The world is big, brutal and unfriendly. It has global warming, nation’s fighting, forest burning, scarcity and crisis for drinking water and so many other issues that keep you worried about how you are going to spend a great long life on this earth. Along with that, we are often surrounded by the people with the most eccentric behaviors that might bug the hell out of you. And expressing what you are thinking will be not very pleasant to share.

So, in such a situation, you can think of something funny to say that will not only change the mode of conversation but will also help you tell them what you want without offending them. Are you wondering what things you can say in such moments to express what you feel, but with a touch of sass or sarcasm? Take a look at the following examples to get inspired.

“Take My Advice- I am not using it.”

This one is a perfect example of sarcasm. It sounds almost like Chandler Bing talking. There are many people who often ask for our advice. We give them advice alright. But they anyway end up doing what they wanted to do all along even when the advice is not something even close to that. And when this has already happened several times, it is needless to say that you will be least bothered to offer your advice again. Now, if that person again comes to you asking for what you think about a particular situation and how they should act, you might not want to hurt their feelings. In such a case, you can think of saying, “Take my advice- I am not using it.” Basically you are not refusing to give advice so to say but you are actually telling them that you have to offer something futile to consider even as a piece of advice.

“It’s Not That I Trust You. I am Just Feeling Lazy Today.”

Maybe you are a lazy person who finds no motivation whatsoever in working or for that matter, in doing anything. And if it is possible, you believe in passing on the responsibility to someone else too. Now, when you are thinking of delegating your work most of the time, you will need newer excuses every time, isn’t it? And for that, you need to know about random things to say. So, when you are asking someone else to do your work, you can just say, “It’s not that I trust you. I am just feeling lazy today.” And that should be enough reason for you to refusing to work and delegating it without being too demanding.

“The only thing I understand about Algebra: I look at my X and I wonder Y”

Have you recently broken up and finally have realized that you deserve better than the bloke or the bimbo you spend a lot of time with? And still, people are having some difficult time understanding and accept that you are finally free and away from the disastrous relationship you had? And as a reply you just want to say something really sassy in answer or want to post a killer status on social media? “The only thing I understand about Algebra: I look at my X and I wonder Y” is the perfect line to express your current mood that is all ready to come up with the sassiest comebacks.

So, now as you know about these weird things to say that won’t offend people but will put out your message loud and clear, what are you waiting for? Start using them in your daily conversations.

Gaming takes us into a whole different world. With advancements in technology and designing powerful graphics, game developers are instrumental in offering an enhanced experience to gamers. However, gaming is not restricted to PC, laptops, or big screens. Game Boy, PSP, and Nintendo DS offer an excellent gaming experience on the go. Though these devices offer a great experience in their own way, they fall short in offering the best experience that home consoles offer. As the technology progressed in smartphones, gamers are not preferring separate gadgets dedicated to gaming. Powerful and high-end devices such as iPhone XS Max and OnePlus 6T have hit the market and provide an optimal experience as same or better as handheld gaming consoles. These handheld devices are constrained by screen size, battery power, and other factors. Mobile phone accessories are needed to enhance the experience and enjoy the gaming with the fullest passion. The market for mobile phone accessories is experiencing a tremendous growth. According to the research firm Allied Market Research, the global mobile phone accessories market is expected to reach $255.14 billion by 2023. There are some of the must-have mobile phone accessories for gaming aficionados that would enhance the overall experience. Following is the list of accessories that gamers should possess for an optimal experience:

Controller

Controllers free up the device screen for an unobstructed view and enable gamers more control and convenience. This would offer a better immersive experience. From small add-ons that provide various capabilities in games such as PUBG to large-sized controllers to play games such as FIFA, these controllers can offer an enhanced overall experience. Choose a controller based on gaming preferences and budget.

Headphones

When it comes to mobile gaming, headphones become a necessary accessory. Along with immersive experience, they help gamers in concentrating and listening to actions. Moreover, it helps in better collaboration with teammates. Headphones should be preferred for competitive gaming. The best benefit of the smartphone is that it enables gamers to play anywhere without disturbing others with the sound effects in the game. Though standard headphones are great, gamers have been giving preference to Bluetooth headphones. These headphones can eliminate the burden of wires that can distract along with disrupting the grip on the controller. From earbuds to over-the-ear headphones, there is a wide range of headphones that can offer great sound and optimal experience.

Power banks

Though the current high-end smartphones can offer advanced graphics and immersive experience, it is no surprise the battery will drain so fast. For hours long uninterrupted gaming experience, power banks become a necessity. An external power bank or battery pack would ensure the device will not turn off while you are on the verge of reaching the next level or beating an opponent to the ground. Though there are various options available such as phone cases with built-in batteries, they can interfere with other accessories such as wired controllers or headphones.

VR Gadgets

Virtual Reality (VR) headsets offer gamers an opportunity to design their own world and interact with objects and characters created in the virtual world. VR headsets in the market are compatible with iOS and Android devices and connected through an app. Some of the headsets have the ability to create a virtual battlefield to bring an immersive and intense experience to real life. These headsets also provide directional audio sounds to show the direction in which the shots are emerging. There are various capabilities installed in every VR headset and you can choose based on what kind of experience you need.

