Digger (2026): I Didn’t Dig It

Posted on by Jack Drees

“Digger” is directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu (The Revenant, Birdman) and stars Tom Cruise (Mission: Impossible, Top Gun), Riz Ahmed (Sound of Metal, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story), John Goodman (Revenge of the Nerds, The Big Lebowski), Sandra Hüller (Project Hail Mary, Anatomy of a Fall), Michael Stuhlbarg (Doctor Strange, Boardwalk Empire), and Jesse Plemons (Game Night, Civil War). This film is about a powerful man who must prove to mankind he is their savior before a disaster he’s unleashed destroys everything.

© Warner bros co.

When I go into a movie, I typically do so having watched at least one piece of marketing. Making a good marketing campaign for a movie is hard, because there is a line. You cannot reveal everything, but you have to show just enough to the point where you can communicate to the audience what it is you are selling. You have to set the tone. Maybe if you are doing a comedy, you need at least one joke, but not too many. If you are doing an action movie, you need to unveil the plot, if the movie is smart enough to provide one, while also utilizing some sick sequence cuts. I remember back when I was a teenager I often avoided watching horror movies when they came out. Not because I thought I would be too scared of them, but because they show a lot of scares in the trailer to the point I feel less creeped out by whatever film said scare is coming from.

Now… What does this have to do with “Digger?” Let’s just say that if there was ever a fine example of a bewildering marketing campaign, “Digger” is it. The film tries its best to give a sense of what it is about or what it is in it, but it is not entirely effective in doing so. There is a reason why “Digger,” a film that cost at least $125 million to make, only opened to $8 million domestically. The movie has been out for nearly three weeks as of this publication, and it has only made $42 million at the box office.

© Warner bros co.

This is not to say that “Digger’s” campaign did not have selling points. Tom Cruise is one of the most recognizable names in Hollywood. While not as well known as Christopher Nolan or Steven Spielberg, Alejandro González Iñárritu is a well-liked filmmaker, having done award-winning work including “Birdman” and “The Revenant.” With this actor-director combo at the forefront, it seemed like a winning pair to start the 2026-2027 awards season. Note the use of the word “seemed.”

“Digger” is not the most incompetent film of 2026. But it does not change the fact that at times it felt like watching paint dry. Though I would not say it was cheap paint. It would be some of the most exquisite, fine, pristine, and downright divine paint mankind has ever seen. Nothing about “Digger” looks cheap. Everything from the recognizable cast members to the articulate makeup work to the posh production design to the filmmaking techniques. Much like last year’s “One Battle After Another,” this film was shot on VistaVision. Both films utilize the technology well. I have very few, if any complaints about how this movie was framed. Almost every shot looked like it belonged in a snobby art museum. I also had the privilege of seeing this film at an IMAX GT Laser-equipped theater. The screen is just a smidge off of VistaVision’s aspect ratio. For nearly the entire movie, you could see the tiniest sliver of black bars.

I may be boasting about the film’s looks, but it does not mean I should forget about its personality. The film definitely has one. It is oftentimes energetic, even if most of it is just people walking or talking. The film comes off as a louder, less colorful Wes Anderson project. It is as if Wes Anderson had a baby with Rian Johnson. Iñárritu’s direction unveils a lot of attention to detail in each scene. There are a couple moments where the talent is doing extremely specific movements while sitting down, thus allowing for certain comedic sound effects or facial expressions… There is also a physical gag involving a shovel on the floor that, admittedly, got old fast, but I do appreciate the effort that was put into it.

While this is a film that did not amuse me, it is at least one that I can see particular audiences thinking it is a banger. I have talked to people since the movie came out and they seem to adore it. This is a film that I can see certain people really loving or absolutely despising. I am not saying there is no middle ground with “Digger,” but there is a pivotal moment in “Digger” that is getting some discussion amongst viewers, including myself. That is the moment where I went from being somewhat onboard with “Digger,” to thinking this film kind of went off the rails. Note the use of the phrase “kind of,” as this film was already giving an unhinged vibe from the start.

© Warner bros co.

This film does make sense. I would not go as far as to say it has any obvious, no pun intended, story holes, but it does not mean I was a fan of the way the story was executed. Two-thirds or three-quarters of the way through the story, the film, without specific spoilers, basically pulls a “Don’t Worry Darling.” For those who must know about my experience watching “Don’t Worry Darling,” I found the film to be somewhat intriguing for the first half, but there is a pivotal moment in the second half where I questioned if that first half even mattered. It felt like the stakes went from surfing on top of a giant wave to crashing head first into the sand. Was there perhaps a point to that first half? Sure. But because the stakes stooped to such a low at a certain point, it was difficult for me to get invested in anything that was going on for the remainder of the runtime. The final scene almost saved the film, but there was a moment prior where I just stopped caring.

I want to like every movie I see, but I especially wanted to like “Digger.” Not only is it an ambitious effort overseen by a revered filmmaker, but the lead is played by one of my favorite actors. Also, on its surface, it seems to serve a decent message about how much humans have screwed up the planet. And those who played a massive role in the planet’s destruction seem to know about it and refuse to care. There are great films that remind viewers about humanity’s less than stellar relationship with the environment. Heck, I rewatched “WALL-E” last month and it holds up tremendously. “Digger” on the other hand, looks like a well-oiled machine, but it did not quite stick the landing. The first two-thirds are, overall, above average. But by act three, it sinks like the Titanic. And it most definitely sinks like the Titanic, considering how the villain of this film is a gigantic chunk of ice.

© Warner bros co.

