Wrath of Man is a tense and gritty action-thriller directed by Guy Ritchie. The film follows a mysterious and stoic man, known as H, who takes a job at a cash truck company that transports millions of dollars around Los Angeles. As he showcases an extraordinary talent for handling high-stakes heists and dangerous situations, his coworkers and enemies alike begin to question his true motives. The story unfolds with a blend of intense action, sharp dialogue, and a layered narrative that keeps viewers guessing. Its exploration of revenge, trust, and justice makes it a gripping watch for fans of crime dramas.
Oh, wait—another Guy Ritchie crime film? Well, yes, it is that. I’m not saying this movie got snubbed for an Academy Award or anything, but I do think it got lost in the shuffle due to the global pandemic. Guy Ritchie is notorious for his unique visual storytelling, and this movie does not miss the mark. Does the movie have some tropes? Yes. But the non-linear story structure mixed with quick British humour makes this a fun watch (not with the kids). And hey, Post Malone is in the movie, if you’re into that kind of thing.
Fighting with My Family is an uplifting comedy-drama inspired by the true story of WWE wrestler Saraya “Paige” Bevis. The film follows a young woman from a tight-knit wrestling family as she pursues her dream of becoming a professional wrestler. Struggling to navigate the high-pressure world of the WWE, she must find her own identity while staying true to her roots. With heartfelt performances, sharp humor, and an inspiring underdog story, it appeals to both wrestling fans and general audiences. Directed by Stephen Merchant, the movie celebrates family bonds, perseverance, and self-discovery.
Family? I thought The Rock was Samoan… why is he standing there in a medium t-shirt next to Florence Pugh? Well, this isn’t a Rock movie. There’s no pushing cars aside like they’re empty water bottles. There’s no diving out of exploding buildings, and honestly, The Rock is barely in this movie—are you interested now?
This movie is all about Florence Pugh’s character, Saraya Knight (aka Paige), and her funny and uplifting journey from Norwich, England, to Florida, USA. Yes, it’s a wrestling movie, but you don’t have to be a wrestling fan to enjoy it. In fact, you might enjoy the film more because it gives you a peek into a world you may not be familiar with. (There are some crude jokes in the movie, so if your kids are still watching Paw Patrol, this may not be for them.)
BABYLON
Directed By: Damien Chazelle
Babylon (2022), directed by Damien Chazelle, is a bold and extravagant exploration of Hollywood’s transition from silent films to the era of sound. The film chronicles the lives of ambitious dreamers, seasoned stars, and ambitious outsiders as they navigate the chaotic and often ruthless world of 1920s cinema. With its vibrant visuals, dynamic storytelling, and a mix of humor and drama, the movie captures the excess and glamour of the time. At its heart, Babylon examines themes of ambition, art, and the price of fame. It’s a sweeping and visceral ode to the power and madness of the movie-making industry.
Brad Pitt + Margot Robbie + Damien Chazelle = Guaranteed Success… right? Wrong. Because even if you have the best cupcakes in town, you still have to let people know you have the best cupcakes in town. Babylon did a good job of letting people know the movie was coming out, but not the best job of actually telling them what it’s about.
This movie explores the history of the film industry from the 1920s and 1930s to the early 1950s. Hey, I can hear you snoring! This isn’t your classic boring history-lesson type of movie that your teacher would play and tell you to take notes on. We follow the journey of Nellie (Margot Barbie), Jack (Brad Pitt), and Manny (Diego Calva) in this wild, funny, drama-filled story with great performances.
SCREAM
Directed By: Wes Craven
Scream (1996), directed by Wes Craven, is a groundbreaking horror film that reinvents the slasher genre with a mix of suspense, wit, and self-awareness. Set in a small town, the story follows a group of teenagers terrorized by a masked killer who targets them while playing a deadly game of cat and mouse. The film cleverly blends sharp humor with genuine scares, paying homage to classic horror tropes while subverting them. With a smart script and iconic performances, it keeps viewers guessing as the mystery unfolds. Scream is a thrilling and inventive take on horror that has become a genre classic.
Really? This silly slasher movie is on this list? Hear me out for a second. This movie and franchise have always been more than just your average slasher film. The original takes a unique approach with its meta-commentary on horror movies as well as commentary on youth and media. Kevin Williamson wrote such a fun and thoughtful script that, paired with the legendary Wes Craven, created a perfect recipe for success.
