Previous Next Spooky season is back and with it, comes a spooky Top Five. So, grab a seat by the campfire and cuddle up under a blanket because the Bitesize crew has put their brains together to compile Bitesize Breakdown's consensus Top Five Ghost Stories. As per usual, each writer ranks their 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. POLTERGEIST (1982) Being one of the defining horror films of the late 20th century, it's hard to overstate the brilliance of Poltergeist . There is a lot to be afraid of in this classic, as this inventive ghost story maintains a consistent eerie dread throughout that's only exacerbated by the mortifying thrills that come, but many ghost movies and horror films share this quality. What makes Poltergeist so special is its focus on the suburban family life being threatened, if not to prove the love the family has for each other, making Poltergeist not just scary but also bizarrely endearing. There is some dispute about how involved Steven Spielberg was in directing this, but either way, Poltergeist has that Spielbergian magic that makes many of his films stand the test of time. Given that it's 2025 and it remains a horror staple, director Tobe Hooper deserves all the credit for this spooky masterpiece. - Adriano 4. GHOSTBUSTERS (1984) Is there a better feel-good ghost story than Ghostbusters ? Usually, the concept portends something harrowing and eerie, possibly dreary, but with this, you get quirkiness, snark, and fun in 105 minutes. Even though it isn't credited as a Saturday Night Live film, it inhabits the spirit of the show with its writing and actors, and Ivan Reitman leaned into an improvisational style to keep it playful. Everyone is at the top of their game, and when linked with special effects that surprisingly hold up and one of the greatest singles ever recorded for film (how it didn't win an Oscar is a crime), you get a cultural phenomenon. Nothing will touch Ghostbusters as a comedy revolving around spectres, but beyond that, it is a touchstone of pop culture with nary a bad word uttered or written about it since busting can only make you feel good. - Robert 3. THE SHINING To me, The Shining is without a doubt the pinnacle of modern ghost stories. The film itself feels haunted and mean-spirited, epitomising everything that’s unsettling about ghosts. It's a matter of interpretation whether the ghostly presence at the Overlook Hotel is a manifestation of Jack’s descent into madness or not, but either way, the terrifying identical twins and horrifying woman in the bathtub spring to mind when speaking about the best of ghosts in film. The impact of The Shining is clear throughout pop culture as it has influenced countless other films, and it's unique in its enduring imagery and strangely unsettling atmosphere. Although it encompasses various genres, including slashers, gothic horror, and haunted house movies, The Shining is the ultimate ghost story. - Katie 2. THE SIXTH SENSE One could make the case that The Sixth Sense was both a blessing and a curse for M. Night Shyamalan. The kind of success it had meant that critics and audiences would, fairly or not, have high expectations for his subsequent projects. While I wouldn’t say this is my absolute favourite in Shyamalan’s filmography (it’s a toss-up between Unbreakable and The Village ), that doesn’t mean that I don’t get why this became such a cultural phenomenon. In embracing some of the tropes associated with studio horror, Shyamalan transcended them in the process, delivering audiences a moody ghost story about learning to find closure in this cruel world. Beyond all his filmmaking tricks, like his impeccable blocking and ability in directing children (Haley Joel Osment really is incredible in this), his unabashed humanity is the real driving force behind this. It’s why the scares hit as hard as they do. It’s why that famous twist ending is as heartbreaking as it is. It’s why the film as a whole endures to this day. - Bode 1. BEETLEJUICE “Daylight come and me wan' go home!” As a horror fan, Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice was a huge staple of my childhood. Danny Elfman’s eerie and whimsical score and the film’s memorable cast pair perfectly with Burton’s strange and stylish direction. I still find it astounding that Michael Keaton, who plays the iconic poltergeist Betelgeuse, only has about 20 minutes of screen time, yet he was still able to deliver one of his most unforgettable and best performances to date. And while the film may not be the scariest ghost movie on this list, there's no denying that it has some chilling visuals and bizarre practical and special effects (the sandworms still haunt me in my dreams from time to time). All in all, this cult classic captures the heart and soul of a haunting ghost story while blending it with humor and a weirdly unique take on the afterlife. - Paige HONORABLE MENTIONS THE OTHERS A GHOST STORY THE FRIGHTENERS THE CONJURING THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE

THE STICKY Starring: Margo Martindale, Chris Diamantopoulos, Guillaume Cyr, Gita Miller, Guy Nadon, Suzanne Clément, Mickaël Gouin, and Jamie Lee Curtis Creators: Brian Donovan and Ed Herro QUENTIN Given that The Sticky is about the great Canadian maple syrup heist, the not-at-all-serious, “look at these bumbling idiots” tone makes a lot of sense. It’s not unlike The Coen Brothers’ The Ladykillers in that way, for better or worse. However, even at six, half-hour episodes, there just isn’t enough story, character development, or outright quirkiness to make it anything more than a half-hearted distraction. Also, it all just feels too cheap and slight (or too Canadian?) despite Jamie Lee Curtis (also a producer) showing up in a bit role to inject some recognizable clout. Props to all the French covers of American rock classics, though.

