Ever since the turn of the century, the adventure genre has delivered several films that can be counted among the greatest of modern times. This is, after all, one of the oldest of all story genres, one essential to humanity’s love and need for storytelling as a whole. Since time immemorial, we’ve craved stories about heroes going on grand quests with very specific goals in mind, overcoming terrible threats on the way to their objectives. Since this is a genre so foundational to storytelling, it’s no surprise that it has been the basis of several of the most entertaining motion pictures ever made—some of them made over the course of the last 26 years.

Whether it’s a space adventure like Interstellar, one following our hero through a post-apocalyptic landscape like that of Mad Max: Fury Road, or one set the past like Gladiator, adventure cinema has offered several of the greatest blockbusters since 2000. These are films which blend the unique affordances of the modern day, like hyper-believable CGI and multi-hundred-million-dollar budgets, with the kinds of timeless tropes that have kept the adventure genre so timeless throughout the years. A few decades from now, it would be unsurprising if they were still remembered among the greatest genre flicks of the early 21st century.

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‘Interstellar’ (2014)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Few filmmakers understand the adventure genre quite as perfectly as Christopher Nolan, as irrefutably proven by Interstellar. Hailed by some as his single greatest film to date, this space opera is one of the best hard sci-fi movies since 2000, and it isn’t surprising in the slightest that it’s among the highest-grossing sci-fi films of the 2010s. The project began development all the way back in 2006 from a treatment by producer Lynda Obst and theoretical physicist Kip Thorne, and it was originally supposed to be directed by Steven Spielberg. The concept evolved greatly through the years until becoming the modern classic we know and love today.

Anchored in the relative scientific realism provided by Thorne’s involvement, Interstellar definitely takes a few creative liberties with the material, but those liberties are all in service of an enthralling story about love, fatherhood, and the future of humanity. The reason Interstellar works as well as the 20th century’s best space adventure movies is that, like them, the plot’s actual adventure element is secondary to the emotional core that gives the narrative its heart.

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‘The Odyssey’ (2026)

Image via Universal Pictures

Once recency bias wears down, only time will tell whether The Odyssey will continue to age as one of Christopher Nolan’s best movies; but for the time being, it can absolutely be considered as one of them. If there is one story that has never been set in stone, it’s Homer‘s poem; the epic that fathered all epics, the story that best represents why storytelling has been so important to humanity throughout the years. Just like the bards of yesteryear shifted details of Homer’s story to fit their audience’s tastes, so too has Nolan created a version of The Odyssey that feels like it’s entirely his, just as much as it is Homer’s.

The Odyssey is a brilliant spiritual successor to Oppenheimer, exploring the natural fears of living in a war-torn world and celebrating the hope of the good people who may still save its future. It’s technically masterful, impeccably acted, scored with tremendous power by Ludwig Göransson, and directed with the utmost authority by Nolan at the very top of his game. Fantasy adventure stories don’t really get much more essential than Homer’s Odyssey, and this new cinematic version of it is the greatest adaptation of the original that we have seen thus far.

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‘Gladiator’ (2000)

Image via DreamWorks Distribution

With films of the caliber of Alien and Blade Runner, what Ridley Scott did over the course of the late 20th century can only be labeled revolutionary. As such, it feels only fitting that his final outing before the arrival of the 21st century was just as big of a turning point: The Best Picture Oscar-winning Gladiator, one of the greatest and most influential adventure epics of the 2000s. As the years have passed and Scott’s modern filmography has gotten a bit more hit-or-miss, Gladiator has kept aging like fine wine, an action drama and revenge story that’s as emotionally stirring as it is incredibly thrilling.

What’s not to love about this masterpiece? For one, its production values are absolutely stunning, offering some of the most riveting and violent action sequences of any movie set during the age of the Roman Empire. Add to that a phenomenal score by Hans Zimmer, a pair of powerhouse performances by Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix, perfect pacing that makes the two-and-a-half-hour runtime flow right by, and a rousing tale about duty and honor, and it should become all that much less surprising that Gladiator is still as widely beloved as it is.

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‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)

It’s pretty much humanly impossible to watch Mad Max: Fury Road and not have at least a little bit of fun. George Miller‘s triumphant return to both the Mad Max franchise and the action genre as a whole since 1985 was this cinematic injection of adrenaline straight to the jugular, a non-stop chase that doesn’t let up for two whole hours of intense runtime. There’s virtually no space to breathe when watching Fury Road, but true action adventure movie fans wouldn’t have it any other way. It results in one of the most irresistibly entertaining cinematic experiences of the 21st century so far.

Indeed, this is one of the most amazing blockbuster movies of all time, a masterpiece where Miller throws everything but the kitchen sink at the screen in terms of creative ideas over the course of two hours. The world-building is delightfully bizarre, the character writing has a surprising amount of depth, and the action sequences are all impeccably shot and edited in every single way possible. There really aren’t very many adventure movies like Fury Road being made today, and whether its planned sequel does end up materializing someday or not, this will always be remembered as one of the best action epics of the 2010s.