It’s like Agatha Christie, Michael Myers, and Scooby-Doo had a baby and popped out Scream (it makes sense if you think about it). Also, I had that little Ghostface voice box changer when I was a kid, and I imagine that’s what kids who grew up watching Star Wars would have felt like if they had a Darth Vader voice box.
THE FABELMANS
Directed By: Steven Spielberg
The Fabelmans (2022), directed by Steven Spielberg, is a deeply personal coming-of-age drama inspired by the filmmaker’s own life. It follows a young boy named Sammy Fabelman as he discovers his passion for filmmaking while navigating family dynamics and life’s challenges. The movie beautifully captures the power of storytelling and the transformative impact of art on identity and relationships. With heartfelt performances and a nostalgic lens, it offers an intimate look at the joys and struggles of pursuing one’s dreams. The Fabelmans is a touching celebration of creativity, family, and the magic of cinema.
If you’ve heard of this movie, I want to give you three brownie points. It was directed by Steven Spielberg—ever heard of him? Jaws? Indiana Jones? Jurassic Park? E.T.? DreamWorks? No? Yeah, I guess he’s still up and coming.
In all seriousness, the film is loosely based on his life, but it wasn’t promoted as such, which is why I believe it wasn’t seen by many. I watched it at the Toronto International Film Festival, and I think the film festival circuit accounted for the majority of its viewership. The film does a great job of showcasing the art and passion of filmmaking, and it has a lot more humour than I expected as well.
KING RICHARD
Directed By: Reinaldo Marcus Green
King Richard (2021) is an inspiring biographical drama that tells the story of Richard Williams, the determined father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. The film follows Richard’s unwavering dedication as he coaches his daughters with a bold plan to turn them into world champions despite facing countless challenges. It highlights themes of resilience, family, and ambition, showcasing the sacrifices and belief that fueled their extraordinary journey. With a powerful performance by Will Smith, the movie offers an emotional and uplifting look at the pursuit of greatness. King Richard is a heartfelt tribute to the power of perseverance and the impact of unwavering support.
Serena and Venus? You’ve heard of… oh wait, sorry, I already did that bit. King Richard is an emotional rollercoaster with inspirational moments that slap you in the face and make you want to keep laziness out of your mouth (hehe, I had to).
All jokes aside, even though Will Smith received an Oscar for his performance, I believe this movie didn’t get the love it deserved due to the bad press after “the slap.” There were claims disputing aspects of the film’s accuracy, but most biopics take creative liberties. Plus, Serena and Venus were actively promoting the film, so if something were truly off-putting, I feel like they would have spoken up.
BATMAN V SUPERMAN
Directed By: Zack Snyder
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), directed by Zack Snyder, is a dark and ambitious superhero epic that pits two iconic heroes against each other. The film explores the ideological clash between Batman, who sees Superman as a potential threat to humanity, and Superman, who struggles with his role as a savior. Their conflict is further complicated by a sinister force manipulating events behind the scenes. With stunning visuals and intense action sequences, the movie delves into themes of power, responsibility, and redemption. It sets the stage for the broader DC Extended Universe while delivering a dramatic showdown between two legends.
Wait, don’t leave the site—hear me out! Oh, Ben, what a terrible spot they put you in. It’s the same as Andrew Garfield following Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man. Playing Batman after Christian Bale, who was in arguably one of the best trilogies of all time, is a tough task. And then you add to the equation that Warner Bros doesn’t want to be patient because they see what Marvel is doing on the other side.
Overall, I think this movie is overhated just because the internet decided it’s their punching bag. I think Jesse Eisenberg plays a great Lex Luthor, as well as the rest of the main cast! The serious presentation of Superman is unique in that people would fear this man—he can fly, move buildings, and shoot lasers out of his eyes. I would not be first in line to take a picture with him. Is it believable that Batman could beat him in a fight? Well, on paper, it sounds odd, but everyone has a weakness, and Batman is like a Sherlock Holmes detective when it comes to finding it.
