Flies

WASHINGTON — A crowd gathered at a commuter gate at Reagan National Airport on Friday as fog-laden Washington skies caused an hourlong ground stop that backed up passengers hoping to head out from American Airlines’ Terminal D.

But soon the already densely packed area swelled even more, as word spread across nearby gates that, of the hundreds of air travelers coming and going, only one among them was accompanied by a U.S. Secret Service detail, along with uniformed local police officers: former President Biden.

Biden, who has rarely made public appearances since leaving office last year, sat, like many of his fellow passengers, awaiting a flight that would take him to Columbia, S.C., for an evening event with the South Carolina Democratic Party.

Passengers whispered and gaped in wonder: Why would a man who for a time was leader of the free world be, like they were, at the mercy of airport travel delays, even as he sat ensconced in his security detail?

Maybe for Biden it made more sense than for some other former presidents. Known for years as Amtrak Joe, Biden as a senator prided himself on becoming arguably the nation’s biggest Amtrak fan, regularly taking the train home to Delaware rather than taking up residence in Washington. Now, as a former president, he’s been spotted riding the rails since, taking selfies with and chatting up his fellow passengers.

On Friday, the vibe was about the same, as Biden — seated in the third row of the tiny first class cabin on the commuter jet — boarded the flight ahead of other passengers, along with his detail, members of which were spread throughout the plane.

“God bless you, sir,” one woman said, as she filed past Biden in his window seat, newspaper in his lap.

“Thank you for your service,” a man said, shaking Biden’s hand.

The woman who took the aisle seat next to the former president first set down her coffee on the arm rest they shared, deposited a bag in the overhead compartment, then sat down and realized her seatmate was the nation’s 46th president.

Biden set his hand on her cup to steady it, then met her gaze with a hello as she took her seat.

“I feel like I’m about to cry,” the woman said, as they shook hands and, over the course of the next hour, chatted throughout the flight.

Former presidents and their spouses receive lifelong Secret Service protection under federal law, but there are no provisions guaranteeing the elite levels of private travel that were necessary features of their time in office.

Kinnard writes for the Associated Press.

A prequel to one of the most acclaimed sci-fi films of all time has just been added to Netflix and fans are already eating it up

A sci-fi film directed by Ridley Scott that’s been praised by fans as a “masterpiece” is available to stream now in the UK. Prometheus (2012) is the fifth instalment in the iconic Alien franchise, and follows scientists who uncover startling clues that humanity may have been created by an ancient alien race, and journey to a remote world to investigate.

However, in their quest to solve the mystery they stumble upon a terrifying discovery that could spell the end of the human race. The psychological thriller boasts an all-star ensemble cast, including Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Guy Pearce, Idris Elba, Logan Marshall-Green, and Charlize Theron.

The film acts as a prequel to the first film in the franchise, Alien (1979) which was also helmed by Scott, and generated a number of successful sequels directed by Hollywood titans including James Cameron and David Fincher, as well as a cross-over franchise, Alien vs. Predator.

Mere hours after its release on the platform and it has already reached the number two spot on Netflix’s top 10 films.

One fan, writing on Rotten Tomatoes, called Prometheus a “masterpiece”. “This movie expands the Alien world and lore,” they added.

“The acting is top notch. The sci-fi horror element is incredible. Very existential. Watch it with commentary,” reports the Express.

Another described simply as the “Best movie of all time”.

Not everyone was impressed by the prequel, with one writing whilst Prometheus “looks phenomenal” its “strong visuals cannot hide weak writing”.

“The dialogue feels stiff and unnatural, making it hard to connect with the characters.”

Another commented: “It’s frustrating how amazing this film could’ve been. Solid cast, beautifully shot, original story. Scott should’ve either made a film about our creators or an Alien prequel; instead the two elements get too muddled together and neither gets full service.”

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However, others believed it matched the high benchmark established by the franchise’s stronger entries.

One remarked: “This was a perfectly cast movie. It gave excellent insight into the origins of the Alien lore. Excellently tied in with the existing movies. Not too many Aliens ripping people apart but plenty of action. Truly a great movie.”

Another rejected criticism of the picture, claiming it’s “gripping, thought provoking, visually stunning and entertaining from start to finish”.

A third branded it an “incredible and impactful film that deserves to be seen multiple times”.

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A fourth described it as “massively underrated in the Alienverse”, boasting a “strong script, amazing cast”, and visual effects that are “on point”.

The film carries a 15 certificate and features strong violence, gore, alongside threat and horror – so viewer discretion is recommended.

Prometheus arrived on Netflix in the UK on Monday (February 16). It’s also accessible to stream on Disney+, and available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Sky Store.

Lord of the Flies fans were left less than impressed with the BBC’s adaptation of the classic novel with some viewers even “switching off” just minutes into the thriller.

Lord of the Flies fans are united in their reaction as William Golding’s 1954 masterpiece receives its first television adaptation on BBC One.

Fans of the classic novel have been anticipating the BBC’s interpretation of this survival story, particularly given the screenplay comes from Jack Thorne, co-creator of Adolescence.

Following a plane crash on an uninhabited island, a band of schoolboys must fend for themselves and maintain civilisation, but when Jack (portrayed by Lox Pratt) develops a bloodlust for hunting, order descends into brutality and disorder.

Whilst anticipation ran high for Lord of the Flies’ debut on BBC One, numerous viewers were swift to criticise the programme’s distinctive cinematography.

One person wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “I love the Lord of the Flies book but this filmmaking style is horrific. This is too ‘cinematic’. It’s only bleedin’ TV!”

Another remarked: “Nope. Can’t watch this fish eye lens car crash”, whilst a second viewer agreed: “Something not quite right about this – but gonna give it a chance.”

They added: “Feels off – is it the weird colours, fisheye lenses shots, kid actors or general vibe. Not sure.”

Someone else complained: “Really *not* a fan of the fisheye lens they’re using on Lord Of The Flies and blurred distorted periphery.”

They continued: “Look at me screams the cinematographer – takes you out of the film and gives a surreal disorienting feel we don’t need.”

Another viewer queried: “What’s going on with the camera work, why is the cameraman in the sea? Did someone get a fish eye lens for Christmas?

“Sorry, the BBC’s Lord Of The Flies is proving to be a hot mess”, another viewer remarked.

“Everything from unmotivated shots and cinematography to performances, casting, delivery, music score and tone.

“Could never do justice to the book but was hoping for something more than this.”

One more chimed in: “This is unwatchable, terrible cinematography, someone’s dialled up the ‘Vivid’ filter to 100.”

Additional critics complained the adaptation was “boring” and “awful”, with someone else declaring: “While everyone is raving about Lord of the Flies on BBC, I’m not, I’m switching off…it’s c***.”

However, not all reactions have been negative, with one supporter noting: “Very impressed by the new adaptation of Lord of the Flies so far”, whilst another stated: “Enjoying it so far, what fantastic actors.”

Lord of the Flies comprises four episodes, with each instalment presented through a different character’s viewpoint.

The opening episode unfolded through Piggy’s (David McKenna) perspective as the youngsters adjusted to their island existence, though the episode concluded dramatically with them accidentally starting a devastating blaze that engulfed the surrounding trees.

The question remains: how will the group cope following this traumatising event?

Lord of the Flies airs every Sunday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.