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10 Greatest Mystery Books of All Time

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The Name of the Rose0

Few things beat curling up with a good mystery book. At its core, the genre’s appeal lies in the satisfaction of solving a puzzle. Whether following a brilliant detective, an ordinary amateur sleuth, or even a criminal attempting to cover their tracks, readers become active participants in the story, weighing clues and trying to figure things out.

The very best mysteries reward careful observation while remaining surprising enough to leave even seasoned readers stunned when the truth finally emerges. These books are the focus of this list. They run the gamut from the classic structure of Agatha Christie to the genre hybrids of Umberto Eco and the stranger-than-fiction true-crime of Patrick Radden Keefe.

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10

‘The Name of the Rose’ (1980)

The Name of the Rose0

“The only truth lies in learning to free ourselves from insane passion for the truth.” Set in a remote Italian monastery during the 14th century, The Name of the Rose follows the brilliant Franciscan friar William of Baskerville and his novice Adso as they investigate a string of mysterious deaths among the monastery’s monks. Every clue points toward an increasingly elaborate conspiracy hidden within one of Europe’s greatest libraries.

This book is a real gem, combining juicy murder mystery elements with genuine philosophy, theology, and well-researched medieval history. William, in particular, is a fascinating variation on the classic detective archetype. His powers of observation and logical deduction evoke Sherlock Holmes (the fact that he’s from Baskerville itself is a sly wink in this direction), yet Umberto Eco places him within an intellectually rich world dominated by religious conflict, political intrigue, and debates about knowledge itself.

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9

‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ (2005)

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo book0

“Everyone has secrets. It’s just a matter of finding out what they are.” The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo caused a global sensation in the mid-2000s, and for good reason. Stieg Larsson revitalized a lot of classic mystery tropes by combining them with investigative journalism, family drama, and unusually compelling characters. The story centers on journalist Mikael Blomkvist, who is hired to investigate the decades-old disappearance of a young woman who vanished from an isolated island owned by one of Sweden’s wealthiest families.

His search eventually brings him into partnership with the brilliant but enigmatic hacker Lisbeth Salander, one of the most intriguing fictional creations of that era. Her extraordinary intelligence, troubled past, and uncompromising determination quickly made her a fan favorite. Finally, the mystery itself is well-constructed. Although the plotting is dense, it never feels convoluted, contrived, or over-the-top.

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8

‘London Falling’ (2026)

London Falling book0

“Every city hides the stories it hopes no one will uncover.” London Falling is a work of nonfiction by Say Nothing‘s Patrick Radden Keefe, yet it’s stranger and more compelling than most fictional mysteries. It delves into the bizarre 2019 death of 19-year-old Zac Brettler and, in telling his story, exposes the dark, billionaire-fueled criminal underworld of modern London. The book involves gangsters, cons, secret identities, and repeated failures by the government and police.

While it’s certainly suspenseful, London Falling is also moving, especially when the author interviews Zac’s grieving, confused parents. It touches on important issues in British society today, too, in a way that feels urgent and topical. All in all, it’s a masterpiece of true-crime writing and a genuine page-turner. Not for nothing, the adaptation rights have already been sold, and A24 is reportedly planning on making it into a TV series.

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7

‘The Spy Who Came In from the Cold’ (1963)

Cover of the book The Spy Who Came In From The Cold Image via Penguin

“The successful spy is the one nobody suspects.” The Spy Who Came In from the Cold is the defining book by espionage master John le Carré. In it, British operative Alec Leamas is preparing to retire after one final failed mission when he is assigned an elaborate undercover operation designed to infiltrate East German intelligence. But as the mission unfolds, Leamas gradually realizes that he may be little more than a pawn in a much larger game.

Like Leamas, readers spend much of the narrative trying to determine which characters can be trusted, what the true objectives of the operation actually are, and who is manipulating whom. Every conversation contains hidden meanings. At the same time, the book was hugely influential in the way it portrayed secret agents not as superheroes, but as morally compromised bureaucrats trapped inside a world of deception.

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6

‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’ (1955)

The Talented Mr Ripley Book0

“I always thought it would be better to be a fake somebody than a real nobody.” The Talented Mr. Ripley cleverly inverts the traditional mystery template by placing readers inside the mind of the criminal rather than the detective. Tom Ripley is sent to Italy to persuade wealthy playboy Dickie Greenleaf to return home, but admiration gradually gives way to envy, obsession, and ultimately murder. After assuming Dickie’s identity, Tom must continually outwit investigators, acquaintances, and even his own growing paranoia.

On top of being tense and tightly-wound, the book is a marvel of characterization. Ripley is a fascinating antihero: charming, intelligent, adaptable, and morally vacant, weaving a sprawling web of lies that fools those around him while threatening to ensnare him as well. Despite his increasingly horrifying actions, Tom remains strangely sympathetic because readers experience every close call and desperate improvisation from his perspective.

