A supposedly leaked Spigen case provides another look at the likely Galaxy S25 Ultra design, and we're hearing again that the Galaxy S25 could have 12GB of RAM.

Want more housing market stories from Lance Lamberts ResiClubin your inbox?Subscribeto theResiClubnewsletter.While homebuyers and home sellers still see headlines about the housing market being a sellers market and national home prices reaching all-time highs, a deeper look reveals that several regional housing markets have shifted, giving homebuyers some power.During the pandemic housing boom, from summer 2020 to spring 2022, the number of active homes for sale in most housing markets plummeted as homebuyer demand quickly absorbed almost everything that came up for sale. Fast-forward to the current housing market, and the places where active inventory has rebounded to 2019 levels (due to strained affordability suppressing buyer demand) are now the very places where homebuyers hold the most power.In November 2024, national active inventory for sale was still 17% below November 2019 levels. However, more and more regional markets are surpassing that threshold.Among the nations 400 largest metro area housing markets, 59 markets ended November 2024 with more active homes for sale than they had in pre-pandemic November 2019. These are the places heading into 2025 where homebuyers will be able to find the most leverage or market balance.Many of the softest housing markets, where homebuyers have gained leverage, are located in Gulf Coast and Mountain West regions. These areas were home to many of the nations top pandemic boomtowns, which experienced significant home price growth during the pandemic housing boom, which stretched housing fundamentals far beyond local income levels.When pandemic-fueled migration slowed and mortgage rates spiked, markets like Punta Gorda, Florida, and Austin, Texas, faced challenges as they had to rely on local incomes to sustain frothy home prices. The housing market softening in these areas was further accelerated by the abundance of new home supply in the pipeline across the Sun Belt. Builders in these regions are often willing to reduce prices or make affordability adjustments to maintain sales. These adjustments in the new construction market also create a cooling effect on the resale market, as some buyers who might have opted for an existing home shift their focus to new homes where deals are still available.In contrast, many Northeast and Midwest markets were less reliant on pandemic migration and have less new home construction in progress. With lower exposure to that demand shock, active inventory in these Midwest and Northeast regions has remained relatively tight, keeping the advantage in the hands of home sellers.Generally speaking, housing markets where inventory (i.e., active listings) has returned to pre-pandemic levels have experienced weaker home price growth (or outright declines) over the past 24 months. Conversely, housing markets where inventory remains far below pre-pandemic levels have, generally speaking, experienced stronger home price growth over the past 24 months.

The choking game has potentially deadly consequences, as players are challenged to temporarily strangle themselves by restricting oxygen to the brain. It sounds terrifying, but rough estimates suggest that about 10% of U.S. teenagers may have played this type of game at least once.Theres more, unfortunately: The skull breaker challenge, the Tide Pod challenge, and car surfing are but a few of the deadly games popularized through social media, particularly on Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and X. Many of these games go back more than a generation, and some are resurging.The consequences of these so-called games can be deadly. The skull breaker challenge, for example, involves two people kicking the legs out from under a third person, causing them to fall and potentially suffer lasting injuries. Swallowing detergent pods can result in choking and serious illness. A fall from car surfing can lead to severe head trauma.Coming up with an exact number of adolescent deaths from these activities is difficult. Data is lacking, partly because public health databases do not track these activities wellsome deaths may be misclassified as suicidesand partly because much of the existing research is dated.A 2008 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 82 U.S. children over a 12-year period died after playing the choking game. About 87% of the participants were male, most were alone, and their average age was just over 13. Obviously, new, updated research is needed to determine the severity of the problem.Peer pressure and the developing brainWe are a professor of educational neuroscience and a PhD student in educational psychology. Both of us study how children regulate their behaviors and emotions, why teenagers are particularly vulnerable to dangerous games, and how social media amplifies their risks.Risk-taking is a necessary part of human development, and parents, peers, schools and the broader community play an integral role in guiding and moderating risk-taking. Children are drawn to, and often encouraged to engage in, activities with a degree of social or physical risk, like riding a bike, asking someone for a date or learning how to drive.Those are healthy risks. They let children explore boundaries and develop risk-management