HolyPenguin

Fun enough to watch, but hindered by cartoonishly stupid mobsters and a totally pointless role for Lucy Liu. Seriously, what was even the point of her character?

80 _60%

1917 (2019) - Rated 28 Oct 2026

The trench sequences and early tension are great, but once he leaves the truck, the journey starts to feel a bit over-the-top and overstuffed with setpieces. Still a visual stunner, but the narrative pacing stumbles in the middle.

80 _60%

Wandering Ginza Butterfly 2: She-Cat Gambler (1972) - Rated 14 Oct 2026

Meiko Kaji is effortlessly cool as always, holding her own in the action scenes well enough to make a powerhouse like Sonny Chiba look like a supporting player. While it basically repeats the narrative beats of the first film and its hanafuda sequence doesn't quite match the iconic pool scene, it's still a wildly entertaining ride. A real shame this series only got two entries, I would've gladly watched a whole lot more.

65 _14%

The Happening (2008) - Rated 14 Oct 2026

Phenomenally bad plot with zero consistency. Seriously, what was that creepy grandma house in the second half. Still, Shyamalan throws in some cool visual moments, and lawnmower suicide is worth at least a few laughs. A total trainwreck, but at least it's funny.

80 _60%

Risky Business (1983) - Rated 11 Oct 2026

Loved the slick atmosphere and the soundtrack. The whole vibe was top-notch. That said, the plot felt a bit rushed around the party sequence, and the sexual content leaned a little too heavy-handed for my taste. Still, a cool and stylish flic.

85 _73%

John Wick (2014) - Rated 10 Oct 2026

An effortlessly stylish action flick with great world-building and memorable side characters, especially the hotel staff. The momentum dips a bit toward the end, but it's a solid ride overall. Haven't checked out the sequels yet.

65 _14%

Dante's Peak (1997) - Rated 08 Oct 2026

The build-up before the eruption was actually promising, but the movie really lost steam once the disaster started. The fact that an elderly grandmother pushing a boat is the most memorable scene pretty much sums up why the post-eruption half felt so flat.

90 _82%

Makai Tensho: Samurai Reincarnation (1981) - Rated 05 Oct 2026

While the plot is a bit hit-or-miss, the character presence is absolutely phenomenal, with Shiro Amakusa, Gracia Hosokawa, and Jubei Yagyu really standing out. The showdown with Otsu's flute echoing in the background, Gracia's frantic madness in the burning castle, and the striking ending make it a memorable watch.

75 _44%

Yellow Dragon's Village (2021) - Rated 03 Oct 2026

A wild, unpredictable ride that starts as a tedious road trip and spirals into absolute chaos. The action sequences are surprisingly great, and the ending gave me a good laugh.

85 _73%

Wandering Ginza Butterfly (1971) - Rated 30 Sep 2026

The first half is a little underwhelming, but from the pool scene onward, I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. Meiko Kaji is mesmerizing, especially the look on her face as she vows revenge over the dead body, and the final smile the two share is simply unforgettable.