Movies, Film, and Chili

Happy Gilmore 2 is directed by Kyle Newacheck , known for his work on Workaholics and Murder Mystery . He brings some of that chaotic energy to this sequel, but he’s held back by a script from Tim Herlihy , a frequent Sandler collaborator. Herlihy’s writing feels like it’s trying too hard to be modern, often missing the charm that made the original a cult classic. Adam Sandler has his prime days in the past and his goofy persona is hard to grasp again now that the novelty has worn off. He plays an alcoholic in the film, which was supposed to give him some sort of character arc but it just came across as weak. Julie Brown returns and still brings a grounded energy to the cast. Her chemistry with the rest of the ensemble feels natural, and she’s one of the more consistent performers here despite her minimal use. Christopher McDonald reprises his role as Shooter McGavin, slipping into it effortlessly. He hasn’t lost the smug charisma that made the character iconic, and his presence ad...

Lilo & Stitch (2025)  is the live-action adaptation of the animated Disney classic. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp , best known for Marcel the Shell with Shoes On , this adaptation brings surprising heart and care to the beloved animated original. The casting is where this film truly excels. It's weird to think that he has no upcoming movies after this. Perhaps he's stuck in negotiations. Sydney Agudong is a perfect Nani. Not just because she’s from Hawai‘i, but because she balances the character’s stressed responsibility with quiet strength. This is her breakout role, and I'm stoked for her future movies. It's too bad she hasn't been cast in anything worthwhile yet.  Maia Kealoha , as Lilo, could’ve derailed the whole thing if she missed the mark, but she doesn’t. She brings emotional gravity and mischief in just the right balance. She'll be in an upcoming movie that has an all-star cast called The Wrecking Crew . So look forward to that. Tia Carrere , w...

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is directed by Matt Shakman , known for his work on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and WandaVision . While his direction shows flashes of creativity, it's clear he’s working under the weight of a script that doesn’t let him take full control. Pedro Pascal , who has recently been in The Last of Us, Eddington,  and The Mandalorian , feels overused and out of place as Reed Richards. He doesn't have range and plays the same character he did in all his other work.  Vanessa Kirby , known for Pieces of a Woman and the  Mission: Impossible franchise , shines with both elegance and intensity as Sue Storm. Her presence elevates every scene she's in. She is written as the main character, and if you're a Fantastic Four purist, this might bother you. Ebon Moss-Bachrach , recognizable from The Bear and Andor , delivers a passable version of The Thing, though he doesn’t quite hit the emotional beats. Joseph Quinn , breakout star of Stranger...

Eddington (2025) is a genre-shifting dark comedy from Ari Aster , best known for Hereditary and Midsommar . While it strays far from his horror roots, the film offers a twisted, offbeat narrative that feels more in line with Beau Is Afraid , his prior collaboration with Joaquin Phoenix . Joaquin Phoenix , known for Joker , Her , and Gladiator , carries the film with ease as the troubled yet oddly compelling lead. His ability to portray spiraling characters fits perfectly into Aster’s surreal world. His second outing with Aster proves to be a strong one. Emma Stone , known for La La Land and Poor Things , feels a bit out of place here. Her usual charm is dulled by the film’s tone, and her character never quite connects. She has really branched out from her Superbad typecasting as the funny and pretty girl. Meanwhile, Pedro Pascal , from The Last of Us and The Mandalorian , turns in an exaggerated and often irritating performance that detracts from the flow.  Matt Gomez Hidaka...

I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) is a modern reboot that struggles under the weight of its own messaging. Written and directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson , known for Do Revenge and co-writing Thor: Love and Thunder ,  the script leans heavily into a feminist slant that often feels forced and out of sync with the slasher tone. Instead of enhancing the story, it undercuts tension with cringeworthy  dialogue and awkward character beats. Madelyn Cline , seen in Outer Banks and Glass Onion , is easily the film’s highlight. She delivers the most natural performance, blending beauty with presence, and does her best to anchor a shaky narrative. Unfortunately, the material rarely rises to meet her. Tyriq Withers , who appears in The Game and has the upcoming film Him. I'm quite excited to see how he does in that. He' s likable and shows promise. His role is disappointingly small, sidelined by Robinson’s writing choices. He deserved more screen time and depth, as his chari...

S uperman (2025) brings the Man of Steel back to the big screen in a bold, colorful new start for the DC Universe. Directed by James Gunn , known for Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad , this might be his second-best film. It finds the right balance between hope, humor, and action without falling into the over-jokey MCU-esque trap. Gunn’s love for the character shines through, and the world feels lived-in and full of potential. David Corenswet , previously seen in Pearl and Hollywood , steps into the cape and owns it. He’s sincere, powerful, and manages to give Superman the warmth that has been missing in recent versions. It’s a classic take that still feels fresh. Nicholas Hoult , known for The Menu and Mad Max: Fury Road , is the best Lex Luthor we’ve had. He plays the character with intelligence and menace, but never turns him into a cartoon. He’s unpredictable in the right way and commands every scene he’s in. Skyler Gisondo , best known for The Righteous Gemsto...

The Ritual follows a remote convent where demonic possession grips a young girl and forces the clergy to face their darkest fears. Directed by David Midell , known for The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain , the film sticks closer to traditional horror structure but benefits from a strong atmosphere and a serious tone. The pacing is steady, and while it doesn’t break new ground, it’s well-shot and doesn’t waste time on fluff. It keeps its focus tight and lets the actors do the heavy lifting. Al Pacino , best known for The Godfather and Heat , plays the veteran exorcist brought in for one last case. He gives a weary, grounded performance that doesn’t feel like he's trying to reclaim old glory. He’s calm, serious, and believable. A solid presence from start to finish. Dan Stevens , known for Legion and The Guest , plays a skeptical academic observer. He’s improving with every role and brings just enough tension to scenes without overshadowing others. His character works best when ...

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...

The Old Guard 2 continues the story of immortal warriors struggling with eternity, but this time the story struggles to stay interesting. Directed by Victoria Mahoney , known for second unit work on Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker , the film looks fine but lacks energy. The first film at least had novelty. This one has none. The action scenes are repetitive, the tone is self-serious, and it’s full of butch posturing with no real emotional stakes. The girl boss mentality is in full swing, but it doesn't make up for the lack of momentum. Kiki Layne , returning from The Old Guard and also known for If Beale Street Could Talk , is meant to be the emotional center as the “Last Immortal,” but her performance is flat. She doesn’t bring the weight or presence the role needs, and most of her scenes fall into the background. Charlize Theron , from Mad Max: Fury Road and Atomic Blonde , returns as the leader, but she seems like she’s trying too hard. Her intensity feels forced this tim...