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SHIRLEY Starring: Regina King, Lance Reddick, Lucas Hedges, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Christina Jackson, Michael Cherrie, André Holland, and Terrence Howard Director: John Ridley AMARÚ I was lucky enough to be educated about Shirley Chisholm growing up, and it’s a disservice that Shirley delves into the politician’s importance no more thoroughly than my elementary school. With great actors like Regina King, Lance Reddick (damn…), and Terrence Howard (whom I’ve never seen say less words in anything, ever) carrying the film to respectable status, the second half more successfully delivers increased gravitas to this cliff-notes version of her historical presidential campaign. While I was ultimately satisfied with what I watched, Shirley unfortunately continues the recent trend of mediocre biopics for people who are anything but. QUENTIN While I commend the intent behind Shirley , as well as the terrific performances, the fact is that the movie is simply too bland to be anything more than another forgettable biopic. I don’t know if director John Ridley was trying to make it more palatable for mainstream audiences, but I have to imagine that Shirley Chisholm’s (Regina King) ill-fated presidential bid faced stiffer problems than what we witness in the story given to us. It’s not a bad movie at all, and if you don’t know anything about the pioneering congresswoman, it’s worth a watch; however, Chisholm and her legacy deserve more than Shirley . ADRIANO The incredible true story at the heart of Shirley is one that deserves to be told, and it's told here with the utmost respect and admiration for Shirley Chisholm (Regina King). To her credit, King steers the vehicle excellently; however, the storytelling, sadly, feels too sanitized and weightless to feel her gravity. The presentation is remarkably dull and, while the story is inspiring, the lens through which it is told feels too much like a history lesson and not an experience. By no means is this movie bad, but stories like this deserve more than what we're given in Shirley . KATIE Shirley is a mediocre film about an incredible woman. Don’t get me wrong, the film does a great job of educating me about Shirley Chisholm’s (Regina King) remarkable life and amazing legacy, but, as is the case with many biopics lately, it comes across as a paint-by-numbers account that lacks nuance and presents many one-dimensional characters. The performances are great, especially King as Shirley, and it’s entertaining overall, but it borders on the mundane and lacks impact. I just wanted more from the representation of this inspiring story.

TOGETHER Starring: Dave Franco, Alison Brie, and Damon Herriman Director: Michael Shanks NICK As I stated in my Fantasia preview HERE , I was looking forward to Together . It had received positive buzz, and the marketing really played into the body horror. While that is certainly an aspect of the film, I wish it was more prominent, as this was visually much tamer than I'd expected. It’s more focused on the relationship challenges of Dave Franco and Alison Brie's Tim and Millie. In that sense, it works well as both give solid performances, but in the horror sense it leaves a little to be desired. It’s fine but I wanted this one to make me squirm in my seat. ADRIANO Slight bumps called The Monkey and Opus aside, 2025 has been a really solid year for horror, and Together is here to continue that trend. With its gnarly concept and gleefully deranged tone, the film offers the kind of darkly funny body-horror thrills you would want. Where the movie loses me is with the obvious codependency metaphor. As good as real-life couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie are, the movie doesn't quite get to the root or do anything particularly interesting with its ideas. Still, that doesn't in any way diminish the thrills you'll endure. ROBERT Together tells a classic story: boy (Dave Franco) meets girl (Alison Brie), boy and girl attempt to salvage their relationship, and then boy and girl must unravel a mystery before both their bodies merge into one… a tale as old as time. Together delves into the complex nature of adult relationships, looking at codependency and losing self-identity, while holding a creepiness factor and macabre humor that go hand-in-hand. One minute I’m shifting uncomfortably in my seat, and the next I’m belting out in laughter. Both Franco and Brie understand how to spotlight toughness in a partnership, and that understanding makes this film entertaining. PAIGE Together is a gnarly body horror film that is elevated by the performances of real-life couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie. Their chemistry is undeniable and breathes life into this film, giving it layers of not only terror but also romance and humor. While its themes of codependency may be a bit on the nose, this absurd flick is certainly a great date night movie for couples who love horror movies. The atmosphere throughout the movie feels claustrophobic and unsettling. Director Michael Shanks crushes it in his directorial debut, quite literally taking inspiration from the line in The Substance , “you are one.” QUENTIN Although a little too obvious, Together is an excellent metaphor for codependency and the feeling of relationship complacency. The chemistry between real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie holds the movie together through a slow start before director Michael Shanks drops in a few solid jump scares and the twisted body horror. All involved are especially adept at knowing when to lean into the dark humor of the situation as much as the terror. Even though it goes off the rails a bit towards the end, including a final shot I don’t exactly love, Together is one of 2025’s best horror offerings.

