Superman is a comic book brought to life! James Gunn doesn’t shy away from his signature flair and it works incredibly well. All of the flash, action, and adrenaline you’d expect from a superhero film is present and exceptionally well-balanced with the most grounded, relatable Clark Kent ever portrayed on the big screen.

Our new Superman isn’t perfect, dark, or melodramatic. He is vulnerable, grounded, and compassionate. Gunn understands the source material and the result is the best Superman movie since Christopher Reeve graced us with his presence back in 1978. David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult are casting home-runs and their chemistry oozes through the screen.

The new DCU has finally found its footing and I can confidently say with the success of Peacemaker and now Superman, the future is looking bright!

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Empathy is a Superpower

After years of cynical and dark superhero stories, James Gunn’s Superman returns to the themes and messages that embody the true spirit of the genre. Superman loses battles, struggles with his identity, and doesn’t see himself as a savior.

Corenswet really shines in the film’s most personal moments and the result is a Superman that feels authentic, yet fresh and relevant. Like most Superman stories, the central theme of this movie is Clark Kent’s struggle to find purpose in a world that actively dismisses him as alien. As he struggles with the complications of his legacy, Kent is also at odds with the evil Lex Luthor and is juggling his passionate but intricate relationship with Lois Lane.

Rather than dismiss these internal struggles, Superman goes on a journey to save Metropolis all while confronting his shortcomings. Gunn understands it is this vulnerability that makes the character special.

Gunn’s Superman has the strength and fortitude you’ve come to expect, but teaches us that the most important superpower is when you lift others up rather than serve yourself. This is a welcome and necessary return to Superman’s true heritage after Zack Snyder’s dark stories with a futile attempt for character growth.

That is not to say the old way is the wrong way, but when the goal is to reboot an entire intellectual property, this version of Superman offers a far more interesting and relatable dynamic.

The story is hopeful and Superman’s journey ultimately reminds us that it is important to be an empathetic person. As the DCU expands, these morals will likely come to a head with Batman and other Justice League members to create compelling conflict. Gunn has written the ideal Superman for the moment.

A Casting Homerun

Superman has a runtime of 2 hours and 9 minutes and it genuinely flies by. This results in quite a few scenes that I wish had more screen time. Most of these moments are a testament to the film’s excellent casting and their on-screen chemistry.

I’ll start with the scene where Clark shares a moment with his dad outside their farm house. Man, did I want to stay here a little longer. The vulnerability in Superman’s voice is brought out by the comfort of Johnathan Kent. It made for a very touching moment.

It is here you see the physical embodiment of Clark’s monologue to Lois and it was deeply moving. I don’t think we’ve seen a Superman this self-aware and it goes a long way. Johnathan and Martha Kent come across as humble, but worldly. It is rewarding to see where Superman’s ideology originates.

Nicholas Hoult may be the best Lex Luthor I have ever seen. He’s the definition of a scene stealer! Too many comic book films create arbitrary villains that we have to just accept as evil with little cause. Not here. Not under this director. Gunn goes out of his way to emphasize Luthor’s villainy.

Whether it be through the vicious cold-blooded murder of innocent people, the kidnapping and torturing of a dog, or calculated monologues aimed at the movie’s protagonists, Gunn writes Lex Luthor’s immorality to be something you can’t get enough of despite your distain for him.

I walked out the theater dying for more Lex because of how well he brought out the Clark “Kentness” of Corenswet’s Superman. The two worked harmoniously in their own polar opposite ways.

Speaking of actors having an obvious rapport, this review wouldn’t be complete without mention of Clark Kent and Lois Lane’s budding relationship. Like the scene pictured above, each time Corenswet and Brosnahan are on screen together, fireworks (or dimensional imps?) light up the sky.

Their love and energy is infectious and beautiful, but they also aren’t afraid to be real with one another. This sincerity makes the bond of two extraordinary people feel visceral, human, and dare I say, ordinary.

There is no doubt these two will be the faces of the DCU for years to come and it warms my heart that we will have such a relatable love story to keep coming back to.

Final Thoughts

James Gunn’s Superman is a thrilling retelling of a classic superhero story that embodies all of the cheesy humor, uplifting themes, and heavy action sequences reminiscent of comic books of the past. Actors with palpable on-screen chemistry complement a well-written, sometimes busy, screenplay that tells a moving story extremely relevant to the times.

After years of directionless leadership, the new DCU has finally found its footing. Gunn’s savvy casting signifies a bold, but unified creative direction moving forward.

Most importantly, Superman teaches us to lead with kindness and empathy. A thesis the entire world could use a little dose of right about now.

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What I am watching, listening, and reading this week.

The Life of Chuck

The Life of Chuck is a wonderful thought-provoking experience with a superb cast. Mark Hamill was an absolute blast!

Stick

Owen Wilson is the man! Stick is nothing new in the world of sports dramadies, but it is a fun time nonetheless. Sometimes a feel-good story is what you need to close out a day.

F1 Original Score

Without this score, F1 would be a shell of itself. This music is the perfect complement to the racing scenes in the film and even goes well with a tough workout. I was bumping to this on my run this morning!

Project Hail Mary

I saw the trailer for this while waiting for Superman and started rereading the novel that night. Project Hail Mary is one of my favorite sci-fi stories ever written and if The Martian was any indication, it should work really well as a motion picture adaptation.

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Why? Sometimes the best stories and character arcs are driven by awful dads. (That and I have an unhealthy obcession with Star Wars so any time I can write about it, I will. Spoiler alert.)

#3: Darth Vader (Star Wars)

The best villain in movie history comes in at #3. Let’s start with the obvious. He killed his pregnant wife. So there’s that. He also cut off his own son’s arm and then asked him to join him like nothing happened. If dismembering your own child isn’t enough, he also tortured his daughter and blew up her entire home planet.

In Vader’s defense, he fell victim to the temptations of the dark side during all of this. Emperor Palpatine was a master manipulator. Darth also didn’t know that Leia was his daughter at the time of destroying Alderaan. His immensely satisfying redemption arc sees him ultimately defeat the higher evil and see the light. For that, the chosen one is spared a higher spot on this list.

#2: Clifford McBride (Ad Astra)

If you haven’t seen Ad Astra yet, do you yourself a favor and watch it. Very few films are as thought-provoking and introspective.

The film follows astronaut Roy McBride’s search for his estranged father, Clifford, who just so happens to be responsible for sending life-threatening radiation back to Earth from his remote space station orbiting around Neptune.

Roy is attempting to save Earth from his father’s unexplained experimental radiation, but is also motivated for answers from his estranged father. Roy has not seen Clifford since he was a child and when he finally makes contact, he learns that his father murdered his fellow crewmates and wants to sacrifice all of Earth in an attempt to find alien life. If that’s not bad enough, Clifford tells his son (who just traveled across the solar system to find him, mind you) that the real reason he became an astronaut was to get away from his family. He found life with his wife and Roy to be incredibly boring and unrewarding. Ouch.

#1: Daniel Plainview (There Will Be Blood)

One of the most powerful characters in the history of film is also my pick as the worst dad in the history of film. Daniel Plainview’s story is a harrowing examination of the detrimental effects power and greed can have on a man. And in this case, a father.

Plainview uses his deaf adopted son, H.W., as a prop in his larger game to acquire as much wealth as possible. Appearing as a family man helps grow his business and fortune, but that comes at the expense of H.W., who we learn was essentially abducted by Plainview with only money on the mind.

There are moments when Plainview attempts to be a good father, but those uplifting moments become increasingly scarce as the film progresses and all comes to blows in the final act when Planview disowns H.W. in a drunken tantrum. It is a heartbreaking end to a doomed father-son relationship and leaves a terrible taste in your mouth.

What do you think of my list? I’d love to see your top-3 worst fictional dad lists in the comments. Also shoutout to James Earl Jones, Tommy Lee Jones, and Daniel Day-Lewis for their incredible performances. I bet all of them are/were fantastic dads in real life.

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Happy Father’s Day to all the good dads out there!

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Celine Song uses conventional rom-com glitz and glamour as a hook and then proceeds to deliver one of the most authentically human stories of the year. Materialists examines the artificiality of modern dating in an increasingly shallow world. It is not without some quirky fluff and stale humor, but there is a rare sense of realism in Song's depiction of contemporary relationships that I believe many people will find solace in.

This is not a genre-defining film like Song’s 2023 directorial debut, Past Lives, but Materialists still feels very human. Its biggest flaw is that it is marketed and structured as a romantic-comedy when in reality it just isn’t. The little humor that is present is not very funny and despite what the trailer and poster may lead you to believe, there is no love triangle or juicy spats between the male leads.

When you approach Materialists for what it truly is - a romantic drama - I think it is easier to appreciate the message and purpose behind Song’s sophomore film.

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This is Celine Song Coded For Better or Worse

Dakota Johnson plays a professional matchmaker, named Lucy, who depersonalizes people to their superficial traits, such as height, weight, race, and salary in an attempt to find suitable matches for her clients. The film uses her character to drive a commentary about modern relationships and how dating apps and social media have created a cold, cruel over-analytical approach to courtship.

The beginning of the film depicts a Paleolithic couple who we eventually learn represent the very first people to get engaged. This couple is a constant callback throughout the story and serves as a metaphorical reminder that love, at its very core, may be the one thing that has not advanced with the rest of society. Song suggests that modern romance is far more complicated now than it ever has been with the introduction of dating services and apps.

Materialists modernizes classic stories about class and social dynamics, such as Romeo and Juliet and Pride and Prejudice, and blends that together with today’s almost formulaic approach to dating that often discourages real connection.

