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When friends or colleagues see a movie before I do, I now ask, "Does it feel like a genuine movie?" instead of "Is it good?" Everyone understands the question, even if we can't define it precisely. Streaming's growth has diminished both the experience of going to the cinema and the intangible qualities that traditionally define a film. I've lost count of how many times people have said, "There's so much to stream now, I'd rather stay home." Even though theatrical releases seem to be declining, movies aren't. Young people and experienced filmmakers still want to create them. What attracts them—and us—to this art form? What distinguishes authentic films from those that are merely "content"? This is uncharted territory. Examining recent theatrical and streaming releases may help us understand what makes a film feel like a true movie today. Does a film need to be entirely original? James Hawes' , starring Rami Malek as a reserved CIA agent seeking revenge for his wife's death, is based on a 1981 Robert Littell novel that has been adapted before. Yet, it possesses a satisfying quality that feels right for the big screen. Set in vibrant locations like London and Paris, the direction has a confident power. In the 1990s, we enjoyed sophisticated action thrillers like this frequently; now, seeing a film like The Amateur in a theater evokes a sense of loss. It feels like a forgotten indulgence. A film doesn't necessarily need a theatrical release to feel authentic. The conviction of the filmmaker or actors, or both, may be the key factor—it's a matter of instinct. Netflix has financed excellent films, such as and . However, the Netflix Original The Electric State, a retro-futuristic fantasy by the Russo Brothers, released exclusively via streaming in mid-March, is both careless and extravagant. Netflix invested around $300 million in it, but even with its robot-focused special effects, it barely feels worthy of any screen. But a direct-to-streaming release isn't always the opposite of cinema. FX's series Shogun offers the kind of visual grandeur usually reserved for movies. For dedicated moviegoers, cinematic TV can fill the void when movies disappoint. What about surprise hit movies? Are they successful because they're entertaining and well-made, or is there something more to it? Lawrence Lamont's raunchy comedy —starring Keke Palmer and SZA as best friends scrambling to find $1500 for rent—debuted in January and remained in theaters for over two months before moving to Netflix in early April. Audiences loved it. The film is also enjoyable on a smaller screen and remains humorous even when viewed alone. Conversely, consider Patricia Riggen's action-adventure , from Amazon MGM Studios. Viola Davis plays the U.S. President, a war veteran who must use her combat skills when crypto-terrorists attack the G20 Summit in South Africa. While the film was released via streaming on April 10, Amazon screened it for select audiences a few days prior, which is how I saw it. I can't imagine enjoying this enthusiastically made but somewhat awkward picture in my living room. However, watching Davis, a phenomenal actress rarely given the chance to cut loose, hit a villain with a frying pan was a thrill. The audience went wild, and so did I. Sometimes, the presence of other viewers can elevate a film. Movie-movies don't have to be lavish or pricey. Earlier this year, Steven Soderbergh released , a subtle and compelling supernatural thriller made for about $2 million. Soderbergh's stylish spy caper released a few months later, cost significantly more (around $50 million) and didn't recoup its budget at the box office—but that doesn't reflect its quality. The movie gods can be unfair. Despite the year being young, we've already seen a quintessential movie. Ryan Coogler's embodies everything a great mainstream film should be, and its box-office success proves it. Sinners is visually stunning and explores themes of race and community without being burdened by them. It features a major star, Michael B. Jordan, and an incredible newcomer, Miles Caton, as a blues prodigy who encounters the supernatural. It's about vampires—bloody, ruthless, and charismatic. There's music, steamy sex, and artfully presented gore. Sinners leaves you with a sense of having truly seen something. You witness what a filmmaker can achieve with vision, a camera, and a talented cast and crew. More importantly, you become part of the almost magical connection between the filmmaker and the audience. In the moviegoing experience, you are the essential element. No film is complete without you.

