WHALEFALL (2026) – My rating: 8.5/10

Posted on October 18, 2026 | 1 comment

Whalefall is a survival thriller directed and produced by Brian Duffield, based on the 2023 novel by Daniel Kraus, who co-wrote the script with Duffield. The film follows a scuba diver who, while searching for the remains of his estranged father, is swallowed alive by a sperm whale and attempts to escape. 20th Century Studios released Whalefall in the United States on October 16, 2026. I was curious to see how a Human Being could be placed inside the belly of a whale. This film displayed brilliant writing and cinematography. I also recommend reading the book to get a full perspective on every fascinating detail of Abrams’ journey.

College student Jay Gardiner (Austin Abrams) returns home to California a year after the death of his father, Mitt (Josh Brolin). The two had a contentious relationship, and Jay refused to speak with Mitt during his terminal illness or read the letter he left behind. Rather than dying in a hospital bed, Mitt chose to commit suicide by tying weights to himself and jumping into the Pacific Ocean. His family resents his decision because it left them without a body to mourn. Trained by Mitt to scuba dive since childhood, Jay sets out to find his father’s body, carrying a tank with one hour of oxygen.

I found Whalefall to be one of the most fascinating films I’ve seen. The very thought of filming someone trapped inside the belly of a whale is not only unusual, but pure genius. It’s certainly not a storyline we encounter every day, and I found myself intrigued by how the filmmakers would bring such an unlikely and extraordinary situation to life.

Some viewers may be annoyed by the numerous flashbacks, but I felt they were necessary to understand the story. It provided important background, particularly in developing the father-son relationship and helping us understand the emotional baggage that brought us to this point. Rather than distracting me from the action, I thought the flashbacks gave the narrative more substance. I enjoyed the entire movie and appreciated how the past and present eventually came together.

I’ll admit that I wasn’t familiar with the different parts of a whale’s anatomy, but I was able to follow the narrative without difficulty. The storytelling made it clear when Jay approached the whale’s mouth or moved deeper into its digestive system. I didn’t need to be a marine biology expert to understand the danger of his situation. The film explained enough to keep me engaged while letting the suspense build.

The acting was believable, and the cinematography was outstanding. I thought the filmmakers did an impressive job creating an environment that was both fascinating and frightening. Making the inside of a whale visually compelling is no small feat, but they made the experience feel remarkably real. Even the aftermath was well done, bringing the story to a carefully considered conclusion.

What impressed me most was the critical thinking behind the writing. The challenges Jay faced required more than simply reacting to danger. His survival depended on observation, quick thinking, and figuring out how to navigate an environment that was completely foreign to him. Even the whale’s struggle to survive added another dimension to the story. The film strikes an interesting balance between human survival and the natural world, reminding us that the whale was also a living creature fighting for its own survival.

This film also offers much to take away beyond its unusual premise. It offers an interesting look at whales, the ocean, and the complexities of the father-son relationship. Beneath all the suspense and adventure is a story about unresolved emotions, the need for understanding, and the lasting impact relationships can have on our lives.

My only caution is that Whalefall is not for the squeamish. Some of the imagery and circumstances may be difficult for sensitive viewers to watch. However, if you can get past that, you’re in for a very different cinematic experience.

 Overall, I thought Whalefall was remarkably creative, visually impressive, and thoroughly entertaining. It took an almost unimaginable situation and turned it into a fascinating journey of survival, discovery, and emotional reflection. Sometimes the most interesting films are the ones that take us somewhere we never imagined going. Whalefall is currently in theaters — Check It Out!


On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 71% of 148 critics’ reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.4/10. The website’s consensus reads: “Unforgettably visceral whenever it isn’t getting mired in flashbacks, Whalefall’s freaky concept requires suspension of disbelief that is rewarded with some of the most unusual set pieces the survival thriller genre has to offer.”

In the United States and Canada, Whalefall was released alongside Street Fighter, You Can See Everything, and Sense and Sensibility, and is projected to gross $10–12 million from 3,065 theaters in its opening weekend. The film made $3 million on its first day, including $900,000 from Thursday night previews. to date, Whalefall has grossed $8,000,000 domestically and $9,500,000 internationally, for a worldwide total of $17,500,000.

 

1 Comment

Posted in CURRENT MOVIE REVIEWS

Tagged , , , , , ,

RUNNER (2026) – My rating: 7/10

Posted on October 18, 2026 | Leave a comment

Runner is a 2026 American action comedy film directed by Scott Waugh and written by Miles Hubley and Tommy White. The film follows a former soldier and a medical courier who must deliver a rare organ to a terminally ill girl while being pursued by the cartel. Angel Studios released the film in theaters on September 11, 2026.  Another film (2026), The Runner, is currently streaming on Prime Video. They are totally different stories. Both movies are worth watching.

In Brisbane, Australia, former Army Special Forces operative Hank Malone (Alan Ritchson) works as a “runner”, who transports legal and illegal items for clients. After acquiring an exotic parrot from a job gone wrong, Hank’s boss, Iggy (Gyton Grantley), contacts him and tells him to transport a package from an airport. At the airport, Hank meets Ben Bishop (Owen Wilson). On Ben’s insistence, Hank takes him and the package—a transplant liver—to a hospital. On the way to the hospital, Hank calls Iggy. Hank ignores Iggy’s fearful demands that they take the liver straight to the drop-off point. Realizing they have been followed, Hank questions Ben, and Ben reveals that the liver’s donor and recipient both have Rh Null, an extremely rare blood type. Hank asks how the organ was obtained, and Ben replies that it is from a victim of the Colombian cartel.

If you are a fan of the Reacher series, you’ll probably love this action-packed thriller. Ritchson delivers his usual kick-butt performance as a former ARMY SPECIAL FORCES VETERAN who seems capable of beating up, overpowering, and killing as many bad guys as necessary to get the job done. He’s tough, relentless, and practically indestructible. At this point, I think we’ve become accustomed to this kind of action hero, and Hollywood certainly knows how to give audiences what they expect.

My biggest reservation was the narrative. I thought the storyline was a bit far-fetched, and while I enjoy a good action thriller, there comes a point when even the most unbelievable situations stretch your imagination. Unfortunately, Hollywood doesn’t seem to have many new ideas. We keep seeing variations of the same plots, the same tough guys, and the same predictable outcomes. The formula may work, but that doesn’t necessarily make it original.