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‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024)

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Frank Herbert‘s Dune is one of the most essential sci-fi adventure novels of the 20th century, a masterpiece so perfect that it’s almost crazy that anyone would even attempt to make a film adaptation of it. Then again, Denis Villeneuve is no ordinary filmmaker. He’s one of the best sci-fi movie directors currently working in Hollywood, and no film of his better demonstrates that fact than Dune: Part Two. As great as its predecessor was, it’s this sequel that deserves to be remembered as a pillar of 2020s science fiction in the same way that The Empire Strikes Back is a pillar of 1980s science fiction.

No film is fully and truly perfect, but there are some that come remarkably close, and Dune: Part Two is one such film. Whether it’s the stunning visual effects, Hans Zimmer‘s rousing score, the cast’s consistently fantastic performances, the narrative’s exceptional pacing, or the flawless way in which Villeneuve’s vision blends with Herbert’s imagination, Dune: Part Two really is one of the greatest sci-fi film sequels ever created. It’s exciting, it’s action-packed, it’s romantic, it’s creative, and it’s proof that adventure cinema is more than alive and well in the 2020s.

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‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’ (2003)

Image via New Line Cinema

There is arguably no adventure novel from the 20th century better, more important, or more influential than J. R. R. Tolkien‘s The Lord of the Rings. Originally designed as a simple sequel to the fantasy children’s book The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings gradually started transforming into something far larger and far more epic. Today, it’s widely regarded as the most foundational works of literary fantasy of the 20th century. As such, Peter Jackson and co.’s attempt at turning the book into an epic trilogy always had sky-high expectations.

And yet, even with those high expectations, the trilogy turned out to be the greatest fantasy film trilogy of all time. Its conclusion in particular, The Return of the King, tied with Ben-Hur and Titanic for the most Oscar wins in history (a whopping 11), is nothing short of one of the greatest feature films of all time. At the very least, it’s one of the greatest Best Picture Oscar winners since 2000, an adventure masterpiece on the same scale as foundational epics of the size of Lawrence of Arabia and Ben-Hur itself.

The groundbreaking HBO miniseries Band of Brothers was unlike any other World War II project released before it. While films like Saving Private Ryan and The Thin Red Line, among others, explored the experiences of soldiers during some of the most critical battles of the conflict, Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks’ ten-part series followed a group of characters from the moment that they became soldiers. Band of Brothers follows the men of “Easy Company” from the moment they enlist to the last days of the war, offering a more well-rounded perspective on what serving in such a pivotal conflict actually looked like.

While Band of Brothers had its fair share of astounding set pieces and memorable emotional moments, Easy Company’s brutal fight for survival in the episode “The Breaking Point” is the most intense sequence of the entire series. The characters are forced to confront the possibility that the war itself may never end as the weather situation grows increasingly brutal — and that their entire lives could be dedicated to fighting the same war that has stolen their youth from them.

What Is “The Breaking Point” About?

“The Breaking Point” takes place amidst the twilight days of the war in the winter of 1945. Easy Company may have survived the Battle of the Bulge, but they face an entirely different challenge as they fight to survive the grueling weather conditions of the Ardennes. They are critically low on medical supplies and food, and their ammunition appears to be dwindling as well. As the situation escalates, the thought of another potential battle becomes more intimidating. While these men have shown their perseverance time and time again as they survive one assault after another, the next battle could force them to fight at their weakest. Although the episode “Bastogne” focuses heavily on their survival techniques, the men are literally pushed to “The Breaking Point” in the next episode.

One of the best aspects of Band of Brothers is the realism with which the characters are depicted. The humorous banter between the men shows why, at the end of the day, they are human. “The Breaking Point” opens with a sequence involving characters like Sergeant C. Carwood Lipton (Donnie Wahlberg), Lieutenant Lynn “Buck” Compton (Neal McDonough), and Staff Sergeant William Guarnere (Frank John Hughes) reading a map off of Sergeant Donald Malarkey’s (Scott Grimes) back. It’s a moment of bittersweet humor; pinning a map to the back of a soldier is the only thing they have to laugh about as the temperature continues to drop.

Unfortunately, any aspects of humor disappear as the men realize their situation is getting much worse. Despite Lipton’s attempts to keep morale raised among Easy Company, the soldiers are hit with a series of German bombardments as they attempt to dig foxholes in the forest. Any conversation about who will be placed at the front of the line feels almost secondary. These men barely have the resources to survive the weather, and the impending SS invasion only spells potential doom.

“The Breaking Point” Is an Acting Showcase in ‘Band of Brothers’

Image via HBO

Band of Brothers does a great job of shaping individual character arcs as the series progresses. It’s impressive that a show with such a massive ensemble is able to balance its cast members so well. Buck Compton has one of the most interesting trajectories of any character, as he initially brings a level-headed sense of authority to any given situation. However, Buck’s optimism and sense of reason begin to dissipate in “The Breaking Point” after a horrific moment of violence pushes him to his limit. It’s an incredible showcase for McDonogh, who captures the fear and anguish that wash over Buck’s face during these critical moments.

