Men's Journal's Blog, page 68
June 27, 2025
REI Has a Hiking Backpack With ‘Tons of Space’ for 40% Off
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Preparing for your next outdoor adventure? REI’s got your back (literally) with this deal, as it’s offering 40% off one of its own hiking packs during a limited-time summer sale that’s running now through Monday, July 7.
The REI Trailmade 60 Pack is on sale for $108, which is $71 off the original $179 price tag. This item boasts a 4.2-star rating at REI and shoppers say it’s “the best pack I have” and that it’s got “tons of space.” It comes in two colors, Birch Brown and Mineral Teal, and two sizes that all feature the same generous discount.
REI Trailmade 60 Pack, $108 (was $179) at REI
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Being prepared for a long hike or a camping trip is imperative, as you never when you’re going to have to rely on what’s on you. Thankfully, this hiking pack will keep a lot on you with its sleeping bag compartment, front-reach water bottle pockets, and six exterior pockets. It’s comfortable too, employing a padded back and cozy shoulder straps to ensure you’re feeling good as you move with your stuff. If you ever need to hand your bag off to someone else, it’s got an adjustable torso to fit people of all sizes. Last, but not least, the 100% recycled nylon shell fabric has a water-repellent finish that’ll keep your stuff dry in all kinds of conditions.
“Compartments offer enough space to carry 7 liters of water and all my gear,” one shopper began. “Hip support was excellent and the frame allowed great airflow between my back and pack. Plus the price was another big incentive when shopping for other similar backpacks. I highly recommend.”
“Great backpack,” another reviewer exclaimed. “Comfortable, roomy, great support and cushion, and seems like good quality.”
The REI Trailmade 60 Pack is 40% off right now, but that’ll end when REI’s summer sale concludes on July 7. Take advantage of this stellar markdown now before the savings are packed up for good.
Subway’s New Happy Gilmore Meal Comes With More Than Just Sandwiches
If you’ve ever dreamed of ordering a Shooter McGavin-endorsed sandwich, your moment has arrived. Subway is celebrating the release of Happy Gilmore 2 with a real-world meal deal, and it’s hitting all the right nostalgia notes with collectible cups to match.
The “Happy Gilmore Meal,” available at participating Subway locations later this summer, is a promotional tie-in with Netflix’s long-awaited sequel to Adam Sandler’s golf comedy.
But the twist? Instead of Happy, it’s his longtime rival Shooter McGavin—played by Chris McDonald—fronting the campaign.
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Subway is leaning into the character’s swagger, serving up combo meals with themed packaging and limited-edition cups that feature scenes and quotes from both the original and the new film. Fans can expect nods to some of the most iconic lines from Happy Gilmore, including that infamous “Talk about a hole in one” plug from the first movie.
McDonald even shot new material for the campaign, not just for the film but also for social media. Pro golfer Bryson DeChambeau joined him in spots promoting the meal, giving the whole thing a surreal but strangely satisfying sense of legitimacy.
It’s not the first time Subway has appeared in a Sandler film, but it might be the most immersive experience yet. Netflix and Subway are banking on the power of nostalgia and the momentum behind Happy Gilmore 2, which debuts next month on the streamer.
“We wanted to give fans something that felt like it came straight out of the Happy universe,” said Cristina Wells, SVP of U.S. Marketing at Subway. “This meal brings the fun and the flavor—and a little Shooter attitude with it.”
The collectible cups are expected to drop in limited quantities, so fans looking for a piece of the Happy Gilmore legacy might want to act fast. Because in the words of Shooter himself, “Just stay out of my way... or you’ll pay. Listen to what I say.”
Popular Restaurant Reopens After Vehicle Crashes Into Building
In the restaurant business, one of the main rules is to expect the unexpected. Sometimes, the dishes that owners think are going to be very popular and take off just don't do anything, while the unassuming meals become favorites. While some of the surprises in the restaurant business are good ones, others are not.
Either way, restaurants have to be prepared for the worst, and sometimes, taking a hit is just part of the business. The restaurant industry is a huge one. In 2023, according to Statista, U.S. food service and drinking place sales hit an incredible $1.09 trillion U.S. dollars.
One popular local restaurant had a surprise of the worst kind when someone actually crashed their vehicle into the restaurant. It even caused "major damage," which is no surprise, because a vehicle crashing into a building is not a small incident.
