- Frankenstein
This is one of Guillermo del Toro’s finest achievements. Not only does this film hit on expected themes with elegance, but the style and overall visuals are even more impactful than anticipated. Tackling this journey of pain, loss, and forgiveness takes nuance, and there is so much consistency with how it presents these characters. Isaac and Goth are excellent, but Elordi is the showstopper, and an Oscar nomination could be in the cards. The storytelling method occasionally meanders and could cause pacing problems for some, but the emotional impact is perfectly executed. Frankenstein is the real deal.Frankenstein - Bugonia
Bugonia is a strange, albeit honest, examination of the human condition and a look at how trauma can dictate decision-making. At the same time, this is an often-insane dark comedy that kept me on the edge of my seat and provided one of the most fascinating experiences of the year. Lanthimos is in his bag with the visuals, cinematography, and ability to get the best out of two top-tier actors. Where we ultimately wind up will frustrate some, but the way this film approaches the journey was far more entertaining than even I expected.Bugonia - Shelby Oaks
Shelby Oaks features more than a few interesting stylistic choices in the beginning, blending unique filmmaking techniques together to create a compelling first act. The haunting imagery showcased throughout delivers in an unsettling way, and the cinematography is rock solid. Unfortunately, the script doesn’t deliver on the ideas initially presented, and the third act fails to bring it all together. Some of the decision-making (from Mia specifically) is odd, and there just isn’t enough depth to land the plane smoothly… Love seeing this film get made regardless, and I’m rooting for its success.Shelby Oaks - Task
TASK features more than enough emotion and intensity to make for a ridiculously memorable and often thrilling ride. Mark Ruffalo is at his best, and Tom Pelphrey stands out as a conflicted and occasionally menacing character. These two stories collide in one of the more compelling and engaging shows of the year.Task - Roofman
Roofman delivers a riveting story that captivates with its unique approach and multifaceted appeal, featuring everything audiences are looking for. The crime element is intense, while Channing Tatum’s heartfelt performance adds a level of warmth. The sheer insanity of this outlandish story is so extraordinary that it may not have landed as fiction, yet as a true series of events, it will have your attention from start to finish. This is one of my favorites of the year… Loved it.Roofman - The Lost Bus
A chaotic yet impactful disaster film that captures the full scope of this terrifying true story. Certain attempts at character development prolong the run-time, but there are beautiful moments within the encompassing blaze of this beastly fire that will pull the emotions out of you. Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera are excellent, while Greengrass does what he does best behind the camera.The Lost Bus - Black Phone 2
It delivers just enough slick style and a slow drip of horrifying imagery to keep franchise fans hooked. The performances are rock-solid, and Hawke is menacing when he shows up. The main gripes? A somewhat flat script and straying so far away from what made the original so succinct yet unique. That said, there is no denying the craft on display, and a fresh spin on familiar genre beats isn’t the worst idea for a sequel.Black Phone 2 - Tron: Ares
Ares struggles to carve out a distinct identity due to a script that lacks depth. The characters feel largely one-dimensional, though Jared Leto is somewhat interesting. Greta Lee’s Eve, sadly, devolves into an exposition machine by the third act. As someone who’s not a die-hard Tron fan, I still found the ride enjoyable enough. The slick aesthetics, VFX, fun fight sequences, and seamless integration of Nine Inch Nails’ music create a vibe that occasionally captures distinct energy—setting it apart from other blockbusters this year, for better or worse. While Tron: Legacy outshines it, Ares delivers enough flashy fun to keep casual fans entertained, despite its broad array of script issues.Tron: Ares - Monster: The Ed Gein Story
Season 3 is visceral, uncomfortable, and tells this true story of Ed Gein in a slightly fictionalized way, not straying away from his atrocities. Hunnam makes some interesting decisions that are memorable, regardless of how divisive they will be. The decision to include so many storylines heavily impacts the pacing, yet seeing the impact of Gein’s acts through future Hollywood films made it more interesting than expected. Laurie Metcalf steals the show.Monster: The Ed Gein Story - One Battle After Another
One Battle is enthralling, delivering a relentless and action-fueled experience that never lets up until the final frame. Every performance is fantastic, while Penn’s Lockjaw steals his moments through sheer menace. The film is occasionally frightening but maintains balance with a wickedly comedic edge, especially with Leo, who is reveling in his role’s unhinged charm. It exudes chaotic and politically-charged energy but never lets its father/daughter story get lost along the way…One Battle After Another
