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Top 10 Films of 2019 January 23, 2020 By: Hunter Friesen Well, the year has passed and we can finally let out a sigh of relief. The only thing left to do now is to look ahead to fresh beginnings in the new year and decade. But before we do that, let’s take some time to appreciate all the good that happened to us this last year, specifically within the movie theatre. From the biggest of blockbusters to the smallest of indies, several cinematic offerings were made that deserve attention and praise. So in an effort to give credit where credit is due, here is a list of my favorite films of 2019. Honorable Mentions A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood Ford v Ferrari The Farewell The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part The Lighthouse 10. 1917 In a move of pure boldness, director Sam Mendes decided to stage his World War I film as one continuous shot. Roger Deakins’ masterful cinematography never once faults as it fully immerses us into the action on a level not seen in war films before. Adding Thomas Newman’s score and two excellent lead performances on top of that give this blockbuster an unrivaled sense of grandiosity. 9. Uncut Gems Adam Sandler returns to form with his role as Howard Ratner in Uncut Gems . But it's not just The Sandman himself who takes the spotlight in this anxiety-inducing tale of one man trying to gamble himself a fortune within the New York diamond district. Supporting players Julia Fox, LaKeith Stanfield, and even basketball legend Kevin Garnett show off their talent as directors Josh and Benny Safdie take that screen presence and combine it with an intensely paced story to deliver one hell of a ride. 8. Marriage Story Written and directed by Noah Baumbach, this Netflix divorce drama made for the biggest emotional punch of any film in 2019. Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson commandingly take the lead and deliver a film that has never been so pleasantly depressing and genuinely funny at the same time. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, or you’ll do both at the same time. And by the time the credits start rolling, you’ll have been on a journey with not just these characters, but also with yourself. Full Review 7. Parasite South Korean director Bong Joon-ho returns home for his newest feature. Winner of the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, the film follows the escapades of the poverty-stricken Kim family as they infiltrate the household and lives of the wealthy Parks. Genre-defying to the highest degree, Parasite is never what you think it is as it twists back and forth between comedy, horror, and drama within the blink of an eye. Fortunately, the one thing that stays constant throughout is the immense talent of all involved to make this wholly original and unforgettable film. 6. Ad Astra The 2010s have been a renaissance for space movies as several top directors and stars have lent their craft to tell stories beyond our planet. Joining that list are James Gray and Brad Pitt as they take the road less traveled with the unique Ad Astra . Almost a one-man show by Pitt, the film tells his character’s deeply humanistic story within the cosmic scale of its setting. It’s deeply moving and altogether something different than what has come before, which is why it deserves a place on this list. Full Review 5. Climax The most unsettling and stressful movie released this year, Gaspar Noé’s Climax is a hypnotic nightmare. Set in a remote French school, the film follows a group of dancers as they celebrate after a successful show. Unfortunately, someone spiked the punch with LSD and everyone is in for an agonizing trip. As expected the dance numbers are fantastic and the inventive long-take cinematography never lets you go no matter how many times you want to look away. Be sure to take some ibuprofen before embarking on this strange ride. 4. Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood Perfectly led by an all-star cast of Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt (what a year he’s having!), and Margot Robbie, Quentin Tarantino’s ninth feature turned out to be his most comedic and mature work. The esteemed writer/director’s tale of a fictional TV cowboy in the waning days of Hollywood’s golden age acts as both a time capsule for a bygone era and as an allegory for the state of filmmaking in modern times. But don’t let the laughs fool you into thinking Tarantino won’t indulge in his trademarked ultraviolence as he delivers what may be his most challenging and squirm-inducing finale. 3. The Irishman At 209 minutes, Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman is a true-crime epic. Telling the story of mob hitman Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran, the long-gestating project is packed with an all-star cast of Robert De Niro as the titular character as well as Joe Pesci and Al Pacino in career-defining roles. Instead of rehashing his usual gangster formula, Scorsese flips the script and fully exposes the audience to the doom and gloom that a life of crime brings to someone. Released on Netflix, there’s no excuse not to see this historic work. Full Review 2. The King Available on Netflix (are you starting to see a pattern?), The King is a period piece for the modern age. Director David Michôd elegantly crafts a sweeping drama centered on the early reign of King Henry V - brilliantly played by a brooding Timothée Chalamet - as he navigates through murky political waters. Technically immaculate through its cinematography and score, the drama also boasts a well-rounded supporting cast of characters looking to raise their rank through either loyalty or betrayal. All these factors and more (including Robert Pattinson’s bonkers accent) make for an incredibly engaging watch. All hail King Henry indeed. 1. Little Women With a modern twist on a timeless classic, Greta Gerwig’s Little Women is an absolute delight. From its non-linear narrative to its glowingly warm cinematography, everything on the screen does wonders as it forces tears that are then brushed away with a smile. That also includes performances from the ensemble that bring the March sisters to life in a way not seen before. Arriving on Christmas Day as a gift to all, there was no better way to cap off the year (and decade) than with this absolute masterpiece. More Reviews The Super Mario Galaxy Movie March 31, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen The Drama April 1, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Project Hail Mary March 10, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice March 25, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Hunter Friesen

Top 10 DreamWorks Animated Movies March 7, 2024 By: Tyler Banark A child sitting on the moon fishing accompanied by a fairytale-like fanfare. What more could you ask for from one of Hollywood's simplest and most recognizable studio logos? With Kung Fu Panda 4 on the horizon this week, DreamWorks Animation has another installment of one of its many beloved franchises. While it has evolved over the years, the studio has never lost sight of its humble beginnings. In their 25-year history, they’ve proven adept at rivaling Disney through their ability to tell stories of different substances and styles. And unlike the Mouse House and Illumination (who never fail to rope audiences in with their vexing mascot and bland style), DreamWorks has never shied away from being themselves, even if the result isn’t always exclamatory. Nevertheless, they still crank out consistently amazing movies, and here are the ten that have stuck with me the most. 10. Monsters vs. Aliens (2009) I wouldn’t go so far as to describe animated movies as campy, but if there’s one that fits that mold, it’s this 2009 gem. Led by a voice cast of Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogen, Hugh Laurie, Will Arnett, Rainn Wilson, Kiefer Sutherland, and Stephen Colbert, Monsters vs. Aliens makes for a wacky monster movie that pokes fun at kaiju movies and old sci-fi cult classics like Attack of the 50 Foot Woman . Rogen gives one of his most underappreciated voiceover performances here as B.O.B., a dimwitted gelatinous mass lacking a brain. The film isn’t one of DreamWorks’ most talked-about works, but rest assured, there are a few lovers of this movie like myself out there. 8. How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) As the follow-up on the studio’s biggest surprise hit, How to Train Your Dragon 2 greatly expands the world of Berk and its inhabitants. Hiccup continues his research of dragons and the possibility of them and Vikings living in harmony. The sequel introduces Cate Blanchett’s Valka, Hiccup’s long-lost mother, and Djimon Hounsou’s Drago, a man looking to control all dragons. Their additions add to the already impressive returning voice cast. Throughout the trilogy’s run, each entry made the case that it was worthy of top accolades, but there was always something else pushing it aside. The first and third entries were defeated by Toy Story 3 and Toy Story 4 , and the middle chapter ran into The Lego Movie and Big Hero 6 . 