Reviews

Send Help (2026) Review — Sam Raimi Brings the Chaos Back

Wannabe Movie Critic
An employee and her insufferable boss become stranded on a deserted island, the only survivors of a plane crash. Here, they must overcome past grievances and work together to survive, will they make it out alive?

Imagine being stranded on a deserted island with your asshole boss who thinks very little of you. That’s basically the perfect tagline for Sam Raimi’s Send Help — and honestly, it tells you everything you need to know.

Raimi’s latest is a sharp, bloody, surprisingly funny two-hander that proves he still knows exactly how to balance horror, dark comedy, and character-driven tension.

Starring Rachel McAdams as Linda Little and Dylan O’Brien as Bradley, the film starts with a familiar workplace dynamic: Bradley is the rich, arrogant CEO, while Linda is the underappreciated “weird girl” coworker (quotation marks intentional — Rachel McAdams is obviously far from ugly, even when the movie tries to sell that idea).

At the beginning, they even pull the classic Princess Diaries move on her — ugly sweaters, messy hair, food on her face, eating a tuna sandwich — like we’re supposed to believe she’s this awkward nobody. You know the trope: straighten the hair, take off the glasses, boom, suddenly a perfect 10.

After a corporate retreat to Bangkok goes horribly wrong and their plane crashes, the two end up stranded on an island. That’s when everything flips. Linda turns out to be a survivalist enthusiast who’s read all the books and watched all the shows, while Bradley suddenly becomes completely dependent on her. The former boss becomes the helpless one — and that role reversal is the backbone of the entire movie.

Beyond the thrills, Send Help is really about survival instincts, not judging a book by its cover, and how men in power often underestimate women in the workplace. Linda has been overlooked and undervalued her whole career, and now she’s the one keeping them alive. The movie leans into that dynamic hard, and it works.

One thing that’s genuinely funny is how Rachel McAdams somehow only gets hotter as the movie goes on. There’s literally a fade to black at one point and then — boom — suddenly she’s full Rachel McAdams mode, total smoke show. Which is hilarious, because they’re stranded on a deserted island and you’d think people would start looking worse, not better. Later there’s a reveal that explains why this is happening, which makes it even funnier in hindsight.

This is Raimi’s first full horror outing since Drag Me to Hell, and his fingerprints are all over it: gnarly gore, vomit, jump scares, wild camera work, and that trademark sense of chaos. But what really makes Send Help work is the chemistry between McAdams and O’Brien. This movie lives or dies on their dynamic, and thankfully, they’re fantastic together.

Rachel McAdams absolutely steals the show. If Game Night proved she has elite comedic timing, this confirms it — she’s hilarious one moment, completely unhinged the next, and genuinely intense when the thriller elements kick in. She also spends half the movie giving Dylan O’Brien ridiculous nicknames — “Limpy McGee,” “Grumpy Gus,” “Sweetie,” and a bunch of others — and honestly it feels improvised. “Limpy McGee” in particular killed me. Those little moments add so much personality and humor to their dynamic.

Dylan O’Brien is a great surprise here. He’s come a long way since Maze Runner, showing real range with his facial expressions and physical comedy while also making his character deeply unlikeable — at least at first. There’s also a scene involving a poisonous octopus that temporarily paralyzes him, and I’m telling you right now — that sequence is going to stick with me all year. His facial expressions, the tears in his eyes, the panicked crying, the way his body locks up — I was literally wincing in my seat going, “oh my God… this is actually happening.” It’s one of those Raimi moments where you can’t believe what you’re watching, and it’ll easily be one of the most memorable horror scenes of the year.

Despite being a survival horror thriller, Send Help is genuinely funny. Raimi leans into the absurdity, and it works. Think Cast Away mixed with Misery, Horrible Bosses, and a splash of Lord of the Flies, thrown into a blender.

There are plenty of twists — some you’ll see coming, some you won’t — including a clever reveal near the end that reframes a lot of what you’ve been watching. The movie also makes an interesting choice by eventually showing that neither character is fully “good.” By the end, someone gets a happy ending… but it’s fair to question whether they actually deserve it after everything that happens.

Still, this is a tightly crafted, wildly entertaining ride. Raimi reminds us why he’s such a master of tone, McAdams reminds us (again) how great she is, and O’Brien proves he’s got real chops.

Also, side note: between this and Red Eye, maybe just don’t get on planes with Rachel McAdams.

One of the better movies I’ve seen this year already — and it’s only February. This will almost certainly be one of 2026’s standout horror films.

Send Help = 78/100

Reviews

Hamnet Review — A Quiet Devastation Anchored by Jessie Buckley’s Tour-De-Force Performance

Wannabe Movie Critic
After losing their son Hamnet to plague, Agnes and William Shakespeare grapple with grief in 16th-century England. A healer, Agnes must find strength to care for her surviving children while processing her devastating loss.

Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet is not an easy watch — and it isn’t meant to be. This is a hushed, grief-soaked 16th-century love story that sits with sorrow rather than dramatizing it, inviting the audience into a space where silence carries as much weight as dialogue. Nearly two months after its release, I still found myself in a sold-out theater so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Starring Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare and Jessie Buckley as Agnes, the film traces their romance, marriage, and family life with their three children — Susanna and twins Hamnet and Judith — before centering on the unthinkable loss of their son. A brief title card notes that “Hamnet” and “Hamlet” were interchangeable names at the time, setting the emotional and thematic foundation for what follows.

This is, above all else, Agnes’s story.

Jessie Buckley delivers one of the most powerful performances of the year — honestly, one of the strongest performances from anyone, period. She carries this film on her back. There are at least four scenes where you can practically see an Oscar clip forming in real time: raw, unfiltered grief pouring out of her in waves. Her Agnes is fierce, intuitive, and deeply human — a woman rumored to be the daughter of a witch, gifted with an almost supernatural sensitivity to the people around her.

