Violent Night

Violent Night (2022)

Action-Oriented Christmas Spirit with a Body Count

★★★☆☆

Watched 18 Dec 2024 — A welcome, ultra-violent counter-programming to holiday schmaltz that packs a surprising amount of heart.

Directed by Tommy Wirkola, Violent Night leans into the "Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?" debate by delivering a morbidly funny, high-octane holiday slasher. David Harbour plays a grumpy, lethal Santa Claus who finds himself defending a wealthy family from mercenaries. While the premise is wild and occasionally offensive, the film succeeds by not taking itself seriously. It balances an impressive body count and unique kills with genuine "Christmas story heart," largely thanks to the innocent childhood charms of Leah Brady. It is a runaway train of silly, bloody holiday fun.

"It's not only just blood and gore, Violent Night also delivers some action-oriented Christmas spirit... Only a scrooge would not be moved by the innocent childhood charms of Leah Brady."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Tommy Wirkola
• Starring: David Harbour, John Leguizamo, Leah Brady
• Supporting: Alex Hassell, Alexis Louder, Beverly D'Angelo
• Studio: Universal Pictures

The Vision

Wirkola’s vision is unapologetically "after-hours" holiday entertainment. He creates a world where magical realism meets John Wick-style choreography, specifically designed for audiences tired of the repetitive Christmas movie catalog. The directorial focus is on "crowd-pleasing unique kills" and visceral action, but it wisely anchors the mayhem in the relationship between Santa and a young believer. It’s a film that knows exactly what it is: a violent, festive spectacle that replaces schmaltz with adrenaline and coal-fueled vengeance.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Home Alone Homage: The film features a brutal, R-rated tribute to the booby traps from [Home Alone](https://www.imdb.com), showing what those injuries would actually look like in reality.
• Harbour's Training: [David Harbour](https://www.imdb.com) underwent extensive combat training to perform many of his own stunts, bringing a "heavy-hitter" physicality to Saint Nick.
• Die Hard Roots: The screenwriters explicitly set out to create a film that would sit alongside [Die Hard](https://www.imdb.com) and *Lethal Weapon* as an alternative Christmas classic.

✅ Pros

• Crowd-pleasing action and unique, creative kills.
• David Harbour is perfectly cast as a lethal, grumpy Santa.
• Surprising emotional core and genuine holiday spirit.

❌ Cons

• Gets "runaway train silly" at certain points.
• Premise may be slightly offensive to traditionalists.
• Definitely not suitable for younger children or toddlers.

🏆 Final Verdict

A festive, blood-soaked riot that’s perfect for late-night viewing after the kids are asleep. It’s silly, violent, and surprisingly sweet—a must-watch for anyone who prefers their Christmas spirit with a side of mayhem.

View on Letterboxd

Sing Sing

Sing Sing

The Transformative Power of Hope in the Darkest Places

★★★½☆

A soul-affirming celebration of art that negates cynicism through its sheer authenticity.

Directed by Greg Kwedar, Sing Sing explores the healing potential of the Rehabilitation Through Arts (RTA) program within a high-security prison. The film's primary strength lies in its cast, which features actual formerly incarcerated RTA participants alongside professional actors. While Colman Domingo anchors the piece as the inspirational Divine G, it is the raw, touching performance of Clarence Maclin that truly stands out. Though it may not hit every emotional peak expected from award-season buzz, its existence as a testament to the redemptive power of creativity is undeniable.

"I'm just grateful that Sing Sing is around for future generations to experience and the film will continue to illustrate the message of how hope and art can save a soul and transform and inspire a person's humanity."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Greg Kwedar
• Starring: Colman Domingo, Clarence Maclin, Paul Raci
• Program: Rehabilitation Through Arts (RTA)
• Format: Shot on 16mm film

The Vision

The film prioritizes authenticity over Hollywood polish by featuring real-life participants as themselves or versions of themselves. This choice transforms the narrative from a standard "prison movie" into a living document of personal transformation. Kwedar’s direction focuses on the intimacy of the rehearsals, illustrating how art can save a soul even in "soul-crushing" environments. It is a work that values the human spirit above narrative perfection.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Authenticity First: About 85% of the cast are alumni of the real-life RTA program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility.
• Clarence Maclin: Maclin plays a version of himself in the film, portraying the same journey he took while incarcerated in the mid-2000s.
• A24 Acquired: The film was a major breakout at the Toronto International Film Festival, leading to a high-profile acquisition by A24.
• Colman's Commitment: Colman Domingo spent significant time working with the RTA alumni to ensure the professional and non-professional actors felt like a unified ensemble.

