Latest news with #Apocalypse
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Netflix parents, rejoice: CoComelon is heading to Disney+
Disney+ is entering the 'crack for kids' business. Frequently compared to the stimulant crack cocaine on social media by the parents of addicted youngsters, CoComelon, the wildly successful and possibly morally bankrupt children's series, is making the jump to Disney+ in 2027, following declining viewership on Netflix. The show represents a significant portion of the children's crack-addicted demographic, with more than 193 million subscribers on YouTube, making it the third most-subscribed channel on YouTube, where videos of big-eyed Boss Babies terrorize the screen time of latchkey children allowed to browse the web unsupervised. Per Deadline, Netflix's relinquishing of the CoComelon series, which predominantly features CGI toddlers singing nursery rhymes, because of a 60% decline in viewership, aligning with a presumed uptick in treatment for CoComelon viewers—namely, parents catching on to the show's empty calories and addictive qualities and banning their kids from watching it. Nevertheless, the spin-off series CoComelon Lane will remain available to Tudum-based subscribers. The move will coincide with a 2027 CoComelon movie and the arrival of the horsemen Death, Famine, War, and Conquest, heralding the Apocalypse to the tune of 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.' Experts believe that CoComelon is harmless for children despite concerns and exhaustion from parents. A 2011 study revealed that watching nine minutes of fast-paced programming could impair a child's executive function. A 2015 follow-up study rebutted the findings, concluding that the 'fantastical content' harms executive function more than the speed of delivery. In both cases, the effects were short-term. However, the impact of MrBeast and his vast array of supposedly edible Feastible products has yet to be determined. More from A.V. Club This architectural wonder was destroyed in WWII—or was it? A zippy episode of Duster steps on Elvis' blue suede shoes Netflix parents, rejoice: CoComelon is heading to Disney+
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Restaurant Review: The dining experience at Krasota Dubai transcends the physical
Imagine a meal that transcends the physical, transporting guests through the realms of human evolution. Krasota hosts a series of different 'shows' for lack of a better word; I feel as though a show alludes to a passive experience, whereas at Krasota, each of the 20 guests in attendance is an active participant. Krasota defines itself as a visionary and innovative dining concept that embraces hedonism and elevates gastronomy to an art form, and this experience was no exaggeration. Each of the five senses was stimulated in a symphony of tastes, physical textures, aromas, sounds, and colours, all of which united the mind with the palate. The 'show' we attended was titled IF, or Imaginary Future, and it began in space. The circular room, which seats 20 keen diners, is encircled by screens that took us straight to the Milky Way. The visual art on the walls, table, and every inch that the eye could see displayed a futuristic exploration of humans in space and how visionaries will eventually explore the cosmos to escape Earth's limitations. The futuristic dish that accompanied the galactic journey had two crisp 'space bread' cuboids, one of which was topped with caviar and the other with tuna, accompanied by a sea urchin miso soup. The second course was titled Chimera, which showcased human life's ongoing quest to reverse the damage it has done here on earth and how we aim to reconnect with nature through science and synthetic biology. The dish, entangled amid the scenes of vibrant plants and sounds of birds and bugs, was a plant-based 'meat' taco, with mushrooms and natural Coca-Cola. Following this was Apocalypse — perhaps my favourite course. This thought-provoking element of the evening, following on from the previous courses, showcased the consequences facing humanity for violating the earth. Served alongside a completely vegan, decadent eggplant miso were scenes depicting how, through unconventional means, humans can find a way back to each other through the most dire of disconnections. The journey then took us underwater, offering guests a delicious, perfectly cooked scallop served with sea urchin and sea grapes, accompanied by imagery of the vast ocean floor and telling a story of how universal seabeds can be a solution to the planet's population and resourcing issues. The final three courses took an exciting turn, with the vibe shifting from thought-provoking and moving to upbeat, exciting, and — if at all possible — even more engaging of the senses. As we travelled into Cyberpunk, the lively music, neon imagery, and tantalising foie gras burger all roused the senses in harmony. The Artificial Intelligence course allowed guests to experience 'the Matrix', capturing humanity's recent hyper-attention towards technology and thus, our reliance on it. During this part of the show, we were served the 'AI quail pie'. This concept led nicely into the final course — Eternal Life. This course is envisioned as a cathartic counterpoint to AI, predicting humanity's sublime equilibrium between technology, nature, and personal essence. With this concept, we were given a texturally unique matcha ice cream, served with mango and feijoa. When heading into this experience, the concept of 'escapism dining' was something alien to me — dining out is meant to be something that enriches the existing tapestry of life. Yet, this felt like a wild dream, worlds away from my day-to-day — in an amazing way. I would strongly urge everyone to try it once.
