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PULSE: SEASON ONE Starring: Willa Fitzgerald, Colin Woodell, Jack Bannon, Jessie T. Usher, Jessy Yates, Chelsea Muirhead, Daniela Nieves, Jessica Rothe, Justina Machado, Nestor Carbonell, and Arturo Del Puerto Creator: Zoe Robyn NICK Netflix's Pulse , its first English-language medical drama, is a victim of timing. The Pitt jumped on the scene and thrilled people with its realism and freshness, while Pulse is more of the stereotypical medical show we’ve seen for decades. While there's an interesting "me too" angle, this is another series filled with workplace romance and workplace politics that would fit right in with Shondaland. The cast, led by Willa Fitzgerald (2024 Bitesize Breakthrough Artist Award Nominee), performs well, and the limited outdoor shots look quite cool; however, the series is hindered by an emotional disconnect and moments of sluggish pacing. It’s adequate, but far from must-see.

Previous Next As spooky season comes to a close on this Halloween night, the Bitesize crew has put their brains together to compile Bitesize Breakdown's consensus Top Five Scariest Movies. Each writer ranks his or her top 15 films 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. IT FOLLOWS Writer-director David Robert Mitchell created a terrifyingly original idea with It Follows , which is a rarity in horror these days. Who would have thought a film about a supernatural entity that essentially takes the form of an STD would be so frightening? It Follows is so chilling that it will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up; however, it’s so much more than that. It’s also wicked stylish, featuring great performances, stunning cinematography, and a killer score. It may be hard to rewatch, but it deserves all the love this spooky season! - Paige 4. THE DESCENT It's been more than 15 years, and I can still remember the tension, thrills, scares, and claustrophobia I felt watching this little British horror film for the first time in theaters. To this day, it sticks with me as one of the scariest, and overall best, horror movies I’ve ever seen because of its unrelenting suspense and visceral frights (both physical and psychological), not to mention the fully developed collection of characters portrayed flawlessly by virtually unknown actresses who manage to make the film feel more real due to their lack of stardom. - Quentin 3. THE SHINING What is there to say about Stanley Kubrick's The Shining that hasn't already been said, analyzed, or praised? The reason this film is one of the scariest I've ever seen is the fact that its atmosphere and unnerving tone stay with you long after the credits have rolled. Kubrick's film enters your psyche to plant seeds of dread that can't easily be shaken. While most films use noises in the dark or jump scares to entice fear, Kubrick works on a level few in horror can match today. - JTE 2. THE EXORCIST Few films compare to The Exorcist with regards to scares, longevity, and cultural impact. To this day, nearly 50 years later, it is still a right of passage for kids at sleepovers, while some adults continue to avoid it altogether. Overall, The Exorcist is just a remarkably well-made film that highlights the best in horror. - Joseph 1. HEREDITARY Hereditary is the kind of movie that leaves me, a legal adult, staying up at night. The film is constantly unsettling, featuring horrifying visuals, disturbing imagery, and unnerving terror at nearly every corner, and it keeps me consistently turning away and freaking out. - Adriano HONORABLE MENTIONS SINISTER THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT PARANORMAL ACTIVITY POLTERGEIST (1982) THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE (1974) Photo Credits: Photo 1 - Mongrel Media; Photo 2 - Path é Distribution; Photo 3, 4 - Warner Bros; Photo 5 - A24

Previous Next It's that time of year again! The Bitesize crew has put their brains together to go through all the films and series that 2023 has had to offer thus far to compile Bitesize Breakdown's consensus Top Five Midyear Report. All films had to be released by June 30th and series concluded their season by the same date to become eligible. Each writer ranks his or her top 15 releases in the category. Those lists are then weighted on a reverse point system. After all the points are tallied up, the entries with the most total points make up the Bitesize Top Five. 5. ABBOTT ELEMENTARY: SEASON TWO Abbott Elementary already had me and millions of others in the palm of its hands due to its hilarious and inviting nature, but the second season doubled down on what made the first one so amazing. With more than double the episodes, this season allowed Quinta Brunson and her obscenely funny and talented co-stars to evolve their characters to the point that I feel like I know them personally, making for one of the best seasons of television this year. - Adriano 4. PAST LIVES One of the best films of the year thus