Owen Wilson added an interesting dimension to the film with his familiar comedic personality. His humor provided some relief from the nonstop action and made the movie just funny enough to flirt with being called a comedy. I thought his presence helped balance the seriousness of the storyline, although the film never quite commits to being anything more than an action thriller with a little humor sprinkled in.

Having recently watched the other Runner, which is airing on Prime Video, I found it to be a significantly better movie. In my opinion, it offered a more satisfying viewing experience and left me feeling that my time was better spent. It’s always interesting when two films in a similar entertainment category leave such different impressions.

Overall, I wouldn’t say this was a bad movie. It has action, humor, and enough entertainment to keep you watching. However, it also suffers from a familiar storyline that offers little originality. If you’re looking for something entertaining and enjoy the Reacher-style formula, you may find this one worth your time.

If you get the opportunity, Check It Out! It does have something to offer!


On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 77% of 62 critics’ reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.1/10. The website’s consensus reads: “Fast and gleefully over-the-top, Runner makes the most of Alan Ritchson and Owen Wilson’s winning chemistry to deliver crowd-pleasing action and humor with plenty of heart.”


In the United States and Canada, Runner was released alongside Practical Magic 2, Hope, The Uprising, and Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger, and was projected to gross around $5 million from 2,568 theaters in its opening weekend. It ended up debuting to $6.5 million, finishing in fourth. Runner has grossed $14,455,523 domestically and $3,572,744 internationally, for a Worldwide Total of $18,028,267.

 

Leave a comment

Posted in CURRENT MOVIE REVIEWS

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

THE UPRISING (2026) – My rating: 9/10

Posted on September 15, 2026 | 2 comments

The Uprising (briefly marketed in the U.S. as The Uprising: The Rise of Robin Hood) is an action period drama written, produced, and directed by Paul Greengrass. The film dramatizes England’s 1381 Peasants’ Revolt.

After seeing “The Death of Robin Hood”, The Uprising appeared to be a better look at Robin Hood and how it all began. However, I learned (see the FYI below) that The Uprising was not meant to be about Robin Hood. Still, I was impressed with every aspect of the film—I thought it was well done!

In 1381, in the wake of the Black Death that killed half the population, England is effectively ruled by the council of Richard II (Woody Norman), who, at 14 years old, is too young and too disturbed by terrifying nightmares of mobs of demons to rule on his own. The kingdom needs more revenue, so it must raise taxes. The council determines that taxing the Church or the merchant class is politically untenable, so it increases taxes on the peasantry.

A ploughman (Andrew Garfield), who lost his wife and two children to the plague while surviving it himself, comes to town to pay his annual taxes. The townspeople complain to the tax collector that taxes have been raised to the point that they can no longer survive on their remaining yield. The collector demands that the Ploughman pay death taxes again on his family since he lacks documentation of their death seven years prior. After seeing soldiers forcibly examine young women’s genitals to determine if they should be taxed as children or adults, the Ploughman accosts the tax collector and kills a soldier who tries to arrest him. The Ploughman’s actions inspire peasant revolts across England, which come to be led by the Ploughman; Wat Tyler (Cosmo Jarvis), who served the king’s late father in the military; and John Ball (Jamie Bell), a priest with egalitarian views who was branded a heretic by the Church and imprisoned before the rebels freed him.

The Uprising is a remarkable story, and I thought this film told it exceptionally well. From the beginning, I was drawn into the story, and several moments left me absolutely jaw-dropped. Even though I somewhat predicted the king’s intentions based on the story’s direction. In fact, the way the story unfolded kept me wondering what was coming next. One thing I noticed was the timing of the events. By measuring what had happened against the time remaining in the film, it was clear we hadn’t yet seen the “meat of the show.” I knew something much bigger was waiting for us, and when it finally unfolded, the journey became even more exciting.

The cinematography was beautiful, and I thought the costumes were remarkably true to the era. Those details made the world feel authentic and helped transport me into the period. I always appreciate a film that pays attention to the little things because those details can make the difference between simply watching a movie and actually feeling as though you’ve entered another time and place.

My only real criticism was the excessive and graphic violence. There was plenty of it, and at times I thought it was a bit more than the story needed. I also found that many sentences weren’t always articulated clearly. At times, the dialogue sounded slurred or wasn’t as sharp as I would have liked. Fortunately, the narrative stayed closely synced with the action, so I could still follow the story even when I couldn’t understand every word.

Andrew Garfield is a fantastic actor, and once again, he proves just how versatile he can be. He has demonstrated his skill in comedic roles, action films, and more classic dramatic performances. I find that his movies are consistently outstanding, and he brings a level of credibility and emotional depth to his characters that makes them easy to follow and believe.

What I enjoyed most about Uprising was the journey. The film was filled with excitement, adventure, political intrigue, and unexpected turns. While the underlying theme is definitely political, I thought the speeches were particularly powerful because they didn’t simply identify the problems—they also articulated possible solutions. I think those speeches offer lessons we could still benefit from today. Sometimes a film can entertain you while also making you think, and The Uprising accomplished both.

The story reminded me that political power, greed, oppression, and the fight for freedom are not new problems. Different eras may give them different names, but the struggles remain remarkably familiar. That made the film more than an action-packed historical story; it gave the narrative relevance beyond the period in which it was set.

Overall, I enjoyed Uprising. It took me on a journey filled with excitement and adventure while giving me plenty to think about afterward. The outstanding cinematography, authentic costumes, strong performances, and compelling narrative made this a memorable film for me.

Because of the excessive graphic violence, I feel The Uprising is most suited for adults. If you can handle the violence and enjoy historical stories with political intrigue, action, and a deeper message, this is definitely one to see and is currently in theaters. Check It Out!

 

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 53% of 66 critics’ reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6/10.
IMDB has posted a 6.3/10 rating.

 

In the United States and Canada, The Uprising was released alongside Practical Magic 2, Hope, Runner, and Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger, and is projected to gross around $5 million from 2,055 theaters in its opening weekend.  To date, The Uprising has grossed $3.607,235 domestically and worldwide.


