By Chris Sawin
| Published 58 seconds ago

Blades of the Guardians is a martial arts film adaptation of a 12-volume manhua (Chinese manga), Biao Ren (Guardian), which was also adapted into a 15-episode donghua (Chinese anime) in 2023. The film is directed by Yuen Woo-ping, who is one of the most well-known Hong Kong action film directors and action choreographers, and has been an active filmmaker for the past five decades.

Some of Yuen Woo-ping’s directing credits include Drunken Master, Iron Monkey, and Tai Chi Master. Some of his action choreography credits include Fist of Legend, the original Matrix trilogy, Kill Bill, Unleashed, The Grandmaster, and Ip Man 3 & 4.

The film follows a bounty hunter named Dao Ma (Jing Wu, the Wolf Warrior films) traveling with a little boy named Xiao Qi (Charles Ju). In the opening of the film, Dao Ma becomes the second most wanted fugitive in the land. The leader of the flower rebellion, Zhi Shilang (Sun Yizhou), is the most wanted fugitive. Dao Ma is entrusted with an escort mission to take Zhi Shilang to Chang’an. They must travel across the desert as every clan and bounty hunter wants a piece of Zhi Shilang’s gargantuan bounty.

As a general rule, you never go into a martial arts epic with the expectation that the story will be well thought out or even coherent. Blades of the Guardians has this Journey to the West meets Mad Max-on-horseback kind of ambiance that generally works. At just over two hours, the film feels a little long in places, especially in the second half. It feels like the story purposely stalls as well to cram in a few more action sequences and leave room for a potential sequel if the film does well enough to become a franchise.

The general idea is that the story is always moving. These characters are constantly traveling and encountering a plethora of other eccentric characters along the way. The action isn’t a detour where everything stops as it’s purposely intertwined into the narrative. The action is meant to emphasize a character’s motivation or alliance, as each punch, kick, and weapon swing carries meaning.

Every shot of Blades of the Guardians is gorgeous thanks to cinematographer Tony Cheung Tung-Leung (14 Blades, Drunken Master II). The film has a $100 million budget, and it shows. Visual effects are extraordinary throughout, but the way Blades of the Guardians makes desert terrain look so colorful is even more wondrous. The film was shot in the real desert regions of western China, so most of the environments are genuine and not green-screen. Taking place in the desert, you’d expect Blades of the Guardians to be a dull kind of tan throughout, but it’s surprisingly lush-looking with nearly every color you can think of.

The action is interesting, not just because it’s visually impressive, but the training and preparation for Blades of the Guardians sounds rigorous and extensive. Actors performed their own stunts whenever possible and constantly trained in horseback riding, weapon handling, and hand-to-hand combat. Most of the cast brought their own experience in martial arts, sports, and even opera, but the training continued even after shooting began.

Blades of the Guardians is being touted as a film reviving wuxia (a genre of Chinese fiction). However, the longer action sequences float and fly in the air, the more of a turnoff it is. Wirework should be used to enhance the action while remaining as grounded as possible. Blades of the Guardians is a great balance, as most of the more superhuman moments revolve around the impact of a punch or kick, trailing behind or on the side of a horse while it’s running, and a spectacular move or two.

Jet Li’s introduction in the film shows him using a sheath to catch a sword thrown at him from across the room, without looking. The two-on-one action sequence that he’s a part of shows that the 62-year-old actor can still go, which should be incredibly exciting for anyone who’s a fan of Hong Kong cinema.

Yuen Woo-ping’s action sequences are of another breed compared to American or other Hong Kong action films. Every sequence is perfectly framed, not too close and not too far away, with everything you need to see in precise view. It’s amazing that Yuen Woo-ping has come up with such fresh ideas after doing this since the early 1970s. There’s a crucial one-on-one fight that takes place in a sandstorm, a fight in the snow while someone is holding a baby, and weapons covered in fire being swung around so beautifully it’s as if you’ve never seen anything like it before.

