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Our news from Monday 11 August 2025

Netflix Scores With Bold Crime: "A Good Story Is A Good Story, And This Is One"
Movies / Top 10

Netflix Scores With Bold Crime: "A Good Story Is A Good Story, And This Is One"

This documentary explores the infamous diamond heist in Antwerp, showcasing the daring story behind it.

More than 20 years ago, one of the largest diamond heists in history took place in Antwerp. This case, known as one of the most audacious break-ins in the city's history, is now being revisited successfully on Netflix. The documentary Stolen: Heist of the Century currently ranks in the Netflix Top 10 in multiple countries.

Stolen: Heist of the Century is directed by Mark Lewis. Netflix describes the Original using words like "Captivating", "Offbeat", and "True Crimes".

Reception


On Rotten Tomatoes, there are three reviews, and all are 'Fresh'. On IMDb, Stolen: Heist of the Century has a score of 6.8 based on 188 votes.

John Anderson of the Wall Street Journal writes the following: "No stars. No shiny things. There’s nothing to see except the aftermath of a well-executed theft. It may lead to something less cinematic than literary, or suitable for podcasts. But a good story is a good story, and this is one."

Now On Netflix


If you want to watch Stolen: Heist of the Century, the documentary is now available here on Netflix.



The synopsis: On February 17, 2003, a heavily secured vault was raided in Antwerp. It is estimated that diamonds worth hundreds of millions of dollars were stolen. The heist was executed by a gang from Italy, known as the School of Turin. This documentary reveals how they managed to pull off this operation.
Insane 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' LEGO Set Finally Revealed: Nearly 3,000 Bricks
Movies / News

Insane 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' LEGO Set Finally Revealed: Nearly 3,000 Bricks

LEGO fans are eagerly anticipating the release of the Black Pearl Icons set, which features a detailed version of the iconic pirate ship and some of your favorite characters.

On September 12, 2025, LEGO will launch the set LEGO Icons 10365 Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Ship in the LEGO Shop. Finally, we have the first images of the model based on the Black Pearl from the Pirates of the Caribbean films.

The set will consist of 2816 bricks and includes nine minifigures, featuring Captain Jack Sparrow, Elizabeth Swann, Hector Barbossa, Joshamee Gibbs, Will Turner, Anamaria, Cotton, and Marty. The ship is executed in black (no surprise), has ten fabric sails, gray cannons, and a brown rowboat on deck.

Black Pearl


This is not the first time LEGO has released the Black Pearl. In 2011, set 4184 featured 804 bricks and six minifigures, including Davy Jones and Bootstrap Bill. This earlier version had large black sails, a pirate flag, an anchor, and an opening cabin.

The new version is mounted on two brown stands and features, like the presentation of LEGO Icons 10335 The Endurance, a richly detailed finish. The figurehead is rendered in sand green with wings, body, and dress.

Premium Edition


With a price of 11.53 cents per brick, this set is considered a premium edition within the Icons line, aimed at age 18 and up. The total price amounts to around 330 bucks. Below are the first images, via IcyBricks.

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Disclaimer:

This article is not sponsored by LEGO or any other supplier and is written because the topic connects to series and/or movies.
40 Years Ago This Film Was Hugely Controversial, Now It's A Cult Classic
Movies / Features

40 Years Ago This Film Was Hugely Controversial, Now It's A Cult Classic

Originally met with shock, 'Blue Velvet' has evolved into a beloved classic over the decades, showcasing David Lynch's unique storytelling.

David Lynch passed away earlier this year. The beloved director left us gems like The Elephant Man and Mulholland Drive, but when he released Blue Velvet in 1986, it caused a storm of reactions.

The film was initially condemned for its underlying darkness filled with sexual violence and fetishism. For many, it was outright shocking at the time; for others, a masterful dissection of the American dream.

Story


At the heart of the film is young Jeffrey Beaumont (Kyle MacLachlan), who finds a severed human ear in his quiet town. His curiosity to discover who it belongs to leads him to lounge singer Dorothy Vallens (Isabella Rossellini).

