Thursday, September 25, 2025

28 Days Later (2002)



Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later is one of those films that proves you don’t need a massive budget to create something unforgettable. From the very first shots of a deserted London, it hooks you with its eerie, almost surreal atmosphere. The stripped-down, indie vibe gives it a raw intensity—you feel like you’re right there, stumbling through an emptied city with danger lurking around every corner.

The film is terrifying not just because of the “infected,” but because of the way it’s shot. The use of digital video gives the movie a gritty, unsettling realism, amplifying every shadow and every movement. Boyle’s choice to lean into minimalism pays off—it’s scarier precisely because it feels so plausible.

The story itself is strong and tightly paced, blending survival horror with deeper questions about humanity, morality, and what people become under extreme pressure. The characters feel real and flawed, which makes the horror hit that much harder.

All told, 28 Days Later is a landmark horror film—scary, stylishly shot, and surprisingly thoughtful. Its indie energy and low-budget edge give it a unique personality that still stands out today.

Deadpool (2024) #1-5








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Deadpool begins the arc in rough shape, trying to reorient himself after recent traughts, and he soon builds an odd but effective mercenary team around himself: Taskmaster as muscle and tactical backup; Doug, a nerdy accountant/organizer who keeps the logistics running; and Princess, an alien-symbiote/Deadpool hybrid dog (who he treats like a daughter). From the start, the series leans into both the absurd and the emotional: Wade’s efforts to be better (or at least repair some relationships) run in parallel with high-octane combat and weirdness.

Their first major obstacle is the magical cult group known as The Touch, who wield strange and mystical powers. The series steadily escalates as Deadpool and company clash with these cultists, culminating in confrontations with the chief antagonist who wields the Miramasa blade — a weapon that grants him near-immortality or regenerative strength, forcing Deadpool to outthink more than out-blast him. Along the way, Wade reconnects with his daughter, Ellie, who reveals her own latent abilities (notably a magical healing factor) and plays a key role in overcoming the villains. In the penultimate conflicts, she helps tip the balance, but in the final battle Deadpool—and by extension his team—achieves victory at a cost: Wade loses (or is stripped of) his healing factor. The arc closes with a bittersweet payoff: they’ve won, but it’s unclear how much Wade is changed (or vulnerable) moving forward.


Review & Impressions

From start to finish, the arc works precisely because it leans into what makes Deadpool fun and surprising. Writer Cody Ziglar (and the creative team) balance the snark, the gore, and the heartfelt moments. The comedy is present but never undercuts stakes — the jokes serve to puncture tension rather than derail it. Early reviews of issue #1 praised that balance: the action is “swift and bloody,” the fourth wall breaks remain smart and not overbearing, and the villain (Death Grip, in #1) already shows promise. Art is a consistent plus—emotion in quieter moments, kinetic layouts in fight scenes, and clear character designs (especially for Princess and the mystical elements). 

By issue #5, the stretch of the arc is showing its strengths. Critics point out that Taskmaster gets a moment to stretch his powers (even doing a kind of “fake magic trick” by mimicking spell gestures) in a fun bit of subversion. And though some commentary (e.g. Comicon’s review) calls #5 a “mixed bag” in parts, many agree the world-building, character chemistry, and stakes are solid. One review of #5 notes Taskmaster’s grousing over budgets (humor grounded in their in-team dynamic) alongside the dramas of protecting Ellie.  Across the arc, commentators point out that this run is “definitely the best Deadpool has been since at least 2020” in its blend of humor, action, and heart. 

If I had to nitpick: sometimes the magical / mystical rules feel underexplored (how much of Ellie’s healing power comes from what source? Why exactly the Miramasa blade works the way it does?). A few emotional beats are telegraphed in advance, and the loss of Deadpool’s healing factor — while a gutsy move — is one of those bold premises where future follow-through will be crucial. But as an arc it mostly delivers.

