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Tom's Guide
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
'Fantastic Four: First Steps' debuts with higher Rotten Tomatoes score than 'Superman'
I don't think any of us can truly deny the Marvel Universe has lost some of its sparkle over the years. For me, I still enjoy the movies enough, but I've definitely lost a bit of excitement for the MCU and have been hoping for a real hard-hitter to shake things up again. With the upcoming release of 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' on July 25, that might just be the spark the franchise (and I) need. That judgement is based on the reviews alone. 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' has already achieved a rare feat: its debut Rotten Tomatoes rating stands at a solid 86%, making it the first 'Fantastic Four' movie ever to earn a 'fresh' status. That score even nudges out the new 'Superman' reboot, which currently sits at 83% on the Tomatometer. Taking place amid a colorful, retro-futuristic vision of the 1960s, "First Steps' brings Marvel's iconic first family back to the big screen: Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach). The story balances their evolving family dynamics with the looming threat of cosmic villains like Galactus and the Silver Surfer. Early reactions have been largely positive, with critics praising the movie's charm, chemistry, and nostalgic yet fresh style. Polygon called it 'one of the better outings for the modern MCU,' while Seattle Times described it as 'heartfelt, action-packed and just plain fun.' That said, it's worth remembering that early reviews often lean positive, and scores tend to shift once the movie is released. So, if you're wondering whether to head to the theater for 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps,' here's what critics are saying on Rotten Tomatoes. As mentioned earlier, it's important to keep your expectations in check and take early positive reactions with a grain of salt since these initial scores often shift once a wider audience weighs in. That said, there's hope 'Fantastic Four: First Steps' can maintain its strong Rotten Tomatoes score, much like 'Superman' has, and even build a strong viewer rating as more fans see the movie. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Clearly though, 'First Steps' has made a strong first impression. There are currently 130 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, with most of them offering glowing opinions. Nell Minow from Movie Mom said: 'After three unsatisfactory tries Marvel Studios got it right, gorgeously produced, well cast, dazzling visuals, gracefully relegating the origin story to a few 'archival' clips, and putting our quartet and us right in the middle of the action.' Meanwhile, The Independent's Clarisse Loughrey stated it 'the ingredients are perfectly lined up, and, in the right combinations, and with the pure wonderment of Michael Giacchino's score, The Fantastic Four: First Steps does shimmer with a kind of wide-eyed idealism. And that's lovely.' Liz Shannon Miller from Consequence wrote a very hopeful review that has me even more intrigued: 'A solid comic book adventure that's not embarrassed by being a comic book adventure — in fact it finds real power in its love for its roots. Hopefully, that's an energy the MCU can carry forward with it.' The same goes for TheWrap's William Bibbiani, who said: 'Matt Shakman has done something Marvel Studios doesn't do very well anymore. He's made a superhero movie that embraces the 'super' part. And the 'hero' part. And the 'movie' part.' Sure, there are more good reviews than bad, but there's a reason it's not sitting at 100%. Some critics weren't quite as impressed. Katie Walsh from Tribune News Service said: 'Perhaps it would have been best relegated to the small screen then, because the biggest one isn't doing this movie any favors. A message this urgent shouldn't be rendered in such a forgettable fashion.' Boston Globe's Odie Henderson was a bit more savage: 'Unfortunately, neither a timeframe change nor the work of four screenwriters (Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, Ian Springer) can fix the central problem with Fantastic Four movies: With one exception, the team members are colossal bores.' Esther Zuckerman from Bloomberg News even compared it to 'Superman,' saying: 'While Superman felt bracingly modern with the political sentiments to boot, The Fantastic Four has a halo of cobwebs it can't quite shake off.' 'Fantastic Four: First Steps' is clearly off to a strong start, with critics largely praising its charm, visuals, and return to classic comic book storytelling. It's being hailed as the best take on Marvel's first family yet, though everyone is fully convinced. While some find it refreshing and heartfelt, others feel it falls short of greatness. Still, if early reactions are anything to go by, this could mark a much-needed turning point for the franchise. If you're still on the fence about heading to the theaters for 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps,' it's worth remembering that some movies are just made for the big screen, and this is one of them. While it might hit streaming in a few months, the scale and visual ambition of 'First Steps' are probably best experienced in a dark theater, not your living room. Between the sweeping shots, retro-futuristic design, and Michael Giacchino's soaring score, the movie seems to lean into a sense of wonder that benefits from the immersive setting of the theater. Even if you're not fully sold on the Fantastic Four as a team, the spectacle alone gives it an edge that might be lost when viewed at home. So if you're even a little curious, this might be one to catch while it's still on the big screen. My ticket is booked, and I'm ready to see it on July 25. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