Following the recent by India into Pakistani territory during a period of ostensible peace, and amidst along the Kashmir border, there are growing concerns about a potential escalation between the two nuclear powers. Beyond conventional warfare, India has allegedly threatened to use water as a weapon, a move Pakistan has warned would be considered an "Act of War." According to Pakistan's armed forces, the recent Indian strikes targeted Pakistan’s . This occurred shortly after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated India's intention to divert water for its own use. "Now, India’s water will flow for India’s benefit, it will be conserved for India’s benefit, and it will be used for India’s progress," Modi Tuesday stated. India recently suspended its adherence to a 65-year-old water-sharing treaty following ""—referring to an on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir by a Pakistani militant group, despite Pakistan's denial of involvement. Pakistan has responded by that any attempt by India to halt water flow, given its upstream position, "will be considered as an Act of War and responded with full force across the complete spectrum of National Power." The was facilitated by the World Bank in 1960, subsequent to the independence and partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. The treaty allocated the six rivers of the Indus basin, granting India control over the eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—while ensuring Pakistan's access to the western rivers: Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. This agreement was crucial for regional stability, considering both nations' reliance on the Indus basin for agricultural irrigation. Some Indian commentators have argued that the treaty was excessively "" to Pakistan, effectively granting it access to despite being located downstream. The treaty restricts India from constructing infrastructure that impedes or redirects the flow of the western rivers, except for limited agricultural use and hydroelectric power generation. Despite past conflicts, India largely respected the treaty until its recent suspension in April. The treaty's suspension poses a significant threat to Pakistan's economy, where agriculture constitutes . Himanshu Thakkar, a water resources expert, noted to the newspaper that "The majority of Pakistan’s irrigation, hydropower generation, electricity production, and overall development are heavily reliant on the Indus basin." However, the extent of India's capacity to completely block water flow to Pakistan remains uncertain. Experts suggest that India lacks the necessary dam infrastructure for total control. Nevertheless, on May 4, India reportedly reduced water flow to Pakistan through the Chenab River by up to 90% by lowering sluice gates at the Baglihar dam, according to . Similar actions are allegedly planned for the Kishanganga project on the Jhelum River. Hassan F. Khan, an assistant professor at Tufts University, wrote in that while India cannot entirely cut off water flow, violating the treaty would have a greater impact during the dry season (December to May), when flows are lower, storage is more critical, and timing is crucial. Another potential tactic is withholding flood data. Pradeep Kumar Saxena, India’s former Indus Water Commissioner, told the news agency that after the treaty's suspension, India could cease sharing data with Pakistan, which would be particularly detrimental during the monsoon season.

WASHINGTON — High-ranking U.S. officials are scheduled to meet with a top-level Chinese delegation in Switzerland this weekend for the first significant discussions between the two countries since President Trump initiated a trade war by imposing substantial tariffs on imports. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will meet with their Chinese counterparts in Geneva. According to an announcement on Tuesday by the Trump administration, these conversations will be the most significant between the two nations in recent months, occurring amidst increasing concern in the U.S. market regarding the impact of the tariffs on consumer goods' prices and availability. China, the world’s leading exporter and second-largest economy, has been particularly affected by Trump’s trade war. After Trump announced his "Liberation Day" tariffs on April 2, China responded with its own tariffs, which Trump perceived as disrespectful. Since then, tariffs on goods from both countries have escalated, with U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods now at 145% and Chinese tariffs on U.S. goods at 125%. Due to the tariff war, American companies have already started to cancel orders from China, delay expansion plans, and reduce operations. Trump had previously asserted that the U.S. and China were in discussions about lowering tariffs, which Beijing has refuted, stating that Trump must first reduce his high tariffs. Bessent testified before a House committee earlier on Tuesday that the U.S. and China "have not engaged in negotiations," but that "as early as this week," the U.S. will announce trade agreements with several of its largest trading partners. On Tuesday, the Chinese Commerce Ministry confirmed the meeting between its vice premier and Bessent in Switzerland. A ministry spokesperson stated, "The Chinese side carefully considered the information provided by the U.S. and agreed to engage with the U.S., taking into full account global expectations, Chinese interests, and appeals from U.S. businesses and consumers." The spokesperson added that China would not "sacrifice its principles, global equity, or justice in pursuit of any agreement." Most