Zhao leans into symbolism from the very beginning, including an arresting birthing scene in the woods, weaving themes of medicine, death, fate, and purpose throughout the film. Agnes’s spiritual connection to the world contrasts beautifully with William’s restless search for meaning. Mescal is quietly solid here, though his role is more restrained — Shakespeare as a man trying to escape his circumstances, eventually heading to London to find himself through theater and writing.

The child actors deserve real praise, especially the young actor playing Hamnet. The bond between the twins feels genuine and heartbreaking, which makes what comes later all the more devastating.

The film doesn’t rush grief. It sits inside it.

Hamnet’s death is the emotional core of the movie, and Zhao handles it with restraint and respect. Agnes watching her son pass away is a brutal, unforgettable moment, and the ripple effects on both parents feel painfully real. This is a story about how people survive unimaginable loss — how they try to hold families together, how they search for meaning afterward, and where the dead go once they leave us.

Emily Watson is excellent as Mary, William’s mother, providing a grounded emotional counterpoint to Agnes. Joe Alwyn also stands out as Agnes’s brother Bartholomew — understated, stoic, and quietly expressive, continuing his streak of strong supporting performances.

Visually, everything feels authentic to the period. The world looks lived-in, harsh, and fragile — exactly as life would have been in a time without medicine, when children died young and often. Zhao’s direction is confident and intimate, a reminder of how powerful she is when allowed full creative control after being swallowed up by the Marvel machine.

The score is beautiful throughout, but Zhao absolutely sticks the landing by using Max Richter’s “On the Nature of Daylight” in the final moments. It’s a devastatingly effective choice — the same track used memorably in Arrival. The instant those first notes hit, the emotional weight multiplies. It’s cinematic shorthand for heartbreak, and it works.

The film closes with Agnes attending a performance of Hamlet, believing it to be a comedy, only to confront her grief in a new way. It’s a quietly stunning ending — less about closure and more about acceptance.

Hamnet isn’t a crowd-pleaser. There are no big moments, no easy catharsis. This is an Oscar movie in the truest sense: contemplative, emotionally demanding, and deeply human. It’s about love, loss, and learning how to let go.

And at the center of it all is Jessie Buckley, delivering a career-best performance that alone makes Hamnet essential viewing.

Hamnet = 77/100

News

Super Mario Galaxy Movie Trailer Review: Bigger Worlds, Yoshi Love, and Endless Nintendo Possibilities

Wannabe Movie Critic

The new trailer for the Super Mario Galaxy movie just dropped, and honestly? It completely works for me.

Look — the first Mario movie was what it was. A fun, safe, kid-friendly animated ride. But as someone who grew up with Mario, I had a blast with it. You could tell they were playing it conservative, making sure the foundation was solid. Now, with this sequel, it feels like they’re finally ready to really expand the universe.

We already got teases in the first trailer with Baby Bowser and Rosalina (voiced by Benny Safdie and Brie Larson), but this new trailer puts the spotlight on Yoshi — and let’s be real, Yoshi is basically the GOAT of Mario characters. Seeing him front and center instantly raises the hype level.

The whole thing just feels bigger. We’re talking Mario Galaxy-level scope now: bouncing between different worlds, pulling inspiration from games like Mario Odyssey, Sunshine, and of course Galaxy itself. New locations, new characters, familiar vibes — it looks like a full-on tour of the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond.

And the voice cast continues to crush it.

Chris Pratt actually works as Mario (yeah, people complained, but he fits the role just fine). Charlie Day is incredible as Luigi. Jack Black is perfect as Bowser. Anya Taylor-Joy was great as Peach. Keegan-Michael Key brings tons of energy as Toad. Yoshi sounds like classic Yoshi, which is exactly what you want. It all clicks.

What really excites me, though, is the potential. This universe has endless possibilities. They already brought in Donkey Kong — who’s definitely coming back — and from here, who knows? Link? Star Fox? More Nintendo worlds? The door is wide open.

Sure, it’s “dumb animation meant for kids,” but I’ll absolutely be there day one. It looks like a genuinely fun theater experience, and that’s all it needs to be.

Financially, this thing feels unstoppable. The first movie was massive, and that came out while theaters were still fully finding their footing again. This one drops in April, and I’d be shocked if it doesn’t clear a billion easily — probably somewhere between $1.1 and $1.6 billion.

Bottom line: bigger scope, fan-favorite characters, solid voice work, and a universe with unlimited potential. I can’t wait.

https://youtu.be/eVJduWRCmvw?si=AuizNj8ySva2dXjQ

Reviews

The Bone Temple Review: Faith, Science, and Fanaticism at the End of the World

Wannabe Movie Critic
As Spike is inducted into Jimmy Crystal’s gang on the mainland, Dr. Kelson makes a discovery that could alter the world.

With The Bone Temple, the 28 franchise doesn’t just continue—it deepens, challenges, and evolves in ways that few long-running horror series ever manage. What’s truly astonishing is that this is a January release, a sequel to a sequel, arriving barely a year after 28 Years Later—and yet it stands confidently as one of the strongest entries in the entire saga.

Picking up almost immediately after the wild tonal whiplash ending of 28 Years Later, The Bone Temple leans into the chaos rather than retreating from it. That previous film closed with Jack O’Connell’s Jimmy and his cult of identical blond-wigged followers—“the Jimmys”—descending upon Spike in a moment that felt like A Clockwork Orange filtered through a surreal children’s action show. It was bizarre, off-putting, and strangely magnetic. This film takes that energy and fully commits.

At its core, The Bone Temple is a film about belief systems in a world that has lost all structure. On one side stands Sir Jimmy Crystal, a religious fanatic who has transformed despair into dogma. On the other is Dr. Kelson, a man of science who clings to logic, empathy, and research as the last remnants of civilization. These two ideologies—religion and science—are placed on a collision course, not as simple good-versus-evil stand-ins, but as competing obsessions shaped by the same apocalyptic trauma.

