Deadpool and Wolverine

 

Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

A High-Octane Celebration of Nostalgia and Fan Service

★★★½☆

The most fun I've had in a theater since Top Gun: Maverick—an unabashedly enjoyable love letter to the Fox era.

Directed by Shawn Levy, Deadpool & Wolverine is a legitimate mixed bag that prioritizes visceral fun over narrative consequence. While the film delivers laughs and excitement in spades for comic book aficionados, its overall contribution to the broader MCU tapestry feels shockingly insular. It suffers from the same "running in place" momentum that has plagued recent multiverse entries, trading the tight building blocks of the Infinity Saga for listless adventures and low-stakes obstacles.

"This is a cinematic celebration, that is meant to be enjoyed with good friends together with no thoughts of heavy, existential debates. For two hours everything is going to be alright."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Shawn Levy
• Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman
• Supporting: Emma Corrin, Matthew Macfadyen
• Producer: Kevin Feige

The Vision

What Shawn Levy and Ryan Reynolds have crafted is less of an artistic exercise and more of a community event. It embraces a "shameless travel down memory lane," serving as a definitive tribute to the Marvel Fox films. While it may lack the soul-inspiring contemplation of top-tier cinema, it succeeds in providing the "eye candy" and hearty laughs that the film community has craved amidst recent industry strikes and streaming wars. It’s a celebratory moment meant for popcorn, not pedantry.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Hugh’s Return: After the definitive ending of 2017's Logan, Hugh Jackman decided to return to the role of Wolverine after a spontaneous road trip conversation with Ryan Reynolds.
• The R-Rating: This marks the first film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to be released with an R rating, allowing the franchise to maintain Deadpool's signature crude humor and gore.
• Cameo Count: The film utilized a massive amount of physical sets rather than green screens to ground the various multiverse cameos in a more "lived-in" aesthetic.

✅ Pros

• Incredible comedic timing and "visceral fun" for fans.
• Touching, warm tributes to the 20th Century Fox Marvel era.
• Exceptional chemistry between Reynolds and Jackman.

❌ Cons

• Shockingly insular narrative that doesn't advance the MCU.
• Generic "multiverse" storybook structure.
• Weak antagonist and relatively low-stakes resolution.

🏆 Final Verdict

A masterpiece of fan service. While the artistic merits are debatable, the entertainment value is undeniable. Stop worrying about the "tapestry" and just enjoy the celebration.

View original review on Letterboxd

The Bikeriders

 

The Bikeriders (2023)

A Meandering Descent from Social Club to Crime Syndicate

★★½☆☆

A visually polished but narratively thin disappointment that struggles to move beyond looking cool.

Directed by Jeff Nichols, The Bikeriders is a meandering story that tracks the dissolution of a budding social club into a legitimate crime gang. Narrated by Jodie Comer, the film features high-caliber performers like Tom Hardy and Austin Butler, but ultimately suffers from a plot that goes nowhere slowly. While the aesthetic is undeniable, the script leaves the talented cast with little to do besides look brooding on motorcycles, resulting in a film that feels more like a collection of poses than a cohesive drama.

"Considering the talent involved I'd say the film is a massive disappointment... Everything looks great, but the performers don't really have much to do except look cool and ride motorcycles."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director/Writer: Jeff Nichols
• Starring: Jodie Comer, Austin Butler, Tom Hardy
• Supporting: Michael Shannon, Boyd Holbrook, Norman Reedus
• Source Material: Danny Lyon (Photobook)

The Vision

Jeff Nichols, usually a master of intimate Southern Gothic storytelling, attempts to translate Danny Lyon's iconic 1967 photobook into a feature film. However, the source material’s lack of a traditional narrative arc haunts the production. The film relies heavily on Jodie Comer’s narration to bridge the gaps, but her divisive dialect choices often rob the scenes of their intended gravitas. Compared to genre staples like Sons of Anarchy, the film fails to offer anything groundbreaking or unique enough to justify the revisit to this subculture.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• The Real Kathy: Jodie Comer spent hours listening to the original tapes of Kathy (the person she portrays) recorded by Danny Lyon to replicate her specific Chicago accent.
• Period Authenticity: The motorcycles used in the film were largely period-correct Harleys and Indians, and the actors underwent extensive training to handle the vintage bikes without modern safety features.
• Long Wait: Jeff Nichols first encountered Danny Lyon’s book in 2003 and spent nearly 20 years ruminating on how to adapt the still images into a moving story.