The film doesn’t shy away from blood either. Limbs and heads are cut off regularly, as blood is splattered in every direction in every fight. Dao Ma is a character who will kill, but prefers not to. He shows mercy more often than not throughout the film. However, there’s one sequence where he swings an axe into the side of someone’s neck, and they fall to their knees before he roundhouse kicks their head off their shoulders.

Blades of the Guardians is one hell of an action film and easily a contender for one of the best films of the genre in the first part of the year. Yuen Woo-ping continues to showcase his legendary talent as a director while four generations of Hong Kong action cinema deliver nonstop badassery over two relentless hours of pure, uncut awesomeness.

Blades of the Guardians is now playing in select theaters.

Timothée Chalamet & Kylie Jenner
We Got It Chala-Made!!!
Shine Bright at BAFTAs

Published
February 22, 2026
10:51 AM PST

Chaos unfolded early Sunday morning after Austin Tucker Martin entered President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. Martin reportedly entered a  secure perimeter of the property —but, Trump wasn’t there to greet him. Now, the Secret Service’s quick response to the intruder has everyone talking.

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Austin Tucker Martin Reportedly Approaches Mar-A-Lago With Gas Can & Shotgun

The man, identified as 21-year-old Austin Tucker Martin from North Carolina, reportedly had a gas can and a shotgun when he approached the north gate of Mar-a-Lago around 1:30 a.m. Authorities say Martin had been reported missing by his family days earlier and allegedly acquired the shotgun along the way. A weapon box was later found in his vehicle, signaling the potential for serious danger.

Security Opens Fire After Martin Ignores Orders

According to Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, Martin ignored orders to drop his weapons and raised the shotgun into a shooting position, prompting the agents and deputy to open fire and neutralize the threat. Trump and First Lady Melania were safely at the White House when the incident occurred, while the FBI is now asking nearby residents to check security cameras for additional footage to assist with the investigation. Investigators are compiling a psychological profile of Martin, though his exact motive remains unclear. Authorities also confirmed that he was not previously known to law enforcement.

The Comment Section Explodes With Reactions

Folks immediately stormed TSR’s Instagram comment section to share their thoughts on the incident. Some are calling it a massive conspiracy to distract the public, while others lamented that people are risking their lives over situations like this. And, of course, a few couldn’t resist pointing out that Trump has more ops than some rappers.

One Instagram user @1natep commented, “He got more opps than rappers nowadays 😭”

This Instagram user @kingali said, “People really rising their lives 🤦🏽‍♂️”

And, Instagram user @iinfluencedyou added, “Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.“

Meanwhile, Instagram user @citiboy_23 wrote, “Seems like every 3 months they tryna take him out 😭😭😭”

While Instagram user @fabe_jus_livin_ shared, “Bro needs to retire the sheriff department already“

Lastly, Instagram user @chacoaurumfx commented, “I’m gonna go with “ distractions” for 400 please Alex“

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The 1980s are often remembered for spectacular movies like Raiders of the Lost Ark, Platoon, and The Empire Strikes Back. But beyond the usual suspects, the ’80s also produced films that have matured beautifully over time. Like a well-cellared Bordeaux, some of the decade’s movies get even better years after it was produced. The entries on this list may have been misunderstood or overshadowed, but now time has revealed richer notes and complexity.

These are a collection of films that have aged so well since their release, becoming a reflection of the world today, even when they did not initially intend to. These movies need to be watched and experienced like you’re drinking the finest vintage wine on the menu, appreciating more as the years go by and your cinematic taste matures.

‘Near Dark’ (1987)

Image via De Laurentiis Entertainment Group

A blend of vampire mythology and classic road movie, Near Dark sees small-town teenager Caleb (Adrian Pasdar) being bitten by drifter Mae (Jenny Wright). He’s then pulled into a nomadic clan of violent vampires led by Jesse (Lance Henriksen), who roam highways and small towns. With a psychotic member, Severen (Bill Paxton), actively trying to kill him, Caleb tries to reconcile his new reality that sees his humanity withering away as he accepts his new, brutal family.

