Category: Movie Review

INFLUENCERS (2025)

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Written & Directed By: Kurtis David Harder 

Cinematography: David Schuurman 

Editor: Rob Grant 

Cast: Casandra Naud, Emily Tennent, Georgina Campbell, Veronica Long, Lisa Delamar, Jon Whitesell, Dylan Playfair, Liam James Collins, Nalani Wakita 

In Southern France, a young woman’s chilling fascination with murder and identity theft sends her life into a whirlwind of chaos.

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A sequel to the 2022 movie INFLUENCER, I will honestly say I didn’t see coming back for a round two.

At times, the film could easily be seen as a female version of THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY  only less tortured and more about the method less about the past or the characters history. Only lacking the depths or literary origins in history while being more modern.

As both involve main characters constantly having to change their identities and operate in foreign locals and are not above murder to get what they want.

This film is like HOSTEL 2, Where it’s more about the main characters methods and work. Rather than necessarily, adding too much to the game.  As we are still dealing with the main characters from the last film, but throw in a few new characters to complicate things a bit and also level up.

This at a heart is a socially conscious commentary slasher. Where we get the survivors of the last film, facing each other again by the end, in a knockout drag out fight, that feels like it releases all the tension that the film builds up in the first place. Which it seemed to be holding back from until this moment. 

This is a franchise that gets less intricate, but gets bigger with each addition. As this is a proper sequel offering an opening. That is a little bit random and shocking wondering how we got there in the film fits it all in piece by piece.

As we don’t even get the opening credits until 30 minutes into the film. As everything before, it is a kind of where are they now prologue of people from the previous film and how they are continuing their legacy. 

The sequel definitely raises the stakes, but doesn’t make it feel far-fetched or ridiculous.  As it is just as layered and diabolical as our slasher, though not a bit above some exploitative means. 

This is a smart thriller that dabbles in the tawdry, but plays like a chess match. a basic one that rises to the top and goes overboard in the last 15 minutes. 

Where it just ends up being fun where you root for the villain. as well as other characters. it’s kind of like the horror film SMILE, where the first one comes out and it’s in one style and then the sequel comes out, and raises the stakes, as well as the bar. but is just as good if not better than the first film, even though you kind of need the first film to fully understand the stakes in the characters and the situations in full. Then towards the end, just chooses to go off the wall, but it still feels within the realm a reality of the film.

Now, this is a film that Many could get behind it as its victims are usually influencers as a kind of DEATH WISH or FALLING DOWN for the next generation. Is the kind of dark vengeful which fulfillment.

Grade: B 

28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE (2026)

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Directed By: Nia DaCosta

Written By: Alex Garland

Cinematography: Sean Bobbitt

Editor: Jake Roberts 

Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Alfie Williams, Jack O’Connell, Erin Kellyman, Emma Laird, Chi Lewis-Parry, Mirren Mack, Louis Ashbourne Serkis, Connor Newall 

As Spike is inducted into Jimmy Crystal’s gang on the mainland, Dr. Kelson makes a discovery that could alter the world.

A sequel, the second film in a plan trilogy of 28 years later continues from where the last film left off with a refines still running his patch of land and dealing with the tree trunk Alpha zombie known as Sampson and strangely finding him as a savage companion. yet also trying to cure him. Yes again there is full frontal. 

the character of Spike is  introduced in indoctrinated into the gang of the Jimmy’s and violent apocalyptic cult based on the Teletubbies and the late disgraced comedian Jimmy Saville 

As they wear color coated, Adidas track suits and wigs the same color and style as Jimmy Savile lead by a self appointed leader, who says that Satan speaks to him, and that they are his hand to save and savage those they come across unless they can prove themselves in a fight, one on one, then they can join the gang

Two parallel plot lines that you know eventually are going to have to intersect, but getting there is quite brutal. This film is much more violent than the first 28 YEARS LATER, but is also kind of more savage did that film in on screen violence against uninfected, humans and psychologically.

