SUPER PUMPED: THE BATTLE FOR UBER Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Kyle Chandler, Kerry Bishé, Babak Tafti, Jon Bass, Elisabeth Shue, Bridget Gao-Hollitt, Uma Thurman, and Quentin Tarantino Creators: Brian Koppelman and David Levien QUENTIN Considering that Super Pumped and Billions were created by the same people, the shared DNA between the two shows makes sense. Despite being the true story of Uber, it has the same high-octane, bro-energy and ridiculously underhanded schemes that the fictional Billions does. In a way, being true makes it more fascinating; However, it also incites more incredulity in the viewer because you’re left in awe at the mere audacity of it all. Sometimes, it feels like it goes a little overboard with its commentary on the entitlement of billionaire disruptors; then again, maybe it’s true to life. I’m not sure which is worse.

DEAD RINGERS Starring: Rachel Weisz, Britne Oldford, Poppy Liu, Jennifer Ehle, and Michael Chernus Creator: Alice Birch QUENTIN Although Rachel Weisz is outstanding in dual roles (especially as Elliot), the narrative and pacing of Dead Ringers leaves a bit to be desired. Even at just six episodes, it’s too long. There are two subplots that are completely unnecessary (especially one about the twins’ maid), and a random non-linear offshoot that is more confusing than anything else. Still, Weisz, who is a shoo-in for an Emmy nomination (if not a win), keeps it engaging even if the destination is never as captivating as certain parts of the journey. Also, beware: the blood, graphic medical scenes, and talk of miscarriages could be triggering for some.

THAT DAMN MICHAEL CHE: SEASON TWO Starring: Michael Che Creator: Michael Che QUENTIN After two seasons, it’s clear that Michael Che is trying to create the next Chappelle’s Show with That Damn Michael Che , and while it’s never quite as smart or incisive as the Sketch Show GOAT, that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in laughs. Che’s standup bits are the most consistently funny, but some sketches had me in stitches. One such sketch is called “Arthur’s Abortion Dojo,” and to be frank, if that title alone turns you off, then this show probably isn’t for you. However, if it fills you with intrigue, there are more than enough sketches to make this a worthwhile watch.

Previous Next The Bitesize crew has put their brains together to compile Bitesize Breakdown's consensus Top Five Actors Never Nominated for an Oscar. Each writer ranks his or her top 15 actors in the category. Those lists are then weighted on a reverse point system. After all the points are tallied up, the entries with the most total points make up the Bitesize Top Five. 5. OSCAR ISAAC Oscar Isaac has developed the uncanny ability to both inhabit his characters entirely and remain as much a movie star presence as anyone ever has. Not only has Isaac’s incredible run of performances displayed a range worthy of an Oscar nomination, he’s also in the best position to win one sooner than most of his peers. - Jacob 4. ALAN RICKMAN Though most recently known for playing Severus Snape in the Harry Potter franchise (a magnificent arc over eight films), Alan Rickman’s wide range as an actor only served as proof of his immense talent. From action (Die Hard ) to rom-coms (Love, Actually ), Rickman more than proved himself as an actor who refused to be typecast. Never recognized for an Oscar, his untimely passing will serve as a reminder of the great talent we lost and the unfortunate lack of formal recognition for it. - Jasmine 3. JIM CARREY It’s not shocking that Jim Carrey’s legendary comedic persona in films such as Dumb & Dumber and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective weren’t in any Oscar conversations. However, it’s his dramatic work in films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and The Truman Show that makes it genuinely baffling that the Academy has yet to give this iconic actor any recognition. - Adriano 2. JOHN GOODMAN Let’s talk range: Goodman has been brilliant in comedy, drama, horror, and family classics. He can be menacing or lovable, serious or funny. He is, simply put, one of the greatest supporting actors of all time, and it’s a travesty that he doesn’t have a nomination to his name, especially with all-time-great-character Walter Sobchak (The Big Lebowski ) on his resume. That character that can get you a toe but no love from the Academy? Fucking amateurs… - Quentin 1. COLIN FARRELL As much as he has turned heads recently with his performance as Penguin in The Batman , Colin Farrell has been giving transformative performances for decades. He’s done everything from comedy (Horrible Bosses, In Bruges ) to horror/thriller (Fright Night, Phone Booth ) to drama (The Killing of a Sacred Deer, The Lobster ). And he rarely misses. He may be on this list now, but it's hard to believe he won't be recognized for his work in the coming years. - Nick HONORABLE MENTIONS EMILY BLUNT EWAN MCGREGOR JAMIE LEE CURTIS ANDY SERKIS STEVE BUSCEMI Photo Credits: Photo 1 - A24; Photo 2, 4 - Paramount Pictures; Photo 3 - Universal Pictures; Photo 5 - Touchstone Pictures

