‘Taxi Driver’ Is 50 Years Old. Remember When Some Critics Got It Totally Wrong?
Not everyone celebrated Martin Scorsese’s shocking portrait of madness and bloodshed.www.esquire.com
MOVIES ~ Any of ya'll seen any good (or shitty) movies in recent weeks/months? Post reviews, feedback, movie news, trailers, recommendations, etc ...
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Ted Sarandos Isn’t Worried About Trump’s Involvement in Netflix-Warner Bros. Merger, Says President Won’t Be Involved in Any Way That’s ‘Improper’
At the DGA Awards, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos addressed the proposed Netflix-Warner Bros. merger and President Trump's possible role in the deal.
variety.com
Venom: Let There Be Carnage
2021
5.5/10
I watched this last night on Disney+. Disney+ has the first film which I watched last year and they recently got the 2nd film on its service. I had seen it before and like the first, I have completely forgotten what happened.
It starts out following the events of the first film giving an update on Eddie and Venom’s relationship together.
Woody Harrelson (Carnage) is debuted and his origin is shown.
Not much to say about the film. The main highlight is the final battle between Venom/Carnage. Venom admits that Carnage is more powerful than him and at first wants to back out from fighting. He gives a statement about Carnage being a Red Symbiotic type which is more powerful.
The film ends with one of the supporting characters surviving and looks like he has been affected with a Symbiotic variant. I suspect he will be in the 3rd film.
Netflix has the 3rd film, I will get to it at some point before it gets removed. It looks like SONY’s deal with Netflix is keeping their Marvel content on there for a limited time before releasing it too Disney+.
Synopsis
Eddie Brock/Venom, who must face a new, more powerful symbiote, Carnage, which is bonded to serial killer Cletus Kasady (Woody Harrelson). The film follows Eddie's struggle to coexist with Venom as he tries to reignite his journalism career, leading to an interview with Kasady that unleashes the chaotic Carnage.
2021
5.5/10
I watched this last night on Disney+. Disney+ has the first film which I watched last year and they recently got the 2nd film on its service. I had seen it before and like the first, I have completely forgotten what happened.
It starts out following the events of the first film giving an update on Eddie and Venom’s relationship together.
Woody Harrelson (Carnage) is debuted and his origin is shown.
Not much to say about the film. The main highlight is the final battle between Venom/Carnage. Venom admits that Carnage is more powerful than him and at first wants to back out from fighting. He gives a statement about Carnage being a Red Symbiotic type which is more powerful.
The film ends with one of the supporting characters surviving and looks like he has been affected with a Symbiotic variant. I suspect he will be in the 3rd film.
Netflix has the 3rd film, I will get to it at some point before it gets removed. It looks like SONY’s deal with Netflix is keeping their Marvel content on there for a limited time before releasing it too Disney+.
Synopsis
Eddie Brock/Venom, who must face a new, more powerful symbiote, Carnage, which is bonded to serial killer Cletus Kasady (Woody Harrelson). The film follows Eddie's struggle to coexist with Venom as he tries to reignite his journalism career, leading to an interview with Kasady that unleashes the chaotic Carnage.
The Great Flood
2025
4.5/10
I watched this last night on Netflix at home.
It’s basically a Sci-Fi, psychological drama. The film immediately starts out in SHTF status within minutes after the opening credits roll. It goes along pretty well with action/suspense depicting the rising water.
VFX/SFX showing the rising water is on the level of a big budget Hollywood production. South Korea always seems to kick Ass with VFX/SFX in their projects and never disappoint.
The first 40 minutes deals with the rising water, from there the film does a 180 with the plot. I’m not going to go into detail without spoiling it.
It’s a 2 hour film that could have worked easily as a 90 minute film. The length is what kills it. What saves the film is the VFX/SFX which keeps your eyes glued to the screen.
For the Foot Fiends, the first 40 minutes has the lead actress running around barefoot.
It’s an interesting film. It’s from South Korea and Netflix has it dubbed in English.