That leads to question what is worse those who are infected, and don’t know any better going off what they believe their thoughts and mind is telling them or humans who choose to massacre and pillage by choice rather than necessity

It also shows the danger of idolatry and believing in false gods and how it can lead down a dark road, leaving you worse for where if not completely destroying you, as you do the bidding of the one you have faith in who has you commit things against your own morals for them getting your own hands dirty for their sins. 

As the Jimmy’s are all young, looking for survival and needing something to believe in and here comes this so-called leader who brainwashes them and use them for his own ends, giving way to darker impulses just as the real life Jimmy Savile was well beloved, but a monster who sexually abuse children and women in plain sight, but was so beloved no one dared think bad of him and even celebrated him.

Now, while all that is going on the film does keep up the tension, action and thrills throughout and director needed. DaCosta gets to build off of the world that was created by Danny Boyle in the first film working with the same Screenwriter Alex Garland here we get more of the desperate landscape away from the small village of the first film that we got glimpses and travel through, but now get a little more into the different settlements and mindset of those who have made it on this mainland for so long

Wow, this is certainly a thrill for fans of the franchise in those following discontinuing story. It still doesn’t feel a satisfactory as it’s supposed to be a continuation, though it feels more like a sequel. As for some this film will remind them of STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI after THE FORCE AWAKENS as well. It continues. The story of characters were introduced in the first film. It feels like a side step a side story or a level that the characters have to go through to make it to the next one the finale, though it also gains some new characters or at least one to continue onto the next one and eliminate some that were introduced in the first film. It also charged the evolution of the characters. Expanding the corners of the lands.

Though with all of this discovery, for some odd reason, it doesn’t come across as ultimately fulfilling it’s not worthy, but for some odd reason, it feels like there should be more, and I say this as a fan of the franchise and films.

At least this one has a little bit more of a slight sense of humor, even if dark at times as well as refines having more screen time and still managing to steal the movie

The middle of the film even has a long drawn out scene at a survival farmhouse that becomes a torture session that feels elongated. It might remind some viewers of the movie DETROIT only thankfully here it is more made up by Screenwriter, whereas unfortunately what happened in the movie DETROIT is based on historical fact.

It also has a few more pop, culture references, and music hits rather than any original score or soundtrack that was quite strong and helped support the first film of this current hopefully trilogy.

It hints at rather than opens up all these deep meanings, ideas and thoughts made. Truly giving you something to think about afterwards and more than just simple entertainment.

The cast is all excellent especially one of my favorite actors Ralph Fiennes, the scene stealer of the film is Erin Kellyman, as one of the rebellious jimmy’s 

The film is in a failure by any means and should delight most audience has messed up as it ends up being though it’s just not a total victory. But leaves you with plenty to think about if you choose to look past, the film has just entertain entertainment.

It also involves an ending that helps to bring the film’s full circle and stay connected. 

Grade: B- 

BLACK PHONE 2 (2025)

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Directed By: Scott Derrickson

Written By: C. Robert Cargill

Based on the Short Story “THE BLACK PHONE” by: Joe Hill 

Cinematography: Par M. Ekberg 

Editor: Louise Ford 

Cast: Mason Thames, Madeline McGraw, Demian Bichir, Ethan Hawke, Miguel Mora, Arianna Rivas, Jeremy Davies, Maev Beaty 

As Finn, now 17, struggles with life after his captivity, his sister begins receiving calls in her dreams from the black phone and seeing disturbing visions of three boys being stalked at a winter camp known as Alpine Lake.

When I was younger, I remember going to the movies with my friends to go see the conjuring. It was a movie. I really was not at all that hyped or really that interested to go see, as at that time, I felt like I was a film, know it all, and had superior taste almost like a cinematic insider in my own mind, but they all were going with or without me and being a movie fan and wanting to hang out and not go home. Ended up attending with them gave the movie a chance, ended up, loving the film and the experience.  it was pretty much story wise what I expected, but the film in itself was a surprise for me how enjoyable and entertained one was by the end. Please don’t ask me about the sequels or the franchise in general, but that first one remain a special memory for me.

