Category: Action

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In a 2023 interview, filmmaker Jalmari Helander expressed interest in directing a sequel to Sisu if it were a hit. Thankfully, the film was a success, grossing $14.3 million against a €6 million budget and earning critical acclaim. Later that year, the film’s star, Jorma Tommila, said he wanted to return as the protagonist. Helander confirmed that a sequel was in development, with a final budget of roughly €11 million ($12.2 million). Filming began in early 2024 in and around Finland and Estonia, primarily in Rapla and Lääne Counties. While Lionsgate was the domestic distributor for the first film, Sony Pictures’ Screen Gems replaced them in early 2025. The film premiered at Fantastic Fest that September, followed by a special screening in Helsinki the following month. Roughly two years after its predecessor, Sisu: Road to Revenge opened in US theaters in November 2025.

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Synopsis

After WWII, Finland ceded Karelia to the Soviet Union, forcing many Finnish citizens to leave their homes. Among them is ex-commando Aatami Korpi (Jorma Tommila), who tears down his house to move it further inward. Korpi gained a reputation for single-handedly killing 300 Soviet soldiers after his family’s execution during the Winter War. Upon hearing that Korpi is on USSR soil, the government enlists officer Igor Draganov (Stephen Lang) to take him down. However, no matter how many men Draganov sends after him, Korpi brutally massacres them one by one. We soon learn that Draganov was responsible for the death of Korpi’s family, making this more personal. Even after being run off the road and surviving a tank explosion, Korpi keeps getting back up and won’t stop. Before, he was only trying to rebuild his life, but now, Korpi’s on the road to revenge.

Review

Going through my review catalog, I’m shocked that I never reviewed Sisu; suffice it to say, I loved it. Sisu was one of the most raw, visceral, over-the-top, and entertaining action movies I’d seen in a while. Thankfully, the sequel is just as good as the original, even if it loses some of its freshness. While not quite as gruesome as the original, Sisu: Road to Revenge still delivers on the over-the-top violence. Jalmari Helander knows what the audience wants and gives us precisely that: nonstop action and tons of viscera. What helps is that this is a more personal film since it deals with the lead’s past. Not only is he moving his house piece by piece, but he’s targeted for what he did to the Soviets. The movie gives us just enough backstory without diminishing the protagonist’s coolness factor.

Speaking of, Jorma Tommila once again delivers as the silent but tough commando-turned-farmer, Aatami Korpi. He’s able to communicate his emotions through just his facial expressions and body language, without saying a word. You can sense the raw anger in his eyes, and watching him struggle to get back up is satisfying. Stephen Lang is fantastic as the villainous Igo Draganov, though it feels like anyone could’ve played the part. While it’s great to see Stephen Lang in the role, any actor could’ve played it without anything changing. Still, seeing Lang at odds with Tommila is fantastic, and it’s great whenever Tommila gets one over on him. Character actor Richard Brake, from Mandy and Barbarian, also appears as the KGB officer who sends Draganov. Though he has limited screentime, he makes the most of his scenes every time.

Like the first film, this one revels in the excess: tons of blood, cartoonish violence, and over-the-top action. The plot, such as it is, is very threadbare, but a movie like this doesn’t need an intricate story. Mika Orasmaa’s cinematography is phenomenal, making the most of the Estonian locations and capturing vivid panoramic views. It also helps that they manage to capture the action on screen without shaking the camera throughout. Several scenes feel like a classic Western, highlighted by the minimalist score by Juri Seppa and Tuomas Wainola. Admittedly, if you’re looking for a powerful message, an intricate plot, and deep characterization, you’ll be disappointed. However, if you like ridiculous action, simple but compelling stories, and larger-than-life characters, this is for you. Overall, Sisu: Road to Revenge manages to maintain what worked in the original and then some.

Sisu: Road to Revenge is in theaters.

