Annihilation released in 2018 with only a brief run in theaters. Despite earning positive reviews, the film did poorly at the box office and has continued to be overlooked by audiences ever since. Starring Natalie Portman, the sci-fi movie blended elements of action films, thrillers, and horror, along with hauntingly beautiful and bizarre visuals to produce a unique experience that deserves more attention than it received. Fans who were fortunate enough to check it out were likely struck by its brilliant writing and performances, as well as its message about illness and grief.
Sickness, death, and coping with loss are all explored in Annihilation through an approach that is simultaneously sad, terrifying, and comforting. While many viewers and critics picked up on these elements, however, few noticed just how deep these themes were embedded in the story. A close examination of the characters reveals that they all, in fact, represent different stages of grief according to the well-known Kübler-Ross model. Under this model, people facing death move through five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally acceptance. In Annihilation, each member of the team that enters the Shimmer comes to embody a different one of these stages.
The Shimmer Spreads Like Cancer, Eliciting the Five Stages of Grief
While there isn’t a true villain or antagonist in Annihilation, the Shimmer is practically a character itself, overshadowing everything else in the film and, at times, appearing to have a will of its own. Growing out of a meteorite that struck the Earth three years earlier, it confounds researchers as it continues to expand and envelop more territory. In its sudden appearance and uncontrollable growth, this Shimmer seems to represent disease, and cancer in particular.
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Consuming everything in its path as it mindlessly grows and mutates, the Shimmer immediately sparks fear among those studying it. Little understood, it seems to absorb everything it touches and, from the beginning of the movie, appears to pose a threat to all life on earth. Like Cancer, it appears to feed on life itself, changing it in ways that result in death for its victims. Each character that enters the Shimmer, seeking a way to stop it, is soon forced to confront their own mortality and comes to represent a different stage in the classic (though controversial) model for explaining grief.
Cassie Dies First Only to Return Later
Cassie Represents Denial
Paramount Pictures
Fittingly, the first character to perish also represents the first stage of grief, denial. A geomorphologist studying the landscape of the environment within the Shimmer, Cassie is attacked and killed early by a terrifying, mutated bear, being dragged off into the forest. Her demise is horrifying in itself, but it’s what comes after that truly shocks her companions and viewers, and speaks to her place in the stages of grief.
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While Cassie dies before she has a chance to really contemplate the danger she’s in or express any elements of grief, the later return of the mutant-bear, and her voice coming from its mouth, is almost a symbolic form of denial. Her voice echoing from the creature that killed her seems to indicate that the Shimmer “refracted” some part of her into it, and she has not completely died. Her voice, seeming to scream in fear and pain, seems to deny her fate, desperately rejecting the fact that she has died at all. While her body has certainly perished, some piece of her refuses to accept that and clings to existence within the bear, making her a disembodied embodiment of denial.
Anya Lashes out at her comrades
Anya Represents Anger
Paramount Pictures
The easiest connection to make in Annihilation’s analogy of grief is Anya’s reflection of anger. Faced with the shocking truth of the Shimmer and the possibility that she will die, or else change to the point where she is no longer herself, Anya transforms her fear into rage and lashes out at those around her. Showing how those suffering or in pain can sometimes become their own worst enemies and harm the very people who are trying to help them, Anya nearly kills the rest of her team before dying herself.
Leigh Whannell’s Wolf Man tries to nail a nuanced twist, but this curveball was done better by a 2024 Kit Harington werewolf horror film.
Anya is another example of a character dying in the same order as the stage of grief they represent. As anger, according to the model, comes after denial, Anya is killed after Cassie, by a creature that has partially absorbed Cassie. After this, however, the stages of grief appear to be shaken up by Annihilation, with characters reflecting the different stages perishing out of order or surviving until the end of the story.
Lena Is Constantly Making Deals
Lena Represents Bargaining
Image via Paramount Pictures
Intriguingly, the film’s protagonist does not represent the final stage of grief. Instead, Lena seems to embody bargaining throughout Annihilation. The cellular biologist and Army veteran finds herself negotiating with others throughout the film. When first seized by the government and questioned about her husband’s return from the Shimmer, she tries to bargain for information and ultimately makes a deal that involves her going into the Shimmer herself. While in the Shimmer, she urges other characters to continue on with their journey multiple times, seeming to conclude deals with them.
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Further, in a more accurate depiction of the sort of bargaining that occurs in the stages of grief theory, Lena appears to bargain with herself during her adventure. Committed to completing her mission and reaching the lighthouse, she seems convinced that doing so will somehow save Kane. She appears to bemotivated by this hope and has subconsciously reached a deal with fate that, if she does her job, she won’t have to face the loss of her husband.
Ventress Succumbs to Despair
Ventress Represents Depression
Paramount Pictures
Ventress, the leader of the team and the character who is literally suffering with Cancer in Annihilation, plainly represents depression by the end of her story. During their journey, Ventress abandons her group and moves on alone, isolating herself from others. Speaking to the loneliness of depression and the tendency to self-destructively withdraw from friends and family, she succumbs to sadness, both about the Shimmer and her illness, and finds herself alone.
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When Lena eventually finds Ventress, the former leader has plainly lost all hope. Seeming to exude emotional agony, Ventress talks about the Shimmer in apocalyptic terms, claiming that it will continue to expand and eventually destroy the world. When she finally meets her end, it is literally in a black pit that reflects her inner turmoil. She dies, not having accepted her fate, but seeming to have simply lost the will to carry on.
Only Josie Finds Peace
Josie Represents Acceptance
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Of the entire team, only Josie the physicist seems to find any beauty in the Shimmer, and only she seems to come to an end that could be described as peaceful. It’s Josie who first comes to understand the Shimmer, deducing that it refracts the DNA of creatures inside, changing them into new beings, and accepting that it will happen to her as well. In her final conversation with Lena, she reflects on the pain and fear that Cassie was in when she died and explains that she doesn’t want to go out the same way.