Previous Next October 9, 2024 WRITTEN BY: AMARÚ The Ocean ’s franchise is one of my top three franchises of all time. In fact, as I grew up realizing the darker, grittier, more gangster crime films of the Scorsese ilk, while objectively amazing, were not films I enjoyed rewatching after a first go ‘round, I simultaneously was going through my fifth, sixth, and 27th rewatch of George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and crew having an absolute blast showcasing the flashier side of crime. So, when 2024 came with two crime films featuring Ocean ’s alum and vibes (The Instigators with Matt Damon and Casey Affleck, and Wolfs with Clooney and Pitt), I was more than happy to visit a new criminal underworld with a familiar crew. A crew that, if any combination of them is doing a heist, I will watch sight unseen. More broadly speaking, though, heist movies are simply one of my favorite types of movies, and the main reason is the camaraderie, as well as the specific dynamics and individual roles, of the crew doing the heisting. Given that, I wanted to scour the history of cinematic stick-ups to put together a heist crew that lives up to (or surpasses) Danny Ocean (Clooney) & company. Join me as I build my ultimate six-man heist crew, consisting of The Con Artist, The Demolition, The Tech Support, The Driver, The Right Hand, and The Mastermind. THE CON ARTIST: EAMES (TOM HARDY), INCEPTION Without someone on the inside, there’s a very good chance you aren’t even getting in the door. The Con Artist, otherwise known as your Inside Man, is THE first step in planning out your heist, so this must be the first person chosen for the team. For me, there isn’t a better choice than Eames. Yes, his cons technically take place in the mind, but look at what he did before he ever entered a dream. He did a massive amount of research on Robert and Maurice Fisher (Cillian Murphy and Pete Postlewaite, respectively), and he stalled the Cobalt enforcers before they could capture Leonardo DiCaprio’s Cobb in Mombasa. Consider those examples proof that he is just as convincing and physically capable outside of the mind as he is inside it. Plus, the attention to detail needed to convince a person’s brain that you carry the cadence, stride, mannerisms, and looks of another person is something that is essential to gaining the trust of your target. Eames not only has the mental acuity and charm to get your crew inside, but also the work ethic to make sure you know every aspect of that target. BACK UP IF DEAD OR IN JAIL : Frank Abagnale Jr. (Leonardo DiCaprio), Catch Me If You Can (and real life) THE DEMOLITION: JOE BANG (DANIEL CRAIG), LOGAN LUCKY Truth be told, I was having difficulty trying to figure out if I wanted to add The Muscle, The Safe Cracker, or The Weapons Expert as the most physical piece of this heist crew puzzle. In the end, I landed on The Demolition, mostly because you can blow up a safe you can’t crack, you must be fearless to deal with death at any moment, and if that slightly crazy person is going to deal with bombs, they most likely will be able to deal with a few firearms and other weapons as well. The person I want doing all of that with my crew is the right little bit of brave (aka crazy) and the exact correct amount of explosive, which puts Bang at the top of the list. He can create small and large explosives from damn near anything (two bleach pens and some gummy bears, to be exact), he can crack safes if bombs are too conspicuous, and, dammit, he is just fun to be around. A man of science AND a man of entertainment is exactly what’s needed to break the walls of a safe and break the tension of a heist. BACK UP IF DEAD OR IN JAIL (OR IF YOU CAN’T BREAK BANG OUT OF JAIL) : Darby (Dale Soules), Lightyear THE TECH SUPPORT: LUTHER STICKELL (VING RHAMES), MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE Currently, it is, The Year of Our Lord, 2024. There is no security system in the world that is not using some sort of technological advances to keep their booties safe. However, for those who are smart, there are going to be analog-based safeguards to back up the most technologically up-to-date security systems, which means there are legions of young men and women making it their life’s mission to hack them. That’s why I need someone with 30+ years of experience both inside and outside the law. A person who can hack security systems, break into government facilities, stay calm under the pressures of a ticking clock, guide crew members through labyrinths of corporate offices, and utilize a multitude of high- and low-tech devices to fit every single technological edge. Stickell is that guy for every job. Let’s not forget that he has been disavowed just as many times (if not more) than Ethan Hunt, yet he has continued to prove time and time again that he knows how to win against all odds. Plus, he is on the automatic shortlist for probably the second most important member of the crew behind its mastermind (see below). BACK UP IF DEAD OR IN JAIL : Lyle (Seth Green), The Italian Job THE DRIVER: RANDALL “MEMPHIS” RAINES (NICOLAS CAGE), GONE IN 60 SECONDS There are certain specialists in a crew you can get away with not having: a Grease Man, a Gunman, a Financier, to name a few. However, you always, always, ALWAYS need a getaway driver. Someone who can take anything on wheels to get you from point A to point B, not only in a timely manner, but also in one piece. With this being a rule and not an exception for all heists, there are plenty of fictional drivers that could feasibly fill this spot. My personal favorite is the one who is reluctant to do it unless absolutely necessary. He has put his criminal days behind him to live a normal life because he knows the dangers of stealing, and more importantly, the dangers of high-speed getaways. For me, that’s Memphis. He becomes one with every vehicle when he gets behind the wheel, knows the ins and outs of each part, and can maneuver in tight spaces as well as large freeways