Tron: Ares

TRON: ARES is a 2025 science fiction action film directed by Joachim Rønning, from a screenplay by Jesse Wigutow and Jack Thorne. It is a standalone sequel to TRON: LEGACY (2010) and the third installment in the Tron franchise. Rock band Nine Inch Nails composed the score for the film.

A highly sophisticated Program, Ares, is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission.

The cast includes Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Hasan Minhaj, Jodie Turner-Smith, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan and Gillian Anderson, and Jeff Bridges.

TRON: ARES made its debut in theaters October 10th, courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

It is wild to me that the original TRON film came out way back in 1982, before I was even born mind you, and somehow the franchise still has a very solid following. The good old days of cinema the majority of people made it a point to see movies in theaters, which is certainly part of the reason why so many movies were packed with action and great visuals. Now granted the original film feels pretty dated now, but it still has a special nostalgic feel to it. It took until 2010 before another film finally hit theaters serving as sort of a reboot of the franchise, and I was very impressed with TRON: LEGACY. The film kept the feel of the original and included much of what made that movie so great. Another 25 years later we finally have a follow-up film and I for one was pretty excited about it.

First and foremost, I knew I had to not only see TRON: ARES in theaters, I had to see it on the biggest screen with the biggest sound. So I made the trek to my closest IMAX theater which to my surprise had the film playing in 3D, and man was it worth it. Similar to the AVATAR franchise, the TRON movies need to be seen in IMAX 3D because it is not just a movie, it is an experience. I was blown away by the visuals and the soundtrack from the jump, and I don’t think the smile ever left my face. It seriously felt like a ride at an amusement park that you never wanted to get off. The film is incredibly beautiful and action-packed so it absolutely flies by. I thought Jared Leto was amazing in his lead role as ARES, and I was genuinely impressed by the screenplay which was an unexpected plus for me. Overall this was just a super cool theater experience that I couldn’t recommend more.

To be honest I went in fully expecting a film that was 85% eye candy with just enough story to keep you interested, but it was much more than that. TRON: ARIES had a powerful message as it touched on the fact that life is precious, and tomorrow is not promised for anyone. For this reason it is important that we take full advantage of our time on this earth doing something good. The film is firmly rooted in how it all began in the original classic over 40-years ago, once again focusing on someone attempting to do the right thing while fending off an adversary fueled by greed and success. Just overall a great story full of heart and enough emotional attachment to keep viewers very much engaged and caring for the characters.

It should be obvious that I was blown away by everything TRON: ARES had to offer on the technical side. I mean it was just a masterclass in video and audio, and will likely be a movie that is used to showcase the massive home theater setup. It just hits so damn hard, and whether you care more about the visuals or the sound, it has something for everyone. I really can’t express strongly enough that if you don’t see TRON: ARES in IMAX 3D, it will be an entirely different movie.

It reminds me of seeing AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER in a standard theater because I couldn’t make it over to the IMAX, and it was just fine honestly. The following week I was able to make it over to the IMAX 3D and the fact that it was a completely different movie really blew me away. So I guess if I was going to knock the film I would say that you need to get the full experience in theaters otherwise you won’t be able to appreciate it. It’s like when I talk to people about the original AVATAR and they are like yeah I thought it was fine, and I ask them how they saw the movie and they say they saw it at home. Needless to say I just give them a blank stare and walk away because ain’t nobody got time for that sort of nonsense.

THE VERDICT

A massive film featuring stunning visuals, an incredible soundtrack, and a surprisingly heartfelt story, TRON: ARES absolutely blew me away and is easily one of my favorite theater experiences this year. As I said you really should make your best effort to see this in IMAX 3D, but either way this film demands the theater experience. So what are you waiting for, go see it!!

TED TAKES RATING - 8.5/10

TRON: ARES is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

The Smashing Machine

THE SMASHING MACHINE is a 2025 biographical sports drama film written, directed, co-produced, and co-edited by Benny Safdie (Good Time, Uncut Gems). Cinematographer Maceo Bishop, who worked with Safdie on The Curse (2023–2024), shot the film on 16mm film. Belgian musician Nala Sinephro composed the score for the film.

MMA fighter Mark Kerr (Dwayne Johnson) reaches the peak of his career but faces personal hardships.

The cast includes Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader, Bas Rutten, and Oleksandr Usyk.

THE SMASHING MACHINE made its debut in theaters October 3rd, courtesy of A24.

If you consider yourself to be a true lover of cinema, Benny Safdie is quite simply one of those dudes that gets you pumped up when one of his movies hits theaters, and I was extra excited for THE SMASHING MACHINE because of the subject matter and the involvement of Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. Initial trailers for the film were very well received with most people pointing to the fact that it seemed that this could be a real breakout role for Johnson, and boy was it ever.

THE SMASHING MACHINE was fantastic and honestly everything I hoped it could be as it told a meaningful and fascinating story, while also allowing viewers the opportunity to once again appreciate the talent of Benny Safdie. In many ways the film feels likem you just stepped out of a time machine because of how every single detail is just a blast from the past. I was completely immersed for the just over 2-hour runtime, and I honestly couldn’t believe how great Dwayne Johnson was in this.

MMA fighter Mark Kerr is known as a true pioneer and one of the earliest athletes to help pave the way for what the UFC has become today. Kerr dedicated his life to the sport, and spent significant time in Japan fighting for the Pride organization. There was a ton of controversy surrounding the sport in the early days because of how brutally violent it was, but athletes like Kerr proved that the sport deserved its rightful place. Mark Kerr was a phenomenal athlete, but he was a unique and caring human being that put a great deal of pressure on himself to be successful.

Winning was all Kerr knew, and when his personal life began to jeopardize the career he worked so hard for, everything began to spiral out of control. Kerr dealt with drug dependency issues as well as issues with his longtime girlfriend Dawn (Emily Blunt), but who he was as a person and as a fighter was never questioned. He built meaningful relationships because of his commitment to give the sport everything he had, and the friends he made along the way cared for him deeply.

