Cliff Notes – Pulp overwhelmed by Glastonbury response as they didn’t expect anyone to care Pulp’s return to the music scene has been met with unexpected enthusiasm, drawing one of the largest crowds at Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage in 2025. Their new album, More, debuted at number one in the UK and was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize, marking a significant comeback since their last release in 2001. The band, particularly Candida Doyle and Nick Banks,…
Cliff Notes – Arc Raiders free open beta is live now across PS5 and Xbox Open Beta Availability: The Arc Raiders open beta, titled Server Slam, is accessible for free from October 17 to October 19, 2025, on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Gameplay Features: Players can engage in PvPvE raids on a single map, Dam Battlegrounds, facing hostile robots and competing teams while completing quests for rewards. Progress and Pricing: Progress from the…
Cliff Notes – Is This Thing On? review: Bradley Cooper’s unexpected film about comedian John Bishop Unexpected Biopic: The film, directed by Bradley Cooper, offers a heartfelt portrayal of comedian John Bishop’s journey into stand-up comedy, set against the backdrop of a personal crisis. Character-Driven Comedy: Will Arnett stars as Alex Novak, who discovers a passion for comedy while navigating his impending divorce, showcasing the blend of humour and personal tragedy. Strong Performances: Arnett delivers…
Cliff Notes – Liam Payne’s sister still has ‘reoccurring nightmare’ about his final moments Ruth Payne expressed profound grief over her brother Liam’s death, describing it as an incomprehensible loss that haunts her daily. She shared her recurring nightmare of being unable to save him, reflecting on the emotional turmoil and unanswered questions surrounding his final moments. Ruth acknowledged underestimating the depth of her grief and the impact of losing a sibling, highlighting the void…
Cliff Notes – Is Battlefield 6 the best online shooter? Shift in Market Dynamics: Battlefield 6’s success has prompted Activision to consider changes to Call of Duty, potentially making it more realistic to compete with Battlefield’s appeal. Coexistence of Franchises: Both Battlefield and Call of Duty can thrive together, but the competitive pressure may lead to each trying to emulate the other’s successful features. Strengths and Weaknesses: While Battlefield 6 excels in online gameplay, Call…
Cliff Notes – Nintendo DS games coming to Switch suggests new patent A newly discovered patent indicates Nintendo is exploring three methods to emulate the DS and 3DS, including options for dual screens and a potential new peripheral. The unique design of the DS and 3DS, featuring two screens and a touchscreen, presents challenges for emulation on standard TV setups, which Nintendo has yet to address on the Switch. While patents do not guarantee implementation,…
Cliff Notes – Naked Gun and Father of the Bride actor Ed Williams dies aged 98 Ed Williams, renowned for his role as a deadpan scientist in Police Squad! and the Naked Gun film series, passed away at the age of 98 on October 2 in Los Angeles. Before returning to acting in the early 1980s, Williams taught speech classes at LA City College and was often cast as priests, leading to his role in…
Cliff Notes – Sonic The Hedgehog satnav app insists that you gotta go slow Waze has partnered with Sega to feature Sonic the Hedgehog as a voice option for navigation, allowing users to hear Sonic’s directions while driving. Sonic’s voice actor, Roger Craig Smith, has recorded new lines for the app, adding authenticity to the experience. Despite Sonic’s reputation for speed, the app does not encourage reckless driving, and fan reactions have been largely positive,…
Cliff Notes – Pokémon Legends: Z-A out now – here are the best UK deals and bundles Launch and Reception: Pokémon Legends: Z-A is now available, receiving positive feedback for its improvements over previous 3D entries, appealing to both casual and hardcore fans. Best Deals: Argos offers the most competitive prices at £41.99 for the Switch 1 version and £51.99 for the Switch 2 version, with potential further discounts available through marketing registration. Bundle Options:…
Cliff Notes – Italian TV star and model Pamela Genini stabbed to death by ex on balcony Pamela Genini, a 29-year-old model and TV star, was fatally stabbed in her Milan flat during a dispute with her ex-boyfriend, Gianluca Soncin, 52, who allegedly used a copy of her key to gain entry. Genini managed to alert police by pretending that they were a food delivery service when Soncin arrived, but she was found in critical…
Cliff Notes – Jeremy Allen White explores Bruce Springsteen’s ‘frightening’ depression at heart of new biopic Jeremy Allen White discusses the mental health struggles Bruce Springsteen faced while creating his album Nebraska, highlighting a pivotal moment of feeling like an observer in his own life. The biopic Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere focuses on this transformative period, with Springsteen’s involvement ensuring authenticity throughout the production process. White aims for the film to inspire viewers grappling…
Cliff Notes – Celebrity Traitors fans gutted as best contestants axed in three shock eliminations The latest episode of The Celebrity Traitors saw the unexpected elimination of three contestants, including YouTube prankster Niko Omilana and Olympian Tom Daley, leaving fans in disbelief. Actress Tameka Empson also faced elimination, prompting viewer outrage over the decisions made during the roundtable discussions. The show continues to generate buzz, with fans expressing disappointment over the loss of popular contestants…
Cliff Notes – TV fans will feel paranoid watching my new Harlan Coben Amazon thriller Alexandra Roach expresses her excitement about portraying a character from Harlan Coben’s psychological drama Lazarus, highlighting the series’ unexpected twists and emotional depth. The six-part series follows Lazarus, played by Sam Claflin, as he navigates the mysteries surrounding his father’s suicide and his sister’s long-unsolved murder. Roach prepared for her role by exploring spirituality, even participating in workshops in Glastonbury,…
