Amazeballs

Argo plunges us into the perilous landscape of 1979 Tehran during the height of revolutionary upheaval. Directed by and starring Ben Affleck, this American espionage thriller unravels the nerve-wracking "Canadian Caper," a real-life covert CIA extraction mission that saw six U.S. diplomats saved under the guise of shooting a fake sci-fi movie. As tension rises against the volatile backdrop of the Iran hostage crisis, Argo masterfully entwines suspense, political drama, and a pinch of Hollywood charm, making it a compelling watch that balances historical weight with cinematic thrill.

Directed by Gavin O’Connor and featuring a screenplay by Bill Dubuque, The Accountant (2016) melds action thriller motifs with a psychologically complex protagonist portrayed by Ben Affleck. The film boasts a notable ensemble including Anna Kendrick, Jon Bernthal, J.K. Simmons, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Jeffrey Tambor, and John Lithgow. Centered on Christian Wolff, an autistic forensic accountant who operates in the shadowy corridors where finance intersects organized crime, the movie offers a mixture of crime procedural, familial drama, and action thriller elements that elicit both engagement and critical reflection.

When I first learned about Adolescence, a four-episode British miniseries released by Netflix on March 13, 2025, I anticipated a serious examination of contemporary youth issues, particularly those surrounding toxic masculinity, incel culture, and social media influence. With a talented creative team led by co-creators Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham—who also stars—the series promised an intense, immersive viewing experience. The compelling premise of following a teenage boy accused of murder, filmed entirely in single continuous takes, heightened my expectations regarding technical mastery and emotional depth. Knowing Graham’s previous work in Boiling Point, I was prepared for a raw, visceral journey that would challenge and disturb but also enlighten.

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.

"Avengement" stands as one of the best Scott Adkins movies for me, deftly merging high-octane sequences with a deeply compelling narrative. Directed by Jesse V. Johnson, this film is not just a showcase of adrenaline-fueled action; it is a finely crafted story that intricately develops its central character, offering viewers a profoundly satisfying and complete arc.