Dwayne Johnson is nothing short of incredible in this role. From the opening scene you could tell that Johnson put in the work to adapt everything that made Kerr such a unique human being, right down to his mannerisms and how he talked to people. I could tell right away that he was the type of person that had a really big heart, and he just had a certain energy that people gravitated towards. Even though he was involved in an incredibly violent sport, Kerr came across as a gentle but admittedly flawed man outside of the ring.

Benny Safdie is known for having dialogue-heavy films and that is for sure the case here as well, but I found myself absolutely transfixed by Johnson’s portrayal of Kerr even during the most simple interactions. Johnson made sure viewers got to know the man that Mark Kerr was, and his ability to make you truly care for him in such a meaningful way was quite an achievement. Emily Blunt is an amazing actress, and she was incredible as Dawn Staples. The chemistry Blunt had with Johnson was absolutely undeniable, and I could not imagine a better duo taking on these roles. MMA fighter Ryan Bader was really good as Kerr’s close friend Mark Coleman who also helped Kerr bring the sport to the forefront.

I genuinely enjoyed Mark Kerr’s story, and more than anything I am glad he finally got the acknowledgement he rightfully deserves. This man gave the sport everything he had, and hardcore fans of what the UFC has become should absolutely know his name and what he meant to the sport. The film closes with a present-day tribute to Mark Kerr, and it put an ear-to-ear smile on my face. I’m so glad Benny Safdie made the decision to make this film, and it is yet another impressive addition to his resume.

THE VERDICT

A powerful biographical sports drama featuring writer/director Benny Safdie’s unique cinematic style, THE SMASHING MACHINE is a transformative experience featuring a career-best performance from actor Dwayne Johnson. I was absolutely immersed from start to finish, and I just found myself so intrigued by how Johnson was able to truly become this character as he embodied the passion and pain Kerr carried throughout his career. THE SMASHING MACHINE is a top-tier film that deserves to be seen in theaters.

TED TAKES RATING - 8.7/10

THE SMASHING MACHINE is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

The Strangers: Chapter 2

THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 2 is a 2025 horror thriller film directed by Renny Harlin, and written by Alan R. Cohen and Alan Freedland. A direct sequel to THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 1 (our full review here), it is the fourth film in The Strangers film series and is the second installment of a new trilogy of films.

When they learn that one of their victims, Maya (Madelaine Petsch), is still alive, they return to finish what they’ve started. With nowhere to run and no one to trust, Maya must survive another horrific chapter of terror as The Strangers – driven by a senseless, unceasing purpose – pursue her, more than willing to kill anyone who stands in their way.

The cast includes Madelaine Petsch, Gabriel Basso, and Ema Horvath. 

THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 2 made its debut in theaters September 26th, courtesy of Lionsgate.

I was openly disappointed in THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 1 mainly because the film seemed incredibly lazy to me, almost like they expected the fan base to show up to theaters no matter what the quality of the film was. The acting was atrocious, the writing made very little sense, and the thriller factor rarely hit home. The end of the film did leave me with a glimmer of hope as far as where they planned to go with this new trilogy, and I am happy to report things are finally trending in the right direction.

THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 2 is actually a very entertaining film, and above all else it seemed to improve on what the first film failed to execute. Chapter 1, 2, and 3 were all filmed back to back, but the team behind the films confirmed that after the release of Chapter 1 they listened to fan feedback and went back to do some “enhancement shoots” focusing on what fans wanted to see more of. I’m not sure exactly what they changed, but I can say with certainty that Chapter 2 felt much more aligned with the feel of the franchise.

THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 2 picks up right where the last film left off, taking viewers back to Maya’s hospital bed. Maya, the sole survivor of the tragic events in the first film, quickly realizes that she is on her own and survival is her top priority as the killers return to finish what they started. Local law enforcement inadvertently puts Maya back in the crosshairs as they inform the locals that she did in fact survive, but Maya proves to be quite a force as she fights back with everything she has in equally brutal fashion.

I really liked how she was able to turn the tables and in many instances the hunters become the hunted. The killers quickly realize they are up against a formidable foe which leads to some very entertaining action sequences. The majority of THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 2 is Maya’s fight for survival, and as a fan of the franchise that is exactly what I came to see. The film does feel very much like a bridge between Chapter 1 and Chapter 3, but that was my expectation and I thought the team behind the film embraced that and made the most of it.

Even though THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 2 skips out on excessive dialogue replacing it with the action viewers came to see, I really liked where they took things with the story. The first film struggled with lack of clear direction and poor acting, but that really isn’t the case here. THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 2 does a really nice job touching on the origin story of The Strangers, which I thought added a nice layer of depth to the overall feel of the film. This also played a huge part in the cliffhanger that has me excited for the 3rd film.

I liked how the events unfolded as Maya fought with everything she had to survive the night. The film also utilizes flashbacks in a creative way which I thought added to the intensity of the film while also highlighting Maya’s mental state as a victim. I also thought the cast did a great job this time around, and I thought Madelaine Petsch was awesome in this. Granted the fact that she is quite easy on the eyes doesn’t hurt, but she really held it down so kudos to her. I thought the pacing was effective, and the ability to immerse viewers back into the world of The Strangers really paid off.

On the technical side of things THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 2 was pretty damn good overall. As a big fan of slasher films, I loved some of the great shots of the killers that gave me slasher vibes. THE STRANGERS franchise is iconic for the effective use of cinematography and score which always set the stage for what would become a very intense game of survival. I thought the first film failed to prioritize this aspect of what has made this franchise so great, but thankfully they went back to the original formula and I am glad they did.

A solid cat-and-mouse style horror thriller with slasher vibes, THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 2 is a step in the right direction returning to the original formula and giving fans more of what they came to see. As I talked about during the review the first film was a mess, so it was encouraging that they were able to clean things up a bit in anticipation of Chapter 3. It is far from perfect but if the first film in the new trilogy left you wanting more, THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 2 is well worth a trip to the theater.