skills. One of those skills is scaffolding. An example of scaffolding is an adult helping a child climb a tree by initially guiding them, then gradually stepping back as the child gains confidence and climbs independently.Information-gathering is another skill, like asking if swallowing a spoonful of cinnamon is dangerous. A third skill is taking appropriate safety measuressuch as surfing with friends rather than going by yourself, or wearing a helmet and having someone nearby when skateboarding.The perfect stormDuring adolescence, the brain is growing and developing in ways that affect maturity, particularly within the circuits responsible for decision-making and emotional regulation. At the same time, hormonal changes increase the drive for reward and social feedback.All of these biological events are happening as teenagers deal with increasingly complex social relationships while simultaneously trying to gain greater autonomy. The desire for social validation, to impress peers or to attract a potential romantic interest, coupled with less adult supervision, increases the likelihood of participating in risky behaviors. An adolescent might participate in these antics to impress someone they have a crush on, or fit in with others.Thats why the combination of teenagers and social media can be a perfect stormand the ideal environment for the proliferation of these dangerous activities.Social media shapes brain circuitsSocial media platforms are driven by algorithms engineered to promote engagement. So they feed you what evokes a strong emotional reaction, and they seem to prioritize sensationalism over safety.Because teens strongly react to emotional content, theyre more likely to view, like and share videos of these dangerous activities. The problem has become worse as young people spend more time on social mediaby some estimates, about five hours a day.This may be why mood disorders among young people have risen sharply since 2012, about the time when social media became widespread. These mood disorders, like depression and conduct issues, more than double the likelihood of playing dangerous games. It becomes a vicious cycle.Rather than parents or real-life friends, TikTok, YouTube, and other apps and websites are shaping a childs brain circuits related to risk management. Social media is replacing what was once the communitys role in guiding risk-taking behavior.Protecting teens while encouraging healthy risk-takingMonitoring what teens watch on social media is extraordinarily difficult, and adults often are ill-equipped to help. But there are some things parents can do. Unexplained marks on the neck, bloodshot eyes or frequent headaches may indicate involvement in the choking game. Some social media sites, such as YouTube, are sensitive to community feedback and will take down a video that is flagged as dangerous.As parents keep an eye out for unhealthy risks, they should encourage their children to take healthy ones, such as joining a new social group or participating in outdoor activities. These healthy risks help children learn from mistakes, build resilience, and improve risk-management skills. The more they can assess and manage potential dangers, the less likely they will engage in truly unhealthy behaviors.But many parents have increasingly adopted another route. They shield their children from the healthy challenges the real world presents to them. When that happens, children tend to underestimate more dangerous risks, and they may be more likely to try them.This issue is systemic, involving schools, government, and technology companies alike, each bearing a share of responsibility. However, the dynamic between parents and children also plays a pivotal role. Rather than issuing a unilateral no to risk-taking, its crucial for parents to engage actively in their childrens healthy risk-taking from an early age.This helps build a foundation where trust is not assumed but earned, enabling children to feel secure in discussing their experiences and challenges in the digital world, including dangerous activities both online and offline. Such mutual engagement can support the development of a childs healthy risk assessment skills, providing a robust basis for tackling problems together.Steven Wolterning is an associate professor of educational psychology at Texas A&M University.Paige Williams is a doctoral student in educational psychology at Texas A&M University.This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a set of tax cuts Donald Trump signed into law during his first term as president, will expire on Dec. 31, 2024. As Trump and Republicans prepare to negotiate new tax cuts in 2025, its worth gleaning lessons from the president-elects first set of cuts.The 2017 cuts were the most extensive revision to the Internal Revenue Code since the Ronald Reagan administration. The changes it imposed range from the tax that corporations pay on their foreign income to limits on the deductions individuals can take for their state and local tax payments.Trump promised middle-class benefits at the time, but in practice more than 80% of the cuts went to corporations, tax partnerships, and high-net-worth individuals. The cost to the U.S. deficit was hugea total increase of $1.9 trillion from 2018 to 2028, according to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office. The tax advantage to the middle class was small.Advantages