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Regarding the shimmer, she tells Lena that “Ventress wants to face it, you want to fight it, but I don’t think I want either of those things.” With this dying declaration, Josie explicitly moves beyond both bargaining and depression, indicating that she wants to simply accept the Shimmer and what it will do to her. As she wanders off, Josie seems to transform into a flowering bush, becoming something beautiful even as she passes. Her refusal to fight her fate, her peaceful demeanor, and her noble end all speak to her acceptance of the Shimmer and her own death.
In many ways, Annihilation is a horror movie about fear itself. It explores death and how people respond to it. Through characters that personify the stages of grief, the movie examines both the positive and destructive ways people confront their own morality and the terror that arises from it. These elements, along with its amazing visuals and performances, make Annihilation a great sci-fi horror movie, worthy of more attention than it received.
In 2013, the sci-fi film “Elysium” hit theaters to mixed reviews and modest box office success. Despite its lukewarm reception, this underrated gem holds a deep hidden message that many fans may have missed.
Directed by Neill Blomkamp, “Elysium” takes place in a dystopian future where the wealthy live on a luxurious space station called Elysium, while the rest of humanity struggles to survive on an overpopulated and polluted Earth. The film follows Max (played by Matt Damon), a former convict who is determined to reach Elysium in order to access life-saving medical treatment.
While the film’s action-packed sequences and stunning visual effects may have captured audiences’ attention, the true heart of “Elysium” lies in its commentary on class inequality, healthcare access, and the consequences of unchecked corporate power. Through the stark contrast between the opulence of Elysium and the poverty on Earth, Blomkamp delivers a powerful message about the social and economic disparities that exist in our world today.
By shining a light on these pressing issues, “Elysium” challenges viewers to think critically about the systems of privilege and oppression that shape our society. It serves as a reminder that the choices we make today can have far-reaching consequences for future generations, and that it is up to us to fight for a more just and equitable world.
So, if you’re looking for a sci-fi film that offers more than just thrills and entertainment, give “Elysium” a second look. You may just discover a hidden message that resonates with you long after the credits roll.
Eric Stonestreet, one of the stars of popular TV series Modern Family, has been obsessed with the Kansas City Chiefs since childhood, and is a legit football fan. Knowledgable? Definitely. Stonestreet played football in high school and as he dropped tidbits about offense, defense and the organizational culture of NFL teams, it’s clear he knows the game. Passionate? No question. The guy was dropping names of Chiefs players from decades ago, has a box suite at Arrowhead, and his anticipation of the AFC Championship matchup was palpable.
Stonestreet was crystal clear about his tempermant while watching a game, “No one really talks to me…my fiance ‘knows I dont’ want to host a party…conversation is not something we’re going to enjoy. ..during the game, no conversations…[except] football talk is permissable.” Intense! Chiefs Kingdom is lucky to have you, E.
Jan 20, 2019; Kansas City, MO, USA; Television actor Kansas City Chiefs fan Eric Stonestreet stands on the sidelines. / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
With a pretty good quarterback on his own team, Stonestreet don’t hold back in complimenting Josh Allen, “I love Josh Allen. I said many times, if Patrick wasn’t my quarterback, I’d want Josh Allen. I imagine Bills fans feel the same.” Later on, in discussing how a great quarterback changes a team, Stonestreet wisely pointed out, “Think about how your 4th and 2’s have changed from seven years ago to having Josh Allen. Fourth and two?! And I have Josh Allen – I’m not worried anymore!” Which is why the Bills, at 72.7%, have the 2nd highest fourth down conversion rate in the league.
“This if pure football…it is winning the one-on-one matchups when we have to, when we need to and…more than anything, functioning as unit on both sides of the ball. This year more than any, Kansas City has had to come together… as a team. Is it the most fun football to watch? No!” As Glab noted, the Chiefs scored more than 30 points twice this season – definitely not fun. The Bills on the other hand averaged 30.9 points per game. But 15-2 isn’t bad, Stonestreet!
“Offensive linemen are the only position on the field where if you don’t do your job…someone gets hurt.” And that someone for the Bills would be Josh Allen. Would not be good. Which is why it was comforting to hear Stonestreet hail the job that the Bills offensive line has done all year. Yes, Eric played O-line himself so he may be biased but that doesn’t make him wrong. The Bills big men began to get a little recognition toward the end of the season but it’s hard for most fans to see past Josh Allen. Again, not the savvy Stonestreet.
Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Spencer Brown (79), Buffalo Bills guard O’Cyrus Torrence (64), Buffalo Bills guard Connor McGovern (66) and Buffalo Bills guard David Edwards (76). / Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Stonestreet shared his thoughts on potential AFC opponents for his Chiefs, “I kinda thought, going into the season, maybe the [Bills] had lost their window…was these last two yearsthe Bills chance to take over the AFC? It wasn’ t until we faced each other that I thought, ‘oh, the Bills are really good again. F—. Awesome.” He added, “I’d rather play the Ravens but I’d rather beat [the Bills] – because of [our] great rivalry that’s been cemented [over the last several years].”
We will find out Sunday, Mr. Stonestreet. At the very least, we hope no one talks to you during the game. As you said, “May the best team win!”
In a recent interview, actor Eric Stonestreet opened up about his love for the Buffalo Bills and shared his thoughts on quarterback Josh Allen. Stonestreet, a die-hard Bills fan, praised Allen for his incredible talent and leadership on the field, calling him a “game-changer” for the team.
But Stonestreet didn’t stop there – he also revealed who he believes are the most underrated players on the Bills roster. According to the actor, defensive tackle Ed Oliver and wide receiver Cole Beasley are two players who don’t get enough recognition for their contributions to the team.