Compton’s excellence as a combat leader is noted by his superiors as he’s placed within the front lines of the conflict. The battle is barely visible due to the heavy bombardments, but Buck is close enough to see his fellow soldiers Guarnere and Staff Sergeant Joe Toye (Kirk Acevedo) fighting closely alongside him. In a moment of shocking body horror, the two men charge through the conflict near a detonation, and both lose their legs in a series of quick moments. It’s a shocking change of tone from the opening moments of the episode. These men seemed like they were joking about the map on Malarkey’s back a moment ago, and now neither soldier can stand on his own.

Neal McDonough Delivers a Standout ‘Band of Brothers’ Performance

Image via HBO

While the episode obviously shows the pain and fear that wash through Guarnere and Toyes’ faces as they are met with tremendous disfigurement, “The Breaking Point” in the title refers to Buck, who finally loses himself to the madness of war, left shell-shocked as he sees the men under his command receive their wounds. McDonough makes his reaction very empathetic, since Buck feels that he owes a responsibility to his men and is wracked with guilt and anguish as he realizes that he’s placed them in danger. It speaks to Buck’s perseverance that the only thing that truly disturbs him is seeing those that he cares about suffer.

The episode shows how quickly men can experience post-traumatic stress disorder in the midst of combat; as Buck begins to grow agitated, he is taken off of the front lines for the first time in the entire series. This shows how desperate the situation has become, as not even a veteran combat leader like Buck can stand up to the increasingly perilous situation. Given how reliable Buck has been as a leader, his removal from the center of the conflict makes all the other characters in the episode feel more vulnerable. “The Breaking Point” feels like the climax of Band of Brothers, given that the final three episodes show the last days of the conflict and the soldiers adjust to what their lives will look like in the years following the war’s conclusion. However, “The Breaking Point” also reflects the show’s core message: the bravest heroes are those who fight when victory is not guaranteed.

Tracee Ellis Ross just gave the classic raffia bag a sophisticated, city-girl twist. Instead of saving the woven accessory for beach vacations, the actress styled it with polished separates, instantly elevating the piece for everyday wear. Luckily, you don’t need a designer budget to recreate her chic look.

Ross was spotted in New York City on July 23, pairing her structured woven raffia bag with a collared blue top, a red jewel-embroidered midi skirt, and sleek black pumps. The tailored styling gave the typically casual summer staple a refined update, proving raffia can look just as at home on city streets as it does by the shore. We found a remarkably similar version for just $34 on Amazon.

Get the Keaidmon Handwoven Straw Tote Bag for just $34 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, July 29, 2026, but are subject to change.

Enter the Keaidmon Handwoven Straw Tote Bag. With its structured silhouette, woven straw finish and top handles, it captures the same sophisticated feel as Ross’ accessory for a fraction of the price. Available in a khaki shade that’s nearly identical to the star’s version, it makes it easy to recreate her polished city-girl look.

Related: Alessandra Ambrosio’s White Tank Is a Supermodel Style Secret

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The hack to looking effortlessly chic this summer might not be an expensive designer handbag or the latest trend — it could be as simple as a classic white tank. Alessandra Ambrosio reminded Us that the wardrobe staple has all the makings of a supermodel essential, and the best part is you don’t have to […]

Beyond its elevated look, the bag is thoughtfully designed for everyday wear. It’s crafted from tightly woven natural straw that’s lightweight yet durable, while the thick braided handles offer a comfortable grip without digging into your shoulder. Inside, a playful polka-dot lining adds an extra touch of charm.

The best part is how easy the bag is to style. Pair it with wide-leg trousers and a linen button-down for an elevated everyday outfit, or wear it with a breezy midi dress and sandals on the weekend. Just like Ross proved, the right outfit can transform a raffia bag from a beach-day must-have into a polished city accessory.

If Ross’ outfit has you rethinking raffia bags, this affordable find makes it easy to follow her lead. It delivers the same sophisticated, city-girl feel while keeping the natural woven texture that makes the trend a warm-weather favorite. At just $34, it’s an easy way to bring the actress’ elevated style into your own wardrobe without overspending.

Obsessed with Ross’ city-girl take on the raffia bag? Browse more affordable Amazon picks below!

Shop more raffia bags that we love:

Not your style? Explore more raffia bags here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping

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Related: Forget Heavy Trousers! Minka Kelly’s Cropped Pants Are a Cooler Option

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When temperatures climb, the last thing you want are heavy, full-length trousers clinging to your legs. Luckily, Minka Kelly is reminding Us that there’s a much cooler pant alternative that’s just as polished. Last week, the actress stepped out in a pair of chic cropped black pants that deliver all the sophistication of tailored trousers […]

Michael B. Jordan is hyped for the future of Marvel‘s “Black Panther” franchise following David Jonsson‘s casting in the lead role for its forthcoming third installment.