✅ Pros

• Powerhouse performance by Colman Domingo.
• Unmatched authenticity using real RTA participants.
• Profoundly hopeful and redemptive message.

❌ Cons

• May fall short of some "emotional moving heights."
• Pacing is deliberate and character-focused.
• Might feel less "cinematic" than traditional prison epics.

🏆 Final Verdict

A film that transcends criticism through its commitment to truth. Sing Sing is an essential watch for anyone who believes in the restorative power of the human imagination.

View original review on Letterboxd

Megalopolis

Megalopolis

An Audacious, Unwieldy Middle Finger to Convention

★★★☆☆

A bold artistic reach that unabashedly exceeds its master director's grasp.

Directed by the legendary Francis Ford Coppola, Megalopolis is an unconventional amalgamation of genres, historical periods, and visual sensibilities. It represents a radical departure from the grounded realism of The Godfather or Patton, serving instead as an obscure, non-traditional art piece. While it is wildly excessive and often confusingly frivolous, there is something undeniably admirable about its ambition. It functions as a massive rejection of "safe, cardboard cutout narratives," even if it struggles to find a cohesive emotional heart amid its sprawling metaphors.

"Megalopolis feels like a big f**k you to mainstream commercial, conventional, safe, cardboard cutout narratives and works. In that sense it works."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director/Writer: Francis Ford Coppola
• Starring: Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Nathalie Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza
• Inspiration: The Catiline Conspiracy / Ancient Rome
• Production: Independently financed ($120M+)

The Vision

Coppola seemingly trades his legacy as a mainstream storyteller for the freedom of an indie darling, coloring outside the lines of studio expectations. The film utilizes symbolism and intellectual quotes (like those of Marcus Aurelius) to build an ethereal, non-descript world. It demands to be "absorbed and experienced" rather than dissected for narrative logic. The final act, though clumsy and hurried, cements the film's status as a polarizing experiment that prioritizes artistic impulse over popular audience satisfaction.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Self-Funded: Coppola famously sold a significant portion of his **winery empire** to personally finance the $120 million budget.
• Decades in the Making: The director began writing the screenplay for *Megalopolis* in the early 1980s.
• Live Cinema: Early theatrical screenings featured a **live actor** who walked onto the stage to interact with Adam Driver's character on screen.
• A Notable Cameo: The film features Dustin Hoffman, marking a rare collaboration between the two New Hollywood icons.

✅ Pros

• Stunningly ambitious and visually unique.
• A brave, uncompromising rejection of formulaic cinema.
• All actors are fully "game" for the ethereal concept.

❌ Cons

• Lacks a central emotional heart to move the audience.
• Narratively unwieldy and "awkwardly all over the place."
• Final act feels hurried and almost like a parody.

🏆 Final Verdict

A fascinating, flawed masterpiece of excess. Whether it crashes or soars, it is a testament to the fact that one of cinema's greatest is still willing to risk everything for a vision.

View original review on Letterboxd

I Saw the TV Glow

I Saw the TV Glow (2024)

A Haunting Directorial Showcase of Repressed Identity

★★★☆☆

A dark, atmospheric coming-of-age story that prioritizes tone over traditional narrative.

Directed by Jane Schoenbrun, I Saw the TV Glow is a film that arguably defies categorization. While marketed as horror, it is less of a traditional thriller and more of a meditation on the deterioration of mental health in the wake of repressed self-identity. It captures the haunting pain of conforming to societal norms with an earnest sincerity that is both admirable and disturbing.

"The work feels more like a directorial showcase for Jane Schoenbrun... more about setting a unique, haunting tone than telling a strong story or beating the viewer over the head with an obvious theme."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director/Writer: Jane Schoenbrun
• Starring: Justice Smith, Brigette Lundy-Paine
• Cinematography: Eric Yue
• Music: Alex G

The Vision

The movie clearly has the ambition to evoke the most disturbing works of David Lynch. While it doesn't quite capture the same bizarre, terrifying menace, the attempts at creating a unique, visceral aesthetic are noteworthy. Schoenbrun uses impressive cinematography and disturbing imagery to build a world that feels equal parts style and substance—though for those who prioritize a tight plot, the latter half of the film may feel like it gives up on narrative coherence in favor of pure absorption.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• A24 Aesthetic: The film's neon-drenched, lo-fi look was inspired by 90s television shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Adventures of Pete & Pete.
• Soundtrack Depth: The film features an original soundtrack with contributions from Caroline Polachek, Snail Mail, and King Woman, curated to reflect the film's emotional landscape.
• Director’s Journey: This is Jane Schoenbrun’s follow-up to their viral indie hit We're All Going to the World's Fair, continuing their exploration of digital and media-based isolation.

