The End Of Oak Street

No matter how old I get, dinosaurs are still cool.

Okay, not bad! Admittedly when I saw the trailer for this movie I didn't really know what to expect besides basic plot, through mysterious occurences a neighborhood is thrust into a prehistoric world where a family must survive in a time when dinosaurs ruled the earth, and that's an original plot enough to grab my attention. Credit where credit is due they treat the subject material as real and as serious as a heart attack, like I don't think a lot of the reactions and reasoning are far off from natural and it digs into the drama of the family unit just a little bit with enough to get you invested. Anne Hathaway is put through the wringer with this whole ass ordeal even before the strange lights in the sky herald a new age, but she's a committed parent and not a half bad shot with a rifle so she had my support with a rock solid performance. Ewan my man my handsome devil of a man had my heart, as a dad who may not be one for confrontation but has undeniable love for his kids and despite some rocky terrain with his missus pulls through in a very unexpected way. Maisy Stella is very much the emotional crux of the film for me with little moments spread throughout where she's just grappling with the situation and seeing her help people where she can made her a shining light in a somewhat grim movie. Christian Convery despite some elements of his story that I feel was left on the cutting room floor is a tremendously convincing teen without being a wiseass, and of course he has a dog in this for emotional weight so what fun. In terms of the dinosaurs I do believe this is the first film I've seen where they are more scientifically accurate at least in terms of appearance, they still look great and I'm never one to deny scientific fact but it's hard to shed 30 years of being told this is what a dinosaur looks like. Regardless they still have an imposing almost non-stop dominion over the film, it did kinda make me laugh just how many carnivores they encounter with like maybe three herbivores, like man the odds are so stacked against them! And this might aggravate the piss fire out of some people and maybe I'm wiggling my toes a little deep in the spoiler pool, but I actually loved the fact they never explain why the shit any of this is happening. Not a hint, not a statement. Is it aliens? Maybe. Is it some futuristic science experiment? Beats me! Either way someone is seriously screwing with the space-time continuum. I will also say if you're going in this to see people get munched on and torn to shreds you will be somewhat disappointed, it's pretty much a drama film but a very good drama film that just so happens to have feathered beasts in tow. It could have very easily been this mad rush adventure or survival action movie but it did something completely different and for that it has my immense respect. I give it 3 stars, 7/10, and we really do not have much left for the month to be real so I shall return in time, and God help me when September rolls around.

The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms

It just so happened we have another Harryhausen flick so soon, and a pretty good one at that!

It's been closer to 20 years that The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms or as it is identified in the movie a Rhedosaurus has been on my radar, and is one of the shining stars of Harryhausen's creations. And I gotta say even in the tried and true fashion of a monster movie where the monster isn't in it all that much, I was kinda surprised how invested I got in the human story. We start off kinda atmospheric and uneasy in the arctic as a hydrogen bomb is being tested, and maybe it was the pretty solid sets or the kinda doomy narrator voice but it really pulled me in! And of course in 50s B-Movie style atomic weapon equals giant monster, not of a mutated variety but a thawed out dinosaur from the Mesozoic era who slowly but surely makes his way from the Arctic Circle to New Yark Citah! But like I said the human story is interesting enough to keep you engaged with one of the arctic scientists who witnessed the monster deemed crazy and has to sway a paleontologist to prove it's existence and moreso how to stop the rampaging beast. Speaking of which, everytime this creature is on screen is instantly memorable even if you haven't seen the movie you know the lighthouse scene, the city rampage scene, and maybe even the ending. A very simple yet excellent design that is beautifully animated, seeing this thing smash buildings and munch on a cop is just so damn cool! Shit, seeing the walls cave in and crumble along with a literal ton of bricks crushing a group of people really makes me wonder how they did it with that good ol' movie making magic cause we don't have behind the scenes and in depth looks at this movie and I think that's one of the biggest charms of the horror/sci-fi genre from this older era, you don't know how they did it down to the nuts and bolts and it's intriguing! Sure we know some of the elements but me being the nerd I am I love learning about how any aspect of a movie is made. Nowadays movies are mostly fucking boring in terms of effects cause you don't even have to look and say oh it was done on a computer. I always champion practical effects but I really really champion movies where creative originality and new techniques had to be forged to make it happen. I was very happy to watch this at long last and while it's no masterpiece I'd be a fool if I said it wasn't a classic. I give it 3 stars, 7.5/10!

Supergirl (2026)

Once again Rotten Tomatoes can suck my assssss!

I knew Supergirl was going to be different in a lot of ways from Superman, and I can appreciate the story it tells even if everything didn't hit the bullseye. They absolutely had me from the premise of some assholes shoot and poison Krypto and Kara has to go intergalactic John Wick on fools, but what I got instead was a story that yes has a good amount of ass whooping to be found but touches on subjects like grief with Kara being very detached and a drunk because of her own origin story and it makes sense, and how revenge continues to be the most worthless of causes as Kara constantly averts a young girl named Ruthye from killing the man who destroyed her family which I unabashedly love that it's not as simple as most tales would go in this direction! I like the character development for them both and as much as bitches are gonna bitch, both Milly and Eve work with this story. The visuals have gotten totally out there and me being the Star Wars kid I am how the hell could I not enjoy a film with so many alien heads and practical costuming for said aliens? I love my sci-fi, I love spaceships, I love alien lifeforms of all shapes and sizes, so I was quite happy with that. The action is a godsend and granted my wishes for a more literally grounded camera, they play a lot with long takes and involved choreography, it's shot more standard and yet works miles better in my very humble opinion, and yeah man Supergirl can wreck some shit. For a movie just a bit under 2 hours it flows at a brisk pace but never so quick to where we can't take in a moment and let a scene breathe, it totally benefits from a basic plot so you can let the emotions and action carry you through. Milly is a solid Supergirl that can juggle comedy, emotion, and has got a mean uppercut to boot so I'm game for what might come next for her in this series. Eve Ripley (great fucking name by the by) I already can tell people are gonna whine about "WelL sHe dIDn't Do aNyTHing" and well yeah, she's an emotional support character not an action heroess and this is the big important part: She doesn't have to be a blood soaked crusader to have an interesting story. Matthias Schoenaerts is a basic bad guy, definitely a bastard but I do wish he had more material to work with to be more memorable but that's more a criticism of script than actor, despite a decent design. Flippin' Jason Momoa as Lobo, now I'm not a hardcore Superman fan so my experience with the main man is limited but I really digged him in this movie! This is just an aside but I would kinda find it fun and funny if they recast most of the previous DC actors as new characters. Like get Henry to play like The Question or some shit. Have fun with it. Although Lobo pops up sporadically you can tell Jason is having fun with the part and by God he looks like he just erupted from the comics. I'm also quite happy David shows up a good bit and isn't just a blink and you miss him cameo, effortlessly still having that boy scout energy and making me really looking forward to Man Of Tomorrow. The effects were really good, the cinematography though not in your face has some standout moments, music choice was a little hit and miss but I'm a heavy metal girlie so what can you do? It's not the most jaw dropping next level comic book movie but I got news for you dear ones, I don't want them to be. I just want good and entertaining superhero movies and that is what I got. I respect it, I admire it, and I like it. I really don't know what more I could genuinely ask. So I give it 3 stars, 7.5/10! But oh, we got a curtain call tomorrow so stay tuned.

