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I’ve been trying to accurately describe how I feel about this show for about an hour now, I can’t quite figure out how to articulate my thoughts towards The Curse. I’ve used words like “nightmare”, “surrealist”, and “awkward” but I can’t put it altogether; this show has me baffled. What I can say is that The Curse really worked for me, the middle portion of the show was losing me a bit, I thought it felt a tad directionless; after finishing the show I feel ridiculously silly ever thinking that. Fielder and Safdie are a dream team, and Emma Stone is giving an all-timer performance along with them, these three work in conjunction so well. The series finale is absolutely incredible, I honestly couldn’t think of a better way for this to end, it recontextualizes everything you’ve been watching and makes sure to leave you with plenty unanswered questions. I knew I was going to love this going in and I wasn’t left disappointed, it’s as wild as I’ve heard but somehow fully exceeded expectations. A total nightmare, loved it. Filled the Twin Peaks: The Return sized hole in my heart ♥️

Likely will go down as the funniest of the year, absolutely hysterical through 100 minutes. Tim Robinson is a gem, need him in more films asap!!

Such a beautiful debut from Carson Lund, a bittersweet yet very endearing take on commitment and camaraderie. I love how at times Lund chooses to just focus on the sky, the clouds, just surveying the environment and making Eephus a visual treat. This is exactly my type of movie and it’s definitely going to serve as a rewatch staple for years to come; can’t wait to see whatever Lund does next!

Just lovely.

Watched on Saturday May 24, 2025.

I can see why some of the early reviews for The Final Reckoning were mixed, it’s a total maximalist approach that spends its first hour reminding you about the previous films and what happened in each. For me, it would take a lot for these not to work for me, and just like the others I’m left brimming with positivity after watching. The first act did feel quite clunky at points with its constant rehashing, in its defense I think this franchise has the legs to be a bit braggadocious at points but it could’ve been presented a bit cleaner. I can understand labeling this one as messy as it definitely is in moments. 

Cruise is up to his usual death-defying shenanigans and like always they’re visually breathtaking and entirely stressful. The underwater sequence may just be one of the most visually impressive moments in the entire series, whilst I don’t think this isn’t one of the more visually memorable films of the franchise that scene is a major standout. 

Final Reckoning worked for me, I definitely liked it more so once the first act was finished; as always this is a must-see in a theater, not seeing this on the big screen would be a major disservice to yourself, and Mr. Cruise of course. Whilst this maybe wasn’t what a lot of people were expecting, I’m sad it’s over, but I’m also so happy that I exist at the same time as these movies. A clear love letter to cinema and consistent entertainment; it’s really hard not to love Mission: Impossible.

This review may contain spoilers.

Has some character shifts towards the third act which I didn’t love, but overall this really clicked with me. Fantastic sound design and zombie antagonists help propel this one to being instantly iconic, and I really enjoyed how genuinely horrific this felt when it needed too. The line “I promised them women” sent chills down my spine; that’s true horror. Loved the cinematography and overall look of this a lot, it feels very grimy and low-budget but it adds so much flair; I appreciated how voyeuristic this felt in moments. Excited for 28 Years Later, the clip they showed look good!

I haven’t logged much this month because I’ve been catching up on TV, but mostly The Rehearsal. The show is great, pretty well-rounded in the sense that it’s super funny but also quite concerning; especially the first season. I have a lot of work to do in catching up on film, can’t wait for the summer releases!! 

(If anyone actually reads this please give me some film recommendations if you’d like 😁)

This review may contain spoilers.

After watching every episode of Nathan For You I’ve grown to love Nathan Fielder as an artist even more then I did before, the combination of Nathan’s awkward and quite detached persona mixed with situational humor is a winning one. Fielders show stays consistently funny and entertaining and becomes something that’s so easy to engage with, the show definitely values viewer expectation and avoids it in entirely clever ways. Whilst never predictable the show isn’t just random for the sake of random, its message and purpose is always entirely clear, and Fielder thrives off of the uncomfortability from each episode. Fielder at points is poking fun at some of the people involved (whether directly or indirectly), but he never looks down on others, but rather it feels like Fielder wants to observe as much as he can, and at times Nathan For You feels less like a comedy show and more like a documentary. 

