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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.

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.

The environmental documentary landscape has dire warnings and staggering statistics. However, sometimes, a film immerses its viewers in the depths of the horror that the planet is suffering. ONLY ON EARTH does exactly that, transporting viewers to the fire-scorched terrain of southern Galicia, where nature and tradition are at a crossroads. Instead of an impersonal lecture on climate change, it crafts an intimate and stunning journey, pulling us into the daily lives of people and animals navigating an increasingly hostile world. With its deeply personal approach, breathtaking cinematography, and quietly urgent message, this film refuses to be ignored.

Some comedies rely on sharp wit, some on big physical gags, and others lean into sheer charisma. This one falls somewhere in between, carried largely by its lead actor’s ability to turn everyday situations into comedy gold. While not the sharpest entry in John Candy’s filmography, it delivers an easygoing, entertaining ride with just enough charm to keep things afloat. A mix of slapstick, situational humor, and lighthearted hijinks, this kind of film knows exactly what it wants to be—whether or not it reaches its full potential.

Memories have a strange way of warping reality, shaping the present in haunting and unavoidable ways. DOUBLE EXPOSURE is a film that thrives in this liminal space, blending psychological drama with a surreal approach to storytelling. At the center of it all is Peter (Alexander Calvert,) a photographer whose life is split between past and present choices, entangled in a narrative that refuses to play by conventional rules. Howard Goldberg takes an ambitious leap with this mind-bending exploration of guilt, obsession, and how unresolved emotions can twist a person’s sense of time. While its unique approach to storytelling offers moments of brilliance, the film occasionally gets caught up in its complexity, leaving viewers looking for some clearer solutions.

The gold standard of a crime thriller can balance precision and unpredictability as effectively. The film builds its tension not on over-the-top spectacle but on meticulous, slow-burning suspense, where every move feels carefully orchestrated. Yet, the cracks in control start to show as emotions creep in. Rooted in the stylistic shift of 1980s German cinema, this thriller isn’t just about the mechanics of a heist—it’s about the people behind it, their shifting loyalties, and the inevitable unraveling of even the best-laid plans.

UNCLE BUCK is a prime example of a film that thrives on the unpredictability of an overgrown man-child forced to become a responsible adult. (no, it’s not about the current US president.) John Hughes, known for crafting some of the most memorable coming-of-age stories of the '80s, takes a different approach here, centering the story not on angsty teens but on a reluctant guardian who might just need some growing up himself. The result is a wildly entertaining blend of humor, sharp dialogue, and the undeniable charisma of John Candy, who turns even the simplest comedic setups into gold.

As the skyscraper looms, it becomes a battleground and trap. Our protagonist fights against impossible odds, and a hostage crisis spirals out of control. With high-stakes tension, adrenaline-fueled set pieces, and a strong core, the film crafts an experience that is as gripping as it is relentless. Ultimately, the story feels familiar but still offers a fun journey.

INVASION throws audiences straight into a high-stakes military crisis, delivering a fast-paced action thriller packed with large-scale battles, tactical maneuvering, and political tension. The film wastes no time establishing its central conflict—an unprovoked attack by the fictional nation of Veragua on two key islands, leaving officials scrambling for a response. As war erupts, three marines are thrust into an intense rescue mission tasked with extracting the Dutch ambassador from enemy-controlled territory. What follows is a blend of chaotic combat, personal sacrifices, and strategic operations that keep the tension high throughout.

Something is unnerving about a film that never lets you get too comfortable. DADDY takes that approach and runs with it, shaping a story that blends satire, psychological tension, and sharp social commentary. It presents an exaggerated yet plausible world where the government controls who can be a father. But beneath that premise lies a much darker exploration of gender expectations, institutional control, and the power dynamics that shape society. It’s a film that balances absurdity with reality, keeping its audience guessing while never revealing too much.

Grief is never elegant, and mourning becomes even messier when love is tangled in secrecy. THE OTHER WIDOW explores loss through an unexpected lens, focusing on a woman whose heartbreak is unwelcome, whose sorrow is considered inappropriate, and whose connection to the deceased is something others would rather forget. A sharp script, a deeply nuanced lead performance, and a visual style that highlights the film’s themes of isolation and longing make this a compelling exploration of hidden emotions and the way society dictates who gets to grieve.

This film lingers as an experience, forcing viewers to confront questions without easy answers. How well do we truly know those closest to us? Can love and loyalty survive when trust is shattered? What happens when the person we rely on the most becomes a source of doubt rather than security? These questions aren’t just themes in the story—they are the foundation of the film’s slow-burning tension.

HOME SWEET HOME captures a reality people rarely see up close. It’s a quiet but powerful look at the daily challenges of caregiving, balancing professional obligations with personal struggles, and the emotional toll of being responsible for others. Focusing on authenticity and human connection, this film doesn’t need big moments to make an impact—it finds meaning in the small ones. Knowing several people who worked in nursing homes, I can confidently say that this film offers a realistic life experience. It borders on feeling like a documentary at times (in the best way possible.)

The art of romantic comedy lies in balancing humor with heartfelt moments, and this film embraces both with an effortless charm. At its center is a neurotic, self-deprecating protagonist who bumbles his way through romance while leaning on the imagined guidance of a Hollywood legend. With sharp dialogue, clever humor, and a playful nod to classic cinema, this story thrives on its ability to mix self-aware wit with the timeless anxieties of love, self-worth, and second chances. Its humor lands precisely, making it an inviting experience for casual viewers and cinephiles. Some films are classics, and then some movies extend beyond. Barring the “what ifs” and my mixed feelings about Woody Allen, there is no denying that this role is iconic.

The 1980s had a distinct way of blending adventure and comedy, and this film leans heavily into that era’s playful, slightly exaggerated tone. The story follows a college student who, through bad luck and last-minute desperation, finds himself chasing his girlfriend and her family across the literal ocean. What starts as a hopeful getaway quickly spirals into a chaotic journey filled with obstacles, shady characters, and unpredictable turns. While the film offers a breezy, easygoing experience, it also wrestles with maintaining a balance between its comedic and action-driven moments, making for an uneven but occasionally entertaining ride. Just when I thought I knew every John Cusack film, boom!

In the landscape of cinema, certain films challenge our perceptions and invite us to ponder life's deeper questions. KNOW MERCY is one such film offering a narrative that intertwines the timeless allure of immortality with the raw emotions of love and betrayal. It's a cinematic experience that beckons viewers to reflect on the ethical dilemmas faced by its characters while delivering a story that's both engaging and thought-provoking. While a dose of religious allegory is thrown in, it’s never so much that it's overbearing. Ultimately, the film feels like something I would have watched in the more progressive teen Sunday School group I was in as a kid.