28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026)

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026) continues the infected saga with a story that is strange enough to stay engaging and familiar enough for longtime fans to settle back in. If you have followed the previous films, there is enough connective tissue here to keep your interest, even when the execution falters. The film leans into cult imagery and bleak world building, which works more often than not, even if the pacing and presentation are uneven.

Nia DaCosta, who previously directed Candyman (2021) and The Marvels, shows some recurring issues with camera direction and dialogue-heavy scenes. Several shots are awkwardly staged, and conversations often lack visual energy. That said, the overall Alex Garland's story structure is solid and appropriately weird for this universe, suggesting stronger material than her technical choices allow to shine.

Jack O’Connell, known for Unbroken and Sinners, plays the satanist cult leader and walks a fine line between overacting and controlled insanity. His performance is intense and uncomfortable, which suits the role, and while he occasionally pushes too far, he remains memorable and threatening throughout.

Erin Kellyman, recognizable from Solo: A Star Wars Story and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, plays one of the central cult members. She does a competent job and shows some growth compared to her earlier work. The performance works within the film but never fully elevates the character beyond what is on the page. She's Hollywood's dream child actress and expect to see her more despite her earlier failures.

Alfie Williams returns and continues to be one of the emotional anchors of the series. His grounded performance adds sincerity to a film that could easily drift into excess. He brings a natural presence that helps balance the more extreme elements of the story.

Ralph Fiennes, known for Schindler’s List and Harry Potter, also returns and delivers exactly what you would expect. His performance is steady, restrained, and authoritative, lending weight to the film and helping ground the more bizarre narrative turns.

Overall, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is an improvement over the previous entry, though not by a wide margin. Strong performances from returning cast members help stabilize a film that struggles with direction and presentation. Fans of the franchise will likely find enough here to enjoy, even if it never fully lives up to its potential. Result: B-

Comments

Masters of the Universe (2026)

Masters of the Universe is directed by Travis Knight , known for Kubo and the Two Strings and Bumblebee , and while the film is competently made, it often struggles with execution. The action sequences look impressive on the surface, but many of the larger one vs. many fights suffer from a common problem where enemies appear to stand around waiting their turn to attack. The script, written by Aaron Nee and Adam Nee , known for The Lost City , takes the story in a direction that feels at odds with what many audiences might expect from a Masters of the Universe adaptation. Rather than embracing the larger than life heroic fantasy at the center of the franchise, the film spends much of its time deconstructing its protagonist in ways that don't always serve the story. Nicholas Galitzine , known for The Idea of You and Red, White & Royal Blue , plays He-Man and does what he can with the material. The character is written in a way that often undermines the masculinity associate...

Scary Movie (2026)

Scary Movie is directed by Michael Tiddes , known for A Haunted House and Naked , and while he has shown a knack for broad parody comedy in the past, this film never quite finds its rhythm. Much of the blame falls on the screenplay by Rick Alvarez , which jumps rapidly from gag to gag without establishing enough momentum for many of the jokes to land. The movie constantly feels like it is searching for its next laugh rather than confidently building toward one, resulting in a scattered experience that struggles to maintain energy. Anna Faris , known for The House Bunny and the original Scary Movie series, returns as Cindy and slips back into the role with ease. Her performance feels very much in line with her previous appearances, capturing the same exaggerated innocence and comedic timing that made the character memorable in the first place. Even when the material isn't particularly strong, Faris remains committed and helps carry the film through some of its weaker stretches....

Tuner (2026)

Tuner is written and directed by Daniel Roher and centers around a piano tuner who becomes involved in cracking safes, balancing his growing criminal life with his personal relationships. The film has a very specific tone that will not work for everyone, but it knows exactly what audience it is aiming for. Roher keeps the story grounded and character-focused, allowing the tension to come more from personal choices and atmosphere than from explosive action. It moves at a deliberate pace, which may lose some viewers, but those willing to settle into its rhythm will likely appreciate what it is doing. Leo Woodall , known for The White Lotus and One Day , plays the lead role and does a strong job carrying the film. He balances the nervousness and charm of the character well, making the transition between ordinary working man and reluctant criminal believable. Woodall gives the film its emotional center and keeps the quieter moments engaging through sheer screen presence. Havana Rose L...

Movies, Film, and Chili

Search This Blog