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For a sitcom centered around nerd culture, the Star Trek references in The Big Bang Theory seemed quite fitting. But apart from the male characters’ fascination with the IP, who also appeared to be fluent in Klingon, the sitcom itself was packed with cameos from several Star Trek icons, including the Og William Shatner.

The D & D Vortex | Credit: CBS

Even though his cameo in the sitcom was long in the making, it wasn’t until the final season that Shatner finally turned up for Tbbt, and with Stuart Saves the Universe on the horizon, we can only hope for history to repeat itself.

Stuart Saves the Universe could use some Star Trek firepower

After two prequel shows, Tbbt is finally set to branch off to the future with Stuarts Saves the Universe, marking the return of Kevin Sussman in the shoes of the titular role. While the plot details...

Utopia Dives Into Uncharted Territory With US Acquisition Of Hot Spring Shark Attack

Hot Spring Shark Attack Makes Its US Premiere As The Opening Night Selection At The Chattanooga Film Festival

Utopia, the award-winning independent studio known for arthouse gems such as Pet Shop Days, Shiva Baby, The Sweet East, Holy Spider, and Red Rooms announced they are plunging into new waters today with the acquisition of Hot Spring Shark Attack (aka Onsen Shâku).

Utopia has acquired North American rights to the “unhinged” Japanese shark film and are planning a summer 2025 rollout. The deal was negotiated by Candace Tan on behalf of Utopia and Akiko Uchida of King Record.

Hot Spring Shark Attack is set in a small, hot spring town in Japan, where a ferocious ancient shark reawakens and terrorizes the local hot spring facilities. As the threat escalates, the townspeople band together to protect their beloved town from the menacing predator,...

Cowboy Bebop director Shinichiro Watanabe is preparing for the upcoming premiere of his new anime series, Lazarus. While many fans are likely expecting it to resemble his classic '90s space western, Watanabe denies that Lazarus is anything comparable to a "revival" of that series.

Lazarus is a dark post-apocalyptic sci-fi tale about a desperate race to save humanity from the effects of a supposed "miracle" drug called Hapna. With all the world's citizens on borrowed time, a group of agents is assembled to track down the drug's creator and make him produce a cure. In a recent interview with Vulture, Watanabe explained how, even though the project borrows stylistic elements from his past works, it is unique in terms of tone and narrative. "Lazarus is made up of elements I have created in the past, but I am not reviving them. I am doing something new," he stated.

New...

Spoilers for "Lazarus" follow.

Shinichirō Watanabe is an anime auteur, most famous for directing 26-episode Space Western "Cowboy Bebop." The legacy of that show colors his career beyond just people remembering it as one of the best anime ever. Watanabe's later projects have sometimes felt like a response to or evolution of "Bebop." (His science-fiction musical drama "Carole & Tuesday" is set on the same terraformed Mars that "Bebop" often visited.)

The same can definitely be said of Watanabe's latest directorial project: "Lazarus." The series, animated at studio Mappa and produced by Sola Entertainment, is a 13-episode science-fiction action-thriller. Set in 2055 — similar to "Bebop," this future is within our lifetimes — the crux of the show is a miracle painkiller, Hapna.

Its inventor, Dr. Skinner, announces that the drug was designed to mutate after three years and soon, Hapna will kill everyone who took it. That means everyone in the world,...

The 15th Beijing International Film Festival has revealed that acclaimed Chinese director and actor Jiang Wen will preside over the Tiantian competition jury, with celebrated Chinese-American actor and filmmaker Joan Chen joining the panel.

The seven-member international jury brings together a cross-section of global film talent, including British director David Yates, Chinese actor Ni Ni, Finnish director Teemu Nikki, Swiss director and actor Vincent Perez, and Hong Kong art director Tim Yip.

Hungarian auteur Béla Tarr will lead the jury for the festival’s Forward Future strand.

The main competition lineup features a diverse slate of films vying for the award, including Hao Ming and Li Peiran’s “Better Me, Better You,” Li Yongyi’s “Deep in the Mountains” and Zhang Qi’s “Trapped,” all from China, and Emine Yildirim’s “Apollon by Day Athena by Night” (Turkey), Sora Hokimoto’s “Baus: The Ship’s Voyage Continues” (Japan), Maria Brendle...

Chinese actor-director Jiang Wen (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Let the Bullets Fly) will serve as the head of the main competition jury at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, which will hand out its Tiantan Award.

The jury will also include Chinese American director and actor Joan Chen (The Last Emperor), British director David Yates (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them), Chinese actor Ni Ni, Finnish director Teemu Nikki, Swiss director and actor Vincent Perez, and art director Tim Yip from Hong Kong. The panel will select the winners across 10 award categories, including best feature film, best director and best screenplay.

The festival also unveiled its 15 main competition films, with organizers saying they received a record 1,794 feature film submissions from 103 countries and regions, marking a 19 percent increase over last year.

