“The New Boy: a Sacred Clash of Spirits and Survival
Warwick Thornton’s The New Boy is a haunting, evocative tale of spiritual collision and colonial imposition set in the unforgiving Australian outback during the early 1940s. Told entirely from the perspective of a young Aboriginal boy (brilliantly portrayed by newcomer Aswan Reid), the film is a quiet yet powerful exploration of Indigenous spirituality clashing with rigid Christian dogma—one that lingers with audiences long after the final frame.
“Bring Her Back: A Chiller That Almost Brings It Home”
Directors Danny and Michael Philippou reunite with A24 for their follow-up to the 2022 hit “Talk to Me” with “Bring Her Back.” As he did with the previous film, Danny also co-wrote the script with Bill Hinzman. Andy (Billy Barratt) and his vision-impaired stepsister Piper (Sora Wong) are thick as thieves who have to come together after their father’s suicide.
“Desert Dawn is a routine actioner”
Kellan Lutz maintains his status as a direct-to-home action hero with his latest film, “Desert Dawn.” This film reunites him with his “Twilight” co-star, Cam Gigandet. Saban Films produced the movie, which was directed by Marty Murray, based on a script written by Chad Law, Johnny Walters, and Art Camacho.
“Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning” is a thrilling franchise finale
Ethan Hunt returns to the big screen for what may be his final adventure in “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” produced by Paramount Pictures. Director Christopher McQuarrie is back at the helm for his sixth collaboration with Tom Cruise. McQuarrie pens the screenplay with Erik Jendresen.
“The Old Woman with the Knife” drags tonally bit but still delivers action goods
In his ninth directorial effort, south Korean film director Min Kyu-dong transitions from drama to action, “The Old Woman with the Knife.” Kim Dong-wan co-wrote the screenplay with Min Kyu-dong, adapting Gu Byeong-mo’s novel of the same title.
“Clown in a Cornfield finds” a good balance of slasher and comedy
After an eight-year hiatus, cult director Eli Craig returns to the horror-comedy genre with his latest film, “Clown in a Cornfield,” from RLJE Films.
“Rosario” is an impressive directorial debut
First-time director Felipe Vargas explores the consequences of forgetting one’s roots in the chilling horror film “Rosario,” produced by Highland Film Group and Muchio Mass Media. Alan Trezza wrote the screenplay, which begins with our titular character, a Mexican immigrant, receiving her first communion. After a spooky incident involving her eerie grandmother, it becomes evident that Rosario is destined to move on when she grows older.
“Neighborhood Watch” : Suspense on Snooze Patrol
Director Duncan Skiles taps into the buddy pic genre for his feature debut in “Neighborhood Watch” from RJLE Films. Simon (Jack Quaid) is a young man grappling with mental illness who becomes convinced that he has witnessed an abduction. When he reports it to the police, and they refuse to believe him, he reluctantly seeks the help of his neighbor Ed (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), a jaded, retired security guard with a troubled past. As the unlikely duo delves deeper into the mystery, their pursuit of the truth forces them to confront the disappearance’s dark secrets and the unspoken wounds that haunt them.
“The Accountant 2” is a sequel audiences shouldn’t write off
Ben Affleck reunites with director Gavin O’Connor for the third time in “The Accountant 2.” Bill Dubuque, who wrote the script for the first film, also returns for the sequel. When we last saw Christian Wolff, a.k.a. The Accountant (Affleck), he was driving down a country road with his Airstream after completing his latest mission.
“Mob Cops” is a Cinematic Badge of Dishonor
Director Danny Abeckaser continues to explore the actual crime and mob genre in his ninth film, “Mob Cops,” from Lionsgate, which reunites him with screenwriter Kosta Kondilopoulos. If you follow my writings, then you know I’m a sucker for a true story.
“The Wedding Banquet” is a sharp and tender dramedy that does the original justice
Director Andrew Ahn presents an insightful and heartfelt comedy in his updated version of Ang Lee’s classic 1993 film “The Wedding Banquet.” Ahn co-wrote the film with James Schamus. The 2025 remake maintains the original film’s spirit while investigating themes of cultural identity and queerness through the lens of chosen family dynamics. Through humor and grace, the film, led by Bowen Yang alongside Lily Gladstone and Kelly Marie Tran, examines themes of love, tradition, and self-discovery.
“Screamboat” is bloody & badly acted low budget fun
Director Steven LaMorte takes advantage of copyright expiring for an iconic character in his latest film, “Screamboat” from Sleight of Hands Productions. LaMorte pens the screenplay with Matthew Garcia-Dunn. Opening with a traditional slasher film kill, “Screamboat” introduces us to Selena (Allison Pittel), a tour guide from the Gopher state who has moved to the Big Apple to chase her fashion designer dreams.