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Mortal Combat Arrives HBO Max

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Almost 30 years after “Mortal Kombat” changed the fighting game landscape forever, a reboot to the film franchise based on these brutally violent games arrives in theaters and on HBO Max for 30 days.

Here’s the important thing for fans to know: it’s as R-rated as the games themselves. For the first time really, the truly gruesome appeal of “Mortal Kombat” makes it to the big screen, complete with some combo fighting moves pulled directly from the games, certain character-based catch phrases, and even a few famous fatalities—the finishing moves that included spines being ripped from bodies through the top of your opponent’s head.

There are some showdowns that will appeal to people who have played all of the “MK” games (which includes yours truly, believe it or not), including match-ups that involve now-classic video game characters like Sub-Zero, Kano, Raiden, and many more. While the film comes to life in ways that video game flicks often fail to do in its action scenes, it grinds to a halt during a deadly long training/destiny centerpiece that drags the film out to almost 110 minutes, and then it ends with a whimper, setting up what feels like a franchise instead of providing a satisfying finale. Sure, video games aren’t exactly known for closure, but so much of “Mortal Kombat” feels like set-up that you’ll just wish someone could have … finished it.

Simon McQuoid makes his directorial debut with “Mortal Kombat,” which has basically been in production for a quarter-century given there was supposed to be a third film from the ‘90s series that launched Paul W.S. Anderson, but fell into development hell after the failure of 1997’s abysmal “Mortal Kombat: Annihilation.” McQuoid works from a script by Greg Russo and Dave Callaham that’s clearly familiar with the source material, dropping in fan favorites like Raiden and Liu Kang but also digging a little deeper to bring to life characters like Mileena and a truly dodgy CGI version of Goro.

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An effective prologue opens the film in 17th century Japan as Lin Kuei assassins led by Bi-Han (Joe Taslim) attack Hanzo Hasashi (Hiroyuki Sanada) and his family, killing Hanzo’s wife and son with his, shall we say, freeze power. The choreography in this first scene is surprisingly strong, blending moves familiar to “MK” fans with a level of intense combat that you don’t really see made by Hollywood anymore—think blades stuck through the tops of heads. Hanzo is killed by Bi-Han, but his spirit is taken to the Netherrealm, where he will become … well, fans of the games know but the movie keeps it a secret long enough that I won’t spoil it here.

The film then jumps forward to reveal that Outworld has won nine out of ten tournaments in Mortal Kombat, meaning one more will spell the end of Earthrealm. Because villains never play fair, Shang Tsung (Chin Han) decides to rig the final tournament in a sense by preemptively killing the champions of Earthrealm, sending his fighters to dispatch them one by one.

An MMA fighter named Cole Young (Lewis Tan), a new character to the MK universe, has always wondered what his dragon birthmark means, and discovers that he’s one of the aforementioned champions when Sub-Zero comes for him and his family. Jax (Mehcad Brooks) tries to warn him of his destiny before getting his arms frozen and ripped off by the classic video game villain.

It may not be for those easily turned off by violence, but the truth is that “Mortal Kombat” really comes to life in these fight sequences and their fatalities—finally putting on film what fans of the games have loved for so long in a way that most people thought they would never really see. You’ll wish there were more of them. After a strong first act of MK one-on-one combat, it becomes less of a focus, much to the detriment of the movie.

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Cole finds his way to Sonya Blade (Jessica McNamee), who, along with a wisecracking Kano (Josh Lawson), takes our truly bland protagonist to Raiden’s temple to train for the upcoming tournament. And here’s where “Mortal Kombat” grinds to a halt, where each character has to spar to learn their “arcana” or special powers and the self-serious dialogue spins its wheels around destiny and responsibility. It’s a shame that the producers of “Mortal Kombat” movies are convinced that there needs to be long training/prep sections in the middle of their stories. No one wants to play a tutorial an hour after they’ve started the game. And the wheel-spinning here drains all possible momentum for a movie that runs close to two hours. It should really be illegal to make a video game film that’s almost as long as “Judas and the Black Messiah.”