Jordan, who played villain Erik Killmonger opposite the late Chadwick Boseman in the previous films, seems to approve of the decision, calling Jonsson’s casting “amazing.”

The Oscar winner has also been vocal about Boseman’s legacy since his death and has referenced his late co-star in several heartfelt remarks.

Michael B. Jordan has broken his silence following Marvel Studios’ major San Diego Comic-Con announcement that British actor David Jonsson will lead “Black Panther 3.”

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Speaking on the red carpet at the Los Angeles premiere of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” on Monday, Jordan, who starred as Erik Killmonger in 2018’s “Black Panther” and reprised the role in 2022’s “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” couldn’t contain his excitement when asked about the casting. “Oh, I love it. It’s amazing! I can’t wait, can’t wait!” he said enthusiastically, per Entertainment Tonight.

David Jonsson Wins Over Marvel Fans

Jonsson’s casting as the new Black Panther was announced during Marvel’s presentation at San Diego Comic-Con, where franchise director Ryan Coogler and Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige introduced him alongside returning cast members Letitia Wright, who plays Shuri, and Winston Duke, who portrays M’Baku.

Jonsson, best known for his standout performances in “Alien: Romulus” and “Industry,” will portray the grown-up son of King T’Challa and Nakia, played by the late Chadwick Boseman and Lupita Nyong’o, respectively.

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As he soaked in the roaring applause from the crowd, the 32-year-old placed one hand over his heart before thanking Marvel fans.

“I want to say thank you so much,” he began in a viral social media clip. “Thank you, Ryan. Thank you, Kevin. Thank you to this amazing family that I have the honor and privilege and blessing to join.”

Marvel Charts A New Path For Black Panther

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For the 2022 sequel, Marvel chose not to recast Boseman’s T’Challa, instead focusing on the character’s death and the grief that spread throughout Wakanda.

However, the child introduced in the film’s mid-credits scene will now become central to the franchise, giving Marvel a way to continue T’Challa’s bloodline without replacing Boseman’s portrayal.

For Jonsson, joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe is both an honor and a major responsibility. While addressing the cheering crowd, he avoided revealing details about the upcoming film and instead let his gratitude take center stage. “I actually don’t want to say too much because I want to let the screen do the talking,” he said. “And believe me, the honor is entirely mine. Thank you.”

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Letitia Wright Teases Wakanda’s Next Chapter

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Wright, who debuted as Wakandan princess Shuri in the first “Black Panther” film, assumed the Black Panther mantle after T’Challa’s death in the opening scenes of “Wakanda Forever.”

Reacting to Jonsson’s casting, she described the announcement as a beautiful moment, especially because the pair already share a personal connection.

“The news was really beautiful to hear because I have a personal connection to David,” she told Entertainment Weekly. “To see the full circle of that today, I’m still living in it. We’re both still checking in with each other about it.”

She also hinted that Shuri will help guide her nephew as he steps into a larger role within Wakanda.

“I’m going to have a really, really good time, a lot of fun,” she added. “I’m going to pick on him so much.”

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Michael B. Jordan Continues Honoring Chadwick Boseman

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Meanwhile, it remains unclear whether Jordan, a longtime Ryan Coogler collaborator, will appear in the new installment, which is reportedly expected to film on 70mm and arrive in theaters in December 2028.

Since Boseman’s death from colon cancer in 2020 at age 43, the “Creed” star has continued honoring his former co-star, often reflecting on their close friendship and the lasting impact Boseman had on his career.

“One of the last times we spoke, you said we were forever linked, and now the truth of that means more to me than ever,” Jordan wrote in a tribute following Boseman’s passing, per The Hollywood Reporter. “I wish we had more time.”

Earlier this year, while accepting the Outstanding Performer of the Year Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Jordan again spoke about Boseman, saying he felt his presence while filming “Sinners.”

“I loved that guy so much,” Jordan said. “And it saddens me every time I think about it that I won’t get a chance to work with him again.”

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Since the release of Game of Thrones in 2011, audiences around the world have become obsessed with the A Song of Ice and Fire franchise by George R. R. Martin. Though the show ended in one of the worst-received final seasons in television history, the franchise keeps people coming back thanks to its rich worldbuilding, gripping political intrigue, and stunning visuals, especially regarding the dragons. Two spin-offs have since come out: House of the Dragon, which focuses on a civil between House Targaryen that sees dragons burning entire armies, and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, set many decades later, after the dragons are gone.

While iconic thanks to their size, bonds with their riders, and ties to magic, Martin’s dragons are far from the best in fantasy media, partially because Martin wanted the dragons to be more realistic, with only four limbs instead of six, and keeping their intelligence closer to animals than sentient, ancient creatures. Thus, they lack the presence and personality of dragons from J. R. R. Tolkien‘s Middle-earth, or the ancient majesty of the dragons of Ursula K. Le Guin‘s Earthsea. But another series has dragons that can stand alongside them in terms of their design and execution: Jennifer Rowe‘s (under pen name Emily Rodda) Deltora Quest.

