Mia Goth and Ti West, the creative duo behind arthouse horror gems “X” and “Pearl,” return with the third installment in their trilogy: “MaXXXine.” Set in 1980s Los Angeles, this film promises neon-soaked streets, grime, and sleaze. Unfortunately, while the style remains intact, the substance is lacking. Plot and Themes: Maxine Minx (played by Mia […]

Set in 1989 in a remote New Mexico town, “Love Lies Bleeding” follows Lou (Kristen Stewart), a gym manager with a locally infamous family. Her father, Lou Sr. (Ed Harris), is the town’s crime lord, and her sister Beth (Jena Malone) suffers from domestic abuse. Into this volatile mix enters Jackie (Katy O’Brian), a bodybuilder […]

The First Omen serves as a stunning prequel to Richard Donner’s classic horror film, “The Omen” (1976). Set in Rome, the story revolves around Margaret Daino (played by the terrific Nell Tiger Free), a fresh-off-the-boat American novitiate. Tasked with working at an orphanage before taking her vows, Margaret’s existential purpose clashes with political unrest and […]

The Tearsmith follows the story of Nica and Rigel, two adopted siblings who share an unexpected and irresistible connection. Set against a dark, stylized fairytale backdrop, the film explores themes of childhood loss, trauma, and forbidden love. However, the execution falls short of its potential. Character Development: While the lead performance is excellent, the character […]

Harold and the Purple Crayon brings to life Crockett Johnson’s beloved children’s book. The film begins with an engaging 2-D animated sequence that recaps Harold’s adventures from the book. However, the real story takes a disappointing turn. Harold (played by Zachary Levi), now grown, uses his magical crayon to draw a portal to our world, […]

In The Strangers: Chapter 1, Maya (played by Madelaine Petsch) and Ryan (Froy Gutierrez) find themselves stranded in a small, eerie town after taking a wrong turn. They end up at an isolated AirBnB, where cell service is nonexistent, and shadowy figures lurk in the surrounding woods. As night falls, they become the targets of […]

Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver continues the saga of misfit rebels who previously defeated the Imperial Space Nazis. The story unfolds on the idyllic moon of Veldt, where the smalltown farmers face retaliation from the returning antagonist, Atticus Noble. The film explores themes of resistance, sacrifice, and camaraderie in a space opera setting. […]

The Watchers, directed by Ishana Night Shyamalan, is a fabled narrative that oscillates between fantastical whimsy and proposed horrific terror. The film follows Mina (played by Dakota Fanning), a lost soul living in Galway. When her car breaks down in a dense, directionless wood, she stumbles upon a small bunker inhabited by three others: Madeleine […]

Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Two” is a cinematic behemoth that transcends the typical hero’s journey. Building upon the groundwork laid by its predecessor, this film delivers a gritty, assaulting ambiance that leaves an indelible mark. Let’s delve into its key aspects: Plot and Themes: Character Development: Technical Aspects: Strengths: Weaknesses: Recommendation: Dune: Part Two is […]

In a near-future America divided by militias and fascism, “Civil War” follows four journalists covering the conflict. The film drops viewers into the chaos of New York City, where official government forces clash with violent opposition groups. As the journalists navigate ethical dilemmas, violence, and danger, they grapple with the power of journalism in a […]