By the third act, the shine and polish you’d expect from a traditional rom-com is substituted for an imperfect yet authentic resolution that most films of this genre would avoid out of fear from deviating from the norm. If you expected run of the mill romance and comedy, you may walk home disappointed, but I think there is no denying that this is a story rooted in something many people will find touching.

Too Much Fluff, Not Enough Chris and Pedro

My biggest gripe with the film is its mismanagement of its three stars. You have some of the most charismatic actors of this generation in Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal yet the three them get very little screen time as a trio. One of the men is always coming or going and in the small scenes when they are together, there is no real vibrance to the moment.

The result is a finished product that feels stagnant and lacking in chemistry. The themes and undertones I discussed above are interesting, but they lack emphasis as a result of the structure.

I don’t think the performances were poor and I even found each character’s flaws rather interesting, but there was an unrealized layer of depth that I can’t stop thinking about. Had they given us more love triangle and less of the repetitive, dull matchmaking and workplace drama, I think the leads would have come across as much more relatable.

This leaves me frustrated because I greatly appreciate Song’s messaging and willingness to divert from the exhausted rom-com blueprint. However, the characters are just not that compelling on their own. Ironically, I’m now convinced that the departure from traditional comedy hurts Materialists rather than helps it. If there was a better balance for both elements, I think this would be a far more positive discussion.

Final Thoughts

Materialists is a relatable story with a relatable message that suffers from rather unrelatable characters. There is a endearing and personal touch to its truthful commentary on modern dating that would better excel with improved writing and depth for its leads. I appreciate Celine Song’s willingness to push the limits of the rom-com genre and her commitment to telling authentically modern love stories. I cannot wait to see what she does next.

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What I am watching, listening, reading, and playing this week.

Hidden Figures

Despite director Theodore Melfi's obsession with some rather cliché moments that we know twist the truth, Hidden Figures is very moving. I am not sure you could cast a more talented, charismatic trio than Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe. I loved every second of this. Iconic.

Adolescence

A truly thought-provoking experience. There is nothing else on TV like it. You will get to witness some of the best acting and cinematography ever put on screen.

GNX

Since his Super Bowl halftime performance, I haven’t been able to get enough of Kendrick Lamar’s GNX. It is an album that listens like a story with a tremendous amount of symbolism and meaning.

Sunrise on the Reaping

The Hunger Games prequel about my favorite character Haymitch has been a very fun read. I do not think this is nearly as good as the original books, but fans of the series will enjoy this and all its callbacks. The upcoming film has great potential considering The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes was a better film than read!

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

The best Indiana Jones story of the last few decades comes in video game form. The Great Circle features a captivating story full of the same emotion and action the original Indiana Jones films executed so well. I have been loving this single-player experience!

Thank you for reading Blitz’s Backlot! If you enjoyed this, please consider sharing the publication to other film and tv lovers. I greatly appreciate your support.

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Wow. They made a sequel to Andor and Rogue One in 1977? Such a weird release schedule!

Lucasfilm’s second and final season of Andor cements itself as one of the best Star Wars projects ever made and one of the most important pieces of science fiction media produced in the last decade.

I know that may come as a surprise given Lucasfilm’s ongoing struggle to find an identity for its flagship IP, but it is true. Tony Gilroy’s sci-fi thriller is outstanding from start to finish.

Andor is a mature story about the origins of the rebellion against the empire that explores complex real-world dynamics about politics, war, family, and sacrifice. It is a captivating depiction of how advanced societies can so easily decline into fascism and oppression and the immense amount of effort it takes to recover. Andor excels in creating timely, relatable drama that will keep you glued to the screen from start to finish.

The tone, pacing, depth, and scope exceed the lofty standards set by season 1 and are complemented by award-worthy acting, gorgeous cinematography, and an incredibly moving score. The story shines in its ability to portray a galaxy in decline, subjugated to oppression, war, and fascism. These tropes are contrasted by emotionally charged acts of rebellion and personal sacrifice that detail the origin of the Rebel Alliance we all know and love.

Andor leads directly into Rogue One, my favorite Star Wars film of the Disney era, and impressively elevates that experience with added depth and a stronger connection to its main characters. All of this precedes A New Hope, making for a fantastic trilogy in its own right. I can even see an argument for the makeshift trilogy of Andor, Rogue One, and A New Hope being more important to watch as a trio than the original trilogy.

If you have understandingly grown frustrated with the galaxy far, far away in recent years, Andor will bring you back and then proceed to impress and entertain in ways you never thought Star Wars could. Nothing will ever make up for the injudicious works that are The Rise of Skywalker and The Book of Boba Fett, but this series highlights the power of good stories in this universe when they are in the right hands.

Andor is Star Wars without unnecessary lightsaber duels, half-baked cameos, or mindless fan service. Showrunner Tony Gilroy instead takes the often overlooked but intriguing geopolitics of the galaxy and expertly crafts a deeply satisfying origin story that is eerily similar to the world in 2025.

It has been quite some time since Star Wars was must-watch programming, but that changes with Andor in all the right ways.

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Star Wars is Political

If you spent some time reading comment sections on the internet, you’d learn there are real small-brained individuals out there that think Star Wars has become too political or “woke.” Yes, the franchise with the word “wars” it is name, according to these folks, is too political.

Besides the inherent ridiculousness of that and the shocking lack of media literacy from a certain group of self-proclaimed Star Wars fans, Andor succeeds because of Tony Gilroy’s awareness for the inspiration behind the subject matter.

Gilroy masterfully takes the themes and messages George Lucas has been preaching for decades and applies them to this show, which takes place in some of the darkest and hopeless days in the Star Wars timeline. It is one of the few times in the galaxy where there aren’t fantastical Jedi and force-using heroes at the helm of the fight against evil. Instead, the heroes are believable and relatable, often failing far more than they succeed. Andor is a grounded story about the power of solidarity and resistance rather than the magnificence of a few.

I find it remarkable that one of the leading pieces of modern media that accurately depicts acts of oppression as oppression and calls out acts of genocide as genocide is a fictional television show from the galaxy far, far away.

Andor is as bold as it is brave because it accurately demonstrates the blight and human suffering fascist regimes have exploited for thousands of years. These are real issues and tactics that modern media and politicians are often afraid to cover because they fear it will be dismissed as propagandistic or taboo despite the suffering present in our very society.

Star Wars may be set in a fictional universe that predates our own, but its central message has never been more relevant. Andor’s brilliance stems from its willingness to explore those motifs rather than gloss over them.

A Welcome Departure from The Volume

Perhaps Andor’s greatest accomplishment is the sense of grandeur and scale its set design and accompanying blocking achieve. This effect is watermarked all across the show and makes even the smallest of moments feel important and worthy of our attention.

You may also notice that things just look different compared to other Star Wars television hits, like The Mandalorian or Ahsoka. That is because Andor does not use Industrial Light and Magic’s StageCraft technology, also known as The Volume. Sets are entirely handcrafted and are designed for shots and moments that can follow actors and extras on foot for much longer than a constrained environment.

About ILM's StageCraft at The Volume

This does not make or break a show, but for a story such as Andor’s, it is a welcome decision by Lucasfilm. Consider pivotal moments in the season, such as the Ghorman Massacre, the Chandrila wedding, or Mon Mothma’s exit from the senate building. All of those scenes are emotional, yes, but what really makes them effective is the use of space as a way to convey tension. Mundane things such as a walk, dance, fight, or conversation can be filmed using establishing shots or tracking shots that keep your eye focused on the subject matter without any distracting cuts.

Besides the obvious beauty in the cinematography, none more evident than the infamous Mon Mothma dance sequence, allowing the audience to look at the large crowds in the large sets from a distance creates an almost visceral experience. You are meant to survey the cities and rooms and feel immersed in the world.

The culminating effect takes Andor, which is based off a literal footnote in the larger history of the galaxy, and gives its story blockbuster treatment. Even the most mundane people and most insignificant places in the galaxy feel widely important.

And that is the point! Andor is about the nameless and how their sacrifice, no matter how small, inspired something as momentous as blowing up the Death Star. Luke Skywalker will rightfully be remembered as the hero and the man who ultimately lead the charge to destroy the empire, but the attention to detail of all the little moments that lead up to that point are what make Andor and its contribution to Star Wars as a whole so impactful.

Benchmark for the Future

On the back of Andor’s success, Star Wars finds itself at an interesting moment in time. Since the Disney acquisition, Lucasfilm has had some very high highs and some shockingly low lows. I still find it hard to believe that the same studio that created Andor and Rogue One greenlit The Rise of Skywalker. President and industry legend, Kathleen Kennedy, is also retiring soon.

Fortunately, Tony Gilroy’s exceptional work over the past decade highlights just how wonderful Star Wars can be when done right. That doesn’t mean every film and show needs to be a dark drama series for mature audiences, but it does suggest that the future of Star Wars lies in the unexplored corners of George Lucas’ vast galaxy.

I would move away from the Skywalker Saga and legacy character spinoffs and dive head-first into fresh ideas featuring new characters and stories that passionate filmmakers, like Tony Gilroy, are willing to devote their time to. As evidenced by Andor’s reception and critical acclaim, entrusting your storytellers with ample resources and time yields the best results. Massive IPs like Star Wars are at their best when corporate greed and needless timelines don’t get in the way of creatives. No fan will ever be upset about waiting slightly longer for a good product than feeling let down by a rushed one.

Final Thoughts

When Andor was announced, I’ll admit I was not intrigued. A television spin-off about a protagonist that we already knew the fate of (from a spin-off film in its own right, mind you) just seemed inconsequential.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Andor is one of the best Star Wars projects ever made. Hands down. It is a beautiful story about personal sacrifice and rebellion in the darkest of times. Tony Gilroy masterfully examines the origins of political uprising and the dangerous, dark truth to that fight. The underlying message, however, rings true to the central themes George Lucas always worked so hard to portray. Rebellions are build on hope, after all. Andor is Star Wars at its very best.

