If you asked a lineup of Arcane fans which character theyd like to read more about in a full-length novel, Ambessa Medarda would likely not be their first choice. She probably wouldnt even rank in the top half of those for whom more backstory was desired. Yet here we are with C. L. Clarks Ambessa: Chosen of the Wolf.But guess what? Not only is it a page turner filled with high-stakes encounters and authentic consequences; it actually delivers much more than the title would suggest. After all, viewers of Netflixs Arcane know that the next likely setting for a follow-up League of Legends screen adaptation is Noxus, the warrior nation for which Ambessa serves as general.Since Ambessa: Chosen of the Wolf is a prequel (Arcane viewers already know thats this characters only option), it ends up providing a surprising amount of insight into the development of someone fans do care about: Ambessas daughter, Mel Medarda. In fact, an early chapter of the book replays word for word the fox and wolf scene from an Arcane season 1 flashback and places it into a larger context.Want to know how Mel got her golden tattoos? Ambessa: Chosen of the Wolf has got you covered! Wondering why they glowed in the Arcane season 1 finale, protecting her and Jayce from Jinxs attack on the council chambers? Thats in there, too. In fact, Mels entire mage history unfolds in the background of Ambessas tale of family betrayal and succession of power.That main story has merit on its own, not because it makes Ambessa, the notorious villain of Arcane season 2, more sympathetic, although readers will better understand her (and her bodyguard Rictus) by the end of the book. But the battles, escapes, and political intrigue, particularly in the Noxus ruled by Boram Darkwill, are all intense, brutal at times, and completely compelling.Those that know the League of Legends lore outside of Arcane will enjoy not only getting a glimpse of Darkwill at his most corrupt, but also of Jericho Swain in his pre-demonic arm phase of life. There is definite foreshadowing of the Ionian invasion, however, which could figure prominently in a future animated offering or perhaps in follow-up novels from Orbit.Speaking of which, the biggest bonus coming from Ambessa: Chosen of the Wolf is actually the origin story of Rell, a League of Legends hero from Noxus that many Arcane fans anticipate seeing in a future series. Although Mel never meets the Reckoner in this novel, it seems likely the two will be introduced to each other on screen shortly, with Mel sailing the Noxian fleet back to her homeland at the end of season 2.Rell is not only depicted in the book as a Reckoner, fighting gladiator-style battles to garner Ambessas attention. She also gets her first kill in battle in this story, with all that taking a life entails, and awakens powers that will be recognizable to players of the League of Legends game. She even gets her own love story in Ambessa: Chosen of the Wolf!In the background of any good Noxian tale is the Black Rose, the hidden society that Arcane viewers may remember from season 2, and the group certainly plays their role in Ambessa: Chosen of the Wolf. Without getting into spoiler territory, suffice it to say their goals do not align with General Medardas plans, and their influence on Rells life will be familiar to those who know that League heros story.Will readers finish Ambessa: Chosen of the Wolf feeling more sympathetic towards the title character? Probably not, and to the novels credit, it does not attempt to excuse her actions or motivations in any way. However, readers will likely understand her a little better and realize shes only human, with a full range of emotions and flaws. The extra League of Legends and Arcane lore only serve to strengthen an already solid story of the tainted victory of a powerful Noxian warlord.Ambessa: Chosen of the Wolf releases on February 18, 2025 from Orbit Books.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!

Take Back BoomtopiaBlow It Up is a physics-based destruction game by Brain Seal Ltd. that blends the explosive fun of Angry Birds with a robust physics engine for a thrilling puzzle experience. Set in Boomtopia, a land where destruction meets strategy, your mission is to rescue your bomb friends from mischievous oppressors. With seven unique bombseach with its own strengths, weaknesses, and special abilitiesyoull need to think strategically to clear over 70 challenging levels.To help you make every explosion count, this guide covers each of your bomb buddies in detail, along with essential tips and tricks. Master their destructive potential, unleash chaos, and take back Boomtopia!Launching 101: Mastering your LaunchEach level presents a unique challenge, and finding the right weak points in the structures is key to causing maximum destruction. Using your launchpad, your objective is to eliminate all enemies, explode the gifts, and ideally finish with an extra shot remainingearning you the prestigious gold trophy. If you run out of shots but still manage to explode all gifts, youll receive a silver trophy. Simply clearing the level will net you a bronze.To maximize your impact, carefully aim using the launchpad and activate each bombs special ability mid-air at the perfect moment. Since every bomb has its own unique power, lets break them down one by one:Dashy (Dash Bomb)Dashy is the starting bomb in Blow It Up, known for its versatility. When activated mid-air, it propels in a straight line based on the direction of its velocity at the time of activation. Dashy is great for reaching tough enemies, cleaning up leftovers, or targeting weak points in structures. However, its explosion is one of the weakest in the game, making it less effective in levels with many enemies or dense structures. Use Dashy strategically for its speed and precision, but be mindful of its limited power.Diggy (Drill Bomb)Diggy is a bomb that drops straight down when activated, making it perfect for targeting areas directly below. Its great for situations where you need to thread the needlehitting specific targets or enemies on lower levels with precision. While it only has a single explosion, it can cause significant damage in the area of impact. Use Diggy when you need a focused, direct hit, but keep in mind its usually not suited for taking out multiple targets at once.Gunny (Gun Bomb)When activated, Gunny fires its two handguns one by one, each shot causing a small explosion upon impact. This makes it perfect for breaking through structures, particularly when targets are aligned in a straight path or when you need to destabilize the foundation of a building. The shots weaken structures and create openings, allowing for precise, strategic destructionespecially when focusing on key points to bring the structure down.Jetty (Airplane Bomb)Jetty takes to the skies when activated, flying horizontally and dropping small bombs along its path before eventually falling down. This makes Jetty excellent for targeting multiple enemies or structures arranged horizontally. Its ability to cover a wide area with each drop makes it a versatile, all-around bomb, perfect for dealing with scattered targets or clearing large sections of a level.Blasty (Remote Bomb)Blasty is a remote bomb that explodes immediately upon activation. Its precise detonation makes it perfect for close-range targets, reaching hard-to-access areas (where other bombs would trigger too soon), or even pushing objects when needed. Blastys controlled explosion