Synopsis
Is about a mother and her son trying to survive a catastrophic, world-ending flood in a high-rise apartment building in Seoul. The plot follows them as they journey to the top of the building, encountering a mysterious man, while dealing with themes of survival, sacrifice, and the nature of humanity.
2025
4.5/10
I watched this last night on Netflix at home.
It’s basically a Sci-Fi, psychological drama. The film immediately starts out in SHTF status within minutes after the opening credits roll. It goes along pretty well with action/suspense depicting the rising water.
VFX/SFX showing the rising water is on the level of a big budget Hollywood production. South Korea always seems to kick Ass with VFX/SFX in their projects and never disappoint.
The first 40 minutes deals with the rising water, from there the film does a 180 with the plot. I’m not going to go into detail without spoiling it.
It’s a 2 hour film that could have worked easily as a 90 minute film. The length is what kills it. What saves the film is the VFX/SFX which keeps your eyes glued to the screen.
For the Foot Fiends, the first 40 minutes has the lead actress running around barefoot.
It’s an interesting film. It’s from South Korea and Netflix has it dubbed in English.
Synopsis
Is about a mother and her son trying to survive a catastrophic, world-ending flood in a high-rise apartment building in Seoul. The plot follows them as they journey to the top of the building, encountering a mysterious man, while dealing with themes of survival, sacrifice, and the nature of humanity.
Ryan Coogler Cites Vital DGA Healthcare, Speaks Of “Domestic Carnage At The Hands Of Our Government” At DGA Awards
Ryan Coogler Cites Vital DGA Healthcare, Speaks Of "Domestic Carnage At The Hands Of Our Government" At DGA Awards
deadline.com
Paul Thomas Anderson Wins Top DGA Film Prize For ‘One Battle After Another’, Pays Tribute To Producer & AD Adam Somner: “He Would Love This”
Paul Thomas Anderson Paid Tribute To 'One Battle After Another' Producer & AD Adam Somner: "He Would Love This"
deadline.com
DGA Awards: ‘One Battle After Another’ Takes Top Film Prize; ‘The Studio’, ‘The Pitt’, ‘Dying For Sex’ Lead TV – Full Winners List
The 78th DGA Awards honoring the year's best in directing achievement across film, TV and commercials takes place February 7, 2026.
deadline.com
Dracula
PRAISE : Even though following the same outline of the story of Dracula Director and writer Luc Besson attempts to include certain new twists and paths with this movie. Part parody, and bloody story of eternal love i respect the seven production studios and Besson that invested in the high production value of the movie. There are impressive visuals that are as striking as the violence. I appreciated some stand out scenes with impressive armor and costumes. For a time i felt the passion between Dracula Caleb Landry Jones as Vlad / Dracula Zoë Bleu Sidel as Elisabeta / Mina.Matilda De Angelis as Maria Ewens was fun to watch as she runs around with abandon with slips to sinister.
PROBLEMS: Christoph Waltz as Priest gives one of the most casual performances I've ever seen. No power behind any of the dialogue he's given.A lot is overdone with making some scenes look like a Broadway show to a cartoon. In fact a couple of characters actually made me think of minions from various Disney cartoons. Ultimately its the consistent shifts in tone that made it hard for me to pay attention at times and just impatiently wait for the movie to end.
Scale of 1 to 10 a 6
PRAISE : Even though following the same outline of the story of Dracula Director and writer Luc Besson attempts to include certain new twists and paths with this movie. Part parody, and bloody story of eternal love i respect the seven production studios and Besson that invested in the high production value of the movie. There are impressive visuals that are as striking as the violence. I appreciated some stand out scenes with impressive armor and costumes. For a time i felt the passion between Dracula Caleb Landry Jones as Vlad / Dracula Zoë Bleu Sidel as Elisabeta / Mina.Matilda De Angelis as Maria Ewens was fun to watch as she runs around with abandon with slips to sinister.