8. How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019) The conclusion to one of the most underappreciated trilogies ever, The Hidden World finds Hiccup and Toothless facing the ultimate test of a ruthless dragon hunter and his army, all while discovering a hidden realm where dragons live in peace. The animation is top-notch, and the cast is wonderful as always, especially Jay Baruchel, who never failed to make his case as to why he was the best choice for Hiccup. F. Murray Abraham joined the cast as the antagonist, Grimmel, who, like Lord Shen in Kung Fu Panda 2 , knows how to counter and confound his opponents. Director Dean DeBlois went all out to make The Hidden World a fitting conclusion to a decade-spanning trilogy, with John Powell’s score remaining consistently soulful, just as the series was as consistent in overall quality. 7. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022) As a big welcome back to not only the Shrek universe but to DreamWorks as a whole, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish took some of the biggest risks audiences have witnessed from a DreamWorks property. It not only switched gears in animation styles by following the storybook look of The Bad Guys , but it also featured the scariest representation of death in a family-friendly movie. Thanks to Wagner Moura’s spine-tingling voiceover work, the Wolf is one of the best villains in recent years. However, The Wolf wasn’t the only baddie here making a statement for himself. Big Jack Horner, voiced by John Mulaney, displayed his ruthlessness by being willing to kill one of his henchmen without remorse. Puss is written with complexity as he grapples with mortality and anxiety, capped with further commentary on how our time in life is short and shouldn’t be wasted. 6. The Bad Guys (2022) Based on the popular children’s book series by Aaron Blabey, The Bad Guys flew under the radar when compared to the studio’s other works. Not only was it the best animated film to come out that year, but it was also one of the first to show Into the Spider-Verse ’s impact on the industry, as the animation is far different than anything done before by DreamWorks. The Bad Guys steers away from the typical computer-generated look and goes for something more storybook-like. It pulled me in immediately through its opening scene: a long take of Wolf and Snake eating breakfast before pulling up to a bank for another heist. On the surface, it’s just an opening scene that the typical viewer could just brush off. However, if you’re like me, you’ll notice that DreamWorks made a subtle homage to Quentin Tarantino and his crime flicks (more specifically, Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction ). Sam Rockwell led an excellent cast; including Awkwafina, Anthony Ramos, Marc Maron, Craig Robinson, Zazie Beetz, and Richard Ayoade. 5. Kung Fu Panda (2008) A remarkable feat that safely introduced young audiences to martial arts movies, Kung Fu Panda not only featured the witty humor audiences came to expect but also a compelling character arc for Jack Black’s Po. The movie provided resonant motifs of never giving up and that answers can be found in the unlikeliest places. Black had an impressive supporting cast around him, including Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, and Ian McShane as one of the best villains in studio history who is both menacing and understandable. Kung Fu Panda cemented DreamWorks’ second most successful franchise, and it’s never been far behind a certain green ogre… 4. Shrek 2 (2004) Shrek 2 is one of the rare sequels to equal its predecessor. Not only did it raise the stakes, but it distanced itself enough to the point where it could be a standalone, feel-good movie. Shrek 2 also featured a great villain in Fairy Godmother, who is nice on the surface but reveals her true intentions by trying to get in between Shrek and Fiona. The sequel also introduced us to the irresistible Puss in Boots, who solidified himself as a franchise favorite to the point where he got two spin-offs. There’s also a strong soundtrack, with the highlights being the movie’s anthem, Accidentally in Love, and Jennifer Saunders’ cover of Holding Out For a Hero . 3. Shrek (2001) A landmark film of a generation and the first film to win Best Animated Feature Film at the Oscars, Shrek is DreamWorks’ golden child. It put the studio on the map and provided a wake-up call to Hollywood that Disney isn’t the only source of animation, while also spawning three sequels and two spin-offs. During its run, Shrek went on to become the first animated film in almost sixty years to compete for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, the first to be nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars, and Eddie Murphy became the first actor to receive a BAFTA nomination for a voice-over role by playing Donkey. It threw out audiences’ preconceptions about fairytales, giving us a hero far from Prince Charming on the outside, yet still charismatic and lovable. It made a statement that anyone is capable of giving and receiving love, with the added bonus of several raunchy jokes and clever moments that have become staples of online culture. 2. The Prince of Egypt (1998) The best piece of religious cinema I’ve ever seen and one of DreamWorks’ earliest works, The Prince of Egypt follows the story of Moses and his liberation of the Hebrew slaves from Ancient Egypt. Based on the book of Exodus, it’s one of the few faith-based films to resonate with culture both critically and commercially, with other worlds like The Passion of the Christ and Silence falling on extreme ends of the spectrum. A strong cast including Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sandra Bullock, Jeff Goldblum, Danny Glover, Steve Martin, and Martin Short all brought their A-game. The Prince of Egypt is still one of the few DreamWorks movies to feature traditional hand-drawn animation, most notably seen in the climax where Moses parted the Red Sea, and an eerie nightmare sequence told through Egyptian paintings. Music from Hans Zimmer and a soundtrack featuring sweeping songs such as Deliver Us , Through Heaven’s Eyes , and The Plagues , aided in establishing the epic scale and the studio’s legacy. 1. How to Train Your Dragon (2010) If you’re reading this and know this cinephile personally, then this shouldn’t come as a surprise to you. As the saying goes, never judge a book by its cover, and that’s exactly the case with How to Train Your Dragon . Gorgeous animation with the help of legendary cinematographer Roger Deakin, a stellar voice cast, and a timeless script are just a few of the reasons why the movie exceeded all expectations. Hiccup and Toothless are an irresistible duo, accompanied by many characters that complement them well. Furthermore, John Powell’s score is one of the best, if not the best this critic has ever heard. It’s easy to listen to, and you can’t help but smile when you hear our duo’s themes. This first chapter also lays the groundwork for one of the most consistent animated trilogies ever, never going overboard with the worldbuilding, leaving enough to be discovered and built upon in said sequels. Through Hiccup, the movie conveys that you should never be afraid to be who you truly are, even if everyone around you is different. This method can be applied to DreamWorks as a studio, which is exactly why How to Train Your Dragon is their best. You can follow Tyler and hear more of his thoughts on Twitter , Instagram , and Letterboxd . More Reviews The Super Mario Galaxy Movie March 31, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen The Drama April 1, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Project Hail Mary March 10, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice March 25, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Hunter Friesen