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Additional Reading

What I am watching, listening, reading, and playing this week.

The Two Popes

I’ve been obsessed with pope stuff since the conclave appointed Pope Leo XIV. I am not Catholic, but I find the process fascinating. I also really enjoyed Conclave last year.

The Two Popes is an endearing portrayal of two people that, despite overwhelmingly different world-views, learn to come together for the benefit of the masses rather than self-preservation. These are important narratives in today’s climate and I appreciate that. The film itself suffers from some odd directorial decisions and a 2nd act that is far too drawn-out. That said, I was emotional by the end and found both Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins‘ performances very moving.

Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage

I am a Big Bang Theory stan! I love it and everything in its little universe. Sometimes you need mindless fun in the background and season 1 of Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage takes beloved characters from Young Sheldon and satisfies that itch.

GNX

Since his Super Bowl halftime performance, I haven’t been able to get enough of Kendrick Lamar’s GNX. It is an album that listens like a story with a tremendous amount of symbolism and meaning.

Sunrise on the Reaping

The Hunger Games prequel about my favorite character Haymitch has been a very fun read. I do not think this is nearly as good as the original books, but fans of the series will enjoy this and all its callbacks. The upcoming film has great potential considering The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes was a better film than read!

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

The best Indiana Jones story of the last few decades comes in video game form. The Great Circle features a captivating story full of the same emotion and action the original Indiana Jones films executed so well. I have been loving this single-player experience!

Thank you for reading Blitz’s Backlot! If you enjoyed this, please consider sharing the publication to other film and tv lovers. I greatly appreciate your support.

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Captain America: Brave New World succeeds when Harrison Ford and Carl Lumbly are on screen and disappoints when they’re not. Ford’s performance is so strong that it almost feels out of place with the rest of the film.

While there are small moments that are reminiscent of the truly fantastic Captain America movies from the MCU’s phase 1, the majority of this film suffers from a lackluster plot and underwhelming action sequences.

The most exciting moments from Brave New World are the world-building elements that set up the direction of the next few Marvel films coming later in 2025 and 2026. Adamantium and the multiverse will likely be a big player for this new era of stories and I imagine the backstory we get in this film will be very important moving forward.

Anthony Mackie put great care into his role as Sam Wilson. He didn't try and be a Steve Rogers 2.0 and instead made it his own with good depth and personalty.

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Great Performances

Harrison Ford definitely steals the show with his usual brilliance, but Carl Lumbly and Anthony Mackie also deserve their flowers.

Ford is powerful, emotional, and compelling. Whenever he is on screen, he commands your attention. This is a trait that works very well in blockbusters like this. We saw it in Star Wars and Indiana Jones; when a story relies on the struggle between good versus evil and the action sequences that follows, a strong on-screen presence is essential to furthering the plot.

Lumbly was also great and added a really important layer of depth and meaning to his character. When it was all said and done, his character was the one I resonated the most with. Given his limited screen-time throughout most of the second and third acts, that is an impressive achievement.

Last but certainly not least, Mackie did a great job not trying to live up to the incredibly lofty standards set by Chris Evans and his iconic portrayal of Steve Rogers. Instead, he made Sam Wilson his own. And that is okay. I can only imagine the pressure Anthony felt to follow such an iconic character that has become engrained in pop culture forever, but I think he did a good job.

Rather than try and emulate Evans’ Steve Rogers, Mackie brought to life new and unique struggles, strengths, and conflicts to Cap. He still embodied that classic Captain America spirit, but did a great job differentiating the two people. He made sure that we, as an audience, understand this is not going to be a basic reincarnation of Steve Rogers. Keeping things fresh and uncertain is how you rebuild interest in the MCU, especially given their recent struggles in the box office.

Lackluster Story and Underwhelming Dialogue

Unfortunately, the film’s talent cannot overcome what is simply a mundane plot. Frankly, there is not much to this story and I feel like it was at least in part due to Marvel’s marketing strategy for this movie.

I get that seeing Harrison Ford turn into Red Hulk in the trailers puts butts in seats, but I can’t stop thinking about how electric the theatergoing experience would have been had they kept that a secret. Imagine the shock. Imagine the genuine excitement. I feel like Marvel has been in desperate need of a moment like that and this was a missed opportunity. It was yet another decision to prioritize money over trusting your lead actors and pushing good, unsuspecting storytelling in the marketing department.

At the end of the day, revealing big twists like this beforehand hurts the film no matter how you try and shape it.

Additionally, there were a few moments throughout the story where I genuinely could not believe certain characters and their decision making. Superhero films tend to make it slightly easier to overlook plot holes and corny tropes than other genres, but even Mackie and Ford couldn’t make some of the writing easier to digest.

Marvel’s Multiverse Saga Has Great Potential

As I mentioned at the start, Brave New World’s world-building was the film’s biggest positive. I think fans who are excited for Thunderbolts*, The Fantastic 4, and the upcoming Avengers movies will leave with even more anticipation. I am not sure if that is a good thing for people who really wanted to love this Captain America movie, but it does bode well for Marvel as a whole.

That is a testament to the writers room for making sure to provide important details about the element Adamantium and including purposeful cameos that actually drive forward interesting stories that will be present in future films.

Part of the appeal of the MCU is this interconnected feeling fans leave with every time they watch a new release. Brave New World doesn’t shy away from rewarding hardcore fans in that way. While that doesn’t necessary make for a great individual movie, it is definitely something that should be celebrated in this particular genre.

Final Thoughts

Wonderful performances from Anthony Mackie, Carl Lumbly, and especially Harrison Ford do not hide Captain America: Brave New World’s obvious plot holes and underwhelming story. That said, its interesting world-building leaves much to be excited about in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for years to come.

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Additional Reading

What I am watching, listening, reading, and playing this week.

Philadelphia

An incredibly moving story with two generational performances. The pre-trial scene when the entire Beckett family is gathered around to show support for Andrew is beyond powerful. It is a moment that everyone in the world could use a rewatch of in today’s climate.

Severance (Season 2)

The best show on television right now is back for season 2! If you are not watching Severance, you are missing out on a generational story that will go down in history as one of the best all-time. Get refining!

GNX

Since his Super Bowl halftime performance, I haven’t been able to get enough of Kendrick Lamar’s GNX. It is an album that listens like a story with a tremendous amount of symbolism and meaning.

Tress of the Emerald Sea

Brandon Sanderson is one of the best fantasy/sci-fi writers today and you will absolutely adore his writing in Tress of the Emerald Sea. I was new to his work and this book will open up a massive range of series, standalone novels, and novellas to enjoy in the same universe.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

The best Indiana Jones story of the last few decades comes in video game form. The Great Circle features a captivating story full of the same emotion and action the original Indiana Jones films executed so well. I have been loving this single-player experience!

Thank you for reading Blitz’s Backlot! If you enjoyed this, please consider sharing the publication to other film and tv lovers. I greatly appreciate your support.

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Buckle up for some epic PlayStation camaraderie, join forces with your favourite PlayStation icons and show the universe that small is mighty in this fresh new Astro adventure, exclusive to PS5 consoles!

Astro Bot might be the best game ever released on the Playstation 5. It is insanely fun and has such good vibes. You will smile and laugh the entirety of your play through and leave wanting even more. This game has joined some legendary Nintendo titles on the list of best 3D platformers of all-time.

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A Charming Time

Astro Bot is many things, but the best word to describe it may be charming. That is not a word I see most video games described as. Team Asobi was able to capture the perfect mixture of nostalgia, fun, intensity, and joy and bundle it all up together.

The result is a game that will transport you back into your childhood and remind you of all the right reasons you fell in love with video games, cartoons, and movies.

The art package is incredibly detailed and you will quite literally want to die for your little Astro Bot. He is the perfect combination of cute, silly, and bad ass.

The music is also top tier. The familiar Astro Bot theme is present throughout, but each level feels unique and much of that is down to the score. The music feels like another character in the game and greatly adds to the intensity, humor, and fun of each moment.

Truly Next-Gen

The gaming executives at Playstation, XBox, and Nintendo love to throw around the phrase “next-gen” whenever they talk about their new titles. The reality of modern gaming, however, is most studios are not taking advantage of the actual power within in the newest consoles.

The only games that I have been actually able to pinpoint as truly “next-gen” prior to Astro Bot were Red Dead Redemption 2, Forza Horizon 5, God of War: Ragnarok, and Starfield. That is an incredibly short list given the number of games that come out each and every year.

Astro Bot, to my pleasant surprise, may be even more “next-gen” than all of those amazing games I just listed above. That is saying something!

Astro Bot isn’t just a video game... It is a genuine visceral experience because it takes full advantage of Playstation’s Dualshock 5 controller. You feel Astro Bot’s jumps, footsteps, hits, and deaths come directly through the screen and into your hand. Additionally, the ability to physically move the controller and actually impact your movements in each level is so fun. It brought me back to the Nintendo Wii days, which is my absolute favorite console of all time!

Final Thoughts

Astro Bot is one of the best 3B platformers of all time and will likely go down as the best Playstation game of the PS5 era. Its beautiful artwork, music, and expertly crafted levels are the perfect balance of fun, silly, and challenging. This is a must play for everyone of all ages!

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Experience the first-ever open world Star Wars game, set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Explore distinct planets across the galaxy, both iconic and new. Risk it all as Kay Vess, an emerging scoundrel seeking freedom and the means to start a new life, along with her companion Nix. Fight, steal, and outwit your way through the galaxy’s crime syndicates as you join the galaxy’s most wanted.