economists have suggested that consumers will bear the cost of the tariffs through higher prices for various goods, including cars, groceries, housing, and other items. These rising prices are already impacting U.S. consumers, who are experiencing the most significant economic challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, economists warn of a growing risk of recession. Wendy Cutler, former U.S. trade official and current vice president of the Asia Society Policy Institute, views the upcoming meeting as a positive step. Cutler stated, "As the first face-to-face meeting between senior U.S. and Chinese officials since Trump's inauguration, it presents a crucial opportunity to begin discussions on reducing some tariffs, outlining a future strategy, and addressing concerns. Quick wins should not be expected, as this will be a lengthy process." According to statements from their respective offices, Bessent and Greer also plan to meet with Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter in Switzerland. Both Greer and Bessent had previously communicated with their counterparts before the trade war began. Greer mentioned on Fox News Channel last month that he had spoken with his Chinese counterpart for over an hour before the trade war started. He said, "I thought it was constructive," adding, "This isn’t just a strategy to contain China. It’s a strategy to improve the American economy, increase manufacturing's contribution to GDP, raise real wages, and produce goods instead of relying on a government-financed economy." In February, Bessent spoke with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng "to exchange views on the bilateral economic relationship," according to a Treasury news release. Associated Press writer Paul Wiseman in Washington contributed to this report.

LOS ANGELES — A lawsuit filed Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court alleges that four former housekeepers of Motown icon Smokey Robinson were repeatedly sexually assaulted and raped by him during their employment. The lawsuit seeks a minimum of $50 million in damages, citing alleged assaults occurring between 2007 and 2024, as well as labor violations, including a hostile work environment, excessively long hours, and unpaid wages. As of now, representatives for Robinson, 85, have not responded to requests for comment. According to the lawsuit, the four women claim Robinson waited until he was alone with them in his Los Angeles residence to sexually assault and rape them against their will. “We believe that Mr. Robinson is a serial and sick rapist, and must be stopped,” stated the women’s attorney, John Harris, during a press conference. The women stated they eventually resigned due to the alleged assaults, some after several years of employment. They all expressed fears of retaliation, public humiliation, and potential impacts on their immigration status as reasons for their initial silence. Harris explained, “Having to tell their husband and children of these despicable actions left them filled with shame and embarrassment. So throughout their dreadful experiences with Mr. Robinson, all four women remained silent.” He added that, as low-wage earners, they also feared “missing a payday, and not being able to afford rent or buy food for their families.” All four women have chosen to remain anonymous for privacy reasons and are identified as Jane Does in court documents. They attended the press conference with their legal team, but did not speak and wore masks to conceal their identities. The lawsuit also names Robinson’s wife, Frances Robinson, as a defendant, alleging she enabled his behavior despite being aware of past sexual misconduct. She is also accused of creating a hostile work environment by allegedly using ethnic slurs towards the women. One woman stated she was employed by the Robinsons from 2012 to 2024 and was allegedly assaulted at least 20 times during that period. Another claimed she worked for them from 2014 to 2020 and was assaulted at least 23 times. A third woman reported working for them for a year before quitting in 2024 and being assaulted at least seven times. The fourth woman, who also served as Frances Robinson’s personal assistant, hairdresser, and cook, worked for them for 18 years before resigning in 2024, citing similar experiences but not specifying the number of assaults. The attorneys stated that the women, some of whom worked for the Robinsons concurrently, initially kept their experiences to themselves but are now finding support in sharing their stories. They declined to provide details at the press conference about how the women connected and discovered the others. The suit seeks damages based on claims of sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, gender violence, and other related allegations. “Obviously, no amount of money can compensate these women for what Mr. Robinson put them through,” Harris said. He asserted that the $50 million demand is justified “based on the gravity of Mr. Robinson’s despicable and reprehensible misconduct.” Plaintiffs’ attorney Herbert Hayden mentioned that, while they believe the assaults warrant a criminal investigation, the women have not filed police reports due to the same fears that prevented them from coming forward earlier. Robinson, an inductee of both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, achieved considerable success in the 1960s with his group, the Miracles, and as a solo artist, with hits like “Tears of a Clown” and “The Tracks of My Tears.” He played a vital role in the Motown Records music scene in Detroit as an artist, producer, and songwriter for other musicians.

