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Daily Record
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Gripping US crime drama which has fans hooked is now free to stream
This critically-acclaimed drama staring Sam Worthington and Paul Bettany is available to stream now on STV Player... A gripping US crime drama with an impressive 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes is now available to stream in full - and for free - across the UK, thanks to STV Player. Manhunt: Unabomber offers a compelling, fictionalised portrayal of the FBI's pursuit of one of America's most notorious domestic terrorists. The series unpacks the decade-long investigation into the 'Unabomber', who's string of deadly mail bombings killed three people and injured 23 others over a 20-year period. The eight-part series stars Sam Worthington, known best for his roles in Avatar and Hacksaw Ridge, as FBI profiler Jim "Fitz" Fitzgerald. A fresh face on the bureau's UNABOM Task Force (a joint law enforcement effort formed to investigate the Unabomber), he brings an unconventional approach to the case - the use of forensic linguistics - but he must first overcome internal skepticism and bureaucratic resistance. As the series unfolds, Fitz grapples not only with the unknown Unabomber but also with a task force reluctant to embrace his new methods. Can he cut through the red tape and finally catch the person responsible for wreaking havoc on the US for 20 years? Adding further to the gripping series, BAFTA nominated actor Paul Bettany, known best for his role in the marvel series WandaVision, stars as Ted Kaczynski. The deeply disturbed mathematician and former Berkley professor who was ultimately unmasked as the Unabomber in 1996. The series has received impressive reviews since it first launched. With the Hollywood Reporter describing it as "interesting in its depiction of how years of using traditional methods and failing to catch America's most notorious serial bomber gave way to something experimental and new." While the Los Angeles Times hailed the "equal parts true-crime drama, psychological thriller" as a "win on all fronts." Viewers have rated the series of Rotten Tomatoes leaving reviews. One review read: "While it runs for eight episodes, it does a solid job of maintaining the energy and interest throughout," leaving the show 4 out of 5 stars. While another viewer simply wrote: "Gripping and affecting, this is a gem," giving it 5 out of 5 stars. As a third said: "Gripping series that just blows the mind! Highly recommended! 5/5 Stars !!!" Manhunt: Unabomber is now part of STV Player's growing catalogue of international dramas, joining titles such as the Canadian legal series Burden of Truth, Irish police procedural Red Rock and New Zealand's longest running drama, Shortland Street. Viewers can also watch the follow-up series, Manhunt: Deadly Games, which delves into the FBI's investigation into the 1996 Olympic Games bombing, also streaming on STV Player through a content deal with distributor Lionsgate.
France 24
3 days ago
- Business
- France 24
Is Hollywood still the world's movie business capital?
US President Donald Trump's threat to drag the movie world into his trade wars has rattled an industry that is still recovering from the Covid-19 shutdown, historic Hollywood strikes and the disruption caused by streaming platforms like Netflix. Will Los Angeles end up like Detroit, the former global capital of the auto industry, or will it bounce back from this crisis? Charles Pellegrin discusses this and more with Serge Siritzky, a French film producer as well as an expert in film finance; and Stuart Nash, a former New Zealand minister for economic development. While in office he oversaw over $650 million in film subsidies to attract huge Hollywood productions such as "Avatar" or "A Minecraft Movie".
