Movies, Film, and Chili

The Uprising is written and directed by Paul Greengrass , and the film certainly looks the part. The costumes, dialogue, and scenery all do a great job of establishing the time period and making the world feel authentic. Unfortunately, the movie has a frustrating habit of taking scenes that could have been much shorter and dragging them out until you are simply waiting for something to happen. Andrew Garfield does a great job leading the film and proves he still has what it takes to carry a movie on his shoulders. His performance reminded me of his work in Silence and Hacksaw Ridge , where he is able to bring a lot of emotional weight to a character without completely overplaying it. The problem is that the movie occasionally focuses on minor characters who do not have the same level of delivery. When the camera stays on them for too long, the cracks in the dialogue and performances become much more obvious. Jamie Bell , who you may remember from Jumper , does a decent job as a supp...

Digger is directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu and stars Tom Cruise as Digger Rockwell. Much like his name, there is a lot of symbolism and meaning packed into the film, along with plenty of references that brought a smile to my face. I went into this expecting it to be pretentious or outright bad because that was the prevailing opinion online before general audiences had even had a chance to see it. Anyone calling this movie pretentious clearly has not seen The Death of Robin Hood or Die My Love . Die My Love was so pretentious that my wife actually begged me to leave the theater, and I had to finish it another day. Digger , on the other hand, actually understands the difference between being ambitious and simply being self-important. Tom Cruise is great as Digger Rockwell, giving the character exactly the kind of larger-than-life personality the movie needs. There is so much going on beneath the surface that I found myself constantly looking for the symbolism and references hidden...

The Stunt Driver feels more like a passion project than a comedy or even a drama. There is enough here to get me into the theater, but not enough to keep me from checking the time during its 99-minute runtime. Even at that length, the movie feels like it is constantly waiting for the big jump to happen instead of actually giving us something interesting along the way. Writer/director Michael Dowse is clearly a Canadian patriot, but he needs to remember that most of his audience isn't Canadian. There is nothing wrong with being proud of where you come from, but the movie spends so much time leaning into that pride that it becomes difficult for anyone outside of Canada to connect with it. Goon worked because it had a much better script. The Stunt Driver needed to be written by someone who actually understands comedy and knows how to build jokes around the characters instead of simply expecting the premise to carry the movie. Jay Baruchel does a decent job in the lead, but he isn...

Primetime is directed by Lance Oppenheim , who is known for making some other pretentious movies, and unfortunately that reputation feels right at home here. The film offers an interesting look behind the scenes of a television production, but it spends far too much time trying to be artsy and meaningful instead of simply telling its story. Robert Pattinson is easily the best part of the movie. His character is completely Chris Hansen in both voice and mannerisms, which makes his performance unintentionally hilarious at times. Even so, Pattinson fully commits to the role and gives the film some much needed personality. The biggest problem is that the movie never really wraps up his story, making all that investment in his character feel strangely incomplete. Skyler Gisondo gets the unfortunate distinction of being the character we ultimately end on. His character feels like a self-insert, especially with how frequently he brings up the musical Rent . Instead of giving the ending th...

  Tony is written and directed by Matt Johnson , and while I haven't seen Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie , this film has definitely made me want to. I've heard good things about it, and after seeing what Johnson does here, I'm curious to check out more of his work. Tony is filled with little details that I enjoyed, particularly in the way its characters mirror the relationships and careers of the actors playing them. The film doesn't quite reach greatness, but Johnson's direction and attention to those smaller details give the drama enough personality to stand out. Dominic Sessa  continues to find himself cast as the likable but uncharismatic underdog that audiences naturally want to root for. He was excellent in The Holdovers , and he's good here as well, but this is starting to feel like a type of character he could easily become stuck playing. Sessa has enough talent to become more than that, but he'll need to branch out soon if he wants to avoid ...

I Can Only Imagine 2 continues the story established in the original film, but it relies too heavily on manufactured drama to justify its existence. Rather than allowing conflict to arise naturally, the screenplay feels like it's throwing darts at a wall, pulling together different events simply to create another emotional character arc. Director Andrew Erwin once again proves he can get the most out of his cast despite the weaker material, doing his best to elevate a script that often undermines the growth established in the first film. Unfortunately, much of the character development that made the original so effective feels lost here, making this sequel a noticeable step down. John Michael Finley returns as Bart , but his portrayal leans far more into melodrama this time around. While it's understandable that the screenplay wants to give its protagonist another emotional journey, it comes at the expense of believable character progression. After everything his character e...

The Invite is directed by and stars Olivia Wilde , who delivers a remarkable improvement behind the camera compared to Don't Worry Darling . Every camera angle, character placement, and movement feels deliberate, giving the film a strong visual identity while allowing the performances to breathe. The screenplay, written by Will McCormack and Rashida Jones , showcases the duo's background in comedy. Their sharp dialogue and impeccable timing had the entire theater laughing throughout, balancing humor with genuine character development in a way that never feels forced. You might remember Jones from Parks and Recs. Olivia Wilde plays Angela, a self-described control freak whose marriage is put under the microscope over the course of one unforgettable evening. Wilde fully commits to the role, creating a character who is both frustrating and sympathetic. Her chemistry with Seth Rogen , who plays her husband Joe, is one of the film's greatest strengths. Their arguments feel so...