“Mortal Kombat” recovers a bit with some climactic fights, including a pretty strong one between the two most legendary characters in this franchise. But long before then, fans will probably know how they feel about this flick, one that’s undeniably better than “MK: Annihilation” but feels unlikely to me to maintain the same nostalgic kick as the original Anderson film. There’s enough strong choreography and direct appeals to the fan base to keep them just barely entertained long enough to go back and play one of the excellent recent editions of this series (2019’s “Mortal Kombat 11” is stellar, by the way). Maybe that’s all that matters. But it sure doesn’t feel like the cinematic fatality that fans truly deserve after all these years of fighting.

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In theaters today and on HBO Max for the next month.

 

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How Nigerian TikToker Geh Geh Made ₦45 Million in One Night

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A Nigerian TikTok sensation known as “Geh Geh” has stunned the internet after pulling in over $30,000 from a single live session that attracted more than 177,000 viewers.

The young entertainer, who calls his platform the “University of Wisdom and Understanding,” has quickly built a cult following with his raw and unfiltered lectures about women, money, and survival in Nigeria.

During the live broadcast on Thursday, August 21, viewers showered him with virtual gifts that he later calculated to be worth over $30,000.

The milestone instantly pushed him into the spotlight as one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising online personalities.

 

Reacting in disbelief after the stream, Geh Geh said:

“More than 177,000 people watch my lectures today. Jesus! University of wisdom and understanding, the only university where once you graduate, woman go fear to ask you for money.”

 

Despite not having a formal education, Geh Geh proudly calls himself “the first illiterate to find a university in the history of Nigeria.” In a video after the viral live, he reminded fans of his humble background:

“I no be graduate too, but by the grace of God, I don find school. I be orphan, but now Nigerians don show me love.”

 

The TikTok star admitted he was overwhelmed by the generosity of his supporters.

“See gift I made over… more gift when they give me today is worth about $30,000. I no go take this love for granted, because I no really do anything for am.”

 

His rise has been hailed as proof of how social media is transforming lives in Nigeria. With no degree, no rich background, and no industry connection, Geh Geh has managed to build a fanbase that now calls themselves “students” of his unusual university.

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Still, his controversial views on women and relationships continue to spark heated debates. While some dismiss his advice as reckless, others insist his boldness speaks directly to Nigeria’s frustrated youth.

 

Reflecting on his sudden fame, Geh Geh compared himself to great thinkers:

“If Nigeria be country wey value great people, by now them suppose dey compare people like me with Aristotle, Wole Soyinka, Einstein… but I thank God say people dey see my head and my own difference.”

From an orphan with no prospects to a viral star earning in dollars, Geh Geh’s story has become one of digital empowerment.

His journey shows how platforms like TikTok are creating new forms of fame, money, and influence for Nigerians especially those once written off by society.

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Big Brain Naija Reality Show Set to Launch in Nigeria – What to Expect

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Nigeria is set to welcome a new kind of reality TV show, Big Brain Naija (#BB9JA), which the organisers describe as a platform designed to discover, celebrate, and showcase the country’s brightest minds.

Diaspora Digital Media gathered that the show, powered by Big Brain Productions in collaboration with DAAR Communications Plc, will officially debut in October.

According to the organisers, it will air on Africa Independent Television (AIT) and will be staged in the Federal Capital Territory.

Speaking at the official signing of the partnership agreement in Abuja, Chief Executive Officer of Big Brain Productions, Mr. Kel Ameobi, explained that the initiative seeks to balance entertainment with innovation.

He stressed that the show would focus on creativity, ideas, and problem-solving rather than the usual theatrics and controversies that dominate popular reality shows in Nigeria.

“Big Brain Naija was created with a simple but powerful vision: to build a platform where intelligence meets entertainment,” Ameobi said.

He added that Nigerian youths have often been denied opportunities to showcase their ingenuity on the big stage, while entertainment spaces tend to reward superficial content.

He continued: “For too long, we’ve seen platforms celebrate emptiness and drama, while the brightest among us have no avenue to shine.

Big Brain Naija is not a show of noise but a stage for innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. We want to celebrate ideas, not controversies.”

Joining him, Chief Executive Officer of DAAR Communications Plc, Mr. Marcel Anyalechi, praised the project as a refreshing departure from the norm.

