Netflix has kicked off the long-awaited season 5 of Stranger Things, releasing the first four episodes, which are distributed in three batches. This approach allows the platform to maximize anticipation for the series, marking the end of an era for fans of this cultural phenomenon. However, the criticism has been harsh: many consider it the weakest season to date. Strange reviews Currently, season 5 has an 88% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a notable figure in itself, but which plummets when compared to previous installments
Netflix has kicked off the long-awaited season 5 of Stranger Things, releasing the first four episodes, which are distributed in three batches. This approach allows the platform to maximize the anticipation for the series, marking the end of an era for fans of this cultural phenomenon. However, the criticism has been harsh: many consider it the weakest season to date.
Strange Reviews
Currently, season 5 has an 88% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a notable figure in itself, but it plummets when compared to previous seasons. The first season, which premiered in 2016, remains the most acclaimed, with an incredible 97% positive reviews, while the second season has a 90%, the third an 86%, and the fourth an 89%.
Despite its mixed reception, it should be noted that season 5 has only accumulated 56 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, which suggests that its rating could change as more critics and viewers weigh in on it. Season 1, for example, has 92 reviews and season 4 reached 199, which reinforces the importance of the number of opinions when establishing a consensus.
A key factor that will influence the global perception of the new installment will be the final episode, scheduled for January 1, 2026. The wait will be long, but it will be crucial in defining the legacy of Stranger Things as one of the most influential series of the last decade. In a landscape where expectations are always high, it remains to be seen whether this final season will successfully wrap up the story of Hawkins and its beloved characters.
The future of Spain in the Eurovision contest is at a crossroads, marked by a growing political and ethical crisis related to Israel’s participation. The controversy intensified after the televote of the 2025 edition, which, despite international criticism of the Israeli offensive in Gaza, resulted in massive support for the country, sparking protests and calls for a boycott from several nations, including Spain. From the river to the sea, RTVE, the Spanish public television, has remained firm in its stance on Israel’s participation, stating that this […]
The future of Spain in the Eurovision contest is at a crossroads, marked by a growing political and ethical crisis related to Israel’s participation. The controversy intensified after the televote of the 2025 edition, which, despite international criticism for the Israeli offensive in Gaza, resulted in massive support for the country, sparking protests and calls for a boycott from several nations, including Spain.
From the river to the sea
RTVE, the Spanish public television, has remained firm in its stance on Israel’s participation, stating that this country has repeatedly violated rules in the last editions of the contest. A spokesperson for the organization has declared that “any other country would have been sanctioned if it had done the same”, and has stated that the new rules of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) regarding transparency and participation in conflicts are not robust enough.
As the decisions about Eurovision 2026 approach, the tension persists. Although RTVE has not yet confirmed its participation in the upcoming contest, the discussion about human rights and ethics in the context of competitions like Eurovision has become central. Negotiations will continue in Geneva next week, and public dialogue on these issues is expected to intensify.
This scenario represents a historic challenge for RTVE, which must decide whether to maintain its tradition of participating in the festival, while facing significant pressures due to the international political context. Debates about Spain’s continuity in Eurovision have intensified, making this year’s participation more complicated than in previous editions.
Composer Stephen Schwartz has announced the conclusion of his work on Wicked, a project that has been fundamental to his career and encompasses the acclaimed Broadway show as well as the film adaptations in development. Schwartz, known for his ability to blend music with theatrical narrative, discovered Wicked from the eponymous novel by Gregory Maguire, a finding that turned out to be the beginning of a cultural phenomenon. Everybody mourns the wicked Wicked has revolutionized musical theater, achieving unprecedented success since its Broadway premiere. The show has not only attracted a […]
The composer Stephen Schwartz has announced the conclusion of his work on Wicked, a project that has been fundamental to his career and encompasses the acclaimed Broadway show, as well as the film adaptations in development. Schwartz, known for his ability to blend music with theatrical storytelling, discovered Wicked from the eponymous novel by Gregory Maguire, a finding that turned out to be the beginning of a cultural phenomenon.
Everybody mourns the wicked
Wicked has revolutionized musical theater, achieving unprecedented success since its Broadway debut. The show has not only attracted a wide audience but has also generated a renewed interest in stories of complex characters and the exploration of themes such as power and friendship. Film adaptations, which have been in the works for some time, promise to bring this narrative to an even broader audience.