The three Chinese films in the main competition lineup are Hao Ming and Li Peiran’s Better Me,...

The official Mappa Channel shared a look at the opening movie for Lazarus , the new anime from Cowboy Bebop director Shinichiro Watanabe. The series kicks off to “Vortex” by Kamasi Washington, and you can watch the stylish visuals unfold in the video below. Lazarus Opening Movie Related: Lazarus TV Anime Debuts on April 5 on Adult Swim Lazarus is set to premiere on April 5 at midnight on Adult Swim during the Toonami block, with Max streaming the following day. The Japanese language version with English subtitles will follow 30 days after the English dub debut. Shinichiro Watanabe writes the original story and directs Lazarus at animation studio Mappa with planning production by Sola Entertainment. Chad Stahelski (87Eleven Action Design) serves as action supervisor, Akemi Hayashi provides the character designs, and Kamasi Washington / Bonbo / Floating Points provide the music. The story of Lazarus is described as follows: The year is 2052. The world seemed...

There is no doubt that Shinichiro Watanebe’s upcoming Lazarus anime is one of the most anticipated Spring 2025 debuts, possibly the biggest one among the list (excluding returning shows). It’s been a while since Watanabe made an anime after scoring hits with Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, and with his track record, the fans are excited.

And while the production suffered a large hiatus, we now know that the anime is premiering on April 6, 2025 and to hype us up even more, the opening video for the anime has just been released.

Related: Shinichiro Watanabe’s ‘Lazarus’ Anime Adds 14 Cast Members

Before we continue, here is the Op video:

Kamasi Washington is performing the opening theme, “Vortex,” whose instrumental and ambient-focused nature reminds us of Watanabe’s previous work. On top of that, the series’ style is very similar to Cowboy Bebop, which is something the fans will appreciate.

The...

Fans of acclaimed anime director Shinichro Watanabe have a new series to look forward to in April. With the Adult Swim premiere of the new anime series Lazarus now just on the horizon, Milan Records has decided to release three new lead singles ahead of the show's April 5 debut.

Lazarus is gearing up to have an incredibly unique soundscape, with multiple artists contributing to the overall soundtrack that should compliment Cowboy Bebop creator Shinichiro Watanabe's distinct story-telling style. Via a press release, three artists are contributing to the Lazarus soundtrack: Kamasi Washington, Floating Point and Bonobo. Known for his eclectic and innovative musical decisions, Watanabe has tasked each of the three artists with creating an entire album for the show's soundtrack, which will contribute to the expansive and dynamic soundscape of the sci-fi setting. Each of the three albums are set to be released on Friday, April 11 -- just...

Honestly, we all cried our eyes out when Masashi Kishimoto killed off Neji Hyuga in Shippuden. To most fans, it seems unnecessary and inconclusive to this date. But we all remember him for his genius and mastery of Taijutsu and it’s time his niece surpasses him.

Neji Hyuga uses his Byakugan in the series | Credit: Studio Pierrot

According to this theory, Himawari’s Kurama’s chakra fused with the Gentle Fist jutsu would make her a complete powerhouse. On top of that, the jutsu is a nuke-level ability in every aspect. It only proves that Neji Hyuga’s legacy is being carried on in the sequel series Boruto and here’s how.

Nine-Tails Gentle Fist would be a nuke-level ability in Boruto

Boruto is all about the next generations taking charge and holding the reins. There are new and overpowered enemies, and with power comes responsibility. But there are...

Boruto: Two Blue Vortex ate and left no crumbs with its recent chapter. It is a much-needed reminder and a clapback to all the haters who underestimated it. This is especially true for Sarada’s recent power-up that had fans all pumped up. But the manga needs to spotlight a dojutsu that is often slept on.

Sarada Uchiha awakens her Mangekyo Sharingan | Credit: Studio Pierrot

According to this theory, it can be made possible by giving the dojutsu an upgrade which would be the ultimate power-up. It is criminally underrated as is but its potential is lethal nonetheless. This upgrade would be off the charts and be on par with Sarada’s Op jutsu raising the stakes on every front.

Naruto’s overlooked Dojutsu deserves an upgrade

Can we collectively agree upon the fact that Naruto has some of the coolest jutsu in the series? Speaking of which, Dojutsu...

The wait is almost over as Shinichiro Watanabe is all set to return with his directorial magic in the Lazarus anime. With a spring 2025 release date, the cast and other exciting information have been announced. A new trailer was also released with this announcement and it looks stunning.

Lazarus – the agents who will save mankind | Credits: Studio Mappa

With less than a month left until the anime’s release, excitement is at an all-time high. So, here’s everything you need to know to catch the first episode as soon as it drops!

Lazarus anime’s spring release and cast confirmed

The story of Lazarus is set in the year 2052, and the world is free of all physical pains, all thanks to Dr. Skinner’s invention – Hapuna. It is the ‘miracle drug’, but an unexpected message from Skinner changes that forever. The alarming message reveals that everyone who has taken Hapuna only has 30 days left.

