Joe Bloggs About Films
Temporada 1
Godzilla
Avengers: Endgame Encore
Resident Evil
Cloverfield
The End of Oak Street
The X Files: I Want to Believe - Vrach Frankenshteyn
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
The Odyssey
Supergirl
por Joe Hobson
We've been treated to a variety of Godzilla stories in recent years, but back in 1998, the King of the Monsters made his first American big-screen appearance in a film that was pretty much hated by all. For me, though, it was the right film at the right time, sparking a love for kaiju that has stayed with me ever since. Like many others, this was my first introduction to the big lizard. It opened the door to discovering more of Toho's legendary monster movies, but despite its many, many flaws, I've never been able to shake my affection for the 1998 film. It might not be the Godzilla movie fans wanted, but it's the one that started it all for me. It’s essentially a disaster film first and a Godzilla film second, which makes it a perfect fit for the era of big, bombastic blockbusters. The characters are gloriously ’90s, the action descends into absolute chaos, and the story is about as simple as they come — but I still absolutely love it. Though I have previously spoken about this film on the pod a few years ago (albeit a bumpy review), I wanted to give this giant another stint in the spotlight - because after all, size does matter. Full thoughts in this revisit.
When 'Avengers: Endgame' arrived in 2019, it brought a decade of storytelling to an epic, emotional and, importantly, satisfying conclusion. It dominated the box office, became a defining cinematic event, and left an impact that is still felt today. It was something audiences hadn’t experienced from an MCU film before: our heroes losing, and having to deal with the consequences of that loss. The familiar formula of our heroes winning was thrown out the window. Instead, we explored these characters at their absolute lowest, before giving them that glimmer of hope - the possibility of undoing Thanos’ victory and setting the universe right again. On top of all that, 'Endgame' brought so many character arcs to a genuinely satisfying conclusion. It gave key players like Tony and Cap the send offs they deserved, while leaving the MCU in a position where it could finally move forward into a new era. But, as we now know, nothing in the MCU ever truly stays finished. Now, audiences have the chance to revisit the film ahead of the upcoming 'Doomsday' - only this time, there are a few extra scenes designed to tease the arrival of the next big bad, complete with a very familiar face. While 'Encore' gives audiences another opportunity to experience the spectacular finale, the question still lingers: is this actually a “mandatory” watch? It’s a question I’ll answer, but for me, simply being able to sit in the cinema and experience 'Endgame' again was more than enough. While the new scenes are a welcome bonus, which I unpack and discuss in this review, I felt it was only fitting to revisit 'Endgame' as a whole, too. To pick out the many, many fan pleasing moments sprinkled throughout a pretty tight and polished script, and to reflect on what made this finale so memorable in the first place. Full thoughts in this review - available on all streaming sites.
Is this the best video game adaptation ever? There’s a strong argument that it is. Bold words, I know, but Zach Cregger’s 'Resident Evil' ticks all the boxes, and then some. It respects the source material, includes the ingredience that defines survival horror, whilst also having Cregger's voice and vision front and centre. Cregger is on a hot streak, and this latest release is arguably my favourite of his yet. It’s intense, it’s gross, it’s terrifying when it wants to be, but it also manages to keep things relatively grounded, with a sprinkling of humour that goes a surprisingly long way. It’s that balance between horror and comedy that makes Cregger stand out, with both elements complementing each other to wonderful effect. Then, on top of its near perfect script, you have Austin Abrams, who delivers a magnetic performance. He’s grounded to the point where he feels genuine and real. He isn’t some big, macho, plot-armoured hero; he’s just a normal guy working his shift and trying to get home. His mannerisms, his reactions, even the way he carries himself when faced with something completely horrific make him such a joy to watch. I genuinely can’t stress enough how often this guy had me chuckling. In a year where we’ve already been graced with some great horror films, 'Resident Evil' may have topped them all. I’m already keen to watch this again, because it’s one of the most horrifying, yet ridiculously fun rides of the year. A firm, firm standout.
