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.

From the creative team behind 'Barbarian', comes another very clever thriller that brings an AI twist to the cabin horror subgenre.

'Companion' delivers on a number of levels; the outstanding performance from lead Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quad too in here is devilish and psychotic, the script is tight, but its the films themes of consciousness, technology, as well as controlling relationships, that really is where the movie is at its strongest.

But even with these themes and messages, the film still basks in its horror, making 'Companion' an intense and gripping, not to mention humorous, watch from start to finish. There are films akin to this latest release from Drew Hancock, but there's enough about it that makes this feel unique and stand out amongst the rest of the AI horror flicks you may have seen prior.

Full thoughts in this episode.

Following the films premier at the 2024 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, along with its recent Oscar nomination, Adam Elliot's 'Memoir of a Snail' is finally making its way to cinemas worldwide; and it is simply excellent.

This mature themed, tragicomedy presents the whirlwind journey for lead character Grace Pudel, from childhood to adulthood, all beautifully and perfectly captured through claymation. The film manages to balance and explore the dark and harder aspects of life, as well the beauty and innocence excellently - and it doesn't hold back when it comes to the humour too.

As poignant releases go, it's going to be hard to top this one - and it's a film that needs to be seen by all.

Full spoiler-free thoughts in this episode.

Everyone's friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man returned to the big screen in 2007, with the franchises biggest, and darkest story yet... and ultimately, the worst of the bunch.

Though 'Spider-Man 3' delivered at the box office, becoming one of the highest grossing films ever at the time, it was severely criticised by fans and critics, entering into meme territory (thank you, Bully Maguire) thanks to the huge misstep in direction that left so many underwhelmed with an awful lot that was included - most notably, the handling of fan favourite Venom.

As much as the story did try to continue and resolve a lot of character arcs already established from the previous films, as well as delving into themes such as revenge and forgiveness, Spidey 3 had too much going on with its overstuffed script and stacked cast, that it was an impossible job to land this successfully.

Full thoughts in this episode.

'Wolf Man' reunites Leigh Whannell with Universal Pictures, as he once again brings a classic monster into a modern and contemporary setting.

Whannell is a writer and filmmaker I have followed since his breakout with 'Saw', and so having him attached to bringing universal monsters to the big screen is a huge win in my eyes. 'The Invisible Man' was a big success, but sadly 'Wolf Man' doesn’t leave the same mark.

The film does use some effective camera techniques to showcase a man transforming into a werewolf, as well some brilliant sound effects to exaggerate this transition. And though the character study of Blake, played by Christopher Abbot, is gripping - it doesn’t connect as well as the film wants on an emotional level between he and his family. Ultimately, 'Wolf Man' leaves a lot more to be desired, but still has some fun scares for audiences.

Full thoughts in this episode

The highly anticipated 'Squid Game 2' dropped on Netflix over the festive period, bringing audiences back to this world, as more participants enter these wicked and mysterious games.

The first season was an overnight sensation, and catapulted the show to becoming a pop culture icon. Now with season 2, the stakes have been raised, as Seong Gi-hun re-enters with the motive of stopping the games once and for all. Though the show may have lost some sting, it still packs a punch with a gripping narrative that is equally entertaining as it is disturbing.

It's evident that creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has taken time to perfect and craft this sequel's story, whilst also elevating the games and the shows philosophical angle. As dark as the show can get, its still a joy to see its return - and what a return this is.

Full thoughts in this review