Oliver, a former first-round draft pick, has been a force on the defensive line, consistently disrupting opposing offenses and making big plays. Beasley, on the other hand, has been a reliable target for Allen in the passing game, consistently making tough catches and moving the chains.
Stonestreet’s insights shed light on the depth and talent of the Bills roster, showing that there are plenty of players who deserve recognition for their hard work and dedication to the team. With Allen leading the way and players like Oliver and Beasley stepping up, the Bills are poised for success in the upcoming season.
The following contains spoilers for Wolf Man, now playing in theaters.
Leigh Whannell’s Wolf Man is not the typical horror fare. While Universal Pictures has tried in the past to aim for spectacle and build an interconnected Dark Universe, the studio pared down. It’s now about character portraits, and Robert Eggers’ remake of Nosterfatu is a prime example.
Like Eggers’ highly successful vampire movie, Wolf Man is less about mass bloodshed and murder, and more about the cerebral aspects of the human condition. However, this werewolf movie’s big twist was actually done better by 2024’s The Beast Within, starring Game of Thrones’ Kit Harington.
What Is Wolf Man’s Big Twist?
Wolf Man’s Beast Mode Is a Metaphor For Toxic Masculinity
The film marks director Leigh Whannell’s second Universal Monsters attempt after the 2020 hit The Invisible Man.
In Wolf Man’s ending, an infected Blake turns into a werewolf and kills the werewolf hunting his family. This beast turns out to be his abusive father, Grady. Years ago, Blake left Grady in their Oregon forest cottage. His military-minded father was abusive and controlling, but he did want to protect his son. Unfortunately, his aggression was off the charts. Blake inherited some of this, which annoyed his wife, Charlotte, and worried his daughter, Ginger. As the movie plays out, the transformation becomes a vehicle for toxic masculinity.
Grady was louder and obtuse, while Blake was quieter, awkward and scarred. The problem with this is that fans don’t see much of his emotional abuse towards his family. He snaps now and then, but it’s to safeguard his daughter in the streets from traffic, or to beg his wife to take a vacation with them. It’s also not scary like his father. If anything, positioning Blake as hiding a beast within feels contradictory at times, as Blake is selfless and empathy-laden most of the time towards his pack.
It stands in stark contrast to Grady, who curses, acts angrily and berates his son. Had Blake shown more of Grady’s traits, or had he been angry over his rough childhood and accosted his family, the metaphor would have made more sense. Instead, it’s forced just to have Blake’s family kill him in the end when his feral side takes over. It’s a nice idea, but the execution is off and needs better creative padding.
The Beast Within Has More Nuance Regarding Toxic Masculinity
Kit Harington’s Noah Has a Stronger Foundation to Be a Monster
The Blumhouse film is expected to do well at the box office and its Rotten Tomatoes score is revealed.
In The Beast Within, Harington plays Noah, a father whose daughter, Willow, seemingly sees him transforming into a werewolf. Her grandfather, Waylon, and mother, Imogen, make it clear he has a monstrous curse passed down his bloodline. Willow learns the men in his family were violent and abusive, which is why her father has anger within.
Willow thinks it’s manifesting as this wolf, which she sees at night. To that point, she has to help burn him alive in the finale to save her family. But the final moments reframe her visions as the perspective of a child who reads Wild Fang and latches onto wolves as hunters and apex predators. It turns out, Noah isn’t a werewolf; he’s just abusive to his wife and daughter. Part of it is due to his upbringing, part is due to him drinking, and another part is him being insecure that his wife is cheating and wants to leave him.
Kit Harington Details
Date of Birth
Dec. 26, 1986
Place of Birth
London, England
Notable Movies
Eternals, Baby Ruby
Notable TV Shows
Industry, Game of Thrones
Throughout the movie, there are hints of the generational trauma and vicious cycles he’s transferring to Willow. That’s why the twist ending is easy to reconcile with everything that came before. Fans get more information about Noah’s past, witness his harmful behavior in the present, and understand why Willow views him as a monster. This builds a bigger emotional connection, as fans have more backstory and a deeper understanding of present-day Noah, his duality and conflict.
Ultimately, The Beast Within’s wolf might be imaginary, akin to the weredog in Amy Adams’ Nightbitch, but the message is clearer than what Wolf Man tries to achieve. These kinds of twists need more details rather than rushed flashbacks. It’s why Noah’s story has more substance compared to Wolf Man’s Blake, which feels more like a plot device than a nuanced interpretation of a serious issue plaguing families in the world today.
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Kit Harington may be best known for his role as Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, but he also delivered a standout performance in the underrated horror film, The Wolf Man. Released in 2020, this film flew under the radar for many horror fans, but it’s definitely worth a watch.
One of the standout aspects of The Wolf Man is its big twist, which Harington’s character plays a key role in. Without giving too much away, the twist adds depth and complexity to the story, making it more than just your average werewolf movie.
Harington’s portrayal of a man struggling with his own inner demons and the curse of lycanthropy is both intense and emotional. He brings a vulnerability to the character that makes you empathize with his plight, even as he transforms into a fearsome creature.
Overall, The Wolf Man is a solid horror film that deserves more recognition, and Kit Harington’s performance only elevates it further. If you’re a fan of horror movies with a good twist, be sure to check this one out.
It is hard to overstate just how significant “The Fonz” was in American popular culture, as Henry Winkler’s beloved performance on the sitcom Happy Daysbecame so successful that it eclipsed nearly every other character on the series. An issue that many actors who attain fame thanks to a role in an acclaimed television show face is being typecast; Winkler tried to break into the film industry to prove that Fonzie was not the only character that he was capable of playing. Winkler gave a surprisingly earnest performance as a Vietnam War veteran in the underrated road trip dramedy Heroes, which also featured a standout role from Harrison Ford in his first film released after the success of Star Wars.
