Latest news with #StrangerThings
Los Angeles Times
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Stephen King's ‘The Institute' sets gifted children against nefarious adults
'The Institute,' a 2019 novel by Stephen King, Maine's Master of the Macabre — or horror, I just said macabre for the alliteration — has become a miniseries with some major additions and minor emendations. Premiering Sunday on MGM+, it belongs to a popular genre in which superpowerful young'uns are gathered in some sort of academy, and more specifically to one in which children with extraordinary powers are weaponized by adults for … reasons. They always have reasons, those cruel adults. The child at the center of the story is 14-year-old Luke Ellis (Joe Freeman, who shoulders a lot of dramatic weight), a genius with a mostly untapped ability to move things with his mind. (Classic power!) One night while Luke is asleep, people break into his house, and when he wakes in the morning in his bed, you know as well as I that what he'll find outside his bedroom door is not the rest of his house — just like Patrick McGoohan in 'The Prisoner,' one of several other works for the screen that may cross your mind as the show goes on. 'Stranger Things,' 'The Matrix,' 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest,' 'The Breakfast Club' and 'Severance' are some others that came to my mind. Luke is in the Institute, a drab complex, whose young inmates are identified either as 'TK' (telekinetic) or 'TP' (telepathic), or once in a blue moon, 'PC' (precognitive). Just how Luke's kidnappers fixed on him in the first place is something for you not to think about. But there he is, and because he is also a genius, his warders think he might be more than usually useful to them. Ms. Sigsby (Mary-Louise Parker) runs the place; her cheery tone and promises of fun food and no bedtime does not hide from you, or from Luke, the fact that she is a liar. That she tells Luke he's there as part of a project to 'serve not just your country but the whole world' is not something to impress any kidnapped teenager. Aiding and abetting Sigsby are sepulchral security head Stackhouse (Julian Richings), who at one point will speak the words 'unjustly vilified term final solution'; Tony (Jason Diaz), an almost comically sadistic orderly; and Dr. Hendricks (Robert Joy), who has cooked up the pseudoscientific nonsense at the heart of the plan and puts Luke through a variety of upsetting 'tests.' Housekeeper Maureen (Jane Luk) is nice, though — not to be completely trusted, necessarily, but nice. Meanwhile, handsome Tim Jamieson (Ben Barnes), a former policeman, decorated for an incident that left him bad about feeling decorated, hitchhikes into town — the town near the Institute, whatever it's called — and gets himself a job with the local constabulary as its 'nightknocker,' checking that businesses have locked their doors and the streets are trouble free. At the police station, he meets Officer Wendy Gullickson (Hannah Galway), which makes space for some light guy-gal vibing, while his nocturnal peregrinations will bring him into contact with Annie (Mary Walsh), a street person and conspiracy theorist, who does know an actual thing or two, and who will inspire Tim to poke around that place up on the hill with the guards and the barbed-wire fence. He may not be a cop anymore, but he is not, he says, 'the kind of guy who can look the other way.' At the mostly empty, sort of shabby Institute — like a student center that hasn't been updated in 30 years, because what's the point — Luke meets fellow inmates Kalisha (Simone Miller), who inexplicably kisses him upon first meeting, Iris (Birva Pandya), cool kid Nick (Fionn Laird), and later little Avery (Viggo Hanvelt), who may prove the most powerful of all. The institute has a Front Hall and a Back Hall; at some point, kids from the former are transferred to the latter, which completes a 'graduation' the staff mark with a cake and candles. (They're told that after doing time in the Back Hall, they'll be going home, which could not possibly be part of the plan.) The meaning of the column of smoke rising from one of the compound's buildings should be immediately obvious. Written by Benjamin Cavell (who co-wrote the 2020 adaptation of King's 'The Stand') and directed by Jack Bender (King's 'Mr. Mercedes'), it drags at times and isn't particularly interesting to look at, though there's action and a few special effects toward the end, which, King being King, isn't over until it's over — and it never is. Parker is always good to watch, and her Mrs. Sigsby is given some material to make her seem human — if not quite to humanize her — but nothing regarding the Institute and its complicated plans and methods really makes any sense, even in King's made-world. Still, if you regard 'The Institute' as a kind of YA novel about resistance and revolt, and a metaphor for the way young people have been sacrificed by the old to feed their agendas and wars, it has some legs.
