MOVIE REVIEW: HIM

 

Cameron Cade is a rising quarterback who suffers a potentially career-ending injury after being attacked by an unhinged fan. Just when all seems lost, Cam receives a lifeline when his hero, Isaiah White, offers to train him at an isolated compound. However, as the training accelerates, Isaiah's charisma turns into something darker, sending Cam down a disorienting rabbit hole that may cost him more than he ever bargained for.

Director: Justin Tipping

Cast: Marlon Wayans, Tyriq Withers, Julia Fox, Tim Heidecker, Jim Jefferies, Naomi Grossman

Release Date: September 19, 2025

Genre: Horror, Sport

Rated R for strong bloody violence, language throughout, sexual material, nudity and some drug use.

Runtime: 1h 36m

Review:

Justin Tipping's Him frames football and its undying fanaticism in an insane mythological, paganistic veneer which is tearing at the seams with thematic subtext.  Tipping's visually are bombastic but impactful as he throws a series of striking moments onscreen.  He's got a clear vision in mind that's reflected in his confidence behind the camera which gives the film a devil may care vibe.  Those expecting something more grounded or straightforward might be turned off as he takes increasingly wild swings with each chapter.  It's in your face and heavy handed which is sure to be divisive when it’s all said and done.  Those that find it engaging will find plenty to enjoy especially as the film's horror aspect start to take hold in the second half.  It’s decent into cult like paganism is pretty easy to predict from the onset with the ultimate reveal being telegraphed a mile away.   The central duo of Marlon Wayans and Tyriq Withers are given copious amount of time to shine with both delivering impressive performances.  Wayans gives his character a readily apparent charm paired with an undercurrent of unpredictable danger which makes for a fascinating tightrope for him to balance on.  Withers handsome boyish looks give his character an air of innocence that works well with his damaged, single-minded determination.  They have strong chemistry together which works well for the film as it carries some of the script's clunkier moments.  Jim Jeffries, Julia Fox and Tim Heidecker are fun in small supporting roles with Jeffries leaving the biggest impression.  The film moves at such a break neck speed that you're left wishing it'd taken a moment to flesh out some of its ideas and characters a bit more.  Regardless, Him is the kind of film that'll leave a marked impression good or bad depending on the viewers.

B

MOVIE REVIEW: PSYCHO THERAPY: THE SHALLOW TALE OF A WRITER WHO DECIDED TO WRITE ABOUT A SERIAL KILLER

 

A writer befriends a retired serial killer in a desperate attempt to find inspiration for his next novel and save his marriage. Covering as his marriage counselor, the killer teaches him his methods as reality becomes deadlier than fiction.

Director: Tolga Karaçelik

Cast:  John Magaro, Steve Buscemi, Britt Lower, Ward Horton, Sydney Cole Alexander

Release Date: April 4, 2025 (United States)/September 15, 2025 (UK)

Genre: Comedy, Crime, Thriller

Unrated 

Runtime: 1h 42m

Review:

Tolga Karaçelik's English language debut is a manic, black comedy that's as chaotic as it is funny thanks to excellent turns from its central cast.  Karaçelik film possesses a palatable energy from the start which it maintains for the majority of the film's runtime.  He moves the film along at a steady pace even as it threatens to veer off the rails as the situation gets increasingly insane.  As the film's overly long title suggests, this isn't the type of film that takes itself seriously with the script providing a handful of laugh out loud moments thanks to wonderful performances from its trio of stars.  John Magaro brings a kind of aloof energy to his character who's desperate to find inspiration for a new project.  There's something likable about the character even though he's nearly incapable of making a decision on his own without being pushed into it.  Britt Lower is a perfect foil to him as his exhausted, passive aggressive wife who resents her husband with increasing intensity.  When the pair is onscreen, they have wonderful chemistry together as a longtime couple who are on totally different wavelengths after years of resentment and miscommunication.  They make for a fascinating onscreen couple, especially as Lower hurls acidic comments that reflect the level of disdain her character has for her aloof husband.  Steve Buscemi is perfectly cast as the disarmingly friendly, retired series killer who is more than happy to provide background for Magaro's Keane.  The film is at its best when the three share the screen together like an impromptu meeting in the middle of night or the pseudo marriage counseling session, topped off by a riotous sequence in the final act.  Psycho Therapy proves to be one of those hidden gems that deserves a larger audience in the long run.

B+

MOVIE REVIEW: SPINAL TAP II: THE END CONTINUES

 

Documentarian Marty DiBergi follows estranged Spinal Tap bandmates David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel and Derek Smalls as they search for a drummer and prepare for a reunion concert in New Orleans. Joined by music royalty Paul McCartney and Elton John, Spinal Tap wrestles with their checkered past to put on a show that they hope will solidify their place in the pantheon of rock 'n' roll.

Director: Rob Reiner

Cast: Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Rob Reiner, Fran Drescher, Valerie Franco, Chris Addison, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Garth Brooks, Questlove, Trisha Yearwood, Chad Smith, Lars Ulrich

Release Date: September 12, 2025

Genre: Comedy, Music

Rated R for language including some sexual references.