India.com
16-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
The Milk India Refuses To Drink: Why ‘Non-Veg Dairy' Is A Red Line In Trade Deal With US
New Delhi/Washington: In the backrooms of New Delhi's diplomatic zone, trade officials kept circling one issue that simply would not move. It was not fighter jets, data servers or farm subsidies. It was milk. Yes, milk. One of the biggest stumbling blocks in the India-U.S. trade pact is white, creamy and sacred to millions. And the problem lies not in how it is consumed, but how it is produced. Washington wants access to India's $16.8 billion dairy market, the largest in the world. It wants to sell its butter, cheese and milk powder to a country that churns out over 239 million metric tonnes of milk a year. But New Delhi is not opening that door. At the centre of India's resistance lies one demand – an assurance that the milk entering Indian homes comes from cows that were never fed meat, blood or animal remains. No exceptions. No compromises. Indian officials are calling it a red line. The idea of 'non-veg milk' does not sit well with millions of Indian households, especially vegetarians who see dairy as nutrition as well as ritual. Ghee is poured into sacred flames during prayer. Milk is bathed over deities. The concept of cows being fed pig fat or chicken remains crosses dietary boundaries and lines of faith. Trade experts struggled to explain this to Washington. 'Imagine eating butter made from the milk of a cow that was fed meat and blood from another cow. India may never allow that,' said Ajay Srivastava from the Global Trade Research Initiative in New Delhi. Despite U.S. claims that the concern is exaggerated, several American reports confirm the reality. A Seattle Times investigation documented how American cattle feed can legally include ground-up remains of pigs, horses and poultry. Even chicken droppings, known as poultry litter, sometimes make their way into the mix. The logic is economic – feed animals cheap and grow them fast. For Indian regulators, it is simply unacceptable. India's Department of Animal Husbandry mandates certification on all imported food items, including milk, to ensure no animal-derived feed is involved. This has long been criticised by the United States at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) as a 'non-scientific barrier'. But for India, it is not about science but belief. In 2006, the Indian government formalised this belief in trade rules. It resulted into high tariffs – 30% on cheese, 40% on butter and a whopping 60% on milk powder. For countries like New Zealand or Australia, breaking into India's dairy space is nearly impossible. For the United States, it is a billion-dollar hurdle. India's dairy sector feeds over 1.4 billion people. It employs more than 80 million, many of them smallholder farmers. Cheap American imports, experts say, could collapse local markets. A report from the State Bank of India estimates an annual loss of Rs 1.03 lakh crore if U.S. dairy is allowed to flood in. That is nearly 2.5-3% of the country's entire Gross Value Added. And the risk is not theoretical. 'If American butter comes in cheap, our milk prices drop. What happens to the village woman who sells five litres of milk a day?' asks Mahesh Sakunde, a dairy farmer from Maharashtra. Meanwhile, Washington sees India's refusal to open up as 'protectionist'. But India's negotiators stood firm. 'There is no question of conceding on dairy. That is a red line,' said a senior Indian official. The United States exported over $8.2 billion worth of dairy last year. Gaining access to India's vast market could supercharge those numbers. But Indian officials are unwilling to allow milk from cows that ate meat to be offered at temple altars or poured into toddler cups. And so, while the two countries hammer out trade terms with hopes of reaching $500 billion in bilateral commerce by 2030, the dairy debate remains unresolved. It may seem like a small detail in a massive negotiation, but in India, this is sacred, culture and a line that will not be crossed.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mariners' Julio Rodriguez makes surprising All-Star Game announcement
Julio Rodriguez won't be playing in the All-Star Game after all. The Seattle Mariners' centerfielder was one of the most criticized selections to the American League roster for the Midsummer Classic. He won't be in Atlanta to be critiqued further, though. Advertisement Rodriguez told reporters Friday that he's not going to be participating in the game, "citing the desire to rest and get ready for the second half of the season," according to Tim Booth of the Seattle Times. He's not the first player to pull himself from the AL roster. Guardians superstar Jose Ramirez did the same thing as he deals with nagging injuries that aren't enough to keep him out of Cleveland's lineup but could probably use a few extra days to heal. Rodriguez is hitting .244 this season with 11 homers and 15 steals. MORE: Yankees cracked Mariners' code, signaled pitches from second base to stage historic rally Advertisement He has played his usual, exciting brand of defense in the outfield while providing flashes of prowess at the plate. He hasn't been as consistent as many Seattle fans would like, though. But at least Rodriguez is making a decision that could help him have a better second half than first half. The Mariners are in the playoff picture and need their stars to play like stars. Julio will get to rest up, and then it'll be partially on his All-Star shoulders to see how far Seattle can go. MORE MLB NEWS:
Canada News.Net
05-07-2025
- Business
- Canada News.Net
Microsoft lays off 4 percent amid AI push, joins wider tech cutbacks
