The Black Phone 2 (2025) is written and directed by Scott Derrickson , the mind behind Sinister and the original The Black Phone . While Derrickson’s return should have elevated the sequel, the film instead leans too heavily on exposition, losing much of the dread and mystery that made the first entry so chilling. The scares feel explained rather than experienced, and the pacing suffers because of it. Mason Thames , reprising his role from the original, delivers a respectable performance. Now older, he brings maturity to the character, though much of the fear and vulnerability that made him compelling in the first film is gone. His performance is serviceable but lacks the spark of discovery the story needs. Ethan Hawke , known for Training Day and Dead Poets Society , returns as The Grabber. His presence still commands the screen, but his reduced role feels like a missed opportunity. The movie never finds a figure as haunting or magnetic as his portrayal in the original. Madelein...
Roofman (2025) is written and directed by Derek Cianfrance , known for co-writing Sound of Metal and directing The Place Beyond the Pines . While the story’s real-life basis limits the emotional depth and narrative creativity compared to his earlier work, Cianfrance still manages to build tension and authenticity through grounded character work and realistic pacing. The direction shows his skill in capturing human struggle, though it doesn’t reach the same heights as his past projects. Channing Tatum , who both produces and stars, delivers a solid performance. While it doesn’t demand the same emotional intensity as Foxcatcher or the boldness of Blink Twice , Tatum’s portrayal of the titular Roofman carries genuine effort and restraint. He manages to evoke empathy without leaning too heavily on dramatics, showing a maturity in his acting that’s commendable. Kirsten Dunst , known for Interview with a Vampire and Spider-Man , continues her streak of strong dramatic performances. She...