Thunderbolts* (Movie Review)

The MCU is back, baby! Or at least that's what you'd be led to believe, going off of the buzz from those early Thunderbolts screenings. But being the skeptic that I am, I still had doubts the film could possibly right the ship for a franchise that seems to keep careening off course with every other entry. And it was with that same skepticism that I ultimately went into Thunderbolts, cautiously optimistic and hoping to be won over. So, is the MCU truly back on track, or is this merely another sign of greater things to come?

The film features a ragtag team of antiheroes, some of whom might be recognizable if you've been keeping up with the MCU over the years. But in the quite likely scenario that you haven't, the team is comprised of Bucky (Sebastian Stan), Yelena (Florence Pugh), Red Guardian (David Harbour), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), and Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen). Each one is a secret operative working for the director of the CIA, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). But when her shady operations give rise to a new threat, the eponymous Thunderbolts are forced to work together for a shot at redemption.

As Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe winds to a close, concerns for what is to come next are understandably high. After all, we've been promised two new Avengers movies in the form of Doomsday and Secret Wars, and we've gotten very little indication of what those films could be about within the MCU itself. So it is indeed high time we start to see the results of all those behind-the-scenes shakeups following the pivot away from Kang's Dynasty and the announced return of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom.

This is why I felt that Thunderbolts had its work cut out for it. But coming out of the movie, my initial reaction was perhaps more muted than I would have anticipated. This is not to say that the movie was not entertaining in its own right, or that it didn't deliver on the promise of its trailers. Far from it. In fact, it is easy to see why those early reactions were as gassed up as they were and how many would consider this a return to the glory days of the MCU. So while I did come out of it pleased overall, I still felt like it didn't hit as hard as I wanted. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

In terms of the things that I liked, I really appreciated the fact that the film does what those early MCU films managed to do so well, namely, building off of what came before while also building towards what's to come next. Gone are the frustrations from disconnected events like the ones that made up a large part of Phase 4. This film, by contrast, feels like a logical follow-up to the events of Captain America: Brave New World, with more than a few references to that other movie, while also laying the groundwork for what we can expect in Phase 6.

I also like that the stupid asterisk at the end of the film's name is finally explained, although you'll have to wait till the very end of the movie for that explanation. But how you feel about that revelation probably hinges on how much faith you have in Marvel Studios and their ability to honor any drastic changes to the direction of the franchise beyond the confines of this particular movie. The skeptic in me suspects they wouldn't, at least not for very long, and a huge reset is probably already planned to bring things back to status quo.

I know I'm being a bit cagey with details here, but trust me, you'll know what I mean once you see the film. One thing I can reveal, though, is my thoughts on the story. The plot was fairly predictable, especially if you're the type who watches every single trailer. Some of it was also a bit too heavy-handed for my tastes, especially when characters act in contrived and uncharacteristic ways. It did offer a good blend between the usual MCU humor and some deeper adult themes, exploring mental health and how to overcome past traumas in ways you typically don't see in a superhero movie.

The problem is, I was quickly turned off by how overly sentimental and on-the-nose the handling of those themes got. It felt like something out of a Pixar animated movie, and I don't mean that in a good way. But your mileage may very well vary, and I still have to give the writers kudos for eschewing the typical third-act superhero slugfest for something more emotionally resonant, although how much of that was purely out of necessity, given the power discrepancies between our heroes and the threat at hand, is anyone's guess.

But perhaps my biggest issue with Thunderbolts was just how safe the whole thing felt. A part of me can't help but wonder what a movie like this would've looked like in the hands of a writer or director like James Gunn, with his knack for fleshing out and elevating B and C-tier characters, as seen in Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad. But in the absence of a James Gunn, it falls to reason that this is perhaps the next best thing, given the dire state of the overall MCU in recent years. And when I view things through that particular lens, the more I grow to appreciate the movie we got for the things it got right.

Thunderbolts is the soft reboot that the MCU desperately needs. The movie doesn't so much act as a course correction as it does a full-on retooling, and for the first time in a long time, it actually looks like the franchise is building up to something worthwhile. It remains to be seen how great that destination will turn out to be, but in the here and now, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't just a little more excited for what the future holds than I was before seeing the movie. So even though I still feel we are far away from Avengers: Endgame levels of hype, this is certainly another pivotal step in the right direction.

Sinners (Movie Review)

We are barely four months into 2025 and we are already getting phrases like "best movie of the year" thrown around. I am of course referring to the new Ryan Coogler horror film, Sinners, which initially landed on Rotten Tomatoes with a perfect 100% score and has since sparked early discussion about the film's Oscar prospects. So despite no prior plans to watch this one in theaters, I knew I had to see for myself what the hype was about. But is the film as good as that score might suggest, or is this another case of overinflated praise?

The film stars Michael B. Jordan in the dual role of twin gangsters, Smoke and Stack. The year is 1932 and the two brothers have just returned to their hometown in Mississippi, where they intend to open a juke joint with some of their accumulated wealth and loot. But on the opening night of their new establishment, their lives and those of their patrons become threatened when the place attracts the attention of a trio of vampires. Now they must fight to survive until sunrise or risk getting turned into vampires themselves.

If the above synopsis sounds familiar, it is probably because you've seen the 1996 film, From Dusk till Dawn. At least that was the first movie that came to mind as I watched the events in Sinners unfold. After all, both films feature a pair of criminals struggling to fight off a group of vampires in a bar of sorts. But for a movie that appears to ape a large portion of its premise, I was still impressed by what this one was able to accomplish within the confines of that framework.

