Movies

Directed by Osgood Perkins and based on Stephen King's absurdly hilarious short story, The Monkey could initially seem like a total trainwreck—until you realize the carriages are filled with comedy gold and a heaping dose of gore. This black comedy horror film stars Theo James as the hapless twins Hal and Bill, and boasts a supporting cast that includes Tatiana Maslany, Christian Convery, and even a cameo by Adam Scott that lasts just long enough for a chuckle. Buckle up as we dive into the delightfully deranged world of laughter and lunacy.

Mickey 17, directed by the visionary Bong Joon Ho and adapted from Edward Ashton's 2022 novel, emerges as a distinctive crossover of science fiction and black comedy that challenges perceptions of humanity and capitalism. Released in early 2025, the film invites audiences into a not-too-distant future filled with cloned beings and ethical dilemmas as it follows the titular character, Mickey Barnes, portrayed by the ever-impressive Robert Pattinson. One might initially be put off by its unconventional premise, where Mickey, a disposable laborer on a colonization mission, is continually killed and resurrected. However, as the narrative unfolds, it uniquely balances humor with poignant commentary, making for an unexpected cinematic delight.

Deep Cover, a 1992 film directed by Bill Duke, strikes a slick and stylish note in the crime thriller genre, beautifully encapsulating the atmosphere of the early '90s. This neo-noir piece features Laurence Fishburne in a commanding role as Russell Stevens Jr., an undercover cop trying to navigate the seedy world of Los Angeles' drug trade. The film delves into themes of morality, corruption, and the complex dynamics of the War on Drugs, yet it doesn't quite escape its own superficial tendencies, ultimately leading to an experience that's compelling but not without its flaws.

In the Lost Lands is the latest endeavor from Paul W.S. Anderson, a film that might just leave you questioning whether you accidentally wandered into a multi-franchise mashup gone wrong. This epic dark fantasy features the talents of Milla Jovovich and Dave Bautista. One could say it’s a thrilling adventure, but only if your definition of ‘thrilling’ includes cramming Van Helsing, Mad Max, and a handful of other unrelated properties into a blender and hitting purée. What we’re left with is a cinematic concoction that raises the age-old question: Was anyone in the room when all these creative decisions were made?

In the chilling realm of espionage and deception, Red Sparrow emerges as a film that seeks to plunge deeply into the dark underbelly of its characters and the brutal world they inhabit. Directed by Francis Lawrence, the film unfolds on a layered tapestry of betrayal and manipulation, pulling viewers into the life of Dominika Egorova, portrayed with unwavering intensity by Jennifer Lawrence. Set against a backdrop of modern-day Russia, the film navigates themes of exploitation, identity, and survival, yet struggles to maintain its grip amidst a convoluted narrative that often leaves audiences grappling for coherence.

In a world where hostage situations can spiral into cinematic gold mines, iHostage emerges as an enthusiastic yet utterly uninspired attempt to make you care about the life inside your local Apple Store. Directed by Bobby Boermans, this 2025 Dutch crime film attempts to serve up the thrills of a high-stakes standoff in Amsterdam, but instead leaves you wondering if it’s time to upgrade your popcorn to something a bit more exciting. If you ever wanted to see a movie that captures the inside baseball of Apple Stores while failing to uncover the depths of human motivation, this is your ticket to total tedium. Spoiler alert: It’s a hard pass.

In the realm of financial dramas, The Big Short stands as a unique entry, seamlessly blending humor with the grim reality of the 2008 financial collapse. Directed by Adam McKay and adapted from Michael Lewis's profound book, this film is not merely a retelling of historical events but a critical, darkly comedic examination of greed, corruption, and human folly. Released in December 2015, it takes viewers deep into the intricate web of the financial industry, presenting a narrative that is as entertaining as it is enlightening.

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.

The release of Cleaner, a British action thriller directed by Martin Campbell, is a compelling reminder of why we should be wary of cinema that showcases an all-star cast splashed across a muddled plot. Marketed as a high-octane, edge-of-your-seat adventure, this film often feels more like a laboriously constructed thesis on how to squander a riveting premise. With Daisy Ridley in the lead role as Joanna "Joey" Locke, a former soldier turned window cleaner—who takes her autistic brother to her workplace amidst a hostage situation—you can almost hear the collective groan of the audience when they realize their cinematic experience is about to take a nosedive.