THE CONJURING: LAST RITES
2025 | Dir. Michael Chaves | 136 Minutes
3 out of 5
Narratively rote though entertaining enough for those seeking the franchise's signature blend of jumpscares and sappiness with a dash of Catholocisim, the picture tidily wraps up the cinematic mythologization of Ed and Lorraine Warren. It's fine, totally disinterested in innovating in any department, about as safe as the filmmakers can play it at this point. Perhaps unsurprisingly, though kind of funny in its absurdity, the film gives into the urge to bring back the demonic doll Annabelle for a few sequences -- she's an inextricable part of the package deal for these movies at this point, logical application to the story at hand be damned.
THE TOXIC AVENGER
2025 | Dir. Macon Blair | 102 Minutes
3 out of 5
Unapologetically dumb, gory, and irreverent, this Toxie reboot is disposable fun for folks craving something gross and a little filthy, though far from the levels of old Troma depravity. The picture lays on thick an anti-corporation, anti-polution message interwoven with all its crude jokes and ultra violence. The cast lead by a super earnest Peter Dinklage seems game for just about anything, netting the film some extra points.
CAUGHT STEALING
2025 | Dir. Darren Aronofsky | 107 Minutes
4 out of 5
Perhaps Darren Aronofsky's most accessible film to date, it's an engaging, suspenseful, and altogether entertaining yarn with an appealing late 90's New York City setting. Just as often funny as it is brutal, the peril the plot heaps onto the likeable put-upon protagonist steadily escalates seemingly without end as the body count surrounding him rises. The entire cast is phenomenal, and Austin Butler is particularly impressive and affecting in the lead role as a man who learns to face his inner demons. Go Giants.
HONEY DON'T
2025 | Dir. Ethan Coen | 89 Minutes
3 out of 5
High in pulp and low in substance, the charm of its cast lead by Margaret Qualley carries this horny and violent ride to a few amusing but ultimately underwhelming places. Its irresistibly appealing film noir tone and its cavalcade of quirky characters are mismatched with its paper-thin plot. Not the worst picture of its kind, but considering the talent in front of and behind the camera, it certainly could've been much better.
NOBODY 2
2025 | Dir. Timo Tjahjanto | 89 Minutes
3 out of 5
Funnier than its predecessor, with set pieces that are better staged, though somehow with even less thematic meat on its bones, it's an amusing enough action comedy sequel without too much on its mind. Its premise doesn't offer anything particularly fresh, but the picture makes very good use of Bob Odenkirk's comedic timing paired with entertainingly brutal fight choreography and over-the-top pyrotechnics. Sharon Stone steals the show as a psychotic crime lord.
