Author: John Dotson

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Review: ‘The Matrix’ in Shared Reality at Cosm (Dallas, TX)

The year was 1999, and my father came into my bedroom to tell me about a trailer for a movie, “We have to see,” he exclaimed. It had an intriguing title: The Matrix. Regardless of the film’s quality, a studio or director could not ask for a slicker movie title than The Matrix. As the film conveys, it burdens the viewer

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‘Ballerina’: An Imperfect but Satisfying ‘John Wick’ Spin-off

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina has faced considerable confusion in recent weeks, primarily due to a puzzling embargo that instructed influencers to share only positive reactions. The embargo leak went viral, sparking concern regarding the film’s quality. The resulting controversy and fears were difficult to ignore, especially since the spin-off television show The Continental also received a lukewarm reception.

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‘The Life of Chuck’ is a Cinematic Antidepressant

The Life of Chuck sees Mike Flanagan take a step outside the box of horror films. The writer and director already has a massive winning streak, having created fantastic works such as The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass, Gerald’s Game, and Doctor Sleep. Now, the filmmaker takes on a much more sentimental story from Stephen King—and it’s an astonishing piece

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‘Friendship’ Review: Paul Rudd Thinks Tim Robinson Should Leave

Friendship is about a man who takes the concept of friendship too far. In the artistic style of Tim Robinson, this is the perfect role for a performer of his talents. Robinson has made a career of crafting unbelievable skits around characters who increasingly defy the odds of inappropriate behavior, such as a man who denies driving his hot dog-shaped car

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‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ Plays Like a Tired Rock Star

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning reminds this reviewer of Metallica. It’s not because the iconic metal band contributed to the Mission: Impossible II soundtrack. This writer has seen Metallica perform live, possibly eight or nine times. Over the years, one thing remains true: the band gives it their all at every show. The last concert this writer attended was in

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‘Havoc’ Movie Review: A Joyless and Disappointing Action Movie

In the film Havoc, a sweet and concerned wife consoles her grief and anxiety with Detective Walker (played by Tom Hardy). The moment should communicate the painstaking loss happening around the police department as the grieving wife watches her husband fight for his life in a hospital bed. A short while later, a criminal walks into the same hospital room and sprays a

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