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Where to watch Sisu: Road to Revenge (2025)

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Despite earning mostly negative reviews, 2018’s The Predator grossed $160.5 million worldwide against an $88 million budget. This gross was enough to convince Fox to continue the franchise, even after Disney purchased 20th Century Fox. During the production of that film, Dan Trachtenberg, the director of 10 Cloverfield Lane, began working on a new installment. After premiering at San Diego Comic-Con, Hulu released Trachtenberg’s Prey in August 2022 to overall positive reviews. This reception led to Trachtenberg working on two more films in the franchise for 2025. The first was Predator: Killer of Killers, an animated anthology film released on Hulu in June to further critical acclaim. Before this, Trachtenberg was filming the second film in New Zealand in 2024 under the working title “Backpack.” After premiering at the TCL Chinese Theater, Predator: Badlands stalked its way into theaters in November 2025.

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Synopsis

Despite his brother’s protest, Yautja runt Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) wants to prove his worth by hunting the most dangerous prey. Before leaving, Dek witnesses his father, Njohrr (Reuben De Jong), kill his brother for defending him despite his perceived weakness. Dek lands on the planet Genna, otherwise known as the “death planet” for its hostile flora and fauna. During his hunt, Dek meets Thia (Elle Fanning), a damaged synthetic who offers to help him track down his target. He reluctantly agrees and straps her to his back as he explores the planet searching for his prey, the Kalisk. Meanwhile, Thia’s twin, Tessa (Elle Fanning), also a synth, is reactivated and assigned to track her down. It turns out the Weyland-Yutani Corporation, which built Thia and Tessa, also wants the Kalisk for their bio-weapons division. Will Dek succeed and prove his worth, or will the corporation get there first?

Review

Although not as iconic as the original, Predator: Badlands ranks among the franchise’s better films. On one hand, making the Predator the protagonist somewhat contradicts what every other installment established. However, I believe franchises need to explore new directions to stay relevant while still honoring what worked before. If The Terminator can transition from villain in the first film to hero in the sequel, why not The Predator? Thankfully, Dan Trachtenberg knows what makes this franchise successful while still innovating the formula in a way that works. You still have a Predator wandering through jungle-like settings, hunting, and killing human-like beings in gruesome ways. Of course, the victims are cyborgs with white blood, clearly done to achieve a PG-13 rating. While it’s disappointing not to have an R-rated Predator movie, what we got is at least entertaining. Still, here’s hoping we get more R-rated entries than PG-13 ones.

Though he doesn’t have any discernible dialogue, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi makes for a great Predator. He gives the character a physicality and presence not unlike Kevin Peter Hall’s in the original. His movements feel precise and deliberate, like a skilled hunter, but with some hesitation that shows he’s still new. Elle Fanning does a fantastic job playing the dual roles of synthetics Thia and Tessa, making each feel distinct. As Thia, she’s witty and sarcastic without feeling annoying, while as Tessa, she’s cold and calculating without seeming bland. Since most of the film centers on Dek and Thia, they must have great chemistry, which they thankfully do. They play off each other really well, and it never feels like one dominates the screen over the other. Granted, your mileage may vary on whether you find Thia endearing or annoying, though I personally found her enjoyable.

Usually, I’m against giving certain characters detailed backstories and extensive lore, but it works here. The other films hinted at the Predator’s history and culture, but this one delves further without neutering the Predator’s impact. Also, the movie adds ties to the Alien franchise, which isn’t the first time the two series crossed over. Thankfully, it’s not as blatant or poorly handled as the Alien vs. Predator movies, and it’s done more cleverly. It helps that the action is exciting and dynamic, with Dek fighting a variety of alien monsters of different sizes. On that note, seeing what Genna has to offer, from bloodthirsty roots to massive hornets, is exhilaratingly weird. At slightly under two hours long, the movie moves at a solid pace, though some moments drag here and there. Overall, Predator: Badlands shows that, while there are a few kinks, the franchise still has life left in it.

Predator: Badlands is in theaters.