Runtime: 1h 22m

Review:

Spinal Tap II: The End Continues might not reach the heights of the original, but it still serves as a fitting encore to the story and characters.  Rob Reiner returns behind the camera and onscreen as documentarian Marty DiBergi with impressive ease on both counts.  The 40-year gap between the two films makes for plenty of fertile ground for the mockumentary to spoof since we have our fair share of aging rockstars still on the scene.  The offscreen drama after the original film revitalized the band’s career isn't too complicated or deep but it makes perfect sense for these characters.  Michael McKean's David St. Hubbins is still the chaotic mess we met in the original film and is as petty as ever as he's forced to rejoin the band due to some fine print in their original contract.  It’s the perfect kind of pretext to bring the Michael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer's characters back together.  A montage of what these characters have been doing in the years since their break up is a hilarious appetizer for the main entree of these three guys trying to prep for a 1-night reunion performance.  Their ability to recapture the character's general vibe is pretty impressive as all three jump back into each one skin without missing a beat.  The assorted obstacles they run into as they reform and attempt to get this show off the ground is perfectly in line with the kind of self-inflicted silliness of the original even if they're not quite as memorable as the original.  It was always going to be a tough act to follow, and they don't have that seminal moment like this "this one goes to 11" but there's still plenty to enjoy especially their ongoing search for a new drummer and their living quarters in New Orleans.  Valerie Franco's Didi Crockett ends up tempting fate and joining the band as the new drummer.  Franco brings a breath of fresh air to the ensemble with her effervescent, positive energy coming through the screen.  Chris Addison, as their new concert promotor who can't comprehend music, Simon Howler gets more than a few moments to shine with his deadpan delivery of a variety of increasingly insensitive and silly suggestions for the aging rockers.  A series of cameos are all fun but Paul McCartney and Elton John get the biggest amount of screen time and they're clearly having a ball goofing around with the "legendary" band.  The film moves at an incredibly fast pace which leaves you wishing Reiner had given some moments a bit more time to germinate before moving on since some of the latter moments have a rather reflective quality that brings the character's full circle emotionally.  It would have added another layer to the whole thing but as is Spinal Tap II: The End Continue delivers the goods especially for fans of the original film.      

B+

MOVIE REVIEW: THE LONG WALK

 

Teens participate in a grueling high-stakes contest where they must continuously walk or be shot by a member of their military escort.

Director: Francis Lawrence

Cast: Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Garrett Wareing, Tut Nyuot, Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang, Roman Griffin Davis, Jordan Gonzalez, Josh Hamilton, Judy Greer, Mark Hamill

Release Date: September 12, 2025

Genre: Horror

Rated R for strong bloody violence, grisly images, suicide, pervasive language, and sexual references.

Runtime: 1h 48m

Review:

Francis Lawrence's adaptation of Stephen King's The Long Walk is a bleak trek into a dystopian landscape that manages to capture the humanity at the heart of the story thanks to excellent turns from Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson.  Lawrence takes a rather interesting approach to the subject matter by using a Stand By Me aesthetic, bathed in sepia tones to illicit a nostalgic feeling that's initially disarming.  This allows the audience to get to know the cast of characters before the stark reality of the game is put on graphic display.  There's no supernatural power at play here just the barebones simplicity of walk or die with warnings building up moments of tension throughout.  As the film goes on, it starts to feel more like a horrific war movie as we witness characters get killed off, often with an unflinching focus, in steady succession.  The script is filled with thoughtful dialogue as the characters discuss a variety of topics that leave its ultimate meaning open to multiple interpretations about death, rebellion and perseverance against unwinnable odds.  There are moments of poetic beauty amid all the brutal horrors that unfold which speaks to the effectiveness of the direction and performances by its cast.  Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson are given the lion's share of the focus as the central characters tasked with carrying the story.  There's very little actual action going on besides just walking so this serves as a wonderful showcase for both performers as they bring tangible sense of humanity to their characters that feels instantly authentic.  They ultimately elevate the film above simple terror porn by making these characters live and breathe which makes their trek engaging and painfully tragic.  Ben Wang, Charlie Plummer and Tut Nyuot all get their moments to shine in supporting roles with Wang and Nyuot being instantly likable.  Plummer's antagonistic but disturbed Barkovitch is fascinating enough that you are left wishing he'd been given a bit more screentime.  Mark Hamill is given the thankless role of The Major which doesn't require much outside of delivering orders in an imposing, gravelly voice.  The character serves as more of an idea than anything as he's written as generally as possible leaving him more of an enigma than anything.  In the end, The Long Walk gives you plenty to appreciate with it proving to be a top tier King adaptation that manages to capture his sense of character and ultimately our humanity even in the most extreme situations.   

A

MOVIE REVIEW: THE TOXIC AVENGER

 

A janitor becomes a social outcast when a freak accident at a chemical factory turns him into a mutant. However, he soon uses his newfound superhuman strength to battle slimy criminals and a corrupt CEO.