Villains, Saints, and the People Caught Between

Jack O’Connell delivers a career-defining performance as Sir Jimmy Crystal. This is villainy stripped of romanticism. Jimmy is cruel, narcissistic, and utterly merciless, hiding his savagery behind ritual and rhetoric. O’Connell plays him with chilling confidence, making him instantly detestable while remaining endlessly watchable. It’s the kind of performance where you find yourself counting the minutes, waiting—and hoping—for the moment he finally gets what’s coming to him. Coming off Sinners, O’Connell is quietly building one of the most impressive villain résumés of the decade. This is absolutely a Villain of the Year contender.

Opposite him is Ralph Fiennes’ Dr. Kelson, and it cannot be overstated just how extraordinary Fiennes is here. This may genuinely be one of the finest performances of his career. Kelson is gentle, curious, and stubbornly humane, even as the world collapses around him. He believes science can still save something—if not the world, then at least a soul. His compassion is radical in a landscape defined by brutality, and Fiennes plays him without irony or condescension. There is a quiet moral weight to his performance that anchors the entire film.

Caught between these extremes is Spike, once again played beautifully by Alfie Williams. Spike remains the emotional center of the franchise—a young person forced to decide what kind of future is worth believing in. His interactions with both Jimmy’s cult and Kelson’s quiet optimism pose the film’s central question: When everything is broken, who do you follow—and why?

A standout addition is Erin Kellyman as one of the Jimmys, a follower who still seems to retain a fragment of humanity. Her dynamic with Spike is subtle but deeply affecting, suggesting that indoctrination is not always absolute. She feels like someone on the edge of awakening, and the film wisely leaves space for that possibility. Her presence adds emotional complexity to the cult storyline, and it’s exciting to see her positioned as a key player going forward.

Cults as Contagion

One of The Bone Temple’s most compelling ideas is how it frames cult mentality as a parallel infection. Just like the virus, fanaticism spreads through fear, isolation, and desperation. Jimmy’s followers are not merely villains—they are victims of belief weaponized against them. The film draws a clear line between blind faith and survival instinct, suggesting that both religion and science can become dangerous when treated as absolutes.

This thematic tension reaches its peak when Sir Jimmy and Dr. Kelson finally share the screen. Their conversation crackles with philosophical energy, not because it’s loud or explosive, but because it feels inevitable. Two men, both convinced they are right, both shaped by the same apocalypse, standing on opposite ends of what it means to “save” humanity.

Unexpected Humanity in the Infected

One of the film’s most surprising—and effective—elements is the relationship between Dr. Kelson and Samson, the alpha infected played by Chi Lewis-Parry. Their dynamic occasionally evokes the energy of a stoner buddy movie—not because it’s played for big laughs, but because of its laid-back, oddly tender rhythm. Scenes of the two lying in the grass, dulled by morphine, accompanied by needle drops, introduce moments of calm absurdity that humanize the infected without ever defanging the horror.

These sequences don’t make The Bone Temple a comedy—but they add texture. They remind us that even in a world defined by violence, moments of strange companionship can still exist. Samson becomes more than a monster; he becomes a presence, a friend, and a quiet challenge to everything we think we understand about the infection.

Direction, Sound, and a Metal Apocalypse

Nia DaCosta deserves enormous credit for her direction. Rather than attempting to replicate Danny Boyle’s unmistakable style, she builds on it—borrowing the franchise’s kinetic energy while asserting her own voice. The camera work is visceral, the pacing confident, and the film never feels like it’s imitating what came before. This is unmistakably a Nia DaCosta film that understands the DNA of the 28 universe.

Musically, the absence of the Young Fathers’ score from 28 Years Later is noticeable, especially given how powerful that music was. However, The Bone Temple compensates with carefully chosen needle drops—most notably a blistering Iron Maiden track—that elevate the film’s final act into something transcendent.

The last 15 minutes are pure, unfiltered catharsis. It feels less like a movie climax and more like a heavy metal ritual, erupting in chaos, violence, and spectacle. Audiences cheering, chanting, and applauding weren’t exaggerating—this is one of those endings that instantly becomes part of franchise lore.

And then there’s Cillian Murphy.

His return is seamless, impactful, and deeply satisfying. The film doesn’t overplay it or treat it like a gimmick—it simply reintroduces him as if he never left. The final moments all but confirm that the closing scene of The Bone Temple will be the opening chapter of the next film, and it’s impossible not to feel excited about where this is heading.

Final Thoughts

It’s astonishing to say this in mid-January, but The Bone Temple already feels like a top-10 film of the year. It’s ambitious, brutal, thoughtful, and emotionally rich. Few horror franchises dare to interrogate belief systems this deeply while still delivering unforgettable spectacle—and even fewer succeed.

The 28 franchise isn’t just back. It’s doing the most interesting work of its entire existence.

And honestly? I can’t wait to see how it all ends.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple = 83/100

Reviews

The Rip Review: Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Why This Reunion Still Matters

Wannabe Movie Critic
A group of Miami cops discovers a stash of millions in cash, leading to distrust as outsiders learn about the huge seizure, making them question who to rely on.

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are one of Hollywood’s true, shining friendships — pushing close to 30 years now. From School Ties to Good Will Hunting, then decades later The Last Duel, Air, and now The Rip. It’s rare to see a real-life friendship endure this long in the industry, let alone continue to produce genuinely compelling work together.

Obviously, School Ties was their first collaboration — a great early-’90s prep-school drama and really the beginning of both of their careers. But for me, my relationship with Affleck and Damon truly began in university. First year at McMaster, sitting alone in my dorm room, I watched Good Will Hunting for the very first time. I remember sitting in silence as Matt Damon’s Will Hunting drives off down the freeway at the end, heading out to see about a girl — and something about that moment just landed. Movies kind of changed for me right there.