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Where to watch Predator: Badlands (2025)

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[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Even though 1994’s The Fantastic Four was never released, producer Bernd Eichinger managed to keep the rights for years. After brokering a deal with 20th Century Fox to produce, Eichinger finally got his big-budget superhero movie in 2005. Despite receiving mostly negative reviews, the film grossed over $330 million worldwide, so the studio moved ahead with a sequel. 2007’s Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer earned slightly better reviews but made less money than its predecessor. Fox decided to reboot the series with 2015’s Fantastic Four, which was both a critical and commercial failure. Once Disney acquired Fox in 2019, the rights transferred back to Marvel, which immediately put a new film in production. Matt Shakman, who helmed the WandaVision miniseries in 2021, signed on to direct this latest adaptation. After years of development, The Fantastic Four: First Steps finally hit theaters in July 2025.

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Synopsis

In an alternate universe set in 1964, Earth is protected by The Fantastic Four, a superhero team endowed with extraordinary powers. There’s Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach). With their celebrity status, the team has also made significant contributions to scientific advancements and helped promote global peace. Sadly, that peace is threatened with the arrival of The Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), who declares Earth’s destruction is imminent. The four follow her to figure out what they’re up against, and they meet her master, Galactus (Ralph Ineson). He’s chosen Earth as his next target for consumption, but will spare them if they surrender Sue’s unborn child. Despite the citizens’ pleas, the four stand firm in wanting to fight Galactus and not sacrifice a baby. Will they successfully save the world, or will Galactus devour the Earth?

Review

After years of mediocre to downright awful adaptations, we finally have a good Fantastic Four movie. While I admire the 1994 film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is objectively better in almost every way. Oley Sassone’s version had tons of ambition but a lackluster budget, which doesn’t necessarily make for a bad movie. However, this new adaptation demonstrates that providing creatively talented individuals with the right resources can lead to something truly remarkable. The decision to set this film in an alternate 1960s universe was a genius idea that helps it stand out. You can tell from the production design, visual aesthetics, and score that 2001: A Space Odyssey was a huge influence. From the Baxter Building to the streets of New York City, the world feels lived-in and fully realized. It helps that the filmmakers employed as many practical effects and sets as possible.

While I think he’s a great actor, I wasn’t sure if Pedro Pascal was the best choice for Reed Richards. That said, he delivers a strong performance as a conflicted man with the world’s weight on his shoulders. For as intelligent and confident as Reed is, he still struggles when things get tough, and you feel for him. Vanessa Kirby is a great Sue Storm, displaying a motherly quality that perfectly fits the character. It helps that she has fantastic chemistry with Pascal, and they complement each other well. Joseph Quinn is a solid Johnny Storm, still acting like a brash womanizer while also showing self-awareness. Although I admire Michael Chiklis’ portrayal of The Thing, Ebon Moss-Bachrach brings a great deal of humanity to the role. Julie Garner is striking as The Silver Surfer, and Ralph Ineson is downright terrifying as Galactus.

Admittedly, there isn’t a ton of action, but that is strangely a positive rather than a negative. Rather than bogging down the movie with endless CG-filled fights, the focus is on developing the characters and story. You care about the Fantastic Four and are with them as they try to figure out how to stop Galactus. When the action kicks in, the movie succeeds at building tension and suspense that keeps you on edge. It also helps that, unlike other recent MCU movies, this one knows when to dial back on the humor. Granted, there are a few gags that go for too long or don’t land, but they’re few and far between. Even still, this film moves at a lean pace and doesn’t overstay its two-hour runtime, which is welcome. Overall, The Fantastic Four: First Steps will entertain both newcomers and MCU completionists alike.

Buy The Fantastic Four: First Steps from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3K2FVJo.

Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at no additional cost, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and make a purchase.

