Movies

A Minecraft Movie (2025), directed by Jared Hess, serves as a fantasy adventure comedy adapted from the immensely popular video game, Minecraft, developed by Mojang Studios. Starring Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Danielle Brooks, Emma Myers, and Jennifer Coolidge, this film navigates the challenges and auditory ambiance of the blocky landscape many gamers have come to know and love. While the visuals may entice the young audience and dedicated fans alike, the execution of its narrative strategy falls critically short.

Fight or Flight, an action comedy directed by James Madigan, emerges as a hyper-energetic and often chaotic exploration of adrenaline-fueled mayhem set within the confined space of a commercial airplane. The film’s promise lies in its blending of high-octane action sequences, comedic overtones, and a disjointed narrative that seeks to balance winks and nudges with outright spectacle. While it strives for a tongue-in-cheek tone reminiscent of hyper-stylized fare like Bullet Train, Fight or Flight ultimately trades nuanced intrigue for a visceral, gore-heavy romp that rewards viewers leaning into its deliberately silly, over-the-top approach.

Rust, a 2024 American Western directed and written by Joel Souza, emerges amidst a backdrop of profound tragedy that irrevocably intertwines with its release. The film’s narrative ostensibly seeks to evoke the classic American Western genre, blending elements of coming-of-age and raw frontier justice with motifs of innocence lost and moral ambiguity. Despite its picturesque Western visuals and ambitions to revisit traditional themes with a modern perspective, Rust inadvertently becomes a cultural focal point not solely for its cinematic qualities but also for the tragic circumstances surrounding its production. The film’s release thus carries a weight beyond its artistic intent, compelling viewers and critics to confront both its aesthetic merits and its haunting real-world aftermath.

Companion (2025), directed by Drew Hancock, emerges as a compelling addition to the science fiction thriller genre with notable elements of horror comedy woven into its narrative fabric. The film explores provocative themes such as artificial intelligence, autonomy, and human morality within a tense, isolated setting that amplifies its psychological intensity. Its premise—centering on a weekend getaway catalyzing chaos after revelations about a companion robot—promises a blend of suspense, dark humor, and moral dilemma, positioning it as an intriguing, if imperfect, cinematic experience. The film's tone oscillates between visceral horror and satirical commentary, inviting viewers into a domain where technology's encroachment intersects with human fragility.

Warfare (2025), directed by Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland, offers a uniquely raw and immersive perspective on modern combat, capturing the chaos and intensity of a Navy SEAL recon mission in Ramadi. The film’s commitment to realism, combined with its groundbreaking sound design—completely devoid of a traditional musical score—creates an atmosphere that feels both visceral and genuine. This movie stands as a powerful testament to the grittiness of war, emphasizing not just the violence but also the psychological toll on soldiers. Its unflinching portrayal invites viewers to reconsider the true cost of conflict, making it both an eye-opening and emotionally resonant experience.

G20, directed by Patricia Riggen and made available on Amazon Prime Video, attempts to weave an action-thriller narrative around a G20 summit in South Africa. Featuring Viola Davis as President Danielle Sutton, the film sought to engage viewers with themes of political tension, global economics, and the intersections of leadership under threat. I approached the film with anticipation, fueled by my admiration for Davis from her roles in How to Get Away with Murder and The Woman King. Unfortunately, as the credits rolled, I found myself grappling with profound disappointment as G20 tumbled into absurdity, failing to deliver on its ambitious premise.

Gunslingers, the latest addition to the Western genre, comes to us courtesy of the amateurish antics of director Brian Skiba, released in 2025 and notably available on streaming platforms for those unfortunate enough to stumble upon it. This film supposedly delves into themes of vengeance, redemption, and the convoluted nature of morality in the old West. However, if you're looking for a meaningful exploration of these concepts, you might be disappointed. In reality, it serves as a cautionary tale about how not to make a Western and how not to cast talented actors like Nicolas Cage in a script that seems to have been penned at the local saloon after an all-night poker game.

Lifeline emerges as a powerful exploration of trauma and the human condition, deftly tackled through the lens of a tense psychological drama. Released amidst prevailing societal concerns regarding mental health, this film dares to confront the morose realities of suicide, regret, and the murky waters of memory with an unflinching gaze. Directed by Feras Alfuqaha, it takes its audience on a surreal journey that not only tests the limits of its protagonist but also invites viewers to reflect on their own life experiences, choices, and the delicate connections we forge across time.

Love Hurts is intended to be a romantic action-comedy that whisks viewers away on a thrilling ride sprinkled with heartwarming moments. Unfortunately, it delivers more cringes than it does charm. Directed by Jonathan Eusebio, the film tries to find the gleeful intersection of love and mayhem, yet ends up as an unwelcome appliance left out in the cold, constantly reminding you of how much you despise its very existence. With an optional course on unoriginal storytelling, bland acting, and a perplexing absence of chemistry, you might be left scratching your head and questioning whether this was all just a punchline.

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.