Latest news with #Gladiator
Extra.ie
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
All the Lions hype can be a bit nauseating, but the global game needs a competitive series
It's easy to be cynical about the British and Irish Lions. The whole concept gets hyped up more than a Christopher Nolan movie. You'll hear plenty about 'immortality',' legends' and 'legacy' in the coming weeks. All of it playing out against a background of an epic orchestral soundtrack which belongs in something like Gladiator or Oppenheimer. It can all veer into hysteric at times. And some of the grandiose statements about the Lions can jar a bit, too. Pic: INPHO/Billy Stickland Yes, it's a long tradition but, make no mistake, this is a brand as well. It's a business venture which is worth a lot of coin. Why else did Warren Gatland's squad depart for South Africa without their famed 'Red Army' in the midst of the Covid pandemic in 2021? It's worth stating that summer series is officially known as the Qatar Airways men's Lions tour of Australia. There are twice as many fans heading for Oz this time around compared to the last tour 12 years ago. Yes, the Lions is a time-honoured tradition but it's also a corporate beast. Again, it's easy to scrutinise up the Lions in the professional era and roll the eyes. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan However, this latest campaign feels a bit different already. It's early days, but we've sensed a slight chance in the vibe around the Lions. There is clearly a buzz in the camp and you could sense that all week from the players and coaches – including Johnny Sexton – who were sent out to speak to the sizeable media presence which has descended on the capital. There is the sense that the Andy Farrell is hoping to bring a bit of old-school back to the Lions. There have been some positive developments on that front. Earlier this week, the Lions media team released the 'Ultimate Test' on Youtube, a behind-the-scenes series which will be released weekly throughout the six-week tour of Australia. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire In terms of raw insight and genuine fly-on-the-wall access, it was hugely encouraging. It was miles away from the bland and ill-fated two-season Six Nations offering on Netflix. If this is a sign of things to come, we could be potentially see the best Lions documentary since the iconic 1997 series chronically the series win in South Africa. A bit of drama and jeopardy would be most welcome on that front. The hosts need to hold up their end of their bargain. The Wallabies – and their Super Rugby sides – were being written off as cannon fodder for most of this current Lions cycle, especially when Eddie Jones was sacked after a disastrous 10-month reign. Joe Schmidt arrived at the 11th hour and the former Leinster and Ireland boss has galvanised the entire operation. The likes of Queensland, the Waratahs and ACT Brumbies have upped their game. Australia are not the near the same class as the Springboks or All Blacks at the moment. But they have more then enough talent to make this series interesting. Everyone involved in the professional game in Australia is acutely aware that this Lions tour is a glorious opportunity to recapture past glories. Rugby union has fallen away behind the likes of AFL and rugby league in the public consciousness. The Aussies are a sport-obsessed nation but rugby union has fallen on hard times. If they can mount a competitive case, or win the series outright, it would have a huge effect on the health of the game across the country. There is also the small matter of a home World Cup in 2027. The Wallabies need to strike while the iron is hot this summer. In truth, every single stakeholder in the game needs this Lions tour to be a success. The professional game is a delicate ecosystem at the moment. Rugby is the sporting equivalent of the Great Barrier Reef at the moment. Professional clubs across the globe are going bust. Big unions such as Wales are struggling to make ends meet. For all the chat about rugby expanding to new markets, breakaway competition and World club competitions, it is paramount that the key nations remains strong. Rugby needs a strong Australian team. There are high hopes that Schmidt's troops can match this potent Lions squad across three compelling weekends. In Joseph-Aukuso Suaali, the 21-year-old rugby league convert who has taken the game by storm, the Wallabies have an attacking weapon which can blow this whole series wide open. Schmidt, as his way, will have every base covered. The Kiwi will have a plan. Again, it all bodes well for a gripping spectacle once this tour gets going. For now, it's about getting the show on the road at Aviva Stadium this evening. This is an early opportunity for this matchday squad to lay down some early selection markers. The sizeable Leinster contingent who only arrived into camp on Monday will already be playing catch-up and Farrell welcomed this development earlier this week. The Lions boss wants every single player to feel the pressure. No doubt, Dan Sheehan, Andrew Porter, James Ryan, Josh van der Flier and Garry Ringrose – amongst other Leinster frontliners – will get their chance to impress against Western Force, Queensland Reds and New South Wales Waratahs in the coming weeks. Right now, this English-heavy selection have a great opportunity to stake a claim for Test spots. Ellis Genge, Ben Earl, Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith could all be set for bit tours. Porter, Jack Conan, Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell are all supposedly ahead in the pecking order but things can change quickly on a Lions tour. A compelling performance against a youthful and fired-up Pumas side will generate plenty of momentum ahead of the long-haul flight to Perth this weekend. No doubt, plenty of big names will be awkwardly shuffling in their seats if the Lions put on a bit of a show in Dublin. Then again, a repeat of the shaky showing against the same opposition back in 2005 – when a late Jonny Wilkinson penalty secured a late draw – will send alarm bells throughout the squad. That dour performance in Cardiff 20 years ago was a grim omen of what was to come in New Zealand. No pressure tonight, lads. The hype machine is cranking up and once Sky Sports began to flex their broadcasting muscles, Lions-mania will be in full flow. It can all be a nauseating but it's best not to fight it. The Lions, at its core, is a bit of fun. An old-school summer tour against a formidable fore on foreign land. And series wines are nothing to be sniffed at. It's worth remembering that the tourists have been victorious on just two occasions since the game went pro: 1997 and 2013 are the sole triumphs since the amateur days concluded 30 years ago. This could be the most enjoyable and captivating tour in a long time. What's not to like about that?