The Bride is written and directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal , whose previous directorial effort, The Lost Daughter , received significant critical praise. Here, however, the film immediately establishes a tone that may divide audiences. Its themes of female empowerment and identity are presented very directly, and the opening moments in particular feel more interested in making statements than introducing characters. The dialogue often aims for poetic or literary weight, but much of it comes across as overly self-conscious, making scenes difficult to follow and preventing emotional moments from landing naturally. Jessie Buckley , known for Hamnet and The Lost Daughter , gives a committed performance despite the material. She fully embraces the physicality and eccentricities of the character, including some of the more exaggerated mannerisms and vocal choices. While those creative decisions may not work for every viewer, Buckley clearly commits to them. Her talent is evident throughout, e...

The Drama is directed by Kristoffer Borgli  known for Dream Scenario and Sick of Myself. T he film feels determined to present itself as something profound and artistic. Borgli leans heavily into style and ambiguity, but the result is a movie that often feels more interested in appearing meaningful than actually being meaningful. The pacing is hurt by constant quick cuts between scenes, rarely allowing a moment to breathe or an emotion to settle. Just as a scene starts to build momentum, the film jumps somewhere else, making it difficult for any dramatic moment to land with the weight it deserves. Zendaya , known for Dune and Challengers , plays her role with an extremely restrained approach. Unfortunately, the performance often feels one-note, with much of her emotional range limited to variations of frustration and disappointment. Whether this was a directorial choice or an acting one, it creates a distance between the character and the audience that the film never overcomes....

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...

I Swear is directed by Kirk Jones , known for Waking Ned Devine and What to Expect When You're Expecting , and leans fully into heartfelt storytelling. The film focuses on emotional connection and sincerity, building its narrative around relationships rather than spectacle. It is a well-made film that knows exactly what it wants to be, delivering moments that feel genuine without becoming overly sentimental. Robert Aramayo , known for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and Game of Thrones , carries the film with a grounded and sincere performance. He brings a quiet intensity to the role, making the emotional beats land in a natural way. His portrayal feels authentic, which helps the film connect on a deeper level and keeps the audience invested throughout. Overall, I Swear is a touching and effective film that succeeds in delivering real emotion. It resonates in a way that lingers after the credits, balancing its heart with strong execution. I Swear is the kind of mov...

The Devil Wears Prada 2 is written by Aline Brosh McKenna , known for The Devil Wears Prada and Cruella , and continues the story with a noticeably different tone. The film leans heavily into a more modern studio approach, with its themes and messaging pushed front and center. Structurally, it falls into a repetitive pattern of “problem, solution, move on,” creating a chain of predictable moments that feel more like checkpoints than a natural progression. The result is a story that lacks subtlety and rarely trusts the audience to engage without being guided at every turn. Meryl Streep , known for The Iron Lady and Kramer vs. Kramer , returns as Miranda Priestly and once again delivers a commanding performance. She slips back into the role effortlessly, bringing the same sharp presence and control that defined the original. Even when the material around her falters, she remains consistently engaging and reminds you why the character worked so well to begin with. Anne Hathaway , kno...

Reminders of Him (2026) is directed by Vanessa Caswill and written by Colleen Hoover and Lauren Levine . The film clearly aims for an emotional romantic drama, but it struggles early on trying to manufacture relationship development and sexual tension. Much of the setup feels forced, stretching how people actually behave in relationships and leaning heavily into "fantasy" romance rather than something believable. Maika Monroe , known for It Follows and Longlegs , gives a decent performance with the material she is given. She sells the emotional weight of the character fairly well, but the script often puts her in situations that feel more engineered for melodrama than natural storytelling. Tyriq Withers , recognized from I Know What You Did Last Summer and Him , tries to bring sincerity to the role, but the lack of chemistry between the leads makes the central relationship difficult to buy. He does what he can, though the screenplay never gives the romance enough authe...

How to Make a Killing (2026) is written and directed by John Patton Ford and released by A24 . The film clearly aims for sharp satire and quirky character study, but it never fully commits to being as biting or unhinged as it wants to be. It plays like an oven mitt version of American Psycho , handling similar themes of ego and moral decay but with far less edge. Glen Powell , known for Top Gun: Maverick and Anyone But You , delivers a decent performance. He has natural charisma and screen presence, and he carries the film capably, but the script never gives him the psychological depth needed to make the character truly interesting. Margaret Qualley , recognized for Kinds of Kindness  and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood , feels like she is playing a variation of the same character she often portrays. She is effective, but there is little new here in terms of range or transformation. Jessica Henwick , known for Cuckoo and Glass Onion , gives the strongest performance of the tri...

