The Movie Review Crew

Political thrillers are not our jam; Most times we find them too boring to live up the "thriller" label. Director Ron Howard and a slew of amazing actors earn that label in Frost/Nixon, bringing an entertaining energy to this true story.OUR SCORES;Aaron - BMatt - SNate - AShane - BRotten Tomatoes - 89% IMDb - 7.5/10THEME: Based on A True StoryChosen By: Matt McNeil

Even those that have no interest in professional wrestling will appreciate this film. The entire cast is flawless and we guarantee you'll be reaching for the tissues by the end.OUR SCORES;Aaron - BMatt - SNate - AShane - BRotten Tomatoes - 89% IMDb - 7.5/10THEME: Based on A True StoryChosen By: Matt McNeil

Ryan Coogler's talent is on full display, as is that of the entire cast. Unfortunately, the "Day in the life" approach to Oscar Grant III's story felt manipulative and left a lot to be desired.OUR SCORES;Aaron - CMatt - CShane - CSteve - CRotten Tomatoes - 94% IMDb - 7.5/10THEME: Based on a True StoryChosen By: Steve Rushlau

Rotten Tomatoes - 100% IMDb - 6.6/10OUR SCORES;Aaron - BMatt - AShane - ATHEME: Pre 1980 MoviesChosen By: Nate DudleyAll the President's Men (1976) is flawless down to every last detail. The only thing that could hinder one's viewing enjoyment is their level of interest in the subject matter.

Rotten Tomatoes - 100% IMDb - 6.6/10OUR SCORES;Aaron - CMatt - BShane - BTHEME: Pre 1980 MoviesChosen By: Matt McNealPhantasm is one of the most unique and visually creative horror movies out there. The 70s campiness, mixed with the surrealistic qualities, make for a dream-like experience.

Rotten Tomatoes - 100% IMDb - 6.6/10OUR SCORES;Aaron - CMatt - BShane - BTHEME: Pre 1980 MoviesChosen By: Matt McNealThis horror anthology has an all-star cast and an undeniably 60s charm. It is an entertaining watch, but it goes more for a PG spooky atmosphere than true scares. Those looking for terror will be disappointed.

Rotten Tomatoes - 78% IMDb - 6.7/10OUR SCORES;Aaron - BMatt - CShane - STHEME: Pre 1980 MoviesChosen By: Shane CronicanWe're kicking off our new theme with an action classic, led by a pillar of American Cinema, that helped shape the modern action genre. All due credit is given for its impact, but does it hold up as entertainment over 50 years after its release?

Rotten Tomatoes - 78% IMDb - 6.7/10OUR SCORES;Aaron - CMatt - DShane - CTHEME: Police/Detective MoviesChosen By: Shane CronicanUnfortunately, we end this theme rotation with another disappointment of failed potential. A thought provoking story with an incredible all-star cast just doesn't come together like it should.

Rotten Tomatoes - 60% IMDb - 6.4/10OUR SCORES;Aaron - FMatt - FNate - DShane - DTHEME: Police/Detective MoviesChosen By: Nate DudleyBased on the true story of the hunt for Alaska's most dangerous serial killer, with Nic Cage squaring off against John Cusack; The foundation is here for a great thriller. Unfortunately, inexperienced filmmaking, poor storytelling, ugly visuals, and awful acting make it a grind to get through.

Rotten Tomatoes - 96% IMDb - 7.9/10OUR SCORES;Aaron - BMatt - BShane - BTHEME: Police/Detective MoviesChosen By: Matt McNealIn the Heat of the Night (1967) deserves its place in film history as a groundbreaking drama examining racial tension, and for having a masterful performance from Sidney Poitier. Unfortunately, the murder mystery at its core is uninspired and its conclusion is a rushed letdown.

Rotten Tomatoes - 92% IMDb - 7.2/10Our Scores;Matt - BShane - BSteve - BTheme: Police/Detective MoviesChosen By: Steve RushlauInsomnia (2002) smartly forgoes the typical murder mystery trappings and becomes a tense cat-and-mouse thriller. The mystery takes a backseat to the psychological showdown between Al Pacino and Robin Williams, and they put on an acting clinic!

