Joe Bloggs About Films
Temporada 1
The X Files: I Want to Believe - Vrach Frankenshteyn
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
The Odyssey
Supergirl
Toy Story 5
Disclosure Day
Backrooms
Obsession
The Mandalorian and Grogu
The Punisher: One Last Kill
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por Joe Hobson
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.
'Disclosure Day' was high on my most anticipated list. Another summer blockbuster from the cinematic genius that is Steven Spielberg - what could possibly go wrong?.... Oh boy. This is easily the biggest disappointment I've felt towards a film in quite some time. The premise is undeniably fascinating, but it's handled in a surprisingly dull and lifeless way. The film spends so much time hiding inside its mystery box that it forgets to actually entertain. Building a story around the revelation that aliens exist opens up countless narrative possibilities, which makes it all the more deflating to watch the film settle for something so uninspired. What's perhaps most surprising is how absent Spielberg's usual sense of magic, awe, and wonder feels. Instead, we're left with bland characters, ineffective villains, and a story that never fully capitalises on its enormous potential. When you have Spielberg directing and a cast featuring Emily Blunt, Colin Firth, Josh O'Connor, and Colman Domingo, expectations are naturally high, yet 'Disclosure Day' (or more appropriately, 'Disappointment Day') falls well short of them. Full thoughts in this review.
'Backrooms' has been on everyone's lips since its release. Partly because it's helmed by 20 year old Kane Parsons, the youngest director ever to take on a project of this scale, but also because of the enduring legacy of the Backrooms phenomenon and its unlikely journey from internet folklore to the big screen. Full disclosure, I wasn't familiar with the online discourse or mythology that grew out of the infamous image, nor had I seen any of the YouTube shorts that expanded its universe. Still, the trailer was enough to pique my interest. Coming away from it, I'm conflicted. There are elements here that are genuinely superb: the lead performances are strong, it's beautifully shot, the sound design is outstanding, and at times it's deeply unnerving. Yet it's also something of a slog. There were stretches where my attention drifted and, frankly, I found myself bored. The film has little interest in providing answers, which will undoubtedly appeal to some viewers, but it ultimately frustrated me. It's at its strongest when it fully embraces the endless, disorienting nightmare of the Backrooms themselves. By contrast, its attempts to unravel the protagonists' personal stories feel underdeveloped and lacking in emotional weight. 'Backrooms' is unsettling and atmospheric, but it demands patience from its audience. Whether that investment pays off will largely depend on how much you're willing to embrace the mystery. Full thoughts in this review.
'Obsession' hit cinemas just a couple of weeks ago and has already made a huge impact, breaking box office records while earning widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences - and it's easy to see why. Director Curry Barker has crafted an unsettling yet thoroughly entertaining film that explores themes of control, identity, and the terrifying consequences of losing both. The premise, a wish granted with devastating repercussions, is far from new, but it's the film's execution, atmosphere, and mounting sense of dread that elevate 'Obsession' above familiar genre territory. A major reason for the film's success is Inde Navarrette's outstanding central performance. She delivers an impressive emotional range, balancing vulnerability and menace in a way that is as compelling as it is unnerving. Combined with a sharp, polished script and a consistently effective tone, 'Obsession' lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. Disturbing, captivating, and expertly crafted, 'Obsession' is one of the standout films of 2026 Full thoughts in this review.
After seven years, audiences finally return to a galaxy far, far away with 'The Mandalorian and Grogu', bringing everyone’s favourite bounty hunter, and his little green friend, to the big screen in a fun, albeit slightly bumpy, adventure. I personally had a great time with this one. While there are elements that didn’t fully work for me, particularly the pacing and parts of the second half, the film absolutely captures the spirit that made the series such a success in the first place - and that’s a huge win. There are some genuinely terrific action sequences and several crowd pleasing moments that will leave fans grinning from ear to ear (especially Mando’s reintroduction). The dynamic too between Din and Grogu remains as charming and engaging as ever, continuing to be the emotional heart of the story. Although the film loses some momentum midway through and struggles to maintain the energy of its opening act, there’s still more than enough here to make the journey worthwhile. At its core, 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' feels like one big live-action Saturday morning cartoon - and honestly, that’s not a bad thing at all. Full thoughts in this review.
It’s been a week since Disney released the Special Presentation 'The Punisher: One Last Kill', and I’ve definitely got some thoughts on it. Without question, this is the most brutal project Disney has ever released - fully embracing the ferocity, trauma, and rage that define Frank Castle as he fights his way out of yet another personal hell. At times, the special retreads familiar ground with the character, but once it gets going, it never lets up… and when it kicks off, it really kicks off. There are moments where the violence feels a little excessive for the sake of shock value - particularly one early scene that strays into unnecessarily nasty territory - but overall, it’s incredibly effective. Watching Frank blast and batter his way through an apartment building delivers some genuinely exhilarating action, with set pieces that feel heavily inspired by films like The Raid and Dredd. The whole thing is intense, claustrophobic, and relentlessly high-octane. What’s especially interesting is where 'One Last Kill' leaves Frank by the end. For perhaps the first time in a long while, he seems to emerge with a renewed sense of purpose, hinting at an intriguing direction for the character moving forward. And if there was ever any doubt left, this special proves once again that Jon Bernthal was born to play The Punisher. Full thoughts in this review.