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  • The battle wages on: Sonic 3 is the second highest grossing video game movie in the US behind Mario, though the gap between them really shows who's the top dog
    www.vg247.com
    Hog Not Quite TiedThe battle wages on: Sonic 3 is the second highest grossing video game movie in the US behind Mario, though the gap between them really shows who's the top dogYou can already guess who I'm talking about here.Image credit: Universal/ Illumination/ Paramount/ Nintendo/ Sega News by Oisin Kuhnke Contributor Published on Jan. 13, 2025 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is now the second highest grossing video game movie in the US, with only his old rival Mario ahead of him.It's a tale as old as time: plumber versus hedgehog, Mario versus Sonic. OK, maybe not as old as time, more like a tale as old as the late '80s/ early '90s, but still, the two have a long history and rivalry together. If we're being real, we all know that Mario is the more successful of the two, especially because Sega to this day hasn't quite found its footing with Sonic's transition to 3D. Still, it can't be denied that the blue hog is popular, as the franchise is now a billion dollar one as of the third film. On top of that, though, it's also now the second highest grossing video game movie in the US ever, having reached over $204 million domestically, taking over its predecessor Sonic 2. To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Only Mario is ahead of it now, but uh, the gap is quite large. Domestically The Super Mario Bros. Movie grossed just shy of $575 million, almost $300 million more than Sonic 3. That doesn't mean everyone's favourite speedster is doing bad by any means, but it does also mean that yet again Mario has come out on top. Though Sega, if for some strange reason you're reading this, don't worry, you have the better film (maybe not that first Sonic film, why did you basically remake 2011's Hop, complete with James Marsden and all).Still, aside from doing better domestically, the Mario Bros. movie also grossed over $1 billion alone, so it really is clear who won the console war in the end. A sequel is on the way for Mario and co, and a fourth Sonic film was greenlit before the third one even arrived in cinemas, so the lesson here is actually that the real winners are the production companies that made them.
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  • Float Financial, which aims to be the Brex of Canada, lands US$48.5M Series B
    techcrunch.com
    Float Financial, an expense management and corporate card startup focused on the Canadian market, has raised $48.5 million in a Series B funding round.The Toronto-based fintech likens itself to U.S.-based fintech giants Brex and Ramp but says it is different in that its sole focus is on Canadian SMBs, which CEO and co-founder Rob Khazzam said are overlooked due to Canadas banking monopoly and tough economic climate.Goldman Sachs Growth Equity led the financing, which included participation from OMERS Ventures, FJ Labs, Teralys and existing investor Garage Capital. The raise brings Float Financials total venture funding to US$92.6 million since its 2020 inception. The company also raised a $36.9 million credit facility in February of 2024, which it is using to extend credit to customers.The company declined to reveal valuation, noting only that it was an up round from its US$30 million Series A raise led by Tiger Global in November of 2021.While Khazzam declined to reveal hard revenue figures, he claims that Float has seen its revenue increase by 50x and total payment volume by 45x since that Series A raise. It also says it has seen a 30x increase in assets under management, he added. The company is not yet profitable.Float launched its first product in May of 2021 and has slowly been expanding its offering from corporate cards and expense management to include bill pay, high-yield accounts, accounts payable automation and virtual physical cards in both Canadian and U.S. dollars. Jane Software, LumiQ, Knix are among its 4,000 customers.Khazzam dismissed what he described as talk in the media lately that Canadian businesses are not a good place to invest right now.The landscape of Canadian SMBs is rich and diverse and chock full of potential, he told TechCrunch. At Float, we understand that addressing the needs of these businesses requires a distinctly Canadian approachOur financial system needs to match the speed and ambition of Canadian businesses if we want to thrive locally and compete globally.Float plans to use its new capital to further expand its product offering and regional presence within Canada as well as continue hiring.Laura Lenz, partner at OMERS Ventures, believes that Floats ability to work within the Canadian regulatory framework andunderstand the nuances of this market is critical to its success.It takes someone intimately familiar with these nuances to be able to create a product that works, she said. As investors with strong Canadian roots, we know there is an urgent need for banking infrastructure that helps Canadian businesses keep pace with their US counterparts and remain competitive on the global stage.Want more fintech news in your inbox? Sign up for TechCrunch Fintechhere.Want to reach out with a tip? Email me atmaryann@techcrunch.comor send me a message on Signal at 408.204.3036. You can also send a note to the whole TechCrunch crew attips@techcrunch.com. For more secure communications,click here to contact us, which includes SecureDrop and links to encrypted messaging apps.
