Tech / Technology

The best movies on Peacock for when you need some wild fun

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From Harry Potter to Fast & Furious and “Bridesmaids,” Peacock has the hits you need to see (again).

Some days, it feels like there are too many streaming services and too many options. How can you possibly choose what movie to watch next?

For those of you who have Peacock (and why wouldn’t you? Their TV offerings are stacked!), we’re here to help. We’ve combed through the streaming service’s catalog to bring you the funniest comedies, the most moving dramas, the most suspenseful thrillers, and the all-around best movies for your viewing pleasure. All you need to bring is the popcorn!

1. Asteroid City

Jason Schwartzman and Tom Hanks talk on the phone in "Asteroid City."


Credit: Focus Features

The most “Wes Anderson” of Anderson’s prolific and twee oeuvre, Asteroid City is not for everyone. If you’ve never found meaning in the stylistic artifice of an Anderson film, then you might feel similarly baffled here. But if Anderson’s whimsy has spoken to you in the past, then take comfort knowing this most recent offering might be his most intricate and affecting film to date. 

Existential and gentle, Asteroid City is a movie about a show about a play, a nesting doll artistic endeavor keenly interested in the nature of storytelling. Is it about an alien encounter in a fictional desert town or the playwright and actors who brought the fictional desert town to life? Or is it about Anderson himself, an explainer on his hyper-specific body of work? The answer is all of this and more. Asteroid City is a fanciful, emotional triumph, popping off the screen with vibrant technicolor and a stacked cast of familiar faces and vibrant newcomers. A must-see film for Anderson-fans. — Kristina Grosspietsch, Freelance Contributing Writer

How to watch: Asteroid City is now streaming on Peacock.

2. Bridesmaids

Wendi McLendon-Covey, Rose Byrne, Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Maya Rudolph, Ellie Kemper in "Bridesmaids"


Credit: Suzanne Hanover / Universal / Kobal / Shutterstock

If you haven’t seen Bridesmaids, written by Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, we’re so sorry that you’ve obviously been trapped in a siren’s cave for the last 11 years — because there is simply no other excuse. Bridesmaids was an era-defining film. In 2011, there were still prominent male comedians claiming women couldn’t be funny! Bridesmaids put an end to the debate.

Wiig stars as Annie, a wayward thirtysomething who feels out of step with her best friend Lillian (a perfect Maya Rudolph) when she meets the other women in Lillian’s bridal party. What follows is both romantic comedy and buddy flick, stuffed to the brim with punchlines, physical gags, and a repulsive and unforgettable gross-out scene. The entire cast here is flawless: Rose Byrne is delightfully haughty. Jon Hamm is perfect as a hot idiot. Chris O’Dowd is a swoon-worthy love interest, and Melissa McCarthy was nominated for a dang Oscar for her scene-stealing performance as another misfit bridesmaid. Please escape the siren’s cave and see this legendary comedy — for your own good! — K.G.

How to watch: Bridesmaids is streaming on Peacock.

3. John Wick

Keanu Reeves in "John Wick."


Credit: David Lee / Thunder Road / Lionsgate / 87eleven / Mjw / Summit / Kobal / Shutterstock

Currently, all John Wick properties, including the so-so prequel series, The Continental, are streaming on Peacock. This highly stylized and violent neo-noir thriller franchise tells the story of John Wick (Keanu Reeves), the best assassin there ever was, who gets drawn back into the underworld after a personal tragedy leaves him set on revenge. Wick’s body count is prodigious and creative, but his cause is just. You can’t help but root for the quiet, brooding antihero. He wanted out of the game — but the game won’t let him say goodbye that easily. John Wick is a nonstop action spectacular with stunning cinematogaphy and positively mesmerizing fight choreography. — K.G.

How to watch: John Wick is now streaming on Peacock.

4. The Outfit

Mark Rylance and Zoey Deutch in "The Outfit."


Credit: Focus Features

This cleverly twisted crime film was written and directed by Graham Moore, who won an Oscar for his adapted screenplay of The Imitation Game in 2015. The incomparable Mark Rylance stars as a soft-spoken British tailor who makes beautiful, bespoke men’s suits in 1950s Chicago. Unfortunately, most of his clientele are ruthless mobsters. The majority of the movie takes place in the span of one shocking and breathless night when his gangster clients seek shelter in the shop after an unexpected shootout from a rival organization.

The Outfit is a sophisticated and constantly surprising thriller. As Rylance’s assistant, Zoey Deutch is as charming as always, and Johnny Flynn thrives while playing against type as a no-good ’50s gangster. It’s an absolute gem of a film that will keep you guessing the whole way through. — K.G.

