The Odyssey

The Odyssey (Christopher Nolan, 2026)

IMDB film information

Rating: Q=6, P=7 / Can’t Get Enough

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Learn more about my rating system

Epic, Adventure, Action, Fantasy, Adaptation

Synopsis: After the Trojan War, Odysseus faces a dangerous voyage back to Ithaca, meeting creatures like the Cyclops, Polyphemus, Sirens, and Calypso along the way.

I had heard many mixed reviews (some very negative) about Christopher Nolan’s new film adaptation of the Odyssey. As a rule, I don’t like reading reviews or film analysis before I see a film. And I certainly try not to have any expectations for films, especially ones that are adapting complex or very familiar stories. Each filmmaker has a duty, in my opinion, to tell a story in THEIR way. They set out to make art, not a report. Film adaptations should not strive to be perfectly “accurate” (which isn’t really possible) or to replicate source material. What would be the point? It is more meaningful to blend and connect and craft something new from something old, I think.

That being said, I really enjoyed The Odyssey. It is a spectacle. It is masterful art on camera. The atmosphere is heavy and chilling. It has spellbinding moments that literally shake you. It left me contemplative and amazed at what cinema can do and how the stories from an ancient poem are still captivating. The script is unexpected, but far from poor—it’s quite thought provoking. Yes, it is star-studded and the dialogue and acting feels weak at times, but the characters do still have motivations and depth. Yes, it isn’t the same as the epic poem and that is a good thing.

Hamnet

Hamnet (Chloe Zhao, 2025)

IMDB film information

Rating: Q=12, P=8 / Decadence

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=4, Scale 4=4

Learn more about my rating system

Shakespeare, Adaptation, Biopic, Grief, Complex Relationships, Storytelling

Synopsis: In late 16th-century England, Agnes, a healer sensitive to the world around her, builds a home with William, a local tutor and aspiring playwright. As their lives fracture, they are tested by distance, silence, and grief.

“Our children’s hearts beat, they smile play. Never forget for a moment they may be gone.”

I wept. More than once. My attention was rapt. I was overwhelmed with emotion. Every scene in Hamnet is powerful. This is a story of love, grief, family, sickness, storytelling. It is humanity. It is powerful. This is the most beautifully moving film I have ever seen. Chloe Zhao has done something miraculous. Even if you don’t know Shakespeare, even if you don’t usually like emotional/dramatic films, you will find something in this film that speaks to you. We have all known loss and we have all struggled to cope in our own ways. This film reminds us that people don’t truly die or fade away—they can live on. Storytellers tell, artists show, and both let us feel. And this is why all art is so valuable to human beings.

Masters of the Universe

Masters of the Universe (Travis Knight, 2026)

IMDB film information

Rating: Q=12, P=8 / Decadence

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=4, Scale 4=4

Learn more about my rating system

Comedy, Fantasy, Action, Adventure

Synopsis: Prince Adam discovers that the strange memories shaping his life are real when the lost Sword of Power resurfaces, forcing him to return to Eternia and challenge the tyrant who shattered his family in kingdom.

OK, I love this film SO much. I really do. I did not grow up playing with He-man or watching the cartoon, though I did see it occasionally, but I am a child of the 1980s and so have a fondness for practical effects. I also love nerdy comedies. So, maybe all of these things explain why Masters of the Universe just hit the right notes, for me. It’s silly in all the right ways , it’s stunning and bright, it has lots of practical effects, it doesn’t take itself too seriously, and it embraces the true escape that movies and toys can be—to kids AND adults. Absolutely loved it.

One Battle After Another

One Battle After Another (Paul Thomas Anderson, 2025)

IMDB film information

Rating: Q=7, P=7 / Decadence

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=4

Learn more about my rating system

Thriller, Politics, Crime, Complex Relationships, Dark Comedy

Synopsis: When their enemy resurfaces after 16 years, a group of ex-revolutionaries reunite to rescue the daughter of one of their own.