In Retrospect: Superman (2025)

So about a year later, how does it stack up?

I hate to say this with every iota of my being and every drop of blood in my body, but the hope has waned since seeing this in the cinemas. I remember everyone loving the new Superman, it gave them such an optimistic positive outlook in a world that was very dark and very grim. And I am blaming this solely on me, that while yes it showcases such hope and niceness that absolutely works in the film, I am not happy with the way practically anything is being run by government bodies and so-called "elite" individuals and nothing will satiate or asuage me other than retribution the likes of which even God or Satan could conjure. But I'll save my most vile of hexing for later. It still kinda amazes me just how much they really did shove into a 2 hour movie and YET it somehow works. You think on rewatch the flaws would become abundantly clear of having such a involved plot, more side characters than you can shake a stick at, taking a pretty bold stance on making Superman's parents kinda fucking bastards, absolutely using real world genocide as a basis for in universe conflict, and against all the odds and logic saying this should fail it comes out on top. That's a ballsy ass maneuver to literally kick off the new DC movie universe with so much stuff, but with tight writing, solid ass acting that still kept me invested and entertained, I'd say pretty good effects even if for the fucking life of them they couldn't direct a fight scene where the camera just stays still and yes ooh, ahhh, magical but I don't think it's too much to ask for the camera not to get topsy turvy at the drop of a hat. Minor quibble if I've ever made one and it isn't even terrible but guys, can you maybe not give the camera to a ADHD kid who just got into a 10 pound bag of sugar? I know what that's like because I'm ADHD as shit! But the weaving of the story works just fine, David is still goddamn Superman and while I'm frankly fucking over this comparison bullshit between the Snyderverse and the Gunnverse (comparison is the thief of joy), I still love Henry with his version of Superman, just like I love Brandon and Christopher, and I can safely say the future is in good hands for this character. I mellowed out on Rachel as Lois thank God, I thought she was a hardass and she kinda irked me but on rewatch girl's got a job to do and I ain't gonna slam her for that. Really great to see Edi as Mr. Terrific again, a true standout that I'm kinda proud the writers didn't just go for Guy Gardner even though that would have been the easy way out. Nicholas flip-flapping Hoult man, what a performance to make the most just pure asshole Lex Luthor in visual media and still be a credible antagonist despite being a bietch. Of course I got plenty of love for my boy Skyler as Jimmy, and Isabela ooh honey we need that kind of dictator dropping energy hardcore in this foul year of our lord two thousand and twenty-six, even Nathan who yeah Guy Gardner is a dick but he's an enjoyable dick (never thought I'd say those words but there you go). I'm totally game for Supergirl's antics even though she's a little shit sometimes, very happy I get to see that Friday! Music I still felt was kinda iffy on volume but the score by Jove still rocks, the effects are outlandish but fits perfectly with the tone, I'd be a damn fool to say this wasn't still a rock solid comic book movie in all it's lavishly ludicrous ways. Superman is a citizen of the globe so it's gonna be interesting to see the style difference and character difference between Kal and Kara. So I'll see you at the movies, and I'll boost up this score just a notch to 3 stars, 8/10!

Disclosure Day

Alright Steven, I can dig it.

Probably not a modern masterpiece of his films but a solid if bonkers movie. But hey, it's aliens I'd be disappointed if it wasn't bonkers! And the film kinda throws you in the deep end from minute one but it raises enough questions for you to want to know more and where it goes. It follows an archivist for a black ops team and a newscaster who for reasons unbeknowst to them have access to higher intelligence and they're willing to blow the whole lid on the you are not alone truth. It's interesting to see so many modern camera techniques utilized by Spielberg and it does make for a visually interesting film so props to you! Emily Blunt in my personal opinion is the standout role because she acts how any normal person would when confronted with such strange goings on, she has no idea what is happening to her and she voices it but still follows through knowing she has to do something. She feels unbelievably grounded in an earth shattering situation. Josh O'Connor is a good partnering lead with Emily, and I like how consequences be damned he is about unearthing the truth that yes extraterrestrial life has been on this planet for decades, but also the dyad they form into at a certain point I thought worked quite well. I think this is the first antagonist role I've seen Colin Firth in and while he's no Hugh Grant (sorry Colin please don't shoot) I kinda like the fact he's not this murderous, by any means necessary, above the law type villain, he just is doing what he feels right with such a massive truth. Colman Domingo is kinda the wild card in this deck because he seems to be the one who knows the most and has his own game to play, aiding our protagonists throughout yet it's not fully explained why and how. Far from the performance being bad, it's just a different element. The effects are minimal but are used effectively, they love shooting eyes I can tell you that and while the CG is not quite realistic who cares, it works just fine. Some people might bitch about the religious undercurrents but I found the filmmakers handled it right, with one character claiming this would be disastrous beyond recall and would damage religion worldwide because we need a god and a book to be good people while another claims and in my estimation too who the hell says alien life outside of Earth wasn't also created by a deity, and that faith is faith and not fact. They don't make a big deal out of it, it doesn't feel hamfisted, I rather appreciated that real world discussion. And yeah that reveal is about as real as you can get, though I do find it hilarious our own government has confirmed aliens are on this planet at least three times and we're just like, alright cool but could we maybe not fuck this planet and it's inhabitants even more on a daily basis. We know man, now could you please increase the minimum wage to a liveable status? I had not a great many expectations and walked away fairly happy, I think people will like it just fine and I'm happy to see Steven still doing what he loves. I give it 3 stars, 7.5/10!

E.T.

Hand over my heart, this is my first viewing of E.T. despite being a part of pop culture for decades.

