Issa Smith

Him attempts the rare feat of a sports horror movie, and for much of its run time, it succeeds in delivering a unique, tense atmosphere. The film's premise—exploring the dark lengths one will go to achieve greatness, set against a high-stakes athletic goal—is compelling and original for the horror genre. For the most part, the plot is solid and intriguing, leaning into the suspense created by the supernatural elements invading the sports world. Tyriq Withers and Marlon Wayans deliver strong performances, and their on-screen chemistry is a definite highlight, grounding the escalating bizarre situations with palpable tension. However, the movie stumbles as it approaches the finish line. There are several scenes throughout the film that remain frustratingly unexplained, leaving the viewer wondering about key pieces of the mystery. While the ending eventually reveals the full situation, the payoff is ultimately mixed. Some viewers will likely find the climax and resolution to be flat or underwhelming, feeling that the build-up deserved a more satisfying conclusion. Others may not mind the ambiguous or slightly subdued reveal. Ultimately, Him is an "okay" horror entry. It's a great choice to kick off spooky season, offering a fresh genre mashup with strong acting. Your enjoyment will largely hinge on your personal preference for the ending; it's a film that leaves room for interpretation and will divide audiences.

The Long Walk is a suspenseful and dialogue-heavy adaptation of the Stephen King novel (written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman) that expertly trades explosive action for a slow-burn psychological descent. The film follows a group of young boys who volunteer for "The Long Walk," a grueling, televised challenge where they must maintain a minimum pace of 3 mph. Whoever walks the longest wins a massive prize and one wish. This unique premise alone will draw you in, but it's the execution that keeps you hooked. The movie shines in its relentless focus on dialogue, using the seemingly endless walk as a backdrop for deep character exploration. We learn about the walkers' backstories, motivations, and fears through their intense, often philosophical conversations, which gradually build the emotional stakes. The ensemble cast is superb. David Johnson delivers a commanding performance; every time he's on screen, he grounds the escalating tension. His chemistry with Cooper Hoffman is a highlight, as they form a compelling and often heartbreaking dynamic. Ben Wang, Garrett Wareing, Charlie Plummer, and Tut Nyot round out the group with great screen chemistry, ensuring that the audience genuinely feels for the plight of each character. It must be noted, however, that the film is slow-paced and deliberate. It builds suspense meticulously to earn its climax, and this pacing won't be for everyone. Viewers expecting a typical, fast-moving thriller may be disappointed. The Long Walk is a character study and a meditation on endurance and sacrifice disguised as a competition. If you enjoy suspense that is driven by psychological tension and strong performances over pure spectacle, this is a must-see.

After seeing the trailer countless times, I finally checked this one out—and I’m so glad I did. The movie kept me hooked from start to finish with a plot full of tension, humor, and strong performances. The husband-and-wife duo had amazing chemistry, balancing comedy with genuine emotion and heated moments. It’s funny, heartfelt, and never loses your attention. If you’re looking for a good laugh with some drama sprinkled in, this is definitely worth a trip to the theater.

Great movie and such a fun time! The lead actor really delivered—he’s always been solid, and it was awesome seeing him in this project. You don’t need to watch the older movies to enjoy this reboot, but checking out the 1984 original helps give some cool context. The film is packed with action, humor, and energy. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s part of the fun. Definitely worth catching in theaters if you want something entertaining.

This was a strong conclusion to Lorraine and Ed’s story—at least for now. The real heart of the film is their daughter, Judy, who finally steps into the spotlight. As a horror fanatic, I found the scares a bit predictable since the franchise leans on familiar jump scares, but for casual viewers, it will definitely deliver some good frights. The plot was engaging, emotional, and had just enough comedic beats to balance the tension. Judy and Tony really shined here, though Lorraine and Ed remain the anchors of the series. Overall, a satisfying entry and a must-watch if you love The Conjuring universe. I’d recommend watching the main Conjuring films first (not necessarily the spin-offs) to fully appreciate the Warren family’s journey.

A good sequel that doesn’t quite top the original but still delivers laughs, heart, and fun moments. The plot is easy to follow, with touching lessons about family and relationships. Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan shine once again, and it’s great seeing returning characters. The daughters’ story was interesting and wrapped up nicely. It’s a lighthearted, family-friendly movie perfect for a theater trip with loved ones. Definitely watch the first movie before diving in.

I wanted to see this movie for Margaret, Aubrey Plaza, and Chris Evans, and they delivered. The premise kept me engaged with plenty of humor and mystery along the way. Lots of eye candy on screen, and the cast chemistry made it fun. The unresolved main plot left me a little unsatisfied, though a secondary plot does get wrapped up. Still, it’s a breezy watch that doesn’t overstay its welcome. Worth checking out in theaters if you’ve got some free time. 3/5 stars

Nobody 2 is pure fun from start to finish. Don’t go in expecting deep storytelling—just strap in for over-the-top action and a good time. Bob Odenkirk returns as Hutch with the same badass energy, while Connie Nielsen really steps it up as his wife this time around. Even Gage Monroe, as their son, gets some standout moments. Colin Hanks and Sharon Stone bring entertaining energy as the villains, and while the plot isn’t meant to be taken seriously (a family vacation gone wrong), that’s exactly what makes it work. If you’re here for popcorn action, this delivers. No post-credit scene, so you can leave once the credits roll. See it in Dolby, too!

Neon continues its incredible streak of bold, original filmmaking with "Together," a truly riveting and deeply unsettling body horror experience. For fans of the genre, this is an absolute must-see. The film draws an easy, surface-level comparison to "The Substance" with its themes of physical transformation and visceral terror, but "Together" carves out its own unique and disturbing identity. It is a compelling and well-paced plot that hooks you from the start and doesn't let go. It’s a smart, concept-driven narrative that uses its horror elements to explore deeper, more unsettling ideas. Make no mistake, this movie earns its "body horror" label. There are several scenes of practical effects and grotesque imagery that are designed to shock and gross you out, and they succeed masterfully. However, these moments never feel gratuitous; they are integral to the plot's progression and the overall atmosphere of dread. While the gore will certainly be a talking point, it's the creepy, lingering psychological unease and the strength of the story that will stay with you long after the credits roll. "Together" is a testament to the power of original horror and another win for Neon. See it on the biggest screen you can for the full, immersive effect.

Weapons is a thought-provoking film that unfolds through multiple character perspectives. While the storytelling approach is ambitious, it may leave some viewers (like myself) wishing it had stuck to a single character for clarity and deeper emotional connection. The film blends horror and comedy, though the marketing leaned heavily into horror. That mismatch may throw off some audiences expecting a purely eerie thriller. As the story unravels, you’ll find yourself intrigued by the mystery, but the plot does include some holes and unexplained moments—especially in the final act, which feels rushed and emotionally unfulfilling. Despite that, Weapons is still worth seeing once, and the theater experience adds to the suspense. Just don’t expect all your questions to be answered.