What Is ‘Heroes’ About?
Set in the aftermath of the Vietnam War, Heroes stars Winkler as the amnesiac veteran Jack Dunne, who is detained at a facility so that his mental health issues can be studied. Jack quickly finds that the doctors aren’t willing to listen to what he has to say about the trauma that he experienced overseas, and decides to break out on a mission to reach Northern California, where he intends to start a worm farm. Along the way, Jack ends up joining forces with Carol Bell (Sally Field), who is skeptical about her impending marriage. However, Jack’s real goal is to find the men from his unit that he served with, and ensure that they have all found a new trajectory in the aftermath of their shared trauma. Ford appears as Ken Boyd, a charismatic stick car driver who immediately agrees to help Jack and Carol identify the other “brothers in arms” that they have lost sight of.
The Burt Lancaster-led movie had the misfortune of coming out the same year as ‘The Deer Hunter.’
The simplistic structure of Heroes allows the film to get deeper within the characters, as the notion of a “road trip adventure” has been a formula that has been used ever since the Golden Age of Hollywood. While the narrative itself may not provide all that many surprises, the opening is quite successful in showing the pressure that is put on Jack. Jack begins to understand that despite the best intentions of the medical professionals that are caring for him, staying in a facility where he is constantly reminded of the pain that was inflicted upon him isn’t going to help him heal. Although he has still not entirely recovered from the trauma of serving in Vietnam, Jack recognizes that finding a new goal will allow him to invest his intentions elsewhere. There was certainly a lot of pressure put on Winkler, as this was his first opportunity to show a more dramatic side of his abilities. Although he would later return to comedy thanks to a string of studio films in the 1980s, Heroes indicated that he has a real talent for more serious subject material; blending comedy and drama, as he does in Heroes, offered a preview of his career best performance in the HBO series Barry.
‘Heroes’ Was a Groundbreaking Depiction of PTSD
Heroes features impressive performances from a cast that recognized the serious nature of the material, but were still able to hit the comedic notes necessary to make the film so broadly appealing. Field’s role is surprisingly well-written, as Carol faces an issue shared by many women of her generation, as they often had to serve as nurturing figures to returning veterans that were deprived of meaningful experiences in their youth. Ford gives an early sign that he was equally talented at comedy as he was at drama, as Ken serves as the film’s greatest scene-stealer. Although his strange interest in racing adds a ton of laughs, it is heartwarming to see how quickly Ken responds to the idea of helping one of his former servicemen.
Heroes was different from many of the other post-Vietnam films that addressed veteran’s issues, as it was willing to paint them in a positive light. Although films like The Deer Hunter and Coming Home were powerful examinations of trauma, Heroes took note of the fact that enough men had served in the war that they deserved to see stories in which they got to become reacclimated to average life. Heroes may not have lit the box office on fire, but it was a charming adventure that was made all the more entertaining thanks to the terrific work from both Winkler and Ford.
Heroes is streaming on Netflix in the United States.
If you’re a fan of classic actors teaming up for hilarious adventures, then you need to check out “Harrison Ford and The Fonz: Road Trip Frenzy” on Netflix. This underrated comedy follows the unlikely duo of Harrison Ford and The Fonz (played by Henry Winkler) as they embark on a cross-country road trip filled with laughter, mishaps, and heartwarming moments.
Ford plays a grumpy retired astronaut who just wants to get to his granddaughter’s birthday party, while The Fonz is a carefree mechanic looking for a new adventure. Together, they navigate through quirky small towns, run-ins with eccentric characters, and unexpected detours that test their patience and friendship.
With witty banter, charming performances, and a heartfelt message about the importance of living life to the fullest, “Harrison Ford and The Fonz: Road Trip Frenzy” is a hidden gem that is sure to entertain audiences of all ages. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the ride with this dynamic duo on Netflix now!
Are you looking for a potentially underrated artificial intelligence (AI) stock to buy for 2025? While it may be tempting to simply invest in chipmaking giant Nvidia, given its hefty $3.3 trillion market capitalization, the returns from owning the stock this year may be limited from here. Although it’s a good buy, there may be better options for investors to consider.
One undervalued AI stock that could be due for a strong year in 2025 is computer maker Dell Technologies (DELL 8.27%). Here’s why I see a lot of upside for the stock not just this year, but over the long haul.
A big upgrade cycle may be overdue
Due to challenging economic conditions and rising inflation, many consumers have held off on upgrading their phones and computers in recent years. But there could be multiple reasons for that to change this year, specifically when it comes to personal computers (PCs).
Many AI-enabled PCs are becoming available and may give consumers a reason to finally upgrade their machines, to take advantage of next-gen technologies. Plus, an estimated 60% of Windows PCs are still running Microsoft‘s Windows 10 operating system, support for which is ending on Oct. 14. While that doesn’t mean the machines will stop working after that date, they won’t get security updates anymore, resulting in potential vulnerabilities for users who remain on the outdated operating system.
That’s a problem because AI is equipping not only regular users with advanced capabilities, but hackers as well, and the need for consumers and businesses to keep their computers protected could provide them with an additional reason to upgrade their machines this year. While it’s possible to simply upgrade an operating system rather than buying an entirely new machine, by upgrading to a new computer, consumers can benefit from both a new operating system as well as new AI-powered capabilities; an upgrade could make the most sense. This is why a big upgrade cycle may take place this year.
Strong PC sales could make 2025 a fantastic year for Dell
The one area of Dell’s business that hasn’t been doing well of late is its client solutions group segment, which includes PC sales. The company last reported earnings in November and while Dell’s sales totaled $24.4 billion and grew by 10% for the quarter ended Nov. 1, 2024, that was despite softness in its client solutions group, where revenue declined by 1% to $12.1 billion. On the consumer side of that segment, sales were down by 18%.