2023 Winners January 4, 2024 By: Hunter Friesen The end of the year is upon us and it’s time to see who’s left standing now that the dust has settled. Even compared to most years, 2023 didn’t leave many people with their legs still under them (two historic strikes and a neverending drought at the box office tend to do that). But there were a select few that were not only able to survive but thrive in these tough conditions. Take a look below at who came out on top this year. Ayo Edebiri Everywhere you looked in 2023, Ayo Edebiri was there. The burgeoning comedy star appeared in no less than five feature films ( Theater Camp , Bottoms, The Sweet East, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, TMNT: Mutant Mayhem ), two hit television series ( The Bear, Abbott Elementary ), and received the “Breakout Star” STARmeter Award from IMDb. She shows no signs of slowing down, joining the MCU with the upcoming Thunderbolts and being cast in the new James L. Brooks film. Horror Movies (Again) Another year, another reminder that horror movies reign supreme when it comes to raking in the dough. No wonder Jason Blum owns multiple multi-million dollar properties. His Five Nights at Freddy’s has accumulated almost $300 million worldwide on a $20 million budget. Not far behind was Scream VI, M3GAN, The Nun II , and Insidious: The Red Door , which quietly became the highest-grossing entry in the series. Corporate PR Just like Mr. Burns every corporate conglomerate could use a slick Hollywood picture to gloss over their evil rise to power. 2023 saw no shortage of them, almost all of them faring better than A Burns For All Seasons . Ben Affleck created an underdog narrative surrounding the richest sports brand and athlete in Air , Tetris showed the power of American optimism (and capitalism), and Flamin’ Hot didn’t let the truth get in the way of a feel-good story. They’re all propaganda, but at least they were entertaining pieces of propaganda. Movie Theaters (But only during Barbenheimer) It was a year of one bomb after another, with any movie with a price tag of over $200 million playing to crowds rivaling the size of a high school theater production. But then a shining light came midway through the year, one that had been foretold through memes and fanboyism (and fangirlism). Luckily, Christopher Nolan and Greta Gerwig delivered the goods with Oppenheimer and Barbie , respectively, and everyone and their mother got out of the hot summer sun and enjoyed themselves for a few hours. Re-Releases With so many movies flopping like a fish, theaters were happy to welcome back stuff that had already proven successful. The 25th anniversary of Titanic grossed $70 million worldwide this past Valentine’s Day, Return of the Jedi brought in a respectable $7 million, and Oldboy outgrossed its original domestic release with $2 million during its limited remaster. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Concert Films Ruling over the billboard charts and closing down cities with their concerts wasn’t enough for these pop stars. They wanted it all, and who could blame them when considering just how much people were dying to see their acts in the theater? Taylor Swift proved to be a bigger draw than Indiana Jones, Ethan Hunt, and Optimus Prime at the box office, and Beyoncé’s Renaissance topped its respective opening weekend. It wasn’t just the teenagers who got their fill as Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense grossed an impressive $5 million during its limited run. Sandra Hüller The German actress broke onto the scene at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival with Toni Erdmann . It was poetic when she was the talk of this year’s fest with her performances in the Palme d’Or and Grand Prize winner Anatomy of a Fall and The Zone of Interest , respectively. She portrayed intense characters in both films, just on opposite sides of the specific of good and evil. An Oscar nomination is highly likely, as well as a slew of offers for juicy parts in every major director’s next film. Jacob Elordi The Kissing Booth and Euphoria may have made him a sex symbol (not that he needed much help with that), but 2023 was the year that the Australian became an actor . He was able to use his appeal in Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn and Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla , both netting him positive reviews. He’s already lined up a starring role in Paul Schrader’s upcoming Oh Canada . Video Game Adaptations Going from the controller to the projector used to be a death sentence for any video game property. Now it’s like printing your money, with Nintendo scoring $1.3 billion with The Super Mario Bros. Movie . And look, there’s Five Nights at Freddy’s again swimming in $300 million worth of cash. And then there was HBO’s The Last of Us , which scored record viewership and a bevy of Emmy nominations. Don’t be surprised to see Mario vs. Sonic as the top-grossing film of 2028. More Reviews The Super Mario Galaxy Movie March 31, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen The Drama April 1, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Project Hail Mary March 10, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice March 25, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Hunter Friesen

Created by Hunter Friesen, The Cinema Dispatch is your one-stop-shop for all reviews, lists, awards updates, and essays relating to the world of cinema. About The Cinema Dispatch is founded, owned, and operated by Hunter Friesen. While attaining a Master’s Degree in Accounting and Finance at the University of Northern Iowa, Hunter was also a student of cinema. He was president of the Film Appreciation Club for three years, programming weekly screenings that aimed to entertain and educate the student body. He also served as the film critic for The Northern Iowan newspaper and co-hosted a biweekly campus radio show called Your World with Nick & Hunter on 94.5 KULT-FM. While the perpetually cold weather of Minnesota usually forced him to hunker down and enjoy so many great movies, Hunter has also used his passion for cinema to travel the world. He covers several international film festivals, including the Cannes Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, and Sundance Film Festival. He also covers the local Twin Cities Film Fest and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival. Hunter currently serves as the president of the Minnesota Film Critics Association and is an active member of the International Film Society Critics , Online Film & Television Association , Independent Film Critics of America , and The Critics Circle . Hunter publishes a weekly film review column at the Eden Prairie Local News and Woodbury News Net .

Cannes 2024 Predictions - Part 1: The Question Marks April 5, 2024 By: Hunter Friesen With Oscar season firmly behind us (although it never really ends), it’s time to set our sights on the next white whale barreling toward us: festival season! Sundance and SXSW have provided the appetizer with their concentration of indies and spring studio releases, opening the doors for Cannes to take center stage with glitzy red carpets and world-class talent. Last year’s edition proved to be one of its best, with Palme d’Or winner Anatomy of a Fall and Grand Prize winner The Zone of Interest being two of the most acclaimed and rewarded films of the year. Also featured were About Dry Grasses , Fallen Leaves , La Chimera , May December , and The Taste of Things . Last year’s SAG and WGA strikes will likely put a damper on the presence of Hollywood on the Croisette (and potentially at the later fall festivals), but it shouldn’t prevent Delegate General Thierry Fremaux and his team from assembling some of the best that world cinema has to offer. The festival will announce its full lineup on April 11. Until then, I’ll take a closer look at some of the films that are generating buzz and predict which ones are likely to make it up the coveted steps this year. The first of three parts of this series looks deeper into the fog. There’s a multitude of reasons why these projects are slotted here, all of them very much deserving of a selection spot. There could have been production delays due to the strikes, distributors have a different release strategy, or the pedigree of the director/stars may not be at the level Cannes desires. But miracles have happened, so we’ll keep our fingers crossed. Because of the uncertainty surrounding so many projects, there had to be a cap on how many I could include. Festival favorite directors such as François Ozon, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, and Jia Zhangke have been reported or rumored to be working on new films, but the information is too sparse and unsubstantiated for them to be considered. The Apprentice A Donald Trump biopic doesn’t sound like the most commercial project in an election year such as this. But it may be enough of a button pusher to garner the juicy headlines that Cannes craves. Director Ali Abbasi made a name for himself at the festival in the 2018 Un Certain Regard section with Border , which led him to be promoted to the Official Competition in 2022 with Holy Spider . Sebastian Stan will play a young Donald Trump, with Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn, and Maria Bakalova as Ivana Trump. Wherever this premieres, controversy will surely follow. The Way of the Wind There’s no way to precisely know when a Terrence Malick film will be released. All you can do is wait and pray. Malick premiered his last film, A Hidden Life , at Cannes in 2019, and he also won the Palme d’Or for his magnum opus The Tree of Life in 2011. He once again has saddled himself with another weighty topic, as The Way of the Wind will tell several episodes of the life of Jesus Christ, led by a cast of Mark Rylance, Ben Kingsley, Joseph Fiennes, and Matthias Schoenaerts. Several