allows for strategic, creative plays in tricky situations.Chainy & Linky (Chain Bomb)Chainy & Linky are two bombs connected by a chain. When activated, they break free and move on their own, each following its own path until they reach their target. This unique dynamic allows for creative strategies, as their separate movement can hit multiple targets or cause destruction in different areas of the level.Puffy (Fat Bomb)Puffy is a bomb with a more limited range but a powerful punch. When activated, it releases shrapnel that carries the same momentum as the original bomb, causing the pieces to explode independently. This makes Puffy great for creating large explosions in tight spaces, taking out close-range targets, and cleaning up any remaining enemies or obstacles. Its unique blast pattern allows for focused, impactful destruction.Mix, Match, BoomWith all these bombs at your disposal, the key to success is finding the right one for each levels challenge. Whether youre looking for precision, wide-ranging destruction, or something in between, theres a bomb to match your playstyle and the situation at hand. The more you experiment, the better youll understand how each bombs unique abilities can be used to create the perfect explosion. So, go ahead, blow stuff up, and unleash chaos in Boomtopia! After all, who doesnt love a good explosion?Blow it up is available now on Xbox One, X/S.Blow it upBrain Seal LtdGet it nowBlow it up is a physics destruction game with light-puzzle elements where you shoot bombs to destroy your enemies who are hiding behind tower-like structures. Master seven unique bombs in a realistic physics simulation and explore over 70 levels of mayhem and destruction.STORYLINEAn alien invasion is in full swingmysterious, powerful creatures have descended upon BOOMTOPIA, stripping it of its natural resources and claiming dominance with their explosive superpowers. As your friends are captured one by one, youve had enough. Fueled by determination, you gear up to fight back. The adventure begins, but with chaos all around, can you truly survive the mayhem and rescue all your friends?FEATURES 7 unique bombs to destroy your enemies. Advanced physics simulation where every block behaves naturally. Explore a world of adventure and rescue your friends! Over 70 levels of mayhem and destruction. TNT, confetti and fireworks for more spectacular explosions.Blow it up is the ultimate explosive experience!!

iPhone 17 season is heating up with two especially interesting design variants: iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro. Yes, there will be a plain iPhone 17, but it doesnt sound like Apple will be very bold with its design this year.So what about the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro designs that some are calling radical? There seems to be two camps: those who believe the designs are real, and those who think Apple will never release something like what were seeing in leaks and rumors.Redesigns can be fun, even when theyre not newOne thing we can all agree on is that iPhone design changes are fun. If the iPhone X didnt look like an iPhone from the future in 2017, the internet would have been utterly bored by the iPhone 8 that looked like the iPhone 7 that looked like the iPhone 6S that looked like the iPhone 6.Were kind of getting back to that with the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16. I would argue that the cameras, colors, buttons, materials, and shrinking notch turned Dynamic Island all help the current iPhone designs feel fresh. The candy bar design remains, but the phones have gotten thinner, lighter, and more comfortable to hold without going back to curved edges.Perhaps the best example of a new design bringing excitement to an otherwise unremarkable product is the fourth-generation iPhone SE (or first generation iPhone 16E, if thats a naming scheme Apple indeed adopts). By all accounts, the iPhone SE 4 will look like the iPhone 14. Thats being billed as a radical redesign all on its own because the iPhone SE 2 and iPhone SE 3 look like the iPhone 8 with thick bezels and Touch ID instead of Face ID. The original iPhone SE brought back the smaller iPhone 5/5S design when the iPhone 6s still felt big.Why is Apple making an iPhone 17 Air?Recent iPhone lineups have had five options: iPhone SE, iPhone #, iPhone # Plus or iPhone # mini (one or the other depending on the year), iPhone # Pro, and iPhone # Pro Max. This year we expect the lineup to add a new model without deleting an existing option: iPhone # Air.While the iPhone X showed us the direction of future iPhones, the iPhone Air seems different.Some customers will continue to want the best cameras and battery life more than thinner and lighter phones. Other customers will continue to want the newest phone that doesnt start at $999.Current technology doesnt allow Apple to go thinner and lighter without sacrificing camera sensors and battery capacity. Current technology does allow Apple to make smartphones thinner (and therefore lighter) than ever before. For Samsung, thats the teased-but-not-released Galaxy S25 Edge; for Apple, we expect the iPhone 17 Air.I dont know if a thinner iPhone is compelling enough to compete with a less expensive iPhone or a more capable iPhone. I do think its important for Apple to compete with Samsung in this narrow space though even if the customer base is thin.But are the leaks accurate?That brings us to the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro design leaks. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to have a so-called camera bar that runs across the back of the iPhone. Recent iPhones have an Apple Watch-sized camera plateau, although the iPhone 16 switched to a more compact camera pill.The camera bar design is expected to show up on both the Air and Pro. This would indeed be a notable design change for the Pro line. Since the iPhone 11 Pro, Apple has used a three-camera layout that sits atop of round-rectangle bump.The benefit of dropping Mount Camera in favor of Bender from Futurama is that iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro will share the same look that is intended to signal premium. If accurate, this trick will help upsell the single-lens camera on the iPhone 17 Air while the plain iPhone 17 actually has an additional rear camera.Personally, I put a lot of stock into the iPhone 17 Air design. Thats not because Ive seen something or know anything, but it feels on pace with leaks from past years in terms of volume and timing.I also say that because iPhone design leaks tend to be accurate. Not since the teardrop iPhone 5 has an iPhone design leak been plain wrong.Some design rumors do fall flat when reality arrives. The rear facing Touch ID sensor and the iPhone smart connector fall into the category of fiction when it comes to what actually shipped.Regardless of who has leaked what, though, I wouldnt be surprised if the iPhone 17 Pro still looked like the iPhone 16 Pro. I can imagine a scenario where Apple is working on bringing the iPhone Air camera design to the iPhone Pro, those design plans leaking, and the iPhone 17 Air being the only camera bar iPhone this year.I wouldnt be willing to bet that the iPhone 17 Pro will look like the iPhone 16 Pro, but there just doesnt seem to be the same consensus around the Pro design this year yet. Im open to having my mind changed though.Still, my general approach with iPhone design leaks is this: the weirder they seem, the more likely they are to be