Star Wars Outlaws was made by Star Wars fans for hardcore Star Wars fans. Constant callbacks, cameos, and props from the classic movies we all love are in abundance throughout the experience. Unfortunately, scrappy dialogue and a main story that falls flat hurts the game far more than it helps it.

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Classic Ubisoft

This is a Ubisoft open world game through and through. The story was subpar and the character animations, particularly the NPCs, were pretty awful.

When compared to some of the wonderful RPGs we have gotten over the last few years, Star Wars Outlaws looks like it was made a long time ago. The main characters were well executed, however, and you will likely look past this obvious fault the deeper into the game you get.

What is impossible to ignore, on the other hand, was the main story. A narrative that wasn’t very exciting was brought down even further by how short it was. For a AAA title of this magnitude, I expected a lot more.

The game is rather repetitive and feels particularly uninspired at some moments. This made it hard to get over the finish line at about 20 hours of playtime.

Final Thoughts

The lore and love to Star Wars in Outlaws is ever so present and fans of the galaxy far, far away will appreciate this game just for that reason. However, a poorly written, repetitive story made this game hard to get through at times. Unless you have nothing to play right now, I would pass on this one.

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From the modernized skating of Next-Gen Vision Control and an overhaul of Chel’s AI player movement to authentic Reactive Action animations — experience true hockey intelligence.

EA’s 2025 NHL video game follows the same formula as its recent predecessors, creating a familiar and reliable experience for gamers everywhere. While it is not boundary pushing, small improvements across the board make for the best hockey game EA has published in the Playstation 5 and XBox Series era. That is not as endearing a compliment as it may seem, however.

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A Welcome Franchise Mode Overhaul

As a primarily Franchise Mode player, I am pleased with the changes and updates they have made to that mode. The new menu screen, contract options, and player conversation model creates a more realistic and immersive experience.

This mode has long been neglected by EA due to its lack of micro-transactions, but the upgrades make for a far more enjoyable and modern experience across the board. This care should be put into every annual release given the large number of players who enjoy this game mode.

More of the Same

The rest of the game modes suffer from a lack of new features and very minor incremental gameplay improvements. It is disappointing that Be A Pro Mode didn't get an update alongside Franchise Mode. When compared with the fresh Franchise mode user-interface, Be A Bro feels old and clunky.

The NHL 25 team finally released this title exclusively on next-gen consoles, which makes for far better graphics and visuals as seen below. The only thing missing is EA NHL on PC, which is long overdue!

Gameplay is slightly less arcade-y, which is a welcome adjustment, but the broadcast package and commentary are still lackluster. Unlike the gameplay, the presentation package maintains its arcade-y style, which detracts from the realism of the game.

Final Thoughts

As a whole, NHL 25 is better than NHL 24, but barely. The NHL franchise continues to suffer from a lack of creative direction and remains far from the incredible game it used to be over a decade ago.

The game would greatly benefit from a return of Zamboni mode and Winter Classic mode. Both are iconic fixtures of the modern hockey world and have been fan favorites for decades. Their absence is glaring.

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I am beyond thrilled to kick off 2025 on Blitz’s Backlot by handing out my awards for the year’s best and worst films, actors, actresses, directors, and more.

Awards season is undoubtedly a contentious time in our little film community, so this is my attempt to add even more spark to the always burning fire.

I have mixed feeling towards the Oscars, Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, and numerous other honors out there because storytelling is meant to be a subjective endeavor. For every person in love with a film there is going to be someone out there who hates it. It is just the nature of the game. That said, there is something very special about taking time to appreciate the performers, writers, and directors who had a profound impact on the year. For better or for worse, it makes for an entertaining and provocative discourse that we love here at Blitz’s Backlot.

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I want to start out with the most important award, my personal top-10. This is not the most important because my opinion is any more valuable than yours, it’s most important because it embodies the spirit of film critique… everyone is going to interpret art differently. Therefore, we should celebrate what means the most to us! This is me encouraging you to make your own top-10 list and post it in the comments. The discourse around these lists is always the most entertaining anyways.

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It was a diverse range of films that made it into my top-10 this year! I have blockbusters, animation, dramas, comedies, and even romcoms on this list. Each one of these movies spoke to me in a unique and impactful way and I am very satisfied with the wide range of genres I was able to appreciate over the year.

Dune: Part Two

The only film of 2024 that I gave a perfect 10 out of 10 score to! Denis Villeneuve achieved something remarkably special with Dune: Part Two. The score, writing, set design, performances, and costumes all came together to create a cinematic model for blockbuster filmmaking that will be used for generations to come. Villeneuve is worthy of all praise and establishes himself as one of the best directors alive today.

Within the first 15 minutes of the film, I immediately knew that this was no ordinary movie. The scene where Paul and Jessica are hiding from the Harkonnen warriors in the desert and we feel and hear their dead bodies thumping one-by-one to the ground was so intense that it transported you directly to Arrakis. It is a scene that should win Dune: Part Two every award there is for sound design! It was a highlight for me.

The film then settles in as we meet the Fremen, headlined by the extremely talented and laugh-out-loud funny Stilgar, brilliantly played by Javier Bardem. The religious conflict between his sect and Chani's sect was not only extremely important to the plot, but also added another level of complexity to an already extremely captivating story. It just worked so well.

The best moment of Dune: Part Two for me was undoubtedly the worm-riding scene. This was already immensely emotional as we felt the necessity for Paul to be accepted as the Lisan al Gaib. The score, visual effects, and the contrast between the Paul's quiet focused mind and the loud, disruptive sandworm took that emotion to another level and had me tearing up. It was an incredibly moving moment.

The final act was so gripping. It just flew by. The fight scenes felt immense, but also intimate and emotional. In fact, that is a theme throughout this film. The final confrontation with Austin Butler's Feyd-Rautha and the sacrifice Paul and Chani's relationship must take is as equally exhilarating as it is heartbreaking. This sacrifice is a departure from the novel, and I got to say I like it better than the original text. What a performance by Chalamet and Zendaya, by the way.

Part 1 is that much better now that Part 2 is here, and this legendary novel finally has a worthy motion-picture counterpart.

Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice)

Sebastian Stan’s performance as a young Donald Trump is so convincing and so strong that it makes sitting through this film almost as unbearable as his first 4 years in office.

I found it almost scary how much Sebastian Stan looked, sounded, and acted like Trump. He transports you back in time. All the little mannerisms, facial expressions, and vocal affects were spot on. The ability to craft such an overwhelming transformation is genuinely remarkable and worthy of all honors.

This was a career defining performance for Sebastian Stan. He establishes himself as a bonified Hollywood A-lister.

Mikey Madison (Anora)

Madison bursts on the scene and delivers a timeless performance in Anora that will be talked about forever. She masterfully crafts a character that is full of life and depth.

Anora is a character that encapsulates beautiful despair and makes you laugh, cry, and speculate up until the film’s final moment. This is all credit to Mikey Madison, who proves that not only is she widely talented, but is also daring and adventurous when it comes to her roles.

Yura Borisov (Anora)

Borisov is the first Russian actor to be nominated for a performance category in over 40 years and rightfully so! He delivered my favorite performance of the entire year due to his subtle yet hilarious portrayal of a bodyguard.

Anora as a whole works so well because it faultlessly blends comedy and drama. The comedy flows through Borisov’s character. Without him, the film does not achieve what it sets out to.

Isabella Rossellini (Conclave)

Conclave is an intense, gripping thriller that keeps you on your toes and has twists and turns no one sees coming. Despite all that excitement, Rossellini is still a scene stealer!

Her character’s presence initially hides in the background of the Conclave as the boisterous cardinals attempt to convince each other of their papacy. But when she proves to be holding essential information for the cause, Rossellini’s character dominates the screen due to her fierce, blunt demeanor. This performance casts a massive shadow over the rest of the film’s biggest stars and is as much powerful as it is captivating.

Denis Villeneuve (Dune: Part Two)

First and foremost, the Oscars snubbing Villeneuve of a Best Director nomination is beyond comprehension. It is all the proof you need to not take any of these award shows too seriously!

Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two expertly adapts one of the most important science fiction texts of all time and somehow makes it even better. His achievement in direction created one of the best cinematic experiences of all-time and will be highly influential for science fiction filmmaking of the future.

Villeneuve has the special ability to emit a sense of vastness while also making the audience feel close and intimately tied to the action. It is truly a one of a kind talent and it is on display throughout Dune: Part Two.

Kris Bowers (The Wild Robot)

A film that has themes and lessons so universal adults and kids alike will fall in love with it is only as effective as it is because of Kris Bowers’ beautiful score.

Bowers elicits so much emotion out of the film’s characters that they almost feel synonymous with one another. It is not everyday that a score becomes an actual character in a film and Bowers is able to achieve that that in The Wild Robot.

Here

I was beyond excited for this Robert Zemeckis reunion with Tom Hanks and Robin Wright and, unfortunately, left feeling pretty disappointed. Here is quirky and has some very charming moments, but suffers from a rather mundane plot, underdeveloped characters, and pretty dodgy de-aging technology.

With many of the scenes taking place back by the window and couch that you can see in the image above, some pretty pivotal moments are not captured up close. This creates the illusion that we, the audience, are merely flies on the wall in this ever-changing room. An interesting stylistic choice, sure, but one that often removes a necessary amount of emotion from the on-going story.

Emilia Pérez

A minimizing and shallow story that uses artsy techniques, colors, and cinematography to mask its ill-conceived plot and misrepresentation of the queer experience.