FYI:
The film was initially marketed in both the U.S. and U.K. under the title The Uprising as a realistic historical drama based on the 1381 Peasants’ Revolt, and the early promotional materials for the film gave no indication that it was about Robin Hood. Then, on August 20 (only three weeks before the film’s scheduled U.S. release date), the film’s U.S. distributor, Focus Features, released a new trailer that unexpectedly changed the title of the film to The Uprising: The Rise of Robin Hood and featured clips of Garfield’s character dressed in green, wearing a mask, and wielding a bow, implying that he was Robin Hood. Alongside this trailer, Focus Features released a new synopsis: “Set against the true events of the Uprising that helped inspire the legend of Robin Hood, [Andrew Garfield’s character] forms an army of the people to face the King’s might in a fight for justice.”

By contrast, the film’s U.K. distributor, Entertainment Film Distributors, issued a conflicting statement: “The Uprising is a historical epic about the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381, not Robin Hood. The UK marketing campaign does not make any reference to Robin Hood. Marketing materials posted by other countries that may appear in the UK online and on social media referencing Robin Hood are not issued or approved by us.”

The conflicting marketing campaigns caused widespread confusion about the film’s title and subject matter. The Guardian labeled the situation a “marketing meltdown”, while The Independent described the rebranding as “bizarre.” Social media users and news outlets alike criticized the attempt to incorporate Robin Hood into the story. Some said that it would be anachronistic for Robin Hood to appear in a film set in 1381, since Robin Hood is already mentioned in the Piers Ploughman (which was most likely composed in the 1370s, before the Peasants’ Revolt), and previous Robin Hood adaptations had generally set the story in the late twelfth century during the reign of Richard the Lionheart (nearly two centuries earlier). Others said the Robin Hood connection was unlikely to help the film succeed, given the many previous Robin Hood adaptations, including The Death of Robin Hood, which underperformed at the box office in June 2026. By contrast, many viewed the story of the Peasants’ Revolt (which had never been adapted into film) as exciting and contemporarily relevant on its own.

 

2 Comments

Posted in CURRENT MOVIE REVIEWS

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

MUTINY (2026) – My rating: 7.5/10

Posted on September 6, 2026 | 2 comments

Mutiny is an action thriller about a billionaire’s head of security who uncovers a conspiracy aboard a cargo ship the company does business with. It is directed by Jean-François Richet and written by Lindsay Michel and J. P. Davis. Produced by MadRiver Pictures and Punch Palace Productions, the film was released by Lionsgate in the United States and Sky Cinema in the United Kingdom on August 21, 2026. The trailer looked exciting, so I was eager to see Mutiny. I wasn’t disappointed. Good movie!

Former police officer and commando Cole Reed (Jason Statham) works in Bangkok as a bodyguard for billionaire shipping magnate and CEO of cargo shipping company KMG, Tibu Campallo (Ramon Tikaram). One night, after playing a game of chess with Tibu at his residence, Reed and Tibu are ambushed while driving. Reed kills the attackers, but Tibu dies, tasking Reed to care for his son, Kameron Campallo (Chaneil Kular). Reed is framed for the murder.

Mutiny may sound like the same old plot, but it digs a little deeper and delivers a more exciting story than I initially expected. Yes, it has many of the familiar moves, action sequences, and narrative twists we’ve grown accustomed to seeing in these types of films, but you can’t deny that it’s still entertaining.

Jason Statham seems to be permanently stuck in one particular genre—the tough guy, take-no-prisoners, bad-ass action hero—and I’m beginning to wonder if he’ll ever escape it. Don’t get me wrong, he does what he does extremely well, and audiences clearly enjoy watching him beat up the bad guys and survive impossible situations. But it would be nice to see him step outside the box and try something completely different. I would love to see Jason Statham in a comedy or a role that allows him to show a different side of his personality. Right now, his characters are almost always “bad ass” and straight, no chaser.

Mutiny is well-made, fast-paced, and suspenseful enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. The action is plentiful, and the violence comes exactly as expected in a Jason Statham film. However, despite its entertaining moments, it still feels like “more of the same.” The story could have benefited from something unexpected—perhaps a little romance or a stronger emotional connection—to break up the nonstop action and help the narrative rise above the typical action-film formula.

One interesting aspect surrounding the film is that it reportedly suffered at the box office because, on August 19, 2026, Amazon had an accidental hour-plus leak on Prime Video. Apparently, the film was briefly made available on the streaming service, giving viewers an opportunity to download it. Once something like that hits the internet, it doesn’t take long before illegal movie-streaming sites get their hands on it. I’m sure someone’s head will roll over that mistake.

Despite the familiar formula and Jason Statham once again playing the same type of character we’ve seen many times before, I enjoyed Mutiny. It delivers what action fans expect: plenty of suspense, violence, fight scenes, and a tough guy who refuses to go down without a fight. Mutiny is currently in theaters — Check It Out!


On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 51% of 83 critics’ reviews are positive, with an average rating of 5.2/10. The website’s consensus reads: “Mutiny offers up a bounty of crunchy carnage that Jason Statham serves with characteristic finesse, but convoluted plotting and an unrelentingly grim tone weigh down this action flick’s fun factor like an anchor.”


Mutiny has grossed to date $15,500,784 domestically and $8,749,639 
internationally for a worldwide total of $24,250,423 against a budget of $40M.

 

2 Comments

Posted in CURRENT MOVIE REVIEWS

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

THE END OF OAK STREET (2026) – My rating: 8/10

Posted on September 2, 2026 | 2 comments


The End of Oak Street is a science fiction survival film written, co-produced, and directed by David Robert Mitchell.  The film follows a family whose suburban neighborhood is transported from 1982 into the age of the dinosaurs. I had no idea what Oak Street was about and didn’t expect much. I was pleasantly surprised, as it turns out to be a good film.

 

In 1982, aspiring novelist Denise Platt (Anne Hathaway) lives with her husband Greg (Ewan McGregor), children Audrey (Maisy Stella) and Brian (Christian Convery), and their dog, Starbuck, on Oak Street in the suburban town of Flowervale, Michigan. The couple’s marriage is strained; Denise privately contemplates divorce, while Greg, having lost his regular job, secretly works as a pizza delivery driver.

Denise photographs a mysterious plant that suddenly appears in her neighbor’s yard. The local librarian, Mrs. Valcourt (Emily Kuroda), identifies it as Pleuromeia, which went extinct hundreds of millions of years ago. A giant pile of animal feces appears in neighbor Mel Jacobs’s (P. J. Byrne) yard. Radio broadcasts report increased solar-flare activity. During a storm, a huge white light suddenly engulfs Oak Street, accompanied by a change in atmospheric pressure and a power outage.

