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Action thrillers are all about suspense, tension, and keeping audiences on the edge of their seats, but not all great thrillers get the recognition they deserve. For beginners diving into the genre, there’s a treasure trove of underrated gems that deliver heart-pounding action, clever twists, and gripping storylines. These lesser-known action thrillers may have slipped under the radar, but they pack just as much punch as the blockbusters, offering a perfect starting point for those new to the genre. This guide will introduce you to some of the best underrated action thrillers.A beginners guide to underrated action thrillers (movies) available on Amazon Prime Video, JioCinema and YouTube1. Speed Racer – YouTubeSpeed Racer (Emile Hirsch) is a young and exceptionally talented race car driver who dreams of winning races in his powerful Mach 5 car. His passion for racing is deeply tied to his family’s legacy, with his older brother, Rex Racer, having been a legendary driver before his mysterious disappearance. Speed competes in dangerous, high-octane races to uncover corruption in the racing world, with the support of his family and friends. The movie is based on the classic 1960s anime series of the same name. With its vibrant, futuristic visuals and intense race sequences, Speed Racer is an exhilarating, family-friendly movie. While it was initially met with mixed reviews and underperformed at the box office, it has since gained a cult following due to its unique approach to storytelling. 2. Cold Pursuit – Amazon Prime VideoNels Coxman (Liam Neeson) is a quiet snowplough driver in a small Colorado town. Nels’ life is turned upside down when his son is found dead under suspicious circumstances, which police rule as a heroin overdose. Unconvinced by the official explanation, Nels embarks on a vengeful quest to find the truth behind his son’s death, which leads him to a drug cartel, led by Viking (Tom Bateman). Nels then begins to systematically dismantle Viking’s empire by taking down his men, which he believes is a rival gang’s doing. Amid the chaos, Nels continues his vendetta, using his skills and determination to deliver his brand of justice. The movie’s quirky tone and unexpected twists make it an unusual yet gripping story of vengeance.3. Table No. 21 – JioCinemaVivaan (Rajeev Khandelwal) and Siya (Tina Desai), a financially struggling couple, win an all-expenses-paid trip to Fiji. While enjoying their vacation, they are invited by the mysterious Mr. Khan (Paresh Rawal) to participate in a live online game show called Table No. 21, with a grand prize of Rs 21 crore. The game rules are simple: answer eight personal questions truthfully and complete eight tasks. However, as the game progresses, the tasks become dangerous and bring to the fore dark secrets from their past. They soon realise they can’t quit the game without facing deadly consequences. As the couple is pushed to their limits, the shocking twists, particularly the climax, leave a lasting impact. Its critique of bullying and its moral undertones make it more than just a typical action thriller.4. The November Man – YouTubeBased on the novel There Are No Spies, the movie follows Peter Devereaux (Pierce Brosnan), a retired CIA operative who is forced to come out of retirement for one last mission. His task is to protect a witness, Alice Fournier (Olga Kurylenko), who has crucial information about a corrupt Russian politician. Things turn ugly when Devereaux finds himself pitted against his former protégé, David Mason (Luke Bracey). As the tension between the mentor and the student escalates, Devereaux uncovers shocking truths about betrayal within the CIA and his own dark past. The movie is filled with intense action sequences, political intrigue, and clever espionage tactics. 5. Red – Amazon Prime VideoThe movie features a star-studded ensemble cast, including Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren, and Mary-Louise Parker. Red stands for ‘Retired, Extremely Dangerous’, and the plot follows Frank Moses (Bruce Willis), a former CIA black-ops agent trying to live a quiet, retired life. However, his peaceful existence is shattered when a hit squad is sent to eliminate him. Realising that he’s being targeted, Frank reunites with his old team of retired spies, including the paranoid but hilarious Marvin (John Malkovich), the elegant and deadly Victoria (Helen Mirren), and the charming Joe (Morgan Freeman). Together, they go on the run, trying to uncover who is after them and why. Their journey takes them across the U.S., fighting old enemies and former allies as they dig deeper into a conspiracy that goes all the way to the top of the government.6. Aan: Men at Work – JioCinemaThe movie features an ensemble comprising Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Shatrughan Sinha, Paresh Rawal, and Irrfan Khan. The basic plot revolves around four Mumbai police officers, each with different personalities and approaches to their job, as they take on the city’s crime lords and corrupt systems. The story focuses on the efforts of the new, honest Crime Branch officer DCP Hari Om Patnaik (Kumar), who is determined to clean up the city. He leads a team that includes the tough but morally flexible encounter specialist Appa Kadam Naik, disenchanted senior police inspector Vikram Singh, happy-go-lucky head constable Khaled Ansari. Together, they must take down the powerful and ruthless gangster Yusuf Pathan and his allies, who have a stronghold on the city’s underworld.7. Johnny Gaddaar – Amazon Prime VideoThis neo-noir thriller is directed by Sriram Raghavan with Neil Nitin Mukesh in his debut lead role, along with Dharmendra, Zakir Hussain, Rimi Sen, and Vinay Pathak. The story follows a group of men involved in an illegal gambling operation. One of them, Vikram (Neil Nitin Mukesh), is the youngest and most ambitious. When a major deal comes up, Vikram sees an opportunity to steal a large sum of money from his partners, planning to disappear with his girlfriend. However, his betrayal sets off a deadly chain of events as his partners become suspicious, and one by one, the situation spirals out of control. The movie pays homage to classic thrillers with its slick direction and unpredictable twists.