SHARPER Starring: Julianne Moore, Sebastian Stan, Justice Smith, Briana Middleton, and John Lithgow Director: Benjamin Caron NICK Here's the thing... plotwise, Sharper is great. The story is interesting, filled with exciting twists, while every member of the cast is engaging in their roles (even Justice Smith, who I'm often critical of). Unfortunately, with the way the film has been chopped up to incorporate its non-linear storytelling, all those exciting twists and turns have far less gravity to them than they should, making the film almost completely devoid of suspense. It's a baffling editorial decision that works against the film by taking away much of the finale’s weight. Still, it’s a worthwhile watch, but this could have been great. Such a missed opportunity. PAIGE Sharper is a stylish and seductive con artist thriller filled with countless plot twists. Just when you think you know where the story is going, the film takes another turn to keep you on the edge of your seat. The shifting character perspectives keep things intriguing and engaging, but the film fumbles it all in the third act. Still, it’s an entertaining experience that delivers solid performances from Julianne Moore, Sebastian Stan, and Briana Middleton, making it sharp enough to deserve being watched. DARRYL Sharper is a good psychological thriller that will keep the audience invested and engaged throughout. The interweaving stories dovetail into a third act that doesn’t fully hold up, but the twists and reveals make for a mostly satisfying conclusion nonetheless. Films about multi-layered con jobs and confidence scams can oftentimes come off as convoluted, but Sharper keeps its focus on its small central cast, maintaining a clear narrative that’s simple to follow. Benjamin Caron’s direction, solid performances from everyone (especially Briana Middleton), and a well-crafted production design make for a great weeknight movie that almost anyone can enjoy. JOSEPH Following some scam artists and their targets, Sharper weaves multiple threads into an intriguing thriller. Each new chapter offers another piece of the story, allowing us to better understand the motives behind the cons. That being said, I feel Sebastian Stan’s character could have been further developed, as he is mostly relegated to an interesting, but ultimately shallow, sociopath. Nevertheless, Sharper continuously throws twists at you, keeping your eyes glued to the screen and your mind second guessing every act made by the characters. It’s a fun thriller with a few flaws that the charismatic cast will help you overlook. QUENTIN As you know, I love a good heist, but I equally love Heist’s cousin, The Grift. And while Sharper has an appealing cast and a few stylistic choices that evoke the noirs of Brian De Palma, the movie is undermined by the fractured, non-linear story structure. In telling the story through character-driven chapters, the narrative momentum is virtually non-existent, which leaves the plentiful twists landing with more of a flat “oh, I see” than an emphatic “oh, wow!” Still, it’s not terrible by any means, and fans of con man movies should find it enjoyable enough, even if it doesn’t leave a lasting impression. ADRIANO Sharper is… fine. It has lots of ideas to play with, and I think director Benjamin Caron plays with those ideas in a sleek and, at times, fun way. The cast all do a great job too, especially Julianne Moore and Briana Middleton. But something about its delivery didn’t really engage me as much as it should have. I don’t think the pacing works for the plot’s high ambitions, and the ending didn’t stick the landing for me either. Check it out if you want, it might work for you, but for me, it didn’t resonate the way it should have. JACOB Sharper ’s script would be clever if it weren’t so convoluted, but regardless of its shortcomings when it comes to clarity or characters, it can be fun watching these performers scam each other as we journey into their respective pasts. There is a point where the plot switches back to present day that is so unremarked upon that the audience doesn’t even register the turn, but eventually we catch up. Unfortunately, the repetitiveness of the first two acts can’t be made up for by a relatively dull third act, so ultimately, the film can’t be more than just fine.