The following contains spoilers for Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter #20, "Because of Love," by Masashi Kishimoto, Mikio Ikemoto, Mari Morimoto, and Snir Aharon, now available through Viz Media.

As Boruto: Two Blue Vortex continues, readers are witnessing a very scary fight indeed. The manga is pitting the God Trees, Ryu and Matsuri, against a Konoha and Sunagakure alliance. Sarada is collaborating with Mitsuki and the Sand's Yodo and Araya to battle Ryu.

Meanwhile, Boruto's mentor, Konohamaru, is fighting Matsuri. Unfortunately, the God Trees are very overpowered. It makes sense, given they are offshoots of the Ten Tails Beast and have Ōtsutsuki DNA in them. However, Konohamaru has found a way in his bout to overcome. The problem is, he has a flaw in his strategy which could prove fatal for all parties in the desert battle.

Boruto: Two Blue Vortex's Konohamaru Almost Dies Fighting Matsuri Konohamaru Baits Matsuri...

The following contains spoilers for Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter #20, "Because of Love," by Masashi Kishimoto, Mikio Ikemoto, Mari Morimoto, and Snir Aharon, now available through Viz Media.

From the moment Boruto: Two Blue Vortex unleashed Matsuri and Ryu in the desert terrain of Sunagakure, it felt like the stakes got higher. Boruto was curtailed and kept from joining the fight. Kashin Koji made it clear they couldn't intervene. They would alter destiny if they did.

Thus, Boruto had to remain at the base as this Singularity of Fate. It teased death and destruction, with the God Trees being way more powerful than Boruto's friends. Well, come Chapter #20, the levees are breaking. A key character gets killed, although it leads to Uchiha Sarada unleashing a new aspect of her power and evolving her journey.

Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Kills Off Yodo Ryu Unleashes His Iron Sand and Stabs Yodo

While Konohamaru fights Matsuri,...

Quick LinksWhat Was Boruto's Big Error?Two Blue Vortex's Matsuri Is Killing KonohamaruTwo Blue Vortex's Ryu Might Kill a Young NinjaTwo Blue Vortex's Death Count Could Unleash More Savage Heroes

The following contains spoilers for Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter #19, "Konohamaru-chan," by Masashi Kishimoto, Mikio Ikemoto, Mari Morimoto, and Snir Aharon, now available through Viz Media.

As the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga continues, Shikamaru's squad is facing a near-insurmountable task. The Konoha-nin have allied with Sunagakure ninjas, but the God Trees in that locale are proving too much. Ryu has sussed out the heroes' plans to dupe them, kill them and take their Thorn Soul Bulbs (aka their essence).

In addition, Matsuri is wooing Konohamaru, all while keeping a close watch on if he'll betray her attempts to seal her affections. Well, as Two Blue Vortex Chapter #19 unfolds, the God Trees have had enough of the deception. Jura...

Young Clark Kent was deeply in love with Lana Lang. The two had an on-again-off-again relationship that spanned the first seven and half seasons of Smallville. Every time Lana and Clark would get together, something would come between them—usually his secret. Something kept Clark from confiding in Lana, and she couldn’t trust him until she knew everything.

Lana Lang never really gave Clark the benefit of the doubt. When she continuously chose to assume the worst of Clark, it’s no surprise he wasn’t sure how she would react. After Clark and Lana broke up the first time, she would take digs at him whenever the opportunity presented itself. She disregarded his feelings about Lex and had a different set of rules for herself when it came to keeping secrets. It’s a testament to Kristin Kreuk that Lana remained likable and sympathetic despite her hurtful and hypocritical behavior.

The following may contain spoilers for the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga, with new chapters regularly releasing from Viz Media in English.

Many of Boruto'sstrongest characters are not ninja, which is one of the things that sets it apart from its predecessor, Naruto. Some of the anime and manga's most powerful characters are alien beings who feed on chakra. Others are clones made by secret shinobi organizations, with bodies enhanced through various new ninja technologies.

Incorporating technology into Naruto Uzumaki's world provides his children and their friends access to all kinds of new chakra and ninjutsu-inspired gadgets. This upgrade has made for some of the overall franchise's most overpowered characters, but it's not just about the tech. Fans of the original series will be happy to know that even while there are a ton of new alien and other modified threats that upset the balance of power, plenty of...

Smallville had a strict “no tights, no flights” rule for Clark Kent. The series followed a young Clark Kent before he became Superman, and learning to fly was the final hurdle for Clark. Despite the mantra, the show found loopholes and ways to tease the ability.

Clark continues to develop his abilities and gets stronger as Smallville progresses, but the power of flight eludes him. It’s not something that other Kryptonians struggle with, indicating it’s a mental barrier that prevents Clark Kent from getting airborne. Kara, Zod, and the Kandorians took to the skies easily and quickly.

