Movies, Film, and Chili

Heart of the Beast is a dog movie that feels like it is trying very hard to make you cry. Brad Pitt spends most of the film channeling his inner Leonardo DiCaprio from The Revenant , playing a man struggling to make his way home through increasingly difficult circumstances. The problem is that the movie keeps pulling on the heartstrings so aggressively that it becomes obvious what emotion it wants from the audience. By the end, I was less emotionally invested and more ready for the movie to be over. Brad Pitt carries the entire film on his back, which is both its biggest strength and its biggest problem. He does a decent job with the material, but there is only so much he can do when the movie keeps pushing the emotional beats so hard. His performance is what keeps the film watchable, but it also makes it obvious how little there is around him. J.K. Simmons is technically in the movie, but only briefly. It is one of those appearances where you see a recognizable actor in the cast a...

Runner is directed by Scott Waugh , the same director who brought us Act of Valor and Expendables 4 , and he knows how to handle action. The action is well directed, and the editing is tight enough that the movie never feels unnecessarily drawn out. The film is pretty straightforward, but it knows what it wants to be and delivers a fun action movie without overstaying its welcome. Alan Ritchson tries to branch out from the role of the giant who beats people up, but he doesn't get very far away from it. He's clearly capable of playing more than the typical physically imposing action hero, but this movie still leans heavily into what he's already known for. Owen Wilson , meanwhile, basically plays himself, or at least a character very similar to the one he played in Wedding Crashers . If you've seen Wilson in that type of role before, you know exactly what you're getting. Rodrigo Santoro , who most people will probably recognize from 300 , plays the main villain. H...

Mutiny is directed by Jean-François Richet , who directed Plane , and also who once again proves to be a better action director than character developer. The film's action sequences are staged effectively, but some of the quieter scenes feel strangely undercooked. I'm not sure if Richet simply ignored certain issues or chose to use the first take in order to save money, but several moments lack the polish the rest of the film displays. Writers Lindsay Michel and J.P. Davis do a good job setting up the action and giving Jason Statham's character a believable reason to find himself out on a boat, but the dialogue can be atrocious at times. The story works when it focuses on its action, but the writing becomes a noticeable weakness whenever the characters stop moving long enough to talk. Jason Statham , known for The Transporter and The Beekeeper , does exactly what audiences expect from him and does it well. He commands every scene he's in, bringing his usual physica...

The End of Oak Street starts with Anne Hathaway immediately establishing herself as the film's strongest performer, especially when compared to the wooden performance from Ewan McGregor . The premise of a writer struggling with an unsupportive spouse hits close to home for me. The split-focus direction from David Robert Mitchell isn't particularly new or uniquely executed. Instead, it often feels disorienting without accomplishing what I assume was the intention. Mitchell also struggles with the screenplay, as the dialogue can be atrocious at times and boring the rest of the time. This isn't his first failed attempt at writing interesting characters, which makes it understandable why he hasn't written or directed anything in eight years. Anne Hathaway is easily the best part of the film. She brings enough personality and emotional weight to keep the movie watchable despite the material surrounding her. Unfortunately, even Hathaway can't carry the entire film. Ew...

Motor City is directed by Potsy Ponciroli and is a film that relies almost entirely on visual storytelling. With what feels like no more than six lines of dialogue throughout its runtime, Ponciroli places the burden on his direction and the performances to carry the narrative. He succeeds more often than not, using framing, pacing, and silence to build tension instead of exposition. The result is a revenge thriller that feels heavily inspired by Drive , directed by Nicolas Winding Refn , though it never quite reaches the same level of style or emotional resonance. Even so, paying homage to one of the best neo-noir films of the last two decades is hardly a bad thing. Also, it has an amazing elevator scene similar to the one in  Drive . Alan Ritchson , known for Reacher and The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare , plays a man who has been wrongfully accused and embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance. It's a role that perfectly suits his imposing physical presence, and he prove...

Young Washington tells the story of George Washington before the American Revolution, chronicling the experiences that shaped him into the tactically brilliant military leader remembered throughout history. Directed by Jon Erwin , known for I Can Only Imagine , the film carries many of the same hallmarks as his previous work. His direction is earnest and straightforward, with an underlying message that is never particularly subtle. While the historical setting provides an interesting backdrop, the film struggles to find its rhythm early on, especially during its opening sequences with the younger cast. Fortunately, it improves considerably in its final third, where the story becomes more focused and engaging. William Franklyn-Miller takes on the role of the young George Washington , but he unfortunately lacks the screen presence needed to carry a film centered almost entirely on his shoulders. He delivers a respectable performance, but the emotional weight and leadership qualities t...