In the end, “Digger” is a project where people are clearly firing on all cylinders. From Alejandro González Iñárritu behind the camera to Tom Cruise in front of it. The film gets an A for effort, but sadly, those efforts feel like a waste. There are a fair slate of bad movies that I watched over the years that are so unappealing that I wind up forgetting them. “Digger” is probably not a film that I am going to forget, at least not in the immediate future. However, part of me wishes I could forget this experience, especially around act three where I went from being intrigued to frustrated to bored. I love Tom Cruise, and he definitely gives it his all, but I am not going to look back at this project as one of my favorites that he has done. I am going to give “Digger” a 3/10.

“Digger” is now playing in theaters. Tickets are available now.

Thanks for reading this review! If you have not done so already, be sure to check out the latest episode of the Scene Before original series “Movie Requests,” which features special guest Joe Gatto of “Impractical Jokers!” Click the video to find out his film suggestion, “Gringo,” gets a thumbs up or if it is tonight’s big loser! If you enjoy the video, leave a like and subscribe to my YouTube channel! I will have more Movie Requests episodes coming soon, so stay tuned!

My next review is going to be for “Other Mommy.” Stay tuned! Also coming soon, I will be sharing my thoughts on “The Social Reckoning,” “Sense and Sensibility,” and “Whalefall.” If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “Digger?” What did you think about it? Or, what is a film that you did a complete 180 on as you were watching it? What is a movie that you found enjoyable until a key moment later on where the wheels fell off the wagon? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

The Weight (2026): A Middle of the Road Quest for Gold

Posted on by Jack Drees

“The Weight” is directed by Padraic McKinley (Fightworld, The Good Lord Bird) and stars Ethan Hawke (First Reformed, Moon Knight), Russell Crowe (Gladiator, Unhinged), Julia Jones (The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, Dexter: New Blood), Austin Amelio (Everybody Wants Some!!, The Walking Dead), Avi Nash (Silo, The Walking Dead), Lucas Lynggaard Tønnesen (The Rain, 1899), George Burgess (Beast, Land of Bad), Cameron Brady (Sapphire, Quantum Quest), Avy Berry (Hollyoaks, A Quiet Place: Day One), Alec Newman (Frank Herbert’s Dune, Winne-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey 2), and Sam Hazeldine (Resurrection, The Innocents). This film is set during the Great Depression and follows a veteran who is hired to help smuggle a fortune in gold through the wilderness.

Before we begin my review of “The Weight,” I would like to shout out a good friend of mine, some of you from the Massachusetts-New Hampshire area would know his name, Brandon Gunnoe, an anchor at WHDH, also known as 7 News. I have the pleasure of working with Gunnoe several days a week. He is a fun person to talk to. The reason why I am shouting him out is because he twice suggested that I should watch “The Weight.” I heard about “The Weight” before he recommended it to me, but his recommendation encouraged me to check out the trailer, which I thought was decent. It promised a tense journey through the wilderness and made the movie look like fun, even with a somewhat serious tone. As I said before, I am proud to call Gunnoe a good friend. But that friendship was fun while it lasted. “The Weight” could have been better…

I kid of course, Gunnoe is still my friend. Though it does not change “The Weight” being a bit of a bore. The film has an intriguing hook to it. It stars Ethan Hawke as Samuel Murphy, an incarcerated man who is tasked with smuggling gold during the Great Depression. The film is also a bit more than that. While the two are not together the entire time, the film is very much a father-daughter story. I thought that aspect of the film was handled very well. Plus, Avy Berry does a great job portraying the daughter character, Penny. She is adorable. The moments the two spend together are joy-filled and smile-inducing.

For the most part, “The Weight” is quite slow. I do not mind a slow film. Slow does not necessarily mean bad. Though when it comes to “The Weight,” I wound up feeling, well, its weight. It is almost unfair of me to say this because “The Weight” does a decent job at providing tension in each scene. This is a man versus nature tale and most of the film’s obstacles have something to do with the elements. Everyone is outside, trying to make it from point A to point B. Whether the characters are trying to cross a bridge or find their way through a river, the film does a fantastic job at making me think about possibly biting my nails.

That said, while the film does a decent job at putting its characters in eerie situations, I wish I cared more about the cast. While I have seen one or two other people in the cast play roles in other projects, Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe have the most star power. How do they do in this film? Fine. I am not complaining about their performances. This is far from Crowe’s worst outing, and it most certainly is not his best. If you like listening to a rugged man call Ethan Hawke “son” sometimes, then this is the movie for you. Hawke plays the most captivating character by far, which is good partially because he is the lead. The film is kind of on his shoulders. That said, the movie does not deliver any standout scenes from its cast that I could see being used down the line as part of a “for your consideration” montage. Hawke and Crowe are competent. Surprise surprise. But these are far from their greatest roles.

I have nothing against the actors who make up the film’s supporting cast. They all play their parts to the best of their abilities. That said, a lot of them utter dialogue that could perhaps best be described as cookie-cutter or overly stereotypical to their personalities. The characters do not feel that complicated or authentic. It feels like there is something missing to them as people. I cannot really put my finger on it. But there is something about these characters that makes them come off as somewhat thin. If anything, they come off as characters from a “Team Fortress” game, almost as if it were easier to refer to them by what they do rather than by their actual name. I get that the movie is not about these characters, but I think the movie would have benefited if they had more depth to said characters.

