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Gladiator II (2024)
Denzel is awesome in this messy, but seriously entertaining epic.
Ridley Scott's Gladiator 2 feels like his own Game of Thrones. The evil brothers who are kings are basically Joffrey, Denzel Washington is Lord Baelish, Pedro Pascal is Ned Stark, and Paul Mescal is essentially Jon Snow-someone who keeps saying "I don't want it" until the very end and is ultimately useless in saving the people he loves or cares about.
Let me make this clear: the sequel is nowhere near as good as the first part. However, it's still a wildly entertaining, over-the-top swords-and-sandals soap opera, featuring sharks, mutated monkeys, and whatnot. It's mad, a bit messy, but in a really fun way.
Paul Mescal is a shadow of Russell Crowe but does his job admirably. That said, this movie truly belongs to Denzel Washington-he's clearly having a blast with his conniving, duplicitous, deliciously evil role, and the audience benefits from it. If nothing else, you can watch this movie for Denzel alone.
The fight scenes are enjoyable, though many feel like they end too quickly. Was this sequel necessary? Not really. But did I have a great time at the cinema? Absolutely.
Strange Darling (2023)
Go in blind! Delightfully unhinged in the best way!
Strange Darling was insane. Even if you see the twist coming (which I did), this movie is a delightfully unhinged, bonkers psycho-thriller that keeps raising the stakes with every passing minute. It's best to go in blind; your experience will be all the better for it. And wow, what performances-Willa Fitzgerald is phenomenal here. Her performance alone makes the movie worth watching. Kyle Gallner is also solid, but the film truly belongs to Fitzgerald. It's gorgeously shot and has a wonderfully old-fashioned, intimate feel, which I absolutely loved. No wonder everyone is raving about this thriller-it's fantastic, devilishly entertaining, unhinged, and then some.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (2024)
Timepass, a stepdown from part 1 and part 2.
I'm not sure if Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 worked for me or not. It's definitely a step down from the previous films, but it has enough energy to ensure you're never really bored despite its inherent weaknesses. The storyline is actually pretty decent, but the execution of the scares and the repetitive comedy hampers the experience quite a bit. Vidya Balan and Madhuri are the highlights, and the mystery surrounding their characters helps build a decent amount of suspense. However, there's too much focus on peripheral elements instead of the main storyline. Kartik Aryan does his thing, and as a fan, I have to say he's one of the main reasons the movie avoids becoming dull, even if it revels in mediocrity. The film does feel choppy and haphazard at times.
All in all, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is a brainless masala film that does enough for fans of the franchise. If you just want to shut your brain off and take a break, you could do worse than watching BB3 at the cinema.
Terrifier 3 (2024)
Unhinged splatterfest that wont work for everyone
I enjoyed the first Terrifier-despite the low budget, it was a thoroughly creepy affair that was short and sweet. The second Terrifier I found overrated, incoherent, and all over the place. I felt Damien Leone went overboard with everything, which resulted in a loss of suspense and creepiness. Bigger isn't always better. It was still enjoyable, but not as great as everyone said, so my expectations for the third part weren't high. However, I was pleasantly surprised.
The third part, in my opinion, is the best of the franchise-a totally unhinged splatterfest you should watch on an empty stomach. It reminded me of those fun 80s horror movies with a grindhouse feel. While it still doesn't have much of a storyline, it delivers plenty of wild Art the Clown moments, along with an epic showdown with Lauren Lavera's "Sienna," who continues to be an awesome final girl. The final sequence is completely bonkers in the best way, and the whole movie is an unhinged thrill ride that truly works.
It may not have the same creepiness as the first part, but it's never boring, and Damien Leone's slasher really hits its stride. It's definitely not for everyone, especially those put off by senseless, over-the-top, almost cartoonish gore, but it fits this movie and franchise. The Christmas setting adds an extra layer of atmosphere, making it even more memorable. It's a true splatterfest.