Near Dark was one of the many vampire movies released in the 1980s. While it flew under the radar because of the popularity of the other movies like The Lost Boys and Fright Night, it has really aged well thanks to Kathryn Bigelow‘s confident direction in her solo film debut. The performances are fantastic, especially from Lance Henriksen, who’s always charismatic, and Bill Paxton, whose manic work made this film unforgettable. Near Dark is filled with stunning visuals and a great genre blending of Western, horror and romance. It deserves to be included among the best vampire movies in cinema.

‘How to Get Ahead in Advertising’ (1989)

Image via Virgin Vision

How to Get Ahead in Advertising follows Denis Dimbleby Bagley (Richard E. Grant), a high-powered advertising executive who suddenly finds himself unable to write a campaign because of a moral crisis about his job’s manipulative nature. As Denis becomes increasingly paranoid, a boil with a face appears on his shoulder and starts to talk about his capitalist instincts, mocking his conscience and pushing him deeper into his thoughts.

The film has aged remarkably well because of its central theme about advertising that manipulates desire and distorts truth. It is even more relevant in today’s hyper-commercial, algorithm-driven world, where every content company is inundated with ads. Richard E. Grant, in one of his early leading roles, delivers a fearless performance, changing between a smug corporate man and a hysteric paranoid. The body horror aspect exaggerates the consumer culture to deliver a biting satire. It may be over-the-top when it was released, but this hyperbole is needed for today’s world.

‘My Neighbor Totoro’ (1988)

My Neighbor Totoro follows sisters Satsuki and Mei as they move to the countryside with their father while their mother recovers from a long-term illness. As they explore their new home, they encounter gentle woodland spirits, including the enormous, kind Totoro, and they ride on a magical Catbus, watching seeds sprout into trees together. Satsuki and Mei’s adventures with Totoro provide them with comfort during a difficult time for them.

The classic Ghibli film was already a favorite upon its release. With emotional purity at its core, Hayao Miyazaki treats childhood with respect rather than sentimentality. There’s no traditional villain or high-stakes conflict; instead, the emotional tension centers on childhood anxiety and sibling bonds. The animation remains lush and expressive, making it a cozy experience anytime you decide to watch it. Totoro itself has become an international cultural icon, not to mention Ghibli’s official mascot.

‘Thief’ (1981)

Image via United Artists

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Thief follows Frank (James Caan), a strict and professional safecracker who hopes to complete one last score before living a legitimate life. When he’s drawn into a partnership with a powerful crime boss who promises financial backing, Frank is trapped in a job that doesn’t respect his independence, and his dream of a normal life begins to crumble.

Michael Mann is known today for crafting stylish, incredibly cool crime films like Heat and Miami Vice. However, he has already managed to do that in his film debut, one of cinema’s best heist thrillers. Mann’s neon-lit Chicago, paired with Tangerine Dream’s pulsing synth score, feels strikingly modern, making it a visual and sonic blueprint for decades of crime cinema. James Caan delivers an intense and vulnerable performance as Frank. Beyond the crime genre thrills, Thief also explores capitalism and the illusion of the American Dream with surprising depth, elements that are still incredibly relevant today.

‘The King of Comedy’ (1982)

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In The King of Comedy, Rupert Pupkin (Robert De Niro) is an aspiring stand-up comedian who believes he’s destined for stardom, despite having no real career or platform. Obsessed with late-night talk show host Jerry Langford (Jerry Lewis), Rupert fantasizes about being his friend. When he’s repeatedly brushed aside, he escalates to kidnapping Langford to get a shot at national television exposure.