Matt Reeves unleashed 'Cloverfield' upon the world in 2008, bringing with it a mix of mystery, chaos and destruction that has left fans craving more ever since. It also remains one of my favourite releases. Found footage films certainly aren't for everyone, and 'Cloverfield' can be a shaky cam nightmare at times, but that's also part of what makes it so effective. The film excels at making its audience feel like a passenger, with the camera acting as a window into the disaster as events unfold in real time. We're thrown directly into this world, with these complete strangers becoming our anchor as the frenzy of a monster attack feels immediate, chaotic and frighteningly real. What really set 'Cloverfield' apart, though, was its viral marketing campaign. If you wanted to dive deeper into this world, the pieces and clues were already waiting for you online. It gave audiences another layer to uncover, encouraging fans to investigate, speculate and piece together the wider story for themselves. That sense of mystery and discovery was another major reason the film connected so strongly with audiences, and why 'Cloverfield' has remained such a fascinating release all these years later. Full thoughts in this review
Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor face off against dinosaurs in this new sci-fi adventure from David Robert Mitchell... and it's actually quite impressive. The biggest compliment I can give 'The End of Oak Street' is that it expertly captures that classic Spielberg and Amblin feel. The family dynamic, the charming neighbourhood setting, and the fantastical event that catapults these characters into an extraordinary adventure are exactly the kind of ingredients you want from a summer blockbuster. Whilst the film isn't flawless, it has enough heart to keep you invested, and enough suspense and tension to keep you on the edge of your seat. The dinosaurs, all feathered and furred up, deliver some terrific thrills, even if it does occasionally feel like the leads are being protected by some serious plot armour. But even with those niggles, the film built around the dinosaurs is strong enough to make you genuinely care about these characters - and that's something a lot of recent blockbusters have been missing. It's a film that understands that the spectacle only works when you have something worth rooting for. And when the dinosaurs do arrive, it knows exactly how to make them count. Full thoughts, with spoilers, in this review.
Nearly 20 years after its original release, the second X-Files film, 'I Want to Believe', is back with a brand new cut from original series creator Chris Carter... and, unfortunately, it hasn't changed my overall thoughts on the film. As a huge fan of the iconic series, I Want to Believe always felt like something of a misfire when it arrived in 2008. It essentially played as an extended 'Monster of the Week' episode, something the show did exceptionally well, but without many of the thrills, tension or excitement you'd expect from an X-Files movie. Now, nearly two decades later, Carter has released what he claims is the cut he always wanted to put out, titled Vrach Frankenshteyn. Yet, while there are some changes, they arguably make the overall film worse in places. There may be additional gore and more graphic imagery, but the chemistry between Mulder and Scully has noticeably been trimmed back, stripping away one of the biggest and best elements of both the film and the series itself. That said, there are still plenty of elements (both old and new) that work incredibly well. The themes of science and faith, combined with the immense weight placed on Scully's shoulders, create a fascinating and engrossing portrayal of her character. Gillian Anderson delivers one of the film's strongest performances, while David Duchovny slips effortlessly back into the role of Mulder like a comfortable pair of slippers. Billy Connolly's Father Joe also brings enough darkness, complexity and ambiguity to the story to pull our characters back into the fray and give the film some much needed intrigue. If anything, it's simply nice to see these leads together again. Granted, we've had the revival seasons since, but there's always an extra buzz whenever something new emerges from this world - even if it ultimately doesn't stick the landing. Full thoughts in this review.