Although what this movie lacks in substance, it makes up for in style. On the surface, I was impressed with the film’s overall look. The framing and cinematography are sometimes gorgeous. It is not my favorite of the year. In fact, to be frank, I cannot really name a single thing from this movie that I would describe as my “favorite of the year,” but I was nevertheless impressed with Matteo Cocco’s variety of shots as well as their specific timing. The film starts and ends in a similar manner, which allowed for a kind of poetry with the framing as well as Padraic McKinley and Matthew Woolley’s editing. The color grading also pops in its own way. It reminded me a bit of “Train Dreams.” While definitely somewhat modern-looking, “The Weight” had a slight pinch that made the film feel like a throwback. The grass in almost every frame looked immaculate. The contrast most certainly stands out. The film was shot on location in Germany, and those particular locations did not disappoint.

The film has a vibe that, again, reminds me of “Train Dreams” with more action. But unlike “Train Dreams,” “The Weight” sometimes comes off as conventional and lacking in an oomph. On a paper, it sounds like a human story, but the execution of this film feels somewhat wooden and boring. The film comes close to sucking me into its atmosphere, but almost never achieves such immersion. Is “The Weight” awful? No. But it isn’t great either.

In the end, “The Weight” is dull and rather forgettable. It has a couple big stars, but if you want to watch Ethan Hawke or Russell Crowe, there are other projects I would recommend before this one. This is a good-looking film that would probably make for a halfway decent tech demo. It even looks better than some of the big studio franchise titles that came out earlier this year, like “The Mandalorian and Grogu” and “Supergirl.” But looks are not everything, this film tends to lack personality, which is arguably more important. So, if Brandon Gunnoe at 7 News reads this, thank you for the recommendation. Sorry we did not see eye to eye. We’re still friends. I am going to give “The Weight” a 5/10.

As of this posting, “The Weight” is neither available at home or in theaters.

Thanks for reading this review! If you enjoyed this written review, why not check out one I did on video? Last week I posted my latest episode of “Movie Requests,” featuring special guest Joe Gatto. He requested I should watch “Gringo,” a 2018 dark comedy! What did I think of it? Click the video above to find out! If you enjoy the video, do yourself and I a favor by subscribing to my YouTube channel so you can see more episodes as they drop!

My next review is going to be for “Digger!” Stay tuned! Also coming soon, I will be sharing my thoughts on “Other Mommy,” “The Social Reckoning,” “Sense and Sensibility,” and “Whalefall!” If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “The Weight?” What did you think about it? Or, what is a film that someone has begged you to watch that you disliked? Are you still friends with that person? Answer in the comments at your own risk! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

MOVIE REQUESTS – Joe Gatto Requests GRINGO (2018)

Posted on by Jack Drees

Hello and welcome to the 12th episode of Movie Requests! This is the series where I take film suggestions from celebrities, I watch those movies, and I report my thoughts on them! This series is being done to recognize 10 years of Scene Before, and will feature 15 guests who each requested their own movie for me to review.

As a reminder, you can watch the full episodes here on Flicknerd.com, but the main base for the episodes happens to be my YouTube channel. Please like the video there if you enjoyed it, subscribe to my channel, and hit the notification bell if you want to see more!

Today’s guest is one of the funniest people I have ever seen on television, Joe Gatto! Formerly one of the stars of “Impractical Jokers,” Gatto is practically built to make people laugh through his unprecedented range. From subtle line delivery to an occasionally obnoxious commitment to the bit, Gatto’s knack for humor never disappoints. You can catch him now on his comedy tour, including some dates with fellow comedian Drew Lynch.

For today’s review, Gatto requested I should watch “Gringo,” a dark comedy from 2018 released by Amazon Studios. Like “Roma,” which I reviewed a couple episodes ago, this is not my first time watching the movie. I have a written review of the film from when I first watched it. But if I am being honest, I am happier with the outcome of this newer one.

If you want to check out the review, click the video at the top of the page. If you want to see who else is in this series, take a look at the poster above! The next guest in the series is going to be comedian Adam Conover! What movie do you think he suggested? If you want to see that review and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

Primetime (2026): Have a Seat… For This Enticing Thriller

Posted on by Jack Drees

“Primetime” is directed by Lance Oppenheim (Some Kind of Heaven, Ren Faire) and stars Robert Pattinson (The Drama, The Odyssey), Merritt Wever (Nurse Jackie, Godless), Skyler Gisondo (Vacation, Booksmart), and Phoebe Bridgers. This film dramatizes what happens when Chris Hansen’s show, “To Catch a Predator” is put on primetime television. The story shows what happens as Hansen works with the vigilante group Perverted Justice to curb child predators.

I am 26 years old. While I grew up the same time that Dateline NBC’s “To Catch a Predator” first aired on television, I never found myself watching it. On paper, it sounds intriguing, but keep in mind, I was 5 when the first episode aired. I do not think my parents would have been happy with me learning about sex crimes at that young of an age. Even when I heard this film was coming out, I never got around to putting it on television. Despite that, I was interested in “Primetime” for a number of reasons. On top of the general premise providing for a decent pitch, this is an A24 film, and as a distribution company, their track record is usually solid. Plus, Robert Pattinson is playing the lead. He’s had a hot year and his acting chops continue to demonstrate that he is one of the industry’s most talented people working today.

Speaking of A24, one of my favorite movies they have put out is “The Disaster Artist,” which is based on the making of “The Room.” I have shown that movie to people who knew nothing about “The Room” and they had a great time watching it. Similarly, as someone who has never seen an episode of “To Catch a Predator,” heck, I do not know if I have even seen a clip of “To Catch a Predator” prior to this film’s release, I nevertheless found myself engaged in what this film had to offer. “Primetime” is not my favorite film of the year. In fact, had I been more invested in “To Catch a Predator” and Chris Hansen, this movie maybe could have hit me a little bit more. Just a theory. But that does not mean “Primetime” is bad. It’s the exact opposite, actually! This is a solid thriller with a one of a kind vibe.