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5

‘The Maltese Falcon’ (1930)

The Maltese Falcon book0

“When you’re slapped, you’ll take it and like it.” The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett laid the foundation for the hard-boiled detective novel. After his partner is murdered while shadowing a mysterious woman, private investigator Sam Spade finds himself drawn into a dangerous search for an immensely valuable jeweled statuette. Shifting alliances and constant betrayals keep the reader guessing and turning the pages.

The book stood out from most mysteries of its time thanks to its dialogue and its protagonist. Sharp, economical, and filled with subtle power plays, every conversation advances both the investigation and the psychological battle between the characters. Likewise, unlike the gentleman detectives who dominated earlier mystery fiction, Spade is a scrappy figure operating in a morally ambiguous world where nearly everyone is compromised, including himself. This approach would go on to be hugely influential.

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4

‘The Long Goodbye’ (1953)

The Long Goodbye book0

“I never saw any of them again except the cops. No way has yet been invented to say goodbye to them.” The Long Goodbye is regarded by many to be the best Philip Marlowe book. The story begins when Marlowe befriends the troubled war veteran Terry Lennox, only to become entangled in a murder investigation after helping Lennox flee the country. Marlowe digs deeper into the case, uncovering layers of corruption, wealth, alcoholism, and betrayal stretching across Los Angeles society.

Part of what makes the novel great is the way it delves into character and theme. In particular, Chandler uses the investigation to examine friendship, loyalty, and the isolation of a man who consistently tries to do the right thing in a deeply cynical world. The author wrote this book while his wife was dying from a long illness, which is why it has such a melancholy mood.

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3

‘The Big Sleep’ (1939)

The Big Sleep book0

“I was neat, clean, shaved and sober, and I didn’t care who knew it.” Chandler strikes again. The Big Sleep was the book that introduced readers to Philip Marlowe and forever changed detective fiction. Hired by the wealthy General Sternwood to deal with a blackmailer targeting one of his daughters, Marlowe quickly discovers that the case is connected to gambling rackets, pornography, multiple murders, and a seemingly endless series of double crosses.

The plotting is incredibly intricate, to the point that Chandler himself reportedly admitted that he did not know the solution to one of the murders. Nevertheless, The Big Sleep is beloved by mystery fans the world over thanks to its atmosphere, razor-sharp dialogue, and richly drawn cast of characters. Marlowe himself anchors the chaos through his intelligence, resilience, and dry humor. Many detective heroes since have borrowed from his design.

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2

‘The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes’ (1892)

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes book0

“You know my methods.” The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes remains a classic because it almost single-handedly established the template for detective fiction. This short story collection includes twelve adventures featuring Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson, involving everything from mysterious disappearances to stolen jewels and secret societies. Much of the fun comes from Holmes’ extraordinary powers of observation and deduction.

In this regard, Sherlock Holmes really is the most iconic fictional detective of all time. He’s appeared in more than 200 films, for instance, and has been played by more than 70 actors. Plus, the character of Watson was also influential, because he serves as the surrogate for the reader. He’s intelligent enough to appreciate Holmes’ brilliance but ordinary enough that readers share his amazement. In short, this book’s influence on mystery fiction is impossible to overstate.

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1

‘And Then There Were None’ (1939)

And Then There Were None - 1939 - book cover Image via HarperLuxe

“Ten strangers are invited. One by one they die.” Agatha Christie is often ranked as the greatest mystery writer of all time, and And Then There Were None is perhaps her finest book. In it, ten strangers are invited to an isolated island under various pretenses, only to discover that their mysterious host has accused each of them of getting away with murder. When the guests begin dying one by one according to the verses of a nursery rhyme, panic and suspicion quickly consume the group.

This premise was ingenious for its time, creating the ultimate closed-circle mystery. With no possibility of escape and no outside detective arriving to solve the crime, every surviving guest is both a suspect and a potential victim. This structure has practically spawned a mystery subgenre unto itself. Finally, Christie caps the book off in a brilliant twist, one that’s shocking and yet makes total sense in hindsight.

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The 10 best shows on Disney+ for adults

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It’s not always a fairy-tale. The gloves are off and so are parental controls.

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Amazon’s Latest Ghost In The Shell Anime Is Straight Out Of The 90s In The Best Way Possible

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Amazon’s Latest Ghost In The Shell Anime Is Straight Out Of The 90s In The Best Way Possible

By Jonathan Klotz
| Published

When I heard that Amazon was rebooting Ghost in the Shell for another series, I’ll be honest, I was terrified. The two movies, and Season 1 of Stand Alone Complex are some of the best anime of all time. The 2017 live-action movie with Scarlett Johansson and the Netflix series aren’t nearly as good. The 2026 Ghost in the Shell remake is, if it holds this level of quality beyond the first episode, the most faithful adaptation of the manga yet. 

A Remake And Not A Reimagning

Ghost in the Shell. first published in 1989 and running through 1991 by Masamune Shirow, is one of the most influential cyberpunk works ever created. The concept of “ghosts” and philosophical musings on transhumanism elevated it beyond a simple action story. Every series adaptation has used it as the building block to tell a different story within the world, which is why the latest 2026 version sticks out. 

