Amazeballs

GATAO: Like Father Like Son (2025), directed by Ray Jiang, represents the fourth installment of the esteemed Taiwanese gangster series. Sunny Wang returns as Michael and is a prequel set several years prior to Gatao (2015). As a critical exploration of gang origins, it offers an intricate character-driven narrative that deepens the understanding of the series' core factions. Expectations from previous entries suggested a gritty, visually stylized portrayal of gang conflicts and personal histories—this film largely fulfills those, with notable improvements in production quality and narrative focus.

Gatao: The Last Stray, directed by Jui-Chih Chiang and released in 2023, constitutes the third installment in the Gatao universe. Featuring Rexen Cheng as Qing and Nikki Hsieh as Xiao Qi, the film is rooted in Taiwan’s organized crime universe yet distinguishes itself from prior entries through its nuanced approach to romance and character development. Unlike its predecessors, particularly the first Gatao film, this installment diverges from the usual romantic tropes, emphasizing introspection, moral ambiguity, and social commentary. While it surpasses the first film in quality, it does not quite reach the narrative and emotional heights of the second Gatao film, offering viewers a mixed yet engaging experience.

Gatao 2: Rise of the King, directed by Cheng-Kuo Yen, is a 2018 Taiwanese gangster film that expands upon the groundwork laid by its predecessor, Gatao. As Yen’s feature directorial debut, the film navigates a genre historically dominated by Hong Kong cinema, yet showcases Taiwanese filmmakers' capacity to produce compelling, stylistic, and intense gangster narratives. Starring Wang Shih-hsien as Ren, alongside an impressive cast including Collin Chou, the film sets out to depict a brutal underworld torn between loyalty, power, and vengeance. Expectations for Gatao 2 hinge on its ability to elevate genre conventions through innovative storytelling and dynamic action sequences, given the film’s budget and ambition.

The Gorge, directed by Scott Derrickson and penned by Zach Dean, plants itself firmly in the realm of apocalyptic cinema with an audacious twist. Made available to viewers on Apple TV+ on February 14, 2025, this film juxtaposes a tender romance with gripping survival horror. As the audience follows the journey of two elite snipers, Levi Kane and Drasa, played by the compelling Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy, they are drawn into a narrative that challenges the boundaries of love, resilience, and existential uncertainty.

The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil offers a gripping exploration of the murky waters between good and evil through a riveting crime thriller narrative. Under the directorial guidance of Lee Won-tae, this 2019 South Korean film captivates with its action-packed sequences and thought-provoking themes. Based on a true story, it deftly weaves a web of intrigue and moral ambiguity that leaves viewers pondering who truly embodies the roles of the gangster, the cop, and the devil. This captivating ambiguity is the heart of the film, challenging the audience to navigate the morally gray areas inhabited by its characters.

"Greyhound" emerges as possibly the best naval battle movie to date, expertly directed by Aaron Schneider and featuring a gripping performance by Tom Hanks, who also wrote the screenplay. Set within the harrowing landscape of World War II, the film draws viewers into the intense Battle of the Atlantic as it follows Commander Ernest Krause, tasked with protecting an Allied convoy from lurking U-boats.