According to Pakistani authorities, India launched missiles into Pakistani territory on Wednesday, resulting in at least one fatality and two injuries. India stated that their strikes targeted nine locations allegedly used for planning terrorist actions against India. According to a Pakistani security source, one missile struck a mosque in Bahawalpur, Punjab, resulting in the death of a child and injuries to a woman and a man. This attack occurs amidst heightened tensions between the two nuclear powers, following a militant attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir two weeks prior, which resulted in 26 deaths and numerous injuries among tourists. India has implicated Pakistan in the attack, an allegation the Pakistani government has refuted. Both nations have a long-standing dispute over Kashmir, a territory they both claim. This is a developing story. ```

Amid the constant hum of Israeli drones and dwindling food resources, Oday Basheer quietly goes about his work in Deir al-Balah, assisting with a community kitchen that feeds displaced Palestinians. The constant threat of airstrikes has become a grim reality. He notes, “One press of a button could end my story.” Basheer, whose kitchen collaborates with World Central Kitchen (WCK), has stopped paying attention to the news. He believes, “No one is coming to put an end to this conflict.” On Monday, Israel verified what many in Gaza had already anticipated: their military intends to maintain control of the territory indefinitely, mobilizing tens of thousands of reservists for a significant escalation of operations. According to a defense official who spoke with the Associated Press, the timing of this move may depend on President Trump's upcoming visit to the region next month. Speaking to TIME from Gaza, Basheer says, “I won’t be able to fulfill my dreams. This genocide has claimed the lives of over 50,000 people.” WCK has suspended its operations in Gaza twice in the past year following Israeli strikes in April 2024 and . As of April, have perished, worsening the crisis for Gaza’s 2 million inhabitants already dealing with a near-total blockade. How Will Israel Expand Military Operations? The conflict began after a Hamas terror attack on October 7, 2023, resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals, with the militants taking approximately 250 hostages. As of May 6, more than 52,000 Palestinians have died, according to the Health Ministry. Israel’s plan signifies a shift in the nation’s war strategy, and will only worsen the humanitarian disaster within Gaza. While Israeli forces have previously made deep incursions into Gaza during the war, a continuous military presence has largely been limited to a 1km buffer zone along the border. This zone was expanded in April, denying Palestinians access to over half of the territory. In a video posted on social media, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “There won’t be an in-and-out situation. We won't enter and then leave, only to conduct raids later. That’s not the plan. The intention is the opposite.” Eli Cohen, a member of Israel’s security cabinet, told , "We want Israeli security control. This means we will be able to act anywhere in Gaza, at any time.” He added, “We aren’t interested in managing civilian life. We're talking about four things: Israeli security control, Hamas not being the sovereign, demilitarization, and advancing President Trump’s voluntary emigration plan.” The Israel Defense Forces did not respond to TIME’s request for comment. What Has Been The Reaction To The Plan? Thousands of reservists are refusing call ups, to Netanyahu calling for an end to the war, and is reportedly only 60% in recent weeks. The strategic shift follows Hamas's apparent rejection of further cease-fire negotiations. On May 6, senior official Basem Naim there was “no sense” in further negotiations while “the hunger war and extermination war” continued. Naim urged international pressure on Netanyahu, issued in 2024 over alleged war crimes. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes tells TIME that “President Trump remains committed to securing the immediate release of hostages and an end to Hamas rule in Gaza.” Within Israel, families of hostages still held by Hamas have voiced criticism of the new military strategy. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum the government’s plan prioritizes territory over lives. “This decision will be remembered as a cry for generations,” the group stated. As part of the new strategy, Israel also intends to restructure how aid is distributed, transferring responsibility away from the UN and towards Israeli-controlled hubs. The UN Humanitarian Country Team in the Occupied Palestinian Territory the proposal, warning that it risks forcing civilians into militarized zones and violates humanitarian principles. Medical Aid for Palestinians also condemned Israel’s plan, describing it as a “dangerous attempt to weaponise humanitarian aid.” In the statement, Interim CEO Stephen Cutts said: “This plan violates the core humanitarian principles of neutrality, independence, and impartiality, and would knowingly deprive millions of vital aid.” How Much Food And Aid Is Getting Into Gaza? Two days after the Hamas attacks on October 7 2023, Israel entering Gaza including electricity, fuel, and water. This blockade . Israel resumed attacks on the Gaza Strip in March, ending a cease-fire deal with Hamas that had been in place for nearly two months. Since then, there has also been a ‘’ entering the territory according to the United Nations. Basheer mentions that he and his family have been helping a kitchen in Deir Al-Balah to cook and provide food from their home daily for displaced families. Basheer states, “Everyone needs food now because they can’t get it from the markets.” Juliette Touma, communications director for UNRWA, says Gaza’s humanitarian crisis is worsening with each passing week. She tells TIME, “It’s the basics for the survival of human beings, nothing has been allowed in. It’s more than two months now.” How Much Of Gaza Has Been Destroyed? In April, the UN that approximately 92% of all residential buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed —equivalent to about 436,000 homes. This has resulted in nearly 50 million tonnes of debris, which could take decades to fully clear under current conditions. The UN estimates that 11,000 bodies are still trapped beneath rubble across the strip. Gaza’s education system has also collapsed. According to , over 95% of schools in Gaza have been damaged, and 62% of schools used as shelters for displaced civilians have been hit directly.

` tags. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, during a meeting with President Donald Trump, delivered the message he intended for Canadians to hear: that Canada is "not for sale." However, during the 33-minute exchange with reporters in the Oval Office, Trump repeatedly suggested Canada should become the 51st US state. Despite Trump's repeated description of the meeting as "friendly," his actions suggested otherwise. The tone was set before the meeting began, with Trump posting on Truth Social that the U.S. provides Canada with "FREE Military Protection" and doesn't require Canadian energy, lumber, or cars. He wrote that the U.S. only needs their friendship, which he hoped to maintain. This was Carney's first White House visit since his Liberal Party's victory over the Conservatives. Trump began by praising Carney as a "very good person" and complimented his electoral success, calling it potentially "greater than mine." Carney reciprocated, calling Trump a "transformational president" and acknowledging his focus on the American worker, border security, and combating fentanyl. The atmosphere shifted when Trump was asked about his belief that Canada should join the U.S. He argued that Canadians would benefit from lower taxes, improved security, and better healthcare as part of the United States. Carney responded by using Trump's real estate experience as a point of reference, stating that some places, like the White House or Buckingham Palace, are "never for sale." He affirmed that after discussions with Canadian stakeholders, Canada is not, and will never be, for sale, emphasizing the potential of a strong partnership. Carney emphasized his government's commitment to investing in Canada's security and defending the Arctic. However, Trump later reiterated his belief that Canada would eventually become part of the U.S., saying "Never say never," prompting Carney to repeatedly mouth "never" as reporters asked questions. Trump justified his expansionist view by describing himself as "artistic" and liking the aesthetic of a larger, unified border on a map. He clarified that this was not an immediate prospect but a decision for Canada to make over time. Carney countered, stating that Canadians' perspective on becoming the 51st state would not change. Since taking office, Trump has imposed tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, cars, and auto parts, as well as other resources such as potash. Canada has retaliated with tariffs on various U.S. goods, including beer, orange juice, peanut butter, wine, spirits, and appliances. The two countries plan to negotiate these rates, potentially reopening the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Trump expressed willingness to eliminate the USMCA altogether, while Carney viewed it as a basis for broader negotiations with necessary adjustments. As Trump continued to advocate for a potential merger, he seemed aware that the meeting could escalate into a confrontation, recalling a tense Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump repeatedly stated, "This is very friendly," seemingly trying to ensure a positive atmosphere, contrasting it with a previous "blow up" with another leader.