The first thing that stood out to me about Sinners was just how great the cinematography looks. The movie is beautifully shot, showcasing the striking scenery that makes up most of its Jim Crow-era American South, with its sweeping vistas of cotton fields and old, dusty roads. Equally deserving of praise is the production and costume design on display, both of which were uniformly excellent and serve to immerse you in its surrealist vision.

Music also plays a huge role in the film, with a soaring soundtrack and score by Ludwig Göransson that used everything from banjos to electric guitars. And the way the music blended with the visuals further helped sell that surreal, otherworldly quality the filmmaker was clearly going for. Each song in the movie was a standout performance that wouldn't have been out of place in a full-blown musical, so you'll definitely want to see it on the biggest screen possible and hear those songs booming in full surround sound speakers.

On the acting front, the decision to have Michael B. Jordan in dual roles thankfully never got in the way of either performance. I never had trouble telling which twin brother was which, as each one was distinct enough in look and mannerism that I quickly forgot there weren't, in fact, two distinct actors playing the parts. But I do have to say that I had issues with the dialogue.

I initially had trouble picking up some words or phrases, owing to the thick southern accents the actors adopted for their roles. The biggest offender by far was Delroy Lindo, who was incidentally my favorite character, as he supplied most of the comic relief in the movie, which only further exacerbated my frustrations with the lack of subtitles. But the strength of his performance and those of the other actors still managed to shine through.

The true star of the show, though, was Ryan Coogler. Ever since his work on Fruitvale Station, he has continued to showcase his growing talents as a director. And while I still think he didn't exactly put his best foot forward in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, he is certainly firing on all cylinders here, making this a pretty solid return to form. I wouldn't go as far as to call it his magnum opus, like some might, but it is certainly up there with the first Black Panther movie.

One area of Sinners that I think some viewers might take issue with is its pacing. It takes a while before the proverbial shit hits the proverbial fan, with the first half of the movie's two-hours-and-seventeen-minutes runtime being spent introducing the characters and setting the stage for that bloodletting. Some of the CGI used for the blood and gore effects also seemed too cartoonish, marring what is an otherwise well-put-together package.

I also found the ending a tad too over-the-top for my liking, veering into full-on torture porn territory for the sake of garnering some cheap cheers. But if you are someone who enjoys a good revenge story, then perhaps there's plenty of satisfaction to be had there. Either way, you'll definitely want to stick around for the credits because there's a hefty mid-credit scene that effectively serves as the film's epilogue, so don't say you weren't warned.

Sinners delivers on its promise of a bloody good time. But even more than that, it manages to transcend the trappings of the horror genre by offering a unique take within its familiar sandbox. Most of that is driven by Ryan Coogler's singular vision, which shines through with a kind of clarity seldom seen in Hollywood today. So even though it might not be his best work, it is still a must-see for any horror fans looking to satisfy their bloodlust.

Mickey 17 (Movie Review)

Heading into 2025, the film at the top of my most anticipated movies list was Mickey 17, the latest flick from acclaimed South Korean filmmaker, Bong Joon-ho. This was primarily because the director has consistently delivered some of my favorite movies over the course of the past decade. So coming off his Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and Best Picture wins at the Oscars for his 2019 film, Parasite, a lot of us fans were eager to see what he was cooking up next. But does his newest film live up to expectations or is it a rare stinker in an otherwise impeccable filmography?

Set in the distant future, the movie follows Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattison), a down-on-his-luck man who enlists to join a group of interplanetary colonizers as an expendable. As the job title suggests, he is basically considered fodder for all of the colony's dangerous missions and experiments. The catch is that each time he dies, a clone of his gets reprinted with all of his memories intact. But when they prematurely print out an extra clone, the titular Mickey 17 must contend with his new, more aggressive self, as well as the chaos surrounding the development.

At first glance, Mickey 17 appears to be nothing more than a rethread of the brilliant 2009 science fiction movie, Moon. After all, both movies feature a setup where a man is engaged in dangerous work off-world, and what happens to that man when he inadvertently meets a carbon copy of himself. But in truth, that is where the similarities end because Mickey 17 grapples with even more themes beyond the questionable ethics of human cloning.

Fans of Bong Joon-ho's other works would no doubt spot recurring motifs like a rebuke of the mistreatment of animals (Okja) or the widening divide between the haves and the have-nots (Snowpiercer). There were likewise allusions made to the modern-day political landscape, which served as an overall critique of the politicians themselves as well as the role the media plays in helping peddle their propaganda. But it is ultimately left to the viewer to draw out whatever message they happen to find most resonant, so I wouldn't be surprised if others picked up on even more themes.

Speaking of politicians, it wouldn't be a Bong Joon-ho production if we didn't get a cast filled with oddball characters. We of course had Tilda Swinton's Minister Mason in Snowpiercer, as well as Jake Gyllenhaal's Johnny Wilcox in Okja. And here, the one that would no doubt have people buzzing is Mark Ruffallo's turn as Kenneth Marshall, a performance that is so shamelessly derivative of Donald Trump, specifically his speech and mannerisms, that it might as well have been an SNL sketch. 