✅ Pros

• Stunning cinematography and authentic 1960s production design.
• Charismatic presence from the lead trio of Hardy, Butler, and Comer.
• Evocative atmosphere that captures the "cool" of biker culture.

❌ Cons

• Meandering, slow-paced plot that lacks a strong narrative drive.
• Divisive dialect choices that can make characters feel like caricatures.
• Fails to bring a unique perspective compared to existing biker dramas.

🏆 Final Verdict

An unfortunate case of style over substance. Despite the considerable skill of Jeff Nichols and his A-list cast, The Bikeriders is an atmospheric misfire that never quite manages to kick-start its engine.

View original review on Letterboxd

The Bricklayer

 

The Bricklayer (2023)

A Prototypical Spy Film Hampered by Circumstance

★★☆☆☆

A clunky, half-baked actioner that manages to find a few sparks in its fight choreography.

Directed by veteran filmmaker Renny Harlin, The Bricklayer feels like a project compromised by circumstances beyond its control. Starring Aaron Eckhart as a retired CIA operative forced back into the fold, the film suffers from clunky dialogue and a screenplay that desperately needed another polish. While Harlin still possesses the ability to shoot an entertaining action sequence, the overall production feels rushed, resulting in a narrative that is often incoherent and lacking in believability.

"Critics can obviously dismiss the film as something that probably shouldn't exist. But I think films like this have a place... they provide jobs and help other projects be developed by learning from mistakes."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Renny Harlin
• Starring: Aaron Eckhart, Nina Dobrev
• Supporting: Clifton Collins Jr., Tim Blake Nelson
• Source Material: Paul Lindsay (Novel)

The Vision

Renny Harlin, the man behind Die Hard 2 and Cliffhanger, attempts to bring an old-school grit to this modern spy tale. Unfortunately, the vision is let down by a budget and schedule that seem insufficient for the scale of the stunts and casting required. Aaron Eckhart gives his best effort, but the pairing with Nina Dobrev—who feels unfortunately miscast—struggles to find the necessary chemistry to elevate the half-baked plot. It’s a film for an audience with low expectations and high tolerance for generic tropes.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Harlin’s Return: This film marks one of several recent collaborations between Renny Harlin and the Greek/Bulgarian production hubs, where many modern mid-budget actioners are now filmed to maximize resources.
• Literary Roots: The film is based on the 2010 novel by Noah Boyd (a pseudonym for former FBI agent Paul Lindsay), which was highly praised for its technical accuracy—much of which was unfortunately lost in translation here.
• Eckhart’s Prep: Aaron Eckhart actually trained in basic masonry and bricklaying to add a layer of physical authenticity to his character's "retired" life.

✅ Pros

• Renny Harlin still knows how to frame a solid fight sequence.
• Aaron Eckhart provides a committed, professional lead performance.
• A functional "comfort food" watch for die-hard action completists.

❌ Cons

• Clunky dialogue and a largely incoherent, half-baked screenplay.
• Nina Dobrev feels miscast in her role as a junior agent.
• 明显 (Obvious) budget constraints affecting the overall polish.

🏆 Final Verdict

Mediocrity personified. While it serves a purpose in the Hollywood ecosystem of keeping crews employed, The Bricklayer is a tough recommendation for anyone seeking a sharp or memorable spy thriller.

View original review on Letterboxd

Beverly Hills Cop Axel F

 

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024)

The Limits of Nostalgia and the Weight of 80s Tropes

★★½☆☆

Eddie Murphy remains charismatic, but the "sound and fury" of the plot often falls flat.