Clark was Earthbound, but Kal-El Could Fly

The first hint at Clark flying came in the season two opener, “Vortex.” When Clark runs in a tornado to save Lana, he recalls the incident when talking to his dad. Clark said, “I know it could've been the wind, but all of a sudden,...

The new anime Lazarus is coming this April, and it’s already generating excitement. This original sci-fi action series, directed by Shinichirō Watanabe (known for Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo), is being produced by Mappa, the animation studio behind hits like Chainsaw Man and Jujutsu Kaisen.

It will air on TV Tokyo in Japan starting April 6 at 11:45 p.m. and stream on various platforms.

Fans in the U.S. can catch it a day earlier, on April 5, at midnight Edt on Adult Swim’s Toonami. The episodes will also be available on Max the following day.

Related: 10 Sci-Fi Anime Gems You Need To See

The anime’s plot is set in 2052, a time of peace and prosperity thanks to a miracle drug called Hapuna, developed by Dr. Skinner. This drug eliminates sickness and pain worldwide.

However, three years after its introduction, Skinner reappears with shocking news: the drug has a short half-life,...

On Smallville, Clark Kent’s secret alien heritage was a constant source of conflict among Clark’s circle of friends. The burden of knowing the truth wasn’t something everyone could bear. Pete Ross, Clark's best friend, left town after the second time he was kidnapped and tortured because of Clark's secret.

Lana Lang was Clark’s first love, and the two had an on-and-off romance throughout most of Smallville’s time on air. His constant lying about his abilities was a frequent source of angst between the two. Eventually, Lana would learn the truth about Clark Kent, but it would take a while.

Lana Becomes Suspicious of Clark’s Secret in Season Two

One of the final images of the intense season one finale of Smallville was Lana Lang screaming Clark’s name before she and her red truck were lifted off the ground and into a tornado. Clark superspeeds into the violent tempest.

In 2023, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations — the sequel to Naruto starring the original characters' children — went into indefinite hiatus. As of this writing, next to nothing has been heard about the anime series' current status or potential return. But instead of feeling distress or disappointment, anime viewers met the announcement of Boruto's momentary end with euphoria and celebration.

The simple truth is viewers wanted Boruto to go on hiatus. Even some older viewers who grew up watching and loving Naruto now hope the sequel series will never return. There are many reasons behind audiences' disdain and vitriol, but one of the biggest ones is the fact that Boruto was overloaded with filler episodes and arcs. In fact, and if reports are true, these filler episodes are one of the main reasons why Boruto has been canceled for the time being.

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations May Have Went Into Hiatus Because...

Naruto may have ended almost eight years ago, but one thing is for sure. Its legacy lives on among many fans, including readers and viewers. The series made waves as a Big Three anime and one of the bestselling manga in the Shonen genre.

It has inspired popular series such as Black Clover, Jujutsu Kaisen, and so on. With Bleach making its on-screen comeback, it is only natural that Masashi Kishimoto finally gives fans what they truly need. The franchise could follow in its contemporaries’ footsteps with this move.

Nagato with the first Akatsuki in Naruto Shippuden | Credit: Studio Pierrot

After its ten-year hiatus, Bleach returned with a bang with the Thousand-Year Blood War anime. We all know how Studio Pierrot went above and beyond for the production quality of the anime. But it proves one thing for sure. One does not need an over-the-top novel idea for a spin-off.

Pinewood Unveils Revised Studios Expansion Proposal

Pinewood Group has revised its plans to expand its Buckinghamshire site and launched a new public consultation to discuss development options. While noting that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently called the site “the spiritual home of the British film industry,” Pinewood said proposals include additional stages and production facilities, alongside a new data center. This would use space to the south of the existing Pinewood Studios. Pinewood Group CEO David Conway said the “reduction in global content production, combined with rising construction costs and business rates,” had triggered the review of existing planning consent. The public consultation will take place on February 25-27. Along with Shepperton, Pinewood is a fable British studio, home to huge hits including Bond movies, Star Wars and Bridgerton.

Scottish TV & Film Production Handed $2.5M Government Boost

An additional £2M ($2.5M) of government money has been earmarked to support...

The highly anticipated anime Lazarus is shaping up to be a must-watch. It’s directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, the mastermind behind Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo.

The series, animated by Mappa, will hit Japanese TV this April on TV Tokyo and other channels. There’s no word yet on when it will premiere on Toonami, but it’s already generating buzz and is expected to premiere later this year.

The latest teaser visual shows off five characters, all in striking blue tones:

The anime will feature an all-star cast, including Mamoru Miyano (Death Note), Maaya Uchida (Reincarnated as a Slime), Akio Ōtsuka (Ghost in the Shell), and Megumi Hayashibara (Evangelion). Adding to the excitement, jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington is composing the score, joined by musicians Floating Points and Bonobo.

Here’s the story:

The year is 2052 – an era of unprecedented peace and prosperity prevails across the globe. The reason for...