The End of Oak Street is a mysterious thriller that keeps you engaged and guessing throughout the film. Early on, a plausible explanation is suggested for these strange and unsettling events, but as the story unfolds, things become far more complicated than they initially appear.

The Pratt family quickly goes into action, determined to circumvent this bizarre situation and find a way to save themselves. However, doing so proves much easier said than done. Each member of the family is forced into a horrendous and frightening situation, testing their courage, intelligence, and ability to remain calm under extraordinary circumstances. What I appreciated most was that, despite everything happening around them, the family tried to keep their wits about them and work together to figure out a way to save the day.

I initially went into The End of Oak Street expecting a straightforward horror film. To my surprise, I discovered it was much more than that. The film blends mystery, suspense, thriller elements, and family drama in a way that keeps the audience invested in what happens next.

The ending was admittedly a little on the corny side, but honestly, it was the kind of corny, feel-good ending that I enjoy seeing. Not every movie has to end in complete devastation or leave you emotionally drained. Sometimes, it’s nice to walk away from a suspenseful film feeling that, after everything the characters endured, there was finally a reason to smile. The End of Oak Street is currently playing in theaters — Check It Out!


On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 86% of 314 critics’ reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.0/10. The website’s consensus reads: “Tapping into the primal pleasures of the classic creature feature, The End of Oak Street is pulpy good fun carried off with a light touch and a sharp bite.”

 

As of August 28, 2026, The End of Oak Street has grossed $46 million in the United States and Canada, and $59 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $105 million. The film was produced on a budget of $80–92 million.

 

2 Comments

Posted in CURRENT MOVIE REVIEWS

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

TUNER (2025) – My rating: 8.5/10

Posted on August 24, 2026 | 1 comment

Tuner is a crime thriller directed by Daniel Roher and written by Roher and Robert Ramsey. The film follows a piano tuner with a hearing condition that gives him heightened sensitivity to sound. When his mentor racks up a medical debt, he earns cash to pay it off by using his sensitive hearing to crack open safes and becomes embroiled with a Russian criminal group.

The release date was scheduled for May of 2026, but I never saw it hit the big screen. I was able to rent it on Prime Video, and thought Tuner was an excellent film that went way under the radar.

Niki White (Leo Woodall) is the apprentice of New York City piano tuner, Harry Horowitz (Dustin Hoffman), a friend of his late father. Once a gifted musician and prodigy, Niki developed hyperacusis and could no longer play the piano.  After Harry forgets the combination to his safe, Niki teaches himself to open it with his heightened hearing, discovering a talent for safe-cracking.

I thought Tuner was an amazing film that hit all the right spots. When I first saw the trailer, I was intrigued. It looked like the kind of story that would pull me in and keep me wondering where it was going. I waited for it to hit theaters, but that never happened—at least not where I live. Finally, I searched Xfinity and found it streaming on Prime Video for $5.99 to rent. That is a cost I despise, especially since I already pay a hefty $159.00 for Prime and an additional $49.00 annually for no ads. But sometimes, when a movie looks this interesting, you pay the rental fee and hope it is worth it. In this case, it was.

Tuner is a great story about circumstance, choices, and the moral compass that guides us when life puts us in situations we never expected. The film does an excellent job of showing how quickly circumstances can change and how one decision can lead to another. What begins as one situation gradually develops into something much more complicated, forcing the characters to confront who they really are and what they are willing to do.

Dustin Hoffman’s performance was moving, entertaining, and, in many ways, one of the film’s strongest elements. He incorporated characteristics that were spot-on and in sync with his condition without making the character feel exaggerated or stereotypical. Something about his performance felt genuinely real. Hoffman has a way of making even the smallest mannerisms meaningful, and here, those details added another layer to the character and to the story.

Niki, played by Leo Woodall, was excellent. I wasn’t familiar with him before this film, but he introduced himself in a way that made me want to see more of his work. He portrayed a character with just the right combination of love, rage, vulnerability, and mystery. I was never completely sure what he was thinking or what he might do next, and that uncertainty kept me invested. I found myself asking, What’s next? Where is this going? And how is this all going to end? That is exactly what I want from a movie.

The cinematography was beautiful and presented New York City as it should be. The city was not simply a backdrop; it felt like another character in the story. The streets, buildings, neighborhoods, and atmosphere helped establish the mood and gave the film a sense of authenticity. There is something about seeing New York used effectively on screen that can make a story feel larger, more complicated, and more alive.

Niki’s love interest, Ruthie, played by Havana Rose Liu, was the perfect soulmate. Her presence added another emotional dimension to the story and gave Niki someone who could challenge, support, and connect with him in ways that made the narrative even more intriguing. Their relationship was not simply there for romance. It helped us understand another side of Niki and added to the emotional stakes of everything happening around him.

Tuner is made up of many moving parts, but what impressed me most was how those pieces eventually fit together. The story takes its time revealing information, letting the audience put some pieces together while still holding enough back to keep us guessing. By the time everything comes together, I can appreciate why those seemingly disconnected moments were important.

There is violence, murder, and profanity throughout the movie, so think about who you want present when you watch it. This is definitely a film for adults, and some of the subject matter may not be appropriate for younger viewers.

Overall, I really enjoyed Tuner. It was even better than I anticipated, and I’m glad I spent the $5.99 to see it. The performances were strong, the story was compelling, the cinematography was beautiful, and the characters gave me enough mystery and emotion to stay interested until the end. Tuner is streaming on Prime Video for $5.99 to rent and $24.99 to own — Check It Out!

Critics highly praised Leo Woodall’s performance. On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 94% of 190 critics’ reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.6/10. The website’s consensus reads: “Announcing Leo Woodall as a compelling star talent, Tuner enhances its nifty caper setup with a smart sense of humor and vivid characterizations.”

To date, Tuner grossed $4,511,186 domestically and $9,954,301 internationally, for a worldwide total of $14,465,487.

