Movies, Film, and Chili

Jurassic World: Rebirth attempts to relaunch the franchise with a fresh cast and setting, but it ends up feeling like a commercial in search of a plot. Directed by Gareth Edwards , known for Rogue One and Godzilla , the film is filled with baffling creative choices. There’s product placement in almost every scene, and most of the action sequences are over-edited and underwhelming. Edwards seems more interested in drone shots and branding than tension or logic. Written by David Koepp , who once gave us Jurassic Park and Mission: Impossible , the script is shockingly clumsy. The dialogue is flat, the pacing is off, and the characters regularly make decisions that would embarrass even the worst horror movie victims. It’s hard to believe the same writer once helped build this universe. The film is basically Aliens  but with dinosaurs. Scarlett Johansson , known for Marriage Story and Black Widow , stars but seems like she’s checked out. Her performance lacks the spark she once h...

The Old Guard 2 continues the story of immortal warriors struggling with eternity, but this time the story struggles to stay interesting. Directed by Victoria Mahoney , known for second unit work on Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker , the film looks fine but lacks energy. The first film at least had novelty. This one has none. The action scenes are repetitive, the tone is self-serious, and it’s full of butch posturing with no real emotional stakes. The girl boss mentality is in full swing, but it doesn't make up for the lack of momentum. Kiki Layne , returning from The Old Guard and also known for If Beale Street Could Talk , is meant to be the emotional center as the “Last Immortal,” but her performance is flat. She doesn’t bring the weight or presence the role needs, and most of her scenes fall into the background. Charlize Theron , from Mad Max: Fury Road and Atomic Blonde , returns as the leader, but she seems like she’s trying too hard. Her intensity feels forced this tim...