Naruto is stepping back into the spotlight once again, and this time, it is teaming up with an unexpected partner, Burger King France. As the beloved anime and manga franchise gears up for a monumental comeback, this collaboration marks another step in Naruto's enduring legacy. With the sequel manga Boruto: Two Blue Vortex releasing new chapters monthly and an anime 20th-anniversary special in the works, fans are already buzzing about what 2025 will bring. Now, with the addition of this Burger King partnership, Naruto is cementing itself as a cultural icon even in the realm of fast food.

Burger King France and @AniNewsAndFacts on X announced the collaboration with exclusive Naruto-themed artwork, teasing what is to come when the event kicks off on January 14. While details about menu items or merchandise are scarce, the announcement shows Burger King's increasing interest in anime collaborations, a trend that has grown globally in recent years.

While it may not be as glorious as Naruto, Boruto sure packs a punch. This ties in well with new generations and jutsu. Its blend of old and new is reminiscent of Kishimoto’s original series. The same goes for the transformations in the manga.

Of late, Naruto’s Baryon Mode is deemed one of the strongest power-ups. Through his amassing of Kyuubi’s chakra, Naruto defeated Isshiki Otsutsuki. Despite its formidability, it has its fair share of pitfalls. But there’s a solution to that as well.

Naruto Uzumaki’s Baryon Mode in a still from the anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot

An iconic yet powerful transformation from the original series deserves its much-needed comeback. Needless to say, the sequel highlights the comeback of several jutsu including Hiraishin.

With Two Blue Vortex’s reinvention of Rasengan, the series needs to bring back this overpowered ability. Not only does it outclass...

There are commonalities between Boruto, One Piece, and Death Note in terms of their layered characters. The series are prime in their respective genres in most aspects. Be it worldbuilding or compelling plotlines, they have carved their name in the shonen genre through their brilliance.

Amidst their popularity, there are aspects that seem to vex the fans in more ways than one. This holds for some of the hateful characters in the series.

Naruto and Sasuke spar with Momoshiki in the anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot

From side characters to main villains, these series have their fair share of characters that we cannot help but hate. Some of them are sure to surprise the fans, especially with their irritable qualities.

1. Near- Death Note

Nate River, also known as Near, is often deemed as a knockoff of L and fans call him a rather cheap replacement for the famed detective in Death Note.

Upcoming original science fiction TV anime Lazarus has revealed a new piece of teaser art (below) as well as the official opening and ending theme song performers for the series. The series will broadcast in Japan and on Cartoon Network in 2025. Kamasi Washington performs the opening theme song for the series, which is entitled “Vortex”. The Boo radleys perform the ending theme song of the series, which is entitled “Lazarus”. Shinichiro Watanabe writes the original story and directs Lazarus at animation studio Mappa with planning production by Sola Entertainment. Chad Stahelski (87Eleven Action Design) serves as action supervisor, Akemi Hayashi provides the character designs, and Kamasi Washington / Bonbo / Floating Points provide the music. Related: Watch/Listen: Anania Reveals the Unlikely Place They Watched Naruto Growing Up The story of Lazarus is described as follows: The year is 2052. The world has entered an era of unprecedented peace and stability, largely due to Hapna,...

While the story of the TV anime Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms is finally moving toward its climax, Pony Canyon's official YouTube channel released a "climax edition" music video for "Vortex-MODv-," an alternative version of the anime's opening song "Vortex." The emotional rock tune was composed, arranged, and produced by Hiroyuki Sawano ( Attack on Titan soundtrack), and performed by setsuko , the vocalist of the three-member musical project Kuhaku Gokko . The new clip is packed with intense action scenes that have been pictured in the story so far. Setsuko "Vortex-MODv-" Climax Edition Music Video "Vortex-MODv-" and the anime's ending song "karma" were included in setsuko's digital single "Vortex" released on October 4. setsuko "Vortex" Music Video Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms Creditless Opening Movie setsuko "karma" lyric video Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms Creditless Ending Movie "Vortex" digital jacket setsuko artist photo Related: Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms Anime Premieres on October 3 The original sci-fi- battle action TV...

Spoiler Alert !!!This article contains certain spoilers from Boruto manga.

The transition from Naruto to Boruto: Naruto Next Generations has been an emotional rollercoaster for fans. As the torch passed from Naruto Uzumaki to Boruto Uzumaki, debates have always erupted over the generational power shift. Thus, it leads to a difficult question: could Boruto, a character still growing into his role as a protagonist, surpass his father, Naruto, and mentor, Sasuke?

Naruto, Sasuke, and Boruto | Credit: Studio Pierrot

The answer actually lies in the storytelling direction of Boruto itself. The power scaling in the Boruto series has been pretty straightforward. Thus, It’s no accident that the series’ title spotlights the younger Uzumaki; this is his era, and with the introduction of Karma and Jougan, Boruto’s potential feels limitless. So, how could a hypothetical battle between Naruto, Sasuke, and Boruto unfold? Let’s delve deeper into how Boruto...