1 Comment

Posted in CURRENT MOVIE REVIEWS, STREAMING

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY (2026) – My rating: 9.5/10

Posted on August 18, 2026 | 4 comments

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is a superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Spider-Man. Produced by Columbia Pictures, Marvel Studios, and Pascal Pictures, and distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing, it is the 38th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the fourth film in the MCU Spider-Man film series following Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). Destin Daniel Cretton directed the film, and Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers wrote it.  In the film, Parker is on his own and dedicated to protecting New York City as Spider-Man. His personal struggles and overworking cause his superpowers to evolve while he faces a new telepathic threat. The trailer looked good, and the story sounded good. I think this may have been the best Spider-Man movie made.

After Dr. Stephen Strange’s magic spell makes the world forget that Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland) exists, he chooses to protect his girlfriend Michelle “MJ” Jones-Watson (Zendaya) and his best friend, Ned Leeds (Jacob Batalon), by not reintroducing himself to them. Over the next four years, Parker anonymously protects New York City as its celebrated hero, Spider-Man. He defeats major criminals, including Mac Gargan /Scorpion (Michael Mando) and the Hand ninjas (Fan Xiaoshuang, Aidan Kennedy), and others unknown at this time, earning the trust of police detective Jean DeWolff (Liza Colón-Zayas). Parker regularly visits the grave of his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei). Additionally, Parker stops Frank Castle / The Punisher (Jon Bernthal) from causing collateral damage in pursuit of a tank that crashes into a Department of Damage Control (DODC) prison.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is possibly the best of all the Spider-Man series. The narrative flowed smoothly, with everything falling into place without feeling forced or rushed. Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers wrote a compelling story that finally places Peter Parker on his own, without the help of Tony Stark or Happy Hogan. This Peter Parker is no longer being guided by the people who helped shape his earlier journey. He has to figure things out for himself.

Without Aunt May, Peter is also without the moral compass that helped keep him grounded. Here, we see a softer and more vulnerable side of Peter as he tries to navigate life, responsibility, and the consequences of everything he has experienced. Tom Holland brings a maturity to the character that shows just how much Peter has grown. He is still Spider-Man, but he is no longer the inexperienced young man we met before. There is a sense that he is beginning to understand that being a hero is not always about having the right answer, but about making the right choice when the answer is not obvious.

To heighten his woes, Sadie Sink plays Jean Grey, a young mutant with powerful psionic abilities, including telekinesis, telepathy, and possession. She can transport herself into virtually anything or anybody instantaneously, making her a formidable and unpredictable opponent. Her mission is fueled by revenge, and her rage drives her actions. She is determined to reach her goal and stops at nothing to get there. Sink brings an intensity to the character that makes Jean both fascinating and dangerous.

What I particularly enjoyed was watching how Spider-Man handled the situation. Instead of simply relying on strength or his usual quick wit, Peter demonstrated maturity and an excellent use of his growing skills. He is learning that sometimes the greatest part of being a superhero is knowing when to fight, when to think, and when to make a difficult decision.

A lot was unpacked in this first installment of what appears to be a new Spider-Man trilogy with Tom Holland. The story opens the door to new possibilities while still giving us the Peter Parker we have come to know and love. There is enough action, emotion, conflict, and character development to keep the story moving without allowing any one element to overwhelm the others.

While I was not sitting on the edge of my seat throughout the entire film, I was intrigued, excited, and thoroughly entertained. Spider-Man: Brand New Day feels like a fresh beginning for Peter Parker, and I enjoyed watching him step into a new chapter of his life. If this is truly the beginning of another trilogy, I am definitely interested in seeing where Spider-Man goes from here. It will also be interesting to see whether he can rekindle his relationship with MJ and Ned.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is currently in theaters — Check It Out!

 

On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, 89% of 419 critics gave a positive review, and the average of rated reviews was 7.6/10. The critics’ consensus reads, “Spinning a web of spectacular set pieces together with mature emotional stakes and Tom Holland’s soulful performance, Brand New Day is a promising reset that portends Spidey will remain sticky on the big screen for years to come.”

 

As of August 16, 2026, Spider-Man: Brand New Day has grossed $787 million in the United States and Canada, and $1.236 billion in other territories, for a worldwide total of $2.023 billion, making it the highest-grossing film of 2026 and the eighth-highest-grossing film of all time. Its $932 million opening weekend was the second-best of all time behind Avengers: Endgame (2019). On August 3, it became the second-fastest film to gross $1 billion, doing so in six days. On August 16, it became the second-fastest film to gross $2 billion (19 days) and the first Spider-Man film to do so.

 

FUTURE:
Pascal stated in November 2021 that Brand New Day was planned to be the first film in a new Spider-Man trilogy starring Holland. In early 2026, Holland revisited his previous comments about not wanting to play Spider-Man past the age of 30 and hoping to pass the mantle to another actor. Since that had not happened by his 30th birthday, Holland said he may need to “change the quote to 37” and added that “playing Spider-Man has been the joy of my life… I’ll do it for as long as they’ll have me.” In July, Holland said he had a clear vision for how he wanted to pass the mantle. Feige said Miles Morales would be introduced in live-action following the release of the animated film Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse (2027), and he had discussed ideas for the next five live-action Spider-Man films with Pascal. The latter hoped Cretton would be involved in future films, and Cretton said he was open to directing another. Following Brand New Day’s release, Rothman said there had not yet been concrete discussions about Holland returning for a fifth film, while Feige said Holland and Zendaya would be taking a break before any new plans were confirmed.

 

4 Comments

Posted in CURRENT MOVIE REVIEWS

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

HADESTOWN: THE MUSICAL (2026) – My rating: 10/10

Posted on August 10, 2026 | 2 comments

Hadestown: The Musical is a live stage recording of the musical of the same name. The film was directed by Brett Sullivan and features five principal cast members of the original Broadway production. Recorded at the Lyric Theatre, London, the remainder of the cast are performers in the West End production. Bleecker Street division Crosswalk launched a limited release for North American cinemas beginning July 24, 2026. What a glorious production. I had no expectations when I went to see Hadestown. It was better than any musical I’ve seen this year.

Act I
The Greek god Hermes (André De Shields) welcomes the audience to the show, introducing the story, characters, ensemble, and band (“Road to Hell”). Eurydice (Eva Noblezada) and the Fates: Clotho (Bella Brown), Lachesis  (Madeline Charlemagne), Atropos (Allie Daniel) describe the harsh weather and famine (“Any Way the Wind Blows”). Orpheus, Hermes’ ward (Reeve Carney), introduces himself to Eurydice and abruptly asks her to marry him (“Come Home with Me”). Eurydice is doubtful, as they both live in poverty. Orpheus tells her that he is writing a song to make spring come again, and they will no longer have to endure hardship (“Wedding Song”).