for Black Americans were smaller still. As a scholar of race and U.S. income taxation, I have analyzed the impact of Trumps tax cuts. I found that the law has disadvantaged middle-income, low-income and Black taxpayers in several ways.Cuts worsened disparitiesThese results are not new. They were present nearly 30 years ago when my colleague William Whitford and I used U.S. Census Bureau data to show that Black taxpayers paid more federal taxes than white taxpayers with the same income. In large part thats because the legacy of slavery, Jim Crow, and structural racism keeps Black people from owning homes.The federal income tax is full of advantages for home ownership that many Black taxpayers are unable to reach. These benefits include the ability to deduct home mortgage interest and local property taxes, and the right to avoid taxes on up to $500,000 of profit on the sale of a home.Its harder for middle-class Black people to get a mortgage than it is for low-income white people. This is true even when Black Americans with high credit scores are compared with white Americans with low credit scores.When Black people do get mortgages, they are charged higher rates than their white counterparts.Trump did not create these problems. But instead of closing these income and race disparities, his 2017 tax cuts made them worse.Black taxpayers paid higher taxes than white taxpayers who matched them in income, employment, marriage and other significant factors.Broken promises, broken trustFairness is an article of faith in American tax policy. A fair tax structure means that those earning similar incomes should pay similar taxes and stipulates that taxes should not increase income or wealth disparities.Trumps tax cuts contradict both principles.Proponents of Trumps cuts argued the corporate rate cut would trickle down to all Americans. This is a foundational belief of supply side economics, a philosophy that President Ronald Reagan made popular in the 1980s.From the Reagan administration on, every tax cut for the rich has skewed to the wealthy.Just like prior trickle down plans, Trumps corporate tax cuts did not produce higher wages or increased household income. Instead, corporations used their extra cash to pay dividends to their shareholders and bonuses to their executives.Over that same period, the bottom 90% of wage earners saw no gains in their real wages. Meanwhile, the AFL-CIO, a labor group, estimates that 51% of the corporate tax cuts went to business owners and 10% went to the top five highest-paid senior executives in each company. Fully 38% went to the top 10% of wage earners.In other words, the income gap between wealthy Americans and everyone else has gotten much wider under Trumps tax regime.Stock market inequalityTrumps tax cuts also increased income and wealth disparities by race because those corporate tax savings have gone primarily to wealthy shareholders rather than spreading throughout the population.The reasons are simple. In the U.S., shareholders are mostly corporations, pension funds and wealthy individuals. And wealthy people in the U.S. are almost invariably white.Sixty-six percent of white families own stocks, while less than 40% of Black families and less than 30% of Hispanic families do. Even when comparing Black and white families with the same income, the race gap in stock ownership remains.These disparities stem from the same historical disadvantages that result in lower Black homeownership rates. Until the Civil War, virtually no Black person could own property or enter into a contract. After the Civil War, Black codeslaws that specifically controlled and oppressed Black peopleforced free Black Americans to work as farmers or servants.State prohibitions on Black people owning property, and public and private theft of Black-owned land, kept Black Americans from accumulating wealth.Health care hitThat said, the Trump tax cuts hurt low-income taxpayers of all races.One way they did so was by abolishing the individual mandate requiring all Americans to have basic health insurance. The Affordable Care Act, passed under President Barack Obama, launched new, government-subsidized health plans and penalized people for not having health insurance.Department of the Treasury data shows almost 50 million Americans were covered by the Affordable Care Act since 2014. After the individual mandate was revoked, between 3 million and 13 million fewer people purchased health insurance in 2020.Ending the mandate triggered a large drop in health insurance coverage, and research shows it was primarily lower-income people who stopped buying subsidized insurance from the Obamacare exchanges. These are the same people who are the most vulnerable to financial disaster from unpaid medical bills.Going without insurance hurt all low-income Americans. But studies suggest the drop in Black Americans coverage under Trumps plan outpaced that of white Americans. The rate of uninsured Black Americans rose from 10.7% in 2016 to 11.5% in 2018, following the mandates repeal.The consumer price index conundrumThe Trump tax cuts also altered how the Internal Revenue Service calculates inflation adjustments for over 60 different provisions. These include the earned income tax credit and the child tax creditboth of which provide cash to low-wage workersand the wages that must pay Social Security taxes.Previously, the IRS used the consumer price index