Dell’s strong infrastructure sales have been propping up the top line, with server and networking revenue rising by 58% during the period, coming in at $7.4 billion. For Dell, the benefit of an increase in PC sales is obvious. It will pad the company’s top line and result in a faster rate of growth, which can lead to an increase in bullishness in the stock, and stronger returns for investors.
Dell looks like a slam-dunk buy right now
Although 2024 wasn’t a bad year for Dell — its share price rose by 51% — the stock is still looking incredibly cheap, trading at a forward price-to-earnings multiple of 12 (based on analyst expectations). And its price/earnings-to-growth multiple of 0.6 also suggests that this can be a dirt cheap stock to buy given how much growth may be on the horizon for the business over the next five years.
Dell’s relatively modest valuation alongside its strong server and networking sales, plus a potential catalyst waiting in the wings with respect to an upcoming PC refresh cycle, makes it easy to see why this can be a top-performing AI stock in 2025 and beyond. Dell’s a great option for investors to load up on while its value remains low.
David Jagielski has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Microsoft and Nvidia. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Artificial intelligence is undoubtedly one of the most transformative technologies of our time, with countless applications across industries ranging from healthcare to finance to transportation. As the AI market continues to grow, investors are constantly on the lookout for the next big AI stock to own.
While many well-known AI companies like NVIDIA, Alphabet, and IBM dominate the headlines, there is one AI stock that may be flying under the radar but has the potential to be a major player in the industry by 2025: C3.ai.
C3.ai is a leading enterprise AI software provider that offers a suite of AI applications for various industries, including energy, manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services. The company’s AI technology enables organizations to analyze large amounts of data, optimize processes, and make data-driven decisions.
Despite its impressive technology and strong customer base, C3.ai is often overlooked by investors in favor of more well-known AI companies. However, with a market cap of over $10 billion and partnerships with major corporations like Shell and 3M, C3.ai is poised for significant growth in the coming years.
As the demand for AI solutions continues to rise, C3.ai’s cutting-edge technology and industry expertise could make it one of the most underrated AI stocks to own in 2025. Investors looking to capitalize on the potential of AI should keep a close eye on C3.ai as it continues to expand its market presence and drive innovation in the AI space.
Jackie Chan is a household name. Audiences know him as the king of the action movie world due to his five-decades-long career in the industry. With his spellbinding stunts, infectious personality, and comedic timing, the Hong Kong legend has graced the silver screen with over 100 movies. From starting off as a stuntman in the 1970s to establishing himself as a global superstar, Chan has proved that extraordinary feats are very much possible for the talented.
But while blockbusters like Rush Hour and Rumble in the Bronx are popular, there are about a dozen lesser-known gems in Jackie Chan’s filmography that deserve another look. These are action-packed, pulse-pounding masterpieces that were overshadowed by his later successes. In this list, we count down 10 underrated Jackie Chan action movies that perhaps the most devoted fans have watched, but others have missed. Brace yourself to marvel at the sheer creativity of his stunt work and the full breadth of his comedic brilliance.
10
‘The Foreigner’ (2017)
Release Date
October 13, 2017
Directed by Martin Campbell, The Foreigner centers on Quan Ngoc Minh, a humble London businessman and ex-soldier, who goes on a relentless quest for justice after his teenage daughter is killed in a senseless act of terrorism. Consumed by grief and driven by revenge, Quan searches for answers and stumbles upon a former IRA member-turned-government official, who holds secrets about Quan’s troubled past.
Blends High Stakes and Emotional Depth
A significant departure from Jackie Chan’s usual high-octane and humorous role, The Foreigner sees the actor take on a calmer, grittier role as Quan. It showcases his evolution as a serious actor as well as his dramatic range and versatility. Not to forget, he stands his own against Pierce Brosnan. The gripping story paired with the action sequences and taut direction make the movie a must-watch.
9
‘Shinjuku Incident’ (2009)
Release Date
March 22, 2009
Runtime
120
Set in the dark underbelly of Tokyo, Shinjuku Incident follows the story of Steelhead, a Chinese immigrant who simply wants a better life in Japan. Struggling to make ends meet and looking for his lost love, Steelhead and his fellow labor workers are drawn into the dangerous criminal underworld, where he gets embroiled in a bloody and brutal turf war that questions his own humanity.
Chan Shines in a Realistic Story
Because of its bold storyline, Shinjuku Incident is one of the bleakest and sincerest movies Jackie Chan has ever done. His character stands out as a man under extreme circumstances striving to make a future for himself rather than the typical crowd-pleasing one doing stunts and making viewers laugh. The movie portrays the criminal underworld powerfully and unglamorous and remains underrated for its depth and Chan’s subdued performance.
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8
‘The Forbidden Kingdom’ (2008)
Release Date
April 18, 2008
Runtime
113
The Forbidden Kingdom is a fantasy-infused adventure starring two of the greatest kung fu masters in history, Jackie Chan and Jet Li. It begins with Jason, a teenager, discovering a mysterious relic in a pawn shop and being transported to ancient China. There, he teams up with legendary warriors Lu Yan and Silent Monk to free the Monkey King and bring peace to the kingdom.
An Iconic On-Screen Pairing
It’s surprising that The Forbidden Kingdom is underrated because it marked the first-ever on-screen collaboration between Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Both the action stars elevated the film’s fight scenes and the quintessential wuxia elements like stunning visuals, a mythological story, and a flawless blend of Eastern and Western influences. Directed by Rob Minkoff, the movie is worth watching for the sheer entertainment it provides.
7
‘Rob-B-Hood’ (2006)
Written and directed by Benny Chan, Rob-B-Hood is an offbeat action comedy about a heist going south. It follows a trio of bumbling thieves, Thongs, Octopus, and the Landlord, who are hired by Hong Kong triads to kidnap a baby. When the Landlord gets arrested, Thongs and Octopus find themselves on the run from the police and the Lee family. They end up forming a bond with the child and try to keep the baby safe.