real.Featured image sourceBest Apple accessoriesFollow Zac Hall on X, Threads, and Bluesky, and listen to Runtime with co-host Sophia Tung on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Nomad makes some of our favorite Apple accessories across charging solutions, Apple Watch bands, and more. Today, the company has released a new version of one of its most convenient charging accessories: the ChargeKey. Nomads ChargeKey accessory is a tiny USB-C to USB-C cable designed to attach directly to your keychain. The idea is that with it attached to your keys, youll never find yourself in a pinch without a quick way to connect your iPhone to power or data transfer. The new ChargeKey offers several key improvements compared to the version that launched in 2023. Most notably, you can expect significantly faster charging speed paired with proper support for data transfer: USB-C to USB-C connection240W charging speeds for your iPhone, iPad, MacBook Pro, Android, and more10Gbps data transfer speeds (USB 3.1)Braided nylon cableElectroplated zinc cable housingsCable tips secure magneticallyOne particularly fun use case for this accessory: charging your AirPods while on the go from your iPhones power. The fast data transfer speeds are also great for recording camera footage directly to an external drive. The new ChargeKey is available from Nomads website for $25, a $10 price cut compared to the previous-generation model. Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

President Donald Trump's social network,Truth Social, lost a staggering amount of money last year.As CBS News reports, the platform's parent company Trump Media and Technology Group revealed in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing last week that it lost a staggering $400.9 million in 2024.Annual revenue dropped to an abysmal $3.6 million, while the meme stock's losses ballooned more than six-fold compared to 2023. As Bloomberg points out, that means the company's deficit has risen to a staggering $2.9 billion.Despite the immense losses, TMTG's market capitalization is still almost $6.5 billion, highlighting it's astronomically overvalued.The company has long struggled to justify its existence given the lack of a coherent business and has largely been seen as a proxy for the president's popularity instead.It also serves as a funhouse mirror of Trump's political health; its shares plummeted 22 percent following his election win in November, suggesting investors were becoming wary of Trump and his collaborators cashing out. Trump, who has previously promised that he's "not selling," transferred his controlling proportion of shares, which were worth around $3.5 billion as of Friday, to a trust as a "bona fide gift" to his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., in December.Despite its multibillion-dollar valuation, Truth Social has struggled to attract new users. As of November, the platform had 355,000 daily active users according to research firm Apptopia since the company doesn't report "traditional key performance indicators" which pales in comparison to virtually all its competitors like Facebook.The value proposition over those alternatives is also increasingly dubious; Trump himself hasincreasingly taken to multi-hyphenate billionaire Elon Musk's X-formerly-Twitter to blast out hastily written missives, to the detriment of his own platform.Apart from his failing social media network, Trump also launched a meme coin shortly before he was inaugurated, a cash grab that left most investors in the red and infuriated much of the crypto community to boot.Whether Trump Jr. will have what it takes to turn TMTG around and stop it from hemorrhaging hundreds of millions of dollars remains to be seen. The company recently applied for several trademarks for a line of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), in an apparent effort to provide a "competitive alternative to the woke funds and debanking problems that you find throughout the market," according to CEO Devin Nunes.TMTG also rolled out a streaming service called "Truth+" in October, but how many people have tuned in to watch any of the purportedly "uncancellable" content on the app remains to be seen.More on Truth Social: Truth Social Stock Is Crashing Even Though Trump WonShare This Article

NASA's workforce is undergoing brutal cuts under the Trump administration.As Ars Technica's Eric Berger reports, around 750 NASA employees have accepted an offer to take "deferred resignation" later this year. The offer, inspired by White House advisor and multi-hyphenate billionaire Elon Musk's mass cullings at Twitter, was an effort to encourage federal employees to resign by February 12 in exchange for getting paid through September. And that's in addition to around 1,000 "probationary" employees at the space agency who will be fired outright by the Trump administration.In other words, given the almost 18,000 workers at the agency roughly ten percent of its workforce has already been culled.And while that's already a significant reduction, NASA is expected to roll out further cuts in the coming months, sources told Berger.Last week, Musk's so-called Department of Government Efficiency rolled through NASA, auditing the agency's spending. What changes the group will enact remains unclear."They are going to look similarly to what theyve done at other agencies at our payments," NASA's acting administrator Janet Petro told reporters last week.Things were already looking pretty grim at NASA following a chaotic few weeks of Trump's attacks against"diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility"initiatives, with the agency even ordering staffers to remove all symbols of LGBTQI pride from their physical and digital workspaces.One NASA source told Berger earlier this month that morale at the agency was "absurdly low."Now that Trump and Musk are employing what appears to be a corporate merger approach to indiscriminately slash budgets and workforces, the agency could soon look dramatically different.Musk's SpaceX may also determine what shape the agency will take going forward, regardless of an enormous conflict of interest. NASA has long been doubling down on public-private partnerships, which may take on an even more important role.NASA's plans for reaching the surface of the Moon as part of its Artemis program could also soon look very different. Earlier this month, aerospace giant Boeing warned hundreds of workers currently working on NASA's Artemis Moon rocket that they could be laid off in the upcoming months.The agency's Space Launch System (SLS), an expendable heavy-lift launch vehicle, has been under development for well over a decade and has cost NASA billions of dollars in budget overruns. Insider sources told Berger in November that there's an "at least 50-50" chance that the rocket "will be canceled"under Trump.Musk has similarly argued that the "Artemis architecture is extremely inefficient," accusing it of being a "jobs-maximizing program, not a results-maximizing program."Congress, however, is adamant that Artemis still makes sense in its current configuration."The first thing we need to do is establish whats in the best interest of the United States of America, and that is beating the Communist Party back to the lunar surface," representative Brian Babin (R-TX) told a conference last week, as quoted by Bloomberg. "The only way thats going to happen at any time soon is with Artemis."Senator Ted Cruz also told the same conference that he plans to reintroduce a bill that would forbid any changes to be made to NASA's Artemis program for at least a year.But now that SpaceX's CEO has assumed full control over the federal government's purse strings, the future of the Artemis program remains up in the air.Besides handing himself plush government contracts, Musk's space company could benefit in other ways from going through NASA's budget with a fine-toothed comb."Any access could provide Mr. Musks company... with insider information that would benefit SpaceX at the expense of that companys competitors and the taxpayers," representative Grace Meng (G-NY) wrote in a letter addressed to Petro last week, calling a "visit" of DOGE at the agency "wildly inappropriate."Share This Article