Is This Thing On? (2025) is a small scale character study about a man dealing with separation and emotional stagnation by throwing himself into stand up comedy. The film is written and directed by Bradley Cooper , known primarily for A Star Is Born and Silver Linings Playbook , and this feels like his attempt at something quieter and more introspective. The tone is subdued and personal, sometimes to the film’s advantage, but often it feels hesitant and unsure of what it wants to say. Will Arnett , best known for Arrested Development and BoJack Horseman , stars as the recently separated father and also helped write the script. Arnett is solid and believable, leaning into a restrained performance rather than his usual comedic extremes. His stand up scenes feel intentionally awkward, which works thematically, but they rarely land as either funny or revealing in a meaningful way. Laura Dern , known for Marriage Story and Jurassic Park , plays the ex wife and is intentionally written ...

The Housemaid (2025) is directed by Paul Feig , best known for comedies like Bridesmaids and Freaks and Geeks , and the tonal clash is noticeable. Feig leans into slick presentation and surface-level tension, but the film never quite reconciles its thriller ambitions with its obvious messaging. As an adaptation, it feels safer and more predictable than it wants to be, especially given how clearly it telegraphs its twists. Sydney Sweeney , known for Euphoria and Anyone But You , plays a down-on-her-luck woman recently out on parole who is desperate for work. She does what she can with the role and brings some emotional weight early on, but the writing limits her range. Her character cycles through bashful and annoyed so often that it starts to feel repetitive rather than psychologically layered. Amanda Seyfried , recognizable from Mamma Mia! and Mean Girls , plays the wealthy woman whose life slowly unravels as the power dynamic flips. Seyfried is solid and more controlled than Sw...

Marty Supreme (2025) is written and directed by Josh Safdie , who previously directed Good Time and Uncut Gems . This film carries that same frantic Safdie energy, with constant motion and pressure that rarely lets the audience breathe. It is chaotic by design, sometimes to a fault, but the intensity feels intentional rather than sloppy. Even when the pacing threatens to overwhelm, the film remains compelling due to the strength of its performances. Timothée Chalamet , known for Dune and Call Me by Your Name , plays the title role and fits it perfectly. He fully commits to the character’s ambition and volatility, balancing confidence with insecurity in a way that feels natural for him at this stage of his career. This is not a transformative performance, but it is a highly effective one, and he clearly understands the rhythm and demands of a Safdie-style film. Odessa A’zion , who audiences may recognize from Grand Army and Hellraiser (2022) , is a standout as the love interest. S...

No Other Choice (2025) is directed by Park Chan-wook , the filmmaker behind Oldboy and Snowpiercer . His signature style is all over this film, with moments of completely bizarre dialogue and acting choices that feel intentional rather than accidental. While it doesn’t reach the heights of his most celebrated work, it’s still unmistakably his, strange, uncomfortable, and darkly humorous. I still need to see The Handmaiden , which many consider his best film, and this only reinforced that curiosity. Lee Byung-hun , who many Western audiences may remember from G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra and KPop Demon Hunters , plays the lead role as a desperate father trying to secure a job. His character’s decision to literally eliminate the competition is where the film fully leans into its absurdity. I barely recognized him at first, which speaks to how fully he disappears into the role. His performance walks a fine line between grounded desperation and unhinged logic. Son Ye-jin , known for Th...

Jay Kelly (2025) is written and directed by Noah Baumbach , known for Marriage Story and Barbie , and this time he turns his sharp eye toward the chaotic, funny, and often heartbreaking dynamics between actors, their families, and the people who try to manage both. Baumbach’s writing is witty and grounded, and the film finds a balance between being self-aware and deeply sincere. It is easily one of his lighter works, but that warmth works in its favor. George Clooney , known for Michael Clayton and Up in the Air , was born to play this role. He slips effortlessly into the character, blending charm, worn-down maturity, and a subtle comedic touch that feels tailor-made for the story. Clooney brings so much authenticity that half the time it feels like he is simply letting the camera catch him existing in the world Baumbach built. Adam Sandler , known for Uncut Gems and Hustle , brings the total opposite energy from Clooney, which is exactly why their dynamic works so well. He leans...

Hamnet (2025) is directed by Chloé Zhao , known for Nomadland and The Rider , and produced by Steven Spielberg , whose legacy includes Schindler’s List and Saving Private Ryan . Zhao’s quiet, human-centered style blends unexpectedly well with Spielberg’s sweeping emotional sensibilities. The result is a film that is intimate yet cinematic, grounded yet overwhelming in its emotional impact. It is easy to see why many are calling it a frontrunner. The writing, pacing, and visual storytelling come together with remarkable precision. Jessie Buckley , known for I'm Thinking of Ending Things and Women Talking , delivers the best performance of her career. She is raw, expressive, and heartbreakingly human. Every scene she’s in is layered with emotion, and she elevates the material far beyond what even great writing could accomplish. Her portrayal is the emotional anchor of the film. Paul Mescal , known for Aftersun and  Gladiator II , is equally powerful. While his performance in G...