kevin_robbins

I watched Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) in theaters this evening. The team faces both good and bad news: the good-Sue Storm is pregnant; the bad-a world-eating cosmic entity is heading to Earth to destroy it... and take their unborn child. Can the Fantastic Four stop the World Eater and his powerful herald before it's too late?

This film is directed by Matt Shakman (WandaVision) and stars Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us), Vanessa Kirby (The Crown), Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear), Julia Garner (Ozark), Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things), and Natasha Lyonne (Poker Face).

I actually preferred this over Superman-you can clearly see the influence of the WandaVision team. They did a fantastic job capturing the era, fleshing out the characters, and designing immersive sets that really draw you into this version of the Marvel universe. The CGI and special effects are elite, and I highly recommend seeing this in 3D if you get the chance.

The casting was spot-on across the board-maybe with the exception of Silver Surfer. As a longtime fan of the character from the comics, the gender swap threw me off at first. That said, the Surfer's powers are portrayed so impressively that it's easy to accept the change. Galactus is done perfectly-he's portrayed as a truly elite villain-and I also loved the inclusion of classic foe The Mole Man. The film does a great job introducing the characters and establishing the stakes. There's a lot to enjoy here.

In conclusion, Fantastic Four: First Steps is a strong addition to the increasingly saturated superhero genre. I'd give it an 8/10 and strongly recommend checking it out.

I recently watched the UK horror comedy 🇬🇧 Bloodbath at the House of Death (1984) on Tubi. The story centers on a haunted mansion where 18 guests were killed in a single night. Years later, a group of scientists travels to the mansion to investigate a series of strange incidents-unaware that a satanic cult still uses the house for its dark rituals. And to the cult, the scientists make ideal sacrifices.

This film is directed by Ray Cameron (The New Kenny Everett Naughty Video) and stars Vincent Price (House on Haunted Hill), Kenny Everett (Captain Kremmen), Cleo Rocos (Number One Gun), and Don Warrington (Land of the Blind).

Overall, this was an uneven ride, but one I'm glad I took. The writing and tone are all over the place, and the comedy-as well as the kill scenes-are hit or miss. That said, there are some standout moments: a bizarrely entertaining surgery scene, creative use of a phone 📞, some quirky corpse effects, and an unforgettable arm sequence near the end. Vincent Price's scenes with the cult are a highlight, even if his role feels somewhat random. The background music also adds a fun energy to the chaos.

In conclusion, Bloodbath at the House of Death is a flawed but entertaining entry in the horror comedy genre. I'd recommend seeing it once. I'd give it a 6.5/10.

My daughter and I recently rewatched Where the Wild Things Are (2009) on MAX. The storyline follows a young boy who's a bit eccentric and struggling at home. Longing for a place where he belongs, he builds a boat and sails to an island inhabited by wild creatures who are in need of a leader. The boy decides he'd make the perfect king-and if he's not, well, they might just eat him and find someone else.

Directed by Spike Jonze (Her), the film stars Max Records (I Am Not a Serial Killer), Forest Whitaker (The Last King of Scotland), Catherine O'Hara (For Your Consideration), James Gandolfini (The Sopranos), and Catherine Keener (Capote).

When the movie first came out, I was sure it would disappoint me-the original book was pure magic to me as a kid, and I must have read it a million times. But this film absolutely nailed it. It expands Max's story in a way that captures his emotional struggles, his need for self-expression, and the feeling of not quite fitting into the world around him.

The island and its inhabitants are beautifully realized. I loved how the monsters were brought to life-their mannerisms, personalities, and overall look were fantastic. The island itself felt immersive and imaginative. The casting of Max was spot on, and the soundtrack added a great emotional layer to the experience. There's a lot to admire here.

In conclusion, Where the Wild Things Are is a creative and well-crafted adaptation that transforms a beloved children's book into a worthwhile feature film. I'd give it a solid 8/10 and strongly recommend it.