For starters, Major Motoko Kusanagi is a lot goofier than in previous adaptations. She’s more talkative, plays pranks, and is overall, a lot lighter of a character than the usual overly serious, cold and calculating personality she usually gets saddled with. This new characterization isn’t new, it’s straight from the original source material, and while others were great too, it’s refreshing to see a series play it this close to the manga. 

Action From the Word “Go”

The Section 9 team’s first mission is to infiltrate an orphanage that reveals its dark nature when a young boy tries to escape. Riding in their Fuckikoma spider-bots, the team is ambushed by a security captain armed with a ghost controller. Of course, they wind up succeeding, and the concept of a ghost controller is going to be very important as the season goes on, but what sticks out during the action-heavy first episode is, beyond the Major’s different personality, is how it all looks. 

Science Saru has worked on Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, Space Dandy, and Dandadan, but somehow, they managed to pull off with Ghost in the Shell a series that looks like it was pulled from 1995, but moves like a modern anime. The heavy inking lines, the way expressions are conveyed, the character designs, are all very 90s but it’s silky smooth, and with few exceptions, the anime of that era wasn’t this smooth. 

The Best Ghost In The Shell In Decades

I’ll admit it took me a moment to adjust to the new style that pays homage to the original manga while pushing the series into the future at the same time. As an avid Stand Alone Complex re-watcher, once my preconceptions were tossed aside, Ghost in the Shell’s premiere episode was a great way to restart the franchise. Except there was one noticeable problem. 

The subtitles provided by Amazon were incorrect. Not even slightly, in most cases they used different words that completely changed the humor and meaning of the character’s speech. The use of generative AI to provide subtitles has been an ongoing issue in the anime world, and it’s clear that Amazon not only used AI, but likely the cheapest one they could find. 

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Ghost in the Shell’s 2026 remake debuted in the Amazon Prime Top Ten, which is incredibly impressive for an anime series. It speaks to the popularity of the original film and manga that over 30 years later, it’s still finding new fans. New episodes will be released on Tuesdays, only on Amazon Prime.

Ghost in the Shell (2026) First Episode


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Stopped By Officer Then Handcuffed For Hoodie

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Lil Scrappy & King Harris React To Phone Tussle

Footage has gone viral of Jessie Lopez Jr., a Pennsylvania teen, being stopped by an officer and then handcuffed for allegedly looking suspicious while wearing a hoodie.

RELATED: Mom Of Teen Who Was On Horn Island With Nolan Xavier Wells Speaks As Ben Crump Alleges 18-Year-Old Was Involved In “Argument”

Footage Goes Viral Of Pennsylvania Teen Jessie Lopez Jr. Being Stopped By Officer Then Handcuffed For Allegedly Looking Suspicious While Wearing Hoodie

On Wednesday, July 8, Jessie Lopez Sr. took to Instagram. This, to share a clip of his son’s “first encounter with the police in Williamsport.” In the clip, his son appears to be crossing the street, wearing a black windbreaker. This, while behind him walks a white man wearing a police vest.

“It’s a warm day to be wearing that jacket — you’re going to get hit by a car here. You’re gonna get hit by a car here. Stop. Stop. I’m asking you to stop! I’m asking you to stop,” the officer says, eventually grabbing the teen. “I’m doing a traffic stop on you. You walked across the road in front of a car.”

In the caption of the clip, Lopez Sr. wrote, “Today my son had his first encounter with the police in Williamsport. They said he looked suspicious because he had his hood up and a jacket on… this was a lesson for both of us. I need to make sure he knows how to interact with police, even when he feels he’s done nothing wrong. Things can escalate fast. He ended up handcuffed and detained because he didn’t want to stop and answer their questions…”

A follow-up clip shared by Lopez Sr. then showed his son in what appeared to be the back of a police car, handcuffed.

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“Just looking at my son’s face sitting in the back of that car hurts my heart, man. As a father, that’s a moment I never wanted him to experience. You spend your life trying to protect your kids, teach them right, and keep them safe. Seeing him go through something like that is a feeling I wouldn’t wish on any parent,” Jessie Lopez Sr. wrote.

Social Media Weighs In

Social media users weighed in on the clip in TSR’s comment section.

Instagram user @sexyaries___ wrote,A traffic stop on a kid that’s WALKING !!!!! Let that sink in !!”

While Instagram user @iammisshoney added, Umm so it aint suspicious when yall yt folks be wearing shorts in the dead of winter🤔”

Instagram user @mary__octavia wrote, They aren’t arresting / harassing the ones that wear white hoods tho 🙄”

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While Instagram user @teeteeswivae added, For the ones saying he shouldn’t have a jacket and hood on in this hot weather, does anyone harass the yt ppl wearing shorts in the cold weather 🤔”

Instagram user @prettygirl.plut0 wrote, Mind you ppl are allowed to dress however they please…no matter the f*****g weather let me go profile John for wearing shorts in winter, in Florida next time then cs the crime must be lowered !”

