JOY FEELINGS MAGAZINE

JOY FEELINGS!

Emilia Clarke: sexiest actress in game of thrones

CONTENTS OF JOY FEELINGS MAGAZINE

Joy health

Love and sex

Entertainment

30 HEALTHY HABITS FIT PEOPLE LIVE BY - EAT THIS, NOT THAT!

Some people may be blessed with good genes— but don't be too quick to

chalk your friend's flat abs up to hereditary luck.

Can you handle the truth?

Although DNA plays a

huge role in body types, it‟s more likely that those fit bodies you admire are more because of everyday choices rather than good ol‟ mom and dad. Face it: One piece of cheesecake won't make you fat, just

like eating one salad won't instantly make you buff— it's what we choose to do every day that adds up and gets us closer to our goals or backs us further away from them.

1

KEEP WATER ON THE NIGHTSTAND Hydrating first thing in the morning is incredibly important, and the best way to ensure that happens is to keep a nice tall glass of water on your nightstand. “I have at least 20 ounces of water as soon as a wake up,” says Latoya Julce, New York City-based trainer and 305 Fitness instructor. “It helps cleanse my digestive system and prepare it for the day.”

2 DRINK GREEN TEA Not black with whole milk and honey. Not sugary, bottled concoctions. Green tea, plain and simple! The

EGCG—a super potent nutrient found almost exclusively in green tea— has been shown to help break down fat and discourage new fat cells.

A tea-diet revolution is the next big thing, author Kelly Choi explains in the new book The 7-Day FlatBelly Tea Cleanse, in which test panelists lost up to 10 pounds in a week.

She recommends you drink it for breakfast: Your body absorbs the nutrients in green tea most effectively when you drink it at least four hours after your last meal, making it a perfect way to start your morning.

3

TAKE A LUNCH BREAK WALK

4

Research shows that an overwhelming number of Americans—nearly 80 percent—are deficient in vitamin D. The vitamin is responsible for not only strengthening your bones but also for helping to boost your mood and immunity. One of the best ways to get more D is to simply step outside. Ever notice some of your coworkers slipping out for 30 minutes during lunch?

They‟ve got it right.

Getting more vitamin D can help you stick with your fitness plan because you‟ll likely be happier more often, and sick less often.

If your fridge is full and your freezer is empty, it‟s time to make a shift. For one, frozen fruits and veggies are frozen at their peak, so if certain produce is not in season, you may not be getting the best quality. Second, frozen foods are often cheaper and last longer (duh), ensuring that you have more time to eat all the good stuff you stocked up on before it spoils. 5

FREEZE THINGS

KEEP IT REAL Artificial sweeteners may be tempting to toss in your coffee in the morning, but resist them at all costs.

Just because they are sans

calories does not mean theyâ€&#x;re doing your body any good. Fit minded folks avoid the fake stuff because artificial sweeteners have been found to disrupt normal body functioning and actually triggers a great hunger response in the body.

6 COUNT COLORS, NOT CALORIES Youâ€&#x;ll hear time and time again from nutrition experts: Not all calories are created equal. A handful of almonds versus the same amount of calories in potato chip form has a tremendously different effect on your

body. While keeping portions under control is crucial to keeping weight at bay, one of the best ways to put together a well-balanced plate is actually by observing the variety of colors before you. Filling your dish with greens and reds and yellows will help you craft a nutrient-rich meal that will help fuel your body better for your workouts, muscle recovery, and weight loss.

7 SCHEDULE WORKOUTS IN ADVANCE Mark Langowski, celeb trainer and author of Eat This, Not That! For Abs, is

adamant that this is what people with six-packs always do. “If you just let your week and each day get started and unfold randomly, it will get ahead of you before you know it—and you will be too tired to work out,” he told Eat This, Not That! If you‟ve already signed up and paid, you‟re more likely to get your butt to spin class. Signing up for a cardio class ahead of time or scheduling sessions with your trainer for the week ahead is a good way to force yourself to stick to your fitness routine. We all have lazy days, but scheduling in your workouts helps

ensure you won‟t skip them.

