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Metro
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
I tried Gen Z's new favourite pre-drink that's only £2.99 from Aldi
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more If you haven't heard of BuzzBallz, you might want to lift up that cocktail umbrella you've been living under. These vibrant boozy balls have gone more viral than videos of cats with Hitler moustaches back in the day. My TikTok FYP is groaning under the weight of posts featuring people tasting, collecting and ranking their favourite flavours, while discarded neon-coloured plastic spheres litter the pavements outside off-licences like forgotten memory orbs in the Disney movie, Inside Out. Why are they causing such a stir? Like the recent Labubu craze, they feature the perfect storm of cutesy, eye-catching packaging. But instead of a little monster with spiky teeth, in this instance it disguises some fairly potent pours, containing between 13.5 and 15% ABV. Factor in that the spherical cocktails have the convenience of nesting in the palm of your drinking hand and there's a ring pull for dangerously easy access and it's not hard to work out why they've become Gen Z's go-to pre-drink. The other main draw is that they're cheap – costing just £2.99 each if you buy them from Aldi. Elsewhere they're a little pricier at £3.95 from Sainsbury's and £4 at Tesco. Pretty much every corner shop stocks them too, but be warned you might find yourself paying as much as £5 per ball, depending where you buy them from. I will say, for something so ubiquitous, they were almost impossible to get hold of for a taste test. For the last month, every off-licence I've visited has told me they'd 'recently run out' and the nearest Aldi had fully sold out too. I'm beginning to think they withhold them from people over 40, ahem I mean, 35. When you do eventually manage to get hold of them, they come in a decent range of flavours, from Choc Tease, Chili Mango, Lotta Colada, Espresso Martini, Tequila Rita and Strawberry Rita. There's also a Pornstar Martini, but alas, it's so popular we couldn't get hold of one. So, the obvious next step is for me to try the drink that's lured the famously dry Gen Z crowd into profligate ways. I've been warned about the sugar content of these deceptively punchy little globes, ranging from 11.7 to 30g per serving. Given the NHS recommends no more than 30g of sugar per day, it's goodbye wellness and hello tooth decay, blood sugar issues, energy spikes and crashes, oh and weight gain. The things I do for Metro readers. Here they are, in order of preference, and remember to shake them well before opening… A pretty decent Piña Colada, actually, and I'm not even a fan of the cocktail. Creamy and tropical with a generous thwack of alcohol to offset any coconut-cream-pineapple soupiness Not a bad expression of the classic cocktail on the tin, with an intriguing smoky, bonfire note that makes it a bit different. Chocolatey, smooth, sweet and creamy. Can't complain, but isn't it really just Bailey's? Sweet and creamy, like a boozy Solero ice cream (more generic tropical fruit than overtly mango) with a decent kick of chili heat that really comes through You can actually taste the tequila here, a novelty for an RTD cocktail in my experience (MOTH excluded). Think a very sweet Margarita and you're in the right ballpark. View More » Strawberry slushy-flavoured (or Mr Frosty, remember those?). Very candied and artificial-tasting, though its evident booze content salvages it slightly. If you count yourself a purveyor of the finer things in life, Metro's Drink Up column is where you need to be. Immerse yourself in the world of good drink, fronted by industry expert Rob Buckhaven – a place for readers to whet their whistle with the latest and greatest in the world of drinks. From unpacking the best supermarket wines from Aldi, Tesco and Lidl, to introducing audiences to the wallet-friendly Cremant out-bubbling the fanciest of French Champagnes (or the best wines to drink after sex), and finding out what it's like to go on a bar crawl with Jason Momoa, this is a haven for those who love to celebrate. Stay ahead of the curve as Rob plucks from the vines the wines of the season and the spirits you need to know about; speaking with experts and mixologists while unpacking the latest concoctions, finding the best non-alcoholic options for those looking to moderate, discovering the best food pairings for your drops, and going up against the latest TikTok chatter to demystify the liquid landscape. What are the best drinks to take to a summer picnic? Wine that you should never serve at a wedding And, truly, how should we be storing our wine? Read More. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: The weird and wonderful ways you can cure a Glastonbury hangover MORE: 10 of London's best rooftop bars for summer MORE: Morrisons customers have until Sunday to claim £30 of freebies Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
India Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Elio review: Pixar's new offering is sweet and funny but lacks spark
Pixar's latest outing, 'Elio', is a heartwarming and visually rich journey that feels both contemporary and comfortably familiar. Voiced by Yonas Kibreab, the titular Elio is a daydreaming, orphaned misfit who ends up becoming Earth's accidental ambassador in a colourful alien world. The result is a film that's sweet, funny, and family-friendly, but also one that lacks the spark of Pixar's finest by Adrian Molina with co-directors Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi, 'Elio' is packed with warmth and wonder, but much of it stays on the surface. The film's premise revolves around an imaginative child being mistaken for someone important in an otherworldly setting. This setting leans heavily into Pixar's well-worn 'misunderstood kid meets magical world' template. It is almost like 'Inside Out' meets 'Lilo & Stitch', but without the same emotional punch or layered film begins grounded in real-world science and emotional resonance, but soon the narrative slips into chaotic territory - cloning, galactic politics, and a villainous 'Blood Emperor' (voiced by Brad Garrett) whose Marvel-like menace feels Elio's friendship with the Emperor's insecure son Glordon (Remy Edgerly) offers the film's sweetest emotional thread, it too gets a bit lost in the chaos. Zoe Saldana brings steady warmth as Elio's aunt, but many alien characters remain forgettable and overly the premise holds promise, the writing doesn't quite rise to the occasion several times. The emotional beats feel undercooked, especially when compared to the nuanced storytelling Pixar is known for. The characters or ideas are not given enough space to breath before we transition from one place to another. The film introduces layered themes like loss, loneliness, identity but often abandons them in favour of rapid-fire plot developments and quirky distractions. Glordon's arc and the potential father-son commentary get drowned in the visual noise. It's a script that feels like it's trying to juggle too many ideas, resulting in a finale that's flashier than is certainly a step up from some of Disney's recent misfires. Its retro-Disney vibes, sincere message, and humour make it engaging for kids and comforting for parents. But for those expecting a bold new Pixar frontier, this cosmic tale feels just a little too safe and is now out in theatres.3 out of 5 stars to Elio.
CNET
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNET
Today's NYT Strands Hints, Answer and Help for June 18 #472
Looking for the most recent Strands answer? Click here for our daily Strands hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles. Today's NYT Strands puzzle is a tough one. Some of the answers are quite long and tough to unscramble. If you need hints and answers, read on. I go into depth about the rules for Strands in this story. If you're looking for today's Wordle, Connections and Mini Crossword answers, you can visit CNET's NYT puzzle hints page. Read more: NYT Connections Turns 1: These Are the 5 Toughest Puzzles So Far Hint for today's Strands puzzle Today's Strands theme is: Down time If that doesn't help you, here's a clue: The blue character in "Inside Out." Clue words to unlock in-game hints Your goal is to find hidden words that fit the puzzle's theme. If you're stuck, find any words you can. Every time you find three words of four letters or more, Strands will reveal one of the theme words. These are the words I used to get those hints but any words of four or more letters that you find will work: BONE, CONE, LEAN, BEEN, BEAD, DALE, DALES, DEAL, RAGE, RAGED, RAGES, STEM, METS, LANE, GOLD, GONE, LEAD Answers for today's Strands puzzle These are the answers that tie into the theme. The goal of the puzzle is to find them all, including the spangram, a theme word that reaches from one side of the puzzle to the other. When you have all of them (I originally thought there were always eight but learned that the number can vary), every letter on the board will be used. Here are the nonspangram answers: BLUE, TEARY, GLOOMY, DOLEFUL, WOEBEGONE, MELANCHOLY Today's Strands spangram The completed NYT Strands puzzle for June 18, 2025, #472. NYT/Screenshot by CNET Today's Strands spangram is SADNESS. To find it, look for the S that's five letters down on the far-left row, and wind across.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Pixar's Elio Early Reviews Are All Saying the Same Thing