To be clear, I have no issue with parody in films, nor do I particularly care which politicians a filmmaker or actor chooses to ridicule in their movies. But when those jokes are this on-the-nose or heavy-handed, it is hard to find them to be anything other than distasteful. One joke in particular that took shots at Kenneth Marshall's failed attempts at getting elected didn't particularly age well, given the outcome of the last US elections, so you've got to wonder why it wasn't simply taken out of the film in light of that.

Thankfully, most of the other jokes and gags in the movie managed to land just fine without resorting to cheap, below-the-belt theatrics. Similarly, the other actors gave adequate performances, including Robert Pattison who showcased his broad range and great comedic timing as the various Mickeys. It also helps that the film looks great and is competently shot and edited, allowing for a relatively smooth viewing experience that never started to drag or overstay its welcome.

Mickey 17 is a funny and thought-provoking take on a well-worn science fiction trope. It could also be considered a political satire, although how much enjoyment you glean out of its gags probably hinges on what side of the political aisle you happen to fall. Bong Joon-ho has already shown that he has a deft handling of how to craft strong, resonant social commentary and there's certainly plenty of that to be had here. So while it might not be his strongest outing, Mickey 17 is nonetheless another essential watch for fans of his previous work.

Captain America: Brave New World (Movie Review)

After scaling things back in 2024, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is back with full force this year. I mean, you only need to take a look at its packed slate to see just how much content will be coming out of its production pipeline. And out of all those movies and TV shows, Captain America: Brave New World is among the most hotly anticipated by fans. But is the movie the return to form the franchise desperately needs, or is it yet another misstep in a long string of false starts?

Set 3 years after the events of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, the film finds Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) well into his tenure as Captain America. But more notably, it picks up with Thaddeus Ross (now played by Harrison Ford) after his first hundred days as President of the United States. The president tasks Cap with rebuilding the Avengers, except those plans are put on hold following an assassination attempt. Both men are soon embroiled in a brewing global conflict, the outcome of which could very well shape the future of the world at large.

As a diehard MCU fan, I must admit that it was hard for me to muster any kind of excitement heading into Captain America: Brave New World. This was of course due to just how many times I'd been burnt already by the near-total slop Marvel Studios has been serving up of late. Because for every Deadpool & Wolverine or Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, there seemed to be no shortage of Secret Invasions or She-Hulks. 

Then there was of course the news of the film having to be rejigged well into production, resulting in extensive reshoots. Such things are never a good sign, even though they don't necessarily spell doom for the film's critical and financial prospects either. So even though my expectations were as low as they could get, I still mustered enough cautious optimism to drag myself to the nearest movie theater, hoping for something at least half-decent. And in some respects, the movie delivers just that. 

Starting off with the positives, I was really happy to see some of the story threads introduced in movies like Eternals finally starting to pay off, with one of that movie's celestials serving as a central plot device in this one. In other words, the MCU is starting to feel like the MCU again, with what some might consider a good showing of some of the interconnected storylines fans have come to expect from the franchise.

Then there were the action scenes and the visuals that helped bring them to life. I was especially enamored by the climax, which had all the pyrotechnics one could hope for in the third act of a superhero movie. A lot of it was pure eye candy, for sure, and eagled-eyed viewers might even spot a few instances of egregious green effects here and there. But overall, I was pleased and appropriately thrilled by what was on display.

What I found less thrilling though was the film's hodgepodge storyline which was filled with plot contrivances and driven by yet another lackluster villain. I won't spoil who it was but I doubt anyone other than the film's writers would find the villain in question compelling. The same could be said about most of the supporting cast, who range from your stereotypical girl boss to the overexcited sidekick. These are archetypes we've seen a lot in the MCU already, and these ones bring nothing new to the table.

But I think perhaps my biggest grievance with the movie is just how criminally underutilized Giancarlo Esposito was. He barely got enough screen time to showcase his talents and the little time that he did get was let down by the cobbled-together storyline. The actor has already proven himself more than capable of portraying iconic villains in shows like Breaking Bad so I was disappointed that he didn't get to tap into any of that here. His inclusion felt like an afterthought or like a product of those extensive reshoots.

Captain America: Brave New World is another middle-of-the-road entry into the MCU that would have you pining for the good old days. Sure, its story might alternate between implausible and just plain dumb, but at least it is the fun kind of dumb, not the sludge that has been passing for entertainment with alarming frequency of late. And sometimes, that's all it takes to set itself apart or earn a reluctant recommendation.

My Top 10 Most Anticipated Movies for 2025

Happy New Year, dear reader. With 2024 now behind us, it is time to look forward to what 2025 has in store for us, specifically what movies you might want to have on your radar this year. Like most years, I am only considering those movies that already have firm release dates and have already received at least some form of promotion from the studios making them, be that a teaser trailer, production stills, or what have you. So with our parameters defined, here are my Top 10 Most Anticipated Movies for 2025.

10. Jurassic World Rebirth

To no one's surprise, the ever-green Jurassic Park franchise is set to receive another entry this summer. Dubbed Jurassic World Rebirth, this would potentially mark the start of yet another trilogy of films, with a new cast that includes Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali. But we all know who the true stars are, namely the various dinosaurs from the eponymous Jurassic era.

9. Wolf Man

From the director that gave us The Invisible Man comes Wolf Man, Universal Pictures' latest entry into its Universal Monsters media franchise. And judging by how successfully Leigh Whannell had updated the former film for modern times, I am confident he can do the same here, which is why I am approaching his take on the classic werewolf IP with great excitement. So here's hoping that it delivers the thrills.