This was before Netflix. This was the Blockbuster era. Our dorm had this shared network where everyone traded files, and I remember watching Good Will Hunting twice in one day, thinking, that might be the best movie I’ve ever seen. And honestly, at one point, it probably was. It’s not my single favorite movie of all time, but it’s absolutely one of them. Ever since then, Affleck and Damon have just been special actors to me. So when they reunite — especially after going so long without working together — it genuinely feels like an event.

Which brings us to The Rip.

Directed by Joe Carnahan and inspired by true events, The Rip follows a Miami police task force that receives a tip about a potential money safe house. They think they’re walking into a modest bust — maybe $150,000. Instead, they stumble into over $20 million. From there, paranoia sets in. Trust erodes. And the movie becomes a slow-burn psychological cat-and-mouse game about loyalty, corruption, and whether the people you trust most are actually the ones you should fear.

The cast is absolutely stacked — something Carnahan has always been good at (Smoking Aces was a formative “this movie is cool as hell” experience for me back in high school). Alongside Affleck and Damon, you’ve got Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor (coming off major awards momentum), the always-reliable Kyle Chandler, Sasha Calle, and more. Everyone shows up ready to work.

But let’s be honest — we’re here for one main reason: Affleck and Damon.

They play cops, longtime partners who clearly respect one another… until that trust starts to fracture. Watching their dynamic unfold is the best they’ve been together on screen since Good Will Hunting. And it’s completely different energy. These aren’t scrappy kids or ambitious outsiders — they’re tough, hard-nosed cops. There’s a lot of swearing, a lot of tension, and at one point, they even come to blows. It’s electric. Their chemistry — built over decades — just pours off the screen.

Every major movie they’ve done together (School Ties, Good Will Hunting, The Last Duel, Air, and now The Rip) works because these two are extraordinary actors. When you let them actually “chop it up” onscreen, it’s riveting.

What really surprised me, though, was how well the twists landed. I usually catch onto these things early, but this movie genuinely kept me guessing. When the curtain finally gets pulled back and you realize what’s really happening, I actually said, well fucking done. The paranoia works. The suspicion feels earned. You’re constantly asking yourself who’s dirty, who’s clean, and whether anyone is actually telling the truth.

This isn’t a shoot-’em-up action movie. There are really only a couple of action sequences — one brief, one at the end — but that’s not the point. This is a slow-burn police thriller, driven by performance and tension. And it flies by. I was locked in the entire time. I checked my phone maybe twice — which is saying something for a Netflix-at-home watch.

And that’s the one frustrating thing: this movie absolutely should have been in theaters. January is notorious for being a dumping ground for bad movies, yet The Rip is excellent. This easily could have made solid box office money with a short theatrical run. I would have loved to see this on the big screen — hell, even in IMAX. I want movie stars in movie theaters. Simple as that.

Shout-out as well to Wilbur, the money-sniffing police dog — always a sucker for a great movie dog, and Wilbur understood the assignment.

At the end of the day, The Rip just works. It’s tense, well-acted, confident, and powered by one of the best actor duos of the last three decades doing what they do best. No pun intended, but The Rip absolutely rips.

Definitely check it out. This movie is going to do big numbers on Netflix — and deservedly so — even if it still feels like a missed opportunity not seeing Affleck and Damon command a theater screen once again.

The Rip = 73/100

News

Avengers: Doomsday — Breaking Down the Four Teasers and What They’re Really Setting Up

Wannabe Movie Critic

Avengers: Doomsday is Marvel Studios’ biggest gamble in years. Arriving after the next Spider-Man movie, this film is clearly positioned as the MCU’s long-awaited “we’re back” moment. Since Avengers: Endgame, the franchise has struggled to find consistent footing. While there have been successes, many leaned heavily on nostalgia rather than strong, forward-moving storytelling. Doomsday is absolutely leaning into that nostalgia again — but this time, it feels intentional, strategic, and massive in scope.

The film’s biggest headline is undeniable: Robert Downey Jr. returning to the MCU as Doctor Doom, the next major villain of the franchise. That alone puts an enormous amount of pressure on this movie to deliver. To start building hype, Marvel released four teaser trailers — one per week — each debuting in front of Avatar screenings. The Russo brothers have since said these aren’t really trailers or even teases, but pieces of something larger, something meant to be examined closely. Whether that’s marketing speak or a genuine hint at deeper storytelling remains to be seen, but together, these four teasers paint a very interesting picture.

Steve Rogers / Chris Evans Teaser

The first teaser wasted absolutely no time: Chris Evans is back as Steve Rogers. Marvel didn’t even attempt to keep this a secret. Instead of teasing a surprise reveal later, they leaned directly into the emotional weight of his return.

Importantly, Marvel was careful with wording — they didn’t say Captain America is back. That mantle now belongs to Sam Wilson. What they confirmed is that Steve Rogers himself has returned to the MCU. The teaser visually echoes the end of Endgame, where Steve chose a quiet life after returning the Infinity Stones. This time, we see him with a child, implying that the life he chose has grown into something worth protecting.

It’s a smart move. Steve has already saved the universe once. Bringing him back without resetting his growth would feel hollow, but giving him a family reframes his return. This isn’t about duty alone anymore — it’s personal.

Thor Teaser

The second teaser focuses on Thor, and more importantly, on fixing the tonal whiplash the character has suffered over the past few years. Set in the woods, Thor delivers a reflective monologue about family, legacy, and one final fight. Like Steve, Thor is now a father, and once again Marvel is emphasizing that its legacy heroes now have something tangible to lose.

This teaser feels like a direct response to criticism of Thor: Love and Thunder. The humor is stripped back, the visuals are grounded, and the character feels purposeful again. Thor has been drifting narratively for a while, but this glimpse suggests Marvel is taking him seriously — perhaps for the first time since Infinity War.

Whether this is Thor’s final chapter or simply a return to form, the teaser successfully restores weight to a character that desperately needed it.

