Latest news with #wizards
Daily Mirror
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Smurf movie reviews: New film starring Rihanna slammed as 'waste of time'
The new Smurf movie, starring Rihanna and many more huge names, has been slammed by critics as one even called the film a 'Smurf-tacular heap of Smurf' The new Smurf movie starring Rihanna and James Corden has divided critics as one even called the film a "Smurf-tacular heap of Smurf". There was huge excitement for the musical comedy animated movie due to its ensemble cast, which included Nick Offerman, Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, Jimmy Kimmel, Octavia Spencer, Hannah Waddingham, Kurt Russell and John Goodman. Smurf follows Smurfette (played by RiRi), leading the Smurfs on a mission into the real world to save Papa Smurf after he was mysteriously taken by evil wizards Gargamel and his brother Razamel. The movie only just came out but is already being bombarded by negative reviews from critics and fans alike. One disappointed critic wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: "Smurfs is a Smurfing waste of time that falls just short of being a Smurf-tacular heap of Smurf due to some colourful visuals. "Beyond this, nothing about this story is even remotely interesting because of how recycled it all feels. "I even hesitate calling this a kid's movie because it could possibly derail the cognitive skills they've been developing." They went on to call the script 'lazy' and the performances 'bland'. One critic for IGN said the movie could easily occupy kids for a time, but the jokes could also make them restless. It was written: "There are enough colours and sparkles to keep kids occupied for a time, though it's just as easy to see them getting restless (as was the case at my press screening) when Smurfs begins repeating itself and relying too heavily on laughs from the grown-ups in the room." Another reviewer also praised the visuals before criticising the actual storyline. Writing for The Guardian, the critic wrote: "This very uninteresting and uninspired story plods along for an hour and a half, though there are some almost-interesting surreal scenes when our heroes find themselves in weird alt-universe dimensions." One critic shared their confusion on why the Smurfs ended up in real-life Paris, where they were seen running past Parisians' feet without ever interacting with a human. "And no one seems at all concerned by the presence of tiny, blue elves at the discothèque, which renders every single live-action sequence pointless, while implying that the local drug supply is very, very good," they said for The Independent. Some enjoyed the kids' movie, as one called it "a light-hearted and entertaining movie for longtime fans. "While many big names are credited, they don't have a significant impact on the film itself," the critic wrote on Nerdtropolis.
Daily Mirror
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
People are saying same thing after HBO shares first image of Harry Potter in new series
After the announcement the newest Harry Potter adaptation has started filming for its 2026 premiere, fans were all impressed when HBO shared first picture of what Harry will look like It's been almost 24 years since Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone premiered, marking the beginning of a magical cinematic era. The Harry Potter series is one of the biggest and most well-known film franchises out there, with it being a hit among both younger and older audiences. The story follows young wizard Harry Potter as he attends Hogwarts School of Wizardry along with his friend Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The main plot of the story is Harry, who is 11 years old in the first movie, and his conflict with evil wizard Lord Voldemort. All eight films in the franchise were big box office hits, grossing over $7.7 billion (£5.72 billion) worldwide. Since it's success, several prequels and sequels of the story has been made, including the Fantastic Beasts prequel films, as well as The Cursed Child play, which follows the next generations of wizards. However, on 25 January 2021, it was reported a live-action television series of the original books was in early development at HBO Max. This was later confirmed in April 2023, with filming starting the summer of 2025, as it's expected to premiere in 2026. The series is planned to adapt one book per season, with seven seasons planned. The months leading up to the start of filming, some of the cast list was announces, which included 11-year-old Dominic McLaughlin playing the main character Harry Potter. Meanwhile, Arabella Stanton and Alastair Stout were announced to be playing Hermione and Ron respectively. Now, HBO has announced the series has started filming, as they released the first ever picture from the filming production. "This is the first official image of Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter for the upcoming series on HBO Max," X account Daily Harry Potter wrote in a tweet. Along with the text, they included a picture of Dominic dressed in his Hogwarts robe and wearing the iconic round glasses. He also had a lightning bolt shaped scar on his forehead. People soon took to the comments of the tweet, as several people said they were impressed with how much the 11-year-old actor looked like what Harry was described as in the book. "I like the unkempt fluffy hair look with the scar on the side. A good take on the books and variation from the movie," one user commented. "Is this lore accurate Harry Potter hair with it being messy but clean? Lol," another asked, to which a third person clarified: "Dry hair with a wind blasted appearance- after a hasty pat down." "Straight out the the cover of the first Harry Potter books," another person wrote, as someone else said: "Looks pretty Harry." "Looks so cute," another wrote, while another said: "So excited for this!"