Wondering what you should watch on the Max streaming service?Maxreplaced HBO Maxand streams a variety of titles, including Warner Bros. movies like Dune and HBO originals such as Tony Hawk: Until the Wheels Fall Off. Below, you'll find a batch of can't-miss films, plus a look at new releases for this month. (If you're still trying to figure out if Max is for you, skimour review of the Warner Bros. Discovery streaming service). New releases for FebruaryNote:These descriptions are taken from Max press releases and official websites for the films and lightly edited for style.Feb. 7We Live in Time (2024): Comedy-drama film starring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield. Almut and Tobias are brought together in a surprise encounter that changes their lives. Feb. 14Flow (2024):Animated film. It follows a courageous cat after his home is devastated by a great flood.Waitress: The Musical (2023):Musical film starring Sara Bareilles. It centers on Jenna Hunterson, a waitress and expert pie maker stuck in a small town and a loveless marriage.Feb. 21Elevation (2024): Post-apocalyptic film starring Anthony Mackie. A single father and two women venture from the safety of their homes to face monstrous creatures to save the life of a young boy.TBD FebruaryThe Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (2024):Anime film. It's set 183 years before the events chronicled in the original trilogy of films and tells the fate of the House of Helm Hammerhand, the legendary King of Rohan. Read more:Best TV Shows to Watch on MaxThe best movies to watchThe films below consist of notable new releases and blockbusters, HBO and Max originals and Warner Bros. films made exclusively for Max. All score around 65 or higher on Metacritic.Drama Warner Bros. Juror #2 (2024) Nicholas Hoult, J.K. Simmons and Toni Collette are in the cast of this absorbing, haunting Clint Eastwood courtroom drama. Hoult stars as Justin Kemp, who faces a moral dilemma after getting called for jury duty. He must decide whether or not to disclose information that would change the outcome of the high-profile trial and impact his own life. A well-acted, well-paced flick that will get you thinking. Max Turtles All the Way Down (2024) Don't usually dabble in the young adult genre? You shouldn't let that keep you from taking in Turtles All the Way Down, based on a 2017 novel of the same name by John Green. The film stars Isabela Merced (Madame Web, Alien: Romulus) as a teen who suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety. With elements of romance and a captivating performance from Merced, this straight-to-streaming movie deserves more attention. A24 Priscilla (2023) Sofia Coppola's Priscilla, about the relationship between Priscilla and Elvis Presley, is streaming on Max along with other recent films from entertainment company A24. Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi star in the stylish flick, which tells things from Priscilla's point of view. If you like new A24 flicks, Max's stash also includes The Iron Claw, The Zone of Interest, Dream Scenario, Love Lies Bleeding and Civil War. WarnerMedia The Fallout (2022) After a shooting occurs at her high school, 16-year-old Vada Cavell must navigate friendships, school and her relationship with her family. The Fallout skillfully approaches serious subject matter with realistic dialogue and compassion for its characters. With strong performances from stars Jenna Ortega as Vada and Maddie Ziegler as her new friend Mia Reed, the feature will keep you glued to the screen for the entirety of its 90-minute runtime. Warner Bros. Dune (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024) Remember 2021, when Warner Bros. movies hit HBO Max on the same day they premiered in theaters? That exciting period may be over, but at least we'll always have the memory of watching Denis Villeneuve's spectacular sci-fi epic at home and still being part of the conversation. Both parts of Dune are now streaming on Max. Criterion Drive My Car (2021) What can we say about the acclaimed Japanese drama Drive My Car? Well, it snagged an Oscar for Best International Feature Film at the 2022 Academy Awards. It's also a three-hour movie that people are sitting and watching all the way through, which, to me, speaks volumes. Seriously, Drive My Car is a powerful film that explores loss and letting go. If you missed it, stream it now. Chiabella James/Warner Bros. Pictures King Richard (2021) King Richard is a feel-good biopic about the father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. The film winds back the clock to before the sisters became household names, giving us a glimpse of their upbringing in Compton and time spent practicing on rundown courts with their father, Richard Williams (Will Smith). Convinced his daughters are going to be successful, Richard works tirelessly to get their star potential noticed by professional coaches. A complicated man with a tremendous personality, Richard is fascinating to get to know, and his unwavering belief in Venus and Serena is inspiring. Imaginal Disc Son of Monarchs (2020) A rare (nowadays) 90-minute film, American Mexican drama Son of Monarchs will stay with you long after the credits roll. This deep character study follows two brothers who are changed in markedly different ways by the trauma they suffered in childhood. This story, folding in magical realism, follows how they move forward in life -- the butterfly metaphors are strong, with biologist Mendel returning to his hometown surrounded by majestic monarch butterfly forests. HBO Bad Education (2019) Based on a magazine article by journalist Robert Kolker, this tale about a public school embezzlement scandal and the student journalists who broke the news is captivating from start to finish. Allison Janney and Hugh Jackman are great in their roles as the school officials who took part in the scheme. The drama also won the 2020 Emmy award for Outstanding Television Movie. Superhero Warner Bros. The Suicide Squad (2021) Over-the-top violence abounds in this DC film about supervillains who agree to help the US government in exchange for some time off their prison sentences. Their mission is to destroy something alluded to as Project Starfish, harbored in the fictional island country of Corto Maltese. With a notable cast that includes Margot Robbie, Idris Elba and John Cena, 2021's The Suicide Squad is a wickedly entertaining, darkly funny bloodbath that differs from what you usually see in superhero movies. (Peacemaker, a spinoff TV series, is also available on Max.) Warner Bros. The Batman (2022) Robert Pattinson steps out as Batman in this moody superhero flick directed by Matt Reeves. The movie takes place in a perpetually