for urban consumers, which tracks rising prices by comparing the cost of the same goods as they rise or fall, to calculate inflation. The government then used that inflation number to adjust Social Security payments and earned income tax credit eligibility. It used the same figure to set the amount of income that is taxed at a given rate.The Trump tax cuts ordered the IRS to calculate inflation adjustments using the chained consumer price index for urban consumers instead.The difference between these two indexes is that the second one assumes people substitute cheaper goods as prices rise. For example, the chained consumer price index assumes shoppers will buy pork instead of beef if beef prices go up, easing the impact of inflation on a familys overall grocery prices.The IRS makes smaller inflation adjustments based on that assumption. But low-income neighborhoods have less access to the kind of budget-friendly options envisioned by the chained consumer price index.And since even middle-class Black people are more likely than poor white people to live in low-income neighborhoods, Black taxpayers have been hit harder by rising prices.What cost $1 in 2018 now costs $1.26. Thats a painful hike that Black families are less able to avoid.The imminent expiration of the Trump tax cuts gives the upcoming GOP-led Congress the opportunity to undertake a thorough reevaluation of their effects. By prioritizing policies that address the well-known disparities exacerbated by these recent tax changes, lawmakers can work toward a fairer tax system that helps all Americans.Beverly Moran is a professor emerita of law at Vanderbilt University.This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

This year, we witnessed an impressive influx of innovative and creative designs in the architectural world. They pushed the boundaries of design and engineering to impressive heights. Ranging from groundbreaking infrastructure projects to eco-friendly marvels, this year displayed a remarkable array of architectural achievements.In our 2024 Wrapped, we have curated a collection of extraordinary projects that addressed different issues such as sustainability, urban connectivity, and innovative living solutions. We explore the unique features that make them stand out and why they are considered specimens of architectural excellence in 2024. Dig into this array of architectural achievements, while preparing for the fascinating designs 2025 holds in store for us.1. Shenzhen-Zhongshan LinkCalled the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, this structure is a marvel of modern engineering. It bridges the gap between two bustling cities in Chinas Guangdong Province. It covers 15 miles and is a cross-sea tunnel and bridge system that connects Shenzhen and Zhongshan, cutting the travel time from two hours to only thirty minutes. It consists of different bridges and an underwater tunnel.It is an important project in one of the worlds most densely populated regions. The Link officially opened in June 2024 and broke around 10 world records, displaying Chinas commitment to innovating and achieving large-scale construction prowess. It incorporates cutting-edge technology, such as the largest offshore suspension bridge anchor and the longest two-way, eight-lane immersed tube tunnel.Why is it noteworthy?The project is a fine specimen of engineering excellence. Its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions and high traffic volumes further emphasizes its robustness. The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link is not just an infrastructure project; its a testament to the possibilities of modern architecture and a significant step forward in connecting major urban centers.What we likeDramatically reduces travel time between key economic hubs.Breaks multiple world records in engineering and design.What we dislikeHigh construction costs and long build time.Potential environmental impact on the Pearl River Estuary.2. The LadDesigned by Tiny House Listings, the Lad Tiny Home is an affordable and comfortable house created for those seeking a minimalist lifestyle. It is built on a double-axle trailer and provides a cozy and compact living space that is perfect for two people. The towable dwelling features a 20-foot length and is the same size as most typical European tiny homes.It showcases a metal exterior and a stylish metal roof, which protect a 160-square-foot space with an open layout. The thoughtfully designed interior hosts a functional kitchen, compact living area, and a well-designed bathroom making it an ideal fit for couples looking to downsize.Why is it noteworthy?The Lad Tiny Home efficiently uses space, and is affordable, making it a viable housing solution for those embracing the tiny home movement. Its design maximizes functionality without sacrificing comfort, offering essential amenities in a compact form. As housing costs rise, this tiny home represents a growing trend towards sustainable, low-cost living, making it an excellent addition to the architectural landscape of 2024.What we likeAn affordable and efficient design ideal for downsizing.Towable and mobile, offering flexibility in living arrangements.What we dislikeLimited space may not suit larger families or those needing more storage.Basic kitchen amenities may require additional customization.3. Jaumur MarinaConstructed by Neom, the Jaumur Marina in Saudi