A movie that’s perhaps 15 years too late. A man loses his home and his wife to the conquering Roman Empire. Enlisted as a gladiator, he seeks revenge. But his past will rise up to greet him, setting him on a different path. Academy Award winning movie Gladiator was released in the year 2000, and…
Review: Juror #2
Was expecting a little more from Eastwood directing. When expecting father Justin is called in for jury duty, he discovers he might have killed the victim of the case. Now it is a matter of how to continue. Directed by nonagenarian Clint Eastwood, and starring Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette JK Simmons, and Zoey Deutch, Juror…
Review: Heretic
A surprisingly moody, well-paced horror, written like a debate rather than scares-per-second. Two Mormon missionaries arrive at a house owned by a religiously-curious man. However, once they enter, they find this man to have unsettling ulterior motives… Written and directed by duo Scott Beck and Bryan Woods (creators behind 65 with Adam Driver) and starring…
Review: The Wild Robot
What a beautiful, fun, scary and moving experience. When a robot built to serve humans finds itself lost in the wilderness, it must instead adapt and serve the nature around it. Directed and written by Chris Sanders (How to Train Your Dragon, Lilo & Stitch) based off the book by Peter Brown, The Wild Robot…
Review: Transformers One
The bruised and beaten franchise waves a cheery flag. A prequel following the origins of Optimus Prime and other Transformer characters, Orion Pax, a worker on Cybertron, discovers a world-shaking conspiracy. The awkwardly named Transformers One is directed by Josh Cooley, who recently made Toy Story 4. The writing team is entirely from Disney/Marvel MCU…
Review: Joker – Folie à Deux
How can a film of 139 minutes achieve so little? After his killing spree, Arthur Fleck lives his life in prison. But when psychologists and a fellow rehab client, Harley, believe he can be free… Maybe there’s time for one last laugh? Returning director Todd Phillips and lead star Joaquin Phoenix are joined by Lady…
Review: Late Night with the Devil
Horror abound, and another good example of retro film-making. Jack Delroy’s American late night talk show is struggling to hold ratings. “Night Owls”, becomes more outrageous and outlandish to stay relevant. So far as to invite the devil onto the show? Written and directed by Colin and Cameron Cairnes, Late Night with the Devil is…
Review: Abigail
Delightful, contemporary horror movie that keeps things simple. When a cherry-picked squad of kidnappers abduct a young girl, they discover they are in for a lot more than they bargained for. Directed by the minds behind Scream, Matt Bettinelli and Tyler Gillett, and also written by Scream author Guy Busick, Abigail has a similar flair…
Review: Megalopolis
What an abundance of nonsense. “New Rome” is in a state of upheaval. The disillusioned public are led by the rich elite and their insane offspring, and a lone visionary is intent on changing the world forever. That summary is far too neat for what Megalopolis is. Directed by one of the literal grandfathers of…
Review: The Substance
Never has something been so excellent and disturbing in equal measure. Elizabeth Sparkle was once in the Hollywood limelight. Now older, she hosts fitness videos and is despised by producers for being too old. Facing rejection she turns to The Substance, a serum that promises to create a younger version of herself. French director Coralie…