✅ Pros

• Breathtaking, eerie, and highly original visual style.
• Earnest and vulnerable performances from the lead cast.
• A unique, meditative approach to identity and trauma.

❌ Cons

• Narrative pacing slows significantly after the 45-minute mark.
• Style occasionally overwhelms the emotional development of the characters.
• May be too esoteric for viewers seeking a traditional horror plot.

🏆 Final Verdict

A unique work that marks Jane Schoenbrun as a director to watch. I Saw the TV Glow is a haunting, visual-first experience that rewards those willing to simply absorb its atmosphere, even when the story fades into the background.

View original review on Letterboxd

Gladiator II

Gladiator II

A Worthwhile Spectacle of Sharks, Rhinos, and Revenge

★★★☆☆

An action-packed follow-up that prioritizes "audacious spectacle" over the dramatic heights of the original.

Two decades after his Academy Award-winning original, director Ridley Scott returns to the arena with Gladiator II. The story centers on Lucius (Paul Mescal), a "retro-fitted" lead whose connection to Maximus serves as a functional, if somewhat unbelievable, anchor for this second chapter. While the narrative doesn't quite match the satisfaction of its predecessor, the film excels as a visual feast. Scott delivers "riveting action sequences" ranging from massive war battles to innovative Colosseum fights that defy traditional historical expectations. With Denzel Washington stealing every scene and Pedro Pascal providing grounded emotional stakes, it stands as a fun, high-octane period piece.

"Gladiator II works best when the action is flowing and the analytical side of the audience brain is turned off... From fighting frenzied baboons, runaway rhinos, and even including an epic water battle in an arena complete with Great White sharks swimming around."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Ridley Scott
• Starring: Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen
• Music: Harry Gregson-Williams
• Cinematography: John Mathieson

The Vision

Ridley Scott’s vision for this sequel is one of massive scale and unbridled creativity, finally realizing a "rhino battle" he originally wanted for the 2000 film but couldn't achieve at the time. The production balances the "fan-favorite" world of Rome with "crazy coliseum fights" that lean more toward historical myth than strict accuracy. By casting Washington as the "menacing" Macrinus and Mescal as a "solid hero," Scott creates a performance-driven action extravaganza that encourages the audience to "just accept it for what it is and enjoy the spectacle."

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Water Battles: Staging naval battles, or naumachia, in the Colosseum did actually happen in real history, though the addition of Great White sharks is purely Scott's creative flair.
• Budget Balloon: Initially budgeted at $165 million, the production costs reportedly ballooned to nearly $310 million due to strike delays and the massive scale of the sets.
• Reunion: This film marks a major reunion between director Ridley Scott and Denzel Washington, who last worked together on 2007's American Gangster.
• Malta Sets: The production featured a record-breaking rebate in the EU for filming in Malta, where a massive Colosseum set was reconstructed for the shoot.

✅ Pros

• Denzel Washington's scene-stealing, "delightful" performance.
• Riveting and unique arena action sequences.
• Exceptional technical craftsmanship and production design.

❌ Cons

• The Lucius "Maximus' son" twist feels like an "awkward stretch."
• Fails to reach the "dramatic heights" of the first film.
• Historical inaccuracies might bother "analytical" viewers.

🏆 Final Verdict

A "lot of fun" and a "worthwhile follow-up" that prioritizes breathtaking spectacle over narrative depth. Whether this is the end of the road or a new beginning, it delivers exactly what Ridley Scott does best: scale.

View original review on Letterboxd

Saturday Night

Saturday Night (2024)

A Chaotic and Insulting Gloss over Comedy History

★★½☆☆

An ambitious but hollow account that prioritizes frenzy over the brutal reality of art.

Directed by Jason Reitman, Saturday Night is a fictionalized account of the 90 minutes leading up to the first episode of the beloved TV show. While the filmmakers argue these events happened, the decision to cram them into a high-octane real-time clock feels fundamentally dishonest. It presents the birth of a cultural institution as a silly talent show, ignoring the traumatic mental illness, drug use, and relentless labor that actually fuels great comedy. Having performers run around wildly unprofessional is insulting to both the audience's intelligence and the performers themselves.