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  • Gladiator II: VFX Breakdown by ILM
    www.artofvfx.com
    Breakdown & ShowreelsGladiator II: VFX Breakdown by ILMBy Vincent Frei - 13/01/2025 Gladiator II delivers unparalleled action, thanks to ILMs really cool visual effects. From warships laying siege to a fortress to the grandeur of the Colosseum and the epic finale between two armies, every moment is a visual feast. Dive into the legend now!WANT TO KNOW MORE?ILM: Dedicated page about Gladiator II on ILM website.Mark Bakowski: Heres my interview of Production VFX Supervisor Mark Bakowski. Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2024
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  • Hookah Restaurant by Freya Architects: A Dance Between Fire and Wood
    archeyes.com
    Hookah Restaurant | Ilya IvanovLocated in Belgrade, Serbia, the Hookah Restaurant by Freya Architects integrates symbolism with functional design. Completed in 2024, this 200-square-meter project transforms the process of wood burning into a spatial experience. Through the interplay of dark hues, fiery accents, and sculptural forms, the design explores a narrative where wood transforms into glowing embers.Hookah Restaurant Technical InformationArchitects1-4: Freya ArchitectsLocation: Belgrade, SerbiaArea: 200 m2 | 2,150 Sq. Ft.Completion Year: 2024Photographs: Ilya IvanovIn this hookah bar and restaurant project every detail reflects the transformation of wood into coals. Dark hues, reminiscent of smoldering embers, dominate the interior, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Bright orange accents, symbolizing the fiery passion of the burning wood, add a touch of vibrancy. Freya ArchitectsHookah Restaurant PhotographsBar | Ilya IvanovEntrance Detail | Ilya IvanovBar Detail | Ilya IvanovWood Details | Ilya IvanovRestroom | Ilya IvanovSink Detail | Ilya IvanovRestroom Details | Ilya IvanovSpatial Organization and Material PaletteThe design centers on the lifecycle of wood. The architects used this concept to craft a symbolic and functional interior. The dark tones represent smoldering coals, while bright orange accents evoke the fiery nature of burning wood. These elements, combined with the forms of custom lighting and material selections, create a warm and dynamic atmosphere.The spatial organization of the Hookah Restaurant reflects a balance of functionality and storytelling. The layout revolves around a bar, serving as a physical and conceptual centerpiece. This bar, shaped like a massive, petrified tree stump, acts as a hub connecting various functional areas. Behind the bar, a passage leads to the kitchen and technical zones.Natural wooden tables line the windows opposite the bar, offering seating arrangements encouraging social interaction. The dining hall features a movable screen adorned with suspended fragments of burnt wood, creating seating zones that can adapt to different group sizes. This partition system enhances intimacy while preserving visual connectivity.The material palette deepens the narrative. Burnt wooden panels on the walls evoke the tactile quality of charred wood, while the natural wooden tables emphasize craftsmanship. Bright orange accents and wire lamps, designed to mimic wisps of smoke, punctuate the space and add layers of warmth. This integration of materials fosters a cohesive environment.Hookah Restaurant Architectural HighlightsThe Hookah Restaurant explores the theme of woods transformation into fire and embers. The petrified tree stump bar is not merely functional but also a sculptural centerpiece anchoring the space. Its organic form contrasts with the linearity of the surrounding seating arrangements.The movable screens in the dining hall are made of suspended fragments of burnt wood, redefining the spatial experience by offering flexibility and artistic expression. They allow for distinct seating zones while maintaining the fluidity of the overall layout.Lighting plays a role in enhancing the ambiance. The custom wire lamps suspended above the bar and the main table emulate the ephemeral quality of smoke, reinforcing the thematic narrative. This lighting, combined with the materials, enhances the sensory experience for guests.Functionality integrates with aesthetics throughout the design. The bar area accommodates both hookah preparation and mixology, ensuring operational efficiency. The guest bathroom, positioned within the central block, features a window overlooking the bar, adding an unexpected connectivity layer.Hookah Restaurant PlansFloor Plan | Freya ArchitectsHookah Restaurant Image GalleryAbout Freya ArchitectsCredits and Additional NotesChief Architect: Kristina Koivistoinen-KhatlamadzhiianLeading Architect: Paulina KorobovaArchitect: Katarina DragojlovicClient: Hookah Restaurant
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  • Forest House // 1975
    buildingsofnewengland.com
    Photo courtesy of Bohlin Cywinski JacksonWhile Cornwall, Connecticut is known for its 19th century architecture, there are some amazing Mid-Century Modern houses hidden away on forested lots there. This is the Eric and Anne Bohlin House (aka Forest House) designed by architect Peter Bohlin of Bohlin Cywinski Jackson for his parents as a summer retreat. The residence was completed in 1975 and sited between dense evergreens and bright deciduous woodland in a sparsely developed part of town. Camouflaged among the trees, the green-stained exterior hovers above a boulder-strewn landscape, resting on concrete piers, with large windows to take advantage of the glorious forest views. This is a great example of high-quality, site-specific house designs, which are becoming a rarity in recent years.