“Primetime” is such a fitting title for its respective film. Not just because it is about a man who suddenly sees his show on the primetime lineup, but because this year feels like a prime time for this film’s star, Robert Pattinson. On top of playing a couple secondary roles in “The Odyssey” and the yet to be released “Dune Part Three,” Pattinson is also the star of “The Drama” as well as this movie. I have seen both “The Drama” and “The Odyssey” and Pattinson is 2 for 2 thus far. Both movies are fantastic and his performances make each one worth the watch.

But I was not prepared for “Primetime.” This is likely going to go down as Pattinson’s best performance this year. Granted, as mentioned, “Dune Part Three” is coming. We could be in for something special. But so far, “Primetime” is probably Pattinson’s best.

Is Pattinson’s performance in “Primetime” the best I have seen through the entirety of 2026? No. Those honors still belong to Ryan Gosling for “Project Hail Mary” and Emily Blunt for “Disclosure Day” respectively. But “Primetime” gives slightly more spotlight to Pattinson than some of his recent projects, considering he played a co-starring role in “The Drama” alongside Zendaya and did not have the most screentime in “The Odyssey.” This is Pattinson’s film through and through, and the experience is all the better for it. It is almost difficult to imagine anyone else in this character’s shoes.

While Pattinson is definitely the film’s biggest star, there are a few other notable names in the cast like Alex Winter and Anna Faris, and while they do a fine job in the movie, there is one name that stood out almost as much as Pattinson.

Skyler Gisondo plays Dan Plum, and I was moved by this character. Gisondo very much channeled a working man’s spirit into his role as an aspiring actor who finds out that the job that he’s taken is a bit more than meets the eye. There was an admirable sense of humility given off by this character that made him infinitely likable. If anything, it brings a perfect balance to the film as Pattinson’s character is sometimes played up to be larger than life, at least to a certain degree… But Gisondo feels more down to earth. In no way do these tones clash at all. I was pleasantly surprised with how the film went about their individual characters and the chemistry they have on screen together.

The film’s pace is never breakneck nor sluggish. The movie finds a goldilocks zone in between, and for the most part, it works. It is hard to say that there is ever a point where I found the film boring. There are moments that are slower than others, but that did not necessarily mean that they did not have any entertainment value. For the most part, the film is tense and exciting. There is a lot to love about it.

The film’s cast has plenty of experience, but behind the scenes, “Primetime” is a story of firsts. This film is written by Ajon Singh, and it is his first screenplay to see a full release. As for the director, Lance Oppenheim, he has had some experience behind the scenes, but “Primetime” is my first foray into his filmography. In fact, this is the first feature narrative he’s directed, and I would say this is a solid start. These two make for an excellent team. Oppenheim takes Singh’s material and gives it a gritty flair. The movie’s cinematography is quite untraditional. For starters, it is shot in 1.50:1 and 4:3. It is nowhere near as wide as most movies nowadays. Also, the film, appropriately, is presented in such a way that evokes the feel of a show like “To Catch a Predator.” The film offers a weird, but intriguing sense of immersion throughout. The film’s color palette is also never completely consistent, but each frame is immaculate. There is a beautiful yet messy feel to each scene. This is the kind of movie that I could see myself randomly watching after 2 a.m.. It has a distinctive vibe that works best at that specific time of day. But no matter what time it is, it is a good time to watch “Primetime.”

In the end, “Primetime” is worth watching, even if you are not familiar with “To Catch a Predator.” I say this considering, well, again, I had not watched a single episode. Robert Pattinson kills it as Chris Hansen. If there is any reason you should be watching this movie, it is him. He is also joined by an excellent supporting cast, and Lance Oppenheim kills it as the film’s visionary. I am a new fan. I do not know for sure if I will be checking out “You Can See Everything,” which he also worked on. We shall see what time I have in the coming weeks or months given everything else that is coming out. Even so, I will be on the lookout for whatever he does next. I am going to give “Primetime” a 7/10.

“Primetime” is now playing in theaters everywhere. Tickets are available now.

Thanks for reading this review! Tomorrow, TUESDAY OCTOBER 13th… Although based on this post’s publication, tomorrow is not that far away, isn’t it?… I will be sharing a brand new episode of Movie Requests featuring “Impractical Jokers” star Joe Gatto! For those who do not know, Movie Requests is an original series where I ask celebrities what movies they think I should watch and talk about. This series is being done in honor of 10 years of Scene Before. To watch the promo for the episode, click the video above! The episode will be available tomorrow on Flicknerd.com and YouTube! Speaking of YouTube, please subscribe to my channel and hit the notification bell!

My next review is going to be for “The Weight.” Stay tuned! Also coming soon, I will be sharing my thoughts on “Digger,” “Other Mommy,” and “The Social Reckoning.” If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “Primetime?” What did you think about it? Or, did you ever watch “To Catch a Predator?” Tell me your thoughts about it down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

Forgotten Island (2026): Memory Mayhem Ensues in This Beautifully Chaotic Animation

Posted on by Jack Drees

© Courtesy of Universal

“Forgotten Island” is written and directed by Joel Crawford and Januel P. Mercado, the same team behind “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.” This film stars H.E.R. (Yes Day, The Color Purple), Liza Soberano (My Ex and Whys, Lisa Frankenstein), Dave Franco (Together, Neighbors), Jenny Slate (Everything Everywhere All at Once, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On), Manny Jacinto (The Acolyte, The Good Place), Dolly de Leon (History of Ha, Verdict), Jo Koy (Easter Sunday, The Tiger’s Apprentice), Ronny Chieng (Crazy Rich Asians, The Daily Show), Kevin McCann (Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, Dog Man) and Lea Salonga (Mulan, Aladdin). This film is about a best friend duo who find themselves stranded on the island of Nakali. With time not on their side, they have to find a way back home, all the while keeping in mind they could lose the very memories they have built up over the years.