Which I have to admit is pretty funny because I'm damn certain I had the 20th anniversary DVD when I was like 7, I knew about the Atari game and that whole reputation, and I knew the basic plot through cultural osmosis. Alien gets abandoned on earth, befriends a young boy, and they have to keep him safe from government bodies so he can GTFO this planet. How I wish I could join him. But it's such an endearing film, it's so easy to connect with E.T. and Elliot and despite the two hour runtime it really doesn't waste anytime pairing these two together. It's a surprisingly funny film and I was having a blast with it, it truly doesn't surprise me why it was such a success both in theaters and on video with audiences. The simple fact alone of this alien design being fully realized as a costume with prothetics built in is a marvel, effortlessly believable in my opinion and with a lot of personality to boot. Hell everyone has so much personality, Elliot is a good kid and I'll be goddamned if I didn't say Henry Thomas wasn't acting his fucking heart out I mean my God man, the movie had me on the verge of tears not once but twice! Robert MacNaughton as Elliot's brother Michael starts off as a punk older brother but quickly becomes a real one, Drew Barrymore just a wee baybah is so fffffffuggin' cute I'd burn planets for her and again for such a young actress she's damn good, Dee Wallace our horror queen barely feels like she's acting at all and despite having the peripheral vision of a mole is lovely to have here. Though dear sweet God this movie is so 80s man, kids playing D&D, some real hilarious insults, E.T. pounding Coors like a blue collar dad, the very fucking questionable scenario of having 8 year olds chloroform and dissect frogs, the buffet of Star Wars references that you bet your ass I was nerding the hell out over, it's crazy. But that's the way I like it even if I do have to say, what the FUCK 1980s?? All in all, a very very good movie that I'm quite happy to have finally seen. I give it 3.5 stars, 8/10, and Mr. Spielberg I'm curious to know what you got cooking up for us so I'll catch you tomorrow.

Close Encounters Of The Third Kind

It's probably still top 5 Spielberg.

It should be frankly studied how Close Encounters does two things, keep the audience's attention in a stranglehold and almost mindbendingly mix wonder and terror of extraterrestrial life. You are hooked by scene one and you are left guessing honestly even as end credits role, as several sightings and experiences of UFO's radically change people's lives and has the government trying to piece together what it all could mean. I dare not divulge too much more because this is a movie that truly must be experienced start to finish, I simply cannot no matter how many words I write or feelings I have sum up Close Encounters. It is a marvel of storytelling and is one of those very rare movies where you're constantly wondering what the fuck is going onnnn and YET you are seated and wanting to know more. And it's not like sci-fi exmaples of earlier movies where the alien or spacecraft is more a mystery for most of the film, they show us the ships roughly 20 minutes in, and even then you can't truly describe them. Oh you see them for sure, but its such a finely crafted effect that you can't discern too much other than outlines because of the bright lights but that adds so much mystique and maybe even charm. It really captures that moment of time when space was still cool as shit and a large collective of people still wanted to know what was out there beyond the sky. We still have that now but nowhere near the level as back from say early 50s to late 70s. It is a movie that takes it's time pushing past 2 hours and the story it crafts, really only focusing on about three different characters that all are converging on one point while still showcasing a much wider berth of the effect such a monumental event would have on the world, is very finely done. Richard Dreyfuss has probably one of the most intricate and involved performances I've ever seen, after experiencing firsthand a UFO it shows how much that would change a person and how it kinda destroys his family when he starts pursuing things even he can't properly explain. He does a great job conveying confusion, determination, and a almost neurotic excitement sometimes all at once! Melinda Dillon has big time stakes when the aliens take an interest in her young son and it really is a horrifying situation to be in, you just get what she's going through. Last but not least we follow François Truffaut as a UFO specialist brought in by the american government who after finding several missing craft throughout decades of history has his own theory to everything. Back to my original point involving the aliens, it's effectively eerie when they show up mainly because you really don't know what the intentions are and it's this odd mix of awe and horror that constantly flip flops, not to the film's detriment but down to the simple fact that we fear the unknown. And the movie almost paves the way for modern sci-fi horror like Fire In The Sky, it's shot like a fucking horror movie at times and any singular point where there was a night scene my eyes were glued to the sky than anything else echoing one of the most chilling outro lines in movie history, "Watch the skies everywhere. Keep looking. Keep watching the skies.". Everybody on that crew was on their A-Game, writing, designs, visual effects, music, acting, cinematography, in a very unflashy almost subdued matter of fact way. It feels real, undeniably real for that time and corner of the world. It is a high high recommendation from me, 4 stars, 8.5/10! And tomorrow we fast forward to the mid-80s for another Spielberg alien movie.

The Mandalorian & Grogu

We have never been more back!

To the uninitiated it has been a fat minute since new Star Wars has hit cinema screens, but to me it's just another Tuesday. But what did I think about the slightly basic titled The Mandalorian & Grogu? Now this might shock you but, I really loved it! Is it the most insanely awesome Star Wars movie I've ever seen? No, but the stakes feel appropriate for the jump from series to film even though it actually feels more in tune with season 1 Mandalorian while still keeping all the additions of the other seasons and even beyond the show in terms of time and lore. The plot while very centered on Din and Grogu going through links to capture imperial warlords gets a bit sidetracked with the gangster siblings of Jabba but it forms a coherent and even emotional tale that may not be the most dazzling pulse pounding grandiose story of say the main 9 saga films, but it works in it's own way. The main draw to the film really is the relationship and dynamic of Din and Grogu, no matter how many references and extended characters that us mega fans know by heart. And I hate to say it with every fibre of my being but I think they're setting up the eventual demise of Din, slowly and ever so slightly but it could happen sooner than later. Papa Pedro is committed as always and still really good but I can understand his possible thinking that he can't do this forever and it toys with that in the movie. Of course Grogu is still our sweet baby but shows remarkable capability and not only did he comprise my favorite scene of the entire movie but got me on the absolute cusp of shedding tears. A Star Wars movie has never quite hit me like this and it must be noted. Kind of an inverted duet with Sigourney Weaver and Jeremy Allen White, I thought we would see Rotta barely at all after a certain point and get more Colonel Ward but we stick with Rotta for a good bit and I gotta tell you man, never have I ever been so keen and down with a Hutt in my existence! He was rad as hell and not to mention the mind trip of seeing that little slug baby all grown up after the 2008 Clone Wars movie. Of course I'm a mark for Anzellans, Embo, dragon snakes, and Dejarik creatures so I was having a field day and every little nod and reference I caught was a treat. I think people kinda forget how deeply self referrential Star Wars truly is, I dare say it's at least half of the backbone of the entire franchise and the other half being combining so much culture and classic tales of fantasy and fiction to create something new. It's a very enjoyable fun movie that screams escapsim, with appropriately excellent special effects, a fantastic score by Ludwig Göransson that in my opinion eclipses the series soundtrack and stands toe to toe with the memorability of the John Williams score, a good bit of humor but never afraid to take it slow or serious, and makes me incredibly interested what could come of season four of the series. Just check your expectations at the door and have fun, it's a damn good time to be a Star Wars fan like every other day of the year and I'll be extremely happy to add this to the DVD shelf when that special day comes. This is indeed the way. 3.5 stars, 8.5/10, I'm a happy camper.