PROBLEMS: Christoph Waltz as Priest gives one of the most casual performances I've ever seen. No power behind any of the dialogue he's given.A lot is overdone with making some scenes look like a Broadway show to a cartoon. In fact a couple of characters actually made me think of minions from various Disney cartoons. Ultimately its the consistent shifts in tone that made it hard for me to pay attention at times and just impatiently wait for the movie to end.
Scale of 1 to 10 a 6
He was underutilized in the most recent season of Only Murders in the Building last year too.
Blake Garrett, Child Actor in 'How to Eat Fried Worms,' Dead at 33
Blake Garrett -- best known for his role in "How to Eat Fried Worms" -- has died at age 33 ... TMZ has learned.
www.tmz.com
Steven Spielberg's Mysterious New Sci-Fi Movie Has Finally Revealed Its Aliens
In a Super Bowl teaser, 'Disclosure Day' finally showed at least a couple of its cards.
Good movie. Just finished it. Checked out the first hour a few days ago, and finished the rest today.
The 2 co-leads are believable in their roles, and there's a number of recognizable faces in small, supporting roles. Story has a good blend of amusing moments, mixed in with some crime / action, and some sentimental.
Stay for the end credits as there's photos of the real subject, and assorted brief interview clips with people involved throughout in the story.
The 2 co-leads are believable in their roles, and there's a number of recognizable faces in small, supporting roles. Story has a good blend of amusing moments, mixed in with some crime / action, and some sentimental.
Stay for the end credits as there's photos of the real subject, and assorted brief interview clips with people involved throughout in the story.
Azrael
2024
4/10
This came up on my Hulu recommendations a few months ago. I watched it earlier tonight at home.
It’s a horror/action film. The premise is nothing new and has been done countless times in a number of genres over the past 50 years.
What caused the apocalypse is explained before the film starts. Action is minimal and violence is graphic. The entities are presented well, the film used the technique of displaying them to the minimum in order to make them look more sinister.
For the Militants, there is interracial with BM/WW, just PDA is shown.
Dialogue is basically nonexistent, it’s explained early in the film, so you will have to stay focused keeping your eyes glued to the screen.
The film somewhat leaves off for a sequel.
Synopsis
Azrael, a young woman, fights to survive after she is hunted by a female-led community in order to be sacrified to an ancient evil.
2024
4/10
This came up on my Hulu recommendations a few months ago. I watched it earlier tonight at home.
It’s a horror/action film. The premise is nothing new and has been done countless times in a number of genres over the past 50 years.
What caused the apocalypse is explained before the film starts. Action is minimal and violence is graphic. The entities are presented well, the film used the technique of displaying them to the minimum in order to make them look more sinister.
For the Militants, there is interracial with BM/WW, just PDA is shown.
Dialogue is basically nonexistent, it’s explained early in the film, so you will have to stay focused keeping your eyes glued to the screen.
The film somewhat leaves off for a sequel.
Synopsis
Azrael, a young woman, fights to survive after she is hunted by a female-led community in order to be sacrified to an ancient evil.
Netflix's 'War Machine' looks like 'Predator' meets 'Metal Gear', and we're 100% here for it
'Whatever that thing is, it's hunting us, and it won’t stop.'
Alan Ritchson’s New Netflix Movie Feels Like The Perfect Reacher Prequel (With 1 Twist)
Ritchson’s new films feels like Reacher’s prequel.
screenrant.com
The Dutchman
PRAISE: Clay is going through it in life and its written all over his as he sits through couples therapy with his wife Kaya. I was on the same page with Clay because being cheated on in a long term relationship can throw anyone for a loop. When temptation to get some kind of sexual pleasure as revenge is dangled right in front of you for Clay its a temptress named Lula why not go for it.Andre Holland as Clay and Kate Mara as Lula turn in excellent performances. This 2026 version of the 1966 film goes for more of a Twighlight Zone vibe and I didn't mind it at all as I wondered what kind of trouble had Clay actually gotten himself into. The biblical reference about temptation also boldly stood out. Even when the film goes to race relations i was on board for some of it especially when the film nods to how most injustices racial or other are resolved in modern times,and look at all of the good things that came from being oppressed falls right under the lame,oblivious and horrible thinking that slavery was a choice.
