Movie Reviews

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 305! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey, friends!

So, I finally got around to watching The Creator—you know, that new sci-fi flick from 2023 that had everyone talking like it was the next big thing. It’s directed by Gareth Edwards — you know, the guy who brought us “Godzilla” (2014) and “Rogue One”? I’ve gotta say, I went in with this weird mix of excitement and skepticism—like, I was pumped for the visual feast but also low-key worried it would be all flash and no substance, just another shiny robot movie trying way too hard to be profound. But, boy, was I wrong. It’s like a rollercoaster ride that slams on the brakes halfway through and turns into a leisurely stroll through a philosophical garden. Intrigued?

So, the movie’s set in, like, this dystopian future where AI and humanity are basically at war, and I couldn’t help thinking about the whole “art imitates life” situation we’re in right now with AI getting smarter and (according to some folks) kinda terrifying. Now this isn’t your everyday Siri-gone-rogue scenario, but a full-blown conflict with advanced robots.

John David Washington plays Joshua, a hardened ex-special forces agent tasked with hunting down the Creator, the elusive architect of the AI’s ultimate weapon. is tasked with finding and destroying this super-powered AI weapon.

But here’s the kicker: the weapon is a kid, named Alphie (Madeleine Yuna Voyles). A freaking six-year-old AI who looks more like an actual kid than any doll I had growing up, and, yeah, cue all the complicated feelings.

Washington is his usual intense self, bringing a gravitas to Joshua’s haunted past and inner turmoil. But it’s Voyles who steals the show. Like, you know how some kids seem to have wisdom beyond their years? It’s like that, but times ten. Alphie’s connection with Joshua is, okay, unexpected. I was half-prepared for their relationship to fall into cheesy territory, but there’s this raw, almost parental love that sneaks up on you. Believe me, it’s quite disarming, especially when you start to question who’s saving whom here.

But despite being an AI, Alphie is surprisingly emotive, thanks to Voyles’ nuanced performance and some impressive CGI. Her bond with Joshua forms the emotional core of the film, and it’s genuinely touching to see Joshua’s hardened exterior soften as he interacts with Alphie.

But then, the film takes a sharp turn. It shifts gears from action-packed spectacle to a more introspective exploration of humanity and AI. We delve into questions of consciousness, free will, and what it truly means to be alive. It’s heady stuff, and while some might find it a bit jarring, I appreciated the ambition. It’s like Edwards is trying to challenge us, to make us think beyond the explosions and laser beams.

One of the things that got to me was the moral grayness of the whole thing. There’s no clear hero or villain—just a bunch of beings, human or otherwise, trying to survive in this mess of a world (though there are a couple of characters who tiptoe dangerously close into ‘asshole’ territory). The film doesn’t spoon-feed you ethical answers, which is almost frustrating at times, but also gave my brain some much-needed food for thought. I guess I’m into movies that make me think while I’m still trying to digest my popcorn, you feel me?

Now, I’m not usually one to get all philosophical, but this film hit me. Like, in this blend of circuits and flesh, where does humanity actually end? And am I really that different from a machine just trying to make sense of feelings and memories? Maybe it was the movie or maybe it was the late-night popcorn-induced existentialism, but yeah, I went there.

Anyway, The Creator is the kind of movie that packs an emotional punch in places you weren’t expecting it to, while still delivering on the shiny sci-fi spectacle we all crave. It’s not perfect, but it’s certainly ambitious and visually stunning. And, honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what I want: something that’s a little messy, a little beautiful, and sticks with you longer than just the two-hour runtime. Just be prepared for a wild ride that might leave you with more questions than answers.

Cheers!
Roger and Out

Did you know that you can receive a short story in your inbox every Monday if you subscribe to my newsletter? Subscribe today to begin receiving site and book news as well as your weekly story. You can do so HERE.

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 304! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hi friends!

So, last night, I finally got around to watching “The Brothers Grimm” (2005), directed by the one and only Terry Gilliam. I’d heard mixed things about it over the years, but I’m a sucker for anything with a fantastical twist, so I was excited to give it a shot. Let me tell you, this movie is a wild ride from start to finish!

