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A gangster film can be many things—stylized, dramatic, brooding—but few capture the sheer brutality of criminal life with the same precision as this one. The film transports organized crime into an environment that mirrors its cutthroat nature by trading gambling dens and neon-lit backstreets for snow-covered battlefields. Every scene feels like a fight for survival against rival factions and the relentless cold itself. The setting reflects these characters' worlds, where morality erodes and survival belongs to the most ruthless.

This film delivers an unpredictable mix of period drama, supernatural horror, and high-energy fantasy adventure. Sword fights, demonic curses, and larger-than-life villains create a spectacle that never stops throwing surprises at the audience. Whether those surprises work in their favor depends on how much a viewer enjoys a film that constantly reinvents itself as it goes.

A film that brings together a cast of this caliber immediately sparks interest. It sets the stage for intriguing performances, chemistry, and a story that should capitalize on the strengths of its actors. At its best, this one delivers that promise in fleeting moments. However, the overall experience wavers between crime thriller, dark comedy, and character drama without fully committing to one lane. It offers an intriguing setup, solid performances, and entertaining moments. Still, the execution lacks the cohesion to elevate it beyond an uneven blend of humor and tension.

This film combines the signature stylings of classic Hong Kong action cinema with elegant choreography and ruthless ambition, fueling a story of deception and revenge. Though it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it gives audiences a thrilling ride and reminds them why martial arts storytelling remains timeless.

Friendships built in childhood often feel unshakable, like an unspoken promise that no matter where life leads, that bond will remain the same. But time has a way of reshaping even the strongest connections. ADULT BEST FRIENDS takes a humorous yet heartfelt look at this inevitable evolution, capturing the nostalgia and the growing pains of a lifelong friendship on the verge of change. It’s a story that balances comedy with an honest core, making for an engaging and refreshingly self-aware film about what happens when childhood inseparability collides with the realities of adulthood.

There’s something uniquely unsettling about a film that dances between history, horror, and exaggerated theatrics, never settling on a clear tone. EVILENKO attempts to craft a psychological study of a killer set against a collapsing political system, but instead, it veers wildly between grim authenticity and over-the-top absurdity. What could have been an unnerving deep dive into one of history’s most disturbing figures morphs into a film that struggles to balance its ambition with execution.

Some films don’t just tell a story—they hold up a mirror, forcing us to examine our lives, relationships, and the ever-widening ideological divides in our society. MY OMAHA does just that, blending a deeply personal journey with a larger, urgent social commentary. Director Nick Beaulieu crafts a documentary that isn’t just about activism and political conflict but also about what it means to navigate those tensions within our closest relationships. It’s a film that doesn’t flinch when emotions run high, embracing both the personal and political with an unfiltered lens.

Auditions are meant to be a stage for talent, a chance for aspiring actors to bring characters to life. But in 1001 FRAMES, that stage quickly morphs into something far more unsettling—a place where power, manipulation, and control take center stage. Mehrnoush Alia’s debut feature doesn’t just depict an audition process; it deconstructs it, exposing the cracks in an industry where ambition is too often met with exploitation. What begins as a casting call for the role of Scheherazade in 1001 NIGHTS soon unravels into an exploration of authority and the dangerous ways it can be abused.

A bizarre, wild ride that delivers dinosaurs, barely-there costumes, and enough over-the-top acting to fill ten drive-in theaters, it has no illusions about being anything other than a goofy, low-budget spectacle. Whether that makes it an overlooked gem of B-movie madness or an exercise in prehistoric patience depends entirely on the viewer’s tolerance for cheesy one-liners and gratuitous everything.

DOCTOR VAMPIRE is a film that refuses to be pinned down to a single genre, instead throwing slapstick comedy, horror, and action into a blender and hitting the highest setting. The result is an unpredictable, strange vampire tale that thrives on sheer craziness. While not every gag lands and the horror elements take a backseat to humor, a peculiar charm in its mishmash of influences makes for a memorable, erratic viewing experience.

THE POWER OF CHI positions Tai Chi Chuan as something far beyond a meditative movement. The film claims that internal energy—chi—grants its practitioners near-supernatural abilities. The film asserts that trained masters can neutralize elite athletes and powerlifters without relying on traditional strength or physics. This premise quickly unravels under even the slightest scrutiny. When the film compares Chi to the Force, it’s hard not to feel second-hand embarrassment.

THE UNBREAKABLE BOY delivers a heartfelt story that embraces optimism in the face of adversity, centering on the journey of a young boy and the family that learns to maneuver through life’s challenges alongside him. Austin, a child diagnosed with autism and brittle bone disease, approaches the world with an infectious joy that shapes the lives of those around him. His parents, played by Zachary Levi and Meghann Fahy, struggle to adjust at first but ultimately find strength in their son’s resilience. The film leans into themes of love, perseverance, and the idea that happiness can exist even in life’s toughest moments.

BIKE VESSEL follows a journey that isn’t just about finishing a long ride—it’s about rewriting a life story. Directed by Eric D. Seals, this documentary captures his father, Donnie Seals Sr., as he transforms from someone burdened by decades of unhealthy habits into a man determined to reclaim his health. The challenge? A 350-mile cycling trek from St. Louis to Chicago, proving that sometimes, the toughest roads lead to the most meaningful destinations.

Some horror legends are remembered for the terror they brought to the screen, but the most fascinating ones leave behind something even more profound—a lasting impact on those who knew them. The subject of this documentary may have built a career on frightening audiences, yet those closest to him knew a man who was nothing like his on-screen persona. This film dives into his story, revealing the depth of his character, the evolution of his career, and the personal connections that made him more than just a figure in horror history. While THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE isn’t my favorite slasher, this film offers something more than a look at the man who made this iconic role.

Horror works best when it lingers. The kind that doesn’t just go for the easy scare but seeps into your thoughts, waiting to catch you off guard when you least expect it. FIRST WORD ON HORROR continues to unearth the minds behind the genre’s most distinct voices, and in episodes 4–6, Paul Tremblay takes center stage. A master of psychological malaise, Tremblay crafts horror that refuses to be easily defined, stories that play with perception and make audiences question what’s real. These episodes pull viewers into his philosophy of fear, where certainty is an illusion, and every answer raises more questions.