What Are the Dragons of Deltora?

Image via Scholastic

The titular land of Deltora is part of a larger universe made up of Rowe’s other fantasy series, including Rowan of Rin, The Three Doors, and the sequel series Star of Deltora. It is notable for the seven different tribes of people who live on it, each of whom possesses a magic gemstone: a diamond, emerald, lapis lazuli, topaz, opal, ruby, and amethyst. Prior to Deltora’s unification under its first king, Adin, it was known as the Land of Dragons because of how many of the beasts lived there. They, too, were divided based on the seven tribes, resulting in unique visual distinctions, something further emphasized through illustrator Marc McBride‘s beautiful work, which not only gives the dragons vibrant colorations, but appearances that are inspired by marine life.

Like most fantasy series, the dragons of Deltora are sentient creatures, and their personalities vary based on their tribes. Topaz dragons are loyal and thoughtful; Ruby dragons are kind and good-natured; Opal dragons are meticulous and observant; Lapis Lazuli dragons are impulsive and eccentric; Emerald dragons are honorable and stubborn; Amethyst dragons are philosophical and wise; and Diamond dragons are aggressive and dutiful. Their diets are also different, such as Lapis Lazuli hunting vicious Sand Beasts from the Shifting Sands, Topaz hunting cruel gray-furred creatures called Granous who love to bite the fingers and toes off their victims, and Diamond grazing on Blood Lillies when they’re not hunting meat. The dragons have a unique identity compared to other franchises, feeling closer to distinct cultures of people while remaining powerful and ancient.

Deltora’s Dragons Are Woven Into the Bones of the World

Many times it is said that dragons are “of the land,” which the series demonstrates in two main ways: the first is physically. While dragons are sentient creatures, they feel more “natural” compared to other franchises. Their soft underbellies are a pale blue that blends into the sky, making them nearly impossible to see from the ground. The reason they kidnap maidens like in fairy tales is not to eat them, but because human hair makes for a great lining for their nests. They are solitary hunters whose territories overlap with other dragons of the same tribe, but socializing is reserved only for mates and their children. Even the way they speak to humans feels like an apex predator speaking to something far beneath them, but they don’t feel like killing unless angered. Winning a dragon’s trust is a very tricky thing; if they tell someone their name, it means they trust that person.

The other example is that their magical presence is tied directly to the land; dragons are an extension of Deltora itself. They cause the land to prosper, while their absence causes crops to fail and animals to reduce in number. They can tell at a glance what tribe a person belongs to, and can sense when things are off, such as disease or the presence of evil magic. In such cases, they try to destroy the source of corruption as quickly as possible, but know to show restraint if humans and non-human tribes of Deltora are caught in the crossfire.

Speaking of the tribes of Deltora, many of them have certain customs based around the dragons. The women of Broome in Ruby territory shave their heads to deter dragons from abducting them for their hair, while the warrior-like Jalis of the Diamond territory often seek out dragons as the ultimate challenge. Others, like the magical Torans of Amethyst territory, befriend dragons and enjoy philosophical conversations with them. Again, this lore helps the dragons feel like integral parts of the world rather than an arbitrary addition.

Deltora Quest Knows Not to Overuse Its Dragons

Image via Scholastic

With how much detail Rowe put into the dragons, you would think they are an ever-present force in the series. However, they are believed to be extinct by the time of the first book, The Forests of Silence. Most of the information about them comes from the in-universe writings of an explorer named Doran the Dragonlover, and is recorded in the companion book Secrets of Deltora. Dragons also feature prominently in the Tenna Birdsong Tales—a collection of myths gathered by a woman who could speak to birds—and the written history of Deltora, which are detailed in Tales of Deltora.

Of course, being believed to be extinct isn’t the same as actually being extinct. The longer the main series goes on, the more Rowe shifts from talking about the dragons in a mythological sense to a theoretical possibility. This approach mirrors how Martin handled the dragons in his first Ice and Fire novel, A Game of Thrones. Rowe isn’t as graphic in the return of her dragons as Martin is, but the result is no less magical. Like how Daenerys hatching her dragons comes at her lowest moment, the return of the dragons in Deltora Quest comes when the land is near its own breaking point. There is a clear shift in tone — not only does magic return to the world, but so too does hope.

Even once they appear, dragons do not dominate this story, an understandable trap that some franchises can fall into. After all, dragons are the most iconic creature in all of fantasy, and nearly every culture on Earth has its take on them. Naturally, authors want to get the most out of them to inject their world with more fantastical wonder. However, Rowe’s restraint in using the dragons sparingly ensures that they never feel mundane. They remain awe-inspiring manifestations of the will of Deltora itself that also serve as a physical representation of hope and renewal, presented in a more naturalistic way in terms of their culture and lifestyle. All these choices make Deltora’s dragons truly singular in the fantasy world, a crucial aspect of the saga’s lore and a natural evolution of the role they usually play in fantasy stories.

Emma Gretzky, the youngest child of hockey icon Wayne Gretzky, is officially engaged  to former college football star, Stone Eby. 