These days it’s very rare that I am surprised by a movie. I don’t get to go out to the movies as much with friends and their whims anymore to go see films that I didn’t necessarily plan to in the first place. The first black phone movie might have been one of the last of those types where I didn’t overwhelmingly not want to see it, but had limited interest where I felt. I could wait by the end. I truly enjoyed the film as it felt like a film of the time period that it was sat in as it wasn’t cookie cutter. It was brutal. It was violent. It wasn’t looking for sympathy. It was a matter of fact with not necessarily likable characters, though some of them didn’t deserve the fate that was doubt, and it only had a hint of the supernatural.

Now, while the sequel is a continuation of this seems to focus more on the supernatural aspects of the character, story and film, where the formula seems to be

Take 1 part STRANGER THINGS, 2 parts A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET , mix in a little of THE SHINING and you get BLACK PHONE 2. The sum of its parts. It Feels like the filmmakers took what they were fans of and what they were watching at the time. As well as what was popular and made this film. Which has great style but is a bunch of build up. Yet feels rather thin and stretching. It feels like it was obligated and this is the best they could do with the time. It’s somewhat creative but ultimately disappointing. Especially compared to the first film. While being a sequel and prequel of sorts 

The film isn’t bad. It’s just disappointing and less than the original I guess living up to it being a sequel. This film stays more remote in its location and feels more like a production because of it with limited amount of characters. Who seemed to just be there for dressing as they are small pieces of the puzzle there to represent certain emotions or ideas rather than being true characters like the ultra religious lady who works for the camp who seems only to be there to accuse characters and just generally be a deterrent so that later in the film when she’s abused and the constant verbal abuse that one character gives her seems well warranted, and her husband just seems to be there. He doesn’t really play that much of a role.

Even their father returns for the film, but he seems just as ineffective as before. 

As I presented before and what it feels like the formula for this movie, there is a more Freddy Kruger element for Ethan Hawke’s character who comes back to haunt, and it works as a sequel and a prequel, as it is a continuation of the character from the first film, but it also gives us a look into the past of the villain from the first film. 

With the characters being haunted and psychic and teenagers being the main characters is where you get the nightmare on Elm Street, but also the Stranger Things elements.

The film is stylish as ever and that’s one of it saving grace as the rest of the film does feel as of the time. Period but it also fails as it just feels like it’s a very thin and stretching. I don’t know if it’s meant to be a continuation or another piece in a franchise, but while it might offer some scares, it doesn’t offer much of an interest for the audience and last doesn’t feel like it really needs to be made if anything more feels like fan service that comes out of nowhere as I doubt anyone was thinking there was much more to the story to be made, but we’re glad to come back and be reunited with the characters. It’s not a horrible movie and maybe it’s just me and fans of the first film we love this or at least like this film, but while it offers a different type of horror and scare, it just doesn’t feel like it was ever needed.

Come back and watch it if you must as it doesn’t lessen the strength or power of the first film, but this while it doesn’t come across as a get rich, quick scheme idea it does make one question what was the intention in ideas behind this sequel otherwise?

Grade: C

THE NAKED GUN (2025)

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Directed By: Akiva Schaffer 

Written By: Akiva Schaffer, Dan Gregor and Doug Mand 

Cinematography: Brandon Trost 

Editor: Brian Scott Olds 

Cast: Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, Danny Huston, Kevin Durand, Busta Rhymes, Liza Koshy, Cody Rhodes. Eddie Yu 

Following in his father’s footsteps, a detective works to solve a murder case and save his police department from closure.

This film comes off as no harm, no foul as it’s a remake but more in spirit and paying homage to the original naked gun and thus police squad movies. There’s nothing wrong with the film though of course it’s going to be more modern. It kind of loses itself as it feels like the character is more random.

Whereas in the original film, Frank Draben is the hero and kind of silly and very stupid, but it gets the job done. Seems to know what he’s doing enough in that universe that he’s a police detective in and feels like more of a full character with a steady history.

Here sometimes it just feels like they throw a lot of stuff at the wall to see what sticks, especially in characters where their history or personalities will change on a dime. So that even though this is a comedy, if there isn’t anything you can really hold onto you’re just throwing in the chaos. It’s a bit more scattershot. As one of the producers is Seth Mcfarlane of FAMILY GUY. It has that kind of random humor at times. That has nothing to with the story really. Eden write it, but it has his fingerprints on it.