of Malick’s films have been delayed for years as he endlessly tinkers in the editing room, with this one (shot in 2019) being just as likely to come out later than sooner. Chocobar Lucrecia Martel’s Zama was one of the most acclaimed films of 2017 and appeared on several “Best of the 2010s” lists. She’s been relatively silent since, plugging away at her new film, which marks her first venture into non-fiction storytelling as it explores “The murder of indigenous activist Javier Chocobar and the removal of his community from their ancestral land in Argentina.” While Cannes has been more averse to admitting documentary films into their official selection compared to other major festivals, they have opened up in the past few years, most notably last year with Four Daughters and Youth (Spring) . Martel is a festival veteran, but she recently presided over the jury at the Venice Film Festival in 2019, the landing spot for Zama . Like Terrence Malick’s The Way of the Wind , it could be a few more years until we get an answer to this question. Blitz Cannes president Thierry Fremaux let it slip last year during the Occupied City Q&A that McQueen’s WWII epic will potentially premiere in this year’s competition. That fact should come as no surprise considering McQueen has been a regular at Cannes since 2008’s Hunger . Apple TV+ has big Oscar prospects for this film, and a glitzy premiere on the Croisette would put the right foot forward. Of course, a more conventional awards path starts at the fall festivals, so it’s still up in the air. Father, Mother, Sister, Brother When thinking of established American directors to make Cannes their home, you’d tend to think of the Coens and Wes Anderson. But it’s actually Jim Jarmusch that deserves to be at (or at least near) the top of that list as he’s premiered eleven feature films on the Croisette since 1984. His highest point was 2005’s Broken Flowers , which took home the Grand Prix. He began shooting his new film in the fall and late winter, recruiting the trio of Cate Blanchett, Charlotte Rampling, and Vicky Krieps. With production delayed due to the strikes last year, Jarmusch will have to work around the clock to get it submitted in time. If he is able to accomplish that, there’s no doubt Fremeaux will extend an invitation to one of the festival’s most cherished figures. The Balconettes Noémie Merlant is stepping behind the camera for a second time with a Marseille-set comedy-horror film she co-wrote with her Portrait of a Lady on Fire director Céline Sciamma. Merlant will also be starring in the film along with Souheila Yacoub (just seen in Dune: Part Two ) and Sanda Codreanu. Her debut directorial feature, Mi Iubita Mon Amour , played at the Special Screenings section in 2021. With both this and her starring role in Audrey Diwan’s Emmanuelle , Merlant could be the big talking point of this year’s festival. Hand of Dante With a cast composed of Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, Gerard Butler, Gal Gadot, Al Pacino, John Malkovich, and Martin Scorsese, Julian Schnabel’s crime drama will surely grab headlines wherever it debuts. Venice would be the likely landing spot based on precedent, with all but one of Schnabel’s films premiering on the Lido. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly remains the outlier, which netted the festival prize for Best Director. Fremeaux will at least make a push to grab that assemblage of stars for his red carpet. Emmanuelle Audrey Diwan rose her stock considerably after winning the Golden Lion at the 2021 Venice Film Festival with Happening , which also received numerous nominations/awards from groups such as the BAFTAs and Césars. She’s enlisted Noémie Merlant and Naomi Watts to headline her new film, an adaptation of the famous erotic novel she co-adapted with Rebecca Zlotowski. Diwan likely now has the pedigree to be extended an invite to her native festival, but she may opt to return to Venice in hopes of repeating her past success. Rumours Winnipeg’s Guy Maddin has been puzzling cinephiles for years with his often non-linear and perplexing arthouse pieces. He’s sizing up to blockbuster levels (at least in the context of the rest of his filmography) with his newest work to be co-directed with usual partners Evan and Galen Johnson. Cate Blanchett, Alicia Vikander, Takehiro Hira, Charles Dance, and Denis Ménochet play world leaders who “get lost in the woods while drafting a statement on a global crisis, facing danger as they attempt to find their way out.” Maddin has never played Cannes before, nor, opting between Venice or Toronto. His longstanding reputation within the industry and this cast may beckon him over to the Croisette. More Reviews The Super Mario Galaxy Movie March 31, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen The Drama April 1, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Project Hail Mary March 10, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice March 25, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Hunter Friesen

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Cannes 2023 Predictions - Part 3: The Festival Mainstays April 8, 2023 By: Hunter Friesen As one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, the Cannes Film Festival always attracts the attention of cinephiles and industry professionals alike. Each year, the festival presents a diverse lineup of films that represent the best of international cinema, including both established and emerging filmmakers. With the 76th edition of the festival set to take place in May, film enthusiasts around the world are eagerly anticipating the announcement of the official selection on April 13th. While the festival organizers keep their cards close to their chest, there are already some strong players emerging as likely contenders for the coveted Cannes spotlights. In this four-part series, I’ll take a closer look at some of the films that are generating buzz and predict which ones are likely to make it to the Croisette this year. Each part will represent a category of films, which are: The Festival Masters Hollywood Makes a Splash The Festival Mainstays The Irregulars and Up-and-Comers The third part of my series reaches a little further down the pecking order. The filmmakers listed here may not have the pedigree of those from the first part, nor do their films command the headlines like the blockbusters. But many of them are in the process of being established as festival darlings and have projects that deserve attention on account of their immense potential. Which of these films are you most interested in? I'll be keeping you all posted on my adventures and sharing my thoughts on the films that I see. Stay tuned for more updates! Coup de Chance With a legendary career that now spans fifty works as a director, it would seem fitting to bid farewell to filmmaking in the country that has always adored him. Allen has brought several films to the festival, all of them playing out of competition. His latest work will be entirely in French with a local all-star cast. Of course, any mention of Allen brings along controversy, so Fremeaux will have a hard decision to make about what to do. La Chimera Alice Rohrwacher’s film made waves at last year’s festival when Neon picked up the project’s North American distribution rights. The company had a great run last with Triangle of Sadness taking the Palme d’Or, so it seems likely they’ll be gunning for a repeat. The film stars Josh O’Connor and Isabella Rossellini in a story about 1980s tomb robbers set in Italy. The Beast Bertrand Bonello has premiered nearly all of his films at the festival, so there’s no reason not to predict him to do the same this time around. Léa Seydoux and George MacKay lead the cast of this sci-fi romance revolving around a troubled young woman who decides to purify her DNA in a machine that will take her on a journey across a series of past lives. Jeanne du Barry Never one to shy away from controversy, writer/director Maïwenn has doubled down by casting Johnny Depp as King Louis XV in her palace drama. The casting itself will bring headlines, but not the kind the festival may want, especially with films by Woody Allen and Roman Polanski also in the mix. If selected, it’ll likely be placed in one of the sidebars. *UPDATE: CONFIRMED FOR OPENING SELECTION* Daaaaaali! Along with Gaspar Noe, surrealist filmmaker Quentin Dupieux often is the provider of the strange and wild, which he did last year with the wacky Smoking Causes Coughing . His new movie will certainly be a more fun story about Salvador Dalí than Mary Harron’s Dalíland at last year's TIFF. The logline is as follows: “A French journalist meets the iconic surrealist artist Salvador Dalí on several occasions for a documentary project that never came to be.” The Book of Solutions Michel Gondry has always kept himself incredibly busy between feature films, music videos, television shows, and short films. He’s done a tour of the festival sidecars throughout