gray and rain-soaked Gotham City, where Bruce Wayne starts to seek out a murderer with an affinity for riddles. Along the way, he meets Catwoman, played by a swaggering Zo Kravitz. Catch up on the dark and satisfying mystery before you watch the Max spinoff series, The Penguin. Documentary HBO All That Breathes (2022) This captivating documentary is filled with images that will stick with you. It centers on two brothers in New Delhi who run a bird hospital dedicated to black kites -- birds of prey that are a staple of the sky. It was a contender for best documentary feature at the 2023 Oscars. Max Tony Hawk: Until the Wheels Fall Off (2022) Tune into this HBO doc for the gravity-defying skateboard stunts, a time capsule of the '80s skateboarding scene, and a version of Hawk you've probably never seen. We get to know the renowned athlete as a lanky, stubborn but determined kid who adopted his own skateboarding style. Hawk's persistence is something to marvel at, along with all the stunning skateboard moves this film packs in. Hang on for a memorable ride. CNN/Focus Features Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain (2021) This film about beloved author, chef and globe-traveling TV host Anthony Bourdain comes from documentary filmmaker Morgan Neville, who also directed 2018's Won't You Be My Neighbor? and the Oscar-winning film Twenty Feet from Stardom. In interviews with people who knew Bourdain, like his friends, former partners and longtime colleagues, the doc tracks his career path, relationships and personal struggles. Bourdain fans and those less acquainted with the star will likely appreciate this two-hour look at his life. Action and Adventure Studio Ghibli The Boy and the Heron (2023) Who can pass up a Studio Ghibli film? Hayao Miyazaki came out of retirement to make The Boy and the Heron, which won the award for best animated feature at the 2024 Oscars. The starry English voice cast includes Christian Bale, Willem Dafoe, Robert Pattinson, Florence Pugh and more. Warner Bros. Pictures Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga This thrilling prequel to the 2015 movie Mad Max: Fury Road stars Anya Taylor-Joy (The Queen's Gambit, The Menu) as a younger version of Charlize Theron's Imperator Furiosa. Life takes a turn for the protagonist when she finds herself in the Wasteland rather than the Green Place of Many Mothers. The resourceful heroine fights for survival, facing off with villains such as the warlord Dementus, played by Chris Hemsworth. Visually striking and intense, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is chock-full of postapocalyptic action, and you won't want to miss a minute. Jaap Buitendijk/Warner Bros. Barbie (2023) Unless you've been living in Barbie Land (or another place that isn't the real world), chances are you're very familiar with this pink-coated comedy already. The flick -- Warner Bros.' highest-grossing global release of all time -- brings a long list of stars together for a hilarious and heartfelt adventure. Greta Gerwig directs, Margot Robbie plays the titular role and Ryan Gosling belts out an incredible power ballad as Ken. Musical Warner Bros. Pictures Wonka (2023) Dune's Timothe Chalamet stars in this prequel to Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and it's a total treat. With new and familiar tunes, a committed cast and oodles and oodles of whimsy, the film allows audiences to get to know a young Willy Wonka with giraffe-sized ambition and undeniable chocolate-making skill. It's a quirky, comforting flick from Paddington director Paul King that you'll absolutely want on your plate. Warner Bros. Pictures The Color Purple (2023) This movie musical version of The Color Purple is adapted from Alice Walker's 1982 novel and the Broadway play. Set in the early 1900s, the film tells the story of Celie, a Black woman living in the South who faces multiple hardships but is able to find strength in the bonds in her life. The cast includes Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Colman Domingo, Halle Bailey and Danielle Brooks, who received a 2023 Oscar nomination for her role as Celie's daughter-in-law, Sofia. Macall Polay/Warner Bros. In the Heights (2021) In the Heightsstars Anthony Ramos (whom you might recognize as John Laurens in Hamilton) playing Usnavi, a bodega owner struggling to keep his business afloat while a heatwave strikes Washington Heights. Secretly in love with his neighbor Vanessa (Melissa Barrera), who dreams of getting out of the salon and out of the neighborhood, Usnavi serves the people of Washington Heights with a whole lot of love, lottery tickets and cafe con leche. Between the choreographed twirls and fireworks, In the Heights is an examination of wealth disparity, immigration, classism and the importance of culture. Thriller Warner Bros. Kimi (2022) Steven Soderbergh directs this engaging tech thriller set during the COVID-19 pandemic. Angela, a Seattle tech worker played by a neon blue-haired Zo Kravitz, has agoraphobia, a fear that prevents her from making it past the front door of her apartment. But when she uncovers an unsettling recording while doing her job, she's pushed to make the leap. Kimi is a stylish thriller complete with eye-catching cinematography, a solid score and a protagonist you'll be rooting for. Max No Sudden Move (2021) A movie from Steven Soderbergh, the great director behind Erin Brockovich, Ocean's Eleven and, more recently, Logan Lucky? Twists, thrills and desperate characters populate this crime thriller set in 1950s Detroit. When a seemingly simple job gets out of hand, a group of criminals must work together to uncover what's really going on. Take in the incredible cast: Don Cheadle, Benicio del Toro, David Harbour, Jon Hamm and Amy Seimetz. While the plot can be a little convoluted and some won't be able to get past the fish-eye lens cinematography, Soderbergh's sense of humor and immersive direction make this crime caper an entertaining night in. Comedy Emily Knecht/Max Am I OK? (2022) This comedy-drama follows Dakota Johnson's character, 32-year-old Lucy, who tells her longtime best friend Jane that she likes women. But there's more for Lucy to navigate as that friend, played by House of the Dragon's Sonoya Mizuno, is moving far away to London. If you enjoy stories about late blooming and female friendships, it's no question -- you should check out the funny, touching Am I OK? Warner Bros. Father of the Bride (2022) Max's Father of the Bride introduces a Cuban American family that includes patriarch Billy, a traditional guy who struggles to digest surprising news from his eldest daughter: She's met a guy, and she wants to marry and move away with him. The third film adaptation of a 1949 novel of the same name by Edward Streeter, the movie is an enjoyable iteration that includes stars like Andy Garcia and singer Gloria Estefan. Max Let Them All Talk (2020) Meryl Streep playing an eccentric author in a Steven Soderbergh comedy. What more do you need to know? If you do want to know more: Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Alice Hughes (Streep) is struggling to finish her next book, chased by her literary agent (Gemma Chan). She boards a cruise ship with old friends, who inspired her best-known work. Tensions are strong. It looks great -- Soderbergh uses crisp, natural light -- and most of the dialogue is improvised. See how Dianne Wiest, Candice Bergen, Lucas Hedges and the rest of the impeccable cast have fun with that.

