The First Omen

 

The First Omen (2024)

A Vital, Visceral Addition to the Catholic Horror Canon

★★★☆☆

Unsettling and disturbing, this prequel fulfills the creepy, suspenseful promise of the originals while pushing into terrifying new territory.

Directed by Arkasha Stevenson, The First Omen is a surprisingly bold and vital addition to the franchise. Featuring a brave, unhinged performance by Nell Tiger Free, the film is drenched in dread and Catholic nightmare horror. While there is plenty of gore and body horror to satisfy genre fans, the most horrifying aspect is the believable hubris of the evil sect portrayed within the institution. The filmmakers make a terrifyingly grounded case for why such a scenario could be justifiable within their own twisted logic.

"We'd like to believe the real institution wouldn't have a rogue offshoot trying to bring on the apocalypse... But the filmmakers make a great case, as well as Roman Catholic history, why this terrifying scenario would not just be possible, but justifiable."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Arkasha Stevenson
• Starring: Nell Tiger Free, Bill Nighy, Sônia Braga
• Supporting: Ralph Ineson, Charles Dance
• Cinematography: Aaron Morton

The Vision

Arkasha Stevenson brings a sophisticated, European-horror sensibility to this prequel, moving away from standard jump scares toward a slow-building atmospheric rot. The vision centers on the loss of bodily autonomy and the terrifying length an institution will go to maintain its power. By grounding the supernatural threat in real historical anxieties regarding the Church in the 1970s, Stevenson elevates the material from a simple franchise tie-in to a standalone work of "prestige" horror.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• The "Possession" Homage: Nell Tiger Free's intense physical performance in a hallway sequence was a direct, intentional homage to Isabelle Adjani’s iconic breakdown in the 1981 film Possession.
• Rating Battle: The film reportedly had to go through several cuts to avoid an NC-17 rating due to its graphic "birthing" and body horror sequences.
• Soundtrack DNA: The score incorporates motifs from Jerry Goldsmith’s original Oscar-winning The Omen score, specifically "Ave Satani," to bridge the gap between the two eras.

✅ Pros

• Powerhouse, transformative lead performance by Nell Tiger Free.
• Exceptional production design and unsettling atmosphere.
• Creative and genuinely disturbing body horror sequences.

❌ Cons

• Certain plot beats rely heavily on franchise familiarity.
• Extremely bleak and potentially upsetting for some viewers.

🏆 Final Verdict

A rare prequel that actually justifies its own existence. The First Omen is a haunting, well-crafted nightmare that proves there is still plenty of life (and death) left in this classic franchise.

View original review on Letterboxd

The Fall Guy

The Fall Guy (2024)

A Handsome and Affable Tribute to the Stunt Community

★★★☆☆

Harmless summer action fun that coasts on the immense charm of its A-list leads.

Directed by David Leitch, The Fall Guy is a film that is handsome and affable to a fault. It serves as harmless summer action fun where the stakes are low and the ultimate outcome for our protagonists is never truly in doubt. While the action is consistently entertaining and the scale is impressive, the experience doesn't really amount to much in the long run. It is a pleasant way to kill a few hours, even if it lacks that extra "gear" to make it truly memorable or special.

"Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling are having loads of fun, charming and easy on the eyes. The action is entertaining... But it all doesn't really amount to much and nothing is really memorable or special."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: David Leitch
• Starring: Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt
• Supporting: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Hannah Waddingham, Winston Duke
• Stunt Coordinator: Chris O'Hara

The Vision

David Leitch, himself a former stuntman, clearly intended this as a love letter to the unsung heroes of the film industry. The vision is bright, loud, and energetic, focusing on practical effects and high-octane choreography. The chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt is the film's strongest asset, providing a romantic spark that grounds the chaotic meta-narrative. It is a directorial showcase of technical prowess, even if the script stays firmly within the safety of blockbuster conventions.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Record Breaker: Stunt driver Logan Holladay broke a Guinness World Record during production for the most cannon rolls in a car, completing eight and a half rotations.
• The "Stunt Designer" Credit: In a move to gain more recognition for the craft, the film credited Chris O'Hara as a "Stunt Designer" rather than a coordinator, a first for the industry.
• TV Origins: The film is a loose adaptation of the 1980s television series of the same name, which starred Lee Majors (who makes a cameo in this version).

✅ Pros

• Immense, effortless chemistry between Gosling and Blunt.
• Top-tier practical stunt work and entertaining action sequences.
• A fun, meta-look at the reality of film production.

❌ Cons

• Low-stakes plot that feels largely predictable.
• Lacks a lasting emotional impact or unique narrative "hook."
• Feels a bit "safe" given the talent involved on both sides of the camera.

🏆 Final Verdict

A solid, breezy summer blockbuster. While it won't redefine the genre, The Fall Guy is a charming enough ride to justify the price of admission for the star power alone.

View original review on Letterboxd

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

 

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)

A Breathtaking Spectacle and Bold New Chapter

★★★☆☆

A worthy addition to the rebooted saga that pairs epic CGI performances with fascinating future possibilities.