India.com
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
World's highest-grossing film, made in Rs 10000 crore, earned Rs..., name is..., not Lord of The Rings
In the world of cinema, some stories don't just entertain, they create legacies that not just hold a special place in the heart of cinema lovers but also in the industry as well. From the mystical realms of Avatar to the heroic saga of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, from the epic battles of The Lord of the Rings to the animated wonders of Nezha, these franchises have given shape to redefined global storytelling. But among them, one stands tall, not just for its vision, but for its monstrous budget of Rs 10,000 crore and record-breaking box office success. With its stunning visuals, gripping storytelling, and unforgettable characters, this franchise earned a special place, not just in the hearts and minds of children but also for all ages who want to watch a cinematic visual treat. Let's know this all-time blockbuster franchise, which is all set to turn into an upcoming television series. An Untouched Legacy Of The Wizard Here we are talking about the Harry Potter franchise that completely changed the course of magic-driven storytelling format, which is based on J.K. Rowling's powerful novels. The story was based on a boy who inherited a huge legacy from his father and mother as a wizard who is unaware of the hurdles and challenges that he'll be facing in the future. The franchise, which was started in 2001, made its conclusion in 2011 with a satisfying ending. By this time Harry Potter franchise stunned everyone with its exhilarating response and gigantic box office reception. The Beginning Of The Magical Saga The saga began in 2001 with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone , where audiences were introduced to a young boy discovering his magical heritage and finding loyal friends in Hermione and Ron . The first film grossed an impressive 317 million dollars worldwide. With each installment, the series grew darker, strengthening its bond with fans. The second film, The Chamber of Secrets, took things to a different level as the main antagonist of this franchise, Voldemort , becomes the biggest nightmare for Harry while learning about magic and the world of wizards in Hogwarts . As per box office reports it earned 261.99 million dollars worldwide. After this, in 2004, Prisoner of Azkaban arrived on big screens that became even darker than its first two parts, due to which it earned 249.36 million dollars, which was less than its previous parts. The Shape-Shifter That Became a Game-Changer The Goblet of Fire , known for its dramatic tournament and shocking twist, collected 290.01 million dollars, which revived this franchise once again due to its stunning visual quality and nail-biting sequence between protagonist and the antagonist. During this part the characters matured and so did the themes, drawing audiences closer to its conclusion. By the sixth installment, The Half-Blood Prince , the box office surged to 301.96 million dollars. The final chapter was split into two parts: Deathly Hallows Part 1 which earned 295.98 million dollars, while Part 2, with the same name shattered all the records with a whopping 381.01 million dollars, which combinely estimated Rs 63,910 crore (around 8 billion dollars), making it one of the highest-grossing franchises in cinematic history. The franchise, based on J.K. Rowling's seven novels, was brought to life by four talented directors from Hollywood which including Chris Columbus, Alfonso Cuarón, Mike Newell , and David Yates, as each of them added their unique touch to the wizarding world.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Sarpanch from Punjab former minister Chetan Singh Jouramajra's village draws CM Bhagwant Mann's attention to govt apathy, lack of development funds
1 2 3 4 Patiala: The sarpanch of Jouramajra, the native village of former cabinet minister and MLA (Samana) Chetan Singh Jouramajra, Wednesday drew CM Bhagwant Mann's attention to the lack of development and the continued neglect of the village by sitting MLA (Shutrana), Kulwant Singh Baazigar of AAP. Speaking during the 'AAP Sarkar Aapke Dwar' programme here, sarpanch Avatar Singh urged the CM to urgently sanction funds for Jouramajra. "Despite being an AAP stronghold, Jouramajra has received no attention in the past three years. Neither has MLA Kulwant Singh Baazigar visited our village, nor have any development grants been sanctioned during his tenure," he alleged. Jouramajra, which falls under the Shutrana assembly segment in Patiala district, has roughly a population of about 1,500. Despite its political significance, having produced a cabinet minister in the past, residents claim the village remains devoid of basic infrastructure improvements. During the recent panchayat elections, Avatar, who is said to be a close confidant of Chetan Singh Jouramajra, defeated Laddi Singh — allegedly backed by MLA Kulwant Singh Baazigar—from a general category seat, despite being a dalit candidate. Outlining the key demands of the village, the sarpanch highlighted the need to upgrade the govt school from Class 8 to Class 10, citing safety concerns for students, particularly girls, who currently travel 5km daily to the nearest school in Dhanetha. Other demands include the setting up of a library or dispensary, a stadium, a marriage hall for the underprivileged, and an embroidery training centre for girls. "Though Rs 3 lakh was approved under Mgnrega for the stadium with the help of former minister Jouramajra, this amount is insufficient," Avatar said. He acknowledged the efforts of the former minister in installing solar lights and rejuvenating a village pond but emphasised that much more needs to be done. "I had put forth these demands before our MLA, but nothing has been done so far. Some are criticising me for raising this issue before the CM, but I ask — what wrong have I done by standing up for my village?" Avatar said. Following the sarpanch's plea, the CM reportedly instructed concerned officials to take swift action, offering a glimmer of hope to the villagers who have long awaited tangible development. The episode reignited discussions over intraparty dynamics within AAP and the alleged sidelining of villages aligned with certain political figures, despite being part of the same political fold. MLA Kulwant Singh Baazigar couldn't respond as he was busy in a meeting. Deputy commissioner (Patiala) Preeti Yadav, too, did not respond to repeated phone calls and messages.
