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THE AGENCY: SEASON ONE Starring: Michael Fassbender, Jeffrey Wright, Richard Gere, Jodie Turner-Smith, John Magaro, Katherine Waterston, Harriet Sansom Harris, Saura Lightfoot-Leon, Andrew Brooke, India Fowler, Reza Brojerdi, Alex Reznik, Hugh Bonneville, and Dominic West Creators: Jez and John-Henry Butterworth QUENTIN Although The Agency has its imperfections — including some poorly developed characters, occasionally sluggish pacing, and confusingly sprawling subplots — most of them are wallpapered over by the absolutely stacked cast. It’s just too hard to look away from Michael Fassbender and Jeffrey Wright when they’re doing their thing. Thankfully, the methodical storytelling also is sneakily engrossing, especially in a binge (probably the best way to watch since it takes a couple of episodes to get going), as it explores both the professional and personal cost of living the bureaucratic life of espionage in an appropriately cold way. The Agency admittedly takes some patience, but it’s worth it.

Previous Next With Dave Bautista making some noise for his turn in the upcoming Knock at the Cabin, the Bitesize crew has put their brains together to compile Bitesize Breakdown's consensus Top Five Non-Actors Turned Actors. 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. JANELLE MONÁE Janelle Monáe had already begun making a name for herself in music before beginning to work in films. She may not have A-list status yet, but she seems to be progressing far faster within the film industry than most musicians-turned-actors. She even gave one of the best ever openings for the Oscars back in 2020 with an energetic, musical homage to the biggest films of that year. From a humble start in Rio 2 , Monáe has grown substantially, being named on many Best Of 2022 and Oscar prediction lists for her supporting performance in Glass Onion . Her future is bright, her star is steadily rising, and she’s showing no signs of slowing down. - Joseph 4. MARK WAHLBERG The former Marky Mark hopped into the limelight as a rapper (and underwear model) who ultimately proved that he was much more than just a good-looking badass from Boston by jumping into acting. From roles such as Fear, Boogie Nights, The Other Guys , and The Fighter , Mark Wahlberg has established himself as an actor who can succeed in just about any role. With two Oscar nominations (Best Supporting Actor in The Departed and a Best Picture nomination as a producer on The Fighter ), he has been able to bring the good vibrations with many powerful and nuanced performances in a variety of genres. - Paige 3. DAVE BAUTISTA To me, Dave Bautista is one of the industry’s most interesting figures. Coming from the world of professional wrestling, where acting skills are set on the back burner for shiny muscles and flashy moves, it seemed unlikely the 6-foot-4, 289-pound behemoth would be able to make a successful transition to Hollywood. Many have tried, very few have succeeded; however, it's Bautista's passion for the craft that has set him apart from others of his ilk. Eschewing the muscular leading man roles his contemporaries are known for, he has carved out a different lane for himself, choosing instead to build his craft while working with the notable filmmakers of our time. The result has been the blossoming of a talented actor, able to play both external and internal roles with a surprising amount of grace and humility. - Darryl 2. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER Here’s the thing about Arnold: He could probably be on this list twice. Not only did he go from being a world-class bodybuilder (Mr. Universe and 7x Mr. Olympia) to one of the biggest, literally and figuratively, action stars of the 80s and 90s (see: Predator , The Terminator , True Lies ), but after spending two terms as the governor of California, he returned to acting with several quieter, more nuanced films (see: Maggie , Aftermath ). On top of that, he has tremendous comedic ability (see: Kindergarten Cop , Twins ). He really can do it all. Lastly, “Arnold” is a fairly basic name, yet he has become so iconic that you don’t even need his last name to know exactly who is being talked about when someone says it. - Quentin 1. WILL SMITH Is there even a question on who tops this list? C’mon, son! Will Smith is so good that I put my first draft together without him because he consistently makes me forget he ever did anything before acting. I. Forgot. The Fresh Prince. The First-Rap-Grammy-winning, classic-summer-anthem-rapping Fresh Prince. He does it all: Comedy, action, drama, biopics, thrillers… he has top-notch performances in damn near every genre. Plus, he is the perfect happy crying meme because of his role in The Pursuit of Happyness. Will Smith is an ultimate entertainer, and he packs a mean… well, I’ll just leave it at his greatness. - Amarú HONORABLE MENTIONS DWAYNE JOHNSON JASON STATHAM JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE DAVID BOWIE ICE CUBE Photo Credits: Photo 1 - Netflix; Photo 2 - Lionsgate; Photo 3 - Disney; Photo 4 - Tri-Star Pictures; Photo 5 - Lionel Hahn/Getty Images

THE CONSULTANT: SEASON ONE Starring: Christoph Waltz, Nat Wolff, Brittany O’Grady, and Aimee Carrero Creator: Tony Basgallop QUENTIN Despite an unnervingly menacing performance from Christoph Waltz, The Consultant will give you narrative blue balls. The first episode is excellent, setting the stage for a mystery about who (or what) Waltz’s Regus Patoff is. With each passing episode, further questions are asked that excellently build the tension and mystery. It’s all very absorbing. However, the series doesn’t answer a single goddamn question posed, providing absolutely zero closure. It’s been a long time since I’ve been this angry and frustrated by an ending, and as the final credits rolled, the first thing out of my mouth was “fuck that damn show.” I stand by it.

MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN: SEASON TWO Starring: Jeremy Renner, Dianne Wiest, Hugh Dillon, Tobi Bamtefa, Taylor Handley, Emma Laird, Derek Webster, Hamish Allan-Headley, Nishi Munshi, and Aidan Gillen Creators: Taylor Sheridan and Hugh Dillon QUENTIN In typical Taylor Sheridan fashion, Mayor of Kingstown has one great storyline and three unnecessary ones. The A-plot, about rival gang leaders trying to re-establish order in an uneasy alliance with police, is very compelling, especially with the dynamic between Mike and Crip leader Bunny (Jeremy Renner and Tobi Bamtefa, respectively) carrying the series through its best moments. However, the three severely underwritten subplots about Mike’s mom (Dianne Wiest), a fugitive crime lord (Aidan Gillen), and a hooker-in-distress (Emma Laird) are distracting filler that bogs everything down. If this show returns…a big IF given Renner’s injuries…it needs a much tighter focus to take the next step.

FALLOUT: SEASON ONE Starring: Ella Purnell, Walton Goggins, Aaron Moten, Moises Arias, Kyle MacLachlan, Michael Emerson, Leslie Uggams, Zach Cherry, and Sarita Choudhury Creators: Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Graham Wagner PAIGE Despite never having played the game before, I found Fallout to be a post-apocalyptic blast. This action-adventure series accepts its ridiculousness, and even though it can occasionally be too quirky and over-the-top, it excels at keeping the viewer entertained the entire time. It has a lot of brutality, humor, and heart. Most importantly, though, is that they succeed in creating a fantastic universe inside the show that feels so lived in. Plus, the show's production design is next level. Overall, this is another huge win for video game adaptations. QUENTIN I can’t speak to how well Fallout works as an adaptation since I’ve never played the games, but as an independent series, it’s a funny, brutally exciting, twist-filled mystery box about 90 percent of the time. The world-building, Golden Oldies soundtrack, and retro-futuristic production design are flat-out phenomenal, and the show is at its most engaging during the storylines of The Ghoul (Walton Goggins, the easy highlight) and the mystery of Vault 31. On the other hand, the momentum halts anytime Maximus (Aaron Moten) takes center stage, mostly because Moten has the screen presence and charisma of a potato. Overall, though? A smashing surprise.

UNTAMED: SEASON ONE Starring: Eric Bana, Sam Neill, Lily Santiago, Rosemarie DeWitt, Wilson Bethel, William Smillie, Raoul Max Trujillo, Josh Randall, and Ezra Franky Creators: Mark L. Smith, Elle Smith KATIE Despite its title, Untamed is incredibly subdued. It makes no effort to move away from tropes, following Eric Bana’s gruff cop/detective character with a tragic past, whose drinking problem, no-nonsense demeanour, and unwillingness to work with others make him no less capable at his job. The plot is slightly convoluted and very predictable, and aside from gorgeous scenes of mountains and sweeping forests, it is exceedingly boring. Unfortunately, what stood out most to me is the lack of tension. From the sense of mystery to what is supposed to be the climactic reveal, there’s no excitement or suspense. QUENTIN The problem with the recent glut of moody crime series like Untamed is that they are all trying to replicate True Detective . Or Ozark . Or Mare of Easttown . Or most Taylor Sheridan shows. However, you need more than the algorithm-driven formula of “tortured vibes + grumpy alcoholic sheriff x recognizable stars” to make a good series. In this case, the mystery is almost an irrelevant afterthought to the relentless onslaught of convoluted subplots exploring the various traumas of every single protagonist. It makes for an admittedly decently acted series that doesn't deliver much more than gloominess, unimpactful twists, a predictable ending, and beautiful landscapes.

AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER: SEASON ONE Starring: Gordon Cormier, Kiawentiio, Ian Ousley, Dallas Liu, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, and Daniel Dae Kim Creator: Albert Kim PRESTON You may enjoy Avatar: The Last Airbender if you are a fan of the anime (or movie), aged 8-18 years old, or if you are the parent of a child under the age of 12 years old…otherwise, uh-uh. Go in with kid-show expectations: over-the-top, cliché, cheesy, CGI and green-screening. It’s atrocious, and the script was most definitely generated by an AI application. This is a love it or hate it situation, and I fall firmly into the latter. I dreaded each new episode, and I only pushed through knowing that I was working selflessly to inform you, my sweet reader. You owe me one *smirk*. KATIE If you haven’t seen the original anime, you could probably enjoy Avatar: The Last Airbender as a pretty average Netflix show and move on with your life. I, however, love the anime, which is superior to this soulless adaptation in every conceivable way. It just feels hollow, with dialogue that consists of characters simply stating what’s happening, drab lighting, inconsistent visual effects, cheap-looking costuming, and a story that is a mish-mash of plots from the original series, which makes it feel like it’s rushing to cover as many of the original episodes as possible in an hour. AMARÚ I never watched the Avatar: The Last Airbender anime, but I watched the new live-action adaptation with an avid fan, so I’ll admit this is a semi-influenced review. I’ll also admit that the CGI and green-screening are fairly atrocious. But hearing that the production design and casting is pretty spot on and recognizing that, somehow, the visual effects enhanced really great action sequences made me focus on what was entertaining. There’s a wonder that fits the more predictable kids’ show aspects, yet it doesn’t shy away from darkness. I appreciate that balance, even if there’s plenty of room for better executed growth.

Previous Next June 20, 2024 WRITTEN BY: PAIGE The saying "art imitates art" is particularly applicable when it comes to the movies I have listed below. While these movies may be fundamentally different on the surface, dressed in a different setting or genre to make them seem like something else entirely, if you peel back the top layers, you will see that they are essentially the same. So, read on to discover some movie pairings that are really just two sides of the same coin! FINDING NEMO & TAKEN The Coin : Overprotective fathers who will do whatever it takes to find their kidnapped child. Despite their apparent differences, these two films have two very important things in common: the characters and the plot. In the dark action movie Taken , an ex-CIA agent goes to find his kidnapped daughter after she is taken by traffickers. This father will stop at nothing to have his daughter back. It sounds familiar, doesn't it? All you have to do is scale back the violence, swap out the ex-CIA operative for a clownfish, move the setting to the ocean, and Bam! …you’ve got Pixar’s Finding Nemo . Nemo's father likewise embarks on a quest to save his kid by any means necessary after he is abducted by some divers on a boat. One travels across Europe on foot while the other swims across the sea to find their lost child. There is just one distinction that truly separates these two movies — the father's species. CARRIE & MATILDA The Coin : Young girls who aren't treated very well by their families end up developing strange powers. Upon initial observation, Matilda and Carrie appear to have nothing in common besides the way the movies are titled, which are the names of the lead characters. One is, after all, a fantasy kid flick, while the other is a supernatural horror film. However, if you take a closer look, you will see an underlying theme that, oddly enough, connects these two bizarre movies together. Matilda and Carrie are both young girls who are mistreated by their family, and both begin to exhibit telekinetic powers. Whereas Carrie adopts a horrifying and violent demeanor, employing her abilities in a more negative manner, Matilda leans more toward the playfulness of the gift, using her abilities in a more lighthearted way. In the end, Matilda finds her “happily ever after” with a new loving family, while shit hits the fan for Carrie on prom night. Under different circumstances, Matilda might have even turned into Carrie. KILL BILL: VOLUME 1 & PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN The Coin : Revenge is a girl's best friend. At first glance, one is an action-packed film and the other is a dark drama comedy, but when you look at the bigger picture, these films are kinda the same. Yes, their tones differ, but they are both stylish movies about revenge that feature exhilarating twists. Also, they are both led by fiery female protagonists that are the self-assured personification of female empowerment, setting out to make things right on their terms. If you strip away the action and gore in Kill Bill and broaden the scope of its vengeance on the one who hurt The Bride most, you’re left with a riveting drama full of humor that is done in a vibrant style approaching the kind of experience Promising Young Woman offers. MEMENTO & 50 FIRST DATES The Coin : Love is a mind fuck. You may be asking yourself, “What in the world do these completely different movies have in common?” Well, it’s simple: love and memory loss. Though they approach the subject in rather different ways, they both study the same affliction. 