This Martin Scorsese movie has aged spectacularly because it predicted our culture’s obsession with visibility and validation, especially with social media today. Pupkin feels like a prototype for influencer-era celebrity hunger who craves fame solely for recognition. Robert De Niro gives a committed performance, portraying Rupert not as a villain, but as a socially inept dreamer incapable of self-awareness. The film gained a second life in the 2010s after Joker practically ripped off this film’s storyline, which, in a way, also mirrored how Pupkin kidnapped Langford for fame. Alas, The King of Comedy is way superior to the DC villain origin story.

‘Paris, Texas’ (1984)

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Paris, Texas begins with Travis Henderson (Harry Dean Stanton) emerging silently from the desert, disoriented after disappearing for four years. Slowly, he reconnects with his brother and young son, Hunter (Hunter Carson), attempting to rebuild a relationship that time and abandonment nearly erased. Travis and Hunter then travel together in search of Hunter’s estranged mother, Jane (Nastassja Kinski).

Revisited today, Paris, Texas never feels outdated, and its emotional aspects are earned through the characters’ journeys and the deliberate pacing. Wim Wenders clearly trusted the audience to be in Travis’ headspace and join his story. With beautiful visuals, a great guitar score, and iconic performances from Stanton and Kinski, the film has become a foundational American classic. The film has inspired numerous actors and filmmakers, with Michael Bay even including a reference to the film in one of the Transformers movies.

‘Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters’ (1985)

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Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters reconstructs the final day of Japanese author Yukio Mishima (Ken Ogata). It also included stylized adaptations of three of his novels and flashbacks to his formative years. The film moves between black-and-white sequences, rich color sequences representing his fiction, and glimpses of his childhood and artistic evolution.

Paul Schrader considers it to be one of his best works alongside Taxi Driver, and it is with good reason. The film is an ambitious take on a controversial figure, but rather than flattening its subject into hero or villain, it embraces his contradictions as an artist and an ultranationalist. Its structure is unlike any other film that came before, and it has not been replicated since. Mishima is further elevated by Philip Glass‘ thunderous score and striking production design by Eiko Ishioka. Due to its controversial nature, the film was not screened in Japan until 2025.

‘The Thing’ (1982)

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Set in a remote Antarctic research station, The Thing follows a group of American scientists who encounter a shape-shifting alien capable of perfectly imitating any living organism. After a Norwegian outpost is found destroyed, the team realizes the organism can replicate and replace them from within. As they don’t know who to trust, the men begin turning on one another, unsure who is still human.

Surprisingly, The Thing was not a critical favorite when it was released. Over time, the John Carpenter film reveals itself to be a towering work. Today, it stands as one of the best horror thrillers ever made. The creature design is grotesque and is scarier than any CGI creation, and the performances, led by Kurt Russell, are strong across the board. Carpenter is an expert at maintaining tone, and here it shows as the movie is constantly covered in bleakness and paranoia. The ambiguous ending is the cherry on top of why the film endures.

‘Videodrome’ (1983)

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Videodrome follows Max Renn (James Woods), the sleazy president of a small cable TV station, constantly searching for edgier, more provocative content to boost ratings. When he discovers a mysterious broadcast signal featuring extreme torture and violence, he becomes obsessed with tracking its origin. As Max investigates, the signal begins to distort his perception of reality, and he loses sight of what is real and media.

Videodrome was actively disliked by audiences when it was released, as evidenced by the D+ CinemaScore, although many critics agreed that the film was ahead of its time. Its once-bizarre premise about media addiction and desensitization now feels eerily prophetic. The depiction of Renn merging with television is extreme, showing how humans are now inseparable from technology in the digital age. The practical effects are excellent and add to the realism that makes it even scarier. Videodrome is now widely regarded as one of David Cronenberg‘s best films and a sharp cultural commentary on today’s world.

‘Blow Out’ (1981)

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Blow Out follows Jack Terry (John Travolta), a sound technician for low-budget horror films who accidentally records what may be evidence of a political assassination. While gathering ambient audio one night, he captures the sound of a car tire blowout just before a fatal crash involving a presidential candidate. As Jack syncs his audio with a photographer’s images, he uncovers a conspiracy far bigger than he anticipated.