Although Schwartz has marked the end of his direct involvement in Wicked, his future in this universe may not be completely closed. In recent statements, the composer suggested that the possibility of future work related to Wicked is still open, although specific details have not been confirmed. “Could there be more? I don’t know, but anything is possible”, he commented, hinting at a potential for new stories that expand the legacy of the work.
With the completion of his current work, Schwartz leaves behind an era of innovation and musical charm that has captured the hearts of millions. However, the artistic community remains eager about what direction the iconic universe of Wicked will take and whether there will be more surprises to come in this rich world of fantasy.
Horror cinema is one that has changed radically over the years and places. The slasher is not the same as gothic horror, gore is not the same as expressionist cinema, Japanese cinema is not the same as German or American cinema. Fear can be a universal emotion, but its expression has a time and a place. That is why horror is such a fertile genre that, no matter how much it displeases some people, it never runs out or stops providing new ways to surprise us. Sometimes, even pretending its own reality. Because in 1999 it first arrived at […]
Horror cinema is one that has changed radically over the years and across different places. A slasher is not the same as gothic horror, gore is not the same as expressionist cinema, and Japanese cinema is not the same as German or American cinema. Fear can be a universal emotion, but its expression has a time and a place. That is why horror is such a fertile genre that, no matter how much it may displease some people, it never runs out or stops providing new ways to surprise us. Sometimes, even pretending its own reality.
Because in 1999 it first arrived at festivals and then in theaters a movie whose legend spread like wildfire. It seemed so real that many people dedicated themselves to spreading the idea that, in fact, it was. And it had to be clarified that no: it was all a very well-crafted artifice. What is the name of that movie? The Blair Witch Project.
A movie inspired by documentaries about paranormal phenomena
The production of the film begins in 1993 when two film students from the University of Central Florida, Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, realize one thing: documentaries about paranormal phenomena inspire them much more fear than any horror movie they have seen. Thus, along with Gregg Hale, Robin Cowie, and Michael Monello, they decide to start Haxan Films, their own production company, to make what will be their first film: a combination of a horror movie with the aesthetics and form of a documentary about paranormal phenomena.
With a script of just 35 pages, Myrick and Sánchez already had the foundations for their film. They wanted all the dialogue to be improvised to give it the greatest possible verisimilitude and, also for that purpose, they wanted the actors to be non-professionals, although they should have good improvisational skills. To achieve this, they interviewed around 2,000 actors under the premise that it would be a completely improvised film in a wooded location. Something that sounds sinister and is not entirely false, given the final result.
To make the movie, the inspiration came from many places. In addition to documentaries about paranormal phenomena, such as The Legend of Boggy Creek and Memories of the Future and Return to the Stars, popular movies like The Shining, Alien, The Curse, or Jaws served as inspiration. But also the documentary series In Search of…, about real cases of disappearance.
Now, all of this would be of little use if the movie looked like any other horror film. And that is what they managed to avoid during the shooting. To begin with, they shot everything on a low-quality Hi8 camera, which gave it the appearance of being a home recording rather than a professional one. The actors improvised all the dialogues. The townspeople interviewed during the footage are not actors, but people who genuinely do not know what they are talking about. And the cameraman had never filmed anything before, having to learn how to use the camera in a quick two-day course.
If you want it to look real, make it real
If we add to that the fact that if the actors seem lost it’s because they are, as they were given instructions on where to go at every moment through hidden messages in 35mm film reels, and if they seem hungry and sleepy it’s because, well, the director didn’t let them sleep or eat enough, there lies the verisimilitude of the film. Something that, along with the fact of obtaining real human teeth from a dentist for an emblematic scene and the actors using their real names, led to everything that happened afterward.
Although they shot over 20 hours of footage, what remained in the end was 81 minutes of film. A standard duration for a documentary, both in what was filmed and what was edited. They presented the final version at Sundance. Myrick and Sánchez hoped to secure a broadcasting contract for television and nothing more, but they did not expect what happened next.
The movie swept the Cannes festival and secured worldwide theatrical distribution. This led to them launching a very aggressive marketing campaign claiming that everything that happened in the movie was true. The movie’s website, the trailers, and even Myrick and Sánchez claimed that everything was real. They even released posters of the main actors as if they had disappeared, to enhance the realism.
