Category: Science Fiction

“Project Hail Mary”

9.1

Bravo!

The best space movie since “Interstellar” and “The Martian.” The best sci-fi blockbuster this side of “Ready Player One.” Above all, a film by lovers of film – it shows in every single frame. This is why we go to the movie theater. Ryan Gosling absolutely ROCKS IT as science teacher Ryland Grace lost in space with his buddy Rocky. I never thought I’d be getting teary eyed over a rock person, but here we are… Not since TARS has a sidekick brought this much hear to the sidecar and stolen so many scenes. The depth of the heart and storytelling and impactful messages about love, friendship, society, and the bravery of scientific exploration were so much more than I expected. On a technical level, the film is also GORGEOUS and incredibly well constructed from the first frame to the last. The music, the scenery, the storytelling – all firing on all cylinders. A movie so good it’s inspired me to read the book!

“Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die”

8.9

I’m surprised A.I. allowed this one to come out… it’s an absolute work of art! Timely, well made, and overall a really fun ride! I was on the edge of my seat the entire runtime! What could have been lost in silliness actually nails razor sharp cinematic story telling. Sam Rockwell and crew absolutely nail it! Not a character or frame wasted from beginning to end. Kind of like what would have happened in an alternate timeline of the “Ready Player One” universe… what happens if we don’t all head into the Oasis and instead choose to fight for humanity’s sake. Highly recommend!

“Companion”

7.6

So, uh… this is what happens when the sex robots become sentient and revolt. We’ve been due this film in the new age A.I. sci-fi genre… and this didn’t disappoint! A funny, insightful, dread-inducing thrill ride that’s “Promising Young Woman” meets “The Terminator.” A bloody good time at the theater! I can’t give Sophie Thatcher enough credit in this role, as she takes over and doesn’t relinquish her on-screen domination until the credits are done rolling! Bravo!

“The 4:30 Movie”

8.5

This is as feel-good film as it gets for me. As someone who frequently spends an entire afternoon at a multiplex to enjoy anywhere from 2-5 (my record) movies… This film was speaking my language. Summer coming of age/love story set in up to your eyeballs nostalgia? I’m there! The story may be a little simple and goofy, but they absolutely killed it in the eyes of this fellow movie buff!

“The Substance”

8.4

“Why does her bathroom look like something out of a “Saw” film?”

“Why is that hallway carpet and red bathroom straight out of “The Shining?””

Not since the movie “Society” have I seen a movie quite this moist… I can honestly say that I did not see the third act going that off the rails. Homages aside, the execution here is second to none. Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley are perfect playing off each other, and Dennis Quaid is the perfect amount of creep to really drive the central points home here. There’s definitely a strong underlying theme of obsession with vanity and selfishness and the broader themes of the Hollywood system. But there’s also one of the best body horror films in years. The originality of the horror slate this year is so refreshing, and I’m here for every frame of it on the big screen!