GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE
2024 | Dir. Adam Wingard | 115 Minutes
4 out of 5
An entertaining kaiju slugfest with the MonsterVerse's least obnoxious human storyline since 2014's inaugural Legendary Pictures iteration of Godzilla. The plot is pretty shallow but fortunately intellectually inoffensive for the most part, perfectly serving its purpose as a vehicle for fun and inventive Titan battle match-ups. It's at least as good as some of the better Heisei Era Godzilla movies, and audiences craving that brand of giant monster action should be pleased as punch. A fan favorite classic kaiju makes a surprise appearance, lending more than enough support to put a big goofy smile on my face.
LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL
2024 | Dir. Colin Cairnes and Cameron Cairnes | 93 Minutes
5 out of 5
Twistedly hilarious and scary as hell, this pitch-perfect pastiche of old fashioned late night talk shows with a Satanic panic twist is an instant horror classic. It is perfectly paced, atmospherically unsettling and intense, and aesthetically authentic to its 1970s setting. In the lead role, David Dastmalchian gives a charismatic and nuanced performance as the desperate host, demonstrating his full acting range as things gradually get hellishly out of hand.
GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE
2024 | Dir. Gil Kenan | 115 Minutes
3 out of 5
Overburdened with world-building and an over-expanded cast of characters, this Ghostbusters sequel doesn't have enough story, comedy, or heart to make it a quality extension of the franchise. It's not straight up awful, and it offers up a few moments that are genuinely neat, but it is woefully lacking in emotional content. At best, it's an excuse to see more ghostbusting action with decent contemporary special effects. At worst, it's a waste of talent, particularly for new players, beloved comedians Kumail Nanjiani and Patton Oswalt.
LOVE LIES BLEEDING
2024 | Dir. Rose Glass | 104 Minutes
4 out of 5
Writer/director Rose Glass serves up a shockingly violent, unapologetically queer romantic noir featuring outstanding work from leads Kristen Stewart and Katy O'Brian. Despite losing a bit of narrative coherence when it goes off the rails barreling into the realm of the absurd towards the end, the picture's emotional throughline proves to be a highly potent performance enhancer. For those with an open mind, it's an intense, hilarious, turbulent, touching, and thoroughly enjoyable ride.
DUNE: PART TWO
2024 | Dir. Denis Villeneuve | 166 Minutes
5 out of 5
Epic. Absolutely delivering on the potential established in the first part by essentially completing a magnificent thematically rich five-hour sci-fi feature charting the subtle descent of a reluctant hero. The acting, the writing, the production design, the set pieces, the visual effects, the musical score, every aspect of the picture across the board sets a new standard for sci-fi and fantasy filmmaking. Genuinely a monumental cinematic achievement.