and makeshift ramps. There may be more technically skilled stunt drivers on the market, but I don’t think there is another driver I would trust more to make the right decision behind the wheel than Raines BACK UP IF DEAD OR IN JAIL: Miles “Baby” (Ansel Elgort), Baby Driver THE RIGHT HAND: LOU MILLER, (CATE BLANCHETT), OCEAN’S 8 The second most important member of the crew, maybe even the first depending on the leader, is The Right Hand. This member is the point person that most of the crew look to on a day-to-day basis while The Mastermind is out doing mastermindy things. They know almost everything that’s happening at any point of the set-up, heist, and getaway; they are a jack-of-many-trades; and they are the glue that holds the ragtags together. Above all that, though, they are the “No” man. They are there to tell the leader when their head is too far up their ass, the plan isn’t going to work as conceptualized, or when revenge is risking the entire operation. Lou is never afraid to be the “No”… woman. She knows she could run the crew if she wanted, but her loyalty and friendship are much more important than her ego. She is there to drop everything (even her own operation) to be there for her partner, to tell her partner when she is in over her head, and to organize the back-up to the back-up’s back-up when all other back-ups fail. Plus, everyone likes her. When Willy Bank (Al Pacino) threatened Danny Ocean with “people who really know how to hurt,” Ocean highlighted how that wouldn’t work because he knew all the guys Bank would hire, and “they like me better than you.” That level of likability and loyalty are going to get you much further in this game than just about anything else, and Lou has it in spades. BACK UP IF DEAD OR IN JAIL: Luis (Michael Peña), Ant-Man THE MASTERMIND: ASSANE DIOP (OMAR SY), LUPIN The only member of the crew not from a film, Assane Diop can do all of the jobs mentioned above and more, and quite possibly do them more efficiently, less violently, and with greater success. He has been the mastermind of the most elaborate heists in all of Europe for decades, yet he hasn’t been caught. He is charming, intelligent, physically capable, a master of disguise, and can see five to ten steps ahead of just about everyone, doing all of this while garnering the loyalty of fellow criminals, family members, and even police detectives that initially were sent to capture him. The crew needs to be confident in the person who puts the plan together, believe in their conviction, understand and accept their motivation, and know that they have thought of every possible scenario that can and will go wrong before the first heist member is even put in place. Nobody checks all those boxes more than the student of the ultimate fictional thief, Arsene Lupin, nobody checks those boxes with as much charm and loyalty to his family, and nobody is better equipped to be a leader of the ultimate heist crew than the ultimate gentleman thief. I’d follow Diop into a criminal lifestyle confident I would make it out better on the other side. BACK UP IF DEAD OR IN JAIL : Dalton Russell (Clive Owen), Inside Man

Previous Next August 11, 2022 WRITTEN BY: PAIGE On the anniversary of his untimely passing, I want to talk about Robin Williams. As an actor, Williams was a jack of all trades, leaving behind a legacy of outstanding performances across multiple genres in both supporting and lead roles. He won Emmys, Grammys, Golden Globes, and an Oscar. He found fame through stand-up, but soon broke into television (and later film) where he established himself with a unique, fast-paced, and improvisational style that earned him accolades and acclaim from critics and fans alike. As a person, he was an inspiration to many, including myself, and his absence is still notable. Williams had a limitless ambition and desire to constantly better himself and those around him. Through his work and charitable actions, he taught us to see life and others in new, creative, and compassionate ways. Williams once said, “No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world,” and that is what he did for me - he changed my world. With a range like no other, from comedy to horror to heartfelt dramas, all of his roles hold a special place in my heart, but the ones listed below are my absolute favorites. 10. HOOK (1991) Director Steven Spielberg's fantasy adventure Hook was right up my alley when I was a kid. There have been many Peter Pans, but Williams is my generation's Pan, and his performance as a stuck-up man who must rekindle his imaginative childhood spirit is spot on. There is no denying that this film is magical, and to this day, I feel like a kid that never wants to grow up every time I watch it. Oh, and just try not to tear up when one of the Lost Boys says, “oh, there you are, Peter.” Like I said, magic. 9. ONE HOUR PHOTO (2002) If you think Williams could only do comedy or drama, you’re WRONG! One Hour Photo , a deeply disturbing psychological thriller about a lonely photo technician that brings on the creepiness, is a fantastic example of an actor doing an incredible job with a character that is completely against type. The power of Williams' unsettling portrayal shows a range that, frankly, viewers probably never thought was possible from him. This flick is perhaps his most underrated film, and it features perhaps his most underrated performance. 