Act II
Persephone (Amber Gray) sings to the patrons of a speakeasy that she runs behind Hades’s back (“Our Lady of the Underground”). Eurydice begins to recognize the consequences of her choice to go to Hadestown: she will become a forgotten laborer and can never leave unless Hades lets her go (“Way Down Hadestown” (reprise)). She begins to forget her life and the world above (“Flowers”).

There’s a reason Hadestown won eight Tony Awards in 2019, including two Best Actress awards. After experiencing this production, I completely understand why. This musical was outstanding from beginning to end—well-acted, beautifully choreographed, wonderfully sung, and filled with performances that held my attention throughout.

What impressed me most was the talent of the entire cast. The actors and actresses were mesmerizing, and each seemed to understand exactly how to bring their character to life without losing the heart of the story. There was an intensity in their performances that made it easy to forget I was watching a filmed stage production. Their voices were powerful, but it wasn’t simply about how well they could sing. The emotion behind the music made the songs feel like part of the storytelling rather than interruptions between scenes.

I also thought the decision to film the actual stage production and bring it to audiences as a musical movie was brilliant. There is something special about being able to experience the energy of a live theater production while sitting in a movie theater. The camera allowed me to see details that I might not have noticed from a theater seat, while still maintaining the feeling that I was witnessing a live performance. The lighting, choreography, movement, and staging worked together beautifully.

I enjoyed the entire musical—the story, the music, the performances, and the way everything came together. Hadestown takes an ancient story and makes it feel surprisingly relevant to the world we live in today. That is one of the things I appreciated most about the production. Although the story has its roots in mythology (one of my favorite subjects in school), the themes don’t feel ancient at all. Ideas about love, hope, sacrifice, power, work, survival, and the choices people make when circumstances become difficult are woven throughout the narrative.

Somehow, our current situations find their way into the story without feeling forced. There is a profound message attached to what we are watching, and I found myself thinking about how easily the struggles portrayed in Hadestown can mirror struggles people face today. The musical reminds us that even when circumstances seem overwhelming, there is still something to hold onto. Hope can be fragile, but it is also powerful.

And then there is the music. The songs stayed with me because they weren’t simply beautiful; they carried the emotional weight of the story. The singing, choreography, and staging created moments that were both entertaining and moving. There were times when I simply sat back and allowed the production to take me wherever it wanted to go.

If you want to see a film that will lift you up, Hadestown is definitely one to consider—even with the message that comes at the end. In fact, I think the ending makes the message even more meaningful. It reminds us that the journey itself matters, and sometimes the greatest stories are the ones that continue to speak to us even after the curtain falls.

I was very impressed with the entire production. Hadestown proves that a story doesn’t have to be new to feel relevant, and a stage production doesn’t have to lose its magic when it is brought to the big screen.

Hadestown: The Musical is currently playing in theaters. Check It Out!

On Rotten Tomatoes, 97% of 33 critic reviews are positive; the average rating is 8.9 out of 10. The website’s consensus reads: “Swathing classic themes in the sweltering rhythms of jazz while capturing all the action with crisp clarity, Hadestown: The Musical recreates the Broadway experience with transporting aplomb.”

 

2 Comments

Posted in CURRENT MOVIE REVIEWS

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

THE ODYSSEY (2026) – My rating: 10/10

Posted on July 27, 2026 | 2 comments

The Odyssey is an epic action fantasy written and directed by Christopher Nolan, who produced it with his wife Emma Thomas. An adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic poem The Odyssey. It stars an ensemble cast that focuses on Odysseus, the Greek king of Ithaca, who embarks on a long and perilous journey home after the Trojan War, encountering mythical beings as he attempts to reunite with his wife, Penelope. I waited a year to see this movie since it had been advertised long before its release. The wait was well worth it. The Odyssey is one of the best movies of the year.

The film is told in a partially non-linear narrative, and begins with the intertitle “In a time of apparent magic…”
Ithaca has long been without its king, Odysseus (Matt Damon), who disappeared after the Trojan War. Several suitors, including nobleman Antinous (Robert Pattinson), aggressively court Odysseus’s wife Penelope (Anne Haffaway) to claim the throne from Odysseus and Penelope’s son Telemachus (Tom Holland). Only Penelope, Telemachus, and the half-blind servant Eumaeus (John Leguizamo) still believe Odysseus will return. Telemachus plans to travel with his teacher and bodyguard, Odysseus’s friend Mentor (Ryan Hurst), to Menelaus (Jon Bernthal), King of Sparta, to discover his father’s whereabouts. Antinous learns this from his lover, Penelope’s handmaid Melantho (Mia Goth). He conspires with other suitors to kill Telemachus upon his return and plunder Ithaca. Menelaus and his wife, Helen (Lupita Nyong’o), express uncertainty about Odysseus’s fate but offer Telemachus stories about him. Rumors abound that the Greek civilization is in decline due to attacks by murderous “people from the sea” who do not abide by Zeus’s law—the mutual respect between guests and hosts.

The Odyssey” is an ancient Greek epic poem that tells the story of Odysseus’s ten-year journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War, exploring themes of heroism, loyalty, cunning, and the struggle to return home. The narrative also focuses on his wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus, who struggle to maintain their household and authority in his prolonged absence. 

The first trailer for The Odyssey was presented in July 2025 ahead of Jurassic World, followed by two more trailers released in December 2025. Because of that, it feels as though I’ve been waiting more than a year to finally see this film. I can honestly say my anticipation was well rewarded. I thought The Odyssey was fantastic.

From the breathtaking action sequences to the quieter, more intimate moments, Christopher Nolan nailed it. What impressed me most was how he managed to bring together such an extraordinary collection of A-list actors without allowing the star power to overshadow the story. There is a common belief that when a movie has too many renowned actors, the film itself can suffer. The Odyssey completely shut down that idea. Each actor seemed to disappear into the character they portrayed, and the performances were stunning.

I was especially shocked by Matt Damon’s transformation. It took nearly a quarter of the film before I truly recognized him. His appearance and performance were so different from what I’ve come to expect from him that I found myself trying to figure out who was behind the character. John Leguizamo was another pleasant surprise. He played a role unlike anything I’ve seen him do before, and he was brilliant.