This is why Finding s is able to work so well, the style is different for the show of course but it doesn’t feel entirely out of left field. The show throughout its four seasons has been observant of every kind of person, and instead of judging Nathan is sitting back and letting these people showcase themselves. At many points in Nathan For You it’s entirely up to the audience to make a judgement on whether you agree or disagree with what either Nathan or other individuals are doing, the show is played for humor but works as a larger insight to people’s reactions/responses. 

Finding s follows Nathan Fielder searching for Bill Heaths ex-girlfriend s, s is seen as “the one that got away” and Nathan is determined to use his shows resources as a way to reconnect the two former lovers. Bill has been seen on the show before as he is (supposedly) a professional Bill Gates impersonator, and a frequent visitor of Nathan’s office. Watching Nathan and Bill interact is a delight, it’s a wonderful mixture of awkwardness and kinship that’s hard to come by. Nathan feels a lot less like a character in this episode, he feels a little more humanized and reactionary to certain moments. Throughout the show Nathan plays an exaggerated version of himself that works for the tone, and whilst that’s still present here he just feels a little less fictionalized.

The idea of connection is constant in Nathan For You, and this episode explores this perfectly. Longing for love is one thing, but this episode (and show at points) explores the longing for simpler connections, and how a lack of connection can affect you emotionally. The years of regret that linger on Bill each time he mentions or thinks about s is evident, but the well-roundedness of people is reflected in the mistakes Bill has made in severing their relationship. The older-conservative man who clearly exhibits misogynistic traits isn’t exactly someone we’d all root for, but in showcasing his story Fielder is practically teaching a lesson to his audience. This episode explores the idea of yearning and regret in such a specific way, but I’m not sure if it could be done much better; it’s all so real. In a show where reality is consistently questioned this episode is so emotionally resonant because of its honesty. 

Nathan sees Bill as almost the potential future version of himself. A lonely man at the end of his life, who is living with regret of never marrying. It’s hard to truly see when Fielder draws the line of reality and fiction in of his persona, but the episode makes it clear that Nathan is scared of this prospect. Through his interactions with an escort he hires for Bill named Maci, he seems to have a genuine connection with her, he acknowledges his show and seems pleased when she compliments it. They kiss, go on dates, and Nathan seems happy, for once he finally seems comfortable around a woman on camera. Whilst this is all true, the artificial reality of the situation creates an array of sadness; Maci is kind to Nathan, but he is paying for her time and company, just like her other clients have. Maci is not unkind, and she is honest about her work, it shows how Fielder in this show is comfortable living in this artificial reality by paying Maci, and adds another layer to Fielder and his on-screen persona. 

The final moments of Nathan For You are incredible, it’s vulnerable, and wraps everything up so nicely. Nathan For You is a hilarious show, but along with that it’s also a show which knows how interesting people are. Nathan’s persona works so well for this show, but the brief moment where he looks at the camera during the final minutes really makes you forget about everything, he almost sheds his skin entirely in this brief moment but goes back to his usual self only a second after. It’s a blink and you’ll miss it moment but it truly encapsulates what makes this show and series finale fantastic, that blend of reality and fiction, and how everyone is just trying to be seen; including Nathan Fielder. Identity is a tricky subject and can be quite challenging, this show and this episode questions the very idea of what identity even is. This episode encapsulates the genius of Nathan For You and serves as a perfect conclusion to everything we’ve seen.