Opportunity to View Chan as a Gambler
Rob-B-Hood is a delightful movie where Chan plays Thongs, a small-time crook with a heart of gold. They way he transitions from jaw-dropping action sequences to heartwarming moments of comedy. He’s accompanied by Louis Koo and Michael Hui, who deliver standout performances. Despite receiving positive reviews and an impressive box office performance in Asia, Rob-B-Hood has largely flown under the radar for Western audiences.
6
‘New Police Story’ (2004)
Release Date
September 23, 2004
Runtime
123 minutes
The fifth movie in a series of seven, New Police Story centers around a once-respected police officer named Chan Kwok-Wing, who has a harrowing encounter with a group of ruthless, thrill-seeking, tech-savvy criminals and his entire police unit gets killed. Now haunted by guilt, he becomes an alcoholic. With the help of a rookie cop, Chan gets back up on his feet and seeks vengeance against the gang.
Character-Driven Reinvention of the Franchise
The revamp of the series highlights a darker, more introspective side of Jackie Chan’s acting abilities and is a sharp contrast to the previous Police Story movies. Picked up by director Benny Chan, the movie stands out for its strong character development and intense action. Chan has always been willing to take on challenging material and this role lacked mainstream appeal but it’s one of his most impactful ones out there.
5
‘Who Am I?’ (1998)
Who Am I?
Release Date
September 11, 1998
Runtime
120 Minutes
Cast
Jackie Chan
, Michelle Ferre
, Mirai Yamamoto
, Ron Smerczak
, Ed Nelson
, Tom Pompert
, Glory Simon
, Ron Smoorenburg
, Ken Lo
, Kane Kosugi
, Mike Lambert
, Kwan Yung
, Steve Brettingham
, David John Saunders
, David Vlok
, Bradley James Allan
, Patrick Mofokeng
, Al Karaki
, Nicky Li Chung-Chi
, Sam Wong Ming-Sing
Who Am I? is a spy comedy that stars Jackie Chan as a secret agent suffering from memory loss after a botched mission leaves him for dead and he wakes up in the African veldt. Dubbed “Who Am I?” by the authorities and the natives, he embarks on a quest to uncover his true identity and piece together clues about the chemical corporation trying to silence him.
Sharp Humor and Intriguing Plot
The action-adventure is Chan’s second film to be scripted and shot in English, and it’s truly breathtaking. It uses his signature charm and combines it with unexpected plot twists to tell a movie that’s highly entertaining. Co-directed by Benny Chan and Jackie Chan himself, Who Am I? was a roaring success in Asia, but over time it was overshadowed by his more commercially successful projects.
4
‘The Fearless Hyena’ (1979)
Almost all of Jackie Chan’s action movies have a revenge-based plot, but what makes The Fearless Hyena stand out is the balance between the grim and exhilarating moments. The movie follows Shing Lung, a rebellious student who learned martial arts from his grandfather. When his grandfather is murdered by another notorious master, Lung takes it upon himself to avenge his only family, hones the skill passed down by his ancestors, and prepares for an ultimate showdown.
Snapshot of Jackie Chan’s Formative Years
While The Fearless Hyena may lack the glossy production values and expansive scale of his other famous action epics, it offers an intimate look into just how Jackie Chan grew as an actor early in his career. His martial arts talent is raw and dazzling, and his innate flair for comedy is on full display. Directed by Jackie Chan in his directorial debut, it was criticized for being unsteady, but it’s the unpredictability that makes it a gem.
Jackie Chan has faced many life-threatening injuries through his vast work in the film industry, and here are his most serious.
3
‘Spiritual Kung Fu’ (1978)
In Spiritual Kung Fu, Jackie Chan is a mischievous kung fu student named Yi-Lang, who is entrusted with safeguarding spiritual manuscripts at a Shaolin Temple. When a thief steals a book from the library, Yi-Lang finds himself signing up to learn a forbidden martial arts technique from five ghostly masters. He uses the “Five Style Fists” to find the attacker, defeat him, and protect the temple.
An Early Martial Arts Comedy
Spiritual Kung Fu is a unique and often overlooked entry in Jackie Chan’s glorious filmography because it uses traditional martial arts techniques and dives into the philosophical groundwork of the style. It’s both enlightening and extraordinary. The fight choreography and shooting style, as well as the introduction of certain supernatural elements (even though the special effects are appalling), establishes the movie as a rich and promising action comedy.
2
‘Half a Loaf of Kung Fu’ (1978)
One of the first movies where Jackie Chan explored martial arts and slapstick comedy and the adventures associated with juxtaposing the two, Half a Loaf of Kung Fu follows a bumbling young man named Jiang, who dreams of becoming a kung fu master. He poses as someone who killed a bandit and uses the prize money to learn the tricks and trades of the art, but gets embroiled in a series of misadventures.
Pioneering Kung Fu Comedy
Half a Loaf of Kung Fu is far from a traditional kung fu movie. Instead, it’s a parody-filled adventure that combines high-octane martial arts with comedy. It’s an innovative approach for the 1970s, but it’s also the movie that placed Jackie Chan on the map as a promising action star. The film breaks away from convention and utilizes Chan’s energetic performance to deliver surreal scenes as well as slapstick ones.
1
‘Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow’ (1978)
Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow
Release Date
March 1, 1978
Runtime
90 Minutes
Cast
Jackie Chan
, Yuen Siu-tien
, Hwang Jang-lee
, Dean Shek
, Fung Hak-on
, Tino Wong
, Peter Chan
Directed by Yuen Woo-ping in his directorial debut, Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow is a seminal film in the martial arts genre. Chan stars as Chien Fu, an orphan working as a janitor at a martial arts school. The constant bullying from teachers and students drives him to learn the forgotten Snake style of kung fu from an old beggar, and he eventually becomes a formidable fighter.
