MovieFinatics

Furiosa Proves Prequels Aren’t Entirely Worthless

I’m not too fond of prequels because they often feel unnecessary and can diminish the impact of the original story by over-explaining characters’ backstories (Star Wars), which are more compelling than mysteries. They can also suffer from lackluster execution, trying too hard to connect every detail to the original, thereby …

Read More »

Challengers is a Compelling Look at How Tennis Mirrors Relationships

Tennis and relationships share key similarities: both require effective communication, teamwork, patience, trust, and consistent effort. In tennis, players must work together, understand each other’s styles, and handle pressure, just as partners in a relationship must support and understand each other while navigating challenges. This is the thematic backbone behind …

Read More »

Two Horror Movie Reviews: Immaculate and Late Night with the Devil

Horror remains one of the most exciting movie genres today and a longtime favorite of mine. Horror movies remain popular because they tap into basic human emotions like fear and curiosity in a safe environment. They provide a thrill akin to rollercoasters, allowing viewers to experience and manage fear without …

Read More »

Alex Garland’s Civil War is a Grim Reminder of the Dehumanization of War

When one conjures up a film about a second American civil war, I can only think of it in terms of political satire. Admittedly, I thought there would be more topical satire regarding politics, but Civil War is as melancholy a film as I’ve seen in a while. There are …

Read More »

Unsung Cinema: No Man’s Land (1987)

No Man’s Land (1987) is a film I hadn’t even heard of until yesterday when I found it on my jailbroken firestick. It presents a narrative that delves into the dangerous world of high-end car theft, setting the stage for exploring identity, ethics, and the seductive allure of life on …

Read More »

Another Look: David Cronenberg’s Mainstream but Subversive A History of Violence and Eastern Promises

For me the first fact of human existence is the human body. I’m not an atheist, but for me to turn away from any aspect of the human body to me is a philosophical betrayal. And there’s a lot of art and religion whose whole purpose is to turn away …

Read More »

Road House (2024) Can’t Live Up to the Nostalgic Original

Road House (1989) is a film that knows exactly what it is—a blend of action, romance, and drama, all served with a healthy dose of Patrick Swayze’s charm. Its straightforward narrative, memorable characters, and commitment to its genre make it a beloved classic. While it may not be a masterpiece …

Read More »

Unsung Cinema: The Arrival (1996)

The Arrival, released in 1996, is a science fiction thriller that navigates the intricacies of alien invasion and environmental calamity with a nuanced perspective. Directed by David Twohy, the film stars Charlie Sheen, Ron Silver, and Lindsay Crouse, among others. Despite its intriguing premise and solid execution, other sci-fi blockbusters …

Read More »

Oppenheimer Review: An Intense Journey Into Atomic Madness

Christopher Nolan’s films feel like jazz symphonies. There’s a rhythm to them. Scenes build on one another in such a way that creates an almost hypnotic quality. This is achieved mainly through his non-linear storytelling, cross-cutting scenes at different times, and sound and music. Nolan often employs editing to manipulate …

Read More »

Asteroid City Review: Quirky Fun With Something to Think About

Wes Anderson is admittedly an acquired taste. He is known for his distinctive visual style and whimsical storytelling, creating films with eccentric characters and meticulously crafted aesthetics. There’s none like a Wes Anderson movie when you’re watching it. Everything in one of his shots is meticulously crafted down to the …

Read More »