How to watch: The Outfit is streaming on Peacock.

5. Dayveon 

Kordell Johnson, Devin Blackmon in "Dayveon"


Credit: Mama Bear Studios / Kobal / Shutterstock

Devin Blackmon stars as Dayveon, a young kid in Arkansas struggling in the aftermath of his brother’s death. Unmoored and spending his days listlessly wandering the little town he lives in, he is increasingly drawn to the sense of belonging he finds in a local gang. Directed by Amman Abbasi, with a script by Abbasi and Steven Reneau, Dayveon is a sophisticated and deeply intimate film made even more incredible by the fact that its cast is primarily composed of non-actors. It’s a moving and beautifully shot story that feels wholly, heartbreakingly real. — K.G.

How to watch: Dayveon is streaming on Peacock.

6. Girls Trip

Tiffany Haddish in "Girls Trip."


Credit: Michele K Short / Universal / Kobal / Shutterstock

2017’s raunchy comedy about a group of friends traveling to New Orleans for the Essence Music Festival made Tiffany Haddish a household name. And once you watch the scene of her zip-lining above a partying crowd on Bourbon Street, you’ll know why. Written by Kenya Barris and Tracy Oliver, Girls Trip is boisterous, outrageous, and ridiculously lovable. The jubilant cast, starring Haddish, Regina Hall, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Queen Latifah, is clearly having so much fun celebrating female debauchery, it’s hard not to be on board with Girls Trip.K.G.

How to watch: Girls Trip is now streaming on Peacock.

7. Trainwreck

Amy Schumer, Bill Hader in "Trainwreck"


Credit: Moviestore / Shutterstock

The mid-2010s brought us ombre hair, planking, and #YOLO, but its most enduring cultural addition was a wave of movies about imperfect women. More female-led films at the box office meant there was finally enough space for leading ladies who didn’t have to meet every standard to which we hold the modern women. Movie theaters were flooded with bad moms, antiheroines, and the sloppiest drunks you’ve ever seen in your life. Enter Trainwreck, a hilarious and irreverent rom-com directed by Judd Apatow and starring Amy Schumer in a role that’s basically her hot mess stand-up persona come to life.

In this hysterical comedy, Schumer and Bill Hader are surprisingly charming together as opposites attract. Plus, John Cena and LeBron James both add an unexpected sparkle to a fun and cheeky romance. — K.G.

How to watch: Trainwreck is streaming on Peacock.

8. Ip Man

Donnie Yen in "IP Man 3."


Credit: Dreams Salon Culture / Pegasus Motion / Kobal / Shutterstock

Ip Man is an exciting Hong Kong martial arts biopic about the extraordinary life of the Wing Chun grandmaster who was Bruce Lee’s martial arts teacher. The film tracks Ip Man’s journey from the Southern Chinese village where he was well known as a skilled martial artist to his family’s displacement during the Japanese occupation of the Second Sino-Japanese War, his eventual rise as a fighter, and his establishment of a school in Hong Kong.

Starring the skillful Donnie Yen, Ip Man doesn’t skimp on character development; it’s an electrifying rumination on philosophy, power, and honor in addition to its stunning action. Ip Man is a deeply influential film in the martial arts genre and, to everyone’s delight, has inspired three equally stirring sequels, all of which are available on Peacock. — K.G.

How to watch: Ip Man is streaming on Peacock.

9. Harry Potter (the entire series!)

And now the franchise that needs no introduction: Harry Potter. The original eight-movie series starts as a charming coming-of-age tale about a boy wizard learning about magic and ends as a serious and emotional allegory about fighting fascism and the lengths we will go to protect the people we love. J.K. Rowling notwithstanding, Harry Potter is our hero, Ron Weasley our goofy best friend, and Hermione our actual hero, because duh.

The quality of the movies vary based on the different directors at the helm and the age of the young leads, but the strength of the source material — paired with the prodigious gifts of the many, many storied British actors who fill out the sparkling supporting cast — assure a satisfying watch. Most agree that the final two movies, each covering half of the last book in the series, are the most enthralling in the group — but you’ll have to watch them all to get what’s going on. So, you might as well start with number one, The Sorcerer’s Stone, and go from there. Poor you! You’re about to have a really great time! — K.G.

How to watch: Harry Potter is streaming on Peacock.

10. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Henry Thomas in "E.T."