TED TAKES RATING - 6.5/10

THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 2 is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

The Long Walk

THE LONG WALK is a 2025 psychological horror thriller film directed by Frances Lawrence (The Hunger Games films), from a screenplay by JT Mollner, based on the 1979 novel of the same name by Stephen King. It is accomplished author Stephen King’s first-written novel, published under his pseudonym Richard Bachman.

In a dystopian United States ruled by a totalitarian regime, a group of young men enter an annual walking contest in which they must maintain a speed of at least three miles per hour or risk execution. The contest ends when only one walker remains alive.

The cast includes Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Garrett Wareing, Tut Nyuot, Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang, Roman Griffin Davis, Jordan Gonzalez, Joshua Odjick, Josh Hamilton, with Judy Greer, and Mark Hamill.

THE LONG WALK made its debut in theaters September 12th, courtesy of Lionsgate.

It has been proven time and time again that if a Stephen King book is getting made into a movie, it is probably worth seeing. King is an exceptionally talented storyteller who is best known for his work in the horror genre, but he does like to mix it up. THE LONG WALK is the most recent adaptation of his work, and as per usual the team behind the project had a ton to work with. I honestly loved this film and I thought that it was one of the more unique film adaptations just because it did feel very different.

To me THE LONG WALK felt very similar to The Hunger Games in terms of the overall story, so it makes sense that the man behind the camera for that franchise, Francis Lawrence, also stepped in to direct this film. Lawrence is a great director and he really knows how to appeal to audiences with sympathetic characters and a powerful message. This film is very intense and I actually found myself cringing at times which is rare for me.

THE LONG WALK is an annual competition that puts individuals from each state against each other in what is essentially a walk to the death. The grueling walk is broadcast live on television as it is said to give hope to a country that has found itself struggling financially. The sole survivor is awarded with a significant amount of money and one wish. The film works incredibly well as it is able to develop several characters who are competing in the walk, making it so when someone is eliminated the audience feels that loss. I thought the film did an amazing job focusing on the humanity of such a dark time as the contestants rallied together to support each other while knowing that only one of them would make it out alive. I liked learning of the backstories of each character, and even though you may like some characters more than others, each character will have a profound impact on you which makes the lasting impression of THE LONG WALK that much more meaningful.

I thought the cast in this film was on another level, which impressed me considering the majority of the actors are fairly unknown. Veteran actor Mark Hamill is fantastic as the films primary antagonist known only as “The Major”. Cooper Hoffman, the son of the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, was incredible. Hoffman plays one of the more pivotal roles in the film, and he was just so damn good. Hoffman stars alongside David Jonsson who was amazing as well.

The two actors displayed amazing on-screen chemistry, and their performances were a big reason for why the film works so well. I just hope they get the recognition they deserve and this leads to more opportunities for them going forward in their careers. The supporting cast was great as well, with several actors turning in impressive performances including Garrett Wareing, Tut Nyuot, Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang, Jordan Gonzalez, Judy Greer, and Joshua Odjick. Many of these names I heard for this first time while writing this review, but man were they good.

From a technical perspective THE LONG WALK was fantastic. The film does such a great job having an intimate feel which allows these characters to seem fully alive on-screen. I was locked in from the opening sequence and the film just had this feel like if you look away even for a second you might miss something. And even though the actual walk was said to be broadcast live all over the country, the film never showed that aspect which helped to make it feel that much more raw and intimate. The camera work was amazing, and some of the more graphic sequences were just hard to watch which speaks to how effective the film is at creating this feeling of desperation.

THE VERDICT

A chilling and brutally violent psychological horror thriller film from The Hunger Games director Frances Lawrence, THE LONG WALK puts viewers on the edge of their seats with yet another top-tier Stephen King adaptation. This film hits hard with its ability to develop some great characters that audiences will genuinely care about thanks to a stellar cast, and the overall message of the film will linger well after leaving the theater.

TED TAKES RATING - 8.4/10

THE LONG WALK is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

Caught Stealing

CAUGHT STEALING is a 2025 dark comedy crime thriller film directed by Academy Award® nominee Darren Aronofsky, from a screenplay by Charlie Huston, based on his book of the same name.

Former high-school baseball phenom Hank Thompson (Austin Butler) unexpectedly finds himself embroiled in a dangerous struggle for survival amidst the criminal underbelly of 1990s New York City, forced to navigate a treacherous underworld he never imagined.

The cast includes Austin Butler, Regina King, Zoë Kravitz, Matt Smith, Liev Schreiber, Vincent D’Onofrio, Griffin Dunne, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, and Carol Kane.

CAUGHT STEALING made its debut in theaters August 29th, courtesy of Sony Pictures.

There is no denying the sheer talent of director Darren Aronofsky, the dude is a legit visionary. When he tells a story, you better believe that story is going to hit hard, for better or for worse. His work can be very intense, a great example is the 2010 psychological drama Black Swan. Fantastic movie don’t get me wrong, but man that movie just messed with my head to the point where I had to take a break from watching it. His 2008 sports drama The Wrestler was amazing, the 2017 psychological horror thriller Mother! was wild, and his 2022 award-winning drama film THE WHALE (our full review here) was just on another level. So I guess what I am trying to say is his films are always really good, but an argument can be made that some of them are not for everyone. When CAUGHT STEALING was first announced I was very intrigued by Aronofsky working with talented actor Austin Butler, and when the first trailer dropped I was pumped because it just looked like my kind of movie.

I won’t beat around the bush, CAUGHT STEALING was so damn good and easily one of my favorite movies from Darren Aronofsky, giving it a slight edge over THE WHALE mainly because it was just more entertaining in my opinion. This is unapologetic 90’s era cinema that in many ways reminded me of Pulp Fiction, although I’m not going to sit here and try to compare the two because that is an all-time great film. CAUGHT STEALING is a stylish crime thriller film that is built around the characters and the circumstances they find themselves in.