Maul Shadow Lord

My chains are broken, the Force has freed me.

I'll level with you, I kinda forgot this show was a thing until we got a trailer for it about 2 or 3 months ago. Now of course me being the dark sider that I am and somehow as each year passes more and more a formerly Darth now just Maul fan, I knew my ass was gonna sit down week after week for this show. I was justly rewarded, taking on more of a noir style lens before shifting into the action style animation we have been watching for almost two decades we pick up kind of in a grey area with Maul's timelime sometime after Son Of Dathomir but years before Rebels as he is slowly but surely reinstating himself in the criminal underwolrd and is seeking a pupil, an acolyte if you will, where we meet a tight knit of supporting characters including two jedi knights and a police captain who gets swept up in the mix. The first thing I gotta get out of the way is the animation, holy bawls this animation! Combining classic Clone Wars style with an added dimension of brushstroke visuals straight out of Visions, I'm not only proud of the animators for doing something this different but am here to say this is a resounding superior style to an already excellent basis we've seen in recent years of Star Wars animation. It's no secret the voice cast top to bottom is great, I'd be here all goddamn day talking about how, I still don't know how, Sam has just kept climbing the Everest of voice acting for Maul with quite possibly the most flowery dare I even say Shakespearian dialogue yet in this universe. It's unreal. Gideon Adlon as our prized apprentice Devon is great, we've seen fugitive Jedi before but she brings a new element and stance that is highly welcome and the fact we're getting season 2 of this has me glued for upcoming news regarding her character. Dennis Haysbert as her master Daki gets to ride that line between sagely Jedi Master and something unknown not only conflicting with his student but also working side by side with Maul for their survival which is shall we say unique. Further compounding that we are introduced to Lawson played to silky smooth effect by Wagner Moura, a lawman firmly planting his pole on the wrong damn hill not only contending with Maul and his mandalorians but also trying to stave off the Empire which he has no love for, we spend a good amount of time with him seeing his home life, character, and resilience even in the most dire straits which makes him a fine addition to our Star Wars family. For a 10 episode season (bit by bit we'll get back to 20 episode seasons one way or another) it's paced damn near perfect, hooks you in almost immediately, builds more and more with stakes and developments with each episode, and caps off simultaneously in a mental finale and yet a more subdued conclusion. Or at least a season conclusion not a series conclusion obviously. I will admit I think episode 5 was a lull but I will never say it was bad, it just seemed like they pumped the brakes when everything before and after keeps revving up to more awesome moments. I need not tell you any and I do mean ANY duel with Maul is glorious, it really puts it all into perspective how much progress we have made since season 1 of The Clone Wars back in frick-frakking 2008. I just loved it to bits, I think this really was the Lucasfilm project I was anticipating most since The Acolyte, and if Shadow Lord can get another season why not The Acolyte? I require more dark side media in my life gawd dyammit! But oh how the party is not over yet in a galaxy far far away, but until that special moment I give this 4 stars, 9/10, and I got a new release for you coming up this Friday.

Project Hail Mary

Sweet baby jeezus, this was a lot better than anticipated.

Granted I kinda forgot this movie was coming out, knew diddly squat about the book, and was expecting a decent film but I'll be damned if this isn't Top 10 material for the year. Centering on a science teacher who gets roped into a government operation in an attempt to stop a previously unknown lifeform from dimming the sun quickly makes second contact with another alien as a shockingly endearing and lovely friendship blooms. Bare bones plot, fantastic fucking movie. I can't believe how well all this is balanced cause it is a heavy plot and takes as much time for the drama as well as the humor and it is easily one of the quirkiest, sweetest, most fascinating movies I have ever seen in my life. It grips you right off the hook with a fair bit of mystery but relatively quickly stars feeding you backstory throughout the picture, giving you the necessary backstory and information, which is impressive. It never gets boring and is a very artsy film in terms of cinematography, I'll be talking straight out of my ass if I said I was never invested. Like this is the movie that I desperately needed, some truly positive even dare I say life affirming sci-fi without even a shred of saccharine or pulled punches emotionally. Goddamn movie nearly made me cry seeing Ryan Gosling talk to a rock creature, and a surprisingly emotional karaoke scene that I have not seen the likes of since Lost In Translation. I'm kinda speechless honestly how this movie not only submerges you in the emotion but keeps you trailing along every story beat with baited breath. Ryan Gosling I continue apologizing for not knowing your game, as he delivers a great maybe even award winning performance in my estimation. Fantastic stuff. But the movie wouldn't be complete without James Ortiz as our resident alien affectionately named Rocky who effortlessly stole my heart and was really the part of the movie that grabbed my attention to even want to go see it. They spend a good bit of time hurdling the language gap but with sharp writing and good humor it never feels like a slog, and the bonding time is essential. The movie never forgets about the crisis but you almost kinda wish it did just so you could see these two hang out even more. Hell yeah I wanna see humans make galactic friends, and it's so strong I...almost kinda see them as a couple! Not anything as base as mates, but something far deeper and more caring. I'm still baffled how they pulled that off but I sure as shit ain't mad! I just wasn't prepared for how damn good this movie really was, and I know that probably influences expectations so don't take my word for it and just go see it for yourself. I love the relationship dynamics, I love the visuals, the score from the drums to the choir is perfect for the film, the creativity of the camera work is right up my alley, and it practically injects 50ccs of dopamine straight into my bloodstream. Especially the ending, God almighty that is an ending I have wanted to see done in a sci-fi movie for decades. I'll be stunned if there's a more feel-good movie of the year after this, I really will. I have no reservations when I say 4 stars across the board, 9/10, big thumbs up from me! It's really moments like these that have kept me going for almost 11 years come next week, I love when I get movies that look interesting and just blind side me with how great they are, but hey that's just my opinion. You gotta go see it for your own. But you may be surprised how much you dig it, and I'll see you next week come what may.

Metropolis (1927)

I almost dare want to say there has never been a better time in the almost century this movie has been out than now to watch Metropolis.