Director: Macon Blair

Cast: Peter Dinklage, Jacob Tremblay, Taylour Paige, Julia Davis, Jonny Coyne, Elijah Wood, Kevin Bacon

Release Date: August 29, 2025

Genre: Action, Comedy, Horror, Sci-Fi

Rated R for strong violence and gore, language throughout, sexual references and brief graphic nudity

Runtime: 1h 42m

Review:

Remaking Troma's The Toxic Avenger initially sounded like a fool's errand, but Macon Blair's re-imagining manages to recapture the original's manic, over the top spirit while bringing a new spin to the material.  Blair brings a colorfully, cartoonish aesthetic to his film that fits the action perfectly even as it gets increasingly bloody.  The film's anarchic spirit is instantly apparent, and Blair manages to do a solid amount of world building before we get to the action in earnest.  The set up is fairly simple but those looking for a carbon copy of the original plot will be disappointed since this film is clearly trying to pave its own way.  This entry tries to establish a bit more of an emotional center to the proceedings thanks to making the main character a stepdad simply trying to take care of his stepson.  Peter Dinklage brings an air of gravitas to the proceedings even though he's clearly all in with the silliness on display, especially once he takes the mantle of the titular character.  It's all tongue in cheek especially in back half of the film as everybody is gleefully hamming it up in their respective roles. Kevin Bacon and Jonny Coyne serve as the dual villain's here and both are so incredibly over the top as a snake oil salesman and gangster.  Bacon chews up the screen every time his character pops up with circa 2000's Justin Bieber hair.  Julia Davis proves to be more than up to the task as his devoted assistant with her and Bacon having fun onscreen chemistry.  Taylour Paige is a bit more reserved than most of her screen mates as a determined whistleblower who ends up joining Dinklage's Toxie on his journey to expose Bacon's misdeeds after his heroic transformation.  Elijah Wood steals every scene he's in as the little brother of Bacon's brother and lackey who bears a striking resemblance to The Penguin from Tim Burton's Batman Returns. There are a few dead spots that pop up along the way with the action taking a tad too long to start up and the final act feeling overlong and unfocused to the extent that you get the feeling that Blair doesn't know how to wrap it all up.  That being said, it's hard not to appreciate how fun this iteration of The Toxic Avenger is and how it serves as a perfect tribute to the classic B movie madness of the Troma films as a whole.  

B

MOVIE REVIEW: THE CONJURING: LAST RITES

 

In 1986 paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren travel to Pennsylvania to vanquish a demon from a family's home.

Director: Michael Chaves

Cast: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Mia Tomlinson, Ben Hardy, Rebecca Calder, Elliot Cowan, Kíla Lord Cassidy, Beau Gadsdon

Release Date: September 5, 2025

Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller

Rated R for bloody/violent content and terror.

Runtime: 2h 15m

Review:

The Conjuring: Last Rites is a perfectly capable horror film that brings more than enough well-placed jump scares to please those looking for a fright but as a series capper for the franchise its far too uneven to reach the heights of the first two films.  Michael Chaves second time behind the camera is a noticeable step up from 2021's The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It.  This is a more polished and confident entry that captures the retro look and feels that made the original film so effective.  He sets up the scares capably with some set pieces being far more memorable than others, the wedding dress mirror room sequence serving as a high point.  Issues being to arise as each sequence begins to follow a predictable set up, building tension before the jump scare occurs.  They are effective to an extent, but the script seems dead set on throwing every single haunting/possession trope at the wall as we're given burning crosses, doomed priest, uncontrollable vomiting from teenage girls, levitation and possessed toys.  It might have made for a funhouse finale had it been more focused on that aspect, but the script has the dual task of trying to give the Warren’s as characters a sense of closure and legacy.  Sadly, that story thread is much clunkier and uneven as it saps the film of any forward momentum the frightful set pieces had provided beforehand.  Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga wear these characters like a second skin by this point, and their authentic chemistry together still pops onscreen.  Their characters just exude an earnestness that's served as the lifeblood for the series.  They aren't given as much time as you'd want since the central case and their stories run on parallel paths which take far too long to converge.   Mia Tomlinson and Ben Hardy are solid as the Warren's daughter and her finance, but their characters aren't fleshed out enough to make them all that interesting or engaging.  It’s a similar story with the Smurl family members who are little more than caricatures as opposed to fleshed out characters.  All the side characters end up taking away from the central duo, who should have been the film's primary focus.  A chaotic, frenetic finale can't save The Conjuring: Last Rites from being a middle of the road horror film that's trying to do too many things at once. 

C

MOVIE REVIEW: EENIE MEANIE

 

A reformed teenage getaway driver is dragged back into her unsavoury past when a former employer offers her an opportunity to save the life of her chronically unreliable ex-boyfriend.

Director: Shawn Simmons

Cast: Samara Weaving, Karl Glusman, Jermaine Fowler, Marshawn Lynch, Randall Park, Steve Zahn, Andy Garcia

Release Date: August 22, 2025

Genre: Comedy, Horror, Thriller

Rated R for violence/bloody images, pervasive language, nudity, some sexual material and brief drug use.