50 First Dates takes a more comedic approach and avoids drawing attention to some of the most agonizing parts of the illness. In Memento , the illness is shown more as an impassable barrier that a man must overcome in order to find the person who murdered his wife. However, they both provide some understanding of what it's like to have a condition like this and the different ways to cope with it. AVATAR & POCAHONTAS The Coin : Love stories set against the backdrop of colonialism. Close your eyes and picture Pocahontas…except it's the year 2154, she’s blue, and she resides on Pandora. Sound familiar? Avatar , like Pocahontas , is about an outsider soldier with the initials J.S. who has come from a distant place. This man falls in love with the natives’ culture and one of their own, the daughter of the tribe’s leader. The man also is part of the colonialists threatening the land on which the tribe lives for its resources. While one is set in 1607 and the other is set in 2154, both stories conclude in battle, with our main male character leaving his old world behind in favor of a new one. He decides to do whatever it takes to protect his new people and their land. Strangely enough, they are both Disney movies. I guess they like to recycle their stories. GROUNDHOG DAY & EDGE OF TOMORROW The Coin : Time loops are a bitch. Despite the two films' entirely different settings and plots, a few core concepts start to become evident between these two movies. Of course, the biggie is that they both revolve around being stuck in a time loop. Obviously, these two movies have no common ground regarding the premise of their stories, but there are several character traits shared by both main characters after dealing with the time loop. Their responses to being placed in comparable paradoxes are oddly similar, regardless of whether it is a U.S. Army officer reliving every day on the front lines of an alien war or a haughty weatherman stranded in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. During this strange phenomenon, both leads undergo some personal growth, ultimately turning out to be better individuals because of the bizarre ordeal. Oddly enough, the leading ladies in both Edge of Tomorrow and Groundhog Day are named Rita, and that can’t just be a coincidence.

Previous Next November 3, 2023 WRITTEN BY: CALEB Godzilla!!! It’s a name that has struck fear into the hearts of cinema lovers since 1954, making the colossal, radioactive lizard an icon for almost seventy years. Almost everyone on Earth can recognize the roar, the music, and the “guy in the suit;” however, not many people are too familiar with Godzilla’s extensive filmography. Despite his notoriety, most of the movies in the franchise are relatively unknown amongst western audiences. Still, the fact remains that Godzilla stands as one of the longest running film series of all time. There are now 38 Godzilla films, spanning sequels, reboots, and a multitude of perplexing continuities. To get a taste of just how intimidating the franchise can be, look no further than the years between 1998 and 2004, when the series was rebooted six different times! Needless to say, watching Godzilla can get pretty complicated, and navigating the franchise can be a nerve-wracking task. Luckily, I’ve got you covered. In honour of the 69th annual Godzilla Day (November 3rd), I, a ravenous Godzilla fan, will be doing my very best to recommend the entries that I believe serve as fitting introductions to the franchise. I’ll be prioritising accessible films that you can enjoy without extensive prior knowledge of the series or its lore, and recommending a range of entertaining, distinct Godzilla experiences to give you a well-rounded understanding of The King of the Monsters. Now, narrowing this extensive filmography down to its bare essentials was no easy feat, but I’m confident that if you watch these movies, you’ll get a good idea of what the franchise is all about. After all is said and done, if I’ve piqued your interest, I’d get a move on if I were you because with Godzilla: Minus One (2023), Apple TV+’s Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (2023), and Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire (2024) right around the corner, there has never been a better time to be a Godzilla fan. So, without further ado, let’s begin our kaiju-sized adventure by diving straight