A beloved Italian restaurant in Frankenmuth, MI, was forced to suddenly close this week after a car crashed into its building. The accident happened on June 25 at DaVinci's Italian Restaurant, but the restaurant was thankfully able to reopen the next day.
The restaurant took to social media to announce an "unexpected closure," stating, "Hey everyone — we're so sorry, but we have to close early tonight due to an unexpected accident. A car ran into our building, causing major damage to our upstairs men’s bathroom, and now we’re dealing with significant water leakage throughout the area."
They added, "We're working as quickly as possible to get everything cleaned up and safe again. Thank you for your understanding and support."
According to Frankenmuth Police chief Don Mawer, per MLive, "The 83-year-old Frankenmuth man driving the car that hit the building became confused while in a nearby parking lot, and his foot became stuck between the car's gas pedal and floor, causing the crash." The driver was taken to MyMichigan Medical Center Saginaw "for an evaluation because of a preexisting condition," MLive added.
Related: Southern Fast Food Chain Opening New Location July 8
June 26, 2025
Original 'Dukes of Hazard' Star Rick Hurst Dead at 79
Original Dukes of Hazzard star Rick Hurst, who played Deputy Cletus Hogg on the show, has died. He was 79. Hurst’s death was announced by the Cooter’s Place Museum in Pigeon Forge, TN. Hurst was scheduled to make an appearance at the museum early next month, but recently cancelled the event. A cause of death has not been announced.
Hurst began his career in 1971 with an appearance on The Doris Day Show and followed it up with guest roles on Sanford and Son and The Partridge Family. He joined the cast of The Dukes of Hazzard in 1979, playing the second cousin of Boss Hog (Sorrell Brooke). Hurst remained with the show until 1983, though he returned for TV movie revivals in 1997 and 2000. He went on to star opposite Bea Arthur in Amanda’s, the short-lived American reboot of the classic British TV series Fawlty Towers. In addition to his television work, Hurst held roles in several prominent films such as Earth Girls Are Easy (1988), The Karate Kid Part III (1989), In the Line of Fire (1993), and Steel Magnolias (1989).
Related: 'Mission: Impossible' Composer Lalo Schifrin Dead at 93
The official Instagram account for The Dukes of Hazzard paid tribute to Hurst after his death was announced on June 26. “With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to Rick Hurst, the beloved actor who brought warmth, humor, and unforgettable charm to the role of Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard. Rick passed away today, leaving behind a legacy that stretches far beyond Hazzard County. To fans, he was more than a character—he was family. His gentle smile, impeccable comedic timing, and kind-hearted spirit made every scene brighter. Off-screen, Rick was known for his generosity, humility, and love for connecting with fans at events across the country. Whether it was a reunion special or a meet-and-greet at Cooter’s, he never stopped sharing his joy with the people who adored him.
The statement concluded: “Rick’s passing is a profound loss, but his memory will forever ride shotgun in the hearts of those who grew up watching him, laughing with him, and loving him. Rest easy, Rick. You made the world a little lighter.”
'Mission: Impossible' Composer Lalo Schifrin Dead at 93
Lalo Schifrin, the legendary composer who wrote the Mission: Impossible theme and provided the score for Dirty Harry, died Thursday at 93. The news was confirmed by his son, William Schifrin, to NPR. According to Variety, Schifrin died due to complications from pneumonia.
Schifrin grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, playing jazz and tango, the elements of which he would later incorporate into his compositions for celebrated film and TV. Throughout his decades-long career, Schifrin scored more than 100 projects and secured six Oscar nominations. In 2018, he was awarded an honorary Oscar. One of the composer’s most notable contributions was his instantly recognizable theme for the original Mission: Impossible television series. The track was used in the openings for each of the Tom Cruise Mission: Impossible movies, the last of which is currently in cinemas.
Related: Amanda Seyfried Reveals She Lost Out on This Oscar-Nominated Role
Schifrin also composed themes for classic films, including Cool Hand Luke (1967), Enter the Dragon (1973), The Amityville Horror (1979), the Rush Hour trilogy, and Bringing Down the House (2003). His work on Luke and Amityville, as well as The Voyage of the Damned (1976) and The Sting II (1983), earned him Academy Award nominations. His theme, “Danube Incident,” from the Mission: Impossible soundtrack, continues to be sampled in a number of modern tracks, notably Portishead’s “Sour Times.”
Scifrin is survived by his wife, Donna, their three children, William Schifrin, Frances Schifrin, and Ryan Schifrin, as well as four grandchildren.