Directed by Mark Molloy, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is equal parts fun and predictably tired. While it’s a joy to see Eddie Murphy reprise his most famous role alongside legacy characters, the hijinks quickly defy believability. Axel Foley remains the same blunt instrument he was in the 80s—shooting first and asking questions later—even when his age suggests he should be moving toward more elegant crime solving rather than dodging automatic rifle fire on Wilshire Blvd.

"There was an opportunity here to maybe change the tone up a bit... Instead, what we get is Foley chasing perps in a semi through heavy traffic... which likely stakes his claim as the unluckiest street detective in cinematic history."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Mark Molloy
• Starring: Eddie Murphy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Taylour Paige
• Legacy Cast: Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Paul Reiser
• Platform: Netflix

The Vision

The filmmakers seem trapped by the franchise's roots, doubling down on the reckless "cowboy" mentality that defined the original trilogy. While Murphy himself has noted that at 63 he "shouldn't be hanging off car hoods anymore," the production doesn't trust the audience to enjoy a slower, more suspense-driven mystery. The film is at its best when it slows down to let Murphy’s comedic affability shine, yet it too often retreats into loud, violent spectacles that eventually feel strangely boring.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Decades in the Making: A fourth Beverly Hills Cop film had been in various stages of development since the mid-90s, with directors like Brett Ratner and Adil El Arbi previously attached.
• Practical Pedigree: Director Mark Molloy insisted on using as many practical stunts as possible to capture the tangible feel of 80s action cinema.
• The "Axel F" Theme: Harold Faltermeyer’s iconic synth theme was updated by composer Lorne Balfe, who integrated it with a more modern orchestral soundscape.

✅ Pros

• Eddie Murphy remains effortlessly charismatic and funny.
• Great to see the original "legacy" cast back together.
• Genuine laughs when the dialogue is allowed to breathe.

❌ Cons

• Plot gets too loud, violent, and repetitive.
• Foley's reckless behavior defies modern believability.
• Missed opportunity to evolve the character’s methodology.

🏆 Final Verdict

A functional nostalgia trip that works best as a "hangout movie" but falters as an action-thriller. Murphy is the anchor, but the sound and fury surrounding him signify very little.

View original review on Letterboxd

Shot Caller

 

Shot Caller (2017)

A Soul-Crushing Descent into the Heart of Darkness

★★★½☆

A painfully dark and suspenseful prison drama that offers no easy exits.

Directed by Ric Roman Waugh, Shot Caller is a no-holds-barred look at how a single moment can cause a life to spin out of control and "break bad" in an instant. Featuring a transformative lead performance by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, the film navigates the brutal hierarchies of the American penal system. This is a story of impossible, no-win situations—a bleak tale that haunts the viewer long after the credits roll, requiring a comedic "palette cleanser" just to shake the throes of morbid contemplation it creates.

"It's like watching an actors workshop of performers putting themselves through a catharsis of trauma for their art... a story of how life can spin out of control and break bad in an instant."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director/Writer: Ric Roman Waugh
• Starring: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Jon Bernthal
• Supporting: Jeffrey Donovan, Holt McCallany, Lake Bell
• Genre: Crime / Prison Drama

The Vision

Ric Roman Waugh eschews the traditional Hollywood redemption arc, opting instead for a gritty realism that feels both mesmerizing and unforgiving. The film thrives on its ensemble of renowned character actors—including Jeffrey Donovan and Holt McCallany—who put themselves through extreme situations. Waugh’s vision suggests that in a world of despair, sometimes the only inspiration to be found is in characters who try to make the best of a devastatingly broken situation.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Prison Trilogy: This is director Ric Roman Waugh's third film exploring the prison system, following Felon (2008) and Snitch (2013).
• Deep Research: Waugh spent two years researching California's prison gangs and even went undercover as a volunteer parole officer to ensure the dialogue and racial politics were authentic.
• Transformation: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau spent hours in makeup daily for his extensive body tattoos, which were designed to tell his character’s specific history within the gang hierarchy.

✅ Pros

• Transformative, powerhouse performance by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.
• Unflinching, authentic look at prison gang culture.
• Exceptional supporting work from Jon Bernthal and Holt McCallany.