Directed by Wes Ball, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is a worthy addition to the rebooted movie adventure. The film continues the franchise's strong tradition of excellent CGI performances and epic storytelling. While it suffers from minor pacing issues at times, it is commendable that the filmmakers are confident enough to "take the foot off the gas" to explore the universe more deeply. When the tension is finally amped up, the result is a breathtaking spectacle that successfully sets the stage for the next phase of this expanding saga.

"The movie also sets up the continuation of the narrative with some fascinating possibilities. Which leaves us in a place of wanting more in the tale, which is the best place to be for the future of this fascinating and expanding saga."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Wes Ball
• Starring: Owen Teague (Noa), Freya Allan (Mae), Kevin Durand (Proximus Caesar)
• Supporting: Peter Macon, William H. Macy
• Visual Effects: Wētā FX

The Vision

Wes Ball takes over the directorial reins from Matt Reeves, shifting the focus generations after the death of Caesar. His vision is one of a "post-post-apocalyptic" world where nature has reclaimed the earth, and ape clans have diverged into unique cultures. By leaning into world-building over constant action, Ball creates a more meditative experience that honors the legacy of the previous trilogy while carving out a fresh identity. The technical mastery provided by Wētā FX ensures that the emotional beats of the ape protagonists remain the film's beating heart.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Generational Leap: The film takes place roughly 300 years after War for the Planet of the Apes, meaning the legend of Caesar has evolved into a religious or mythical figure.
• Ape School: The actors spent six weeks in "Ape School" with movement coach Alain Gauthier to unlearn human movements and perfect the specific gait and mannerisms of chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans.
• Location Scouting: Much of the lush, reclaimed scenery was filmed on location in New South Wales, Australia, utilizing real environments to ground the heavy CGI elements in reality.

✅ Pros

• Industry-leading CGI and motion-capture performances.
• Breathtaking action spectacles and cinematography.
• Intriguing world-building that leaves you wanting more.

❌ Cons

• Occasional pacing lulls during the middle act.
• Struggles slightly to emerge from the massive shadow of the Caesar trilogy.

🏆 Final Verdict

A triumphant return to the world of the apes. Despite minor pacing issues, the film delivers the "spectacle" promised and leaves the franchise in an incredibly exciting place for future chapters.

View original review on Letterboxd

Abigail

 

Abigail (2024)

An Amusing and Crowd-Friendly Thriller

★★★☆☆

Watched 12 May 2024 — A fun, gory mashup that delivers the goods even if the marketing spoiled the surprise.

Directed by the "Radio Silence" duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, Abigail is a rowdy exploration of the kidnap-thriller genre with a supernatural bite. Despite its main twist being heavily featured in the trailers, the film manages to maintain momentum through a series of fun narrative turns and plenty of visceral jump scares. It succeeds primarily as a group experience, relying on a game ensemble cast who clearly enjoyed playing within the bloody confines of its central premise.

"Best enjoyed in the company of good friends and a rowdy audience talking and laughing at the screen. [It is] an amusing and crowd friendly thriller/comedy."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Directors: [Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett](https://www.imdb.com)
• Starring: [Melissa Barrera](https://www.imdb.com), Dan Stevens, Alisha Weir
• Supporting: Kathryn Newton, William Catlett, Kevin Durand, Angus Cloud
• Studio: Universal Pictures

The Vision

The directorial vision follows the established "Radio Silence" playbook seen in Ready or Not: mixing high-stakes horror with dark, comedic levity. The film focuses on subverting expectations of the "victim" and "predator" dynamic. While the marketing may have dampened the initial shock of the reveal, the filmmakers double down on stylistic gore and energetic pacing to keep the audience engaged. It’s a movie that prioritizes the "blast" of the moment over deep lore, aiming for high-energy entertainment that flourishes in a theatrical setting.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Angus Cloud’s Final Role: This film marks one of the final on-screen appearances for [Angus Cloud](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com), best known for his role in Euphoria.
• Ballerina Vampire: Alisha Weir, who plays Abigail, performed many of her own dance-inspired stunts, drawing on her musical theater background (Matilda the Musical).
• Classic Roots: The film is a loose, modern reimagining of the 1936 classic Dracula's Daughter.

✅ Pros

• Great performances from a high-energy ensemble.
• Plenty of fun gore and effective jump scares.
• Excellent choice for a group viewing experience.

❌ Cons

• Marketing spoiled the most significant twist.
• Follows fairly standard horror/thriller tropes.
• Narrative turns can feel predictable for genre veterans.

🏆 Final Verdict

A blood-soaked, amusing romp that proves the "Radio Silence" team still knows how to throw a party on screen. Even if you know what's coming, the ride is worth the price of admission for the fun alone.

View on Letterboxd

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

 

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024)

The Best Popcorn Action Film of the Summer

★★★½☆

Watched 12 May 2024 — A high-octane throwback that prioritizes "good natured fun" over heavy-handed dramatics.

