Search Results

THE BEAR: SEASON FOUR Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, Abby Elliott, Matty Matheson, Ricky Staffieri, Corey Hendrix, and Oliver Platt Creator: Christopher Storer QUENTIN After the disappointing third season, The Bear returns to form with a renewed focus and time-driven narrative that creates a greater feeling of cohesion. The performances are as awards-worthy as they ever were, but the exploration of family — chosen and otherwise — and the consequences of one’s choices, especially in the face of trauma, humanizes the characters in ways that were often attempted unsuccessfully last season. Despite a Season Five renewal, it feels as though this could be the beginning of the end for Carmy (Jeremy Allen White). Or maybe it’s a terrific reset for the character. Either way, welcome back to one of television’s best shows. AMARÚ It’s nice to be with family again. Season Three’s experiment was artistic, but unquestionably disappointing, so getting back to The Bear ’s basics is a refreshing return to greatness. This isn’t a retread though, aside from great actors continuing to act their asses off. While the first two seasons were absolute chaos for the viewer to witness, Season Four calms down the hectic cacophony, utilizing director Christopher Storer’s perfectly maneuvered close-ups and zoom-ins to bring us inside the train wreck. This season is more personal, with Ayo Edebiri’s Sydney benefiting the most, yet the entire ensemble shines because of this beautifully balanced and emotional 10 episodes. ROBERT While there was a quality dip, I never thought it was significant enough to consider Season Three of The Bear a failure. That being said, you can tell there was a recommitment in Season Four to get off the singular focus of restaurant success and keep the characters' relationships, as it relates to their shared workplace, as this season’s crux. I was particularly taken with the message that no matter our life experiences, we are connected and more alike than we would ever care to admit. The writing, the acting, the production design, and the heart of The Bear can never be replicated, as it’s as close to real therapy as we can get in superb entertainment. Check out our reviews for Season Three HERE .

JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, Mahershala Ali, Rupert Friend, Ed Skrein, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Luna Blaise, Audrina Miranda, and David Iacono Director: Gareth Edwards AMARÚ Although Jurassic Park 3's Amanda Kirby (Téa Leoni) is the most annoying character in the franchise, Rebirth features someone who almost takes the crown. However, this character’s trajectory mirrors the film’s, as both grew on me with time. Tell-not-show exposition gives way to a simple formula: charming cast runs for their lives from awesome looking dinosaurs in scary action sequences. Not to mention, a moment of wonder I haven’t felt since the original, which banks a massive amount of goodwill. Despite its lows, including a disappointingly anticlimactic ending, Rebirth is better than the last two films, a win in and of itself. NICK Unlike Dominion , Jurassic World Rebirth isn't terrible, but it sure is disappointing. The first hour is cold and heartless (including an exploitation of the original score). The second is an improvement, thanks to the introduction of the Delgado family (led by Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) and some memorable dino moments (we finally got the river raft scene!). But that's been the issue with these Jurassic World films: they all have their moments, but can't seem to put together a quality film. There’s no doubt this franchise will continue, but I think this should be the retirement of the Jurassic World moniker. ADRIANO I'm not sure how Universal has managed to screw up the basic concept of surviving from dinosaurs four times. Jurassic World: Rebirth is another massive miss. The first hour is genuinely unbearable, and while it picks up a little when they get to Ile Saint-Hubert, the emptiness of the two conflicting storylines and the weightless dinosaur action makes this excruciating. A Jurassic Park movie should never be as dull as this was. It'll make its billion dollars and get a sequel greenlit, but I'm begging the next one sticks to the basics by actually being thrilling. QUENTIN Technically, Rebirth is the best of the Jurassic World movies, though I concede that is an incredibly low bar. The dinosaur sequences are top-notch, riding a wave between semi-horror and thrilling action, and if that is all you need for a good time, then Rebirth mostly delivers. However, it struggles with the human cast. The performances are serviceable but nothing special, while the character development is, frankly, piss-poor. More egregiously, though, the final 20ish minutes jumped the shark to such a degree that I audibly giggled, not to mention the eye-rolling amount of nostalgia bait. Still, Jurassic Park 7: Jurassic World 4 is an improvement…technically . BODE I don’t expect a Jurassic World sequel to live up to the original, but I wish they fulfilled even the bare minimum. Rebirth proves that they still can’t do that. While director Gareth Edwards doesn’t embarrass himself technically, as he knows how to manage scale, the same can’t be said for returning screenwriter David Koepp, who saddles Edwards and its cast with a mediocre script needlessly swinging between two storylines. The momentum dies every time it happens. Yes, there’s some fun set-pieces, and no, this isn’t the worst one in the franchise. But at this point, is that enough?