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors "Elio" doesn't officially release until the end of the week, but plenty of critics have gotten to see the film ahead of time, and they all seem to be making similar praise. While some reviewers point out minor flaws, most agree "Elio" is a fun, touching film that will appeal to the whole family. What Do Early Reviews of 'Elio' Say? On X, luca compares it favorably to the many "live action remakes" saying that it's "a beautiful breath of fresh air. fueled by childlike wonder and just SO sweet, as per usual with pixar. exceptionally lovely stuff, kids and parents alike are gonna love this one." Read More: Pirates of the Caribbean Producer Confirms Returning Cast Meanwhile nateplaysgames calls "Elio" a "STELLAR and PURE galactic adventure story, brimming with wonder and exploring different ways to experience loneliness, love, and family." DISNEY According to Erinonfilm, "Elio" is "a funny yet moving exploration of grief that will tug at your heart strings" that represents "a real return to form for Pixar." Gavin Spoors deviates a bit from the pack. He calls the Pixar film "fairly predictable" but says that doesn't stop "Elio" from being a "tonnes of fun, visually inventive" movie that "packs and emotional punch." Paul Klein doesn't seem to have many issues at all with "Elio". He writes that the film "might just be the best Pixar film since Inside Out. It's often funny, very thrilling and has moments that are very moving. It shows that even the biggest outsider can find community and that our complications make us who we are." It appears the early reviews have revealed the newest Pixar venture has the same magic touch. What Is 'Elio' About? According to Pixar's official description of the film, "the cosmic misadventure introduces Elio, a space fanatic with an active imagination and a huge alien obsession." "So, when he's beamed up to the Communiverse, an interplanetary organization with representatives from galaxies far and wide, Elio's all in for the epic undertaking." "Mistakenly identified as Earth's leader, Elio must form new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms, navigate a crisis of intergalactic proportions, and somehow discover who and where he is truly meant to be." "Elio" hits theaters June 20. The film is directed by Adrian Molina, madeline Sharafian, and Domee Shi. More Movies: 'Star Trek' Icon Teases Possible 'Spaceballs 2' Return 'Naked Gun' Reboot Trailer Shares First Look at Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson Team Up
Los Angeles Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
What's new at SoCal theme parks this summer — from lively night shows to ‘Jaws' doughnuts
Summer in SoCal doesn't just mean beaches or bleachers. It's an ideal, albeit crowded, time to visit one of our many theme parks. No matter which park you choose, there's a water ride or two to cool you off and a host of entertainment options. The Disneyland Resort is in the midst of a major anniversary, and Knott's Berry Farm brings back a favorite must-see — or must-play, rather — summer staple. Six Flags Magic Mountain is introducing more theatrics, and Universal Studios Hollywood has made some refreshing tweaks to one of its classic attractions (hint: bring a poncho). Here's a look at the summer highlights at each park. The Disneyland Resort is celebrating a major birthday this July 17, although the party started early in May. Much of the key entertainment happens in the evening. The new 'World of Color Happiness!' at Disney California Adventure brings water-based projection effects to the park's lagoon, alongside a storyline centered on the characters of 'Inside Out.' Disneyland has brought back the lively, LED-driven parade that is 'Paint the Night,' an upbeat and festive jolt of energy that serves as an exclamation point on a day at the park. If fireworks are more to your liking, 'Wondrous Journeys' illuminates the skies above Walt Disney's original Magic Kingdom via a show that serves as an ode to the company's century of animation achievements. Nostalgia is always an invited guest at a Disneyland party, and those who want to relive memories of years spent at the park should not miss 'Tapestry of Happiness,' a five-minute love letter to Disneyland that uses the facade of It's a Small World as a canvas while nodding to the artistry of Mary Blair, the Disney legend responsible for much of the look and tone of the ride whose building the show graces. And coming July 17 will be a show that resurrects Disney as an audio-animatronic, temporarily displacing 'Great Moments of Mr. Lincoln' at the Main Street Opera House. Disney artisans promise that the robotic figure will be one of its most lifelike to