8. F1

Joseph Kosinski really outdid himself with Top Gun: Maverick, a movie that wowed viewers of all ages with its breathtaking cinematography, making it feel like we were right up there with the pilots in the cockpits of their fighter jets. So in F1, I am expecting to see that same level of immersion, except this time around applied to the various race cars taking part in the titular sport. And having Brad Pitt as the main lead is of course icing on an already-delicious cake.

7. How to Train Your Dragon

I am not particularly keen on the fairly recent trend of adapting beloved animated works into live-action. You can blame that on Disney I suppose, and the soulless eyes of the lions in that 2019 version of The Lion King. But ever since the first trailer for the live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon dropped, I've found myself having to rethink that position. So I just might be giving this one a look-see.

6. Ballerina

Another position I find myself having to rethink this year is my stance on prequels. And we can attribute that to Ballerina, or more aptly, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina as it is formally marketed. Set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4, the film shifts its focus from the Baba Yaga to a younger assassin in the making played by the beautiful Ana de Armas.

5. Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning

Billed as the final film in the Tom Cruise line of Mission: Impossible movies, Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning has its work cut out for it. This is doubly so after the financial disappointment of the previous entry in the series, Dead Reckoning (or Dead Reckoning - Part 1 as it was previously known). But if there's one thing that movie can't be accused of, it is being dull or uninventive, so only time will tell if this second half would fare any better.

4. Avatar: Fire and Ash

The next film in James Cameron's Avatar series is currently slated for December this year. Emphasis on currently because if there's any movie that is likely to get bumped out of 2025 on this list, then surely this is it. But if by some miracle Avatar: Fire and Ash manages to keep that date, then I'd be a very happy camper indeed because I am curious and eager to see where next they take this visually stunning adventure.

3. 28 Years Later

The series that effectively reinvented the zombie genre returns in a big way in 2025. But instead of 28 Months Later, we are skipping right ahead to 28 Years Later since enough time has passed since its 2002 original apparently. And with Cillian Murphy expected to reprise his breakout role from that film, as well as Danny Boyle and Alex Garland returning to direct and pen the script respectively, there's plenty enough reason to hop aboard the hype train.

2. Superman

The DCU is set to begin in earnest in 2025 with the release of James Gunn's Superman, a film that is sure to top many people's most anticipated movie lists this year. And the reason for that is simple: no other film has as much riding on it as this one. The entire future of the DCU hinges on how well-received this movie is, so the pressure to knock it out of the park must be immense. But "In Gunn We Trust," a trust he has earned after a decade of greatness.

1. Mickey 17

Speaking of greatness and directors with impeccable track records, Bong Joon-ho is another whose work I've grown to admire over the years. His filmography includes Snowpiercer and Parasite, two films that had gone on to become my favorite movie in their respective year's of wide release. So there's a strong chance Mickey 17 would be in my Top 10 Movies for 2025 when it is all said and done, which is why it ranks as my most anticipated heading into the year.

2024 in Review: Looking Back

We've arrived at the end of my 2024 in Review series of posts. This is part of my larger Year in Review series, where I've been chronicling the things I remember most fondly and/or strongly about each year for more than a decade now. So to recap, I shared my Top 10 favorite games for 2024 on Monday, my favorite TV shows on Tuesday, songs on Wednesday, and yesterday, we did movies. Today, we cap things off with a look back at 2024 in general.

Once again, I find myself struggling to contend with how fast another year just flew by. This is not to say that nothing significant happened in 2024, both in my personal life and the world at large. I mean, I wouldn't have been able to cobble together a week's worth of posts if that were the case, but I digress. So in trying to account for how the past 52 weeks were spent, we need to examine those key events and moments that helped shape and define 2024.

Like most things nowadays, the 2024 Olympic Games was mired in controversy. We of course had Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who the IBA accused of having a biological advantage over her fellow women boxers still receiving the go-ahead to compete by the IOC. Then there was the opening ceremony which was criticized by conservative viewers for its overtly queer themes.

Christians in particular took issue with the scene pictured above, believing it to be a direct mockery of the Last Supper, which the event's creative director immediately denied. But still, in this day and age of sensitivity readers and political correctness, it is hard to imagine how such an artistic oversight could be considered anything but intentionally put there to generate outrage. So, mission accomplished, I guess.

Regarding the Games themselves, there were several highlights sprinkled throughout the competition. Imane had of course gone on to win the gold medal in women's boxing, and the internet found plenty of material to meme off of the Australian breakdancer, Raygun, as well as the chill demeanor of Turkish sharpshooter, Yusuf Dikeç.

But in terms of overall medals won, the United States dominated as usual, although it was tied with China for most gold medals, with 40 apiece. And to absolutely no one's surprise, given how severely underprepared we tend to be at these global sporting events, Nigeria failed to win a single medal.

While I've remained apolitical for most of my adult life, 2024 was the first year I paid close attention to a U.S. presidential election. This was largely due to the unavoidable impact of the ongoing culture war on the entertainment that once served as an escape from the troubles of everyday life. But if I had to zero in on one specific event that caused me to pay attention, it was the failed assassination attempt on Donald Trump. 

If ever there was a case for divine providence, then surely, here it was, as clear as daylight. And more than anything else, it was his immediate reaction to the near-death experience, which resulted in the iconic photo above, that caused me to gain a newfound respect for the man. So even though I tried to stay apolitical for the remainder of the presidential race, I'd be lying if I said I didn't find myself secretly rooting for him.

