Review: Legal drama ‘Fisk’ delivers steady stream of humor, excitement

Kitty Flanagan as Helen Tudor-Fisk in ‘Fisk.’ (Netflix)
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Updated 09 August 2023
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Review: Legal drama ‘Fisk’ delivers steady stream of humor, excitement

CHENNAI: Legal dramas are invariably serious and sedate with lengthy arguments in stuffy legalese language. But the latest Netflix outing, “Fisk,” is just about the opposite.

The six-episode series is genuinely funny. Set in Melbourne, it follows Helen Tudor-Fisk, played by Kitty Flanagan.




Set in Melbourne, the show follows Helen Tudor-Fisk, played by Kitty Flanagan. (Netflix)

Co-written by Flanagan and her sister Penny, the series gets off to an unorthodox start with Fisk walking into law firm, Gruber and Gruber, in a baggy brown suit. She is looking for a job.

She previously worked for a legal firm in Sydney, but after her husband left her for a younger woman, she decided to move back to her home town, Melbourne, where she clinches an assignment with Gruber and Gruber.

Hired by law firm partner, Ray Gruber (Marty Sheargold), largely because she is the daughter of a former Supreme Court judge, Tudor-Fisk is initially unsure, but soon gets over her nervousness.

Gruber’s sister, Roz (Julia Zemiro), is also a lawyer but has lost her licence and so takes on the role of an office manager. The motley group is completed by George (Aaron Chen), a probate clerk who calls himself the webmaster because he manages the company’s website and likes to use outdated terms.

On her first day at work, Tudor-Fisk is banned from the cafe downstairs for talking too loudly, and to her horror, discovers that the guy she called out is the restaurant owner.

Upstairs, she is thrown into a case where a woman wants her brother to have a vasectomy to fulfil her mother’s will.

Later, Roz finds out that Tudor-Fisk had lost her earlier job because of her rude behavior.

And so goes “Fisk,” and delightfully through short episodes that are to the point. Yes, they are high on excitement, but without the noise and din associated with some recent television comedies.

The cast, especially, makes “Fisk” an enjoyable watch, with Flanagan delivering a fine performance – subtle but with a strong comedic punch.


‘I like it hot!’: J. Lo sizzles with killer dancing in Abu Dhabi heat

Updated 30 July 2025
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‘I like it hot!’: J. Lo sizzles with killer dancing in Abu Dhabi heat

  • Jennifer Lopez, 56, shows why she is still one of the world’s hottest artists

Returning to Abu Dhabi after her stellar performance in February, Jennifer Lopez danced the night away at the Etihad Arena in Yas Island on Tuesday as a part of her “Up All Night” world tour.

Performing iconic songs including “On the Floor,” “Ain’t Your Mama” and “Dance Again,” Lopez sizzled with her high energy and killer dance moves.

Although I was disappointed “Jenny From the Block” did not have its own moment to shine, Lopez still performed her 2002 hit single as a medley with Queen’s “We Will Rock You.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Jennifer Lopez (@jlo)

To celebrate her 56th year, she sang “Birthday,” the single released on July 24, which was much appreciated by the crowd.

The superstar thanked her fans and urged them to love one another and to pursue what they love.

Lopez also joked about the UAE heat. “I like it hot!” she said, fanning herself.

With multiple outfit changes and quick intervals, the show switched from high energy songs to slow ballads and medleys.

Lopez paid tribute to her Latin culture and performed some of her hit Spanish songs including “Que Hiciste” and “Si Una Vez.”

She sang while dancing the flamenco in an outfit inspired by the traditional traje de flamenca, a dress traditionally worn by women at festivals in Andalusia, Spain.

The hit singer is no stranger to the Gulf and turned heads in April at the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah. And last November she hit the stage at the “1001 Seasons of Elie Saab” event in Riyadh.


Annemarie Jacir’s ‘Palestine 36’ to premiere at TIFF 2025

Updated 29 July 2025
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Annemarie Jacir’s ‘Palestine 36’ to premiere at TIFF 2025

DUBAI: Director Annemarie Jacir’s “Palestine 36” will premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival as a gala screening.

Set on the outskirts of Jerusalem, “Palestine 36” tells the story of the Arab uprising against the British mandate.

“1936. As villages across Mandatory Palestine rise against British colonial rule, Yusuf drifts between his rural home and the restless energy of Jerusalem, longing for a future beyond the growing unrest,” the official logline reads. “But history is relentless. With rising numbers of Jewish immigrants escaping antisemitism in Europe, and the Palestinian population uniting in the largest and longest uprising against Britain’s 30-year dominion, all sides spiral towards inevitable collision in a decisive moment for the British Empire and the future of the entire region.”

The film features an ensemble cast including Oscar-winner Jeremy Irons, “Game of Thrones” star Liam Cunningham, and Tunisian actor Dhafer L’Abidine, alongside Palestinian talents Hiam Abbass, Yasmine Al-Massri, Kamel El Basha, and Saleh Bakri.

Jacir, whose previous credits include “Salt of the Sea,” “When I Saw You,” “Wajib” and episodes of “Ramy,” has been working on the project since before the pandemic.

“For years I’ve dreamed to make a film about the 1936 revolt, one of the most critical moments in our history, but in a way that is intimate, personal and raw. The story follows a group of people that each find themselves in a position they never asked for, and with something so much bigger than they know hanging over them. The film is about the moments in our lives where we are confronted with a choice, a decision that changes us forever,” Jacir previously said, according to Variety.  

The film was partially funded by Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Fund and the Qatar-based Katara Studios, among other entities.  