While Instagram user @christinoncamera added, He clearly doesn’t know much about youth of today! They wear hoodies and joggers in 90 degree heat!!! All of them are “suspicious” if that’s the case! 😂”

Instagram user @briellelesley wrote, First of all this kid awareness and the way he handled this situation was very impressive. He said no words and recorded the entire experience. No tears, no outbursts, not even explaining himself. Just let the video do the talking for you, I love this kid.”

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While Instagram user @thesekidsauntie added, This is why situational awareness is so important. And the fact this is still happening in 2026. White people will see this and still find excuses for it. Sheesh”

Authorities Issue Statement On Footage Of Pennsylvania Teen Jessie Lopez Jr. Being Stopped By Officer Then Handcuffed

In a statement to  The Shade Room, the father explained that his son was “wearing a hooded jacket because he suffers from eczema, and direct sunlight aggravates his skin condition.”

“Although it was warm outside, there was a legitimate medical reason for him wearing his hood,” he explained.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, July 8, the Williamsport Bureau of Police released a statement. The bureau asserted that the stop was not done by a member of their team. Instead, the bureau alleged it was done by a member of the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office.

At this time, the DA’s office has not commented on the matter. This, while Lopez Sr. appears to be confused. On Thursday, he took to social media to write, “So I thought they were all together..”

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RELATED: Jenifer Lewis Delivers A Powerful Message Amid The Death Of Nolan Xavier Wells (VIDEO)

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J.K. Simmons Reveals He Has Still Never Met Tom Holland : Coastal House Media

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Obsession Becomes One of the Highest-Grossing Horror Movies of All Time Following Historic Box Office Run : Coastal House Media

Rumors surrounding Marvel Studios’ upcoming X-Men reboot continue to heat up, and the latest name reportedly being considered for the Marvel Cinematic Universe is one of the biggest stars in music today: Sabrina Carpenter.

According to multiple entertainment insiders, Marvel Studios is interested in bringing Carpenter into the MCU for a major role. While nothing has been officially confirmed by Marvel, the report has quickly sparked speculation among fans about which iconic mutant she could portray.

The strongest rumor currently points toward Emma Frost, the powerful telepath known as the White Queen. The character has long been a fan favorite in the comics thanks to her sharp wit, commanding personality, and ability to transform her body into organic diamond. Other fans have thrown out names like Dazzler, whose music career and mutant powers have made her one of the most recognizable pop-star superheroes in Marvel history.

Emma Frost [Marvel]

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Marvel Studios has yet to reveal any official casting for its upcoming X-Men reboot, leaving the internet to speculate about nearly every major mutant role. Recent reports have connected numerous actors to characters like Jean Grey, Cyclops, Storm, and Professor X, though none of those rumors have been confirmed by the studio.

Carpenter’s star power has skyrocketed over the past year following the massive success of her music career and sold-out tours, making her one of Hollywood’s fastest-rising entertainers. If Marvel is indeed looking to add another globally recognizable name to its next generation of mutants, she would certainly fit that strategy.

Still, fans should treat the report with caution. Marvel Studios is famously secretive, and casting discussions often change before contracts are ever signed. Until Kevin Feige or the studio makes an official announcement, Carpenter’s involvement remains firmly in the rumor category.

With Marvel’s X-Men reboot still in development, speculation is only expected to intensify in the coming months. Whether Carpenter ultimately joins the MCU as Emma Frost, Dazzler, another mutant entirely, or not at all, one thing is certain—fans are already imagining what the next generation of Marvel’s mutants could look like.

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What do you think? If Sabrina Carpenter joins the MCU, which Marvel character would you like to see her play?

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Report Sets Record Straight On Pregnancy Rumors

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Meagan Good Sets The Record Straight After Viral Baby Bump Image Sparks Pregnancy Rumors

Meagan Good has the internet talking after what appeared to be a baby bump photo of her went viral. Now, a report is setting the record straight on whether she and Jonathan Majors are expecting.

RELATED: Meagan Good Spills On Married Life With Jonathan Majors And Hints At Baby Plans (VIDEO) 

Report Clears The Air After Viral Baby Bump Photo Appearing To Show Megan Good Sparks Buzz

Roomies, if you’ve been out of the loop, a photo of Meagan Good with a baby bump has been making rounds all over social media. The image has led fans to speculate that she and Jonathan Majors were expecting, but TMZ reports that she is not pregnant. According to the outlet, the image circulating on X (formerly Twitter) came from an A.I.-altered edit. The viral pic shows Meagan rocking a black tank top and black leggings while a baby bump appears to peek out from under her shirt.

TMZ says the original photo actually came from a 2015 paparazzi image that someone digitally manipulated to make it look like Good had a baby bump. The outlet also pointed out several obvious signs of editing. If you look closely, one of Meagan’s hands appears to have extra fingers, which many people consider a clear AI giveaway. TMZ also reported that Meagan holds a phone and a vape in the photo. The outlet noted the original 2015 image included a vape, but the outlet has been informed that she no longer vapes and would not vape if she were expecting.