Let me just start by saying this movie is weird in the best possible way. Like, if you’ve ever seen any of Terry Gilliam’s other work (Time Bandits or Brazil, anyone?) you’ll know the kind of bizarre-yet-wonderful visual feast you’re in for. But instead of cheering on a dystopian paper-pusher or time-traveling oddballs, this time we’re gallivanting through the twisted fairytale universe of the famous Brothers Grimm, who are not exactly the Disneyfied storytellers we’ve grown up loving.

Matt Damon and Heath Ledger—yeah, that’s right, that Matt Damon and that Heath Ledger—play the brothers themselves, and first of all, can we just take a moment to appreciate how weird it is seeing these two handsome dudes tripping around in 19th-century Europe with fake German accents? But you know, it works. In fact, the brothers are conmen, essentially scamming villagers with supposed “exorcisms” and “witch hunts” in a sort of Scooby-Doo-esque gig. They create elaborate spooky traps, “save” helpless townspeople from their own fake ghosts, and then collect their reward. It’s all fun and games—until they encounter a small village with real freaky happenings.

Without giving too much away, I will say the plot takes a seriously trippy turn into a Tim Burton-esque forest that’s straight out of a nightmare. You’ve got a cursed mirror, an enchanted forest, possessed children, and some unpleasantly creepy “come to life” moments. In contrast to their scammy shenanigans, this reality is genuinely perilous. I actually felt bad for them—I mean, imagine being neck-deep in a horror show when you’re used to rigging fake ghosts with fishing wires. It’s like going from playing at a haunted house for kids to suddenly being plopped into The Exorcist.

Matt Damon and Heath Ledger are, without a doubt, the heart of this movie. Their chemistry is fantastic; they play off each other like seasoned comedians, and you can tell they’re having a blast. Damon’s Will is the brains of the operation, always scheming and calculating, while Ledger’s Jake is the more sensitive, imaginative one, often getting lost in the stories they create. It’s a classic dynamic, but it works so well here.

A good portion of the movie’s charm (and weirdness, honestly) stems from Gilliam’s distinctive style. Everything from the colors to the set design has his signature wacky touch. The special effects are super surreal—sometimes grotesque, other times just borderline goofy, but in a way that’s uniquely Gilliam. You know when you watch something as a kid that isn’t necessarily horror, but it still kind of unsettles you and stays in the back of your mind? Yeah, it’s like that.

Now, speaking of unsettling—Monica Bellucci as the evil Mirror Queen is just perfection. She’s not in the movie a ton, but she brings this bizarrely magnetic presence like she’s stepped right out of the darkest version of Sleeping Beauty ever.

And then you’ve got Lena Headey, best known for later playing Cersei Lannister, as Angelika—a skilled huntress who becomes entangled in the Grimm brothers’ misadventures and is someone who doesn’t fall for the boyish charms of the two brothers.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff: the plot. “The Brothers Grimm” is a visual feast, with Gilliam’s signature fantastical imagery on full display. The enchanted forest is a thing of both beauty and terror, filled with twisted trees, eerie fog, and all sorts of creepy creatures. The film seamlessly blends elements of classic fairy tales with a darker, more macabre sensibility. Think “Little Red Riding Hood” meets “Sleepy Hollow” with a dash of “The Princess Bride” thrown in for good measure. It’s a unique and imaginative concoction that’s sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

I should also mention that the film has a surprisingly poignant message about the power of storytelling. As the Grimm brothers confront the very tales they’ve exploited, they’re forced to reckon with the consequences of their actions. It’s a reminder that stories, whether real or imagined, can have a profound impact on our lives. And that’s something we can all relate to, right?

So yeah, “The Brothers Grimm” might not be a cinematic masterpiece that won all the awards (not every film has gotta be Schindler’s List level intense, okay?), but it’s something that’d be fun to throw on a lazy Saturday. The acting is solid, albeit a bit hammy—honestly part of the charm—and the plot is wild but in a way that keeps you hooked until the very end. It’s one of those movies that balances on the line between fantasy, horror, and just straight-up dark comedy. Keep your expectations set somewhere between comedic confusion and gothic strangeness, and you’ll have a good time.

Cheers!
Roger

Did you know that you can receive a short story in your inbox every Monday if you subscribe to my newsletter? Subscribe today to begin receiving site and book news as well as your weekly story. You can do so HERE.