By Mick Dillon / The Jambar
Youngstown Film Festival hosted its third annual event from noon to 9 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Chase Tower in downtown Youngstown.
Founder and Director Adam Michael has been hosting the festival since its inception in 2021.
Michael said he is passionate about preserving the arts community in Youngstown, and felt there would be no better way to do so than to bring a film festival to the city.
“This was a record year for us. We had over 300 films submitted this year,” Michael said.
The cinematic event featured a variety of films from all over the country. Genres ranged anywhere from comedy to horror.
Some categories awarded were:
Best Micro-Budget Film: “The End” directed by Jeremie Musyt.
Best First Time Filmmaker: Johnny Lam, for “American Bison: Winter.”
Best LGBTQ+ Film: “Emerald City” directed by Josef Steiff.
Best Youngstown Area Film: “Gemini” directed by Nicole Ice.
Best Feature Film: “Aretha On Everest” directed by Tatiana Lohmann and Roberta Estrela D’Alva.
“We try to reward people that are coming from different backgrounds and have different budgets to work with. We don’t want to exclude anybody,” Michael said.
Youngstown Film Festival saw applications from all spectrums of the film industry. There were films spanning from a $100 budget to films with over a $500k budget.
Along with drawing submissions from all over the country, the Youngstown Film Festival highlights local talent with their category of Best Youngstown Area Film.
“This is an amazing community,” Michael said. “Tons of really artistic people are in this area.”
As far as the locations go, the Chase Tower is a change of pace from past festivals. Michael has held the Youngstown Film Festival in a different location each of its three years and hopes to settle into a permanent location in the future.
“We are looking for, eventually, a permanent home but I also like going to different spaces around the city… and highlighting different areas,” Michael said.
Michael said he looks forward to growing the event and urges people to be on the lookout for next year’s festival.
Saudi Arabia has become an increasingly popular travel destination in recent years. Major developments from big cities like Riyadh and Jeddah (new attractions and amenities), alongside the rise of online booking platforms, increased disposable income, and a growing focus on sustainable and experiential travel have all contributed to a significant increase in tourism for this country. Crime is on the decline and people are looking for somewhere to go. However, potential travelers often ask: Is Saudi Arabia safe?
Official Travel Advisory
As of 2024, countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom maintain travel advisories for Saudi Arabia, urging travelers to stay informed about local laws and customs. The U.S. Department of State rates Saudi Arabia as a Level 2 travel advisory, which recommends increased caution due to the potential for civil unrest, particularly in specific regions like Qatif in the eastern province and border areas with Yemen, including Najran and Jazan.
Is Saudi Arabia Safe for Tourists and Solo Travelers?
According to the 2023 Global Peace Index, Saudi Arabia ranks 130th out of 163 countries, reflecting ongoing improvements in safety and stability, especially in urban areas. Overall crime rates dropped by 5%. Violent crime by 6.5%.
Transportation & Bank Safety Information:
For transportation, it’s best to use official taxis or ride-sharing apps. Avoid unmarked vehicles to ensure your safety. Bank safety is generally reliable, but always exercise caution when withdrawing money from ATMs – do so with familiar company nearby, and in a well-lit, well traveled place, just as you would in any major city as a tourist.
