the kind of sci-fi movie that isnt supposed to exist anymore. Its a perfect overlap point between Warhammer, Star Wars, and Seven Samurai that blends all three into something wholly unique and interesting.The plot of the film is a nearly exact copy of Seven Samurai, with a disgraced warrior gathering a small band of outlaws and trying to protect a small farm planet from the military might of the Imperium. But what makes the movie great is director Zack Snyders vision for this universe. Despite the fact that we dont spend much time in any one corner of it, Rebel Moons world feels both carefully crafted and fully lived in. Bars are filled with weird tentacle aliens that can somehow control peoples minds, an order of warrior priests collect teeth from fallen enemies for some kind of religious practice, and ships conduct faster than light travel thanks to the tears of a massive machine god.All of this looks absolutely incredible, and if huge, unique space operas are up your alley, then Rebel Moon should be at the top of your watchlist. One thing thats worth noting here is that almost none of what makes Rebel Moon great is present in the original cuts of the movie. They obfuscate almost everything that makes Snyders world cool and gruesome in favor of a sanitized PG-13 bore. Even if youve already seen those terrible versions, the directors cuts are still very much worth your time. Austen GoslinTerminator 2: Judgement DayDirector: James CameronCast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Robert PatrickFew action blockbusters have ever been or will ever be as good as Terminator 2. Director James Cameron had already proven with Aliens that he could turn a monster movie into an action movie with just the right sequel, but in Terminator 2: Judgement Day (or T2), he takes the concept a step further, merging the two genres and creating a fantastic fusion thats never quite been matched.Taking place several years after the original movie, T2 follows John Connors (Edward Furlong) as a kid, when Skynet sends a newer, more advanced terminator model after him. In order to protect him, the resistance sends back a reprogrammed terminator of their own (Arnold Schwarzenegger), who just so happens to look like the one that tried to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) in the original movie.This is perhaps Camerons most brilliant idea in the movie. On the one hand it brings back the fantastic Schwarzenegger as a hero this time, but it also lets us see all of the ways that Sarah has been forever changed by her experience in the first movie. Its a more careful look at the trauma of a survivor than nearly any monster movie sequel since, and its mostly played out in the background of this excellent action movie. AG