What happened for the explosive sequel of a middling actioner no one asked for, Sisu, to be this good? Usually, sequels experience diminishing returns, where the director repeats what worked in the first film without offering much beyond an effective formula that audiences enjoyed the first time and will likely enjoy again. However, in Sisu: Road to Revenge, Finnish filmmaker Jalmari Helander refuses to
Read MoreThe 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
Read MoreThere comes a time within every couple of years of film where you get something so special, so relevant to our current moment, and so successful on virtually every front that it’s hard to believe it exists. A film where you know as soon as the credits roll, it will live on as a timeless classic, and just like with his
Read MoreHere’s John and Vin’s review of the stylish action thriller The Old Woman With The Knife. This crazy new Korean film is best described as “old lady John Wick.” The guys break down what worked and what didn’t in the film, it’s potential for sequels, and also discuss their love of action movies like Shaw Bros., Jackie Chan, Crouching Tiger, Hidden
Read MoreIn an era where mainstream action films strive for perfection in their aesthetics and intricate fight choreographies, genre artist Timo Tjahjanto stands out among the pack as one who strives for imperfection. The clumsier, messier, and more imperfect the action scene is, the more cathartic, violent, and ultimately engaging the set piece will be for the viewer. None of it is
Read MoreThe time has come for another Fantasia International Film Festival. The Canadian-based festival, which focuses on fantastical genre works, has been the home of numerous great titles over the years. For example, last year saw the premieres of high-profile offerings such as the Neon film Cuckoo and Chris Stuckmann’s debut feature film Shelby Oaks. Fantasia Fest has also welcomed up-and-comers such
Read MoreM3GAN 2.0 revives the sassy Gen Z version of Chucky in a T2-inspired narrative. The first film had the Blumhouse robot terrorize a family; this time, she is a protector. The only core difference is that M3GAN 2.0 takes itself far less seriously than a James Cameron movie. The sequel, for the most part, is a reprogramming of the formula aimed
Read MoreThe 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
Read MoreFrom 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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