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 303! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey friends,

So, I just watched “Interstellar” for the very first time, and honestly, I’m still trying to wrap my head around what the heck just happened. I mean, holy crap, where do I even start with this one? Let’s just say my mind feels like it just got sucked through a black hole, and then popped out somewhere on the other side—just in time for dinner at a 5-dimensional restaurant. But seriously, Christopher Nolan, man—he’s always up to something wild, and I think he might’ve just outdone himself with this one. Space travel, wormholes, love transcending time and space—what’s not to love?

Okay, time out for a second here. Before I completely plummet into the cosmic madness that is “Interstellar,” I’ve gotta say—like, it’s insane that I’ve clocked over 300 movies in my little movie-a-day challenge. Seriously, who even am I? I’m at that point where I’m amazed (and mildly concerned) by my own stamina. When I kicked off this challenge, I didn’t think I’d stick with it. But bam—I’m cruising toward the finish line like I’m on a mission from NASA or something. Maybe I’m channeling my inner space traveler too much, but damn, I’m getting close to victory, and it’s harder to believe than a fifth dimension.

But back to the film. So, first of all, Matthew McConaughey stars in it. And dude, this guy—seriously, props to him for not just sticking to romantic comedies his whole life, because McConaughey as Cooper, the coolest astronaut-slash-farmer dad, is just too much. I know his whole “Alright, alright, alright” vibe is usually reserved for smoother settings (like a Lincoln car commercial), but he nails the role of a distraught yet determined dad who decides to leave his kids behind on a dying Earth to save the human race. I mean, that’s intense stuff in the parent department!

The plot is the kind of sci-fi that you’ll definitely want to pay attention to. At first, everything seems super bleak—we’re talking about dusty, barren lands where corn is king, and the world is running out of food pretty quickly. Everyone’s farming ’cause that’s the only way to survive. The Earth’s like, “Sorry guys, time for me to be a wasteland.” But then—TWIST—there’s a secret NASA mission to find habitable planets through a freaking wormhole near Saturn. Like, what the what?? Of course, Cooper gets roped in because one minute you’re growing corn and the next you’re piloting a spaceship through a dimension-shifting vortex. You know, just astronaut things.

Then we’ve got the supporting cast, and they’re all bringing their A-game. Anne Hathaway plays Brand, a scientist who’s all about that “love is a quantifiable force” kinda thinking. And I gotta say—even though at first, I was like, “Wait, is this character for real?” by the end, I was almost—almost—ready to start calculating gravitational pulls with the power of love myself.

Then there’s Jessica Chastain, who plays McConaughey’s grown-up daughter, Murph (yeah, I didn’t forget the name; that’s one you carry with you). She’s deeply hurt that her dad bounced on them but brilliant enough to figure out the whole gravity equation thing that’s going to save mankind.

Okay, time to talk about that scene. The one so gripping that my jaw actually dropped: The Endurance mission crew lands on that water planet that’s too close to a black hole, and they mess up the timing—by a lot. So, when they get back to the spaceship, almost 23 years have passed while they were dilly-dallying down there for only a few hours. That scene where Cooper is watching years’ worth of video messages from his kids who have grown up without him—like, grab some tissues, my friends. McConaughey’s face just says it all. It’s one of those rare moments in cinema where you feel everything the character feels, absolutely gut-wrenching.

Visually, “Interstellar” is like a work of freaking art. Nolan worked with real theoretical physicist Kip Thorne to make sure the science didn’t go too far off the rails, which apparently resulted in some of the most accurate depictions of a black hole, like ever. That means, yes—when you see that trippy light-bending, swirly vortex thing—they seriously put some effort into making sure it’s not total sci-fi nonsense.

By the end, when everything kinda folds into itself and Cooper finds himself in that crazy, trippy tesseract thing where he can communicate with young Murph through… gravity, and books? Yeah, that’s when I think my brain officially imploded. Okay, Interstellar—now you’re just showing off. But let’s be real. Even though the whole “love is the answer to saving humanity” thing nudges the line between sweet and cheesy, the rest of the movie is so darn mind-blowing that I’m willing to let it slide.

