Sinners (2025)

Twin brothers Smoke and Stack open up their own juke joint in 1932 Mississippi where they're visited by some unsavory characters who are out for blood.

God damn, it took forever for this movie to turn into From Dusk Till Dawn, and by the time it did, it was already over. There are some eerie and entrancing sequences set to music, but the vampire angle is all played out and it doesn't offer much else in the way that hasn't been previously explored elsewhere. As massively overhyped as it is, it does tend to stay with you regardless.

Be sure to stick through the credits; the story ain't over yet.

3 guitar cases out of 5

FANTASTIC FOUR [2015]

Chronicle director Josh Trank enters into Hollywood blockbuster circle with the comic book movie adaptation of the Fantastic Four, only to be swiftly tossed out of the circle.
It's the good guys origin story sloppily sharing time with a bad guy trying to destroy the world schpeal only without any sort of personality.
The first act of the film is actually kind of okay but it quickly falls apart into a dull emotionless crap-fest that seems like it can't wait to get to the end and be over with.  There's absolutely no chemistry between the four core characters, the villain means next to nothing to the big picture and it lacks any sort of humor, fun or spirit that makes the MCU films so much fun.
Even Stan Lee couldn't have been bothered with his obligatory Marvel films cameo.

1 power outage out of 5

FRUITVALE STATION [2013]

The power of Ryan Coogler's Fruitvale Station is the type that slowly creeps up on you and leaves you unprepared for the blow it delivers in it's final moments.
Based on the true story of Oscar Grant who was murdered by a police officer in a Bay Area transit station, the film is smart not to play the race card but the signs are all there.  It delicately restrains itself from becoming overly dramatic as the events unfold but it's the realism that punches you in the gut even though we all know how it's all going to end.  Michael B. Jordan, who portrays Grant, delivers one of the best performances of the year, with some noteworthy jobs done by Octavia Spencer and Melonie Diaz.

4 fake white people birthday cards out of 5

CHRONICLE [2012]

I'm getting awfully tired of the superhero and found footage trends in film, so I went into Chronicle with leery expectations. 

Director Josh Trank & writer Max Landis' feature film debut started out pretty much like every other found footage film but the intrigue and dread slowly crept up after the 30 minute mark.  It captures your attention with a realistic view on the superpower genre, while never really relying on the found footage gimmick and instead integrates it into the storytelling with subtle yet effective ideas.  Graced with some strong lead performances by a bunch of unknowns, Chronicle is a fine addition to two tired film genres.

3½ buddhist monks out of 5