❌ Cons

• Relentlessly bleak and potentially soul-crushing for some.
• Complete lack of hope or humor makes for a very heavy watch.

🏆 Final Verdict

A masterpiece of despair. If you are in the mood for something disturbing and despairing, Shot Caller is a top-tier choice. Just don't expect a fairy tale ending.

View original review on Letterboxd

Safe Haven

 

Safe Haven (2013)

A Coastal Romance Hijacked by Thriller Tropes

★★½☆☆

A sappy Nicholas Sparks adaptation elevated by a capable directorial hand, but hampered by a jarring tonal shift.

Directed by Lasse Hallström, Safe Haven is a watchable romance that benefits from the charismatic presence of its attractive leads, Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough. The film excels early on as it explores a charming, Norman Rockwell-esque small seaside town. However, the story eventually takes an unexpected and unwarranted turn into suspense territory. It is a shame that the narrative lacks the confidence to stay the course with its likable characters rebuilding their lives, instead opting for a B-plot that feels like a misplaced knock-off of Sleeping with the Enemy.

"The thriller aspect and b-plot turns the film into an ugly Sleeping with the Enemy knock-off that just feels out-of-place. It's not thrilling or suspenseful, just annoying as we yearn for the simplicity of the first two acts."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Lasse Hallström
• Starring: Julianne Hough, Josh Duhamel
• Supporting: Cobie Smulders, David Lyons
• Source Material: Nicholas Sparks (Novel)

The Vision

Hallström brings his signature warmth to the production, making the coastal setting feel like a genuine character in itself. While the film attempts to add depth by introducing a secondary storyline to avoid being "too uncomplicated," the execution falters. The transition from a gentle romance to an intense thriller is jarring, distracting from the earnest connection between the leads. Rather than enhancing the stakes, the "thriller" elements serve as an unnecessary distraction from the film's initial, more effective simplicity.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Southport Sights: The film was shot on location in Southport, North Carolina, a town that has served as the backdrop for several other Nicholas Sparks adaptations.
• Hallström’s History: This was director Lasse Hallström's second Sparks adaptation, following the successful Dear John (2010).
• That "Twist": The film's supernatural-leaning ending (a staple of the novel) was highly divisive among critics, with many feeling it clashed with the grounded realism of the earlier acts.

✅ Pros

• Charismatic and attractive lead performances.
• Beautifully captured, charming small-town setting.
• Capable direction that makes the first two acts very watchable.

❌ Cons

• Jarring and unwarranted turn into suspense thriller territory.
• Feels like an uninspired knock-off of better "woman on the run" films.
• Secondary storyline lacks genuine thrills or suspense.

🏆 Final Verdict

A decent coastal romance that loses its way when it tries to become a thriller. Safe Haven is best enjoyed for its visual charm and lead chemistry, even if the plot eventually spins out into the annoying.

View original review on Letterboxd

You People

 

You People (2023)

Cringe Satire That Plays It a Bit Too Safe

★★½☆☆

A lightly amusing comedy that coasts on the likability of its legendary cast but misses the big laughs.

Directed by Kenya Barris, You People attempts to navigate the awkward waters of modern cultural clashes through a lens of cringe satire. Featuring an powerhouse ensemble of comedy legends like Eddie Murphy, Jonah Hill, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, the film manages to be lightly amusing. However, it ultimately suffers from predictable conflicts and safe social commentary. While there are moments that will make the audience chuckle, the story lacks those two or three massive, memorable laughs that a cast of this caliber deserves.