THE LAST OF US: SEASON ONE Starring: Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey Creators: Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin AMARÚ HBO’s The Last of Us is a brilliant adaptation that validates many gamers’ claim that it’s the greatest video game ever made. Writer/creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann knew exactly when to adapt faithfully and when to stray, including this season’s sparsity of cordycep zombies. Forfeiting that overarching threat allowed the layered characters and excellent pacing to generate the show’s ominous tone. Pedro Pascal (Joel) and Bella Ramsey (Ellie) are outstanding together, and the supporting cast elevates their story’s gripping intensity. Every action scene, every quiet moment, and every second of this season is utilized to perfection. JACOB It cannot be overstated the degree to which HBO’s The Last of Us will likely go down as the greatest video game adaptation ever put on screen, but when your show is this stellar, that description is more than apt. The most stunning thing about it isn’t the production value, pitch perfect performances from Pedro Pascal and especially Bella Ramsey, or even its ace supporting cast; it’s in how the series adapts the game, knowing when to leave things out, weave things in, and add entire story beats to further enhance the narrative. I cannot emphasize enough how well they did. QUENTIN In a vacuum, The Last of Us is a good show, maybe even a great one; however, it’s very similar to The Walking Dead (TWD ). The same themes of survival, family-by-circumstance, and “mankind is the real monster” are prevalent, and as someone who begrudgingly hate-watched TWD for a few seasons before finally giving up around Season Eight, The Last of Us is just more typical zombie tropes. Although the acting is great, Episode Three is profound, and there are effective emotional and suspenseful beats throughout, it still feels like a retread of something I had already found tiresome (even if it is an overall improvement). PAIGE HBO has once again delivered the golden standard for television because, hot damn!, The Last of Us is a masterpiece in tense storytelling, world-building, and character development. This show just got better and better each week. Sure, it took some liberties, but it made just the right amount of changes to keep the story fresh while also remaining true to its beloved source material. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey completely embodied and breathed new life into their characters while delivering A+ performances. What else can I truly say besides this series has to be one of the greatest video game adaptations ever done! ADRIANO Even by the standards of it being an amazing adaptation of the video game, The Last Of Us ’s first season is an astonishing season of television. The violence and action you’d typically see in a zombie survival story is mostly cast aside in exchange for a story of humanity and how it reacts to a world where death looms at every corner. This approach is anchored flawlessly by the performances of Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, and the world-building and emotional depth is crafted to perfection, creating what is sure to wind up being one of the year's most captivating watches.

Previous January 19, 2026 Next A BITESIZE CHAT WITH JULIA MAX, COLBY MINIFIE, & KATE BURTON Director Julia Max and cast members Colby Minifie (The Boys , Fear the Walking Dead ) and Kate Burton (Grey's Anatomy , Scandal ) are here to chat with Katie about Julia's debut horror feature The Surrender , her personal connection to it, and the importance of telling female-led stories. Make sure to check out The Surrender now on Shudder. Interview conducted on May 8th, 2025 by Katie Bone.

DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN: SEASON TWO Starring: Charlie Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio, Deborah Ann Woll, Ayelet Zurer, Wilson Bethel, Arty Froushan, Michael Gandolfini, Genneya Walton, Tony Dalton, Hamish Allan-Headley, Krysten Ritter, and Matthew Lillard Creator: Dario Scardapane NICK Season Two of Daredevil: Born Again is terrific. Although it moves away from the grittiness of the original series, it emphasizes character work and a parallel political storyline; much like The Boys , it borrows from our current climate. Charlie Cox and Vincent D'Onofrio shine once again, but it's the way creator Dario Scardapane utilitizes his secondary characters without creating a bloated story that makes this season work. Everyone from Benjamin Poindexter (Wilson Bethel) to Daniel Blake (Michael Gandolfini) gets an arc and it always works in service of the main story. Born Again has stopped trying to emulate its predecessor, and it’s better for it. ROBERT The mystique Daredevil: Born Again Season Two built up was because it was supposedly a more cohesive vision from the showrunner and writers. While that is true, the hype train didn’t do the show any favors as I was thinking it would be closer to its peak Netflix days. There is intention to harken back, even dedicating a whole episode to that pre-Disney era, but it doesn’t inspire quite the same feelings. The performances are still top-notch (especially for Marvel), with a special shoutout to Wilson Bethel’s Bullseye, but the Disney sheen remains, like soaked-in blood on a white canvas. AMARÚ Season Two delivers on a cohesively balanced vision of the “dearly missed” Netflix show with the new Disney+ iteration (hindsight has us forgetting the real-time complaints of the Netflix seasons, but I digress). This season’s biggest strength is its care for the entire ensemble, no longer placing everyone’s arc in relation to either Matt Murdock’s (Charlie Cox) or Wilson Fisk’s (Vincent D’Onofrio) perspective. So, Wilson Bethel, Margarita Levieva, and Nikki M. James stand out instead of standing beside the main duo’s brilliance. There’s still some too-glossy overtones, especially in the finale, but where we leave things off brings a grit I’m excited to continue exploring. Check out our reviews for Season One HERE . Want to hear even more of our thoughts? Nick, Amarú, and Pat "Monty" Bulfamante join Matt to take A Bigger Bite out of Daredevil: Born Again: Season Two HERE .