Credit: Patrick Rideaux / Shutterstock

You haven’t seen E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, yet? So you’ve been politely laughing along every time someone has said “E.T. phone home” for the last 50 years?! It’s time to get on it already. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a beloved family movie classic for a reason — it’s simply fantastic.

Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece tells the story of Elliott Turner, a 10-year-old who finds an alien in his backyard. With his siblings, he must help his new friend get back home or risk his being turned over to the government. It’s an exciting, heartwarming adventure that makes you feel like a kid again and inspired a half-century of copycats and homages (Stranger Things, anyone?). Despite being filmed five decades ago, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial has not lost an ounce of its charm and emotional punch, a testament to its enduring quality. If you haven’t seen it, put E.T. at the top of your queue, immediately. — K.G. 

How to watch: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is now streaming on Peacock.

11. Long Way North

This absolutely stunning, hand-drawn film hasn’t garnered as much attention as, say, Pixar’s latest, but that’s no reason to skip this immensely affecting French-Danish tale. Sasha (Christa Théret) is a 15-year-old aristocrat living in 19th-century St. Petersburg, Russia. Determined to find her missing grandfather, a famed explorer, and clear her family’s name, she locates a vessel and sets off with a motley crew into the unforgiving Arctic landscape.

Directed by Rémi Chayé, Long Way North is both an epic adventure and a human drama, exploring themes of empowerment and empathy. What truly makes this 80-minute movie special, though, is its unique artistic style. The snow-covered landscape might be stark, but Long Way North makes the icy world feel both beautiful and alive. — K.G.

How to Watch: Long Way North is streaming on Peacock.

12. Melancholia

Part of Lars von Trier’s “Depression Trilogy,” (which includes Antichrist and Nymphomaniac), 2011’s Melancholia is an artsy, atmospheric sci-fi thriller about the end of the world. A rogue planet is due to collide with Earth, and everyone must come face-to-face with the inevitable nothingness ahead of them. The cast is magnetic (Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Alexander Skarsgård, and more) and the cinematography is unforgettable. A memorable, piercing rumination on grief that stands alone in its category. — K.G.

How to watch: Melancholia is now streaming on Peacock.

13. Back to the Future

Michael J. Fox in "Back to the Future."


Credit: Moviestore / Shutterstock

There’s no way you haven’t heard of 1985’s Back to the Future, the comedy science fiction romp — and honest-to-god American classic — that made the world fall in love with Michael J. Fox. Fox is Marty McFly, a bored teenager who befriends an eccentric scientist (Christopher Lloyd) and finds himself transported to the 1950s, where his presence threatens to wreak havoc on the future. Marty has to make sure his parents still fall in love, or he’ll be wiped from history forever. It’s a fantastic premise that somehow never feels absurd thanks to the Fox’s aching humanity and Lloyd’s charisma. From the very first utterance of “Great Scott!” we’re along for the ride on a journey where we won’t need roads. — K.G.

How to watch: Back to the Future is now streaming on Peacock.

14. Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Jason Segel in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall."


Credit: Apatow Productions / Kobal / Shutterstock

Jason Segel is Peter, a television soundtrack composer whose life revolves around his TV star girlfriend, Sarah Marshall (a deliciously bratty Kristen Bell). That is, until she abruptly breaks up with him. While he’s naked. Cue the full-frontal sobbing!

To get his mind off of her, Peter takes a trip to Hawaii, but turns out, Sarah is vacationing at the same resort with her new rock star boyfriend, Aldous Snow (unfortunately played by Russell Brand). Forgetting Sarah Marshall is a sweet and raunchy breakup rom-com full of characters that are flawed, idiosyncratic, and incredibly human, including Mila Kunis as Peter’s cool new love interest and Paul Rudd as a hippie-dippie surf instructor. And let’s not forget the singing vampire puppets! — K.G.

How to Watch: Forgetting Sarah Marshall is streaming on Peacock.

15. Emma

A sumptuous and charming adaptation of the Jane Austen novel, 2020’s Emma is unique among Emma iterations because it leans into a secret truth: the heroine, Emma Woodhouse, is kind of a brat. She floats above everyone else, pulling strings to set up matches that serve her purposes instead of what her friends actually desire. Clueless always understood this — and now, thanks to director Autumn de Wilde, we can watch the naive and loveably self-centered character face her comeuppance while sporting the dazzling Regency-era costumes she was made for. Anya Taylor-Joy hits all the right notes as Ms. Woodhouse herself, and Johnny Flynn is magnetic as Mr. Knightley, her prickly neighbor who sees through her act. But it’s Josh O’Connor as a delightfully offputting Mr. Elton, a nightmare suitor, who steals every scene he’s in. — K.G.