Chris Tucker tops bill of international stars at inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival

Updated 29 July 2025
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Chris Tucker tops bill of international stars at inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival

  • Pete Davidson, Aziz Ansari, Louis C.K. and Omid Djalili also among more than 50 comics who will perform during the 2-week event beginning Sept. 26
  • Others announced on Monday include Tom Segura, Nimesh Patel, Sam Morril, Chris Distefano, Mark Normand, Hannibal Buress and Jimeoin

LONDON: Award-winning Hollywood actor Chris Tucker, critically acclaimed performer Pete Davidson, and Emmy award-winner Aziz Ansari are among more than 50 top comedians from around the world who will perform at the inaugural Riyadh Comedy Festival.

The lineup for the event, at Boulevard City from Sept. 26 to Oct. 9, also includes: Tom Segura, known for his Netflix specials, including “Ball Hog” and “Sledgehammer,” and the series “Bad Thoughts;” podcast hosts Andrew Santino and Bobby Lee; Emmy-nominated writer and performer Nimesh Patel; late-night favorite Sam Morril; and UK actor and comedian Omid Djalili.

Also on the bill are Chris Distefano, who in February released his latest stand-up special, “It’s Just Unfortunate,” on streaming service Hulu; Mark Normand, whose special “Soup To Nuts” is on Netflix; veteran writer and comedian Hannibal Buress; six-time Emmy and three-time Grammy winner Louis C.K.; and Jimeoin, known for his observational comedy.

They are among the first 26 performers confirmed by Turki Alalshikh, chairperson of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

Other comics confirmed to be taking part include Andrew Schulz, Bill Burr, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, Jessica Kirson, Jimmy Carr, Jo Koy, Kevin Hart, Maz Jobrani, Russell Peters, Sebastian Maniscalco, Whitney Cummings and Zarna Garg.


Bella Hadid gets nostalgic as she advocates for Palestine

Updated 28 July 2025
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Bella Hadid gets nostalgic as she advocates for Palestine

DUBAI: US Dutch Palestinian supermodel Bella Hadid sent social media fluttering over the weekend when she shared a heartwarming carousel of rare childhood photos on Instagram. The 28‑year‑old delighted fans with snapshots from her early years.

The series of images begins with Hadid dressed as a young cowgirl, sporting a straw hat and boots on what appears to be a farm-themed outing.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Bella (@bellahadid)

In the carousel caption, Hadid referred to her “inner baby bels,” adding, “Huggin her today. Smiliest & happiest kid. Hated the camera. Has anything changed!?

“Oh and most importantly….in case you forgot…. FREE PALESTINE!!!!!! I know this little fire cracker would have been screaming it from the rooftops,” she added.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, Hadid collaborated with Chopard as the brand shared new campaign images of the supermodel wearing pieces from its high jewelry collection ahead of Paris Couture Week.

In one of the images, Hadid wears a diamond necklace featuring a large yellow gemstone at its center. In another, she wears a coordinated jewelry set consisting of sapphire and diamond drop earrings, a matching necklace, and a statement ring.

“@BellaHadid embodies the essence of High Jewelery — radiant, refined, unforgettable. A tribute to timeless glamor ahead of Paris Couture Week,” the brand wrote on Instagram.

The model’s collaboration with Chopard began in 2017 when she became one of the faces of the brand’s high jewelry collections. Since then, she has appeared in several campaigns and has worn Chopard pieces at major international events, including the Cannes Film Festival, Met Gala, and Paris Fashion Week.

Hadid has had a busy summer. In June, with the help of close friends, she expanded her beauty brand Orebella with a range of accessories.

The model and entrepreneur teamed up with Wildflower Cases co-founders Sydney and Devon Lee Carlson to launch a limited-edition collaboration featuring two new products: an iPhone case and a “scentable wristlet.”

Hadid took to Instagram to announce the launch, writing: “Feeling like the luckiest girl in the world to be able to be creative with my beauty boss sisters. Life is beautiful when we have the opportunity to watch our friends winning. So proud of you two. So proud of our teams. So proud of us. Love you all — thank you for bringing this vision to life.”
 


Review: ‘Citizen Sleeper 2’ is narrative gaming at its best

Updated 28 July 2025
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Review: ‘Citizen Sleeper 2’ is narrative gaming at its best

DUBAI: The sequel to one of indie gaming’s most beloved narrative gems, Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector, proves that lightning can strike twice. Again featuring an imaginative space setting, the dice-driven roleplaying game thrives on subtle storytelling that feels both intimate and epic.

In Citizen Sleeper 2, you step once more into the worn metal frame of a Sleeper — a synthetic body powered by a digitized human consciousness, stripped of its original memories. While the first game saw you fleeing the corporate entity that created you, the sequel shifts gears. This time, you are a Sleeper who has broken free from the chemical leash of Stabilizer only to find yourself bound by another kind of chain — indentured to ruthless gang boss Laine, trading one form of control for another.

What sets Citizen Sleeper 2 apart is its ability to make every choice matter without bombarding the player with flashy moral prompts. Conversations feel organic, decisions ripple outwards with quiet but devastating impact and the characters are drawn with nuance and compassion.

The gameplay remains as relaxing as it is engrossing. The dice mechanic returns, offering a meditative rhythm of planning and risk, but there is added depth in how resources, relationships and time must be balanced.

As the hours pass, the stakes rise. What begins as a personal quest for survival grows into a meditation on community, identity and the cost of freedom. By the time the credits roll, Citizen Sleeper 2 feels less like a game you played and more like a story you lived.

It is narrative-driven gaming at its best.