THE BEANIE BUBBLE Starring: Zach Galifianakis, Elizabeth Banks, Sarah Snook, and Geraldine Viswanathan Directors: Kristin Gore and Damian Kulash QUENTIN This year, Hollywood has become obsessed with movies about products: Air , Flamin’ Hot , BlackBerry , Tetris , even Barbie to a certain extent. Now we have The Beanie Bubble , which, I suppose, is okay enough. The story is undeniably interesting, but it’s told with so much quirk (co-director Damian Kulash is the lead singer of OK Go) that it somewhat undermines the message. At its core, this is a feminist tale about the intelligent women that drove the Beanie Baby craze and the incompetent, jealous man that took advantage to make millions; however, it never celebrates the heroines as much as it should. It’s watchable, but too slight. PAIGE This seems to be the year of the corporate biopic, and with The Beanie Bubble , we have another one joining the fold. The film is a cheeky and cynical take on capitalism told through the lens of the popular plush toy and the company behind it. While the character-driven approach allows the stacked cast to deliver decent performances while being entertaining at times, the film leans towards the more boring side of things overall. It also feels like it’s trying too hard to be an Adam McKay film. With a generic story, it falls flat compared to similar movies that were released earlier this year. ADRIANO The Beanie Bubble is something of a tragedy, in the sense that there is a great movie hidden in there somewhere. The concept of the film is an interesting one, and the cast make it an entertaining and funny romp. But it never goes deeper than surface-level. We learn a lot about the characters and their relationships with Ty Warner (Zach Galifianakis), but not enough about Ty himself or why people went crazy for Beanie Babies the way they did. Is it a fun movie? Yes, but don’t expect much more than that.

REDUX REDUX Starring: Michaela McManus, Stella Marcus, Jim Cummings, and Jeremy Holm Directors: Kevin McManus and Matthew McManus This film has been reviewed by Nick, Bode, and Quentin as part of Bitesize Breakdown's coverage of the 2025 Fantasia International Film Festival. NICK Although not at all the exhilarating thriller it's promoted as, I enjoyed Redux Redux for what it actually was. Michaela McManus (Irene) channels Rebecca Ferguson as she leads this multiverse-trotting tale of revenge that, despite a lack of high-octane action, is still entertaining. Directors Kevin and Matthew McManus do a great job of showing how someone can lose themselves when blinded by vengeance and what it takes to get them out of that cycle. Could it have been more thrilling? Yes, but the pairing of McManus and Stella Marcus (Mia) give their characters enough life to keep the story engaging. QUENTIN Given Redux Redux ’s status as one of my most anticipated Fantasia offerings, I’m saddened to call it a disappointment. Admittedly, this could be an expectations management issue, but the promised storyline of violent vengeance and “deliverance by any kind of weapon…every kind of weapon” doesn’t deliver. Instead, it’s more about working through trauma and the developing bond between a tortured adult and a defiant teenager. Think You Were Never Really Here mixed with Logan , but only in plotting and themes, not actual quality. That said, the performances are great, so it might have been better had my mind not been clouded by the marketing. BODE When I came across the premise for Redux Redux , I was quite intrigued. A time loop story can comment on so much, and using it to comment on the cycle of revenge could be pretty thrilling. And it is…for the first half, at least. The film struggles to maintain that uniqueness or energy afterwards, relying on surface-level observations of its subject matter, and dragging more than I would’ve liked. But solid performances (especially from lead star Michaela McManus), a cool soundtrack, moody filmic cinematography, and some genuinely memorable blood squibs keep directors Kevin and Matthew McManus’ lo-fi sci-fi watchable.

SHORTCOMINGS Starring: Justin H. Min, Sherry Cola, Ally Maki, and Sonoya Mizuno Director: Randall Park AMARÚ Shortcomings is an apt title for Randall Park’s self-aware directorial debut. Not because the movie is substandard, it’s perfectly enjoyable; but that he utilizes his characters’ flaws to point out society’s shortcomings when misusing political correctness. Park comically discerns how assholes use “wokeness” to cover up their own pomposity, and setting the film in the hub of activism, Berkeley, CA, is even better. Sometimes you’re the problem, and Justin H. Min plays that sort of self-sabotaging, pretentious dick very well, hilariously playing off entertaining up-and-comer Sherry Cola. Shortcomings is an inoffensive 90-minute self-examination of today’s world and, ultimately, a pretty nice watch. ADRIANO Randall Park’s directorial debut, Shortcomings , is uneventful, but overall, pretty enjoyable. At the center of the film is Justin H. Min’s lead performance that I sure hope opens the door to more starring roles because he is great here. As for the film, it’s a funny and endearing movie that, at worst, attempts to make a statement about cultural perception and modern relationships in a way that never clashes with each other. However, the movie never strikes a nerve in the way that Park and writer Adrian Tomine intended. Nonetheless, it’s an entertaining and interesting movie that’s easy to recommend to most people.