his career, so there’s little doubt he’ll be invited back if he decides to premiere his new film on the Croisette. The premise sounds Charlie Kaufman-esque as it follows a director who tries to vanquish his demons which are oppressing his creativity. Limonov While the Cannes leadership has ruled that they will not welcome any members of the Russian delegation or those linked to the government, that rule does not apply to Russian auteur Kirill Serebrennikov, who has had his problem with Putin’s government. Serebrennikov recently left the country after a three-year travel ban, which forced him to miss the premiere of Petrov's Flu in 2021. His next film will continue the biopic streak from Tchaikovsky’s Wife , this time in the English language and focusing on the life of Soviet poet Eduard Limonov. Serebrennikov co-wrote the screenplay with Cold War director Pawel Pawlikowski and Ben Hopkins, and Ben Whishaw will play the titular character. Promised Land While he doesn’t make as many regular appearances as Ken Loach, fellow Englishman Michael Winterbottom did make a name for himself at the turn of the millennium with a slew of rough-around-the-edges peeks into British life. His new film sounds like it might fit that description quite well, as it follows two Brit police officers in their hunt for charismatic poet and Zionist freedom fighter Avraham Stern, who was plotting to evict British authorities. Last Summer French provocateur Catherine Breillat looks to be coming out of her self-imposed retirement with her first film in almost a decade. The sexually charged auteur's new film may be her most squirm-inducing yet, as it follows the consequences on a family when a woman gets attracted to her underage stepson. The first image was released in December just as production wrapped. Given her pedigree within the French film industry and that this may be her last film, it seems highly likely Breillat makes her way into the competition. More Reviews The Super Mario Galaxy Movie March 31, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen The Drama April 1, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Project Hail Mary March 10, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice March 25, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Hunter Friesen

The Best Military Movies for Veterans Day November 11, 2022 By: Hunter Friesen With America’s lengthy involvement in armed combat over the past century, it’s no surprise that there is a bountiful supply of war films, ranging from small-scale character dramas to epic recreations. To honor those that have served, I’ve compiled a list of war films that I recommend you check out. All of them pertain to war from an American point-of-view (so don’t expect Come and See or 1917 ), with each doing it in their special way. They’ll be listed in chronological order according to their release date. The Longest Day (1962) The Longest Day is an interesting piece of military and cinematic history. We have plenty of movies about the American perspective of landing on Omaha Beach, but we don't have any that tell the entire macroeconomic story relating to that fateful day. Through a style that has long been abandoned, three different directors each tell a side of the story: American/British, French, and German. We get unique perspectives because of this tactic, with an all-star cast of John Wayne, Henry Fonda, Richard Burton, and Robert Mitchum providing larger-than-life performances. Patton (1970) Patton is a film caught between two time periods of both Hollywood and real-life history. In 1970, the golden age of Hollywood was coming to an end as studios were moving away from lavishly epic productions and leaning more into auteur-driven stories that reflected the harsh realities of life. That year also was the height of the unpopularity over the war in Vietnam. Protests occurred regularly, and patriotism was no longer seen as a virtue. The brilliance of Patton is that it can appeal to everyone. Francis Ford Coppola's script sees Patton for who he was, warts and all. He was a genius on the battlefield, achieving victory with historical speed and precision. The Germans feared and respected him. He was also a tyrannical brute. He berated soldiers both verbally and physically (an act that nearly cost him his career), and pushed his men to the absolute limit. He got the nickname "Old Blood and Guts" for his bloodthirsty campaigns that, while successful, were incredibly dangerous. George C. Scott's performance is one of the finest biographical portrayals ever. Because the film has no side plots or heft supporting characters, Scott's electrifying performance is what drives the three-hour runtime. But Scott isn't alone as director Franklin Schaffner assists him with well-composed battle sequences and startling imagery. The film is epic in scope like in the past, but it is also intimate in detail and character. It's a balancing act that entertains the viewer with production and theatricality but also educates them about one of the most complicated men in American history. Born on the Fourth of July (1989) Centering on the loss of innocence and the façade of the American dream for the Vietnam-era youth, Oliver Stone returns to his Platoon roots. There's even some of the original crew returning here, like Willem Dafoe in a small role that doesn't occur until almost 2/3 through the movie. Stone crafts several ingenious individual scenes with his might behind the camera. The prom, the Vietnam battle scene, the protest at Syracuse, and Tom Cruise playing the loudest game of chicken by exclaiming the word "penis" are some of the great moments. John Williams' score supplements the sweeping nature of the story. Cruise makes you forget about those problems from time to time as he effortlessly runs the gamut of Kovac's life from wide-eyed patriot to battle-weary realist. His performance is a reminder that he is a real actor, even if we tend to disagree with that sometimes. Saving Private Ryan (1998) The firm ideals of bravery and good ol' American patriotism are not traditionally found within Saving Private Ryan . Instead, Steven Spielberg , along with screenwriter Robert Rodat, offers something not usually found within a war film: humanity. While still an action film at its heart, the mind of the film is centered on philosophy, as opposed to pure entertainment. The titular mission of extracting Pvt. James Ryan isn't an honorable one. It doesn't take a genius to see the flawed math of risking the lives of eight men to save one. Spielberg and Rodat don't dance around that thought, and also find time to analyze the themes of doing your duty and the futility of war. None of this is to say that the men in this movie aren't brave. It takes a lot of guts and courage to do what they did, which is why we have a day to honor them. But they don't carry out their mission out of their love for the stars & stripes. They do it because they have to. It's an order, and orders must be followed. There's a character named Upham in the film. He's the squad translator and doesn't have the same fighting spirit as the rest of his fellow compatriots. There are times when you get mad at him for not being tough or getting the job done flawlessly. But I would bet many of us would be more like him than John Wayne when the time comes. Within the film, there are no individual heroes, only real men fighting to keep themselves alive for just another moment. The opening set piece is one of the greatest ever produced, with chaotic camerawork, editing, and sound design. It's no wonder no film has attempted to portray D-day since, as Spielberg has set the bar at an unassailable height. The Thin Red Line (1998) While released in the same year and covering the same war, Terrence Malick’s The Thin Red Line and Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan could not be any more different. Marking his return to filmmaking after a 20-year absence, Malick imbues the film with his usual philosophical ruminations on life and the futility of violence. “What difference do you think you can make, one single man, in all this madness?” is a line that is often repeated, sometimes with brutality and sometimes with lyrical beauty. Of course, Malick still excels at giving action fans what they came for. With one of the most stacked casts ever assembled - including, but not limited to, George Clooney, John Travolta, Adrien Brody, Sean Penn, Jim Caviezel, and Nick Nolte - the action set pieces are awe-inspiring in their ability to convey the confusion and hopelessness within combat. Soldiers weep as they know they are taking their last glances at the living world, and others question the ethics of killing someone in the name of your country. Some war films claim to have more on their mind than just action, but none pontificate and leave with as much to chew on as Terrence Malick does with The Thin Red Line . Black Hawk Down (2001) Each great director has quite a few stinkers that blemish their track