Latest news with #Westerns
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I went to one of Europe's biggest theme parks with more than 40 attractions and record-breaking rollercoasters
Hurtling through darkness on rollercoasters adds an electrifying twist IN FOR A RIDE I went to one of Europe's biggest theme parks with more than 40 attractions and record-breaking rollercoasters Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WITH my eyes screwed tightly shut, I brace myself for the plummet. Suddenly, I'm being hurled an agonising 76 metres down a sheer drop, approaching terrifying speeds of 83mph before being thrown through a helix loop. 4 Go head over heels on the Dragon Khan ride which has eight loops Credit: Supplied 4 The park has the tallest coaster in Europe Credit: Supplied When it's all over, I can barely recall what had just happened. This is Shambhala, one of Europe's best hypercoasters, found at PortAventura World on Spain's sizzling Costa Dorada. The theme park is celebrating its 30th birthday this year but, judging from the spine-tingling ride I'd just been on, the park is far from slowing down. In fact, it is positively thirty and thriving. Boasting some of Europe's fastest and most exciting thrill rides, top-class waterpark Caribe Aquatic, Ferrari Land, and five on-site 4H and 5H hotels, this was a birthday party invite I couldn't turn down. With GCSEs done and dusted and school out for summer, teens Poppy and Charlie were raring to let their hair down. Armed with our Unlimited Express Passes (an essential extra if you want to hit every one of the park's biggest rides, among more than 40 attractions), we literally hit the ground running. And it was the best £54(ish) we could have spent. In under an hour we had been left rattled racing each other on wooden coaster Stampida, cooled off in the Grand Canyon Rapids and been blown away by multi-dimensional dark ride Uncharted and eight-loop coaster Dragon Khan. Luckily the park is not just bold, it's also beautiful, with lush landscaping across the six themed lands of Mexico, Polynesia, China, Far West, Mediterranea and SesamoAventura, where we could recover from the adrenaline rush and soaring temperatures. Martin Lewis warns about strict passport rule that could see you board your flight - only to get sent home on arrival My favourite was the Far West, where I could live out some of the Westerns I spent my childhood watching with my dad, moseying like outlaws through town and shooting targets, before picking out costumes in the Saloon Bar for a hilarious photo memento. Even the teens threw themselves into the dressing-up box, donning petticoats as saloon girls. Their adrenaline highlights were Shambhala and Red Force. After happily watching them ride the former three times in succession, they finally persuaded me to strap my creaky, menopausal bones in. I think I was actually transported out of my body and into the mythical kingdom of Shambhala for the duration of the ride. So when it came to visiting Ferrari Land, a must-see for petrolheads and F1 fans, I decided to get my kicks on terra firma by speeding round the Maranello Grand Race track in a mini toy race car, while the girls tackled the legendary Red Force alone. 4 The Red Force roller coaster Credit: Supplied 4 Have fun in Ferrari Land Credit: Supplied As the tallest and fastest rollercoaster in Europe, it did not disappoint. Carts climb 112 metres before plummeting at a 90- degree angle, with an incredible launch system that reaches 111mph. For the first time in two days, my hyper-excited giggling girls were left absolutely speechless. All this adrenaline-fuelled fun can build up quite the appetite, and thankfully — unlike many UK theme parks — the dining options are varied and excellent. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch overlooking the Mediterranean harbour at Raco de Mar — feasting on melon and parma ham, burrata, truffle cannelloni, crispy calamari and mussels served in a delicious sauce. Electrifying twist The park has plenty of quality fast food, too, if you're keen to maximise ride time, but we were more than happy to have a break from the heat and adrenaline. Another great lunch and dinner spot can be found in the Far West, at The Iron Horse restaurant. There's a special 30th Anniversary burger on the menu that completely steals the show. The excellent grub wasn't limited to the theme park either. We'd opted for half-board at the 4H Wild West-themed Gold River Hotel and took full advantage of the vast buffet breakfast each morning. Dinner was also excellent, with fresh seafood and grill options. The dining hall can get quite busy, but we managed to find a lovely, quiet spot to eat outside each night. Aside from the food, the hotel itself is a non-stop Wild West adventure from the breathtaking atrium to the surrounding cabin accommodation brilliantly disguised as a frontier town. Anyone staying at one of the theme park hotels also gets private early access to the park and tickets to the main park and Ferrari Land are included in the price of your stay. You may not need early access, though, thanks to PortAventura's extended opening hours for the anniversary, which means the park remains accessible until 11.30pm. I'd barely finished my dinner before the girls were dragging me back to hit the rides again. The park is totally transformed after dark, with each world glowing against the night sky. Hurtling through darkness on rollercoasters adds an electrifying twist. Of course, it wouldn't be a 30th birthday bash without fireworks, either. And the nightly spectacular Fiesta Aventura is guaranteed to wow, featuring a fabulous illuminated parade, a spectacular drone display and fireworks extravaganza. It was the perfect end to one hell of a wild ride.