Rotten Tomatoes - 93% IMDb - 6.8/10Our Scores;Aaron - BMatt - CNate - BShane - CTheme: Police/Detective MoviesChosen By: Aaron CronicanJude Law and Jurnee Smollett are fantastic as cops hunting a white supremacist leader (Nicholas Hoult). Unfortunately, director Justin Kurzel's detached style left us wanting more. A connection to the characters and a sense of urgency could have pushed this movie into the realm of greatness.

Our Score - 6.66/10 Rotten Tomatoes - 78% IMDb - 7.5/10Theme: Lovecraftian/Cosmic HorrorChosen By: Aaron CronicanDark City (1998) builds an awe-inspiring world and has an incredibly original noir mystery with some out of this world twists.

Our Score - 8.75 / 10 Rotten Tomatoes - 86% IMDb - 6.5 / 10Theme: Lovecraftian/Cosmic HorrorThe Whisperer in Darkness (2011) is a movie made by Lovecraft fans for Lovecraft fans. The care put into every aspect of the movie is evident throughout, making for a movie that even those not into Lovecraft will appreciate.

Our Score - 7/10 (B-) Rotten Tomatoes - 58% IMDb - 7.1/10Theme: Lovecraftian/Cosmic HorrorChosen By: Shane CronicanAs it is with the Lovecraftian genre as a whole, In the Mouth of Madness (1994) won't be for everyone. It is weird and it leaves you without any solid answers. That being said, when John Carpenter is steering the ship, it's always going to be a fun ride!

Our Score - 5.56 (C-) Rotten Tomatoes - 88% IMDb - 5.6Chosen By: Nate DudleyJ.K. Simmons voices a Lovecraftian deity speaking to a man through a glory hole in a rest stop bathroom stall. If nothing else, the premise is unique, but there's too little depth and this one runs out of steam pretty quickly.

Our Score - 6.5 / 10 (C+)Rotten Tomatoes - 73%IMDb - 6.2 / 10Chosen By: Shane CronicanDespite some narrative issues and a heavy lull in its second act, we enjoyed this thought-provoking, unique story. The unclear ending might make it frustrating to some viewers, but there is plenty to love before that.

2026 is here, so we look back and give you our Top 5 movies of 2025! Let us know your Top 5 in the comments!

Our Score - 5.13 / 10 (D+)Rotten Tomatoes - 91%IMDb - 6.1 / 10Chosen By: Aaron CronicanThe Dark and the Wicked (2020) is an unfortunate case of what could have been. An interesting premise, effectively creepy direction, and solid acting all become lost in a muddled, uneven narrative that fails to follow its own established rules.

Our Score - 2.88/10 (F)Rotten Tomatoes - 85%IMDb - 6.6/10Chosen By: Nate DudleySnowtown (2011) tries so hard to be indie that it ends up making the story of Australia's deadliest serial killer boring. If you're wondering why we don't like indies, watch this one.

Our Score - 8.83 / 10 (A-)Rotten Tomatoes - 97%IMDb - 7.6 / 10Chosen By: Matt McNealSinners is an absolute masterpiece from everyone involved. Don't listen to Aaron's ice cold takes on this one; It's the best movie of the 2025, and it's not even close.

Our Score - 4.17/10 (D-)Rotten Tomatoes - 47%IMDb - 5.8/10Chosen By: Aaron CronicanWe remember loving Lake Placid when we were kids. Rewatching it over 25 years later, it's just not the same feeling. This movie does a lot of things wrong. Its greatest sin; It's just not that fun.

Our Score - 7.5/10 (B)Rotten Tomatoes - 87%IMDb - 6.8/10Chosen By: Matt McNealShin Godzilla (2016) reinvented the titular creature and took the franchise in a fresh new direction, all resulting in an overwhelmingly positive reception. Did this new take work for all of us?

Our Score - 6.75 / 10 (C+)Rotten Tomatoes - 87%IMDb - 7.2 / 10Chosen By: Shane CronicanLook it up, and you'll find The Descent on loads of 'Best Of' horror lists. Do we agree? How does it hold up twenty years later? And what the hell happened to Neil Marshall's career. We answer all of these questions and more in this great episode!