into some of the very best films the Godzilla franchise has to offer. Long live the king! THE ONE THAT STARTED IT ALL: GOJIRA (1954) “Godzilla was baptised in the fire of the H-bomb and survived. What could kill it now?” Director Ishirō Honda’s Gojira is a classic for a reason. The poignant film gave birth to Godzilla, using the titular kaiju as a metaphor for the horrors of nuclear war. Released nine years after the devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Gojira challenged Japanese audiences with imagery that mirrored the destruction still vivid in the nation’s collective consciousness. The film features some truly haunting moments, far darker than anything the franchise would go on to do in subsequent entries, and nothing the film series has done since has left as profound an impact on me as the scene where a widow holds her children tight in a burning building, assuring them that they’ll be with their father soon. The anxiety around nuclear destruction permeates almost every frame, injecting the film with a palpable sense of dread and desperation. It’s been widely regarded as one of the greatest monster movies of all time, and it’s not hard to see why. If you are at all interested in delving into this franchise, then Gojira is essential viewing. I would certainly recommend starting here. THE BEST OF THE B-MOVIES: GODZILLA VS. MEGALON (1973) “Megalon! Megalon! Wake up, Megalon! Come on, rise up now, to the Earth’s surface! Destroy the Earth! Destroy our enemies!” Now, here’s the part where the hardcore Godzilla fans click away from the article, call me some sort of obscenity, and then proceed to throw their laptops out of a window. I get it… really, I do. Godzilla vs. Megalon is cheesy, and there’s no denying that. The plot revolves around a civilization from the hollow earth sending up a giant beetle to exterminate humanity because we make too much noise. Sounds a little extreme if you ask me, but I’ve never lived in a basement apartment, so I guess I can’t relate. In any case, this entry goes against pretty much everything the original film stood for, but it’s got one saving grace… it’s hilarious . I know that fans have a special reverence for the franchise, and they hate to admit it, but a big part of Godzilla ’s appeal is the cheesy, B-movie shlock of the 60s and 70s. This particular entry easily meets the criteria for being “so-bad-it’s-good,” and it showcases just how light-hearted and funny some of the best Godzilla films can be. Moreover, it provides a great introduction to some of the most creative and beloved kaiju of all time, including Megalon, Gigan, and the fan-favourite, Jet Jaguar. The film is a non-stop slugfest, featuring some of the most entertaining and ridiculous action sequences in the franchise. If you don’t believe me, Google “Godzilla tail slide,” and thank me later. While this film is technically a sequel, you don’t need any context to enjoy it. If you’re looking for a colourful, campy, and hilarious monster movie to watch with your friends, Godzilla vs. Megalon should be right up your alley. THE BEST MONSTER MASH: GODZILLA, MOTHRA, AND KING GHIDORAH: GIANT MONSTERS ALL-OUT ATTACK (2001) “The sky was blood red and filled with smoke, and through it a devil appeared. Its face was twisted with rage and hatred.” Despite having one of the worst titles, Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack , or GMK for short (thank God for abbreviations), is one of the best entries in the franchise. Like a lot of the Godzilla reboots from the early 2000s, this film retcons every previous movie in the franchise except for Gojira , making it extremely accessible for beginners. This new Godzilla is pure evil, possessed by the vengeful spirits of the soldiers who died in the Second World War. When he emerges to seek his revenge on Japan, humanity’s only chance for survival comes in the form of three mystical Guardian Monsters: Baragon, Mothra, and King Ghidorah. The heroic kaiju confront Godzilla for an epic showdown that, in my opinion, is the most memorable monster brawl in the entire series. Director Shusuke Kaneko expertly employs suitmation, pushing the unique craft far past its perceived limitations. The practical, in-camera effects allow for a tangible sense of weight and scale that the more recent CGI Godzilla films just can't match. If you’re of the opinion that “a guy in a rubber suit” can’t look cool, then GMK will make you a believer. This film is a fantastic choice for beginners because it introduces you to Godzilla's most famous foes and gives you a great taste of the monster throwdowns that have become a hallmark of the franchise. A GREAT SCI-FI GODZILLA FILM: GODZILLA X MECHAGODZILLA (2002) “Kiryu has a life, too. Why must it fight Godzilla when they should be friends?” If you like Pacific Rim (2013) …or generally find any appeal in the idea of giant monsters fighting giant robots… then this one is for you. In Godzilla X Mechagodzilla , humanity creates Kiryu, a mechanised