Pain Hustlers (2023)

Pain Hustlers is a fictional story based on how similarly true events transpire in the pharma business.

From the director of various Harry Potter & Fantastic Beasts films, David Yates, the film is very different than a typical Yates film. He had a major stinker with The Legend of Tarzan and Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore. This is by far his best film. Who knows why but perhaps it's the first time writers Wells Tower and Evan Hughes, both who've basically done nothing. That being said it's a great way to start.

Emily Blunt has a hard time with her American accent throughout most of the film, but she does a great job playing the rags-to-riches woman who just wants what's best for her kid. It's relatable and builds on her legacy as an actress.

Chris Evans plays the man who brings Blunt into all of this. He plays a much more interesting character than he has in his previous few Netflix films. I believe he's trying to branch out and show his range but he keeps playing unlikeable characters. Regardless of how well he plays the character, he's going to get a reputation that will have moved away from Captain America and into a negative typecast.

The film was interesting and believable. It was a great first time for Tower and Hughes. This also is the best David Yates movie, but that's not saying much. Result: B-

Comments

Psycho Killer (2026)

Psycho Killer (2026) is a religious-tinged detective thriller that leans far more into procedural tension than outright horror. Directed by Gavin Polone , who is better known as a producer than a filmmaker, the movie benefits heavily from its screenplay by Andrew Kevin Walker , the writer behind Se7en . His fingerprints are all over this. The writing is sharp, layered with foreshadowing that only fully clicks at the end, and structured in a way that constantly feels like it is building toward something inevitable. The gorgeous Georgina Campbell plays the detective tracking down the titular killer, and she carries the film with confidence. You'll remember her from Barbarian and recently Cold Storage. The script gives her plenty of emotional range to explore, from controlled professionalism to visible cracks under pressure. She handles the lore-heavy exposition well and grounds what could have been overwhelming backstory. It is another strong showing for her and proof she c...

Cold Storage (2026)

Cold Storage (2026) is a sci fi horror thriller that surprised me in a good way. The writing is solid enough that it actually calmed some of my worries about Disclosure Day coming later this year since the same writer is involved. The story holds together and stays engaging, even when the visuals do not. The CG is laughably bad at times, but the acting/chemistry keeps the movie watchable. Jonny Campbell directs, with the screenplay by David Koepp , known for Jurassic Park and Spider-Man . His writing here is tighter than expected, which is why it gives me more confidence about Disclosure Day. The direction is straightforward and lets the script do most of the work, even if the effects budget clearly limits what can be shown on screen. He needs a redemption after Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull. Joe Keery , known for Stranger Things and Free Guy , is the main reason I showed up. He proves he can handle a leading role after Stranger Things and carries the film with a relax...

Crime 101 (2026)

Crime 101 (2026) is a crime thriller that checks the basic boxes of what should work, but the writing never tightens enough to make it compelling. It hits familiar beats, runs longer than it should, and never quite earns its tension. It feels like a good movie outline stretched into a full runtime. Bart Layton , known for American Animals and The Imposter , directs, and his uneven filmography shows here. The structure is serviceable, but the pacing drags and the scenes lack urgency. The direction is competent without being memorable, and the film never finds a sharp identity. Chris Hemsworth , known for Thor and Extraction , plays the reclusive criminal at the center of the story. He tries to lean into a quieter, more internal performance, but he does not fully sell the damaged foster child mentality the script is aiming for. The performance feels like an attempt rather than a transformation. Mark Ruffalo , recognized for Spotlight and The Avengers , feels like he is on autopilo...

Movies, Film, and Chili

Search This Blog