Joe Bloggs About Films
Season 1
Warfare
Sinners
Death of a Unicorn
Novocaine
Last Breath
The X Files: 'Home'
Mickey 17
Dexter: Original Sin
The Monkey
by Joe Hobson
Alex Garland teams up with Ray Mendoza for their new release 'Warfare'; bringing to the screen Mendoza's real life experience as a Navy SEAL during the Iraq war.. and it is brutal. This boots on the ground, real life/real time viewpoint makes this film stand out higher than any other war film you may have seen before. It is nerve-racking, anxiety inducing, as well as feeling extremely real due to this being director Mendoza's own experiences. Everything from the cinematography, which captures the events hauntingly, to the impeccable sound design for this film, gives off that impact of what it is like to be in the firing line and making you truly believe you are in the chaos with these soldiers. It's a film that is not only another stand out for this year, but one that audiences need to experience at least once in their life. Full thoughts in this review.
Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners' is arguably the filmmakers most ambitious, yet impressive, to date. Diving into American history, the film fully explores those themes of oppression and freedom, whilst also leaving its mark with its bite. It's a film that sets itself apart from the rest due to the execution and talent both on screen and off. Michael B Jordan is tremendous in the dual role of twin brothers Smoke and Stack, Jack O'Connell is creepily jovial as the malevolent Remmick, Hailee Steinfeld is gorgeously excellent - but stand out goes to young Miles Caton as Sammie aka Preacher Boy because boy oh boy, does he have a bright future ahead of him. 'Sinners' will leave you transfixed and blown away by each sequence as it unfolds - the horror is dark, the world building though is on another level, as Coogler fleshes every location and character brilliantly, making 'Sinners' a rich and immersive experience from start to finish. And not to mention the score for this one courtesy of Ludwig Göransson.. Utter genius how the score and imagery go hand in hand together. Film of the year so far? No doubt about it. Full thoughts in this review.
The directorial debut from Alex Scharfman 'Death of a Unicorn' is a bit of a mixed bag. It has some genuine thrills and comedic moments, but at times it feels that the movie doesn't know what it wants to be and thus doesn't fully stick the landing. The stand out in this one is its fantastic ensemble, including Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, Richard E. Grant, Téa Leoni and highlight Will Poulter - all of which have moments that shine, generating laughs that are welcomed. Even the horror is fun too, if you've ever wanted to see someone be impaled or eaten by a unicorn; you're in luck! But while the film has its highs with the comedy and horror element, its social/class commentary, as well as tapping into themes of grief and parenthood, all feels very surface level stuff with its execution - causing it at times doesn't feel as natural as its trying to be. Full thoughts in this review.
Jack Quaid stars as Nathan Caine; the man who feels no pain within Dan Berk and Robert Olsen's latest release 'Novocaine' - and my goodness is there a lot of fun, and blood, in this one. As action comedies go, this is quite a fresh and original concept. With no pain to worry about, there's also no fear for Quaid's character, as he goes on a one man mission to save the girl of his dreams. The film does stay within its lane on that front, but its the imagination behind each grizzly blow that makes you appreciate what its trying to do. Quaid can pretty much sleepwalk through this kind of role; its the standard quirky, nerdy, everyman flung into a bad situation that you would expect him to play. Nevertheless, 'Novocaine' does scratch that itch if you're looking for something fresh and equally fun. Full thoughts in this review.
'Last Breath' is the terrifying and extraordinary true story of how deep sea diver, Chris Lemons, was left stranded 100 metres under the sea, with only his back up oxygen to save him. While this story maybe familiar to its audience, its the way in which director Alex Parkinson executes bringing this story to the big screen that is the most impressive. Filming techniques such as wide shots that is mainly filled with blackness, limiting lead actor Finn Cole to a small portion of the screen, really sets in that fear and anxiety of how alone it is within the dark and underwater world. The entire supporting cast, made up of Woody Harrelson and Simu Liu, create a great and believable chemistry, raising the stakes, as they look save their lost friend and diver. It might not be a film you rewatch after your initial viewing, but it is one you'll be telling people to check out. Full thoughts in this review.