record. But each great director also has a few or many great movies that perfectly showcase why they are great. Case in point, Black Hawk Down is one of the finest works by Ridley Scott and his tactical style of direction. In real-time, the Battle of Mogadishu rages on with bullets whizzing, men screaming, and the overall frenzy rattling everyone down to the bone. It's amazing how Scott and his team, which includes an amazing score by Hans Zimmer and genius editing by Pietro Scalia, were able to take this daunting puzzle and piece it together. The Hurt Locker (2009) Kathryn Bigelow won the Oscars for Best Director and Best Motion Picture for this Iraq War thriller. Screenwriter Mark Boal, who won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, based much of the story on his experiences being an embedded journalist on the front lines. Jeremy Renner stars as a bomb defuser who seems to have a death wish, much to the distress of his squad mates that just want to make it to the next day. Bigelow’s full-throttle direction lends itself to some incredibly tense action set pieces. It’s an exhausting experience enduring the 130-minute film, which, to Bigelow and her team’s credit, puts you right in the mental and physical shoes of the characters. Causeway (2022) Shifting away from the battlefield and towards the home front, first-time director Lila Neugebauer sensitively delivers a personal story that avoids much of the PTSD/trauma clichés we’ve come to expect. Jennifer Lawrence and Brian Tyree Henry each deliver powerfully subtle performances, with their characters striking up an interesting connection that goes deeper than something purely platonic or romantic. For viewers that tend to steer away from violence, this new film on Apple TV+ will offer a semi-fresh take on the well-worn genre. Full Review More Reviews The Super Mario Galaxy Movie March 31, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen The Drama April 1, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Project Hail Mary March 10, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice March 25, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Hunter Friesen

36 Most Anticipated Films of 2023 December 23, 2022 By: Hunter Friesen 2022 marked another year of recovery for the film industry after the immense struggles of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. And with a new year approaching, we should adopt a forward-thinking mindset that looks ahead to new possibilities. With its mixture of exciting new projects from both new and established talent, 2023 has the power to be even better than 2022. To get you all excited as I am, this article will detail several of my most anticipated films expected to be released sometime in the next calendar year. Films will be listed in alphabetical order, with known release dates and distribution strategies (i.e. streaming or not) provided. A Haunting in Venice (September 15) Kenneth Branagh once again dons the famous mustache of detective Hercule Poirot, who must solve a murder that involves Tina Fey, Michelle Yeoh, Jamie Dornan, and Kelly Reilly. Air Jordan Ben Affleck directs Matt Damon for the first time in this true story about how Sonny Vaccar was able to sign Michael Jordan to his Nike shoe deal. Asteroid City (June 16) Wes Anderson returns with Asteroid City , said to be set during an astronomy convention, with Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Bryan Cranston, and Jeff Goldblum being a few names within the starry cast. Barbie (July 21) Writer/director Greta Gerwig offers a presumably original story on the life of the plastic doll. Margot Robbie will play Barbie, with Ryan Gosling as Ken. Blitz (Apple TV+) Small Axe writer/director Steve McQueen shifts from Amazon to Apple for his World War II story about several Londoners during the Nazi blitzkrieg bombings. Saoirse Ronan and Stephen Graham star. Challengers (August 11) Luca Guadagnino directs Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist as three tennis players who reignite old rivalries on and off the court when they compete in a world-class tournament. Chevalier (April 07) Kelvin Harrison Jr. plays Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, the illegitimate son of an African slave and a French plantation owner, who rises to heights in French society as a composer before an ill-fated love affair. Civil War Alex Garland continues his A24 relationship after Ex Machina and Men . Kirsten Dunst stars in his original epic action movie that is set in the United States in the not-so-distant future. Creed III (March 03) Michael B. Jordan pulls double duty as director and star in the conclusion of this trilogy. Jonathan Majors plays Damian Anderson, a long-lost friend of Adonis, who now seeks revenge for the sins of the past. Disappointment Blvd. Hereditary and Midsommar writer/director Ari Aster’s “nightmare comedy” on the life of a successful entrepreneur, starring Joaquin Phoenix in the lead role. Dune: Part Two (November 03) Denis Villeneuve concludes the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Ferrari Adam Driver continues to play Italians after House of Gucci , this time starring as the famed Enzo Ferrari. Michael Mann ( Heat, The Insider ) writes and directs, with Penélope Cruz, Shailene Woodley, and Jack O’Connell filling out the supporting cast. Flint Strong Black Panther and Mudbound cinematographer Rachel Morrison steps into the director chair for the true story of Olympic boxer Claressa Shields. Barry Jenkins supplies the screenplay, with Ryan Destiny and Brian Tyree Henry topping the cast list. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (May 05) Writer/director James Gunn finishes his trilogy about the most lovable misfits in the galaxy. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (June 30) Even at 80 years old, Harrison Ford continues to crank out the adventures of the titular archaeologist. Time travel is rumored to be a part of this James Mangold-directed film, with Mads Mikkelsen, Antonio Banders, and Phoebe Wall-Bridge along for the ride. John Wick: Chapter 4 (March 24) Keanu Reeves returns as the titular ass-kicker, who must continue his fight out of the violent world he finds himself in. Killers of the Flower Moon (Apple TV+) Martin Scorsese’s true-crime western surrounding the mysterious murders of the Osage tribe in the 1920s. Jesse Plemons, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Robert De Niro star. Maestro (Netflix) Bradley Cooper writes, directs, and stars in this retelling of the life of Leonard Bernstein, often considered the greatest American conductor ever. Carey Mulligan will play his wife Felicia. May/December Julianne Moore and director Todd Haynes reunite for the fourth time, bringing in Natalie Portman as an actress who arrives to do research for an upcoming role on Moore’s character’s life. Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (July 14) Tom Cruise (supposedly) closes his Mission: Impossible series with this first in a two-part story. Rogue Nation and Fallout writer/director Christopher McQuarrie is back at the helm, promising more unbelievable stunts. Napoleon (Apple TV+) Director Ridley Scott and writer David Scarpa reunite after All the Money in the World for this personal look at the immense life of Napoleon Bonaparte. Joaquin Phoenix stars as the French emperor, with Vanessa Kirby as his empress, Josephine. Next Goal Wins (April 21) Jojo Rabbit and Thor: Ragnarok writer/director Taika Waititi tells the true story of the American Samoa soccer team, who suffered the worst loss in World Cup history, losing to Australia 31-0 in 2001. Oppenheimer (July 21) Christopher Nolan’s biopic of the father of the atomic bomb. Nolan veteran Cillian Murphy plays the titular figure. Poor Things / AND Weirdo writer/director Yorgos Lanthimos tells the story of Bella Baxter, a Victorian woman who is brought back to life by an eccentric scientist. Emma Stone stars as Ms. Baxter, with Willem Dafoe as the brilliant madman. Both Stone and Dafoe will feature in AND , a rumored anthology that will tell three separate stories; each letter representing a different tale. Priscilla Sofia Coppola responds to Ban Luhrman’s Elvis biopic with her own take on the life of Priscilla Presley. Relative newcomer Cailee Spaeny stars as the titular figure, with Euphoria star Jacob Elordi as the King of Rock and Roll. Spaceman (Netflix) Adam Sandler looks to maintain his dramatic streak by starring as the first Czech astronaut. Carey Mulligan and Paul Dano also star. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (June 02) The multiverses collide again, and Spider-Man and Gwen Stacey must come together again to stop an even bigger threat than before. The Bikeriders Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, Norman Reedus, Michael Shannon, and Jodie Comer lead writer/director Jeff Nichols’ story of a Midwestern motorcycle club. The Brutalist Vox Lux writer/director Brady Corbet recruits an all-star cast composed of Joel Edgerton, Vanessa Kirby, Marion Cotillard, Sebastian Stan, and Mark Rylance for his mysterious story of an architect immigrating to New York in 1947. The Color Purple (December 20) Fantasia Barrino takes over the role of Celie from Whoopi Goldberg in this musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s epic novel. The Holdovers Alexander Payne looks to make a comeback after the disappointment of Downsizing . He reunites with Sideways star Paul Giamatti for this small-scale story of several students and teachers who are stuck at school over the holidays. The Iron Claw Zac Efron, Harris Dickinson, and Jeremy Allen White star as the Von Erich brothers in Sean Durkin’s retelling of the family dynasty, and their impact on the world of wrestling. The Killer (Netflix) David Fincher ( The Social Network, Gone Girl ) directs Michael Fassbender as an assassin who slowly begins to lose his mind. The Way of the Wind Revered auteur Terrence Malick retells several episodes in the life of Jesus Christ. The Zone of Interest Under the Skin writer/director Jonathan Glazer returns to feature filmmaking with an adaptation of Martin Amis’ novel about a Nazi officer who becomes enamored with the wife of a concentration camp commander. Wonka (December 15) Paul King, director of the Paddington films, provides a musical origin story of the famed candy maker (Timothée Chalamet). More Reviews The Super Mario Galaxy Movie March 31, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen The Drama April 1, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Project Hail Mary March 10, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice March 25, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Hunter Friesen

Ranking the Films of Adam McKay April 17, 2024 By: Tyler Banark Adam McKay has had quite the rollercoaster of a career as a writer, producer, and director. He started as a writer for Saturday Night Live , where, after one year, he became the head writer from 1996 to 2001. Following his time on the variety series, he teamed up with Will Ferrell to create the production company Gary Sanchez Productions, spearheading several signature comedies. However, McKay took a heel turn in his career in 2015 when he made the acclaimed dramedy The Big Short , which marked his ascension as the face of satirical comedy, utilizing his sense of humor to convey messages that resonate in our society. In honor of his 56th birthday, here’s a look back at the filmmaker’s work and how his evolution has made an impression on Hollywood. 8. Vice (2018) A biopic following one of the most powerful vice presidents in American history, Vice sees McKay continuing down the path of dark satire he established with his predecessor, The Big Short . Christian Bale provides an enigmatic performance as Dick Cheney and continues to prove his chameleonic acting chops. The monologue he gives at the end is electrifying, forcing viewers to question his true intentions for the sake of ambiguity in the story. Amy Adams and Sam Rockwell also give standout performances as Lynn Cheney and President George W. Bush, respectively. However, Vice does falter in that the plot’s execution is a bit overly flashy. The movie pulled an unnecessary fake out ending only 48 minutes in. It also looks to focus on a lot of different characters that come and go in Cheney’s life, but it’s not done easily. The movie glosses over key events in Cheney’s life, such as his 2006 hunting incident and the use of waterboarding in Guantanamo Bay. 7. Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (2017) The sequel to McKay and Ferrell’s 2003 hit comedy, The Legend Continues was a mixed bag. It saw the long-awaited return of Ferrell’s mustached news anchor and crew, but it was filled with head-scratching lunacy rather than humor genuine enough to entertain audiences. The Legend Continues sees Ron Burgundy going head-to-head with several other news stations in the 1980s as television began evolving to bring niche news networks that run 24/7. Ron has a subplot where he’s separating from his wife, Veronica, but it isn’t fleshed out as well as it should. We do see their marriage face strife as their young son Walter falls victim to Ron’s absence. The plot’s main focus is on Ron and his pals, Brick, Champ, and Brian, having to change with the times through various moments of hilarity. 6. Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006) McKay’s second team-up with Ferrell couldn’t catch the lightning in a bottle they harnessed with Anchorman . Ferrell turns in another strong comedic performance as Ricky in his first collaboration with John C. Reilly, who plays his racing partner Cal Naughton Jr. Sacha Baron Cohen plays European driver Jean Girard, donning a French accent that’s so over-the-top. Michael Clarke Duncan and Amy Adams have small roles here as Bobby’s crew chief and assistant-turned-love-interest, respectively, and make the most of their screen time. 5. The Other Guys (2010) The first of a couple of successful collaborations between Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg, The Other Guys is a clever action comedy that features some great humor. The duo steals the show as two backup detectives, Allen Gamble, and Terry Hoitz, respectively, who have to step into a case after two star detectives die (fantastically played by Samuel L. Jackson and Dwayne Johnson). Just the “aim for the bushes” scene is enough to make anyone want a full-length feature with them. There’s also an unforgettable running gag where Michael Keaton’s character, the captain, unknowingly quotes TLC songs. The success of Wahlberg here in one of his first studio comedic performances resulted in him branching out further as an actor, retaining Ferrell as a partner in the two Daddy’s Home films, which McKay produced. 4. The Big Short (2015) McKay’s first jab at a non-raunchy comedy, The Big Short cemented his filmmaking style with precisely paced editing and dark humor. Considering the film’s focus on the 2008 Financial Crisis, it was no surprise that it was a bit convoluted for audiences. But the stellar ensemble and several cameos from personalities such as Margot Robbie, Selena Gomez, and the late Anthony Bourdain made it all digestible. McKay and co-writer Charles Randolph had their train running while the tracks were being built, with the dialogue coming briskly and in your face. That strategy worked out, with the film netting five Oscar nominations, including the win for Best Adapted Screenplay. McKay’s status as a serious filmmaker was cemented… for better and for worse. 3. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) One of Will Ferrell’s most iconic characters ever put to screen, Ron Burgundy, is easily the most recognizable and best character from the aughts. As for the movie itself, Anchorman is…kind of a big deal. Ferrell, of course, brings his a-game as Burgundy, as does Paul Rudd, David Koechner, and Steve Carell as his respective colleagues. Christina Applegate performs just as outstandingly as Ron’s love interest, Veronica. The suggestive humor works brilliantly, thanks to the leading cast and Ferrell and McKay’s script. There are also several iconic moments, such as the news channel fight, Afternoon Delight, Ron’s banter with his dog Baxter, and Brian, Champ, and Brick’s introductions. These moments are complimented with timeless lines, even if the jokes can get too repetitive or dumb. 2. Don't Look Up (2021) McKay’s most recent film was the most distinct distillation of his two styles as it tracked two astronomers trying to spread the word that a comet is heading toward Earth. It was a collision of the serious tone and pacing of The Big Short and Vice, and the whacky humor of his earlier comedies. It may sometimes feel like an extended SNL sketch, but the extremely fun cast makes it all work. There was also more than just simple humor, with Nicholas Britell’s jazzy score receiving an Oscar nomination, and the visual effects certainly deserved that level of recognition. 1. Step Brothers (2008) Will Ferrell’s most underrated movie and one of the best screwball comedies out there, Step Brothers sees Ferrell and John C. Reilly having to put up with each other in a blended family setting as their parents (Mary Steenburgen and Richard Jenkins) marry each other. Reilly joined Ferrell and McKay in the writer’s room, leading to many classic one-liners and an overall sillier plot. Both of the leads are their most unhinged, ranging from beating each other up to singing power ballads. It all may be dimwitted, but it’s easily the prime definition of a comedy to which viewers should turn their brains off. You can follow Tyler and hear more of his thoughts on Twitter , Instagram , and Letterboxd . More Reviews The Super Mario Galaxy Movie March 31, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen The Drama April 1, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Project Hail Mary March 10, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice March 25, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Hunter Friesen