It's funny how much I have heard about this movie and yet how little I have heard about this movie, I think people focus more on the impact and inspiration this film has than the actual plot and themes. It can be pretty layered with religious overtones, the gap between classes, a quite literal revolution story, and a romance all thrown in together but balanced quite nicely. We follow the son of the ruler of this metropolis who quickly is smitten by a woman from the undercity as he's drawn into the industrial nightmare, while his father has machinations of his own. That's bare bones, it really would take quite a while to break this plot down fully but it's so worth watching that I wouldn't give it away regardless. I have rarely seen a film so fitting of the times than now, the simple face value instances of a severe not only wealth gap but class gap between the higher echelons of society that reap the benefits of a nameless voiceless force that work themselves to death, a leader that has zero qualms instigating a violent response from lower class citizens to consolidate power, and how a small group can become an army to rise up against it's oppresors reeks of this foul year of our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty-Six. And oh how I wish the resolution of this film could be anything beyond a pipe dream in reality, a constant theme of the movie is, the mediator between the brain and the hand must be the heart, and it shows how compassion and solidarity for your fellow man can create a better tomorrow. It's fairly potent and powerful stuff, and ideals I support fully. I know Gustav Fröhlich is our main character and he does indeed do a good job showcasing a man who is willing to fight for the woman he loves and has sympathy instead of apathy for those less fortunate than him BUT Brigitte Helm is in this movie. Good fucking God this woman is the star and the real focus for my money's worth, and she gets to act with so much more range because of her importance to the plot. I have never in even my wildest nightmares seen eyes so jaw droppingly beautiful and yet terrifying beyond the capacity for rational thought, I don't know who was in charge of the lighting for this movie but they damn well knew how to light her face! Jesus God almighty! Another standout in the cast for me was Fritz Rasp known only as The Thin Man, maybe it was the clothing or such a distinct physicality but he almost almost was giving me Joker vibes, and for a relatively small part he was quite memorable. I know everybody and their grandmother talks about the visuals and the special effects, rightfully so cause Fritz Lang has always been such a diligent director who knows how to achieve a shot. The modelwork, the absurdly expansive sets, the backdrops, the truly experimental collage of images, the costuming, it's absolutely no wonder why this movie has stuck around in the public consciousness. And for a movie that is damn near two and a half hours long which is rare for me in my experiences with silent movies, moves at a pretty good pace. It's never boring and considering we still don't really have the full film even after all this time due to several edits being made not long after it's premiere, who knows how much longer it really is. But the reconstruction efforts are very much appreciated, thanks to a 16mm print found in Buenos Aires. Now the real question is do I like it better than Faust? In terms of plot, no. In terms of relevance, it's essential. I'll give it 4 stars, 9/10! I don't really get preachy on this show but pay close attention to the world, support your neighbors and community, and tear down those rich and powerful fuck's worlds until there's nothing but ash for them to choke on.

Santa Claus Conquers The Martians

Not as action packed as the title suggests.

Admittedly I liked it better than the '59 Santa Claus but I wouldn't say it's good still. Still made during a particular high of science fiction filmmaking albeit on a low budget, the story goes that a group of martians intend on kidnapping the big red man for their own children's joy as infighting breaks loose on the martian side, two kids get swept up in the story for some reason or another, and a robot is woefully underused. It's an odd mix without a shadow of a doubt and severely lacks any of the heart that was somewhat present in the last movie but has it's own niche and unique charm. The set design and costuming is basic yet inventive, the color grading though washed out and no doubt from a rough surviving print unmistakeably is very 60s, and I think that's why it's as memorable as it is. Aside from a catching title the look is why it's kinda stuck around in the underbelly of Christmas films. Hell I heard about the movie years before Mystery Science Theater came to my attention, and maybe some of you hardcore veterans of Cinemassacre remember James' review on it roughly around 2008. It's for younger kids without a doubt though there is a chance they might like it and it'll become one of those nostalgic guilty pleasures, a rite of passage all of us share. John Call looks spectacular as Santa, he really nails the look and the more hands on toy maker aspect of this beloved icon and it does kinda make me laugh hearing his accent come through making him the most New Yawk-er Santa's ever. And I gotta say for actor's wearing such outlandish costumes both Leonard Hicks and Vincent Beck play this shit deaaaad flippin' straight, dare I almost say bringing a touch of gravitas to playing people from Mars which is both admirable and surprising. The kids actually aren't half bad as well, Victor Stiles and Donna Conforti though not having much to do and are a farcry from the children empowering fantasy one might expect in a movie like this, they do okay. I love the robot design the martians deploy to kidnap Santa, this boxy itterly homemade yet endearingly classic design just puts a smile on my face but damn it we needed more robot in this! Of course I watched this movie riffing intact which made it quite fun, and blimey the last time I reviewed a movie with the MST3K treatment was Space Mutiny so this was a welcome little treat in a season I mostly detest. So I give it 2 stars, 5/10, and while I certainly wish I did far more for this month, tomorrow is another day or perhaps I should say another year. Time seems to be moving at warp factor 9 these days and I feel like I'm fading bit by bit, but my enjoyment to keep writing even if not at the stellar pace of my previous years hasn't dimmed. I sure hope the holidays haven't been as hectic for you as they have been for me, and that you are in good spirits. I'll definitely see you next year my friends and I hope I have more groovy things for you to watch and enjoy. So be safe, eat and drink and be merry, see you in 2026.

Visions: Season 3

Japan you are a wild place.

I know, I knowwww, I'm late! I know! Life gets nuts and it still kinda is but it's about damn time we talk some Star Wars. So huzzah a third season of Visions has been unleashed with a blend of new, continuations, and whacked out insanity! It's still kinda hard to sum up all my thoughts for a series as eclectic and varied as this but needless to say I really loved it! Animation regardless of studio is gorgeous and has so much unique personality that goes beyond mere art styles, the voice acting in japanese was just what I expected and gave so much personality to new beloved characters, and the stories themselves for the vast majority were fun, inventive, and even heartfelt at times. Now I'll give you my top three favorites and believe it or not none of them are continuation stories! That's not a slam against them by any stretch, it was very nice to see an expansion on stuff like The Duel, The Ninth Jedi, and The Village Bride and those are tales worth exploring more. But let's start of with my maaaaaybe #1 pick of the season, with The Song Of Four Wings. Now can I even articulate why this was my most joyous favorite? Abso-friggin'-lutely NOT! I don't know if it's the art style, the imagery itself presented, the characters, the so cute I want to punch a dank farrik wall moments, I have zero clue! But goddamn did I love it! My second favorite was Yuko's Treasure solely based on the characters of Big Papa Bear BILY and Little Princess Yuko, they stole my heart and I have no intention of asking for it back, couple that with really good humor, some kinda heavy ass emotions that crushed my heart at moments, and a story I will gladly revisit in the future really was duking it out with The Four Winds as my favorite! Last but far far from least is The Bird Of Paradise, in my humble opinion a masterpiece of Star Wars storytelling concerning a padawan who gets Rahm Kota blinded in battle and goes on a spiritual journey with nothing but the Force as her ally, God fuck almighty this was an all timer episode with so much beauty, an emphasis on the Living Force something we hear so much about for us hardcore nerds but to see it visualized was kinda breathtaking, and at one particular point gave me goosebumps the likes of which I haven't felt in considerable time! I do feel like I honestly need to rewatch the whole thing cause for unknown reasons my ADHD mind was going ballistic (and still kinda is to an almost overstimulating degree, a very rare occurence in my life), but hey we had to write this thing eventually. I don't think the last episode helped, worst acid trip I have ever been on and I don't think I want to revisit that again for a good whiles. But another great season that has something for everyone even if you didn't suspect it at first. I give it a solid 3.5 stars, 8.5/10! Go check it out and hopefully I've calmed the hell down cause we are buckling in next week so stick around and may the Force be with you!

