'Fast X' (2023) Movie Review

Last time they went to freaking space. In a Pontiac Fiero! So, the biggest question about Fast X, the tenth chapter in the Toretto-centric saga of Southern-California-car-enthusiasts-turned-international-mega-spies, is how the hell are they going to outdo that? Well, Jason Momoa as gay-coded street race Jesus is one way. Unfortunately, Momoa and his delirious, gleeful performance is the only thing Fast X has going for it. It’s also never been clearer just how much this franchise misses the late Paul Walker and how much it’s lost its way since his death.

Denis Villeneuve's First 'Dune' Trailer Is Brooding And Epic

I don’t know what movie is the one that’s going to get me back into a theater despite the global pandemic. But after this trailer for Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune, we have a new contender. Just watch.

'Aquaman' (2018) Movie Review

There’s so much going on in Aquaman I’m honestly not sure where to begin. Actually, that’s as good a place as any. There is a lot going on in Aquaman. Like, a lot. To try to map out the plot is a fool’s errand; it’s a tangle of betrayal, a reluctant hero, Aquaman’s childhood, a single throwaway line that connects to the larger DC movie universe, betrayal, revenge, destiny, heartbreak, and a litany of things I know I forgot. And director James Wan wraps all of this is a Day-Glo, candy-colored, hallucinogenic seascape that resembles the cover of an epic adventure metal album from the ‘80s. And it’s as fun and messy as that sounds.

'Braven' (2018) Movie Review

He’s a big-time cinematic superhero, playing Aquaman in the DC movie universe, but I have to say, I think Jason Momoa is best suited to low-budget, direct-to-video-style action fare. Sure, he’s a ripped Adonis of a human being, but he also has a relatable, everyman quality. And this is on full display in Braven, a solid, reasonably entertaining, if unremarkable new noir-inspired Canadian thriller. It scratches a very particular itch for those longing for the types of beefy-father-protects-his-brood pictures Schwarzenegger and Stallone turned out in the ‘80s.

'Justice League' (2017) Movie Review

Justice League is clunky and messy. It’s jumbled and misshapen. The presence of multiple directors—Zack Snyder did the bulk of the heavy lifting, though Joss Whedon handled extensive reshoots and rewrites, and roughly 20% of the finished film belongs to him, according to reports—is readily apparent in the mishmash of tones and the fact that it watches like multiple movies shoehorned together. Cringe-worthy choices abound. The fight scenes all look like they’re lifted from a video game promo. And, of course, since this is a superhero movie, the plot revolves around an iconic group of comic book characters searching for CGI boxes powerful enough to destroy the world. But for all the bumps and bruises and problems, and they are legion, Justice League is a hell of a lot of fun.

'Once Upon A Time In Venice' Trailer: Bruce Willis Fights To Save His Dog

I understand very little in this world as much I understand going on a kill-crazy rampage because someone fucked with your dog (or pets in general). Seriously, I’d murder every last one of you for my dogs, which is why a movie like John Wick speaks to me on such a deep level. I also love Bruce Willis, despite the fact that we probably wouldn’t get along at all in real life. But combine Bruce Willis with a movie about a dude fucking people up to get his dog back, and I’m in. If that sounds like your jam, you should probably watch the trailer for Once Upon a Time in Venice.

Ana Lily Amirpour's 'The Bad Batch' Trailer Had Me At 'Keanu Reeves As A Post-Apocalyptic Cult Leader'

Twee indie Iranian vampire western A Girl WalksHome Alone at Night is a goddamned masterpiece, so, of course, anything writer/director Ana Lily Amirpour does next is high on my list. It doesn’t hurt my feelings at all that her next movie is a weird-as-hell post-apocalyptic cannibal joint. And the latest trailer for The Bad Batch does nothing but sell me.

'The Bad Batch' Trailer: Post-Apocalyptic Wastelands, Cannibals, And Cult Leader Keanu Reeves

After A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night, I’m game for anything Ana Lily Amirpour does. And if that happens to be a visit to a tense, moody, post-apocalyptic dystopia where Keanu Reeves goes deep-dive mustachioed cult leader, even better. Check out the first trailer for The Bad Batch below.

'The Bad Batch' Clips: Check Out Ana Lily Amirpour's Indie Post Apocalyptic Dystopia

Did I jump the gun a bit putting Ana Lily Amirpour’s black-and-white, pseudo-western, Iranian vampire indie A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night on my Top 25 Movies of the Century So Far list? Probably. But I love the shit out of that movie. And I am, understandably, excited for her follow up, The Bad Batch. It just debuted at Venice (with an appearance at both Fantastic Fest and the Toronto International Film Festival on the horizon), and we’ve got two new clips to gawk at and salivate over.