Tom Holland also took a significant leap away from the character that made him famous. Moving from Spider-Man to a young man standing on the threshold of manhood, Holland was totally convincing. I believed the uncertainty, the growth, and the weight of what was expected of him. Jon Bernthal was equally impressive as the King of Sparta and Helen of Troy’s husband. It was exciting throughout the film to recognize familiar faces—or, in some cases, to realize only later who was actually behind the makeup and transformation.

The cinematography was beautiful. Nolan’s camera transported me to places both vast and intimate, and every location seemed to tell part of the story. The scale of the film was impressive, but it was the smaller moments that often gave the narrative its emotional weight. The story kept me guessing throughout the entire film, and I never felt as though I knew exactly where it was going next.

The sound design also deserves recognition. It added another layer to the experience, making many of the scenes feel more immediate and believable. The combination of the visuals and sound created an atmosphere that pulled me further into the story.

While I haven’t yet seen The Odyssey in 70mm IMAX, I found the standard presentation fascinating. Nolan filmed The Odyssey in 70mm and has encouraged audiences to experience it in 70mm IMAX. There are only 24 70mm IMAX theaters in the United States, so I know most moviegoers will see the standard version or, at best, a different large-format presentation. The demand for the 70mm IMAX screenings has been enormous, and the theaters offering them have been completely booked. Unfortunately, that meant I had to wait.

I have finally found an opening in August, and I plan to see the film again in 70mm IMAX. I will write an addendum to this review afterward and let you know whether I believe the 70mm presentation was worth the wait—and the money. It certainly isn’t cheap. I’ve seen ticket prices as high as $36 in Atlantic City and as low as $16 in Pennsylvania. That’s a significant difference, but if Nolan is encouraging audiences to experience this film in 70mm IMAX, I’m willing to find out what I’ve been missing.

The Odyssey is an intriguing story brought to the screen in all its glory. It is a film that will take you on an extraordinary journey, conjure up a range of emotions, and deliver a message you won’t want to miss. For me, the anticipation was worth it.  The Odyssey is currently playing in theaters. Check It Out!

WHO’S WHO:
(Matt Damon) – Odysseus:
The legendary Greek king of Ithaca; Director Christopher Nolan described Odysseus as complicated, “an amazing strategist, [and] a very wily person”.
(Tom Holland) – Telemachus:
Odysseus and Penelope’s son and the prince of Ithaca, who is determined to find his father.
Anne Hathaway – Penelope:
 Wife of Odysseus, mother of Telemachus, and the queen of Ithaca, who fends off many suitors in her husband’s absence.
(Robert Pattinson) – Antinous:
a suitor of Penelope, whom Pattinson described as sleazy and likened to James Woods’s character Lester Diamond from the 1995 film Casino.
(Lupita Nyong’o) in dual roles:
Helen of Troy, wife of Menelaus, described as the most beautiful woman in the world, whose abduction triggers the Trojan War.
Clytemnestra, Helen’s sister, wife of Agamemnon, who murders him upon his return from Troy.
(Samantha Morton) – Circe:
A witch and goddess on the island of Aeaea.
(John Leguizamo) – Eumaeus:
A blind swineherd, Odysseus’s faithful servant.
(Zendaya) – Athena:
The goddess of wisdom, warfare, and handicraft, who protects Odysseus on his journey.  Zendaya also portrays the young Trojan priestess of Athena, who is killed during the assault on Troy and whose form Athena later assumes.
(Charlize Theron) – Calypso:
A nymph on the island of Ogygia who tries to entice Odysseus to live as her husband with the promise of immortality.
(Jon Bernthal) – Menelaus:
The king of Sparta and Helen’s husband.
(Himesh Patel) – Eurylochus:
Odysseus’s second-in-command who challenges his thoughts and plans.
(Bill Irwin) – the on-set performer of Polyphemus:
A Cyclops and son of Poseidon.
(Elliot Page) – Sinon:
A Greek soldier and the son of a servant of Antinous, who was recruited as a child to be raised to serve as a soldier who would reach adulthood upon the Greeks’ arrival at Troy. Sinon is not in Homer’s original poem, and his story was borrowed from Virgil’s Aeneid and other myths.
(Benny Safdie) – Agamemnon:
The Greek king of Mycenae, Clytemnestra’s husband, Menelaus’s older brother, and the commander of the Achaeans during the Trojan War.
(Corey Hawkins) – Polybus:
One of Penelope’s suitors.
(Niko Nicotera) – Peisander:
One of Penelope’s suitors.
(Elyes Gabel) – Elatus:
One of Penelope’s suitors.
(Iddo Goldberg) – Amphimedon:
One of Penelope’s suitors.
(Jamie Harris) – Agelus:
One of Penelope’s suitors.
(Mia Goth) – Melantho and (Logan Marshall-Green) – Melanthius:
 Portray twin siblings Melantho and Melanthius, who are respectively a disloyal maidservant of Odysseus and Penelope and Odysseus’s dishonest cowherd.
(Ryan Hurst) – Mentor:
Telemachus’s guide and teacher
(James Remar) – Tiresias:
A blind prophet of the Greek underworld.

The following are members of Odysseus’s crew: 
(Jimmy Gonzales) – Cepheus
(Andrew Howard) – Polites
(Will Yun Lee) – Anchialus
(Jovan Adepo) – Elpenor
(Jesse Garcia) – Menetus
(Josh Stewart) – Antiphates
(Sean Avery) – Laodamas
(Anthony Molinari) – Perimedes
(Stephen Murphy) – Phemius
(Ian Casselberry) – Dolios
(Travis Scott) makes a cameo appearance as Phemius:
(A bard whom Nolan included to allude to the Odyssey’s retelling through oral poetry, which he likened to rapping
(Nick E. Tarabay) – an unnamed helmsman
(Scott’s profession) (Rafi Gavron) and (Shiloh Fernandez) briefly appear as Trojans:
 They kill Sinon and encounter the Trojan horse.
(Kate Fuglei) – Eurycleia:
A loyal servant and nurse of Odysseus and Penelope
(Maurice Compte) – the steward of Menelaus
(Michael Vlamis):
a bandit disguised as a priest who attacks Telemachus in Pylos
(Brian Vernel) – Irus:
A beggar in Ithaca

 

FYI:
The Odyssey was the first feature film shot entirely on IMAX 70 mm film cameras; a soundproof blimp (pictured) was specially constructed to mute the camera’s sound during dialogue scenes.