Saw the directors cut in theatres, I’m pretty curious now to see what was cut from the theatrical version as this feels pretty tight; not much filler added. I always forget how much I love these auteur-driven epics until I see them, this just totally works, I really can’t see how the theatrical version could top this in any sense, the added runtime feels so warranted and this doesn’t drag all-that-much. I desperately need to catch up on more of Scotts work, his films just always seem to click with me.

Can you guess what show I’m watching?

My mom’s Mother’s Day pick !!

The act of watching a classic you’ve missed out on for years, only to then realize why it’s considered so is a really fantastic feeling. Like many who have either grown up with this, or discovered it at a necessary time, this really resonated with me. The stunning nature-centric cinematography mixed with the top-tier child performances and dialogue is of course center focus; it all works, these characters are so fleshed out,  and each are relatable but not in a way which demands so. The maturity that is thrust upon these kids feels like it has so much weight, the big emotional moments hit of course but so do the smaller moments of dialogue where the perspective of their life experiences come into play. Just terrific, tragic I hadn’t seen this until now, but I think this would hit hard emotionally any time I would’ve chose to watch.

Watched on Sunday May 4, 2025.

Definitely far-more visually interesting than most modern MCU projects, and it shines pretty bright in its third act. Still suffers from many of the usual suspects, more specifically the humor (aside from Harbour in moments). The dialogue is also quite clunky, as is the pacing. I just appreciate that this film was actually trying to say something, it feels less concerned with setting up the next one as opposed to just telling a singular story about people. Whilst I’m stating quite literally the bare minimum, after seeing films like Brave New World and Ant Man 3 things looked entirely bleak. This isn’t anything phenomenal, but there’s at least clear effort, which is something I haven’t seen from Marvel in so long.

Watched on Thursday May 1, 2025.

Watched on Wednesday April 30, 2025.

Punisher: War Zone is a completely forgotten movie, not just as a superhero film but also as a Punisher adaptation. A grimy, violent, and often outlandish movie that’s playing with a lot of elements from the Garth Ennis’ books. Whilst the story is pretty thin this film is probably one of the more accurate depictions of the character, and is pretty fun from the jump. It’s also really visually pleasing, it contains a great use of colors and nighttime cinematography. Ray Stevenson is probably the best depiction of Frank Castle in film, effortlessly cool but his inner sadness is never not transparent. Dominic West is so absurdly cartoonish and vile as Jigsaw, he completely steals the show, even if it does affect this film tonally. Really ridiculous but it definitely works, a fun crowd-pleaser that reminded me a lot of the Punisher: MAX books from Garth Ennis.

Bigger, sillier, totally works.

Watched on Sunday April 27, 2025.

On the big screen!!

The big moments are handled with such care and visual attention, classic Lucas-dialogue mixed with ridiculously fun action set-pieces is always a winning combo. Core childhood memories came flooding back the instant this started; this is always and forever something really special.

“No one goes to the movies anymore, and no one re us anymore.”

Uniquely powerful, one of those films that reminds me of why I love this art so much. This hit me in my core, I can’t the last time I felt this way; a beautiful ghost-story which remains observant in its exploration of people, art, and the spaces where they meet. Just absolutely wonderful, we’re so lucky to have movies like Goodbye, Dragon Inn.

Watched on Tuesday April 22, 2025.

Happy Easter everyone ! 

Still never get tired of this one, feels kinda burnt into my DNA at this point. I hold the memories of when I first discovered this film so close, such a formative film in my high school days.

Watched on Friday April 18, 2025.

Sinners absolutely rules; an often times euphoric experience which yet again proves the incredible talent of Ryan Coogler. A period-piece which pulls no punches in its exploration of connection and humanity, Coogler implements and explores music in an entirely creative way which begs for it to be seen in a theater. I would absolutely love to rewatch this one soon, probably Cooglers best.

Provides a perfect soundtrack to loneliness, one of the better psychological thrillers I’ve ever seen; how Coppola managed to release both Godfather films and this in 2 years is absurdly impressive.