Our Score - 1.08/10 (F)Rotten Tomatoes - 13%IMDb - 3.2/10Chosen By: Nate DudleyThe only thing harder than watching a movie with almost no redeeming qualities, like Don't Speak (2020), is talking about it for an hour. Trust us and skip this movie!

Our Score - 7.88/10 (B)Rotten Tomatoes - 93%IMDb - 7.8/10Chosen By: Nate DudleyHidden Figures (2016) tells an important story through an amazing cast. The PG rating might make the story feel a bit simplified to some, but it still is impactful and inspiring.

Our Score - 5.67/10 (C-)Rotten Tomatoes - 56%IMDb - 6.9/10Chosen By: Aaron CronicanDespite the efforts of the loaded cast, The Conspirator (2010) feels too much like a play, and it lacks the impact expected from a story like this.

Our Score - 4.33/10 (D-)Rotten Tomatoes - 76%IMDB - 7.6/10Chosen By: Shane CronicanIn Hotel Mumbai (2018), Dev Patel shines, as he always does, but his great performance can't save this movie from feeling like it is exploiting the true life horrors for entertainment. As Matt puts it, this one feels "icky".

Our Score - 6.67 / 10 (C+)Rotten Tomatoes - 83%IMDB - 7.2 / 10Chosen By: Matt McNealMatt kicks off our Based On a True Story theme by choosing 'The Report'. Though political thrillers are far from our favorite genre, Adam Driver puts this one on his shoulders and makes it an interesting viewing.

Our Score - 5.83/10 (C-)Rotten Tomatoes - 66%IMDB - 6.9/10Chosen By: Matt McNealIn the first episode of our new theme, Matt McNeal chose Black Snake Moan, claiming Samuel L. Jackson should have been Oscar nominated for his performance. Were we convinced? Listen and find out!

In this special episode, four of us list our favorite movies of 2024. Drop a comment letting us know what we got right or, more likely, what we got wrong! What were your favorite movies of 2024?

Our Score - 9.58/10 (A+) Rotten Tomatoes - 94% IMDB - 7.8/10 Chosen By: Aaron Cronican Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) lives up to its title by having something fans of any genre can enjoy; Great visuals, beautiful performances, frantic fight scenes, sharp humor, and absurdity abound. Does that mean it is a perfect movie. Listen and find out!

Our Score - 5.88/10 (C-) Rotten Tomatoes - 35% IMDB - 7.3/10 Chosen By: Matt McNeal Memoirs of a Geisha (2005) is a beautiful, well made film with a predictably great musical score from John Williams. Questionable casting, poor writing, and the decision to make it an English language film made it an emotionally unengaging misfire.

Our Score - 6.17/10 (C) Rotten Tomatoes - 89% IMDB - 7.6/10 Chosen By: Shane Cronican 3:10 to Yuma's incredible cast shines throughout and the themes and action are entertaining, but frustratingly inconsistent character motives lead to some questionable decisions that took the steam out of this train.

Our Score - 5.75/10 (C-) Rotten Tomatoes - 83% IMDB - 7.3/10 Chosen By: Nate Dudley The first movie chosen for our theme of Best Original Score nominees/winners is The Constant Gardener (2005). Unfortunately, our reviewers found the score to be mostly underwhelming, much like the movie as a whole.

Our Score - 5.83/10 (C-) Rotten Tomatoes - 83% IMDB - 5.8/10 Chosen By: Aaron Cronican Thanks to likeable characters and the bleak ending, Final Prayer (2013) manages to be engaging enough to get past the typical pitfalls of the found footage subgenre.

Our Score - 4/10 (D-) Rotten Tomatoes - 39% IMDB - 4.5/10 Chosen By: Shane Cronican Hellboy: The Crooked Man was bad in a lot of ways. . . but we didn't hate it!