Arabia is designed to be a luxurious haven for superyachts and their owners. It can accommodate 300 superyachts and is equipped with an impressive aerofoil shelter that offers year-round protection from the sun. Jaumur is more than just a marina, it is designed to be a vibrant community.It will house 500 apartments, 700 luxury villas, two luxury hotels, and an international boarding school. It is interspersed with green spaces, and merges luxury with sustainability, making it one of the most impressive projects weve seen in 2024.Why is it noteworthy?Its ability to host large superyachts under a unique shelter demonstrates innovative design, while the surrounding residential and commercial amenities create a holistic living environment. The integration of green spaces and a deep-sea research center showcases a commendable commitment to environmental sustainability and scientific advancementWhat we likeOffers a luxurious lifestyle with comprehensive amenities.Innovative design provides sun protection for superyachts.What we dislikeExclusivity may limit access to a broader audience.High construction and maintenance costs.4. Purple Heart ManorDesigned by Acorn Tiny Homes, the Purple Heart Manor is pushing the boundaries of micro-living with its spacious and personalized design. The home is inspired by medieval literature and the color purple, in turn serving as a luxurious home that is more expansive than traditional tiny homes. It is 43 feet long and amped with a faux stone and wood exterior, as well as a unique roofline.The house also features a dedicated catio for feline companions. The interior of the home is spacious and cozy, equipped with a custom purple sofa bed, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves with a movable ladder, a gaming station, and a well-equipped kitchen, blending comfort with whimsy.Why is it noteworthy?The homes design challenges the constraints of traditional tiny homes, providing ample room and amenities while maintaining mobility. The attention to detail, from the custom furniture to the cleverly integrated cat space, showcases a commitment to tailored living. As a symbol of the growing trend towards customizable and spacious tiny homes, the Purple Heart Manor showcases how downsizing can be comfortable and creative.What we likeSpacious interior with personalized amenities.Unique design elements cater to specific interests.What we dislikeRequires a permit for towing due to its size.Higher cost compared to standard tiny homes.5. Worlds Tallest Timber SkyscraperSometime back Michael Green Architecture (MGA) unveiled plans for a groundbreaking timber skyscraper in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It will be the worlds tallest timber skyscraper, representing MGAs efforts in modern timber construction. The skyscraper will be primarily built using mass timber, a material known for its fire resistance.The details of concrete usage are still unknown, but this innovative approach displays a new precedent for urban construction and challenges the utilization of traditional building materials. It promotes environmental sustainability, hence making its mark as one of the impressive architectural projects of 2024.Why is it noteworthy?This timber skyscraper represents an evolution in sustainable architecture, showcasing the potential of timber as a primary building material for large structures. Its construction will highlight the advantages of mass timber, including its environmental benefits and structural resilience. Since it will be the tallest timber building globally, the project challenges conventional architectural norms and encourages the use of eco-friendly materials in urban environments.What we likePromotes sustainable building practices with mass timber.Sets a new benchmark for timber construction globally.What we dislikePotential concerns over structural integrity at great heights.Limited information on concrete use and overall fire safety.The post 2024 Wrapped : Top 5 Architectural Designs Of The Year first appeared on Yanko Design.

Ditch the paint bucket and screw in these wood veneer panels to give your home office a makeover.

The festive period can be stressful, particularly for those who struggle with food anxiety, weight concerns, or an eating disorder. Here are some tips for navigating an intense time of year.

Expect more fires like the fast-moving one in Malibu, scientists say.

If there is a lesson to be taken from this year, it is that small evils lead to ever-bigger ones. The wrong behaviors and motivations get rewarded until the process capitalizes into a singular upending spectacle. That reality is just as resurgent in professional spheres and does appear likely to retain its dominance over other civic ones. Unethical practices, the influence (good or bad) of politics and public opinion, removal of history, and a culture of dishonesty coursed, as ever, through the domain of architecture in 2024. Inside its ranks, questions as to why the cycle itself is so prevalent continue to go unsettled.Here, instead, is an impartial breakdown of the years most controversial news headlines in architecture. What can be taken from it is a testimony to the ways moral disintegration is both reflected and can be defeated in our built environment. Well start with the biggest stories and slowly narrow into a spotlight on the global salients within more limited constrain...