far is one that many of you probably have not seen, writer/director Celine Song’s Past Lives . Once again, A24 manages to strike while the iron is hot with yet another amazing film about the human connection. It’s deep and thoughtful, but most importantly, it will pull at your heartstrings through soulful performances that will resonate with you long after the film is over. This sweet, intimate drama is one that you shouldn’t miss. - Paige 3. THE LAST OF US: SEASON ONE Few video game adaptations can call themselves good; fewer still can call themselves great. That The Last of Us operates at a higher level than even the latter descriptor is a genuine miracle and a testament to the immense adaptational talents of Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. The decisions made regarding where to cut out certain sections of the game to make room for more narrative storytelling are brilliant, as are the added narratives themselves; not to mention every performance throughout the season’s run. It all makes for, without a doubt, the year’s best single season of television to date. - Jacob 2. THE BEAR: SEASON TWO You might want to make sure you don’t have a heart condition before watching The Bear because once you start (whether binging both seasons back to back like me, or you’ve already seen Season One like people smarter than me), there is no way you are taking your eyes off this intense, gripping, beautiful, and stressful-ass show. The “no weak link” cliché attributed to great ensembles applies tenfold here, as top to bottom…from the leads down to the stacked cameos…everyone is delivering award-worthy performances to match the top tier story elements. The Bear : Season Two is an absolute must-see season of television - Amarú 1. SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE With the "hot" thing in superhero films these days being the exploration of a multiverse, no one has managed to do it better than Sony. The follow-up to Into the Spider-Verse brings together a wonderful voice cast, dynamic visuals, and expands on the themes explored in its predecessor. This is not only a shoo-in for Best Animated Feature, but it warrants consideration for Best Picture overall. - Nick HONORABLE MENTIONS JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 SUCCESSION: SEASON FOUR DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES HOW TO BLOW UP A PIPELINE SHRINKING: SEASON ONE Photo Credits: Photo 1 - ABC; Photo 2 - A24; Photo 3 - HBO; Photo 4 - FX; Photo 5 - Sony Pictures Releasing

Previous Next March 2, 2025 WRITTEN BY: THE BITESIZE CREW Presenting our 4th annual Bitesize Awards! You know the drill… similar to the Bitesize Top Five, each writer ranks their Top 10 selections for each awards category. Those lists are then weighted on a reverse point system. After all the points are tallied, we have our nominees. Finally, we voted on each award using the same method to get our winners. Of note, though, we made two changes this year… One, instead of doing a write-up for every single nominee, which last year resulted in an 8500-word article that was definitely a lot to read, we decided to just do write-ups for the winners. Also, if you click on the movie name above the write-up or in the “Other Nominees” list, you’ll be redirected to our posted reviews for that movie. Neat, right? That said, if you like the old way better, let us know on social media! Two, instead of having a category for Best Animated Feature, we decided to open that category up to all family-friendly movies. To be eligible, it must be a film aimed at families with a rating of G or PG, which means everything from Harold and the Purple Crayon to The Garfield Movie were eligible, but Memoir of a Snail and Marvel movies were not. Why the change? Truth be told, we found the pool of animated movies seen by our writers was on the smaller side, so the nominees ended up being “seen by the most writers” as opposed to any real mark of quality. So, introducing the FTK (For the Kids? Or maybe something else *wink*) Award! So, without further ado, here we go! BEST MUSIC CHALLENGERS I don’t know what the Academy was thinking, but we weren’t going to let this hypnotic, pitch-perfect score for the energetic, sex-fueled (YES, Q, SEX-FUELED), and propulsive Challengers go unnoticed. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have proven time and again that they can fit any style of film, creating a score that feels like a character… and, boy, do they deliver once again with immaculate execution. The score is dangerous and lively, making the “love” triangle between Tashi (Zendaya), Art (Mike Faist), and Patrick (Josh O’Connor) feel that much more volatile, all the way to one of 2024’s most heart-racing finales. That scene will live amongst the sports movie greats, and the score is a big reason for it. Bravo, gentlemen, you can take this Bitesize award and place it alongside your other Oscars. — Amarú Other Nominees: KNEECAP BETTER MAN DUNE: PART TWO DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST MIKEY MADISON ( ANORA ) When I first saw Anora , I thought Mikey Madison gave a very good lead performance; however, because of the authenticity Sean Baker created, I unfairly assumed this was an example of someone exactly suited to a role that wasn't far off from who they are in real life — the “playing themselves” criticism. Then I started watching Madison in interviews, learning not only how different she is from her film counterpart, but how much she put into this character. Whether it’s her emotional outbursts, her comedic sensibilities, or her more tender side, Ani requires a lot of Madison, and she nails each aspect. I've learned of her range, I've realized her star power, and I apologize for ever doubting any aspect of this performance. Mikey Madison is the real deal, and she has arrived. — Nick Other Nominees: CLARENCE MACLIN ( SING SING ) DAVID JONSSON ( ALIEN: ROMULUS ) WILLA FITZGERALD ( STRANGE DARLING ) YURA BORISOV ( ANORA ) HIDDEN GEM STRANGE DARLING In a year when most horror offerings were overshadowed by Longlegs and The Substance , Strange Darling flew under the radar due to its lack of star power, non-existent marketing, and a late summer release opposite the well-received, star-driven Blink Twice . Those who let Strange Darling slip through the cracks should make every effort to rectify that immediately because it boasts terrific performances from Kyle Gallner and (especially) Willa Fitzgerald, the best use of non-linear storytelling outside of a Quentin Tarantino film, a brilliant subversion of expectations, and a 70s-inspired vibe that recalls The Texas Chainsaw Massacre . On top of that, it’s sexy, twisty, intense, and thoroughly engaging. It’s more of a thriller than a “scary” horror movie, but that doesn’t mean it’s without moments of terror. Either way, whatever you call it, be sure to call it one of the best genre movies of 2024, if not the decade. And you’ve probably never heard of it until now. — Quentin Other Nominees: GHOSTLIGHT WICKED LITTLE LETTERS HOW TO HAVE SEX CADDO LAKE IN ALL SERIOUSNESS AWARD CIVIL WAR Every year we have a statement film in our awards that the Academy seemingly forgot about. This year, that film is Civil War . Receiving three Bitesize Award nominations, we all agreed Civil War was underrated. With the level of tension permeating throughout, paired with the real-life political possibilities, one could argue that this belongs in the Adrenaline or even Nightmare categories, but we landed on In All Seriousness, our drama category. Either way, this is one of the best films of the year and a return to form for director Alex Garland following the underwhelming Men . — Nick Other Nominees: SING SING CONCLAVE EMILIA PÉREZ THE APPRENTICE ADRENALINE AWARD DUNE: PART TWO One of the weirdest complaints I heard about Dune: Part One was that it was mostly talking and not a lot of action or thrills, which I don't get since almost the entire back half of the film had action. Nevertheless, those who complained must feel satisfied now. Dune: Part Two has some moments where my adrenaline reached unhealthy highs. The scene where Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) first rides a sandworm is more than enough to earn this victory, but considering the level of tension throughout the film, not to mention the setpieces (the ambush on the Sardaukar? The fight between Paul Atreides and Feyd-Rautha (Austin Butler)?), director Denis Villeneuve delivers more than enough to keep the thrill junkie in you satisfied while we wait for Part Three , a.k.a Messiah . — Adriano Other Nominees: FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE THE FALL GUY REBEL RIDGE LAUGH OUT LOUD AWARD ANORA For all the tragic undertones and darkness that hovers over Anora , at the end of the day, this is a screwball comedy… and one hell of a hilarious one, too. Director Sean Baker has always been good at this kind of absurdist humour while still staying grounded, and Anora takes it up a huge notch. The 20-minute break-in scene alone proves my point, as the entire sequence is so chaotic that you can't help but laugh. Even outside that sequence, especially in the film’s second half, the cast and Baker are delivering non-stop hilarity and one-liners that made me and every audience I watched this movie with belt out in laughter. — Adriano Other Nominees: SATURDAY NIGHT HIT MAN WICKED LITTLE LETTERS MY OLD ASS NIGHTMARE AWARD THE SUBSTANCE The Substance was one of the most exciting, shocking, and talked about films of 2024. Coralie Fargeat’s incredible body horror savagely attacks and satirises patriarchal beauty standards, ageism, and misogyny in Hollywood whilst also being outrageously entertaining and indulgently stomach-turning. I pride myself on being able to watch horror that makes most people cover their eyes, but even I couldn’t handle the visceral, all-encompassing nightmare of The Substance , which is to say it featured some