Newsweek
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
10 Best Western Shows to Watch If You Love 'Yellowstone'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Westerns offer some of the most compelling TV around. In this list we're counting down the 10 best Western shows you need to watch, and importantly, where to watch them. You'll almost certainly love the following series if you're into "Yellowstone," but watching Paramount+'s drama isn't a requirement. Whether you're addicted to the Dutton's dilemmas, looking for more shows like "Ransom Canyon," or crave an extra hit of "Godless," you'll love these top ranch dramas that are all streaming right now. Kevin Costner stars in Yellowstone Season 5 Kevin Costner stars in Yellowstone Season 5 Paramount+ If you'd prefer to live like a cowboy though, check out our inside look at Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo. 10 Best Western Shows to Watch If You Love Yellowstone 1883 Where to Watch: Paramount+, Netflix This "Yellowstone" prequel traces the Dutton lineage back to the American frontier. Here, former Confederate army captain James Dillard Dutton (Tim McGraw) leads wife Margaret (Faith Hill) and family out West in search of a fresh start. It's an epic odyssey involving encounters with native Americans, poisonous snakes, and at one point a twister. And don't skip its sequel 1923, also on Paramount+, which stars Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. Godless Where to Watch: Netflix First off, "Godless" is a seven-episode miniseries, so don't worry about needing to be in it for the long haul. Set in 1884, it centers on a young outlaw (Jack O'Connell) on the run from his deranged former boss and mentor. He ends up, bizarrely, in a small New Mexico town populated almost entirely by women, giving this innovative Western a feminist gaze. Longmire Where to Watch: Netflix, Prime Video This neo-Western crime drama television premiered in June 3 2012 on the A&E network, making it the oldest show on this list. It follows Walt Longmire, a sheriff in - where else? - Wyoming. His whole deal is solving crimes, which means Longmire is pretty much a Western police procedural, only a lot more rural than the likes of "CSI" or "NCIS", and with several more horses. Justified Where to Watch: Hulu, FX Not a ranch drama per se, but no list of modern Westerns is complete without Raylan Givens. Played to perfection by Timothy Olyphant, this U.S. Marshal brings Old West justice to modern-day Kentucky with a fast draw and a faster wit. Razor-sharp dialogue, memorable villains, and Western swagger in a new setting. Outer Range Where to Watch: Prime Video If you fancy throwing a little sci-fi in your Western, check out "Outer Range." It's Prime Video's prestige Western series, starring Josh Brolin, Imogen Poots, and Lewis Pullman. Brolin plays a Wyoming rancher who, after discovering a mysterious black void on his land, deals with the increasingly cosmic fallout. Imagine "Lost" meets "Yellowstone" and you're along the right lines. Hell on Wheels Where to Watch: AMC+ / Paramount+ "Hell on Wheels" chronicles the historic construction of the Union Pacific Railroad in 1865, and gets its name from the colourful mobile encampment that followed its laborers. Throwing together an uneasy collection of mercenaries, prostitutes, and saloon-owners, the show is packed with plenty of rough Frontier drama and rich characters more than happy to keep on delivering it. Joe Pickett Where to Watch: Paramount+ Based on the popular novels by author C.J. Box, "Joe Pickett" follows a Wyoming game warden (Michael Dorman) fighting for justice in a small town. That often involves putting a stop to rural crime, political corruption, and land-grabbing deals. Geographically it's the closest series to Yellowstone: this takes place in the wilderness surrounding Yellowstone National Park. Ransom Canyon Where to watch: Netflix "Ransom Canyon" is Netflix's answer to "Yellowstone." Starring Josh Duhamel as the stoic West Texas rancher tackling disputes in both land and love, it's a slightly gentler watch than Paramount+'s often explosive series, but just as gritty, and dripping with drama. Walker: Independence Where to watch: CW, Max This is to "Walker" what "1883" is to "Yellowstone." A prequel set way back in the late 1800s, it's the origin story of Cordell Walker, the legendary Texas ranger of the show's title. "Walker: Independence" follows the protagonist's ancestor Abby Walker as she journeys out West in search of love and liberty. A great entry point if you've never seen Walker before, offering a light, frothy dose of frontier adventuring. American Primeval Where to watch: Netflix One of the more recent entries on this list, "American Primeval" released January 2025 on Netflix. It's set set in 1857 during the Utah War, and revolves around violent clashes between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and competing organizations in the turbulent region. The story centers on a mother (Betty Gilpin) and her son who are escorted on their violent journey by mysterious mountain man Isaac (Taylor Kitsch).
