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Upon his father’s execution, Viking prince Amleth (Alexander Skarsgård), tours the earth with a three fold mission and purpose in mind. Avenge his father (Ethan Hawke), save his mother (Nicole Kidman), and kill his uncle (Claes Bang). Praying at the alter of Odin and sharpening his blade for many years Amleth’s purpose eventually comes to focus on the island of Iceland where a grizzly crossing of fates takes place. But who will ultimately ride to the gates of Valhalla? Written by Sjón and Robert Eggers, and Directed by Eggers, this window into the time of Vikings and spirit lore is perhaps the most linear film Eggers has produced yet, less canted in language and cryptic dialogue but still focused on beautiful visuals creating a transportive work of art. This is clearly Eggers largest budget film to date with a polished look and feel that still maintains his distinct artistry and unflinching sense of period appropriate horror and pathos. From a cast perspective all players sit nicely within frame, in fact, it would appear Eggers is starting to find regulars for his troupe with additional characters played by Willem Dafoe and Anya Taylor-Joy. Bottom line this is another gem that will sit with you long after viewing, worth the watch at roughly two hours and sixteen minutes runtime, The Northman is rated R.

A younger Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson) takes to the streets of Gotham City punishing wrongdoers with vengeance and wrath; meanwhile, a zodiac-esque killer known as the Riddler (Paul Dano) is focused on exposing the corruption and hypocrisy of Gotham’s legal and political scene. So, when the two masked men finally meet, the fireworks begin; in fact, it may even take help from the Catwoman (Zoe Kravitz) to crack this case and secure Gotham’s future. Written by Matt Reeves, Peter Craig, Bill Finger and Directed by Matt Reeves, this considerably darker and more terrestrially bound imagining of Batman skews grittier and more abrasive than any previous live incarnation, but, pushes the PG-13 rating pretty hard for it’s violent content. Cinematically, Reeves has put together a beautiful goth inspired texture and look that feels more visceral and brooding which also lends itself to fewer lines of dialogue from Pattinson, interesting. The whole ensemble sits nicely in frame by the way. Frustrating, the film’s three hour over stuffing and world building does tend to drag on, let’s bring this cow into the barn already, save something for the next two (already slated) installments. Bottom line, points for looks, feels, and aesthetics, demerits for length, bloat and overreach. The Batman is rated PG-13.

With the pressure of their 10th album weighing on their shoulders the legendary rock band Foo Fighters decide to move into an Encino mansion with killer acoustics to write and record their latest material. But, unbeknownst to the mighty Foo’s, their chosen studio also happens to be a direct portal to hell and finishing their album will come with deadly consequences.Directed by BJ McDonnell and Written by Dave Grohl, Jeff Buhler and Rebecca Hughes, let’s be quick, National Rock Treasure Dave Grohl has clearly poured his soul into this, and, while by no means is this a piece of horror cinematic greatness it is however a perfectly campy sendup on the horror genre. Clearly Grohl and company are having fun following the basic rules of horror. Admittedly, none of the band are really destined for an academy award for acting but their efforts are appreciated, much like guest appearances on classic episodes of the cartoon Scooby Doo, awkward but delightful, several notable cameo appearances also sweeten the pot, Kerry King (metal legend from the band SLAYER) and Lionel Ritchie bring the special sauce. In the end the Foo’s prove they have the ability to laugh at themselves, maintain rock god status, and hold down an amazing new Sabbath inspired tune in the key of L sharp….shreddy! At one hour and 46 minutes of runtime it’s hard to say welcomes are overstayed as well. Studio 666 is rated R.