How to watch: Emma is now streaming on Peacock.

16. Frankenstein

Most of pop culture’s most enduring monsters — Dracula, Frankenstein, the Mummy, and the Wolf Man/Werewolf — got their first screen time in Universal Studios films made between the 1930s and 1950s. These incredibly influential classic horrors are the reason we all picture a square-headed Frankenstein and a Dracula with an indulgently high collar. The first impression is the one that sticks. 

Peacock is still home to most of the Universal Classic Monsters, including The Bride of Frankenstein, The Invisible Man Returns, Werewolf of London, Phantom of the Opera, and more. None are as iconic, however, as 1931’s Frankenstein, starring Boris Karloff as Dr. Frankenstein’s monster. The story, adapted from Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, is one so well-known it does not need repeating, but if you were wondering where the almost-full century of film and TV jokes about little girls befriending villains came from, look no further. This is the movie that turned a monster into a legend. — K.G.

How to watch: Frankenstein is now streaming on Peacock.

17. Man on Wire

In 1974, Philippe Petit walked a high wire between the two towers of the World Trade Center in NYC. Petit was later arrested for the stunt. In 2008, documentarian James Marsh made Man On Wire, a moving, awe-inspiring chronicle of Petit’s audacious feat, based on Petit’s own book about the event. Suspenseful, mischievous, and paced like a heist movie, Man On Wire is a riveting watch sure to keep even the most ardent documentary-avoider on the edge of their seats. — K.G.

How to watch: Man on Wire is now streaming on Peacock.

18. How to Train Your Dragon

Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) doesn’t quite fit into his dragon-fighting viking village of Berk. The seasoned warriors, including his father, the chief (Gerard Butler), think he’s too much of a weenie to fight their fearsome dragon enemies. But Hiccup has a secret: He’s found a wounded dragon who has quickly become his best friend. Will his village change its mind about dragons, or will Hiccup and his dragon be forced to hide for the rest of their lives? It’s a fun family romp that makes the incredibly smart choice of giving dragons the eager, earnest personalities of everyone’s favorite family dog. It doesn’t matter how old you are, Dreamworks’ How to Train Your Dragon is a total treat! — K.G.

How to watch: How to Train Your Dragon is now streaming on Peacock.

19. Traffic

The movie that won Steven Soderbergh the Academy Award for Best Director, Traffic is a complex, captivating exploration of drug trafficking in the USA and Mexico. Following multiple intersecting storylines, audiences watch the effects of illegal drugs ripple in all directions, from manufacturers and distributors to the politicians trying to combat them and the users who are hooked. Shot like a documentary and including multiple cameos from actual U.S. congresspeople, Traffic is a riveting, powerful piece that feels utterly real. 

What’s more, the cast is stellar, with Michael Douglas, Don Cheadle, Dennis Quaid, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Luis Guzmán all at the top of their game, and Benicio Del Toro in particular winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as a Mexican police officer. — K.G.

How to watch: Traffic is now streaming on Peacock.

20. The Northman 

Alexander Skarsgård plays a viking in "The Northman."

Alexander Skarsgård plays a viking in “The Northman.”
Credit: Focus Features

Written and directed by Robert Eggers (The Witch, The Lighthouse), The Northman is a dark, suspenseful retelling of a Scandinavian myth that also happens to have been the direct inspiration for Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Alexander Skarsgård is Amleth, a young prince who swears revenge after his uncle murders his father and marries his mother. Years later, now a berserker Viking, Amleth has an encounter with a seer that convinces him the time to collect on that childhood promise is nigh. 

The Northman is a tense, atmospheric, and brutal historical thriller, told as if it were a story recounted around a medieval Scandinavian fire, grounded in an ancient point of view. This visually-stunning but bloody revenge saga also stars Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, Anya Taylor-Joy, Gustav Lindh, Ethan Hawke, Willem Dafoe, and Björk, obviously.*K.G.

How to watch: The Northman is now streaming on Peacock.

21. Point Break

Point Break is an iconic and insane ’90s movie in which Keanu Reeves plays rookie FBI agent Johnny Utah, who has to — and we’re not kidding here — infiltrate an L.A. “surf gang” suspected of robbing banks. Very little in this movie makes any sense (the large reason Utah is assigned the undercover role is because he used to play football in college?), which is exactly why it’s so dang wonderful. You’ve got Patrick Swayze as the enigmatic leader of a surfing cult, Gary Busey as Reeves’ gruff veteran partner, and again, Keanu Reeves plays a former college football star named Johnny Utah who has to learn to surf as a matter of life and death. Point Break is ludicrous, magnificent, and fantastically, perfectly ’90s. Vaya con dios, baby. — K.G.