Previous Next February 14, 2026 Director Gore Verbinski is back after almost 10 years, and he has a lot to say. Who better to relay that passion-filled message than Sam Rockwell? Will you join the revolution as they battle AI, doomscrolling, school shootings, and family cloning? Join Nick, Amarú, Paige, and Adriano to talk about the fun(?) they had with the latest time-travel adventure, Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die . Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel for all of our latest video content including our interviews, and be sure to give us a thumbs up and comment your thoughts!

Previous Next March 1, 2022 WRITTEN BY: THE BITESIZE CREW We are proud to present the first ever Bitesize Awards! Similar to the Bitesize Top Five, each writer ranked their Top 10 selections for each awards category. Those lists were then weighted on a reverse point system. After all the points were tallied up, we had our nominations. Finally, we voted on each award. SURPRISE OF THE YEAR *WINNER* TICK, TICK... BOOM! Upon finishing Tick, Tick... Boom! , my jaw hit the floor. Lin-Manuel Miranda's direction isn't just surprising for a first-time film director, but the ingenious way he remixed Jonathan Larson's original, never-before-heard musical numbers from Superbia with newly arranged songs from the Tick, Tick... Boom! rock monologue is something I don't think I've ever seen before in a mainstream musical adaptation. - James CRUELLA Nothing about Cruella ’s marketing made it feel like it was for me, a 40-year-old heterosexual man. However, the killer soundtrack, fantastic costume design, and campy punk rock vibe that permeates the film won me over quickly, proving that you shouldn’t judge a book by its (Disney) cover. - Quentin ZACK SNYDER'S JUSTICE LEAGUE In theory, "The Snyder Cut" was a fun idea that no one expected to come to fruition, let alone be a drastic upgrade on 2017's Justice League . The realization of Zack Snyder's vision is a four hour epic that improves every aspect of the original film and creates one of the best entries in the DCEU. Had this version been the one originally released, it likely would have gotten the sequel it deserved. - Nick FEAR STREET Netflix surprised us all with this bloody gem of a film series by dropping each part of the trilogy week by week, making it appointment viewing for all horror fans! It’s a fun slasher that pays plenty of homage to the genre, featuring stellar kills, heart, and a rad soundtrack. Overall, everyone involved did a killer job! My personal favorite of the year. - Paige PIG The most revolutionary thing about Michael Sarnoski’s brilliant Pig is its innate tenderness. When it begins, one feels a sense of vengeance enter the frame, but that sense soon gives way to a sort of anti-violence. It refuses to turn its main character into a monster, challenging what the viewer might want for him. With Nic Cage’s best performance in decades carrying it all the way through, this love story is sure to make your heart ache. - Jacob BREAKOUT ARTIST *WINNER* JEYMES SAMUEL ( THE HARDER THEY FALL ) In his directorial debut, Jeymes Samuel managed to create one of the best films of 2021, not to mention the best western in at least half a decade. Samuel is clearly influenced by Quentin Tarantino, but The Harder They Fall isn’t just another stylistic ripoff. It feels like Samuel has taken the next step to evolve the QT-style, and I’m here for whatever that means going forward. - Quentin DANIELA MELCHIOR ( THE SUICIDE SQUAD ) Going into The Suicide Squad , I figured we’d get some new vigilantes to join the squad, but not in a million years did I think we’d get one with as much heart as Rat Catcher 2.0. Daniela Melchior shines and steals every scene she is in. Be on the lookout for her because she’s a star in the making! - Paige WOODY NORMAN ( C’MON C’MON ) Joaquin Phoenix is one of this generation's best actors, and newcomer Woody Norman stands alongside him throughout the entirety of C’mon C’mon . Norman brings an authenticity to his performance well beyond his years, and it will be interesting to see where the young actor goes next. - Nick ALANA HAIM ( LICORICE PIZZA ) After viewing Licorice Pizza, you wouldn’t think that this was Alana Haim’s debut performance. The journey of self-discovery that Alana (the character) goes through in this movie is anchored perfectly by Haim, who makes you laugh as well. - Adriano FRAN KRANZ ( MASS ) Not once in Mass does there ever seem to be a misplaced word of dialogue or an ounce of nuance missing. The fact that this is Fran Kranz’ debut script (and directorial debut) makes that notion all the more staggering. Who would have thought one of the stars of The Cabin in the Woods was holding this spectacular screenplay in his back pocket? He created an essential watch for 2021. - Jacob HIDDEN GEM *WINNER* MASS Mass is a special film. The four central performances are beyond spectacular, and the entire script is just so gut wrenching. The film goes beyond the four walls it takes place in with a discussion on a topic rarely tackled in film. It may not make you feel great, but it’s a worthwhile experience. - Adriano BOSS LEVEL Just when you thought another Groundhog Day knock-off would be a forgettable