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  • I tried an AI wristband that listens to you 24/7 - and makes IRL conversations searchable
    www.zdnet.com
    The Bee Pioneer Band listens to everything you say - and offers feedback. Should I be worried?
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  • AI Is Changing EverythingCybersecurity Is No Exception
    www.forbes.com
    If cybercriminals are already this good with ChatGPT, what will they be capable of two years from now?
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  • www.techspot.com
    In context: Call of Duty fans have been up in arms over the franchise's skill-based matchmaking system for years now. The multiplayer matchmaking tries to group players of similar skills together for more balanced matches, but many skilled players have raged that it forces them into brutally tough "sweatfests" matches. The complaint here is that Activision has kept everyone's actual skill rating hidden behind a curtain. Players have been left guessing where they rank compared to others based only on anecdotal experience. But now, a YouTube expos has let the cat out of the bag on how to access your real skill score.Prominent CoD creator TheXclusiveAce showed a sneaky method to request your detailed matchmaking data from Activision, including your all-important skill rating for every single match going back years.You can request this data through Activision's privacy and data protection page, likely established to comply with strict European data privacy rules.Once you get the info (it takes a day or two to arrive), it's an absolute goldmine of numbers. Activision retains gameplay data going way back to COD: Vanguard, which was released in 2021.It's excruciatingly detailed too, breaking down your details on every multiplayer match, including your map, mode, bullets fired, accuracy, operator skins, execution moves, damage stats, and more. But most crucially, it reveals your behind-the-scenes skill stat that determined which lobbies you were matched into. // Related StoriesFor TheXclusiveAce, his skill rating for the recent Black Ops 6 hovered around 400 for most of his time with the game. But it fluctuated quite a bit too, occasionally spiking up or plummeting based on his recent performances. The raw numbers could finally lift the veil on how SBMM works under the hood.TheXclusiveAce thinks the ratings are influenced by the overall skill level of the lobby you're in. If the matchmaking system expects you to perform at a certain level compared to that lobby's rating and you fall short of that bar, your rating could still dip even after a solid game. But if you exceed the expected performance, your rating receives a slight bump.Last year, Activision tried to explain SBMM in vague terms, saying it's a "fluid measurement" of your overall kills, deaths, wins, modes played, and recent matches across all multiplayer experiences. But seeing the actual numbers finally brings some transparency to how it likely operates.Now that the data is out, the Call of Duty community is going wild analyzing and comparing everyone's unveiled ratings. The top comment under Ace's video says that "trash talkers are about to become data scientists." That may sound like an exaggeration, but it's not difficult to imagine players obsessively tracking their stats and comparing them with others.
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  • 5 years ago, this sci-fi Alien ripoff drowned at the box office. Is it worthy of reappraisal?
    www.digitaltrends.com
    Table of ContentsTable of ContentsWhy Underwater is a Cthulhu-sized disasterUnderwater is hard to watch (literally)Despite its various flaws, Underwater has lots of promise as wellCthulhu is the highlight of the movieIs Underwater still worth watching?Five years ago in January 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic started to make its first headlines, a different kind of disaster arrived in movie theaters: Underwater. The movie starred Kristen Stewart, and based on the trailers, it looked to pay homage to older sci-fi horror classics. Yet Underwater turned out to be a super clunky, visually murky, and ill-paced film about a deep-sea mining station at the bottom of the Mariana Trench that inadvertently wakes up a giant deep-sea monster.In theory, Underwater should have been enjoyable. Even if it added nothing to the genre and was just a poor homage to Alien, Cloverfield, and The Abyss,it should have been at least derivative fun. But it wasnt, and audiences stayed away from the big-budget film. So what went wrong, and is Underwater worth watching five years later now that its available to stream at home?Recommended VideosUnderwater | Official Trailer [HD] | 20th Century FOXLike many terrible films, Underwaters problems started long before it hit theaters. Trust me, it wont take an eagle-eyed viewer to notice that something about Underwaters editing is off, as if half the movie were simply deleted. For starters, the film begins with the action already in progress. It starts with a catastrophic quake that begins to flood the underwater station. This isnt necessarily a problem, since lots of stories do the jump into the action and explain the backstory as you go thing. The problem is that Underwater doesnt even bother to do that.RelatedTheres very little backstory to any of the characters (and therefore little reason to care about them), and there are lots of scenes that feel like they were connected to moments that probably happened earlier but were cut. Despite being a feature-length film, Underwater somehow manages to feel completely