Austin Butler plays Hank Thompson, a former baseball phenom who watched his lifelong dream get taken from him after he made a mistake that changed his life forever. Now a seemingly care-free and charismatic baseball obsessed guy working as a bartender at a dive bar in NYC, Hank seems content taking life one day at a time. But after his punk rock neighbor lures him into the criminal underbelly of the Big Apple, Hank becomes a very popular guy with the wrong people. Things quickly go from bad to worse for Hank as each decision he makes seems to drag him deeper and deeper into a hole he can’t find his way out of.

I really loved Austin Butler’s character and I was honestly mesmerized by his performance. It felt like one of those roles where an actor becomes a character to the point where you forget about anything else they have been in, which is quite an achievement for a guy who played Elvis. Butler just had this natural on-screen chemistry that audiences eat up, and he was a big reason why the movie was so damn good. No matter how bad things got he still seemed to have this dark sense of humor which made everything that much more entertaining.

The film had a great supporting cast as well, with a fantastic performance delivered by the sexy Zoë Kravitz. Kravitz has natural chemistry with Butler and in many ways she helps to balance out his character, serving as the person who is a bit more realistic and level-headed. My guy Griffin Dunne was awesome as he played the alcoholic drug adduct owner of the bar where Hank worked. The veteran actor who was amazing us Uncle Nicky in the drama series This Is Us, helped to keep the comedy alive and well in CAUGHT STEALING. Other notable performances were delivered by Regina King, Matt Smith, Liev Schreiber, Vincent D’Onofrio, and Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, better known as Bad Bunny. The cast was just great all-around.

Taking place in 90’s New York, CAUGHT STEALING just felt so damn authentic to that era and reminded me of so many movies set in the city during that time period. Director Darren Aronofsky is a native of New York City, so it makes sense that he wanted to capture the feel of that era with a genuine authenticity and man did he crush it. Aronofsky is so damn talented behind the camera and he brought the city to life. I was never bored and I just kept wanting more from CAUGHT STEALING. The movie absolutely flew by, and I honestly can’t wait to see it again. I also thought the technical elements of the film were a huge factor when it came to bringing 90’s New York City to life, and the soundtrack and cinematography was on point.

THE VERDICT

A character driven 90’s era crime drama packed with dark humor and featuring a fantastic performance from Austin Butler, Darren Aronofsky’s CAUGHT STEALING is vintage cinema and yet another gem from the supremely talented director. I am a big fan of 90’s era crime films and I commend Aronofsky for his ability to transport viewers back to this time period.

TED TAKES RATING - 9.3/10

CAUGHT STEALING is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

Weapons

WEAPONS is a 2025 mystery horror thriller film written, produced, and directed by Zach Cregger. Cregger recently wrote and directed the hard-hitting 2022 horror thriller BARBARIAN (our full review and the trailer here), which is an absolute must-see.

When all but one child from the same class mysteriously vanish on the same night at exactly the same time, a community is left questioning who or what is behind their disappearance.

The cast includes Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Cary Christopher, Benedict Wong, Amy Madigan, and Justin Long

WEAPONS made its debut in theaters August 8th, courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures.

When I went to see BARBARIAN in theaters back in 2022, I honestly didn’t know what to expect from writer/director Zach Cregger. I went in fairly blind and to be honest the movie blew me away. It was clear from the jump this dude was talented, and I was locked into this movie from the start. I liked so much about BARBARIAN, but one element I liked the most was how Cregger told a story that developed over a long period of time which was a really cool way for the events in the film to unfold.

Now lets talk about his latest film, WEAPONS. I loved this movie! As soon as the credits hit the screen, I just wanted to tell anybody who would listen all about what I just watched. My wife is a wuss and cannot handle horror movies, so she told me as soon as I got home that under no circumstance could I tell her about the movie. Bummer, I know.

WEAPONS was incredibly entertaining, packed full of some great original horror elements brought to life by a super talented cast, and writer/director Zach Cregger yet again reminds people that he understands filmmaking. The movie just has a little bit of everything, a feeling of constant dread with the horror element, a dose of mystery, thriller, and even some comedy for good measure. I felt like the film balanced the tone in such a unique way that WEAPONS should appeal to a much wider audience compared to traditional horror films.

One thing I know for sure after seeing WEAPONS, Zach Cregger is a master storyteller. This dude just gets it. He gets an original idea in his head and he finds a way to share that idea with viewers in the form of quality cinema. As I mentioned in the opening Cregger has his own style of telling his stories, and with WEAPONS he utilizes an approach that tells the story from the perspective of each main character, and it was just magical.

With this format you get to see the unsettling events first hand as they develop and you also begin to understand the story more with each perspective. You get to experience certain events from the perspective of one character and something that happens may not make sense, and then you experience the same events from the perspective of another character and it comes full circle. I just thought it was amazing how Cregger did this and in some ways it reminded me of the book The Girl on the Train, which to this day hooked me like no other book. With WEAPONS you honestly never really know what the heck is going on until the final act.

From a technical perspective WEAPONS is absolutely ridiculous. First and foremost, the score gave me chills. I wish I could have experienced this movie in IMAX because it was clear that the audio was a big part of the experience. During some of the more powerful scenes the sound just ramped up in such a way that made everything feel massive and immersive. The camera work makes everything feel intimate when it needs to be, and I have to touch on the editing because I don’t think they wasted a single second. I don’t know what else to say, WEAPONS is not only one of the best horror movies I’ve seen in quite some time, it is one of the best overall movies I have seen.

The entire cast is perfect, with a breakout role Julia Garner and Josh Brolin, one of the most talented actors working today. Garner’s career has really taken off ever since she made a name for herself with the hit crime thriller series Ozark, and the fact that she held her own alongside someone like Brolin speaks volumes about her as an actress. I can’t wait to see more from her. We were even gifted some screen time from Justin Long who starred in Cregger’s previous film, BARBARIAN. 