of the most spectacular physical effects I’ve ever seen. Together with the thrilling story, distinctive visual style, evocative set design, and the phenomenal performances from Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, The Substance is a clear winner. — Katie Other Nominees: STRANGE DARLING ALIEN: ROMULUS LONGLEGS NOSFERATU FTK AWARD FLOW As a 43-year-old childless man, family movies don’t do much for me anymore. It’s not that they’re bad, but most of them either explore themes I don’t relate to ( Inside Out 2 ) or feel like mindless toy commercials ( Sonic the Hedgehog 3 ). Plus, I’m an old cynic who has seen and done some things. PG- and G-rated entertainment typically comes across as trivial and neutered to me. That said, Flow is a modern masterpiece that already is one of my favorite animated movies of all time. I’m sure the fact that I have a cat, I played Stray , and I’m constantly having cat videos shoved in my face helped Flow strike a nerve, but the movie nonetheless remains a visually beautiful tale of found family, class dynamics, survival, and the effects of climate change. Despite there being zero dialogue, the film provides surprisingly deep characterizations that lead to spellbinding and emotional attachments to the animals on screen as they navigate some stressful situations. Cute enough for the youngest toddlers yet poignant enough for the most jaded adults, Flow is the rare family film that truly is for the whole family. — Quentin Other Nominees: THE WILD ROBOT WICKED INSIDE OUT 2 IF BEST DIRECTOR DENIS VILLENEUVE ( DUNE: PART TWO ) I haven’t been shy about the fact that I didn't love Dune: Part One (I liked it, just didn’t love it), so when the outcry came for Denis Villeneuve’s snub last year, I wasn’t stunned. After Dune: Part Two , I’m now stunned. Aside from the fact that this sequel is far greater than its predecessor, the idea that you could nominate anything from this film and have it not be Villeneuve is nuts. Thankfully, we here at Bitesize have rectified that with not only a nomination, but the win! Dune: Part Two is one of the best directed films I’ve seen in a very long time, especially considering everything that needed to go right to make it work. The film is visually sensational and isn’t dragged down with the lore and exposition of Part One , doing it all while staying true to the source material. We obviously haven’t seen Messiah yet, but if it reaches the heights of this one and Villeneuve doesn’t get his flowers, I think we riot. — Nick Other Nominees: CORALIE FARGEAT ( THE SUBSTANCE ) ALEX GARLAND ( CIVIL WAR ) SEAN BAKER ( ANORA ) BRADY CORBET ( THE BRUTALIST ) BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS ZOE SALDAÑA ( EMILIA PÉREZ ) Zoe Saldaña might be one of this generation’s most overlooked actresses when it comes to just how successful she truly has been, having huge roles in the top three highest grossing movies of all time (both Avatar films and Avengers: Endgame ) and four of the top six when you add Infinity War , not to mention roles in other successful franchises like Star Trek and Pirates of the Caribbean . She is a franchise queen who has never phoned in a performance, but being that much of her work is in blockbuster tentpoles, her brilliance is glossed over. Not this time, and not in THIS movie. Truth be told, she was almost overshadowed again for negative reasons beyond her control, but I’m so glad that her powerful performance, utter dedication, and absolute “It” factor that comes from her acting in her native language cut through all the noise. No matter what you may think of the film, there is no denying that Saldaña acted her ass off. She would be a contender in this category or as lead actress, which she basically performed as for the entire runtime. — Amarú Other Nominees: FELICITY JONES ( THE BRUTALIST ) MARGARET QUALLEY ( THE SUBSTANCE ) NATASHA LYONNE ( HIS THREE DAUGHTERS ) ARIANA GRANDE ( WICKED ) BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR JEREMY STRONG ( THE APPRENTICE ) Jeremy Strong’s performance as Donald Trump’s (Sebastian Stan) deplorable mentor Roy Cohn is one of my favourite performances of 2024. For me, the success of the entire film rests on how morbidly fascinating Cohn’s relationship with Trump was, which is driven by Strong’s chillingly compelling presence. He approaches the character with a sense of restraint and ever-present threat, his expression blank and controlled yet emanating evil. However, somehow, he also manages to elicit a semblance of empathy from me, which is really saying something considering who he’s playing. Furthermore, it's incredibly impressive that Strong manages to stand out alongside Stan’s career-best performance, supporting the main character whilst never being overshadowed. — Katie Other Nominees: CHRIS HEMSWORTH ( FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA ) CLARENCE MACLIN ( SING SING ) JESSE PLEMONS ( CIVIL WAR ) YURA BORISOV ( ANORA ) BEST ACTRESS MIKEY