plotless.20th Century FoxAdding to the madness is the fact that Underwater only has five characters throughout the entire movie. Imagine being in a giant underwater mining and research station the size of a small city and never seeing anyone else there. And remember, the movie starts the very moment all hell breaks loose.Its not like were following some salvage crew exploring a lost mining station. It becomes very clear very quickly that something happened with the movies production because despite looking like a giant blockbuster, Underwater feels insanely hollow.UniversalIm not the only one who noticed Underwaters various problems either. In 2020 Vulture reported: The film was shot in 2017, and reports from the time suggest that it was supposed to be about some underwater scientists, though I have no real idea if thats just poor reporting or evidence of rewrites and/or reshoots. So we know for sure the film sat in development hell for three years before hitting theaters.The Guardian also noticed Underwaters choppy editing and lifeless plot, and wondered if it was to keep the films PG-13 rating. When the crew members inevitably start getting picked off, the publication states, their death scenes, because of the films mass-audience-pleasing PG-13 rating, are largely incoherent. At one point a character has to remind someone, and us, that a death actually did just occur.20th Century FoxOn top of the sloppy editing, theres also the compounding issue that Underwater is visually disorienting. Having a rushed movie is bad enough, but its even worse when its all happening at the bottom of the ocean in scenes so dark and fuzzy you can hardly tell whats going on. In its hilarious one-star review, The Irish Times titled its article Underwater: Nothing to see here literally in this murky appalling mess and thats a great way to sum up the movie. It doesnt just have a murky plot, the entire film is actually, literally murky.In fact, Underwater is so dark and murky that I struggled to find images of the movies creatures for this article. Every time I looked for images online, the clear ones were actually pre-production renderings of the CGI, not stills from the film. And when I paused the movie to get a good screenshot, everything was a grainy blur. I had to run the above image through Canva to brighten it, clarify it, and sharpen its edges just to make sure readers could actually see it (somewhat) clearly.20th Century FoxWhat makes the movie so insufferable is that it was so close to being good. With its 95-minute runtime, Underwater is a very tight film that easily could have added (or simply not cut) another 20 minutes. And just imagine what those 20 minutes could have done! With a some backstory, more suspense, and a better use of its unique setting, Underwater could have been an absolute banger of a horror sci-fi movie.At times, watching it felt almost painful because there were numerous scenes where I could tell that with just a little bit more thought and effort, it could have been really effective. But it wasnt, and instead, every scene just feels like lost potential that could have led to something so much better. But that potential is still there, giving Underwater this odd sense of hope that tricks you into thinking its about to get really good, and that surely just around the next corner the film will find its footing.20th Century FoxThe film does in fact finally find its footing; unfortunately, its not until the last 15 minutes. Mild spoiler alert: At the very end of the movie, Kristin Stewart finally sees the giant 50-story Cthulhu monster rise up from the depths (even though theyre at the very bottom of the Mariana Trench, so lord only knows what depths its rising from since theyre already at the very bottom of the deepest spot in the ocean).In a film full of bleh and meh, the scene where we finally glimpse the giant monster is absolutely everything youd want. Its massive, intimidating, and terrifying. Up until the finale, all audiences see are the smaller, human-sized monsters, which are nowhere near as scary. In fact, Id argue that Underwater isnt scary at all. Because of how rushed everything is and how blatantly CGId the mini-monsters are, theres no sense of suspense or terror until you finally see Cthulhu. Thats the moment where I was like, Ah, so this is what the movie should have been the whole time.UNDERWATER (2020) | Behind the Scenes of Kristen Stewart Thriller MovieIs Underwater worth watching? That really depends on what type of viewer you are. If youre a genre fan like me who thinks we dont get enough monster movies, then yes you should watch Underwater since its now part of monster movie history. Its a sloppy movie, but theres still lots of potential to find enjoyable. Plus, its loaded with nods and homages to other classics like the underwater station that totally brings back flashes of Deep Blue Sea, or their aquanaut suits that look straight out of StarCraft, and of course the endless homages to Alien throughout.But if youre a casual viewer who isnt super into sci-fi horror or monster movies, I recommend you dont waste your time. Underwater certainly isnt a movie that provides a meaningful plot or intriguing characters. Its a movie for people who want to see Cthulhu underwater.If you do choose to watch Underwater, just remember that five years after its release, it hasnt become a cult classic for a reason theres nothing classic about it. But if you love creature features and have nothing else to watch, then what do you have to lose?Underwater is streaming on Hulu.Editors Recommendations
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