8 DON‟T OVERDO THE EXERCISING On the flip side, fitness folks know that rest is just as important as activity.

It‟s possible to overdo it at the gym and exhaust yourself to the point where you're no longer productive. Taking days off to rest your body and to allow your body to recover is equally as important as working it out in the first place.

Don‟t be afraid to give yourself a day off in between your workouts.

9

USE THE DVR We‟re all guilty of staying up too late watching Seinfeld reruns or bingewatching Netflix. But if you want to commit to a healthier lifestyle, sleep has got to be one of your top priorities. If you‟re serious about getting healthier and losing a little weight, skip the late night television and get some sleep already. It will make those morning workouts a lot more bearable, too.

10 SKIP THE HOLIDAY SPECIALS Fit people are just as human as anyone else; they still crave their lattes (and maybe need them to

get through the morning), but they choose wisely when ordering from Starbucks. They still order that macchiato, but they skip the flavors and chemical-ridden syrups that go along with them.

Sorry pumpkin spice, but we‟ll pass.

11 RECOGNIZE AND TAME EMOTIONAL EATING One minute you‟re craving something sweet, and the next you‟ve got your fist in a jumbo bag of M&M‟s. But are you really hungry? There are other ways to indulge our senses and ward off cravings besides just

giving in to them.

Boredom and stress can sometimes trigger unhealthy cravings, but it‟s worth exploring other ways to deal with those feelings—and that‟s exactly what healthy folks do. It may sound silly at first, but lighting candles, journaling, getting a massage, or even sitting outside can help calm stress and emotional eating.

12 NEVER CHOOSE CREAM-BASED DISHES Healthier food choices like soups can be a great way to fill up and get more veggies into your

diet, but cream-based varieties don‟t quite fit the bill. When in doubt, fitminded folks opt for clearer broths and sauces, and they skip the creamy stuff that they know is probably loaded with belly-bloating ingredients like heavy cream.

13 PREPARE FOR PARTIES Holidays and birthdays simply can‟t be avoided— and why would you want to skip out on them anyway? Those who are seamlessly able to work in celebrations (and the food and drinks that accompany them) are the ones who plan ahead for them.

Fitting in an extra workout or skipping your dessert during the week can allow more room for partyindulgences to fit into your diet without ruining it. The best part of planning ahead is you won‟t have the inevitable guilt following you around later.

14 ORDER IT ON THE ROCKS There‟s a reason mixed drinks and beer taste so darn good—they‟re loaded with calories and sugar. “I allow one cheat day on the weekend, and I drink on the rocks,” says Julce. “No juice, either; there are too many artificial flavors.”

This means skipping the soda with your cocktails, too. Recent studies show that people who drink soda on a regular basis can develop a gut that‟s similar to a beer belly.

They‟re calling it soda belly and is another reason to avoid soda the same way you‟d avoid drinking gasoline.

15 BE ACTIVE OUTSIDE THE GYM Making it to the gym a few times during the week is a task in and of itself.

However, those who put a premium on living a healthy lifestyle don‟t stop there. Healthy folks weave activity into their

everyday by taking walks during lunch, playing tennis on the weekends, or playing tag with your kids.

16 LIFT SOME WEIGHTS If you ask anyone for advice on losing weight, it‟s likely that cardio will come up in the conversation. While getting your heart rate up and burning calories is important, lifting weights and building muscle will actually result in a higher metabolism. 17 SNACK INTELLIGENTLY Snacking itself is not the enemy; it‟s the way in

which you snack that either tips the scales in your favor or has you feeling discouraged.

Snacking not only keeps your metabolism fired up, but it helps keep your hunger and energy levels steady throughout the day.

The key here is in the preparation so that you can snack smart. “I have snacks prepared Monday through Friday,” reveals Julce.

18 EAT DESSERT… SOMETIMES We‟re all human, but there‟s a difference between treating yourself all the time—is it really a “treat” if you never say

no?—and indulging in dessert once in awhile.