CTV News
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
BIBI releases sophomore album ‘EVE: ROMANCE' with philosophical edge
South Korean singer BIBI arrives for the red carpet of the MAMA Awards in Osaka, western Japan, Nov. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae), File) SEOUL, South Korea — South Korean artist BIBI released her highly anticipated sophomore album 'EVE: ROMANCE' on Wednesday, delivering a project that blends her signature genre-defying sound with philosophical twists. The singer, songwriter and actor, who moves fluidly between pop, R&B, hip-hop and electronic music, has built a reputation for her bold, unapologetic presence in an industry often defined by careful image management. Her latest album features 14 tracks, including six new songs alongside previously released hits like 'Bam Yang Gang' and 'Derre.' In an interview with The Associated Press, BIBI explained the meaning behind the album's lead single 'Apocalypse,' which carries a more poetic Korean title meaning 'The Apple Tree of the End Times.' 'I thought, if there was the fruit of knowledge of good and evil at the beginning, then this would be the apple tree at the end of times,' BIBI said. 'You know that saying — when asked what you'd do if the world ended tomorrow, some say they'd plant an apple tree, others say they'd have an orgy. ... But to me, they felt like the same thing. Both are, in essence, acts of planting seeds.' Her interpretation, merging ideas of creation, pleasure, and existential finality, may come across as provocative in a conservative South Korean society where open discussions about sex remain rare and often taboo. 'In reality, everything has an end, and what each person chooses to do in that moment is their own,' she added. 'It can't be labeled as good or bad. After all, isn't the very idea of good and evil ambiguous?' One of Korea's fastest-rising stars with a growing international presence, BIBI reflected on the surprising success of 'Bam Yang Gang.' The song, which means a chestnut jelly snack in Korean, became a viral sensation in South Korea last year while she was too busy to notice. 'I was filming two dramas simultaneously, so I was really busy,' she said. 'I couldn't really feel it at that time. Actually, I felt it more this year because people introduce me saying, 'Last year was the year of Bam Yang Gang.'' Despite her growing popularity, BIBI aspires to maintain an element of 'ambiguity' in her artistry. 'I want to be a mysterious artist. Like 'Gacha!' — that kind of feeling. Like you don't know what you'll get from a Gacha machine,' she explained, referencing the Japanese toy vending machines known for their randomized collectibles. The album includes 'Pygma girl,' a track that reimagines the Greek myth of Pygmalion by reversing traditional muse-artist dynamics, suggesting the subject is the art itself rather than merely inspiring the creator. 'Midnight Cruise,' another standout track, was written after she dreamt about her late grandfather before her Coachella performance in 2024. BIBI will kick off her first global tour in Seoul on May 16, before heading to the United States and Canada. She will then continue across Asia, with stops including Hong Kong and cities in Japan. The tour will conclude in Australia and New Zealand this October. 'EVE: ROMANCE' is out now. Juwon Park, The Associated Press
The Independent
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
BIBI releases sophomore album 'EVE: ROMANCE' with philosophical edge
South Korean artist BIBI released her highly anticipated sophomore album 'EVE: ROMANCE' on Wednesday, delivering a project that blends her signature genre-defying sound with philosophical twists. The singer, songwriter and actor, who moves fluidly between pop, R&B, hip-hop and electronic music, has built a reputation for her bold, unapologetic presence in an industry often defined by careful image management. Her latest album features 14 tracks, including six new songs alongside previously released hits like 'Bam Yang Gang' and 'Derre.' In an interview with The Associated Press, BIBI explained the meaning behind the album's lead single 'Apocalypse,' which carries a more poetic Korean title meaning 'The Apple Tree of the End Times.' 'I thought, if there was the fruit of knowledge of good and evil at the beginning, then this would be the apple tree at the end of times,' BIBI said. 'You know that saying — when asked what you'd do if the world ended tomorrow, some say they'd plant an apple tree, others say they'd have an orgy. ... But to me, they felt like the same thing. Both are, in essence, acts of planting seeds.' Her interpretation, merging ideas of creation, pleasure, and existential finality, may come across as provocative in a conservative South Korean society where open discussions about sex remain rare and often taboo. 'In reality, everything has an end, and what each person chooses to do in that moment is their own,' she added. 'It can't be labeled as good or bad. After all, isn't the very idea of good and evil ambiguous?' One of Korea's fastest-rising stars with a growing international presence, BIBI reflected on the surprising success of 'Bam Yang Gang.' The song, which means a chestnut jelly snack in Korean, became a viral sensation in South Korea last year while she was too busy to notice. 'I was filming two dramas simultaneously, so I was really busy,' she said. 'I couldn't really feel it at that time. Actually, I felt it more this year because people introduce me saying, 'Last year was the year of Bam Yang Gang.'' Despite her growing popularity, BIBI aspires to maintain an element of 'ambiguity' in her artistry. 'I want to be a mysterious artist. Like 'Gacha!' — that kind of feeling. Like you don't know what you'll get from a Gacha machine,' she explained, referencing the Japanese toy vending machines known for their randomized collectibles. The album includes 'Pygma girl,' a track that reimagines the Greek myth of Pygmalion by reversing traditional muse-artist dynamics, suggesting the subject is the art itself rather than merely inspiring the creator. 'Midnight Cruise,' another standout track, was written after she dreamt about her late grandfather before her Coachella performance in 2024. BIBI will kick off her first global tour in Seoul on May 16, before heading to the United States and Canada. She will then continue across Asia, with stops including Hong Kong and cities in Japan. The tour will conclude in Australia and New Zealand this October. 'EVE: ROMANCE' is out now.
