Predator (1987)

Deep in the Central American jungles, the hunters realize they're being hunted by invisible creatures using thermal imaging vision to track their every move. 

I've never been the biggest fan of the Predator franchise, yet there must be something about it that keeps audiences coming back. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Carl Weathers head this sci-fi/horror fest, which lend to its lasting appeal. There's no denying the creature designs are cool, but it's a shallow action flick that was not able to be matched by its lesser sequel. The whole thing feels so clearly inspired by Aliens, they would eventually do battle together one day.

3 CHOPPAS out of 5

The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025)

The fourth and purportedly final entry in Conjuring series (we know better by now, don't we?) and 9th overall film in the franchise concerns their "famous last case" involving the Smurl haunting and an antique mirror that holds a particular significance. As always, the Warrens remain at the center of these films and it's their relationship that grounds all the other silly shit going on. This one is a bit of a marathon at 2 hours and 15 minutes, but it's an emotionally satisfying place for the series to end, even as it romanticizes certain true-life details to fit its agenda. Regardless, this stuff is fascinating to think about.

3 reflections out of 5

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021)

Third time's not the charm in the mainline horror series (this is technically the 7th film of the franchise) centered around real life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. After a "routine" exorcism goes wrong, the demon unknowingly possesses another person, who then goes on to commit murder. The Warrens have to prove this was indeed genuine demonic possession in order to maintain their innocence and escape the death penalty. It's a bit of a new tack for the Conjuring series, but the result is more boring than scary.

2 witch's totems out of 5