"It’s frankly heartbreaking that Jason Reitman... couldn't trust himself to make a realistic film filled with quiet moments of sincerity, instead of relying on the runaway train of comedic chaos."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Jason Reitman
• Starring: Gabriel LaBelle, Dylan O'Brien, Cory Michael Smith
• Legends Portrayed: John Belushi, Gilda Radner, George Carlin, Andy Kaufman

The Vision

The film would have the audience believe that the making of the show was as fun and innocent as middle school kids putting together a talent show. In reality, comedy is a dark, depressing profession rampant with self-destruction and competitive egos. By playing drug use for laughs, the movie fails the legacy of figures like Belushi, Newman, and Carlin who struggled severely. While the actors do admirable impersonations, the film lacks the confidence to slow down and trust scenes of quiet introspection.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• The Mozart Myth: The film suggests the performers were gifted naturals creating a comedic frenzy, ignoring the brutal work required to reach greatness.
• Historical Compression: While many events featured did happen, the film compresses years of tension and backstage drama into a single 90-minute window for dramatic effect.
• Legacy Players: The film features portrayals of legends like Billy Crystal and Milton Berle, highlighting the clash between old-school vaudeville and new-age counter-culture.

✅ Pros

• Admirable impersonations of the original Not-Ready-For-Primetime players.
• Rare moments of poignancy featuring Radner and Kaufman.
• Ambitious and witty dialogue.

❌ Cons

• Dishonest portrayal of the "fun" of professional comedy.
• Drug use played for "shits and giggles" despite real-life tragedies.
• Chaos frenzy that insults the hard work behind the craft.

🏆 Final Verdict

A giant letdown and a waste of potential. Saturday Night chooses comedic chaos over sincerity, failing to offer any dramatic insight into the actual making of a masterpiece.

View original review on Letterboxd

Music by John Williams

Music by John Williams (2024)

A Cliffnotes Look at a Sprawling Legacy

★★½☆☆

A standard, cookie-cutter sampling that barely scratches the surface of an icon.

Directed by Laurent Bouzereau, Music by John Williams provides a standard, cookie-cutter sampling of the collected works of cinema's most beloved composer. Unfortunately, the documentary doesn't quite do the man justice; his career is so sprawling and decorated that it would likely require a 10-episode mini-series to truly encompass the depth of his artistic journey. While it serves as a modest tribute, it often feels like a missed opportunity for a more extensive exploration.

"Until then, as a brief introduction and a modest tribute to the man and his famous musical works, Music by John Williams will have to do."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Laurent Bouzereau
• Featuring: John Williams, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas
• Appearing: Ron Howard, J.J. Abrams, Chris Martin
• Streaming: Disney+

The Vision

The film thrives most when it allows Williams to participate as a narrator, offering a touching look at the man seeing himself as the central focus of a project. There is genuine enjoyment in watching icons like Steven Spielberg and George Lucas gush over his contributions to their masterpieces. However, the vision remains safe and traditional, prioritizing a glossy overview over the gritty, in-depth analysis that such a technical and artistic career deserves.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Historic Partnership: The film highlights the 50-year collaboration between Williams and Spielberg, the longest director-composer partnership in film history.
• Narrative Touch: John Williams rarely participates in such personal retrospectives, making his narration and interview footage here a rare treat for fans.
• Academy Legend: Williams currently holds the record for the most Oscar nominations for any living person (54), a fact the documentary uses to anchor its look at his dominance.

✅ Pros

• Touching narration and participation from John Williams himself.
• Iconic talking heads provide sincere, well-deserved praise.
• Serves as an accessible "Greatest Hits" introduction.

❌ Cons

• Standard "cookie-cutter" documentary format lacks depth.
• Fails to encompass the true scale of his sprawling career.
• Feels more like a promotional piece than a definitive biography.

🏆 Final Verdict

A functional but surface-level tribute. While it’s fun to revisit the themes that defined our childhoods, we are still waiting for the definitive, deep-dive documentary this legend truly deserves.

View original review on Letterboxd

My Old Ass

My Old Ass

A Painfully Charming Memory of Youth

★★★★☆

A surprisingly touching and effective story about cherishing life and living in the moment.

