Opus
Opus has the foundations for a fascinating horror film about celebrity cults, but sadly falls woefully flat as it doesn’t do anything interesting with its foundations. By simply watching the trailer for Opus, you know exactly where the film is heading as it follows the predictable path that films such as Get Out, Midsommar, The Menu and Saltburn have forged. Yet, those films at least had some personality to them, while Opus is overwhelmingly basic. It has some interesting themes that it is juggling around, it just doesn’t do anything interesting with them as other films have tackled the same themes but in much more interesting execution. Not even the performances from Ayo Edebiri and John Malkovich could save how undercooked this film is. With that stated, the film is at least entertaining and there are some great moments of suspense, showing that director Mark Anthony Green does have some potential for greatness. Overall, Opus is an entertaining but shallow film about celebrity cults.
My Rating: C+
************************************
Black Bag
With a brisk runtime of just 93 minutes, Steven Soderbergh and his team maintain a relentless pace in their latest film, Black Bag. Drawing clear inspiration from high-stakes espionage thrillers like Mission: Impossible and The Hunt for Red October, Soderbergh crafts a tightly wound, meticulous spy drama that balances global stakes with an intensely personal conflict. At the heart of the film is the volatile marriage of two elite spies—both under suspicion—played with razor-sharp precision by Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett. As their characters navigate a perilous web of deception, the film becomes a captivating dance of intellect, observation, and seduction, where trust is a weapon and betrayal is inevitable. While Black Bag isn’t flawless, its sheer energy and stylish execution make for an effortlessly thrilling ride.
My Rating: B
*******************************************************
Novocain
Action comedies often blur together, making them one of the most forgettable genres—but that’s not the case with Dan Berk and Robert Olsen’s Novocaine. This film is an absolute blast from start to finish, injecting fresh energy into the genre with its clever premise and sharp execution. At the center of the chaos is Nathan, played with effortless charm by Jack Quaid, whose inability to feel pain turns every injury into a grotesque yet hilariously over-the-top spectacle. Each fight scene is packed with witty banter, absurd booby traps, and expertly placed Chekhov’s guns, making for a wildly entertaining experience. That said, Novocaine isn’t without its flaws. The narrative is a bit thin, and the final act overstays its welcome by about 15 minutes. But despite these minor missteps, the film never loses sight of its fun, self-aware tone. With its mix of sharp humor and inventive action, Novocaine is a riotous ride that stands out in a crowded genre.
My Rating: B+
Leave a Reply