Runtime: 1h 46m

Review:

Eenie Meanie is the kind of film that feels instantly familiar since it borrows from far better heist films but it’s still entertaining enough thanks to another strong turn from the Samara Weaving who carries the film with incredible ease.  Shawn Simmons feels like a mash up of a Baby Driver and Ocean’s Eleven if you bought the off-brand version from a discount store.  That's not to say that his film doesn't boast some inspired moments because it does especially during the film's first two acts.  Those moments are fun, but the characters and situations are incredibly familiar which leaves the heavy lifting up to his cast which proves to be up to the task.  Samara Weaving is given another chance to showcase her talents here with the film giving her plenty of time to shine.  Weaving is an immensely talented actress and here she's given the opportunity to display her comedic and dramatic throughout.  There are plenty of familiar faces here in supporting roles with Karl Glusman, who happily chews up scenery as the loser love interest, getting the largest amount of screen time but Weaving proves to be the glue that keeps it all together no matter how nonsensical the situations get.  Andy Garcia and Steve Zahn pop up in limited roles but both actors seem to be screaming for screentime to flesh out their respective roles.  Giving each of them a bit more time, especially with Weaving, could have given the film a more nuanced sense of depth that's sorely lacking.  Also, the film takes a turn, tonally, in the film's final act that jarring since everything up to that point had been so lighthearted and freewheeling.  It leaves Eenie Meanie on rather dour note, which is a strange choice since everything else has played out in a fairly predictable manner.  

B-

MOVIE REVIEW: BORDERLINE

 

A helplessly romantic sociopath escapes from a mental institution and invades the home of a '90s pop superstar. He just wants to be loved; she just wants to survive.

Director: Jimmy Warden

Cast:  Samara Weaving, Ray Nicholson, Jimmie Fails, Alba Baptista, Eric Dane

Release Date: March 14, 2025/UK Digital release September 8th 2025

Genre: Comedy, Horror, Thriller

Rated R for violence and language

Runtime: 1h 34m

Review:

Writer turned director, Jimmy Warden, debut film is a fun, if uneven comedy elevated by a strong comedic turn from Samara Weaving and a wonderfully unhinged performance from Ray Nicholson.  Warden seems to be brimming with ideas he wants to toy with which makes the breezy runtime feel more chaotic than it needed to be.  He's got a solid eye for visuals as he delivers a handful of well-crafted sequences that are sure to linger in your memory after the film ends, particularly one involving a certain Celine Dion song.  He does struggle with keeping a consistent tone as the film swings from over the top comedy to something darker and much more off kilter.  It makes for a herky jerky experience as we get inspired moments of madness followed by some dead spaces that kills the momentum.  Thankfully, his cast proves to be more than capable of carrying the film over the majority of these bumps in the road.  Samara Weaving flexes her impressive comedic muscles as the self centered singer/actress that fuels Ray Nicholson's Duerson obsession.  Her reactions are hilarious throughout as she reacts to the insanity provided by Nicholson and scene stealer Alba Baptista.  This film offers Ray Nicholson a wonderful showcase for his acting chops as he gets plenty of time to shine.  At this point in his career, it’s difficult not to see bits of his father come through especially in a role like this but that's not to say he isn't immensely talented in his own right.   Alba Baptista proves to be the real surprise here though as she brings her own brand of insanity to her role as a fellow escaped mental patient.  It’s a shame that the role is painfully underwritten because she could have really done something special with a better script.  Eric Dane gets the thankless job of being the straight man here which he can do in his sleep as Weaving steadfast bodyguard.  All in all, Borderline may not be a perfect entity, but it is entertaining enough, primarily thanks to its cast, to overlook some of its more glaring flaws.

B-

MOVIE REVIEW: HONEY DON'T!

 

Small-town private investigator Honey O'Donahue probes a series of strange deaths that are tied to a mysterious church.

Director: Ethan Coen

Cast: Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Evans, Charlie Day, Kristen Connolly

Release Date: August 22, 2025

Genre: Comedy, Crime, Mystery, Thriller

Rated R for strong sexual content, graphic nudity, some strong violence, and language.

Runtime: 1h 29m

Review:

Honey Don't boast an eclectic collection of characters and a stylish approach to the noir inspired tale, but it never manages to coalesce into a cohesive whole.  Ethan Coen's second entry in his "lesbian B-movie trilogy," after 2024's Drive-Away Dolls, offers a similar assortment of colorful characters, random smattering of violence and fun sense of black comedy.  That film wasn't perfect, but it did have a more focused and coherent plot that drove the film forward, something sorely missing here.  The story here is more of a collection of disparate story threads that are not fully formed or organically connected.  That's not to say there aren't inspired moments because there are quite a few thanks to some witty, rat-a-tat dialogue and strong turns from the cast.  The film never manages to get out of first gear as it struggles to find its flow throughout in spite of the film's cast.  The cast is primed and ready to deliver the goods led by another solid turn from Margaret Qualley.  Qualley is laser focused as the tough as nails, quick witted private investigator who loves a pair of click clackin heels.  She's always the most interesting character onscreen but the film seems to be content to go off on a handful of assorted tangents.  The supporting characters are all fun with both Chris Evans and Aubrey Plaza clearly having a ball as the cult leader and Honey's love interest respectively.  Unfortunately, both characters feel painfully underwritten and the film gives them scant time to make the kind of impression you'd expect.  It all makes up for a collection of characters and storyline that feel painfully undercooked which keeps Honey Don't! from being something memorable.  