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here Contents hide NetEase Games has laid off key staff from its massive free-to-play success Marvel Rivals. After developing one of the biggest games of the last year, game director Thaddeus Sasser, technical designer Garry McGee, level designer Jack Burrows and many more have been let go from the team.Sasser, who we interviewed shortly before launch, spent years designing the gameplay loop of Marvel Rivals. With a decades-long pedigree in franchises like Call of Duty, Battlefield and more, Sassers design philosophy is one of the reasons Marvel Rivals is as good as it is.Marvel Rivals director laid offAnnounced in a LinkedIn post, Sasser told followers that he has been officially laid off from NetEase Games alongside other Americans working on the title. Save Up to $1,200 on the Samsung Galaxy S25! Pre-order now and save big with trade-in and Samsung credit. Limited time only! *Includes trade-in value + $300 Samsung credit. This is such a weird industry, Sasser announced. My stellar, talented team just helped deliver an incredibly successful new franchise in Marvel Rivals for NetEase Games and were laid off.In a separate post, level designer Jack Burrows described the process as a sad culling of the games American staff. Must-Listen: Publishing Manor Lords w/ Joe Robinson VideoGamer Podcast Listen Now Welp, just got laid off from my job working on Marvel Rivals for NetEase Games, Burrows said. Was an enormous pleasure to work with my American coworkers who join me in this sad culling. Just couldnt dodge that big boot I guess, no matter how big the success of the gig.Since release, Marvel Rivals has been met with critical and commercial success as tens of millions of players flock to the free-to-play game. Bolstered by the sales of pricey cosmetic skins, Rivals has been a massive moneymaker for NetEase Games, but some of the talented developers behind that success have only been punished for their work.Marvel Rivals continues to be a success with new information on the games next heroes released earlier today. With new heroes planned to release every month and a half, NetEase isnt slowing down, despite cutting a large number of its extremely talented workforce.Marvel RivalsPlatform(s):macOS, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Fighting, ShooterRelated TopicsMarvel Rivals Subscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.When it comes to interior design in the loo, playing with bathroom vanity ideas is an easy way to give your space serious panache. After all, the cabinetry often serves as a focal pointa vital component in any successful bathroom remodel.The bathroom vanity serves as a crucial functional hub where people can perform daily tasks, says Mike Fisher, creative director and founder of Studio Indigo in London. Like a kitchen, it must do a lot. First, it establishes the overall look of the space. Second, its functional and provides valuable storage for all your personal grooming paraphernalia.A bathroom makeover is a way to express creativity and add an element of surprisestriking stone, architectural curves, cantilevered sinks, and vibrant colors are all ways to wow. Here, 37 unique bathroom vanity ideas to consider without undergoing a major renovation.Photo: Lance Gerber1/39Infuse with dramaA powder bath is the perfect spot to play with a vanity that is all about drama. Morrison Interiors zhuzhed up the marble slab with a fluted front detail, brass accents, and a dark patterned wallpaper to give it that jewel-box ambiance. This vanity seamlessly combines refined elegance with modern touches, where bold wallpaper and softer accents come together to create an elevated powder bath, says principal designer Rachel Morrison.Photo: Kast2/39Sneak in a pedestal sinkAs Kast can attest, concrete does not have to be drab and boring. The Orme pedestal basin seen here features a silhouette that is both practical and artistic thanks to the ridged columned pedestals and a platform for soap and hand towels. Consider a pedestal sink to create a sculptural moment in the bathroom.Photo: Michael Shvadron3/39Play up the natural lightIn this bathroom inspired by the earth, designer Jordan Weisberg opted for a curved custom-made vanity. It hugs the corner of the room, and benefits from soft, natural light that illuminates it just so. The touch of blue in the countertop stone is complemented by the palette of pink and sand.Photo: Public 311 Design4/39Seek old-world charmA custom soapstone sink on a vintage cabinet elegantly blends old-world charm with modern sophistication. Its rich color and veining create striking contrast while the honed marble floors add an upscale, contemporary touch, ensuring the space feels intentional and unique, says interior designer Lindsay Colhoun.Photo: Courtesy of Agence Girodroux & Delpy5/39Lighten upThis vanity creates contrast between Calacatta Macchia Vecchia marble and much softer travertine stone. A bronze-tinted mirrorframed with a brushed brass outlineopens up the space. Having two very large mirrors face-to-face allows the daylight to be diffracted to give a feeling of loftiness, says designer TK of Girodroux & Delpy.Photo: John Merkl6/39Follow the linesA white oak vanity can command special interest when the silhouette has clean lines. AD Pro Directory member Kristen Pena of K Interiors accented this custom Shade Designs piece with Brizo fixtures and hardware, a CB2 mirror, and Modern Metier sconces.Photo: Christopher Stark Styling: Rachel Forslund7/39Double-drench in blueYou cant go wrong with a navy vanity, but adding blue tile around gives your bathroom more impact. For a curated monochromatic effect, the vanity is painted a Hauge Blue by Farrow & Ball and enveloped by hand-glazed Ann Sacks tile. Designer Jeff Andrews, an AD Pro Directory member, aimed to make this utilitarian piece more like furniture. A simple and symmetrical vanity is easy on the eyes and maximizes storage, he says. The antique brass hardware from the Golden Lion and the lighting by Apparatus contrast the polished nickel fixtures by Waterworks. The result is a bathroom vanity that is balanced, beautiful, and functional.Photo: Christopher Stark8/39Mix modern with cottagecoreTo counterbalance the tunnel-like effect of a small powder room, Clara Jung of Banner Day Interiors, an AD Pro Directory member, selected a custom walnut vanity that offset the verdant wallpaper, creating a cozy space. Opting for a wide mounted vanity also adds generous