The movie ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, and given the critical and financial success this franchise is experiencing, I fully expect another wild ride in the next part.
Mai Neim (2021)
Revenge thriller that packs an emotional wallop
"My Name" feels like "Tokyo Vice", "The Departed", and a big dash of "Nikita". Packed with exhilarating action sequences that will leave you breathless, this twisted revenge tale is one to savor, hitting you with an emotional punch right up to the very end. While you might predict some of the twists, it doesn't matter because everything is executed masterfully -and it's ridiculously entertaining from start to finish. This is one of those rare shows that keeps getting better with every episode, building up to an absolutely insane finale. Did I mention the action sequences are next level?
Han So Hee and Park Hee Son deliver powerhouse performances, making an already great show even better. This was the second Korean show I watched after "Gyeongseong Creature",and now it's 2 for 2 in delivering supreme entertainment!
Gyeongseong Keuricheo (2023)
A truly gorgeous, epic emotionally rich show.
"Gyeongseong Creature" is a masterpiece in every sense of the word. Over the course of its 10-episode first season, I was captivated, mesmerized, and completely absorbed by the stunning beauty of this epic series. Though billed as a sci-fi body horror, it is so much more than that. This series is an epic saga, showcasing war crimes, a sweeping romance, and relentless thrills. The monster element is simply the cherry on top, as it's the human element that truly shines. The emotional core is driven by an incredible love story, one of the most emotionally satisfying and captivating narratives I have ever seen.
With its breathtaking sets, "Gyeongseong Creature" looks gorgeous, pulling you in from the first episode. Despite each episode running over 70 minutes, the experience is so immersive that you never want to hit pause. The journey and the destination are both worth every second.
I can't wait for Season 2 which luckily for me lands in 5 days. This show is epic and grandiose in every way. Easily one of the best shows I've ever watched.
Perfection!
Gokseong (2016)
Frustrating, haunting affair.
A movie with a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes must be a masterpiece, right? "The Wailing" is certainly atmospheric, with a pervasive sense of ominousness and dread as a small town is plagued by mysterious murders that may have supernatural origins. It's directed masterfully, coming across like a David Fincher film infused with supernatural horror. The movie also maintains a strong sense of mystery, keeping you hooked in the hope that answers will be provided over its 156-minute runtime-but they never really come.
The film remains incredibly ambiguous, leaving you craving a resolution that never arrives. At such a long runtime, this lack of payoff makes The Wailing a frustrating watch. I'm all for slow burns, but patience should be rewarded, and here, it just wasn't. Or maybe I wasn't smart enough to grasp the film's deeper meaning. Either way, The Wailing felt like it was too abstract for its own good.
Bloody Hell (2020)
Insane fun!
Bloody Hell is a wild, surreal, and offbeat ride-basically every synonym for strange, but in the best possible way. Ben O'Toole is hilarious as the lead, a guy who constantly talks to himself and gets thrown into one absurd situation after another. From a chaotic bank robbery where he tries to play the hero to being kidnapped by a cannibal family in Finland, this movie is a rollercoaster of madness.
It's not for everyone-it's bloody, violent, and dripping with dark humor-but the incredibly satisfying, crowd-pleasing finale had me laughing my butt off. Despite how bizarre it is, Bloody Hell just works on every level. It's like Texas Chainsaw Massacre collided with Tim Burton's whimsical weirdness. An absolute blast from start to finish!
Alone (2020)
Effective, tense thriller
Alone (2020) may have been made on a shoestring budget, but that doesn't stop it from being a taut, tense, and immensely watchable thrill ride from start to finish. I didn't expect it to be this good, yet it skillfully uses its minimal setup to deliver a gripping, palpable thriller. Jules Willcox shines as the resilient final girl, while Marc Menchaca delivers a chillingly hateable performance as the antagonist. Their tense exchanges keep you on edge, building towards an extremely satisfying and crowd-pleasing finale.
