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‘It makes a convincing case for the need for human compassion’ – The Old Oak review | Films | Entertainment

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You don’t need to share Ken Loach’s politics to be moved by his films. Over six decades, the socialist firebrand has found touching drama in the lives of everyday people.

The Old Oak, his surprisingly gentle final film, isn’t as tragic as Kes or as righteously angry as I, Daniel Blake.

But it’s heartfelt, sincere and makes a convincing case for the need for human compassion.

Set in 2016, it begins with a coach-load of Syrian refugees arriving in an impoverished former mining community in County Durham.

As they are shepherded off the bus, an angry man in a Newcastle United shirt unleashes a torrent of abuse.

A few years later, this chap may be cheering his team’s new Saudi owners but, here, he is far from receptive to the idea of Muslims arriving in the North East.

Thankfully, kindly publican TJ Ballantyne (Dave Turner) is there to protect the refugees from their welcoming committee.

TJ has plenty of problems of his own. The former miner and recovering alcoholic’s decrepit pub, The Old Oak, has been slowly falling to pieces since the 90s. His wife has left him and he’s estranged from his son thanks to his drinking.

When he steps in to help 20-something new arrival Yara (Ebla Mari), delivering food and clothes to her family, he also alienates his few remaining regulars. To them, solidarity should only exist among the locals.

House prices are plummeting, social services have been decimated, and the refugees are further proof that their village has become “a dumping ground”.

“Why don’t they look after them in Westminster or Chelsea?” one local asks, not entirely without reason.

To forge a new community spirit, TJ uses his old trade union connections to source donations and reopen the kitchen in the pub’s neglected back room so new and old residents can break bread together.

Some scenes feel overly sentimental but it’s hard to remain unmoved by Loach’s optimism and his undimmed faith in the human spirit. He will be missed.

The Old Oak, Cert 15, In cinemas now



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‘Must-watch thriller movie’ that’s Leonardo DiCaprio’s best – on Amazon Prime | Films | Entertainment

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If you’re looking for a film to watch this winter, look no further than this thrilling Leonardo DiCaprio hit. On a list by Collider, the film has been named as Leo’s best film. The Departed (2006), follows an undercover cop and a mole in the police attempt to identify each other while infiltrating an Irish gang in South Boston.

Collider says: “The Departed is an example of Scorsese and DiCaprio both reaching their creative peaks. This endlessly rewatchable remake of the iconic action movie Infernal Affairs is the definitive crime epic of the 21st century, and features DiCaprio in one of the grittiest (yet most vulnerable) performances of his career as the undercover police officer Billy Costigan Jr.”

The lead role of Billy Costigan is played by Leonardo DiCaprio, in one of his most acclaimed roles. Originally, Tom Cruise was considered for the role.

Scorsese had been nominated for a total of seven Oscars before The Departed but had never won. 

Finally, the famous director won Best Picture for the film along with Best Director.

One person on Rotten Tomatoes says: “Loved the acting of especially Leo, Jack and Wahlberg. This film got me hooked the whole time. 

“This is one of the best pieces of art from Scorsese in my opinion. an absolute must-watch thriller movie.” 

Another person pens: “Terrific film, I’d dare to say at this point already a classic. Great performances from everyone involved.”

A third person wrote: “Hits the spot for an intense thriller movie with dad! A bit of an eye magnet to follow what’s going on but it is incredible. 

“Definitely a film to see at least twice. I loved Nicholson as always but I get why so many great actors wanted a part in this. They don’t make movies like these anymore.”

If you’re hoping to watch the film, you can find it on Amazon Prime.



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Next Xbox rumour suggests major PC-like feature fans may not like | Gaming | Entertainment

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Xbox Controller

The next Xbox could borrow this major feature from PC. (Image: Getty Images)

As the Xbox Series X|S consoles enter their sixth year under our TVs, eyes are starting to turn towards what the next generation of the hardware could look like – especially as the average console generation usually lasts around eight years.

With AMD’s CEO hinting last week that the next Xbox could be with us as soon as 2027, it’s got us thinking about the sort of features the console will need to offer to win over fans. It’s no secret that Xbox has struggled this generation with the Series X|S devices selling almost two thirds less than PlayStation 5 to date.

A new report points towards the next Xbox having a feature that basically turns it into a gaming PC, which might prove to be a controversial move for gamers dead-set on owning a more simplified gaming machine.