Directed by Megan Park, My Old Ass utilizes a simple premise—an older self giving their younger self life advice—and makes it work through pure charm. Set against an idyllic mountainside backdrop, the film feels like a beautiful memory. It benefits greatly from witty dialogue and heartfelt interactions, staying focused on its emotional through-line without the need for unnecessary narrative frills or twists.

"The film is almost painfully charming. But it all works. There is a potency in presenting this simple coming-of-age story without frills or twists."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Megan Park
• Starring: Maisy Stella, Aubrey Plaza
• Runtime: 1 Hour 29 Minutes
• Studio: Amazon MGM Studios

The Vision

Director Megan Park avoids the common pitfall of over-complicating a coming-of-age story. By trusting the core message and maintaining a brisk pace, every scene builds effectively on the film's themes. It is a confident follow-up to her debut, showcasing a knack for finding depth in simple, relatable human connections.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Sundance Hit: The film was one of the most buzzed-about titles at the [2024 Sundance Film Festival](https://festival.sundance.org).
• Double Duty: Aubrey Plaza continues her streak of taking on unique, genre-bending indie roles.
• Breakout Star: This marks a major film debut for Maisy Stella, previously known for her music and television work.

✅ Pros

• Standout performance by Maisy Stella.
• Lean, effective 89-minute runtime.
• Witty dialogue and heartfelt emotional core.

❌ Cons

• The simple premise might feel "too light" for some.
• Relies heavily on the "charm" factor to carry scenes.

🏆 Final Verdict

Another triumph for Aubrey Plaza and a relatable lead turn for Maisy Stella. My Old Ass is a brisk, beautiful reminder to cherish the moment.

View original review on Letterboxd

The Substance

The Substance (2024)

A Bizarre, Bold, and Repulsive Descent into Body Horror

★★★☆☆

A riveting performance showcase trapped in a dizzying cycle of shock value.

Directed by Coralie Fargeat, The Substance is an often bizarre and disturbing cinematic experience. The film tackles heavy themes—fame, aging, sexism, and body dysmorphia—with an aggressive, uncompromising energy. However, while these themes are worthwhile, the film itself is frequently revolting and nausea-inducing by design. It stands as a technical marvel for the special effects crew, but one that may leave the viewer questioning the necessity of its excruciating 140-minute runtime.

"The film could have actually been more effective as a 45 minute Twilight Zone or Black Mirror episode. Instead of an excruciating and prolonged 2 hour and 20 minutes runtime."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director/Writer: Coralie Fargeat
• Starring: Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley
• Supporting: Dennis Quaid
• Special Effects: Pierre-Olivier Persin

The Vision

The film functions primarily as a cinematic and performance showcase. Demi Moore delivers a riveting, career-defining performance, matched by the intensity of Margaret Qualley. Yet, the satire often feels like it has surface-level depth, relying heavily on grotesque makeup execution and morbid imagery rather than witty or clever commentary. It is a bleak, depressingly long journey that prioritizes the "shriek" over the "story."

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Cannes Sensation: Coralie Fargeat won the Best Screenplay award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival for this divisive work.
• Practical Mastery: The film relies heavily on practical effects and prosthetics to achieve its most nauseating sequences, eschewing heavy CGI for a more visceral impact.
• Sound Design: The aggressive sound editing was designed to make the biological "squelching" noises as immersive and uncomfortable as possible for the audience.

✅ Pros

• Riveting, brave performances by Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley.
• Incredible special effects and grotesque makeup execution.
• Bold, uncompromising directorial vision.

❌ Cons

• Excruciatingly long runtime that leads to narrative drag.
• Over-reliance on shock value at the expense of plot depth.
• Unlikable characters and a depressingly bleak tone.

🏆 Final Verdict

If you are seeking morbid imagery and a masterclass in special effects, The Substance delivers. But for those looking for a moving story with narrative "meat," the experience may feel more like a prolonged endurance test.

View original review on Letterboxd

Conclave

Conclave (2024)

A Riveting Intersection of the Divine and the Desperate

★★★★☆

An intriguing, unnerving ride that stands as one of the year’s most polished dramas.

Directed by Edward Berger, Conclave is a riveting drama that strips away the gold-leafed sanctity of the Vatican to reveal a human-fueled political machine. Centered on the election of a new Pope following the death of a beloved progressive leader, the film explores the greed, ambition, and dark secrets that bubble beneath the surface of a supposedly God-inspired process. It’s a political thriller dressed in liturgical robes, trading ballot boxes for smoke signals.

