Kinds of Kindness

Kinds of Kindness (2024)

A Stylishly Dark and Absurdist Anthology of Modern Oddities

★★★☆☆

A humorous, offbeat diversion that thrives on shocking its audience into a state of "WTF."

Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, Kinds of Kindness is a triptych of vignettes featuring an incredible ensemble including Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, and Jesse Plemons. Each actor takes on a different role across the three stories, lending a unique, non-traditional energy to the proceedings. While the stylish, dark, and absurdist elements may not appeal to mass audiences, it successfully scratches the itch for those looking for something truly unique in the modern cinematic landscape.

"There are several instances through the course of the film where the audience may ask themselves WTF, but that's the point. There are some shocking and surprising elements just for the sake of morbid entertainment."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
• Starring: Jesse Plemons, Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe
• Supporting: Margaret Qualley, Hong Chau, Mamoudou Athie
• Cinematography: Robbie Ryan

The Vision

Lanthimos and co-writer Efthimis Filippou seem to be aiming for a humorous diversion rather than a search for deeper meaning. To avoid frustration, it's best to approach this film as a series of dark comedic experiments rather than a pretentious moral study. By embracing the mindset of "morbid entertainment," the viewer can celebrate the film for its offbeat nature without getting lost in the confusion of its more esoteric threads.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Award-Winning Performance: Jesse Plemons won the Best Actor award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival for his diverse performances across all three segments.
• Reunion: This film marks the fourth collaboration between Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos, following The Favourite, Bleat, and the Oscar-winning Poor Things.
• Back to Basics: Unlike the grand period sets of Poor Things, this film was shot on location in New Orleans, returning to the contemporary, stark visual style of Lanthimos’ earlier Greek films.

✅ Pros

• Masterclass ensemble performances, particularly from Jesse Plemons.
• Unapologetically unique and offbeat storytelling.
• Sleek, stylish cinematography that enhances the absurdist tone.

❌ Cons

• Lacks a strong deeper meaning or emotional core.
• The repetitive structure and long runtime may lead to frustration.
• May feel "shocking for the sake of shock" to mass audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

A successful exercise in the absurd. Go in expecting a humorous, dark diversion rather than a profound epic, and you will find a film well worth celebrating for its originality.

View original review on Letterboxd

Oddity

Oddity (2024)

An Unsettling Masterclass in Atmospheric Dread

★★★☆☆

A creepy and unnerving mystery thriller that thrives on simplicity and old-fashioned scares.

Directed by Damian Mc Carthy, Oddity is a haunting Irish horror story that relies on an effective, "no-name" cast and simple practical effects to deliver a heavy dose of dread. The film follows a blind occultist and medium as she uncovers the truth behind her sister's death. It is one of those rare modern horror experiences where the less you know going in, the better; it prioritizes an unsettling atmosphere that slowly unfolds over flashy gimmicks.

"There is nothing fancy here, just an unsettling heavy dose of dread that hangs in the atmosphere as the supernatural story slowly unfolds."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director/Writer: Damian Mc Carthy
• Starring: Gwilym Lee, Carolyn Bracken, Tadhg Murphy
• Country: Ireland
• Special Effects: Simple, practical supernatural elements

The Vision

Though billed as horror, Oddity actually feels more like a theatrical stage production, taking place mostly in a singular, claustrophobic location. Mc Carthy avoids the trap of a jump-scare heavy affair, instead choosing to build a morbid charm through the detailed, eerie objects that give the film its title. It’s a "crowd-pleasing" effort for fans of traditional ghost stories who appreciate pacing and suspense over high-intensity gore.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• The Wooden Man: The film's most striking prop—the life-sized wooden figure—was inspired by traditional folk horror and was entirely custom-made to maximize its uncanny appearance.
• SXSW Winner: Oddity won the Audience Award in the Midnighter section at the 2024 SXSW Film Festival, cementing its status as a word-of-mouth horror hit.
• Shared Universe: Director Damian Mc Carthy also directed Caveat (2020), and fans of his work will recognize his signature slow-burn style and mastery of single-location tension.

✅ Pros

• Expertly crafted atmosphere of consistent, heavy dread.
• Excellent use of practical effects and creepy set pieces.
• Strong, understated performances from the Irish ensemble.