Or put in another way, I could finally see through the wild claims and accusations made about his character by the corporate media throughout most of the election cycle. And as it turned out, so could more than half of Americans, at least enough for the Republicans to win not only the electoral college, but the majority vote, the House, and the Senate too. He would go on to be named Time Magazine's Person of the Year, in the wake of what many consider the biggest political comeback in American history.

Reeling things back home, 2024 was filled with the usual ups and downs. I made some decent progress with the first draft of my next book, and I was actually on track to have it done before the end of the year. But then I got bogged down with other stuff and haven't gone back ever since. The good news is I have effectively written an outline for not only that book, but the next two as well. 

That's right, we have a potential trilogy on our hands, and I even have the "concepts of a plan" for another trilogy beyond that. So all that's left is to muster the will to finish the darn thing. I seriously considered signing up for NaNoWriMo last month (November is the annual National Novel Writing Month, for the uninitiated) but alas I couldn't realistically find the time between work and my adventures on YouTube.

Speaking of which, growth on the YouTube channel continues to be slow but steady as we inch our way towards our next major milestone. But looking at 2024 as a whole, it was easily our best year yet in terms of subscribers gained and overall engagement. I'd cranked out as many videos as I could realistically manage and the results speak for themselves I suppose. So the hope for 2025 is that we continue to ride that wave as we strive to master how to tame the ever-elusive beast that is the YouTube algorithm.

And with that, I've reached the end of my wrap-up post. If you made it this far, then congratulations because apparently, you're one of the real ones. Seriously though, thanks for taking the time to visit my rickety corner of this bustling digital metropolis we call the internet. I definitely had fun putting together this year's lists and I'm giddy with excitement at the thought of all the fun things in store for us next year.

2024 in Review: Top 10 Best Movies

In 2024, the American movie industry continued to reel from the impact of delays brought about by last year's SAG-AFTRA strikes. But thankfully, there were still more than enough films released within the calendar year from all over the world to fuel an entire year's worth of moviegoing. Not all of them were great though, with more than a few duds and disappointments sprinkled among the bunch. So out of all the movies I happened to see, here is my Top 10.

10. Alien: Romulus

The discourse surrounding Alien: Romulus was dominated by two opposing camps: either you loved its throwback sensibilities or you felt it was merely trying to ape some goodwill out of fans of the earlier films. I happen to fall somewhere in between, recognizing the cheap callbacks for what they were while still appreciating the care and attention to detail used in recapturing the essence of the earlier films.

9. Twisters

I'll always have an affinity for natural disaster movies, a love that can be traced back to the 1996 film, Twister. So when I heard a sequel was coming in 2024, I was very much locked in for what I hoped was going to be another wild ride. But what ultimately elevated Twisters for me was its focus on pure entertainment, which is admittedly refreshing in an age where almost every filmmaker feels the need to make some kind of statement through their art, instead of letting the art speak for itself.

8. The Substance

Going into The Substance, I'd already heard that the film had some pretty gnarly stuff in it. The type of gross-out stuff you can only really see in the body horror subgenre. So I had my guard up, ready to scoff at its attempts to shock and disgust. But nothing could have possibly prepared me for the completely bonkers final act of the film. It was not only over-the-top but glorious to boot. So much so that I laughed so hard I nearly lost my voice, which is as glowing an endorsement as any.

7. The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

With the rate at which Guy Ritchie has been cranking out movies and TV shows of late, one would expect to see a noticeable dip in the quality of his work. But if The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is any kind of barometer, you'd be hard-pressed to notice any deviation from his usual sharp wit. So if you fancy watching an elite squad of broad-shouldered military operatives mow down scores of Nazis, then it doesn't get better than The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, outside of Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds.

6. Kill

I think it is safe to say that I am starting to develop a real soft spot for Indian action movies. There's a certain undeniable charm to their over-the-top stunts and the larger-than-life musical dance numbers. And while Kill didn't have any of the latter, it still helped fill that RRR-shaped vacuum this past year. It makes up for its basic revenge plot with great action. The fights were tightly choreographed, making effective use of the confined spaces of its setting. There is already news of a Hollywood remake in the works, and I can't say I'm surprised, given how awesome the movie is.

5. Inside Out 2

Not even Disney could've known that Inside Out 2 would be as successful as it was when it was released back in June. This is especially true considering recent failures like Lightyear and Strange World. So it definitely needed the huge win that it got, with the film itself going on to become the highest-grossing animated film of all time at over $1.6 billion. It's clear to see what can be achieved when you put divisive social issues aside and focus on the good, clean family entertainment that once made the Disney brand so beloved in the first place, but perhaps that's just me.

4. Late Night with the Devil

There is an uncanny quality to the late-night shows of yesteryears and Late Night with the Devil capitalizes on that to great effect. The film is framed as a found footage documentary detailing the strange events of a lost episode of the once-popular Night Owls with Jack Delroy. David Dastmalchian plays the titular host, whose desperation to improve the ratings of his show leads him to book some very unusual guests for their annual Halloween special, during which all hell breaks loose in glorious fashion.

3. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

While I'm not the biggest fan of prequels as a matter of principle, I was still eagerly anticipating Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga heading into 2024. My hope was that it would replicate at least some of the thrills from the incredible Mad Max: Fury Road. And to a degree, it does, with one high-octane chase sequence being one of the clear highlights. A part of me is still kinda bummed Charlize Theron didn't reprise her role as Furiosa. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't end up falling in love with Anya-Taylor Joy's near-perfect take on the character.