8. THE BIRDCAGE (1996) “Fosse! Fosse! Fosse!” Williams gives a brilliant comedic performance alongside a stellar cast in The Birdcage . While his character could have easily been an offensive stereotype, it’s infused with such a deep humanity by director Mike Nichols. And let’s not forget that the chemistry between Williams and Nathan Lane is undeniable, making them one of the most iconic couples on film. 7. INSOMNIA (2002) Williams’ performance in Insomnia is a prime example of what I mean when I say he was one of the most diverse actors in the business. Although he does not appear in the film all that much, he makes the most of his screen time as the film’s creepy villain with an absolutely chilling performance. The cat-and-mouse games his Walter Finch plays with Al Pacino’s Detective Dormer allows this underseen gem from director Christopher Nolan to be one of Williams’ most striking and surprising offerings. I mean, who would’ve thought he could pull off playing a psychotic killer?!? 6. ALADDIN (1992) This Disney Renaissance Era adventure is one of my favorite animated movies, and that’s almost entirely because of Robin Williams. Not only is his vocal performance as The Genie iconic, it’s probably one of the all-time best animated performances ever. The character is infused with his trademark comedy and style, really capturing Williams in a way that feels special and timeless to this day. This is a one-of-a-kind performance that likely will never be rivaled. 5. AWAKENINGS (1990) Robin Williams and Robert De Niro are a dynamic duo in this real-life drama from director Penny Marshall. Even though De Niro got all the Oscar buzz, the subtlety of Williams’ performance makes Awakenings a wonderfully touching tale. It’s also another example of Williams’ ability to take on diverse roles. He is exceptional as Dr. Sayer, quietly becoming the soul of the film through the palpable feeling of hope that he radiates. I’m not lying when I say this film taught me to make the most out of life. 4. MRS. DOUBTFIRE (1993) “Hellooo!” There’s no other way to say it, Mrs. Doubtfire features one of Williams’ most iconic characters, and the movie itself remains one of the great family films of the 90s. The man’s transformation into an elderly British nanny is nothing short of spectacular. It’s Robin Williams at his best, turning a film about divorce into something weird, hysterical, and incredibly heartwarming. But underneath that is a story about an immature man that grows up by walking in a woman’s shoes. Maybe some guys should try this tactic. 3. GOOD WILL HUNTING (1997) I’m a Boston gal, so of course I have to include Good Will Hunting . There is something inherently human about Williams’ character that makes this movie a powerful and emotional watch, and he was able to use his own personal experiences with depression to propel himself to an Oscar win for his performance as therapist Sean Maguire. I mean, come on, let’s be real…Williams’ delivers one of the best monologues on film, and the fact that it imparts the important message that being a genius is worthless if you don’t lead a meaningful and fulfilling life makes it that much more commanding. 2. DEAD POETS SOCIETY (1989) “O’ Captain, My Captain!” Dead Poets Society is beautifully directed by Peter Weir, and in my mind, is an inspirational classic. It’s such a moving film, featuring an outstanding performance from Robin Williams as a teacher who thinks-outside-the-box in an effort to change the lives of his students. The film takes its time telling a simple but effective tale on the importance of being a free thinker, and it truly changed my outlook on life. There are no better words to live by than “Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.” 1. GOOD MORNING, VIETNAM (1987) And, finally, my all-time favorite Robin Williams’ film is Good Morning, Vietnam . As someone who worked in radio for a few years, I can totally relate to this movie. This war dramedy explores some of the hardest moments humanity has gone through, and it’s all done so through the comedic lens of Williams. It’s captivating, allowing Williams’ to show his wide range of acting chops and the improvisational skills he would become known for. He is, no exaggeration, fantastic, and it feels as if this role was made for him specifically, which is probably why it earned him his first Oscar nomination. Sadly, Robin Williams committed suicide on August 11, 2014. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please contact Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK in the U.S.. Connect to a crisis responder to get help without judgement. You deserve to be heard, they’re here to listen. Photo Credits: Photo 1 - TriStar Pictures; Photo 2 - Searchlight Pictures; Photo 3 - MGM; Photo 4 - Warner Bros.; Photo 5, 9, 10 - Disney; Photo 6 - Columbia Pictures; Photo 7 - 20th Century Studios; Photo 8 - Miramax Films

LOOT: SEASON TWO Starring: Maya Rudolph, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Ron Funches, Nat Faxon, Joel Kim Booster, Stephanie Styles, Adam Scott, and Meagen Fay Creators: Matt Hubbard and Alan Yang AMARÚ Both seasons of Loot have extreme highs (digging into its stacked cast’s characters and a crazy good soundtrack) and extreme lows (unfunny satirical jokes and bits). This latest season initially caved to those base impulses, but quickly turned its focus to the charming characters and their inherently quirky relationships. For the love of all that’s hilarious, ignore the first episode, as the swerve into the ensemble’s strong chemistry is as effective as its brilliant guest stars (Benjamin Bratt and O-T Fagbenle are having the most fun). Did I mention the great soundtrack? Because… damn, it’s fabulous. Bravo, Season Two. Bravo!