storage without the bulk. Sleek sconces echo the linear texture and balance the rest of the design to keep it from skewing too flowery.Photo: Lance Gerber9/39Anchor with natural stoneCombining raw materials with thoughtful design, This vanity stands out for its bold simplicity, creating a space thats both grounding and visually dynamic, Morrison, who designed the space, says. The natural stone sink, with its bold veining and monolithic form, sets the tone, and the textured black tile backsplash adds depth. Matte black fixtures provide a modern contrast to the warm wood tones and organic details.Photo: Courtesy of Agence Girodroux & Delpy10/39Sprinkle in terrazzoDesigned by Girodroux & Delpy, this entire bathroom is covered in blue custom-made terrazzo. The smart choice make the vanity the star and elevates a simple design into a focal point. Think of it as an alternative to marble that is both refined and elegant.Photo: Nick Johnson11/39Bring out the black marbleTo keep the Nero Marquina marble vanity from plunging into the depths of darkness, interior designer Maria Pollard of Crosby Designs added custom Fromental wallpaper in emerald chinoiserie. Pollard worked with BVA BarnesVanze Architects to create the little jewel box. The jambs of the sink were angled and mirrored to help the space feel larger, says Stefan Hurray, architect at BVA BarnesVanze Architects. The black stone for the vanity ties into the classic floor tile, while the trim was painted blue to emphasize the Fromental wallpaper.Photo: Courtesy of Lindsey Colhoun12/39Elevate rustic wood vanitiesRustic-looking vanities are the trick to making a space feel warm. But if youre worried about overdoing it and leaning into the cabin aesthetic too much, consider pairing the wood with textured tile. Colhoun created a contemporary en suite by balancing the carved wood with handcrafted Cle Zellige tiles and leathered Taj Mahal countertops. The result? Cozy farmhouse charm that reads more like a sanctuary than camp digs.Photo: Cassandre Charpentier13/39Have fun with hardwareAdd whimsical cloud hardware to a childrens bathroom. Meryl Motyka and Simon Mimoun, cofounders of Mersi, surrounded the otherwise minimalist light oak vanity with iridescent tiles that winked at the theme without making the space too kitschy.Photo: Cassandre Charpentier14/39Bring on the brutalist aestheticThe blue-gray ceramic washbasin from Cielo Ceramica picks up on the silver travertine veins on the floor and the wall. Mersi embraced the minimalist look that borders on brutalist aesthetic and plays out well in a bachelor pad bathroom.Photo: Laura Metzler15/39Think pinkA raspberry pink bathroom vanity can look subdued with the right backsplash. Vanities with an accented backsplash can create a timeless look and feel, says E. Norton, principal of Norton Interiors. The curve in this backsplash [reflects] the lines in the mirror and wallpaper, which creates cohesion. Layering in heritage elements with playful ones, such as the rose gold faucet, further highlight the silhouette.Photo: Andrew Wrisley16/39Evoke spa vibesA quartzite vanity pairs seamlessly with a wall-mounted Waterworks faucet and a backlit mirror. You cant go wrong with a creamy palette to give your bathroom an elegant look worthy of the most luxurious spa, as seen in this space designed by Sarah Latham of Latham Interiors.Photo: Asa Weinstein17/39Try unexpected materialsFraming a laminate vanity is one way to differentiate your bathroom. Metal banding gives it an upscale look and feel with zero maintenance, says interior designer Meredith Heron, whose client was keen on lilac tones. Select a design with plenty of drawer storage to house all the lotions and potions.Photo: Luke White18/39Mix modernity with historical elementsStudio Indigo embraces the historical period details but adds strikingly contrasting modernity when coming up with design ideas for this bathroom. The artful vanity dominates thanks to a strong grayscale palette of grey and white that is as bold as it is harmonious. The surface features a dynamic assortment of stone levels, mixed with Dover White marble and Breccia Suprema stone, which creates sleek clean lines, with recessed vanity mirrors framed by marble surrounds. To add depth and warmth, a Charcoal Tamo veneer has been added to the joinery to provide storage space that seamlessly blends in with the vanity, Fisher says. Meanwhile, vanity lighting by Apparatus and Charles Edwards plays an important function by highlighting the architecture and providing a decorative feature.Photo: Jared Kuzia19/39Bring on the blueSusan Hayward, founder, Susan Hayward Interiors in Milton, Massachusettes, used gold-and-white patterned wallpaper by Quadrille and brass hardware on a royal blue double vanity topped with a marble slab countertop to create a sophisticated and global allure. Two fluid rattan mirrors from Selamat sit above each sink, imparting natural materials into the space which are further echoed by subtle details such as bumblebees on the vanity light fixtures.Photo: Muriel Silva20/39Spruce up bathroom cabinetsPaint the bathroom vanity a verdant shade for a fresh take on design. While white cabinetrywill always be classic, it is fun to break out of the box sometimes and go bold, says Casey Putney, Putney House Interiors in St. Augustine, Florida. Using color on cabinetry in kitchens and bathrooms is an unexpected choice, and when it is executed well, really makes a space come alive. In this bright and cheery bathroom renovation, the owner wanted a Florida-inspired space that her children could growto enjoy over the years. Selecting a vanity that featured a bold color was an easy choice to make the space seem more youthful and fun. Putney used the peppy green on the vanity to tie the wallpaper to the penny tile, creating a cohesive design.Photo: Natalia Robert21/39Accent with a backsplashThe steel blue vanity with detailed molding anchors the rest of the detailsspecifically the white backsplash set against the silver metallic leafed wallpaper, the etched glass vessel sink, and the honey bronze faucet. Jennifer Verruto, founder and CEO of Blythe Interiorsin San Diego, also notes that the small drawers flank the center sink cabinet, creating a lovely storage idea that fits seamlessly in the elegant bathroom.Photo: Colin Price22/39Embrace the wood vanityFor San Francisco interior designer Noz Nozawa of Noz Design, a modern bathroom entails bringing in warm and organic elements. She custom-designed a flat-panel walnut