2. Deadpool & Wolverine

Disney had a lot riding on Deadpool & Wolverine, especially given the overall state of the MCU heading into the movie. So I imagine Kevin Feige must have heaved a huge sigh of relief when the film was well received by fans and critics alike, to the tune of a record-breaking $1.3 billion. This is not to say that it has somehow righted the ship for the aging franchise. No, it'll need at least three back-to-back wins for that. But at the very least it can be considered a step in the right direction.

1. Dune: Part Two

After being my most anticipated movie for two years straight, my hype level for Dune:: Part 2 was unbelievably high. But the film still somehow managed to exceed all my expectations. I already knew the visuals and cinematography were going to be stunning, given what we got in the first film, and that Hans Zimmer's score would remain as rousing as ever. But I still wasn't prepared for the sheer scale and beauty of it all.

There were just so many facets of the movie that came together and made it greater than the sum of its parts. I especially loved the fact that we spent more time with the Fremen, getting a taste of the richness of their culture and the mythology that guides their beliefs. I could go on and on, but I say all that to say that I still consider Dune: Part 2 one of the greatest adaptations of all time, and easily my favorite movie for 2024.

2024 in Review: Top 10 Best Songs

The music landscape for 2024 was certainly varied and full of pleasant surprises. So unlike most years, I made sure I took note of those songs that really struck a chord with me as the months went by. But little did I know that whittling them down to just 10 at the end of the year would prove to be such a challenge. So after many hours of deliberation and second-guessing, these are my Top 10 Best Songs of 2024.

10. Shaboozey - A Bar Song (Tipsy)

I think it is impossible to have any kind of a list of best songs this year without also including what is arguably the biggest hit. As such, "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" by Shaboozey kicks things off on my list, reworking "Tipsy" by J-Kwon into a country anthem that instantly resonates with anyone looking to indulge in a few drinks with a group of friends despite present-day hardships.

9. Eminem - Tobey (feat. Big Sean & BabyTron)

Guess who's back? If you'd answered Slim Shady then you'd be right as the Eminem alter ego was back to wreak some havoc this year like it was 2002 all over again. He is joined by fellow Detroit rappers, Big Sean and BabyTron, on the aptly titled "Tobey," as they string together pop culture references to intellectual properties that range from Star Wars to the titular Tobey Maguire and his star-making turn as Spider-Man.

8. Falling in Reverse - Ronald (feat. Tech N9ne & Alex Terrible)

Like a gust of hot, fiery wind from an explosion, Falling in Reverse frontman, Ronnie Radke, hits you in the face as he channels his battles with inner demons on the self-titled metalcore banger, "Ronald." The song and its accompanying music video serve as a direct follow-up to last year's "Watch the World Burn," and it boasts the same cinematic flair the band has come to be known for. 

7. Ariana Grande - yes, and?

Despite her questionable antics, Ariana Grande continues to shine as one of the hottest pop stars in an overcrowded music scene. And nowhere did she do that as brightly this past year than on the song, "Yes, And?" Well, aside from the recent film adaptation of the popular Broadway play, Wicked, of course. The song itself is a repudiation of her critics, but it is its 90s-era production that makes it endlessly catchy.

6. deadmau5 - Quezacotl

Speaking of songs with catchy tunes and earworm melodies, Deadmau5 goes back to basics on "Quezacotl," a track that was initially debuted during a live show. The song ditches a lot of the experimentation that has come to define his more recent sound, opting instead for a simple, stripped-down progressive house style that wouldn't feel out of place on his 2008 breakout album, Random Album Title.

5. Kendrick Lamar - Not Like Us

As far as music-related news was concerned, no other topic dominated headlines this year more than the Kendrick vs Drake feud. This was fueled by a number of diss tracks from both artists, composed and released in quick succession to capitalize on public interest. But if there was one song that made it obvious there was a clear winner, it was "Not Like Us" by Kendrick Lamar,  as it transcended the feud that spawned it to become a bonafide hit in its own right.

4. Lady Gaga - Disease

Lady Gaga has certainly been busy this past year. Not only did she co-star alongside Joaquin Phoenix in Joker: Folie a Deux, but she also released a companion album for the film, titled Harlequin. And while that album was better than the ill-fated movie that inspired it, it didn't quite scratch that electropop itch with its swing ballads. So it wasn't until "Disease" was unleashed were longtime fans like myself reminded of the Lady Gaga we all fell in love with.

3. Linkin Park - Two Faced

After teasing fans with reissues and previously unreleased material for years,  the band that ignited my love for nu-metal returned in earnest this year, with new lead singer, Emily Armstrong. And while we all acknowledge that no one could ever replace Chester, I'd be lying if I said I didn't find myself warming up to Emily after hearing her vocals on "The Emptiness Machine." But it is the song, "Two Faced," that ultimately captures that blend of nu-metal I'd always hoped the band would return to someday.

2. Charli xcx - Von dutch

To say that Charli xcx dominated my 2024 playlists would be putting it mildly. You only need to take a look at my Spotify Wrapped to see how my Top 5 was comprised solely of songs from her Brat album. And of all those songs, Von Dutch reigned supreme. No other song on the album represents the carefree sense of expression the record was going for as slickly and concisely.