© DreamWorks Animation

I had high expectations for “Forgotten Island” going into it. While DreamWorks has its fair share of hits and misses, the studio can sometimes hit a bullseye with their efforts. One bullseye in particular came in 2022, with “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.” The film released the same day as 20th Century Studios’ “Avatar: The Way of Water.” While “Avatar” wound up making significantly more money, “Puss in Boots” was the much better movie. I had polar opposite experiences with both films. The bar was high for “Avatar: The Way of Water,” the latest film from directing legend James Cameron. For the record, the film failed that high bar. On the other hand, “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” made me go, “Are we really doing this?” After that fine-at-best 2011 cash grab?

Yes. Yes we were.

Part of what made “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” so great was the crystal clear, fast-paced, ludicrous, knockout of a vision from its directing team, Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado. These two were able to get not just good, but masterclass performances out of the film’s stacked voicecast in addition to unleashing some of the most mind-blowing sequences I have watched in an animated film. Not to mention, it was a clever story with all kinds of emotions. Naturally, I was excited for whatever the heck they did next.

© DreamWorks Animation

Let’s start off with the bad news. “Forgotten Island” is not as good as “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.” But I have a couple bits of good news. First off, the film is brilliant and you should see it. It does not matter how old you are. I showed “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” to my mom recently, who does not care for animated films, but she was entertained by it and I am sure even she would be delighted by this latest movie. Second, “Forgotten Island” is more than likely going to get a lot of replay value from me. One of my slight peeves about this movie is that everything moves so fast that it is almost hard to keep up. But that is also what makes the experience of watching this fun. If I were watching this at 7 years old, I would be watching this over and over again for entertainment value, much to the possible annoyance of my parents. But as I potentially give my parents a headache from watching this film incessantly, part of me thinks that I will pick up something new with nearly each viewing. Much like “The Last Wish,” this film is so fast-paced to the point where I may have missed a joke or two. Possibly ten. There is a lot to digest, but it is not like I had to take everything in during the first sitting. The dialogue is snappy, the action is rambunctious, the characters are loud, and the animation is flashy.

The movie gets the most out of its voice cast. Yes, it is in certain ways, star-studded, which can be a question mark for me. Even if I like the stars, I hope that they can deliver something that goes beyond what they would give in a live-action performance. Thankfully, that is the case. Dave Franco as Raww is a standout in this particular regard. He comes off like an upbeat dad trying to motivate their children at any given moment.

I love how much DreamWorks is playing around with different animation styles. I am not going to pretend the variety always leads to perfection, but between “The Bad Guys,” “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” “Dog Man,” and now this movie, I admire the range on display. I am glad to say the animation style in “Forgotten Island” is spectacular. The film puts a lot of emphasis on blue and pink. Those are the colors of the best friends’ bracelets, plus there are quite a few blue and pink creatures our heroes run into along the way. Some standouts include Bungi (Jacinto), a baby demon, as well as King Truffle Wuffle (Chieng), whose army may be cute, but will not come off as cuddly should you acknowledge their adorableness to their face.

“Forgotten Island” is a fantastic story about friendship, especially considering how beautifully it showcases the connection between Jo and Raissa. Not all of DreamWorks’ films have aged well for me. I recently rewatched “Madagascar” during a rerelease. Despite how many times I watched it as a kid, I found myself questioning core aspects of the film that never crossed my mind when I was 7 years old. The biggest question on my mind is how the heck Alex and Marty were even friends. I did not feel any chemistry between them. That is not the case with Jo and Raissa. If I watched this movie at 7 years old, chances are I would enjoy watching these two on screen as friends, but the film does a great job at showcasing the two’s complications that have come as a result of being friends. It shows that their relationship, no matter how much they root for each other, is not perfect. They have some occasional patches that they either ignore or work through. There are times where one person is taking their life in a direction that does not match the other, thus affecting their bond. Maybe I would not pick up those complications at the age of 7, but give it a decade or two, I might.

This film serves as a solid reminder of what it means to be sentimental. Getting to live life each and every day is a blessing, and one of the amazing things about being human is being able to recognize that we can do, possess, or witness things that we will cherish for the rest of our lives. “Forgotten Island” is an incredible encapsulation of what it means to be human. After seeing this and “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” the directing team behind both movies should be allowed as much creative control as one can possibly give them. Please go watch this movie.

© DreamWorks Animation

In the end, “Forgotten Island” is gorgeous, funny, and chaotic. This is a fantastic film for families. It is another win for DreamWorks, in addition to two of their best minds. I am not Filipino, but culturally speaking, I can see this film becoming significant for people who are of that descent. Even with my missed connection, I found myself hooked by this movie. It is a rollercoaster ride that throws so much at you that it is almost impossible to take everything in. But that is not a bad thing, because I look forward to potentially taking those things in during future viewings, partially because this first viewing left me massively entertained. I remember my review for another DreamWorks film, “Dog Man,” and I had similar things to say about it in terms of the pace and presentation, but the material presented in that pace did not hit me in the way that “Forgotten Island” did. “Dog Man” is probably not going to have any replay value, but the same cannot be said for “Forgotten Island.” I am going to give “Forgotten Island” an 8/10.