According to Jez Corden from Windows Central, the next Xbox device is set to come with a version of Windows 11 installed by default. This version of the operating system will apparently work in a similar way to the Xbox ROG Ally X, which presents with a ‘gaming first’ layer on top of Windows 11, disabling parts of the OS that aren’t needed to optimise gaming performance.

If true, this will be a huge departure from the way consoles have operated in the past. Current devices like the PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2 use proprietary operating systems that lock down which software can be run on the hardware.

While the next Xbox will still be a gaming-focused machine, it appears that Microsoft might be heading down a similar route to Valve in allowing gamers to boot into Windows 11 should they choose to. Not only would this open up the doors for the next Xbox to be used for productivity programs like a normal PC, but it also opens up the doors to installing games from alternative digital marketplaces, too.

Xbox ROG Ally X

The Xbox ROG Ally X launched in late 2025. (Image: Getty Images)

In essence, that means that the console would be backwards compatible with Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S games while also capable of playing games from Steam and Epic Games, too.

Epic Games seems to be supporting this theory that the next Xbox will use a version of Windows 11. In an interview with Game File last week, Epic Games general manager Steve Allison said that Microsoft would ‘welcome’ the Epic Games Store on the platform.

“We definitely plan to be on the new hardware for Xbox, because, unless their policy or stance on it changes, they are telling us they’re going to welcome that,” Allison says. “And we’re going be there, like, on day one. That will probably require us to build in whatever their requirements are, some sort of software to support that.”

Although the concept sounds like a more flexible way to play for gamers, not all Xbox fans are convinced. “I’m just trying to figure out what the actual benefits will be,” one Reddit user writes.

“Consoles are supposed to be simple, PC gaming can be far from it. Even with it having a console-like UI (I imagine you’ll be able to switch between it and the typical Windows 11 UX), I just feel like too much can go wrong. I’m getting Steam Machine circa 2015 vibes from it.”

Another user points out that allowing games to be installed from alternate platforms would likely cut off Microsoft’s own digital revenue streams. “How are they going to make money if it’s like a pc, wouldn’t most people buy their games from Steam?”

The answer to Microsoft’s monetary problem will likely lie in the pricing strategy of the device. With RAM prices continuing to soar, it’s looking increasingly likely that the next console will be sold as a premium product with a premium price to boot.

There’s currently no word on how Microsoft plans to price its next console, but given the high price tag of £799 attached to the Xbox ROG Ally X, we imagine the new device won’t fall far from the same tree.

Are you excited by the prospect of an Xbox that can play PC games?



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‘Masterpiece’ drama that’s ‘the best American film of all time’ is on Amazon Prime | Films | Entertainment

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But the subtext of the film is seen as a critique of the US jury system amid a climate of suspicion during the anti-communist purges of the “McCarthy era”. It features an ensemble cast including Hollywood legend Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Ed Begley, E. G. Marshall, and Jack Warden. It was directed by legendary Hollywood filmmaker Sidney Lumet, and adapted by Reginald Rose from his teleplay Twelve Angry Men.

The film was nominated for three Acamedy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay. A TV film based on the movie and directed by William Friedkin was released in 1997.

Collider described 12 Angry Men as the “best American film of all time”, and fans have flocked to Rotten Tomatoes to heap praise upon the fim.

One wrote: “Every moment feels strong, important and continuous and you feel like you’re sitting in the room with the jurors.

“The lack of non-diegetic sound lets you feel part of the film and the minimal camera cuts support the same feeling. The cinematography only builds this into the masterpiece it is.”

Another wrote: “This film has permanently changed my perspective on cinema. A masterpiece on every level.”

A third said: “The ensemble cast gives each juror a distinct presence, which makes their shifting arguments feel organic as the pressure rises.

“Even the more theatrical moments fit the film’s origins and era. With its sharp writing and its timeless look at bias and justice, the film still feels urgent and relevant today.”

A fourth added: “Tightly shot and beautifully acted, 12 Angry men stands both as a landmark technical achievement in dramatic filmmaking and a testament to the power of a successful ensemble piece.”

The film has a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer, reflecting the percentage of approved critics who have given it a positive review.

It also has a superb 97% score among general audiences, based on more than 20,000 ratings.

12 Angry Men is available to stream on Amazon Prime with a MGM+ subscription. It’s also available to rent or buy on various platforms, including Apple TV, YouTube, and Sky Store.



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