Joe Bloggs About Films
Temporada 1
Halloween
Van Helsing
One Battle After Another
Dexter: Resurrection
The Long Walk
Squid Game 3
Weapons
The Naked Gun
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
por Joe Hobson
There's no better way to prepare for Spooky Season, than spending a couple of hours with the masked menace that is Michael Myers, right? Dropping in 2018, the legacy sequel, or requel, gained positive reactions from both fans and critics as it served a helping of kills, as well nods to the 1978 original. Not only were fans getting more Michael, but too the ultimate scream Queen Jamie Lee Curtis returned as Laurie Strode, bringing her all in what is a terrific performance throughout. It's a very smart and bold move to wipe the slate clean and having this as the only sequel following the original. It helped in reviving the franchise, as well as opening the door for richer character work, especially for Laurie and Michael, as they confront the lasting scars of that fateful night decades later. It might've taken me a while to watch this release, but I can safely say I had a blast with this 'Halloween' film. Full thoughts in this review/revisit.
To this day, it still surprises me that we never got a sequel to Stephen Sommers 2004 gothic action-horror 'Van Helsing'. Its one that I have a wee bit of nostalgia for, having watched at such an impressionable age, and with Halloween approaching; it seemed appropriate to revisit. Like others of similar age, it was my first 'real' introduction to iconic monsters like Dracula, the Wolfman, and Frankenstein’s monster — characters we all grow up knowing, even without seeing the originals. While it sticks to a PG-13 tone, the film still delivers fast-paced, visually striking action that holds up surprisingly well today. Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale make a great duo, with solid chemistry woven between the film’s many, MANY action set pieces. The atmosphere, production design, and energy all shine, even if the film occasionally feels overcrowded with characters and subplots. Still, a perfect and fun watch for spooky season. Full thoughts in this revisit.
Ever rewatch a classic and think, "They don’t make films like that anymore"? Well, Paul Thomas Anderson’s 'One Battle After Another' proves they still can. This latest release from PTA feels like a standout in his filmography. Rich in character, layered in tone, and packed with that nostalgic density of ’80s and ’90s cinema. The genre bending too has that perfect balance of intensity, with sharp satire and surprising humour, all displayed and executed terrifically via its leads Leonardo DiCaprio, Chase Infiniti and Sean Penn. 'One Battle After Another' simply is a must see for cinema lovers. Not only is it shot on VistaVision for the first time in 60 years, but too its backed by a powerful Jonny Greenwood score that accompanies the film beautifully. Its a spectacular reminder of why we fall in love with movies in the first place.
The announcement that came at last years comic con regarding yet another Dexter series starring Michael C Hall had me a little concerned that this was getting a tad silly... but boy, oh boy, was I wrong - this latest season was a blast from start to finish. Despite the clumsiness of how Dexter evaded prison (as well as surviving) on the back of 'New Blood', Dexter: Resurrection delivers as a terrific legacy sequel. It recaptures what made the original great, while adding a fresh twist by dropping Dexter into the vast, chaotic world of New York City — the perfect new hunting ground for his dark urges. With some brilliant storytelling, 'Resurrection' jumps high in the list of best Dexter seasons, which is a huge achievement considering twice now they've tried to end the show altogether. What's more impressive, is that I want more. Full thoughts in this review.
I was lucky enough to attend an early screening of 'The Long Walk', and it's absolutely worth your time. The premise is simple: young men walk over 300 miles in a brutal competition. Fall below 3mph, get three warnings—then you're executed. It's a harrowing concept that delivers both shocking visuals and emotional gut-punches as characters you grow attached to are picked off. While the full ensemble is strong, it's Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson who shine. Their performances and growing bond give the film real emotional depth, anchoring the relentless journey. Despite the straightforward setup, the film explores its characters deeply, thanks in large part to their dynamic. 'The Long Walk' earns its place among the best Stephen King adaptations. Francis Lawrence captures the bleak, psychological toll of the journey with precision, making this not just a survival story, but a powerful character study.
