Movies, Film, and Chili

Psycho Killer (2026) is a religious-tinged detective thriller that leans far more into procedural tension than outright horror. Directed by Gavin Polone , who is better known as a producer than a filmmaker, the movie benefits heavily from its screenplay by Andrew Kevin Walker , the writer behind Se7en . His fingerprints are all over this. The writing is sharp, layered with foreshadowing that only fully clicks at the end, and structured in a way that constantly feels like it is building toward something inevitable. The gorgeous  Georgina Campbell plays the detective tracking down the titular killer, and she carries the film with confidence. You'll remember her from Barbarian and recently Cold Storage.  The script gives her plenty of emotional range to explore, from controlled professionalism to visible cracks under pressure. She handles the lore-heavy exposition well and grounds what could have been overwhelming backstory. It is another strong showing for her and proof she c...

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 relax...

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) 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...

The Strangers: Chapter 3 (2026) closes out Renny Harlin’s trilogy with the strongest entry of the three. The story is more focused and more engaging this time, though it still leans too heavily on flashbacks that slow momentum. The final stretch puts the lead on a metaphorical cliff and sets up a darker possibility, but the film goes with the safe Hollywood ending that most viewers will see coming. It works, but it feels like a missed opportunity. This whole trilogy probably would have worked better as a streaming series instead of three separate films. Renny Harlin , known for Cliffhanger and Die Hard 2 , wraps up the trilogy with his most controlled effort of the set. The tension is more consistent and the structure is cleaner, even if the reliance on repeated backstory holds it back. It is an improvement in execution, just not a reinvention. Madelaine Petsch , recognized from Riverdale and Jane , completes her run as the final girl and continues to carry the series on her back....

Iron Lung (2026) is a contained sci fi horror film set almost entirely in one confined space, built around tension, isolation, and curiosity more than outright scares. The movie leans into claustrophobia and atmosphere over shock value. It feels closer to Pandorum than a traditional horror film. Knowing it is not a big budget production makes it easier to forgive some of its rough edges. Markiplier is  known primarily as a major YouTube creator and voice actor in projects like First  Nights at Freddy’s . He is the writer, director and star of the film. Carrying a one room film is not easy, especially without classical acting training, but he does a pretty good job. His performance is committed and focused, and he understands how to hold attention on himself without constant visual change. As a director and writer, he shows promise, especially with pacing and mood. Troy Baker , well known for voice roles in The Last of Us and BioShock Infinite , appears in the film, though...