version of Godzilla built around the bones of the monster that attacked in Gojira . They use this monster to confront a new Godzilla specimen that emerges from the sea, hellbent on destroying Tokyo. The result is an action-packed thrill-ride, where humanity faces off against Godzilla in an epic kaiju-on-mech showdown. Similar to GMK , this film’s continuity only recognizes Gojira as canon, making it another easy watch for newcomers. The narrative revolves around Mechagodzilla’s pilots, so the human characters finally get a chance to be directly involved in the monster action. Unlike some other offerings, this film takes itself seriously, providing amazing action ses continuity only recognizes Gojira as canon, making it another easy watch for newcomers. The narrative revolves around Mechagodzilla’s pilots, so the human characters finally get a chance to be directly involved in the monster action. Unlike some other offerings, this film takes itself seriously, providing amazing action sequences, incredible practical effects, and some of the best music in the franchise. There’s also a direct sequel, so if you enjoy this movie, you can jump right into Godzilla: Tokyo SOS (2003) without missing a beat. If you’re a beginner looking for fun sci-fi action and a fantastic human story, then Godzilla X Mechagodzilla is a solid choice. THE BEST AMERICAN GODZILLA: GODZILLA (2014) “The arrogance of man is thinking nature is in our control and not the other way around.” This American reboot may not be universally loved amongst the fanbase, but I still think it’s a great entry point for anyone looking to get into the franchise. It’s got a faithful portrayal of the character, amazing cinematography, and a star-studded cast. It also has the benefit of being a western release, meaning you don’t have to read subtitles or listen to any bad dubbing (if that’s the kind of thing that bothers you). The film gives you a bit of the best parts of all the different Godzilla movies, calling back to 1954 by making Godzilla a critique of man's hubris while also giving him some of the heroic qualities that would feel at home in the films from the 60s and 70s. Plus, it’s got a great monster brawl and a whole lot of destruction. Godzilla also benefits from being the beginning of the modern MonsterVerse, meaning that if you enjoy this one, there’s a whole connected universe of western Godzilla films for you to dive into. A GODZILLA FOR HORROR FANS: SHIN GODZILLA (2017) “Man is more frightening than Gojira.” With Shin Godzilla , visionary director Hideaki Anno presented a horrific new take on the monster. This is easily the most terrifying Godzilla has ever looked, as he begins as a weird, buggy-eyed, tadpole-looking thing before evolving into a massive radioactive abomination covered in tumours, open wounds, and mutated flesh. Shin takes a disturbingly realistic approach to Godzilla, treating him more like a natural disaster than a monster. This reboot satirises the Japanese government and its handling of the Fukushima meltdown, criticising the endless bureaucratic red tape that prevented swift decision-making during the catastrophe. Combining topical political commentary with haunting images of destruction, Shin feels like the perfect spiritual successor to Gojira . This is one you can’t miss. THE HONOURABLE MENTION: THE RETURN OF GODZILLA (1984) While I would love to properly include The Return of Godzilla , I feel as though I can’t. I’ve decided to add it as an honourable mention because while the film is accessible (an easy watch for new audiences), it isn’t actually accessible (easily available to stream or purchase). It’s definitely worth mentioning Return , though, because it would be criminal to discuss Godzilla without touching on his run in the eighties. Back in ‘84, this film began what is now referred to as Godzilla’s Heisei Era. It was a smash hit that went on to spawn six great sequels, plenty of which are becoming exceedingly difficult to get your hands on. If you can manage to find somewhere to watch this one, I’d recommend it.

NINE PERFECT STRANGERS Starring: Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy, Michael Shannon, Luke Evans, Samara Weaving, Asher Keddie, Melvin Gregg, Grace Van Patten, Regina Hall, Manny Jacinto, Tiffany Boone, and Bobby Cannavale Creators: John-Henry Butterworth and David E. Kelley QUENTIN Nine Perfect Strangers is far from, well, perfect. However, it's still just compelling enough to keep you engaged. The acting (Nicole Kidman’s accent notwithstanding) and writing are good enough across the board to keep you interested in the tiny mysteries of everyone's backstory, with each episode dropping just enough tiny revelations about the characters' lives that you'll sit up and think "Hmm, that's intriguing." Although some characters are fleshed out way more than others, it's a fairly easy binge watch that rarely drags. It's never terrible, but it's never great either. That said, it is perfectly watchable.