“You must recognize that you will sometimes deviate, and that is okay— just make sure that this isn‟t happening daily!” says Langowski in 21 Things People With SixPacks Do Every Week.

19 IGNORE THE SCALE Weighing yourself can give you a decent indication of where you are and where you should be regarding weight. But it‟s not necessarily the bestindicator of health and fitness. Your body mass index, how your clothes fit, what your

energy levels are like daily, and your annual check-ups with your doctor all give you a better sense of where you stand in terms of health and overall fitness.

20 BE MINDFUL OF YOUR STEPS As in, have you walked 10,000 steps today? That‟s the minimumrecommende d amount so that you aren‟t considered a sedentary person. You don‟t even have to strap on a pedometer or other tracker; if you have an iPhone and have the new iOS system, your phone automatically counts your steps for you (so long as

you have it on your person). Look for the white icon with the heart that‟s labeled “Health.”

Plus, walking for weight loss is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get started down the fit path, pun intended! Plain and simple: Don‟t sit if you want to be fit.

21 CHEAT, BUT DON‟T DERAIL They might fall off the wagon for one meal or one day, or maybe even one week (hello, vacation) but fit people never let it turn into a long term thing.

Allowing yourself to eat what you want every now and then is certainly

important for your sanity, but most of all, it‟s more realistic. By balancing your diet this way, you‟re more likely to stick with it in the long term.

22 EAT CARBS EVERY DAY Carbohydrates give your body the energy it needs to function properly and make it through the day.

Just as not all calories are created equal, not all carbs are created equal.

Complex carbohydrates like oatmeal and sweet potatoes take longer for your body to break down and as a result provide a steady supply of energy and work to ward off

hunger pangs. Why not try out some overnight oats that everyone is buzzing about?

peers comfortable is just as important as finding balance and peace for yourself.

23

24

DONâ€&#x;T JUDGE OTHERS

ORDER DRESSING ON THE SIDE

One of the hardest parts about sticking to a diet is doing so while remaining social. Going to the bar or out to dinner with friends can make it difficult to say no to food and drinks that have the ability to derail your diet in a matter of sips or bites. However, those who do exercise their will power at social gatherings also choose to let those around them make their own dietary choices. Making your

Itâ€&#x;s one of the oldest tricks of the trade: Order your dressing or sauce on the side! Salads can be great ways to flood your body with fresh, healthy produce, but drowning them in dressing (or letting the restaurant do the honor) almost always pushes the calorie count sky high.

25 PICK AND CHOOSE

Navigating a restaurant menu can be one of the hardest things to do when you‟re watching your weight. Although you probably didn‟t get all dressed up to order the grilled chicken and steamed veggies, there are ways to pick and choose while still minimizing the damage. For one, fit people skip the bread basket and make sure to have a tall glass of water nearby. Furthermore, if your steak comes with fries, sub it out for greens.

At the very least, see if the restaurant you‟re going to is on this list and what you absolutely should not order under any circumstance: 26

EAT HEALTHY FAT Research continues to support the benefits of consuming healthy fats like those found in olive oil, nuts, and avocado. Fit people simply don‟t fear the fat—they just keep portions at bay. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association emphasizes just how important it is to reduce trans fats and increase polyunsaturated fats in the diet to protect against heart disease.

Healthy fats also contribute to greater feelings of satiety and can work to prevent unhealthy cravings as a result.

27 COOK AT HOME AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE Homemade chicken and broccoli may not seem as exciting as the chicken and broccoli you ordered from that Chinese place down the street, but it‟s wildly healthier. Cooking at home not only gives you the power to control calories and portions, but it even helps keep some weight in your wallet. 28 KEEP FIT COMPANY Have you ever noticed that when your friends order pizza, and you‟re totally indifferent, you still end up eating pizza? Hanging

out with like-minded people (read: fit-minded) can help you stick to your goals. If your buddy wants to hit up that spin class instead of brunch this weekend, you might want to keep him close by. It‟s much easier to stay consistent when you‟ve got a partner or two by your side!