❌ Cons

• The slow-burn pace may feel too measured for some.
• Stage-play feel might seem restrictive to those seeking epic scope.

🏆 Final Verdict

A chillingly effective mystery that proves you don't need a massive budget to terrify an audience. Oddity is a must-watch for fans of atmospheric, supernatural storytelling.

View original review on Letterboxd

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

 

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)

A Breathtaking Epic of Revenge and Wasteland Lore

★★★★☆

An amazing cinematic achievement that expands the Mad Max mythos with visionary scale.

Directed by the visionary George Miller, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is a breathtaking film featuring remarkable, unique sequences and stunning apocalyptic action set pieces. While the temptation to compare it to Fury Road is inevitable, it is ultimately unfair. This is a different animal altogether, trading that film's relentless sprint for a divergent, sprawling story format. It stands as an excellent revenge and adventure film capable of standing entirely on its own two feet.

"Furiosa will no doubt be discovered and appreciated for many years to come and will likely be considered a classic in its own right like Fury Road and the other films in this universe."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: George Miller
• Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth
• Cinematography: Simon Duggan
• Music: Tom Holkenborg (Junkie XL)

The Vision

George Miller continues to prove why he is the master of high-octane storytelling. By focusing on a multi-year odyssey rather than a 48-hour chase, Miller provides a deep dive into the politics of the Wasteland—exploring the trio of strongholds: Gastown, the Bullet Farm, and the Citadel. While not as tight or suspenseful as its predecessor, the craftsmanship and world-building on display are nothing short of monumental.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• The Stowaway Sequence: The massive "Stowaway to Nowhere" sequence took 78 days to shoot and involved nearly 200 stunt people daily.
• Vocal Transformation: Anya Taylor-Joy has only about 30 lines of dialogue in the entire film, relying on physical performance and "the eyes" to convey Furiosa's trauma.
• Hemsworth’s Inspiration: Chris Hemsworth based Dementus’ eccentric personality and vocal cadence on a mix of a dictator and a flamboyant carnival barker.

✅ Pros

• Stunning, unique apocalyptic action set pieces.
• Exceptional world-building and expansion of lore.
• Visionary direction that stands out in the modern blockbuster era.

❌ Cons

• Lacks the relentless, tight suspense of Fury Road.
• The episodic structure may feel less urgent to some viewers.

🏆 Final Verdict

A classic in the making. It’s a shame it didn’t find a wider audience at the box office, because this level of artistry deserves to be rewarded. Furiosa is a towering achievement in the saga.

View original review on Letterboxd

The Instigators

The Instigators (2024)

A Breezy Boston Heist for Pure Shits and Giggles

★★★☆☆

A crowd-pleasing summer romp that prioritizes fun over the logic police.

Directed by Doug Liman, The Instigators is an amusing crime heist film anchored by the affable chemistry of Matt Damon and Casey Affleck. While the stakes and plot believability remain low, Liman’s effective direction keeps the action moving at a brisk pace. It’s the kind of light material that allows top-tier talent to play around in the sandbox, delivering a piece of eye-candy that doesn't demand much more than a willingness to have a good time.

"Audiences should take off the logic police caps here and just enjoy the film... Hong Chau thankfully brings some heart to the proceedings, preventing the film from spinning into over-the-top comedic ridiculousness."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Doug Liman
• Starring: Matt Damon, Casey Affleck
• Supporting: Hong Chau, Michael Stuhlbarg, Paul Walter Hauser
• Platform: Apple TV+

The Vision

Doug Liman returns to the heist genre with a "let's have some fun" mentality. By pairing the deadpan Casey Affleck with a more grounded Matt Damon, the film creates a comedic friction that fuels the narrative. The inclusion of Hong Chau as a stabilizing force is a masterstroke, giving the audience a much-needed emotional anchor amidst the lighthearted chaos. It may not be "thought-provoking," but it’s a vibrant directorial showcase of breezy, commercial filmmaking.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Bourne Reunion: This marks the first collaboration between director Doug Liman and Matt Damon since the original The Bourne Identity (2002).
• Family Ties: The script was co-written by Chuck Maclean and Casey Affleck himself, infusing the dialogue with a specific Boston-centric rhythm.
• Boston Roots: Both Damon and the Affleck brothers are famously from the Boston area, making this project a hometown affair produced by their company, Artists Equity.