Previous Next January 8, 2025 WRITTEN BY: ADRIANO Another year has come to an end, and 2024, like most years, has been a year of highs and lows when it comes to cinema. For those who don’t ardently follow such things, I imagine many are trying to figure out what movies are worth catching up on, especially since awards season has thrown a bunch of movie titles at you. I’m assuming, more likely than not, you’ve seen the big blockbusters like Dune: Part Two and Wicked , and maybe you've even caught some buzzy hits like Longlegs and Challengers . As we speak, many of you are probably trying to get caught up on awards hopefuls like Anora and The Brutalist . However, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention some films that, in my opinion, are easily amongst the year's best offerings while flying completely below the radar. So, here are ten underappreciated films from 2024 that everyone should watch. HOW TO HAVE SEX I saw How to Have Sex for the first time at TIFF 2023, and it has remained in my head ever since. I'm genuinely at a loss for words that it's Molly Manning Walker’s directorial debut, but that has made me excited for whatever she does next. Following three teenage girls on a week-long summer vacation to Malia, Greece, the film focuses primarily on Tara, played spectacularly by Mia McKenna-Bruce, as she seeks to lose her virginity. While the film begins as a somewhat familiar, albeit energetic, coming-of-age party film, it evolves into something much more profound, becoming a seething indictment on hook-up and party culture and how it pertains to women and consent. It's the kind of film I'd show my kids when they become teenagers, not just because it's so good, but because of how important it could be in shaping their minds on the subject. I SAW THE TV GLOW After their surreal previous film, We're All Going to the World's Fair , I was pretty intrigued by whatever writer-director Jane Schoenbrun cooked up next. I Saw the TV Glow validated that excitement big time, making them the upcoming filmmaker I'm most excited for. Something about Schoenbrun's way of exploring themes of finding individual freedom, especially for queer and trans people, via entertainment, esoteric horror, and colourful imagery that crawls under your skin is simply mesmerizing (not to mention the performances Schoenbrun got out of Justice Smith and Brigette Lundy-Paine). However, the best part of it is that, even once the credits rolled, it felt like it still hadn't ended, as the movie kept me pondering every scene and detail long after I left the theatre. Now, I'm not going to pretend I Saw the TV Glow is a film for everybody, but I still believe it's a film everyone should seek out and experience at least once. HIS THREE DAUGHTERS The power a good writer-director can capture in a single room for almost an entire movie’s runtime is something that I'll never understand. In Azazel Jacob's chamber piece His Three Daughters , we follow three adult sisters who resolve their broken relationship as their father is about to die. The biggest sell of this movie has been the central performances from Carrie Coon, Elizabeth Olsen, and most notably, Natasha Lyonne. All three of them feel as lived in as possible, with every grievance and past trauma feeling very authentic. His Three Daughters shines as a devastating yet strangely endearing film of familial baggage and what grief can bring out of people. Simply put, it's a worthwhile tearjerker that should leave a long-lasting impact on any viewer. DÌDI I might as well throw another great coming-of-age movie in the mix with Dìdi . In the feature directorial debut of Sean Wang, Dìdi is about a 13-year-old Taiwanese-American kid named Chris, played amazingly by Izaac Wang, in the final month of summer vacation before beginning high school. The kicker: the film takes place in 2008, meaning the rise of the digital era plays a major role. As someone who came of age in this era, I can speak to the film's unflinching authenticity, from the performance of the entire ensemble of kids to the way they speak. Plus, the embarrassing and emotional beats the kids go through all felt very familiar, for better and for worse. However, the film's secret weapon lies in Joan Chen, who gives one of the year's best performances as the protagonist’s struggling mother. If you grew up in the 00s, you'll find something really special here, but even if you didn't, it's still a funny and heartwarming coming-of-age film. HUNDREDS OF BEAVERS A common accusation I hear whenever I speak ill of a superhero slopfest is that I "don't like fun." Thankfully, Hundreds of Beavers is here to prove that I do, in fact, love fun because it’s just a total blast. Directed by Mike Cheslik for just $150,000, the film follows a 19th-century applejack salesman who suddenly must survive a hoard of conniving, human-sized beavers. This movie is essentially a feature-length, live-action Looney Tunes cartoon, featuring slapstick that harkens back to the era of Charlie Chaplin and loads of laughter from its wild visual gags. The gags themselves genuinely make me wonder how they made this film with such a tiny budget. There is nothing about Hundreds of Beavers that is necessarily profound; it's just a sincerely silly movie that sucks you in with its pure mayhem. KILL Speaking of pure fun, let's talk about Kill . Directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, the film follows two commandos who are aboard a train that's been hijacked by bandits. Also, the two commandos seek revenge and justice after the bandits kill the girlfriend of one of the commandos. While there is an effective emotional throughline with the murder that really sets the plot in motion, if you're like me