Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)

The best Ghostbusters sequel since Part II. Unfortunately, this one involves too many moving parts and not enough focus on the original Ghostbuster crew, which is really all anyone wanted. Still, it's an entertaining picture that strives to bring back what we all loved about the original, even though it feels bloated with one too many storylines and characters (as you can glean from the poster above). I honestly wouldn't mind more films in the series in this vein, although time seems to be running out and the actors aren't getting any younger.

As for the plot, we're back in NYC, and it's cold. That's really all you need to know.

3½ ecto-containment units out of 5

Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)

Trading in the laughs per minute for a heartwarming family dramedy, Jason Reitman (son of original director Ivan) lovingly constructs his film as a tribute to its fallen star (and original writer) Harold Ramis. As such, it functions as an homage to the entire franchise, even as it essentially resurrects the old Ghostbusters gang (and Gozer) and recycles the plot of the 1984 film. What sets this apart is that it centers around Spengler's legacy and takes place in the quiet countryside rather than the bustling streets of NYC.

At first I was put off by this tone, until I realized there was no way they were ever going to replicate the spirit of the original, so they might as well try something different. Unfortunately, we really miss the presence of the original cast's camaraderie—in particular Bill Murray's wry wit—and this becomes glaringly obvious anytime they appear on screen together. Let's face it; the only reason this film is successful at all is because of the goodwill of the original.

If I could sum it up in even simpler terms, this is the Force Awakens of the Ghostbusters franchise.

3 mini-Pufts out of 5

Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)

Well, they just couldn't leave well enough alone. Picking up two years after the events of the 2019 film, Arthur Fleck is waiting to stand trial for his crimes. He meets a fellow Arkham inmate named Lee (this movie's Harley Quinn), who stokes a part of himself that's long remained dormant. This highly stylized sequel is basically Joker meets La La Land. It's dark as all fuck, and the only light comes through those extended musical sequences which convey the characters' rich inner lives. Due to the success of the original, the filmmakers are able to take much more creative and experimental risks, which work to varying effect. But make no mistake, this is harrowing stuff. I for one am glad it tried something different. It could have easily gone a more conventional route, but it manages to stay true to the spirit of the original. 

The people who criticize this film apparently didn't understand the message of the first one. There's a meta-commentary going on where a lot of fans are attacking it for not being what they wanted it to be, which fits in well with the themes of the film. I do find it ironic that everyone is treating this film the same way the characters treat Arthur. It's a criticism of society itself, but most people won't have the self-awareness to see it.

3 tears in the rain out of 5

Joker (2019)

"I just hope my death makes more sense than my life."

In an original origin story for the character, Arthur Fleck is a lonely, disturbed, misunderstood, put-upon man with a laughing disorder who is given to flights of fancy and bouts of anger and depression. Did they accidentally make a documentary of my life? Joaquin Phoenix turns in an award-winning performance as the struggling clown-for-hire/aspiring stand-up comedian who dreams about a better life; of being loved and respected by his peers. He cares for his ailing mother and becomes infatuated with his kindly neighbor. He tries to be a decent person and follow all of society's rules in spite of life's many injustices, until that tack just doesn't work anymore.

This standalone film in the DC universe owes its gritty roots to the filmography of Martin Scorsese; in particular, Taxi Driver and The King of Comedy, but it stands on its own as a work of vigilante fiction. It's one of the best comic book adaptations ever made, precisely because it doesn't feel like one. They took all the wrong lessons from this when they attempted to replicate the formula for The Batman, and completely missed the mark of what makes this film feel so refreshing and brilliant.

5 tears of a clown out of 5

The Batman (2022)

Does a Batman movie need to be 3 hours? No. No, it doesn't. This film takes the "throw everything at the wall and see what sticks" approach. It brings the series to an even darker and grim direction than Nolan did, managing to make it feel dreary and depressing. And, it's simply not enjoyable. The recent trend of reboots seems to be to suck all the fun out of these movies and make it as miserable for the audience as possible. My biggest gripe is that it takes itself way too seriously. Everyone talks and moves slowly, as if they're underwater. Robert Pattinson does a serviceable enough job as Emo Batman, but he's even duller as Bruce Wayne. Zoë Kravitz feels like she's going through the motions as Catwoman, Colin Farrell is buried beneath pounds of make-up and a fat suit as Penguin, while Paul Dano makes Jim Carrey's Riddler seem absolutely inspired. It all feels like a pale imitation of what's come before. At this point, it's just a rehash upon a rehash. Everything we've seen here has already been done better.

Anyway, barring all that, if you're a ride or die fan, you'll probably enjoy it. I didn't, but I can see why others might. This is basically Batman meets Zodiac. There is a decent movie to be found within this mess, but unfortunately you have to sort through a lot of fluff to get there.

2½ thumb drives out of 5

Megalopolis (2024)

There comes a time in every filmmaker's life where hubris eclipses genius and talent. This is that moment. Francis Ford Coppola's magnum opus of shite is a sprawling epic futuristic mythological fable which already sounds like a mouthful just to describe it. The plot has something to do with an alternate version of New York called "New Rome," where an architect with the ability to stop time (which never really comes into play) has plans to build a utopian city, while clashing with the forces around him. After that, your guess is as good as mine. It's as if the Wachowskis teamed up with Chris Nolan to make a Charlie Kaufman flick, but failed on all counts. Coppola tried to swing for the fences and make his Metropolis, but somehow he made Caligula instead (minus all the fun bits). I can admire doing something bold and daring and different, but there is no excuse for a bad, boring, incompetent movie. This was a complete and utter waste of time, and my experience of life has not been enriched for it.

1 boner bow and arrow out of 5

The Substance (2024)

Good Lord. 😂

Demi Moore gives the performance of her career as Elisabeth Sparkle, an aging starlet who is tipped off to a method to extend her beauty and youth indefinitely. The marketing materials did such a good job of keeping this under wraps, I won't be the one to ruin it for you. All I'll say is that this is body horror the likes of which would make Cronenberg himself nut in his pantaloons. I felt like I had to watch The Fly afterwards just for a bit of 'lighter' fare. There is no subtlety in this movie at all and it is glorious. It commanded my complete and undivided attention the whole time (and not just because of the flagrant nudity). I still have no idea how this made it into theaters, but I'm so grateful it did. It's rare these days that horror actually horrifies me.

I'll be honest, this one restored my faith in modern cinema.

4 discreetly marked packages out of 5