Skip to main content

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 relaxed and confident presence. He keeps the momentum going even when the spectacle falls short.

Georgina Campbell, recognized for Barbarian and Bird Box Barcelona, has great chemistry with Keery. Their scenes together are the highlight of the film and give the chaos some needed grounding.

Liam Neeson, known for Taken and Schindler's List, turns in an okay performance, but the movie oddly puts him on his back for the most of the movie. He is dependable, just not especially dynamic here.

Good writing, strong lead chemistry, weak CG, and better than expected execution overall. Result: B

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

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...

Send Help (2026)

Send Help (2026) is a survival thriller that quietly builds tension until the jump scares start landing, at which point it becomes very clear who is behind the camera. I actually forgot it was a Sam Raimi film until one particular scare snapped that memory back into place. The film balances suspense and character moments well, and the visual presentation helps sell the emotional shift across the story. Sam Raimi , known for The Evil Dead and Spider-Man , brings his trademark timing to the scare beats and camera movement. His direction gives even simple moments a sense of unease. The film is more restrained than his wildest work, but the horror mechanics are sharp and effective when they show up. Rachel McAdams , recognized from The Notebook and Mean Girls , delivers a strong performance that is helped a lot by smart costume and makeup design. The first half intentionally downplays her appearance to make her seem worn down and ordinary, while the second half lets her natural presen...