The Movie That Started It All
Before he came to be known for his incredible work in movies like The Matrix and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Yuen Woo-ping made a quintessential, yet underrated, film that defined Jackie Chan’s career. It was both a breakout role and the start of a collaboration. From the movie’s inventive fight choreography to its captivating storyline, from Chan’s role as an unassuming hero to its lasting impact on the genre. Everything about Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow is simply iconic.
"Project A" (1983) – A comedic action film that showcases Chan’s incredible stunt work and fight choreography.
"The Young Master" (1980) – A martial arts film that features Chan in top form, with some of the most impressive fight scenes of his career.
"Police Story 2" (1988) – The sequel to Chan’s iconic film "Police Story," this movie is packed with thrilling action sequences and intense fight scenes.
"Miracles" (1989) – Also known as "Mr. Canton and Lady Rose," this film features Chan in a more dramatic role, with plenty of action-packed scenes to keep audiences entertained.
"Wheels on Meals" (1984) – A fun and fast-paced action comedy that showcases Chan’s incredible physical abilities and comedic timing.
"The Myth" (2005) – A fantasy action film that sees Chan playing dual roles in a time-traveling adventure filled with epic fight scenes.
"Armour of God" (1986) – A thrilling action film that sees Chan in a race against time to recover a stolen artifact, with plenty of high-flying stunts and intense fight scenes.
"The Accidental Spy" (2001) – A spy thriller that sees Chan in a more serious role, with some of the most impressive action sequences of his career.
"Rumble in the Bronx" (1995) – A classic Chan film that showcases his trademark blend of comedy and action, with some truly jaw-dropping stunts.
"Gorgeous" (1999) – A romantic comedy that sees Chan in a more light-hearted role, with plenty of action-packed scenes to keep audiences entertained.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the most replayable games ever made. Not only is it impossible to see all the content in playthrough, but the game completely changes based on your alignment and decisions. Then, of course, there’s the Dark Urge playthrough and playing as an origin character as well. Fans are always finding new things and are looking for more reasons to go back to the game.
To get in the holiday spirit, I made jolly ol’ Saint Nick. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be…
If you’ve somehow managed to play through all known paths and seen just about everything the game has to offer, you may be on the lookout for another reason to get back to Baldur’s Gate 3. It seems there is a unique way to play the game, that lets you experience content you otherwise wouldn’t have access to. It comes in the form of the Disguise Self spell.
A Master Of Disguise
Disguise Self, as the name suggests, lets you disguise yourself as another character or race of your choosing. It’s especially helpful for when you want to keep a low profile while walking around the bustling city. However, it seems that if you master the spell and use it at the right moments, it can change the way you play entirely.
As noted by scuzzlebuttstudios‘ Reddit post on the Baldur’s Gate 3 subreddit, Disguise self is very underrated. “You get to experience so many race-specific interactions on one character. Just in act 1, I got to experience goblin camp and grymforge as a drow, creche as a githyanki,” they said.
“It’s such an amazing flavor spell, and coupled with my bard, I can perfectly perform and pass checks too, giving me so much more story and content than I’ve ever experienced on one character,” continued the post. “Oh, and halfling disguise to fit in burrows.”
Someone in the comments section also noted that the spell will allow you to talk to the corpse of someone you just killed as well.
“That’s not only a lot of fun, but a quick safety leveling in the early game. You get some experience from exploring map, and [the] Drow look really helps for conversation with goblins: camp, windmill etc. (but not enter Waukeen’s Rest as a drow and Mykonid Colony as a duergar,” noted another comment. “Also Disguise Self helps to steal gold from vendors and really helps to get Moonlatern in Act 2.”
So, if you’re looking for another way to replay Baldur’s Gate 3 this holiday season, why not try the Disguise Run?
Baldur’s Gate 3 is the long-awaited next chapter in the Dungeons & Dragons-based series of RPGs. Developed by Divinity creator Larian Studios, it puts you in the middle of a mind flayer invasion of Faerûn, over a century after the events of its predecessor.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Players Realise Disguise Spell Is Underrated
In the world of Baldur’s Gate 3, players have been quick to discover the power of the Disguise Self spell. This simple yet effective spell allows players to change their appearance, making them appear as someone or something else entirely.
While some may initially overlook the Disguise Self spell in favor of more offensive or defensive spells, players have come to realize just how useful this spell can be in a variety of situations. Whether it’s sneaking past enemies, tricking NPCs, or blending in with a crowd, the Disguise Self spell offers a level of versatility that many players may not have initially considered.
As players continue to experiment with different strategies and approaches in Baldur’s Gate 3, the Disguise Self spell has emerged as a valuable tool that can help them navigate the challenges of the game in creative and unexpected ways. So next time you’re planning your next move in Baldur’s Gate 3, don’t forget to give the Disguise Self spell a try – you may just be surprised at how effective it can be.
Australia are banking on Mitchell Starc living up to his standing as one of cricket’s underrated tough nuts, but the left-armer’s latest niggle could put him under a fitness cloud for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy finale.
Starc was hampered on day three of the Boxing Day Test against India by an upper-body concern. The 34-year-old bowled through pain, clearly determined not to leave Australia a bowler short midway through a match for a second consecutive Test.
The seriousness of his injury remained unclear at stumps on Saturday, but fellow quick Scott Boland was confident their new-ball spearhead would be right for a looming fourth-innings tilt at India.
“He’s okay. I think he’s just had a bit of a niggle in his back or rib, but he came out after the (tea) break and was bowling 140 (kph) so I think he’ll be fine,” Boland told reporters.
Speaking to the ABC, Boland added: “Playing a Test match is pretty hard on your body and he’s played all four Tests so far. I think he’s just a little bit stiff in his back.”