The supporting cast was top notch as well, with memorable performances from Alden Ehrenreich, Benedict Wong, and Justin Abrams. Veteran actress Amy Madigan, who began her career back in 1981 with TV roles on shows like CHiPs as well as a role in the 1989 comedy Uncle Buck, is just amazing in this film. I don’t want to give anything away, but just know that Madigan is a huge part of this movie and she deserves a ton of praise for this role.

From the perspective of someone who sees a lot of movies, on average about two a week in the theater, WEAPONS is really on another level and an absolute must-see. Certain directors impress me to the point where I will be at the theater for their movies no matter what, and Zack Cregger now finds himself in this rare category. I feel like he will continue to get better with each project he works on, and I can’t wait for the Resident Evil movie he has on the horizon.

THE VERDICT

A captivating original story uniquely told from the perspective of each main character, WEAPONS is yet another gem from writer/director Zach Cregger and easily the best horror movie this year. I can’t remember the last time I was so incredibly immersed in a horror movie, and for that reason the 2-hours absolutely flew by. Awesome story, great acting from the entire cast, and top-tier technical elements. Bottom line, this movie is a must-see.

TED TAKES RATING - 9.8/10

WEAPONS is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

Together

TOGETHER is a 2025 supernatural horror thriller film written and directed by Michael Shanks.

Years into their relationship, Tim and Millie find themselves at a crossroads when they move to the countryside, abandoning all that is familiar in their lives except each other. With tensions already flaring, a nightmarish encounter with a mysterious, unnatural force threatens to corrupt their lives, their love, and their flesh.

The cast includes Dave Franco, Alison Brie, Damon Herriman, Mia Morrissey, Karl Richmond, Jack Kenny, Francesca Waters, and Aljin Abella.

TOGETHER made its debut in theaters July 30th, courtesy of A24 and Neon.

I’m a horror fanatic in general, but when it comes to sub genres, I do have my preferences. For example, I cannot get enough of flasher films, they have always been a favorite of mine specifically the Friday the 13th franchise. A unique sub genre that tends to be hit or miss for people is body horror, which has done some very interesting things over the years.

When you mention body horror most people think back to those gruesome Human Centipede films, which you either love the genre or you’re not going anywhere near them. I personally couldn’t watch them just because it was a little bit too much for me, but to each their own. A movie like Human Centipede is all shock and awe, and I wouldn’t say it is a great movie by any means. The sub genre in general has made leaps and bounds over the past several years with some of the more talented directors working today churning out some really great films focusing on body horror. Just recently the Demi Moore film The Substance received a ton of praise, and that is very much in the body horror sub genre as well.

When TOGETHER was first announced I was intrigued by the cast, and just the fact that it was a horror movie, but I really didn’t know much else about it early on. When the first trailer released and the earliest feedback started to come out, my level of interest certainly ramped up because of how excited people seemed to be for it. Once I realize it was a body horror I wasn’t less excited necessarily, but I tried to temper my expectations a bit because of that. The reality is, you can have an incredible body horror movie that just won’t appeal to mass audiences mostly because they tend to be pretty niche movies. I didn’t let that potential concern stop me and made sure I was at the theater right away to see TOGETHER.

Let me just say, even though this is a body horror movie for sure, TOGETHER was so damn good. This is not just a fantastic body horror movie, it is a really good all-around horror movie. The technical elements are top-notch, the visuals are absolutely terrifying, and the chemistry between Franco and Brie is absolutely perfect. Although the film feels very isolated in many ways, that was clearly by design because it has this off-putting feeling of dread pretty much throughout.

I thought the story was intriguing and definitely kept you guessing, and I’m not gonna lie, the ending was so damn good. TOGETHER just does so many things extremely well, and even if you don’t consider yourself to be a fan of the body horror genre, I would still actually recommend you give this movie a try. Now that being said, I will warn you that the visuals are very intense and absolutely considered to be nightmare fuel for anyone that is even remotely sensitive.

I feel like movies nowadays are hesitant to take advantage of the R-rating, which is annoying in my opinion, but that is not the case here. I don’t scare easily, and this movie had me cringing more times than I can count. I applaud the creativity of this movie, and the fact that it’s much more than just getting under your skin with wildly, intense visuals, TOGETHER is a very well-rounded film and in many ways, it feels like the next cult classic. I could honestly sit here all day praising the technical elements of this film specifically the editing, the cinematography, the score, and just the overall feel.

But I have to talk about the performances in this movie because damn were they good. James Franco and Alison Brie have incredible on-screen chemistry, and let me just say this is not an easy project to take on, and they absolutely crushed it. Also Damon Herriman, who is likely most recognizable from the FX series Justified, was spectacular in a very important supporting role. Honestly from top to bottom TOGETHER is just a great movie, but as I said, you need to have the stomach for it.

THE VERDICT

An atmospheric and eerie horror thriller with terrifying visuals and a morbidly satisfying sense of humor, TOGETHER does not hold back and is easily one of the best body horror films I have seen in quite some time.

I can’t stop thinking about this movie and I feel like it’ll just get better with each viewing because of all the little things that you pick up on, and man that damn ending was just wild. TOGETHER is a unique movie in many ways, but it has such a difficult balance of horror and comedy to the point where it is nearly impossible to separate the two.

TED TAKES RATING - 8.4/10

TOGETHER is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

Jurassic World: Rebirth

JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH is a 2025 science fiction action adventure film directed by Gareth Edwards, from a screenplay by Michael Crichton and David Koepp. The film is a standalone sequel to Jurassic World Dominion (2022), it is the fourth Jurassic World film and the seventh installment overall in the Jurassic Park film series. 

Five years post-Jurassic World Dominion, an expedition braves isolated equatorial regions to extract DNA from three massive prehistoric creatures for a groundbreaking medical breakthrough.

The cast includes Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Luna Blaise, David Iacono, and Ed Skrein.

JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH made its debut in theaters July 2nd, courtesy of Universal Pictures.