So, in the grand scheme of things, would I recommend this flick? Heck yeah. “Interstellar” is the kind of movie you don’t just watch—you survive it. One minute I’m munching on popcorn, the next I’m questioning the fabric of reality and my place in the cosmos. No big deal. If you’re into movies that leave your brain spinning while you stare at the credits wondering if you believe in gravity, then this is absolutely the film for you.

Alright, I’m gonna call it—a spatial anomaly of a movie that everyone should experience at least once in their journey across the time-space continuum.

Catch you on the flipside!
Roger

Did you know that you can receive a short story in your inbox every Monday if you subscribe to my newsletter? Subscribe today to begin receiving site and book news as well as your weekly story. You can do so HERE.

Hey friends!

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 300! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

So, I finally got around to watching The Long Goodbye, that 1973 Robert Altman film based on a Raymond Chandler novel, which has been on my list for ages. This wasn’t my first rodeo with Philip Marlowe, but this take on the iconic detective was something else entirely. Seriously, this might be one of the most out-there takes on a Marlowe story you could ever imagine. I mean, forget Humphrey Bogart’s Marlowe—the one who could out-stare a brick wall—‘cause Elliott Gould’s Marlowe feels more like the guy who’d challenge that brick wall to a friendly poker game and expect it not to cheat.

First off, let me tell you, we’re not in the gritty 1940s anymore, Toto. This is a hard-boiled detective story that somehow got drenched in all that 70s LA sunshine, then wrapped itself up in one of those ultra-chill, laid-back attitudes. And did I say ultra-chill? Our boy Marlowe, played by Gould, seems permanently encased in this cloud of unapologetic “whatever, man” energy. Seriously, I half-expected him to start wearing tie-dye or throw up a peace sign between lines.

The plot itself is a winding labyrinth of double-crosses and hidden motives. So, plot-wise: Marlowe’s just trying to buy some cat food at 3 AM—classic detective move, am I right?—when his buddy Terry Lennox (played by Jim Bouton, who was an actual baseball pitcher—yeah, a random fact for you, because sports and film crossover is a thing, apparently) drops by needing a fast exit to Mexico. Marlowe helps him out, of course, ‘cause bro-code and all. But wouldn’t you know it, Lennox gets pegged for his wife’s murder soon after, and things start to get delightfully messy. Marlowe finds himself caught in a web of intrigue that stretches from the sun-drenched beaches of Malibu to the shadowy underworld of Los Angeles.

Now, if you’ve read the Chandler novel, you’ll know Marlowe as that hard-nosed guy who plays by his own rulebook in a world that’s just plain dirty. But here, in Altman’s universe, Gould’s Marlowe doesn’t feel like he’s playing by anyone’s rules—or, honestly, like he’s playing at all! He just sort of drifts through the movie in that crumpled suit, mumbling to himself and chain-smoking like cigarettes are his life source. It’s almost like he’s monk-level committed to chaos while being, bizarrely, the most level-headed guy in the room. Logic? Not here. Vibes? Plenty of those.

And the cast? Oh boy, let’s talk about Sterling Hayden, who plays Roger Wade, the raging Hemingway-ish writer character. Hayden’s gruff, boozy energy is like this wild bear—you never know if he’s going to tell you a life-changing secret or just tear the place apart. And then there’s Nina Van Pallandt as Eileen Wade, the femme fatale dripping with mystery and making you think, “Oh, she definitely knows more than she’s saying.” But, like, in that soft-spoken, “please ignore the iceberg below the waterline” style.

And shoutout to Henry Gibson as Dr. Verringer—this short, little dude with a disarmingly calm and creepy air that just sidles right up to you, gripping onto the tension while everyone else is trying to keep their grip on the reality that, I’m 95% sure, unraveled before this movie even started. That’s another thing, the whole film feels like you wandered into a party already in full swing. You’re not quite sure what everyone’s vibe is, but ya stick around, grab a drink, and soon realize you’re in deeper than you bargained for.

Altman’s direction is masterful, creating a hazy, dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly complements the film’s noir sensibilities. The cinematography is stunning, with long, lingering shots that capture the beauty and the grime of 1970s Los Angeles.

What struck me most about “The Long Goodbye” was its unconventional approach to the mystery genre. It’s less about solving a puzzle and more about navigating a morally ambiguous world where everyone seems to be hiding something. The film’s pacing is deliberately slow, allowing us to soak in the atmosphere and get to know the quirky characters who populate Marlowe’s world.