HDMI Cables

As there are technological advancements in terms of graphics and processing power in smartphones, connecting a smartphone device to PC or TV would offer an enhanced experience. Recent game titles such as PUBG and Fortnite offers outstanding visuals. Though there are wireless ways in which the mobile screen can be cast on the PC or TV or the big screen through SmartView, AirPlay, and others, there are chances of lagging. This may disrupt the gaming experience. The lag can be tolerated while watching videos, but gaming is a different thing. For a seamless experience, the traditional HDMI cable would connect the smartphone to TV or big screen. This would free gamers from frustrating experience of lagging or disruption.

Transformers franchise’s latest spinoff flick, Bumblebee, has made a superb entry in the Chinese market with a great collection of $59.4 million in its first week, after its release in the country recently. The movie, directed by Travis Knight, was being called a failure previously by many trade experts due to a lukewarm response on the domestic, home box-office in the US.

But after the good reception in China, the movie is sure to become a great hit, if not very-very astonishingly fantastic. But as far as the worldwide box-office collections are concerned, then Bumblebee will definitely end up to be a great grosser. Another thing that’s worked for it in China is that Transformers movies have always been a hit among the Chinese audiences. The action-adventure film is gradually closing in towards a global total of $300 million, as of now, which is really good for it.

With its great earnings in the first week in China, it also dethroned DC and Warner Bros’ superhero blockbuster Aquaman, which is currently ruling the worldwide box-office, with an estimated total of above $940 million! The movie is surely going to cross $1 billion mark, in a few days from now and it will be the first time for a rebooted universe of DC, as far its highest grossing movie is concerned.

The Bumblebee movie stars Hailee Steinfeld, John Cena, and Gracie Dzienny, and Jason Drucker, among others. The voice of Bumblebee is given by Dylan O’Brien while there is also the famous Optimus Prime but in small appearances. His iconic voice is given by Peter Cullen.

The film tells the story of a girl who meets an Autobot, called Bumblebee and then they both start to share an inseparable bond until the end, like true friends. But they also have to face various obstacles and situations testing them, consistently.

The movie is distributed by Paramount Pictures and produced by Tencent Pictures, Allspark Pictures, and Di Bonaventura Pictures.

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Cast: James McAvoy, Nicholas Hoult, John Boyega, Gemma Arterton, Peter Capaldi, Olivia, Colman, Ben Kingsley

Director: Noam Murro

Network: Netflix, BBC One

There’s always a point in life when you are confronted with the most inevitable hardship, you’ve ever faced. What do you then? Well, if you’re a fearless and optimistic being then you fight it till the moment you win, despite knowing it will destroy you. That’s exactly the thing BBC One and Netflix’s co-produced animated mini-series Watership Down tells you to believe. Never lose your hope, your courage, and your spirit to fight.

There’s no great thing that this series does, but what it does is simply subtle yet relevant; tickling your thoughts about the world, humanity and yourself too.

Although it’s a second time that the famous 1972 novel’s story (Watership Down by author Richard Adams), has been adapted, it still feels like a refreshing take. When it was last adapted as a movie, back in 1978, by Martin Rosen and John Hubley, it was appreciated critically.

The latest take by BBC One (released on December 22^nd, 2018), and streamed by Netflix from December 23^rd, 2018, is a commendable one since this animated series keeps one thing constant – the essence and struggle of the characters. Throughout the four episodes, you are never let down by its impact of various emotional scenarios that it dives into. And yes it’s a story about the survival and adventures of a group of rabbits, still, you’re left asking questions to yourself too. Because there are lots of similarities you can make out.

The magnificence of the rabbits’ characters also come from the fact that they are voiced by famous actors like James McAvoy, John Boyega, Nicholas Hoult, and also Ben Kingsley.

The story is about the home-ridden group of rabbits who have to find a new warren for themselves, but are faced with constant obstacles and challenges in form of the ‘evil warren of Elfrara’.

Now, calling it an outstanding version of the novel won’t be justified but the way it’s been handled by director Noam Murro is admirable. Yes, the animation will disappoint you in scenes needing more expressive relations among the rabbits. It’s not having one of the best and highest standards of animated effects by any means. Many of the fans of the novel may ignore this series based on just this aspect. But still, it deserves your attention.

The voice cast is the biggest reason for you get hooked to it from the very start and till you reach the end, you’re left satisfied; inside your heart that you completed the journey with those rabbits too. They succeed in touching your heart, in many ways. And because there are so many, it just becomes all the more emotional and relatable.

Main characters like Hazel (voiced by James McAvoy), Fiver (voiced by Nicholas Hoult), and especially Bigwig (voiced by John Boyega) are hard to miss. And a very important role of a bird, named Kehaar (voiced by Peter Capaldi), is the highlight to look for. Despite he’s for only a few scenes, he leaves a great impact; especially towards the last episode he turns out as a ‘brave hero’. Other supporting characters like Clover, Bluebell, Captain Holly, and Hyzenthlay catch your attention too.