✅ Pros

• Infectious chemistry between Matt Damon and Casey Affleck.
• Hong Chau delivers a grounding, heart-filled performance.
• Breezy, energetic direction that makes for an easy watch.

❌ Cons

• Extremely low stakes and highly questionable logic.
• A thin plot that occasionally leans too hard on comedic tropes.

🏆 Final Verdict

A fun, unpretentious summer heist. While it won't change your life, The Instigators is a solid choice for anyone looking to trade logic for a few laughs and some high-quality star power.

View original review on Letterboxd

The Dead Don't Hurt

 

The Dead Don’t Hurt (2023)

An Unconventional, Slow-Burn Character Study of the West

★★★☆☆

A somber performance showcase that emphasizes the hardships and injustice of the untamed frontier.

Directed by Viggo Mortensen, The Dead Don’t Hurt is a period drama featuring great performances by Mortensen himself and a luminous Vicky Krieps. This is not a traditional Western filled with action sequences; instead, it is a slow-burn tale that utilizes non-linear time shifts to explore the brutal adversity and systemic injustice of the American West. It serves primarily as a haunting performance showcase, particularly for Krieps, under Mortensen's strong and steady directorial hand.

"It's not a particularly satisfying or crowd pleasing story since it features overcoming brutal adversity. But it's entertaining if one is in the mood for an unconventional dramatic character study."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director/Writer: Viggo Mortensen
• Starring: Vicky Krieps, Viggo Mortensen
• Supporting: Solly McLeod, Garret Dillahunt, Danny Huston
• Composer: Viggo Mortensen

The Vision

Viggo Mortensen's vision for this film is one of quiet, tragic realism. By eschewing the typical tropes of the genre—the fast-draw duels and grand vistas—he focuses on the internal lives of those left behind during conflict. The non-linear structure acts as a puzzle, forcing the audience to sit with the consequences of violence before they see the events that led there. It is a mature, somber piece of filmmaking that prioritizes the female experience in a world traditionally dominated by male archetypes.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Triple Threat: In addition to directing and starring, Viggo Mortensen also wrote the screenplay and composed the film's musical score.
• Authenticity First: Mortensen insisted on historical accuracy, including the use of period-correct saddles and costumes that reflected the specific immigrant backgrounds of the characters.
• Multilingual Dialogue: Reflecting the true nature of the 19th-century frontier, the film features dialogue in English, French, and Danish.

✅ Pros

• Luminous, top-tier performance by Vicky Krieps.
• Authentic, meticulously detailed production design.
• A fresh, non-linear approach to the Western genre.

❌ Cons

• Slow-burn pacing may be off-putting for traditional Western fans.
• Deeply somber tone makes for a challenging, non-crowd-pleasing watch.

🏆 Final Verdict

A somber and steady achievement. The Dead Don’t Hurt doesn’t seek to entertain with thrills, but to resonate through its depiction of survival and silent endurance. A must for fans of Vicky Krieps.

View original review on Letterboxd

Horizon: An American Saga

 

Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 (2024)

An Ambitious, Unfinished Tapestry of the Untamed West

★★★☆☆

An impressive and brutal epic that suffers from its own massive scale and incomplete narrative.

Directed by and starring Kevin Costner, Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 is a classic Western tale that chronicles the trials, ambitions, and resilience of Americans settling the frontier. It is an undeniably impressive and brutal look at the era, yet it is so ambitious that the multiple story format feels unwieldy for a single theatrical release. While it captures the epic visuals only the big screen can provide, the film ends so abruptly—with an awkward montage of future chapters—that it leaves the audience with a nagging sense of being unfinished.