She has a tough life as she is exploited by the violent and sadistic Frank Booth (Dennis Hopper). Lynch paints a suffocating world where beauty and brutality often go hand in hand, but not everyone was a fan of this portrayal.

Shock And Controversy


Upon its release, many critics were baffled by the explicit scenes and psychological intensity. Rossellini faced criticism for her vulnerable and sexually charged role, while Hopper's portrayal of Frank Booth was described as one of the most terrifying ever.



Some reviewers even went so far as to label the film sickening and despicable. However, over the years, most people began to view Blue Velvet differently, recognizing it as a groundbreaking work that dared to blend film noir, horror, and melodrama.

From Shock To Classic


Today, Blue Velvet has achieved cult status and is regarded as one of Lynch's best works. What was once seen as provocation is now considered a milestone in modern American cinema.

The Disney+ Sci-Fi Series That Will Surprise Everyone In 2025 Starts Next Week
Series / News

The Disney+ Sci-Fi Series That Will Surprise Everyone In 2025 Starts Next Week

This new prequel series set in the Alien universe promises thrilling encounters and a deep dive into its lore.

The sci-fi horror series Alien: Earth is finally arriving on FX Hulu and Disney+, coming this Wednesday, August 13. What do you need to know about this exciting addition to the Alien universe?

The series is set two years before the events of the original film Alien (1979) and tells the story of a spaceship crashing on Earth. A young woman and a team of tactical soldiers uncover a deadly threat: the Xenomorphs, and become embroiled in a conflict between massive tech companies. There’s also a morally complex battle involving synthetic beings, 'Hybrids,' that house human consciousness in artificial bodies.

Big Names, High Expectations


The series is created and written by Noah Hawley, known for Fargo and Legion, and produced in collaboration with Ridley Scott. It features Sydney Chandler as Wendy (a hybrid), Timothy Olyphant as Kirsh (a synthetic being), Alex Lawther, Samuel Blenkin, Essie Davis, and Adarsh Gourav. The actors deliver strong performances set against impressive special effects.

The reception has already been particularly positive. After 53 reviews, Alien: Earth holds an excellent 92 percent rating. The Critics Consensus on Rotten Tomatoes states: "Stylish and terrifying as hell. Noah Hawley brings Alien: Earth from the Xenomorph mythos to the television medium, preserving the cinematic grandeur while creating its unique identity."

Binge-Watching?


The first two episodes will air on August 12 in the U.S. via FX on Hulu, followed by weekly releases. Internationally the series will be available on Disney+ starting mostly on August 13. There are a total of eight episodes, with the finale airing on September 24. After that, you can start your binge-watch session.

First Reviews Of The Latest 'Outlander': Watch Or Skip?
Series / Reviews

First Reviews Of The Latest 'Outlander': Watch Or Skip?

The initial reviews for 'Outlander: Blood of My Blood' are largely positive, highlighting its engaging story and strong production values.

With Matthew B. Roberts at the helm, also known for Outlander, the beloved universe returns with a new prequel set in the 18th century. The series debuted last week on the streaming service Starz, titled Outlander: Blood of My Blood, and has received strong reception once again.

The series follows the story of Jamie Fraser's parents and Ellen MacKenzie, exploring their forbidden romance during the turbulent times of the Jacobite uprisings. Caitríona Balfe asserts that the production remains faithful to the tone of the source material. As of now, the series boasts a Tomatometer score of 92% on Rotten Tomatoes from thirteen reviews.

Fan Service
Aramide Tinubu from Variety describes the prequel as "lush, complex, beautifully shot, and structured," calling it an exciting addition to a series that has captivated many viewers since its inception. Marah Eakin from TheWrap emphasizes that the series "clearly delights in delivering Outlander fan service," noting that many familiar elements are returning.

Gemma Wilson from Seattle Times states in her review that "no one would turn down a second helping of such a decadent treat, especially when it is made with so much love for the original."