By the time you get to the end, you’ll be soaked, confused, and just a little in awe of how much this movie, miraculously, doesn’t care if you understood it or not. It’s a detective flick that swindles you with its oddball humor, then slaps you in the face with its unexpected darkness, almost as if it was daring you to take the genre seriously in the first place.

I’ll admit that the ending is a real head-scratcher, leaving you with more questions than answers. But that’s part of the film’s charm. It doesn’t tie everything up in a neat little bow, instead inviting you to ponder the complexities of the characters and their motivations long after the credits roll.

“The Long Goodbye” might not be everyone’s cup of tea. It’s slow-paced, unconventional, and leaves a lot open to interpretation. But if you’re in the mood for a thought-provoking mystery that challenges the genre’s conventions, this film is definitely worth checking out. It’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

Would I recommend it? Oh, absolutely. It’s a cinematic trip where the destination may not matter as much as the weird, twisty road. Come for the existential dread, stay for the half-naked yoga instructors that live in the apartment next to Marlowe. Trust me, this one’s worth the watch, if only to say you’ve seen Gould’s effortless cool in action. And if Altman teaches us anything with this, it’s maybe that “goodbye” doesn’t always mean the end—it’s just the start of something much weirder.

Cheers!
Roger

Did you know that you can receive a short story in your inbox every Monday if you subscribe to my newsletter? Subscribe today to begin receiving site and book news as well as your weekly story. You can do so HERE.

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 299! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey friends!

So, last night I caught The Animal Kingdom (2023) directed by Thomas Cailley, and… whew, I gotta say, this one was an unexpected treat! My mind is still reeling! You know how sometimes you watch a film and it just sticks with you? Yeah, this is totally one of those. So let me spill all the details about this wild French flick that had me glued to my seat and that manages to be both intriguing and unsettling in the most unique way.

So, here’s the thing: the film is set in a world where this massive evolutionary shift is happening, and some people start mutating into animal-human hybrids. Yep, you read that right. I know what you’re thinking—mildly trippy, slightly dystopian, maybe even a little bizarre, right? Well, bingo! But it’s so much more than that. Oh, and let’s just give a shoutout to the creature design department because those transformations are mind-boggling. We’re talking fur, feathers, scales—it’s like a zoological buffet! I almost wanted to start a drinking game where you take a sip every time a character sprouts a tail or an ear twitches. (Okay, don’t actually do that; your liver would hate you by the halfway mark.)

But let’s talk about the heart of this film: the father-son relationship between Francois, played by Romain Duris, and his son Emile (played by Paul Kircher). You can feel the weight of their relationship immediately. Like, from the start, Francois is this cool, somewhat stoic dad, but you sense he’s grappling with something deep. Turns out, navigating a world where people might just sprout wings or claws overnight is kind of a heavy burden. And Emile? Poor kid is struggling just like any teenager—with identity, acceptance, and trying to be normal in a world where normalcy is a moving target.

By the way, I loved Emile’s character arc. Watching him evolve (pun, very much intended) throughout the movie was so organic. You can almost feel the emotional tug-of-war he’s experiencing inside, torn between wanting to fit in and accepting the changes happening not only in his surroundings but within himself. The film really hit that whole “who am I?” vibe on the nose—and let’s be real, haven’t we all had those weird, existential moments where we look in the mirror and think, “Wait, who’s this weirdo staring back at me?” Maybe without the fur and claws, but still.

What I found particularly heartwarming—and at the same time heartbreaking—is how these monstrously surreal situations are treated with such tender normalcy by the characters. When Francois and Emile encounter others who are mid-transformation (think more werewolf and less Teen Wolf), there’s no horror. Instead, they greet these changes with a mix of curiosity and empathy that’s refreshingly humane. Seriously, I half-expected someone to whip out a manual titled “So You Grew a Tail—Now What?” but alas, no such thing existed.

The performances, though. Ah, the performances were just so… pure. Romain Duris absolutely nails the whole “I’m a dad and I’m tough, but I’m also terrified” persona, and honestly? I felt for the guy. You could practically taste his anxiety as he tried to navigate this treacherous new world and protect his son. And Paul Kircher, oh man—he’s got this gentle vulnerability that just pulls you right in. You could almost see the gears in Emile’s head turning, trying to piece together this oddly shattered world with what it’s supposed to be… whatever that may even be now.

But honestly, what I think set this movie apart for me was how much it balanced those layers of the human condition with this wild premise. It could have easily devolved (okay, enough with the puns, I swear) into just another sci-fi flick with mutated creatures running amok. But in Cailley’s hands, it became something more contemplative and grounded. Like, yes, people are turning into part-animal hybrids, but there’s this delicate focus on identity, emotion, and the bonds that tie us together, no matter how much fur or feathers might get in the way.

So, yeah, if you’re in the mood for a movie that’s gonna make you think, feel, and maybe look at your pet cat a little differently, “The Animal Kingdom” is where it’s at. If you like films that toe the line between reality and the utterly fantastical, while still carrying that emotional weight, then this one might be your jam.

Peace Out!
Roger

Did you know that you can receive a short story in your inbox every Monday if you subscribe to my newsletter? Subscribe today to begin receiving site and book news as well as your weekly story. You can do so HERE.

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 298! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey Friends!

Alright, so I sat down and watched “The Faculty” last night, and wow, what a blast from the late 90s, right? I mean, this is like one of those perfect snapshots of that era – complete with suspicious baggy sweaters, floppy hair, and a soundtrack that aggressively tells you “it’s the 90s, and we’re cool.” But despite the whole aesthetic time-warp, this movie was not at all what I expected. Or maybe it was exactly what I expected, and that’s why I low-key loved it.

So picture this: you’re in high school in a small Ohio town, and your teachers suddenly start acting very Stepford Wives-ish, but, like, more sinister. Turns out, they’re being taken over by a parasitic alien species. Classic, right? But what makes this film so FUN is how it takes all the high school movie tropes we know and love – the jock, the nerd, the goth, the good girl, you get the idea – and literally puts their lives on the line. It’s sort of like The Breakfast Club, but with more blood and a lot of CGI worms.

Speaking of the cast, let’s just take a moment to appreciate the wealth of 90s talent. I mean, Josh Hartnett is in his prime here, playing Zeke – that cool, too-old-to-be-in-high-school guy who sells, well, basically speed to his classmates out of his muscle car. Sure, that might not make him the most morally upright character ever, but tell me you didn’t want to be his friend when you were sixteen. He had charisma oozing out of every weirdly floppy haircut he sported.

And then there’s Elijah Wood as Casey, the perpetually terrified nerd who, let’s be real, sort of just stumbles around in horror Watch-Cute-Elijah-Gape-At-Things fashion until he saves the day. Because of course he does; he’s practically destined to save things (see: The Lord of the Rings… which, btw, would come out just three years after The Faculty).

Other notable faces include a young Jordana Brewster, playing Delilah, the queen bee cheerleader with attitude, and Clea DuVall as Stokely, the resident goth who’s actually into sci-fi, because, duh, foreshadowing. And let’s not forget the absolute icon, Salma Hayek, as Nurse Rosa Harper. Sadly, she’s only in a handful of scenes, but those few moments are enough to bring a little something extra to the movie – plus, watching her do anything feels like a small gift from the film gods.

But here’s something else I couldn’t stop thinking about: a true fun fact that ties back to the film’s alien invasion plot. Did you know that the concept of alien fungi that could mind-control humans isn’t entirely a fantasy? There’s actually a fungus called Ophiocordyceps that infects ants and then takes control of their bodies, making them climb up tall plants before killing them and popping out spores to infect others. How freaky is that? It’s like The Faculty but with more exoskeletons. (Here’s the source if you want more nightmare fuel: https://www.britannica.com/science/zombie-ant-fungus)

The special effects deserve their own moment of reflection. Sure, it’s been over two decades since the movie came out, so some of the CGI looks a bit… how do I put this… dated. But honestly, that adds to that nostalgic charm, at least for me. Those wormy things crawling under people’s skin still managed to make me squirm a few times, even with that, “hey, this was probably cutting-edge in ’98,” mentality. Plus, they totally committed to the body horror, a must for sci-fi horror flicks. Thank you, Robert Rodriguez, for the consistent gross-outs.