Frankenstein (2025)

I hope everyone sees this on the big screen.

It is well worth it I will fully admit and wow what a good adaptation! Like this was on my radar since it's announcement and I only wish I could have seen it sooner, but we're here now and I am so so happy. Now admittedly I haven't read the book in years, fun fact true fact this was the subject of the first ever book report I had to do in school and was recommended to me by my teacher, but now I feel even more enticed to read it again! So I can't fullheartedly say this is a flawless adaptation of the story but I can say it is a damn good re-telling. I like how the movie is split up into parts giving us a bit of backstory on Victor before he even attempts reanimation, then going into the real meat and bones of his work in a fairly quick pace, and then we shift to see his creation's story from his perspective. Oscar Isaac is on top form here, easily the best performance I've seen him give and if ever people didn't pick up on the subtleties of Victor being the truly monstrous figure this film will set it straight for you! He manages to capture that wide eyed manic genius, the manipulation and spurn, and the sorrow of what his work has done to his life, so he plays quite a gambit throughout! Jacob Elordi as the creature in the very first example of his acting I have ever seen was indeed the highlight, balancing more nonverbal acting with very eloquent and equally dramatic lines with so much heart that would make Boris proud. Mia Goth was an interesting choice for Elizabeth and indeed while she's not in the movie a great deal her characterization is what makes her so memorable, she has her own interests, is very outspoken, smacks Victor in his place on several occasions, and melts quite easily in the presence of a quote unquote monster which was very lovely to see. It's funny how no matter how much times have changed there's still this intangible attraction to monsters in cinema, which of course I'm a massive fan of. Those are our big players but the fact we get talent like Lars Mikkelsen, Christoph Waltz, and David Bradley in the secondary character department made me happy as hell regardless of their screentime and role. The visuals are shock of all shocks amazing, I know very hard to believe in a Del Toro film, but the period piece costuming and sets, the gothic lens we peek through from time to time, the snowy environments, it all lends to a very beautiful film! And it has certain little bits of visual DNA from the other versions of this story, the windmill from the 1931 film, the black trenchcoat and possibly the heterochromia eyes of the 90s Robert De Niro movie, the lab sets almost straight out of a Hammer film, it felt right at home. The movie has the heart needed for the subject material without question, it didn't make me cry but it got me close, it is an emotional tale at the core of it all and it doesn't get overdramatic but when it needs to go big it revels in the moment. All the effects work is so well done from the creature design, to the more gory bits, to the pyro it all is top notch stuff. I had a very good time with it and I know some people will get even more out of it than me without a doubt to which I say, party it up girls! Have fun with it, go see it if you haven't already, it's worth the runtime. 4 stars, 8.5/10, and next week we'll get back to one review but it's more catch up from me so stay tuned.

Predator Badlands

Okay that pretty much was what I was expecting!

I wasn't aware of a new Predator movie in the works til' I saw the trailer about 2 months ago, and considering last time I talked about this series was 2018 it's high time to see something new. And my God what an extraordinarily simple yet good story with a young inexperienced warrior named Dek who after some family drama takes up a hunt for a legendary indestructible beast, and while on a planet where it seems every aspect is meant to kill and maim he runs across a synthetic chatterbox named Thia who of course is on the planet for Weyland-Yutani purposes as they make a unlikely duo. What I vastly enjoy so much about it is because it's such a simple story, with not that extensive of a cast, and you get a fair bit of the the Yautja culture present with subtitles galore (Huzzah!), anybody can watch it knowing next to nothing about this series and still very much enjoy it! It's unapologetically sci-fi with a fair bit of cheese and silliness as is hard baked into the very genre, it's got a very good sense of humor, the action is shot well, the environments are unique as well as all the strange creatures, the director certainly had a distinct vision for what he wanted to do and in my opinion succeded! But I'm honestly not sure how it will perform, most movies I can view as sure fire hits or flagging bombs with relative ease but this is such an intricately different beast to where either it's gonna do decent and become a fan favorite over time...or just be too short and then become a fan favorite over time. It very much worked for me in all it's facets and is a fun science fiction adventure that I wouldn't mind seeing again! So sure fire recommendation in my book and I hope it gets some love cause they did do a very good job with it. 3 stars, 7.5/10 from me, and the monster mash isn't over yet!

Tron Ares

Personally I don't think you can call it Tron without showing Tron, but hey I'm a mark for this stuff!