PROBLEMS : Reading about the 1966 film it definitely sounds more interesting than this 2026 version. The themes in that version sound 100 times more relevant than this modern version especially in its time period. If this movie was structured differently i would have been drawn in further with its discussion of race but this film chooses to wait for such discussions and focuses on the unnecessary. If the film had added some obliviousness to Clay the story would have worked better for me.The race relations discussions between Clay and Lula are far to short and more like put downs instead of trying to prove points. Likely why the 1966 version is better.
Scale of 1 to 10 a 6½
PRAISE: Clay is going through it in life and its written all over his as he sits through couples therapy with his wife Kaya. I was on the same page with Clay because being cheated on in a long term relationship can throw anyone for a loop. When temptation to get some kind of sexual pleasure as revenge is dangled right in front of you for Clay its a temptress named Lula why not go for it.Andre Holland as Clay and Kate Mara as Lula turn in excellent performances. This 2026 version of the 1966 film goes for more of a Twighlight Zone vibe and I didn't mind it at all as I wondered what kind of trouble had Clay actually gotten himself into. The biblical reference about temptation also boldly stood out. Even when the film goes to race relations i was on board for some of it especially when the film nods to how most injustices racial or other are resolved in modern times,and look at all of the good things that came from being oppressed falls right under the lame,oblivious and horrible thinking that slavery was a choice.
PROBLEMS : Reading about the 1966 film it definitely sounds more interesting than this 2026 version. The themes in that version sound 100 times more relevant than this modern version especially in its time period. If this movie was structured differently i would have been drawn in further with its discussion of race but this film chooses to wait for such discussions and focuses on the unnecessary. If the film had added some obliviousness to Clay the story would have worked better for me.The race relations discussions between Clay and Lula are far to short and more like put downs instead of trying to prove points. Likely why the 1966 version is better.
Scale of 1 to 10 a 6½
Bud Cort, ‘Harold and Maude’ Star, Dies at 77
Bud Cort, who starred in 'Harold and Maude" and "Brewster McCloud," died Wednesday. He was 77.
variety.com
Bud Cort, ‘Harold and Maude’ Star, Dies at 77
By Pat Saperstein
Ruth Gordon and Bud Cort in "Harold and Maude"Courtesy Everett Collection
Bud Cort, who personified the role of Harold in the 1971 Hal Ashby classic “Harold and Maude,” died Wednesday in Connecticut after a long illness. He was 77.
His longtime friend Dorian Hannaway reported his death.
Cort also starred in Robert Altman’s “Brewster McCloud” and had roles in numerous other films and TV shows.
In “Harold and Maude,” which became a beloved and enduring cult classic despite a rocky start at the box office, Cort played a 20-year old man obsessed by thoughts of suicide whose life changes when he meets Maude, a 79-year-old Holocaust survivor played by Ruth Gordon.
Born Walter Edward Cox in Rye, N.Y., he changed his name to avoid confusion with character actor Wally Cox. He went to school in New Rochelle, N.Y. and enjoyed going to Broadway shows.
“I was only fourteen when I met Bud at the backstage door at my sister’s play,” Roslyn Kind recalled in a statement. “He was majoring in art at the time in high school. We became close friends who shared our interest in entertainment. When I got married, Bud and our songwriter friend, Bruce Roberts, wrote a special song that was performed at the ceremony. His unique spirit will always be with me.”
Cort moved to Los Angeles to work in film, and was cast by Altman in a small part in “MASH.” Altman then selected his to star in the quirky “Brewster McCloud” about a young man who yearns to fly, with Sally Kellerman as a guardian angel.
“We were in the line for lunch when I spotted him,” she later recalled. “Although I didn’t know who he was, I said ‘Oh, boy. We’re going to be best friends.’”
His chemistry with Gordon while auditioning for the part of Harold convinced Ashby and writer Colin Higgins to cast him in “Harold and Maude,” which has endured as a repertory screening favorite for more than 50 years. He was nominated for a BAFTA award as most promising newcomer and for a Golden Globe for best actor in a musical or comedy.
