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: US

Accompanied by her husband, son and daughter, Adelaide Wilson returns to the beachfront home where she grew up as a child. Haunted by a traumatic experience from the past, Adelaide grows increasingly concerned that something bad is going to happen. Her worst fears soon become a reality when four masked strangers descend upon the house, forcing the Wilsons into a fight for survival. When the masks come off, the family is horrified to learn that each attacker takes the appearance of one of them.

Director: Jordan Peele

Cast: Lupita Nyong'o, Winston Duke, Elisabeth Moss, Tim Heidecker

Release Date: March 22, 2019

Genres: Horror, Thriller

Rated R for some violence and disturbing images

Runtime: 1h 56 min

Review:


Us, Jordan Peele’s sophomore effort, is hard to classify as a horror film.  Much like Get Out, it’s a film that’s never particularly scary even though it’s filed into the horror genre.  That’s not to say that the film isn’t well done, it’s a fun thrill ride, but it’s just not a horror film.  Once we move past that point, again much like Get Out, it works best as an interesting Twilight Zone type film.  Peele’s references to other better horror films are sporadically throughout with some being more explicit while others are implicit.  On its own merits, the film moves at a fast pace playing out much like a rollercoaster ride where once it gets going it never stops.  Ultimately, even with all the references, Us ends up feeling much more like George A. Romero criminally underseen 1973 film The Crazies.  Peele delivers some beautifully composed shots and sequences that are sure to leave an impression but at the center of it all is Lupita Nyong’o.  Nyongo’o duel performance is the oil that makes this engine go here; she does wonderful work throughout even though you are left wanting more of her as her doppelganger.  The supporting cast is just as strong with Winston Duke showing some strong comedic chops.  I do wish we’d gotten a tad bit more of Elisabeth Moss and Tim Heidecker who make the most of their limited screen time.  On it’s whole, the film is a fun ride even though it seems to find it’s last second reveal much more mind blowing that it actually is.        


B+