They Will Kill You is written and directed by Kirill Sokolov , who attempts to put his own spin on the survival horror formula popularized by film  Ready or Not . This time there is no deadly game. Instead, the story revolves around a cult and a bizarre pig demon. Unfortunately, the concept is far stranger than it is compelling, and not in a way that benefits the film. Sokolov's direction never quite finds the right balance between horror and dark comedy, while the screenplay struggles to give the audience a reason to invest in its increasingly absurd premise. The entire production feels more like a direct-to-streaming release than a theatrical feature, and considering it reportedly earned only $10 million domestic against a $20 million budget, that impression is difficult to shake. Zazie Beetz , known for Joker and Deadpool 2 , stars as the film's protagonist. While she remains as beautiful as ever, her performance never rises above the material she's given. She neither ...

The Odyssey is written and directed by Christopher Nolan , bringing one of history's greatest epics to the big screen with his signature ambition and scale. There were rumors that the film would lean heavily on a newer interpretation of the source material, and after watching it, I can understand where those concerns came from. Many of the scenes that feel unnecessary or overextended stem from that interpretation and could have been trimmed without hurting the overall narrative. Once again, Nolan demonstrates that he is a stronger director than writer, crafting visually stunning sequences while allowing the screenplay to become overly indulgent at times. The other surprising misstep is the absence of Hans Zimmer . The change in composer is immediately noticeable, and while the score is serviceable, it lacks the emotional power and memorable identity that Zimmer has brought to so many of Nolan's previous films. Matt Damon is perfectly cast as Odysseus, delivering exactly the k...

Apex is directed by Icelandic filmmaker Baltasar Kormákur , whose underrated action film 2 Guns demonstrated his ability to balance suspense with character-driven storytelling. Here, he brings that same confidence behind the camera, keeping the film engaging from beginning to end. The screenplay by Jeremy Robbins , known for The Purge television series, delivers a story with a twist that genuinely caught me off guard. I won't say anything more because even acknowledging there's a surprise can change how someone watches the film, but it's one of the movie's biggest strengths and helps separate it from a typical streaming thriller. Charlize Theron , known for Mad Max: Fury Road and Atomic Blonde , once again proves why she's one of Hollywood's most reliable leading actresses. It's surprising to see someone of her caliber spending so much time in Netflix productions, especially when she consistently elevates whatever material she's given. Even when the ...

Citizen Vigilante is written and directed by Uwe Boll , a filmmaker whose work has always been divisive, and this film continues that trend. The movie tackles issues surrounding immigration, social tensions, and public frustration, themes that have been prominent throughout the decade. Surprisingly, the film often approaches these subjects from a perspective that many viewers may not expect from a major studio release. While the political themes are front and center, the larger issue is that the writing struggles to make the world and its characters feel believable. Conversations often lack the natural reactions people would have in real life, particularly younger characters who accept lectures and speeches with very little resistance or personality. Armie Hammer , known for The Social Network and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. , plays the vigilante and spends much of the film using a gravelly, Batman-inspired voice. He commits fully to the role, and his physical presence works well for th...

The Furious is directed by Kenji Tanigaki , a filmmaker and action coordinator known for his work on Snake Eyes and a longtime veteran of the stunt world. A fun piece of trivia is that Tanigaki was one of the stunt doubles on Mortal Kombat: Annihilation , and his experience behind the camera is evident throughout the film. The action is relentless, the pacing rarely slows down, and the movie understands that tension comes from constantly forcing its characters into increasingly dangerous situations. From beginning to end, it feels like an action film designed by people who genuinely understand action filmmaking. Miao Xie anchors the film and delivers some phenomenal fight sequences. His athleticism and screen presence make every encounter believable, and the choreography allows him to showcase a wide range of techniques rather than relying on repetitive exchanges. The action scenes are impressive on their own, but they become even better when paired with his co-star. Joe Taslim , ...

In the Grey is written and directed by Guy Ritchie , known for Snatch and The Gentlemen , and the film carries all the style and personality audiences expect from him. The dialogue is sharp, the pacing is confident, and the story constantly moves with a sense of swagger that keeps it entertaining throughout. Ritchie once again proves he knows how to make even familiar action setups feel fresh through his direction and character work. Eiza González , known for Baby Driver and Ambulance , plays the beautiful and manipulative lawyer role perfectly. She brings confidence and charisma to every scene, balancing charm with danger in a way that fits naturally into Ritchie’s world. Beyond just looking the part, she fully commits to the character’s aggressive personality and ends up being one of the film’s strongest presences. Henry Cavill , known for Man of Steel and The Witcher , delivers another very likable performance. His natural charm works extremely well here, especially in the fil...

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...

