Films Watched: 9
How Many Were First-Time Watches: 8
Best Films: Glengarry Glen Ross (1992), John Wick Chapter 4 (2023), Triangle of Sadness (2022)
New Releases: Creed 3, Scream VI, Shazam: Fury of the Gods, John Wick Chapter 4
FULL LIST AND REVIEWS
Triangle of Sadness (2022) An often nauseating black comedy of excess, wealth, and the divide between the haves and have nots. It’s metaphors are very on-the-nose, and it lacks a satisfying narrative to tie together all its ideas, but the 15 minute vomit scene is hands down one of the most impressively directed scenes of this year ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Creed (2015) It lacks the rags to riches underdog spirit of the original, but this sports drama still packs a real punch. Ryan Coogler directs a classy reboot of the classic franchise filled with heart and action, with Stallone and Jordan delivering fantastic performances ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Creed III (2023) Michael B Jordan’s directorial debut doesn’t reinvent the boxing movie, but his confident work means it joins the prestigious saga with ease. Jonathan Majors brings a huge presence to the screen, both emotionally and physically, and the fight scenes might represent some of the best in the franchise ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropic Thunder (2007) Sure, there’s certainly a debate to be had about what is satirical and what is controversial. But Ben Stiller’s Apocalypse Now parody remains one of the funniest lampoons of the ridiculous system that is Hollywood ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Scream VI (2023) Clearly proud of how ‘subversive’ it thinks it is, this film proves why the majority of horror franchises fall apart. Other than a few entertaining scenes, the mystery is convoluted and the characters act as senselessly as always. ⭐️⭐️
Shazam: Fury of the Gods (2023) A throwaway bit of harmless fun, but one that lacks consequence, logic, and non-plasticky CGI. When every character is all powerful, and the unoriginal ideas span from Hellboy to Percy Jackson, you can’t help but feel uninspired by the whole dragged out affair ⭐️⭐️
Glengarry Glen Ross (1992) An entertaining tale of American desperation, this wonderfully performed and wonderfully sweary movie encapsulates its contemporary 1990’s setting perfectly. Jack Lemmon in particular shines amongst the other salesmen as he desperately tries to reclaim his legacy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) Though this is first instalment to show the signs of diminishing returns, this fourth film still more than justifies its existence, with some absolutely spectacular action filmmaking on display. It does for fight scenes what Mission: Impossible does for huge set prices, and confirms Keanu Reeves and Tom Cruise are unrivalled in their commitment to the action genre ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Phantom of the Opera (2004) Lloyd Webber’s iconic mega musical comes to the big screen in truely spectacular fashion. The sound, the visuals, all of it is fantastic. Sadly, the trimmed story and weak lead performances let it down. It’s still thoroughly enjoyable, but it’s not a game changer ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Daniel Robinson: From Reel to Real 