Dust Bunny

This film looks much more expensive, then it was to make. That's what happens when you have highly-regarded filmmakers and actors, calling in favors, and making things happen. It's gorgeously visual, smart, funny, wildly colorful and imaginative, and what a cast! Definitely a new classic - if we lived in that age. I would've watched this over and over, like I did Gremlins or Neverending Story. Hopefully WORD OF MOUTH helps this darling become a sleeper hit!

Really fun idiosyncratic sort of magical realism, but if the "realism" was the world of Amilee or City of Lost Children. Feels like with a PG-13 rating this would be a great bridge between tween-focused stuff like Bridge to Terebithia or I Kill Giants into more adult fare, especially as this is practically the softest R movie I've seen in a while.

The sets and design of the world are a really interesting timelessly classic look, the performances are sort of off-kilter in a way I found really engaging. This is a movie that could comfortably be watched purely for the odd sets and interesting location choices.

Unfortunately the metaphor gets a little muddled towards the end and feels like it kind of kneecaps itself to make way for an unexpected ending, and there's a few sequences early on that bump up against what they can do on whatever the budget was here.

All in all a good time that surely will not make much money.

Greetings again from the darkness. Raise your hand if you were once a kid. Well then, you likely had some experience with a monster under the bed or in the closet. You may have even had an imaginary friend. It no longer matters how your parents handled scary bedtime for you during childhood, but writer-director Bryan Fuller offers a fantastical tale on what could happen if you don't believe your kids! Mr. Fuller is best known as the creator of the terrific (and dark) TV series "Hannibal", and he once again collaborates with Mads Mikkelsen, the titular star of that show.

A tense and dialogue-free opening is so cinematically perfect that I immediately wondered if the rest of the film was going to be a letdown. This plays out like a 'scary' children's story twisted through the mind of a grown-up intent on sending this message to parents: bedtime can be scary time for kids. Sophie Sloan plays Aurora, a ten-year-old girl living with foster parents who lack the understanding and comforting skills that Aurora believes they should possess. The dust bunny from the opening scene is the reason Aurora often warns folks to stay off the floor ... advice she heeds herself.

A traumatic event occurs when the foster parents ignore her warning, and soon Aurora is negotiating with a mysterious neighbor on the same floor of her building. She believes he can kill the monster, and she's not above helping herself to the offering plate of the local church to convince him to help. The neighbor is played by Mikkelsen with his customary style - only the first time we see him he's wielding nunchucks while wearing a 1970's style track suit. Since he's a real-life hitman, he's convinced there are bad guys after him, and they've mistaken Aurora's apartment for his.

Since I mentioned that filmmaker Fuller was likely inspired by childhood stories, I should also make clear that this movie is R-rated and most definitely NOT for kids. Even though the monster appears to be directly from the mind of Jim Henson's demented uncle, the film spins off into a wild ride of CGI, action sequences, and violence ... all done with tongue planted firmly in cheek. There is some wry humor mixed in, but this is a bizarre fantasy on steroids.

Special mention goes to the set directors and costume designers, as this is one of the funkiest and most elaborate apartment buildings we've seen on screen, and even Aurora's bedroom with zany stuffies looks like something out of a dream. Supporting work is provided by Sigourney Weaver as Mikkelsen's handler, and one not overly sympathetic to Aurora's situation - although her specialized high heels add to the ambiance; David Dastmalchian as a confused participant; and Sheila Atim as an FBI agent stunned by developments. If your youngster knows the word "procure" or provides details about the monster under their bed, it's best to believe them.

In theaters on December 12, 2025.

Leon (The professional) x Where the Wild Things Are, directed by Wes Anderson. At least that's what it feels like. Bryan Fuller nailed this one. It knows exactly what it wants to be and sticks to it. I'm sick and tired of the bloat- almost every movie now is 30 minutes too long. Well directed, well acted (the lead is precocious and adorable), nice cinematography and awesome set design. Multiple laugh out loud moments for me, which is incredibly rare. Just a great flick.

Dust Bunny sits in a space that is underrepresented in film: the kid-friendly gateway horror movie. Although this is more of an action/thriller, the tension of the monster under the bed will probably keep a lot of kids awake at night...but in a fun, healthy way. Imagine Monsters, Inc., but with a lot more adult gun violence.

Tween gems like The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018), Hocus Pocus (1993), Monster House (2006), or even Gremlins (1984), do a great job of pushing just enough buttons to make kids uneasy, while still conveying the fun intention of fantasy. While Dust Bunny is similar, it's much less of a horror film than those. I can't really think of another film that spans this particular gap for children. Ghostbusters maybe?

What it successfully pulls off is presenting a funny and exciting film for all ages. It's not strictly a "family film". It would even make a fun first-date movie. There's nothing offensive or uncomfortable: it's simply charming. Hey, if that date goes well, you've found a match.

Dust Bunny tells the story of 8-year-old Aurora (Sophie Sloan) who can't get any sleep at night because there is a hideous monster under her bed that only she can see. Until it eats her parents, that is. Bet you'll believe her now, Mom!

So she robs a church and sets out to hire a hitman (Mads Mikkelsen) to remove this menace from under her bed. There's a lot of action sequences and intrigue involving Aurora's backstory and the hit man's mob involvement, but Writer/Director Bryan Fuller knows exactly where the sweet spot of the movie is: the unlikely relationship between the little girl and a seasoned killer. Every scene with Sloan and Mikkelsen is irresistibly charming without becoming sentimental or cheesy. She's suspicious of all adults and he has no time to be distracted by a child's imagination. It's a formula for a great buddy film.

The comedic timing here is spot on. There's a great scene where Aurora pitches her offer to Mikkelsen. While they're in full contract negotiation, she can't help but flip a table lamp on and off: it's a chicken with a light bulb coming out of its butt. Despite her precociousness, she's still a distracted 8-year-old. There's also a running gag where Mikkelsen, with his Danish accent, can't pronounce "Aurora" and she keeps correcting him. It feels like this bit was brought in organically while they were filming. So many moments like this bring Dust Bunny firmly into feel-good movie territory.

This is Fuller's feature film debut (why am I surprised by that?), and it's great to see him tackle the big screen. His 2013 TV series Hannibal (starring Mads Mikkelsen) remains one of the best, darkest horror series ever produced. So happy to see these two extraordinarily talented creatives reunite.

It was also enjoyable to see David Dastmalchian (who seems to be in everything lately...and I'm here for it) playing a cold, calculated killer; and Sigourney Weaver as Mikkelsen's boss who wants nothing to do with his new side-gig as a monster killer. It's clear that everyone knew the tone of the movie and brought just the right amount of playfulness without ever veering into campiness. I'll bet it was a fun set for these pros to work on.

The plot of Dust Bunny is a little convoluted at times, but that minor complaint is overshadowed by the film's quirky joy and enthusiasm. It's also a good example of how I can overlook sketchy CGI when it fits within the context of the overall vibe. The film's not going for any kind of retro feel, and for once, I kinda think a big rubber monster might have taken me out of it. Even my practical effects purism will concede its appropriateness.

If you have kids, I think they will love Dust Bunny. There is no gore or visceral horror, but there are some tense scenes and a scary monster which should sufficiently make them squirm. This could very well be the movie they talk about when they grow up as the one film that freaked them out. Also, be aware that there is a significant amount of gun violence, but not more than kids are exposed to on any TV show.

Again, don't let my review deter you from thinking this is just a family film. I'm as hardened a horror fan as there is, and I had a blast with Dust Bunny.