Which is where some of the films weaknesses lie where it doesn’t feel like joke so much it feels like those spoof movies that used to come out of every year where they would just try to take down recent trends of the year, maybe television and movies reality stars and there’s a bit of that humor here more than was in the original naked gun. You could call it in evolution of humor, but it also kind of cheapens everything.

Now, while this film has inspired, casting, whereas Liam Neeson has always flirted with comedy. This is one of his first where he goes in the full blown leading character comedy and while he’s good at it, it doesn’t feel as strange or like the stunt casting that maybe it should it’s understandable. Maybe he’s trying to follow and Leslie Nielsen‘s shoes, whereas Leslie Nielsen was a dramatic character actor for most of his career until the airplane movies and then he started slowly going into more silly or spoof in comedy and that being pretty much most of the films he played in

Again, as being so used to seeing Liam Neeson, kind of do this before it doesn’t come across as shocking as maybe it was intended to be or as different, as it was intended to be speaking of stunt, casting not that there’s anything wrong with his performance Danny Huston. it would’ve been at least a little more notable if the villain was played by an actor who we had known previously more as a friendly face or someone who usually plays nice or good guys playing that villainous type of role as at least it would’ve brought something new to the table, but again maybe this is just an evolution of this type of film and franchise

It also would’ve been nice if the descendants of Nordberg originally played by O.J. Simpson had more to do than making an obvious joke in one scene. Then we never see that character again, but that’s more of a nitpick.

Pamela Anderson, Paul, Walter Hauser CCH Pounder all do really well with their roles they do what’s required. Even though they’re more secondary players and it’s nice to see Pamela Anderson on the big screen. As it now seems like she’s getting the movie roles she should have back when her career was red hot. Instead of just becoming a celebrity or more sex symbol who sometimes acted rather than being actress who just happened to be very voluptuous and sexy

The film is fine for what it is obviously you’re not supposed to take any of this too seriously so as long as you’re just looking for a laugh, I don’t think you’re gonna find much disappointment with this film, and it stays within the tradition of the franchise and makes an attempt at a nice reboot, but it just doesn’t feel the same even though it does have scenes of hilarity that will make some laugh hard especially the snowman seen personally

Though if this is your type of humor, I don’t think you’re gonna go wrong with this film.

Grade: C+

NOBODY 2 (2025)

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Directed By: Timo Tjahjanto 

Written By: Derek Kolstad and Aaron Rabin

Cinematography: Callan Green 

Editor: Elisabet Ronaldsdottir

Cast: Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, Christopher Lloyd, Rza, Colin Hanks, Sharon Stone, John Ortiz, Colin Salmon, Daniel Bernhardt, 

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.

this sequel is pretty much more of the same only not as deep or caring. It seems to go through the motions, but instead of a sequel it almost feels like a side pack of action sequences they didn’t use in the first one only set in a new location. 

It tries to further the main character a bit but again it just seems like the same thing. Nothing seems to truly get deep end except to explain why he’s still doing the same kind of business from the first film. It doesn’t help build a world just offering us an excuse for more action sequences 

While trying to stay comedic to an extent.

Even the things that should be exciting end up playing rather bland for instance, having Sharon Stone is the big villain what should have been a comeback ends on a whimper sort of like when Jean-Claude Van Damme was the villain in the expendables part 2

The film seems oddly rushed too so if you like the first film, you you’ll probably enjoy this film or at least be entertained by it, but it doesn’t offer much which is disappointing considering it’s directed by Timo Tjahjango 

A noted action director making his English language, American film debut after such classics as THE NIGHT COMES FOR US. 

Though to be fair, he was a replacement director only brought on eight weeks before production started. 

As the film has it’s fair share of action, which is what the film is mostly about as the plot just seems very thin and just there to connect everything for there to be this violence. The problem is going in the first films Violence was noteworthy, here It just feels like it’s more of the same and not as impressive.