SINNERS Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O’Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, Li Jun Li, Miles Caton, and Delroy Lindo Director: Ryan Coogler AMARÚ I’ve never felt chills during a movie, but thanks to director Ryan Coogler, it happened twice in one sitting. For some, Sinners may be a slow build to what they came to see, but to me, it's extraordinary filmmaking and acting. This is amongst Michael B. Jordan’s greatest roles, exuding charm and gravity while being surrounded by an absolutely substantial ensemble, including its most essential character, music. Every bit of soul, freedom, drama, humor, and intensity is felt through song perfectly matching Coogler’s stunning visuals, making for one of this decade's most entertaining films. 4.5 reels for the film, and that extra 0.5 for the chills. QUENTIN I really wanted to like Sinners , but unfortunately, the marketing department did it dirty by revealing way too much in the trailers, which only adds to the pacing issues, lack of scares, undercooked plotlines, and a Michael B. Jordan who doesn’t have the range to pull off dual roles (or a southern accent). On top of that, for a movie being hailed for its originality, it’s not far from From Dusk Till Dawn meets O Brother, Where Art Thou? with some added racial commentary. That said, it’s not a total misfire; it’s handsomely made and surprisingly funny. But it’s probably my least favorite Ryan Coogler movie. PAIGE Sinners is Ryan Coogler’s most daring and audacious film to date, as he expertly weaves the horrors of history and passion together through Jim Crow-era vampires. This film is just bursting with cinematic brilliance. The entire cast is outstanding, but Michael B. Jordan stands out for his effortlessly cool dual performance, which not only anchors the story, but adds complexity and flair. Newcomer Miles Caton makes a noteworthy debut with his powerful voice, too, while the bluesy score by Ludwig Göransson elevates the movie to a new level, creating an arthouse blockbuster. All things considered, Sinners is 2025’s spiritual awakening. ADRIANO Ryan Coogler proves once again that he's one of our best genre auteurs. After his previous IP successes, it's amazing seeing him take on more original territory with Sinners , and it’s a hell of an adrenaline rush. While the first 40 minutes take their time to establish the characters and setting, the rest of the film's swagger, suspense, gore, and visual wonder make for a masterwork that has interesting themes underneath all the flourish: temptation may be fun, but it ain't living. The last thing I expected was for this vampire flick to be oddly life-affirming, and for that, I'm floored. ROBERT When I think about Sinners , I think about a host of other films I revere, as it makes its fresh and impactful homages without feeling rote or derivative. This is a movie about power and ubiquity, and that is exactly how I would describe it as an experience: powerful and ubiquitous. Its musicality, its set pieces, and a complete euphony of on-camera and behind-camera endeavors come together to deliver something meaningful. The best genre stories reflect society subtextually while being entertaining with what it puts in front of you, and Coogler sets a complete feast out for audiences to devour. BODE When director Ryan Coogler stepped into the world of franchise filmmaking, starting with Creed and later the Black Panther movies, he balanced rich subtext with the conventions of their respective series (Rocky and the MCU) with ease, infusing both with fresh blood. With Sinners , Coogler does so again with a concept entirely his own, and it succeeds as both a portrait of Black creativity and liberation in the Jim Crow era and a pulpy, fun vampire flick, accentuated by great performances (including a breakout turn from Miles Caton), great music, and stunning cinematography. It’s not perfect, but it’s thrilling, nonetheless. NICK Don't get me wrong, I really liked Sinners . I just didn't love it. Some of the negatives were out of the film's control (trailers spoiling too much, hype reaching unattainable levels, and missing out on the theatrical experience), but even with those caveats, I can’t see this as an all-timer. Maybe the use of music, as that is Sinners’ undisputed highlight, but not overall. It's visually impressive, with a first half that’s paced and built better than its second, and features strong showings from the ensemble cast, but no career-best performances. This is a very good film but it doesn’t scream best of year.