Health Information and Advisories:
Saudi Arabia has a well-established healthcare system, but it is advisable to carry travel-friendly health insurance that covers medical emergencies and cancellations. Be cautious about drinking tap water, as it’s not recommended for visitors; instead, opt for bottled water, which you’ll likely find readily available in most places.
Other Relevant Info:
Cultural norms are crucial for a safe visit. Saudi Arabia follows strict Islamic laws and customs. Dress modestly, especially in public places, and be mindful of local customs regarding interactions between genders. For women, it is essential to know that while the abaya (a loose-fitting black robe) is no longer mandatory in some cities, dressing conservatively is still advised.
Common Scams to Be Aware of in Saudi Arabia
Pickpocketing and petty theft can occur in crowded areas, especially near tourist attractions. Always be cautious of your surroundings. Keep personal belongings secure and close. Be wary of overly friendly strangers who may offer unsolicited assistance. Use reliable transportation options, such as official taxis or ride-sharing services.
How to Stay Safe in Saudi Arabia
Share your itinerary with family or friends and keep them updated on your whereabouts. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs to avoid unintentional offenses, and maintain a list of emergency contacts, including local authorities and your embassy. Remain vigilant in crowded areas and avoid displaying expensive items to minimize unwanted attention. Opt for secure accommodations by choosing reputable hotels that have good security measures in place.
Where to Stay in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh: Stay in the Al Olaya district, for its proximity to attractions, like shopping malls, the Al Faisaliyah Tower, Olaya Towers, and Kingdom Centre.
Jeddah: The Corniche area offers a range of hotels.
Reputable Hotel Recommendations:
Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh: A luxury hotel in a central location with excellent security measures.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Jeddah Corniche: Offers comfortable accommodations in a safe area close to the waterfront.
Best Time to Visit Saudi Arabia
The best time to visit Saudi Arabia is between October and April when the weather is milder and more pleasant for outdoor activities. Avoid the summer months, as temperatures can soar above 100°F (38°C), making it uncomfortable for sightseeing.
People Also Ask
Is it safe to walk around Riyadh at night?Riyadh is generally safe at night, but it’s advisable to stay in well-lit areas and avoid walking alone in less populated neighborhoods.
Can you drink the tap water in Saudi Arabia?No, tap water is not recommended for drinking. Always opt for bottled water.
Are there any restrictions for women traveling in Saudi Arabia?Women should dress modestly and may not be required to wear an abaya in some cities. However, it is still advisable to dress conservatively.
Is Saudi Arabia Worth a Visit?
Saudi Arabia has made considerable improvements for travelers in 2024, be they family, nomad, or any combination. Stay informed about local customs, safety guidelines, and visa requirements, and you can enjoy a memorable trip.
For further reading on travel safety in Saudi Arabia, check out the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory page and the Global Peace Index for updated information.
Alternative Destinations Worth Considering:If you are still unsure about traveling to Saudi Arabia, consider exploring neighboring countries like Jordan or United Arab Emirates.
For folks who have yards to tend, it’s welcome news that a University of Arkansas turf scientist and colleagues at other universities are trying to develop Bermuda grass that will stay greener longer.The work focuses on golf courses, where grass gets more attention than at Snoop Dogg’s house (maybe that’s a different kind). But it might have ramifications for the weekend warriors dedicated to maintaining their yards, too.Bermuda grass, a staple of Arkansas lawns, goes dormant in winter months and can even even die off. It thrives in hot, hot summers and loses its color headed into the fall or early winter. Replanting can be a costly and time-consuming effort. So if the scientist can make Bermuda behave a little better, it could have serious implications for grass-intense uses.When
NEW BOOK RELEASE – ‘THE RAT CATCHER’ BY MAX MANUS – Book Publishing Industry Today – EIN Presswire
The highly praised Assamese feature film ‘Jiya’, directed by Kenny Basumatary and produced by Sarmistha Chakravorty, is now all set for its television premiere. After a successful run in theatres, the film is now set to captivate a broader audience through its TV debut.‘Jiya’ has also been celebrated for its exploration of socially relevant themes. Ila Arun, a renowned actress, commended the film for addressing the life and struggles of a single mother, urging viewers to watch it and make it a success. Set to premiere on Prag News on October 27 at 12 noon, the film has already invoked the interest of fans and film enthusiasts, who shared their excitement about the upcoming premiere.