How to watch: Point Break is now streaming on Peacock.

22. Fast X

Jason Momoa is the villain of "Fast X."


Credit: Peter Mountain / Universal Pictures

If loving Fast & Furious is wrong, we don’t want to be right. Across 11 bonkers movies that scoffed at physics and grunted about the importance of family, this franchise hasn’t slowed down. Not only has it raised the bar on out-of-this-world action, but also, it’s grown the Fast family by leaps, bounds, and long-lost siblings. So what could Fast X possibly do to keep this momentum going strong? It went hard in every way fans demand.

In the tradition of its predecessors, Fast X retcons to bring a new ferocious foe into the fray. Jason Momoa stars as the flamboyant, fashion-forward, and gleefully anarchistic Dante, who’s seeking revenge against Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) and all of his extensive family. Momoa is wild fun as a villain who is Dom’s polar opposite in attitude and outfit choices. That alone is enough to enjoy this ride. But Fast X also includes gonzo fight scenes with the likes of Brie Larson, Charlize Theron, Jason Statham, Sung Kang, and many, many more. There are also jaw-dropping cameos and a climax that had fans shocked and cheering. The only thing not to like about this one is how it left us hanging, waiting for whatever Fast and Furious 11 might bring.* — Kristy Puchko, Film Editor

How to watch: Fast X is now streaming on Peacock.

(*) denotes writeup came from a previous Mashable list.

UPDATE: Oct. 31, 2023, 2:18 p.m. EDT This article has been updated to reflect Peacock’s current streaming selection.

Tech / Technology

Best sexting apps: Find anonymous satisfaction in 2023

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Sexting apps can be fun and low-risk if you do it right. Check out our list of the best sexting apps for intimate conversations and more explicit connections, updated for November 2023.
Black woman sitting in a robe looking at her phone

In a world where online dating and casual hookups have become the norm, dating can still feel exhausting. Sometimes, just the thought of putting on “real” clothes, coming up with witty conversation starters, and commuting to the actual meetup spot can be tiring. No matter what kind of encounter you plan, when it comes to dating, there’ll always be some sort of physical effort required.

The good news? There is one loophole: Sexting.

What is sexting?

Sexting is the art of sending sexually explicit photos or messages to one or more consenting people via text. Like sex itself, sexting “is an opportunity for you to liberate yourself, explore what you want in bed, and get to know your partner better,” writes Mashable sex and relationships reporter Anna Iovine. “Sexting can benefit both you and your budding relationship (or hookup, or however you define it).”

Once viewed as taboo, sexting is now definitively mainstream. According to a 2023 survey of U.S. adults by the market research platform Statista, 77 percent of participants said they’ve sent at least one sext — that’s up from 45 percent in 2019 and just 14 percent about 10 years ago.

Sexting’s recent surge in popularity is due at least in part to the pandemic, which gave rise to a new era of digital dating. But it also helps that there are now a number of apps that make sexting easy and safer than standard SMS messages.

How to find the best sexting apps

Not all apps for sexting are created equal, and some of the best ones aren’t even built for dating purposes.

To help you make the most of your sexting experience, we tested some of the top private chat apps. Based on our research and hands-on testing, we’ve narrowed our list to a few apps that prioritize privacy, safety, and user-friendliness for sexting. They’re also pretty affordable, with some even offering free options.

Here are the best sexting apps for all your NSFW exchanges.

Tech / Technology

‘Quiz Lady’ review: Sandra Oh shows her wacky side

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Awkwafina co-stars in sisters-at-odds comedy, now on Hulu. Review.

Prepare to see Sandra Oh as you’ve never seen her before. In nearly every scene in Quiz Lady, the Killing Eve star is dressed like she’s about to head to a girls night out to see the Barbie movie. Her long dark hair is streaked with violet highlights. She drapes herself with violent pinks and sparkly jewelry that looks less classy and more Claire’s Accessories. It’s the kind of fashion some might deride as “childish” in its girliness, while others might cheer it as dopamine dressing. Either way, this wardrobe is an invitation to for Oh to cut loose, and she grabs it with gusto. 