Yes, the movie follows familiar thriller beats, but it executes them in a sharp, effective, and efficient way. The movie also looks quite gorgeous. I really enjoyed this.
Rebel Ridge (2024)
An ok watch - entertaining, but expected more.
Rebel Ridge has a strong 80s and 90s action thriller vibe, reminiscent of the classics where one guy takes on a host of bad guys, which I miss seeing in big-budget films today. While movies like Con Air,Face/Off, and Die Hard had that larger-than-life appeal, we rarely get those now, and when we do, they're usually on a shoestring budget. Only actors like Jason Statham, Liam Neeson, and Gerard Butler seem to be keeping the spirit alive.
Unfortunately, Rebel Ridge doesn't quite live up to that legacy, despite Aaron Pierre's solid performance. While there's enough to justify a watch, the film struggles with pacing, feeling dull and sluggish at times. The action scenes, although serviceable, fall short of delivering the intensity you'd expect, coming off as one-dimensional. That said, the movie still offers some entertainment, especially in watching Pierre's protagonist take down a group of corrupt cops, but it left me wanting more.
AfrAId (2024)
No genuine thrills whatsoever
Kicking off my 2-month Halloween horror movie marathon with Blumhouse's latest thriller, "afrAId," left me more underwhelmed than unsettled. Despite not being outright boring, the film is utterly devoid of originality or genuine thrills. It drifts aimlessly, lacking any real momentum, and feels more like a family drama with an "evil AI" subplot that barely makes an impact. Following the disappointment of "Nightswim," "afrAId" continues Blumhouse's trend of horror/thrillers that seem determined to avoid building tension or embracing the chaos that should come naturally to the genre. The whole experience is frustratingly flat and one-note.
Munjya (2024)
Nothing special, a timepass entertainer.
"Munjya" offers enough entertainment to justify a watch, but it doesn't quite measure up to the high standards set by Maddock Films' previous horror entries. The film's biggest flaw is the character of Munjya himself-neither scary nor funny, he comes across as more irritating than anything else. Enduring his antics for two hours takes a toll on the overall experience.
That said, the movie isn't without its positives. The performances are solid, the story is engaging, and it effectively advances the mythology of the Maddock horror universe. Unfortunately, the titular character is its weakest link, and that made it difficult for me to fully enjoy the film.
Ultimately, "Munjya" feels like one of the weaker entries in an otherwise highly entertaining franchise - good enough for a one-time watch but not a standout.
Longlegs (2024)
Creepy, highly effective thriller.
Longlegs is a genuinely disturbing, twisted, and downright creepy ride with an unnerving, ominous atmosphere that never lets up. The film maintains a relentless sense of unease from start to finish. It oozes style and is expertly directed by Osgood Perkins, whose first two features, The Blackcoat's Daughter and Gretel & Hansel, I found overly artsy and somewhat dull. But with Longlegs, Perkins has hit a home run, crafting a film that excels in style and sheer creepiness. Nicolas Cage delivers an insane performance as "Longlegs"-he's not on screen for long, but in his limited time, he genuinely terrifies. Maika Monroe is solid as well.
While critics and some viewers might be overhyping it a bit, there's no denying that Osgood Perkins has created something special-a highly effective horror thriller that radiates creepiness.
The Crow (2024)
Dull, disappointing mess.
The Crow (2024) is a haphazardly put-together mess that just doesn't have the style and class the original film had. The whole film feels incoherent and lacks any real momentum. Some stilted acting, even though Bill Skarsgård tries his best, and the writing doesn't help. That being said, it does have a couple of great action sequences, especially the opera house scene, so that's something. Overall, the movie defines mediocrity-maybe not even that. If you really want to watch a Bill Skarsgård action movie, check out the criminally underrated "Boy Kills World" that movie was a blast and a half. This one, though, is just a disappointing mess-and not even the fun kind.
Alien: Romulus (2024)
A spectacular thrill fest.