X-Men Teaser

The third teaser is pure nostalgia — and it works. The original X-Men cast returns, including Patrick Stewart as Professor X (yes, again), but the real excitement comes from how these characters are presented.

The standout moment — the money shot — is James Marsden’s Cyclops, clad in a bright, comic-accurate costume, firing a massive optic blast while on his knees. After years of black leather suits in the early 2000s films, this visual feels like Marvel finally embracing what fans have wanted all along.

Even if this ends up being the coolest thing Cyclops does in the entire movie, it’s worth it. This teaser made one thing very clear: the X-Men are not just cameo appearances. They’re being positioned as a legitimate force in the MCU, and that alone sent hype levels through the roof.

Wakanda & Fantastic Four Teaser

The fourth and most recent teaser brings things firmly back into the current MCU by showing Shuri and M’Baku in Wakanda meeting Ben Grimm, aka The Thing. This strongly suggests that when the Fantastic Four arrive on Earth, Wakanda may be their first point of contact.

It’s a fascinating pairing. The upcoming Fantastic Four film is expected to lean heavily into sci-fi concepts, while Wakanda represents one of the most technologically advanced societies in the MCU. Watching those two worlds collide opens the door for exciting character interactions and bigger world-building possibilities.

This teaser also reinforces the idea that Doomsday may involve multiple factions operating independently — Avengers, X-Men, Fantastic Four, Wakandans — all potentially converging toward the same catastrophic event.

Final Thoughts

Taken together, these four teasers feel less like marketing hype and more like strategic table-setting. There’s a clear emphasis on legacy characters, personal stakes, and multiple teams spread across what could be a fractured battlefield. It wouldn’t be surprising if Avengers: Doomsday plays a role similar to Infinity War — a darker chapter filled with losses, setting the stage for Secret Wars to be the true culmination.

At the end of the day, though, everything hinges on Doctor Doom. If Doom is simply “evil Tony Stark,” the movie risks collapsing under its own gimmick. But if Marvel truly reinvents him — visually, thematically, and narratively — Avengers: Doomsday could be the film that finally re-excites audiences about the MCU’s future.

There’s a lot riding on this movie. For the first time in a while, it feels like Marvel knows that — and is acting accordingly.

Reviews

‘Primate’ Review

Wannabe Movie Critic

In the immortal words of Chris Griffin – EVIL, EVIL, MONKEY!! 

A group of friends’ tropical vacation turns into a terrifying, primal tale of horror and survival.

Primate is exactly the kind of movie that reminds you why January has the reputation it does. That’s not to say it’s terrible—far from it—but this is a horror film that lands squarely in the “good idea, messy execution” category. Directed by Johans Roberts, Primate takes a simple, instantly compelling premise and stretches it across one very bloody, very tense night: a chimpanzee named Ben contracts rabies and turns what should have been a relaxing weekend getaway into a full-on survival nightmare.

On paper, the concept rules. It’s basically Cujo, but instead of a dog, you get a chimpanzee—an animal that is smarter, more unpredictable, significantly stronger, and completely unaware of its own strength. The movie understands that on a primal level (no pun intended). Chimps are cute until they absolutely are not, and Primate does a disturbingly good job of showcasing how terrifying they can be when things go wrong. Ben isn’t just an animal running wild; he’s a force of nature, and when the movie leans into that, it’s genuinely scary.

The film also gets some unexpected credibility thanks to Troy Kotsur, the Oscar winner for CODA, who plays Ben’s caretaker and the father of the main character. Kotsur, who is deaf, brings a level of authenticity and emotional weight that the movie desperately needs. There’s a real attempt here to build a family story: a daughter returning home to Hawaii, unresolved tension after the death of the mother, guilt over having moved away, and the strain that puts on her relationship with her father and younger sister. When the movie allows these moments to breathe, they actually work—and Kotsur is easily the most grounded presence in the film.

Unfortunately, that level of care doesn’t extend to most of the rest of the cast. Outside of Kotsur, the ensemble is made up of young, mostly unknown actors playing characters who feel like they were pulled straight from a horror trope checklist. You’ve got the best friend, the awkward love interest, the girl she immediately has beef with, and—of course—a group of random college kids who show up solely to make the worst possible decisions at the worst possible times. You don’t need a stacked cast for a movie about a rabid chimpanzee, but you do need characters who behave like real human beings under stress.

And this is where Primate becomes deeply frustrating.

The movie is tense. It’s suspenseful. It’s violent as hell. There were moments where it was genuinely hard to watch, not because it was bad, but because it was intense. Ben absolutely wrecks people—faces get ripped off, bodies get mangled, and the film does not pull its punches. Horror fans who live for gnarly kills are going to eat this up, and honestly, this feels like a movie Dead Meat is going to have an absolute blast covering. This thing is practically begging for a Kill Count.

But then the characters open their mouths—or make a decision—and the movie immediately undercuts itself.

Time and time again, Primate relies on characters doing unbelievably stupid things: splitting up, ignoring obvious danger, walking directly into death traps, and displaying absolutely zero critical thinking skills. This isn’t the fun, campy stupidity of ’80s slashers. This is the kind of writing that actively drags the movie down. In 2026, audiences don’t need characters to be geniuses, but they do need them to act like real people. Instead, the stupidity feels like a shortcut, and it cheapens the tension rather than enhancing it.

The dialogue doesn’t help. At its worst, it feels flat, generic, and borderline AI-generated. The movie also borrows heavily from other horror films, recreating familiar scenes and beats without adding much originality beyond “now it’s a chimpanzee.” If you’re going to start with an original idea, you owe it to your audience to follow through with original execution.

Visually, though, the movie has a lot going for it. The Hawaiian setting is gorgeous, and the house itself is incredible—wide views, open spaces, and a layout that actually enhances the suspense as the night unfolds. Keeping the story mostly confined to one location over a single night was the right call, and it helps Primate feel tighter and more focused than it otherwise might have.

