Cinematic Sommelier
7.4
Hey – Austin Butler almost has his Elvis accent kicked for good!
An absolutely wacky tale of mishap after mishap after mishap, until you stumble your way across the finish line, shaking your head and wondering how you made it to the end alive. A super fun, goofy, intense heist film with a surprising amount of dark humor mixed in seamlessly.
9.1
It’s not often that a sequel is better than the original… here is one of those rarities. I was genuinely surprised, then blown away by how well this film builds on the original, how well the brothers play off each other, how well comedy and violence blend, and how well they land the plane in the end. I was on the edge of my seat the entire runtime and left wanting to recommend it to everyone in the lobby. Fun, well crafted action with a heavy dose of heart at the center. Incredibly well done! One of my favorites of 2025!
8.2
This movie made me like Pedro Pascal… That’s all that needs to be said. Haha
A surprisingly light-hearted, fun, colorful, and heartfelt tale of family and wonder. What a superhero movie should be 90% of the time. A super fun flick, and a nice springboard into the next phase of the MCU. Of the two big superhero movies in 2025, this is the one I was nervous for, and pleasantly surprised by!
7.9
Such a beautiful sendoff for Tony Todd. That’s what this one was really about in the end. The rest of the movie hits the required “Final Destination” beats to a t, and the cast does a great job of committing to the bit as they get picked off in increasingly creative ways. Familial cosmic connection, cool kills, and a bit of emotional weight. Chef’s kiss.
8.8
Partially exactly what I expected, but so much more at the same time. In the spirit of “The Great Gatsby,” the brothers chase their dreams of throwing a great party and meet poetic ends. The music, the cast, the scenery… Everything fires on all cylinders here! The ending giving Tarantino a run for his money had me speechless. The vampire angle surprisingly fits and doesn’t disrupt the momentum or seem silly. Instead, it fits remarkably well as an allegory. One of the best of 2025!
Brett Garten, Movie Extraordinare 