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Where to watch The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)

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[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]After Man of Steel became the ninth-highest-grossing film of 2013, Warner Bros. moved forward with its DC Extended Universe. Unfortunately, due to the troubled production of 2017’s Justice League, the studio started rethinking its plans. They approached James Gunn to helm a Superman movie, potentially, but he instead opted to make The Suicide Squad. Following the WarnerMedia/Discovery merger, the studio hired Gunn and producer Peter Safran to head the new DC Studios. Their first act would be a total restructuring of the DC cinematic universe, starting with a new, standalone Superman movie. After numerous auditions, they cast David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. With a $225 million budget, filming lasted from February to July 2024, spanning locations in Norway, Atlanta, and Ohio. Originally titled Superman: Legacy, the film was released in theaters in 2025 as simply Superman.

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Synopsis

Three years after his debut, Superman (David Corenswet) has garnered considerable support but also some derision. While many view him as a hero, others suspect he’s hiding something, including tech billionaire Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult). Along with Superman are fellow metahumans Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi). Unfortunately, people quickly turn on Superman when information is brought to light suggesting he’s here to conquer Earth. Lois Lane (Rachael Brosnahan), ace reporter at The Daily Planet, works to uncover the truth despite the risks. As Superman attempts to clear his name, Luthor proceeds with his plans to stage an international war. Despite the odds, Superman’s influence has inspired people to stand up and fight for what’s right when facing danger. With help from The Justice Gang and some unexpected allies, Superman will fight for truth, justice, and the human way.

Review

After years of ups and downs regarding DC movies, Superman comes along and breathes new life into the franchise. Like with his Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, James Gunn infuses his work with heart and humor, creating something special. His adaptation feels like a spiritual successor to what made Richard Donner’s 1978 original work. Rather than the grey and dreary mess Zach Snyder did, Gunn brings us a colorful and hopeful film. The movie features a vibrant color palette that isn’t overly saturated, and it feels inspiring without resorting to clichés. Sure, you get plenty of CGI action like in most modern superhero movies, but you still care about what’s happening. You’ve become so invested in these characters that you want them to win, not checking your watch every few seconds. Granted, some characters here are better than others, but the weaker ones don’t ruin the movie.

While Henry Cavill was a solid Superman, David Corenswet feels more in line with the character’s essence. He genuinely wants to help people, despite what people say about him and the overly political world surrounding him. Like Christopher Reeve before him, Corenswet brings a level of charisma and humanity to make the character more relatable. Rachael Brosnahan, in addition to having fantastic chemistry with Corenswet, perfectly embodies Lois Lane as the no-nonsense reporter she is. As iconic as Gene Hackman was, I think Nicholas Hoult gives his Lex Luthor a run for his money. Hoult brings the same level of hubris as Hackman, but he’s also more ruthless and cold in his demeanor. Nathan Fillion and especially Edi Gathegi steal the show, and while Isabela Merced isn’t terrible, she feels underdeveloped. Also, despite his limited screen time, Wendell Pierce brings a genuine aura as Perry White.

As much as I loved this movie, it’s not without its flaws that might deter some audiences. For one, while it would’ve been hard with a real dog, having Krypto as a fully CGI dog is distracting. Granted, he doesn’t take up too much screen time, but seeing this little CG dog jumping around is off-putting. Also, like some other James Gunn movies, this one suffers from dramatic moments being undercut by an ill-placed joke. While it’s not as bad as some other reviewers make it seem, it still creeps up from time to time. Plus, the overabundance of characters and subplots can feel overwhelming, but it also adds to the film’s scale. At slightly over two hours, some parts drag somewhat, but the pacing is solid and never feels sloppy. Overall, Superman is a fantastic standalone movie and a great start to a new universe.

Buy Superman from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4jOXvON.

Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at no additional cost, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and make a purchase.