THE HARDER THEY FALL Starring: Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba, Zazie Beetz, Regina King, LaKeith Stanfield, Delroy Lindo, Edi Gathegi, RJ Cyler, Danielle Deadwyler, and Deon Cole Director: Jeymes Samuel AMARÚ The Harder They Fall is my kind of western, featuring the coolest characters played by the coolest performers saying the coolest things over the coolest score. First-time director Jeymes Samuel makes sure to capture everything as epically as possible and does not waste a shot. Although every person on screen shines bright, it's Jonathan Majors who continues to prove how, even amongst legends like Regina King, Delroy Lindo, and Idris Elba, he will be top billed for decades to come. I promise this will be, hands-down, one of the most bad-ass movies you've watched in years. QUENTIN I recently asked a friend that I just made up for this review, "What was the last great western?" In The Harder They Fall , Netflix has delivered the answer. The performances are stellar across the board, though Jonathan Majors and LaKeith Stanfield are especially great, and the confident direction of Jeymes Samuel (in his feature debut, no less) is astounding. He's clearly influenced by Quentin Tarantino, but it feels much fresher, dripping with the "Black swagger" that Tarantino is constantly trying to capture. It admittedly drags slightly in the middle, but Samuel has crafted one of the year's best movies. JACOB The first third of director Jeymes Samuel’s The Harder They Fall takes a while to find its balance. Ironically, the more stylized portions - the "Netflix movie" segments - are its less successful elements. However, once the story is established and the castmates are all together, it morphs into something that works, relying (to a fault) on good performances and entertaining, well-staged action sequences. Idris Elba and Jonathan Majors are dynamite, especially when sharing the screen, as are LaKeith Stanfield and Delroy Lindo. It all amounts to a pretty fun western, even if the sequel-bait ending did leave me a little annoyed. ADRIANO Do you want to have a good time watching a movie? If so, I can't recommend The Harder They Fall enough, an entertaining-as all-hell spaghetti western from first time feature director Jeymes Samuel. It doesn't veer too far from the tropes of the genre, but it has the style and dialogue of something much fresher. The large ensemble does not disappoint, with such amazing performances that it's hard to pick a true standout. It may not rank among 2021's best, but it's definitely some of the most fun I've had with a movie this year. NICK Director Jeymes Samuel kills it in his directorial debut with this film that has shades of Quentin Tarantino, but also stands out as its own thing. It’s violent, vibrant, and vindictive. It also boasts a stacked cast. Jonathan Majors gives a career best performance, solidifying his promise as a leading man, while LaKeith Stanfield oozes cool as the villainous Cherokee Bill. Not to mention Zazie Beetz, Regina King, and many more all adding to this beautiful chaos. The Harder They Fall is dripping with swagger at every point. Don’t let this one get by you.

EBONY AND IVORY Starring: Sky Elobar and Gil Gex Director: Jim Hosking This film has been reviewed by Nick and Quentin as part of Bitesize Breakdown's coverage of the 2024 Fantastic Film Festival. NICK What the fuck did I just watch? I haven't seen a film as painfully unfunny as Ebony and Ivory in some time. I spent the entire runtime wanting to turn it off, but didn't because I needed to review this thing in all its idiocy. The cheap imitations of Paul McCartney (Sky Elobar) and Stevie Wonder (Gil Gex) neither personify the actual people, nor provide a lick of laughs. I think we're supposed to laugh at Wonder displaying the symptoms of Tourette's syndrome? Because that’s clearly funny… God I hated this. QUENTIN As divisive as they are, I really enjoyed Jim Hosking’s The Greasy Strangler and An Evening with Beverly Luff Linn , so I was committed to seeing whatever off-kilter nonsense Hosking had cooked up with Ebony and Ivory . Woo, boy, is this some nonsense. It’s not so much a plotted movie as it is a collection of conversational anti-comedy skits, and despite a few quick-hitter moments that came ever-so-close to winning me over, they eventually undermine themselves for going on way too long. One almost needs to see it to believe how dumb and outlandish it is, but also, please don’t do that to yourself.