When summer movie season kicks off I always have my eyes set on the movies that are just meant to be seen in theaters, and the Jurassic Park/Jurassic World movies have been fitting that criteria for over 30 years. You can show up to the theater for one of these movies with a pretty good idea what to expect, which is some amazing special effects and a ton of great action. This franchise has benefited greatly from the technological advancements in the industry, and I have personally enjoyed the journey. Admittedly the story has taken a back seat to the action for the most part as of late, but in my opinion that is to be expected.

JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH fits the bill as far as the action and special effects taking center stage, but I actually thought the film had a decent enough story to keep me engaged during the slower points in the film. The story set the stage in terms of a good reason to embark on a dangerous mission to the land of dinosaurs, and I really liked how the story set the stage as far as human interest waning in terms of the appeal of dinosaurs as of late. The film also features a talented cast led by Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Rupert Friend. The story won’t blow you away but the cast helps to maximize the potential.

At the end of the day the primary appeal of a film like JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH is the visuals, and that is the reason why viewers will be buying tickets to see it in theaters. The film absolutely holds up its end of the bargain in the category of just sheer entertainment, providing a ton of action and some incredible looking dinosaurs. In typical Jurassic World fashion many of the scenes will have you on the edge-of-your-seat and the action pretty much always delivers. The premise of the film also touches on the potential for dinosaurs with mutations so you are always left guessing in terms of what you may see next.

JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH didn’t blow me away or anything, but the film kept my attention and provided more than enough of what fans of the franchise are looking for. I also really enjoyed the cast and was very pleased with the chemistry between Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and the lesser known Jonathan Bailey. I really liked the performance from Manuel Garcia-Rulfo who plays Mickey Haller in the Netflix series The Lincoln Lawyer.

The technical elements are on point in general, but similar to the majority of the films in the franchise the cinematography was fantastic as well. JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH benefits from some great locations including the vast ocean and a great tropical and beach setting. For me a big draw of these films is how immersive they are and I found myself just appreciating the gorgeous environments. JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH utilized several great filming locations including Thailand, Malta, and the U.K.

THE VERDICT

A summer blockbuster packed with edge-of-your-seat action and impressive visuals, JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH admittedly plays it safe but is still a solid entry in the franchise that deserves the big-screen treatment. The film does enough to justify the price of admission so I have no issue whatsoever recommending it, and assuming they continue with the franchise I will surely see the next film as well.

TED TAKES RATING - 6.5/10

JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

M3GAN 2.0

M3GAN 2.0 is a 2025 science fiction horror thriller film directed by Gerard Gladstone (Housebound), from a screenplay by Akela Cooper (Malignant, The Nun 2) and a story by horror legend James Wan, the man behind the Saw, Insidious, and The Conjuring franchises. The film is produced by Blumhouse, the production company behind the Halloween films, The Black Phone, and The Invisible Man. It is the sequel to the 2023 horror film, M3GAN (our full review here).

Two years after M3GAN's rampage, her creator, Gemma, resorts to resurrecting her infamous creation in order to take down Amelia, the military-grade weapon who was built by a defense contractor who stole M3GAN's underlying tech.

The cast includes Allison Williams, Jermaine Clement, Violet McGraw, Ivanna Sakhno, Amie Donald, Brian Jordan Alvarez, Jenna Davis, Timm Sharp, Aristotle Athari, and Jen Van Epps.

M3GAN 2.0 made its debut in theaters June 27th, courtesy of Universal Pictures.

Blumhouse catches their fair share of crap for their obsession with PG-13 horror films, some of which is certainly warranted. It is a difficult balance after all, but sometimes they deliver. Two years ago they released the sci-fi horror M3GAN and I was very impressed with it. I thought the film pushed the envelope as far as the PG-13 rating, while also adding a unique element of style and humor.

When they announced a sequel was in the works I was very much intrigued, and I was looking forward to seeing where they wanted to take the franchise. After the first teaser trailer dropped my excitement was growing as it looked like we were in for yet another entertaining visit from our favorite killer robot.

Unfortunately unlike the first film, M3GAN 2.0 was not all that I wanted it to be. The follow-up film in the franchise took an interesting approach as it seemed to embrace the PG-13 rating appealing more to the teen audience as opposed to more of a mix. The film was much goofier this time around, and in many ways M3GAN herself was a background character for a good portion of the film. I thought M3GAN 2.0 had an interesting premise overall as it continued to focus on the risk that would come with an all-powerful AI, but the horror element was basically dead and buried. I also thought the film was pretty slow at times, and even though some of the action sequences were fun, the appeal just didn’t last for me without the horror feel.

I would categorize M3GAN 2.0 as much more of a sci-fi action comedy as the horror thriller elements are basically non-existent. The majority of the original cast returns for the sequel, but a notable addition to the cast who serves as one of the films primary antagonists is Jermaine Clement. Now I love me some Jermaine Clement, but he is not the guy I would call when I am assembling the cast for a horror film. Clement is actually a nice addition to the film from a comedic perspective, but as I said I didn’t love the approach in general. To be honest M3GAN 2.0 probably could have been better as a standalone film.

From a technical perspective M3GAN 2.0 was actually pretty great and a much bigger film as far as budget. I thought the production value was on point, I liked the energy of the soundtrack, and as I said most of the action sequences were solid. M3GAN and her nemesis Amelia look great, and the use of AI and robotics had a creative edge to it. In general the writing was fine, I just thought the film suffered from pacing issues and what I thought was a detrimental identity crisis when you try to connect it to the original.

THE VERDICT

M3GAN 2.0 is a step back for the franchise as the film subverts the horror element entirely while choosing to embrace the PG-13 rating, and ultimately a broader appeal to a younger audience. As I mentioned earlier M3GAN was a great film for all of its unique qualities, but at the end of the day the sad reality is that a sequel was just a bad idea altogether. I’m not saying it is unwatchable, but you need to go in knowing what to expect otherwise you will be disappointed.

