The horror film “Smile” was a huge hit, earning $22 million in just three days on a $17 million budget. It uses a “chain of curses” idea similar to “The Ring,” but with a modern twist. One standout feature was its creative marketing, in which actors with unsettling smiles appeared at live baseball games, quickly going viral on social media. The film does a great job of turning the everyday “smile” into something truly frightening.

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.

The story takes place in 1994 New York, where the Autobots join forces with the animal-shaped Maximals to face Unicron, a planet-eating villain. Fans of the Japanese series “Beast Wars” will be happy to see these characters appear in a Hollywood film for the first time. Director Steven Caple Jr. sets the action seven years after “Bumblebee,” giving the series a new feel. The movie blends old memories with new ideas, but it delivers only about 60% of what fans might hope for.

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.

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.

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.

Hiccup, a frail boy from a Viking village, tries and fails to defeat the dragons attacking his home. Instead, he forms a close bond with the powerful Night Fury. By breaking Viking rules and befriending a dragon, Hiccup changes his own future and challenges his people's beliefs. The heartwarming bond between the protagonist Hiccup and the dragon (Toothless, known as Tooth in Japanese), and the tender connection between Hiccup and his strict father. In this film, the nonverbal Night Fury, Toothless, is captivating, with mannerisms reminiscent of a cat.

Tom Cruise is back in Top Gun: Maverick, bringing thrilling fighter jet action and plenty of drama. The film has everything fans love about action movies. From intense aerial battles to Maverick’s journey as a mentor, every scene packs an emotional punch. The music, including Kenny Loggins' classic "Danger Zone" and Lady Gaga’s new theme, adds even more excitement and makes the experience unforgettable.

The 2007 film brought Japan's Transformers toys back to life in Hollywood. With Steven Spielberg producing and Michael Bay directing, the movie utilized advanced CGI and thrilling action to transform a once-unfilmable idea into a global hit. Audiences loved seeing vehicles change into robots, and the story of a regular high school student saving the world gave it a timeless charm. Its fun style and impressive sound made it the beginning of a much-loved series.

Iron Man 2 is a pivotal MCU film, highlighting Tony Stark's struggles with the side effects of his suit, government pressure, and his own mortality, revealing his personal growth.