THE OUTFIT Starring: Mark Rylance, Zoey Deutch, Johnny Flynn, Dylan O’Brien, Nikki Amuka-Bird, and Simon Russell Beale Director: Graham Moore ADRIANO The Outfit is a gloriously unpredictable thriller. The film’s single setting location never once made it feel like a filmed stage play thanks to director Graham Moore’s visual eye, as the tailor shop where the entire film takes place feels both claustrophobic and large. On top of that, the film hooked me pretty quickly, and I thought I had it all figured out. I could not have been more wrong. It constantly pulled the rug out from underneath me, which I absolutely loved. Mark Rylance giving another stunning performance definitely helped too. Overall, it’s a worthwhile experience that is gripping and fun as hell. QUENTIN If you can imagine Reservoir Dogs in the style of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy , then you’ve imagined The Outfit . Buoyed by an old school score and production design, it relies on a subtle tension that quietly simmers without ever causing anxiety in the viewer. However, while I wouldn’t call it predictable, the revelations never hit as hard as writers Johnathan McClain and Graham Moore (who also directed) probably want them to. It’s almost anti-climactic because they seem to think it’s cleverer than it actually is, so they backed off some. Still, Mark Rylance gives such an engaging performance that it’s easy to overlook that flaw.

THE NORTHMAN Starring: Alexander Skarsgård, Anya Taylor-Joy, Ethan Hawke, Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, Willem Dafoe, Björk, Gustav Lindh, and Elliott Rose Director: Robert Eggers AMARÚ Vengeance is a bloody, messy affair, and director Robert Eggers took that to heart with The Northman . It’s an epic worthy of the Norse Gods, accompanied by a booming score and vibrant visuals. Alexander Skarsgård carries the wrath of this film in every stare, slash, and guttural exclamation, making the action and dialogue all the more visceral. The characters’ motivations are pretty straightforward, making your connection to them a slight bit hollow, but when it comes to revenge, you’re not really looking for depth. You’re looking for blood. And blood you get. JACOB Robert Eggers’ The Northman is a Viking revenge epic truly worthy of the term. Though it falls short on pacing and some character elements compared to the director’s other work, this hyper-faithful adaptation of the Icelandic story of Amleth is simultaneously furious and meditative. It’s a beast of a film with blood in its heart. Alexander Skarsgård owns the titular part, towering and menacing as an animal with a lust for vengeance, making this his and Eggers’ movie all the way. Though more engaging as a craftsman’s piece than enrapturing as a story, it’s a cinematic experience one won’t soon forget. ADRIANO The Northman is glorious. Director/co-writer Robert Eggers’ viking revenge epic is pure indie Eggers, but with a $90 million dollar budget. Seriously, the crafts are absolutely nuts. It looks gorgeous, the production values are grand, the sound design is excellent, and it has an amazing score. The battle sequences are brutal and awesome too. The entire ensemble is incredible, but especially fantastic is Alexander Skarsgård, who is ferocious and super badass. Anya Taylor-Joy is also great; same with Nicole Kidman. While it could turn off some viewers, I really enjoyed the mythology the film presented. This is yet another win for Eggers. QUENTIN With The Northman , a Gladiator meets Vikings hybrid, director Robert Eggers has delivered his most accessible film yet, but one that is still more artsy than mainstream. While the acting is strong and the story is intriguing, it suffers from issues that plague similar epics – namely, that it’s too long and tries to do too much. For example, Anya Taylor-Joy gives a good performance, but her character seems unnecessary. That said, the cinematography is absolutely breathtaking, so even if the story drags some, the stunning visuals stave off any boredom. Also, special shout-out to Alexander Skarsgård’s trap muscles on their upcoming Best Supporting Actor nomination. NICK Director Robert Eggers has crafted a gorgeous and authentic film that transports you back in time, and although it doesn’t quite flow seamlessly and is a tad overlong, it makes for an engaging epic. Led by Alexander Skarsgård, who excels in roles which ask him to be an imposing presence with scant yet poignant dialogue, the cast is airtight with surprising showings from Nicole Kidman and Claes Bang. It’s the cinematography, however, that shines the brightest. The visuals in this film are stunning and exactly what you’d expect from Eggers, a director who doesn’t seem to miss. PAIGE With The Northman , director Robert Eggers brings another haunting and visually beautiful film to life, this time in the form of a bloody revenge epic. The film is enhanced by its brooding and primal score, while the breathtaking cinematography only serves to highlight the brutality that takes place on screen. And even though everyone gives strong performances, Alexander Skasgård especially channels an animalistic performance that is Oscar worthy. The Northman may be Eggers’ best film yet.