Often sophisticated or sexy, the star of shows like Killing Eve, Grey’s Anatomy, and The Chair is frequently cast as witty but frazzled. Here, that role goes to Awkafina, while Oh gets to relish in playing the wild card of a family comedy peppered with silly hijinks, sensitive gangsters, sisterly squabbles, and Will Ferrell as a warm-hearted interpretation of Alex Trebek.

Star-studded and solidly fun, Quiz Lady is exactly the kind of comedy you might expect to find on Hulu — where it’s set to debut on Nov. 3. 

What’s Quiz Lady about? 

"Quiz Lady" stars Awkwafina and Sandra Oh.


Credit: Hulu

Directed by Jessica Yu, Quiz Lady centers on the tumultuous relationship between Asian-American sisters Anne (Awkwafina) and Jenny (Oh). Raised in a broken home rocked by divorce, gambling debts, and their mom’s various personal dramas, younger sister Anne focused her attention on her favorite trivia show (Can’t Stop the Quiz) and caring for her pet pug, Mr. Linguini. Meanwhile, Jenny chased down dreams, got into screaming matches with their mom, and cared for her kid sister in fitful spurts. 

Years later, the sisters are grown up and essentially estranged when the loss of their mother pulls them back together. Oh, she’s not dead. She’s run off after incurring a massive gambling debt to a menacing bookie (an amusing and crush-worthy Jon Park), who dognaps Mr. Linguini, holding the pug for ransom until the sisters pay up. With Jenny on a kick that she could be a life coach (after acting, fashion design, and several other dreams didn’t pan out), the pair is determined to get Anne on the quiz show to win big and save their dog. That is, if she can beat the cocky contestant (Jason Schwartzman) currently on a major hot streak.

Sanda Oh is an outright delight in Quiz Lady

Sandra Oh bursts with color and joy in "Quiz Lady."


Credit: Hulu

From the moment she storms onscreen, Oh is game to go outrageous. Her outfits signal from the start that Jenny is an attention-seeker who refuses to act her age (whatever that means). And there’s a delicious freedom in watching Jenny chase down her dreams and mad impulses for better or worse. Sure, occasionally she may get hit by a car or accidentally dope her sister into a cartoon-painted hallucination. But she also offers us juicy experiences to live through vicariously, like telling off a smug B&B proprietor whose Benjamin Franklin schtick is all over the place. (To his credit, Tony Hale is absolutely hilarious as the hassled hotel clerk, sporting Franklin cosplay along with adult braces, and the ire that comes from combining the two.) 

Often mesmerizing for her electrifying screen presence, Oh isn’t intense here, but channels that energy into a flighty enthusiasm that’s downright adorable. Jenny might be written off as a hot mess by her sister, but she’s exactly the kind of heroine a kooky comedy needs. She’s a lightning strike in a world riddled with bland fools who won’t take a risk. Chaotic as she may be, she’s pitch-perfect as a wild child sage determined to save her sister — not only from the wrath of a blustering bookie, but from her own low-stakes dreams. 

Quiz Lady boasts fun supporting turns from Will Ferrell, Jason Schwartzman, Tony Hale, and Holland Taylor. 

Jason Schwartzman and Awkwafina in "Quiz Lady."


Credit: Hulu

Desperate for peace, Anne is plagued by a people prone to drama. Her next-door neighbor (Holland Taylor) is not only a cantankerous old grouch committed to conspiracy theories and celebrity confusion, but also a potentially bleak window into what Anne’s reclusive life could lead to. The aforementioned Hale brings expected whimsy and laughs as a beaming but borderline hostile hospitality worker. Ferrell, who also produced, pops up to play the quiz show host, who is basically Trebek meets Buddy the Elf. And Schwartzman, who has played an array of quirky jerks in Wes Anderson movies, goes broader here, embodying a quiz show champion with a big smile but a dark ambition. 

Unfortunately, Awkafina doesn’t stand out among this ensemble, even though her Anne is the film’s central protagonist. The actress who has shined as a daffy sidekick in movies like Crazy Rich Asians, Raya and the Last Dragon, The Little Mermaid, and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, loses her footing in the role of a straight man amid so many stooges.

We saw a similar struggle in this year’s Renfield, in which she played the straight-laced cop/love interest to Nicolas Hoult’s romance-seeking ghoul. While Awkwafina strives to bring cackle-worthy physical comedy to the role of the chronically repressed Anne, her stiffness never feels funny. Her best bit is when an under-the-influence Anne spins out in a series of ridiculous hallucinations. With a big goofy smile, loose limbs, and a volatile emotional state, Awkwafina is able to let loose and have fun with us. But for much of the film, she seems uncertain of how to find the midway between goofy and grounded, the latter of which she showed in the critically heralded drama The Farewell.

