Amazeballs

Havoc, the latest endeavor from visionary director Gareth Evans, hit Netflix on April 25, 2025, unleashing a whirlwind of chaos, gunfire, and visceral confrontations that fans of the genre have come to expect from him. Known for his knack for crafting intense action sequences, Evans returns with a vengeance, albeit with a narrative that occasionally falters under its own weight. The film, led by a formidable Tom Hardy, revolves around crime, corruption, and the blurred lines of justice within an explosive setting filled with gripping moments, albeit marred by some less-than-stellar production choices.

In the riveting independent biographical drama The Apprentice, directed by Ali Abbasi and co-distributed by Briarcliff Entertainment, viewers are drawn into a meticulous examination of Donald Trump's early career as a real estate mogul in 1970s New York City. This film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and is a co-production across multiple countries, explores Trump’s complex relationship with the notorious attorney Roy Cohn. By shining a spotlight on their morally ambiguous partnership, The Apprentice delves into themes of ambition, morality, and the very fabric of success, prompting audiences to ponder over the integrity behind the American dream.

September 5 bursts forth as a poignant historical drama that delves into the tragic events of the Munich massacre during the 1972 Summer Olympics. Directed by Tim Fehlbaum, this gripping film chronicles the chaotic coverage by the ABC Sports crew as they navigate the grim realities of a terrorist attack. With solid performances from a strong cast, this film invites viewers into a thrilling reenactment wrapped in ethical conundrums and moral exploration while compellingly examining the intersection of media, politics, and human tragedy.

In Youth We Trust is the latest offering from acclaimed director Puttipong Nakthong, making its impactful debut amidst a backdrop of stark adolescent turmoil within the confines of juvenile detention. This film continues Nakthong’s exploration of teenage violence, yet veers into a different realm, capturing the harrowing reality of life in a juvenile facility where young lives are shaped—or often distorted—by the brutal hierarchies of prison life.

As an avid follower of The Roundup series, I approached this latest chapter with hope that it would carry forward the same storytelling marvel that earmarked its preceding siblings. Unfortunately, the film wasn’t quite the high-stakes rollercoaster ride I had hoped for.

With the promise of Ma Dong-seok reprising his role as Detective Ma Seok-do, an element of familiarity added to my excitement for this film, despite my apprehension about the grist for the sequel mill.