REDMOND, Washington: Microsoft is the latest tech giant to announce significant job cuts, as the financial strain of building next-generation AI capabilities begins to reshape workforces across the industry. The company said this week it will lay off nearly 4 percent of its global workforce—roughly 9,000 jobs—as it looks to streamline operations and control costs. With around 228,000 employees as of June 2024, Microsoft had already trimmed headcount in May, affecting about 6,000 workers. Bloomberg News reported last month that the company was planning additional cuts, particularly in sales. The layoffs come as Microsoft commits to massive investments in AI. The company has pledged US$80 billion in capital spending for fiscal 2025, much of it earmarked for building and scaling AI infrastructure. But these investments have begun to weigh on profitability—its June quarter cloud margins are expected to shrink compared to last year. To offset these pressures, Microsoft said it would "reduce organizational layers with fewer managers" and streamline its products, procedures, and roles. The Seattle Times was the first to report the layoffs. Separately, Bloomberg News reported that Microsoft's King division, based in Barcelona and known for developing the Candy Crush video game, is also cutting about 10 percent of its staff, or around 200 employees. Microsoft confirmed to Reuters that the gaming division had been affected by the layoffs, though it clarified that the job cuts do not impact the majority of the unit. Other major tech companies making aggressive AI bets have also implemented job cuts. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, said earlier this year it would reduce about 5 percent of its "lowest performers." Alphabet's Google has laid off hundreds of workers in recent months, and Amazon has trimmed roles across several business lines, including its books division, devices and services, and communications teams. Across Corporate America, a combination of economic uncertainty and rising costs has prompted companies to restructure, streamline, and prepare for further financial pressure. Microsoft's latest move underscores how even the most profitable players are making hard choices to sustain their AI ambitions.
Business Recorder
03-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Microsoft ‘ends' operations in Pakistan after 25 years
Tech software giant Microsoft has shut down all operations in Pakistan, according to media reports on Thursday. The report comes just a day after Seattle Times reported that Microsoft had announced it was laying off as much as 4%, or roughly 9,100, of its employees in the largest round of job cuts since 2023. The tech giant was planning to cut thousands of jobs, particularly in sales, according to a Bloomberg News report in June. Microsoft had also announced layoffs in May, which affected around 6,000 employees. According to reports, Microsoft has never had a full presence in Pakistan — only liaison offices that served enterprise, government, education, and consumer customers. Pakistan's shrinking tech landscape: global companies exit amidst capital crunch Describing the decision as a 'troubling sign' for Pakistan's future, former president Arif Alvi said Microsoft chief Bill Gates once had plans to make a major investment in Pakistan. However, 'regime change upended those plans, and the promise of investment slipped away. By October 2022, Microsoft chose Vietnam for its expansion, a decision in which they had initially favored Pakistan. The opportunity was lost,' he wrote in a post on X. 'Pakistan now spirals in a whirlpool of uncertainty. There is increasing joblessness, our talent is migrating abroad, purchasing power has reduced, economic recovery in the 'awami' context feels like a distant and elusive dream,' former president added. Meanwhile in a post on LinkedIn, Microsoft Pakistan's former founding country manager Jawwad Rehman said, 'This is more than a corporate exit.' 'It's a sobering signal of the environment our country has created.. one where even global giants like Microsoft find it unsustainable to stay. It also reflects on what was done (or not done) with the strong foundation we left behind by the subsequent team and regional management of Microsoft.' Habibullah Khan, founder and CEO of design studio Penumbra, said on X the decision came as no surprise. Microsoft's revenue from Pakistan would have been $50 million, which Khan estimated at .018% of Microsoft's global revenue, coupled with the fact that they have been cutting costs and laying people off. He explained that Microsoft 'supplies from Turkey and invoices from Ireland' and 'had dramatically reduced head count in Pakistan already, so their relationship with Pakistan was very tenuous'. 'Microsoft reviewing future of its liaison office in Pakistan' The global pivot from on-premise software (transactional deals) to Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) (recurring revenue) continues to reshape how technology firms structure their international operations. Microsoft is no exception. Pakistan's e-commerce sector faces operational costs surge amid new taxes Over the past few years the company has shifted licensing and commercial-contract management for Pakistan to its European hub in Ireland, while day-to-day service delivery here has been handled entirely by its certified local partners. This was stated by the IT ministry in a statement issued later during the day. 'Against that backdrop, we understand Microsoft is now reviewing the future of its liaison office in Pakistan as part of a wider workforce-optimisation programme. 'This would reflect a long-signalled strategy, consolidating direct headcount and moving toward a partner-led, cloud-based delivery model, rather than a retreat from the Pakistani market,' it said. The ministry said the government would continue to engage Microsoft's regional and global leadership to 'ensure that any structural changes strengthen, rather than diminish, Microsoft's long term commitment to Pakistani customers, developers and channel partners'.