B-movie, Boss Level comes in and smacks you in the face with great action, humor, and a surprising amount of heart. If not for some big blockbusters, this might become your favorite action flick of the year. - Amarú NOBODY If somebody had told me that Bob Odenkirk did an action movie with Christopher Lloyd, I would've thought you were referencing a joke in an episode of Better Call Saul . You can imagine my surprise when I found out Nobody was a real film and is actually bloody hilarious. If you like pastiche violence coupled with dry wit and over-the-top action sequences, this is one hidden gem you need to see. - James PIG A movie about a man and his pet pig may not seem like the most intriguing film of the year, but, my god, if you haven’t seen Pig , you are truly missing out on something unique. This beautiful portrayal of loss and love anchored by Nicolas Cage's raw performance is a must see! - Paige THE OUTSIDE STORY The Outside Story is a grounded and charming film that never feels a need to push for laughs. Brian Tyree Henry steps into the lead role with the same success he's found as a supporting actor, while Sunita Mani (coming off another hidden gem Save Yourselves! ) makes sure to provide the laughs. A real "feel-good" film. - Nick BEST MUSIC *WINNER* CRUELLA Any movie loaded with songs by Queen, Blondie, Iggy Pop, The Clash, Supertramp, The Bee Gees, Nina Simone, and Florence + the Machine, tied together with Nicholas Britell’s excellent score, has to be one of the best soundtracks of the year right?! The music in this film is its own character…a character that simply rocks! - Paige DUNE The first thing one hears in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune is sound. The next thing is music. One thing becomes immediately clear as Hans Zimmer’s masterful score begins to echo through the walls of wherever one views the film – each and every moment, character, and planet have their own unique signatures. One cannot forget the sounds of Arrakis, nor the departure from Caladan, and each sequence in which the music is heavily featured is only elevated by the sounds supporting it. - Jacob THE HARDER THEY FALL The Harder They Fall ’s soundtrack features hip-hop, soul, and R&B, which may seem like obvious and easy choices for an all black western; However, the “how” and “when” those songs are used in the film set the tone perfectly, as well as project the undeniable swagger of a gunslinger in the Wild West, regardless of race. - Quentin THE SUICIDE SQUAD The Suicide Squad blends James Gunn’s badass taste in music with John Murphy’s awesome score with exceptional results. This movie makes “Just A Gigolo” by Louis Prima the perfect song to play over Harley Quinn gruesomely killing people while also having a scene where trillions of rats save the day to the sounds of a phenomenal rock orchestra. Need I say more? - Adriano IN THE HEIGHTS The music of In the Heights varies from energetic ensemble pieces to personal, heartfelt solo pieces. The film successfully brings the music from the stage play to the cinematic sphere with ease. - Joseph LAUGH OUT LOUD AWARD *WINNER* THE SUICIDE SQUAD While action packed and incredibly violent, The Suicide Squad also manages to be flat out hilarious. It’s ability to take extremely dark subject matter and infuse it with hysterical one-liners and an absurd amount of irreverance is unlike anything else released in 2021. Plus, you’ve got a dimwitted, anthropomorphic shark with a dad bod and jorts. What more do you need? - Quentin THE MITCHELLS VS. THE MACHINES I wasn't expecting my biggest laughs this year to come from robot sidekicks, a giant Furby, and a… loaf of bread? But here we are. Consistently funny throughout, this is a film all ages can appreciate. - Nick FREE GUY Ryan Reynolds has not run out of goodwill for his schtick just yet!! Free Guy has legitimate gut-busting laughs and consistent chuckles. Reynolds himself is still a gem, but next to Jodie Comer and Lil’ Rel Howery, the smile never leaves your face. - Amarú DON'T LOOK UP No film used comedy as a weapon this year as much as Don’t Look Up . Adam McKay’s satire shows us the horrifying consequence of our collective denialism, but somehow makes us laugh in the process by simply showing us how silly we are for doing it. - Adriano VACATION FRIENDS John Cena proves himself a comedic tour de force while Lil Rel Howery plays perfect contrast to him. Vacation Friends is endlessly entertaining and filled with constant laughs. - Joseph ADRENALINE AWARD *WINNER* THE SUICIDE SQUAD James Gunn took a property the DCEU had already run into the ground and revitalized it top-to-bottom. But in order to marvel at its heart and laugh at its humor, one has to believe in what’s on screen. Nowhere is it more evident that Gunn believes in the material than in the thrilling action sequences, which are not only some of the DCEU’s best, but some of the best in comic book movie history. - Jacob NOBODY Do you remember the first time you saw John Wick and said “more… give me more”? Well, Nobody puts those words right back in your mouth. Watching Bob Odenkirk whoop all the ass is something I didn’t realize I needed so much in my life. - Amarú DUNE Being a sci-fi film about power, Dune already has