The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (2026)

What is it about Nintendo and Mario that continues to capture the imagination? Is it the colors, the character models, the music, or the simplistic but polished game design that keeps reinventing itself across every new generation?

Having recently revisited the first movie, I realized it didn't hold up as well as my initial viewing. It's a lot of bright colors and nostalgic music that feeds on memories of childhood. Similarly, this sequel crams in as much fan service as possible to the point where it feels like ADHD personified. It's the movie equivalent of a theme park ride that is as good as whatever happy memory you bring to it. Nothing compares to your own personal video game journeys.

2½ Star Fox crossovers out of 5

The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

This one was pure fan service, but I didn't mind one bit. We all remember the 1993 version, right? This one blows it out of the water. Full of vibrant colors and lively worldbuilding, it succeeds in immersing you in the spirit of the games. The music especially helps to sell this nostalgia, though I wish they would have leaned into it even further. Feels like this movie had a lot to prove in order to distinguish itself from its prior cinematic failure, and personally, I think it's one of the better video game adaptations I've come across in recent memory, since it manages to pay homage to its origins while providing a "new" experience that anyone can jump into, young or old. Feels like it could easily spawn many sequels since this one barely touches upon the lore.

3 Tanooki Suits out of 5

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)

Nearly a decade of development hell later, director George Miller returns to the 45-year-old franchise he created in this spin-off/prequel leading up to the events of Mad Max: Fury Road. This time 'round, Anya Taylor-Joy capably takes up the mantle as the titular character (previously portrayed by Charlize Theron) in an origin story that traces her ascent from child slave to burgeoning warrior.

This movie is essentially a shut-your-brain-off, balls-to-the-wall action spectacle. Chris Hemsworth (unrecognizable here) has a blast hamming it up as the villainous Dementus. If you enjoyed the previous entry, you'll find plenty to like here, although at 148 minutes, it will push you to the limits of your patience (and bladder capacity).

3 War-Rig prototypes out of 5

Morgan (2016)

Luke Scott (son of producer Ridley Scott) directs his first feature, the taut sci-fi thriller Morgan. On a secluded estate a synthetic humanoid (Anya Taylor-Joy) is grown. After an unfortunate incident a risk management specialist (Kate Mara) is sent in to survey the project's progress. As soon as you see the titular Morgan you already know the shit will hit the fan hard. It's this anticipation that keeps your attention till the action-packed climax. The impressive cast is handled moderately well, though an extra 15-20 minutes could have done wonders for the supporting characters' development. Certain pivotal characters only last one scene. Even though the twist wasn't awfully difficult to decipher, I believe this was intentional. Clues are abound in this overly succinct yet satisfying film.

3½ awkward first kisses out of 5

SPLIT [2017]

Director M. Night Shyamalan gives his long-time fans more than a few reasons to get giddy with his latest creepy suspense-thriller Split.
James McAvoy is an absolute joy to watch as a man with 23 different personalities that kidnaps a trio of teenage girls who all fear the threatening arrival of the 24th personality.
It's a joy to see Shyamalan finally return to making highly entertaining nail-biting b-movies filled with ominous dread and devilishly moody atmosphere.  The VVitch's Anya Taylor-Joy puts on a great performance opposite McAvoy's deliciously sadistic roles, all of which are just as strong as the last one.  Without it's two leads the absurdly campy script might not have held up as much as it does but if you're in it for the pure fun of it all then it does not disappoint.

3 frightening dance parties out of 5

THE WITCH [2015]

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The VVitch: A New England Folktale

Robert Eggers makes his feature-length directorial debut with the deeply disturbing and thoughtfully hypnotizing atmospheric horror film The VVitch.
Set in the early 1600's, it tells the tale of a New England family, who are banished from their Puritan settlement, only to settle deep in the woods where it appears some sort of evil is at work.
The film floods the viewer with a intense feeling of claustrophobia and dread by shooting the stark landscape in a 1.66:1 aspect ratio, using only natural lighting and a immensely creepy score from composer Mark Korven.  Studying the effects of blind religious hysteria, fear of the unknown and coming of age makes for a simple & quiet but very effective film that leaves a lasting effect.

4 creepy stalking bunnies out of 5