Mehnificent

Of all the ways an already mediocre American Western might earn its place in the history books, Rust, Joel Souza’s 2024 genre exercise, had the misfortune of being immortalized by catastrophe rather than by the merits it so earnestly (and so transparently) seeks. Released under a pall as heavy as Wyoming’s own lowering skies, Rust cannot be written about, really, in isolation; the fatal shadow of Halyna Hutchins’ death seeps into every frame, blurring what might have been a straight-plodding piece of entertainment into a cultural memento mori.

Uberto Pasolini’s The Return brings a sumptuous and contemplative interpretation of the final chapters of Homer’s Odyssey. Starred by the incredible Ralph Fiennes as Odysseus and the mesmerizing Juliette Binoche as Penelope, this film walks the line between myth and human emotion, delivering a story that resonates deeply. As I settled down to watch this retelling, my anticipation was palpable, especially given the accomplished cast and the rich thematic foundation. What unfolds is a journey that, while artistically rich, carries both tremendous highs and noticeable pitfalls.

As I prepared to watch Alien: Romulus, I felt a blend of anticipation and skepticism. I was ready to embrace a film that, while aiming to entertain, might not reach the iconic heights of its predecessors in the franchise. It’s clear that Alien: Romulus isn't a bad film, but it also doesn’t quite stand out among the earlier entries.