Epoch Times
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Epoch Times
‘The Unholy Trinity': Better Than a B-film but Not by Much
R | 1h 35m | Drama, Action, Western | 2025 Dating back to 1894, the Western is among the oldest of all movie genres. A mainstay through the 1950s, Westerns fell out of favor at the end of the Golden Age of Hollywood in the mid-1960s, but never completely disappeared. Thanks to the efforts of filmmakers like Sergio Leone, Clint Eastwood, Sam Peckinpah, Kevin Costner, Quentin Tarantino, and Taylor Sheridan, Westerns hold on, even if only by a thread.
News18
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Jack Betts AKA Henry Balkan Of Spider-Man Dies At 96 In LA
Last Updated: Veteran actor Jack Betts, known for spaghetti Westerns and Spider-Man, passed away at 96 in Los Osos, California. Hollywood veteran Jack Betts, remembered for his iconic roles in spaghetti Westerns and as Henry Balkan in Spider-Man (2002), has died at the age of 96. According to People, his nephew Dean Sullivan confirmed that the actor passed away in his sleep on June 19 at his home in Los Osos, California. Following news of his passing, the Beverly Hills Playhouse honoured him in an emotional tribute on Instagram: 'Our beloved Jack Betts passed away peacefully at home." The heartfelt post added, 'There was only ever one like this, and we are the richer for having his presence in our theatre. Rest in peace, Jack." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Beverly Hills Playhouse (@beverlyhillsplayhouse) Fans of Everybody Loves Raymond also expressed their grief online, and several admirers praised Betts' depth and versatilitym particularly in his Western roles. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Everybody Loves Raymond 360 (@everybodylovesraymond360) Betts, who began his journey in the world of acting after being inspired by Laurence Olivier's Wuthering Heights performance in 1939, had a career that spanned stage, film, and television. He was just 10 when his family relocated from New Jersey to Miami, where his love for theatre took root. He later pursued acting at the University of Miami before making his Broadway debut in Richard III. The 1960s saw Betts transition into international fame, particularly in Italy, where he featured in several spaghetti Westerns. Among them was Sugar Coat (1966), directed by Franco Giraldi. His theatre streak continued with a memorable three-year stint as the lead in Broadway's Dracula from 1977 onward. While many remember him from television hits like Frasier, Friends, Seinfeld, and Everybody Loves Raymond, Betts gained a new generation of fans through his brief but notable appearance alongside Willem Dafoe in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man, where he played Henry Balkan, a board member of Oscorp. Later in his career, Betts appeared in shows like My Name Is Earl, Recovery Road, and Good Trouble in 2019. But off-screen, his friendships were just as memorable — especially with Everybody Loves Raymond star Doris Roberts. The two shared a home until Roberts' passing in 2016. She also directed Screen Test: Take One, a play written by Betts that was inspired by the world of soap operas. Betts is survived by his sister Joan, who is set to celebrate her 100th birthday in November, as well as his nephew Dean and nieces Lynee and Gail. First Published:
New Indian Express
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
‘I'm as hip-hop as anyone in the country': Delhi rapper Shauharty
"For me, Saddam Hussein has always represented the pure-unchecked male ego and narcissism," says shauharty. ''Saddam Hussainé' is just a creative lens, not a political statement,' he says, adding that satire runs deep in the production. 'The whole Saddam hiding spot meme is big in pop culture—we wanted to weave that in.' Shot in the scorching deserts of Jaisalmer, the short film draws from classic Westerns like Sergio Leone's The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, and Tarantino's Django Unchained and Pulp Fiction. 'Zaid (the director) and I wanted to make a gritty, satirical Western film,' says shauharty. 'We tried to blend Indian cultural elements into a visual language shaped by Hollywood.' Saddam Hussein, carries a mysterious briefcase—an homage to Pulp Fiction's iconic glowing briefcase. Says shauharty: 'I couldn't think of anyone else but Saddam Hussein to carry it—it's as if he had a brief to be egoistic.' For the rapper, ego is an obstacle. 'If you're too egoistic to show who you are, you're limiting your potential and creating a false image,' he says. 'Letting go of ego was necessary to talk about subjects like identity, sexuality, and acceptance—topics that I'm covering throughout the forthcoming mixtape. I avoided them for a long time. Now, I'm finally ready to let that go.'