“A young man obsessed with death falls in love with an old woman obsessed with life. She dies and teaches the kid how to live,” Cameron Crowe described it for AFI in 2011. “And it’s done with music [by Cat Stevens] that scratches at your soul. . . . that movie holds up — to this minute.”
His other roles included films “She Dances Alone,” “Electric Dreams” and “The Life Aquatic,” as well as “Heat,” “Dogma,” “Coyote Ugly” and “Pollock.”
He also voiced the character Toyman in “Superman: The Animated Series,” “Static Shock” and “Justic League Unlimited.” He co-wrote, starred in and directed the 1991 film “Ted and Venus.”
In 1979, Cort narrowly survived a devastating car accident, which necessitated numerous surgeries and affected his career.
He is survived by his brother Joseph Cox and his sister-in-law Vickie and their daughters, Meave, Brytnn, and Jesse of Rye, N.Y.; his sister Kerry Cox of Larchmont, N.Y.; his sister and brother-in-law, Tracy Cox Berkman and Edward Berkman, and their sons, Daniel and Peter. He is also survived by his sister, Shelly Cox Dufour and brother-in-law Robert Dufour, and nieces Madeline and Lucie.
A memorial will be held at a future date in Los Angeles.
The Adventures of Cliff Booth is an upcoming period comedy-drama film directed by David Fincher and written by Quentin Tarantino. It is a sequel to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), with Brad Pitt and Timothy Olyphant reprising their respective roles as Cliff Booth and James Stacy. The ensemble cast also features Scott Caan, Elizabeth Debicki, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Carla Gugino, Holt McCallany, Corey Fogelmanis, and JB Tadena.
In April 2025, it was reported that Netflix acquired the script from Tarantino, and it was also revealed that Fincher had been hired to direct the film with Pitt reprising his role as Cliff Booth; the latter had approached Fincher to direct the film. After the title The Continuing Adventures of Cliff Booth was announced, casting began the following month, at which point the title was shortened to The Adventures of Cliff Booth. Casting ended in August, and filming took place from July 2025 to January 2026. It will be Tarantino and Fincher's most expensive film, as the former revealed that the film will have around a $200 million budget.
The Adventures of Cliff Booth is scheduled to be released in select theaters and on Netflix in 2026.
In April 2025, it was reported that Netflix acquired the script from Tarantino, and it was also revealed that Fincher had been hired to direct the film with Pitt reprising his role as Cliff Booth; the latter had approached Fincher to direct the film. After the title The Continuing Adventures of Cliff Booth was announced, casting began the following month, at which point the title was shortened to The Adventures of Cliff Booth. Casting ended in August, and filming took place from July 2025 to January 2026. It will be Tarantino and Fincher's most expensive film, as the former revealed that the film will have around a $200 million budget.
The Adventures of Cliff Booth is scheduled to be released in select theaters and on Netflix in 2026.
SHELTER
This movie starts with an independent film vibe with a quiet coastal setting but it's a
Jason Statham movie and he portrays Michael Mason and of course he has secrets that lead to him being on the run and along for the ride the suddenly under his care Jessie (Bodhi Rae Breathnach) The action and hand to hand fight sequences were great and there are actually some pretty good dramatic moments between Statham and Breathnach,but the outline of the film is very basic with corrupt MI6 agents and those that just follow along without questioning anything and i did laugh at the surveillance program taken straight from The Dark Knight.
Scale of 1 to 10 a 7
This movie starts with an independent film vibe with a quiet coastal setting but it's a
Jason Statham movie and he portrays Michael Mason and of course he has secrets that lead to him being on the run and along for the ride the suddenly under his care Jessie (Bodhi Rae Breathnach) The action and hand to hand fight sequences were great and there are actually some pretty good dramatic moments between Statham and Breathnach,but the outline of the film is very basic with corrupt MI6 agents and those that just follow along without questioning anything and i did laugh at the surveillance program taken straight from The Dark Knight.