The Star
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
'The Bondsman' review: The Apocalypse is better with Bacon
Everything is better with (Kevin) Bacon, from arty-cheesy slashers like MaXXXine to Marvel holiday specials and now... even the Apocalypse. In The Bondsman, a new brisk and brutal action-horror series created by shorts/commercials director Grainger David, the "Six Degrees of..." man plays reprehensible bail bondsman Hub Halloran. He is such a "selfish @$$h**e", as one character observes late in the season, that we meet him in the first episode just as he is about to get his throat sliced open from ear to ear. We won't have to settle for a Bacon substitute for the next 7.9 episodes, though – faster than you can say R.I.P.D., Hub is brought back from the dead by no less than (a thus-far-unseen) Lucifer. Why? Well, because demons have recently started escaping from aitch-ee-double-hockeysticks and Hub's skills as a skip-tracer are needed to send them back (in fact, Hub himself was sent "downstairs" briefly after being murdered). 'You are done! No more diving board. Where you going, pal? Sorry ... I just can't resist quoting Die Hard.' Sounds simple, but Hub's baggage complicates things. He can't get over ex-wife Maryanne (Jennifer Nettles, of the country & western duo Sugarland and recently seen in The Exorcist: Believer), who is being wooed by "reformed" criminal Lucky Callahan (Damon Herriman, Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood's Charles Manson), who in turn (not exactly a spoiler) is the one behind his murder. Plus, there's the big question of why Hub was damned to begin with, something his mother and "business partner" Kitty (Beth Grant, Pushing Daisies, Donnie Darko) wants to know but claims she doesn't. Each episode of The Bondsman clocks in at just about a half-hour, making this a breeze to binge. There is a rough "demon of the week" structure, with an underlying pattern to the escapes. These escapees are tough customers, but conveniently dispatched by a means usually reserved for a different breed of screen monster. So between jobs, we get Hub trying to win Maryanne and their son Cade (Maxwell Jenkins, Lost In Space) back, Lucky trying to finish him off, Kitty bending the law to help her son, and Midge baking pastries. Wait, who? That would be Midge Kusatsu (Jolene Purdy, neighbour Beverly from WandaVision and another Donnie Darko alumnus), a home baker turned recruiter for supernatural bounty hunters like Hub. She also gets her little heart-tugging back story, featuring the seemingly ubiquitous Jay Ali (Daredevil S3, NCIS: Hawaii, Magnum P.I., Carnival Row, among many others) in an off-the-wall departure from his usual roles. They forgot to tell Maryanne that no one is ever safe on Apocalypse Idol. The Bondsman works because of the terrific dynamic among all its major characters. Bacon gives us a winningly complex lead who consistently fails because of his conviction that he is trying to do the right thing (even when blind drunk and homicidal). It's an interesting counterpoint with his rival/nemesis Lucky, who shares that same drive, although the character grates on the nerves after a while. Grant is the show's emotional anchor, as a mother willing to go to great lengths to protect her son; though from a moral standpoint, there's a point where her love doesn't extend. The thread running through most character arcs and situations in the show is that the road to THAT place is paved with good intentions, though there is little time for preachiness. This shortness of time (half-hour episodes, remember?) is most sorely felt when it comes to the show's assortment of demons, which end up as mostly underdeveloped ciphers. Sure, the season's Big Bad is a pretty big deal, but before you can say "primordial she-demon", it's cliffhanger time – and one heck of a note on which to end a season. Dang it, Hub, you'd better come back, and not just from the dead. The realm of incomplete TV shows is a nasty kind of damnation for faithful viewers. All eight episodes of The Bondsman Season One are available to stream on Prime Video.