Daily Record
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Netflix viewers certain Stranger Things season five will feature a twist fans 'wont like'
Netflix's popular show Stranger Things is set to be released in November this year and fans are convinced there will be a twist nobody will enjoy. Stranger Things fans are convinced that season five will include a twist that might 'not sit well' with viewers. The final season of the popular Netflix series is scheduled to be released in three parts: the first volume, featuring four episodes, premieres on November 26, the second volume with three episodes, drops on December 25 and the series finale arrives on December 31. Season four ended back in July of 2022, with an explosive finale which saw Vecna, portrayed by Jamie Campbell Bower - revealed to be Dr Brenner's Number One and also known as Henry - managed to merge the Upside Down with Hawkins. The episode ended with several cliffhangers, including what happens to Max (Sadie Sink). After being killed by Vecna, Max is briefly revived by Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), but she remains in a coma, the Mirror reports. Will, played by Noah Schnapp, can feel Vecna's presence and senses that the villa is still alive, hinting at an ultimate showdown in Season Five. Fans of the show enjoy playing detective to uncover clues about upcoming seasons, and this time is no different. According to Stranger Things Hub, a fan recently dug up an old interview with David Harbour, who plays Jim Hopper, suggesting there might be a big twist in Season Five. In the interview, he stated: 'The Duffers have been building up to something big for season 5. And that many people may not like it, but it's what the Duffers feel is right." Stranger Things was created by Matt and Ross Duffer, who are professionally known as The Duffer Brothers. Fans have been speculating what twists could happen in the upcoming series, with some believing that something will happen to 'Byler' the couple name fans came up with to refer to Mike Wheeler and Will Byers. However, The Duffer Brother have confirmed that romance won't be a central theme in season five. Speaking to the publication Collider, they said: "It's not like there's going to be time to explore our characters' love life and how Steve's dating is going, there's gonna be none of that, it's just gonna be going like 100 miles an hour." Instead, fans will learn more about the mysterious Upside Down. The brothers further stated: "The big reveals that are coming in Season Five are really about the Upside Down itself, which we've only started to hint at." They continued: "There was a moment in Season Four, Episode Seven that shows it's frozen in time. We teased a few more reveals in Volume Two. But it's all connected to Vecna, a.k.a. Henry, and his journey. What we haven't fully explained is what the Upside Down actually is." 'What is that place? Where was Vecna when he discovered the Mind Flayer? Those are the last big reveals coming in Season 5," they concluded. Fans responded to the season five news on X following a tweet from Stranger Things Memes. The tweet read: 'Stranger Things 5 will have a shocking twist that fans might not like.' A third predicted: "It was all a game." While others speculated that the major twist could involve the death of one of the beloved character.
Time Out
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Halloween Horror Nights returns to Universal Studios Singapore with a ‘Stranger Things' theme
Universal Studios Singapore's annual mega fright fest is back for its lucky 13th edition this Halloween season – this time with a Stranger Things theme. This is the second collaboration between USS and the Netflix series, with the last similar tie-up being in 2018. Don't expect a rinse and repeat though, because this year's experience is based on Seasons 2, 3, and 4 of the hit horror franchise, with petrifying new surprises at every turn. Step into the spooky dimension of Upside Down with an all-new Stranger Things haunted house, or escape a cursed estate built on a graveyard with 'Singapore's Most Haunted: Build to Horror'. Still unscathed? Spook yourself silly at the scare zones – witness a parade of Japanese demons with 'The Realm of Yokai', and try to keep your wits about you as you brave the haunted carnival that is 'The FEARground'. The ghoulish fun doesn't end there. Catch chilling live performances, a horror gameshow, and indulge in an immersive bar experience for your dose of spirits …in more ways than one. Tickets start from $58 on non-peak nights, and from $68 on peak nights. But set a reminder to snag discounted rates during the early bird sale – it starts on July 13, 2025 and will be open for a limited period of time. Further information on additional haunted houses and other frightful highlights will be released in time to come. Find out more about Singapore's Halloween Horror Nights 2025 here and get your tickets via Klook.