All told, this feels like a high point. It captures the weirdness of Deadpool, the familial stakes (especially with Ellie and Princess), and the sense that in this universe, daring gambits come with consequences. On your scale, I’d land it at 9/10 too. It’s lively, surprising, and clearly sets up interesting directions moving forward — I’m excited to see where Wade goes next (especially now that he’s vulnerable).

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Friday, September 19, 2025

Black Mirror S7 Ep 2: Bête Noire


Black Mirror S7 Ep 2: Bête Noire

“Bête Noire” stands out as one of the more striking installments of Black Mirror’s seventh season, partly because of how confidently it balances unease, spectacle, and catharsis. Directed with precision by Toby Haynes, the episode builds its tension through psychological disorientation rather than obvious horror. Subtle shifts in memory, perception, and circumstance keep both the protagonist and the viewer on edge, creating an atmosphere where nothing feels entirely trustworthy.

The performances deserve a lot of credit. Siena Kelly anchors the episode with a portrayal that’s equal parts vulnerable and defiant, while Rosy McEwen delivers a performance that is as chilling as it is nuanced. Together, they embody the clash of guilt, memory, and vengeance that drives the story. Their dynamic keeps the narrative from becoming pure sci-fi spectacle; even as reality bends, the human element remains central.

What sets “Bête Noire” apart is its ending. Without giving too much away, it’s more uplifting—or at least more empowering—than the bleak conclusions Black Mirror is known for. There’s a genuine sense of catharsis in the resolution, even if it comes wrapped in layers of ambiguity and exaggeration. For a series that often ends with despair, this tilt toward triumph feels refreshing.

That said, the final act may feel over-the-top for some, as the story moves from subtle psychological tension into high-concept, almost fantastical territory. But whether you find that shift jarring or exhilarating, it makes “Bête Noire” memorable. It’s bold, weird, and deeply Black Mirror—and it may well stand as one of the season’s highlights.

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Bad Guys 2 (2025)



The Bad Guys 2 swings back onto the scene with full comedic flair and heartfelt mischief, proving itself not just a worthy sequel but in many ways an upgrade.

From the start, the animation dazzles with its vibrant, kinetic style that keeps the energy high and the laughs coming. The voice cast, led by Sam Rockwell’s effortlessly cool Mr. Wolf, once again delivers, and the introduction of a rival crew raises the stakes in all the right ways.

The story leans into bigger, crazier territory, but never loses its heart. At its core, it’s still about friendship, redemption, and the joy of choosing good over bad, even when chaos is so much fun. The humor is sharp, self-aware, and full of moments that will keep both kids and adults entertained.

If you enjoyed the first film, this sequel doesn’t just repeat the formula—it expands on it, proving that this crew still has plenty of charm and tricks left up their sleeves. The Bad Guys 2 is a wildly entertaining ride that cements the series as one of the most fun animated franchises out there.

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Paddington In Peru (2025)



Paddington in Peru is everything I hoped it would be and more—a warm, funny, and irresistibly charming adventure that reminds us why this little bear has captured so many hearts. From the moment it begins, the film radiates kindness and optimism, never losing the gentle wit and visual inventiveness that made the first two entries so beloved.

What really struck me is how it builds on the magic of Paddington 2. That film became something of a legend, often called “the greatest film ever made” after its viral shoutout in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent with Nicolas Cage and Pedro Pascal. It’s a huge bar to clear—but somehow, Paddington in Peru doesn’t buckle under the pressure. Instead, it embraces the legacy and continues the tradition of wholesome perfection, adding new settings and emotional beats that feel just right.

This isn’t just a children’s movie; it’s a story for anyone who believes in kindness, family, and the small joys that make life beautiful. I walked out grinning, and honestly, I can’t wait to see it again. If Paddington 2 was a surprise masterpiece, Paddington in Peru proves it wasn’t a fluke—it’s the continuation of one of the most consistently wonderful film series of our time.