MADISON ( ANORA ) In a year full of impressive performances, my favorite performance of the year is Mikey Madison's portrayal of Ani Mikheeva in Sean Baker's Anora . Her character may entice you with her beauty and charm at first, but as the story progresses, you start to adore the complexity and imperfections that Madison was able to bring to the role. Her portrayal is not only incredibly nuanced, but also invigorating and admirable. Madison proved that she is a formidable force and an actress who should be taken seriously in this business. After this star-making performance, the sky's the limit for her, and I can’t wait to see what she tackles next. — Paige Other Nominees: DEMI MOORE ( THE SUBSTANCE ) KARLA SOFÍA GASCÓN ( EMILIA PÉREZ ) WILLA FITZGERALD ( STRANGE DARLING ) NAOMI SCOTT ( SMILE 2 ) BEST ACTOR SEBASTIAN STAN ( THE APPRENTICE ) Regardless of what your politics may be, I think most of us would agree that, as a society, we’ve grown a little tired of seeing Donald Trump and Donald Trump impressions on our screens over the past eight years. Whether it be contentious White House press conferences or Alec Baldwin on Saturday Night Live , I think we’re all just a little over it. But that makes what Sebastian Stan does as Trump in The Apprentice all the more impressive. Despite the constant media barrage of Trump (real person and impersonated), Stan shines so brightly as the real estate mogul turned politician that you’re genuinely engaged in his rise to power. You want to watch, especially as Stan imbues the controversial President with nuance and layers that make him surprisingly sympathetic even though the portrait being painted isn’t at all flattering. The fact that he’s able to capture Trump’s mannerisms and speaking cadence without slipping into parody only adds to just how phenomenal Stan is in this movie. — Quentin Other Nominees: ADRIEN BRODY ( THE BRUTALIST ) TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET ( A COMPLETE UNKNOWN ) COLMAN DOMINGO ( SING SING ) RALPH FIENNES ( CONCLAVE ) BEST ENSEMBLE SATURDAY NIGHT When I saw Nicholas Braun pop up twice as two different characters in Saturday Night , I had to do a double take to make sure I was seeing things correctly. By then, though, I was already all in with the spirit-inhabiting ensemble I had been thoroughly entertained by. The surprise of seeing him play Jim Henson after already getting used to and loving his Andy Kaufman just solidified how great this cast is. Even more, I wasn’t sitting there saying, “oh wow, Lamorne Morris is a great Garrett Morris,” or “Dylan O’Brien is the perfect Dan Aykroyd.” Instead, I simply was enthralled by their singular performances that moved this extremely well-paced thrill ride forward with perfect comedic timing, electric chemistry, and total dedication to matching each other’s chaos, all lead by Gabrielle LaBelle’s excellent performance as Lorne Michaels. Yeah, I knew who each of these actors were playing, but I didn’t feel like they were trying to imitate the SNL legends, only that they were trying to capture their essence. They delivered on all fronts. — Amarú Other Nominees: SING SING CONCLAVE ANORA DUNE: PART TWO BEST PICTURE DUNE: PART TWO Denis Villeneuve’s second installment of this franchise is true cinema, solidifying itself among the best sci-fi adaptations to ever grace the big screen. Beyond the film’s astonishing visual spectacle, exquisite set pieces, breathtaking cinematography by Greig Fraser, and powerful score by Hans Zimmer, Dune: Part Two not only builds on the political and social commentary introduced in Part One , but on real world themes we face today. Every line manages to have significance, and every frame has magnitude. From the captivating performances from the entire ensemble cast to Villeneuve's brilliant mind as a storyteller, this is a film that us cinephiles will look back on in 50 years and still consider to be a masterpiece. — Paige Other Nominees: THE SUBSTANCE ANORA CONCLAVE CIVIL WAR

A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW Starring: Ewan McGregor, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Fehinti Balogun, Daniel Cerqueira, Björn Hlynur Haraldsson, Johnny Harris, Leah Harvey, John Heffernan, Anastasia Hille, and Lyès Salem Creator: Ben Vanstone QUENTIN A Gentleman in Moscow is essentially Steven Spielberg’s The Terminal stretched to eight hours and set against the backdrop of The Bolshevik Coup. Ewan McGregor does his best to keep things engaging, but the story is too drawn out, slowly paced, and oddly structured (holy time jump, Batman!) to hold one’s interest on a week-to-week basis. It also fails to fully explore the more interesting political turmoil happening outside the hotel-turned-makeshift-prison, instead focusing on the relationships and evolution of Alexander (McGregor) during his decades-long imprisonment at the luxurious Metropol. I suspect people of a certain age and disposition (read: your grandparents) may enjoy it, though.