TED TAKES RATING - 5.4/10

M3GAN 2.0 is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

28 Years Later

28 YEARS LATER is a 2025 post-apocalyptic horror film produced and directed by Danny Boyle, and written by Alex Garland. The third in the 28 Days Later film series, following 28 DAYS LATER (2002) and 28 WEEKS LATER (2007). The film marks the returns of Boyle, Garland, and cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle to the series, all of whom worked on the original film, with Cillian Murphy also serving as executive producer. The film was confirmed to have been shot back-to-back with its sequel 28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE which was directed by Nia DaCosta, written by Garland, and produced by Boyle and Garland.

28 years after the Rage virus escaped a medical research laboratory, survivors have found ways to exist amidst the infected. One group lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-defended causeway. When a father and his son leave the island on a mission into the dark heart of the mainland, they discover secrets, wonders, and horrors of the outside world.

The cast includes Jodie Comer, ​Aaron Taylor-Johnson, ​Jack O'Connell, ​Alfie Williams, ​and Ralph Fiennes.

28 YEARS LATER made its debut in theaters June 20th, courtesy of Sony Pictures Releasing.

I honestly can’t remember the last time I watched 28 Days Later which came out way back in 2002. The film, which starred Cillian Murphy, was a hit and easily one of the better films in the survival horror genre. Clearly way ahead of its time as the premise focused on a deadly virus, it is still a favorite of mine. I fully intended to give it another refresher watch before seeing 28 YEARS LATER but it wasn’t streaming and I was too cheap to pay for it VOD. So instead I relied on my fantastic memory as far as the events of the first film, as well as the sequel 28 Weeks Later, which came out in 2007 and starred Jeremy Renner, Rose Byrne, and Imogen Poots. That film was fantastic as well, which begs tHE question why did it take so long for us to get another film in this great franchise. Oh well, better late than never, right?

Getting back on track, 28 YEARS LATER was absolutely fantastic, and honestly better than I expected it to be. As a film junkie I always appreciate the technical elements of a film and everything here was top notch. The cinematography had me floored from the opening sequence, the editing was ridiculous, and the soundtrack was just so damn good. Plus don’t let me forget about the special effects because they were glorious. A film like 28 DAYS LATER shines when the technical elements all come together seamlessly, but acting still matters and they did it yet again with a very talented cast.

This time around we have Aaron Taylor-Johnson at the helm alongside Jodie Comer and Alfie Williams. I thought the entire cast was awesome, which of course was to be expected from season vets like Taylor-Johnson and Comer, but I thought Williams was really good too and he definitely impressed me. We also get a strong supporting role from my guy Ralph Fiennes, who is always a fan favorite for good reason.

In many ways 28 YEARS LATER feels like a blend of the first two films with the intensity and focus on the horrors that led to the unfortunate circumstances these people were forced to navigate. I also really liked how the writing made it a point to focus on the fact that these people were essentially left for dead and forced to find a way to survive amongst the infected, which gave it a Walking Dead feel in many ways especially considering the time that had passed between films. I also really liked how the film opens with a sequence that comes full circle in the end, but as per usual I will not give anything away. 28 YEARS LATER is just such an intense film that has powerful emotional moments blended with some crazy action sequences.

This film is never boring, and by the end I was pumped and ready for more. Speaking of more, it was confirmed that the follow-up film, 28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE (the title will make more sense once you see the film), was filmed back-to-pack and has already wrapped with a release date of January 16th, 2026. I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I was when I heard that news. LETS GO!

THE VERDICT

An intense and immersive survival horror film fueled by breathtaking visuals and a spectacular soundtrack, 28 YEARS LATER makes a statement as it kicks off a fresh new trilogy. I personally cannot wait for January to get here so I can check out 28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE. It remains to be seen if the 3rd film will get the green light depending on how the first two films do, but if all goes as it should theater goers are in for some fun times.

TED TAKES RATING - 8.7/10

28 YEARS LATER is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

Materialists

MATERIALISTS is a 2025 romantic comedy film written and directed by Academy Award nominee Celine Song (Past Lives).

A matchmaker's lucrative business is complicated when she falls into a toxic love triangle that threatens her clients.

The cast includes Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, Pedro Pascal, Marin Ireland, Sawyer Spielberg, Lindsey Broad, Eddie Cahill, and Louisa Jacobson.

MATERIALISTS made its debut in theaters June 13th, courtesy of A24.

When it comes to movies I have always had a fairly broad appreciation for genres, which is why I can bathe in the beautiful violence of a film like BALLERINA (our full review here), and without missing a beat go check out Celine Song’s romantic comedy drama film MATERIALISTS. Now in terms of grabbing my interest it certainly helps that the main cast includes Dakota Johnson, Captain America himself Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal.

I’m embarrassed to admit that I have yet to see Song’s debut film PAST LIVES (preview and trailer here) but knowing that it is now readily available on Netflix I will be watching it very, very soon. Unfortunately the film had a limited theatrical run so I missed it in theaters, but I know a ton about it and I am excited to finally see it. Because of PAST LIVES I am familiar with Song and what seems to be the magic touch when it comes to romantic comedy drama films, so I was excited to see what she was able to do with MATERIALISTS.

I know I keep referring to MATERIALISTS as a romantic comedy drama film, but after seeing it for myself although it definitely has funny moments it is for sure more of a romantic drama. First and foremost I really enjoyed this film and felt like the signature touch of writer/director Celine Song was prevalent throughout. In my opinion when it comes to filmmaking and you don’t have the benefit of special effects and just all that extra stuff to keep audiences entertained, the core of the film which to me is the writing stands out that much more.

I can say without a fraction of a doubt that Celine Song is an incredibly talented filmmaker, and I feel like where her talents really shine through is the writing. MATERIALISTS is a spot on modern day romantic drama film that focuses on the reality of dating which can honestly be very depressing. If you ever experienced the world of online dating you know that it is very sad and incredibly hilarious all at the same time. I never once questioned the authenticity of the film which is a huge plus in my book.