It’s pretty cut and dry. You can see why they put this film out in the summer. As it plays like a typical summer action film with less imagination and more the continuing adventures of and it being barely 90 minutes can’t say that there’s much substance but it will please. It’s fans well enough as long as they’re not looking to dig too deep Honestly, it just feels like filler or the film equivalent of filler to a continuing franchise which considering it kind of bombed, I don’t know if there will be another one, though I hope if there is another one, they put more time heart thought into it so that it can truly be What it seems designed to be a B movie version of JOHN WICK

Though I will admit when it’s in its element, it is fun and entertaining. Even if it’s an obvious cash grab.

Grade: C

NOVOCAINE (2025)

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Directed By: Dan Berk & Robert Olsen

Written By: Lars Jacobson 

Cinematography: Jacques Jouffret 

Editor: Christian Wagner 

Cast: Jack Quaid, Amber Midthunder, Ray Nicholson, Matt Walsh, Jacob Batalon, Betty Gabriel, Lou Betty Jr., Conrad Kemp 

When the girl of his dreams is kidnapped, a man incapable of feeling physical pain turns his rare condition into an unexpected advantage in the fight to rescue her.

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It Might be my age, but I didn’t expect this film to be so gruesomely violent. Which is just one of the surprises of this film. Though it also made it a bit hard to watch at times.

As it involved, broken protruding bones, and fingernails being taken out. Which are usually two of the things I can’t stand seeing on screen as far as violence luckily teeth being knocked out or removed is not shown on screen.

No, this is a surprisingly enjoyable action film with comedic elements at times obviously dark comedy that reminds me of the mid budget action films that studios used to release and that you would get excited for to watch that weekend as this film does have a high concept, but is worth it as it has layers that to help enforce the concept, but also serve the film and its characters as well as a story

It’s not a genius film, but it certainly is entertaining and gives the audience what it wants and offers maybe a little more than what they expected.

The cast is great throughout Jack Quaid, who is in many films. These days proves he does have that leading man, charming charisma as an every man Amanda Midthunder is perfectly cast as a love interest that he goes through all these hardships for sweet enough yet enticing enough to be believable as a woman that you risk it all for

The rest of the cast fulfill, their roles and characters excellently that they come off as believable, and that you actually care even if some of them are a little bit more disposable than you expected, Within the rhythms of the film. 

You never find yourself bored you might even think that this film was made by the filmmaker of the crank movies with its intensity, though this is definitely a softer core version of those films not to mention the humor isn’t quite as offensive, nor is the plotting as over the top.

The film is a fun ride. It’s memorable but doubt it will be anyone’s favorite though it might be one that you would tell your friends about. Definitely one that is a premier example of its kind that are rarely made by a studio anymore.

As the premise and cast would make you believe that this film would be more suited for streaming, but its quality is definitely made more for movie theaters.

Grade: C+

THE AMATEUR (2025)

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Directed By: James Hawes 

Written By: Ken Nolan and Gary Spinelli 

Based on the Novel By: Robert Littell

Cinematography: Martin Rhue

Editor: Jonathan Amos

Cast: Rami Malek, Laurence Fishburne, Holt McCallany, Danny Sapani, Julianne Nicholson, Jon Bernthal, Michael Stuhlbarg, Rachel Brosnahan, Adrian Martinez, 

When his supervisors at the CIA refuse to take action after his wife is killed in a London terrorist attack, a decoder takes matters into his own hands.

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You probably seen this film before it’s a pretty much a revenge tail where a character seeks revenge for the death or murder of a loved one and at first seems too weak or too meek 

Who somehow against all odds starts achieving in getting their revenge, but not always in the way in which they seek or expected .

This could’ve been a random episode of any kind of government series, or even then a full season of a limited series about the same subject in story, which would’ve at least given the film a chance to flash more of the characters out other than the lead and those who are working against him .

The film is pretty average. It stays entertaining and tries to offer some surprises that you might see coming though it’s not quite as action packed as maybe the trailer or storyline might have the audience believe there are action sequences, but they’re nothing phenomenal or breathtaking. They’re fairly average and actually pretty quick so that this plays off more as a dramatic thriller than anything else.