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Where to watch Superman (2025)

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[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]After seeing the trailer for John Wick: Chapter 2, Shay Hatten was inspired to pen an action-thriller spec script. Lionsgate purchased the screenplay in 2017 with the intent of making it a spin-off of the John Wick series. Additionally, the studio hired Hatten to co-write John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, incorporating some concepts from his spec script. For the director’s chair, Lionsgate hired Underworld helmer Len Wiseman in 2019, with producer Chad Stahelski aiding him. Ana de Armas signed on to play the title role in 2021, and Lionsgate officially announced the film in 2022. Principal photography started in November 2022 around Prague with Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, Anjelica Huston, and Lance Reddick returning. Although scheduled for a June 2024 release, Lionsgate decided to add previously cut scenes, necessitating two additional weeks of filming. Despite these delays, Ballerina finally hit the big screen in June 2025.

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Synopsis

After witnessing her father’s murder, young Eve Macarro (Victoria Comte) gets taken in by the Director (Anjelica Huston) for training. Years later, Eve (Ana de Armas) has become an accomplished ballerina and assassin known as a Kikimora. Following several successful contracts, Eve asks the Director about the cult that killed her father to exact her revenge. Despite the Director’s warnings, Eve pursues the cult, seeking help from Winston (Ian McShane) at the New York Continental. He leads her to Daniel Pine (Norman Reedus), a cultist staying in Prague with his daughter, Ella (Ava McCarthy). It turns out Daniel left the cult to protect his daughter, but they find and shoot him before kidnapping Ella. Eve finally arrives in the cult’s hometown, Hallstatt, where their leader, The Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne), demands her death. Soon, the Director catches wind of her disobedience and hires John Wick (Keanu Reeves) to deal with her.

Review

Much like last year’s Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Ballerina feels unnecessary yet still entertaining in its own right. While I enjoyed my time watching this movie, it seems like Lionsgate made it as a quick cash grab. Granted, it’s not as poorly executed a cash grab as Disney’s live-action remakes, but it’s still noticeable. The fact that we’re getting a spin-off instead of a true sequel gives the impression that Lionsgate is desperate. However, considering they released Borderlands, The Crow, and Megalopolis last year, all of which bombed, this makes some sense. Still, I’m worried that a new wave of spin-offs might diminish the main series by proxy and lead to franchise fatigue. Regardless of what the future holds, Ballerina still serves as a standalone action movie with plenty to offer. While not as strong as the main John Wick series, this movie delivers the stylized action we’ve come to expect.

Ana de Armas is easily the best part of the movie, delivering a stone-cold performance as Eve Macarro. She exudes confidence while showing a vulnerable side that goes against the “girl boss” stereotype of similar female-led action movies. Like Keanu Reeves, she effectively takes down bad guys but also takes a licking, making her badass moments more impactful. The big standout scene is when she roasts cultists with a flamethrower, eventually dueling with another flamethrower. Oscar nominee Catalina Sandino Moreno also stands out as Lena, a rival assassin working with the cult to eliminate Eve. Gabriel Byrne makes for a compelling villain, and Anjelica Huston delivers alongside Ian McShane and the late Lance Reddick. Sadly, Norman Reedus feels somewhat wasted in his minor role, amounting to nothing more than a plot element. Also, Keanu Reeves feels like a cameo shoehorned in to ensure audiences know this is a John Wick-adjacent movie. Still, the fight scene between him and de Armas is another highlight of the film.

Considering he hadn’t directed a movie since the 2012 remake of Total Recall, Len Wiseman’s direction is surprisingly solid. Granted, it’s hard to tell how much of it was him, given the reports of Chad Stahelski massively reshooting scenes. However, according to more recent articles, Wiseman confirmed that there were no reshoots but rather additional scenes filmed. Regardless of that, the action sequences possess the signature fluidity and kinetic energy for which the series is known. Admittedly, some quick-cut editing and insufficient lighting make certain scenes hard to follow, but it’s not super distracting. Additionally, at only slightly over two hours long, the movie maintains a good pace and never feels padded. This movie is essential for John Wick fans, but casual viewers can also enjoy it as a standalone action film. Overall, Ballerina isn’t as strong as the main series, but it has plenty of good elements as well.