 

C

MOVIE REVIEW: NOBODY 2

 

Workaholic assassin Hutch Mansell takes his family on a much-needed vacation to the small tourist town of Plummerville. However, he soon finds himself in the crosshairs of a corrupt theme-park operator, a shady sheriff, and a bloodthirsty crime boss.

Director: Timo Tjahjanto

Cast: Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, RZA, Colin Salmon, Gage Munroe, Paisley Cadorath, Christopher Lloyd, John Ortiz, Colin Hanks, Sharon Stone

Release Date: August 15, 2025

Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime, Thriller

Rated R for strong bloody violence, and language throughout.

Runtime: 1h 29m

Review:

Nobody 2 is a straightforward sequel that focuses on what made the first one fun and turns it up to an almost cartoonish level of incredibly fun action which is all anchored by Bob Odenkirk central performance.  Timo Tjahjanto takes the reins behind the camera and proves more than capable of delivering the over-the-top action that the first film delivered.  There are fits of frenzy as he delivers a pair of particularly impressive set pieces, one on a boat and the water park finale, that are as nonsensical as they are enjoyable.  You get the sense that Tjahjanto is just itching to bust out the next action sequence during some of the more plot driven moments.  Those expecting the characters to get fleshed out more in this entry might be left a little disappointed since the film moves at a breakneck pace.  Odenkirk is still incredibly fun as the workaholic middle aged assassin who is desperately in need of a break.  He manages to balance his character's duel sided personality which makes it mostly believable that he's a family man and incredibly lethal side at the same time.  He does get some small scenes with Connie Nielsen that gives her a tad more to do this go round but she still feels woefully underused.  Likewise, Christopher Lloyd and RZA pop in and out of the story periodically with both getting their big moment which is great but you are left wishing they had a bit more time to work with.  Newcomers, Sharon Stone, John Ortiz and Colin Hanks are also shuffled on and off screen so quickly that they really don't make much of an impact.  Sharon Stone does manage to chew up every scene she's in with impressive gusto but the film never takes full advantage of her.  It all keeps Nobody 2 from being better than the original but still more than fun enough for fans of that film.  

B+

MOVIE REVIEW: THE BAD GUYS 2

 

Reformed criminals Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Shark and Ms. Tarantula are trying very hard to be good. However, they soon find themselves hijacked into a high-stakes heist that's masterminded by a new team of delinquents they never saw coming -- the Bad Girls.

Director: Pierre Perifel

Cast: Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Awkwafina, Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos, Zazie Beetz, Alex Borstein, Richard Ayoade, Lilly Singh, Danielle Brooks, Maria Bakalova, Natasha Lyonne

Release Date: August 1, 2025

Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Family, Mystery

Rated PG for action/mild violence, rude humor and language.

Runtime: 1h 44m

Review:

The Bad Guys 2 is an energetic follow up to the original that's more than capable of standing on its own two feet with bigger action sequences, paired with a fun script and confident voicework from its cast.  Pierre Perifel follows up his original film with another blast of colorful, kinetic pop that's able to deliver fun for kids and adults alike.  The film's animated Ocean's Eleven energy is a fun departure from the standard family fare.  It’s still got a solid underlying message about finding redemption after making mistakes but it’s never overly didactic in its messaging which allows it to keep an adventurous sense of fun.  Sam Rockwell, Craig Robinson, Awkwafina, Anthony Ramos and Marc Maron all return from the original as the titular Bad Guys who are now finding their way after they've reformed.  They share an established chemistry together that works well for the story especially when the script lets them bounce back and forth with slyly witty dialogue.   Sam Rockwell again serves as the film's backbone as the Wolf who still possess the natural confidence from the first film, but the character is given some actual growth as he tries to navigate the straight and narrow while keeping his crew together.  Danielle Brooks is a perfect foil to his character as a fan/competitor who drags him back for one last heist by blackmailing him.  Brooks brings a similar sort of confidence as the leader of the Bad Girls who feels wants to leave her mark regardless of the consequences.  Maria Bakalova and Natasha Lyonne are fun as her lackey's although the script gives them the short end of the stick with neither getting fleshed out the way the other characters are.  Lyonne manages to make the most of scenes especially early when paired with Marc Maron's Snake.  Once we arrive at the extended final act, the film starts to lose a bit of steam as it struggles with the same energy which could have been fixed with some judicious editing to knockdown the film's runtime by 15 minutes or so.  That being said The Bad Guys 2 proves to be one of the better animated sequences that improves on nearly everything that made the original work.

B+

MOVIE REVIEW: WEAPONS

 

When all but one child from the same classroom mysteriously vanish on the same night at exactly the same time, a community is left questioning who or what is behind their disappearance.

Director: Zach Cregger

Cast: Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Cary Christopher, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Benedict Wong, Amy Madigan

Release Date: August 8, 2025

Genre: Horror, Mystery 

Rated R for strong bloody violence and grisly images, language throughout, some sexual content and drug use.