I struggle to understand how The Academy can celebrate such a superficial musical that doesn't even have good songs. It is a shame that this film is nominated so many times at the expense of movies like Dune: Part Two, Challengers, and The Apprentice. Come on Academy… do better!

Additional Reading

What I am watching, listening, reading, and playing this week.

Philadelphia

An incredibly moving story with two generational performances. The pre-trial scene when the entire Beckett family is gathered around to show support for Andrew is beyond powerful. It is a moment that everyone in the world could use a rewatch of in today’s climate.

Severance (Season 2)

The best show on television right now is back for season 2! If you are not watching Severance, you are missing out on a generational story that will go down in history as one of the best all-time. Get refining!

GNX

Since his Super Bowl halftime performance, I haven’t been able to get enough of Kendrick Lamar’s GNX. It is an album that listens like a story with a tremendous amount of symbolism and meaning.

Tress of the Emerald Sea

Brandon Sanderson is one of the best fantasy/sci-fi writers today and you will absolutely adore his writing in Tress of the Emerald Sea. I was new to his work and this book will open up a massive range of series, standalone novels, and novellas to enjoy in the same universe.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

The best Indiana Jones story of the last few decades comes in video game form. The Great Circle features a captivating story full of the same emotion and action the original Indiana Jones films executed so well. I have been loving this single-player experience!

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Netflix is on a roll.

Between The Diplomat and Nobody Wants This, the red N is home to two of the best seasons of television this year.

Nobody Wants This is an endearing story about the unlikely romance between a rabbi, played by Adam Brody, and a sex/relationship podcast host, played by Kristen Bell, that tests their careers, families, and friends.

The show elegantly portrays modern dating and romance, effective because its story, characters, and themes are effortlessly normal. Nobody Wants This embraces imperfection and never shies away from the irresistible chaos that is contemporary dating.

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An Escape From Predictable, Formulaic RomComs

Nobody Wants This thrives in its commitment to self discovery and growth. It embraces a healthy relationship for a change, one where neither partner is “too good” for the other. The show uses its 10 episodes to carefully craft their evolution to compatibility in a raw, unfiltered story full of realism and humor.

It excels in its emphasis on the commonplace. Set design, wardrobes, and cinematography accentuate the mundane aspects of life. Text messages, awkward moments, and insecurities are celebrated rather than hidden. The show formulates a world that looks, sounds, and feels like our average lives.

You will see yourselves in these characters. You will feel their joy, pain, and humor because we have all lived a similar experience.

Bell and Brody thrive in their roles because they are given the freedom to express the true messiness of dating. Careers, interests, religions, and families are explored in remarkable depth. Each is embraced in a serious, yet lighthearted manner that captures the dynamic of the modern family and social norms.

Just at the moment in the story where 99% of other RomComs would see their main couple predictably split, Nobody Wants This will keep you guessing. Bell and Brody have conversations about religion, sex, parents, exes, friends, and work that are intense yet genuine.

You fall in love with the way they handle hardship and drama not because it is perfect, but because it is real. Each character takes leaps of faith outside of their comfort zones that are hilarious and necessary. There is palpable stress, wit, and excitement that all couples feel as they take steps towards commitment.

We Need More Television RomComs

That unpredictability and excitement translates offscreen due to the episodic nature of the story. When I finished Nobody Wants This, I immediately started thinking of all the disappointing RomComs over the last few years that could have been better as a TV show.

As the audience, the unpredictability and tension of the romance is conveyed in the stop, start nature of TV. Just like the characters, you have to wait and sit on the edge of your seat to see if the relationship will work. You’ll find yourself overthinking the story and second guessing each characters moves. It is eerily similar to real life dating.

Sharp Dialogue You’d Overhear In A Coffeeshop

Nobody Wants This was created by Erin Foster, who based the story off of her real life love with her husband. The show excels at keeping things real. Conversations feel raw, authentic, and unfiltered. The dialogue stands out because it uses modern slang and insults. It is clear that the story works because it worked for the person telling it.

Read more about the origins of the show and Erin’s relationship with her husband, Simon, here:

Erin Foster’s real-life romance

I was also genuinely surprised at how funny this show is. I laughed out loud numerous times each episode. The comedy is fresh, modern, and relatable, but also insanely endearing. It brings you closer to the moment and characters.

Nobody Wants This will pleasantly remind you of the creme de la creme of the romantic comedy genre for its cleverness, but also make you feel like you’re experiencing something new and original.

Undeniable Chemistry

The other pleasant surprise of this show is the on-screen chemistry between Bell and Brody. They effortlessly radiate through the screen and portray their two character’s flaws in a relatable way. On the surface, a love story between a rabbi and sex podcaster should not work, but their commitment to authenticity and vulnerability is remarkably sound.

This connection makes their self discovery, mistakes, and imperfections shine in all the right ways. You feel them through the screen and will be cheering for them as if they were your own friends.

Final Verdict

Nobody Wants This is my favorite surprise of the year. It joins Hitman on my list of the best romantic comedies of the year. The show effortlessly portrays the beautiful chaos of modern dating with an undeniable charm and sense of humor. Palpable energy and chemistry between Kristen Bell and Adam Brody ensure that everybody wants this show in their lives.

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Nobody Wants This is on Netflix today. What did you think of the first season? Let me know in the comments. I look forward to our discussion!

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Additional Reading

What I am watching, listening, reading, and playing this week.

The Holdovers

One of the best holiday movies in the last 20 years! I cannot recommend this film enough. Paul Giamatti gives an award-worthy performance, with Dominic Sessa and Da'Vine Joy Randolph being equally impressive.

The Diplomat (Season 2)

Keri Russell’s brilliant political thriller is back for season 2 on Netflix. This show is riveting and very timely. Give it a try if you haven’t already. I will be reviewing this next!

Everything I Thought It Was

I am going to JT’s concert in a few weeks and have been listening to his newest album to prepare. I love the NSYNC reunion in this!

Project Hail Mary

Currently being adapted as feature film starring Ryan Gosling, Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir is a dramatic sci-fi with great characters and hilarious humor. It has been one of my favorite reads this year. Weir is the same author who wrote The Martian.

Baldur’s Gate 3

This is one of the most robust and detailed role-playing games I have ever played. It has been a joyful experience that I cannot get enough of. Anyone who loves RPGs, fantasy, or adventure games will fall in love with BG3.

Thank you for reading Blitz’s Backlot! If you enjoyed this, please consider sharing the publication to other film and tv lovers. I greatly appreciate your support.

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I’ve long said that some of the best films of all-time are adapted from incredible books. The Wild Robot is no exception. Based on the beloved children’s book by Peter Brown, there hasn’t been an animated feature film in over a decade that feels as important as The Wild Robot.

With an art style that will be leave you dumbfounded by its beauty combined with a brilliantly voice-acted story about love, acceptance, survival, and fitting in, The Wild Robot will tug on your heart strings in all of the right ways.

The film majestically transports you into a world that will have you laughing, crying, and hurting for its characters. You’ll be unable to resist listening with a different part of yourself… both with your ears and your heart. That is, after all, what Roz would tell you to do.

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Do yourself a favor and listen to my favorite song from the film’s soundtrack as you read the rest of this. It is called Kiss the Sky by Marren Morris.

Breath of Painted Fresh Air

As I’m sure many of you can relate, I have grown tired of animation studios constantly recycling their existing IPs. Don’t get me wrong, there is always going to be a place in my heart for Kung Fu Panda 4 and Toy Story 5, but perhaps more than any other medium, this genre has been in desperate need of something new. Something that feels fresh and unique. Something that can define animation of the 2020’s.

Fortunately, The Wild Robot, fills that void and then some.

The animation style brings me back to the most beloved movies, cartoons, and video games of my childhood. Referred to as “hand-painted” animation, you’ll see shades of Bambi, The Jungle Book, Spirited Away, and The Iron Giant all over The Wild Robot.

Impressionistic animation is obviously nothing new, but because modern cinema has departed from this style, its return in The Wild Robot is both refreshing and familiar. The film’s sci-fi and futuristic themes deliver a color palette and style new to the genre.

You’ll walk away feeling like you’re back in the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s, but at the same time feel like you’ve never seen anything like it. What does that remind you of? Oh yeah… take it away, Luke Skywalker.

Like I said, it is fresh. It is unique. It is special.

A Unique Message

The most heartwarming and simultaneously gut wrenching moment in the film is when Roz’s baby goose, Brightbill, learns to fly in order to join the flock’s annual winter migration.

Coming of age stories are commonplace in “Rated E for Everyone” films, but The Wild Robot flips that narrative on its head.

There is a moment when Brightbill feels rejected by his peers for being different and rather than go to his mother for solace, he blames her. He takes his frustration out on the person who loves him the most. Not only is this scene relatable, but it also brilliantly conveys the sacrifice good parents make for their children. A sacrifice that often goes unappreciated. That is where the narrative is flipped. Rather than solely focus on Brightbill’s struggles since he is the kid, we also focus on Roz’s.

Despite her complete ignorance to the island, geese, or motherhood, Roz did her best and raised Brightbill to be an intelligent, strong goose. He had all the tools to succeed and ultimately did.

You’ll walk away wanting to call your parents and say thank you after seeing this movie. The Wild Robot teaches that it is okay to make mistakes, it is okay to be different, and it is okay to mess up when you’re a kid and an adult.

This leads me to the one element of the story that I felt was missing. We do not get enough of that critical moment where Brightbill and Roz discuss their feelings. We are left to infer that Brightbill learned from Roz the same way Roz learned from Brightbill.

I think this was a missed opportunity because that conversation would have added an even deeper layer to the already well written main characters.