Blow Out aged like fine wine because of how disturbingly modern it feels. Its obsession with truth versus perception and political cover-ups resonates even more today, when misinformation runs wild. John Travolta delivers one of his most layered performances as an idealistic and obsessive man pulled into a conspiracy. Brian De Palma’s direction, with his iconic split diopter shots and elaborate set pieces, puts the spotlight on the main character, making it an intense experience. It’s both a thriller and a tragic commentary on how truth can be drowned out by power, making it even sharper today than it was in 1981.

In one week, Scream 7 will slash into cinemas, unveiling the latest installment to hail from the 30-year-old franchise. With the story set around Neve Campbell’s Sidney Prescott, the project marks a return to the original film series after having gone off in a different direction in 2022’s Scream and 2023’s Scream VI. So far, the marketing team has made it abundantly clear that the masked killer known as Ghostface will have a new target in his sights — Sidney’s teenage daughter Tatum (Isabel May). Helmed by Kevin Williamson, who created the slasher universe and served as the scribe on the first, second, and fourth films, the new movie promises to delight fans of the original while also throwing in a group of new characters into the middle of the massacre.

Speaking of those newcomers, the ensemble list backing Campbell in Scream 7 includes Asa Germann (Gen V), Anna Camp (Pitch Perfect), Joel McHale (Community), Mark Consuelos (Riverdale), Sam Rechner (The Fabelmans), Celeste O’Connor (Madame Web), Ethan Embry (Empire Records), Michelle Randolph (Landman) and Mckenna Grace (Five Nights at Freddy’s 2). But they won’t be the only faces in Ghostface’s deadly path, as a multitude of characters from the previous films will also be making their return, with Matthew Lillard, Courteney Cox, Scott Foley, David Arquette, Mason Gooding, and Jasmin Savoy Brown confirmed to be in the mix.

Where To Stream All Six ‘Scream’ Movies for Free

With so many characters and stories weaving in and out of the plot of Scream 7, it might be a little bit hard to keep it all straight. Luckily, audiences can now head over to Pluto TV to stream all six of the Scream movies completely free of charge. As if its impressive docket of content wasn’t enough, the streamer is offering fans the opportunity to go on a trip down memory lane and have a six-film movie night that will jog your memory of the entire franchise. While we might not yet fully understand exactly how Williamson and his team will be bringing the deceased characters played by Arquette, Lillard, and Foley back, a nice refresher is just what the Scream-obsessed fan in your life ordered.

Will Scream 7 round out the franchise and mark the end of the film series? While it doesn’t seem overly likely, there’s always a chance that this could be the last one. Regardless, get a jump on the story by heading over to Pluto TV and streaming all six Scream films for free.

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Release Date

December 20, 1996

Runtime

112 minutes

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Writers

Kevin Williamson

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Producers

Bob Weinstein, Cary Woods, Cathy Konrad, Harvey Weinstein

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Get in, fashionista! We’re going shopping for Rachel McAdams‘ dress, a.k.a. the cutest iteration of the anti-jeans trend. Her latest denim-colored dress style is sleek, timeless and seriously slimming, and we found a version that takes it up a notch. Not only is our pick flattering, but it’s also buttery-soft and stretchy. Seriously, it’s a dream!

After receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, McAdams beamed as she headed to Jimmy Kimmel Live — and her polished midi, coupled with bright white heels and a chic handbag, made her shine even brighter. This understated dress style is a luxurious alternative to denim, especially since it totally feels like loungewear.

Like McAdams’ pick, the Newshows midi dress features buttons down the front, long sleeves and a classy collar. It even has a similar split hem! However, the dresses differ in comfort. McAdams’ look has a stiff, blazer-like construction, whereas the Amazon twin is mega stretchy, almost like a second skin. Whether you’re running errands or having a board meeting, you’ll be as cozy as you are classy.

