A spicy corner of the web where movie critiques, music rants, and sharp takes collide.
Planet Dune, the movie that dares to ask: "What if we take all the epic grandeur of Dune and replace it with... well, whatever this is?" Directed by Tammy Klein and Glenn Campbell, and released in September 2021, this science fiction mockbuster is more of a cosmic comedic catastrophe than anything else. And you know what? I actually liked it.
Elevation, the latest post-apocalyptic action thriller directed by George Nolfi, I was hoping for an engaging adventure that would blend tactical survival with emotional stakes. After all, the film stars Anthony Mackie and Morena Baccarin, both actors known for their compelling performances. Unfortunately, what unfolded before me was a cinematic trainwreck of boredom, confusion, and missed opportunities.
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.
Where do I even begin with Borderlands, the latest cinematic misadventure directed by Eli Roth? This 2024 science fiction action comedy features a star-studded cast, including Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, and Jack Black—three talents I would hope have better things to do.
We have been “blessed” with the latest installment of Zack Snyder's cosmic circus with Rebel Moon Part 2: The Scargiver—but really, it should be titled The Shit-giver. If you thought Rebel Moon Part 1 was a wild ride, hold onto your popcorn because this sequel brings you the chaos of a toddler’s birthday party—colorful balloons and loud noise included, but good luck finding any cake.
Given Snyder's reputation for visually striking films, I approached Rebel Moon with a mixture of curiosity and guarded optimism. After all, how could a film featuring a dying planet and a band of rebels not deliver some level of excitement? Spoiler alert: it crashes and burns rather spectacularly.
“Life” is the kind of film that takes you on a gripping interstellar journey while simultaneously gripping your popcorn with tension. Directed by Daniel Espinosa, this thrilling sci-fi horror flick from 2017 sprinkles just the right amount of suspense with science fiction.
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.
The saga of "Dune" represents a captivating exploration of adaptation, ambition, and the artistic struggle to translate complex narratives from page to screen. From David Lynch's 1984 effort to Denis Villeneuve's "Dune" in 2021 and the recent "Dune: Part Two", each film provides a unique perspective on Frank Herbert's seminal work.
As I prepared to watch "Megalopolis," I felt a surge of anticipation, hoping for a return to form from Francis Ford Coppola. Given his illustrious career, marked by classics like "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now," expectations were high.