Life is like an M Night Shyamalan film, you never know what you're going to get... 'Trap' was a release that I was quite excited for on the back of the trailers. It looked intense, grounded and a promising cat and mouse flick courtesy of everyone's favourite director.. Sadly, the film nosedives - and it doesn't really take that long to stumble. Other than the brilliant performance from Josh Hartnett, 'Trap' doesn't have a lot going for it, and becomes yet another disappointing release that sits firmly amongst the other M Night misses.

Full thoughts in this review.

Comic Con 2024 threw out some BIG surprises. In this episode, I'm diving into all the announcements that caught my attention, and what I am most excited for – including THAT Dr Doom news.

'Deadpool & Wolverine' finally brings Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman together for a buddy cop, action packed, foul mouthed spectacle, that has been on everyone’s wish list since the messy X-Men Origins: Wolverine film – none more so than Reynolds. And boy did it deliver. I had forgotten what it was like to leave an MCU film being very impressed by the spectacle delivered.

Having Deadpool now in the MCU allows for some extreme fan service and fun poking that will impress most audiences. But even on this grander scale for the character, the film still manages to keep things close and intimate for both leads, allowing for some excellent set pieces and action on some very exciting backdrops.

Full thoughts in this episode.

'Twisters' is the long-awaited sequel to the much-adored 1996 original. With nearly 30 years passed, it always worries me when these 'legacy' sequels drop as more often than not, they are disappointing and just a quick cash grab for studios. However, this doesn’t apply to this latest release courtesy of director Lee Isaac Chung.

The film ticks all the boxes that you would expect, and does its best to capture that ‘old school blockbuster’ vibe of the original with some impressive spectacles. There are flaws; the CGI at times can be clunky, and the lack of practical effects does take the sting out, but the overall plot and performances from its leading trio, Daisy Edgar Jones, Glen Powell and Anthony Ramos are really strong and make this movie as entertaining as it is – all storms to one side.

Full thoughts in this episode.

'Longlegs' is taking audiences and critics by storm – and it’s easy to see why. Written and directed by Osgood Perkins, the film homes in on tension and atmosphere to create one of the most unsettling viewing experiences I’ve had.

Nic Cage is unrecognisable, yet brilliant – equally brilliant is his opposite Maika Monroe, who brings in a unique performance that only elevates her character the further into this mystery she goes. But probably the most effective aspect of the film is the way it has been shot, courtesy of cinematographer Andrés Arochi. Simply put, its one of the best-looking films this year with sequences and imagery that I’ve still been unable to shake since viewing.

Full thoughts in this review.

Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise joined forces once again, following their success with Minority Report, to work on a chilling adaptation of one of my favourite novels; HG Wells' classic 'War of the Worlds'.

Having worked on sci fi films in the past, it was the first time audiences got to see a truly terrifying invasion courtesy of Spielberg. The film has some absolutely jaw dropping set pieces, and at times is a masterclass in tension and suspense. Cruise is on top form, along with new ideas and twists on the original story, its easy to see why the film became fourth most successful film of 2005 - as well as one of my personal favourites from the acclaimed director and lead star.

Full thoughts in this revisit.

Michael Sarnoski directs the new spin off in the 'A Quiet Place' saga; 'Day One'. As the title suggests, the film drops audiences into the day of the initial invasion from these menacing creatures, showcasing the horror as New York, one of the loudest cities in the world, is brought to silence.

With terrific performances from Lupita Nyong'o and Joseph Quinn, an emotional script, as well as some beautiful effects and cinematography, 'Day One' is a fantastic addition to the saga that brings the terror to a much larger scale with this new backdrop.

Full thoughts in this episode.

William Eubank finally brought us 'Underwater' in 2020. After much delay, the film managed to make its way out to the world before cinemas closed due to the pandemic. Though the film didn't do well at the box office, nor really with audiences, I was a fan of the Kristen Stewart lead flick.

'Underwater' definitely feels familiar with its sets and backdrop, and the nods and homages to classics such as 'Alien' and 'The Abyss' are littered throughout. But even with these nods, the film still stands on its own feet, creating fear and tension with every reveal in this mysterious sci fi horror.

Full thoughts in this revisit.

Released earlier this year, and recently dropping on Disney+, was Arkasha Stevenson’s ‘The First Omen’; a prequel to the horror classic from 1976.

With a brilliant performance from the films lead, Nell Tiger Free, as well as some incredibly dark and haunting imagery, the film does stand above a lot of the recent thriller/horrors from over the years. Stevenson has managed to create a film that pays homage to the original, as well as something that can stand on its own feet - which is brilliant for a directors feature length debut.

Though 'The First Omen' ticks a lot of boxes, it still does have a sense of predictability running through, which in some way ruins the overall experience. But taking nothing away from the strengths the film includes, as there are some things in here that you just cant unsee.

Full thoughts in this episode.

Richard Linklater brings us 'Hit Man'. Inspired by true events, the film brings audiences into the life, as well as showcasing the many faces, of Gary Johnson; a professor by day, whilst also playing the role of hit man for local police.

With some decent enough twists and turns, the film doesn't shy away from keeping you on your toes - however, there are elements that do seem predictable in execution. The leads, Glen Powell and Adria Arjona, are great- and you will absolutely have a good time, though it did leave me hoping for a tad more.

Full thoughts in this review