Daily Record
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Scots Gladiator Sheli McCoy hails Pride of Scotland Unsung Heroes
TV star Sabre can't wait to honour the winners at our glittering People's Oscars on Monday night. Scots gladiator and weightlifting champion Sheli McCoy has hailed Pride of Scotland's unsung heroes as some of the 'strongest' humans on the planet. Sheli, who is known to her fans as Sabre, is looking forward to celebrating the winners of our 2025 People's Oscars at the glittering ceremony on Monday night. The 36-year-old, who is on track to represent Scotland in weightlifting at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, says when it comes to record-breaking strength our unsung heroes are world champions. Last year Sheli, who lives and runs a gym in Dundee, presented Abbie Jarvis and Kaylynn Donald with their Teenagers of Courage Award. Both schoolgirls were victims of sickening attacks by other children and bravely waived their anonymity to back a Daily Record campaign to support victims of youth violence. Kaylynn, 14, was brutally attacked on a school bus in Ladybank, Fife and Abbie, 15, was lured to a park in Glasgow and beaten unconscious as other kids filmed the vicious assault. Sheli said: 'I felt so privileged to present Kaylynn and Abbie with their award last year. Those girls both underwent a torrent of horrific bullying and abuse. 'Yet here they are having the courage to stand up and speak out about their ordeals to help others. They are inspiring and educating a whole generation as well as motivating others to stand up to bullies. They are both real-life gladiators.' The TV star, who trains between 16 and 19 hours a week, added: 'The Pride of Scotland awards are so special because you are sitting in a room filled with people who have bravery, courage and spirit in bucket loads but never seek anything from it. 'They don't make a song or dance about their achievements so it's brilliant they are being given the recognition they truly deserve. 'Last year was the first time I ever walked a red carpet and I feel honoured to have been asked to come back and help celebrate the nation's biggest and brightest stars - the unsung heroes.' Sheli, who shot to overnight fame after the first episode of the Gladiators reboot aired on the BBC last January, admits she gets recognised everywhere she goes. She said: 'I can't walk down the street anymore without being recognised but it's fine because I love it. People always apologise when they meet me but I tell them not to as they are the reason I have a job that I love. 'I have felt unwanted and unwelcome and it's awful. I don't want anyone else to ever feel like that so if I can chat away to someone for five minutes or sign something for their kids then I am up for that. 'I never imagined just how popular Gladiator would be but it has changed my life in a good way. It has been the megaphone I needed to get my fitness message out there.' The Robert Gordon graduate added: 'Since becoming a Gladiator I have been asked to come and do lots of seminars and talks to young people about overcoming adversity and accepting challenges through fitness. 'I was already trying to spread this message but no one was listening to me but now they are. Sabre has opened the door for me to be the educator that I have always wanted to be. 'The exposure has also prompted me to start a new fitness initiative called 'Next Generation Fitness Kids' and this summer I will be running camps to teach primary school children about how keeping fit will help them to become healthy, hydrated and motivated.' Gladiators is hopefully coming back for a third series but in between filming the hit BBC show Sheli has been busy winning more weightlifting titles. The Crossfit champion said: 'I competed in the Easterns weightlifting championships last month in both the seniors and the masters 69kg categories and won both and set six new Scottish records. 'The next step for me is the British championships which I have qualified for and if I have success there I could be selected for the Commonwealth Games. 'Becoming a Commonwealth athlete has been a dream as underneath it all I am an athlete and I was selected as a Gladiator because I am an athlete. 'Life is pretty good at the moment and on my mum's advice I am trying to take a moment every now and then to appreciate it.' Joining Sheli at the Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with P&O Cruises at the Glasgow Hilton on Monday night will be BGT legend Susan Boyle, Star Wars actor Denis Lawson, singers Nathan Evans, Calum Bowie and Cammy Barnes and Strictly's JJ Chalmers and Dr Punam Krishan. Love Island's Paige Turley and Saint Phnx's Stevie Jukes will be going live from the red carpet and presenter Laura Anderson will be manning the Pride of Scotland bar. First Minister John Swinney will also be there to celebrate the best of Scotland and there will be a performance from Britain's Got Talent finalist Vinnie McKee. - The 2025 Pride of Scotland winners will be revealed in an 8-page pullout in Monday's Daily Record - You can catch all the red carpet action on the Pride of Scotland Facebook, Instagram and YouTube page from 5.30pm on Monday night