Twin Cities Film Fest 2023 Recap November 5, 2023 By: Hunter Friesen With nearly 100 films screening across several different series, the Twin Cities Film Fest had more than enough to offer to cinephiles in its fourteenth year of existence. The festival prides itself on its mixture of established studio contenders and up-and-coming independent projects, and this year was no exception. Unfortunately, my schedule wasn't as forgiving as I would have liked, preventing me from seeing a few anticipated titles such as The Teacher's Lounge (Germany's submission for the Best International Feature Oscar) and Downtown Owl (partly filmed in Minnesota). There were other titles such as The Holdovers and Fingernails that I was able to see at TIFF . Even with that obstacle, I was still able to see five films, which ran the gamut of being some of the best and worst I've seen all year. Take a look at how I ranked them below, with almost all of them having a full review attached for your pleasure. 5. Foe Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal do everything they can to keep things interesting, a job they can do with ease. They run the entire emotional gamut with their performances, but none of it registers due to director Garth Davis’ detachment from the material. Each of them is forced to overact once the third-act twists come into play. Everything feels so forced by then that it’s almost comical. But it’s not a total trainwreck, so it’s just rather tediously bad. Son of Saul cinematographer Mátyás Erdély captures the landscape beautifully, showcasing the mystifying wonder that keeps people like Hen and Junior tethered to this patch of dirt. If only Davis could have done the same with his direction and script, as most of his decisions steer away from that intrigue and end up being as interesting as dirt itself. Full Review 4. All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt Writer/director Raven Jackson makes sure her voice is heard with her debut feature, one that is more Malickian than Malick himself. It loops around in nonlinear circles, telling the story of a life with poetic beauty. Its vagueness is both its biggest asset and liability, challenging your patience with its methodical pacing. It's one of the main reasons this demands to be seen in a theater, as a home viewing would rob you of the focus and attention to detail needed to fully appreciate it. 3. American Fiction American Fiction may be a victim of expectations as winning the People’s Choice Award at TIFF certainly raised the bar. Whether that’s fair or not is a different story. All I know is that I can only write about what I felt, which was slight disappointment mixed with great optimism about what Jefferson will do next. 2. All of Us Strangers All of Us Strangers is a ghost story that invites the viewer to project themselves onto the story just as much as it tells its own. There’s nothing easy about letting go of the past, and there’s nothing easy about what comes after. It’s not an uplifting message, but it’s an endearing one that we’ve all come to find truth in. Full Review 1. The Taste of Things There continues to be a need for stories that reflect the increasing bleakness of this world. But that means there’s more room for projects that remind us of the beauty in the timeless things we all experience and often take for granted. The Taste of Things is one of those films as it illustrates both the simplicity and complexity of sustaining ourselves through food. Just make sure to plan your meals carefully before and after seeing it. You owe your stomach (and other senses) that much. Full Review More Reviews The Super Mario Galaxy Movie March 31, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen The Drama April 1, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Project Hail Mary March 10, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice March 25, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Hunter Friesen

Ranking the Mad Max Franchise May 19, 2024 By: Tyler Banark In 1979, George Miller crafted a micro-budgeted action film that would eventually spur three more iterations, each evolving in terms of scale and iconism. Always leaving more to discover, even if some of the ideas on display can be absurd, the franchise refuses to back down on the chaos factor from technical and writing standpoints. With the upcoming Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga , the franchise looks to shift gears by focusing on the titular origin of one of the best-written heroines. Here’s a look back on the previous four entries in this ever-changing franchise. 4. Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985) If there’s one thing viewers mustn't do when venturing through this franchise, it’s watching them on a screen smaller than a television. We all know the arguments for the “theatrical experience,” but there is a very palpable sense of loss regarding the sound design and cinematography when you’re not being engulfed by the darkness of the cinema. I digress, though, as Beyond Thunderdome turned out to be a misfire not for its technicals, but for its feelings of having too many cooks in the kitchen with Miller co-directing with George Ogilvie. The movie starts with Max coming face-to-face with another ragtag village led by Tina Turner’s Aunty Entity. Only this time, they have an extreme gladiator arena that acts as the primary source of entertainment, in which Max gets himself involved in its festivities. After the first act, the movie takes a 180-degree turn by incorporating a Lord of the Flies -esque plot that had no business happening. The idea of this second act felt like Miller and co-writer Terry Hayes going for broke at the end of their trilogy. Fortunately, the 25-minute chase climax recaptures the energy of the first two outings, so the franchise seemingly ended on a miniature high note. 3. Mad Max (1979) The fact that this franchise started so well is a minor miracle once you consider that it also served as Miller’s directorial debut and he had little money (AUD 400,000) at his disposal. Mel Gibson’s brooding performance as Max Rockatansky is what anchors the film. We watch him become a tormented lawman pushed to the edge as his new surroundings defy all the rules he’s accustomed to. He now seeks revenge against a gang of vicious outlaws who killed his family. Despite its modest production values, the film’s set pieces hold up considerably well thanks to the well-choreographed and shot car chases. The high-octane energy of the action is juxtaposed with the bleakness of the motivations, with Max perpetually torn between his desire for justice and the need to stay away from the madness. The film’s worldwide gross of over $100 million made it the most profitable independent film ever, a title it held until The Blair Witch Project . 2. Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981) Renamed The Road Warrior for its North American release, Mad Max 2 catapults viewers into an even more savage and lawless world than its predecessor. Miller elevates the post-apocalyptic saga to new heights of intensity and spectacle, delivering a relentless barrage of jaw-dropping action sequences and iconic imagery. There’s also a capitalization on the foundation of the original film, with more makeshift vehicles adding to the sense of a collapsed society. But still at the film's heart is Gibson’s Max, who only speaks a little more than a dozen lines. There’s also Emil Minty as Max’s mute boomerang-wielding child sidekick, a staple of the era alongside Ke Huy Quan in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom . It all comes together to show that bigger is sometimes better. 1. Max Max: Fury Road (2015) Mad Max: Fury Road is a relentless symphony of chaos and adrenaline that grips you from the first frame and never lets go. Tom Hardy takes over the role of the titular hero, holding his own with the torch. However, it’s Charlize Theron as Imperator Furiosa who dominated the headlines as she crafted one of the most fascinating original characters of the genre. Both Furiosa and Max want to be in a better place both mentally and physically, but the land they inhabit prevents that from being a simple task. Of course, there was copious amounts of CGI used throughout the film, but John Seale’s crisp photography and Margaret Sixel’s visceral editing bathe everything in a sea of meticulous passion and analog craftsmanship. It’s Miller’s magnum opus as a filmmaker and one of the greatest action films of all time. You can follow Tyler and hear more of his thoughts on Twitter , Instagram , and Letterboxd . More Reviews The Super Mario Galaxy Movie March 31, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen The Drama April 1, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Project Hail Mary March 10, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice March 25, 2026 By: Hunter Friesen Hunter Friesen