29 DON‟T EAT UNTIL TOTALLY FULL They eat until they‟re nourished, satisfied, and not hungry. They do not eat until they feel they‟ve gotten the most for their money or until they feel comforted or until they feel “filled up.” Your

stomach expands—an obese person‟s stomach can be the size of a football whereas a healthy person‟s stomach is the size of a fist—and always eating until you‟re full is a surefire way to avoid ever getting a flat stomach.

30 LISTEN TO YOUR BODY At the end of the day, being in tune with your body‟s own version of “normal” is the best thing you can do. It‟s important to recognize when your body needs rest and even

when your body needs more movement. Healthy people are in sync with their bodies and listen to signals that alert them to when they‟re hungry, dehydrated, inflamed, or even getting sick. By paying closer attention to your energy and how your body feels overall, you can better provide it with what it needs.

8 SEX HABITS OF SUPER HAPPY COUPLES

THEY BELIEVE IN THEIR SEXINESS "One of the most important sexual habits happy couples have is assuming their partner is turned on by them," says Ofman. If it seems like a basic step, that's because it kind of is! "It reinforces the feeling of mutual sexual interest," says

Ofman. This is key because in Ofman's clinical experience, women sometimes discount their partners' sexual interest as thinking that's just what men are like rather than realizing their guys are specifically turned on by them. That distinction can make a world of difference.

THEY DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE LITTLE THINGS Is surprising your partner at lunch to say, „I miss naked and covered in you‟ can make your sushi a la Samantha Jones lover‟s whole day, a sexy a good way to get things text message can prime going? Sure, but happy you both for an evening of couples know they don't intimacy, and a need to make a big meaningful touch on the production to keep things arm or even hand-holding hot. "A simple phone call while walking the dog can

really restore your connection," says Madeleine Castellanos, M.D., author of Wanting to Want: What Kills Your Sex Life and How to Keep it Alive.

THEY FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE His dirty talk makes you want to laugh so hard you cry? Keep it to yourself, and let him know that the swirly tongue trick he used was working in full effect. "Happy couples share what they enjoy in a positive way, rather than focusing on what they dislike or being critical," says Jane Greer, Ph.D., author of What About Me? Stop Selfishness From Ruining Your Relationship. Even something as simple as "I enjoyed when you did

such-and-such" can make a sexual experience better, says Greer. It's all about positive reinforcement (unless something actually hurts/feels uncomfortable, in which case, definitely speak up). Even if a certain technique of his isn't working for you, redirect him by focusing on what would get you going rather than why his move is a total bedroom fail.

THEY MAKE TIME FOR SEX If the new-relationship days when you were going at it like rabbits are just a distant memory, your S.O. should still rank high on your to-do list. "People feel sex should come naturally. It's true, it should, but we have a very busy culture where there's

a lot of distraction and chronic exhaustion," says Ofman. If you have to schedule sex to keep the connection alive, so be it!

Keep checking in with each other to determine how much sex you both need to stay satisfied, then do your best to make it happen.

THEY SET ASIDE TIME TO FANTASIZE Whether they're sharing all the dirty details with each other or keeping their steamy fantasies for their minds only, happy couples don't shy away from letting their minds wander.

"Fantasizing is a great way to prime the pump for your heart and passion to soar," says Castellanos.

"Donâ€&#x;t be afraid to push the envelope a little. Thereâ€&#x;s no judgment

in the world of imagination."

THEY DON'T PUT TOO MUCH PRESSURE ON THEMSELVES Yes, it would be awesome if every single time was the way it goes in a romance movie: You rip each other's clothes off passionately, look stunning while doing it, then both get off multiple times. But real-life sex isn't always like that, and that's okay. "Happy couples don't feel like sex has to be spectacular every time," says Ofman. "It's not a performance sport. It's a mindful experience with each other." The pressure for every time to be perfect can make things worse, especially if you don't

have a ton of sex. Think about it: If you rarely have sex, chances are it'll be harder to have a crazy good experience.

That, in turn, could make you feel even less like having sex. Can anyone say "vicious cycle"?