BLOW OUT
Directed By: Brian De Palma
Blow Out (1981), directed by Brian De Palma, is a gripping political thriller infused with suspense and mystery. The story follows a sound technician who accidentally records evidence of a deadly conspiracy while working on a low-budget film. As he digs deeper into the incident, he becomes entangled in a web of danger, deception, and moral dilemmas. The film combines sharp storytelling, atmospheric visuals, and a haunting score to create a tense and immersive experience. Blow Out is a masterful exploration of paranoia and the pursuit of truth in a world of lies.
If you’re under the age of 25 or maybe you’re just not a huge movie buff, you might not be familiar with Brian De Palma. He is best known for his work from the late 70s to the mid-90s: Carrie, Scarface, Carlito’s Way, Mission: Impossible… If you haven’t heard of any of these movies, God bless your soul.
Now, you might be in that bracket above 25, perhaps in the 30s club, or maybe in the 40+ club, and you’re thinking, "What are you talking about? I know Blow Out." For you, I gift you this magic star →*←—keep it in your pocket for now. I think this movie is underrated because it doesn’t carry the same weight as the other great films from De Palma, but that’s not an insult to the movie; it just speaks to the greatness of Brian (yes, I call him Brian—we’re friends). If this was any director’s best film, it would be a great accomplishment. John Travolta gives a strong performance in this compelling thriller that keeps you hooked until the end. And for the movie dorks like me, it offers a subtle history lesson on how audio was done at the time.
DECISION TO LEAVE
Directed By: Park Chan-wook
Decision to Leave (2022), directed by Park Chan-wook, is a mesmerizing blend of romance and mystery that keeps viewers on edge. The film follows a dedicated detective as he investigates the death of a man, only to become drawn to the enigmatic widow who may be involved. As emotions and suspicions intertwine, the story explores themes of obsession, guilt, and moral ambiguity. With stunning cinematography and intricate storytelling, it creates an atmosphere of tension and allure. Decision to Leave is a masterfully crafted tale of love and intrigue that defies expectations.
Now, if you’ve never heard of this film, I’m not upset because not everyone has their eyes open for foreign films. And if you haven’t heard of Park Chan-Wook, let me put you on, because much like Parasite broke the forbidden door in 2019, Oldboy did the same in 2003 (from what I heard... I was still playing with my Hot Wheels and watching Beyblade at the time).
Also, Oldboy is definitely not for the kids... but that’s a story for another day. Decision to Leave was playing at a local theater, the T.I.F.F. (Toronto International Film Festival) Lightbox, and I was curious because I had been on a foreign movie kick. The film has a unique take on the whodunit and is an original screenplay. It’s enticing, funny, thrilling, dark at times, and the cinematography in this movie is just a chef’s kiss on top of it all (I mean, just look at that poster).
SPIDERMAN
Directed By: Sam Rami
Spider-Man (2002), directed by Sam Raimi, tells the origin story of Peter Parker, a shy and awkward high school student who gains superhuman abilities after being bitten by a radioactive spider. As he learns to control his new powers, Peter faces the challenge of balancing his personal life with his new responsibilities as a masked hero. When a powerful villain, the Green Goblin, emerges, Peter must confront his greatest fears and decide what kind of hero he wants to become. The film blends thrilling action sequences with heartfelt emotional moments, focusing on themes of responsibility, sacrifice, and love. Spider-Man is a defining moment in superhero cinema, setting the stage for the genre’s future success.
How is a movie that, at the time, entered the top 10 highest-grossing movies of all time underrated? Because I don’t feel it gets the credit it deserves. The Dark Knight trilogy is legendary, but Keaton’s Batman walked with Blade so Spidey could run. Then Christopher Nolan paired up with Christian Bale, and they flew. What about X-Men? It was awesome, but the tone wasn’t as grounded as Spider-Man was (as much as you can be with a guy who shoots webs out of his wrists). That thumbs-up from fans (including me with my Hot Wheels…not an ad) opened up the possibility to go further. I believe that Sam Raimi deserves some love for his visual adaptation of the beloved character. His background in directing the Evil Dead movies, I believe, led to the gritty and bloody scenes we got in this movie, which I think adds to the grounded nature of the story. I think it’s important that our hero can bleed and feel pain because otherwise, you’re never worried for them. Willem Dafoe also deserves some love for delivering one of the best villain performances on screen. And most importantly, Macho Man Randy Savage was in this film. Mic drop.