Movies, Film, and Chili

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...

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...

Mercy (2026) is a near future thriller built around the idea of an AI acting as judge, jury, and executioner. The premise is familiar but effective, and the film moves at a steady pace as a wrongfully convicted man races to prove his innocence. It feels like the kind of mid budget sci fi thriller that used to be more common, especially in early year release windows. Timur Bekmambetov , known for Wanted and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter , directs the film with a functional but uneven hand. His hit or miss track record continues here. The movie is cleanly shot and easy to follow, but there are few moments of visual flair or tension that elevate it beyond its concept. Chris Pratt , recognizable from Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World , plays the wrongly convicted father and detective. He does a solid job with the emotional beats and sells the desperation well. His portrayal of alcoholism, however, never fully convinces and feels more implied than lived in. Rebecca Ferguson...