Great cast, and I continue to think Dylan O'Brien has all the makings of a future star. The visual effects are solid as well, giving the film a polished look.
Unfortunately, the script and dialogue just didn’t work for me. It leans too heavily into silliness, making it difficult to take the story seriously when it needs to.
If you're looking for a more grounded take on this type of film, I'd recommend Monsters instead. It delivers a stronger script, more believable characters, and leaves a much bigger impression.
i live in australia where mathieus have been unfairly banned :( i have always really loved mathieus and the wide variety of display patterns and varieties they come in - i also love how adaptable they can be to new activities and lifestyles! do you have any recommendations for an alternative breed i can look in to that might fill the mathieu shaped hole in my heart
Sometimes a single incident can lead to an entire species being banned, as was the case in Australia after an escaped poorly-socialised Mathieu began attacking local juveniles in a territorial dispute. This behaviour is very uncommon, but unfortunately has reflected upon the whole species. We can hope that with time this ban will be overturned, but for the moment your best bet is to consider one of the similar species native to Australia. While none fill quite the same niche as a Mathieu, there are multiple delightful options which share many of the same characteristics:
1) A Bling
The jewelled Bling actually has a wider range of display patterns than the Mathieu, with a depth and purity of colour that even fancy Mathieus have not yet attained. In addition, the iridescent varieties possess a beautiful sheen, often compared to that of precious jewels. Like a Mathieu, a Bling uses his display patterns for social signalling, allowing a surprisingly complex range of emotions to be conveyed.
In the wild, Blings will build and decorate elaborate structures to cover the entrance to their burrows. It is theorised that these may play some role in mate selection, but research is still ongoing.
Although native to Australia, Blings are often kept in other parts of the world as bonded companions to Tadejs, and the two species are extremely compatible. A Bling is a pursuit hunter focusing on intense bursts of speed, and like a Jasper will eat one large meal and then rest and digest for several days. This allows time for social bonding, which is very important to the Bling - unlike some species, your Bling will want to sit and watch you type on your laptop, and some will even attempt to mimic your activities.
A Bling may not be suitable if you are not looking to adopt a bonded companion for him, and need to be away from home for multiple hours each day. But if you are looking for a species with a strong social connection, beautiful display patterns and outgoing nature, a Bling may be just right for you.
Also consider: A Julian or Fabio.
2) A Jai
With a sweet personality and friendly nature, the Jai is ideal if you have a smaller living space. Exclusively found at altitude, they are primarily herbivorous, but will supplement their diet by catching unwary prey on an opportunistic basis. Their favourite snacks are flowers, and it is theorised that the colour of blooms consumed in infancy will affect a Jai's adult colouring.
Unlike Mathieus, Jais are not capable of changing their display patterns. However they can be found in a range of beautiful colours, from golden to pink, white and teal. A Jai will primarily build his nest in the rocky terrain of the high mountains, but this can be easily reproduced with a gravel substrate to his enclosure. As Jais are not primarily hunters, they do not need to hunt live prey. Check for approved florists in your area, and supplement his diet with a multivitamin.
Quietly playful, Jais are easily harness-trained, and will enjoy the opportunity to explore your world with you. What may seem like a quiet walk down the street will quickly take on a new light, as your Jai appreciates every new smell, sight and sound! They also enjoy physical enrichment toys, especially those which involve climbing. A Jai's enclosure should contain plenty of opportunities for vertical as well as horizontal movement.
Jais can suffer from problems during shedding - stuck shed is a regular complication - so they may not be suitable if you are not comfortable helping him to remove any old skin. If in doubt, never pull or tug at the old skin, but consult your veterinarian immediately.
A Jai may not be suitable if you are not able to devote vertical as well as horizontal space to an enclosure, or if you are looking for varying display patterns as a mood indicator. But if you are looking for a species with a gentle nature, and an active curiosity about the world, a Jai may be just what you are looking for.
Also consider: A Wilco or João.
3) A Ben
Unfairly possessing a reputation as 'difficult' to keep, it is time that the Ben was reconsidered as an option. With the right care, they can be extremely rewarding - Bens do not bond easily to their keepers, but once they do, their fiercely loving nature becomes apparent. This also applies to bonded companions, so do be aware if you are hoping to introduce a Ben into an already formed bond.
Primarily persistence hunters, Bens will exhaust their prey before moving in for the kill. Tufted like a Tadej, their crests are used to signal mood and intent much as a Mathieu uses his display patterns. The Ben pictured above is in a pleasant mood, and his raised crest shows that he is vigorously asserting dominance over the photographer! They will bask once a day, similar to a Mathieu, with a drooping crest indicating that your Ben is likely too cold.
A Ben will live happily on a similar diet to a Wout or Tadej, and requires a similar amount of supervised outdoor time as either. They enjoy the opportunity to hunt live prey, and any enrichment activities which mimic this. Bens enjoy a challenge: if your Ben fails to conquer a particular enrichment toy at the park, be prepared for him to make a beeline for it at every subsequent occasion until he has succeeded at mastering it!
A Ben may not be suitable if you already have adopted another species, or if you are hoping for a quick and easy bond. However if you are looking for a deeply caring species with a love of enrichment challenges, a Ben may be the perfect choice.
Also consider: An Enric or Tao.
There are many more options out there, and hopefully you will be able to find the perfect species that fits with you and your lifestyle. Happy adopting!
Ignore the editing. but i fear alpecin is absolutely NEVER beating the idiot allegations with jasper and mathieu BOTH LOSING WITH A SCORE OF ZERO 😭😭😭😭 mark cavendish dad moment however..
Jasper Philipsen, Tadej Pogačar & Michael Matthews during the podium ceremony after the 115th Milano-Sanremo 2024 a 288km, one day race from Pavia to Sanremo on March 16, 2024 in Sanremo, Italy. (Photos by Marco Bertorello/Getty Images)