In July 2025, one year before The Odyssey’s release, a 70-second teaser trailer featuring Holland and Bernthal debuted ahead of screenings for Universal’s Jurassic World Rebirth. The teaser leaked online soon after, which Greg Evans at The Independent said sent some fans “into a frenzy” due to its high anticipation. Ryan Britt of Men’s Journal believed this was warranted and described the teaser’s “haunting nature” as promising “a myth actually brought to life”. He highlighted Bernthal’s “ominous” narration with a “touch of naturalism and realism”, noting that Odysseus is talked about more than he is depicted. An extended six-minute prologue, showcasing Odysseus and his men using the Trojan Horse at the end of the Trojan War, debuted on December 12, 2025, in front of IMAX 70 mm screenings of Warner Bros. Pictures’ films One Battle After Another and Sinners, followed by Avatar: Fire and Ash upon its release on December 19. 

The film received widespread critical acclaim, with praise for the performances, sets, scale, and Nolan’s direction. However, there was some criticism for the sound mixing, dialogue, and deviations from its source material. On the review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, 94% of 421 critics’ reviews are positive, with an average rating of 8.7/10. The website’s consensus reads: “Reinvigorating an ancient adventure with majestic sweep and sterling work by its colossal ensemble, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey imbues myth with primal human feeling.” It is Nolan’s highest-rated film on the website.

Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned it a score of 89 out of 100, based on 60 critics, indicating “universal acclaim”. Audiences surveyed by CinemaScore gave it an average of “A” on an A-to-F scale, while 81% of those polled at PostTrak said they would definitely recommend it.

 

As of July 27, 2026, Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has grossed approximately $652 million globally after two weeks in theaters, including about $289 million domestically in North America.
Breakdown:
Domestic Gross: $289.39 million.  International Gross: $363 million.  Global Total: $652 million.  IMAX Contribution: Over $140 million. The Odyssey is among the most expensive of Nolan’s career and is one of the most expensive films ever made.

 

2 Comments

Posted in CURRENT MOVIE REVIEWS

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

MOANA (2026) – My rating: 8/10

Posted on July 21, 2026 | 1 comment

Moana is a 2026 musical adventure and a live-action adaptation of Disney Animation’s 2016 film. As the third installment and the first live-action film in the Moana franchise. The film was directed by Thomas Kail and written by Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller. It was produced by Dwayne Johnson, Hiram Garcia, Dany Garcia, Beau Flynn, and songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda. The film stars Johnson (reprising his role as Maui from the animated films). I was curious to see the transformation from animation to humans. I thought Moana was well done with outstanding special effects.

Long ago, on the Polynesian island of Motunui, the inhabitants worship the goddess of nature, Te Fiti: a living island who brought life to the ocean using a pounamu stone as her heart and the source of her power. Maui (Dwayne Johnson), the shape-shifting demigod of the wind and sea and master of wayfinding, stole Te Fiti’s heart and gave humanity the power of creation. Te Fiti disintegrated, and Maui was attacked by Te Kā, a volcanic demon. Maui lost both the heart and his magic fish hook to the depths of the sea before he disappeared.

A thousand years later, the ocean chooses Moana (Catherine Laga’aia), the daughter of Motunui’s chief Tui (John Tui), to return the heart to Te Fiti. Tui and Sina (Frankie Adams), Moana’s parents, try to keep her away from the ocean to prepare her to become the island’s chief. Sixteen years later, blight strikes the island, killing vegetation and shrinking the fish catch. Moana suggests going beyond the island’s reef with her pet pig, Pua, to catch more fish and explore the oceans, but Tui forbids it.


Moana, being the bright and ambitious young woman she is, once again believes she knows the answer to the problems facing her people, which means venturing beyond the island’s reef and into the unknown. The journey itself is adventurous and exciting, and the film does a beautiful job of transporting the audience into a world filled with breathtaking scenery, danger, and discovery.

That said, I didn’t find the acting as ambitious as it was in the original animated version. At times, the performances felt a little slow and contrived, as though the actors were still trying to find the natural rhythm of their characters. The emotional moments didn’t always have the same impact, and I found myself missing some of the energy and personality that made the animated film so memorable.

The special effects, however, were outstanding. The ocean, the islands, and the surrounding landscapes were beautifully brought to life, and there is no denying that the movie is visually appealing. The attention to detail makes the world of Moana feel almost tangible, and the film is definitely a feast for the eyes.

My biggest disappointment was the narrative. While I understand that this is a live-action adaptation of a story audiences already know and love, I was hoping for something that would give us a little more. Instead, much of the story felt like a retelling of what we’d already seen and heard before. There were opportunities to expand the characters or explore the story from a new perspective, but the film seemed content to follow a familiar path.

I also found the overall tone a little too quiet for a children’s adventure. Moana is supposed to be a story filled with exploration, excitement, and discovery, yet there were moments when the pacing felt slower than I expected. The singing and music helped tremendously, giving the film a much-needed aura and bringing some of the energy that seemed to be missing from other parts of the narrative. The music was a pleasure to listen to and remains one of the strongest elements of the Moana experience.

Overall, I was entertained, and I enjoyed watching Moana. There is plenty to appreciate, especially the beautiful special effects, the music, and the story’s adventurous spirit. However, I couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed that the live-action version didn’t surpass—or at least add something significantly new to—the animated film. Sometimes, when the original is already so good, simply recreating it isn’t enough. You have to give the audience a reason to fall in love with the story all over again. Moana is currently playing in theaters — Check It Out!


As of July 20, 2026, Moana has grossed $83.2 million in the United States and Canada, and $96.3 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $179.6  million. With a production budget of $250 million, Moana is one of the most expensive films ever made. Following its poor opening weekend, Deadline Hollywood estimated the film could cost the studio between $100 and $ 125 million, calling it a box-office bomb.

 

On review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, Moana has an approval rating of 31% based on 180 reviews with an average rating of 4.8/10. The site’s critical consensus reads, “The sea calls to no one in this underwhelming new version of Moana, a rather lifeless endeavor that solidifies its animated predecessor as the superior adventure.”

 

1 Comment

Posted in CURRENT MOVIE REVIEWS

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,