Shelter (2026) follows a former special operative forced to take down the same organization that once employed him. The story is cookie cutter and very familiar, so the burden falls on the acting and character moments to keep things engaging. It borrows heavily from the John Wick style of action design, and while it never reaches those highs, it stays watchable. The ,  Ric Roman Waugh,  keeps the pacing tight and the action clear, even if the storytelling never rises above standard protection thriller territory. The film understands its lane and does not try to reinvent it, which helps prevent it from completely falling apart when the script goes predictable. Jason Statham , known for The Transporter and The Beekeeper , does exactly what you expect. He brings physical credibility and efficient screen presence to the role. The emotional side of the character is thinner, but the action work carries his performance and keeps the film moving. Bodhi Rae Breathnach , recognized...

The Running Man (2025) is directed by Edgar Wright , known for Baby Driver and Hot Fuzz , but this remake lacks the trademark charm, rhythm, and comedic punch that define his best work. The film feels noticeably muted, almost as if Wright was creatively restrained or intentionally holding back, resulting in a tone that is far more conventional than expected from him. The visual flair is still present, but the energy is dialed down and the humor is sparse, creating an experience that feels competent yet oddly subdued. Glen Powell , known for Top Gun: Maverick and Anyone But You , leads the film well and brings his usual charisma to the role. He emotes effectively and fully commits to the character, but the makeup choices surrounding him occasionally distract and left me wondering what the creative team was trying to convey. Still, Powell carries the emotional beats and remains one of the film's strongest assets. Josh Brolin , from No Country for Old Men and Dune , steps comfor...

The Toxic Avenger (2025) is directed and written by Macon Blair , who is better known as an actor than a filmmaker, with notable roles in Green Room and Blue Ruin . His writing and direction lean into the over-the-top chaos expected from a Toxic Avenger remake, embracing absurdity with confidence even if not every choice lands cleanly. Peter Dinklage , best known for Game of Thrones and Cyrano , takes on the strange task of grounding this bizarre film and succeeds in making it entertaining. His ability to balance seriousness with the absurd tone gives the movie its core strength. Taylour Paige , known for Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F  and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom , injects charisma into her role, making her presence one of the film’s highlights. Kevin Bacon , with decades of work including Footloose and Mystic River , delivers his usual charm, clearly enjoying himself in the chaos. He plays the films big bad. Elijah Wood , who audiences know from The Lord of the Rings trilog...

The Long Walk (2025) is directed by Francis Lawrence , who is best known for helming the last four Hunger Games films. While the source material has plenty of potential, the direction and writing here feel uneven, leaving the story without the same impact his previous work carried. Cooper Hoffman , recognized for Licorice Pizza , leads the film but gives only an average performance compared to his breakout role. His delivery lacks the spark that made him so captivating before. The standout instead comes from David Jonsson , known for Alien: Romulus , who gives the most compelling and emotional performance in the film. Mark Hamill , beloved for his iconic role as Luke Skywalker in Star Wars , unfortunately delivers the weakest and wooden acting in the cast, coming across as stiff and disengaged. He tries his best to channel his inner unhinged patriot but it's clear he doesn't have a good frame of reference. Ben Wang, who has appeared in projects like Karate Kid: Legends and...

Caught Stealing (2025) is directed by Darren Aronofsky , known for Black Swan and The Whale , with the screenplay adapted by Charlie Huston . Aronofsky keeps the tension high while balancing gritty realism with stylized action sequences, creating a film that feels raw yet cinematic. Especially with Bad Bunny's  main scene. Austin Butler , acclaimed for Elvis and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood , commands the screen with a performance that rivals his breakout role. He brings emotional depth to a very flawed yet sympathetic protagonist. Zoe Kravitz , recognized for The Batman and Mad Max: Fury Road , delivers one of her strongest performances to date, adding nuance and sharp charisma to the story. Matt Smith , best known for Doctor Who and Last Night in Soho , brings a unique 90s persona that makes his scenes stand out.  Liev Schreiber , from Ray Donovan and X-Men Origins: Wolverine , and Vincent D'Onofrio , known for Daredevil and Full Metal Jacket , both add subtle humo...

Nobody 2 comes with a change in creative leadership, as Timo Tjahjanto takes over directing duties from Ilya Naishuller . The difference is noticeable, with the sequel lacking the same energy and spark that made the first film stand out. The script, written by Aaron Rabin , suffers from uneven pacing and tonal issues. While he avoids some of the pitfalls that bogged down his work on Marvel’s Secret Invasion , his late-game writing choices undercut the story’s tension and credibility. Bob Odenkirk once again commits to his role, doing the best he can with a weaker script. His physicality and dry delivery still make him a compelling lead, but the film doesn’t give him much new ground to cover. You'll remember Bob from Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad . Connie Nielsen is underwritten, with her character lacking individuality or meaningful development. She feels more like a placeholder than a partner to Odenkirk’s character, which is disappointing given her talent. You'll r...

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...