Forbes
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘F1: The Movie' Is An Entertaining, But Formulaic Summer Blockbuster
Are you not entertained?! Russell Crowe's Maximus Decimus Meridius shouts at the bloodthirsty crowd gathered in the Roman Coliseum in the 2000 film Gladiator. It's also a reasonable question to ask of the 21st century masses who are still willing to darken the doorways of multiplexes across the country when a suitable spectacle is released by a major film studio. After watching 62-year-old Tom Cruise fighting bad guys in midair on the wings of a bi-plane in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, you can now watch 61-year-old Brad Pitt do his own high speed driving in F1: The Movie. Clearly there is something about middle-aged movie stars that pushes them to extremes in an effort to remain in the national zeitgeist. Old stars become new again. Too bad the same can't be said for the movies they are making. Co-writer/director Joseph Kosinski is making a cottage industry out of turning sixty into the new forty for Hollywood leading men. He helmed Cruise's box office juggernaut Top Gun: Maverick, and now he's hoping to trade a fighter plane for a race car and propel Brad Pitt into the box office stratosphere. Despite my somewhat cynical point of view, I'll admit that F1: The Movie is an entertaining piece of popcorn filmmaking. If you see it on an IMAX screen, there's no reason to ever watch it again because the home experience will never do the cinematography and sound design justice. My primary beef with the film is that it's so by-the-numbers. If I give you the log line, 'an over-the-hill driver who never quite reached the top of the heap is recruited to train a headstrong rookie who could be the Best Ever', you can write the rest of the film yourself. Every worn out plot beat is present and accounted for. The veteran racer, Sonny Hayes, was in a terrible accident on the track that cost him his confidence, and he walked away from racing. The young rookie (Damson Idris) is cocky, but hasn't proven himself. The old analog pro trains by simply jogging the track he'll be driving on. The digital youngster has every fancy treadmill and training metric modern science can provide. And, the biggest, most tired plot point? To win … they're going to have to work as a team. There is one place where F1 deviates from standard tropes and betters itself in the process. Oscar nominee Kerry Condon (The Banshess of Inisherin) is onboard as a potential love interest for Pitt, but thankfully she's not in the film for only that purpose. Condon plays Kate, an engineering brain trust who designs and modifies the vehicles being driven by Sonny Hayes and his young protege. It gives Condon more screentime (which is always welcome) and avoids relegating her to the role of the worried supporting female, wringing her hands over the death-defying exploits of her leading man. The film's secret weapon is, of course, no secret. It's Brad Pitt. He brings the same cool dude swagger to veteran racer Sonny Hayes that he gave to Rusty Ryan in 2001's Ocean's 11. In case the younger members of the audience don't know Pitt is still cool, we first meet Sonny with Led Zeppelin's Whole Lotta Love pounding over the soundtrack as he shuffles a deck of cards like Ricky Jay while the camera pans lovingly over his physique and face. I had to chuckle at such a hero-worshipping intro. That moment before the credits even run is emblematic of the film as a whole: it's trying a little too hard. When it chooses between bombast and silence, it chooses the decibels every time. With a running time of two-and-a-half hours, F1 could lose a good twenty minutes without costing it any of its tension or excitement. Toward the beginning of the film, the team owner, Ruben (Javier Bardem), explains that there are nine races remaining in the Formula One season, and his team only needs one win to survive a hostile takeover by its Board of Directors. Are you thinking what I was thinking? Are they really gonna have nine racing sequences in this movie? The answer is almost. They montage their way through about three races and drain everything they can from the other six. It quickly becomes clear there are only so many ways to film a car race. But, Pitt is so damn likable as a performer that you forgive F1: The Movie its excesses, obviousness and repetition. He's a 21st century Steve McQueen or Paul Newman. Both legends played up their ruggedness to avoid being labeled Hollywood pretty boys. It's probably no coincidence that McQueen and Newman were both passionate race car drivers off-screen. They even made their own racing films during their careers: Winning, 1969 (Newman) and Le Mans, 1971 (McQueen). Nothing says 'manly' or 'relevant' like risking death at 200 miles an hour. I turned 56 this year, just a half dozen years behind Brad Pitt. I've seen every film he's made, and I know what a capable actor he is. If you think he's only a pretty face, you haven't been paying attention. I wish he would play more complicated characters. To continue the Newman comparison, I want to see Pitt's Frank Galvin (The Verdict, 1982) or Donald 'Sully' Sullivan (Nobody's Fool, 1994). When his age becomes undeniable, we'll hopefully get those films. Are you not entertained? Yes, for now.