OUTER RANGE: SEASON TWO Starring: Josh Brolin, Imogen Poots, Lewis Pullman, Lili Taylor, Tom Pelphrey, Will Patton, Shaun Sipos, Tamara Podemski, Noah Reid, Isabel Arraiza, Olive Abercrombie, and Christian James Creator: Brian Watkins NICK When Outer Range debuted back in 2022, I quickly became engrossed by it. It featured great performances, an intriguing mystery, and it moved at a breakneck speed. Now, two years later, Season Two has arrived and the series hasn't lost a step. The central mystery is expanded on in many interesting ways, while a stronger focus has been put on character development, taking full advantage of the (once again) terrific cast. Let’s hope this season doesn’t take as long as the first to earn a renewal because I can’t wait to see where the story continues to go! PAIGE The second season of Outer Range is every bit as captivating as the first. While the turmoil inside the Abbott family is the main focus of Season One, Season Two ups the sci-fi element for a more enigmatic tone. Rich world-building and nuanced character development drive this compelling drama, which features a cast of solid actors, led by Josh Brolin. Overall, this Yellowstone meets Dark tale is engrossing from start to finish despite moments of feeling slow and unclear, so I'm eagerly awaiting another season even though it left me with more questions than answers. QUENTIN Despite generally solid performances, Outer Range has become the worst kind of sci-fi puzzle box show in its second season. It seemingly has no idea where it’s ultimately headed, content to simply create new questions while only providing information over actual answers. On top of that, the character stories are sewn together in a way that keep them from being consistently engaging, with some characters and subplots disappearing for episodes at a time. I may not even return for Season Three of Yellowstone Twin Peaks despite a promise of “this is just the beginning,” especially if there is another two-year gap between seasons.

MARVEL ZOMBIES Starring: Iman Vellani, David Harbour, Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Dominique Thorne, Hailee Steinfeld, Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Olsen, Hudson Thames, Florence Pugh, Todd Williams and Tessa Thompson Creator: Zeb Wells AMARÚ Marvel Animation continues to fall into the trap of too many characters in too little time, but Marvel Zombies seems to have learned a little from past mistakes by leaning into its strengths (suspenseful R-rated action) and trusting its audience (stop… explaining… EVERYTHING). So while there are still instances of unnecessary exposition and hit-and-miss humor, the gruesome action, overarching storytelling, and full embrace of bizarro zombieland gives MCU alum like Iman Vellani breathing room to charm us again. The voice-actors mimicking original stars don’t fare as well (except Todd Williams as Blade, he’s awesome), but this is a step in a better direction for Marvel Animation. ROBERT What If…? never struck me as a project that lends itself to spinoffs because it isn’t canon and exists as a quaint, alternative look into wild multiverses. However, the zombie episode was immensely popular and bound to beloved source material, so that is the obvious choice. Marvel Zombies blends gruesome action with more heartfelt storytelling in four episodes than you get in the final four seasons of The Walking Dead . Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) has never been better, and she was already well-regarded; same goes for Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) as a villain. Thus, use your fully functioning brains and ingest this surprising animation.

THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT: SEASON TWO Starring: Kaley Cuoco, Zosia Mamet, Rosie Perez, Deniz Akdeniz, Mo McRae, Callie Hernandez, Joseph Julian Soria, and Cheryl Hines Creator: Steve Yockey QUENTIN The first season of The Flight Attendant , which was originally billed as a limited series if you recall, was a pulpy, fun ride that featured a great performance from Kaley Cuoco. However, for the forced, money-grab of a second season, it seems the showrunners’ only idea was simply “more Cuoco,” literally. She often has conversations with multiple versions of herself, and I gotta tell you, they are among the most annoyingly manic sequences I’ve ever seen. The mystery this season is super convoluted too, which means none of it is very interesting. Or maybe it’s just overshadowed by how irritating and dumb almost everyone is. ADRIANO Even though Kaley Cuoco is once again incredible in the lead role, the second season of The Flight Attendant is a turbulent ride. When it gets down to earth and focuses on Cassie (Cuoco), it’s actually really compelling; However, the international espionage and internal monologue aspects caused me to mentally check out. The series is entertaining and poppy, so I had no issue returning every week (Zosia Mamet as Annie is particularly underrated). But it feels like the writers took ideas that worked in the first season and stretched them a little too far this time around.