TASK Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Tom Pelphrey, Emilia Jones, Fabien Frankel, Thuso Mbedu, Silvia Dionicio, Ben Lewis Doherty, Jamie McShane, Sam Keeley, Phoebe Fox, Raúl Castillo, and Martha Plimpton Creator: Brad Ingelsby ROBERT Mare of Easttown has a reputation built of prestige, but I never had occasion to see what I heard was premiere television. Task is its spiritual sequel from my understanding: it comes from the same creator who again focuses on violent crime from the East Pennsylvania region. Its greatest strength, though, lies in the fact that the crime and subsequent investigation are the least interesting parts. Instead, the personal drama of the characters and how it trickles down to their families is where the series shines because it highlights the true highs and lows of humanity. Task is apex television drama. BODE What does it mean to be a good person? And what does it truly mean to forgive? Mare of Easttown creator Brad Ingelsby works through these questions and more throughout his new limited series, Task . Together with directors Jeremiah Zagar and Salli Richardson-Whitfield, not to mention a perfectly cast ensemble that includes Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey in fantastic form, Ingelsby weaves together an endlessly compelling crime drama filled with richly layered characters and complex dynamics. It’s as tense and brutal as it is tender and patient. Binge it or let all seven episodes breathe. Either way, you’ll be regularly rewarded. QUENTIN Task is a very well-acted miniseries that I’m sure will be nominated for many Emmys. However, it’s also a dour slog about downtrodden people drowning in misery. It’s yet another show that explores the complexities of the human condition through a criminal investigation while failing to make one care about the case. I get it, people are layered: not all good guys are flawless, not all bad guys are evil. Do we really need more long-winded, boring, and depressing treatises that belabor the point without adding anything new to it? Funnily enough, Task felt like exactly that — an assignment I had to endure.

Previous Next July 9, 2025 WRITTEN BY: ADRIANO On a purely technical basis, an IMAX camera can truly enhance the way a movie is filmed, utilizing formats and sound systems that aren't available on a regular screen. In less technical terms, nothing compares to seeing a movie on that large IMAX display. Some of my favourite film memories were filmed in IMAX, and I try my best to see any movie I can on one of their screens. I’m so dedicated that I even saw Madame Web in an IMAX theater. In recent years, I've noticed an uptick in acknowledgement for the format beyond just being a bigger screen, and many high-profile filmmakers embracing IMAX film to show its true capabilities. Notable recent examples include Jordan Peele's Nope and Denis Villeneuve's Dune films. But what's telling is just how much attention non-action/sci-fi films have gotten for their use of the projection, namely Christopher Nolan's biographical drama Oppenheimer, Brady Corbet’s historical epic The Brutalist , and just a few months ago, Ryan Coogler’s period horror Sinners . These aren't films you'd typically associate with IMAX as the larger format is often taken up by blockbuster genre spectacle, and yet a good chunk of those films’ revenue came from IMAX. Since the resurgence of the format’s benefits and use, a solid amount of older films have been restored for IMAX and re-released. These re-releases are by no means a new phenomenon, but this year alone, we've gotten restorations of Parasite , Seven , and Princess Mononoke . If this trend is to continue, I want to pitch some films, or groups of films, I'd love to see on an IMAX screen. I will specify that I'm only pitching films that have never had a release on IMAX, so as much as I'd love a chance to see La La Land , 2001: A Space Odyssey , or Uncut Gems on that glorious screen, I won’t be discussing those. Instead, here are the films I hope to screen once Ontario’s Cinesphere, one of the largest IMAX screens on Earth, finishes the (necessary) renovations they’ve been undergoing since 2022. Its reopening can't come soon enough! THE DOLLARS TRILOGY The IMAX format shouldn’t only belong to car chases and alien invasions. With all its spectacle and atmosphere, it’s just an inherently good idea to give the western genre its time in IMAX theaters. It can bring extra life to a vast horizon or give extra weight to the drama, and while a western is no stranger to shootouts or train robberies, it doesn't mean a simple standoff can't feel as pulse-pounding as any action sequence. I explored a few options to best give the genre a shot at the large screens, but in the end, I cheated a little and decided on the Dollars Trilogy ( A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More , and The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly ). This western/action trilogy is a great candidate to show audiences the sprawling world of spaghetti westerns on the best screens on Earth. The Sergio Leone directed trilogy is a landmark in the genre, with A Fistful of Dollars popularizing spaghetti westerns in North America. So, a three-film marathon or one movie a week release in IMAX would be perfect. The western spectacle has its trademark chases and shootouts, but it’s the iconic final duels that would make any