Despite Maxs pivot to purging films and TV shows from its programming library, the platform still has plenty of excellent new releases to check out during this years holiday season. Whether youre into live-action dramas, sci-fi spectacles, or animated epics, the streamer has a little bit of everything to offer. Naturally, weve put together a handy list of some of our favorites we think you might get a kick out of.The PenguinIt sounded like Warner Bros. and DC were having a laugh when they started referring to The Penguins central mobster as Oz Cobb, as if that has ever been that characters name. It also seemed odd that the studios were bullish about airing a series spun off from Matt Reeves The Batman when all signs have suggested that those characters wont make it into James Gunns new universe of DC films. Somehow, though, The Penguin proved to be a surprisingly compelling return to Gotham as it explored the inner workings of Oz Cobbs (Colin Farrell) mind and reframed him as a twisted underdog fighting to keep up with fellow crimelord Sofia Gigante (Cristin Milioti).By largely removing Batman from the equation, The Penguin was able to present its murderous gangsters as people (rather than costumed weirdos) who were really just trying to get by in a city that was all too ready to throw them away. And by the shows season 1 finale, The Penguin establishes itself as one of the better Batman stories that DC has produced in recent years one that definitely deserves a second chapter.Invincible Fight GirlTheres nothing fun about getting punched in the face, but in Invincible Fight Girls world, where everyone is a superpowered professional wrestler, its the kind of thing that lights a fire within young brawler Andy (Sydney Mikayla). Even though her parents would rather she live a quiet life of accounting, Andy knows in her heart that shes a born wrestler who just needs a trainer who can bring out her inner greatness. And while Quesa Poblana (Rolonda Watts) is none too pleased about the idea of taking on a newbie mentee, she, too, can see that Andy has what it takes to become a legend.The way Invincible Fight Girl borrows elements of classic shonen shows like Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, Pokmon, and Hajime no Ippo feels like it could almost be too much at first. But the show blends its influences together brilliantly to tell its own unique story and create fight sequences that are cool as hell.Like Water for ChocolateBy easing up on the magical realism of Laura Esquivels novel, Francisco Javier Royo Fernndezs new adaptation of Like Water for Chocolate makes it somewhat easier to appreciate the depth of its central love story set during the Mexican Revolution.There is still something otherworldly about Tita de la Garzas (Azul Guaita) ability to channel her emotions into the food she cooks. Titas sisters Rosaura (Ana Valeria Becerril) and Gertrudis (Andrea Chaparro) and her forbidden love Pedro Muzquiz (Andrs Baida) can attest to the way her culinary creations leave people overwhelmed as they experience whatever feelings were roiling inside of her. But that detail is really just one small ingredient the new Like Water for Chocolate adaptation uses to enhance its rumination on the ways that class conflict and war have shaped the arc of Titas life.Dune: ProphecyIn Denis Villeneuves Dune films, the Bene Gesserit order is so shrouded in mystery that its hard to tell whether their strange abilities are rooted in the supernatural. But Dune: Prophecy dives into the Sisterhoods ancient history to unpack the many ways in which secret science rather than sorcery is what turned them into one of the most influential forces in the entire spice-addicted Imperium.The shows exploration of how Valya (Emily Watson / Jessica Barden) and Tula (Olivia Williams / Emma Canning) Harkonnen reestablished their family as one of the galaxys Great Houses adds new depth to the Dune franchises larger story about the rise of a long-awaited messiah. Through the Harkonnen sisters, Prophecy demystifies some of the legend of the Kwisatz Haderach and reveals how ruthless the fight to control spice has always been. And it makes for an excellent way to get your sandworm fix while we wait for the next Dune feature to premiere.Creature CommandosThough James Gunn and Peter Safran are mostly starting over fresh for Warner Bros. new cinematic universe of DC films, a tiny portion of the old DCEU is being reborn through the animated Creature Commandos series. After the events of The Suicide Squad and season 1 of Peacemaker, Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) can no longer force teams of superhumansPart of whats intriguing about the show is the way characters like Waller, Weasel (Sean Gunn, who will also