1. Justice - Saturnine (feat. Miguel)

It is not every day that one of my favorite electronic duos joins forces with one of my favorite R&B artists. So I instantly knew I was in for something special when Justice and Miguel teamed up for "Saturnine." Strangely enough, I didn't initially see the song for the gem that it was, but it slowly grew on me with each subsequent listen until I suddenly couldn't get enough of it.

The song ping pongs between its sultry R&B verses and a funk-inspired chorus, all while maintaining the electronic flourishes that have come to define Justice over the years. Daft Punk might be out of the music game but Justice surely looks like they are prepared to fill the massive vacuum left behind in the French House scene. And with collaborators like Miguel to help them out, I'd say they are more than up to the task.

P.S: Merry Christmas.

2024 in Review: Top 10 Best TV Shows

There were plenty of great shows to watch in 2024, as well as a handful that missed the mark or otherwise made you question your sanity. I'm looking at you, Acolyte and The Rings of Power Season 2. Thankfully, we won't be concerning ourselves with the duds as I go through my shortlist of what I consider the very best of the best, the crème de la crème so to speak. So without further ado, these are my Top 10 TV shows for 2024.

10. Skeleton Crew

Star Wars shows are pretty much hit or miss these days, as Lucasfilm continues to find creative ways to fumble the ball. So it was indeed a breath of fresh air when the Skeleton Crew was unveiled and it actually looked promising. And now that the show is finally here, it is delivering on that promise of a Spielbergian adventure, proving that there is still plenty of lighthearted fun and wonder to be had in a galaxy far, far away.

9. Baby Reindeer

Based on a true story, Baby Reindeer is a show I found instantly engrossing owing to its disturbing subject matter. It basically tells the real-life story of comedian, Richard Gadd (who plays himself), as he details his experience with a stalker named Martha after she develops an unhealthy obsession over him. It was one of the buzziest shows this year, helped in no small part by the controversy surrounding its release.

8. 3 Body Problem

Most people can hardly hear the names Benioff and Weiss without experiencing some form of PTSD. And who can blame them after that less-than-stellar final season of Game of Thrones? So when I heard that the duo had worked on a new Netflix show called 3 Body Problem, I approached it with great caution and some mild curiosity. Thankfully, the sci-fi mystery left me feeling that perhaps they weren't the talentless hacks many had accused them of being.

7. The Gentlemen

Not to be confused with the 2020 movie of the same name, The Gentlemen is a crime comedy series on Netflix. Both were directed by Guy Ritchie which means the show effectively shares the same DNA with the movie, from its signature dark humor to its quirky characters. And since I am somewhat of a Guy Ritchie fan myself, I ate it all up as I had a blast binging the whole thing over the course of a single weekend.

6. Silo Season 2

Silo recently returned for its second season on Apple TV+, after leaving viewers with one helluva cliffhanger at the end of the last one. And even though I have read the books the series is based upon, I was still eager to see how it would adapt the one scene I was most anxious to see in the show. And the showrunners definitely did that scene justice, and have continued to do the story justice as they slowly unravel the mystery behind the titular Silo and its so-called Founders.

5. Fallout

Between Fallout and Silo dropping this year, it would appear that post-apocalyptic wastelands are all the rage right now. But what immediately helps to set both shows apart is the video game roots of the former. You see, Fallout fully leans into the tongue-in-cheek humor and over-the-top violence fans of the popular game series have come to expect. And sometimes, that's all it takes to win over this lifelong gamer. 

4. House of the Dragon Season 2

It was hard not to feel shortchanged by the truncated eight-episode season of House of the Dragon we got this year. I mean, the season ended just when it felt like things were about to get really good. But getting blue balled aside, everything that led up to that abrupt ending was of the same high standard the show had set for itself in season one. So I can't complain that much, especially considering the travesty taking place on the Tolkien side of the fence.

3. Arcane Season 2

Speaking of shows that ended abruptly, Arcane was another that suffered a similar fate. For what I can only assume were budgetary concerns, Netflix had decided it needed to wrap up the series with season two. So rather than more of the excellent character development and worldbuilding we had in season one, we instead got a race to the finish line that fell short of true greatness. At least all of it was still gorgeous to look at, and it did end with quite the bang, all things considered.

2. The Penguin

You wouldn't typically think of comic book characters when thinking of prestige television shows. Well, all that changed when The Penguin hit HBO and Max this year. Picking up from where The Batman left off, the show trades the top hat and gun umbrella of the comics for the kind of crime drama that wouldn't feel out of place in a show like The Sopranos. This results in a grounded, introspective look at the titular Penguin as he makes his way up the ranks of Gotham City's criminal underworld.

1. Shōgun

It didn't take very long into the first episode of Shōgun before I got the feeling it just might be something truly special. Perhaps it was the excellent production design that first paved the way for those thoughts, or maybe even how the well-written characters were brought to life with stellar performances across the board. Whatever the case may be, it was immediately evident that the show existed in a class all by itself.

This is not a knock on all the other shows that debuted or returned this year, but more to illustrate how high of esteem I happen to hold this particular one in. And after watching it clean house at the Emmys, it was clear I was not the only one that felt that way. This is hands down one of the best shows to grace televisions in years, and easily my favorite one for 2024.