Scale of 1 to 10 a 7
Michael Eisner’s Terminal Prognosis For Movie Theaters
February 12, 2026
Ex-Disney CEO Michael Eisner explains why fear has always driven the media business — and why the stakes are higher than ever. From billion-dollar movie bets to streaming, AI, and consolidation, he breaks down why companies must reinvent or risk destroying themselves.
February 12, 2026
Ex-Disney CEO Michael Eisner explains why fear has always driven the media business — and why the stakes are higher than ever. From billion-dollar movie bets to streaming, AI, and consolidation, he breaks down why companies must reinvent or risk destroying themselves.
Watched it yesterday and enjoyed it.
The perpetual, eventual fuck-ups. The hustling and conning. The small victories, etc.
It had really good pacing for the longer runtime.
Craziest, WTF scene that I had to play back was the hotel scene just before the 1-hour mark, lol. What the fuck just happened? The argument at the front desk afterward, etc.
It worked a SLIGHTLY bit better for me, it sounds like. I’d give it a generous 7/10. Especially bec of the Baraka family involvement but also just the experimentation of it is nice to see attempted even if not landed. It’s telling a DIFFERENT story than either the original play and the ‘66 short film adaptation… the meta- aspects and as you said surreal twilight zone-ries were interesting but left a lot of meat on the bone.The Dutchman
PRAISE: Clay is going through it in life and its written all over his as he sits through couples therapy with his wife Kaya. I was on the same page with Clay because being cheated on in a long term relationship can throw anyone for a loop. When temptation to get some kind of sexual pleasure as revenge is dangled right in front of you for Clay its a temptress named Lula why not go for it.Andre Holland as Clay and Kate Mara as Lula turn in excellent performances. This 2026 version of the 1966 film goes for more of a Twighlight Zone vibe and I didn't mind it at all as I wondered what kind of trouble had Clay actually gotten himself into. The biblical reference about temptation also boldly stood out. Even when the film goes to race relations i was on board for some of it especially when the film nods to how most injustices racial or other are resolved in modern times,and look at all of the good things that came from being oppressed falls right under the lame,oblivious and horrible thinking that slavery was a choice.
PROBLEMS : Reading about the 1966 film it definitely sounds more interesting than this 2026 version. The themes in that version sound 100 times more relevant than this modern version especially in its time period. If this movie was structured differently i would have been drawn in further with its discussion of race but this film chooses to wait for such discussions and focuses on the unnecessary. If the film had added some obliviousness to Clay the story would have worked better for me.The race relations discussions between Clay and Lula are far to short and more like put downs instead of trying to prove points. Likely why the 1966 version is better.
Scale of 1 to 10 a 6½
I’d LOVE to see more like this though and so I give it that extra half or so into the 7/10
You want to see brutal violent kills, a story that takes mostly in one place, animal violence, majority cac deaths, all in under 90 mins.. primate said sign me up.. let’s cut to the chase, chimp catches rabies off camera, it’s been basically been 48 hrs and pretty much violence has become him.. bunch of young cacs chilling at some Hawaii home pretty much no parental guidance, let the killing games begin.. curious George pretty much kills more than a handful of people, some get hurt, and he unleashes the best animal bitch smack on a chick..I laughed my ass off at Ben acting like a 70s pimp unleashing on a hoe that don’t have his money.. I actually had to rewind it a few times and couldn’t stop laughing cause they even had the bitch smack sound effects..he literally delivered a perfect backhand smack..overall a bunch of senseless violence and I was here for it
You convinced me. Shit lol
i saw this on a flight
i felt so sorry for the woman he scammed
but its a good movie
Roofman critic reviews
Metacritic aggregates music, game, tv, and movie reviews from the leading critics. Only Metacritic.com uses METASCORES, which let you know at a glance how each item was reviewed.
www.metacritic.com
"Roofman is another standout film from Cianfrance who continues to pull us in with fascinating character studies and explorations of humanity. Tatum delivers on every level, giving one of his very best performances thus far in his career, and Dunst gives so much through her subtle, emotional work. "
- Ema Casic
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