I went into this film with absolutely no expectations, even though I knew that it had one the Best Picture Academy Award. I’ve always liked Paul Thomas Anderson’s films. He has an uncanny ability to pick the right actors and cast to make an impression, and to leave viewers questioning systems and rules and human behavior. One Battle After Another is a thrilling adventure with politics and crime and intrigue. It’s also incredibly funny and, at times, goofy. It’s hard to blend so many different themes and genres together, but he does and it makes the story feel more real despite its incredible plot. I was pleasantly surprised at how well Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn performed their roles and newcomer, Chase Infiniti, is really fun to watch. Highly worth multiple viewings.

Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord

Star Wars: Maul -Shadow Lord (Dave Filoni and Matt Michnovetz, 2026)

IMDB film information

Rating: DSQ=7, SP=4 / Comfy Combo

Scale O=4, Scale P=3, Scale Q=3, Scale R=3, Scale S=2

Learn more about my rating system

Star Wars, Animation, Science Fiction, Fantasy

Synopsis: after the Clone Wars, Maul plots to rebuild his criminal syndicate on a planet untouched by the Empire.

This new Star Wars animated series is fun, but doesn’t really do anything new or bold. The fantastic animation is undeniably the best feature. It is fun to see Maul again, though this chapter in his story is less interesting, to me. Each episode feels a bit like a detective/buddy-cop show, which is interesting, and it leans into the comic-book world/feel so that the show feels like Batman. Enjoyable.

Bugonia

Bugonia (Yorgos Lanthimos, 2025)

IMDB film information

Rating: Q=7, P=6 / Can’t Get Enough

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Thriller, Crime, Complex Relationships, Philosophical, Dark Comedy

Synopsis: Two conspiracy-obsessed young men kidnap the high-powered CEO of a major company, convinced that she is an alien intent on destroying planet Earth.

I’m not sure there are words to describe the strangeness of this film. Despite feeling anxious the whole time, I enjoyed every minute of it. There’s a tone to the film that is extremely unnerving. We never know exactly what’s going on which creates an ever-building tension. There are moments of realization that are then turned around and confused even more. I wasn’t prepared for the twists, even though I knew there would be some. Fantastic acting, disturbing, creepy yet funny, full of mystery, and with a lot to say about the state of our world. I highly recommend this one.

--Learn more about my rating system

The Corsican Brothers

The Corsican Brothers (Gregory Ratoff, 2025)

Click here for the basics

Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

This is a fun swashbuckler that really allows Douglas Fairbanks Jr. to show his acting and physicality in a dual role. I really enjoyed watching the adventure, intrigue, and mystery unfold.

Synopsis: After their parents are killed, co-joined twin boys are separated, with one raised as a gentleman in Paris and the other in the mountains becoming a bandit.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

The Count of Monte Cristo, Miniseries

The Count of Monte Cristo (Bille August, 2024)

IMDB film information

Rating: DSQ=12, SP=8 / Decadence

Scale A=4, Scale B=4, Scale C=4, Scale D=4, Scale E=4

Based on Novel, 19th Century, France, Crime, Suspense, Complex Relationships, Philosophical

Not since Hulu's recent Shogun miniseries have I been this thoroughly impressed by an adaptation. Absolutely marvelous storytelling. This production is what authors dream and hope their stories become when put on the screen, at least it is what I would want! This timeless tale of revenge and the consequences of taking that path. But it is also a tale of morality, hope, patience, and redemption. Marvelous performances from all actors, especially Sam Claflin and Jeremy Irons. And the visuals are sparkling on the screen. It is so tense, dramatic, devastating, and rewarding.

--Learn more about my rating system

Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter...and Spring Revisited

Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter...and Spring (Kim Ki-duk, 2003)

Click here for the basics

Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Buddhism, Philosophical

I first saw Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter...and Spring not too long after it was released while I was in graduate school. I loved it then and my re-watching of it was even better. I've since become more focused on simple things and Buddhist teachings, so that resonated with me more. And I'm older, of course.