“Forgotten Island” is now playing in theaters. Tickets are available now.

Thanks for reading this review! If you like this review, I have another one coming soon in video form. Be sure to look forward to the upcoming episode of Scene Before’s original series, Movie Requests, featuring comedian Joe Gatto! He will suggest a film for me to watch, and it will be my job to report my thoughts on said movie! The episode will be available to watch Tuesday October 13th! The video will be available to watch here on Flicknerd.com, but if you want to know the fastest way to watch it, subscribe to my YouTube channel and hit the notification bell!

Also, be sure to check out the previous episode of Movie Requests, which features “Ahsoka” star Rosario Dawson! She asked me to review the Ridley Scott movie “Legend.” Watch the video to see what I thought about it!

My next review is going to be for “Primetime.” Stay tuned! Also coming soon, I will be sharing my thoughts on “The Weight” and “Digger.” If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “Forgotten Island?” What did you think about it? Or, since we are on the topic, have you seen “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish?” Isn’t it awesome? You know it is. Tell me how awesome you think it is down below. Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

The Uprising (2026): Death, Taxes, and Shaky Cam

Posted on by Jack Drees

“The Uprising” is directed by Paul Greengrass (News of the World, The Bourne Supremacy) and stars Andrew Garfield (The Amazing Spider-Man, Hacksaw Ridge), Jamie Bell (Fantastic Four, The Adventures of Tintin), Stephen Dillane (Game of Thrones, John Adams), Tom Hollander (Harley Quinn, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest), Cosmo Jarvis (The Alto Knights, Warfare), Thomasin McKenzie (Last Night in Soho, Fackham Hall), Jonny Lee Miller (Trainspotting, Hackers), Woody Norman (Cobweb, C’mon C’mon), and Katherine Waterson (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Fackham Hall). Inspired by the 1381 Peasants’ Revolt, this film is about a group of people who rebel against King Richard II.

© Focus Features

To be real, there were not a ton of movies coming out in September that I was beyond excited to see. There were a couple titles that stood out to me, but when it comes to “The Uprising,” I felt like I was taking a chance on it. I knew little to nothing about the film other than listening to people talk about it online. I do not even recall if I watched a trailer for the movie prior to checking it out in theaters. That said, there are some promising things about the film at a glance, including star Andrew Garfield.

Andrew Garfield is a fantastic actor. I had iffy thoughts on his Spider-Man to a degree back in the day, but “No Way Home” gave him a bit of a boost for me. If anything, having seen that movie, I think part of that boost is because he was given much better material to work with than what was handed to him in the Marc Webb movies. But Garfield is more than Spidey. For example, he’s received Oscar nominations for “Hacksaw Ridge” and “Tick…Tick…BOOM!.” With each role, Garfield continues to prove he has chops and charisma. The same can be said for “The Uprising.” While Garfield himself is fairly recognizable in the role of a Ploughman, it does not change the fact that he does well as the story’s center. Is his performance the best of the year? No. But it is perhaps precisely what this movie needed due to Garfield’s range. Sometimes he is commanding. Other times he is a bit soft. It depends on the context of the scene, but Garfield plays his part well no matter what the role requires. Garfield is not the only actor who stands out. Others include Woody Norman as King Richard II, Jamie Bell as John Ball, and Thomasin McKenzie, the latter of whom has a particularly compelling backstory.

As for the film itself, it is quite good. The story is never boring and there is a healthy mix of engaging dialogue and thrilling action sequences to balance out the pace. Some might say the film is slow, which frankly, I kind of get, but do not wholly agree with. I prefer to call the film steady. It’s by no means a slog, but not a sprint either. It aims for the middle and does not miss.

© Focus Features

Despite being set in the 14th century, “The Uprising” is a fitting movie for today’s times. For the record, I live in the United States, and it is not like this is a problem that is exclusive to this part of the world, but in recent years, it has become noticeable that prices for just about everything have been going up. That’s not an unusual concept, but the rate at which it has been happening has been exorbitant. So, it feels like perfect timing to have a movie come out where its heroes are trying to confront the reality that on top of already struggling as they are, they now have to put up with more taxes.

“The Uprising” is directed by Paul Greengrass. I have not seen all of his movies, but I tend to like the ones that I did see. Although this movie has a bit in common with his 2020 outing, “News of the World.” In addition to both films being somewhat action-centric, they also deal with topics relevant to their time of release, even if the films themselves are set long before said period. “News of the World,” which is about a man who goes around reading newspapers to audiences, came out a few years after the term “fake news” popularized with certain people. This film features political controversy and complaints over taxes. Those two topics are arguably evergreen, but as someone living in the United States, it is not hard to notice them making the rounds today.

© 2026 – Focus Features

Much like Greengrass’s other projects, there is quite a bit of shaky cam in this film. If that is not your thing, you may be turned off by this film’s production elements. Frankly, sometimes it works, and other times it feels quite clunky. There are one or two battle sequences that I thought the shaky cam ended up blending perfectly with the chaos. That said, there are moments where I felt the handheld videography came off as a bit overdone. One could argue that this speaks more to my personal preferences as a viewer than anything else. Heck, to this day I have not watched a ton of “The Office” and yes, one of the reasons why is because I don’t find it funny. Sorry not sorry. But another, perhaps dumber reason is because all the camerawork is handheld and it throws me off. The handheld camerawork in “The Uprising” is by no means the worst thing I have ever seen, I can make out what is going on in just about every scene, but there are a lot of moments where it feels a bit unnatural. To be fair though, this is a dramatic narrative, and in some ways, the handheld nature of the film does contribute to said drama.