Directed by Guy Ritchie, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare cements his status as a premier crowd-pleasing action director. Moving away from his early independent "Tarantino-esque" roots, Ritchie has evolved into a versatile filmmaker capable of tackling everything from Aladdin to the tortured drama of The Covenant. Here, he returns to the "men-on-a-mission" subgenre with his trademark visual flair and breathtaking practical effects, delivering a stylized WWII romp that feels like a spiritual successor to his work on The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

"Is there a better prolific mainstream director working today than Guy Ritchie? One can try and make an argument. But for my money I'd say no."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: [Guy Ritchie](https://www.imdb.com)
• Starring: [Henry Cavill](https://www.imdb.com), [Alan Ritchson](https://www.imdb.com), Eiza González
• Supporting: Henry Golding, Alex Pettyfer, Til Schweiger
• Source Material: Based on the book by [Damien Lewis](https://www.damienlewis.com)

The Vision

Ritchie’s vision for this project is refreshingly straightforward: a focus on affable, attractive characters fighting "uncomplicated evil Nazis." By stripping away the non-linear complexity of his early career, he leans into a kinetic, muscular style of filmmaking. The film functions as a celebration of British resilience and "ungentlemanly" tactics, utilizing practical special effects to ground the stylized violence. It proves Ritchie can master the big-budget Hollywood machine while maintaining the distinct, energetic edge that makes his work stand out in the mainstream landscape.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• The Bond Connection: Henry Cavill’s character, Gus March-Phillipps, was a primary real-life inspiration for Ian Fleming’s James Bond. Fleming himself is a character in the film.
• The Ritchie/Cavill Reunion: This marks the second collaboration between Ritchie and Cavill, following 2015's The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
• Historical Basis: The film depicts Operation Postmaster, a secret mission so controversial the British government kept it classified for decades.

✅ Pros

• Memorable performances across the entire ensemble cast.
• Breathtaking, practical special effects and visuals.
• Pure, unapologetic "popcorn" fun.

❌ Cons

• Lacks the narrative depth of The Covenant.
• Villains are somewhat one-dimensional "evil Nazis."
• Follows a very familiar mission-movie template.

🏆 Final Verdict

A triumphant confirmation of Guy Ritchie’s status as a master of the modern action film. If you want high stakes without the pretension, this is the best ride of the summer. Go watch it, then head to Netflix for The Gentlemen.

View on Letterboxd

Unfrosted

 

Unfrosted (2024)

An Unabashedly Silly Sugar Rush

★★★☆☆

Watched 07 May 2024 — A bizarre, ridiculous comedy that succeeds if you check your "critical eye" at the door.

Directed by and starring Jerry Seinfeld, Unfrosted is a surreal, candy-colored reimagining of the corporate battle to invent the Pop-Tart. Eschewing the trend of "gritty" brand biopics, the film leans into pure absurdity. It is a movie with a singular mission: to generate laughs at any cost. While it won't satisfy those seeking "high art" or a realistic historical account, its commitment to being a "bizarre" and "ridiculous" piece of broad comedy makes it a refreshing, harmless diversion for those in the right frame of mind.

"If the audience member goes in with a negative critical eye... they are missing the point. [It] was created with only one task in mind, to give the audience laughs."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: [Jerry Seinfeld](https://www.imdb.com)
• Starring: Jerry Seinfeld, Melissa McCarthy, Jim Gaffigan
• Supporting: Hugh Grant, Amy Schumer, Christian Slater, James Marsden
• Studio: [Netflix](https://www.netflix.com)

The Vision

Seinfeld’s directorial debut is a rejection of modern cinematic self-importance. His vision is rooted in the "anything for a laugh" ethos of classic 1960s comedies and variety shows. The film intentionally prioritizes absurdity over plot cohesion, utilizing a massive ensemble of comedy legends to populate a hyper-stylized version of Battle Creek, Michigan. By leaning into the "ridiculous," Seinfeld creates a space where broad comedy can flourish without the constraints of "thought-provoking" expectations, aiming directly for the audience's "funny bone."

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Hugh Grant's Tony the Tiger: Hugh Grant portrays a disgruntled Shakespearean actor forced to wear a Tony the Tiger costume, a meta-commentary on his own career evolution.
• Seinfeld's First: This marks Jerry Seinfeld's first time directing a feature film, despite his decades of dominance in television and stand-up.
• Product Placement Parody: While the film is about Pop-Tarts, Kellogg’s was not an official partner; the film actually parodies the very concept of the "brand origin story" popularized by movies like Air and BlackBerry.

✅ Pros

• Pure, harmless, and quick-hitting laughs.
• Stacked ensemble cast having a blast with the material.
• Refreshingly unabashed about its own silliness.

❌ Cons

• Not for everyone; broad comedy can be polarizing.
• Lacks a challenging or stimulating narrative.
• May feel "all over the place" to a critical viewer.

🏆 Final Verdict

A sugary, strange, and entirely ridiculous trip that succeeds if you're looking for simple fun. If you're willing to turn off your brain and enjoy the absurd, Unfrosted delivers exactly what it promises.

View on Letterboxd