Watched on Sunday April 13, 2025.

A special film in the sense that its message was impactful and relevant 40 years ago, but arguably works better today. Simply incredible.

Watched on Thursday April 10, 2025.

Fantastic Spider-Man 2 joke in this one.

Good fun, characters are very stereotypical but the humor is good enough to carry it along. Some jokes made me cringe for sure but it’s mostly solid; there’s a strong amount of love for the summer-camp-slasher sub genre that shines through which I really appreciated.

Locked in so fucking hard today.

I survived.

Masculinity is something that has been entirely skewed in modern day society, public figures like Andrew Tate (who is mentioned here) pushing an anti-woman and far-right agenda is clearly having a major impact on youth culture. Adolescence takes this premise and shows the absolute worst that could come of it, a horrific act that takes the life of someone too young to properly live one. This show is top to bottom incredible, the cinematography is absolutely stunning, deciding to shoot the show as one take adds so much to the immersion and never feels gimmicky. Episode 3 of this show is genuinely one of the most impressive episodes of TV out there, I’ve never seen anything like it. The performances here are also phenomenal, Stephen Graham has always been one of the best actors working today and he proves that correct again, his performance in episode 4 specifically is truly outstanding. This is such a necessary show that I’m so glad has received so much attention, it’s so important and so well made, couldn’t ask for much more.

I rewatched this throughout the week and it’s slowly becoming the basis of my personality yet again; the humor and delivery in this show hits my exact sense of humor perfectly, I’ve genuinely never laughed at something as hard as I have Nirvanna the Band the Show. Matt Johnson is one of my all time favorite artists, from his various sketches online to his genuinely fantastic feature films, Matt has made me such a fan of his. With the news of Neon securing the rights to Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie I wanted to revisit this show and rediscover why I adore it so much.

Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol are playing hyper- fictionalized versions of themselves, and together they form a band titled Nirvanna the Band. I could go on for so long about the absurdity of this idea but thats the exact point it’s making. Matt and Jay work tirelessly to get a gig at the Rivoli, a local bar/restaurant. The reason for their ever-growing obsession with the Rivoli is never explained out right but rather hinted at in moments.

These two setups allow for Matt Johnson’s absurdist humor to flourish, and provides for a lot of leeway for the narrative of each episode. While the show does deviate in through various side plots it never steers away from the end goal of a gig at the Rivoli, this keeps the show in focus regardless of what hijinks are occurring. The show is never repetitive either, as Matt and Jays ever-failing attempts to get a gig at the Rivoli span in severity from printing a large promotional banner, to kidnapping a sick child from a hospital in attempt for him to grant his last wish for them to play the Rivoli.

A core aspect of this show relies on Matt and Jays relationship, they are inseparable best friends who constantly remind the audience why they’re so perfect for each other. Matt often acts quite selfish, but in the end never takes Jay for granted, and while Jay does have his moments of doubt for the band he cares for Matt too much. Johnson and McCarols chemistry is of course incredible, they bounce off of each other so effortlessly, their interactions never feel rehearsed or pre-planned, their dialogue feels so off the cuff. This is in line with the rest of the show too, as a lot of the show is improvised. Their public adventures are often paired with real people reacting to their various antics, this blend of reality and fiction keeps the show consistently entertaining and entirely unpredictable. 

A major stand out episode for me is titled The Big Time. In this episode Matt and Jay go to a high school to film scenes for Matt’s film Operation Avalanche, this fictional film focuses on Matt taking down a pedophile ring which resides at the school. Matt and Jay then travel to the Sundance film festival, in which Matt sneaks his film into the festival to be seen by attendees. If you’re familiar with Johnson’s work you’re probably aware of his actual film Operation Avalanche, which did indeed get selected for the Sundance film festival. Matt using this to film an episode of his TV show is so unique but works so well, it’s such an out-there idea but an ingenious one at that. I’ve never quite seen anything like it, and that’s just one of many times you could say that about Nirvanna the Band the Show. 