The twist and turns truly do show how smart that the main character is for what he might lack and physical prose, though it doesn’t help that some of the bigger supporting cast names are barely in the film for long periods of time and are severely underused 

One can understand why Rami Malek produce this and starting it as most likely there aren’t that many who would see him in this role naturally or as he plays the nerdy parts well the more physical aspects of the role would leave most in question. Which is actually one of the reasons why we might not see Rami Malik in so many films is that he’s hard to cast as he’s wiry physically and has quite a strange look and at times feels tilted and gives meek line readings.

That make him come across as a bit odd or more seeming like a character, actor, pro more eyeball rules, rather than leads or even villains. The film does pack a punch, but it’s not a lethal one. It’s more of a jab that will keep you entertained while watching though probably instantly forget once you’re done. It’s a great popcorn entertainment with a great cast that you wish had more to do.

as he just constantly sit through the film, waiting for all this to build up into something bigger and better or at least more and unfortunately, it doesn’t. It kinda goes out on a whimper rather than an extravaganza.

No, it’s not a lost cause, But  it’s nothing to write home about it. Does what it seeks out to do it entertains it makes you think you get caught up with the story and the characters but it’s just not that memorable and considering the cast that is on screen should be better.

Grade: C 

NIGHT CALL (2024)

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Directed By: Michiel Blanchart 

Written By: Michiel Blanchart, Gilles Marchand and Laurent Brandenbourger

Cinematography: Sylvestre Vannoorenberghe

Editor: Matthieu Jamet 

Cast: Joanthan Feltre, Natacha Krief, Jonas Bloquet, Romain Duris, Thomas Mustin, Sam Louwyck, Nabil Mahat 

This night is like all the others for Mady, student by day, locksmith by night. But Claire, the enigmatic young girl he helps out that night, is not who she claims to be. Mady has only one night to prove his innocence in a city in turmoil.

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This is a film I pretty much went in blind and so happy I did. As this film stays lively throughout.

This is one of those films and thrillers where it takes place all In One evening that seems endless. As a character had until dawn to get themselves out of trouble or else they are doomed. It is an International release from Belgium. Where you can recognize some of it’s Influences. 

The film offers the usual double crosses. Not truly being able to trust anybody. The cops are vicious as the criminals. So where do you turn.

The film also has the chaos of a Black Lives Matter protest with people and police filling the streets, as a background that they are operating in. Which are some of the elements that keep it from playing basic or typical. Truly the only innocent character is the lead who is desperately trying to get out of trouble. Though even he gets some blood on his hands. It also helps that the pace is rushed but doesn’t feel that way. it’s heart is always beating fast, but perfectly timed.

It also helps that the lead is African American who is being hunted and preyed upon by all these Caucasian characters throughout, which works as symbolism. As they are hunting and exploiting him, while he is the true innocent.

It’s so exciting and well put together. Offering very little fat. So that it stays quite lean and keeps moving. No time for side stories or any romance that might be hinted at in the beginning. it’s shocking that it was the directorial debut of Michiel Blanchart 

One thing I appreciated about this film is that it isn’t sentimental at all. It is rough and tough, dog eat dog. No last minute acts of mercy. 

It also stays gritty And believable. As the cast is newcomers and unrecognizable from any previous roles except for Romain Duris as the big bad. Not to mention a henchmen who looks like a scarily tough version of Jesse Eisenberg

if anything by the end you are left with some questions. As you know for the most part what happened, but you care so much you want to know what is next for the characters. Which shows that the film has grabbed you. Though to keep up it’s tough skin it stays a bit ambiguous.

Grade: B- 

OMNI LOOP (2025)

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Written & Directed By: Bernardo Britto 

Cinematography: Ava Benjamin Shorr

Editor: Martin Anderson and Bernardo Britto 

Cast: Mary Louise Parker, Ayo Edebiri, Carlos Jacott, Hannah Pearl Utt, Harris Yulin, Chris Witaske, Steven Maier, Eddie Cahill,

A woman from Miami, Florida decides to solve time travel in order to go back and be the person she always intended to.