And it worked. For months, there was an aura of a cursed movie and that, in fact, the movie was based on real events. This led to the movie being released in 27 theaters in the US, which earned it 1.5 million dollars, doubling its budget, and expanding to a national release with 1,101 theaters joining the party. Shortly after, it would reach the whole world and the movie would manage to amass the staggering figure of 248.6 million dollars, just at the box office and not counting television rights and home format, for a movie that cost between 200,000 and 750,000 dollars.
And the critics? The critics loved it. The critics received it as a breath of fresh air in the horror genre, considering it tremendously imaginative and effective. The audience, on the other hand, was divided: those who liked it loved it, while those who didn’t hated it. Leaving little room for those who were not greatly inspired by it.
Even if nothing else, it has inspired many people. The number of movies inspired by found footage, the name of the genre created by The Blair Witch Project, has continued to grow over the years. Movies like Cloverfield, REC, Paranormal Activity, Project X, or Trollhunter have consistently stormed the box office. And The Blair Witch Project itself has had adaptations into a novel, comic, and video game, although all of them with uneven results.
Now the Blair Witch Project lands on Netflix fully aware that yes, it is all fiction, but it does not lose any of its effectiveness. Now, remember: it is a very divisive movie. You can love it, you can hate it, but it’s hard to be indifferent to it. Although, thinking about it, isn’t that an excellent reason to watch a movie?
The growing concern over the misuse of personal data has gained momentum in the technological field, especially with the emergence of artificial intelligence. Recently, Google has found itself embroiled in controversy after being accused of activating its AI model Gemini in Gmail without obtaining user consent, which would have allowed access to private emails and documents. Your information remains private Users have expressed their concern that by using Gmail, they have automatically accepted that the platform accesses all their messages and attachments to train models of […]
The growing concern over the misuse of personal data has gained momentum in the technological field, especially with the emergence of artificial intelligence. Recently, Google has found itself embroiled in controversy after being accused of activating its AI model Gemini in Gmail without obtaining user consent, which would have allowed access to private emails and documents.
Your information remains private
Users have expressed their concern that, by using Gmail, they have automatically accepted that the platform accesses all their messages and attachments to train AI models, which poses serious privacy risks. In response to these accusations, Google has defended its position, stating that it does not use Gmail content to train its AI and that smart features have been present for years. Additionally, the company has emphasized that users have the option to disable these features.
Despite Google’s assurances, the fact that Gemini is integrated into multiple platforms, such as Drive and Maps, raises questions about the true nature of user data privacy management. While the use of artificial intelligence can offer significant advantages in the efficiency and functionality of digital tools, it also poses the dilemma that tech companies require access to large volumes of data to optimize their learning models.
The reality is that many users are not fully aware of how their personal data is used, which underscores the need for greater transparency from companies. The struggle between technological innovation and the preservation of user privacy is a topic that will continue to capture attention in the near future, as tech giants navigate the turbulent waters of public trust.
Director Shawn Levy has revealed that his upcoming film in the Star Wars universe, titled Star Wars: Starfighter, is deeply inspired by Return of the Jedi. This new film, set in an unexplored era of the Star Wars universe, promises to offer a story less tied to the Skywalker Saga, which could re-engage those fans who feel disconnected from the franchise. A film that embraces the classics Levy, known for his work in acclaimed films and series, has expressed his appreciation for Return of the Jedi, highlighting its combination of themes, lightness, adventure, heart […]
Director Shawn Levy has revealed that his upcoming film in the Star Wars universe, titled Star Wars: Starfighter, is deeply inspired by Return of the Jedi. This new film, set in a yet unexplored era of the Star Wars universe, promises to offer a story less tied to the Skywalker Saga, which could re-engage those fans who feel disconnected from the franchise.
A movie that embraces the classics
Levy, known for his work in acclaimed films and series, has expressed his appreciation for Return of the Jedi, highlighting its combination of themes, lightness, adventure, heart, and spectacle. Although this film is considered by many to be a classic within the saga, its reception was divisive among adults of the time, particularly due to the inclusion of the Ewoks, which generated mixed opinions. However, Levy firmly positions himself in the group that appreciates the film, stating that it resonated greatly with him during his childhood.