He noted that DAAR Communications would fully support the show across all its media platforms.

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“This project blends innovation and creativity, and we believe it will bring real impact to the entertainment industry.

We are excited to partner with Big Brain Productions to showcase Nigerian talent not just to Africa but to the world,” Anyalechi said.

Adding to the details, Chief Operating Officer of Big Brain Naija, Mr. Ossai Ilome, explained that the first season will feature 37 contestants representing all 36 states and the FCT.

To make the competition even more unique, the show will introduce AI-powered judges, making it the first reality TV show in Africa to integrate artificial intelligence at such a scale.

Ilome revealed that the winner of the maiden season will walk away with a grand prize of N30 million and a brand-new car.

He emphasized that beyond entertainment, the project aims to reinforce Nigeria’s global image as a nation of intelligent and industrious people.

“The time has come to showcase Nigerians as visionary and exceptional people. While the show will retain the entertaining aspect of reality TV, its heart lies in celebrating intellect, ideas, and innovation,” Ilome said.

The organisers expressed optimism that Big Brain Naija would not only captivate audiences but also inspire young Nigerians to dream bigger and push creative boundaries.

With its unique blend of entertainment, innovation, and national representation, the show aims to become a defining moment for the Nigerian entertainment industry when it premieres in October.

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Popular Skit Maker Dies in Lagos

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dead body

The Lakowe community in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State was thrown into panic last week after a skit maker and hairstylist, simply identified as Austin, was brutally murdered by suspected cultists.

Diaspora Digital Media gathered that the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, August 14, 2025, left residents in shock as the victim’s mutilated body was discovered with deep machete cuts.

Witnesses said the attackers severed one of his hands during the gruesome killing.

According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants stormed the area at dawn in search of Austin.

Upon locating his residence, they allegedly dragged him out of his apartment before hacking him to death in front of horrified neighbors.

A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity told PUNCH Metro:

“There was commotion early Thursday morning, but nobody knew what was happening.

Later, we found Austin’s corpse with machete wounds, and one of his hands cut off. That was when we realized the noise we heard was linked to the attack.”

Shockingly, friends and neighbors revealed that Austin may have anticipated his death.

A close acquaintance disclosed that the deceased posted a cryptic farewell message on his WhatsApp status just a day before the attack.

“Austin was a well-known hairstylist and also created comedy skits online. People close to him said he sensed danger and left a post hinting that something bad was about to happen,” a resident explained.

Videos shared with reporters showed his lifeless body lying on the ground with sympathizers gathered around, mourning the tragic loss.

When contacted, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, did not answer calls placed to his phone. A text message sent to him also went unanswered as of the time of filing this report.

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The killing comes just days after Lagos police confirmed the arrest of six suspected cultists in connection with the violent murder of another man, identified as Kamoru, alias Keeper, in the Ebute Meta area.

In a statement released in mid-July, Hundeyin disclosed that the suspects — Raphael Ashim (30), Wasiu Kareem (33), Sadiq Olabisi (40), Olamilekan Oluwatosin (27), Olalekan Olugbodi (54), and Ibrahim Oladimeji (22) — were apprehended by detectives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit during an intelligence-led operation in Surulere.

Police said the suspects were involved in multiple cult clashes across Lagos, which have claimed several lives, including that of Kamoru.

Cult-related violence has been on the rise in Lagos communities, with gangs clashing over territorial control, drug turf wars, and political influence.

Many residents have repeatedly called on the state government and security agencies to intensify efforts to curb the menace.

Austin’s killing has once again highlighted the growing insecurity in Lagos suburbs, especially in fast-developing areas like Ibeju-Lekki, where rapid urbanization has also attracted cult activity.

For residents of Lakowe, the incident has created fear and uncertainty. Some expressed concern that young men in the area are being lured into cult groups due to unemployment, peer pressure, and lack of opportunities.

Community leaders are now urging the Lagos State Police Command to launch a thorough investigation and bring Austin’s killers to justice.

Many fear that without swift action, cult-related killings could escalate and spread further across Ibeju-Lekki and surrounding communities.