Social Media Weighs In After Report Addresses Viral Baby Bump Photo

Once The Shade Room shared the update about Meagan’s viral photo, the Roommates flooded the comment section with reactions. Plenty of folks called out AI, saying people are using it for all the wrong reasons, and said whoever made the edited photo did Meagan dirty.

Instagram user @danikaedwards wrote, That’s truly so hurtful. This A.I stuff is getting carried away. 🙏🏾♥️” 

Instagram user @bryttain_ wrote, They love to claim pregnancy on someone 😂😂 Just mind your business.” 

While Instagram user @foreverluvbug20 wrote, “Y’all are using AI for all the wrong reasons.” 

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Then, Instagram user @candidly_ruth wrote,Y’all love putting pregnancy on people. People just be bored and using AI some BS per usual.” 

Another Instagram user @ntunga.abantu wrote, AI is gonna ruin lives 😟😟” 

Instagram user @sxvr.l_ wrote, Y’all gotta stop using ai for everything it doesn’t need to be used for 😒”

Then another Instagram user @109blessed wrote, This just proof how fast rumors are spread & believed with no actual proof 💯” 

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While another Instagram user @whosgoddii wrote, Why does everyone think everybody wants children like help.” 

Finally, Instagram user @beverlyboots wrote, “the internet so dirty why would they play with this lady.” 

Here’s What Meagan Previously Said About Motherhood & Starting A Family

Even though the viral photo sparked pregnancy rumors, Meagan Good has already made it clear that motherhood is part of her future plans. While speaking with BET earlier this year, she said she’s ready to start a family with Jonathan Majors. Additionally, she said she believes he’ll be an amazing dad. Meagan also said she’s more than happy — and READY — to do life with him. Furthermore, she noted that it isn’t a matter of if they’ll have some mini-me’s, it’s more about when.

RELATED: Lowkey Love! Jonathan Majors & Meagan Good Reveal Photos From Secret Wedding (VIDEO) 

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Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines Is Awesome, Shut Up

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Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines Is Awesome, Shut Up

By Robert Scucci
| Published

The first two Terminator films are among my favorite action outings because of how perfect they are, and how they logically escalate from low-budget ($6 million) sci-fi horror to full-blown, big-budget ($102 million) summer blockbuster spectacle. It’s a progression that feels completely natural. As the threat of Skynet becomes ever more apparent, it only makes sense that the franchise would see an exponential increase in scope and scale between the original and the sequel. And then we have Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, along with every movie that followed.

Here’s where I make the same kind of confession I always make: when I was younger, I naively trusted people who told me to trust their taste. I was told a couple of times by a few reliable sources that Terminator 3 sucked, and then I never thought about it again. Even worse, I spent the next couple of decades avoiding every subsequent Terminator movie for the same reason. Somebody said, “These new ones are terrible, and only the first two are worth your time,” so I only ever watched the first two.

Writing reviews for this site and hosting my own weekly bad movie podcast has taught me one lesson over and over again: follow your own taste and form your own opinions. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched something with a terrible Rotten Tomatoes score and loved it, or at the very least wished I’d seen it sooner so I could come to my own conclusion.

The crazy part is that Terminator 3 has a 70 percent critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s the audience that didn’t latch onto this one, resulting in a 46 percent Popcornmeter score. Honestly, I think they’re both wrong. The Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgment Day are perfect action movies. Terminator 3 isn’t nearly as classic as either film, but in my mind it’s a solid 80 percent.

The Next Logical Step

In the first Terminator film, the T-800 (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is sent back to 1984 from the year 2029 to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), the future mother of John Connor, the leader of the human resistance against Skynet, the artificial intelligence network hellbent on eradicating humanity. John Connor’s right-hand man, Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn), is sent back to protect Sarah, and the result is an all-out nightmare chase that’s more reminiscent of a slasher than a sci-fi action thriller, which made perfect sense given the film’s budget and storytelling.

1991’s Terminator 2: Judgment Day goes bigger, badder, and pushes the logic forward flawlessly. Set several years after the first film, we’re introduced to a young John Connor (Edward Furlong), who’s growing into the destiny his mother spent his entire life preparing him for. Sarah Connor is now institutionalized after everything she endured in the first film, but she never gives up on her crusade to stop Judgment Day, the moment Skynet takes over.

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Robert Patrick became the big bad as the indestructible liquid-metal T-1000, while Schwarzenegger pulled off the ultimate switcheroo by reprising the T-800, this time reprogrammed to protect our heroes instead of hunting them. It would’ve been a perfect bait and switch if the marketing hadn’t spoiled it before release, but it still blew everyone’s minds.

James Cameron wrote and directed both films, and as far as double features go, they can’t be beat. It’s the reason I put off watching Terminator 3 for so long. I didn’t think they could be topped. After finally watching it, I still don’t think they can, but I also think the movie is a lot more fun than most people give it credit for.

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines 2003

Produced for $187.3 million, it was the most expensive Terminator film ever made at the time, and I’m pretty sure every dollar that wasn’t spent on star power went toward blowing everything as sky-high as humanly possible. But that’s not why T3 is great.