2024 in Review: Top 10 Best Games

It's the most wonderful time of the year. And I'm not just referring to the Christmas holiday season, even though that's nice too I suppose. No, I am of course referring to the end of 2024 which means it is time for another one of my Year in Review series of posts. All week this week, I'll be revealing my favorite games, TV shows, songs, and movies, as well as giving my general thoughts about the year as a whole. And like most years, I am kicking things off with my favorite games.

It feels like I need to give the same disclaimer every year, but the older I get, the more I find myself gravitating toward smaller, indie titles. Specifically, ones that successfully recapture the look and feel of the kind of games I enjoyed playing in my childhood. Nostalgia is a powerful drug as they say. So, with that said, don't expect to see too many triple-A titles like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth or the latest Call of Duty in my Top 10 Best Games of 2024. Got it? Cool. On with the list.

10. Bloomtown: A Different Story

From the moment I first laid eyes on the beautiful pixel art of Bloomtown: A Different Story, I could tell it would be another love letter to the classic RPGs of the 16-bit era. What I didn't expect was its heavy Persona influence, from its social gameplay elements to its turn-based combat and the catchy pop-rock songs that accompany those battles. And even though It is let down by clunky dialogue, I still had fun with its story, and its memorable cast of characters as they worked to unravel the dark secrets of their small suburban town.

9. Palworld

Few games were as ubiquitous as Palworld at the start of 2024. In fact, for a hot second back then, it seemed it was going to dominate the entire gaming landscape for the year with its Pokemon with Guns gimmick. Except that initial fire gradually sizzled out even as the game itself proved to have more to offer beyond invoking the wrath of Nintendo's lawyers, with deep survival gameplay centered around base building. Keep in mind that the game is still in early access, so we can expect another resurgence when it hits version 1.0.

8. Mario & Luigi: Brothership

The Mario & Luigi series finally made its console debut this year with the release of Mario & Luigi: Brothership. And like the other games in the RPG series, players control both brothers as they navigate their way through a colorful world filled with quirky characters. This time around, they must help out the denizens of the electricity-themed Concordia from their base on the aptly named Shipshape Island. The game boasts the same tight turn-based battles the series is known for, although it suffers from some egregious late-game padding that artificially inflated my overall playtime.

7. Thank Goodness You're Here!

From the same publishers that gave us the diabolical Untitled Goose Game comes the self-professed comedy slapformer, Thank Goodness You're Here! And from the get-go, the game hits you with its unique flavor of British absurdist humor. Its quirky hand-drawn visuals did take some getting used to, especially with all the size changes our nameless hero goes through over the course of his adventure. But it never overstays its welcome with its brisk yet satisfactory two-and-a-half hours worth of gameplay.

6. Animal Well

Animal Well is the debut indie game published by Bigmode, the game publishing company owned by Gaming YouTuber, Jason Gastrow aka. videogamedunkey. It is a Metroidvania that has players taking control of a blob as it makes its way through the titular Animal Well, a dreamlike subterranean world populated by various animals. It sports an 8-bit aesthetic that wouldn't feel out of place on the NES. But don't let that fool you because it also has some of the smoothest platforming seen this past year.

5. Selaco (Early Access)

Selaco is quite the looker, especially considering it is running on what is effectively decades-old tech. Built using GZDoom, the game takes the sprite-based visuals of early FPS games like Doom to the next level with modern lighting techniques and lush, detailed environments. Set inside the titular Selaco, a futuristic space station serving as a home for the remnants of the human race, you play as Dawn, a security officer who must fight back an invading force of hostile aliens. The game is still in early access but what we've gotten thus far points to what is sure to be an all-round fantastic FPS.

4. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Speaking of visual overhauls, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door finally received the much-requested remake/remaster fans of the series had been clamoring for. Originally released on the GameCube in 2004, the game had taken the Paper Mario series to what many still consider its pinnacle, showcasing a refined paper-themed art style along with the signature turn-based battles the series would stray away from its in subsequent entries. And all that remains true in the shiny new Switch version which is why it felt like a return to form.

3. Unicorn Overlord

I am not the biggest fan of strategy games if I'm being honest, which is why you would scarcely see any make one of my year-end lists. But all that changed in 2024 as I fell in love with Unicorn Overlord, the newest strategy RPG from Atlus and Vanillaware. What drew me in was its beautiful hand-drawn visuals that helped flesh out its fairly generic story but it was its addictive gameplay loop that had me coming back for more. It manages to blend both real-time and turn-based strategy elements in a package that it easily accessible yet packed with a wealth of permutations and options.

2. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

After the production troubles that effectively forced it to delay the Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake, Ubisoft decided to surprise fans of the series when it announced another Prince of Persia game would be coming out this year. Played from a 2.5D side-scrolling perspective, not unlike the earlier games in the series, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown sets itself apart from its predecessors with its tight, free-flowing controls and Metroidvania structure. It also doesn't hurt that it sports a vibrant art direction that looks great regardless of which platform you play it on.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

The Legend of Zelda fans have definitely been eating good these past two years. Despite only just receiving the exceptional Tears of the Kingdom last year, we were blessed with yet another entry in the form of Echoes of Wisdom this year. And for the first time in the mainline series, we got to play as Princess Zelda herself. This version of Hyrule should be instantly familiar to anyone who played the 2019 remake of Link's Awakening, as it dons the very same art style. But it is how the game manages to fit the open-ended style of gameplay from Breath of the Wild and its sequel into a more traditional Zelda mold that ultimately makes it nothing short of amazing.