Runtime: 2h 8m

Review:

Zach Cregger's sophomore film, Weapons, is a Pulp Fiction style maze that's equal parts unnerving and hilarious, powered by stellar turns from Josh Brolin and Julia Garner.  Cregger's film is visually potent from the start, and he delivers a series of shocks that are sure to leave an impression long after you leave the theater.  That shouldn't come as a surprise after his debut film, Barbarian, which was populated with more than enough nightmarish imagery but here he uses structure to slowly unfurl the central mystery from different points of view.  It keeps everything off balance and unpredictable, particularly in the first half of the film before it shows its hand.  Its grabs and holds your attention for the majority of the film but it might lose some more hardcore horror aficionado once it reveals the game Cregger is playing since it blends more than a few genres with its twisted sense of humor.  The characters are all damaged individuals that are dealing with variety of issues that makes them feel more three dimensional than you'd expect from most horror films.  It helps that his cast is fully committed to his brand of madness and deliver strong performances across the board.  Julia Garner leads the way with a multilayered turn that really shows off her immense talent in a way the other films she has been part of this year have not.  Her alcoholic, obsessive teacher is a treasure trove of complexity and imperfections even before her class goes missing.  She's traumatized and ostracized by the event but Garner is still able to give her an authentic sense of caring about the kids and what happened to them.  Josh Brolin's character is obsessive, to a fault, about finding out what happened to his child and aims his ire at Garner's character initially.  Brolin brings the appropriate sense of misguided parental intensity that just comes through the screen especially early on.  Alden Ehrenreich's recovering alcoholic cop who's involved in affair with Garner's character is a bit more straightforward and one dimensional with his subplot being used more as connective tissue for the overall narrative as opposed to a fully formed character.  Cary Christopher, Austin Abrams and Benedict Wong are solid in smaller supporting roles even though their character could use a bit more depth before the wheels start to fly off in Weapons rather nutty finale that's sure to be contentious with some people. 

B+

MOVIE REVIEW: THE NAKED GUN

 

Following in the footsteps of his bumbling father, Detective Frank Drebin Jr. must solve a murder case to prevent the police department from shutting down.

Director: Akiva Schaffer

Cast: Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, Kevin Durand, CCH Pounder, Danny Huston

Release Date: August 1, 2025

Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime

Rated PG-13 for crude/sexual material, violence/bloody images and brief partial nudity.

Runtime: 1h 25m

Review:

The Naked Gun series springs back to life with a barrage of visual gags and word play jokes that recapture the comedic energy of the original Abrahams/Zucker productions starring Leslie Nielsen.  Director Akiva Schaffer does a strong job of recreating the goofy energy that permeated the older film right from the start and he rarely lets the foot off the gas.  The throw everything at the wall approach works incredibly well as jokes and gags fly at such a fast pace that it never lets the audience linger too long on anything.  The jokes that land and those that don't are thrown onscreen in steady succession with the cast being more than game to roll with it.  Liam Neeson is the linchpin to it all as he takes the reins of the legendary Leslie Nielsen with incredible ease.  Neeson extended stay as onscreen tough guy works wonderfully here as he's clearly having a blast embracing the absurdity of the script and action playing out in front of him.  There’s something about his gravelly voice delivering some of the most inherently silly lines of dialogue that recalls Nielsen's pitch perfect deadpan delivery.  It helps that he shares strong comedic chemistry with Pamela Anderson who displays some impressive timing.  They clearly are having a ball onscreen together and that energy comes through the screen.  The supporting players don't get as much time to shine with Paul Walter Hauser, Kevin Durand, CCH Pounder and Danny Huston doing the most with their limited screentime.  Huston in particular seems to be channeling Ricardo Montalban from the 1988 film which the film should have used to a greater extent.  His character's masterplan seems lifted from the original Kingsman film which makes the last act a bit clunkier than what came before it.  Still, it’s hard not to appreciate how well 2025’s The Naked Gun revives this particular style of comedy.

B+

MOVIE REVIEW: THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS

 

Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch and the Thing face their most daunting challenge yet as they defend Earth from Galactus and Silver Surfer.

Director: Matt Shakman

Cast: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, Julia Garner, Sarah Niles, Mark Gatiss, Natasha Lyonne, Paul Walter Hauser, Ralph Ineson

Release Date: July 24, 2025

Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Rated PG-13 for action/violence and some language.

Runtime: 1h 55m

Review:

The Fantastic Four: First Steps retro futuristic aesthetic instantly gives Matt Shakman's film a distinctive look paired with strong chemistry from its core cast makes it easier to overlook some of the script's deficiencies.  Shakman decision to go with more of a period setting works wonders for the film especially as we are introduced to the titular team through a series of montages of their previous exploits.  It gives the film a fun energy from the start that it tries desperately to maintain throughout.  The action thrown on screen is fun with its more sci-fi leaning story opening up the action to space set sequences which work incredibly well such as the team’s first encounter with Galactus.  There are slivers of Kubrick's 2001 visually referenced here and there for good measure as we follow Marvel's first family.  Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Joseph Quinn are solid across the board with their familial connection and interactions coming off as sincere and naturalistic.  Vanessa Kirby's striking appearance and strong screen presence gives us the most fully realized version of Sue Storm as there is little question that she serves as the backbone of the family and film as whole.  She adds an impressive level of depth to the character that really shines through during a speech she delivers about halfway through the film.  Pedro Pascal is a bit more of a mixed bag because his sincerity fits the role well, but his usual everyman charm works against him here since we're supposed to believe he's one of the world's smartest people.  He proves more than capable of pulling off the emotional side of the role, but he just can't pull off the analytical side believably especially since his character is wrong numerous times throughout the film.  Thankfully, Pascal and Kirby work well together onscreen, which makes it easier to overlook him being miscast here.  Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Joseph Quinn are better suited to their roles, but the characters feel a bit short changed by the script as they're never really fleshed out and only given a few distinguishing characteristics.  Moss-Bachrach in particular seems ready and willing to add some real pathos to his character if given the chance.  Julia Garner and Ralph Ineson are both talented performers, but they're terribly underused as paper thin villains which never takes advantage of their skills.  Missteps like that keep The Fantastic Four: First Steps from being something truly special even though it will still rank as the best onscreen iteration of these characters outside of The Incredibles. 

B

MOVIE REVIEW: TOGETHER

 

After moving to the countryside, a supernatural encounter starts to transform a couple's love, their lives, and their flesh.

Director: Michael Shanks

Cast: Dave Franco, Alison Brie, Damon Herriman, Mia Morrissey

Release Date: July 30, 2025

Genre: Comedy, Horror, Romance, Sci-Fi

Rated R for violent/disturbing content, sexual content, graphic nudity, language and brief drug content.

Runtime: 1h 42m

Review:

Together is devilishly funny bit of body horror sprinkled with bits of rom-com which works better if you don't think about the story too much and focus on stellar turns from Dave Franco and Alison Brie.  Writer/Director Michael Shanks leaves quite an impression in his directorial debut by delivering an equal balance of visceral frights and relationship humor that hits more often than not.  He judiciously utilizes a series of well timed jump scares scattered throughout to give you a sense that something horrific could be lurking in the deepest recess of your nightmares.  Long overhead shots take full advantage of the scenic setting but there's something just slightly off that keeps everything unsettling.  Casting real life husband and wife proves to be a masterstroke since Franco and Brie bring an air of authenticity to their relationship.  Their interchanges will likely sound familiar to anyone who's been in a long term relationship.  Alison Brie takes full advantage of her talents here as we get the full spectrum of her character's traits which swing from sweet but mildly passive aggressive to cuttingly acidic in the blink of eye.  Dave Franco is equally impressive as her boyfriend, who's clearly used to be overshadowed and domineered by the time we meet him. Their relationship reeks of the worst kind of toxic codependency with neither being able to take the final step and just leave.  Even as things get increasingly insane there's something relatable about their endless cycle of arguments and reconciliations that leaves neither happy.  The allegory here is about as blunt as they come as they literally become unable to leave each other as we witness a series of increasingly grotesques encounters.  The script doesn't concern itself too much with why this has happened to them which feels like Shanks might have painted himself into a corner, ultimately deciding to just avoid a  tangible of explanation altogether.  It’s, ultimately, a minor complaint because Together works on so many levels thanks to strong direction and performances from its central duo. 

B+

MOVIE REVIEW: 40 ACRES

 

Surviving on an isolated farm after a series of plagues and wars, a former soldier and her family make one last stand against a vicious militia that wants to take their land.

Director: R. T. Thorne 

Cast: Danielle Deadwyler, Kataem O'Connor, Jaeda LeBlanc, Michael Greyeyes, Milcania Diaz-Rojas, Leenah Robinson

Release Date: July 2, 2025 US/August 1, 2025 UK

Genre: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Rated R for strong bloody violent content and language.

Runtime: 1h 53m

Review:

R.T. Thorne's debut film, 40 Acres, is a lean mean apocalyptic thriller that delivers impressive action along with plenty of thematic allegory, powered by a steely turn from Danielle Deadwyler.  Initially, there's a sense of familiarity to the proceeding with portions of it echoing the bleakness of 2009's The Road.  The family unit here though is a seasoned team ready to defend their land at a second’s moment thanks to the leadership of Danielle Deadwyler's tough as nails Hailey Freeman and Michael Greyeyes Galen's both of whom were former soldiers before becoming a couple after the end of the world.  Their relationship is a steady balance of carrots and stick as they prepare their kids to survive in this brutal landscape.  They are both overprotective to a fault but it’s all a means to an end to give their offspring the best chance to endure in the future.  Deadwyler's hardened stare barely breaks throughout as she serves as a stoic taskmaster for the adopted family.  Greyeyes provides a bit more tenderness as a counterbalance to her with book loads of history shared via unspoken looks which gives their relationship an air of realism.  The film allows us plenty of time to get to know each of the younger family members with Kataem O'Connor and Leenah Robinson getting the most screentime.  O'Connor is solid as the eldest teenage son, full of angst and ready to rebel by exploring beyond the limits imposed by his parents.  He brings the right amount of resentment for his mother which is revealed to extend further into the past.  On the other side of the coin, Leenah Robinson and Michael Greyeyes have a much more congenial, loving daughter/father relationship with some of their interchanges providing some much-needed moments of warmth.  The film methodically establishes the setting and characters before building to its more action heavy finale which boasts a series of well-constructed action sequences highlighted by a moment in a darkened house that's sure to leave an impression.  Once it's all said and done, 40 Acres brings together its themes of family, legacy and perseverance in an impressive manner especially since it’s packaged in such a familiar package.  