In an appearance on the podcast On Film… With Kevin McCarthy, Levy shared: “The ‘cool’ answer would be to say I’m more inspired by The Empire, and the undeniable answer would be that it’s A New Hope, but in reality, it’s Jedi”. This comment reflects his personal connection to the film, a bond he feels while on the set of “Starfighter”.
Star Wars: Starfighter is currently in production and is expected to premiere on May 28, 2027. Fans can look forward to a fresh approach within the vast lore of Star Wars. Meanwhile, interest continues to grow for the upcoming projects in the franchise, which will include new movies and series.
The Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy franchises, fundamental pillars of the JRPG genre, have maintained a relationship of competition and comparison over the years. In a recent interview, Yuji Horii, creator of Dragon Quest, shared his vision on the narrative differences that characterize both sagas, highlighting how their design has influenced the player’s experience. Emphasis on narrative or immersion Horii pointed out that in Final Fantasy, characters have voice and personality, allowing them to build their own identities. Protagonists like Cloud from Final Fantasy VII or Tidus from Final Fantasy X […]
The Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy franchises, fundamental pillars of the JRPG genre, have maintained a relationship of competition and comparison over the years. In a recent interview, Yuji Horii, creator of Dragon Quest, shared his vision on the narrative differences that characterize both sagas, highlighting how their design has influenced the player experience.
Emphasis on narrative or immersion
Horii pointed out that in Final Fantasy, characters have voice and personality, which allows them to build their own identities. Protagonists like Cloud from Final Fantasy VII or Tidus from Final Fantasy X are examples of heroes who guide the narrative through their emotions and dialogues. This approach, while rich in narrative content, presents a marked contrast with the approach of Dragon Quest, where the protagonist remains silent, allowing the player to identify with the character. For Horii, this silence does not imply a lack of depth, but rather is a deliberate resource for the player to identify with the main character.
This divergence in design philosophies reflects two distinct ways of telling stories within the world of Japanese role-playing: silent immersion versus guided narrative. Both formulas have proven to be successful and have greatly contributed to the development of the genre, inspiring new generations of developers and players.
Horii also emphasizes that this historical rivalry is not negative, but rather represents a creative diversity that enriches the landscape of Japanese role-playing games. By observing how both sagas have evolved with remakes and new releases, their reflection remains alive in the hearts of players, who today can choose to become the silent hero of Dragon Quest or accompany the protagonists of Final Fantasy in their emotional stories.
The Grand Theft Auto (GTA) fan community is experiencing significant discontent following the controversy generated by a Twitter account known as Zap Actu GTA6, which posted fake videos of the highly anticipated GTA 6, generated by artificial intelligence. Despite warnings that the content was fake, the clips reached an impressive figure of 8 million views in just one day. This phenomenon was due to the attraction that the title evokes among Rockstar followers, who were captivated by the supposed gameplay reveal of the game. GTA: AI version The owner […]
The Grand Theft Auto (GTA) fan community is experiencing significant discontent following the controversy generated by a Twitter account known as Zap Actu GTA6, which posted fake videos of the highly anticipated GTA 6, generated by artificial intelligence. Despite warnings that the content was fake, the clips reached an impressive 8 million views in just one day. This phenomenon was due to the attraction that the title evokes among Rockstar followers, who were captivated by the supposed gameplay reveal of the game.
GTA: AI version
The account owner, who has faced fierce criticism, has rebranded as Actuzz MAG and has apologized for generating false expectations. “I’m sorry if I made people believe something that wasn’t true; I admit I didn’t think things through properly.” he commented in response to disappointed followers. However, despite his acknowledgment of the mistake, the account continues to share speculative content, such as the idea of a possible DLC for Christmas 2026 in a snow-covered Vice City.
The story has particularly resonated with the fan community, who feel deceived, leading to a backlash against the account amid general anger. This situation has highlighted the delicate balance between fiction and reality in a community eager for news about GTA 6.