In recent years, movies about senility and mortality have taken on a pitilessly bleak, frightening tenor, notably in such awards magnets as “Amour,” “Vortex” and “The Father.” Preferring a less grim approach is the Netherlands’ submission to the Oscar international feature race this year. Jelle de Jonge’s “Memory Lane” is a sometimes boisterous, ultimately affirming seriocomedy about an elderly couple who take a road trip to retrace some of their youthful steps, probably for the last time. A hit on its home turf earlier this year, de Jonge’s film is a well-crafted crowdpleaser that should cross borders with relative ease … unlike its oft-squabbling protagonists.

Jaap (Martin van Waardenberg) and Maartje (Leny Breederveld) have been married close to half a century. But despite their material comfort, the 70-somethings aren’t exactly enjoying a harmonious retirement. He’s an endless grumbler whose doomsaying view that “the world’s on fire...

The following contains spoilers for Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter #16, "The Singularity of Fate," by Masashi Kishimoto, Mikio Ikemoto, Mari Morimoto, and Snir Aharon, now available through Viz Media .

As the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga rolls on, Kawaki is short of answers regarding the sentient God Trees. Jura and his pack have caused chaos at different intervals. Kawaki knows he is too weak to handle them. His ego had been dented even further, knowing Boruto beat him easily as well.

The problem is, the Two Blue Vortex time-jump hasn't equipped Boruto for these monsters either. As much as he has a new mentor in Kashin Koji and as much as he can beat fiends like Kawaki, these God Trees are way too big a jump in competition. It has led to a stunning new alliance. And, make no mistake, it's an uneasy one between both teenagers that will bring about devastating repercussions.

Best known for his psychosexual expeditions into the abyss of violence, drug addiction, and death, Irréversible director Gaspar Noé would like to make a movie for little kiddies, too. Noé, who shocked the world with his unflinching portrayals of sexual assault and extreme debauchery from society's fringes, told a crowd...

Gaspar Noé, the director of controversial “Irréversible” and “Vortex,” wants to venture into uncharted career territory: Making a children’s film.

While Noé is known for rape-revenge stories and psychedelic sagas such as “Enter the Void” and “Climax,” the filmmaker told Variety that he is looking to make something a little more unexpected next.

“The main film genres that really would interest me for a future project are documentary, war film, and horror. Probably I should even try to mix those three genres,” Noé said. “I also would like to do a movie with young children, or a movie for children.”

He added of his career, “Luckily, I have no regrets about my past movies. But I had some projects in mind years ago that excite me less nowadays. It’s better to start a film production while the subject excites you. Some movie ideas can stop interesting you as...

Following a two-hour masterclass at the Cairo Film Festival, Gaspar Noé spoke with Variety about future genres he’d like to tackle: “The main film genres that really would interest me for a future project are documentary, war film, and horror. Probably I should even try to mix those three genres. I also would like to do a movie with young children, or a movie for children.”

The Argentinian director of “Irreversible” (2002) and “Vortex” (2021) had earlier answered questions from British-Iranian critic Mo Abdi, telling the audience of his sold out event: “Kids are like small adults. When we are kids we are in danger. You are exposed to everything. I’m very attached to kids in life, though I don’t have kids. The relationship you have with kids is direct and playful. I would like to do a movie with little kids. They relate to fragility, they relate to...

With the release of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, some big changes have occurred since the three-year time-skip completely shifted the narrative on its head. Not only does the shinobi world have to deal with Code, but now that certain characters have emerged, the shinobi way of life is under threat, and only Boruto has the strength to face the oncoming danger head-on for the sake of those he cares about.

Kawaki may have become Boruto's enemy, but the two brothers have more in common than they think. If the shinobi world has any hope of surviving, the two will inevitably have to work together or risk the complete annihilation of the world. Since the time-skip, the stakes have never been higher. While some drastic changes have occurred since Boruto left the village, not all hope has been lost.

Boruto and Sasuke Became Wanted Criminals Omnipotence Switched Boruto and Kawaki's Places...

Despite all the criticisms, Boruto fared quite well through the storm. Although it is a sequel to one of the most iconic anime of all time, the series has faced immense backlash, due to its pacing and inconsistent power scaling. With Two Blue Vortex, though, the tides are turning for good.

From art to storyline, the sequel is more than promising. Two Blue Vortex is gaining traction in most aspects but mainly villains. The series is all set to redefine Kishimoto’s franchise.

Boruto Uzumaki in a still from the manga | Credit: Viz Media

But to keep its glory as a magnum opus, it needs to recreate a heartbreaking moment. While sacrifice and loss are central to the manga, it would render a profound impact on readers and viewers alike. It could walk in its precursor’s footsteps to recreate this iconic moment.

Two Blue Vortex could follow in Naruto...

Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto has been a fan favorite series that fans have held close to their hearts. After all, the series featured a gripping plotline and a wide array of characters that the viewers could relate to. Hence, the series gained a massive fan following that transcended Japan and received a global fanbase, becoming the face of the anime industry.

Boruto Uzumaki. Credits: Studio Pierrot

Though the series has been infectiously popular, Kishimoto-Sensei’s wrong decision to add the Otsutski clan in its sequel spin-off series, Boruto, massively affected its fan appeal. The follow-up series has been a point of criticism from the fans of the original series.

The idea of shaking up things and adding a race of aliens turned out to be a bad one. This is especially true because most of the characters are forced to be mere spectators in the sequel series. While Kaguya Otsutski was a balanced villain,...

Truant Pixel set their sights high with Rogue Flight by honoring classic rail shooters and influential anime from the 90s. They drew inspiration from legendary franchises like Star Fox that transported us to cockpits for thrilling dogfights through the skies and seas of distant worlds. Anime works like Macross planted seeds that blossomed into a passion for tales of humanity overcoming incredible odds through courage and fighting spirit.

Into this rich soil of nostalgia, Truant Pixel has sought to cultivate something new. They’ve modernized the rail shooter formula with upgrades, challenges, and visual novel-style storytelling without losing the heart of what made the genre memorable.

Players fly with Nadia to battle a rogue AI in the style of their favorite shooters from decades past. But new modes like roguelike and new routes for their campaign offer fresh twists that could satisfy veterans or introduce the curious to these thrilling worlds.

For years Boruto has been at the epicenter of criticism. Be it animation or pacing, the manga received relentless backlash. This holds especially true to Mikio Ikemoto’s art style. While the series cannot compare to Naruto’s legacy, it is redefining its status.

Boruto Uzumaki in Two Blue Vortex | Credit: Viz Media

This is evident with Two Blue Vortex. The time-skip manga is a complete visual treat, especially with its art and plotline. Amidst the baseless criticism, the series is carving its niche in the genre. And here are 6 green flags that prove its status as a masterpiece.

1. Kurama’s pivotal role is spotlighted in Boruto

Kurama is one of the pivotal characters in the Naruto series. Apart from being one of the tailed beasts he is Naruto’s friend. Unlike most Jinchuriki, Kurama and Naruto shared a beautiful bond. This was until the fox’s death by Isshiki in Boruto.

With Eida's Omnipotence taking center stage in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, a battle of shinjutsu is on the horizon, as Kashin Koji's Ten Directions may be Boruto's only hope at restoring Konoha to days past. Shinjutsu abilities have become some of the most important powers in the series thanks to their overpowered nature as the ultimate jutsu, but beyond their usefulness in the narrative, they showcase the potential of future power scaling as the story heats up.

Ten Directions is regarded as the second most powerful shinjutsu ability to date because of how effective it is at countering Omnipotence, but it isn't exactly a flashy ability. Kashin Koji has risen to become a key figure in the narrative thanks to his shinjutsu ability, but what exactly is Ten Directions, and how has it become so vital in the Boruto narrative?

Related Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Reveals Kashin Koji's...

Clark's iconic saves in Smallville are one of the major reasons why fans always loved tuning into this series. From rescuing random people in Metropolis to stopping explosions and saving Lois from death multiple times, several moments could have been made better if Clark had worn the Superman Suit.

While the infamous rule 'No Suits, No Flight' was meant to keep the Smallville story focused on Clark's journey and less on Superman, it robbed fans of the chance to see Welling wearing the suit while performing feats of heroism.

Clark Disarms a Missile in Space to Protect Smallville Smallville Season 5, Episode 3, "Hidden"

Clark had gotten a much better hang of his powers by Smallville Season 5, but when Jor-El decides to teach him a lesson by taking away his powers, he is relieved to be free of the heavy responsibility on his shoulders. When Chloe is kidnapped by their former classmate,...

The storyline in Naruto Shippuden observed a steep drop near the end when Madara was defeated, and Zetsu’s plan was introduced. The final developments in the series defied the themes that fans had followed up until that point. The powers that were driven by the characters’ natural talents and training were suddenly turned into god-tier abilities, destined for particular characters.

Otsutsiki were the strongest characters, but now there are multiple character with strength comparable to them | Credits: Studio Pierrot Co. Ltd.

Instead of avoiding the same mistake, Masashi Kishimoto has led Boruto down the same path. The power scaling in Boruto has been ramped up significantly, making it hard for fans to gauge the characters’ strength. Every new character exceeds the standards that existed before their introduction.

Kishimoto keeps pushing the limit to bizarre extents, making it hard to grasp the true stakes. Progressing the story like that at...

Shattered Space Dlc changes a lot about Starfields playing style. As opposed to focusing on the wide-expanding universe, it focuses on one planet, Varunkaai. This change in the setting allows for more in-depth exploring and lore-building than in the previous games. As players explore the planet, they will interact with all kinds of new quests, locations, and dangers around every corner.