Our Score - 5.85/10 (C-) Rotten Tomatoes - 84% IMDB - 6.9/10 Chosen By: Nate Dudley Speak No Evil is fueled by great acting and plenty of tension, but it falls apart towards the end. It could have been great, but it feels like it pulled its punches, especially when compared to the bleakness of the original.

Our Score - 7.83/10 (B) Rotten Tomatoes - 96% IMDB - 6.7/10 Chosen By: Matt McNeal Oddity (2024) might be more creepy than outright scary, but the tight direction, twist-filled narrative, and solid performances create a chilling atmosphere perfect for the Halloween season.

Our Score - 0.83/10 (F) Rotten Tomatoes - 97% IMDB - 7.4/10 Chosen By: Matt McNeal Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World has high ratings from critics and viewers on nearly every platform, so we must be missing something. If this is your cup of tea, we're happy you found joy from it. Our consensus; This was one of the least enjoyable movie watching experiences of our life.

Our Score - 5/10 (D+) Rotten Tomatoes - 82% IMDB - 7.7/10 Chosen By: Shane Cronican Sorcerer (1977) has one of the greatest posters of all time, depicting an image from one of the greatest scenes of all time. Unfortunately, poor characters and poor pacing make for a slow and unengaging experience.

Our Score - 5.08/10 (D+) Rotten Tomatoes - 71% IMDB - 7/10 Chosen By: Nate Dudley Arthur the King is incredibly flawed, but those looking for an easy heartwarming watch will find plenty to enjoy. Others, like Aaron, will hate every second of it.

Our Score - 7.38/10 (B-) Rotten Tomatoes - 88% IMDB - 6.9/10 Chosen By: Steve Rushlau Monkey Man has its flaws, but this is culturally immersive, hard-hitting actioner promises a bright future for Dev Patel as a director.

Our Score - 7.6/10 (B) Rotten Tomatoes - 92% IMDB - 7.9/10 Chosen By: Aaron Cronican It has been 8 years since we reviewed Children of Men, so Aaron decided it was time to re-review it with two members who weren't on that initial review. The question remains the same; Is Children of Men really one of the best science fiction movies of all time?

Our Score - 3.83/10 (F) Rotten Tomatoes - 75% IMDB - 6.3/10 Chosen By: Matt McNeal 'Lights Out' has a great concept, visually speaking and as a metaphor, but those ideas are lost in the inconsistencies of its monster and in its incredibly problematic ending.

Our Score - 4.34/10 (D-) Rotten Tomatoes - 85% IMDB - 5/10 Chosen By: Matt McNeal The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster (2023) has some solid ideas and, but it fails to blend those ideas with the story, creating a confusing an uninspired letdown. That being said, director Bomani Story and lead actress Laya DeLeon Hayes are poised for big things in the future.

Our Score - 6.83/10 (C+) Rotten Tomatoes - 94% IMDB - 6.9/10 Chosen By: Steve Rushlau Sisu is heavy on action and gore and, for the right audience, it will be a blast. Those looking for anything even remotely close to plausibility, however, will come away disappointed.

Our Score - 8.63/10 (A-) Rotten Tomatoes - 83% IMDB - 7.5/10 Chosen By: Nate Dudley WE'RE BACK!! We've been away for a long while, but we're back and better than ever. . . or at least just as good. . . or maybe we've got some rust to shake off! You decide. Regardless, kick back and enjoy our review and discussion of Guy Ritchie's The Covenant (2023).

We've got a special episode for you as Aaron, Matt, Shane and Steve bring you their ten favorite movies of 2022. It was a solid year for movies, so we undoubtedly left some of your favorites off the list. Give it a listen and let us know your thoughts. What did we get right? What did we get completely wrong? What is your Top 10 of 2022 list? Let us know your thoughts right there on our home page!

Our Score - 8.42/10 (B+)     Rotten Tomatoes - 54%     IMDB - 7.3/10 Chosen By: Steve Rushlau Fantastic performances from the incredible cast, witty dialogue, and the overall fun vibe of 'Bullet Train' make it one our most enjoyable viewings of 2022. Because it's an action movie, Aaron Taylor-Johnson won't get any recognition for his performance, but it is truly one of the best of the year.