Bitesize Breakdown features film & series reviews, interviews, rankings, and more from a diverse, global collective of entertainment writers! NEW REVIEWS FILMS SERIES SPOTLIGHT

THE WALKING DEAD: DEAD CITY: SEASON TWO Starring: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Lauren Cohan, Logan Kim, Zeljko Ivanek, Lisa Emery, Gaius Charles, Mahina Napoleon, Dascha Polanco, Keir Gilchrist Jasmin Walker, and Kim Coates Creator: Eli Jorne NICK Part of the reason I continued watching The Walking Dead and its spin-offs was the creation of characters I'm invested in. With Dead City , I find myself annoyed with these new additions more than anything else (save for Kim Coates' Bruegel). The mafia parallels and the introduction of Conscription are interesting, but much like Daryl Dixon , this doesn’t match the strong debut season. Having said that, this is much better than Dixon’s sophomore effort, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan remains infinitely watchable as Negan. I don’t know where this is going, but it feels time for these side series to converge back into one. Check out our reviews for Season One HERE .

Bitesize Breakdown features film & series reviews, interviews, rankings, and more from a diverse, global collective of entertainment writers! NEW REVIEWS FILMS TV SPOTLIGHT

DUSTER: SEASON ONE Starring: Josh Holloway, Rachel Hilson, Keith David, Asivak Koostachin, Sydney Elisabeth, Benjamin Charles Watson, Camille Guaty, Adriana Aluna Martinez, Greg Grunberg, Gail O’Grady, and Corbin Bernsen Creators: J.J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan QUENTIN While Duster isn’t reinventing the crime thriller wheel, its pitch-perfect homage to the 70s and shows like Starsky & Hutch and CHiPs makes for a tremendously enjoyable spark plug of a series. From the extensive needle drops (everyone from Tina Turner to Merle Haggard) to the impeccable fashion and vintage cars, the self-aware exploitation vibe of gun fights and car chases creates a fun sandbox in which Josh Holloway and Rachel Hilson charmingly thrive through their rugged and feisty performances, respectively. Granted, if the 70s-themed setting, with all its expertly done period details, doesn’t mean anything to you, maybe look elsewhere; however, I had a blast! ROBERT Never did I imagine that J.J. Abrams would again helm a straightforward show, especially not one dealing with law enforcement, but here we are with Duster . Given his involvement, I liken this to a melding of Alias with the fifth season of Lost, where they went back in time to the 1970s (especially with the length of Josh Holloway’s hair). I was a big fan of the Hot Wheels opening credits and the music queues of killer songs. I was happy with the cast in place, even if it didn’t always deliver, and there was enough mystery and intrigue to keep me guessing. Dust this off and give it a shot.

F1: THE MOVIE Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, and Javier Bardem Director: Joseph Kosinski QUENTIN Just so you know, I saw F1 on the world's largest IMAX screen, and I have no doubt that bumped my rating by at least a half reel. Watching the incredibly done racing sequences on a 127-foot by 69-foot screen with 12-channel digital surround sound created a fantastically immersive experience. However, outside of that and Brad Pitt's natural charisma, everything else left me wanting. Simply put, the story is generic, and it doesn’t do enough to make one invested between the in-car action. It’s certainly a lot of fun on the big screen, but I don’t think that will translate to the small one. AMARÚ F1 writers Ehren Kruger and Joseph Kosinski (who also directed) knew the film didn’t need to do anything special with its story because sticking to the sports movie magic formula generates blockbuster entertainment all on its own. So, they tapped cinematographer Claudio Miranda’s spectacular in-car camera work to create genuine thrills during its recognizable, yet still heart-pounding races, Brad Pitt and Damson Idris’ respectively established and up-and-coming star-power to connect you to somewhat thin characters, and Kerry Condon and Javier Bardem as the lovable cherries on top. F1 doesn’t break any molds; but really, did it ever have to? ADRIANO F1 will give you the highs you expect out of blockbuster sports dramas. Director Joseph Kosinski does an incredible job of making the racing sequences feel vibrant and pulse-pounding. There's an inherently easy-to-root-for plot, which for most people, is exactly what you’d want. The story is conventional, which isn't instantly bad, but because the entertaining characters are forgettable, the entire experience feels a lot like a sugar high: in the moment, a ton of fun, but once that moment is over, it's just over. It feels fleeting, but that doesn't erase the successful thrills F1 produced. BODE It’s no surprise that director Joseph Kosinski would continue to follow in Tony Scott’s footsteps after Top Gun: Maverick , as in re-teaming with much of Maverick ’s creative team, he crafts his own Days of Thunder with F1 . This time though, the heights are inconsistent. The racing sequences are truly exhilarating, and its cast is certainly likeable (put Kerry Condon in everything, please). But there isn’t enough shading to its narrative foundation or characterization, making it hard to fully invest in the drama - especially at nearly three hours. It’s fine enough as a piece of escapism, but it could’ve been more.