Aside from that woeful misstep along with some heinous marketing on the red carpet the sequel I never eveeeerrrrrr thought would come around is finally here, so what does a mega nerd for the Tron series think of it? Well I think honestly this whole series has followed in the same vein as the original Star Wars trilogy, first movie groundbreaking in special effects with a basic story that admittedly took a cult status, second film improved on every single aspect and can easily be considered one of the best sequels ever made and a masterpiece that only ages like the finest venetian wine, and the third retreads some familiar ground while still putting new elements into it. If you saw the trailer it admittedly isn't as epic as a full scale invasion from the Grid into our world, but rather a discovery of personality for the titular program and a battle of attrition between Encom and Dillinger enterprises and while far from great is an overall solid movie! Now am I biased? Well duh, I was going on a tangent in my mind about the continuity of the Grid for Christ's sakes, I think I'm in too deep here! It's not airtight in terms of writing and some of the performances have jank to it, but the cinematography is very solid with still unique visuals that you can tell the director put thought into, coming off the heels of a juggernaut like Daft Punk's score for Legacy you would think Nine Inch Nails just couldn't compete but they do damn good work and I think it stands on par with that phenomenal soundtrack, the fanwank was to the brim and while I strongly appreciate it I can also see the modern trappings of it I mean this is a legacy sequel in every way Tron Legacy wasn't. Is that inherently bad? No, but they do lean hard on it which could be distracting for others. I know a lot of people hopped on the fence when Jared Leto was announced to star and I don't really know jack shit about him personally so all I can do is just give an opinion on the performance alone, it's a notch uneven but I levy that more towards the script than the actor with a more robotic program suddenly switching to a very opinionated and passionate individual, but I kinda love the idea of a program reading the mother of science fiction Mary Shelley's Frankenstein who also is a fan of Depeche Mode so hey take from it what you will. Greta Lee is a decent human lead and her story is anything but paper thin though I felt it just needed either more time to breathe or better instances, however I will give the movie points for showing and not telling much so overall it's a solid performance. Evan Peters doesn't exactly convey the gravitas of his Dillinger grandfather but room is always there for improvement especially with some heavy ass sequel baiting, so I'm willing to bide time and see if it goes anywhere. We get my man back, our Dude and savior Jeff Bridges and even though it's really just a single solitary scene my jaw dropped. I won't lie to you, the man is my idol and I aspire to be like His Dudeness, so to see force ghost Flynn was a high highpoint for me unequivocally! Also shout out to Jodie, you got the moves, you got the energy, and I still got a soft spot for villains. The look of the film is top notch, feeling like a logical evolution from Legacy and as a Dude myself of darker nature, seeing so much predominant red and black was such a fantastic sight with finely crafted costumes, sets, and visual effects. It wouldn't surprise me if it got some big time award nominations! And just as a little bonus let's lightning round some thoughts: Apparently any artificial lifeform gets all existential when in contact with rain so the memory of Roy Batty continues decades after Blade Runner, seeing several Grids and how each command issued by a user is a full blown scene is not only logical but really damn cool pushing the envelope for the Tron series surprisingly, we get some biiiig namedrops for heavy fans such as myself that makes my mind race with the possibilities should Disney be a buddy and continue on, and despite the lack of "Bio-digital jazz man." I'm fairly proud of myself I called a few quotes including the mid-credits teaser by the by! Overall it's a solid movie, to a 15 year fan I'm quite happy with it and I know it ain't gonna hit the same for everybody else but I'll look forward to adding this to the DVD shelf along with the other two movies. 3 stars, 7.5/10! End of line man.

Andor: Season 2

I'm kinda pissed off I will not lie to you.

Now admittedly the vast majority of the first three episodes were really not doing anything for me (to the point I kinda wanted to quit to be brutally honest for a moment), but really after that whatever issues I might have with this season are down to I just didn't like the conclusion to the Imperial stuff. Shocking I know! But beyond that how does this second part to a technical quadrilogy if we go all the way to the end of A New Hope stack up? When it gets going it is slipping right back into the good stuff that you would expect and loved from the first season! If anything I can sum up this series as, all the pieces on the chessboard are making their final moves cause this does indeed end right before Rogue One begins so we see Cassian fully commit to the Yavin rebels, we see the final moments of Mon before leaving the Senate, Luthen really cutting it close to being discovered, and Dedra being shuffled to the right places at the right time. It never is as easy as I explain it and indeed there is a loooot to talk about maybe more than I have space for so let's discuss technicals first. Acting wise the calibre has not diminished if anything it's exceeded the first season, with the highlights going to Diego, Denise, Elizabeth Dulau who really comes into her own as Kleya, and of course light of my life Genevieve. It's very easy to forget you're not watching actors in a show that's all I'll say! The expansive sets, costumes, props, and visual effects are still top notch and I do truly hope we get so much more physical sets despite the Volume being a marvel of technology. The tone has truly gotten more grim and even real at certain points, which...even as a die hard Star Wars fan I never imagined I could truly say. There really is no way to gloss over or sugar coat it, seeing Ghorman and the massacre was striking, it was scary if even for just a second, if this show knows how to do anything it's calculate the rising tension and suspense to a staggering effect, and it hits as well as it does because we've seen this shit before on the news. Now of course Star Wars has always had some real world inspirational draw, this is not some modern spin take on it. To sum it up in one point, why were the Imperials mainly british and the rebels mainly american? It was a little world event in history, might have heard of it, it was called THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. But Jesus wept, it just hits so close to now and yes it is undoubtedly entertainment but you also have to acknowledge what the writers were trying to get across. I can forgive three goddamn episodes of Cassian being stuck doing nothing while being caught between two dipshit factions, because of all the better story elements that come in later. I honestly don't even know where to go from here, and the worst part is because my ass was so behind the times that I kinda was already hearing "spoilers" for lack of a better term and it did indeed damage my viewing pleasure and experience. I knew about Bix and all she was going through, I knew about Brasso, I knew about Dedra's outcome, I knew about Saw's questionable recreations, I even knew about the damn healer. So I really hate to say it but the score will suffer because of that. Do I still think it is a very well crafted and entertaining show? Yes! Will I most likely watch Rogue One after writing this? Yes! Was it as good as season one? That is an impossible question because I didn't know shit through season one until each episode came out, so it's already unfair but even then as a whole, I would say no. Life is unfair and mostly bullshit, but I'll get over it. I'm dying one day anyway and I still had several surprises in store for me, and there is always something to look forward to. Still pretty fucking bummed out anyway but emotions are the most fickle thing in existence. In like a years time this In Retrospect will quell any issues and I'll be all the happier for it. Reeealllyyy gonna piss off pretty much everybody, though unintentional I swear, when I say 3 stars, 8/10, I'm willing to have my opinion changed. But not today.

In Retrospect: Andor (Season 1)

Fashionably late or just very late, life is kicking me in the ass and this is just the show I needed.

So does the superbly acclaimed Star Wars series hold up on a second viewing? Was Tatooine originally a water planet? I have to say it was a very different viewing experience marathoning the whole first season, cause I was right there every week on original release date hanging on every action and word until Thanksgiving Day 3 years ago. I will fully say it does indeed improve, now that I know the plot elements I can focus on all the other bits, pay even more attention to the great acting, revel in the visuals from costuming to environments, dig deep into this dialogue, and get hyped for season two all over again. The unfolding events in Cassian's life is certainly a wild trip to watch in one fluid sitting, from being a two-timing scoundrel home, to pulling off quite possibly the biggest bank heist in recent galactic memory, to escaping one hell of a prison, to pretty much putting himself on the line in joining the Rebellion. Crazy! Diego Luna, love that man, gets so much to do and the writing enhances his already great acting ability. Stellan Skarsgård as Luthen Rael is easily the most interesting character and also has easily the best speech and that's saying something in this show. Genevieve ohhh my stars, I am going to be so insufferable watching season 2 mark my words because that woman is a walking treasure trove and despite my Imperial leanings my heart goes out to Mon Mothma, and reading Reign Of The Empire enhanced that severely, (Even though I still hate her husband, there's better people to marry...like meeeeee.) emphasizing the stress and sheer paranoia someone in such a position would feel. Denise Gough that's mah gurl in this series, hell to the yes for the ISB making the leap to a visual medium, and my lord there could be a masterclass on facial acting from Dedra Meero alone! Also need more Major Partagaz in season two, just saying. Still really rather despise Syril Karn than ever before, I mean who knows maybe the next season will give me more to where I will dread his demise but I doubt that. Also just want to shoutout Brasso, I took him as kind of a nothing character first time around but now I'm a staunch supporter and love the guy, he's a true real one! Also fully believe our man and king Andy Serkis is still alive and thriving as Kino Loy, I know we're not gonna get dick on his character in the next season but I have dreams damn it! And I'm so happy to see people gravitate so strongly and praise the shit out of this show, granted I haven't heard a lot of stories from non-Star Wars fans who watched it and loved it but I'm positive they exist, the reception couldn't be more glowing. That kinda has some cons to it, like annoying bitches saying Star Wars will never be this good again or they start comparing shows and bash anything else which I find just intolerable and I hex those fuckers like there's no tomorrow. Is it strikingly unique in the Star Wars universe with stellar practical sets, excellent writing, fantastic actors, and a tone that makes Rogue One seem like a skip in the park? Yes! But just enjoy the show, it's different but there's plenty of media in this galaxy that's great stuff. I had a wonderful time and, well being the nerdy ass white boy I am and knowing galactic history like I took a college class on it, eeuugghhh it's about to get rough. Jesus Christ this show is about to hit so different in this foul year of our lord two thousand and twenty-five. The revolution will indeed be televised. 4 stars, 9/10, a short microjump and we'll be back for the series finale.