and just a kneejerk sucker for well-executed, hyper-gory hand-to-hand combat, this is the film for you. I was lucky enough to see this for the first time with a Midnight Madness crowd at TIFF, which was exciting enough as is, but subsequent viewings of the film have only affirmed just how radically exciting Kill is. SASQUATCH SUNSET No dialogue, just grunts and bodily fluids being chucked everywhere. That's Sasquatch Sunset for you. A bizarre film across the board, it tells the story of a family of sasquatches who venture across the wilderness. That's the essential plot of the film, but the movie offers much more under the surface. Directed by Nathan and David Zellner, Sasquatch Sunset gives us some incredible performance work from Jesse Eisenberg, Christophe Zajac-Denek, Nathan Zellner, and especially Riley Keough as they demonstrate absurd levels of humanity despite being trapped under several layers of prosthetics. But the thing about this film that is really special is its ability to give us a lovely tale of finding a connection to each other and to the earth. It shows that even at its most ridiculous and in the face of heavy hardships, life has a way of turning things around. Trust me when I say this one will make you laugh and possibly even cry. SNACK SHACK A running theme in this article seems to be that of the coming-of-age genre because I really want to talk about just how much I adored Snack Shack . Set in the 90s, the film follows two teenage boys who start running a concession stand at the local pool. Writer-director Adam Carter Rehmeier has stated that this film is semi-autobiographical, based on experiences from his own childhood, and that level of authenticity is apparent in nearly every scene. The movie has a lot of heart and plenty of laughs, and even at the film's most familiar beats, Snack Shack is just charming all the way through. A big part of that charm are the excellent lead performances from Connor Sherry and Gabriel LaBelle. There are not many people I wouldn't recommend this to. It's just too likable. THE ORDER If it was still the 90s, The Order would've been huge. A thriller about an FBI agent trying to take down a white supremacist terrorist group? It has everything a movie-goer would love… and it was just ignored. It has all the pulse-pounding thrills you'd want from an effective true-crime action-thriller, with great cinematography, engrossing storytelling, and an all-around amazing ensemble, including one of my favourite performances from Jude Law. It may seem like a tough watch due to its subject matter, but director Justin Kurzel crafted a timely yet enthralling film that can satisfy any audience. THE SHADOW STRAYS Whenever I hear that we don't get original, high-concept, action films anymore, I roll my eyes hard because they do exist, you just have to look deeper. For example, The Shadow Strays , a martial arts film by acclaimed director Timo Tjahjanto, is about a female ninja who sets out to rescue a child from human traffickers. I mean, what about that concept doesn't sound enticing? I'll admit, when I saw the film at a Midnight Madness screening on the 10th day of TIFF, I was tired and considered leaving before the film began. And then 15 minutes in, ninjas were shooting and slicing people up in stylized and gory ways, so I decided to stick around. Totally worth it. An unrelenting blast from start to finish with plenty of heart, it ends on a sequel set-up, which I usually get annoyed at; however, this time? I welcome it.

CULPRITS: SEASON ONE Starring: Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Gemma Arterton, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Niamh Algar, Kamel El Basha, Tara Abboud, Karl Collins, Vincent Riotta, Amara Karan, Tom Mothersdale, Mark Field, and Laura Morgan Creator: J Blakeson QUENTIN The heist genre is maybe the most fun genre out there, and probably one of the hardest to truly mess up. With Culprits , series creator/writer/occasional director J Blakeson benefits from these two ideals because when it finally gets to heisting, it’s a fast-paced, violent, action-packed show. The problem is that it takes half the season to get there, and the early episodes, which lean heavily into a “before-and-after” storytelling structure, are a bit of a slog because the constant time-jumping kills the narrative momentum. Still, as a whole, if you can make it through the uneven start, there is enough stylized Reservoir Dogs -inspired goodness to entertain.

Previous Next With the highly anticipated release of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, we figured it was the perfect time for the Bitesize crew has put their brains together to compile Bitesize Breakdown's consensus Top Five Non-MCU Marvel Films/Series. Each writer ranks his or her top 15 releases in the category. Those lists are then weighted on a reverse point system. After all the points are tallied up, the entries with the most total points make up the Bitesize Top Five. 5. DEADPOOL After years of rumors, Ryan Reynolds (after leaking some test footage) finally got to properly bring Wade Wilson to the big screen, and it changed the superhero movie game in more ways than one. It showed that mainstream comic book movies could be successful while also being hella violent and raunchily R-rated. It’s also one of the first to demonstrate that major blockbusters can open in February, and, if we’re being honest, it kinda resurrected Reynolds’ career. Most of all, though, it gave studios permission to take risks when it comes to superhero content, especially when you stay true to the character. - Quentin 4. X2: X-MEN UNITED The first X-Men movie was quite a ride, but X2: X-Men United is the rare sequel that doubles down on what made