Fede Alvarez continues to prove his immense artistry in horror, as Alien: Romulus is a downright gorgeous, relentlessly intense, and thrilling experience-a near-perfect addition to the Alien franchise. I saw it in IMAX, and the experience was just spectacular. From the effects to the cinematography to the sound design, you could feel yourself completely immersed in the movie, which made the experience that much better.
Romulus ups the ante with every passing minute, culminating in a truly insane, crowd-pleasing, stomach-churning third act that is sure to take your breath away. Yes, it plays on nostalgia, but it does so well that it will work for both franchise lovers and newcomers. Lastly, how good are Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson in this? Seriously, they were fantastic. I just loved it.
Twisters (2024)
Definition of a summer blockbuster.
Although billed as a disaster film, "Twisters" starring Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar Jones has insane romcom energy through and through. This is not to say it doesn't have those big popcorn blockbuster breathtaking tornado moments, but really, this film is a romcom at heart. Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar Jones are magnetic, charming, and have great banter and chemistry, which makes the slow moments in the film work really well. This is just a fun movie that has something for everyone, from ridiculous action moments to drama and emotional beats, and some swoon-worthy romance and comedy as well. This film might not be perfect, but it is perfect for a summer blockbuster that provides great escapism and fun. See it on the biggest screen possible.
A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)
Solid entry that hits different from the first two.
"A Quiet Place: Day One" might not be as relentlessly intense as the first two entries, but it hits you in another way by providing a poignant, emotionally gut-wrenching yet bittersweet story about death and friendship. This is not to say it doesn't serve up some intense sequences that this franchise is famous for, and it puts the world's cutest cat in extremely perilous situations. Also, the performances are out of this world good. Lupita Nyong'o is just stellar as someone who is already living her last days even before the apocalypse hits, but it's Joseph Quinn who steals the show as Eric. Both leads are extremely likable, and their on-screen friendship is worth the price of admission alone. All in all, "Day One" is not the strongest entry in the franchise, but still a damn solid one.
Gojira -1.0 (2023)
An emotional war drama with our favorite monster
GodzillaMinusOne is a beautiful, gut-wrenching war drama that completely and utterly engulfs you emotionally. The fact that it's a Godzilla movie is just the icing on the cake. This is not your average monster, popcorn movie; it's so much more than that. It's emotionally heavy and devastating, highlighting the horrors of war in great detail. There seems to be no escaping those horrors even before Godzilla shows up-Godzilla just amplifies the devastation. Whenever he appears, the impact is felt profoundly. It's well-acted, and despite a meager budget, it looks better than most blockbusters out there. It's just a beautiful film through and through. I love it when filmmakers take iconic, blockbuster characters seriously, as this movie does in spades.
Sous la Seine (2024)
Got a real Jaws 3 vibe from it & i mean that in the best way
I am a sucker for shark movies, so I was pretty darn excited for #UnderParis and it definitely didn't disappoint. It's part eco-horror and full B-movie sci-fi thriller-a vibe that definitely worked for the movie. It's not full of relentless action, but *Under Paris* serves enough over-the-top, shark-infested sequences to give you a bloody good time while providing enough dramatic heft to prove that it is not your average shark slasher. The effects aren't the greatest, but they get the job done. Also, the ending is ridiculously over the top and insane, and it makes the movie that much better.
Got a real Jaws 3 vibe from the movie & I mean that in the best way.
The First Omen (2024)
A stylish, wonderfully retro horror experience.
The First Omen goes incredibly hard. It's downright fantastic, chillingly effective retro, and an immensely stylish horror experience that is sure to get people talking. Nell Tiger Free is stupendous - man, she gives it her all, and Arkasha Stevenson's direction is flawless. It's one of those rare sequels/prequels that is not made for cash grab purposes or made for the sake of it. In fact, this horror affair is made with great style, panache, and real care. Even though you know how the story ends, The First Omen is a relentless thrilling experience and a near perfect entry into the Omen Franchise.
I Loved it.