Amanda Seyfried Reveals She Lost Out on This Oscar-Nominated Role
Oscar-nominated actor Amanda Seyfried revealed on Backstage’s In the Envelope podcast that she auditioned six times for Ariana Grande’s role in Wicked before losing out to the pop star.
Seyfried has much musical experience under her belt, having played Cosette in 2012's Les Misérables and (perhaps more notably) belting out the works of ABBA in two Mamma Mia movies. She explained that, despite being at a point in her career where she rarely has to audition, she put herself up for Wicked because it was an opportunity like no other.
“I'm in that privileged spot where I just don't have to [audition],” Seyfried said, “But I like, of course, I talked about this a lot. I auditioned like six times for Wicked. Because that had to be really just right. And I, like, I loved it.”
Seyfried explained that while she was auditioning, she was also shooting her Golden Globe-winning turn as Elizabeth Holmes in The Dropout. “I was busy. I barely had time to do it, but I made it work,” she said. “I worked my a-- off for years and years and years on that music. I'm just competitive with myself in a really healthy way,” she said somewhat sarcastically.
Related: Amanda Seyfried Is 'Resentful' Over Lack of 'Mean Girls' Compensation
Seyfried continued: "I was able to really prepare, and I'm telling you, I've never felt that solid in my voice than I did at the auditions. And that's kind of what I got out of it. I do, again, think everything happens for a reason. I also got to sing with Cynthia [Erivo], and that was a moment in itself.”
Wicked went on to become one of the most feted films at the 2025 Oscars, securing 10 nominations and two wins. Erivo recieved a Best Actress nomination for her turn as Elphaba, while Grande was nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her work as Glinda.
Related: Michael Cera Reveals Why Tom Cruise Once Yelled at Him on Set
Official Rotten Tomatoes Score For 'The Bear' Season 4 Is Out. Fans Are Disappointed
The fourth season of The Bear has finally dropped, but not everyone’s hungry for more.
The hit FX series debuted with a 71 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, its lowest score to date and a noticeable drop from the near-universal acclaim that defined previous seasons.
For a show that once dominated awards season and pulled in double-digit Emmy wins, the lukewarm response marks a surprising shift. Early reactions from critics and fans alike suggest that The Bear’s newest chapter didn’t fully deliver on its own high bar.
One post from @TheCinesthetic highlighted the rating, sparking a flood of reactions on social media.
Season 4 of The Bear debuts with a 71% rating on Rotten Tomatoes — the lowest score in the show’s history. pic.twitter.com/6dNRMI5d6e
— cinesthetic. (@TheCinesthetic) June 26, 2025
“Not surprised considering the last season was the worst season of the show,” one user wrote, echoing a sentiment shared across fan forums and comment threads.
While Season 4 still boasts a “Fresh” score, the dip raises questions about where the series is headed and whether its recent momentum might be slowing. Many fans pointed to a tonal shift, pacing issues, or the handling of key character arcs as reasons for the drop.
Related: Will 'The Bear' Return for Season 5? Director Offers Surprising Update
The decline comes as the show’s future remains uncertain. FX has yet to confirm whether Season 5 is happening, even as cast contracts reportedly leave the door open. Series creator Christopher Storer has a vision mapped out, but rising stardom and packed filming schedules among the core cast could delay or reshape what comes next.
Despite the backlash, some fans defended the new season’s direction, arguing that it reflects the chaos and ambiguity that’s always defined the show. Others say it feels like a show in transition—one that may be searching for its next act while wrapping up emotional threads.
Whether this season is a misstep or a misunderstood pivot remains to be seen. But for now, The Bear finds itself in unfamiliar territory—not as the critical darling it once was, but as a show facing the heat in more ways than one.
Travis Kelce Gets Shooter McGavin ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ Shoutout: ‘Really a Good Actor’
Maybe Taylor Swift’s stage presence is rubbing off a bit on Travis Kelce.
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end picked up an acting role in the upcoming Adam Sandler film Happy Gilmore 2. While there have been a few teasers ahead of the movie's July 25 release date on Netflix, it appears Kelce's performance left at least one longtime actor impressed.
Christopher McDonald, who reprised his role as the infamous Shooter McGavin, had high praise for Kelce and his acting abilities. And in the world of Happy Gilmore, when Shooter McGavin gives you a tip of the cap, it's bound to turn a few heads.