“The easiest yes to a lifetime with you ❤️,” Emma, 23, shared via Instagram on Tuesday, July 28, announcing the pair’s impending nuptials. 

Emma and Eby, 23, a former tight end at Southern Methodist University, have been dating since November 2022. The couple welcomed their first child, son Walter, in August 2025. 

Emma is the youngest of Wayne and his wife Janet Gretzky’s five children. The couple, who got married in July 1988, also share daughter Paulina, 37, and sons Ty, 36, Trevor, 33, and Tristan, 25. 

“Congratulations ♥️ Love You All!” Janet, 65, commented on her daughter’s post. 

Paulina, who is married to PGA golfer Dustin Johnson, wrote, “Im crying!! no one deserves this more 🥹🫶🏼.”

The couple shared that 12-month-old Walter was already on skates in a social media post earlier this month. “He got it from his papa 🏒” she shared via Instagram alongside photos of the trio at an ice rink. 

Emma and Eby met at SMU, where she played on the tennis team during her freshman and sophomore years. She graduated in the spring of 2025 with a degree in applied physiology and sports management. 

Eby appeared in all 13 of SMU’s games during his redshirt senior season in 2025. He was invited to rookie minicamp by the NFL’s Denver Broncos in April after not being selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. Eby did not make the roster. 

Wayne, 65, has long advocated for his children to remain committed to their education alongside their athletic pursuits. 

Related: NHL Legend Ron Duguay Found Unconscious, Taken to Hospital in Ambulance

Former NHL star Ron Duguay was found unconscious on Friday, July 24, and transported to a nearby hospital. “He fainted at home, was unconscious, injured a few parts of his face, and knocked out a few teeth in the fall…this time, it wasn’t from hockey,” Ron’s daughter Shay Thomas shared via Instagram on Sunday, July […]

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“It’s the greatest life in the world to be a professional athlete, but I always tell parents, the goal should be to get to college,” Wayne told the Ventura County Star in 2019. “Go to college. Pursue that, because there’s only a small percentage of athletes who are fortunate enough to be professionals. But everybody can get a great education, and to me, that’s most important.”

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He added, “As parents, we decided to let our kids choose what they wanted to do. Each and every child has their love and their interest.”

Last year, Janet defended her husband from critics of the Canadian hockey legend’s friendship with President Donald Trump. 

“I have never met anyone who is more Proud to be a Canadian and it has broken his heart to read and see the mean comments,” she wrote in a since-deleted post via Instagram. “He would do anything to make Canadians Proud, with his Love for Hockey and his Country.”

Films about serial killers tend to focus on when and how their murders occur, most often in explicit detail. The crimes are then followed by the dogged pursuit of said killer by the forces of justice, with a crowd-pleasing finale that sees the fiend face final judgment. Unless they wear a hockey mask, that is. That said, what, then, is a film about a serial killer that isn’t about the serial killer at all, and provides no closure? Only one of the best crime movies of all time: Zodiac. It’s a true-life crime movie built around the Zodiac killings that plagued the San Francisco area in the 1960s/70s, and it’s streaming for free on Pluto.

The Hunt for an Elusive Serial Killer Becomes an Obsession in ‘Zodiac’

Image via Paramount Pictures

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The film opens with Darlene Ferrin (Ciara Moriarty) and Mike Mageau (Lee Norris) making a pit stop at a lover’s lane in Vallejo, California, when an unknown man shoots them multiple times with a handgun. Mageau survives the encounter; Ferrin, tragically, does not. It’s a classic example of bait-and-switch, with the film promising to be a gratuitous rundown of the Zodiac’s “greatest hits,” if you will, before it goes in an unprecedented direction. It instead shifts focus to those that the killer taunts with a series of phone calls and coded messages, beginning with an encrypted letter sent to the San Francisco Chronicle calling for the message to be published in the newspaper — if not, they’ve signed the death warrant for a dozen people.

The killer, who calls himself “Zodiac,” says that the message contains his identity, but political cartoonist Robert Graysmith (Jake Gyllenhaal) asserts that it does not. The assertion is played down by the newspaper editors and by crime reporter Paul Avery (Robert Downey Jr.), only for Graysmith to be proven right after the message is deciphered by an unnamed couple. Meanwhile, the Zodiac takes another two lives in Napa County (the second of only three murders seen on screen). Following the deaths, Avery invites Graysmith into the fray, finding his insights to be helpful.

The killing of a taxi driver on October 11, 1969, sees police inspectors Dave Toschi (Mark Ruffalo) and Bill Armstrong (Anthony Edwards) assigned to the case. Yet, time after time, the Zodiac evades capture, with every lead, every theory consistently dashed, including their prime suspect, Arthur Leigh Allen (John Carroll Lynch), who is scratched off the list after a handwriting expert reveals that Allen didn’t write the Zodiac letters. The elusiveness of the Zodiac killer takes its toll: Avery turns to drugs and alcohol after receiving threats, Armstrong transfers to a different division, Toschi is demoted after being accused of forging one of the Zodiac letters, and Graysmith loses everything — his job, his wife, Melanie (Chloë Sevigny), and the kids — when his obsession with finding the Zodiac consumes him.