your adrenaline pumping. But add in some Spice, and you’re feeling the intensity of this film flowing through your veins. The scope and ambition of this visually thrilling adaptation hooks you and keeps you on the edge of your seat for the sequel. - Paige SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME Spider-Man: No Way Home features the web-swinging fun we've come to expect from a Spider-Man film. However, this time around, the action is epic in scale, while some scenes had me clutching my arm rests in terror. - Adriano BOSS LEVEL With a premise as simple as Smokin’ Aces meets Groundhog Day , Boss Level is a playground of stylized action sequences, featuring gunplay, sword fights, car chases, fisticuffs, and explosions. This movie is a hard rock song in motion. - Quentin NIGHTMARE AWARD *WINNER* A QUIET PLACE PART II By the end of the first A Quiet Place , I wondered how John Krasinski's team could maintain the tension when it seemed like their protagonists were safe. Part II took away that feeling of safety and brought back the nail biting, slow-burn fear from the first film. The opening sequence alone is something straight out of my childhood nightmares. - James FEAR STREET A three part film spanning 300 years from a first time director and featuring a relatively unknown cast is highly ambitious, yet Fear Street absolutely nails it. It's the perfect blend of homage to the films that came before it and an intriguing mystery. Throw in some gruesome kills and this satisfied all my horror needs. - Nick TITANE No film this year made me squirm the way Titane did. While the story is oddly heartfelt, Titane goes hard when it comes to its body horror, daring you to keep your eyes on the grotesque scenes at play. - Joseph DON'T LOOK UP Regardless of how one feels regarding the execution of Don’t Look Up ’s satirical commentary on the real world, there is one thing on which we can perhaps universally agree: it’s a nightmare wrapped in a comedy cloak. When one gets past the humor and absurdism, a lot of what takes place fits with what might happen in the real world around an event like this, and it’s that thought that makes this one of the most terrifying films of the year. Just because the metaphor is obvious doesn’t make it wrong. - Jacob THE NIGHT HOUSE Led by the underrated Rebecca Hall, who delivers a gripping performance, The Night House offers us some of the best atmospheric horror that is both spine chilling and emotional. If you haven’t seen this supernatural thriller, get ready to be spooked! - Paige BEST ENSEMBLE *WINNER* MASS With all four of its main actors giving awards worthy performances, Mass is the ideal ensemble. Jason Isaacs, Ann Dowd, Martha Plimpton, and Reed Birney manage to all stand out on their own while also working with each other seamlessly. Together they provide the most remarkable showing of 2021. - Nick THE HARDER THEY FALL Despite having so many characters and opportunities for weak links, The Harder They Fall ‘s ensemble is probably the best of any Western I’ve seen. Each actor shines in their own way and breathes life into their character. - Joseph THE SUICIDE SQUAD The Suicide Squad is a movie that falls apart if the ensemble isn't game enough to handle writer/director James Gunn’s wackiness. Thankfully, even the smallest characters are scene stealers. It’s genuinely hard to pick a stand out here, as they’re all so much fun to watch. - Adriano DON'T LOOK UP Although I had some issues with the movie overall, absolutely none of those were linked to what the cast was doing. A Murderer’s Row of A-list talent that boasts something like 742 collective Oscar nominations, everyone plays their character with aplomb, which is only made better by the fact that several of them are playing so against type. Meryl Streep doing Anchorman -style improv? Yes, please. - Quentin DUNE There may not be a prettier assembled cast in the last 20 years than what you see in Dune . They’re as beautiful as director Denis Villeneuve’s visuals, but NEITHER hold a candle to how perfect each actor embodies their character. It’s going to be hard to pick a favorite out of the numerous powerhouse performances, so I’ll just say mine was from Javier Isaac Timothee Momoa Ferguson. - Amarú BEST ANIMATED PICTURE *WINNER* THE MITCHELLS VS. THE MACHINES Lord & Miller should probably produce animated features from here to eternity because when they attach their names to one, that film changes the landscape of animated features for the foreseeable future and beyond. Their latest, The Mitchells vs the Machines , is a Best PICTURE worthy story with unique animation and one-of-a-kind characters you will instantly love. - Amarú ENCANTO Encanto made me smile like a doofus the entire time. It’s a beautifully colourful celebration of family and the culture it’s representing, with amazing animation and wonderful, toe-tapping songs. - Adriano RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON I honestly didn't expect much from Raya and the Last Dragon , but the team behind this film really went the extra mile with their storytelling. Raya 's message of trust in a world divided by suspicion and fear is extraordinarily powerful and particularly relevant amidst the reign of COVID-19 - James LUCA