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Movie America
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning – Part One. An intellectual battle against a new adversary: AI.
The seventh film in the series, starring Tom Cruise, returns to theaters after a five-year hiatus. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One stands out not only for its impressive action but also for its clever battle with a new kind of enemy: AI, known as the Entity. This central conflict between human choices and artificial intelligence gives the movie more depth than just action alone. The nearly three-hour runtime goes by quickly thanks to this gripping story. One of the most unforgettable moments is when Cruise rides a motorcycle off a cliff, a stunt that will surely be remembered as one of the greatest in film history. -
Movie America
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice: An ambitious work from the DC Universe.
The movie spent too much time building up to the fight between Batman and Superman, which made it feel overly serious and forced. Batman seemed weaker than Superman, so the big showdown didn't feel like a fair fight. Ultimately, Batman's role felt more like that of a minor villain, and his part in the final battle was somewhat disappointing. As someone familiar with these heroes only through the movies, not the comics, I often found myself confused and detached from the narrative. -
Movie America
Last Knights: A Sublime Tale of Chivalry Where East Meets West
True to its tagline, Kiriyama adapts "Chushingura" faithfully, delivering genuinely entertaining storytelling. The film centers on a knight's unwavering quest for justice and vengeance on behalf of his lord. Unlike Kiriyama's more flamboyant films, such as CASSHERN and GOEMON, this one feels much more serious and carefully crafted. The main character's backstory seems important, so it was disappointing that the flashbacks were left out. It was a beautifully put-together film, featuring cool accessories and backgrounds typical of Kiriyama's style, along with an easy-to-follow story. Despite lacking flashy scenes, the film’s focus on the universal theme of loyalty maintains engagement and reinforces the main argument. -
Movie America
Everything Everywhere All at Once: A Multiverse Where Nihilism and the Affirmation of Love Collide.
This film was incredibly confusing, but that confusion is key to its main point. In a multiverse where nihilism and love intersect, emotional connection emerges as a powerful response to chaos. The story moves viewers from a laundromat to the farthest reaches of the universe. Director Daniels fully leans into strange and crude humor, creating a silly but touching sci-fi story that feels uniquely their own. The film Everything Everywhere All at Once is the 2023 Academy Award-winning Best Picture, directed by the duo known as “The Daniels,” Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert. -
Movie America
Live-Action “How to Train Your Dragon (2025)”: When the Dream of Flying Finally Felt Real
The movie marks the first live-action version of DreamWorks Animation's hit series. Dean DeBlois, who directed all three animated movies, returned for the live-action version. He was hesitant at first, but his love for the series convinced him to take on the challenge. The most exciting part of the film is watching Hiccup and Toothless fly together. Filmed in Scotland and Finland, these scenes feel more real and lighter than anything in the animated movies. When they shoot out of the sea and glide through the clouds, it’s as thrilling as a roller coaster. -
Movie America
Transformers: Dark of the Moon. “The Final Chapter of the Sam Trilogy.”
The visual effects and 3D presentation are impressive, but the film doesn't offer much new for those who have seen the earlier movies. Its complicated story and sudden ending make it feel repetitive instead of moving the series forward. -
Movie America
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Offers even more spectacle than the first movie.
The second Transformers movie pushes Michael Bay's style even further, packing in more action and over-the-top moments than before. Early in the film, Megan Fox’s character Mikaela is shown in a shot that focuses on her as she leans against a motorcycle, emphasizing sexuality in a manner not typically expected from a family film based on children’s toys. Other scenes include a honey trap aimed at Sam, the return of the Transformers' "ball gag" from the previous film, dog mating jokes, the hip-shaking of the small Transformer "Wheely," and John Turturro's thong. These recurring crude gags make the film's comedic style distinct, though their appropriateness within the context of a family-targeted franchise may be questioned. -
Movie Japan
Hell Dogs: Junichi Okada’s crazy coolness and nonstop action
This film, driven by a gritty atmosphere and intense action from Junichi Okada and Kentaro Sakaguchi, elevates Japanese action movies with its gripping, high-standard performances. The story moves quickly, showing the characters' struggles, though some viewers may wish for more depth. Still, the film's relentless pace is a big part of its appeal. -
Movie Australia
Predestination: A time paradox where you can enjoy the payoff of brilliantly laid foreshadowing.
A Staggering Time Paradox Condensed into 97 Minutes. Many stories have tackled time paradoxes, but 'Predestination' truly stands out. In just 97 minutes, it packs in more surprises than the trailer lets on. It's best enjoyed if you go in knowing as little as possible. The film smoothly shifts from thoughtful human drama to a fast-paced series of events. Its mix of retro costumes, futuristic gadgets, and unique makeup gives it a look you won't forget. -
Movie France America
The Purge: Anarchy “A series that expands your worldview”
The new film cuts back on some of the annoying elements from the first movie, such as forced crises and weak defenses, but retains the Purge setting. This installment feels more expansive, and its satisfying ending makes it highly entertaining. The characters stand out: the deranged driver, the zealot woman, the mafia exploiting the Purge, and the rich treating it as a game. Sustained survival tension makes this an especially entertaining survival film.