Colorful Score

The vibrant, lively animation of The Wild Robot would be incomplete without its exceptional score. In a rare feat, Kris Bowers managed to convey the sound of the wilderness using a groovy, percussive tone that highlights the adventure and freedom of the wild.

This score is one of those you’ll find yourself humming along to. It is a scene stealer! There are at least 10 moments from the film off the top of my head where the score makes the moment. It is perfectly in sync with the tone, pace, and art style of the movie.

I highly recommend a listen to the score in its entirety. Something tells me Kris Bowers has a real chance to steal the show this awards season.

Final Verdict

The Wild Robot will win Best Animated Feature Film and should at least be nominated for Best Feature Film and Best Score at this year’s Academy Awards. It is a movie with a beautiful message, unique animation, and purposeful themes. Roz, Brightbill, and Fink are well-written and impeccably voiced characters with depth, complexity, and relatability. This is a memorable movie that, no matter your age, will impact you in more ways than one.

The Wild Robat is in theaters today. What did you think of the film? Let me know in the comments. I look forward to our discussion!

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My Recent Articles

What I am watching, listening, reading, and playing this week.

Crazy, Stupid, Love.

Perhaps my favorite RomCom of all time, Crazy, Stupid, Love. is filled with hilarious moments that you’ll never forget. During a very stressful time of year, I highly recommend giving this a watch to take a breather from the world.

The Diplomat (Season 2)

Keri Russell’s brilliant political thriller is back for season 2 on Netflix. This show is riveting and very timely. Give it a try if you haven’t already.

Paradise State of Mind

Foster The People’s new album, particularly Lost In Space, has been on repeat for weeks now. Check it out!

Project Hail Mary

Currently being adapted as feature film starring Ryan Gosling, Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir is a dramatic sci-fi with great characters and hilarious humor. It has been one of my favorite reads this year. Weir is the same author who wrote The Martian.

Baldur’s Gate 3

This is one of the most robust and detailed role-playing games I have ever played. It has been a joyful experience that I cannot get enough of. Anyone who loves RPGs, fantasy, or adventure games will fall in love with BG3.

Thank you for reading Blitz’s Backlot! If you enjoyed this, please consider sharing the publication to other film and tv lovers. I greatly appreciate your support.

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A Zemeckis film through and through. Here is quirky and has some very charming moments, but suffers from a rather mundane plot, underdeveloped characters, and pretty dodgy de-aging technology.

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Legendary director Robert Zemeckis’ newest film, Here, is a Forest Gump reunion with Tom Hanks and Robin Wright. A trio that is sure to excite many. I’ve been counting down the days because I am a simple man. If Hanks is in a new movie… I watch.

Unfortunately, I left underwhelmed. I found that both Hanks and Wright do not shine nearly as bright as they usually do.

That is through no fault of their own, however.

The film’s quirk is that it is shot on a single camera that never moves, depicting how the same space evolves over time. An undeniably cool concept, and one that makes this movie memorable, but, at the same time, also serves as its biggest hindrance.

(Un)Emotional Breakdown

With many of the scenes taking place back by the window and couch that you can see in the image above, some pretty pivotal moments are not captured up close. This creates the illusion that we, the audience, are merely flies on the wall in this ever-changing room. An interesting stylistic choice, sure, but one that often removes a necessary amount of emotion from the on-going story.

I found the lack of close-ups and natural restrictions on movement that come with shooting an entire movie in one room to be compelling at first, but eventually tiresome and unrealistic.

It felt as if something was missing. A something that is usually never missing when you have these two incredibly talented people on the big screen.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I never want to knock something for being creative. On the surface, an entire feature film shot on one camera that never moves is right up my ally. You add Tom Hanks and Robin Wright to that equation, and 9 times out of 10, you’re eating real good. I’ll be the first one to tell you that we need more abstract concepts in modern Hollywood.

But that is exactly why I left disappointed. Despite everything Here had going for it, It just didn’t work all together. There was a lot of nonlinear storytelling going on when it probably didn’t need to be. For all the time we spend with the families that lived in the home before and after Tom and Robin’s characters, that could’ve been more screen time dedicated to their romance, relationship, and family.

All that to say, the film had some very strong themes that I will always remember. Because you get to watch average people age in real time, the movie does an excellent job reminding you of the importance to live life in the moment and pursue the things you want to pursue. Otherwise, time will pass you by, literally.

De-Aging in Reverse

Speaking of aging, the de-aging technology in Here was very shotty. I get that it will never be perfect, especially when you are de-aging generational actors who’s younger faces are very recognizable, but I just couldn’t help comparing this to the exceptional work done with Luke Skywalker in the recent Star Wars tv shows.

Some shots were better than others depending on the angle of the actor’s face and lighting, but there was an undeniable waxiness to many of the de-aged scenes. Granted, in the Star Wars shows they got to compose their shots however they like and had the unlimited budget of Industrial Light & Magic at their disposal, but there is still no denying that this is another example of how the single camera concept hurt the movie instead of strengthening it.

I can get over all of that, however.

What I can’t get over and was far more jarring were the de-aged voices. 20-year old Tom Hanks sounded like 60-year old Tom Hanks. An unfortunate oversight that really takes you out of the moment. What made de-aged Mark Hamill so convincing in Star Wars was that he both looked and sounded like the Mark Hamill of yesterday. They took sound bites from his younger years to reconstruct his voice. Zemeckis had plenty of material to do the same for Hanks and Wright, but didn’t execute to the same level.

This technology mishap really hurts the younger scenes. I found the older scenes more emotional and lifelike, no doubt a result of the characters being the same age as the actors playing them.

Rating

Zemeckis definitely deserves his flowers for his boldness and willingness to take a risk. You’ll never see me fault anyone for doing that. Here has a lot going for it. Important lessons and themes about life are convincing and relatable. Unfortunately, the story and the characters are not as robust as they could be. Coupled with de-aging technology that can ruin the moment, the film is solid, but leaves more to be desired.

Here is in theaters today. What did you think of the film? Let me know in the comments. I look forward to our discussion!

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My Recent Articles

What I am watching, listening, reading, and playing this week.

Gladiator

I had to revisit this Ridley Scott classic to get ready for Gladiator II in a few weeks. It might be my most anticipated film of 2024 after Dune: Part 2.

Shrinking (Season 2)

One of the best dramadies on TV is back and I couldn’t be more excited. This exceptional story about loss, grief, and community has touched me in a way few shows have in recent memory. Season 2 of Shrinking adds Brett Goldstein to its already star-studded cast and the first 3 episodes have delivered. If you haven’t seen this yet, how could you say no to a show with Harrison Ford playing a therapist?

Faceoff: Inside the NHL

The new Amazon Prime hockey show has been such an enjoyable experience. Fans of the sport will revel in the show’s unprecedented access and new fans will start falling in love with the league’s superstars. If you enjoy Drive to Survive, Full Swing, or Break Point, Faceoff is made by the same people.

Sable,

Bon Iver never fails to deliver and his new EP, SABLE, has been on repeat for the last week. I highly recommend a listen.

Mistborn

Brandon Sanderson is one of the best fantasy writers alive and Mistborn has been a joy to read each night. If you like fantasy, magic, and a little bit of politics, you’ll really fancy Sanderson’s work.

FC 25

It is not EA’s best iteration of this iconic franchise, but if you love the world’s game, then you’ll find yourself spending a lot of time playing FC 25 like myself.

Thank you for reading Blitz’s Backlot! If you enjoyed this, please consider sharing the publication to other film and tv lovers. I greatly appreciate your support.

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One of the great joys of writing and interacting on Substack is that you get to meet a diverse group of individuals, all of whom have something valuable to say. Devoid of the “fakeness” and toxicity that dominates traditional social media, this place just feels better.

On the flip side, I am sure you are also no stranger to the growing number of “follow me, follow me back” notes that have been flooding our timelines lately. Admittedly, those notes are not my favorite, but I also empathize with the desire to grow a following and community away from the other social media sites.

One of the unique things about Substack is the very thing you are reading right now. No where on Twitter (X?), Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok will you find this. Long-form writing! A medium where you can express who you are, your interests, and your values using your true, full thoughts.

That’s great and all, but why I am saying all of this? Get to the movies already, Jack.

I am… just bear with me.

Because Blitz’s Backlot and I are new around here, I have been looking for a fun way to actually introduce myself to those of you who have taken a much appreciated interest in my writing. Something fun and different. Something that a simple note couldn’t articulate.

So that is what this is. A list of my top-25 favorite movies and top-10 favorite TV shows of all-time where I go one by one and pick out a meaningful quote and moment that has sincerely impacted my life.

I believe that if pictures are worth a thousand words, your list of favorite movies and shows are worth ten thousand. Seriously! You can learn a lot about someone by understanding what they like to watch.

Not only do I hope this list helps you to get to know me a little better, but I also think it would be fun if all of you created similar posts about yourselves. My fellow film and tv lovers can do something similar to what I’ve done here, but this can apply to anyone. Book lovers can break down their favorite novels just like sports fans can describe their favorite moments. The things that make you you, are always the best way to introduce yourself.

Thank you for reading Blitz’s Backlot! A newsletter for movie and tv junkies featuring discussions, reviews, and recommendations about the latest in entertainment.

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I have created a page that you can access anytime on blitzsbacklot.com that has the following film and tv rankings. I might even consider adding my favorite books, songs, and video games at a later date. I consider all of these lists to be alive. What I mean by that is everything is subjective. I change my mind all of the time! Whenever I add or remove a new movie or show, I’ll be sure to update my rankings and make a post detailing my decision. I love film and tv breakdowns and comparisons, so I figure this will be a fun excuse to write more of those!