Returning to the FBI's basement to talk about yet another episode of The X Files. Joined in this revisit by fellow X Files enthusiast Tom Grant-Ward, as we discuss the controversial and only 'banned' episode of the show; Home. Premiering in October 1996, the episode was met with a mixture of applause and disgust due to the graphic nature of the episode and its themes. Horror fans loved it, your average viewer... not so much. But even with this being arguably the darkest episode of the show, it is still hailed as one of the best - and it is easy to see why. The episode includes so many horror tropes, as well as using inspiration and aesthetics from your classic horrors such as 'Texas Chainsaw' and 'The Hills Have Eyes', whilst thriving in the insecurities we all have when home alone. 'Home' essentially changed the game, and standards, for TV - and pits Mulder and Scully against some of the scariest and unsettling monsters the show has ever seen. Full thoughts in this revisit.
Bong Joon-ho returns with his latest release 'Mickey 17'. The film follows Mickey, an expendable worker, that is sent out on dangerous missions and dying for research purposes. I do love some good sci fi - and 'Mickey 17' was neither good, nor bad, its somewhere in the middle that is basically 'ok'. Which given how the trailer made this look like it would be pretty special, it is underwhelming coming away feeling that the film missed the mark a tad. There's some great hits in here and strong highs (in particular the first hour of the film), but then it just loses itself and the interest has gone. Pattinson is terrific, playing the quirky and innocent Mickey - even getting to play 2 versions of the character which was pretty grand. But it wasn't enough to take the film from being 'ok' to 'excellent', nor the brilliant sets and visual effects that are within. Full thoughts in this review.
Everyone's favourite serial killer is back... this time younger. Dexter returns to the small screen for the prequel series, aptly titled 'Original Sin', in which fans get an insight into the development of the killer with the code. Its not a show that I was overly keen to watch, nor very excited for - but boy, was I wrong to prejudge. The aesthetic and feel of the show is captured wonderfully, instantly transporting you back to the good old days of the shows original run. Topped off with some excellent casting that brings much loved faces back with a warm fuzz. Its not a home run, the show has a fair few flaws that pull it down a tad, but not enough to take away from the many high's that 'Original Sin' includes. The main stand out of course is the shows lead; Patrick Gibson. The actor has fully and truly embodied Dexter Morgan. Every characteristic, mannerism, quirk, is all there; breathing newfound, and unseen, life into the character that makes this a fascinating performance and arc right the way through. Full thoughts, with spoilers, in this review.
'The Monkey' couldn't ask for a better set of names attached to the project. Stephen King, the man behind the original short story and an all-round mastermind within the horror genre; James Wan, responsible for some of my all time favourite horrors; and Osgood Perkins, fresh off the back of the successful and unsettling 'Longlegs' from last year. It's a recipe for success, you might say - and 'The Monkey' is just that. This film is just one big hoot. Tackling the horror via comedy isn't an easy thing to do, but 'The Monkey' has plenty of fun within its run time. Every pint of blood that is lathered all over its set pieces is captured and presented effortlessly by Perkins, whilst lead actor Theo James, delivers a dry and awkward, yet brilliant, performance in this devilish and wacky release. Its another firm favourite for me already for 2025, and I already cant wait for a rewatch. Full thoughts in this episode.
Captain America returns to the big screen with 'Brave New World'; the latest entry into the once great, now Meh-CU. And it was just fine. The film finally gives audiences the first feature length for Anthony Mackie's Sam Wilson, now firmly with his hand around the shield, as he looks to investigate a conspiracy surrounding the new president Thaddeus Ross. Though the film's leads are genuine standouts, the film unfortunately suffers from a very messy and underdeveloped plot that focuses too much on tying up loose ends. But rest assured, Mackie's talent comes out in abundance, and the personal struggle of Sam accepting being Captain America added an extra layer. Danny Ramirez injects much needed energy into a fairly flat film, that puts all its chips on the third act stand off between Cap and Red Hulk - which to give it its credit, the knockout match was worth the wait through all the messiness that was this film. Full thoughts in this review.