Since its release in May this year, ‘Jiya‘ has garnered significant attention for its realistic portrayal of life’s struggles and its emotionally charged storytelling. The film follows the journey of ‘Jiya’, a resilient young woman, played by Sarmistha Chakravorty, whose story resonates deeply with viewers. Critics have lauded the film for its authentic narrative, powerful performances, and relatable characters, with many describing it as more than just a film—an emotional experience.
Ambar Chatterjee, a film critic, called ‘Jiya’ “a deeply personal and poignant tale of struggle and triumph, underlined by fantastic performances and able direction.” Cine journalist Kalpajyoti Bhuyan praised the film’s subtlety, noting that ‘Jiya’ “offers a very direct portrayal of life that never screams melodrama… The natural interactions between the actors make the film’s story even more believable.”
The film, which won multiple accolades at the Prag Cine Awards—including Best Film, Best Screenplay and Dialogue (Kenny Basumatary & Sarmistha Chakravorty), Best Singer Male (Angarag Papon Mahanta), and Best Background Score (Ambar Das)—has made a lasting impression on Assamese cinema. Its popular soundtrack, featuring hits like ‘Xopun Xopun Loga’ and ‘Ei Xadhu,’ has also been a significant factor in its success.
BEIJING, Oct 24 — China and India are talking again after a years-long freeze, with leaders Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi meeting at a BRICS summit this week and the two sides striking a deal on issues related to their disputed border.The world’s two most populous nations are intense rivals and have clashed over everything from tech to their vast Himalayan frontier.Here, AFP takes a look at four key sources of tension between the countries in recent years:Fighting at the frontier Beijing and New Delhi have regularly accused each other of trying to seize territory along their 3,500-kilometre (2,175-mile) unofficial divide, known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC).China also claims all of India’s northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, considering it part of Tibet, and the two fought a border war in 1962.A border skirmish in 2020 killed at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers, the deadliest face-off between the nuclear-armed neighbours in half a century.That clash led both sides to pull back tens of thousands of troops and agree not to send patrols into a narrow strip surrounding the LAC.But a deal this week saw the countries agree on patrolling arrangements along the tense frontier.Details remain scarce, however, and analysts have cautioned that a more comprehensive cooling of tensions will take time.“With the low levels of trust amongst militaries and governments of India and China, this will be a slow, arduous and painstaking series of steps”, former Indian ambassador to China Gautam Bambawale wrote in the Times of India.Jabin T. Jacob, professor of international relations at India’s Shiv Nadar University, said the patrolling agreement was “a limited one”.“India… has been devoted to the task only of reversing Chinese transgressions, not punishing them, let alone resolving the boundary dispute itself”, Jacob wrote in The Indian Express daily.Unresolved tensions India has also sought to leverage mounting US-China tensions to inch closer to the United States.And analysts aren’t convinced that this week’s Xi-Modi meeting or the easing of border tensions will draw New Delhi away from Washington’s orbit.“The real underlying problem – the border dispute – remains unresolved, and this will continue to be a source of tension and disagreement for the two sides,” Byron Chong, editor of the China-India Brief, told AFP.Beijing has fumed over the creation of the Quad – a security grouping among India, the United States, Australia and Japan that Washington has pitched as a counterweight to China.And tensions with China have prompted India to bolster its own partnerships and defence capabilities, easing laws for Western companies to invest and co-produce military hardware in the country, Chong said.While India has traditionally been one of China’s largest trading partners, it has also sought to strengthen its own manufacturing sector as economic tensions between Beijing and Washington soar.But, Chong said, “its manufacturing growth has lagged behind competitors like Vietnam and Taiwan”.Tech bans In the wake of the 2020 border clash, India’s home ministry banned hundreds of mobile apps of Chinese origin, including the hugely popular social media platform TikTok.New Delhi also dialled up pressure on Chinese tech firms, launching investigations into a number of firms over tax evasion and fraud.And experts don’t expect a rollback of that campaign anytime soon.“India would want to see progress first and normalcy (at the border) before moving on these issues,” said Srikanth Kondapalli, professor of Chinese studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi.India is also looking to fortify its domestic telecommunications industry – and is unlikely to halt probes into Chinese companies.“There can be no question of India relenting on certain past decisions, such as banning Chinese apps, or not permitting Chinese firms to participate in our development of 5G and 6G,” Bambawale said.Struggle for influence Both countries are jostling for clout in India’s traditional sphere of influence in South Asia.China’s foothold in the region has expanded, driven by infrastructure investments as part of its vast Belt and Road initiative.India “perceives the growing Chinese presence as a challenge to its regional leadership and security”, said Chong, also a Research Associate at Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.The two powers have also jostled over the small but strategically located archipelago of the Maldives, whose pro-China president came to power a year ago on a promise to evict dozens of Indian troops based there.Beijing’s ties with Pakistan, India’s long-standing rival, “further intensify strategic concerns”, Chong said.But China’s efforts to endear itself to New Delhi, as with the border deal, suggest it may be looking to turn the page.“By engaging diplomatically and presenting itself as a cooperative partner, India could be influenced into adopting a more neutral or friendly stance towards China,” Chong said.“Reducing tensions with India may also be an indication that China wants to concentrate on other issues like Taiwan and South China Sea disputes.” — AFP
Filmmakers Jen Cordery and Matt Cascella, film a scene for the movie “Hangdog” on the Eastern Prom in 2022. Derek Davis/Staff Photographer
Husband-and-wife filmmakers Matt Cascella and Jen Cordery moved to Portland from New York City in 2020 and immediately were inspired by their new home. They decided to shoot a film here called “Hangdog,” with Cascella as director and Cordery as writer.