‘Zodiac’ Is an Undisputed Masterpiece

In real life, the Zodiac case remains open, with the killer having never been caught; it’s not a spoiler, but rather a fact that colors the film as a whole. Going in, we know the bravado of those pursuing the Zodiac, with their eagerness to bring him to justice, will fall away, so the movie is less about the killer and more about how the persistent futility, dead-ends and threats weigh on the players involved. It’s about how the gradual erosion of confidence wears away, manifesting in different, equally-debilitating ways.

And it works because director David Fincher allows it to happen. He resists the urge to shortcut the investigation, instead giving the viewer insight into the accuracy of the investigation: the starts, the stops, the theories that go nowhere. It’s one thing to have your only suspect cleared, and quite another to see the work that went into corralling the suspect in the first place, only then to have the suspect cleared. It’s a slight but subtle difference that sets Zodiac apart from its kin. That, and the deft use of camera angles and close-ups that accentuate the taut nature of the environment.

And that, in turn, only works thanks to the embarrassment of riches Fincher has with his cast. Downey, as usual, is lights-out, bringing a cocky, untouchability to his character that gets challenged before simply falling apart, appearing more and more unkempt as time progresses. But he’s not alone, with everyone in the cast rising up to the challenge of bringing a believability to their real-life characters. They all sell the gradual breakdown of their psyches, forging a natural pathway to where they end up. Gyllenhaal, for one, slowly builds his character from having a fascination with the Zodiac to a full-blown obsession without resorting to cheap theatrics to sell it.

Zodiac is highly accurate, too, but does have one inherent flaw: Graysmith’s bias. As it is based on Graysmith’s two books about the case, Zodiac and Zodiac Unmasked, the film follows the narrative that Graysmith follows, which, while definitely accurate, skews toward Graysmith’s assertion that Allen was the killer. As a result, the back half of the film builds up the evidence that had Graysmith convinced of Allen’s guilt in the first place, to the exclusion of other high-profile suspects (or any of the 2,500 in all, for that matter). In fairness, it would have been difficult to build a case around multiple suspects and still fit it into the movie’s running time, so it’s a minor, forgivable aspect. Zodiac is one of the best crime movies of all time, and it would be a crime not to check it out, for free, on Pluto.

Y’all! Jada Wallace had fans smiling after sharing a sweet glimpse of her and Chris Brown’s bundle of joy. Jada gave folks online a look at a precious moment with baby Arrow, and social media couldn’t help but point out his adorable resemblance to Chris.

RELATED: Hol’ Up! Did Chris Brown Just React To Ex-Housekeeper’s Legal Motion To Collect $13M Judgment From His Tour Profits?

Chris Brown’s Son Arrow Has Everyone Saying “Mini Me”

Jada Wallace recently shared an adorable video of her and Chris’ newborn son Arrow, whose sweet personality was on full display. In the clip making its rounds online, baby Arrow can be seen wearing a navy blue top while relaxing on what appears to be a gray blanket. As he smiles and gazes at the camera, fans couldn’t help but notice just how much he resembles his famous father. The heartwarming moment comes after Chris welcomed Arrow with Jada Wallace, and fans are already calling the little one his mini-me. From his facial expressions to his overall look, social media users are convinced baby Arrow is already taking after his daddy.

Fans Say Baby Arrow Got The Best Of Both Parents

Fans quickly flooded The Shade Room’s Instagram comment section with plenty of opinions on who baby Arrow resembles the most. While some Roomies were shouting out his mommy Jada Wallace and saying he got her features, others were convinced he’s a true mini version of Breezy. No matter who they think he looks like, fans could all agree on one thing — baby Arrow is absolutely adorable.

One Instagram user @cici_laree wrote, “I dont see Chris in this one. He look like his mama. He cute tho.”

This Instagram user @mickey10280819 claimed, “He looks like mama on here 😍”

Likewise, Instagram user @bbygrl.__xoxo said, “Looking just like him mommy”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @her.she.they joked, “Chris Brown can you stop having babies on me”

While Instagram user @ashaaa_daniel_ added, “Baby looking like Chris Brown before the tattoos and dance moves kicked in ahaha”

Then Instagram user @iamqueen_xo shared, “His genes are soo strong!”

Finally, Instagram user @verlicia_87 commented, “Now he looks like Chris😍adorable”

Chris Brown Keeps Fans Gushing Over Baby Arrow

This isn’t the first time Chris Brown has had Roomies in their feelings over baby Arrow. Just a few days ago, the singer shared another adorable glimpse of his newborn son that had fans melting over the sweet father-son moment. Since welcoming Arrow with Jada Wallace in April, Chris has been giving fans little peeks into fatherhood, and they’ve been loving every second.