THEY'RE RESPONSIVE NO MATTER WHAT That doesn't mean having sex when you don't want to! It just means not fully shutting him down when you're not feeling it.

"Happy couples are willing to be understanding and open about their partner's sexual desires, and they're responsive even if they're not necessarily always in the mood," says Greer.

"Maybe they don't want full-on sex, but perhaps a

hand job. If not, they'll make a plan to connect sexually at a later time or the next day. They don't just say 'No.'" Not wanting sex while your partner does is totally your prerogative, and viceversa. Just make it clear that it isn't a rejection of your partner; it's just not the right time.

THEY'RE PSYCHED TO HAVE SEX If you'd rather zone out in front of the TV than have sex but you do it anyway, your guy can probably tell. That's bad news bears for your satisfaction, both in the bedroom and out.

"Nothing is deadlier than the perception that someone is only participating because they feel obligated," says

Ofman. Instead, people (especially women) in ecstatic relationships get themselves into a frame of mind that focuses on how much fun sex is for them.

"Thinking about what's

pleasurable or erotic for you instead of just doing it for him makes you more likely to have a good sexual experience," says Ofman.

HEALTH HABITS THAT CAN IMPROVE YOUR SEX LIFE Take time for yourself Astroglide's resident sexologist, Jessica O'Reilly(better known as Dr. Jess) stresses the importance of alone time for overall health and intimacy. “Experts often express the importance of date nights, but if you don‟t have any alone time, you‟ll be so busy recovering on date night that intimacy will likely play a secondary role,” she explains. Instead of scheduling a date night every week, she suggests alternating between partnered nights out (or in) and a night out with the guys/girls.

Hang out with positive people Toxic friendships can have a negative effect on your quality of life and your sex life, says Dr. Jess. “If your friends are constantly criticizing others, complaining about their bodies and/or obsessing over their weight, you‟re more likely to do so too and this can wreak havoc on your sex life,” she says. “Body image can impact desire, arousal, orgasm and sexual satisfaction so take steps to immerse yourself in environments which help to support overall self-esteem.”

Work out as a couple The couple who works out together often has better sex, notes Dr. Jess. She explains that exercising as a duo will boost your energy, endorphins and testosterone levels which can result in a natural libido increase. “The extra circulation from a workout promotes sexual arousal and can even intensify and speed up orgasmic response.”

Snack on almonds Dr. Rovenia Brock (better known as Dr. Ro), nutrition coach and author of Dr. Ro’s Ten Secrets To Livin’ Healthy, recommends almonds as a healthy snack that can also improve your sex life.

“These nuts are rich in zinc, selenium, minerals

and vitamin E, all of which are important to sexual health and reproduction,” she explains. “Selenium helps with infertility, vitamin E plays a vital role in heart health, and the mineral zinc helps to produce men‟s sex hormones and boosts libido.”

Treat yourself to some chocolate Not only does chocolate taste good and contain healthy antioxidants, Dr. Ro explains that chocolate contains the feel-good brain chemicals of serotonin, anandamide and phenylethylamine (PEA), which increases endorphins, and all of which contribute to feelings of happiness and euphoria during sex. To get the greatest

concentration of chocolate‟s antioxidant and brain chemical power, she recommends dark chocolate with 65 to 80 per cent cacao.

Eat oysters Oysters have a high zinc content, explains Dr. Ro, a mineral essential to the production of testosterone, the male sex hormone, and the maintenance of healthy sperm.

Try yoga Yoga is a great addition to a healthy lifestyle and it can put a positive spin on your sex life. “The very practice of yoga gives you a more supple body that can be moved, bent, folded and eased into almost any direction,” Dr. Ro says. “The fact that you can achieve yoga

moves is bound to make you feel sexy.”

Say yes to strawberries Strawberries are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, which is good for overall health but it‟s also good for the heart because it increases circulation, making the arteries more supple, Dr. Ro explains.

“And in the bedroom, that circulation is key.”