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Stranger Things Season 5: When will new trailer drop and what to expect? See final season release date and episode schedule
Stranger Things Season 5 may be close to unveiling its trailer , with multiple signs pointing to a release date of July 15 . From official social media hints to Reddit leaks and new Netflix updates, fans are gearing up for the next major moment in the series' timeline. Stranger Things Season 5 Trailer? On July 12, the official Stranger Things social media broadcast channel shared the message, 'scanning for signal…' with a satellite emoji. This was the first post since May 30, when a mysterious voice note hinted at a TUDUM teaser. Fans believe the latest message could indicate an upcoming trailer. Stranger Things Final Season Netflix recently updated its Stranger Things YouTube account, adding a new playlist named 'Stranger Things 5.' Additionally, Ross Duffer posted on Instagram on July 2 with the caption, 'On the mix stage…' The image read 'THE FINAL SEASON,' suggesting final post-production work may be ongoing or complete. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like After 35 Years, Her Jewelry Is Nearly Gone The Heritage Journal Read More Undo Also Read: Bill Gates Net Worth Fall: How did Microsoft co-founder lost 51 billion dollars? Here's his new global billionaire ranking and unique pledge Stranger Things Season 5 Trailer Possible Release Date? Fans speculate the trailer may release on Tuesday, July 15. The date is significant as it marks the ninth anniversary of the show's first season premiere on Netflix. This anniversary could serve as a tribute by Netflix to the start of the series. Live Events Leaked Details From Verified Source A known leaker who has previously predicted Stranger Things details claimed in late June that a new trailer would release in July. The trailer is reportedly 2 minutes and 35 seconds long and contains multiple scenes tied to story developments teased in earlier promos. Also Read: WWE Saturday Night Main Event: Gunther vs Goldberg match date, time, full match card and how to watch on TV and stream online Alleged Trailer Breakdown Summarized by Stranger Things Spoilers and Qwerty, the leaked details describe: A new military base and a massive wall. Vecna walking into Hawkins via a portal. Introduction of a new character, possibly named Derek, with powers. A mystery person using push force to jump on a school bus. Eleven and Mike shown together. Eleven in her Void wetsuit, possibly reaching out to Will or Max. Max appears in a coma; Lucas is seen crying. Karen and Holly hiding in a water-filled bathtub. Nancy crying, washing blood off her hands in a bathroom. These moments align partially with footage shown earlier to journalists at Next on Netflix 2025. Final Season Release Date and Episode Schedule Netflix has announced that Stranger Things Season 5 will have a staggered release schedule, with episodes launching in two batches and a finale: Episodes 1–4: November 26, 2025, 5:00 PM PT Episodes 5–7: December 25, 2025, 5:00 PM PT Episode 8 (Finale): December 31, 2025, 5:00 PM PT Unlike most Netflix shows, this series will not follow the traditional midnight release format. FAQs Is the Stranger Things Season 5 trailer confirmed to release on July 15? No official confirmation has been made, but fan theories suggest that the trailer may release on July 15 due to the show's original anniversary. What are the release dates for Stranger Things Season 5 episodes? Netflix will release episodes in three parts between November 26 and December 31, 2025, all scheduled to drop at 5:00 PM PT.
Business Insider
a day ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Top Analysts Raise the Bar on Netflix Stock (NFLX) Ahead of Q2 Earnings
Netflix (NFLX) is back in the spotlight as several top analysts lift their price targets ahead of the company's highly anticipated Q2 earnings report, scheduled for July 17. Growing optimism around subscriber growth, ad-tier performance, and margin expansion is making Wall Street increasingly bullish on the streaming giant's outlook. Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. Make smarter investment decisions with TipRanks' Smart Investor Picks, delivered to your inbox every week. Overall, analysts expect Netflix to report an EPS (earnings per share) of $7.07 for Q2, up from $4.88 in the same quarter last year. Meanwhile, analysts project Q2 revenues at $11.4 billion, according to the TipRanks Analyst Forecasts Page. Let's look at the recent ratings on NFLX stock. KeyBanc's five-star-rated analyst Justin Patterson raised his price target on NFLX stock from $1,070 to $1,390 while keeping his Buy rating. Patterson remains upbeat on Netflix, citing strong revenue growth potential over the next few years. He expects low double-digit revenue growth driven by rising ad sales, price hikes, and new live content. While he acknowledges some near-term volatility, especially as hit series like Wednesday and Stranger Things wrap up, he believes Netflix's ability to deliver surprise content hits and expand into live programming will keep users engaged and support long-term growth. Overall, KeyBanc estimates Netflix could earn nearly $40 in EPS by 2027, backing its new $1,390 price target based on a 35x multiple of those projected earnings. Needham Lifts Netflix Target on Solid Productivity Gains Needham analyst Laura Martin raised Netflix's price target to $1,500 from $1,126, highlighting the company's strong employee productivity. Netflix leads nine large-cap firms (tracked by Needham) in revenue per employee with nearly double the group average, underscoring efficient workforce performance. Needham sees this as a key driver of long-term financial returns. Additionally, the firm connected Netflix's employee quality and culture to its strong financial performance, saying metrics like returns per employee help measure whether a company hires top-tier, value-generating talent. Is Netflix a Good Long-Term Investment? Turning to Wall Street, NFLX stock carries a Moderate Buy consensus rating. Among the 38 analysts covering the stock, 28 have issued Buy recommendations, and 10 rate it as Hold. Moreover, the average Netflix stock price target of $1,297.38 implies a 3.74% upside potential from current levels. Year-to-date, NFLX stock has gained 40%.