General Woundwort (voiced by the great Ben Kingsley), shines as a depiction of pure evil, just like a ‘human interpretation’. He is merciless, cruel, unforgiving, and as fatal as possible. Kingsley’s voice just makes him all the more compelling.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3gQ117IKkM]
Female rabbits involving Clover (voiced by Gemma Arterton) and Hyzenthlay (voiced by Anne-Marrie Duff) play an important part in the storyline too, by playing key roles in tough, demanding situations.

On a broader level, this series may seem to be just an average-animated adaptation but when being observed in a deeper manner the relevance can be clearly understood. The relevance of being a human, having generous qualities, being free of hate, and any inhuman characteristic. You are taught the ways of life through a bunch of creatures who are never down on themselves, no matter what. They always stay together, fight together, ready to die for each other and share great empathy.

This series deserves a second season, without any doubt. Because it will be really-really exciting to see what the rabbits do next on their new adventure that their life takes them to. And hopefully, the animation will be even better next time.

For now, it’s still a great watch. If you’re a fan of cartoons, animals, tales of varying emotions, while also expecting some important life lessons, then Watership Down is for you, definitely. Not to mention the fantabulous theme song, Fire on Fire, performed by singer Sam Smith, which is tremendously charismatic to your ears.

Watership Review. Image Source: self-created image by author

Cast: Sandra Bullock, Trevante Rhodes, Sarah Paulson, John Malkovich, Lil Rel Howery

Director: Susanne Bier

Network: Netflix

If ‘A Quiet Place’ ever had a sequel, then its new plot could have been exactly similar to what Netflix’s latest movie Bird Box has. The only difference is that A Quiet Place’s sequel would have turned out to be much much better at presenting it, meaningfully.

That’s the thing about ‘Bird Box’ that says it all. It’s a half-baked cake, with a taste that fades away very early than thought.

Netflix’s drama/thriller about a monstrous and mysterious entity that decimates people who see it, had a vast potential to be a fantastic horror flick, but it just didn’t land as expectedly. Actress Sandra Bullock stars as Malorie, who’s a mother of two and on a deadly journey to reach to a safer place, protected from the mysterious force that kills anyone who sees it, keeping the eyes open. So she puts a blindfold on her eyes and her children’s too.

The plot is so catchy and interesting that at first the movie pulls you in very easily and makes a kind-of promise that you’re in for a breathtaking and mindboggling struggle for survival by the main protagonist from an unknown, fatal monstrous entity. But just the moment it could gain that strength, it looses it all. Despite having a similarity of the plot with Paramount Pictures’s ‘A Quiet Place’, it was still appearing to be a ‘solid story’, which, it couldn’t achieve to be, at all.

Another reason is the lack of strong supporting characters. Yes, there are some but they don’t serve the purpose here. And some characters just feel so void that they felt out-of-the-story since it would have been the same scenario even if they were not there.

Irrelevant elements distress you from the ongoing struggle and tension, every time, and which ultimately makes this flick an over 2-hour drama, that could’ve easily been a 1 hour and 30 minute gripping plot. And the real ‘thing’ about which this flick tries to tell you the survival story of its character, actually remains unseen, even till the end! Seriously?
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBLK5FAAp1Q]
Director Susanne Bier should’ve kept it more basic and intact as far as the actual, key components of Bird Box are concerned, which are the mother, and her two children, and how they deal with finishing off their dangerous journey to a hopeful destiny. Adding ‘even a few’ things in-between just didn’t fit into it, rightly. In a survival story like this, where there’s the end of the world and all you’ve got is to make yourself the last living person, the objective must be to just stay close to the plot – no moving here and there. And ‘A Quiet Place’ is a perfect example of following this principle.

Despite all this, the film is a one-time watch since the photography looks amazing and attractive, making you feel that atmosphere of an apocalyptic situation. Some really engaging sequences make you interested but leave no impact. But the scenes, going through the river are great to watch.

There’s no other actor or actress in this movie who you can remember for leaving an impression since there’s ‘no connect’ you can make with them, whatsoever.

Bird Box had a lot of things going for it yet it didn’t keep it simple and straight and tried to be a bit extra from what it should’ve been. It makes you want to be involved in it, but you realize very soon that it’s not worth it in ‘that way’. The ending is what it shouldn’t be. And that’s what really ruins this flick, seriously. Because you are left wondering about the danger and how the characters just managed to save themselves from it! The director could’ve tried to make it more understandable and deeper.

Many of the questions remain unanswered which leads to utter disinterest. And it just continues.

These days, there are a lot of talented filmmakers who come up with exceptional horror or survival dramas, so when there’s a weak entry like this, viewers leave no chance of comparison and analyzing too. They are intelligent now.

Bird Box Review: A catchy plot, executed in a lazy style. Image Source: Self-created image by author.