Movies

Released in 2019 under the direction of Fernando Meirelles, The Two Popes presents an intimate portrayal of two of the most influential figures within the Catholic Church—Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis—played masterfully by Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce, respectively. Based on Anthony McCarten’s theatrical adaptation, the film ventures into the nuanced psychological and theological terrains of these towering personalities, set against the backdrop of the Vatican during a period of upheaval. As someone interested in the intricacies of faith, doctrine, and leadership, I approached The Two Popes with anticipation, eager to see how it would balance historical authenticity with dramatic storytelling.

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.

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.

September 5 bursts forth as a poignant historical drama that delves into the tragic events of the Munich massacre during the 1972 Summer Olympics. Directed by Tim Fehlbaum, this gripping film chronicles the chaotic coverage by the ABC Sports crew as they navigate the grim realities of a terrorist attack. With solid performances from a strong cast, this film invites viewers into a thrilling reenactment wrapped in ethical conundrums and moral exploration while compellingly examining the intersection of media, politics, and human tragedy.

Last Breath, directed by Alex Parkinson, immerses viewers in the perilous realm of deep-sea saturation divers, skillfully striking a balance between survival thriller and poignant human drama. Released in theaters on February 28, 2025, this film adapts a true story—remaking the 2019 documentary co-directed by Parkinson—bringing to life the frantic race against time to rescue a stranded diver amid the unforgiving North Sea. With a solid cast, including Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu, and Finn Cole, the film attempts to offer an exploration of resilience and sacrifice set against a backdrop as thrilling as it is terrifying.

The Hundred-Foot Journey, directed by Lasse Hallström and released in 2014, serves up a delectable blend of comedy and drama, artfully adapting Richard C. Morais' 2010 novel. This charming film, produced by cinematic heavyweights Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey, invites audiences into the vibrant world of culinary rivalry. Nestled in a picturesque French village, the plot unfolds around two restaurants positioned just a hundred feet apart—an Indian eatery, Maison Mumbai, established by the Kadam family, and an upscale French restaurant, Le Saule Pleureur, run by the formidable Madame Mallory. The film beautifully explores themes of cultural clash and collaboration, familial bonds, and the transforming power of food.

In Youth We Trust is the latest offering from acclaimed director Puttipong Nakthong, making its impactful debut amidst a backdrop of stark adolescent turmoil within the confines of juvenile detention. This film continues Nakthong’s exploration of teenage violence, yet veers into a different realm, capturing the harrowing reality of life in a juvenile facility where young lives are shaped—or often distorted—by the brutal hierarchies of prison life.

In the 2023 sequel 4 Kings II, Phuttipong Nakthong continues his exploration of the chaotic youth culture rooted in Thailand's vocational school rivalries. While the film picks up from the impactful narrative established in the first installment, it struggles to recapture the emotional depth that resonated with audiences in 2021. Despite its engaging elements, the sequel ultimately reveals a tale that, while still worthwhile, feels unbalanced when contrasted with its predecessor.

In his directorial debut, Phuttipong Nakthong presents 4 Kings, a stirring neo-noir crime drama that explores the complexities of youth, camaraderie, and conflict within the backdrop of Thailand's 1990s vocational school culture. This film immerses audiences into a turbulent era characterized by youthful rebellion and institutional rivalries. It's a poignant yet gritty narrative that straddles themes of friendship, rivalry, and the harsh realities of growing up amid societal expectations.