Plays With The Timeline Without Erasing The First Two Films

James Cameron said before T3’s release that he had no interest in making another sequel because he felt the first two films told a complete story with a satisfying ending. I think he’s right, but I also don’t think Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines undermines his work. In the second film, we learn that the future can be changed as long as the human resistance succeeds in its time-travel efforts against Skynet.

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines 2003

Here, John Connor (Nick Stahl) is now an adult who’s barely holding his life together after his mother’s death. Judgment Day never happened because of the events of the previous films. That all changes when Skynet sends back its newest model, the T-X (Kristanna Loken), to eliminate him once and for all.

Her search for John, and for the people who’ll eventually help him defeat Skynet, leads her to Kate Brewster (Claire Danes), an old flame who’s only loosely connected to John at first. Her father, Lieutenant General Robert Brewster (David Andrews), just so happens to be leading the classified Skynet project.

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines 2003

We learn that fate can’t be changed, only postponed, when a reprogrammed T-850 (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is sent back once again, this time with orders to protect Kate. She’ll eventually marry John and become a key figure in the future resistance. From that point forward, the movie becomes one long chase sequence where everything in everyone’s path explodes in spectacular fashion.

While a common criticism is that T3 undermines James Cameron’s vision, I don’t think it really does. The first two films absolutely provide satisfying closure, but this expansion of the lore never pulls me out of the fiction. Sarah and John prevented Judgment Day when they destroyed Cyberdyne’s research, but it doesn’t seem crazy to me that the military would continue pursuing similar technology anyway. It’s simply too valuable of an idea for the powers that be to abandon forever.

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Having Your Cake And Eating It Too

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines 2003

Speaking of logical progressions, T3 itself makes sense in its willingness to ante up. The first film was a low-budget slasher, and the second was a massive summer blockbuster. Logically, the third movie had to go even bigger. There really wasn’t another direction to take it, and Jonathan Mostow leaned hard into sci-fi action spectacle to prove the point.

There’s also a level of self-awareness that’s genuinely charming without turning into one giant slice of Member Berry Pie. There are winks and nods (“She’ll be back!”), and everyone gets a chance to inject some levity into the chaos. It only makes sense that the franchise would head in this direction because that’s where it was already going, whether James Cameron was behind the camera or not.

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines 2003

Is Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines a classic like the two Terminator films that came before it? No. It’s the inevitable result of a studio trying to capture lightning in a bottle for a third time. Is it a terrible movie? Not by a long shot. It’s a reliable sci-fi action thriller with a healthy mix of camp and carnage.

Don’t be like me and deprive yourself of things that bring you joy because someone told you decades ago there wasn’t any joy to be found in T3. Tell those people to shut up, because T3 is awesome.

As of this writing, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines is streaming for free on Tubi.

TERMINATOR 3: RISE OF THE MACHINES SCORE


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Hilary Duff Says Mahjong Is Her Latest Obsession: It’s ‘Truly All I Think About’

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Hilary Duff Says Mahjong Is Her Latest Obsession: It's 'Truly All I Think About'

Hilary Duff isn’t letting the fear of striking out keep her from playing the game — mahjong that is.

Ahead of her Lucky Me Tour stop at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, on July 8, the singer, 38, opened up about her newest pastime.

Aperol

“My latest obsession, mahjong, is truly all I think about,” she said during a meet and greet with Aperol.

When she’s not playing the tile-based game, Duff also loves entertaining at home, even if her husband, Matthew Koma, 39, isn’t always as enthusiastic.

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“I do actually love to throw a party myself. It’s Matt’s worst nightmare, truly, but I love having everyone over, maybe for a little too long.”

Hilary Duff/Instagram

The hitmaker’s ideal night in includes delicious food, good drinks, and spending time with her favorite people.

“My perfect night in L.A. would be hosting my own get together with all of my friends over Aperol Spritz and lots of food. If we’re feeling crazy, I would even suggest doing it at the Griffith Park Observatory to get the perfect view of the city in while enjoying time with everyone.”

Even when she can’t squeeze in a full game night with loved ones, Duff still finds ways to stay connected.

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“I call a friend for a quick lunch and have a sneaky Aperol Spritz when you can find 45 minutes to do so,” she noted.

That philosophy is one of the reasons the songstress partnered with the alcohol brand for its Share The Moment campaign.

“The ethos of Share The Moment has really resonated with me in this time period that has been so busy, where I’m really peddling as fast as I can to get everything done that needs to be done and pull all of this off. … It has helped to actually slow me down and give me some face-to-face time with the people that have made all this possible.”

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Those times have been especially meaningful on the road, where Duff has reconnected with fans who’ve supported her since her Lizzie McGuire days.

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“On this tour, I’ve been able to hear so many stories and share so many moments with people hearing about nuggets they’ve carried with them their whole lives. From helping someone to learn English or hearing that any of my work was a light in a dark time growing up. It’s made such an impact to feel that anything I’ve put out into the world has had a real effect on people.”