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Married reality TV guru in talks for Strictly Come Dancing as bosses think he won't fall victim to show's ‘curse'
Other names in talks for Strictly include a Gladiator and a Team GB hero STRICTLY COME DATING Married reality TV guru in talks for Strictly Come Dancing as bosses think he won't fall victim to show's 'curse' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BBC bosses think they have found someone who won't fall victim to the infamous Strictly Come Dancing curse – Paul C Brunson. The married dating guru has become a big figure in the reality arena as part of Channel 4's two ratings giants, Married At First Sight and Celebs Go Dating. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 1 Paul C Brunson is in talks for Strictly Come Dancing, pictured as Amanda Holden's sidekick on Cheat: Unfinished Business Credit: Netflix/Instagram He spread his wings even further this year when he joined Netflix as Amanda Holden's sidekick on Cheat: Unfinished Business, where eight former couples decide whether to reconcile or stay apart. But a spot on the BBC dancefloor would give Paul's career a huge boost. And the clean-cut American, who has been based in London since 2018, could be just what Strictly needs after two scandal-packed troubled series. A source said: 'Paul would be the ideal tonic to the dark clouds over Strictly as he's clean-cut, very intelligent and has no scandals to worry about. 'They are now in discussion but he's met with producers a number of times. 'Everyone is hoping he'll sign on the dotted line and is keen to make it happen.' Last month Strictly pro Karen Hauer was a guest on his podcast, We Need To Talk, so is likely well-versed in the show. He's welcomed everyone from Katie Price to singer Yungblud on the show, which is part of the reason bosses are so keen to get him on the dancefloor. The source added: 'The crucial 16-34 audience, which execs are desperate to hook, are well aware of Paul because of his podcast and MAFS and Celebs Go Dating are hugely popular with that age group.' So far names in talks for Strictly include Mo Farah, Georgia Toffolo and Gladiator Nitro.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Scientists claim all men fit into six categories – take the test to see if you're an alpha, bravo, delta, gamma, omega, or sigma
From Fight Club to Gladiator, many films feature characters described as 'alpha males'. According to scientists, there are six types of men: alphas, bravos, deltas, gammas, omegas, or sigmas. Experts from IDRlabs have developed a quick Male Hierarchy Test that will reveal which category you fit into. 'The typology of male social hierarchies has become part of internet culture and is a categorization system that sorts heterosexual men into archetypes,' IDRlabs explained. 'The system has variously been called a piece of modern mythology, pseudoscience, and a great heuristic for navigating social relationships. Where in the male social hierarchy would you be?' The Male Hierarchy Test features 31 statements, which respondents are asked to respond to on a five-point scale ranging from Disagree to Agree. Statements include things like 'Being in debt doesn't worry me as long as I can see a way out of it,' 'I demand a lot from the people around me,' and 'I do not panic easily.' At the end of the test, you'll be told which personality type you have, based on your answers. 1. Alpha Male Alpha males are described as the 'leaders of the masculine social hierarchy'. These men tend to be charismatic, decisive, and willing to take risks at the top - and are usually successful with women. 'They are the type of man other men naturally want to follow,' IDRlabs explained. While alpha males in film and TV are often depicted as jocks who lord over others and enjoy telling them what to do, the experts say that this isn't the case in reality. In fact, being an alpha male is not all fun and games. 'To maintain their position in the hierarchy, alphas must grapple with the immense burdens of responsibility as others look to them for guidance and direction,' IDRlabs explained. Alpha males also tend to be very protective of their status. 