This film has few words. It is all about observation and reflection. All life is precious and miraculous. Go into this with an open mind and heart. You'll be glad.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

The Naked Gun 2025

The Naked Gun 2025 (Akiva Schaffer, 2025)

Click here for the basics

Rating: Q=4, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=2, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Comedy, Spoof, Crime

Comedy remakes don't usually work, in my opinion, but this time I think it did. The Naked Gun (2025) is ridiculous, silly, crude, dumb, and full of gags. And that is what you want from a good comedy. You'll chuckle if you liked the first film and any of the original Zucker brothers films.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Sinners

Sinners (Ryan Coogler, 2025)

Click here for the basics

Rating: Q=7, P=6 / Average OJ

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

1930s, Horror, Race, Music, Fantasy, Philosophical

Ryan Coogler never ceases to make films that suck you in, no pun intended. Sinners is a wild ride. Even though I knew there'd be a twist, I was more than still surprised when it happened. This film is an experience. The visuals are stunning, colorful, leaping off the screen. And the story is a fascinating blend of genres--Horror, Gritty Realism, Music, Biopic--I've never seen before or even considered. The music is outstanding and almost transcendent. The acting is vibrant and memorable. I wanted more character development at times, but the film doesn't suffer because of that.

What really happens when you sell your soul to the devil? Seems like it keeps happening and has been going on for a long time...

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Oscars 2026: New Approach and the Winner

Over the last few years I've not been enthusiastic to watch every Oscar nominated film before the big event, but I still love watching the movies eventually. I've decided to stop doing the Oscar Dash I used to do in the past. Going forward I just plan to share my views/ratings of any nominated film when I watch it. But you can view the nominees for best picture and read more on plenty of websites.

The winner was One Battle After Another, which I hope to watch soon!

Frankenstein

Frankenstein (Guiklermo del Toro, 2025)

IMDB film information

Rating: Q=7, P=6 / Can’t Get Enough

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Learn more about my rating system

Horror, Fantasy, Psychological, Adaptation

Synopsis: Dr. Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but egotistical scientist, brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation.

Everyone knows the story of Frankenstein because it is so engrained in pop culture. There have been so many film and television and other adaptations over the years. It’s not my favorite story, but I find it intriguing how the major themes and the big question of what it means to be human can be tackled in so many ways. Guillermo del Toro’s version is splendid. It perfectly blends horror and beauty, power and weakness, light and dark. Marvelous acting by Oscar Isaac and Christoph Waltz. And Jacob Elordi as the creature is vivid and inspiring.

Train Dreams

Train Dreams (Clint Bentley, 2025)

Click here for the basics

Rating: Q=8, P=7 / Obsession

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=4, Scale 4=3

Philosophical, Period (19th and early 20th century), Lumberjack, Complex Relationships

"There were once passageways to the old world; strange trails, hidden paths. You'd turn a corner and suddenly find yourself face-to-face with the great mystery, the foundation of all things. And even though that old world is gone now, even though it's been rolled up like a scroll and put somewhere, you can still feel the echo of it."

These opening words are perfect. Train Dreams is truly the story of the life cycle--birth, change, death, rebirth. It shines a light on one man's cycle and all the sorrow and joy and confusion in it. The film is a quiet and exceptionally beautiful reflection of the human experience. I cried more than once. I appreciated the simple and somber tone and emphasis on visuals. Few words speak volumes. I hope, like the narrator says, that this old world isn't completely gone. We need to hear and see the stories of regular folks in the past to appreciate and cherish what we have and what we, as human beings, always will be.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

The Boy and the Beast

The Boy and the Beast (Mamoru Hosoda, 2015)

Click here for the basics

Rating: AQ=6, AP=6 / Comfy Combo

Scale O=3, Scale P=3, Scale Q=3, Scale R=2, Scale S=2

Anime, Coming of Age, Action, Adventure

I've never thought what it would be like to be raised in a world of gods with a god as my guardian and mentor. It's a fun concept. The story is charming--I loved watching the characters grow and really wanted to see them succeed and gain each others' respect. The Boy and the Beast also expresses what humanity has and lacks through the characters of  Kyuta/Ren and Ichirōhiko in a way I've not quite seen before. And the ending is bittersweet and beautiful. I love the idea that your mentor, teacher, father, loved one, lives on in your heart as a sword--your strength.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Samurai Marathon: Three Outlaw Samurai