Visit your doctor Dr. Laura Berman, relationship and intimacy educator, emphasizes the need to visit your doctor regularly, including (for women) your gynecologist. “Your physical health and sexual health are linked and when one half of the equation goes awry, the other will suffer as a result,” she

says. A visit to your doctor can help ensure that everything is working smoothly and when it comes to your gynecologist, she explains regular pap smears and cervical exams important for detecting potential health issues. Not only that, these visits are also a good time to talk to your doctor about any sexrelated concerns you might have Create a healthy lifestyle Make health a real priority and you‟ll also see benefits in the bedroom.

“When you eat well, stay active, and get plenty of rest, you won‟t just see the effects on your waistline—you will also see the effects in your sex life,” Dr. Berman says.

“Your libido and sexual

response will improve, and you will feel more confident and sexy in your own skin.”

Try new things Just like trying new things benefits your fitness routine, the same thing can apply to your sex life.

“When you experiment beyond your normal routine as a couple it only adds to your connection,” says Dr. Berman.

“Furthermore, any time you try something adventurous, especially together, it stimulates the Dopamine centres of the brain, which stimulates your libido.” Anything from a new position or product can make a difference. She suggests K-Y Yours + Mine Couples Lubricanta

great, safe way to try something new.

Look in your medicine cabinet Sometimes issues around sex can be caused by medication so Dr. Berman suggests looking at any medications you‟re taking that could be hindering sex drive. For example, she notes that oral contraceptives can lead to decreased sexual desire in women. Talk to your doctor about any medications that could be interfering with your sex life.

Have fun together Life needs to have an element of fun in order to be balanced and healthy.

A relationship is the same.

“Many people let the fun in their relationship fizzle.

Life is hectic, but you should always make time to enjoy each other‟s company,” recommends Dr. Berman. This in turn will keep your sex life stimulated.

Exercise your kegels “Kegels are an absolutely essential part of sexual fitness,” says Dr. Berman.

By clenching and releasing the kegel muscles (the muscles which control your urine flow), she explains you will strengthen your pelvic floor and tighten your vaginal muscles. As a result, your orgasms will be stronger and more frequent.

Don't try to do it all Stress causes all kinds of health issues and can also mess with your sex life so

it‟s important to avoid trying to do too much, says Dr. Berman. “We can‟t do it all, and trying to do so just leaves us harried, frazzled, and grumpy.” But, she explains that when you are relaxed and happy, your sex life and your relationship will benefit as a result.

Eat asparagus Relationship expert and author Laurel House recommends eating asparagus as part of a healthy diet and as a potential boost to your sex life. “Asparagus is filled folic acid, an essential for moms to be, but it also increases histamine production, making it easier to reach orgasm.”

Spice things up with ginger House explains that in addition to easing an upset stomach, ginger has also been known stimulate blood flow and increases sensitivity in the erogenous zones.

Stock up on garlic Garlic might not sound sexy, but it has a few body and bedroom benefits says House. “Garlic is known to stop a sore throat in its tracks while boosting the overall immune system, plus, ripe with allicin, it ups blood flow to the genitals, making sex feel better,” she explains.

Limit caffeine Coffee in moderation keeps many of us going on busy mornings, but

overdoing it can be a nono when it comes to sex.

“Overindulgence in caffeine can affect sexual performance,” explains Dr. Josh Axe, an expert on superfoods and nutrition.

be--and the better off you‟ll be in the bedroom explains. Dr. Axe. “Chemicals in these foods may affect sexual performance,” he notes.

Say no to processed food The more whole, fresh foods you have in your diet the healthier you‟ll

HBO and 'Game of Thrones' are just the latest Hollywood victims of cybercrime The cyberattack against HBO and its biggest series “Game of Thrones” is the latest reminder that

Hollywood remains a vulnerable target for online pillagers.

For cybercriminals seeking attention, there are few greater prizes than the hottest show on television

or the biggest movie in theaters.

The hackers who took credit for attacking HBO say they have stolen and leaked a trove of HBO data onto the Web, including a script for an upcoming episode of “Game of Thrones,” as well as video of new episodes of shows such as “Ballers,” “Insecure” and “Room 104.” And, they say, there‟s more to come.

