Movies

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.

Founders Day, a slasher film directed by Erik Bloomquist, attempts to redefine the holiday-themed horror genre with a concept rooted in a nebulous celebration that varies across diverse locales. Positioning itself as a dark, festive parody within the slasher subgenre, the film centers around a masked assailant targeting participants of a town’s anniversary political campaign. Despite its intriguing premise—combining elements of political intrigue, holiday revelry, and horror—Founders Day ultimately presents as a mediocre effort that falters amid predictable storytelling and inconsistent production quality.

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.

In a universe not so far away, a film titled "Flight Risk" has landed—or more appropriately, crash-landed—straight onto streaming platforms, helmed by a name once synonymous with epic storytelling, Mel Gibson. Prepare yourselves, for this is not "Braveheart," nor is it a movie that wrestles with deep philosophical themes. Instead, it is a whirlwind, turbulence-riddled escapade of bewildering decisions and a plethora of questionable accents. Central to this cinematic odyssey is a pilot of questionable credentials—wink, wink—and a handcuffed accountant. Hats off to the daring filmmakers who decided the vast Alaskan wilderness would be best portrayed from inside one small cabin for 90% of the runtime.

Fight Club—the cult classic that turned pillow fights into existential crises and shopping malls into battlegrounds. You know, the film that taught us that the road to masculinity is paved with soap and subtle acts of violence.

Fish Story (フィッシュストーリー, Fisshū Sutōrī) is a 2009 Japanese action comedy directed by Yoshihiro Nakamura, taking its cues from the novel by Kōtarō Isaka. The film stars an ensemble cast including Atsushi Itō, Kiyohiko Shibukawa, and Mirai Moriyama. As a fan of punk music, I was drawn to the movie not only by its unique premise but by its soundtrack—the titular song "Fish Story" by Kazuyoshi Saito has become a personal favorite.

When I first heard about "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga," I was both excited and apprehensive. Anya Taylor-Joy has always captivated me with her exceptional talent and striking beauty, so I was eager to see how she would step into the role of Furiosa.

Directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, "Focus" is a slick 2015 heist drama that combines elements of romance, con artistry, and deception, featuring a charismatic leading duo in Will Smith and Margot Robbie.

As someone who typically gravitates toward different genres, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself enjoying "Frankie Freako," directed by Steven Kostanski.