Movies, Film, and Chili

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 ...

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 Mortuary Assistant is directed by Jeremiah Kipp and written by Tracee Beebe and Brian Clarke , adapting Clarke's video game of the same name for the big screen. From a directing standpoint, there is nothing particularly remarkable, but there is also very little that stands out as a misstep. Kipp keeps the film moving at a steady pace and delivers the expected scares without relying too heavily on cheap tricks. The screenplay, however, wears its inspirations on its sleeve, often feeling like a retread of Evil Dead (2013), borrowing many of the same possession and demonic horror beats but adding enough of its own identity. Willa Holland , known for Legion and Arrow , plays the film's protagonist. She delivers a competent performance and handles the role professionally, but much like the direction itself, there is little that leaves a lasting impression. She carries the film well enough without elevating the material, making for a serviceable lead in a story that never fu...

Evil Dead Burn (2026) is written and directed by Sébastien Vaniček , making his first major Hollywood feature after gaining attention with his French horror work. He immediately proves to be a stronger character writer than plot writer, as the film spends much of its first half developing its cast while the overall story takes longer to find its footing. It is not until midway through the film that Vaniček's eye for visual storytelling truly takes over, delivering several memorable horror sequences with confident camera work and effective tension. By the time the credits roll, it becomes clear that he is currently a better director than screenwriter, though that is hardly a criticism considering this is an impressive Hollywood debut. Hunter Doohan , known for Wednesday and Your Honor , initially appears to be the film's central protagonist. As the story unfolds, however, it becomes apparent that Souheila Yacoub , known for Dune: Part Two and Climax , is the true lead. Yacoub...

Voicemails for Isabelle is written and directed by Leah McKendrick , whose previous acting work included a small role in I Know What You Did Last Summer . Here she steps behind the camera with a romantic comedy that aims to balance humor and modern relationships, but the screenplay struggles under the weight of uneven characterization. Much of the dialogue comes across as forced, and the humor often leans into exaggerated "girl boss" moments that quickly become repetitive. The biggest weakness is that nearly every male character, with one exception, is written as either incompetent or one-dimensional, leaving the story feeling less like a balanced romantic comedy and more like a collection of caricatures. As a result, the central romance never develops the emotional foundation it needs. Zoey Deutch , known for Set It Up and Zombieland: Double Tap , plays Jill and gives an energetic performance, but the screenplay works against her. The character is repeatedly described as...