The visuals in Luca show Pixar’s dedication to showcasing different art styles. Whether it be the Italian seaside town of Portofino or Luca’s daydreams, Luca is a feast for the eyes and a smorgasbord of artistic talent. - Joseph FLEE I have never had an animated film inspire or move me in quite the way Flee does. This story could only ever be told in animation, and the fact that it’s a Danish film and a documentary gives it additional hurdles to clear when connecting with audiences – it clears them with ease. It’s masterfully directed, edited, and told at a time when the person telling it could not be more relevant. If Mass is the first of two films in 2021 I would deem essential viewing, this is the second. - Jacob BEST DIRECTOR *WINNER* DENIS VILLENEUVE ( DUNE ) Dune is nothing short of a technical marvel. Denis Villeneuve takes us to a completely different world, one that doesn’t feel similar to what we’ve seen before in any way. Every single aspect of this film is firing on all cylinders from a technical standpoint, creating a once in a lifetime experience (until he does it again with the sequels). - Adriano JEYMES SAMUEL ( THE HARDER THEY FALL ) Jeymes Samuel delivers one of the most stylish westerns I have ever seen, and he is reinventing the genre with his directorial debut The Harder They Fall . Samuel is breaking barriers, and I can’t wait to see what this man has up his sleeve for his next film! Be on the lookout... - Paige EDGAR WRIGHT ( LAST NIGHT IN SOHO ) Wright transports you back in time with this stylish and haunting love letter to the 1960s. His signature style oozes throughout, and he gets fantastic performances out of Thomasin McKenzie and the rest of his cast. Another special film in Wright's selective filmography. - Nick JANE CAMPION ( THE POWER OF THE DOG ) Occasionally, directing is about scale, spectacle, and inspiring a sense of awe. Other times, it’s about control. There is not a single shot, line, or performance in The Power of the Dog that feels as if director Jane Campion sat back and just let it happen. This is very much her story to tell, and in telling that story, one can feel her fingerprints guiding where everything is going. Lucky for us, she’s a master storyteller. - Jacob FRAN KRANZ ( MASS ) It’s not the easiest thing to make a 90-minute conversation visually interesting, but Fran Kranz has done just that. The actors and constantly shifting camera make Mass a must watch. - Joseph BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS *WINNER* ANN DOWD ( MASS ) Ann Dowd's performance as a mother struggling with both grief and regret is something that’ll stick with you long after the movie is over. Her gut wrenching monologue at the end is more than enough to make this performance one of the year's best. - Adriano AUNJUNUE ELLIS ( KING RICHARD ) King Richard may be the Will Smith show, but no one is as up to the challenge of bringing him down to earth as Aunjanue Ellis. She has one noisy scene where she gets to chew the scenery, but the power of her performance is in all the quieter moments. She’s fully engaged with everything that’s going on in these moments, but never in the way or overpowering the room – a true support if ever there was one. - Jacob RUTH NEGGA ( PASSING ) In Passing , Ruth Negga conveys so much about her character through tiny glances and subtle gestures that she barely needs the classical dialogue that she delivers so eloquently. She creates a beautifully realized character struggling with internal fragility while outwardly projecting confidence as she questions who she really is. It’s not a showy performance, but it speaks volumes. - Quentin ANA DE ARMAS ( NO TIME TO DIE ) With limited screen time, Ana de Armas left quite an impression in the newest Bond film. She was a contrast to the type of woman 007 typically crosses paths with, and by the end of the film, was the most intriguing spin-off option for the franchise. We want more Paloma! - Nick MARTHA PLIMPTON ( MASS ) While Mass is more of an ensemble piece, Martha Plimpton shines as she displays a multitude of emotions and showcases her depth and talent. Plimpton’s performance is truly one of 2021’s best. - Joseph BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR *WINNER* JASON ISSACS ( MASS ) Mass boasts four terrific performances, but for me, Jason Isaacs steals the show. His ability to vacillate between anger and calmness; stoicism and vulnerability; acceptance and denial; and being a man who has all the information yet none of the answers is a masterclass. It’s just a man at a table with his dialogue. Pure acting at it’s finest. - Quentin TROY KOTSUR ( CODA ) Give my man the Oscar now!!! The pure joy, authenticity, excitement, and outright humanity Troy Kotsur puts into his performance in CODA is palpable. There isn’t any actor you will root for more this year and, quite possibly, for years to come. - Amarú JON BERNTHAL ( KING RICHARD ) Jon Bernthal gave the true standout performance of King Richard . While Bernthal typically gives off tough guy machismo, his portrayal of tennis legend Rick Macci is incredibly friendly and likable. It’s a welcome change of pace, and shows that Bernthal can shine outside of the action genre. - Joseph WOODY NORMAN ( C’MON C’MON ) Woody Norman is British - when I learned this, my opinion of his performance grew immensely. Here’s this kid, with such a flawless American accent that no one thinks for a second he’s not from the United States, acting his ass off against one of the most seasoned performers of his generation and the reigning Best Actor winner. Their bond is what fuels the film, and if the child actor isn’t good in a film that’s made or broken on that kind of bond, the film crumbles. Luckily, Woody Norman is not only a great actor – he may have given the best performance of 2021, full stop. - Jacob LAKEITH STANFIELD ( THE HARDER THEY FALL ) There are a lot of tough characters in The Harder They Fall , but no one exudes "cool" like Stanfield's Cherokee Bill. His screen presence is menacing, yet composed and calculated, which just adds to the intrigue of the character. The perfect foil to the Nat Love Gang. - Nick BEST ACTRESS *WINNER* KRISTEN STEWART ( SPENCER ) Each movement, gesture, and breath of Kristen Stewart in the wonderfully realized Spencer evokes Princess Diana to such a degree that one might occasionally forget that they’re watching a performance. It’s such a multi-layered performance that it’s in danger of being taken for granted, but it’s easily a career-best for the former Twilight star. - Jacob NICOLE KIDMAN ( BEING THE RICARDOS ) Nicole Kidman doesn’t immediately disappear into the role of Lucille Ball like some actors do in biopics (Jamie Foxx in Ray , for example), but she’s able to instantly capture Ball’s firecracker essence that hits on a deeper level. She ably bounces between Ball’s onscreen goofball persona and the more in-control, behind-the-scenes person she actually was. By the end, Kidman is gone and all you see is Ball. - Quentin THOMASIN MCKENZIE ( LAST NIGHT IN SOHO ) In her first role as a leading lady, Thomasin McKenzie doesn't miss one single beat. She nails not just the quiet insecurities and growing confidence of the character, but also her absolute terror as she experiences the evil underneath Soho. A mesmerising performance. - Adriano EMILIA JONES ( CODA ) CODA lives and dies on whether the title character can bring you into a world that is so rarely seen on screen, and it absolutely lives through Emilia Jones. An endearing performance that is both joyous and heartbreaking, Jones is the lynchpin that makes CODA ’s heart beat. - Amarú OLIVIA COLMAN ( THE LOST DAUGHTER ) Olivia Colman continues to prove that she is one of the best working actresses today! With an Oscar win already, she may have another on her way thanks to her breathtaking performance in The Lost Daughter . Honestly, Colman doesn’t even need words in a role to shine, as the expressions on her face quietly capture all emotions. - Paige BEST ACTOR *WINNER* ANDREW GARFIELD ( TICK, TICK... BOOM! ) Sometimes it takes the right performance to turn you around on an actor, and that's what Tick, Tick… Boom! did for me with Andrew Garfield. He commands the screen every minute he's on it, whether he's acting or singing, in the best showing of his career. This is the kind of performance that is bound to build his fandom. - Nick NICOLAS CAGE ( PIG ) As you may know, I’m an unashamed Nic Cage fan, but it’s his performances in movies like Pig that remind you he is an Oscar winner and two time nominee. He does the opposite of what you tend to expect from him, giving a restrained performance that makes you feel every bit of his character’s regret, loss, longing, and soulfulness. This should be the start of his resurgence in the public eye. - Quentin WILL SMITH ( KING RICHARD ) Biopic Will Smith is undefeated. First, it was Ali. Then, it was Chris Gardner. And when it comes to portraying the polarizing figure that is Richard Williams, Smith puts his entire soul into it. He is powerful, all consuming, and forceful in every scene because he pours love into every word he speaks. - Amarú SIMON REX ( RED ROCKET ) Simon Rex went from being an MTV VJ to the guy in the Scary Movie franchise to now being in talks for one of the best performances of the year. Rex proves he can act, and Red Rocket helps let that talent shine! He gives a magnetic performance, which is one of my favorites of this year. - Paige BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH ( THE POWER OF THE DOG ) Cumberbatch's performance as cowboy Phil Burbank is a real one-two punch. You'll love Phil and you'll despise him, which is all thanks to Cumberbatch's acting. Starting off as a caricatured, psychologically-abusive misogynist, you'll be surprised at the twists and turns Cumberbatch delivers with this character. - James BEST PICTURE *WINNER* CODA CODA (Children Of Deaf Adults) is, hands down, the best film of the year! It’s a warm and beautiful coming-of-age gem that aims directly for the heart and hits the bullseye! The cast is phenomenal and the story is touching, so get ready to laugh, cry, and everything in between because this film is a love letter to family! - Paige DUNE As a fan of Frank Herbert's seminal novel, Dune is more than I could've ever hoped for in a film adaptation. With a fully realized world where you can see every moving part fit together, Dune is that rare film where every member of the creative team brought something