the original so great while also introducing new ideas to help elevate the genre. Of course, the action and mutant shenanigans are on full display, but what makes X2 better than its predecessor is the surprisingly detailed character work that makes you genuinely connect. Many comic book sequels have come out since then, but X2 will always be the gold standard. - Adriano 3. SPIDER-MAN 2 Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2 is not only considered one of the greatest comic book sequels of all time, but it’s also the ultimate live-action Spidey movie. Raimi is able to establish a tone that feels straight out of a comic book despite being real life. It’s a lighthearted film with dark themes that are executed in perfect balance, and the inner conflict of what it actually means to be Spider-Man still feels real and raw. Spider-Man 2 remains one of the ultimate non-MCU Marvel movies to swing onto the big screen. - Paige 2. SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE When trailers for Into the Spider-Verse initially released, there was a general “uhh, sure” that was heard across Film Twitter. But then we all saw it, and it changed animation, comic book movies, and Spider-people forever. It’s heartfelt, action-packed, incredibly voice-acted, and all out pure awesomeness in every meaning of the word. From the Cage-iest Nic Cage you can find to the moving monologue by Miles’ dad (Bryan Tyree Henry) through the door, Spider-Verse fires on all cinematic cylinders. The best Spider-Man movie is animated, and it’s not even close. - Amarú 1. LOGAN This modern-day western is a bonafide masterpiece that shows the potential for what a superhero film can be, thanks to the maturity and grittiness that director James Mangold brought to the X-Men universe. Hugh Jackman (playing dual roles) manages to take his performance up yet another notch as he says goodbye to the longtime role (Deadpool 3 , notwithstanding), while Patrick Stewart returns as a painstakingly brittle Charles Xavier. And don't even get me started on the finale. This is truly exceptional filmmaking. - Nick HONORABLE MENTIONS X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST X-MEN: FIRST CLASS SPIDER-MAN (2002) DEADPOOL 2 BIG HERO 6 Photo Credits: Photo 1, 2, 5 - 20th Century Studios; Photo 3, 4 - Sony Pictures Releasing

Previous Next April 25, 2022 WRITTEN BY: QUENTIN It’s easy for one to look at Nic Cage’s eccentricities & spate of direct-to-VOD movies and not fully appreciate what the man has done over the course of his 40-year career. He has excelled as a rom-com lead, an action star, a horror hero, and a scene-stealing voice actor, all while boasting two Academy Award nominations (and one win) for his dramatic work. He is, quite possibly, the only actor that truly takes risks anymore, acting for genuine love of the craft more than anything else. Truth is, you never know what you’re going to get with a Cage performance. Will it be a gonzo tour-de-force or a meditative character study? Will you laugh, cheer, be moved, or be repulsed? Either way, you just know he is going to do something interesting with each and every role while giving nothing less than 100%. That intrigue, unpredictability, and commitment is what makes Nic Cage my favorite actor. Below, you’ll find a list of my favorite Cage movies. Please note that I said “favorite,” not “best.” The two words are not synonymous. While I respect that his performance in Leaving Las Vegas is sublime, it’s such a hard movie to watch. So, you won’t find it here. Same for Mandy . You also won’t find Into the Spider-verse because, despite him being arguably the highlight of that movie, I don’t consider it a Nic Cage movie as much as a movie that just happens to co-star Nic Cage. You won’t find The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent either because I literally just watched it like an hour ago. I need to marinate on it. I don’t want to be influenced by recency bias, and only time will tell if it eventually moves its way up the list. Instead, what you will find are the Cage movies that speak to me the most. Be it nostalgia, a relatable character, or simply a high rewatchability quotient, these are the Cage films that give me the warm and fuzzies. Lastly, I’m writing the article, so I make the rules. Shut up if you don’t like it. With that, it’s not exactly Mai Tais and Yahtzee out here, but let’s do it! 10. KISS OF DEATH (1995) Without Cage, Kiss of Death would likely be a forgettable 90s movie, found in the bargain bin next to titles like Striking Distance and Sudden Death . However, Cage single-handedly wills the film into something more as Little Junior, an asthmatic thug who carries himself with more bravado than Denzel Washington in Training Day . Plus, it’s one of the rare times in which Cage is allowed to lean into pure villainy, which is a treat in itself. 9. JOE (2013) Joe ’s story is nothing new: a loner ex-con becomes a reluctant mentor to an abused teenager; However, Cage plays the titular character with both a simmering brutality and poetic stillness that adds immeasurable depth to the oft-told tale. His chemistry with Tye Sheridan makes for a powerful bond, and it’s interesting to see Cage play a character who is constantly trying to hold back his innermost impulses when we know that, as an actor, that’s not where he tends to operate. 8. LORD OF WAR (2005) Lord of War , which could genuinely function as a Tony Stark prequel (without the MCU shine, of course) takes a hard look at the global and personal consequences of illegal gun running. Cage strikes an uneasy balance as a charming yet morally corrupt monster, the kind of character you can’t help but like even as you know you shouldn’t. Few people can walk that tightrope, but Cage delivers in this sharp satire. 