Back in April, Breezy shared a heartwarming snapshot on his Instagram Story of himself holding Arrow while he relaxed in a car seat, with both of them flashing big smiles that quickly had the internet gushing. Now, with his latest video showing baby Arrow smiling and looking at the camera, fans are once again soaking up the adorable moment and pointing out just how much the little one resembles his famous dad.

RELATED: Daddy Duties! Chris Brown Shares Adorable Photo Alongside His Baby Boy Arrow

Kanye “Ye” West is wasting no time celebrating after finally closing the chapter on one of the legal battles that have followed him for the past two years.

The rapper was recently spotted enjoying himself on the Spanish island of Mallorca, where he appeared relaxed and in high spirits just days after reaching a settlement that brought the long-running dispute to an end.

Kanye ‘Ye’ West is back in the spotlight after resolving a lawsuit filed by his former assistant, who accused him of sexual harassment, wrongful termination, and a series of other serious allegations.

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Ye appeared ready to leave months of courtroom drama behind after stepping out for a high-profile night in Ibiza just days after settling his legal dispute with former assistant Lauren Pisciotta. Instead of keeping a low profile, the rapper headed straight into one of the island’s busiest nightlife spots, seemingly embracing the moment.

Videos from the venue showed the Grammy winner standing in the middle of a packed crowd at Pacha Ibiza as RÜFÜS DU SOL performed during the club’s closing party. Far from staying in a private VIP section, the music mogul was seen dancing among fellow partygoers while flashing lights filled the venue.

The celebration followed both sides agreeing to an unconditional settlement in the case, which is likely to be officially dismissed within 45 days. The terms were kept a secret, but when Ye came out in the public eye, he seemed to be ready to put one of his most closely followed legal battles behind him, per TMZ.

The Lawsuit Grew More Serious With Every Amendment

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Although the legal dispute has now been resolved, the allegations against the rapper became increasingly serious as the case unfolded. What began as claims tied to her employment eventually expanded into multiple accusations after Lauren Pisciotta amended her lawsuit several times.

The former assistant claimed the rapper subjected her to repeated misconduct while she worked for him, expanding the scope of the case beyond her initial filing.

The new charges include Ye sexually assaulting Pisciotta during a business trip, kissing her despite her protests, exposing himself, and making unwanted advances. She also charged him with false imprisonment, stalking, sexual battery, and attempting to use her as a “sexual gift” for another, which added a level of intensity to the lawsuit.

The expanded complaint became one of several legal challenges facing the Grammy winner before the dispute was ultimately resolved through an unconditional settlement, the terms of which have not been publicly disclosed.

Kanye West Called The Lawsuit A Changing Story

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Ye’s camp strongly rejected every allegation made by his former assistant, arguing that the lawsuit became less credible each time it was revised. Rather than addressing the individual claims, his representatives focused on what they described as repeated changes to Pisciotta’s version of events.

The rapper’s side, represented by its spokesperson, said through Yeezy ambassador Milo Yiannopoulos, the latest filing was the fourth iteration of the complaint and all the amendments were in direct opposition to earlier accusations.

The spokesperson scoffed at such allegations as not being based on “fantasy fiction,” said Ye had never been charged with violent crimes, and claimed that Pisciotta was trying to extort the musician.

Ye has consistently denied all allegations made against him throughout the legal dispute. His representatives maintained that the claims lacked credibility even as both sides eventually reached an unconditional settlement that will see the case dismissed, according to reports.

The Blast previously reported that Ye’s team repeatedly argued the evolving complaint undermined its own credibility while continuing to deny every accusation.

Model Recounts Disturbing On-Set Encounter 

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Even as one legal battle has come to a close, Ye continues to face accusations on multiple fronts. Among them are claims from former “America’s Next Top Model” contestant Jennifer An, who alleged the rapper choked her and forced his fingers into her mouth while filming a 2010 music video. 

An said that it happened after Ye suddenly took over the production, picking her to perform a scene before allegedly making it a traumatic experience for her. She subsequently sued for breach of contract, and Ye’s attorney claimed that it was art and therefore protected by the First Amendment.

His attorneys have asked the court to dismiss the case, maintaining that the allegations do not amount to unlawful conduct. The Blast reported that the defense characterized the disputed scene as theatrical expression and not criminal behavior. 

Kanye West Faces Fresh Seven-Figure Legal Threat

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Even after settling one legal battle, Ye is facing another costly courtroom fight. A former employee is refusing to back down, returning to court in pursuit of a seven-figure payout tied to the rapper’s troubled Malibu property.

Tony Saxon has asked the court to award his legal team $1.2 million in attorneys’ fees after partially winning his employment lawsuit. His attorneys argued they devoted hundreds of hours to the nearly three-year case and incurred high costs while accusing the rapper’s side of prolonging the litigation.

The request comes after a jury awarded Saxon $140,000 for medical expenses and pain and suffering while rejecting several of his other claims. The rapper’s legal team has vowed to appeal the award and continue fighting the case.

Will Kanye ‘Ye’ West one day put his growing legal troubles behind him?