'If the alpha senses that someone is threatening to challenge him or undermine his authority, he will strike back with impunity,' the experts explained. 'On the flip side, alphas tend to be very friendly and generous toward those who support their position as leader.' Examples of alpha males from TV shows and films include Captain America, Tommy Shelby from Peaky Blinders, and Maximus from Gladiator. 2. Bravo Male Bravo males are the 'lieutenants' of the masculine social hierarchy, according to IDRlabs. And contrary to popular belief, bravos are not at the bottom of the hierarchy - they're actually near the top. 'They are usually found in close proximity to the alpha, where they act as his trusted advisors and perform essential roles in the hierarchy,' the experts explained. As loyal 'staff' to the alpha, bravos also get to enjoy many of the benefits of high social status. 'They are usually well-liked by women and enjoy the privileges of rank while avoiding the intense burdens of responsibilities the alpha has to bear,' IDRlabs said. 'Because they do not have to constantly fight for their position the way alphas do, bravos can also afford to be a bit friendlier with people.' While alpha males tend to get most of the glory, bravos are 'crucial' to stable hierarchies, as they enforce the alpha's vision to maintain order and structure. Ron Weasley from Harry Potter, and Samwise Gamgee from Lord of the Rings are both examples of classic bravo males. 3. Delta Male Delta males are described as the 'workers' of the masculine social hierarchy. They consist of 'normal guys' who are not necessarily interested in fighting for dominance, and instead pride themselves on 'getting the job done'. 'Deltas are also the type that is most likely to move up or down the hierarchy as they develop their skills and their industriousness makes them indispensable,' IDRlabs said. However, this attitude can land them in trouble. 'Because they tend to be frank and straightforward, expecting sincerity and decency in others, deltas may sometimes be exploited – by friends, family or romantic partners – who are associating with the delta to milk them for favors and resources rather than because they like them,' IDRlabs explained. 'Deltas would do well to remember that their earnestness and resources are likely to attract freeloaders.' Delta males from TV and film include Marty McFly from Back To The Future, and Frodo Baggins from Lord of the Rings. 4. Gamma Male Gamma males are the 'intellectuals' of the masculine social hierarchy. These men tend to be 'book smart', but lack the social skills, money, looks, or mental toughness needed to establish dominance. 'Because intellect is their strength, gammas often overstress the intellectual side of life, believing that it alone should determine who makes it to the top,' IDRlabs said. 'To gammas, it will often seem unfair that their intellectual inferiors are the ones to rise to the top.' Dismissed by women: Many gamma males like Tony Stark consider themselves 'secret kings' who should actually be in charge Many gamma males consider themselves 'secret kings' who should actually be in charge. But since they tend to be dissatisfied with their position, women tend to pick up on their frustration and dismiss them. 'This can keep gammas from realizing their full potential, leaving them in a "gamma trap",' the experts warned. Examples in TV and film include Jack Sparrow from Pirates Of The Caribbean, Tony Stark from Ironman, and Han Solo from Star Wars. 5. Omega Male At the bottom of the masculine social hierarchy is the omega male - the polar opposite of the alpha male. These men are often seen as social outcasts, lacking social skills and tending to be introverted, with no self-confidence. Omegas - often depicted as nerds or geeks - usually cling to others due to fear of being lonely. Unfortunately, these traits mean they are usually unpopular - particularly among women. Peter Parker from Spiderman, and Walter Mitty from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty are classic examples of omega males. 6. Sigma Male Finally, we have sigma males, who shun the masculine social hierarchy altogether. These 'lone wolves' turn their backs on the norms of society, and pursue their own path instead. This can make sigmas unpopular with alphs and bravos, who don't trust them. However, among women, sigmas usually prove to be a hit. 'Women often find the self-determination and detachment of sigmas attractive, so sigmas are likely to do well with the opposite sex,' IDRlabs explained. Unsurprisingly, sigmas are often romanticized in internet culture. 'However, opting out of the social order is often a high-risk play that is not guaranteed to go well,' IDRlabs added. 'There is no denying, however, that when a sigma does manage to be successful, his lifestyle tends to come with a certain glamor and mystique.' James Bond, Bruce Wayne, and John Wick are all examples of typical sigma men.