No spoilers for those who have not seen the movie, but I dug the ending. If anything, this film almost crosses a line to the point where it becomes something else entirely during this specific moment. In actuality, the ending is fitting given what the story is, but its delivery is perhaps intentionally linked to another famous character. The ending is well done and has some solid action to back it up. Look forward to it. Sadly, the film’s marketing does spoil this moment, so chances are some of you reading this already have an idea as to the connection I am talking about. But if you did miss the trailers somehow, the ending is a fitting, yet almost out of left field treat.

© 2026 – Focus Features

In the end, “The Uprising” is a good flick. Is it the most exciting film of 2026? Not even close. It is not even the most exciting movie to come out this month… More on that in the next review. But the film is nevertheless engaging in more ways than one. It features a solid lead performance by Andrew Garfield and is incredibly relevant for today’s audience despite being set in the late 14th century. This is not a film that is going to have massive replay value, at least from me. Maybe if I am scrolling channels and I come across it, I will put it on. But it is nevertheless beautifully made and executed. I am going to give “The Uprising” a 7/10.

“The Uprising” is now playing in select theatres and is available to rent or buy on VOD.

Thanks for reading this review! If you want to keep the party going, check out my latest episode of the Scene Before original series Movie Requests! In this episode, Rosario Dawson requests that I should talk about “Legend,” the fantasy film from 1985. To find out what I thought about it, click the video above!

Also, look forward to my next episode of Movie Requests, which will feature comedian Joe Gatto! You may know him from “Impractical Jokers” and “The Misery Index!” The official upload date is unclear at this time, but if you want to stay updated on that episode and others, please subscribe to my YouTube channel! And if you enjoy the last episode, please give it a like! It really helps out!

My next review is going to be for “Forgotten Island!” Stay tuned! Also coming soon, I will be sharing my thoughts on “Primetime,” “The Weight,” and “Digger.” If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “The Uprising?” What did you think about it? Or, what is your favorite Paul Greengrass movie? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

MOVIE REQUESTS – Rosario Dawson Requests LEGEND (1985)

Posted on by Jack Drees

Hello, and welcome to the 11th episode of Movie Requests! This is the Scene Before original series where I ask celebrities what movies they think I should talk about, and I will find out if the movie is for me!

As a reminder, while these videos are posted here, they are also on YouTube! If you want the fastest way to watch new episodes of Movie Requests, please subscribe to my YouTube channel!

Before we go any further, I would like to dedicate today’s review to actor Tim Curry. You may know him from projects like “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” “Muppet Treasure Island,” “Clue,” “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “IT,” “Congo,” on top of hundreds of others that I do not have time to name. At the time of recording this request, specifically November 8th, 2025, he was still with us. But on August 25th of this year, he passed away. While he is not today’s guest, he is the star of today’s movie.

Today’s guest is Rosario Dawson, who in the request video said I should review “anything Tim Curry,” but soon officially specified that I should check out “Legend.” I have never seen “Legend,” but given recent events, I am exquisitely glad to be able to check it out.

You may know Rosario Dawson as the star of the Disney+ original series, “Ahsoka,” set in the “Star Wars” franchise. She has also played the character in shows including “The Mandalorian” and “The Book of Boba Fett.” She is also known for films including “Zookeeper,” “Clerks II,” “Top Five,” “Sin City,” and “Rent.”

If you want to check out this review, click the video towards the top of the page! To find out which other guests are appearing in this series, take a look at the poster above! My next guest is going to be comedian and former “Impractical Jokers” star Joe Gatto! What movie do you think he suggested? Find out next month! If you want to see future episodes of Movie Requests and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! And pleass

Don’t Move (2026): For Tonight’s Punishment… A Church Group Takes on a Giant Spider!

Posted on by Jack Drees

“Don’t Move” is directed by Maclain Nelson (Studio C, Show Offs) and stars Lyndsy Fonseca (The Young and the Restless, Kick-Ass), Russ (Trap, Little), Hunter King (Life in Pieces, The Young in the Restless), Joseph Lee Anderson (MacGruber, Young Rock), Tom Cavanagh (The Flash, Ed), and Rob Riggle (Holey Moley, The Hangover). This film is based on a book written by Darren Wearmouth and James Murray, also known as “Murr” from “Impractical Jokers.” In this movie, a church group has to fend off a giant spider while camping in the woods.

I do not watch a ton of television. Partially because I am so heavily invested in movies, but one of my major commitments on the small screen over the years has been “Impractical Jokers.” This show always gets a laugh out of me. Even the newer seasons without Joe have continued to deliver comedy goodness. One of the show’s stars, James Murray, on top of his success as a TV star, has found time to write books including “Awakened,” “You Better Watch Out,” and the one that inspired this movie, “Don’t Move.” When it comes to this movie, he is credited with writing and producing it.

For the record, while I own a copy of “Don’t Move,” I have yet to read it. But as someone who loves movies and is willing to support the world’s finest ferret look-a-like, I made it my duty to check out “Don’t Move” as soon as I possibly could.

Should you move as fast as you can to watch this movie? That’s… Complicated.

“Don’t Move” is not the greatest cinematic achievement of 2026, and I am pretty sure many, if not all the people working on the movie recognize this. No offense, but this ain’t “The Odyssey.” Although is it fun? Is it enjoyable? Sure.