vanity to complement the monochromatic geometric floor space. Ilove how the vertical grain walnut wood vanity and the perky brass hardware give a nod to midcentury modern nostalgia in this otherwise contemporary bathroom, Nozawa says.Photo: Laura Steffan23/39Add trim to the cabinetryInterior designer Megan Evans of Covington, Louisiana, elevated simple slab front cabinet doors with trim pieces to create a playful fretwork design. Swapping out the hardware on the vanity instantly dressed the space up, Evans says. This is one of the best small bathroom vanity ideas you can do on a DIY budget.Photo: Laura Steffan24/39Make space on the vanity topEvans loves using natural bamboo to invite a spa-like feeling into a bathroom makeover. We used Carrara marble for the countertop, and mixed brass and nickel tones to add interest, Evans says. Having that extra vanity top space allows for extra storage for toiletries or decor ideas like an ornate vase with greens.Photo: Amy Lamb/Native House Photography25/39Extend the countertopThe team behind Chinotto House in Gainesville, Florida, spruced up a bathroom renovation when working on a teenage girls space. We customized her vanity to have a drop-down seated area where she could experiment with make-up and hair styling, says cofounder Rachel Rector. The design included plenty of storage space for toiletries, eyeshadow colors, lipsticks, and hair accessories. The same walnut wood vanity tone is carried throughout the home to pull in the mid-century modern undertones of the design. The bathroom mirror reflects Fireclay tiled walls in shades of pink.Photo: Muriel Silva26/39Create a white color paletteTake a page out of this designers style book: JuliAnne Kelly, principal of Carrier Design Co. in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, coordinated a white sink vanity with glitzy brass legs with a whimsical mirror and darling lamp shades that all pop against the patterned wallpaper. With blue tones and shapes reminiscent of sea urchins, the wallpaper is quite fitting for a home at the beach, Kelly says.Photo: Margaret Rajic27/39Choose a floating vanityOne way to optimize the bathroom wall is to install a floating vanity, which is synonymous with quiet luxury. Crafted with utmost care and precision, this floating vanity showcases walnut wood, clean lines, and the illusion of weightlessness,says Kelly Sopel, owner of Trim Tech Designsin Naperville, Illinois.Photo: Courtesy of Pottery Barn28/39Introduce concrete to the vanity topConcrete details are excellent if youre looking for a modern vanity. This Pottery Barn freestanding vanity with a single sink can fit well in a farmhouse bathroom or a contemporary condo. The water-resistant acacia hardwood open shelving makes this vanity look airy and not too industrial.Photo: Stephen Karlisch29/39DIY a bathroom vanity designDallas-based interior designer Jean Liu got creative when she turned a piece of wood into a vanity with a vessel sink that contrasted against the neutral bathroom tile on the wall. Keep in mind that such a DIY project does require specific measurements and plumbing expertise.

Though he plays an architect in The Brutalist, the list of Adrien Brodys houses is a short one. However, the star, whose work in the buzzy film earned him a Best Actor nomination at the upcoming Academy Awards, has expressed a personal interest in architecture and design. Architecturally, I'm obsessed with many types of structures and the complexity and beauty of simplicity in industrial spaces, the New York City native said in a 2023 interview with Esquire. In my own home, Ive merged many of the styles Ive always loved. I love stonework and classical architecture that has grand open spaces that inspire a creative, live/work environment.In a recent New York profile, however, Brody revealed that he leads a nomadic lifestyle when hes not on seta habit that perhaps traces back to 2000, when the actor began to prepare for his Oscar-winning role in The Pianist by getting rid of his car and apartment and putting the rest of his belongings into storage. That transitory nature may explain why the actor has maintained an especially streamlined real estate portfolio over the years, opting instead to focus his efforts on painstakingly renovating one New York property. Read on for the rundown on the few places where Brody returns to rest his head.Queens family homeBrody grew up in Woodhaven, Queens, an only child to photographer Sylvia Plachy and retired history professor Elliot Brody. The Asteroid City actor still visits his old stomping grounds, where his parents live in the white single-family house where he was raised. According to the New York interview, the walls are nearly covered with framed photos and art, including paintings by Brody, and his Oscar is kept on the living room mantel.Hollywood Hills residenceIts unclear if Brody maintains any roots in Los Angeles, but there have been reported references to a home of his in the Hollywood Hills at least as recently as 2021. When hes not globe-trotting, Brody heads back to his elegant gentlemans retreat in LAs Hollywood Hills that hes furnished with classic, old, dark-wood armoires and a solid brown leather couch, reads a 2003 interview with the New York Post.A castle in New YorkIn 2007, the Succession actor bought an estate in Cleveland, New York, for $650,000. Known as Stone Barn Castle, the historic cobblestone buildings first life was as an innovative dairy barn. It was first completed in 1906 after a decade of construction and was designed with state-of-the-art features like automatically filled drinking fountains and an intricate ventilation system. The farm was abandoned during the Great Depression, then a 1946 fire reduced it to its stone walls.In 1969, a local couple bought the property and began to rebuild it into the castle-like estate it is today, turning the silos into turrets and the main barn into a courtyard. The castle served as an events venue and local gathering spot under the stewardship of the same family until they sold it to Brody, who had a dream to get a cool dramatic country house somewhere, lost in nature, back to New York and back to the countryside, as he told IndieWire in 2015. And to work on that sense of home that I felt was missing. Charmingly, the actor also requested that an old, dented, multicolored pickup truck parked at the property be included in the sale, and could sometimes still be seen driving it around when a local news outlet reported that detail in 2014.