Three Outlaw Samurai (Hideo Gosha, 1964)

Click here for the basics

Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Samurai, Action, Complex Relationships

I enjoyed this one. It felt similar to many of the other samurai films--Ronin who are in the wrong place at the wrong time (or perhaps right place at the right time?). Questing honor, coping with guilt, and the ever-present corruption of those in power are all present here.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Happy 2026!

Happy 2026! My favorite film I saw this year was The Dig (though it was not new). Favorite show was Andor season 2, definitely. But also Stranger Things season 5 was monumental in so many ways.

A few highlights were: watching most of the Coen brothers films and a samurai film marathon. 

My goal for 2026 is to watch more films from the last 5 years, get to the theater a bit more, and revisit some Shakespearean classics and other period dramas. 

Best wishes!

Stranger Things Season 5

Stranger Things Season 5 (Matt and Ross Duffer, 2025)

Click here for the basics

Rating: DSQ=12, SP=8 / Decadence

Scale A=4, Scale B=4, Scale C=4, Scale D=4, Scale E=4

Retro, 1980s, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Thriller

I don't think I've ever cried so much during a season finale. Or thought so long and hard about all the plot lines of a show. Stranger Things Season 5 blew me away--but in ways I didn't expect. While some of the story reveals and plot twists didn't surprise me, I was still captivated. And the epic "final boss" battle was fantastic and fun to watch, even though it wasn't necessarily phenomenal. 

What really got me in this last season was: saying goodbye to these characters, this story, to childhood and the past. We saw each friendship at its peak, most powerful and most vulnerable, then watched all the friends go their separate ways. I sobbed because of how real and deeply moving each performance was. I remember being a teenager and not wanting childhood to end. I remember the many events that broke the magical veil of childhood and the instances when I realized nothing would be the same again. Stranger Things captured all of that. Sometimes it is easier to see our own lives through someone else's story. And sometimes we need to have a fantastical/sci-fi show with monsters and terror and superpowers to see our broken world more clearly. I am so glad this show was created and lasted as long as it did. I'm sure to come back to it again and again.

Read my reviews of Season 1, Season 2, Season 3, and Season 4.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Wake Up, Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (Rian Johnson, 2025)

Click here for the basics

Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Mystery, Crime, Thriller, Comedy, Satire

This third movie in the Knives Out universe was great. I enjoyed the theme, the well-constructed plot for ultimate mystery and suspense, and the great acting. Josh Brolin is fantastic as a cynical, cruel priest and Glenn Close is... well, creepy and glorious as ever. I also enjoyed watching Josh O'Connor as the main character. Also some good satire and hilarious moments throughout. Another fun escape!

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Samurai Marathon: Ran

On our recent trip to Toronto and Algonquin park we read about a Kurosawa marathon happening in major cities in the US. Lamenting that we wouldn't be able to see these stunning, classic films on the big screen we decided to do the next best thing: have our own "Samurai Marathon" in the comfort of our own home. It wouldn't be quite the same, but still a lot of fun.

Ran (Akira Kurosawa, 1985)

Click here for the basics

Rating: Q=7, P=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Samurai, Epic, Action, Shakespeare

I was thoroughly mesmerized at this brilliant, tragic, and beautiful adaptation of Shakespeare's King Lear. Kurosawa's masterpiece, many claim. I mostly agree--though some of his earlier films have more subtle, thought-provoking artistry. Ran, in contrast, is full of vibrant color, chaos, and silent drama. I felt that the tragedy of King Lear works even better in a samurai setting, with selfish brothers vying for power. There is so much tension. Kurosawa is able to build so much emotional anxiety in his pacing and emphasis on Hidetora's rapid downfall and insanity.  

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here