B+

MOVIE REVIEW: EDDINGTON

 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a standoff between a small-town sheriff and mayor sparks a powder keg as neighbor is pitted against neighbor in Eddington, N.M.

Director: Ari Aster

Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Luke Grimes, Deirdre O'Connell, Micheal Ward, Austin Butler, Emma Stone

Release Date: July 18, 2025

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Western

Rated R for strong violence, some grisly images, language, and graphic nudity.

Runtime: 2h 25m

Review:

Ari Aster's Eddington is aggressively overstuffed as he tries to capture the general insanity of the summer of 2020 through the lens of the fictional town with Joaquin Phoenix doing the majority of the heavy lifting onscreen.  The film is a measured, slow burn as we watch real world external events and the story threads thrown onscreen move toward their unavoidable intersection.  Aster takes his time setting the table with the assorted collection of characters that inhabit the town, establishing them more as types than anything else.  Joaquin Phoenix's mask adverse Sheriff, Joe Cross, is a sad sack of a man when we meet him, finding some sliver of empowerment by taking up the cause of personal freedom that leads him to run for mayor against Pedro Pascal's Ted Garcia, Eddington's incumbent mayor.  Phoenix plays the character as a lonely, emasculated man that's in a position of power but totally inept until he grabs hold of his cause.  His wife Louise serves as little comfort as she has issues with physical contact leaving both isolated even when they are together, a recurring theme that serves as an undercurrent to the entire film.  Emma Stone looks appropriately disheveled and bizarre with one moment giving off some strong Carrie vibes as her character falls under the influence of Austin Butler's cult leader.  There's some fertile ground that's left untended with their relationship as both Stone and Butler are underutilized with both popping on and off screen far too quickly.   Louise's conspiracy obsessed mother played effectively by Deirdre O'Connell gets more screentime with an air of sly calculation amid all the insanity she traffics in.  Pedro Pascal's character is more straightforward and less nuanced as he serves a performative counter point to Phoenix's Cross.  He's given precious little time to really flesh the character out which leaves him coming off far more one dimensional than Cross.  Likewise, a subplot involving local BLM protest and a love triangle involving Cameron Mann, Matt Gomez Hidaka and Amélie Hoeferle feels undercooked, serving as little more than a plot device for the final and rather brutal finale which drags out into an unnecessarily long epilogue that leaves more questions than answers.  In the end, perhaps that point Aster is trying to achieve with Eddington serving as a rumination on the isolation that led to the increased insanity of that moment in time with no end in sight.  

B-

MOVIE REVIEW: I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER

 

When five friends inadvertently cause a deadly car accident, they cover up their involvement and make a pact to keep it a secret rather than face the consequences. One year later, the past comes back to haunt them as they learn someone knows what they did last summer. Stalked by a mysterious killer, they soon seek help from two survivors of the legendary Southport massacre of 1997.

Director: Jennifer Kaytin Robinson

Cast: Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders, Jonah Hauer-King, Tyriq Withers, Sarah Pidgeon, Billy Campbell, Gabbriette Bechtel, Austin Nichols, Freddie Prinze Jr., Jennifer Love Hewitt

Release Date: July 18, 2025

Genre: Horror

Rated R for bloody horror violence, language throughout, some sexual content and brief drug use

Runtime: 1h 51m

Review:

The legacy revival of I Know What You Did Last Summer dusts off the same basic plot of the original with fresh new faces, led by Chase Sui Wonders and Madelyn Cline, but it never decides if it wants to play it straight or lean into outright camp. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson film borrows heavily from the 1997 original as it immediately feels familiar for better or worse.  Legacy films typically have a classic film to fall back on for inspiration but if we are being honest the original was a so-so product of the post Scream craze.  It’s an opportunity for her to do something different or interesting with the concept, something she toys with at various points but never fully commits.  There are moments that feel like the film might go full bore satire thanks to an incredibly fun turn from Madelyn Cline who seems to be channeling Amanda Seyfried's Mean Girls character throughout.  She provides the film with some much-needed injections of energy that the film sorely lacks since it’s never scary or inventive with its kills.  The clunky need to add in random call backs to the original film like random mannequins in a restaurant or a parade float in a cemetery ultimately keep the film from ever finding its own footing.  Chase Sui Wonders does her best to keep the whole thing afloat as she desperately tries to deliver a much more nuanced performance that the film deserves.  The script doesn't do anyone any favors as it's filled with plenty of aggressively stupid logical leaps that are just nonsensical instead of shocking.  Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jennifer Love Hewitt's return should make a bigger impact on the film than they do, which just hammers home the point that their original characters weren't terribly interesting to begin with.  There's a late game story thread about the gentrification of the town and its horrific history which would have been a more interesting approach to the story than we get in this overlong, tepid redux.   

C-