lovable

It’s the equivalent of a cinematic Snickers bar, and that’s sort of what it needs to be. We’re talking about the remake of “Road House,” an action-packed guilty pleasure that takes off once a particular person arrives to flex his muscles. Too bad some of that actor’s hyperactive energy didn’t spill over into “Palm Royale,” a huge, lethargic disappointment from Apple TV+. We also review the documentary “Carol Doda Goes Topless,” two worthy horror movies, a bad Netflix rom-com and a beautiful drama about the relationship…

You Fool! I’m not looking to start a fight here. When The Genji and the Heike Clans was released in Japanese arcades by Namco in 1986 as Genpei Tōma Den, it was generally well-respected. However, here at the Destructoid Institute of Critiquing Kusoge (DICK), we have a saying: If it walks like Kusoge, quacks like Kusoge, and smells like Kusoge, it’s definitely Kusoge (crap game). So, are you going to take the word of Japan, the experts on Kusoge? Or would you rather be daring and listen to the brash, upstart DICK? I don’t…

An Icelandic sheepdog.Photo: Shutterstock (Shutterstock)A new study may help us understand our canine companions a bit better. Scientists at the National Institutes of Health say they’ve uncovered some of the ways that genes can influence the behaviors of certain breeds, such as dogs meant to herd livestock.For about two decades, a team led by Elaine Ostrander at the National Human Genome Research Institute has been working on the Dog Genome Project. The ultimate goal of the project is to get a grasp on how genetics…

With its small, efficient packaging, unique look and 4-wheel drive, the Mitsubishi Delica is a beloved favorite for adventurers and van lifers the world over, from its home country of Japan, to the far reaches of Europe and Australia, and even on to the US, where Mitsubishi barely ever sold it. So a shrunken Delica kei van should be rather exciting news for global camper and adventure van enthusiasts, even though it won't be available to many of them. The all-new Mitsubishi Delica Mini only gets better after learning it's…

Though you could recall legendary actor Robbie Coltrane for many of the roles on his impressive resume, his portrayal of Rubeus Hagrid in the Harry Potter movies is quite possibly the most lovable. Showcasing firm resolve, tempered by warm wisdom and kindness, Hogwarts’ groundskeeper became Coltrane’s claim to fame late in his career. That knowledge is bittersweet today, as Robbie Coltrane has died at age 72.The actor’s agent broke the news to Deadline, who reported that the star of many notable TV and movie projects had…

Roomy, simple, versatile and timelessly recognizable, the original Volkswagen T1 camper van remains a beloved icon representing the freedom of open-road travel. While we wait for VW to try and recreate some of that magic in electric form, a German startup has stepped in and encapsulated much of the dual-tone flair, simple, effective design, multi-use versatility and affordable escapism of the original pop-top camper in an all-electric package. Could the Xbus Camper from ElectricBrands become the VW-like legend of the…

Only the most brutish and cold-hearted bully could resist falling for this utterly charming Danish documentary about a bunch of complicated but lovable nerds who pull together to help one of their number, Kim “Cannon Arm” Kobke, break the world record for playing arcade game Gyruss. Director/narrator Mads Hedegaard embeds himself at Copenhagen’s The Shed, one of the last arcades for the full-size gaming machines that used to be so popular before home computers and consoles decimated the market. Although Hedegaard doesn’t…