audience's jaw drop. Imagine experiencing the beautiful landscapes on those massive screens, Ennio Morricone's masterful score on those pulse-shaking speakers, and the mere gruff of Clint Eastwood's 'The Man with No Name' staring down our souls, ready to make his mark. You can release it in the original Italian too. In either language, I'd be there for all three. THE ORIGINAL STAR WARS TRILOGY With everything that has been re-released and reformatted for IMAX, I was genuinely surprised to find that the original Star Wars trilogy has never had such a release. I mean, just from a financial standpoint, that's easy money, no? Regular Star Wars re-releases tend to do good business; just look at the $55 million Revenge of the Sith just racked up. Imagine how profitable a large-format re-release of one of history's most influential trilogies would be. My personal love for Star Wars is admittedly running dry, but I'd still take the first opportunity I could to watch A New Hope alone in IMAX. The original three films are arguably the most iconic big-scale genre films ever, with so much of the science-fiction we see nowadays coming directly from them, so it's only right we get to experience this franchise's roots on the best screen possible. Plain and simple, it would be very cool. BACK TO THE FUTURE Given that it's about to reach its 40-year anniversary, I wouldn't be too shocked if this is something that is already in development, just not yet announced, especially with the recent screening at the TCM Classic Film Festival. Back to the Future is one of the most iconic films ever made, with endlessly quotable scenes, and some of the most recognizable props, memorabilia, and wardrobe in the cinematic zeitgeist. It would be an event to behold to watch this pillar of movie history in IMAX. Now, despite the fact that it's a science-fiction film, Back to the Future isn't necessarily known for its large scope. Not that the DeLorean sequence and the clock tower scene wouldn't be amazing on a giant enhanced screen, but this re-release would work mostly because of the light, but adventurous comedic tone that director Robert Zemeckis perfected, and being enveloped in that wonder while travelling back to the 1950s would just feel different in the immersive IMAX format. The rest of the trilogy would also make for excellent IMAX viewings, but I wanted to single out the original because its popularity and filmmaking makes the smaller scale feel bigger than it actually is, and in IMAX, that would be quite engrossing. WALL-E Now, let's bring in a little love for animated films. Animation has no limits, so these films can show things that aren't a theoretical possibility in live-action, and there’s no better way to showcase that endless potential than in IMAX. I considered many options, but if we're talking about pure visual and emotional splendour, I can't help but think that Wall-E in IMAX would be the most extraordinary. One of Pixar's many masterpieces, Wall-E flourishes with physical world-building, and for the first 30 minutes or so, you're watching a lone robot silently roaming a stunningly animated desolate Earth. Those visuals combined with Thomas Newman's score would be enough to buy an IMAX ticket, but then you get the added bonus of Buster Keaton-esque humour and a beautiful love story. I can honestly say the first half alone would be a sight to behold in IMAX. But then we go to space. The moments outside of Earth give us some of the most gorgeous sequences in animation history, and at the risk of sounding cliché, some of those scenes are absolutely transportive. We have a technical marvel to gawk at, AND there's an engaging story to go along with it. Honestly, this might be the best candidate I've talked about so far. Heartwarming and stunning, pulse-pounding and sweet, Wall-E is the kind of movie IMAX was made for. MULTIPLE NETFLIX RELEASES I've been very lucky to see many of the movies I'm about to talk about in theatres. But to my knowledge, Netflix has never embraced IMAX despite the incredible filmmakers that I'm sure would love to show their films in the format. To be clear, there is a lot of garbage that I don't need to ever make its way to an IMAX screen (apologies to all you The Gray Man fans). There are, however, some acclaimed, large-scale, stunning, and even Oscar nominated films that I’d trip over myself in a millisecond to experience in IMAX. The list is sprawling. You have the chaotic genre-frenzy of Noah Baumbach's White Noise , the emotional weight and raw portrayal of decade spanning organized crime in Martin Scorsese's The Irishman , and the adventurous wonder of Bong Joon-ho's Okja . How about the jaw-dropping cinematography of Alfonso Cuaron's Roma , the escalating calculated mayhem of Rian Johnson's Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery , and the whimsical stop-motion world of Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio ? Or the badass western thrills of Jeymes Samuels' The Harder They Fall , and the more subdued, yet grander scope of Jane Campion's The Power of the Dog . Some aren't a fan of The Power of the Dog , but I would still love to see the way that film's grit and take on the American West are portrayed on IMAX. Netflix has a long way to go when it comes to showing films in theatres, but if they did an IMAX series similar to what A24 has been doing, that would be a great start.