Blood and Thunder
Verne Gay from Newsday calls the production "full of wild plot twists, engaging lead roles, and stunning landscapes," questioning what there wouldn't be to enjoy.



Ed Power from Independent (UK) is more critical, stating that "the series is rife with the Scottish equivalent of blarney." He argues this results in a production full of blood and thunder, which sometimes devolves into unintentional comedy. However, he seems to be the only one not enjoying the latest Outlander.
Hulu and Disney+ Is Soon Launching A Very Unusual And Twisted Series
Series / News

Hulu and Disney+ Is Soon Launching A Very Unusual And Twisted Series

Disney+ will premiere a gripping dramatic series based on the true story of Amanda Knox, offering a deep dive into her legal battles.

Hulu and Disney+ has released the trailer and the first 90 seconds of the drama series The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox. The series stars Grace Van Patten as Amanda Knox, who was wrongfully convicted of murder in Italy in 2007.

The series follows the true story of Knox, who found herself in the midst of a media storm after her roommate Meredith Kercher was found murdered. Her long struggle to prove her innocence and regain her freedom is at the heart of the story.

Determined


In the trailer, Knox discusses her return to Italy: "Why would I return to a country where I was convicted of murder? Because to move forward, I must go back." The story showcases her determination in her fight, while also exploring why both authorities and the public were so convinced of her guilt.

In addition to Van Patten, the show features Sharon Horgan, John Hoogenakker, Francesco Acquaroli, Giuseppe De Domenico, and Roberta Mattei. The director is Michael Uppendahl.

Trailer & First 90 Seconds


The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox is developed by KJ Steinberg, known for This Is Us. It will premiere in the US on Hulu and internationallyon Disney+ starting August 20, with the first two episodes released simultaneously, followed by weekly new episodes. Below is the trailer, followed by the first 90 seconds of the series.



Season 2 Of The Ultimate Netflix Hit From 2025: What We Know (and Don’t) About The Follow-up To 'Adolescence'
Series / Features

Season 2 Of The Ultimate Netflix Hit From 2025: What We Know (and Don’t) About The Follow-up To 'Adolescence'

The Netflix series 'Adolescence' is in talks for a second season, prompting excitement among fans and critics alike.

Since its release on March 13 of this year, the Netflix series Adolescence has quickly turned into a ratings phenomenon with over 114 million views in less than a month. The total currently stands at 142.6 million, about 100 million shy of the all-time Netflix blockbuster Wednesday. Although the series was originally released as a limited series, discussions are now underway for a potential second season.

The crime series, created by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne and produced by Brad Pitt's Plan B Entertainment, revolves around Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old boy from a small English town who is arrested on suspicion of murdering classmate Katie Leonard. Newcomer Owen Cooper plays the lead role, while Graham himself appears as Miller’s father. Despite the first season's story reaching a concluded end, with only some implied repercussions, talks are now circulating about a possible continuation.

Discussions About A New Season


According to Deadline, Plan B heads Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner are in preliminary conversations with director Philip Barantini about a "next version" of Adolescence. The aim is to bring Graham and Thorne back on board as well. Gardner indicated that there are internal discussions on how to continue the series without repetition while retaining the original style and themes.

Although a second season has not been officially confirmed, Adolescence is not the first series that has been extended after a planned conclusion. Other series like The White Lotus, Beef, Squid Game, and more recently Untamed started as completed projects but received continuations due to massive viewer success. Graham noted in an interview, “Let’s see how the numbers pan out. But yes, there is the possibility of developing a new story.”

New Direction For The Story


Gardner’s comments on avoiding repetition may hint at an anthology approach. Each season could tackle different social issues surrounding teenagers in the UK, or the story might be told from a new perspective. Hannah Walters, co-producer and actress in the series, does not rule out new angles but confirmed that a prequel is not on the table.



In conversation with Netflix’s Tudum, Graham stated that an important aim of the series is to explore the pressure young men experience from friends, the internet, and social media. These universal themes would likely also be central in a potential second season. Thus, it seems likely that Adolescence can maintain its social relevance should the series indeed return.