Tales Of The Underworld

Tis' a good day.

Tales Of The Underworld is I feel a story of two halves, one being a more light story that gives a bit of character depth for Ventress and the other being a pretty rock solid heavy drama story about the evolution of for my money the best bounty hunter in the galaxy Cad Bane. Although I will come out front and say the Ventress story really has two things to do with the seedy criminal underworld of Star Wars, jack and shit and jack left town. However an enjoyable and decent story it still was with her taking on a protector role for a young Jedi in hiding and trying to locate the Hidden Path, with fantastic chemistry and banter between her and young Lyco with plenty of lightsaber action to assuage nerds like me. Oh but Star Wars never change, it shows how long I've been doing this when we see a new Imperial Inquisitor and I'm calling that he's dead in two minutes and not even a name will be put to him until a book comes out, which spoilers I'm right again as always! But duuuuuuude WOW this Cad Bane story justifies the whole flip flapping series for my money, taking an evolutionary look from rapscallion youth, to henchmen young adult, to fastest gun this side of the Hydian Way mature badass. And this is a short story, keeping in the style of the Tales series where each arc is pretty much forty minutes without credits so you can knock this sucker out in the course of a meal, but how much emotion and dramatic storytelling they can squeeze in without it ever feeling forced or too densely packed is really damn impressive! It takes the western archetype of main character has someone close to him die by gunslinger who he swears revenge on, tweaks it just a notch, and it becomes a new and interesting story proving Star Wars will never get old. Vocal performances are still top notch, obviously all the love goes to Nika and Corey who have brought these fan favorite characters to life, but even the new talent like Lane Factor as this bit of a smart aleck Jedi or Artt Butler as Cad's oldest friend turned lawman with such short appearance runtimes craft something uniquely theirs. Do I even have to mention the animation? It's pretty clear we're only climbing higher and higher with the attention to detail, movement, and atmosphere with each subsequent series since technically Rebels before even last season of Clone Wars, and this is no exception. Of course I'm an easy sell on this universe, but I will admit I don't always need something groundbreaking as the next big project for Star Wars. I love the side stories, the brief snippets of character development, the connecting threads in this ever expanding tapestry, cause I just find it interesting and really cool. Even if some of the newer stuff doesn't grab your attention trust in me when I say there's been something you haven't experienced in the past almost 50 years of this franchise that will. Considering the grossly uneven (yet still good) caliber of the stories within, I'll give this 3.5 stars, 8.5/10! And truth be told, I honestly think Andor will be next cause new movie wise consider May a graveyard for reviews so we'll see how it goes.

Mickey 17

And the introvert inside me shrieked "Huzzah!" at the cancelling of plans.

I will say upfront the trailer for this was a little misleading, the movie leans more into a drama with comedy elements here and there but the trailer makes it seem like this offbeat sci-fi comedy. I don't honestly mind that, it got my butt in the seat so obviously it was a good enough trailer but I felt a little warning was needed. So how was it? Well the story alone of a person who continually gets cloned as an expendable danger tester essentially, is unique and fresh to me even with decades of sci-fi exposure under my belt and the way the story progresses or more I should say escalates is interesting and kept me guessing all the way through. I thought there was gonna be a bit more planet hopping but we mostly stay centralized on an alien ice world but the extraterrestrial elements are inventive and cool, and biiiiig bonus points for the movie running head first into the ethical implications of cloning, and while it absolutely is a movie that leaves little to the imagination of what the message is and what it's stance is on certain types of people I don't consider that a bad thing. Sometimes you need a re-establishing kick in the ass. Robert Pattinson does not fail here, accent is a bit strange but even then I dig it, and clearly has fun in the role of Mickey just this every day guy who just so happens to be ressurected more times than a slab at a necromancer party, and does deliver drama and emotion very well throughout. Naomi Ackie my God is it wonderful to see her again as this shall we say passionate girlfriend Nasha to Mickey, like my girl goes off and frankly I'd get on my knees for that woman everyday of my life! Mark Ruffalo again playing this absolute prick of a man, I never wanna hate Mark but ooh he plays it so well in this as this mix of like Hugo Drax and this pompous politician dickhead (probably no real world comparison there), and combined with Toni Collette it does pretty much sling every negative stereotype possible of these rich apathetic asshats and eugh, they are despicable but on the plus side solid performances! But as you know, apathy is death. I did think we would have seen more of Steven Yeun and while his character along with actually the vast majority of the characters are unlikable, it's always good to see him. May or may not be crushing on Patsy Ferran, but you know me at this point, any intelligent cutie pie with glasses is going to catch my eye. I am a dude of substance. Hence why I appreciate the movie in all it's facets and standpoints. It doesn't try to dazzle you with the special effects but the world or should I rather say universe presented is recognizable but new, all I'll say is if we really do get repulsorlifts in about 20 years time I will be a happy man. The score by the by, mmm! It's a bit special. Applause for Jung Jae-il, it's definitely more understated but hits at all the right places so big thumbs up from me on that front. I'm slightly curious about the book it was based on but as an adaptation alone, this was really good! No masterpiece but I could very easily see this get a cult following in the near future, so why not go and see it and say you were there at the start. I give it 3 stars, 8/10, definitely one of my more anticipated films of the year and it didn't disappoint. I promise I will get back on track next week, so stick around and be safe.