This is a movie I should have enjoyed as the science fiction in minor elements were interesting and even the time travel components were fun and different. Though it never quite comes together in a strong way.

As at first the film seems to stay on target Exploring time travel and the many ways in which our main character keeps going back but has to movie forward to make any progress.

Then the second half of the film changes tone. Whereas before it was a light wacky comedy. I. The second half for becomes more dramatic. As the main character has to face some harsh truths. that no matter what her fate, will end up being the same and that maybe instead of spending her time trying to change things. She should accept what she does have and appreciate the time she has left with them.

This is after she has explored different fates and  looked up people from her past. So that the film becomes overly sentimental with some hard truths passed along. 

Which could work as the film gets you to watch with comedy and sci-fi then tells the story it wants you to truly stay for and pay attention to while remembering to reference some sci-fi again to keep it in the realm. 

It’s a sweet movie, but never quite reaches its potential and makes you wonder what exactly was the aim. As it does tell a story but makes it so maudlin and complicated getting there. That it feels a little too much and never quite raises above a certain tempo. 

Even the cast who are good seem more in the middle. Never quite too strong or excited or energetic. The film feels way too laid back and passive. 

though Ayo Edebiri get’s co-Stsr credit she is more a supporting actress and it’s featured more heavily in the first half of the film than the second half and while she does what she needs to do doesn’t make any strong impression in the role, but then again the role doesn’t really give her too much to do either

It’ not a bad movie just not for me. Maybe I am missing something. 

Grade: C

OTHER (2025)

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Directed By: David Moreau

Written By: David Moreau and Jon Goldman

Cinematography: Julien Ramirez Hernan

Cast: Olga Kurylenko, Jean Schatz, Lola Bonaventure, Philip Schuler, Julie Mae’s, Anne Pascale-Clairembourg, Jacqueline Ghaye, Sacha Nugent

Alice returns to her childhood home after her mother’s death, only to find the house is rigged with surveillance tracking her every move, as a sinister presence lurks, driving her towards a terrifying revelation.

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I can think of worse ways to spend 90 minutes then with acresss Olga Kurylenko, who is good in the role. As the lead stretch stretching some acting muscle muscles. She hasn’t really been challenged to do before.

this is the rare starring role for her where she is front and center and truly gets to show dramatic depth in a role as for the most part, the film just follows her throughout this treacherous adventure that stays mysterious for most of the film so that it’s almost like we’re watching her play dress up through half the film as a former teen beauty contestant

This is one of those films, the end resolution you just wonder why we had to go through all of what we just did just to get here as it plays more weirder than it truly needs to be 

if there was a reason for the peculiarities, then at least it might’ve been worth it, but it just seems like the film is made that way just for that and I guess to keep it more of a mystery to the audience which again by the end just feels like it was over the top for no reason 

Now, while the film does have its moments and an ending, we should see coming, but still comes across as a very big moment of surprise. Which at least makes it feel somewhat satisfying though getting there just feels annoying.

As there are other characters in this film, but it pretty much feels like a one woman show throughout as Miss Kurylenko does most of the work and the heavy lifting

now, while this film might work for others as it is definitely a slow burn that is more of a drama with a thriller or horror elements. One can say that they were with the film halfway as it’s not much to do about nothing as there is substance here that seems to be yelled out a lot

Until all is revealed, and the impact and capacity truly takes over. So thoroughly throughout, you admire the filmmaking and how far it pushes the story and keeps the audience and suspense with the sense of mystery.

As it’s about buried hidden trauma that the film gives some clues along the way. Though I think we figured it out before her and the film literally spell out the ending what we come up with might be scarier than what we actually see at the end.

Even as it tries to be subtle about it, you can’t help but notice it just feels like the film is missing an element that would truly make it more noteworthy instead of feeling underwhelming by the end.

The film stays visually inventive, but at times it does feel like it’s being weird just to be weird. 

They left to wonder if there is a sequel will it keep the same mood? Will there be new secrets or become more audience friendly with Gore and blood baths?

By the end of you make it that far. You sneered you can decide if all of this film was worth the journey. That might have been just as effective as a short.

Grade: C