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Lucid's powerful Gravity SUV offers one hell of an electric ride
First those wizards at Silicon Valley start-up Lucid Motors conjured up the futuristic Air saloon and now they are set to shake up the electric SUV market with the slick and effortlessly powerful Gravity. This second child from the Californian newcomer is another sign that things are changing at the upper end of the SUV segment. While the established luxury brands still hesitate to electrify their large SUVs, Lucid hopes the Gravity will attract all those customers for whom high-performance cars such as the Hyundai Ioniq 9, the Kia EV9 or the Volvo EX90 are not powerful enough. The seven-seater will come to Europe from the US in autumn and pricing will probably start at around €130,000. The initial ticket will later fall to just under €100,000 with a slimmed-down entry-level model. Yet this is not just a king-sized Lucid Air with three rows of seats. Yes, it is certainly big at 5.03 metres, but not overbearing or covered in plastic cladding like some of the competition. It would easily pass off as a cool van and looks sleek, fresh and friendly. The shape is more streamlined than most other off-road vehicles which prompts Lucid to claim a range of more than 700 kilometres, according to the European measuring standard. Inside, the Gravity entices with a spread of modern luxurious materials and an elegant screen landscape. The Gravity's blade-like screen is located higher, making everything visible at once. There is an amazing amount of room in this SUV whether with the five- or seven-seat arrangement. Anyone can get comfortable in row two, while full-size humans can fit into the third row without having to pull up their knees and risk bumping their heads. The perches will not massage or ventilate your back, but they are at least heated. Since the Gravity is meant to be a touring car, there is ample luggage space. The boot will swallow up to 3,200 litres and the frunk under the front bonnet has another 200 litres. The Gravity offers not just space but plenty of pace too. The name hints at the heft which sends this car charging ahead. The SUV tips the scales at just under three tonnes and provides blistering performance from its two engines rated at a total of 609 kW/828 hp and with some 1,200 Nm of torque on tap. The stats are from the world of sports cars. The Gravity accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, and tops out at 270 km/h. This makes its faster than most combustion engines in this class. Even when standing still, the Gravity outperforms the competition: because its 123 kWh battery runs at a voltage of 926 volts. This means it charges at a previously unrivalled 400 kW, providing enough juice for 400 kilometres in less than 15 minutes. These enormous forces which this car can unleash are kept in check by a solid braking system with a high recuperation rate, air suspension with incredibly fast adaptation and steering that shrinks the turning circle thanks to the active rear axle. Now if only they had fitted a round steering wheel instead of an odd rounded square one (automotive pundits call it a "squircle"). Once the driver gets used to this, he or she will be happy to leave the motorway behind, switch to a twisty country road and carve up some tight corners. Remember though, even if the back seat passengers start off looking relaxed, some may quickly go queasy if you take the bends too fast in this big car. When it comes to power, the Lucid has few competitors in its class and its remarkable technology makes the Gravity an attractive alternative in the luxury class. It is, however, still an outsider and in Europe, the company's sales staff will have their work cut out persuading buyers to part with so much cash for a fledgling brand car.
The Sun
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Harry Potter bosses launch search for men with certain feature to play wizards in big-money TV spin off series
MEN with huge beards are getting a magical chance to star in the new Harry Potter TV series. The creators of the spin-off shows are seeking blokes with facial hair that stretches 'up to or beyond their waist', with the lucky few expected to play wizards. 2 They promise anyone fitting the bill will enjoy 'good rates of pay' in return for being in the series, which starts filming this summer in London. A TV insider said: 'The Harry Potter TV show is literally the most sought-after project for actors, so this is an incredible opportunity. 'All the potential stars have to do is look like the members of ZZ Top, but there actually aren't that many people around who fit the bill. 'That's why the producers have now taken to advertising for applicants to come forward.' The series, which will be made at Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden, near Watford, already boasts stars in its line-up. A new Harry has not yet been found, but a staggering 32,000 youngsters have auditioned for the role — meaning casting chiefs have to view between 500 and 1,000 audition tapes a day. That does not include other main child roles Ron and Hermione. The show will be made by US telly giant HBO and is expected to release in 2026, but it is not certain which UK network will air it. 2
The Irish Sun
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Harry Potter bosses launch search for men with certain feature to play wizards in big-money TV spin off series
MEN with huge beards are getting a magical chance to star in the new Harry Potter TV series. The creators of Advertisement 2 Casting directors for the new Harry Potter series are looking for men with huge beards to play wizards Credit: Alamy They promise anyone fitting the bill will enjoy 'good rates of pay' in return for being in A TV insider said: 'The Harry Potter TV show is literally the most sought-after project for actors, so this is an incredible opportunity. 'All the potential stars have to do is look like the members of ZZ Top, but there actually aren't that many people around who fit the bill. 'That's why the producers have now taken to advertising for applicants to come forward.' Advertisement read more on Harry Potter The series, which will be made at Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden, near Watford, already boasts stars in its line-up. John Lithgow will replace the late A new Harry has not yet been found, but a staggering 32,000 youngsters have auditioned for the role — meaning casting chiefs have to view between 500 and 1,000 audition tapes a day. That does not include other main child roles Ron and Hermione. Advertisement Most read in News TV 2 The HBO series is expected to air in 2026 Harry Potter star Rupert Grint pictured with adorable newborn baby after secretly becoming dad for a second time Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