Quiz Lady is solid fun. 

Will Ferrell in "Quiz Lady."


Credit: Hulu

The screenplay by Jen D’Angelo is competently plotted, pulling the sisters out of Anne’s comfort zone and into a series of wild scenarios that result in public humiliation, personal revelations, and some physical gags that might well make you gag. The shut-down Anne seems more like a pitfall than a protagonist, sucking the fun out of the story through her scowls and self-loathing. However, Oh and the others are so buoyant that they keep Quiz Lady from sinking.

While the film wobbles along the way, when they get to the third act, it’s game on for good times. The sisters’ rivalry gets worked out in a smartly structured and gleefully entertaining payoff, and everyone gets what they deserve, for better or worse. A bit heavy-handed in its happy ending maybe, but Quiz Lady also gives us the gift of a surprise cameo that is inspired and powerfully playful. In the end, this comedy is a winner. 

How to watch: Quiz Lady is now on Hulu.

UPDATE: Oct. 31, 2023, 1:32 p.m. EDT Quiz Lady was reviewed out of its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Tech / Technology

57+ best stocking stuffers for 2023: Small gift ideas

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Stocking stuffers might be small in size but they don’t have to be cheap or bad. Here are 57+ of our best stocking stuffer ideas.
a collage of stocking stuffers, including a mini le creuset cocotte, a cricut easypress mini, a wordle ornament, a microsd card, and a shrimp puzzle

Christmas stocking stuffers have long been the afterthoughts of gift-giving, mere “Lets just get this out of the way” or “Oh no, I forgot again” presents like oven mitts, bulk chocolate candy, and anything bacon-scented. (Do not get us started on wh*skey st*nes.) Most of these last-minute gift ideas are just begging to be tossed in a junk drawer or the donation pile, never to see the light of day again. It’s a fate they probably deserve.

But let’s be clear on something: You don’t have to buy stuff that’s bad, boring, or cheaply made just because it’s small in size. Picking out the best stocking stuffers is a cinch so long as you know who you’re shopping for — and where to look.

You’ve already got enough on your plate this holiday season, so we’ve done the searching for you. Below, we’ve rounded up an extensive list of tiny-but-impressive presents at a range of price points that can work for everyone on your list. So, whether you’re searching for stocking stuffer ideas under $25 or something fancier that will catch them by surprise on Christmas morning, we have more than 50 unique gifts to inspire you.

Tech / Technology

Best Advent calendars of 2023: Bonne Maman, LEGO, Barbie, Lovehoney, and more

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Many Advent calendars have sold out already at this point in the season, but if you hurry, you can still order one.
a collage of advent calendars available for 2023

Anyone who grew up in a Christian household knows two truths: One, you can learn a lot about biblical themes from a talking cucumber. And two, no holiday season is complete without an Advent calendar.

A religious custom that stems from 19th-century Lutherans in Germany, Advent calendars traditionally mark each day of (you guessed it) Advent — the hopeful season that spans four Sundays leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated on Dec. 25. They typically contain compartments or pockets that can be filled with tiny trinkets for kids, which are designed to be opened one at a time as a fun way of counting down the days until Christmas.

In a moderately blasphemous twist, recent adaptations by big-name brands have given Advent calendars secular appeal as a seasonal holiday indulgence for people (and even pets) of all ages. After hitting a mainstream stride in the mid-2010s, Google search interest for the phrase “advent calendar” reached an all-time high in late 2022. It’s on a similar upward swing as we head into the 2023 holiday season.

Much of Advent calendars’ modern popularity can be credited to TikTok, where they’ve starred in myriad unboxing videos that are suspenseful and addictive to watch (in a similar vein as fashion hauls). But it’s also because they’re easy ways for retailers to tempt cagey, inflation-weary consumers into sampling products they may not have purchased otherwise: everything from fancy French jams to LEGO sets. Advent calendars are a prime example of “needing a little treat” culture (treatcore? being treat-pilled?) at work.

Some Advent calendars have sold out already at this point in the season. (The brand-new Squishmallow calendar appears to be the most popular option so far.) But if you hurry, you can still order one before carolers start lining up on your doorstep. Keep reading for our curated list of the best Advent calendars for 2023.

Tech / Technology

‘Colin from Accounts’ review: A messy, funny as hell rom-com

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The worst meet-cute of all time, now on Paramount+. “Colin from Accounts” is an Australian romantic comedy series created and written by husband-and-wife team Patrick Brammall and Harriet Dyer, who star as the leading roles Gordon and Ashley.
Gordon (PATRICK BRAMMALL), Ashley (HARRIET DYER) lie on a sofa next to a dog named Colin.