“Don’t Move” is quite a departure from the material where a majority of James Murray’s fans know him. If you are looking for comedy, look elsewhere. There are not many laughs in “Don’t Move.” There may be one or two slight chuckles in the film, but this is a horror film first and foremost. If you like horror, this could be your jam. But then again, there are better horror movies released this year. Go watch “Obsession.” Go watch “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come.” Go watch “Send Help.” This film is not bad, but it pales in comparison to those three.

“Don’t Move” is by no means the best movie of the year. Again, there are moments to appreciate, but I have seen better. Although the film does stand out in two particular ways. The beginning and the end. This works well in the film’s favor as it provides a brilliant hook for what’s to come and eventually ties everything up in an exciting bow.

The beginning is not completely perfect, but as a general concept, it sings. It also does a decent job when it comes to serving as compelling exposition. More than an hour later, the film brings forth an ending that is not only bone-chilling, but also jaw-dropping. I did not know this film was going to end the way it did. I was genuinely impressed with the final scene.

Going back to the beginning, this is where we meet the film’s star, Megan (Fonseca) who is dealing with the loss of her loved ones. The film does a great job at encapsulating the emotions of what she was going through following her inciting incident, and it is only supported by her solid performance. Fonseca does a good job as the lead.

Another thing I admired in the film is the sound mix. In horror, sound is almost more important than the visuals sometimes. There are a couple cliche sound effects you have heard in dozens of other horror projects that make their presence known here. But they are used rather effectively. One sound effect in particular left me shook. It was well-timed and utilized at an appropriate volume. Although I cannot say that was the case for every sound effect. This may be a personal annoyance I have with the film, but there is a repeated whistle sound effect that ends up being essential to the story. I have no problem with the sound effect itself, but every time I heard it up close it would hurt my ears. Granted, this may be more of a problem of having sensitive ears than anything else. Though if I were mixing the audio, I would pinch the whistle effect down just a hair.

Speaking of things I would change, the film does have a lot of problems. Yes, there are good things about it, but there are also a lot of bad things. It is a bit of a mishmash.

While the scenes either featuring or having to do with the spider are fun, part of me wishes we got a little more action with the spider. I think the moments featuring the spider makes for some of the better parts of the movie, and quite frankly, I am surprised it was not utilized more. I was somewhat underwhelmed with how little the creature was used.

This film focuses on a church group in the woods. For the record, I am not in a church group, so I cannot say I have much experience with the typical goings-on, but I am pretty sure that few church groups swear and take the Lord’s name in vain as often as these people. I understand that some of these instances are played out for comedic effect, but it threw me off seeing this group be such pottymouths. For the record, I have no problem with pottymouths. Bring on the filthy. But it was a little hard to buy this group given some of their vocabulary. Although I will say, one of the most hilarious things about this film is that one of the members of the group, Pastor Rizzo (Cavanaugh) at times comes off as a dead ringer of Ned Flanders from “The Simpsons.” He is so overly calm and almost unnecessarily welcoming regardless of the situation. He comes off as both a neighbor I would like to have but also maybe ask to back away if they get too close.

Another thing I did not like in this film is the visual effects. For instance, this movie has a ton of fire effects. Sometimes they look great, but at other times they look like they belong in the late 1990s. Another effect that threw me off was a giant waterfall. The water flow looked unnatural and too clean. It lacked an imperfect ruggedness. I can slightly forgive the film’s faults in terms of its visuals as it is made on the cheap compared to many others that came out this year, but the effects still looked odd at times.

This film is helmed by Maclain Nelson, who has directing experience, but not with feature films. Having seen this film, it is somewhat easy to tell that it is from a director who lacks such feature filmmaking experience. In fact, the film somewhat looks like a television show. If anything, the look of the film reminds me of, perhaps coincidentally, “Impractical Jokers: The Movie.” Although I thought that the film’s look worked as it was, for the most part, based in reality. I will not deny that there are times where “Don’t Move” has a cinematic touch. The opening scene at the carnival in particular looks great. But there are a couple scenes in the woods that look a little too real. Not necessarily cinematic if that makes any sense.

On a sidenote, “Don’t Move” packs in some Easter Eggs for “Impractical Jokers” fans. These barely affect my opinion of the film as a whole, but it was nice to see this film show some nods. For instance, James Murray is in this film as a carnival worker. As a bonus, his nametag reads “D. Chiggins,” which if you have watched “Impractical Jokers,” you would be familiar with that name. Brian Quinn is in this film too. I will not say more, I will let you see for yourself. There are more Easter Eggs, but it is not like the film has one every other minute like “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” As far as I am concerned, that may as well be a positive.

In the end, “Don’t Move” is all right. It is a competently made creature feature, but in some ways, it could have been longer. Some of it felt surface level and lacking in personality. This is, thankfully, not the case with the entire film. Again, the ending is surprisingly amazing. I like the main character of the film, I think Lyndsy Fonseca does a good job portraying Megan. She was very much the film’s heart and soul. The film is by all means entertaining and makes for a fun hour and a half, but it does not do a whole ton to provide an oomph. Overall, this is not a bad time. I am going to give “Don’t Move” a 6/10.

“Don’t Move” will be available on VOD starting October 13th.

Thanks for reading this review! THIS MONDAY ON SCENE BEFORE, get for the 11th episode of Movie Requests, featuring special guest Rosario Dawson! Movie Requests is the Scene Before original series that sees yours truly taking film suggestions from celebrities. What do you think Dawson suggested? Well, she gives a hint in a brand new promo, which you can watch by clicking the video above! If you want to see the episode, you can follow Flicknerd.com or subscribe to my YouTube channel!

My next reviews are going to be for “The Uprising” and “Forgotten Island!” Stay tuned for those! If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “Don’t Move?” What did you think about it? