Entertainment
Eddie Murphy’s Classic, R-Rated Action Comedy On Netflix Is The First, And Best Of Its Kind
By Robert Scucci
| Published
For me, Eddie Murphy is one of those hit-or-miss actors, but when he hits, he’s an absolute force of nature. I’m willing to forget about Norbit (2007) because Bowfinger (1999) is such a perfectly executed satire, and I’m willing to forget about The Adventures of Pluto Nash (2002) because we have 1982’s 48 Hrs., his feature film debut, which is now streaming in all of its buddy cop glory on Netflix.
If you long for the days when two mismatched men get together to fight crime despite conflicting motives and personalities, all while the captain chews out our heroes for following nobody’s rules but their own because the mayor’s going to have his butt in a vice grip, 48 Hrs. delivers this in spades. Sure, you can tell yourself that Deadpool & Wolverine is the perfect modern analog to the buddy cop film, and you wouldn’t even be lying to yourself, but sometimes you need to jump back a few decades to see how it’s really done.
After all, 48 Hrs. is considered by many to be the OG, and became the template for the modern buddy cop comedy as we know and love it.
The Unlikeliest Of Partners
48 Hrs. wastes no time showing us just how much of a badass San Francisco Police Inspector Jack Cates (Nick Nolte) is. When he wakes up, the first thing he does is pour whiskey into his coffee right before arguing with his girlfriend, Elaine (Annette O’Toole). These two behavioral quirks are obviously problematic, but they tell you everything you need to know about his character. Namely, he’s so devoted to and traumatized by his job that he neglects any semblance of a home life while simultaneously drinking himself into an early grave.
When Jack is tasked with hunting down escaped murderer Albert Ganz (James Remar) and his accomplice, Billy Bear (Sonny Landham), he makes an extreme decision that could land him in a whole heap of trouble. Going against SFPD protocol, Jack thinks it’s in everybody’s best interest to work with Reggie Hammond (Eddie Murphy), a former member of Ganz’s gang who only has six months left on his three-year sentence before he becomes a free man. Jack signs a 48-hour release to get Reggie back on the streets and figures he’ll deal with the consequences later.
As you would expect from an early ‘80s buddy cop flick, the main source of tension comes from the fact that Jack is a white cop and Reggie is a Black criminal. Most of the humor and tension comes not only from their racial differences, but from the fact that they’re both incredibly hard-headed individuals who insist on doing things their own way. The agreement is simple: if Reggie helps locate Ganz and put him behind bars once and for all, he wants his sentence dropped so he can walk free.
It doesn’t take long for the two men to come to blows in 48 Hrs., but again, since we’re talking about a buddy cop flick, it also doesn’t take long for Jack and Reggie to realize they’re not so different after all. Jack, while technically a man of the law, doesn’t exactly do things by the book, which always results in him getting thoroughly chewed out by Captain Haden (Frank McRae). Reggie is obviously behind bars because of his criminal activities, but he’s much smarter than he initially lets on, and his street smarts, compounded by his willingness to go all in while helping Jack track down Ganz, prove invaluable to his de facto partner.
Some Will Say This Didn’t Age Well
Again, like most R-rated buddy cop films from the early ‘80s, there will be some people who tell you the film “aged like milk” or is problematic. While it’s easy to say that in 2026, it’s also easy to forget that this film was a product of its time. Racial epithets and other unwholesome phrases are tossed around casually and frequently, but you’re lying to yourself if you think people didn’t talk like this to some extent in the early ‘80s, especially under these kinds of extenuating circumstances. On the flip side, it’s a good benchmark to see how far we’ve come as a society when it comes to how we treat each other, making it historically significant.
It’s also worth noting that 48 Hrs. is a surprisingly subversive film, and the reason its buddy cop dynamic works so well is because Jack and Reggie absolutely hate each other when they first meet. It’s a deep, systemic hatred that’s supposed to make them mortal enemies. They need to clash hard before broing out, and the initial animosity they have for each other only means that when they start getting along, the payoff feels earned.