📰 GTA 6: A Snow-Covered Vice City for Christmas 2026? A Winter DLC Fans Are Already Dreaming Of ❄️🌴
As the 2026 holiday season approaches, a growing theory within the community suggests that Rockstar could introduce a seasonal winter DLC for GTA 6, bringing snowfall to Vice… pic.twitter.com/fI7u440Xnc
Dan Houser, co-founder of Rockstar, has pointed out that the success of GTA lies in its “sense of freedom” and its innovative blend of game genres, something that the series has managed to capitalize on over the years. Amid this uproar, fans are eagerly awaiting an official communication from Rockstar to clarify the rumors about the future of the saga.
In a remarkable turn, Cyberpunk 2077 has gone from being one of the most criticized releases in 2020 to becoming a major commercial success, reaching the impressive figure of 35 million copies sold in less than five years. This notable rebound is attributed not only to a series of patches that improved the gaming experience but also to the Phantom Liberty expansion and the acclaimed anime Edgerunners, which revitalized interest in the CD Projekt RED title. We remain in Night City The sales figures even surpass those of The Witcher 3, which took six years […]
In a remarkable turn, Cyberpunk 2077 has gone from being one of the most criticized launches in 2020 to becoming a major commercial success, reaching the impressive figure of 35 million copies sold in less than five years. This notable resurgence is attributed not only to a series of patches that improved the gaming experience but also to the Phantom Liberty expansion and the acclaimed anime Edgerunners, which revitalized interest in the CD Projekt RED title.
We continue in Night City
Sales figures even surpass those of The Witcher 3, which took six years to reach 30 million units. This success has driven a 53% increase in third-quarter revenues for 2025, reaching 349 million zlotys (82 million euros), with Cyberpunk 2077 and its expansion leading this financial wave. The game’s return to the PS Store and its inclusion in the PS Plus service have also contributed to its resurgence.
In response to this success, CD Projekt has accelerated the development of the sequel, Cyberpunk 2, which has moved into the pre-production phase. With a projected increase in its workforce that could reach up to 400 employees in the coming years, the studio is laying the groundwork for an expected release, although not before 2028. A team member has hinted that the sequel could feature a new city inspired by a darker Chicago, in addition to Night City.
The anticipation is also palpable for The Witcher 4, which has been nominated for “Most Anticipated Game” at the 2025 Game Awards, despite no promotional material being released. CD Projekt’s CFO, Piotr Nielubowicz, has commented on the high expectations for this installment, confirming that they are still in the development stages and there will be no new content at the gala. With several projects underway, CD Projekt is positioning itself for an exciting future in the world of video games.
On November 17, Los Angeles was the scene of a heavy downpour that unexpectedly provided the ideal atmosphere for the special screening of Glass Onion, the third installment of the acclaimed murder mystery franchise Knives Out, directed by renowned filmmaker Rian Johnson. The rain not only added a gothic touch to the event but also served as a playful nod to Netflix’s influence in the production and promotion of the film. Meryl behind the back During the screening, actress Kerry Washington couldn’t resist the temptation to joke about the […]
On November 17, Los Angeles was the scene of a heavy downpour that unexpectedly provided the ideal atmosphere for the special screening of Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, the third installment of the acclaimed murder mystery franchise Knives Out, directed by renowned filmmaker Rian Johnson. The rain not only added a gothic touch to the event but also served as a fun nod to Netflix’s influence in the production and promotion of the film.
Meryl from behind
During the screening, actress Kerry Washington couldn’t resist the temptation to joke about Netflix’s ability to “make it rain” at the event. “It’s gothic, just like the movie. That’s how powerful Netflix is: they brought the rain”, Washington commented, eliciting laughter from the cast present. This type of interaction between the weather and the film was undoubtedly a memorable moment that resonated with the fans who attended the event.
The Knives Out franchise has gained a loyal following thanks to its clever script and intriguing plots. With each new installment, Johnson manages to keep the audience’s interest by offering an enigmatic environment and complex characters. In fact, Johnson has stated that there is someone he wants, by any means, in his next installment: the Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep. Given the level of performance in these films, he will have no trouble securing her.
The November rain not only contributed to the atmosphere but also evoked a sense of community among the attendees. People gathered for the screening, enjoying an evening that combined cinematic art with an unexpected natural setting. The screening of Knives Out 3 promises to be another milestone in the evolution of modern mystery storytelling, and its premiere is highly anticipated by fans of the franchise.