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We also need to talk about the fact that the budget-friendly alternative is so flattering. The front buttons and ribbed-knit material visually elongate the torso, making you appear instantly taller and leaner. Better yet, this bodycon midi is fitted at the top and looser toward the legs, so you’ll have a snatched, defined waist from every angle.

Shoppers can’t get enough of the fit, feel and wear-everywhere style. One happy reviewer noted this dress was “forgiving,” while another said it “helps hide bulges.” One person summed it all up and wrote, “The ribbed knit material is soft, stretchy and hugs your body in all the right places. [It’s] warm without being too heavy.  I love that this dress can be dressed up with heels or boots for a night out or worn casually with sneakers or flats. It’s incredibly versatile.”

Reviewers wear this sweater dress for daytime errands and formal events alike, so don’t be surprised if you rock it nonstop. It’s the easiest way to look sophisticated, rich and put together on the daily, from grocery trips to in-office days. You may just ditch your scratchy jeans for good!

Get the Newshows Bodycon Sweater Dress for $40 on Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Not what you’re looking for? Shop other dresses on Amazon and don’t forget to check out Amazon’s Daily Deals here!

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I’m a comfort connoisseur, but I don’t shell out triple digits for cashmere sweaters. That said, everyone thinks I do, since I wear cozy, high-end-looking styles on repeat. These 17 quiet luxury sweaters nail the aesthetic; these options appear identical to pricey wool yet start at just $10. Understated and luxe, these sweaters channel serious […]

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Love it or argue about it for three straight hours — The Green Knight is one of those movies that refuses to leave your brain. Now, A24’s hypnotic medieval fantasy will be available to stream for free this March, giving audiences another chance to revisit (or finally experience) one of the studio’s most divisive releases.

Directed by David Lowery, the film reimagines the Arthurian legend of Sir Gawain with a moody, surreal twist. Dev Patel stars as Gawain, the reckless nephew of King Arthur who accepts a mysterious challenge from the towering, otherworldly Green Knight — a decision that sends him on a haunting journey through temptation, fear, honor, and self-doubt. The cast also includes Alicia Vikander in dual roles, Joel Edgerton, Sarita Choudhury, Sean Harris, and Ralph Ineson as the unforgettable Green Knight.

Upon release, the film sparked intense debate. Some praised its slow-burn atmosphere, philosophical depth, and painterly visuals. Others found its deliberate pacing and ambiguous ending frustrating. Either way, it became one of A24’s most talked-about projects — the kind of fantasy epic that feels more like a dream than a blockbuster.

Is ‘The Green Knight’ Worth Watching?

Image via A24

Collider’s review stated that The Green Knight was a darkly beautiful, hauntingly philosophical reimagining of the Arthurian legend — and a crowning achievement for director Lowery. Rather than delivering a straightforward tale of knightly triumph, the film unfolded as a meditative exploration of honor, mortality, and the uneasy space between glory and goodness. Patel’s performance was singled out as essential to the film’s power, grounding the mythic material in vulnerability and sincerity.

“The Green Knight is an astounding film, rich in its visuals, its storytelling, and its themes. For a filmmaker who is constantly challenging himself and finding humanistic values no matter the genre, The Green Knight is a crowning achievement for Lowery, and one that demands to be seen. It is a challenging film, but one where those who choose to meet those challenges and engage with the material will be richly rewarded from a story that has stood the test of time, and with a film that I believe will do the same.”

The Green Knight will stream for free on Kanopy next month.

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Release Date

July 29, 2021

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Runtime

130 minutes

Director

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David Lowery

Writers

David Lowery

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Producers

Aaron L. Gilbert, Macdara Kelleher, Edmund Sampson, James M. Johnston, Toby Halbrooks, Tim Headington, Jason Cloth, Theresa Page, Tomas Deckaj, Anjay Nagpal

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