Toronto Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
LILLEY: Ontario MPPs set to vote themselves a massive pay hike
Queen's Park in Toronto on May 12, 2025. CYNTHIA MCLEOD/TORONTO SUN MPPs at Queen's Park are about to get a massive raise, their first in 16 years, but they still won't make as much as MPs in Ottawa or councillors in many major cities. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The Ford government is moving ahead with plans to increase MPP salaries from $116,550 per year to $157,350, or 75% of what a federal Member of Parliament makes. Former premier Dalton McGuinty froze the wages of MPPs in 2009 as the world was dealing with the fallout of the global financial meltdown. The unemployment rate sat at 8.5% in December 2009, the provincial government had joined in the bailout of General Motors and Chrysler, and the overall economic outlook was bleak. A lot has changed since then — the pay freeze happened when McGuinty was still a popular premier, it was before Rob Ford became mayor of Toronto, bringing his brother, our current premier, into politics. Lady Gaga was topping Billboard's Canadian Hot 100 chart with Bad Romance while a new singer named Ke$ha was singing of TikTok, which was not yet an app. Avatar, the movie about blue people and another world from Canadian James Cameron, had people lined up at the box office, and back then you actually had to go to the box office to buy tickets. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. All this to say, the decision to freeze wages was a long time ago, in a very different world. The move was a politically astute one at the time by McGuinty, and it was always meant to be temporary, but no politician has dared hike the wages since. Perhaps it's because politicians know that the idea of them getting a salary increase won't be popular. At $116,550, an MPP already earns more than the average worker in Ontario. Last year, according to Statistics Canada, the average full-time employee earned roughly $39 an hour per house and worked a bit over 38 hours per week meaning an annual income of about $78,000. MPPs already earn about 48% more than the average worker, according to StatsCan, so giving them a 35% raise will seem outrageous. StatsCan also shows, though, that average full-time worker is earning 40% more than they did in 2009. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. To be fair to those MPPs, their jobs never end. If you can find me an MPP or a political staffer who works 38.8 hours per week, I'll show you someone headed for the unemployment line. MPPs, like most politicians, surrender most of their lives to their jobs, regularly putting in 80 hours a week or more. We ask them, many of them anyway, to move to a different city, be away from their families and answer our every concern at all hours of the day. It's a demanding job and for a long time now, the reward for responding to the demands of the job have been diminishing. Even after the raise to $157,350, MPPs will still make less than councillors in Toronto who earn $170,558, Brampton at $161,152, and Mississauga at $159,684. My arguments for why this pay raise is a good idea will likely fall on deaf ears to many, especially those who think paying anything to a politician is still too much. We love to complain about the quality of the representatives we have, and we also like to complain about how much we pay them. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Give me better wood and I will make you a better cabinet,' Sir John A. Macdonald famously said when he faced complaints about the quality of his cabinet ministers. Well, better wood costs money and we need to pay MPPs better to attract better talent. The changes in salary, if passed, would take effect retroactive to the February 2025 election. The government is also proposing to allow MPPs to join the Public Service Pension Plan, the same plan offered to civil servants. It's not the gold-plated plan but would offer members serving for several terms a modest pension at retirement. An MPP serving for six years could start collecting at age 55 but at a 20% discount of the rate offered at 65. Of all the proposals Doug Ford has brought forward, this one has the potential to cause him some real political headaches, but it remains the right thing to do. blilley@ Toronto & GTA Ontario Toronto & GTA Toronto & GTA Sunshine Girls