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Justin Baldoni, Wife ‘More Devoted’ in Faith After Lawsuit

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Everything to Know About RHOSLC Alum Jen Shah's Legal Drama

Justin Baldoni and his wife, Emily Baldoni, found solace in their shared faith following their lengthy legal drama.

“We are healing, and if you’ve ever been through something traumatic, you know that healing isn’t linear,” Justin, 42, said in a Wednesday, July 8, social media video, making his first comments since his lawsuit with Blake Lively was settled. “It looks different every day, and we have had to rethink for ourselves what is real and what matters and it’s this, it’s our family, it’s our friends, it’s our community [who] have been there for us, it’s our faith.”

Justin and Emily, 41, are practicing members of Baha’i, a religion founded in the 19th century that focuses on the unity of humanity and the elimination of prejudice.

“I think we’re closer and more devoted and steadfast in our faith than we’ve ever been,” Justin added, noting that wife had prayed for fans’ “discernment” and support. “There were so many of you who, when we didn’t have a voice, were our voice. … So many of you had discernment and you used your intuition and you trusted that, and you have given your time to fight for us.”

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He continued, “Thank you does not feel like enough, but we’re here in large part because of so many of you and all of our friends and family.”

In late 2023, Justin’s It Ends With Us costar Lively, 38, accused him of sexual harassment, fostering a hostile work environment and attempting to ruin her reputation. Justin vehemently denied the allegations and filed a defamation suit against Lively, which was ultimately dismissed.

A judge ultimately ruled in May to dismiss a majority of Lively’s claims before the remaining charges were settled weeks before a trial was scheduled to begin.

Throughout the legal back-and-forth, Justin and Emily opted against speaking publicly.

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Justin Baldoni's Wife Emily Praises 'The Man, Husband and Father' He Is Amid Legal Drama


Related: Justin Baldoni’s Wife Loves ‘The Man, Husband and Father’ He Is Amid Drama

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Justin Baldoni celebrated his 41st birthday with his family by his side amid ongoing legal drama. “Happy birthday, my love,” the actor’s wife, Emily Baldoni, wrote via Instagram on Friday, January 24. “Celebrating the man, husband and father that you are. I’d choose you again and again.” Emily, 40, also uploaded a photo of the […]

“We have not spoken publicly for the better part of the last two years and it’s not because we haven’t had anything to say,” the director said in his Wednesday upload. “Lord knows we have, but it just felt like every time we went to make a video like this where we wanted to speak, something was telling us not to. It just doesn’t feel like the right time. We were talking about it and feeling into it and praying about it.”

While not discussing the fallout from the case, Emily acknowledged that the couple had “so much to unpack” after Justin faced multiple allegations of misconduct.

“It’s important as we say that, in that gratitude, it doesn’t negate the injustice and the pain that we have also felt in the last few years,” Emily stated. “We’ve had to wrestle with so many things and try to understand so many things, like, ‘How could something like this even happen?’ Let alone disguise[d] as a fight for women. … The truth is that there’s been a lot of trauma for us to move through as a family, which also makes it hard to speak. The truth and the facts have spoken for themselves, and here we are.”

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Teaser For New Godzilla Movie Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine

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Teaser For New Godzilla Movie Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published

I always liked Godzilla growing up, but my opinions about various movies in the franchise changed over time. When I was younger, I enjoyed the goofier movies, including (please don’t judge me too harshly) the 1998 version with Matthew Broderick (I’m from a small town, and I had to take that pretty girl to see something!). As I grew older, though, I longed for the franchise to return to its roots. The very first Godzilla was an outright horror film, and this giant lizard is at his iconic best when he’s scaring the absolute pants off of audiences.

That’s why I loved Godzilla Minus One so much: it was never afraid to emphasize what a primal horror its titular monster was. That film was a runaway success, leaving fans to wonder when they’d see this version of Godzilla terrifying Tokyo yet again. We don’t have that much longer to wait, though: the sequel Godzilla Minus Zero is hitting theaters on November 6. And based on the official teaser that just dropped, it looks like Godzilla is more frightening than we’ve ever seen him before!

Lizards, Camera, Action!

This is just a teaser for Godzilla Minus Zero; as such, it’s far shorter than a regular trailer. Fortunately, it looks like returning director Takashi Yamazaki doesn’t waste any time getting to the good stuff. In this teaser, we see the return of some familiar faces, including Koichi Shikishima (a former kamikaze pilot who earned his redemption by fighting Godzilla). Noriko Shikishima (the woman he supported in the earlier film) is back, as is Disaster Response Bureau director Kenji Noda. Rounding out our returning characters are boat captain Seiji Akitsu, crewman Shiro Mizushima, captain Tatsuo Hotta, and our heroic pilot’s neighbor, Sumiko Ōta.