Ballerina is in theaters.

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[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]Against a $291 million budget, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One grossed over $571 million worldwide. Although considered a financial disappointment, the film still earned critical acclaim and was the 10th-highest-grossing film of 2023. Initially, this movie and its sequel were going to be shot back-to-back, but Paramount announced this wouldn’t be the case. Principal photography began in March 2022 in the UK, Malta, South Africa, and Norway, before moving to Apulia. Unfortunately, filming came to a stop due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, though it resumed in early 2024. Following another delay due to a submarine malfunction, filming wrapped in November 2024 with a final budget of $400 million. Although initially given the subtitle “Dead Reckoning Part Two,” the studio dropped this in late 2023. After numerous setbacks, the film landed in theaters in May 2025 as Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.

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Synopsis

Having retrieved the key to the Sevastopol, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) gets a message from President Erika Sloane (Angela Bassett). The Entity, a malicious AI whose source code is onboard the Sevastopol, has taken control of various nuclear systems. Even worse, Ethan learns that The Entity plans to incite an apocalypse unless he takes it to a secure bunker. With only four days until armageddon strikes, Ethan convinces Sloane to allow him and his team to locate the Sevastopol. Unfortunately, Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames) sacrifices himself to save Ethan, but not before developing a special malware device. Ethan recruits Grace (Hayley Atwell) and Benji (Simon Pegg), alongside assassin Paris (Pom Klementieff) and Agent Theo (Greg Tarzan Davis). Unfortunately, Gabriel (Elias Morales) is in pursuit, and The Entity has a following of doomsday cultists trying to stop him. Will Ethan save the world, or will The Entity succeed in destroying humanity?

Review

In my review of the last installment, I mentioned how the series continues to improve with each new entry. That being said, while I wouldn’t call it terrible, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is a slight dip in quality. Plot-wise, this film might have one of the most convoluted, densely packed, and unnecessarily complicated storylines I’ve ever seen. Sure, the other movies had intricate plots with tons of twists and turns, but they were easier to follow. They also include some nods to the earlier films, which is great for longtime fans, but newcomers will be lost. One welcome nod is the return of Rolf Saxon as CIA agent William Donloe from the original. Rather than being a cheap cameo for nostalgia’s sake, they further develop his character in a meaningful way. The filmmakers took care to honor what came before, even if the callbacks sometimes bog down the movie.

Say what you will about him, but Tom Cruise once again shows why he’s been a leading man for years. He adds a layer of humanity to the character, and he deserves credit for his willingness to perform dangerous stunts. Despite the noticeable age gap, Hayley Atwell works as Cruise’s love interest, and she again delivers a strong performance. Ving Rhames shines in his final moments, and Simon Pegg gets more screentime as he becomes a de facto leader. The other supporting actors work just as well, and Rolf Saxon gets to shine as we see where he’s been. Unfortunately, Elias Morales remains the weakest link, playing a bland villain who isn’t fully fleshed out. By contrast, Pom Klementieff still shines as the assassin of few words, now working with the heroes. Also, while his performance is far from terrible, it’s still weird seeing Nick Offerman without a mustache.

Of course, a Mission: Impossible movie wouldn’t be complete without big action sequences, and this one delivers. Whether it’s narrowly escaping a downed submarine or hanging off a bi-plane, this film keeps the tension going throughout. Plus, every Mission: Impossible movie must include the required Tom Cruise running sequences, and this one is no exception. Still, for a film that’s supposed to be the series finale, I can’t help but feel somewhat underwhelmed by it. To reiterate, this isn’t a bad movie, but by the end, it feels like they’re setting up for another one. It also doesn’t help that, at two hours and 50 minutes, this is the longest one, and you feel it. That said, despite falling short of the last few entries, this is still a solid action movie worth watching. Overall, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is an exciting, if underwhelming, action spectacle.