HBO confirmed in a statement Monday that it experienced a breach that compromised some of its programming and immediately began to investigate the incident, working with law enforcement and independent cybersecurity experts.

“The problem before us is unfortunately all too familiar in the world we now find ourselves a part of,” HBO Chief Executive Richard Plepler said in a memo to employees. “I can assure you that senior leadership and our extraordinary technology team, along with outside experts, are working round the clock to protect our collective interests. The efforts across multiple departments have been nothing short of herculean.”

HBO declined to comment further on the investigation.

EMILIA

CLARKE

English actress Emilia Clarke trained at the Drama Centre London before taking on small

roles in commercials, on television, and in the 2010 SyFy movie Triassic Attack. In 2011, Clarke

joined "Game of Thrones" and has since won an EWwy Award as the Best Supporting Actress in a Drama for her work.

#22 on Who Is America's Girlfriend in 2017? #14 on Who Got Robbed Hardest at the 2016 Emmys?

These pics of Emilia will make your heart race!

More About Age: 29 Birthplace: London, United Kingdom

'The Dark Tower': What the Critics Are Saying

Nationality: United Kingdom Characters: Saskia Mayer

#14 on The Best Living English Actresses

Hollywood has been trying to adapt Stephen King's eight-book saga for well over a decade, but the first film adaptation left the critics underwhelmed.

#53 on Famous Women You'd Want to Have a Beer With

The Dark Tower reviews are in and the critical consensus can

Also Ranked

charitably be summed up

with one word: meh.

Stephen King's eight-book magnum opus has long been earmarked for a film adaptation with development stretching back decades. It took a while, and there were reported problems during production, but Sony and Danish director

Nikolaj Arcel finally brought King's mysterypacked multiverse mythology to the big screen, sadly, it was met with a collective shrug emoji from reviewers.

THR's John DeFore quick take on Tower was that it was "decent but uninspiring" and that it was "far from the muddled train wreck we've been led to expect." "Though satisfying enough to please many casual moviegoers drawn in by King's name and stars Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey, it will likely disappoint many serious fans and leave other newbies underwhelmed," added DeFore.

The Guardian's Charles Bramesco was similarly left wondering what the point was, writing: "It‟s rare a film so convoluted manages to be so determinedly boring.

Lucky for you, it vanishes from the mind as soon as

it ends." Bramesco felt that all the talent involved didn't really disgrace themselves but really didn't stand out either.

"There‟s a point somewhere in the misshapen second act that an attentive viewer can feel all the parties involved giving up and resolving to get the rest of the movie over with as soon as possible."

"While most high-profile franchise starters try to do too much their first time out, this thing‟s guilty of too little ambition," wrote Brian Truitt in USA Today. Truitt focused on the admirable levels of mediocrity despite A-list talents like Elba, McConaughey as well as King's wildly popular source material. Still, it

wasn't all forgettable, Elba's performance as Roland Deschain won the biggest praise from

Truitt who said his gunslinger "oozes a winning sense of stoic gravitas."

'The Dark Tower': Film Review

anything thatâ€&#x;s happening on screen."

IGN reviewer Marty Silva's verdict was to the point, describing Tower as "a thoroughly average take on some truly incredible source material." Silva added: "For a story where the literal fate of the universe is at stake, itâ€&#x;s disappointingly easy to not really care about

Kate Erbland writing in Indiewire saw the film as a failure and pondered whether it was possible, or even advisable, to adapt Tower for the big screen given the 4,000 pages from the novels alone.

Erbland felt fans would dislike the film and "even newbies will likely be left in the dust as Jake

and Roland bounce through locations and plot movements with jarring irregularity, as theyâ€&#x;re forced to judge for themselves just how important each person and place really is to the larger story."

Uproxx's Mike Ryan didn't hold back, writing a blistering review that opens by describing

Tower as "so astoundingly awful that when you leave the theater youâ€&#x;ll likely be less mad you wasted your time than flabbergasted that something like this could a) happen and b) be released as something that, theoretically, is going to launch a multi-platform franchise."