The third and final season of the highly popular streaming sensation 'Squid Game' premiered a couple of months back - and whilst 'Squid Game 3' raised the stakes and gave Seong Gi-hun a dramatic send-off, the story often felt forced and messy; especially when compared to the stronger, more cohesive seasons that came before. There are still some standout moments – particularly, the hide-and-seek game, which only demonstrated how brilliant a writer Hwang Dong-hyuk is. The performances, too, are a high point—Lee Jung-jae delivers arguably his best work of the series, bringing real depth and intensity to Gi-hun’s final arc. But as a concluding chapter, this season is a mixed bag. It lacks the tight, purposeful storytelling that made the first season so impactful. It’s far from a disaster, but considering the heights Squid Game has reached, the finale feels like a missed opportunity. Full thoughts in this review.
'Weapons' is the latest release from 'Barbarian' director Zach Cregger, and once again, he delivers something brilliant. While marketed as horror, 'Weapons' leans more into thriller territory, similar to 'Prisoners', exploring a chilling mystery surrounding missing children that unfolds with a gripping story, tone, and performances that keep you fully immersed from minute one. Much like 'Barbarian', Cregger’s structure here is unique - told in multiple chapters from different perspectives, revisiting the same events through new eyes. It’s one of my favourite storytelling methods, and it's executed masterfully. Cregger generates enough thrills that even if you’re a little unsatisfied with the overall reveal, you’re still on board down to the creativity behind this one. 'Weapons' is easily another standout of the year. It blends supernatural elements with real-world themes like grief, addiction, and police brutality, all while maintaining edge-of-your-seat suspense. A must-see that’s sure to land on many top 10 lists. Full thoughts in this review.
Leslie Neilson cemented himself as one of the comedy greats with his roles in classics such as 'Airplane' and 'The Naked Gun', packed with timeless gags and quotable lines. Thankfully, the same can be said for this new sequel/legacy sequel starring Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson - because boy, is this a blast from start to finish. Sure, not every joke will land, but for every small chuckle, comes a huge belly laugh with some outrageously funny jokes and sight gags courtesy of Neeson and Anderson. There is a charm within thanks to these characters being well played, coming across serious in a very un-serious film that's sole purpose is to make its audience laugh - and it works excellently. 'The Naked Gun' is one of 2025’s best films, as well one of the best legacy sequels that Hollywood has delivered. In a time where the world is going to shit, we could all do with a laugh - and 'The Naked Gun' delivers just that. Full thoughts in this review.
Marvel’s First Family has finally arrived in the MCU with 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' - and yes, the fourth time really is the charm. Matt Shakman delivers a stunning, retro-futuristic world that visually is Marvel’s best yet, elevated by outstanding costume and production design, as well another brilliant score by Michael Giacchino. Question marks surrounded some of the casting choices upon announcement, however, all of the key players in here are terrific. Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach all shine, bringing heart, charm, and real chemistry to the screen. Some get more spotlight than others, but the cast’s authenticity makes the family dynamic feel both genuine and lovable. While 'First Steps' isn’t flawless and feels like it’s missing something, it still delivers on spectacle, emotion, and the nostalgic spirit of classic comic book films—making it a strong, heartfelt addition to the MCU. Full thoughts in this review.
The DC Universe has officially launched under James Gunn's direction, and his first outing with 'Superman' is nothing short of remarkable. Gunn brings a fresh and heartfelt take on the iconic Man of Steel. 'Superman' delivers everything fans hoped for—epic action, strong performances from David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult, and a perfectly balanced script full of warmth, humour, and heroism. Even for those who didn’t grow up loving Superman, this version rekindles admiration for the character, presenting him as a true symbol of hope. With standout moments (including a scene-stealing Krypto), 'Superman' marks a powerful and emotional start to the new DCU—reminding audiences just how great superhero films can be when guided by the right vision. Full thoughts in this review.