Rankings Page

"Get Busy Living, Or Get Busy Dying." - Andy Dufresne

It is the probably the most memorable quote from the entire film and that makes sense because every time I find myself in need of little drive or inspiration, I think of Andy Defresne from my favorite movie of all time.

"Rich people are naive. No resentments. No creases on them." - Ki-taek

This line summarizes how beautifully this film depicts the modern day class-war. Those at the top have the glory and money, yet live in a world consumed by needless worry, ignorance, and an essence of naivety. All the while, those on the bottom envy, but simultaneously despise those at the top.

"I Hope That, At Least In Your Eyes, I've Earned What All Of You Have Done For Me.” - Private Ryan

A line that still hits as hard today as it did the first time I watched this film. It has repeatedly shown me that even acts of heroism and bravery can coincide with justifiable feelings of regret and sadness.

“Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter.” - Yoda

Perhaps the wisest character is movie history, this quote always reminds me that there is far more depth to people than what’s on the outside.

"I Needed A Sweet Face To Buy Land." - Daniel

This heartbreaking revelation to his “son,” H.W., always feels heavy. It shows the lengths greedy people are willing to go, even at the expense of the few people who see good in you. Don’t be a Daniel.

"Someone Who Challenges You In Every Way. Who Takes You Places, Opens Things Up For You. A Soul-Mate." - Sean

A line that I will never ever forget. Sean reminds me every day that true unconditional love is when you provide that spark for your loved one’s so they can achieve their true potential.

"We Must Reach Far Beyond Our Own Lifespans." - Professor Brand

This quote may mean a variety of things to you, but I find Professor Brand’s words motivating to always attempt to leave a lasting impact behind.

“What does normal mean anyway?” - Mrs. Gump

You don’t need to conform and be what everybody else is. Be yourself and be great being you.

“Open The Pod Bay Doors, HAL” - Dave

I’ve long said that Darth Vader is and always will be the greatest villain in cinematic history, but I think HAL is a close second. This line in the full context of the movie expresses how alone, lost, and out of control Dave was. A chilling metaphor for AI and super computers that still rings true today.

"I'm Batman." - Bruce Wayne

The amount of times I randomly say this out loud is laughable.

“This Isn’t Flying. This Is Falling With Style!” - Buzz Lightyear

A reminder that you don’t have to be perfect to succeed.

“All I know is this: nobody's very big in the first place, and it looks to me like everybody spends their whole life tearing everybody else down.” - Ken Kesey

The perfect metaphor for modern politics.

“If you could see your whole life from start to finish, would you change things?” - Louise Banks

Imagine being in a situation where this was a choice. I think about it a lot. I’d answer no, but I can definitely see an argument for yes.

“35 pounds? 35 pounds? But you're so fat!” - Elliot to ET

Life is subjective.

“As the preacher said, I could write shorter sermons, but once I start, I get too lazy to stop.” - Abraham Lincoln

Reminder that, sometimes, the things with the most meaning are said using the fewest words.

“Live Another Sol would be an awesome name for a James Bond movie.” - Mark Watney

I adore The Martian, both in book and film form, because it teaches us that when things feel like they’re at an all time low, laughter and humor can often be the most effective remedy.

“When the horizon's at the bottom, it's interesting. When the horizon's at the top, it's interesting. When the horizon's in the middle, it's boring as shit. Now, good luck to you. And get the fuck out of my office!” - John Ford

The mere presence of something is not interesting. The way you present that something is.

“Only A Sith Deals In Absolutes.” - Obi-Wan Kenobi

Obi-Wan wasn’t a master Jedi for nothing. He teaches us to never look at something as black or white. You play a dangerous game when you do that. Take the time to appreciate the complexity of something, and you will be rewarded for that.

“You Underestimate The Power Of Faith” - Princess Irulan

For better or for worse, Princess Irulan teaches us that faith can be controlling.

“We just put Sir Isaac Newton in the driver's seat.” - Jim Lovell

A reminder that some things are simply out of your control.

“More like a NON-ja. Terrible what passes for a ninja these days.” - Pops Racer

I die of laughter every time. Pops is right, though. Ninjas aren’t what they used to be.

"Welcome To Seb's." - Sebastian

Things are often about what’s not said and this line embodies that. Sebastian acknowledges how meaningful and special Mia was to him without saying the words. And he doesn’t have to.

“Nieman, you earned the part. Alternates, will you clean the blood off my drum set?” - Terence Fletcher

This one is as gruesome as it is rewarding. While you should never teach anyone remotely similiar to the way Fletcher did, this serves as a reminder that hard work supersedes talent.

“Gorlami!” - Also Raine

He spoke awful Italian, but his confidence never wavered. Fake it till you make it!

“You're such a loser, dad, you're such a loser dad, just enjoy the show.” - Casey Beane

Billy Beane dedicated to his whole life to baseball and never won. He said he hated losing more than winning. When he finally “wins” and still doesn’t enjoy the show, his daughter points out the irony of his relationship with baseball. He learns that he shouldn’t be afraid of losing. A lesson we can all appreciate.

Jack's Letterboxd

"I watched Jane die." - Walter White

This was the very moment we knew that the decent man from season 1 was gone, completely consumed by the evil Heisenberg. This line marks the end of one of the most compelling villain arcs in television history.

“I can live with being in the line of fire, made a career out of it, but my family?” - David Budd

The bodyguard business isn’t for the faint of heart and while David Budd definitely has his flaws, his relentless commitment to his job was admirable.

"I'm Gonna Be A Damn Good Lawyer, And People Are Gonna Know About It." - Jimmy McGill (Saul Goodman)

The emotional complexity of Better Call Saul is a remarkable achievement given viewers already know how the story ends. Despite Jimmy’s known fate, his depth and relatability makes lines like this mean so much knowing his downfall is imminent.

“Be a goldfish.” - Ted Lasso

I say this to myself all the time and you should too. We all screw up. Learn from those mistakes, then move on. Be a goldfish.

"I Would Like To See The Baby." - The Cleint

A sentence that will go down in the pop culture hall of fame. I say this a lot when I walk through the door and greet my cat and dog.

“Bazinga!” - Sheldon Cooper

Perhaps the most versatile catchphrase in tv history.

“I have flaws. What are they? Oh, I don’t know. I sing in the shower. Sometimes I spend too much time volunteering. Occasionally I’ll hit somebody with my car. So sue me.” — Michael Scott

You don’t want to be overconfident in life, but we can all learn from Michael Scott’s undeniable ability to be confidently himself.

“You don’t have to look tough to be tough.” - Ahsoka Tano

Toughness is about what’s inside. Wise words from a Padawan.

"Every Time You Find Yourself Here, It’s Because You Chose To Come Back." - Mark

Severance is filled with ethical dilemmas, perhaps none more prominent than the neglect for the wellbeing of the innies who are constantly at the mercy of their other halves. This quote highlights a beautifully constructed metaphor about consent and technology.

“Why would I think about missing a shot I haven’t taken?” - Michael Jordan

This perfectly encapsulates the mindset necessary to be a winner. It also serves as a nice complement to Wayne Gretzky’s famous quote.

Jack's Serializd

Thank you for reading! Let me know your thoughts on my list and my selection of quotes. I always love hearing your opinions. Blitz’s Backlot is better when everyone chimes in!

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My Recent Work:

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Staying Mindful During Election Season

In just two weeks from today, millions of Americans will be flooding to the polls to cast their ballots in one of the most polarizing and consequential elections of our lifetime…

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2 years ago · 1 like · Jack Blitz

Two breathtaking performances by Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh combine with strong nonlinear screenwriting to create a story that feels incredibly authentic and human.

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Garfield and Pugh treat us to a phenomenally acted romantic drama in We Live in Time. The two of them take a step back from their usual blockbuster roles for a grounded, emotional story about a couple grappling with the grief of a serious cancer diagnosis to Pugh’s character.

They have an undeniable on-screen chemistry that makes the story and couple’s dynamic feel real, or regular. It is this authenticity to normal life that is special. If you’ve witnessed a loved one or friend go through something similar, not only will you relate to this, but you’ll see yourself in these characters.

On the surface, you may think a story of this nature would be overwhelmingly depressing and sad. It certainly has those moments, but We Live in Time is far more lighthearted and uplifting than you’d think. Director John Crowley achieves this through strong dialogue and what I thought was a highly effective use of nonlinear storytelling. For example, right after you are presented with a hard hitting scene about a cancer diagnosis, the movie jumps back to a happy scene of the couple getting to know each other after meeting for the first time.

This style is not for everyone, but I found the nonlinear elements both unique and purposeful. Instead of being presented with everything all at once, the film forces you to assemble its story like a puzzle as you go. This left me both intrigued and committed through the very end.

The nonlinear plot also creates some pretty powerful dichotomies in the story. The impact of seeing a despondent scene back-to-back with a humorous one effectively conveys the movie’s most important themes. It is only after you watch, therefore, that you will fully appreciate the film’s title.

Garfield and Pugh are really good in this. If nothing else, you’ll walk away fully convinced that they are both the present and future of Hollywood. They shine the brightest in the scene depicting the birth of their child. Not only was this moment a unique combination of moving, emotional, and humorous, as someone in healthcare, I can vouch for how realistic and accurate it was.

Pugh’s character, named Almut, was full of depth and emotion. Garfield’s character, named Tobias, though no fault of his own, was a little less developed than I would have liked. While enriched with stories about Almut’s childhood and past, Tobias’ history was more vague. I think a little more emphasis on his upbringing and previous marriage would have even further strengthened the story.

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We Live in Time is available to watch in theaters today. What is your rating of the film?

What I am watching, listening, reading, and playing this week.