date. There are treats galore and even food offerings that nod to Disneyland's past (look for the decadent apple pancake rolls). The birthday festivities run into next year, although some offerings will pause for Halloween and holiday programming. No matter the park, the key touchstones of great theme park theatrics are similar. Expect a pun or two and some heightened emotions — and don't be surprised if there's tinge of hokeyness. But in a good way. Like an actor approaching you with a bucket of water and asking, politely, if you would like it dumped on your head. Or another excitedly talking you into having a curly mustache painted on your face. Knott's Berry Farm's now-annual summer offering 'Ghost Town Alive!' turns all of the park's ol' West area into a stage, and it's a hoot. 'Ghost Town Alive!' is designed to be played. Approach, for instance, the post office in the fictional town of Calico, and you may be handed a package to deliver — only now you're caught up in randomly weird storyline. The narrative has some key beats, but daily shenanigans are often improv-based, and you may find yourself robbing a bank, working as a matchmaker or taking part in a facial hair contest. Every day in 'Ghost Town Alive!' is a little different. If you're willing to put yourself out there, don't be surprised if you forget there are coasters to ride, as 'Ghost Town Alive!' is a gateway to an alternative reality where wackiness reigns. While in Calico, don't miss the summer show 'Miss Cameo Kate's Western Burle-Q- Revue' at the Bird Cage Theatre. It's a 20-minute cabaret-style performance, complete with a torch song and a cancan finale, the latter just a tad risqué. In the evening, Knott's Summer Nights programming brings live music to an assortment of lands. While acts may vary, expect an emphasis on acoustic, rockabilly and Western stylings spread across six stages, turning the park into a mini live music venue. The Valencia coaster park this summer is leaning into superhero properties. The likes of Batman, Superman, Catwoman, the Joker and more are taking part in an evening show that marries dance parties, stunt shows and audience participation. Its 'DC Heroes and Villains Fest' runs weekends throughout the summer beginning June 20, with festivities starting at 5 p.m. There's a plot each night, and it centers on villains trying to spoil a statue dedication to Batman. Audiences are said to be able to align with heroes or villains to see who has control of Gotham City each evening. Expect a stunt show finish and plenty of silliness, such as a dad joke or strength contests. Dance events will center on Catwoman, the Joker and Harley Quinn, nonheroes who will be trying to woo guests with family-friendly entertainment. While 'DC Heroes and Villains Fest' had yet to begin at the time of writing, Magic Mountain is hoping for a theater-heavy experience. 'A lot of my team comes from New York, the Broadway side,' Mike Ostrom, manager of entertainment and events for the park, told immersive podcast No Proscenium. 'So we're trying to bring a lot of theatrical elements and story arc and all those things that involve the crowd, the participants, to really get involved in what they're seeing.' Jurassic World — The Ride is already an attraction designed to get you soaked. This summer, however, Universal Studios has made the ride even wetter, thanks to additional dinosaurs and new geysers. Look for four additional Dilophosaurus figures — those mid-size dinos with ornate, skull-like fans surrounding their head — throughout the ride. Otherwise known as 'spitters,' they do exactly that — spit water at guests in boats. Additionally, once the boat lands after the ride's 84-foot drop, guests will be welcomed with a loud roar and an explosion of new water geysers. Ponchos are recommended. The additions are part of what Universal is calling Mega Movie Summer. The event focuses on treats themed to 'Jaws,' 'Back to the Future' and more — look for a giant doughnut with a shark bite taken out of it, or relax with a lobster roll — as well as photo opportunities and character meet-and-greets. For example, a 'Jaws' photo spot features the return of the park's hanging shark and a chance to meet actors portraying shark hunter Quint and Amity police chief Brody. A 'Back to the Future' location has the DeLorean time machine and actors inhabiting the roles of Marty McFly and Doc Brown as well as an appearance from canine companion Einstein. Once Universal extends its hours on June 28, a projection show will take over Hogwarts Castle in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Elsewhere, characters from 'Wicked' continue to meet guests, and Universal has introduced a 730-pound sculpted Toothless figure from 'How to Train Your Dragon.'