When they finally start clicking with each other, that dynamic becomes essential because both men continually impress each other when they’re not beating the hell out of each other. If you’re tuning in to watch Eddie Murphy chew the scenery like an absolute master when he’s fully in his element, you just have to wait for the redneck dive bar scene, where he borrows Jack’s badge and absolutely schools a room full of Confederate-flag-waving, card-carrying racists. They’re left speechless by how brazenly he commands a situation that could have ended horribly if he wasn’t 100 percent confident things would go his way.
That dynamic, playing off Nick Nolte’s “swig from flask and ask questions later” style of operating, makes for a legendary pairing that I can’t confidently say has been replicated at such a high level since. Head on over to Rotten Tomatoes for confirmation if you need it, but buddy cop comedies don’t land 92 percent critical scores by accident (or on purpose, for that matter). Everything else feels like a cheap imitation, and rightfully so. While there were earlier precursors like 1949’s Stray Dog and 1967’s In the Heat of the Night, 48 Hrs. cemented itself in movie history as the modern template for this kind of film, making it not only one of the first of its kind, but also one of the best.
As of this writing, 48 Hrs. is streaming on Netflix.
Entertainment
NYT Strands hints, answers for May 17, 2026
Today’s NYT Strands hints are easy if you always strike out.
Strands, the New York Times‘ elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There’s always a theme linking every solution, along with the “spangram,” a special, word or phrase that sums up that day’s theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.
By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.
If you’re feeling stuck or just don’t have 10 or more minutes to figure out today’s puzzle, we’ve got all the NYT Strands hints for today’s puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.
NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Strike one!
The words are related to a popular game.
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Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained
These words describe a gaming venue.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?
Today’s NYT Strands spangram is vertical.
NYT Strands spangram answer today
Today’s spangram is Bowling Alley.
NYT Strands word list for May 17
-
Scoreboard
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Pins
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Lanes
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Bowling Alley
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Arcade
-
Balls
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Lounge
Looking for other daily online games? Mashable’s Games page has more hints, and if you’re looking for more puzzles, Mashable’s got games now!
Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you’re after? Here’s the solution to yesterday’s Strands.
Entertainment
The R-Rated, Dystopian Sci-Fi Thriller On Netflix That Needs A Sequel
By Steven Nelson
| Published
In a world bursting with dystopian tales, 2017’s What Happened to Monday manages to offer a fresh, thrilling spin, catching viewers in a web of suspense, emotion, and intricate plotting. It went under-watched and underappreciated at the time of its release, but we can correct that now.
It’s streaming on Netflix, and this gripping sci-fi film poses the question: In a future where overpopulation leads to a strict one-child policy, what happens when you have seven identical sisters living in secret?
If you’re in the mood for a pulse-pounding ride that merges mystery with futuristic paranoia, then What Happened to Monday is one to add to your watchlist. And if you are a parent handling multiple kids at home, don’t worry, this will make your own living situation seem peaceful by comparison.
Seven Days Of Settman Sisters
In the not-so-far-off future depicted in What Happened to Monday, overpopulation isn’t just a looming issue, but rather a critical crisis. The world’s governments, in a desperate attempt to control the situation, implement a strict one-child policy. The Child Allocation Bureau ensures this policy is followed ruthlessly, taking away any additional children from families and putting them in cryosleep, with the promise that they’ll be awakened in a better, less crowded future. It’s into this world that the Settman sisters, seven identical siblings, are born.
Now, how do you hide seven sisters in a one-child society? Ingeniously named after each day of the week, the sisters rotate, stepping outside on the day they’re named after, and all impersonating the same identity: Karen Settman. Indoors, they’re Sunday through Saturday (hence, What Happened to Monday), each with her own personality and quirks. Outdoors, they maintain a collective facade, sharing experiences and memories with one another to keep their secret intact.