Editorials on a wide array of subjects that take a deeper dive into the films & series we love. FEATURES READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ

A Bitesize chat with a variety of people from the entertainment industry. INTERVIEWS READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ

Consensus Top 5 lists from our team of writers ranking a variety of items from the world of film & television. TOP FIVE READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ

HEADS OF STATE Starring: John Cena, Idris Elba, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Paddy Considine, Carla Gugino, Sarah Niles, Richard Coyle, Stephen Root, and Jack Quaid Director: Ilya Naishuller NICK Much like how G20 was elevated by the actors within it, Heads of State succeeds off the chemistry of John Cena and Idris Elba. Is this another cliché action-comedy? Yes. It's got explosions, car chases, death fakeouts, and a soundtrack featuring both The Beastie Boys' “Sabotage” AND Mötley Crüe's “Kickstart My Heart.” But thanks to Cena and Elba’s performances (especially the former's version of the US President), some hard hitting fight sequences, and a badass Priyanka Chopra Jonas, I enjoyed every minute of it. Will this stand the test of time? No. Would I watch a sequel? Absolutely. QUENTIN In the doldrums of summer, when most television shows are between seasons and there are few sports to speak of outside of baseball, I suppose a streaming action movie like Heads of State serves a purpose for the watch-at-home-because-it’s-too-hot-outside crowd. That doesn’t make it a good movie, though. It’s just something you watch because it’s “free” on Prime and there is nothing else new and exciting available. Sadly, the comedy bits aren’t particularly funny, the action sequences are uninspired, and the political preachiness is shoehorned in. John Cena and Idris Elba do what they can with the lackluster banter provided by the script, but ehhh. AMARÚ I’d like to thank director Ilya Naishuller for continuing the great trend of entertaining popcorn-action staples with real stakes. Following up the excellent Nobody with the comedic-leaning Heads of State should raise his name to the likes of David Leitch and Chad Stahelski. Idris Elba and John Cena’s reunion brings tons of levity, but also a surprising amount of weight, especially from one of Cena’s best overall performances to date. All of which stem from establishing a truly dangerous set of antagonists and a badass Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Naishuller took all aspects of this film seriously and it shows in its excellent execution. ADRIANO It’s clear that Heads of State is only aiming for baseline entertainment. While I wouldn't call it apolitical, the attempts at political unity feel tacked on to a point of irrelevance (I also don't think it's saying "this is actually about Trump”). That aside, did I have fun? I wasn't miserable watching this, and the pairing of John Cena and Idris Elba are entertaining in pockets. That said, it wasn't particularly funny nor did the action have any weight. It actually felt like a fake movie Cena's character would star in. So go figure, it's a direct-to-streaming movie. ROBERT I respect Amazon’s hustle. Every few months they greenlight an action movie where the POTUS kicks ass and saves international relations like we are back in the mid-1990s. They could do this for decades and it would always hit, especially if it rides on the backs of actors with undeniable chemistry like Heads of State has with John Cena and Idris Elba. They knew they wanted another go after The Suicide Squad , so the leads produced this adrenaline rush together. Nothing reinvents the wheel in this film, it’s silly at weird times, and some of the set pieces are lame, but with a great cast and a bulletproof premise, you salute it and send it on its way.