"The election of the Pope is theoretically supposed to be inspired by God. But the human fueled political process is in full display, with greed, ambition, bribery, dark secrets and jealousy all coming into play."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Edward Berger
• Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow
• Supporting: Isabella Rossellini, Sergio Castellitto
• Music: Volker Bertelmann

The Vision

Edward Berger masterfully accentuates the haunting traditions and ceremonial minutiae of the election. Several cinematic images and visuals stay with you long after the credits roll, supported by a propulsive film score that keeps the audience unnerved. While it stops just short of epic greatness—perhaps lacking the profound emotional heart needed for a truly shattering finale—it remains a masterclass in pacing and atmospheric suspense.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Literary Roots: The film is based on the 2016 best-selling novel by Robert Harris, known for his meticulously researched historical and political thrillers.
• Reunion: This film reunites director Edward Berger with composer Volker Bertelmann, following their Academy Award-winning collaboration on All Quiet on the Western Front.
• Costume Detail: The production team worked extensively to recreate the specific shades of "cardinal red," which differs from the "papal white" and other liturgical garments to ensure absolute period and ritual accuracy.

✅ Pros

• A powerhouse lead performance by Ralph Fiennes.
• Taut, suspenseful pacing and a haunting score.
• Incredible attention to the minutiae of Vatican tradition.

❌ Cons

• Slightly lacks the emotional "heart" to achieve epic status.
• The ending may not feel as profound as the build-up suggests.

🏆 Final Verdict

A beautifully acted, intellectually stimulating thriller. Conclave proves that the quest for power is just as fierce in the Sistine Chapel as it is in any hall of government.

View original review on Letterboxd

Terrifier

Terrifier (2016)

The Unflinching Arrival of a Modern Slasher Icon

★★☆☆☆

A plotless, campy, and gore-drenched spectacle that revels in its own extremity.

Directed by Damien Leone, Terrifier is a film that defies traditional judgment. It lacks the narrative nuance of its peers and the visceral thrills of intense classics like Texas Chainsaw Massacre, yet it possesses an unflinching nature that is impossible to ignore. Where other films turn away, Terrifier heads straight on, reveling in pure gore and a demented sense of humor. It is a work that benefits immensely from a midnight crowd, leaning into a campy, tongue-in-cheek atmosphere that eases the traumatizing horror.

"There is something simply haunting about Art the Clown. There is no negotiating or reasoning with him. He's the symbol of death... chasing victims down gleefully with no remorse."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director/Writer: Damien Leone
• Starring: David Howard Thornton (Art the Clown), Jenna Kanell
• Special Effects: Damien Leone
• Genre: Slasher / Splatter

The Vision

There is an undeniable artistry on display in the morbidity. Damien Leone acts as both director and special effects artist, creating horror sequences that are "crowd-pleasing" in their creativity. Art the Clown is a supernatural force of nature—an unrelenting, silent predator that has quickly carved out a space in the horror pantheon. While the film is unabashedly light on story, its commitment to being a "pure" slasher experience is what has garnered its cult popularity.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Origins: Art the Clown first appeared in Leone's short film The 9th Circle (2008) and the anthology All Hallows' Eve (2013) before getting his own feature.
• Practical Pedigree: Director Damien Leone personally handled the makeup and gore effects, utilizing his background as a professional special effects artist to maximize the low budget.
• Silent Performance: David Howard Thornton, who plays Art, utilized his background in mime and physical comedy to give the character his distinct, eerie playfulness.

✅ Pros

• David Howard Thornton's hauntingly silent performance as Art.
• Creative, unflinching, and high-impact practical gore effects.
• Successfully captures a gritty, "midnight movie" atmosphere.

❌ Cons

• Almost entirely non-existent plot and character development.
• Low-budget aesthetic can occasionally feel "cheesy."
• The "torture porn" elements lack the polish of higher-budget peers.

🏆 Final Verdict

Terrifier isn't necessarily a "good" movie by traditional standards, but it is exactly what it sets out to be. For gore-hounds seeking plain fun, it’s a demented ride; for everyone else, it’s a curious, plotless nightmare.

View original review on Letterboxd

Strange Darling

Strange Darling (2023)

A Riveting Non-Linear Puzzle of Suspense

★★★½☆

A hauntingly beautiful thriller that rewards those who go in completely blind.