But the system, as meticulous as it is, starts to crumble when Monday doesn’t return home after her designated day out. Panic ensues among the remaining sisters. Has she been discovered? Did she run away? Or is there a more sinister reason behind her disappearance? The ensuing search pulls the sisters into a whirlwind of danger, conspiracy, and revelations as they race against time, not just to find Monday, but to ensure their own survival.
Noomi Rapace Kills In What Happened To Monday
The film’s stellar cast elevates this intriguing premise. Noomi Rapace takes on a challenging feat, portraying all seven distinct sisters, each with her own nuances and depth. Glenn Close, as the unwavering head of the Child Allocation Bureau, is the embodiment of the hard decisions and sacrifices made in the name of the greater good. Willem Dafoe also makes his mark as the Settman grandfather, the architect of the sisters’ intricate hide-and-seek life.
What Happened to Monday isn’t just another dystopian tale. It’s a story of sisterhood, survival, and the lengths to which one will go to preserve family.
The film generated a potpourri of reactions from critics upon its release. It was lauded for its intriguing premise and the tour de force performance by Noomi Rapace. Playing seven distinct characters in a single film is no easy feat, and Rapace’s portrayal was often spotlighted as the movie’s shining strength.
However, critics also had their reservations. Some felt that the movie, while ambitious, occasionally stumbled in its narrative execution. There were concerns that the film veered into formulaic territory, occasionally becoming predictable or borrowing tropes from other dystopian tales. Some critiques pointed towards the character depth, feeling that despite Rapace’s commendable effort, not all sisters received equal and adequate characterization.
On the flip side, the film’s pacing, action sequences, and visual aesthetics were often praised. The tension-laden plot kept many viewers at the edge of their seats, even if it sometimes sacrificed deeper thematic exploration for thrills.
Fertile Ground For A Sequel
If What Happened to Monday were to be granted a sequel, it could take multiple intriguing directions. Here’s one way to envision it:
Building on the first movie’s exploration of a world strangled by overpopulation, the sequel could venture beyond the Settman sisters’ story. The aftermath of the events of the first film has shaken the foundations of the Child Allocation Bureau. People across the world are now aware of the dark secrets of cryosleep and the fate of “extra” children. This revelation could trigger widespread unrest, with communities and families demanding transparency, accountability, and change.
The remaining Settman sisters could be at the heart of this revolution, becoming symbols of resistance against the oppressive one-child policy. They could join or even lead a movement seeking to challenge and overthrow the system. Along the way, they might uncover even deeper secrets about the Bureau and the global elite’s real intentions behind the policy.
What Happened to Monday garnered a mixed-to-positive reception, securing a 62 percent critical score against a slightly more favorable 67 percent Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes. While it might not have been hailed universally as a classic in the sci-fi dystopian genre, it was recognized for its ambition, Rapace’s commendable performance, and its fresh take on a future grappling with overpopulation.
For many viewers, especially those fond of suspenseful, high-stakes cinema, What Happened to Monday became a must-watch, and is available to steam on Netflix.
Entertainment
Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 17, 2026
Today’s Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you follow the rules.
If you just want to be told today’s word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today’s Wordle solution revealed. But if you’d rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
Where did Wordle come from?
Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
What’s the best Wordle starting word?
The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?
The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website’s creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
Is Wordle getting harder?
It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn’t any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle‘s Hard Mode if you’re after more of a challenge, though.
Here’s a subtle hint for today’s Wordle answer:
A rule.
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Does today’s Wordle answer have a double letter?
There are no recurring letters.
Today’s Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with…
Today’s Wordle starts with the letter B.
The Wordle answer today is…
Get your last guesses in now, because it’s your final chance to solve today’s Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to today’s Wordle is…
BYLAW
Don’t feel down if you didn’t manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we’ll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today’s Strands.
Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
If you’re looking for more puzzles, Mashable’s got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you’re after? Here’s the solution to yesterday’s Wordle.
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