The film is about a man frantically looking all over the city for his girlfriend’s dog, which he lost. The boyfriend is played by Desmin Borges, who was in the FX series “You’re the Worst” and has a recurring role on Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building.” The movie was shot around Portland in 2022 and begins streaming Friday on Prime and Apple TV.
“Hangdog” will also play at the Portland Museum of Art next week, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Cascella and Cordery will appear as part of the 3 p.m. screening on Sunday, Nov. 3. Just days before the film’s streaming release, Cascella took a few minutes to answer our questions.
What were some of the things that made you guys want to make a movie in Portland?
First of all, it’s just a city you don’t see on film a lot. It’s dynamic and has a lot of range to it. On the Eastern Prom, you’re looking at the ocean and all these islands. Then you’re in the Old Port, with the cobblestone streets. We were feeling burnt out in New York City, where oddly it’s hard to film things. But here, since it doesn’t happen often, it was easier, and people were a lot more excited to help us out. So it just made sense to us, and we were feeling inspired to tell this tale.
What parts of Portland, visually, do you think became the stars of the movie?
I love the scene where our protagonist is on the (Peaks Island) ferry. The ferry is just so photogenic. To see the city skim by in the background, with the characters in the foreground, is great. A lot of movies feel like they are hermetically sealed or something, all done on a sound stage and half the background is computer generated. I love films that take place in real places, and this is just a great city that doesn’t get seen enough.
Have you ever lost Jen’s dog? Is that where this story comes from?
I met Jen over 10 years ago, and when we started hanging out more, I had this recurring vision in my head of losing her dog (a Dachshund named Ollie) or having him stolen. I thought that was such an odd thing to fixate on, and also this notion of almost competing with him for her affection. So that idea kind of hung around, and I just thought it would be sort of a funny foundation for a story.
How did you find the dog who stars in the film, Mr. Tibbs? Had he done a lot of acting before?
We found him through an animal trainer in Connecticut named Bill Berloni, and this was his first starring role. We almost started thinking about the dog first, before a lot of the cast, because a dog can really trip you up. With a small indie film like ours, if the dog’s not working out, you don’t have a lot of time or wiggle room to find another one. We wanted people to buy into it, we didn’t want him to feel like a stage dog or a movie dog that’s always looking off camera for a treat.
A lot of filmmakers say they’d like to shoot in Maine, but find they can get more financial incentives from other states, like Massachusetts. How were you able to make it work, financially?
I think it’s because we were a small crew and had such a small budget (under $500,000). So even though the tax incentives weren’t as great as they would be in, say, Massachusetts, the plusses outweighed the minuses for us. We used our house (in Portland) as a base camp, for instance. If we had filmed somewhere else, we’d have to rent a place. We just really wanted to try our best to make it work here.
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The Gujarat Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (GSEB) has opened online registration for the 2025 Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Science stream examinations. Students can apply through the GSEB official website, gseb.org, from 22 October to 30 November 2024.The registration process is mandatory for all students appearing for the February 2025 board exams, including regular, repeater, special, GSOS regular, and GSOS repeater candidates in class 10. All regular and repeat class 12 science stream students must also apply online.