Dakota Johnson plays Lucy, a successful single woman in New York who has built a career finding love for others working for a matchmaking service. On the surface Lucy is confident and believes in the power of true love which is a big reason why she is so good at her her job, but eventually it becomes clear that navigating love may require more than just a checklist and an algorithm. Viewers get to know Lucy on a very intimate level and I felt completely immersed as we watched her attempt to make sense of it all as far as life and love as she navigated her past relationship with John (Chris Evans), and Harry (Pedro Pascal), the rich and handsome bachelor considered a “unicorn” in the matchmaking business.

Celine Song is incredible at creating these characters that feel real because you get to see their great qualities as well as their flaws, and audiences will find themselves torn between what they feel are the right decisions Lucy should be making. At its core MATERIALISTS is a film that hammers home the age old message, you simply cannot fake true love. The entire cast is fantastic from top to bottom allowing viewers to just appreciate the nuances of the film as the story is told.

I just loved the overall feel of MATERIALISTS, and I felt like Celine Song did such a great job creating an authentic portrayal of the messiness of finding love. People always have their list of “non-negotiables”, I actually just found my wife’s a few weeks ago which she wrote out before we met and I thought it was hilarious, but the reality is that the person you think you should be with and the person you fall in love with may have nothing in common.

Sure you would prefer someone who has it together because that just makes life that much easier, but at the end of the day you can’t fake a connection, and you either have it or you don’t. I mean sure, in a perfect world I will someday find a sugar momma on the side who will happily finance a lavish lifestyle for my family, but until then I will take my imperfect but genuine relationship I have built for the last 10+ years that has led to a beautiful family, and many more good days than bad. What more can you ask for?

THE VERDICT

A funny and genuinely moving story of the messiness of modern-day dating and the pursuit of true love, MATERIALISTS is a fantastic film and further proof that Celine Song is an incredibly talented filmmaker. I love a good romantic comedy but they often tend to be a dime a dozen, and I feel like a film like this is up there with some of the top-tier films in the genre like Crazy, Stupid, Love. for example which is one of my absolute favorites. MATERIALISTS has its own identity and just feels like an effortlessly entertaining experience for viewers without all of the bells and whistles, and to me that is a testament to the film at its core.

TED TAKES RATING - 8.6/10

MATERIALISTS is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

Ballerina

BALLERINA is a 2025 neo-noir action thriller film directed by Len Wiseman and written by Shay Hatten. It is a spin-off and the fifth film in the John Wick franchise, set between the events of Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019) and Chapter 4 (2023). The film is also actor Lance Reddick's final screen role, which will be released posthumously in 2025.

Young female assassin Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas) trained in the traditions of the Ruska Roma organization sets out to seek revenge after her father's death.

The cast includes Ana de Armas, Anjelica Huston, Keanu Reeves, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Norman Reedus, and Ian McShane.

BALLERINA made its debut in theaters June 6th, courtesy of Lionsgate Movies.

It is rare but every once in a great while a new film franchise is born that creates a seismic shift in the cinema landscape and that is exactly what happened back in 2014 when the John Wick franchise was born. Keanu Reeves is a legendary icon in the film industry, easily one of the most recognizable stars thanks to a massively successful career, but he is also known to be just a really good guy. Reeves took on this new role and to say that he literally became John Wick would be an understatement.

This larger-than-life almost mythical character became a cultural icon and one thing was for certain, you do NOT mess with John Wick. I fell in love with everything about this franchise and the incredible universe it created, but after Chapter 4 it seemed that a run of nearly a decade was finally coming to an end. A few spin-offs for the franchise were announced including a film called BALLERINA, a new action thriller directly linked to the John Wick franchise and starring Ana de Armas. Naturally I was intrigued although I tried to keep my expectations in check because naturally it would be nearly impossible to create something worthy of such a polarizing franchise, right?

As a diehard John Wick fan, I honestly thought BALLERINA was fantastic and even better than I expected. I tried to go in with moderate expectations because I do think so much of this franchise, but man did they pull out all of the stops here as they expanded on the universe and did justice to in my opinion the best action thriller franchise in the last decade, and it’s not even close. Ana de Armas is an absolute beast in this role and she deserves a ton of credit for what she was able to accomplish here. If you want to dip your toe in the John Wick universe you better be a real badass and she plays the part for sure.

A big test for BALLERINA was finding way to make the movie feel like it belongs in the John Wick universe, and without giving anything away it honestly felt like I was re-watching the original John Wick in the sense that the events of this film line up with where it all started. In many ways it felt like how the Breaking Bad series Better Call Saul found a way to stay true to the hit series by picking up from the beginning with an entirely different perspective. Similar to John Wick, Eve is fueled by revenge to the point where she is basically seeing red. She understands all of the rules and the simple fact that there are some lines you cannot come back from if they are crossed, but when revenge is the only thing that matters nothing will get in the way.

Eve’s journey to becoming a badass killing machine feels very authentic and I really liked how realistic the action felt even though it does get very over-the-top at times. In a good way, of course. I won’t spoil it but one specific standoff during the final act of the film is absolutely glorious. The action, the fight sequences, the cinematography, the soundtrack, it is all very much true to the John Wick franchise and for that reason it is just on another level. I thought the cast was amazing with the return of several franchise regulars including Ian McShane, and an emotional final on-screen appearance by the legendary Lance Reddick. I also loved the addition of The Walking Dead’s Norman Reedus. If you consider yourself to be a fan of this franchise you need to see this movie as soon as possible, simple as that.

THE VERDICT

A stylish and gritty action thriller that carves out its own identity while effectively expanding the polarizing John Wick universe, BALLERINA was so much fun and absolutely exceeded my expectations. Hardcore fans of this franchise will leave the theater with an urge to re-watch all of the John Wick films, and to me that is the ultimate compliment. Ana de Armas is a legit badass and I can’t wait to see where they take things with her character.

TED TAKES RATING - 8.3/10

BALLERINA is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.