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is in theaters.

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[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]In 1997’s The Incredible Hulk #449, a new team of superheroes known as The Thunderbolts emerged to replace The Avengers. Created by Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley, the series went through numerous writers and artists who changed the fundamental group. Fast-forward to 2014, when James Gunn wanted to adapt Thunderbolts into a movie after Guardians of the Galaxy. While that never happened, talks of a Thunderbolts team surfaced over the years until Marvel teased it in 2021. In 2022, Jake Schreier came on board to direct a screenplay from Eric Pearson, with additional rewrites from Joanna Calo. The cast included actors from previous MCU projects, including Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, Hannah John-Kamen, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Due to the writers’ and SAG strikes, filming didn’t start until February 2024, running until that June, mainly in Atlanta. After numerous delays, Thunderbolts* finally hit theaters in May 2025.

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Synopsis

Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) feels unfulfilled, working as a lapdog for CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). Wanting out, Yelena agrees to one last job from Valentina: go to an abandoned research station and stop a heist. Upon arrival, she runs into Ava Starr, aka Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), and John Walker (Wyatt Russell). It turns out they’re also working for Valentina, and she set them up to burn with everything inside the station. Along with a seemingly random civilian named Bob (Lewis Pullman), they escape, only for Valentina to recapture Bob. Thankfully, Yelena’s father, Alexei Shostakov aka Red Guardian (David Harbour), rescues her, Ghost, and Walker before Valentina eliminates them. They’re inadvertently saved by Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), who reluctantly agrees to help them take out Valentina. As our team of misfits finds themselves working together, Bob soon discovers there’s more to him than meets the eye.

Review

While it suffers the same flaws as other MCU movies, Thunderbolts* is a step in the right direction. The conflicting tone and out-of-place quips are still sprinkled in, but it’s more dialed back and less prevalent. In a way, this is one of the most dour and sad entries in the franchise, which is strangely refreshing. You get the typical big action set pieces and whatnot, but there’s more emotional depth than expected. Without going into too many spoilers, the film explores themes of depression, loneliness, self-doubt, redemption, and acceptance. Most action sequences are more grounded and small-scale, akin to the hand-to-hand scenes in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Granted, this movie isn’t as good as the second Captain America film, but it’s a close call. If Captain America: Brave New World was more middle-of-the-road, this one makes an effort and mostly nails it.

Despite being marketed as an ensemble film, this is essentially a Florence Pugh vehicle, which isn’t bad. She gives arguably the best performance of her career here since Midsommar, playing a very down-to-earth, broken anti-hero. While she does have the occasional snide comment, she mostly plays it dead serious and shows a more vulnerable side. Hannah John-Kamen and Wyatt Russell also work as supporting characters alongside Pugh, though their characters aren’t as fleshed out. David Harbour steals every scene he’s in, and his scenes with Sebastian Stan are hilarious. I could see them working as a buddy duo similar to movies like Lethal Weapon or The Last Boy Scout. Lewis Pullman has an undeniable charm that makes him likable, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus is better here than in Black Widow. Sadly, despite what the marketing might say, Olga Kurylenko once again gets the shaft as Taskmaster.

Going back to The Winter Soldier, this movie has some of the same themes of political intrigue as that one. There aren’t as many twists, and the politics are dialed down, but they’re trying to recapture the magic. The film doesn’t succeed since it has the same issues as other MCU movies: out-of-place humor and an inconsistent tone. Some jokes work in a dry, sardonic way, but some snarky one-liners don’t land, though Harbour always gets a laugh. You get the sense that the filmmakers wanted something more serious and grounded, but the studio insisted on adding humor. Regardless of my issues, more of this film works than doesn’t, and it’s a step up in quality. There are some pacing issues at slightly over two hours, but it never feels like it’s dragging to the end. Overall, much like the titular team, Thunderbolts* is flawed but still works.

Buy Thunderbolts* from Amazon: https://amzn.to/40Om4TA.

Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at no additional cost, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and make a purchase.

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[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]In 1997, Ray Mendoza joined the US Navy, rising through the ranks to join SEAL Team 5. After serving 16 years, he worked as a military consultant on various movies, beginning with 2012’s Act of Valor. Mendoza also worked on Lone Survivor, Jurassic World, and The Terminal List, learning the tricks of the trade. He met filmmaker Alex Garland while working on 2024’s Civil War, where the two became fast friends. Mendoza told Garland about a failed surveillance mission in 2006 that almost killed one of his squadmates. Seeing the potential, Garland worked with Mendoza to adapt the story, consulting the NAVY seals from the mission. With the script written and the cast assembled, filming occurred around London in May 2024 with a $20 million budget. Less than a year later, Mendoza and Garland’s efforts hit theaters in April 2025 as Warfare.

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Synopsis

In the Iraqi city of Ramadi, NAVY Seal Team Alpha One takes control of a multi-story house for surveillance. Ray Mendoza (D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai) monitors their position while Elliot Miller (Cosmo Jarvis) trains his sniper rifle on a nearby market. Things quickly go wrong when a grenade gets thrown into the room Miller’s in, which injures him. The team calls in an evac to get Elliot some medical attention, but an IED blows up the transport. While only one soldier gets killed, Miller and the team’s medic, Sam (Joseph Quinn), are both gravely wounded. The team’s leader, Erik (Will Poulter), tries forming a plan of action but is understandably shaken by what’s happened. With a team of soldiers scrambling for answers and two men nearly dying, Erik calls in Alpha Two for assistance. Will the other Seals make it in time, or will this be Alpha One’s final mission?

Review

Much like Oliver Stone’s Platoon, Warfare succeeds in depicting its war in a real and visceral way. It also helps that its respective filmmakers served in the military and used their experiences as references. While I think Stone’s Vietnam movie is better, Mendoza’s first-time directing effort is commendable, and I’m excited for what’s next. You feel like you’re there with the soldiers as they try to survive this unknown environment. The slow start might put some off, but it feels natural and gives a false sense of security. The action happens so abruptly that you feel the shock that the characters experience and are similarly discombobulated. This movie isn’t any pro-America propaganda showing how awesome being part of the military is that depicts Middle Easterners offensively. Instead, the filmmakers want you to experience war in its purest form: raw, unfeeling, gritty, nonpolitical, and unbiased.

The cast does an excellent job with the material, even if there’s a lack of characterization. Relative newcomer D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai is fantastic as the communications officer trying to stay focused amid the chaos. Will Poulter is also great, using his facial expressions and body language to communicate a feeling of helplessness and confusion. You can tell he’s trying to be an effective leader, but he is way over his head. Cosmo Jarvis and Joseph Quinn also excel as ordinary soldiers enduring some of the worst pain imaginable. While I’d typically dock this movie points for its lack of deep characters, that’s not the point. In war, you don’t have time to get to know people better, especially when anyone can die anytime. You don’t need character insights or deep backstories to feel emotional for these guys fighting to see another day.

For a first-time director, Ray Mendoza shows much promise, as he knows how to capture action effectively. The editing is fast-paced and kinetic, but it’s never so chaotic that you can’t tell what’s happening. David Thompson’s cinematography goes from long, sweeping shots to in-your-face, shaky cam, but in a way that feels natural. The sound design adds to the sense of realism, with the faraway gunshots mixed with deep breathing. The pacing is deliberate, slow before going headfirst without a second’s notice, and still easy to follow. It helps that the film is only 95 minutes long, so it never feels padded or overlong. Please don’t expect a straightforward narrative since this is more about capturing an experience, which it does phenomenally. Overall, Warfare is one of the best war films in recent memory and one of 2025’s best movies so far.

Buy Warfare from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qHK3y6.

Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at no additional cost, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and make a purchase.

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Where to watch Warfare (2025)

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