By the end, there’s also an odd sense of sympathy for Ben. None of this is his fault. He’s bitten by a mongoose, his condition worsens over the course of the night, and what follows is pure tragedy filtered through horror. In a strange way, the movie’s most emotionally coherent character is the chimpanzee. Justice for Ben.

So where does that leave Primate? It’s not a great movie—but it’s not a bad one either. It’s a frustrating one. There’s a genuinely cool, scary horror movie buried in here, and you can feel it trying to claw its way out. Horror fans will likely enjoy it for the gore, the tension, and the sheer insanity of the premise. Casual viewers will probably catch it on streaming, talk about how wild it is, and move on.

Primate is a January release through and through: entertaining, messy, occasionally thrilling, and ultimately a reminder that a great idea can only carry a movie so far without smart writing to back it up. If you like horror, check it out—just don’t expect the humans to be the smartest species on screen.

Primate = 56/100

Reviews

‘The Housemaid’ Review

Wannabe Movie Critic
A struggling young woman is relieved by the chance for a fresh start as a maid for a wealthy couple. Soon, she discovers that the family’s secrets are far more dangerous than her own.

My first movie review of 2026, is a sleek, sexy dark comedy–drama that lives squarely in the camp thriller space. Directed by Paul Feig, the film feels much closer in tone to A Simple Favor than his broader comedies, leaning into twists, glossy aesthetics, and heightened performances rather than outright laughs.

The story follows Millie (Sidney Sweeney), a young woman fresh out of prison with a troubled past, who takes a live-in housemaid job for an impossibly wealthy family. On the surface, the household seems perfect: a pristine home, a charming husband (Brendan Sklenar), a beautiful wife (Amanda Seyfried), and their young daughter, Cece. But almost immediately, cracks begin to form—most notably through Seyfried’s character, who quickly reveals herself to be deeply unstable. As Millie settles into the job, it becomes clear that everyone in this house is hiding something, and the film’s tension hinges on figuring out what the inevitable “big reveal” is going to be.

At face value, The Housemaid works. It’s entertaining, twisty, and engaging enough to keep you invested for its runtime, largely because you’re constantly trying to stay one step ahead of the story. Feig knows how to build intrigue, and for much of the film, the mystery surrounding Seyfried’s character is genuinely compelling. However, while the movie sticks the landing conceptually, the execution of the final act is more uneven. The big reveal both lands and doesn’t—it’s satisfying in theory, but the film keeps going well past the point where it should have wrapped up. The final scene, in particular, veers into an oddly over-the-top, almost superhero-esque moment that feels tonally out of step with what came before.

The performances are very much a mixed bag. Amanda Seyfried is easily the film’s strongest asset. She carries the movie on her back, playing unhinged with just the right mix of menace and dark humor. While this isn’t anywhere near her best work, the film would likely fall apart without her commitment—she makes the character watchable, unpredictable, and fun. Sidney Sweeney remains a question mark. She has brief moments where her strengths as an actress shine through, but overall it often feels like she’s cast more for her image than for depth, and the role doesn’t push her much beyond that. Brendan Sklenar is solid for most of the runtime and works well in the film’s early tension, but struggles once the story demands more from him in the final third.

Structurally, the film is about 20 minutes too long. There’s a lot of filler—extended scenes that don’t add much beyond atmosphere—and at times the movie practically explains itself twice. The slow burn toward the reveal works initially, but once it happens, the story keeps spinning its wheels instead of ending decisively. This easily could have been a tighter, more effective film at around 1 hour and 50 minutes.

The supporting cast doesn’t get much to do. Elizabeth Perkins pops up as Sklenar’s mother, which is nice to see, but the role is thin. The daughter character, Cece, is notably underdeveloped and feels like a missed opportunity for added emotional weight. The soundtrack, clearly geared toward a female audience and fans of the book, is serviceable but often too on-the-nose, occasionally undercutting the tension rather than enhancing it.

One of the more interesting undercurrents in The Housemaid is how it plays with the idea of vulnerable women and the illusion of being “saved.” Both Amanda Seyfried’s and Sidney Sweeney’s characters are positioned as damsels in distress—women who, at least on the surface, seem to need rescuing. Brendan Sklenar’s character presents himself as the knight in shining armor, someone drawn to fixing broken people, which the film subtly suggests may be less altruistic than it first appears. This dynamic becomes especially important in the final third, where the story shifts toward both women realizing their own agency and strength, rejecting the idea that they need to be saved at all. It’s an intriguing theme that adds some psychological texture to what might otherwise be a straightforward camp thriller.

Ultimately, The Housemaid is a solid piece of campy fun. It’s not great, and it’s certainly not subtle, but it knows what it is. If you’re willing to meet it on its level—a glossy, twist-driven thriller designed more for entertainment than depth—it mostly delivers. It’s the kind of movie that plays perfectly on a slightly hungover New Year’s Day: engaging, ridiculous in spots, and carried by a strong central performance. Just don’t expect it to stick the landing as cleanly as it sets things up.

The Housemaid = 60/100

Reviews

My 10 Most Anticipated Movies of 2026

Wannabe Movie Critic

 

For the first time in a while, I’m genuinely excited about what a movie year has to offer. Not because everything looks safe or guaranteed, but because 2026 feels ambitious. There are massive epics from top-tier filmmakers, strange horror projects with real personality, passion projects from directors swinging for the fences, and even a few franchise films that might — might — remember why people loved movies in the first place. There’s uncertainty across the board, but that’s kind of the point. These are movies worth anticipating, arguing about, and showing up for.

Here are my 10 most anticipated movies of 2026, followed by a few honorable mentions that just barely missed the cut.