Lastly, I can’t skip over the film’s final, somewhat cheeseball showdown. It’s what every B-movie should shoot for – dramatic glares, seemingly impossible saves, a bit of a twist, and explosion sound effects that oddly, you can almost feel through your TV speakers. It’s predictable in some ways, but in others, it’s that exciting, satisfying ending you didn’t realize you needed – like a perfectly timed slider from your favorite fast-food joint.

All in all, watching The Faculty for the first time was like unearthing an odd, forgotten gem (or really, more of a guilty pleasure keepsake). It’s campy, clever in its moments, and doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is exactly the kind of 90s horror-thriller I wasn’t aware I was craving. If you haven’t seen it – or if it’s been gathering dust on your “I’ll watch it eventually” list – I say grab some popcorn, sit back, and embrace all the bonkers sci-fi goodness it offers. You won’t be disappointed… or maybe you’ll just be confused, but hey, that’s part of the fun, isn’t it?

Catch you tomorrow!
Roger

Did you know that you can receive a short story in your inbox every Monday if you subscribe to my newsletter? Subscribe today to begin receiving site and book news as well as your weekly story. You can do so HERE.

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 297! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey friends!

So, I finally decided to dive into this little slice of zombie mayhem called “World War Z”, and honestly, WOW—where has this movie been all my life? Or maybe the better question is: where have I been? Because let me just say, this flick is perfect for when you want some blood-pumping, anxiety-inducing chaos with a side of Brad Pitt hair envy.

Confession time: I’ve always had a soft spot for zombie movies. There’s something about the combination of gore, survival instinct, and the sheer unlikely possibility of an epidemic that just hooks me. But let’s be real; World War Z isn’t your typical “let’s hide in a cabin and hope they don’t find us” type of movie. Nope, it cranks the stakes up several notches, tosses you into a globe-trotting quest, and somehow—against all odds—makes the apocalypse look incredibly, well, high-budget.

Brad Pitt, rocking that whole rugged family man thing, plays Gerry Lane, who’s this ex-UN investigator (or something equally cool) caught in the middle of a sudden zombie outbreak. And I do mean sudden. One minute you’re driving your kids to school; the next, zombies are basically playing a live-action version of Frogger in downtown Philly. I mean, talk about a rough morning.

The thing that really gnaws at you (okay, bad pun) is how fast these zombies are. Unlike the classic, shuffling undead we all know and love, these bad boys SPRINT. Like, full-on Usain Bolt mode, which honestly threw me off so much that I nearly dropped my popcorn. They swarm like ants—if ants also happened to be undead ripper machines—and can apparently put on some crazy gymnastics shows when they start piling up on each other. If I had to rate these zombies on a scale from 1 to 10, I’d give them a solid 28 Days Later-level rating: i.e., thank God this isn’t real.

Side note: There’s this legit moment of pure panic when Gerry’s in Jerusalem (casual, right?), and the zombies start scaling this wall like they’re auditioning for American Ninja Warrior. I might’ve literally muttered, “Yo, WHAT?” to no one in particular, which, now that I think about it, happens far too often when I’m deep in a movie.

Now, Brad Pitt’s Gerry is like a Swiss Army knife of survival skills—seriously, this guy can MacGyver his way out of just about anything. I’m pretty sure I’d just crawl into a ball and cry, but not Gerry. He’s hopping onto planes, making housecalls in South Korea, and just casually visiting a flaming Wales research facility. It’s like a global scavenger hunt but with the added pressure of avoiding getting bit. No biggie.

Alright, time for a little emotional honesty here: the quieter moments when Gerry’s trying to protect his family really got to me. Imagine, you’re trying to save humanity on one hand, but you’re also worried about getting your family to a safe spot. The writing makes you feel every bit of that pull between duty and love, which was maybe a little too real for my liking. And hey, who knew that a bottle of Mountain Dew would play such a pivotal role in the climax?

So yeah, “World War Z” was everything I didn’t know I needed. It’s got Brad Pitt doing his “dangerous-yet-tender” thing, zombies that redefine speed, and enough high-stakes drama to keep you on edge for the thrill ride of a movie.

Catch you later, and don’t let the zombies bite!
Roger

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