Nirvanna the Band the Show getting a movie that will be distributed by Neon is one of the cooler things to happen in cinema in the 2020s, the fact that this kind of project can achieve world wide distribution is nothing but inspiring. I’m not saying that to belittle this show or the web series prior, I’m saying that because this is something that Matt and Jay have both devoted the past 18 years too, and it’s amazing to see how their hard work has finally paid off. They have created a world that is so chaotic, characters that are so dedicated and perform consistent acts of extremism for what is seemingly a simple goal. This is an 18-year bit that’s never gotten old, it’s a truly once in a lifetime project; and some of the best comedic content to ever air.

Embarrassingly my first Schrader but I’m absolutely floored. A character study that uses the backdrop of religion to exemplify its themes; here, Schrader masterfully displays how isolation can lead to extremism. The third act of First Reformed is some of the best filmmaking I’ve ever seen; from its dialogue, cinematography, and performances this film is entirely remarkable. A phenomenal film through and through, it’s silly to bring up awards talk but it’s kind of impossible to believe Ethan Hawke wasn’t even nominated for this, he’s absolutely transcendent here. I’d also like to add that this movies message has aged better with time.

Watched on Thursday April 3, 2025.

Watched on Wednesday April 2, 2025.

Watched on Tuesday April 1, 2025.

Fell in love with this the instant it started, this just has such an incredible energy to it the whole way through, delightfully awkward yet consistently raises the stakes narratively. I was missing out for so long, I’m kinda sad it’s over.

Watched on Sunday March 30, 2025.

Very proud of James and everyone involved :)

Absolutely incredible from start to finish; a true epic, gorgeous animation blended with a narrative that is full of comion. Every new Ghibli I watch I’m all the more impressed, Miyazaki is a true once in a generation artist.

This review may contain spoilers.

Xavier Dolan is a filmmaker that I’ve had on my radar for a while, I reading about his supposed retirement and feeling disappointed as I’ve heard nothing but positive remarks about his work. When discussing a film such as Mommy, a film that has affected me in a way that is so rare, I find it genuinely difficult to put my love and appreciation for this film into words. Mommy is an essential film, not just for me but for many, a film that resonated with me so deeply it almost hurts to think about.

When a piece of art can make you feel this much it’s something entirely special, the craftsmanship on display left me in awe, its narrative is complimented by a visual style which is so distinct and layered. The ”Wonderwall“ sequence might just be one of my all time favorites, on top of the song complementing the film so well thematically, the aspect ratio change of 1:1 to 16:9 floored me; not just because of the visual flair it adds but for how well it services the story in that moment.

It’s visual cues such as that which make Mommy instantly iconic, it’s so creative in how it chooses to tell its already incredible narrative. I was a mess by the end of this, a deeply important film for me, and for many others.

A wonderful amalgamation of what makes Matt Johnson such an incredible artist, beautiful use of long takes, snappy dialogue, and surprisingly effective drama. This is most likely Matt’s best work as a director, his vision is entirely realized and is very effective. The last act of this is some of the most engaging work of his career, so glad to have finally seen this!

There is a ridiculously good car chase scene in this, worth watching for that alone!

Watched on Saturday March 22, 2025.

Watched on Saturday March 22, 2025.

As good as it gets.

Watched on Sunday March 16, 2025.

“It’s a hard world for little things.”

This being Charles Laughtons only feature is really fascinating as it’s what I would deem a genuine masterpiece. An at times, extremely evil film that gets under your skin; the world this film builds seems so dark, but not without the presence of light. A film that showcases the dichotomy of good and evil better than most, the innocence of children paired with the idea of pure evil. Robert Mitchum gives one of the all time great antagonist performances, he is so deceptively charismatic but his true intentions are never hidden. The Night of the Hunter is a visual feast combined with a narrative that is entirely captivating, its reputation has been proven correct for me as this is one of the best I’ve ever seen.

