Movies

Some anime characters are unbelievably powerful – capable of destroying entire systems of power. But what makes them truly engaging is that they immediately follow up with something silly or unexpected, reminding the audience why they’re so fun to watch. This contrast between immense strength and comical behavior is what makes these characters so endearing. It prevents their power from feeling like a tired cliché, instead turning it into a source of humor. When executed effectively, this blend of strength and foolishness results in some of the most hilarious and lovable protagonists in anime.

The 1990s were a fantastic decade for fantasy films. Many popular movies were based on well-loved books, while others came from leading fantasy authors. We also saw some of the most highly-regarded animated films ever made, with studios like Disney and Studio Ghibli producing exceptional work. With so many great choices, though, it’s tough to decide which ones truly stand out.

The past year has been particularly strong for Star Wars storytelling. Season 2 of Tony Gilroy’s acclaimed series, Andor, launched on April 23, 2025, and concluded on May 14, delivering one of the most thought-provoking, politically charged, and well-made shows in recent memory, whether within the Star Wars universe or beyond. Following Andor was a challenge, but Dave Filoni’s animated series, Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord, has successfully continued this trend, offering a careful and compelling look at one of the franchise’s most complex and tragic characters during the fall of the Republic. The big question now is whether Star Wars can consistently maintain this high standard of quality.

In May 2023, Disney announced it would be cutting costs by removing several original shows and movies from Disney+ and Hulu. These included popular titles like the fantasy series Willow (a sequel to the 1988 film), John Stamos’ Big Shot, The World According to Jeff Goldblum, and The Mysterious Benedict Society. Disney+ wasn’t alone in this practice – it followed a similar move by HBO Max. This shift changed expectations for streaming services and damaged the relationship between studios, creators, and viewers.

Village Roadshow will pay Warner Bros. $57 million to settle a dispute over the financing of The Matrix Resurrections. This is a significant amount, but much lower than the original $107 million that an arbitrator determined Village Roadshow owed after finding they violated their agreements and didn’t contribute their share of the film’s costs back in 2023.

When Event Horizon first came out, it wasn’t a commercial success. However, over time, it’s gained a dedicated following and become a cult favorite. While it might not be as well-known as other sci-fi films from the 90s, it features what many consider to be one of the most terrifying lines ever spoken in the genre, powerfully delivered by Sam Neill.

Artists competing in specific genre categories are also considered for the main awards – Record, Album, and Song of the Year, plus Best New Artist. However, realistically, it’s extremely unlikely a rock, metal, or alternative artist will win one of those top prizes. Those awards are now consistently won by pop, hyperpop, and hip-hop artists.

This episode is particularly memorable for its dark and realistic tone, and its surprisingly unhappy ending. Back when it originally aired, most shows guaranteed a happy outcome, but “The Galaxy Being” didn’t follow that formula. The episode’s conclusion was deeply sad and thought-provoking, exploring difficult questions about what it means to be human, the risks of technology, and the fears of society. While these ideas are common now, The Outer Limits was ahead of its time.

Bitmap Books is releasing a new book called Fatal Fury/Garou Densetsu: The Ultimate History, a detailed look at SNK’s popular fighting game series. Originally known as Garou Densetsu in Japan, Fatal Fury has been a fan favorite since 1991 and played a key role in shaping the fighting game genre, as well as establishing the NEOGEO as a top-tier console. This 460-page book is printed on high-quality paper with special Pantone inks and includes exclusive content from SNK’s archives, such as early concept art, promotional images, and cover designs.

A special cinematic version of the Sekiro: No Defeat anime will be shown in Japanese theaters this fall. The production team announced that this film will be a condensed version of the series, focusing on its exciting action and emotional story. This limited-time release gives fans a fresh way to enjoy the anime, emphasizing its themes of perseverance, skillful combat, and the story of a solitary warrior.