While exploring Varunkaai, players will learn more about the planets god, the Great Serpent, and the different smaller factions on the planet that help deepen the lore and intrigue of the planet. Players' main quest is to solve what happened to the previous faction, which they will do through exploring and quests. This new planet exploration in Shattered Space also leads to getting to know everything about it, including monsters that are proving to be even more frightening than before.

All New Monsters In Shattered Space Dlc Starfield's Newest...

Pony Canyon's official YouTube channel is now streaming a music video for "Vortex" performed by setsuko , the vocalist of the three-member musical project Kuhaku Gokko . The emotional rock tune was composed, arranged, and produced by Hiroyuki Sawano ( Attack on Titan soundtrack), and is now featured as the opening theme for the fall 2024 TV anime Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms . The music video was created through repeated discussions between Okamoto , the original creators and director of Mecha-Ude , and setsuko , and includes elements that unravel the world depicted in the TV anime. setsuko "Vortex" Music Video Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms Creditless Opening Movie "Vortex" and her another new song, "karma," were released digitally on October 4. The latter is also featured as the ending theme for Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms . Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms Creditless Ending Movie "Vortex" digital jacket setsuko artist photo Related: Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms Anime Premieres on October 3 Okamoto directs the...

China’s Blossoms Entertainment will introduce Chen Sicheng-produced thriller Octopus With Broken Arms and Midi Z’s Tokyo competitor The Unseen Sister at Busan’s Acfm.

Octopus With Broken Arms is the third instalment of the hit Manslaughter franchise that includes Sheep Without A Shepherd and Fireflies In The Sun, which have grossed a combined $342m (RMB2.4bn) at the Chinese box office.

Xiao Yang returns in the lead role and the film is directed by Jacky Gan, who previously made kidnapping thriller Vortex. It has an original and unrelated story that continues to explore the themes about the...

We're just two days out from the premiere of Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms ! The new anime adaptation gets the fall 2024 anime season started with a bang. Today, the upcoming series has released a creditless version of its action-packed opening sequence. Check it out, set to opening theme song "Vortex" by Setsuko (Kuhaku Gokko): Related: Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms Anime Reveals New Trailer Okamoto directs Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms at animation studio TriF Studio. Yasuhiro Nakanishi provides the series composition, Terumi Nishii and Yoko Uchida provide the character designs, and Kohta Yamamoto, Daiki(Awsm.) and Hiroyuki Sawano provide the music. The series premieres October 3 and will stream on Crunchyroll. Crunchyroll describes Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms : Hikaru’s ordinary middle school life takes a thrilling turn when he encounters Alma, an alien entity resembling a mechanized limb called Mecha-Ude. Alma, a member of a rare species, is fleeing from a sinister group hunting...

Jura, the leader of Boruto: Two Blue Vortexs main villainous group, the Shinju (self-aware Divine Trees), is one of the most intriguing characters in the series. The origin of this ominous character has been one of the most recurring questions asked by fans of this amazing series. Due to his nature as a Sentient God Tree, the manga strongly hinted at Jura being created with another notable character as his base.

Yet, chapter 14 of the manga series disproved the well-researched and exciting theories fans crafted by revealing the slightly underwhelming truth behind Borutos nemesis. Unlike the rest of his group, Jura was not created when a powerful individual was absorbed by a God Tree. He is the physical manifestation of the Ten-Tails who used to be under Codes control.

Related Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Confirms Its New Villains Identity With a Possible Callback to One of the Best Arcs...

Warning: Spoilers for Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter #14

In chapter #13 of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, Koji Kashin's vision of the future teased the birth of a new Divine Tree Clone, who made his official appearance in the latest chapter. This new Shinjus head resembled having short hair and had marks on its cheeks that connected to its eyes and hair, which opened the debate among the fans, theorizing that it was similar to the face paint of Shinki but also Naruto in Baryon Mode. However, Kankuro's return in chapter #14 confirmed that Shinki was the base model of the new villain, Ryu.

While Shinki from Sunagakure, Gaaras adopted son, hasnt been much present in Borutos story, he is undoubtedly a strong character as he can use iron sand and magnet release, so the revelation of his chakra being harvested for the new Shinju clone not only introduces another powerful threat but...

In the world of Once Human, players must choose between several different weapon skills to survive difficult boss battles and dungeons. Frost Vortex is one such build, which delivers an AoE Status effect using frost damage. This effect creates frost vortexes that swirl around enemies, damaging them for 30% Psi Intensity damage each second for four seconds.

This build primarily focuses on using Crit Damage instead of Frost Damage to take down the health of enemies. However, the Frost Vortex effect, combined with several powerful mods and pieces of gear, creates a nearly untouchable build to keep you alive in even the hardest of fights. Here is what you need for the best Frost Vortex build.

Best Gear Loadout For A Frost Vortex Build Best Weapons, Armor, And Alternates For The Frost Vortex Build

This build's primary feature is using Crit Dmg to take down the health of enemies while spawning...