SKELETON CREW Starring: Jude Law, Robert Timothy Smith, Kyriana Kratter, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Ravi Cabot-Conyers, Nick Frost, Kerry Condon, and Jaleel White Creators: Christopher Ford and Jon Watts AMARÚ I had to suppress my day-job bias when watching Skeleton Crew because, if it weren’t for Fern (Ryan Kiera Armstrong) telling Wim (Ravi Cabot-Conyers) everything I want to say to children but can’t as a professional, I would’ve missed the absolute wonder and novelty this show brings to a Star Wars universe in dire need of it. Overall, I loved the nostalgic feel Crew authentically delivers. It’s rife with Amblin fingerprints, balancing a heartfelt and perilous adventure with a truly compelling mystery that I had a blast uncovering, especially alongside Jude Law and Nick Frost, both of whom help bring real stakes to this “kids” show. Outstanding. PAIGE Without a doubt, Skeleton Crew is the most joyful Star Wars project we have ever gotten. This enjoyable journey, which has strong resemblance to an Amblin movie from the 1980s, manages to be full of heart and hope while maintaining a high level of stakes. As you follow this adventure, the series will make you feel like a kid again, led by the outstanding dynamic between Jude Law and the four kid leads (Robert Timothy Smith, Kyriana Kratter, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, and Ravi Cabot-Conyers). Thankfully, this series sparks a new hope for me within the Star Wars universe after its recent setbacks.

CONSTELLATION: SEASON ONE Starring: Noomi Rapace, Jonathan Banks, James D’Arcy, Julian Looman, Lenn Kudrjawizki, William Catlett, Barbara Sukowa, Carole Weyers, Rebecca Scroggs, Henry David, Joshua Spriggs, Michel Diercks, Sandra Teles, Clare-Hope Ashitey, Davina Coleman, Rosie Coleman, and Chipo Chung Creator: Peter Harness QUENTIN Constellation , which Apple is calling an “action-packed space adventure,” has very little action and zero adventure. This series is a pure psychological thriller, and a bad one at that. It’s a slow burn that piles mysteries on top of mysteries without ever giving the viewer enough bait to become curious about the answers. Sure, things come into focus eventually, but the slog to get there simply isn’t worth it. It’s a confusing and convoluted mess that will often leave you questioning if you missed something…and I say that as someone who binged the entire season in one sitting. I can’t imagine watching this on a week-to-week basis. PRESTON Constellation , Apple TV+’s new psychological thriller features a recognizable cast in Noomi Rapace and Jonathan Banks, and while the acting, cinematography, and score are fantastic, the series, as a whole, is not. The absolute lack of action and ridiculously drawn-out scenes seem to be its attempt at suspenseful intensity, yet they fail to thrill on almost every (but not quite all) occasion. There is complete confusion in the first half of the series, followed by annoyance in the second half with its repetitive nature. There is potential for any possible seasons to come, but this first outing was just too damn slow.

Previous Next What is a flop? Sometimes it's a bad movie, sure. But sometimes it's a critical darling that didn't bring in enough money or even a film that didn't do well in its original release but found success through home media or streaming. This got us thinking about some of our favourite flops for one reason or another. So, the Bitesize crew has put their brains together to compile Bitesize Breakdown's consensus Top Five Flops. Each writer ranks their top 15 films 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. BETTER MAN Better Man, a musical biopic about Robbie Williams as a CGI ape, is a creative gamble that pays off spectacularly well for me while also seeming to be a success with critics. However, it has only grossed about $23 million worldwide against a $110 million budget, unfortunately. I’m a fan of Williams’ music, so I was already familiar with the songs, but I also loved the film’s outrageously entertaining musical set-pieces and unexpectedly raw and emotional portrayal of his story. Sadly, not even its bold stylistic choices and genuinely impressive CGI could make up for the fact that Williams simply isn't well-known enough in the U.S. (only making about $2 million at the U.S. box office) or well-liked enough across Europe for it to succeed. Despite this, I think more people should see Better Man regardless of their familiarity with Williams; they’ll be pleasantly surprised. - Katie 4. THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION It took me quite a long time to get over my imagined distaste for The Shawshank Redemption . I don’t know what it was, but growing up, I thought it would be a depressing, uninteresting, and downright slog of a three-hour movie. So, when I finally got around to watching it in my 30s (yes, it took me that long, don’t judge), I looked in the mirror and pointed at myself like that meme you all can now imagine in your head. Considering it flopped, maybe I was thinking the same thing as everyone else when it came out? Boy, were we