Monday, August 18, 2025

Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)




Fantastic Four: First Steps delivers exactly what the title promises—a bold reintroduction of Marvel’s First Family that feels both classic and forward-looking. I really enjoyed it. The story balances heart, humor, and cosmic wonder in a way that reminds you why the Fantastic Four are so essential to Marvel’s universe. Each character feels true to their core while still leaving room for fresh dynamics, and the visuals absolutely pop. More than just a great standalone read, it sets the tone for what feels like the beginning of an exciting new Marvel era. I’m genuinely thrilled to see where this direction goes next.

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Avengers (2023) #12-16





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Avengers (2023) #12:

With the fall of Krakoa and the decimation of the X-Men at the hands of Orchis, the Avengers are caught flat-footed, burdened by the knowledge that Iron Man’s Sentinel tech contributed to the destruction. As global anti-mutant violence escalates, the Avengers scramble to atone for their complicity. Iron Man, Captain Marvel, and the rest of the team mobilize to halt Sentinel attacks on scattered mutant refugees. Meanwhile, 3D Man, under Black Panther’s hypnotic suggestion, embeds himself within Orchis to sabotage them from within. The issue sets a grim tone of guilt, urgency, and rekindled alliance between the Avengers and the remnants of mutantkind.

Avengers (2023) #13:
Continuing their effort to dismantle Orchis, the Avengers execute a series of strike missions to protect surviving mutants and uncover the terrorist organization’s deeper infrastructure—now led by a particularly unhinged MODOK. 3D Man’s covert infiltration begins to bear fruit as he feeds intelligence back to Black Panther, enabling a coordinated assault. The Avengers launch an all-out assault on an Orchis compound, halting a major Sentinel deployment. MODOK’s madness and the betrayal from within help the heroes tip the balance, turning the tide in favor of Earth’s mightiest—at least for now.

Avengers (2023) #14 – Blood Hunt Part 1:
The narrative pivots dramatically as the supernatural Blood Hunt event begins. With the core Avengers scattered or recovering from recent battles, a makeshift squad forms: Captain America, Hercules, Quicksilver, Kate Bishop, and a few others. They find themselves up against a horrifying new threat—vampires, and worse, Nazi vampires led by the sinister Baron Blood. The dwindling team must regroup and fight through swarms of undead, their strength and stamina tested against overwhelming odds in a world suddenly gone dark.

Avengers (2023) #15:
The conflict escalates as Baron Blood seizes control of a S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier, turning it into a mobile vampire fortress stocked with prisoners meant for feeding. Captain America leads the infiltration mission while Quicksilver and Kate Bishop navigate tight corridors teeming with bloodthirsty enemies. Hercules unleashes brute force to clear paths, but the mission isn’t just about fighting—it’s about saving lives. With time running out, Cap devises a desperate plan: evacuate as many innocents as possible and prepare the Helicarrier for a fiery end.

Avengers (2023) #16:
As the Helicarrier hurtles toward the sun under Cap’s command, the final confrontation between Captain America and Baron Blood erupts on the bridge. Their battle is brutal and symbolic, a clash between fascist darkness and unyielding hope. Meanwhile, Kate Bishop and Quicksilver secure the reactor core to ensure the ship completes its fiery suicide run. Baron Blood attempts to escape at the last moment—but Kate, ever-precise, plants an arrow in his chest mid-leap. The Helicarrier incinerates in solar fire, taking the vampire threat with it, while the battered heroes return home—victorious, but changed.

Thematic Exploration:
This arc blends redemption and resilience, as the Avengers are forced to confront past mistakes and stand tall in a world unraveling from both human and supernatural threats. Themes of guilt, accountability, and the burden of leadership are central—especially for Iron Man and Captain America. The pivot to the Blood Hunt storyline introduces a visceral, pulpy horror tone, but it never loses sight of the Avengers' defining ethos: protect the innocent at all costs. Whether fighting technological oppression or literal monsters, the team endures—not through overwhelming strength, but through sacrifice, teamwork, and the moral clarity that defines heroism in the Marvel Universe.

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