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What actually happens in this Godzilla Minus Zero teaser? While an earlier teaser tantalizingly showed Godzilla near the Statue of Liberty, this teaser stays focused primarily on Japan. Two years have passed since the events of Godzilla Minus One, which absolutely devastated Japan. Characters speculate about whether Godzilla could survive a nuclear bomb and whether that is a “moral boundary” they should be willing to cross. It appears the debate is moot, though, as we see a bomb being dropped on the killer kaiju, who is apparently on the rampage yet again. The very last thing we see is Godzilla rising from the water to attack a plane.

Heads Or Tails?

Between the bomb dropping and Godzilla rising, we get the film’s title card and an intriguing message: “Our crime and punishment. Returning to zero is not an option.” What does this actually mean? According to the official synopsis for Godzilla Minus Zero, “War reduced Japan to zero, and Godzilla plunged it into minus.” While the country “struggles to achieve recovery and finally reclaim its daily life…a new threat strikes…There is no third time. Everything ends here.” It sounds like Japan is willing to do anything, even embracing the weaponry that brutalized their own country, to end this threat for good.

Based on the new teaser, it’s not entirely clear how Godzilla gets from Japan to America. Maybe the big guy attacks an American naval vessel, or (dark thought here) sometimes gets steered away from Japan to attack the country that bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki. With any luck, future teasers and trailers will give us more answers. And all will be revealed when Godzilla Minus Zero stomps its way into theaters on November 6.


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IShowSpeed Incident Sparks FIFA Investigation

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IShowSpeed has been having a time while streaming during the FIFA World Cup! From meeting supporters to rooting for his favorite player, Cristiano Ronaldo, Speed has truly been in his element while enjoying the games. However, one moment took a different turn during the Argentina vs. Cape Verde game, and FIFA is now stepping in to investigate.

RELATED: Another W! iShowSpeed Celebrates As ‘World Cup’ Earns His First Gold Certification (VIDEO)

More On Alleged Racist Incident Involving IShowSpeed

During Friday’s FIFA World Cup match between Argentina and Cape Verde in Miami, IShowSpeed was livestreaming his time at the game. During the stream, Speed appeared to get upset following an interaction with some Argentine fans in the stands. According to CBS News, the 21-year-old creator confronted a fan in an Argentina jersey after hearing comments directed at him. The fan, speaking in Spanish, allegedly told Speed to “go cry to the zoo.”

FIFA Releases A Statement Following IShowSpeed’s World Cup Stream

Following iShowSpeed’s stream, FIFA  has stepped in. They revealed that they have launched an investigation after streamer IShowSpeed was allegedly subjected to a racist remark.

“According to FIFA, they immediately began looking into the situation. In a statement, FIFA condemned racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms.

They added that those actions have no place in football, the FIFA World Cup, or anywhere in society. FIFA strongly condemns racism, hate and discrimination in all forms. These actions have no place in football, at the FIFA World Cup, or anywhere in society.

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FIFA was made aware of an incident involving a supporter and IShowSpeed at Miami Stadium during the Argentina vs. Cabo Verde match on 3 July 2026.They immediately initiated an investigation.

The FIFA World Cup is a celebration of unity, diversity and respect. It brings together people, cultures, and communities from around the world. Anyone who acts in a manner that undermines these values is not welcome in our game.”

Social Media Weighs In

Folks gathered under The Shade Room’s comment section to react to FIFA’s statement. Many showed support for Speed and praised him for keeping his composure during the situation. Others opened up about their own experiences with racism, especially with people from Argentina. Many are now waiting to see how FIFA plans to handle the incident.

Instagram user @carmencolonrealestate wrote, “He is so respectful and patient, I would have been tossed out of that stadium 😂”

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Instagram user @leesaunique wrote, “That’s sad & he really ate that and held his composure. Wow I didn’t even it was like this smh it so derogatory it really be hurting our feelings, mind u he’s richer and more famous than any of them in the stands”

While Instagram user @blackgatemade_ren wrote, “They spinning bout speedyyy 😭😭”

Instagram user @danielkd21 wrote. “It’s Argentina, are we really surprised?! lak how yall support them especially given their history”

Instagram user @prettyk1206 added, “Mind you, this happened right here in the USA!!!!!! What is there to “investigate” if it’s right there on camera? BAN the chick for life and that’s that.”

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While Instagram user @stefflondon wrote, “When someone is being racist against you its one of the worst feelings in the world. Sending love and light to Speed 🙏🏽 ❤️ “

Instagram user @uniqqlash wrote, “As a Latino we don’t claim Argentina, actually we would love for anyone else to win the World Cup SMH”

Instagram user @kieshacato added, “Would be nice for Messi to address his fans O saying this is unacceptable, or even the Argentinian team. I get they don’t HAVE to but it’d sure be nice to see where they stand with all of that. @leomessi

While Instagram user @tomerialatonya wrote, “they dislike us in every culture lol 1 really be • wanting to know why we so hated on wait… We are the CHOSEN ones gifted and powerful”

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RELATED: How Sweet! IShowSpeed Blesses Supporter In St. Lucia After Hearing About His Family’s Financial Struggles (VIDEOS)

What Do You Think Roomies?

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