Project Hail Mary: March 20th, 2026

The Project Hail Mary Trailer Spoils The Book's Biggest Surprise - and That's OK - IGN

This feels like one of those rare adaptations where everything lines up. Project Hail Mary tells a familiar story on the surface — a lone man in space trying to save humanity — but it differentiates itself through tone, humor, and heart. Ryan Gosling plays a scientist sent on a desperate mission to uncover why the Sun is dying, only for the plan to fall apart and leave him stranded far from home. What elevates this beyond The Martian comparisons is the emotional engine of the story, particularly his relationship with an alien he names Rocky. That friendship is funny, strange, deeply human, and surprisingly moving in the book, and I’m incredibly curious to see how it translates onscreen. With Lord & Miller directing and Greig Fraser behind the camera, this movie should look stunning, but I’m really here for the soul. If they nail the emotion, this could be something truly special.

The Odyssey (My #1 Most Anticipated Movie of the Year). July 17th, 2026

Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' trailer is absolute cinema

Christopher Nolan adapting The Odyssey feels almost mythological in itself. Fresh off Oppenheimer and a complete Oscar domination, Nolan is now tackling his biggest canvas yet — full-blown mythology, fantasy, and epic storytelling. This is Nolan stepping into cyclopes, sirens, gods, and legendary journeys, which is something he’s never really done before. What fascinates me is how he’ll balance his obsession with realism against outright myth. Shot entirely on IMAX and stacked with one of the most absurdly loaded casts in recent memory, this feels like a once-in-a-generation theatrical event. This is the movie people will build their entire year around, and it’s easily my most anticipated film of 2026.

Dune: Part Three (Dune Messiah). December 18th, 2026

Dune 3: Filming Starts in September! - Movie & Show News | KinoCheck

If Dune was the setup and Dune: Part Two was the triumph, Dune Messiah is where things get complicated. This is the part of the story where power curdles, myth becomes dangerous, and heroes turn into something much darker. The book is structurally strange and thematically heavy, which makes it a bold choice to end a trilogy on — but Denis Villeneuve thrives on that kind of challenge. Timothée Chalamet is completely locked into this role, Zendaya’s presence looms large, and Robert Pattinson joining the cast as a villain is genuinely exciting. Even without Greig Fraser returning as cinematographer, Villeneuve’s command of scale, mood, and atmosphere gives me confidence. If this movie comes out swinging, it could absolutely challenge The Odyssey for the top spot of the year.

Avengers: Doomsday. December 18th, 2026

Thor Pleads for Strength in New Avengers: Doomsday Teaser

I’m pretty open about the fact that I’ve been checked out of the MCU for a while. The post-Endgame era has been unfocused, overstuffed, and increasingly desperate. And yet, Avengers: Doomsday exists — and it’s impossible to ignore. Robert Downey Jr. returning as Doctor Doom, Chris Evans coming back, the entire early-2000s X-Men cast being folded in — this is Marvel firing nostalgia cannons in every direction. Do I have faith in the Russos after their recent output? Not really. Do I think Marvel has a clear plan right now? Also no. But this feels like a massive Hail Mary pass, and I’m morbidly curious to see if it works. At the very least, it’ll be fascinating to watch.

Mortal Kombat 2. May 8th, 2026

Here's a first look at the Mortal Kombat 2 movie - IG News

The first Mortal Kombat movie wasn’t great, but it was far from unwatchable, and it showed flashes of what could work. The sequel being pushed to a prime May release after strong test screenings tells me Warner Bros. believes they have something here. Karl Urban as Johnny Cage is inspired casting, and if this movie cleans up the fight choreography, improves the pacing, and learns from the first film’s mistakes, it could genuinely be a crowd-pleaser. With video game adaptations, half the battle is simply making the characters feel right, and Mortal Kombat 2 seems like it understands that. All I want is better fights, cooler moments, and full commitment to the chaos.

Digger. October 2nd, 2026

Tom Cruise Shares First Trailer for Digger, a Bizarre Comedy Movie About a Man With a Shovel - IGN

This is one of the biggest question marks on the list — and that’s why it’s here. Tom Cruise stepping away from massive IP blockbusters to do something smaller and more performance-driven already makes this interesting. Pairing him with Alejandro Inarritu only adds to the intrigue. The teaser didn’t give us much, and this movie could easily miss the mark, but the pedigree alone makes it worth paying attention to. Cruise has been everywhere again recently, and I’m excited to see him stretch himself outside the Ethan Hunt mold. Even if it’s messy, this feels like a swing worth watching.

Resident Evil. September 18th, 2026

Everything You Need To Know About The RESIDENT EVIL 2026 Movie!

Zack Cregger has quickly earned a level of trust that most filmmakers don’t get this early. After Barbarian and Weapons, I’m excited for anything he does, and his take on Resident Evil sounds refreshingly stripped down. Instead of a massive ensemble or lore-heavy reboot, this feels like a nightmare scenario focused on one person having the worst possible day in Raccoon City. Austin Abrams, Paul Walter Hauser, and Zach Cherry is a fantastic cast for a tense, grounded horror story. If Cregger brings the same tension, pacing, and creativity he’s shown before, this could be the best Resident Evil movie we’ve ever gotten.

Clayface. September 11th, 2026

Clayface Set Photos Reveal First Look at Bandaged Main Character, Map of DCU's Gotham City and Confirm Inclusion of an Obscure Batman Villain - IGN

This might be one of the most intriguing DC projects in years. A smaller-budget, horror-focused movie centered entirely on Clayface — without Batman — is exactly the kind of risk DC should be taking. Clayface is one of Batman’s most tragic villains, and there’s so much psychological and visual potential there. If this takes even a little inspiration from Batman: The Animated Series, we could be looking at something special. I want this to be grotesque, weird, and unsettling, with transformations that lean into body horror. If done right, this could be DC’s Joker — but stranger, scarier, and more tragic.

