Author: John Dotson

BooksMovie ReviewsReviews

‘The Running Man’ is an Action Movie Born in the Wrong Era

The Running Man is a notable Stephen King adaptation from the ’80s, featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger. From the material alone, it was difficult to envision what an Edgar Wright take on it would look like in execution. After seeing the movie, it seems like a choice to try something different. For the majority of The Running Man, Wright throws away every signature

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‘Frankenstein’ (2025): Guillermo del Toro’s Abusive Parent Allegory

Passion projects are sometimes tricky endeavors for directors. They often range from the ambitiousness of Peter Jackson’s King Kong to the fascinatingly disastrous wonders of projects like Megalopolis. The story of Frankenstein is a project Guillermo del Toro has discussed for years. Similar to Peter Jackson’s King Kong, it’s an adaptation that seems like a match made in monstrous heaven. Frankenstein

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‘Good Fortune’ Review: A Terrific Life-Affirming Comedy

Good Fortune sees Aziz Ansari return to storytelling since Master of None. Similar to that series, Ansari brings a rich commentary to his latest film. Master of None made Ansari an award winner with the segment “Parents,” which spoke about the immigrant experience and the entitlement of second-generation children. With Good Fortune, he scripts a wild blend of Heaven Can Wait

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‘Ballad of a Small Player’ is Energetic, Stylish yet Familiar

Ballad of a Small Player is a fascinating follow-up to Edward Berger’s Conclave. Most of Conclave’s tone was overly serious and at times felt like a detective procedural wearing a pope’s uniform. Ballad of a Small Player is a complete gear shift in terms of style and feel. The film oftentimes has an enthralling, fast-paced energy that keeps the viewer hooked

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‘Tron: Ares’ Review: A Sensory Sledgehammer of Hollowness

Tron: Ares inspires perplexing feelings. Everything about the movie should work, and sometimes it really tries to dazzle the viewer. Yet, the entire experience feels like a Walmart putting out Christmas items and music in October. The music is undeniable, and the visuals are pretty, but the Wally World employees make some clear, baffling decisions. The new sequel aims to push

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‘Good Boy’ Review: A Canine Lover’s ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’

Good Boy is not your typical horror movie. One might even say it isn’t meant to scare the audience. The purpose behind this innovative film is to depict the fear of things we don’t understand. When something terrible happens, it’s frightening for the average person who understands what is happening. But it’s even more terrifying for someone like a child, who

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