RENTAL FAMILY Starring: Brendan Fraser, Takehiro Hira, Mari Yamamoto, Shannon Mahina Gorman, and Akira Emoto Director: Hikari ADRIANO There was a fear of mine that Rental Family would lean too sentimental and perhaps even emotionally manipulative, and I was pleased to say that's not the case. Brendan Fraser's teddy bear performance is easy to melt your heart, but director/co-writer Hikari’s patient and often funny writing gives each character a well-fleshed out arc and emotional stake in the narrative. While I never reached the point of tears, I certainly felt the beauty in this story that utilizes an otherwise pretty silly concept. Rental Family is a nice, feel-good film that's genuine and worthwhile in many regards. AMARÚ Rental Family is a sweet story that digs deeply into our inherent need for human connection, doing so with sincerity and an open heart. And it's apropos that Brendan Fraser, the sweetest man in Hollywood, was the catalyst of that honest wholesomeness. He was made for this role, embodying a level of truly inspirational empathy. Director Hikari’s smart use of her ensemble as a whole through which to successfully deliver this unique story without a drop of saccharine frivolity also is remarkable. Some emotional beats did need more time to breathe, but the smile on my face the entire runtime was genuinely undeniable. NICK Brendan Fraser comes across as a very kind and genuine human being, so casting him in Rental Family makes total sense. That doesn’t mean it works, though. Hikari has directed a fairly surface level story that can’t seem to focus itself. It’s a shame, as some of the themes introduced have endless potential, yet the film goes in too many directions to be able to expand on most of them. Fraser is exactly what you want him to be, but it’s the film surrounding him that feels afraid to dive into some of the questions it asks. It would’ve been much more interesting if it did. QUENTIN Given these turbulent times, if you need a source — any source — of optimistic, heartwarming feels, Rental Family will almost certainly deliver. Granted, those feels are incredibly shallow and extremely superficial since the characters are mostly just pawns to get you to the next saccharine story beat, but good feels are good feels. Unfortunately, the narrative doesn’t have much lasting heft behind it either because Brendan Fraser is somewhat miscast, with his ever-present teddy bear persona never allowing for a full character arc. Still, you could do worse than Rental Family , even if this cynic found it to be a little too sentimental. This film was reviewed by Nick, Adriano, Amarú, and Quentin as part of Bitesize Breakdown's coverage of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival and the 2025 Internationales Filmfestival Mannheim-Heidelberg, respectively.

MY BEST FRIEND'S EXORCISM Starring: Elsie Fisher, Amiah Miller, and Christopher Lowell Director: Damon Thomas JOSEPH My Best Friend’s Exorcism is the type of film that lasts. It’s not ridiculously funny or campy, nor is it particularly scary, but there’s just something about it. Maybe it’s the ensemble that works together all too well, maybe it’s the weirdly hilarious finale - who knows? What I can say is that this feels like a sleepover movie. Flawed and hardly scary, but fully enjoyable even if it’s just eye-rolling fun. PAIGE My Best Friend’s Exorcism needs an exorcism of its own to help the film from derailing. The film is ultimately too tame, and it needed more of a scare factor than quippy jokes. As a fan of the book, I truly wonder if the team behind the film even read it or knew what the concept was. Unfortunately, they couldn’t figure out how to balance the horror-comedy scales in the story. But, at the end of the day, the film is somewhat saved by its characters and the actors that portray them.