As of press time, security presence in Lakowe has been increased, but residents remain on edge, mourning the loss of a popular young hairstylist and entertainer whose life was cut short by suspected cultists.

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JUST IN: Tears as Nollywood legend Fabian Adibe passes away sadly

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(DDM) – The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Nollywood actor Fabian Adibe.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the veteran performer, widely known for his role in the classic adaptation of Things Fall Apart, passed away in the early hours of Wednesday.

According to reports, Adibe died at 2:30 a.m., a development confirmed by celebrity journalist Seun Oloketuyi via his Instagram handle.

The news has triggered an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, fans, and stakeholders within the entertainment sector.

Fabian Adibe was celebrated as one of Nollywood’s foundational actors who helped shape the industry’s storytelling tradition.

His role in Things Fall Apart and several other Nollywood classics remains etched in the memories of movie lovers across generations.

Industry insiders described him as an actor who brought authenticity, depth, and emotion to every character he portrayed.

His passing marks another painful loss for Nollywood, which has lost several veterans in recent years.

Fabian Adibe’s contribution to Nollywood

Adibe began his acting career during Nigeria’s formative film years, appearing in stage productions before transitioning to television and home videos.

He was known for his ability to interpret roles rooted in traditional culture and African history.

His performances helped establish Nollywood as a hub of African cinematic expression.

Things Fall Apart, adapted from Chinua Achebe’s iconic novel, remains one of his most enduring legacies.

Critics hailed his performance for capturing the emotional weight and historical depth of the story.

Tributes pour in

Since the announcement of his passing, social media has been flooded with condolences and emotional messages.

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Actors, filmmakers, and fans alike have celebrated his life and legacy.

Seun Oloketuyi, who confirmed the news, described Adibe as “a pioneer and a legend whose absence will be deeply felt.”

Others praised his mentorship of younger actors and his commitment to professionalism throughout his career.

Nollywood’s recent losses

Adibe’s death adds to a growing list of Nollywood veterans who have passed away in the past two years.

The industry has lost icons like Saint Obi, Mr. Ibu (John Okafor), and Don Brymo, sparking concerns about the preservation of Nollywood’s history.

Film historians have called for more archival work to document the contributions of early actors like Adibe.

Final farewell

While funeral arrangements are yet to be announced, colleagues are expected to hold memorial events in his honour.

Fans have taken to social media with messages such as, “Rest in peace, Fabian Adibe. Nollywood will never forget you.”

 

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Why single mothers can’t raise boys into proper men — Jim Iyke

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Jim Iyke

Nollywood actor Jim Iyke has sparked heated debate with his recent comments on parenting, asserting that a single mother cannot raise a boy into a “proper man” without the involvement of a male figure.

Speaking during an interview on Okay 101.7 FM in Accra, Ghana, Iyke emphasized the importance of male influence in shaping boys into responsible and disciplined men, while acknowledging the critical nurturing role women play in child-rearing.

“A woman can’t raise a man. You can’t, you’re not built for it. A single mother cannot raise a man properly,” Iyke declared. He added that the presence of a trusted male figure—whether a brother, father, or mentor—is essential. “There has to be a male presence in it [raising a boy child],” he insisted.

According to Iyke, women are naturally inclined to nurture and love, but he argued that this alone is insufficient for instilling discipline and resilience in boys.

“What you’re going to raise is a very weak man. He is going to be everything like the men that left you. You need somebody who would discipline him, tell him ‘No’ as often as possible, and put him in the grind,” he explained.

To illustrate his point, Iyke shared a personal anecdote about his four-year-old son during a family holiday in the south of France.

When his son was bullied by other kids during a football game, Iyke deliberately refused to intervene, instructing his wife to step back as well.

He described the moment as a “conversation between two men,” explaining that the experience taught his son resilience.

“He went back, fought for his ball, and came out stronger. I’ve never been more proud of him,” Iyke recounted, adding that this underscored his belief in the value of a father figure in a boy’s development.

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Iyke’s comments have since gone viral, igniting passionate discussions across social media. While some agree with his perspective on the importance of male influence, others have criticized his stance, emphasizing the strength and success many single mothers have demonstrated in raising well-rounded men.

 

 

 

 

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