voice G.I. Robot), and Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo) will establish a narrative continuity between DCs old films and many of its upcoming live-action projects. And with Gunn going all in on actors reprising their roles across different mediums, Creature Commandos seems like it might be the start of an era worth tuning in to.Civil WarThough theres a certain degree of absurdity to the political details of Alex Garlands Civil War, its depiction of the United States descending into chaos after a tyrannical president refuses to leave office feels like a haunting vision of a future that isnt as improbable as wed hope. As a respected war reporter, Lee Smith (Kirsten Dunst) feels she has a duty to document the reality of what has become of her country in the time since the president (Nick Offerman) came into power.Lees years of reporting from the front lines of conflicts all over the world have taught her how important it is for people to be able to see how war ruins lives and pushes societies to (if not over) the brink of collapse. But as Lee sets out to secure the interview of a lifetime, she quickly realizes that no amount of reporting has prepared her to see war unfolding in the place she calls home. And with rookie journalist Jessie (Cailee Spaeny) by her side, the only thing that keeps Lee grounded is her hope that she can pass her skills on to the next generation.I Saw the TV GlowOne doesnt need to be queer or a Buffy fan to appreciate the neon-drenched strangeness of Jane Schoenbruns I Saw the TV Glow. But the movies story about two lonely teens bonding over a cheesy sci-fi show might hit differently for anyone who grew up in the 90s feeling like they would be more at home in Sunnydale than living their own humdrum lives.Even though young outcasts Owen (Justice Smith / Ian Foreman) and Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine) dont initially have the words to articulate what it is that makes them different from other kids, theres something about The Pink Opaque that speaks to them both. The teens dont understand why they feel such a powerful, instinctive kinship to the TV shows monster-fighting heroines or how the program is influencing the way they see the world. But by the time theyve both grown up a bit, they cant shake the feeling that The Pink Opaque has changed something within them something that might mean everything theyve been raised to believe is a lie.TrapIn any other M. Night Shyamalan movie, you would expect the big twist to come closer toward the end in order to leave audiences reeling, but TrapCooper seems like exactly the sort of Good Guy who would surprise his daughter with a trip to see her favorite singer Lady Raven (Saleka Shyamalan) in concert because thats what he wants people to see. But what Cooper doesnt realize is that the concert is an elaborate trap and the centerpiece of one of Shyamalans most fun thrillers yet.Beetlejuice BeetlejuiceThere are only a few choice scenes in Beetlejuice Beetlejuicejust manage to make the sequel feel like a film that has something to offer fans beyond nostalgia for the Deetz family and their favorite incorporeal dirtbag.Years after Lydia Deetzs (Winona Ryder) first encounter with Beetlejuice (Keaton), she has become the host of a paranormal television show and mother to a sullen teenager of her own. Though Astrid (Jenna Ortega) is certain her mom cant actually see ghosts, Lydia knows that her eyes arent playing tricks on her when she spots Beetlejuice during one of her tapings. And when Lydias overbearing boyfriend Rory (Justin Theroux) tries to prove that shes just imagining things, his thrice-over utterance of Beetlejuices name sends them all straight to the afterlife for an unhinged reunion of sorts that none of them are prepared for.Joker: Folie DeuxIn the grand scheme of Warner Bros. decision to greenlight a gritty, Batman-free Joker film that had nothing to do with its core cinematic universe of DC films, theres a certain kind of poetry to the way things played out with Todd Phillips Folie Deux. At first blush, the idea of a jukebox musical about the Joker (Joaquin Phoenix) falling in love with Harley Quinn (Lady Gaga) while theyre both doing time in Arkham Asylum sounded inspired. And you could see how, with the right story, a song-filled take on the iconic criminals might make for an enjoyable change of pace from WBs previous forays into Gotham.Between its lackluster songs and middling story, Folie Deux dropped the ball in terms of doing anything truly inspired or making clear what Phillips has to say about these characters. But the film is so messy and bafflingly inert that it ends up being the kind of train wreck that feels worth seeing for yourself at home if only out of morbid curiosity.