Jul 4 2025

Jurassic World: Rebirth

Now in a world where humans and dinosaurs co-exist on the same planet, a wealthy pharmaceutical company is out for the literal blood of dinosaurs for research. Recruiting the help of mercenaries Zora Bennett and Duncan Kincaid (Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali) along with Dr. Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey) and company man Martin Krebs (Rupert Friend), the team sets out to acquire their targets only to get sidetracked by a family stranded at sea. It would seem Murphy’s Law is still alive and well in Jurassic World as anything can and will always go wrong.Written by Michael Crichton and David Koepp and Directed by Gareth Edwards this retreading of previous character archetypes does little to deviate from known quantities in the Jurassic universe, and yet, even with telegraphed motivations and tells the film still manages to keep audiences engaged for the two hours and 14 minutes of runtime. Of course we’re re-introduced to a handful of returning favorite species along the way we’re also given a healthy dose of new creatures as well, but, where the film really shines is in it’s homage to previous set pieces and action sequences giving audiences a familiar thrill but amped up a tick more. From a blockbuster stand point, with Steven Spielberg on board as an executive producer the family friendly but adventurous fun side of cinema, the Spielberg recipe is very present throughout. Meanwhile, the ensemble all hold their own from start to finish, and with Johansson well adept to action from her time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, all the parts “work.” Chomping popcorn is what we’re set to do this time of year, Jurassic World: Rebirth makes way for plenty of that and is rated PG-13.


Jul 4 2025

Heads of State

U.S. President and former film star, Will Derringer (John Cena), and the Prime Minister of the U.K., Sam Clarke (Idris Elba) are forced to rely on each other to adapt and overcome a global conspiracy and the disassembly of NATO. But, while setting their differences aside will be a good first step towards success, it’ll take the assistance of an agent who’s gone missing in action, Noel Bisset (Priyanka Chopra Jonas) to reach their goal. Racing against the clock, and a pending vote, will the team be able to stay on target and keep the free world free from tyranny and terrorists? Written by Josh Appelbaum, Andre Nemec, and Harrison Query and Directed by Ilya Naishuller this popcorn chomper of action and espionage is poised to grab the eyes of streaming audiences this long weekend, and, manages to deliver respectably fun action along the way. Sure, the script sits as a boilerplate odd-couple/buddy cop romp, but the end result is still fun for the ride provided you check your brain at the door; it’s all about the punches, explosions, and car chases that keep the film both head and shoulders above the waterline. Meanwhile the offbeat chemistry between Cena, Elba, and Chopra Jonas, sets up for some genuine chuckles while the trio manages to endear themselves to the viewer. With a runtime just under two hours, attention spans aren’t being challenged either, Heads of State is rated PG-13.


Jun 27 2025

F1® The Movie

F1 racecar driving, the fastest and best drivers from around the world, not for the faint of heart, and it’s big business. So, when the talented up and coming driver Joshua (Damson Idris) is paired up on the same team with the old man who’s seen a few things, Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), naturally the sparks might fly. But will their onside competition be the combustible reaction that launches Team Apex to success or blow it to pieces at the pole? Written by Ehren Kruger and Joseph Kosinski, Directed by Kosisnski, and Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, no slouches when it comes to action, writing, directing, and production of a blockbuster.That said, how does F1® The Movie measure up? From a screenwriting perspective, all the requisite blockbuster boxes are checked, old friendships re-kindled, a predictable burning romance is lit, archetypal bad guys to get their due, and the hero’s quest with tale of redemption, check, check, check, and check. And for fans of F1 racing, of course it’s the dramatized look at the F1 world, but the film does a fairly decent job capturing that essence of racing, the thrills the chills, the spills, and a smattering of what goes on behind the scenes. Bottom line Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Javier Bardem, and Kerry Condon, all chew up the scenery to sell the drama. Score from Hans Zimmer adds extra punch as necessary, and cinematographer Claudio Miranda brings his A game. Congrats, the first official summer blockbuster is in Pole Position at 2 hours 35 minutes and rated PG-13.