Anyone who experienced the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 will find no disaster movie more relatable than Emergency Declaration. Directed by Han Jae-rim, this South Korean film goes beyond a typical aviation thriller, offering socially conscious entertainment that explores viral fear and human goodness. It’s a must-see, combining the talents of Song Kang-ho and Lee Byung-hun with a gripping, fast-paced story.

At first, Knives Out looks like a classic mansion mystery, but it’s actually an innovative and experimental film that takes the genre apart and puts it back together in new ways. Director Rian Johnson, known for The Last Jedi, takes on the mystery genre directly. The film features a talented cast, clever humor that comments on itself, and a script that constantly surprises the audience. While it pays tribute to Agatha Christie, it goes beyond simple homage and aims for something more ambitious.

In the middle of the DC Universe’s chaos, a new kind of savior appears. Black Adam isn’t your typical hero; he’s an antihero who stands firm and doesn’t apologize for his actions. While the script and characters have some rough spots, Dwayne Johnson’s strong performance, exciting action scenes, and the interesting JSA members come together to make a movie that’s more entertaining than expected. If you want pure action and excitement instead of deep storytelling, this film is a great choice.

Twenty-five years after The Sixth Sense, director M. Night Shyamalan returns with a new challenge: a psychological thriller set in a single room, focused on a family's ultimate choice. The film’s intense 100-minute runtime is impressive, but its approach to religious themes and changes from the original story have stirred debate, making it a polarizing film. Shyamalan’s trademark visuals and direction remain strong, but the film’s lack of social awareness diminishes its overall impact.

Director Robert Eggers, known for his distinct style in ‘The Witch’ and ‘The Lighthouse,’ tackles a Viking revenge story with a huge $70 million budget. The film brings to life the Norse legend that inspired Shakespeare's ‘Hamlet,’ using intense violence and mythic fantasy. The visuals and historical detail are stunning, but the story structure is divisive, making this a classic Eggers film that sparks debate.

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is a live-action take on the classic tabletop RPG. It stands out as a high-quality fantasy comedy, even for those who don’t know the original game. The film’s character chemistry is similar to Guardians of the Galaxy, and the jokes feel natural, making it more entertaining than I expected.

When ChatGPT took the world by storm after 2020, an AI horror film emerged that captured the cutting edge of the era. That film is M3GAN. This ambitious work avoids the grotesque horror tropes common in the genre, instead presenting a new form of terror: the runaway consequences of love. While accessible even to horror newcomers, it masterfully balances entertainment with social commentary, embedding sharp critiques of modern society within its narrative.

Where the Crayfish Sing, based on the bestselling novel with over 15 million copies sold, is a touching drama. Although it has a mysterious atmosphere, it mainly tells the complex life story of one woman. The film stands out for its stunning wetland scenery and Daisy Edgar-Jones’s excellent acting. The plot is straightforward, and the ending is easy to guess, but I was drawn in by the film’s substantial psychological depth and beautiful visuals.

Brahmastra made history as the first Indian film to debut at #2 on the US box office chart. This epic superhero fantasy brings ancient Indian mythology into the modern world. Director Ayan Mukerji spent 11 years creating this first part of a trilogy, using Hollywood-level visual effects and a star-studded cast to deliver a unique Indian cinematic experience. Even with its long 167-minute runtime, the story about Shiva’s growth and the power of love keeps viewers engaged. Some weak dialogue and a familiar romantic plot hold it back from perfection, but as a showcase of Indian cinema’s technical progress and creativity, it is sure to be remembered.

“TAR” is Todd Field’s first feature film in 16 years, and it’s an ambitious psychological thriller about the fall of the Berlin Philharmonic’s first female principal conductor. The film captures the spirit of the 2020s, especially the rise of cancel culture. Cate Blanchett’s powerful performance and the film’s visual style stand out, but its long runtime and complex structure mean it will mostly appeal to a select audience. By focusing on artistry rather than entertainment, it’s the kind of film that “critics rave about while general audiences are left perplexed.”