Extraordinary ‘reverse edge’ takes cake as summer’s weirdest shot
Starc is renowned for pushing through pain, notably bowling with a broken finger in the Boxing Day Test against South Africa two summers ago, an injury that would end up sidelining him for two months.
But even if he is able to soldier on in Melbourne, Australia will be loath to risk the veteran bowler if the issue lingers ahead of the Sydney Test given he has already sent down 115.2 overs through the first four Tests of the series.
Starc looked ginger when he took the second new ball on day three and then grabbed at the mid-section of his back after the first ball of his ensuing spell. He received some running repairs from Australia’s physiotherapist, though the issue continued to dog him.
A three-over burst after the break where he continued to touch the 140kph-mark underscored his resilience.
“I think he’s underrated for how tough he is,” said Boland.
“A couple of years ago here at the MCG he had a broken finger and we were planning for him not to bowl at all – and then he came out and bowled 140k swingers.
Gutsy Starc ‘didn’t want to leave the guys two men down’
“He’s someone who can play through a lot of pain.
“You can tell he’s played (93) Test matches now. As a fast bowler there’s not many Tests you play without any niggle at all. He’s someone who can still bowl the same pace even when he is really sore – which is a great trait to have.”
Starc missing the series finale in his hometown would leave the Aussies without two of their three first-choice quicks. The calf injury Josh Hazlewood suffered at the Gabba has ruled him out for the series.
The hosts have seen virtually no drop in quality with Boland filling in for Hazlewood in another strong turnout from the Victorian who dismissed key men Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant in India’s first innings.
The next rung down of their pace depth is more of an unknown.
Jhye Richardson and Sean Abbott are the reserve fast bowlers in Australia’s listed squad for the final two Tests and would be the frontrunners to replace Starc at the SCG if required.
Brendan Doggett shadowed the team through the first three Tests, while nationally-contracted speedster Lance Morris has in previous years been kept on standby specifically for Starc due to his extra pace.
Given Abbott, Doggett and Morris are all uncapped at Test level, Richardson is the most qualified given his tremendous record (11 wickets at 22.09) from the three Tests he has played.
But the last of those came three years ago during the 2021-22 Ashes. The whippy right-armer may be considered an injury risk as well given the physical challenges he has faced during his two-and-a-half-year absence from international cricket.
Richardson dislocated his shoulder giving a high-five in his Sheffield Shield return game last month. He returned to the bowling crease but even he conceded his surprise last week when he was recalled to the Test squad.
“Even a week ago, I was like, ‘I’m not really thinking about (Test cricket) just yet’,” Richardson told Fox Cricket.
“I just wanted to stay on the park and play Big Bash cricket and make sure that the body was OK and keep ramping up (the workloads) and following the processes that we’ve got in place.
“But here we are, and if there’s an opportunity, then it’s obviously really exciting.”
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Travis Head (vc), Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster
Mitchell Starc, one of cricket’s most fearsome fast bowlers, is often viewed as a key player in the Australian team. However, he is also one of the most underrated tough guys in the sport.
Despite consistently delivering fiery spells and intimidating batsmen with his pace and swing, Starc’s performances often go unnoticed or underappreciated. His ability to take crucial wickets and break partnerships is invaluable to the team, yet he doesn’t always receive the recognition he deserves.
Now, Starc finds himself under a fitness cloud, with concerns about his ability to stay fit and perform at his best. This has only added to the challenges he faces in proving his worth and silencing his critics.
But make no mistake, Mitchell Starc is a force to be reckoned with on the cricket field. His raw talent, aggression, and never-say-die attitude make him a true tough guy of the game, and one who should not be underestimated.
It’s time for fans and pundits alike to give Starc the credit he deserves and acknowledge him as the underrated tough guy that he truly is.
PlayStation Plus subscribers need to check out this awesome open-world game that’s heavily underrated, but available to play now.
December’s PlayStation Plus line-up has delivered some pretty decent titles to close out 2024, and while they’re not all bangers some of them are well-worth your time.
Did you catch the reveal trailer for The Witcher 4? Check it out below
I’d say the best PlayStation Plus games are the ones you wouldn’t usually pick up with your own money, for fear of not enjoying it.
Sonic Frontiers is one such game, as it’s absolutely fantastic and I’d recommend it to anyone, but the Sonic franchise was in a dire state before it was released so it’s understandable if a lot of people slept on it.
The open-world adventure is now available as part of the PlayStation Plus Extra line-up though so now’s the best time to give it a go if you haven’t already.
Subscribers agree, and have been singing its praises since it was added to the service earlier this month.
“Sonic Frontiers and Forspoken are exactly the 6/7 out of 10 games I would love to play but prefer not to spend money on. Big W month personally” said one fan.
“I’m here too. Been thinking any month now Forspoken would pop up and here we go. Sonic Frontiers sounds like fun too and I haven’t played a Sonic game since Adventure way back in ‘99” added another.
“Sonic is actually really good. Like at least 8/10 good” added one more, a fair summary as well as it needed a bit work but was otherwise very impressive for an open-world Sonic game.
Personally I’d recommend it to those who haven’t played a Sonic game in years, those who’ve kept up to date with the series, and those that haven’t played one before, it really has something for everyone.
Featured Image Credit: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Attention all PlayStation Plus gamers! If you’re looking for a hidden gem to sink your teeth into, look no further than the underrated open-world game that is currently available for free on the PlayStation Plus platform.
This game has been flying under the radar for far too long, but now is the perfect opportunity to discover its immersive world, engaging gameplay, and captivating story. Don’t let this chance pass you by – dive into this open-world gem and experience all it has to offer while you can.
So, if you’re in need of a new gaming adventure, be sure to check out this underrated title on PlayStation Plus. Who knows, you may just find your new favorite game!