unique and beautiful to the story. No description of this film can do it justice. You have to see it to believe it. - James THE HARDER THEY FALL Cool. That’s all that needs to be said about director Jeymes Samuel’s feature film debut. The Harder They Fall is a thrill ride down to its very core, with effervescent performances, enthralling visuals, captivating music, and a revenge story that keeps your eyes glued to the screen. Every once in a while a piece of art fills your entire spirit, and The Harder They Fall fills it to the brim. - Amarú SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME Between the rumors, the hype, and the sheer fact that it was a new Spider-Man movie, there were impossible expectations for No Way Home . Somehow, it managed to exceed those expectations by being funny, action-packed, and most of all, emotional. It’s an amazing standalone movie and trilogy capper (superhero genre or otherwise), and in the broader context of the MCU, a true game changer too. - Quentin TICK, TICK... BOOM! Tick, Tick… Boom! is something special. My first impression was just that it was a good musical, but as I mulled it over, it really stayed with me. Director Lin-Manuel Miranda really brought Jonathan Larson’s story to life while paying tribute to the minimalist style in which it originated. The storytelling, visuals, and acting are a masterclass on how to adapt and make a film. - Joseph Photo Credits: Photo 1, 2, 10, 14 - Netflix; Photo 3, 8, 11, 12 - Bleeker Street; Photo 4 - Disney; Photo 5, 6 - Warner Bros; Photo 7 - Paramount Pictures; Photo 9 - Chiabella James; Photo 13 - Neon; Photo 15 - Apple TV+

UNSTABLE: SEASON ONE Starring: Rob Lowe, John Owen Lowe, Sian Clifford, Aaron Branch, Rachel Marsh, and Emma Ferreira Creators: Rob Lowe, John Owen Lowe, and Victor Fresco QUENTIN Much like Apple’s Shrinking , Netflix’s Unstable attempts to find humor in the struggle with grief and parent-child conflict, and it proves to be the better of the two because it’s not as sappy and the humor has an edge to it. Also, I enjoy Rob Lowe’s schtick (pretty boy buffoonery) more than Jason Segel’s (lovably downtrodden schlub). The series also works the “workplace comedy” angle better because the characters’ eccentricities make them true individuals that are compelling to watch. John Owen Lowe (Rob’s real-life son) struggles a bit as co-lead, but it oddly works for the character dynamics, even if it’s more by accident than design.

Previous Next December 31, 2025 The Housemaid has made the rounds this holiday season as either some of the most fun you will have in the theater this year or one of the most mind-boggling things you've ever watched. Either way, Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney have returned to theaters with a thriller to pair with their other respective award-campaigning films. Nick, Amarú, and Adriano talk about their strong thoughts this romantic/erotic/melodramatic thriller as well as some Sydney Sweeney discourse. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel for all of our latest video content including our interviews, and be sure to give us a thumbs up and comment your thoughts!

61st STREET: SEASON ONE Starring: Courtney B. Vance, Tosin Cole, Bentley Green, Aunjanue Ellis, Holt McCallany, Andrene Ward-Hammond, Jerod Haynes, and Mark O’Brien Creator: Peter Moffat QUENTIN While AMC’s 61st Street isn’t a bad show, it might be one of the more generic “racial messaging” shows I’ve seen in quite some time. Every aspect of it, of which there are too many to mention because the writers legitimately throw every racism-in-the-face-of-a-broken-judicial-system cliché at you, will remind you of similar shows that were more thoughtful, more nuanced, and less heavy-handed. Courtney B. Vance, Aunjanue Ellis, and the always underrated Holt McCallany manage to keep the show from sliding into full blown triteness, even if, despite the story’s relevancy, it doesn’t demand too much of the viewer.

Previous October 22, 2025 Next A BITESIZE CHAT WITH HARRY WATERS JR. This year marks the 40th Anniversary of Back to the Future and what better day than Back to the Future Day to chat with Harry Waters Jr.? That's right, Marvin Berry himself joins Nick to talk about filming the Enchantment Under the Sea Dance, revisiting the character four years later, and the franchise's everlasting fandom. Make sure to check out all the 40th Anniversary events for Back to the Future , including a limited theatrical return. Interview conducted on October 15th, 2025 by Nick van Dinther.

Previous Next April 25, 2026 There's a lot of discourse surrounding the latest music biopic as it focuses on one of the greatest and most complicated artists of all time, Michael Jackson. Was the story too surface-level for such a complex figure? Did Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal of the King of Pop overcome the film's shortcomings? Will the early Oscar projections fall short? Join Matt, Nick, and Shak as they answer all these questions and more with a deep dive into director Antoine Fuqua’s Michael . Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel for all of our latest video content including our interviews, and be sure to give us a thumbs up and comment your thoughts!