7. WILLY'S WONDERLAND (2021) Despite being a ripoff of the Five Nights at Freddy’s video game franchise and one of Cage’s direct-to-VOD efforts, Willy’s Wonderland is an absolute blast! It’s a simple story, a nameless janitor (Cage) battles murderous Chuck E. Cheese-style animatronics, but Cage absolutely owns the screen whether he’s kicking ass, chugging grape soda, or playing pinball. On top of that, he does it all without uttering a single word. The 80s vibe reeks of tongue-in-cheek cheesiness, but it definitely works for this hidden horror gem. 6. GONE IN SIXTY SECONDS (2000) Despite the critical drubbing it took in 2000, I’m not sure what more you could ask for in a Jerry Bruckheimer-produced action flick about stealing cars. It’s got humor, car chases, a stellar supporting ensemble (including three Oscar winners), and, frankly, it’s just a whole lot of fun. Add in all-time great Cage character name Memphis Raines and the Shelby GT500 known as “Eleanor,” and you’ve got a movie that always stops me in my tracks when flipping channels. 5. RAISING ARIZONA (1987) Despite having starred in several comedies, romantic and otherwise, people tend to forget how funny Cage can be. The Coen Brothers’ Raising Arizona is an absurdist screwball comedy that only works if you have a lead with excellent comedic timing, charm, and charisma, which Cage delivers in spades (not to mention the terrific mustache and muttonchops). Raising Arizona is a 35-year-old comedy classic that put both the Coens and Cage on the map. If you need any more convincing, director Edgar Wright called it his favorite movie of all time. 4. PIG (2021) In the five years preceding Pig ’s release, Cage starred in no fewer than 20 direct-to-VOD movies. Given that, I can understand why some people seemed to have forgotten what the man is capable of. In this film-that-was-definitely-snubbed-for-a-Best-Picture-Nomination, Cage zigs when most assume he will zag, playing the meditative, soulful, and non-violent yin to John Wick’s yang. It’s a brilliant character study on love and loss for which he was completely jobbed for his third Best Actor nomination. 3. NATIONAL TREASURE (2004) & NATIONAL TREASURE: BOOK OF SECRETS (2007) Playing out like Adult Goonies , National Treasure is a treasure hunt adventure that works for pretty much the entire family. While the historical aspects may be romanticized a bit, it’s a fun caper that probably birthed the Memefication of CageTM with one single quote: “I’m going to steal the Declaration of Independence.” It’s pure popcorn fun, but in all the best ways. Then they made a second one! 2. MATCHSTICK MEN (2003) In Matchstick Men , Cage plays a con man with OCD and Tourette’s. Can you honestly imagine a more interesting actor to play someone with Tourette’s? You can see the gonzo Nic Cage we all know and love just itching to break out through every twitchy tick. It’s like he combined the grounded approach of Leaving Las Vegas with the more eccentric choices he made in Vampire’s Kiss . With a twisty story that engages and a completely earned character arc for Cage’s Ray, Matchstick Men is one of Cage’s most overlooked movies. 1. THE YEAR OF CAGE: June 6, 1996 - July 27, 1997 Yeah, yeah, I know what you’re thinking: “You can’t just give us a random timeframe, Q.” I absolutely can. I make the rules, remember? Besides, how does one even choose between The Rock , Con Air , and Face/Off , all of which were released within (nearly) a one-year span? All three are iconic, late-90s action films, with each one producing memorable one-liners, unforgettable action scenes, generational nostalgia, colorful characters, and a string of memes that are popular 25 years later. It’s genuinely one of the best three-film-stretches for any action star, and Cage delivered it in under 14 months. That’s remarkable. I’ll be damned if I’m going to be forced into a Sophie’s Choice situation with this trinity. Photo Credits: Photo 1, 6 - 20th Century Studios; Photo 2 - Roadside Attractions; Photo 3 - Lionsgate; Photo 4 - Screen Media Films; Photo 5, 8, 10 - Disney; Photo 7 - Neon; Photo 9 - Warner Bros; Photo 10 - Paramount Pictures

FARGO: SEASON FIVE Starring: Jon Hamm, Juno Temple, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Joe Keery, David Rysdahl, Richa Moorjani, Sam Spruell, Sienna King, Dave Foley, Conrad Coates, and Lamorne Morris Creator: Noah Hawley QUENTIN After not loving its fourth season (I gave it a 2.5), Fargo is back with a vengeance, returning to all the things that made the first three seasons great: excellent characters, top-notch performances, and an engaging story that is equal parts violent, dramatic, suspenseful, absurd, and funny. Admittedly, some parts are unnecessary (Lamorne Morris’ character, for example), but the exploration of the power dynamics at play in America’s current culture, gender, and class war is extremely compelling and as relevant as ever. And it’s all carried by a terrific cadre of quirky side characters and subversive powerhouse performances from Jon Hamm and Juno Temple. PRESTON After watching Seasons Three and Four, I thought Fargo had peaked; however, Season Five brings it home as the closest offering to Seasons One and Two in terms of quality. Jon Hamm plays the bad guy so well that I hope the majority of his roles in the future will be villainous, while Juno Temple perfectly takes on the role of a sweet and unassuming, yet enigmatic, Midwesterner. The combination of writer/creator Noah Hawley’s genius, executive producers Joel and Ethan Coen’s unique humor and perspective, and a kick-ass cast operating against the backdrop of unbelievable but “true” events lead to solid entertainment.