Gladiator

I had to revisit this Ridley Scott classic to get ready for Gladiator II in a few weeks. It might be my most anticipated film of 2024 after Dune: Part 2.

Shrinking (Season 2)

One of the best dramadies on TV is back and I couldn’t be more excited. This exceptional story about loss, grief, and community has touched me in a way few shows have in recent memory. Season 2 of Shrinking adds Brett Goldstein to its already star-studded cast and the first 3 episodes have delivered. If you haven’t seen this yet, how could you say no to a show with Harrison Ford playing a therapist?

Faceoff: Inside the NHL

The new Amazon Prime hockey show has been such an enjoyable experience. Fans of the sport will revel in the show’s unprecedented access and new fans will start falling in love with the league’s superstars. If you enjoy Drive to Survive, Full Swing, or Break Point, Faceoff is made by the same people.

Sable,

Bon Iver never fails to deliver and his new EP, SABLE, has been on repeat for the last week. I highly recommend a listen.

Mistborn

Brandon Sanderson is one of the best fantasy writers alive and Mistborn has been a joy to read each night. If you like fantasy, magic, and a little bit of politics, you’ll really fancy Sanderson’s work.

FC 25

It is not EA’s best iteration of this iconic franchise, but if you love the world’s game, then you’ll find yourself spending a lot of time playing FC 25 like myself.

Thank you for reading! Let me know what you think of We Live in Time and be sure to share what you’ve been watching in the comments. I look forward to our discussion!

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Sebastian Stan’s performance as a young Donald Trump is so convincing and so strong that it makes sitting through this film almost as unbearable as his 4 years in office.

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The Apprentice is a film about the rise of a young Donald Trump in New York City. The story centers around Trump’s relationship with infamous closeted lawyer turned mentor Roy Cohn, played by Jeremy Strong. Cohn was like a father-figure to Trump and was a key player in Trump’s early New York real estate empire. The movie also details the budding romance and eventual nasty ending of Trumps marriage with his first wife, Ivanna, played by Maria Bakalova.

This film is at its best when Stan and Strong are together. Their performances feed off of each other and add an interesting nuance to the characters. I found it almost scary how much Sebastian Stan looked, sounded, and acted like Trump. Stan transports you back in time.

Maria Bakalova is also brilliant and delivers a compelling performance, especially during the shocking scene in which Trump tells Ivana he no longer loves her and subsequently rapes her. A true story that Ivana revealed under oath during their 1990 divorce, this scene and the entirety of the third-act will leave viewers absolutely horrified by what they just watched.

The Apprentice is hard to get through. This is not because it is a bad film, but because you have to watch the “birth” of the nasty, ruthless, and greedy human being that has affected us all right before your eyes. Sebastian Stan is so good at playing Donald Trump, it is really mind-bending.

The story would have benefited from more time focusing on Trump’s marriage with Ivana and his relationship with his late brother, Fred Trump Jr. I found both of those relationships fascinating and believe more emphasis on them would have made the overall plot that much more intriguing.

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The Apprentice is in theaters today. You can check out all my other reviews at Blitz’s Backlot. Let me know your thoughts on the film in the comments below. What is your rating?

Legendary video game creator Todd Howard and his team at Bethesda Game Studios have just released Shattered Space, the first DLC to to their 2023 space RPG, Starfield. The new DLC is in many ways a return to roots for the studio and it shows in the best of ways.

Thank you for reading Blitz’s Backlot. Your home to the latest reviews, discussions, and opin…

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Trigger Warning - This show and review features topics of abuse.

Creator of the hit Netflix show, Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, Ryan Murphy, is back with his second installment of the IP. This season focuses on the tragic Lyle and Eric Menendez Story and, for starters, is no where near the narrative quality of the Emmy-winning Dahmer.

For those unfamiliar, the Menendez brothers brutally killed their wealthy parents in 1989 and were convicted of the crime in 1996. Before the murders, the two brothers were subject to sexual, physical, and emotional abuse at the hands of their parents. The show explores the brother’s upbringing and ramifications of their actions.

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The best word to describe this Ryan Murphy biopic is overexaggerated. Murphy invents themes of promiscuity and spends far too much time dragging out baseless claims that the two brothers had intimate feelings for each other. This comes at the sacrifice of a more detailed exploration into how the abuse the brothers faced from their parents, particularly their father Jose, influenced their actions.

This is an odd creative decision because it minimizes the effect of heinous parenting on Erik and Lyle. Whether Murphy meant it or not, his story more or less suggests that the brothers are only to blame and that their parents are not responsible. It is no question that the brothers were awful criminals, but not properly addressing the domestic abuse they faced is irresponsible given how prominent parental abuse is around the world.

Murphy had a real opportunity to tell a meaningful story about a lot of wrongdoing in order to raise awareness for a serious issue. Instead, he overdramatizes the story of mentally ill murderers for a poorly executed form of shock-television.

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Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is available to watch today on Netflix. You can check out all my other reviews at Blitz’s Backlot. Let me know your thoughts on the show in the comments. What is your rating?

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Season 3 of The Bear was a fantastic achievement in artful direction. Performances from Jeremy Allan White, Ayo Edebiri, Elon Moss-Backrach, and Liza Colón-Zayas are as impressive as ever. The writing of each episode masterfully shows off their range as actors. However, The Bear’s main narrative takes a back seat in season 3, often focusing more on showing the complexities of Carmy’s inner mind. This approach created a rather slow and dragged out plot structure that probably could’ve been condensed into half the number of episodes.

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The emotional depth of The Bear’s main story is one of the big reasons why this show is so popular. The tragedy that struck Carmy’s family and his subsequent response to it is as much gripping as it is relatable. The idea of using his incredible talents as a chef to revitalize the family business while also rekindling relationships with his family is a story people want to invest in.

Where we leave Carmy at the end of Season 2 and where we leave him at the end of season 3 is virtually the same, however. He feels isolated and alone, still very bad at managing his restaurant. His very little personal growth made a few episodes in season 3 feel very mundane. This is a let down after how good the narrative was in the first two seasons.

One of the season’s brightest spots is the incredible guest acting performances across the board. Jamie Lee Curtis, Joel McHale, and John Cena were the biggest stand outs to me. They’re all so different, and so quirky, but it just works so well. Only in The Bear!

A positive thing about the nature of season 3 is the payoff we will likely get by the end of season 4 is going to be that much more rewarding. I think Christopher Storer has earned the right to craft this show however he wants. Trust the process, as they say.

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The Bear is available to watch today on Hulu. You can check out all my other reviews at Blitz’s Backlot. Let me know your thoughts on the season in the comments below. What is your rating?

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Carried by its strong cast and acting, Fly Me to the Moon is a feel-good take on a classic piece of American history. It is hard not to feel nostalgic about the 1960's after watching this film.

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This is a RomCom through and through. It is cheesy and corny, but in all the good ways. Director Greg Berlandi takes a familiar story that we all know, the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing, and puts a fun little twist on it. All of that is highlighted by strong performances from Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum. They play two very different people who come together and find love through unlikely circumstances.

There are laugh-out-loud moments, melancholy moments, and happy moments… all the typical themes you look for in a movie like this. The biggest surprise, and highlight, was Woody Harrelson. His classic dry and snarky humor rounded out the dynamic between Johansson and Tatum really nicely.

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This movie is the perfect choice for a cozy night in with the family or friends. It is the perfect balance of funny, silly, and heartwarming. While the story is nothing to write home about, you will undoubtably have a good time.

Fly Me to the Moon is available to watch today on Apple TV+. You can check out all my other reviews at Blitz’s Backlot. Let me know your thoughts on the film in the comments below. What is your rating?

The magic of seeing a good movie on the big screen never gets old. Some stand outs from the last ten years are Interstellar, The Force Awakens, Top Gun: Maverick, Barbenheimer, and Dune: Part 2. The immersive sound, blacked-out lights, and massive IMAX or Dolby screens deliver an unparalleled experience that simply can’t be replicated elsewhere.

In a time where streaming has taken over the media world and changed how we will forever consume our movies, tv, and music, Twisters storms onto the scene with its gripping action, stunning visuals, and genuine humor to give movie theaters everywhere a rare victory over our favorite subscription-based services. It has rightfully earned itself a place on the list above.

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Visually, Twisters deserves to be seen on the big screen. The arial shots of the vastness of Oklahoma as well as the brilliantly produced tornado scenes cannot be fully appreciated unless seen on the biggest scale possible. Combine that with strong sound production and a catchy soundtrack, the theater experience is well worth your time.

What Twisters does best, however, is nail its casting. Glen Powell has solidified himself as not just the man of the future in Hollywood, but the current man of Hollywood. He proved his RomCom chops in Anyone But You, his comedic chops in Hitman, and now his blockbuster/drama chops in Twisters. He clearly can draw an audience and this is only the start for him. Daisy Edgar-Jones is also really talented and has fantastic on-screen chemistry with both Powell and Anthony Ramos. She is very clearly meticulously dedicated to her craft and I wouldn’t be surprised to see her in more Oscar-type roles in the not too distant future.

Blockbusters are rarely known for having perfect stories and screenplays, and Twisters is no exception. Even though the story is exciting and I seldom found myself anything but engaged, it was rather predictable. That is not always a bad thing, and in this case it isn’t, but it does make the final act’s payoff slightly less rewarding.

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Sometimes all you need is a thrilling summertime blockbuster flick and Twisters delivers the goods on that front. It is not a life changing experience by any stretch of the imagination, but beautiful cinematography and exceptional casting make this one of the most fun and exciting films of 2024.

Twisters is in theaters today. You can check out all my other reviews at Blitz’s Backlot. Let me know your thoughts on the film in the comments below. What is your rating?