Verónica (2017)
Effective Chiller, with surprising dramatic chops
Veronica (2017), this Spanish-language chiller, while doing nothing new, is wonderfully atmospheric and stylish. It gives you the necessary creeps that you want from such a flick. Apparently based on a true story, what makes this film stand out is the dramatic heft that it possesses. You really feel for Sandra Escecana's Veronica as she battles on multiple fronts, from taking care of her sisters alone due to a near-absentee mother, to the death of her father, as well as the entity that is stalking her. Overall, Veronica was a very decent, effective chiller for a lazy night at home. Fans of possession horror flicks should have plenty of fun with "Veronica".
Dune: Part Two (2024)
Dune Part 2 was immense
Denis Villeneuve's Dune Part 2 is immense in every sense of the word. It's a monstrous cinematic spectacle made with great care, finesse, and sheer artistry. It's an experience, albeit a heavy one, that delivers epic thrills and some real, circa "Game of Thrones" manipulative shenanigans. If Dune Part 1, which I think was better paced, was laying the groundwork and is a masterpiece in its own right, Dune Part 2 is a full-blown sci-fi war epic full of breathtaking visuals, flawless sound design, exhilarating out-of-this-world sequences, and some superlative acting. Dune Part 2 breathes and screams cinema and should be seen on the biggest screen possible. Bring on Part 3!
Prisoners (2013)
A truly thrilling, engrossing, & brutal watch.
"Prisoners," boasting a remarkable cast including Hugh Jackman, Viola Davis, Jake Gyllenhaal, Terrence Howard, Maria Bello, and Paul Dano, is a superbly crafted, inherently bleak thriller by Denis Villeneuve with superlative performances. Hugh Jackman, as Keller Dover, steals the show and then some, demonstrating that there is no line he will not cross to get his child back. The morality dissipates in this thriller, which is equal parts gut-wrenching, depressing, chilling, and riveting. While kidnapping dramas and thrillers are not a novel concept, Villeneuve's assured hand and technical craftsmanship ensure that "Prisoners" becomes one of the best in the genre. It's greatly atmospheric, with a pervasive sense of unease throughout; even in its slow moments, the movie doesn't let you relax. Also, here, your heroes become anti-villains or downright villains, giving this thriller an added edge due to its moral ambiguity. Paul Dano is excellent as the suspect, and the scenes between his character and Jackman's are a brutal, engrossing watch. Jake Gyllenhaal is as solid as ever in his role as the cop assigned to find the missing children.
With "Prisoners," here is another proof that Denis Villeneuve is one of the best directors going around.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
A masterpiece, a sheer spectacle in every sense of the word.
In light of the Dune 2 release next week, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to review some of Denis Villeneuve's works, which finally led me to watch Blade Runner 2049. It had always been one of those movies I planned to watch but never got around to, and I was all the poorer for it because this film is a masterpiece-a spectacle in every sense of the word. Nothing about it feels cheap; it's like you're watching a piece of art and beauty. The 164 minutes of pure artistry from Villeneuve mesmerized, hypnotized, and enchanted me for every minute. Like Nolan, Villeneuve also doesn't take his audience for idiots; he creates a thinking man's blockbuster with all the popcorn flare, panache, and seriously heavy themes, concepts, and next-level technical artistry. Nothing about their movies feels half-cocked or done without care; everything, including this masterpiece, feels like pure spectacle and pure genius.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2024)
Love the movie, love this show as well.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2024) has an almost dreamlike, enchanting quality that keeps you mesmerized throughout its eight episodes of the first season. There is no flashiness or exuberance as seen in Doug Liman's movie. This remake is extremely understated, with the focus on relationship drama rather than providing outright action thrills. While action does come into play, it is not the primary focus of this adaptation. This approach works well for the show, as it is not a mere copy-paste of the movie; it offers something different, something deeper, and more unique than the original, which was great in its own right. Donald Glover and Maya Erskine are stupendous, their chemistry and quirkiness making the show truly stand out.