The film “The Meg” revitalizes the shark movie genre by reintroducing the ancient Megalodon. Jason Statham delivers an energetic performance that matches the film’s large-scale oceanic setting. The straightforward storyline, minimal dramatics, and the inclusion of an international cast, such as Li Bingbing, provide the excitement expected from a shark movie.

In his version of “Nightmare Alley,” Guillermo del Toro leaves out the supernatural to focus on how unchecked desire leads to a man's downfall. The film’s striking visuals and Bradley Cooper’s layered performance create a gripping noir that blends classic Hollywood style with sharp insights about ambition. Even though it runs long, the movie keeps adult viewers engaged.

Director Zack Kreger, who made ‘Barbarian,’ returns with a bigger-budget film. This horror mystery tells the story of 17 children who vanish from their class at 2:17 AM, with the truth revealed from different viewpoints. The film uses a tense, non-linear structure, an unsettling mood like Us and Hereditary, and explores social themes in the style of Jordan Peele. While some viewers are split on the ending, the script and direction have earned strong praise. Blending horror, suspense, and mystery, WEAPONS stands out as a must-see film for 2025.

Blue Beetle brings a lesser-known DC hero to the screen, telling a warm family story that blends Latin culture with eye-catching suit design. Although it shares some familiar elements with Iron Man and Spider-Man, its cultural focus and impressive effects make it unique.

Gran Turismo, directed by Neill Blomkamp, is a gripping racing drama based on a true story. It captures the hopes and values of the gaming generation, offering much more than a standard racing film. The film tells the story of the world’s best Gran Turismo player as he chases his dream of becoming a professional racer through GT Academy, skillfully blending gaming with real-life racing.

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.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a standout film that combines bold, experimental visuals with a universal story about the bond between parents and children. The film’s creative use of watercolor effects and Da Vinci-inspired sketches is especially impressive for a big-budget production, offering viewers a fresh visual experience. The story focuses on the simple but powerful theme of fathers and sons, a hallmark of Lord and Miller’s work, and delivers a more complete coming-of-age story from the parents’ perspective. The film’s answer to the idea of 'making your own story' is both surprising and inspiring, reinventing the Spider-Man narrative in a new way.

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.

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.

This film wraps up the popular sci-fi anime series, which started in 2012, and truly delivers for longtime fans. It finally reveals why Akane Tsunemori was imprisoned and uncovers the truth behind the central case, weaving a complex and satisfying story. While it can be tough for newcomers to jump in, those who have followed the series will find it especially moving.