Pearl, the prequel to Ti West’s 2022 film X, is more than a typical horror movie; it examines the theme of inherent madness through vivid Technicolor visuals inspired by The Wizard of Oz. Set in 1918 Texas, it follows young Pearl before she became a killer. Mia Goth, who co-wrote and produced the film, delivers a standout performance that centers the film on Pearl’s unstable nature. The six-minute close-up near the end leaves a lasting impression and defines the film’s bold argument.

Set 200 years before the live-action film trilogy, this is Kenji Kamiyama’s first fantasy epic. He is known for Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex and Eden of the East. The film stands out for its impressive visuals, created from 130,000 hand-drawn frames and motion-capture performances that were then redrawn by hand. Despite this effort, it struggled at the box office, earning about ¥3.2 billion on a ¥4.5 billion budget. In Japan, it made less than ¥100 million, which was disappointing. The film is ambitious but divisive, as it struggles to balance its visual beauty with its storytelling.

This film concludes the trilogy and earned 11 Academy Awards, tying the record for most wins.

The Return of the King stands out in cinematic history, blending fantasy, human drama, war, and epic storytelling beyond genre boundaries.

The courage of the hobbits, the return of the exiled king, the wisdom of the wizard, and the strength of true friendship combine here. This story moves you, brings tears, and gives hope. The Special Extended Edition lasts almost four and a half hours, but every moment is engaging. This is the magic of cinema.

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, the second film in the trilogy, deepens the world and characters introduced in The Fellowship of the Ring. Its main accomplishment lies in blending intense action scenes with the intricacies of group drama, driving the overarching narrative of growth and impending conflict. Even at about 179 minutes—roughly 15 longer than the first installment—the experience feels concise, thanks to the film’s tight direction, which ensures that each member’s struggle advances the story’s tension and stakes.

Superman is the first film in the new DC Universe, marking a big shift from the old DC Extended Universe. Director James Gunn offers a bold new take, blending his talent for character-building—seen in Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad—with sharp observations about today’s world.

The film is fast-paced, matching the visual style popular on platforms like TikTok. Its message, “kindness is the new punk,” challenges viewers worn out by superhero movies to consider: What truly defines Superman?

Director Shigeyasu Yaguchi, known for youth comedies like “Water Boys,” surprises fans with the horror film “Dollhouse.” Attracting Masami Nagasawa with its unique script, the film blends genuine scares with Yaguchi’s trademark humor. The 110-minute runtime delivers a sharp mix of eerie Japanese doll imagery and compelling mystery, earning the Grand Prix at the 45th Porto International Film Festival.