The RIP. January 16th, 2026 

THE RIP Official Trailer (2026) Ben Affleck, Matt Damon Movie HD

Let’s be real: this could be a disaster. But Ben Affleck and Matt Damon together in a crime thriller is always going to get my attention. They’re playing cops in a trust-no-one scenario, the trailer looks better than expected, and Joe Carnahan directing gives it a little extra edge. I also just love that these two are collaborating more later in their careers. Even if it’s flawed, the chemistry alone makes this worth a spot on the list.

Supergirl. June 26th, 2026

Milly Alcock Teases Kara Zor-El's Supergirl 2026 Ending & Character Changes

I had to end the list here. I love DC Comics, and I want the DCU to succeed. Millie Alcock looks perfect as Supergirl, Craig Gillespie has a solid track record, and Jason Momoa as Lobo feels like inspired, no-brainer casting. The tone being different from Superman is encouraging, and while I don’t know if this movie will be great, Alcock and Momoa alone could carry it to something fun and memorable. DC needs wins, and this movie needs to be one of them.

Honorable Mentions

There were a few movies that just barely missed my top ten — not because I’m not excited for them, but because this year is stacked and cuts had to be made. Spider-Man: Brand New Day is one I’m definitely looking forward to, but I’m waiting to see how bold it really is before fully buying in. Wuthering Heights intrigues me, but it feels more like a curiosity than a must-watch right now. Werewolf has Robert Eggers’ name attached, which automatically puts it on my radar, but I need to see more before committing it to the top tier. And Disclosure Day, Steven Spielberg’s next film, is obviously something I’ll show up for — it just didn’t quite crack my personal top ten. All four are movies I’m excited to see; they just didn’t edge out the competition.

Reviews

My Top 10 Favorite Movies of 2025

Wannabe Movie Critic

2025 was a pretty solid year at the movies. Not the best year I’ve had since I started blogging, but definitely not the worst either. It felt like one of those years where, if you were actually going to the theater, you were rewarded. If you didn’t, you probably missed out.

This list isn’t about what I think were the best movies of the year — it’s about the movies I personally enjoyed the most. The ones that stuck with me, that made me want to go back to the theater, and that reminded me why I love movies in the first place.

So with that said, here are my Top 10 Favorite Movies of 2025, ranked.

10. Black Bag

Steven Soderbergh at his best is always a good time, and Black Bag is exactly that. It’s sleek, sexy, twisty, and mostly just people in rooms talking — and it works beautifully. Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett absolutely eat in this movie, and the whodunit elements keep you guessing until the end. It’s stylish, smart, and one of the most purely entertaining theater experiences of the year. Perfect date-night movie.

9. The Long Walk

This Stephen King adaptation is tight, gritty, and emotionally grounded. The Long Walk is carried by two excellent performances from Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson, with Mark Hamill delivering a quietly effective villain turn. The movie is self-contained, efficient, and emotionally raw. It may not be an awards juggernaut, but it’s rock solid — and I guarantee this movie finds a big audience once it hits streaming.

8. Warfare

Warfare is one of the most immersive theater experiences of the year. The IMAX sound design alone is worth the price of admission, making this one of those movies that reminds you why theaters exist. It also features the best needle drop of 2025 — “Call On Me” by Eric Prydz — a moment that genuinely makes you want to run through a wall. Brutal, intense, and unforgettable.

7. Avatar: Fire and Ash

James Cameron’s Avatar films are the definition of “this is why we go to the movies.” People love to claim these movies have no cultural impact, yet they keep making two billion dollars and pulling everyone back into theaters. Fire and Ash is no exception. The new Fire Na’vi are incredible, the world-building is next-level, and Cameron once again proves no one does large-scale spectacle better. You may only see these movies once, but when you do, they absolutely deliver.

6. F1

Joseph Kosinski follows up Top Gun: Maverick with another adrenaline-fueled crowd-pleaser. F1 was one of the best IMAX experiences of the year thanks to its sound design, editing, and killer soundtrack. Brad Pitt is fantastic, and the final 30 minutes are pure white-knuckle tension. This movie was just an absolute blast, and it’s easy to see why audiences showed up for it.

5. Superman

James Gunn’s first official DCU entry is exactly what it needed to be: fun, hopeful, and confident. While superhero movies struggled across the board this year, Superman stood head and shoulders above the rest. David Corenswet feels born to play the role, delivering a fresh but perfect take on the character. This is easily the best comic book movie of 2025 and a strong foundation for the DCU moving forward.

4. Marty Supreme

Josh Safdie does it again. Marty Supreme is an absolutely electric, fast-paced ride, and Timothée Chalamet is dynamite as Marty Moser. He’s a total sleaze and slimeball — and somehow still endlessly watchable. You shouldn’t be rooting for him, but you can’t help yourself. One of my favorite performances of the year and one of the most fun times I had in a theater.

3. Weapons

Zack Cregger proves Barbarian was no fluke. Weapons is easily the best horror movie of the year, featuring a fantastic cast and one of the best endings I’ve seen in a long time. I saw this movie twice in theaters within three days, which says everything. Cregger continues to establish himself as one of the most exciting filmmakers working in the genre.

2. Sinners

Ryan Coogler’s vampire gangster epic is one of the year’s biggest achievements — especially considering it came out all the way back in March. The fact that Sinners is still making Top 10 lists speaks volumes. Michael B. Jordan is phenomenal, the ensemble is stacked, and Coogler’s fresh spin on vampire mythology is stylish, confident, and visually stunning. Shot entirely for IMAX, this movie is gorgeous and features one of the best post-credit scenes in recent memory. Coogler just keeps leveling up.

1. One Battle After Another

Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest is a masterpiece. I saw it twice within days and was blown away both times. Featuring one of Leonardo DiCaprio’s best performances ever, this movie is the “longest short movie” of the year — sprawling, dense, and endlessly compelling. The score, cinematography, and soundtrack are breathtaking. I’ll be genuinely shocked if this doesn’t walk away with multiple Oscars.

This is the movie of the year. Full stop.