Directed by JT Mollner, Strange Darling is one of those rare movies where the less you know about the story going in, the better. It is built around secrets and twists that demand the viewer turn off their analytical brain and simply absorb the experience as it unfolds. Featuring a standout lead performance by Willa Fitzgerald and striking direction, the film utilizes a non-linear narrative to build a sense of dread that culminates in an especially riveting and suspenseful third act.

"As haunting and disturbing the proceedings are, the movie will likely and deservedly be recognized as one of the best films of 2024."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director/Writer: JT Mollner
• Starring: Willa Fitzgerald, Kyle Gallner
• Cinematography: Giovanni Ribisi
• Supporting: Barbara Hershey, Ed Begley Jr.

The Vision

The film is a masterclass in atmospheric tension, supported by handsome production design and cool, interesting visuals. Mollner’s decision to tell this story out of order isn't just a gimmick; it forces the audience into a state of constant re-evaluation. By the time the third act arrives, the movie has successfully transitioned from a standard thriller setup into a haunting and deeply disturbing exploration of its characters' psyche.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Actor Behind the Lens: The film's striking visuals were captured by cinematographer Giovanni Ribisi, who is better known for his prolific acting career.
• Shot on Film: To achieve its unique aesthetic, the production was shot entirely on 35mm film, giving it a tactile, classic thriller texture that stands out in the digital age.
• Stephen King Approved: Legendary author Stephen King publicly praised the film on social media, calling it a "clever masterpiece" and urging fans not to look up spoilers.

✅ Pros

• Powerhouse performance by Willa Fitzgerald.
• Breathtaking 35mm cinematography and production design.
• Expertly executed non-linear storytelling and suspense.

❌ Cons

• The twist-heavy nature may frustrate viewers who prefer traditional plots.
• Certain sequences are deeply haunting and potentially polarizing.

🏆 Final Verdict

A bold and visually stunning achievement in the thriller genre. Strange Darling is a puzzle worth solving, anchored by incredible performances and a direction that refuses to take the easy way out.

View original review on Letterboxd

Wolfs

Wolfs (2024)

A Breezy, Star-Powered Staring Contest

★★½☆☆

A harmless streaming diversion that coasts on the familiarity of its A-list leads.

Directed by Jon Watts, Wolfs follows two professional "cleaners" forced to work together when they are both hired for the same job. It is fascinating to see how the entertainment landscape has changed; what used to be a mainstream holiday event film is now relegated to the [Apple TV+](https://tv.apple.com) subscription model. While it’s hard not to fall for the combined charms of George Clooney and Brad Pitt, the film struggles to find enough "meat on the bone" to justify its existence beyond the novelty of their reunion.

"Seeing the two stars bicker and debate honestly gets old pretty quickly and we start to long for the camaraderie they illustrate in the likeable Ocean films."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director/Writer: Jon Watts
• Starring: George Clooney, Brad Pitt
• Supporting: Amy Ryan, Austin Abrams
• Platform: Apple TV+

The Vision

Jon Watts attempts to build a world of "pickles and piles" where challenges keep mounting for our two aging fixers. The bickering is clearly intended to be comedic, but the execution often falls flat, resulting in a lot of staring—staring at each other in disbelief, disgust, or confusion like dogs looking at a new toy. If you’re looking for a movie where two handsome men give each other a lot of silent, intense looks, this vision is exactly for you.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Ocean's Reunion: This marks the first time Clooney and Pitt have headlined a film together since 2008's Burn After Reading, following their iconic work in the Ocean's trilogy.
• Director's Pivot: This is Jon Watts' first non-Marvel project since his stint directing the MCU's Spider-Man trilogy.
• Sequel Already Set: Despite the direct-to-streaming release, Apple has already greenlit a sequel with Watts and the leads attached to return.

✅ Pros

• Inherent movie-star magnetism from Pitt and Clooney.
• An easy, breezy, and harmless diversion for late-night viewing.
• Polished production values typical of Apple Original Films.

❌ Cons

• Repetitive bickering that lacks real comedic punch.
• Thin plot that feels like an excuse for the actors to hang out.
• Missing the spark and camaraderie of their previous collaborations.

🏆 Final Verdict

Wolfs isn't necessarily a "good" movie, but it’s a perfect "PJ movie"—something to kill time with before heading off to sleep. It coasts on the fame of its leads but fails to leave a lasting impression.

View original review on Letterboxd

Wicked

Wicked

A Stunning Visual Feast for the Oz-Inclined

★★★☆☆

A beautifully crafted "Worthy Follow-up" that struggles to move the uninitiated.

Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked is a gargantuan production that serves as a prequel to the classic Wizard of Oz lore. While the film is a "stunning and beautiful" visual achievement, it faces the steep challenge of winning over those who aren't naturally fans of the source material. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande lead a high-caliber cast including Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh. The film excels in its production design and a strong final act, though its middle portion may drag for those not already invested in the "otherworldly" fantasy elements of Oz.

"I found myself thinking this must be what it's like for non-comic book fans to watch Marvel movies. It's all visually interesting, but I found myself not really giving a shit. I just wish it could have moved me more."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Jon M. Chu
• Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
• Supporting: Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum
• Production: Marc Platt / Universal Pictures

The Vision

Jon M. Chu aims to honor the "vivid, creepy technicolor" bar set by the 1939 original while modernizing the spectacle for the awards season. The film tackles heavy themes like racism, self-identity, and the betrayal of mentors, though these "dramatic themes" may resonate more with those who have a deep empathy for the material. It is a work of immense technical prowess that successfully translates the stage musical's "visual feast" to the big screen, even if it leaves non-fans feeling a bit "dour."

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Practical Oz: To maintain the "visual feast," the production planted over **9 million real tulips** to create the Munchkinland landscape.
• Live Vocals: Unlike many movie musicals, Erivo and Grande insisted on **singing live on set** rather than lip-syncing to pre-recorded tracks.
• Two-Part Epic: This film only covers "Act One" of the stage musical; the conclusion is scheduled for release in late 2025.
• Cameo Alert: Original Broadway stars **Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth** make brief, meaningful appearances during the "One Short Day" sequence.

✅ Pros

• Breathtaking production design and world-building.
• Exceptional lead performances (Grande and Erivo).
• Thrilling final 40 minutes of Act One.

❌ Cons

• Pacing issues in the middle portion.
• Hard to connect with if you aren't an *Oz* fan.
• Doesn't always land its "heavy" emotional beats.

🏆 Final Verdict

A masterpiece for the faithful, but a slightly hollow spectacle for the uninitiated. Worth watching for the technical artistry alone, even if the heart doesn't quite follow.

View original review on Letterboxd

Twisters

Twisters (2024)

A Spectacle-Heavy Spin Through Disaster Tropes

★★½☆☆

Impressive action set pieces trapped in a storm of scientific mumbo-jumbo.

Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, Twisters has the distinction of being a film featuring a combination of my two least favorite genres: the natural disaster movie and the remake. Despite the presence of charismatic leads like Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones, it becomes clear early on that the real stars of the film are the special effects. While Powell brings his signature affability, the story eventually swings back into dense "science" attempts to add gravitas to an otherwise thin narrative.

"The characters are just slightly more fleshed out than standard cardboard cutouts and the writing was just not sufficient enough to enhance the weak story."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Lee Isaac Chung
• Starring: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos
• Supporting: Brandon Perea, Maura Tierney, Sasha Lane
• Cinematography: Dan Mindel

The Vision

Chung attempts to balance the ridiculousness of the plot with large-scale spectacle. There is a lot of scientific jargon spouted about to justify the storm-chasing, but the filmmakers eventually throw most of it out in favor of humor and high-octane set pieces. While the stakes feel slim and the characters aren't particularly sympathetic, the action sequences—especially a standout rodeo tornado—demonstrate a clear mastery of blockbuster visuals.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Spiritual Successor: Rather than a direct remake, the film is considered a "standalone sequel" to the 1996 original, featuring no returning characters.
• Director Switch: Lee Isaac Chung, known for the intimate indie drama Minari, made a massive jump in scale for this project, citing his childhood growing up in Arkansas as inspiration.
• Real Storms: The production was filmed in Oklahoma during actual tornado season, leading to several weather delays that mirrored the film's plot.

✅ Pros

• Genuinely impressive and visceral action set pieces.
• Glen Powell's effortless charisma as Tyler Owens.
• The rodeo sequence is a masterclass in disaster suspense.

❌ Cons

• Underdeveloped characters that feel like cardboard cutouts.
• Excessive and unconvincing scientific "mumbo-jumbo."
• Slim stakes that fail to make the characters sympathetic.

🏆 Final Verdict

If you like the spectacle of natural disaster films and want to kill a couple of hours, Twisters settles the bill. It’s a loud, visual feast that unfortunately lacks the narrative wind to sustain its leads' charms.

View original review on Letterboxd