"Disappointing considering the cast involved... but because of the likeability of the performers it's not a total loss. Maybe one day this ensemble will get another chance to share the screen together in material more worthy of their talents."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Kenya Barris
• Starring: Jonah Hill, Lauren London, Eddie Murphy
• Supporting: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Nia Long, David Duchovny
• Writers: Jonah Hill & Kenya Barris

The Vision

Co-written by Jonah Hill and Kenya Barris, the film tries to modernize the Guess Who's Coming to Dinner trope for a streaming audience. The directorial vision leans heavily into the "cringe" factor, placing characters in increasingly uncomfortable social situations. While the intention is to spark conversation through humor, the safe approach to its themes prevents it from reaching the biting satirical heights of Barris' previous work like Black-ish. It’s a functional hangout movie that relies more on the charisma of its actors than the strength of its narrative teeth.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• The "CGI" Kiss: The film gained viral notoriety after it was revealed that the final wedding kiss between Jonah Hill and Lauren London was actually created using CGI due to COVID-19 safety protocols or scheduling.
• Directorial Debut: This marked Kenya Barris' debut as a feature film director, moving from his successful career as a television creator and showrunner.
• Improv Energy: Given the background of the cast, much of the dinner table banter was heavily improvised to capture a more authentic, albeit awkward, family dynamic.

✅ Pros

• Incredible cast of legendary comedic performers.
• Occasional moments of genuine, relatable "cringe" humor.
• High production value and a vibrant, modern aesthetic.

❌ Cons

• Predictable plot beats and relatively safe social commentary.
• Lacks the big "gut-busting" laughs expected from this ensemble.
• Can feel a bit overlong and repetitive in its awkwardness.

🏆 Final Verdict

Not a total loss thanks to the performers, but a bit of a letdown given the potential. You People is a decent weekend stream, but you'll likely find yourself wishing the script was as sharp as the actors' delivery.

View original review on Letterboxd

Johnny Guitar

 

Johnny Guitar (1954)

A Bold, Subversive, and Technicolor Masterpiece

★★★★☆

Watched 02 Jul 2024 — A distinctive Western that flips the genre on its head, placing power firmly in the hands of its formidable female leads.

Directed by Nicholas Ray, Johnny Guitar is a big, bold classic that manages to be both familiar and radically subversive. While it employs many traditional Western film tropes, the story takes the unique turn of centering on two gun-wielding female rivals. In a striking reversal of 1950s gender roles, the stereotypical "cowboy" characters serve as handsome side pieces, taking orders and remaining subservient to the women's demands. It is a film that expertly balances witty, quotable banter with exciting, popcorn-munching action.

"The plot features two strong, gun wielding female rivals who take center stage... The male stereotypical cowboys characters, meanwhile stand by them, looking like handsome side pieces."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Nicholas Ray
• Starring: Joan Crawfordn Sterling Hayden, Mercedes McCambridge
• Supporting: Scott Brady, Ward Bond, Ernest Borgnine
• Visuals: Trucolor (Republic Pictures)

The Vision

Nicholas Ray brings his trademark vivid style to the screen, utilizing lush landscapes and a heightened, almost surreal color palette. The vision is defined by "outsized, melodramatic performances," particularly the eerie, intimidating presence of Joan Crawford and the vengeful fire of Mercedes McCambridge. Ray creates an experience that functions as an enjoyable "shoot-em-up" on the surface, but invites serious scholarly assessment of its place in cinematic history as a work of art that challenged the very foundations of the Western genre.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• A Critical Darling: While largely misunderstood in the U.S. upon release, it was championed by French New Wave critics like [François Truffaut](https://www.criterion.com), who called it a "hallucinatory" Western.
• Real-Life Rivalry: The tension between [Joan Crawford and Mercedes McCambridge](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com) was legendary; Crawford reportedly threw McCambridge's costumes onto the highway in a fit of rage during filming.
• IndieWire's #1: As noted, [IndieWire recently ranked](https://www.indiewire.com) Johnny Guitar as the greatest Western of all time, surpassing traditional favorites like The Searchers.

✅ Pros

• Revolutionary focus on powerful female protagonists.
• Breathtaking, vivid visuals and Nicholas Ray's unique style.
• Strong, witty dialogue and memorable performances.

❌ Cons

• The heightened melodrama may be too "outsized" for some.
• Paces differently than a standard modern action Western.
• Subversive nature was once polarizing for traditional fans.

🏆 Final Verdict

Whether you see it as a fun shoot-em-up or a sophisticated piece of art, Johnny Guitar is an essential watch. It remains one of the most effective and memorable entries in the history of cinema.

View on Letterboxd