all wrong. Shawshank is pure heart and joy wrapped in the tragic exterior that Tim Robbins’ Andy Dufresne had to face, with so many lovable (and hateable) characters that you wait with bated breath on each of their respectable resolutions. Whether you cried for Brooks (James Whitmore), got mad with Red (Morgan Freeman), or had the most cathartic exaltation when Andy’s Raquel Welch poster was removed, there is almost no movie that makes you feel the most rewatchable feels more than this brilliant story of resilience. - Amarú 3. WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY As a child, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is pure wish fulfillment: a mysterious stranger has a contest where buying candy is a requirement, and the ultimate winner gets a lifetime supply of chocolate? That is a dream realized. When you grow up, you recognize the horrors and atrocities wrought on the Oompa-Loompas and children who enter Willy Wonka’s (Gene Wilder) factory and wonder why anyone would consider the story whimsical. A $4 million box office gross against a $3 million budget speaks to how the adaptation didn’t grab as many viewers as readers of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s story. Maybe Shaft was just more popular for the July 4th weekend in 1971, or maybe potential child murder wasn’t a legitimate draw. Either way, despite how problematic it ends up being, the film has magnificent songs, colorful characters, and Wilder making a case for an Oscar nomination as a man locked in arrested development simply trying to make the world more magical. Who can make the sun rise? The candy man can, and did. - Robert 2. SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD In 2010, there were a handful of films that taught film geeks like me that online interest doesn’t always translate into mainstream success. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World was one of those very films. Despite months of hype, and even with strong reviews and great word-of-mouth, Edgar Wright’s adaptation of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s acclaimed graphic novel series only ended up grossing $47M worldwide against a reported $60M budget. As someone who bought the Blu-ray, downloaded the soundtrack on iTunes, played the game endlessly, read all the graphic novels, and even re-enacted a scene for my high school drama class: I’ll admit… I was bitter. And I had every reason to be because I’m one of those people who actually missed it in theatres. Luckily, it’s not hard to find a repertory screening in Toronto (for obvious reasons), so I was able to rectify a decades-old mistake. Still, no matter how big or small the screen, everything about the film feels as fresh as the first time - from the sublime visuals to its hilarious one-liners, and especially the incredible casting choices (Ellen Wong should’ve been a star, dammit). It’s my favourite Wright movie for a reason, and it fully deserves its cult classic status. Sylvester Stallone (The Expendables ) and Julia Roberts (Eat Pray Love ) may have won that weekend, but Scott Pilgrim won the war. - Bode 1. CHILDREN OF MEN Am I bitter that Children of Men was a massive flop? I don't know, honestly. Yes, it deserved so much more, especially considering it not only failed to earn back its $76 million budget but also lost about $120 million, which effectively put Alfonso Cuarón in director's jail for a time. However, while the box office is certainly a form of showing value with audiences, so is time… and time has been great to Children of Men . Recently ranked 13th on The New York Times' 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century, it’s clear that, eventually, audiences graced themselves with the masterwork of this poignant dystopian thriller, buying into the breathtaking visuals of the world-building and the excellent character writing. Plus, Cuarón escaped from director's jail to win two Best Director Oscars, so all is well there, too. - Adriano HONORABLE MENTIONS THE IRON GIANT THE BIG LEBOWSKI OFFICE SPACE KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON KISS KISS BANG BANG

A THOUSAND BLOWS: SEASON ONE Starring: Malachi Kirby, Stephen Graham, Erin Doherty, Francis Lovehall, Ziggy Heath, Jason Tobin, Darci Shaw, James Nelson-Joyce, Nadia Albina, Jemma Carlton, Caoilfhionn Dunne, Morgan Hilaire, Tom Davis, Ella Lily Hyland, Robert Glenister, and Susan Lynch Creator: Steven Knight QUENTIN If you’re experiencing severe withdrawals from Peaky Blinders , ask your doctor about A Thousand Blows (at least until the Blinders movie, The Immortal Man , hits Netflix). With both series coming from Steven Knight, Blows could be the 1883 to Peaky Blinders ’ Yellowstone due to the shared production values, period-specific details, and above average performances (although, Blinders is stronger on the acting front). However, while it touches on still relevant themes of class, gender, and racial dynamics, the story is a poorly paced slog built around thinly written characters and boxing sequences that are bruising but not exciting. If you need a Blinders fix, it’ll do…but meh.