"There is not even a cliffhanger or natural chapter ending to the movie. It abruptly ends with an awkward montage of the next chapter in the saga, which gives the film a feeling of being incomplete."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director/Writer: Kevin Costner
• Starring: Kevin Costner, Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington
• Supporting: Giovanni Ribisi, Jena Malone, Abbey Lee
• Cinematography: J. Michael Muro

The Vision

Costner clearly draws inspiration from the sprawling format of Lonesome Dove and How the West Was Won, aiming to create a generational epic. His commitment to the theatrical format for such a dense story is admirable, but it clashes with modern viewing habits; many will feel this belongs on a streaming platform as a limited series. However, for true fans of the genre, what is on display is riveting and entertaining, providing a cinematic experience that benefits from being shared with a community in a theater.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Self-Funded Passion: Kevin Costner partially self-funded the $100M+ budget for the first two chapters, famously mortgaging his own beachfront property to see his 30-year dream realized.
• Epic Scope: The saga is intended to be told across four separate films, making it one of the most ambitious original Western projects in Hollywood history.
• Production Hub: The film was shot extensively in Utah, utilizing the state's iconic landscapes to recreate the diverse settings of the American frontier.

✅ Pros

• Stunning, large-scale epic visuals that demand a big screen.
• Riveting and entertaining for dedicated fans of the Western genre.
• Classic, steady direction from a master of the genre.

❌ Cons

• Ends mid-story with no natural conclusion or cliffhanger.
• The awkward montage finale gives the film an "incomplete" feel.
• Multiple storylines can feel unwieldy and difficult to track.

🏆 Final Verdict

It is simply unfair to judge Chapter 1 in isolation; it fails as a standalone film but succeeds as a tantalizing introduction. Time will likely be kind to this project once the full saga is revealed and evaluated as a complete tale.

View original review on Letterboxd

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

In A Violent Nature

In a Violent Nature (2024)

A Victim of Viral Hype and Slow-Motion Slasher Tropes

★★☆☆☆

An ambitious "ambient slasher" that struggles to move past its own hype and pedestrian pacing.

Directed by Chris Nash, In a Violent Nature is a textbook example of a film being crushed by the weight of its own viral momentum. Marketed as a transcendent horror experience following successful festival runs, the reality is far more humble: it is a low-budget, B-movie slasher with a clever perspective twist. Heavily influenced by the "over-the-shoulder" camera work of modern video games, the film attempts to subvert the genre by following the killer instead of the victims. However, once the initial thrill of this aesthetic choice fades, the audience is left with a film that spends the majority of its runtime simply walking through the woods.

"The juxtaposition between peaceful serene nature and horrific violence is poetic... but after awhile becomes painfully pretentious. I envy the new viewers who years from now will come to the film with no expectations."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director/Writer: Chris Nash
• Starring: Ry Barrett (Johnny), Andrea Pavlovic
• Cinematography: Pierce Derks (The "Follow" Cam)
• Vibe: Ambient / Experimental Horror

The Vision

Nash's vision attempts to strip away the score and fast-paced editing of the 1980s slasher era, replacing it with a meditative, almost nature-documentary feel. While critics found this "slow cinema" approach refreshing, many general viewers felt the lack of a "fast travel" option turned the experience into an endurance test. The film's much-discussed "unique kill" provides a moment of morbidly creative fun, and the final monologue offers a poignant meditation on surviving trauma, but these moments of brilliance are frequently buried under the film's own pretension.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Aspect Ratio: The film was shot in a 4:3 Academy ratio, intended to frame the killer more like a dominant force of nature while restricting the viewer's peripheral vision.
• No Score: There is virtually no musical score in the film; the soundscape relies entirely on the ambient noises of the Ontario wilderness to build tension.
• The Yoga Kill: The special effects team spent weeks developing the mechanics for the film's "centerpiece" kill—which has already been hailed as one of the most creative in slasher history.

✅ Pros

• A bold, unique twist on the traditional slasher perspective.
• One incredibly creative and morbidly memorable centerpiece kill.
• Impressive use of ambient sound and serene nature visuals.

❌ Cons

• Excessive, repetitive sequences of just walking through the forest.
• The critical hype creates a massive gap for audience expectations.
• Pacing that borders on the painfully pretentious.

🏆 Final Verdict

Stripped of the fanfare, it’s a "pretty cool" Friday the 13th knock-off with an experimental edge. Catch it on a late night with zero expectations and you might find it to be a worthwhile, albeit slow, diversion.

View original review on Letterboxd