Cliff Notes – ROG Xbox Ally X review Microsoft switch to a handheld console High-End Performance: The ROG Xbox Ally X boasts impressive graphical capabilities, significantly outperforming the Nintendo Switch, but it comes at a steep price of £799. PC Gaming Interface: Operating on Windows 11, the device offers a PC-like experience, integrating with Microsoft accounts for game downloads, though it lacks native Xbox console game support. User Experience Challenges: While ergonomically designed, the interface…
Cliff Notes – Bruce Willis’ wife reveals heartbreaking way their children are dealing with his dementia Emma Heming Willis shared that their daughters, Mabel and Evelyn, are coping with their father’s frontotemporal dementia, expressing both resilience and grief over missing important milestones with him. Emma detailed her own struggles with grief, emphasising the importance of acknowledging emotions while also advocating for awareness of Bruce’s condition through her new book and public appearances. The decision to…
Cliff Notes – Best new Halloween tabletop board games and TCGs for 2025 Dungeons & Dragons Crossovers: New titles like “Horrified: Dungeons & Dragons” and “Welcome to the Hellfire Club” blend classic gameplay with popular culture, featuring iconic monsters and nostalgic themes from the 1980s. Riot Games’ Riftbound: The new “League of Legends” trading card game introduces tactical gameplay with beloved characters, aiming to compete with established titles like Magic: The Gathering. Marvel and Disney…
Cliff Notes – Games Inbox: Why are Nintendo games so low budget Budget Discrepancies: Nintendo allocates minimal budgets for high-grossing franchises like Pokémon, raising questions about their financial priorities compared to other titles like Zelda, which receives more investment despite lower sales. Frustration with Production Quality: Critics argue that the lack of voice acting and poor graphics in Pokémon games is unacceptable, especially given the franchise’s success and the capabilities of modern gaming technology. Profit…
Cliff Notes – BBC presenter says he will be off air after undergoing emergency surgery Owain Wyn Evans, 41, has undergone emergency gallbladder surgery due to the discovery of polyps and is currently recovering in hospital. The presenter expressed gratitude towards NHS staff for their care and highlighted the importance of the NHS in his family’s health history. Evans will be taking a break from work, receiving support from friends and colleagues, while he recuperates.…
Cliff Notes – Iconic film designer for Harry Potter and Star Wars Drew Struzan dies aged 78 Drew Struzan, renowned for his iconic film posters for franchises like Star Wars and Harry Potter, passed away at the age of 78, as confirmed by a statement from his brother. Struzan’s artistic journey began with album covers for famous musicians before transitioning to film posters in the 1970s, where he became a leading figure in the industry.…
Cliff Notes – Oscar Isaac brushes off ‘hot Frankenstein’ outcry over Jacob Elordi Oscar Isaac emphasises the importance of audience curiosity regarding Jacob Elordi’s portrayal of Frankenstein’s creature, suggesting that differing interpretations can enhance viewer engagement. The film, directed by Guillermo del Toro, marks a long-awaited adaptation of Mary Shelley’s gothic tale, with Elordi’s character evolving from a sculpted figure to a Byronic anti-hero. David Bradley, a returning collaborator with del Toro, draws parallels between…
Cliff Notes – Actress addresses ‘insanely inappropriate’ TV show relationship between 15-year-old and teacher Busy Philipps reflects on a controversial storyline from Dawson’s Creek, where her character’s boyfriend, Pacey, engages in a sexual relationship with his 36-year-old teacher, highlighting cultural shifts in perceptions of such narratives. The storyline, which aired during the show’s first season, has been widely criticized as “awful” and “creepy” by fans, prompting discussions about the appropriateness of depicting such relationships on…
Cliff Notes – Celebrity Traitors’ Jonathan Ross ‘didn’t enjoy’ show as he issues warning to future stars Jonathan Ross described his experience on Celebrity Traitors as ‘uncomfortable’, particularly due to the constant lying required as a Traitor. Despite the show’s success, drawing over 6.1 million viewers, Ross advised potential participants to consider his negative experience before joining. The series has already generated controversy, notably after Alan Carr’s shocking betrayal of Paloma Faith, which has left…
Cliff Notes – Masterpiece thriller that ‘changed cinema forever’ is now available to stream Cinematic Impact: Released in 1975, Jaws is hailed as one of the most influential films in cinema history, setting the standard for modern blockbusters and inspiring numerous sharksploitation films. Streaming Availability: The original Jaws is now available on Disney Plus, alongside its sequels, which have received mixed critical reception, with the original holding a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Director’s Experience:…
Cliff Notes – Sentimental Value review: I think it was worthy of its 19-minute standing ovation Powerful Performances: Stellan Skarsgård and Renate Reinsve deliver compelling performances that elevate the film, showcasing a complex father-daughter relationship amidst family dysfunction. Unique Narrative Structure: The film intricately weaves the family’s home into its narrative, making it a character in its own right, which adds depth to the story of generational trauma. Dark Humour and Realism: Balancing emotional weight…
Cliff Notes – Big Brother star George Gilbert reveals comments that got him kicked out of house George Gilbert was removed from the Big Brother house for using ‘offensive language’ during discussions about conspiracy theories, which reportedly included antisemitic remarks. He acknowledged that his comments, particularly regarding historical figures and antisemitism, were provocative and led to multiple warnings before his exit. Gilbert expressed concern that his reputation is now damaged, fearing it will impact his…