You’d be forgiven for assuming that Colin from Accounts, an Australian comedy series, is about a) a man named Colin and b) someone who works in accounts. Which — no offence to anyone named Colin, or anyone working in accounts — doesn’t sound like the most riveting premise for a TV programme.

Thankfully, none of those assumptions are in any way based in reality.

Colin from Accounts is the story of two single strangers brought together by an accident. The show is created and written by husband-and-wife team Patrick Brammall and Harriet Dyer, who both star as the show’s main protagonists, Gordon and Ashley.

Episode one begins with what can only be described as the worst meet cute in human (and dog) history. Medical student Ashley is lying in bed eating crisps and texting her ex, when she realises she’s late for a training session at work. She chaotically heads out the door on foot, glugging a swig of Tequila for the road. Meanwhile, brewery owner Gordon, wakes up with last night’s porn still open on his laptop, proceeds to workout and then drive to work. At the very same time, a postman leaves a gate ajar, prompting a dog to escape and make a dash for it on the open road.

When Ashley haplessly steps off the kerb, Gordon (who’s nicknamed Flash) swerves and comes to an abrupt halt. As Ashley crosses the road, she beams at Gordon, who smiles back. They’re having a moment. Ashley then pulls down her top on one side, revealing her boob for a split second to a mesmerised Gordon. But then… disaster strikes.

A distracted, flustered Gordon gets beeped at by a car behind and promptly takes his foot off the brake. The next words out of his mouth: “Oh shit shit shit shit…”

Gordon accidentally ran over the poor little runaway dog. Don’t worry: the doggo survives. But, Ashley and Gordon are facing a A$12,000 vet bill. Who’s to blame? And who should pay up?

Yvette the vet, Gordon, and Ashley stand over an injured dog.

L-R: Yvette the vet (Annie Maynard), Gordon (Patrick Brammall), Ashley (Harriet Dyer) and an injured Colin from Accounts.
Credit: BBC/Paramount/© 2022 CBS Studios Inc., Easy Tiger Productions Pty Ltd, Foxtel Management Pty Ltd, Create NSW/Lisa Tomasetti

Suddenly, these three souls are brought together in the most unexpected circumstances, bringing a string of highs, lows, and complete an utter chaos.

With no idea who the four-legged friend belongs to, Gordon and Ashley are thrust into the role of stand-in dog parents — a role neither of them is equipped to take on.

Without saying too much, that momentary flirtation that turned into disaster isn’t brushed under the carpet. It was just the beginning.

Colin from Accounts brings together the essential ingredients needed for a satisfying romantic comedy. First of all, you’ve got the signature acerbic Australian wit. Then you’ve got some serious will-they-won’t-they tension. You’ve got a couple of exes thrown in for good measure, just to add to the suspense. Plus, you’ve got an adorable dog that the characters can’t help but love.

Ashley stands surrounded by her possessions with the sign "garage sale" as her landlord tries to sell her stuff.

Ashley isn’t exactly having a great time.
Credit: BBC/Paramount/© 2022 CBS Studios Inc., Easy Tiger Productions Pty Ltd, Foxtel Management Pty Ltd, Create NSW/Tony Mott

Ashley is a far cry from the “manic pixie dream girl” and “cool girl” stereotypes that litter a lot of romantic comedies, and not for the better. Ashley feels like an honest representation of someone who’s having a bit of a tough time and coming up against constant hurdles: Her landlord selling all her possessions without her consent; her toxic mother showing up unannounced at the worst possible times; her ex-boyfriend and current colleague being an all-round prick to her as she nurses a bruised heart. Gordon is also having a bit of a shit time, going through nerve-wracking checkups after undergoing treatment for cancer. The writing is funny as hell — even in the darkest of moments.

Ashley and Gordon have glimmering on-screen chemistry, which is just as well because they happen to be husband and wife in real life.

What I loved the most about Colin from Accounts was that it avoids saccharine lovey-dovey cringe dialogue. The show doesn’t rove into corny territory, as many rom-coms tend to. It’s honest and messy and complicated, as love stories so often are.

How to watch: Colin from Accounts is begins streaming on Paramount+ Nov. 9.

UPDATE: Oct. 31, 2023, 10:27 a.m. EDT Colin from Accounts was originally reviewed out of its BBC premiere. The review has been republished to toast its U.S. debut on streaming.