'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' swings into cinemas, ushering Peter Parker into the next chapter of his life as he grapples with the repercussions of the previous trilogy. The result is a genuinely impressive reintroduction to the character. 'Brand New Day' is the closest at recapturing the spirit of what Sam Raimi delivered with his original trilogy. Through outstanding practical effects, dynamic cinematography, and inventive camera work, the action feels intimate and immersive. Director Destin Daniel Cretton thrives in this space, delivering some of the most exhilarating live action Spider-Man sequences we've seen to date Beyond the spectacle, the emotional journey is just as compelling. Peter is navigating life alone, burdened by loss, and increasingly embracing the spider over the man. It gives Tom Holland the opportunity to showcase an impressive emotional range, making this arguably his strongest performance since taking on the role. That said, while the film's first half is exceptional, the focus shifts around the midway point, and the momentum begins to falter. The energetic, street-level Spider-Man story gives way as the film's apparent antagonist takes centre stage. It's the one aspect that didn't quite live up to my expectations - although, admittedly, those expectations may have been set exceptionally high. Even with a few shortcomings, 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' is an exhilarating, heartfelt blockbuster that delivers both spectacle and emotion in equal measure. It's a thrilling return for the web-slinger and stands comfortably among the very best live action Spider-Man films ever put to screen. Full thoughts in this review
'The Odyssey' is epic in every sense of the word. Christopher Nolan has once again delivered something truly special with this three-hour fantasy action-drama, and it's going to take something special to top it this year. While Homer's story has endured for centuries, Nolan applies his distinctive filmmaking style to make a timeless, familiar tale feel remarkably fresh. The result is a film that balances breathtaking spectacle with an emotionally rich drama at its core. With a cast packed full of stars, it would be easy for some performances to get lost in the pack. Instead, every actor makes a lasting impression, with no one feeling underused or giving anything less than their all. Leading the charge is Matt Damon, who delivers a career defining performance as Odysseus; bringing equal measures of strength, vulnerability, and determination to the legendary hero. As impressive as the action sequences and visual grandeur are, it's the quieter, character driven moments that leave the greatest impact. Themes of identity, redemption, and the consequences of our choices give the film its emotional weight, transforming Odysseus' long journey home into a brutal and deeply human odyssey of endurance, sacrifice, and self-discovery. 'The Odyssey' deserves to be in the conversation for best Christopher Nolan release. It's a perfect example of why we go to the cinema; to be immersed and transported within exceptional storytelling and vision. Full thoughts in this review.
'Supergirl' is the second entry in the all-new DCU, and unfortunately, it leaves a lot to be desired. Coming away from it, I just wasn't a fan. After being thoroughly impressed by James Gunn's 'Superman' last year, I was completely on board with this new era for DC. There's still plenty of time for the universe to find its footing, but sadly, 'Supergirl' does very little to build excitement for what's next. Instead, it falls into many of the same traps that have plagued the superhero genre in recent years. Anyone already suffering from superhero fatigue will likely feel a strong sense of déjà vu. Almost everything that gives modern superhero films a bad reputation is present here: a clunky script, underdeveloped character arcs, painfully awkward dialogue, forgettable villains, and action sequences so overloaded with CGI and green screen that they become little more than visual noise. There are flashes where Milly Alcock gets the chance to shine. As a fan of hers, it's disappointing to see her given so little to work with, because she clearly has the screen presence to make this role her own. With a stronger script and a more compelling story, there's every reason to believe she could become an excellent Supergirl. This isn't the follow up James Gunn and co will have wanted. In fact, it often feels like a film that would have been more at home in the now disbanded DCEU. than as the next chapter of a fresh cinematic universe. Perhaps the muted and largely negative reaction will encourage the studio to course correct and strengthen future projects. For the sake of the DCU, let's hope so. Full thoughts in this review.
The toys are back in town, and this time they're facing their biggest challenge yet: technology. As screens begin to take over, 'Toy Story 5' explores the idea in a surprisingly thoughtful and entertaining way. There will always be debate over whether any more 'Toy Story' films should have been made. Afterall, the original trilogy delivered what felt like the perfect ending. Yet, against the odds, this fifth instalment finds enough fresh ground to justify its existence. While the threat of technology looms large throughout the story, the film's message is far more nuanced than a simple 'technology is bad' argument. Instead, it presents a balanced conversation about its role in children's lives, exploring both the benefits and drawbacks of an increasingly screen driven world. The film also gives Jessie a well deserved central role, grounding the story in the themes that made the franchise so beloved in the first place: growing up, finding your place, and navigating change. Not every idea lands, and the reduced presence of Woody and Buzz is certainly felt, but 'Toy Story 5' remains a charming and worthwhile addition to the series that delivers plenty of heart and entertainment throughout. Full thoughts in this quick review.