2025 releases I’ve seen ranked

1. Eephus
2. Sinners
3. Presence
4. Mickey 17
5. Friendship
6. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
7. Paddington in Peru
8. The ant²
9. One of Them Days
10. Novocaine

...plus 10 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

Ordered by release date (earliest first).

• The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari
• Manhatta
• Vampyr
• The Shop Around the Corner
• Double Indemnity
• It's a Wonderful Life
• Rope
• In a Lonely Place
• Sunset Boulevard
• Singin' in the Rain

...plus 129 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

1. Mission: Impossible – Fallout
2. Mission: Impossible
3. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation
4. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol
5. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning
6. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
7. Mission: Impossible II
8. Mission: Impossible III

2024 releases I’ve seen ranked

1. Nickel Boys
2. I Saw the TV Glow
3. Dune: Part Two
4. Sing Sing
5. A Real Pain
6. Trap
7. Hundreds of Beavers
8. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
9. Red Rooms
10. Challengers

...plus 58 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

2023 releases I’ve seen ranked

1. The Zone of Interest
2. Oppenheimer
3. The Holdovers
4. Killers of the Flower Moon
5. Past Lives
6. John Wick: Chapter 4
7. May December
8. Skinamarink
9. Anatomy of a Fall
10. BlackBerry

...plus 63 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

2022 releases I’ve seen ranked

1. Aftersun
2. The Banshees of Inisherin
3. The Fabelmans
4. Nope
5. The Batman
6. RRR
7. Avatar: The Way of Water
8. TÁR
9. Top Gun: Maverick
10. On the Count of Three

...plus 49 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

Participating in this for the first time this year, can’t wait! (Hopefully I did this right…)

6 Countries: Italy, , Spain, Japan, India, USA.

8 Decades: 1910s, 1920s, 1930s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 2000s, 2010s.

ALL of the films from a horror franchise with at least 4 entries: Romeo’s Living Dead series. 

1 Film by Wes Craven: The Hills Have Eyes.

1 Film caused by/worsened by weather: The Fog.

1 Film starring a black woman: It Comes at Night.

1 Donald Sutherland Film: Invasion of the Body Snatchers. 

3 Films from New World Pictures: Slugs, The Stuff, Humanoids from the Deep. 

2 Indian Films: Tumbbad, Pizza. 

4 Italian Films: Zombie Flesh Eaters, The New York Ripper, Suspiria, Dante’s Inferno. 

2 Horror Comedies: Tucker and Dale vs. Evil, Extra Ordinary. 

2 Films made primarily or entirely in Texas: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, The Devils Candy.

1 Film that exists in at least 2 available cuts: Halloween 2 (Rob Zombie).

1 Robert Wiene Film: The Hands of Orlac.

1 Michele Soavi Film: StageFright.

1 Film from 2011: Fright Night.

1 Film from 1984: Sole Survivor.
 
1 Tobe Hooper Film: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.

• Dante's Inferno
• The Hands of Orlac
• Vampyr
• Eyes Without a Face
• Blood and Black Lace
• Night of the Living Dead
• The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
• Suspiria
• The Hills Have Eyes
• House

...plus 21 more. View the full list on Letterboxd.

• The Shawshank Redemption
• Rocky
• The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
• The Empire Strikes Back
• The Godfather
• I Love You, Man
• Road House
• Cinderella Man
• Unforgiven
• The Natural

• Grease
• Dirty Dancing
• The Shining
• GoodFellas
• E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
• The Shawshank Redemption
• Steel Magnolias
• of Endearment
• What's Eating Gilbert Grape
• Pretty in Pink

• Corpse Bride
• Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
• The Nightmare Before Christmas
• The Hangover
• Joker
• Return of the Jedi
• Star Wars
• Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood
• Coraline
• Pretty in Pink