Christopher McDonald (Shooter McGavin from Happy Gilmore) stops by the interview area during the second round of The Northern Trust at Ridgewood Country Club. During an interview with People, McDonald said he "really liked [Kelce] as a person" and admitted that he's "really a good actor."
"Travis Kelce has been out there and I just really liked him as a person. He is really funny. Way too handsome, by the way, but really a good actor actually," McDonald told People while celebrating Happy Gilmore 2's partnership with Subway.
"Surprisingly good," he added.
The fan-favorite villain of the original film also teased that there are some incredible cameos in the sequel. McDonald admitted to People that the "top 5%, maybe 3% of great golfers out there" are in the movie.
It's an exciting tease from McDonald, and his comments on Kelce should only add to the excitement surrounding the NFL star's role in Happy Gilmore 2.
McDonald, like the rest of the cast, has remained tight-lipped to avoid revealing any spoilers, but it hasn't cooled off the excitement around the upcoming film.
Related: 'The Boys' Star Jensen Ackles Breaks Silence on Potential Batman Role
New James Bond Director Denis Villeneuve Hints at What Film Could Look Like
The highly anticipated next James Bond film, with the working title Bond 26, does not have a confirmed release date.
But it has a hot director.
And Denis Villeneuve has given fans a glimpse of what he might have planned for the beloved franchise.
Villeneuve is currently working on Dune. But the Bond hype is high.
A potential release is expected in late 2027, ABC News reported. But Villeneuve's recent X post shows the type of Bond he appreciates.
The director named Casino Royale his favorite James Bond film this week.
Denis Villeneuve names Casino Royale as his favorite James Bond film of all time. pic.twitter.com/NFHgZ6ZWxa
— Denis Villeneuve Universe (@DenisVfilms) June 26, 2025
In a 2021 interview with Ali Plumb from BBC Radio 1, Villeneuve also named Casino Royale as a favorite when he was asked if he had any guilty pleasures.
“I’m a major Bond fan, and there’s nothing like a good James Bond to cheer you up,” he said.
He was then asked if there’s a “particular Bond turns to” when he’s in the mood. “I will say that Casino Royale, the first Daniel Craig, is still one of my favorites of all time,” he said to Plumb.
So what does this mean for the next, highly anticipated Bond installment?
By the way, fans still don't have a Bond.
Some websites say Villeneuve brings joy back to 007.
James Bond has been around for 70 years. There have been seven actors to appear as Bond, including Daniel Craig, who appeared as Bond in 2006 for the first time in Casino Royale.
The selection of Villeneuve to direct the next film, along with his wife Tanya Lapointe as executive producer, is one of the biggest Bond decisions in recent years.
Related: James Bond Candidate Touted as Daniel Craig Replacement
Amazon Is Selling a Popular Black+Decker Portable AC for $105 Off, and It Has Over 4,000 Perfect Ratings
Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
While we’ve been in a life-threatening heat wave, it's a good reminder that having a source of cooling is essential. Even if you have both an air conditioner and a generator, you can always benefit from having a portable AC as a backup in case of mechanical failure. Whether you’re using it as your primary AC or a secondary one, be sure to check out this portable AC Amazon is selling for 32% off.
The Black+Decker 5,100 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is now just $225, a discount of over $100 off its usual $330 price. Amazon has sold over 4,000 of these in the past month and it has more than 30,000 five-star ratings on the site. Get yours before it sells out amid heat wave worries.
Black+Decker 5,100 BTU Portable Air Conditioner, $225 (was $330) at Amazon
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With a 5,100 BTU rating that's considered an SACC (Seasonally Adjusted Cooling Capacity), this is one top-notch appliance. It has four wheels, cools up to 350 square feet, can function as a fan or dehumidifier, and includes both a remote control and window kit for perfect hot air exhaust.
One reviewer who is a parent wrote,“This unit is cooling a very important space in my home—my daughter’s bedroom. She’s just about a year and a half old, and keeping her room at a consistent, comfortable, and safe temperature is absolutely essential. The 8,000 BTU unit has been perfect for the job. It cools her room quickly and keeps it comfortable without running too loud or creating any cold drafts.”
Another shopper said,“Hot air goes out, cold air blows in. The unit is small and very convenient, enough for a studio apartment.” A second said it "works great."
Getting this Black+Decker portable AC at a discount is a really attractive offer, considering the season. As a result, it may sell out soon. If you want to lock it in, order yours now.
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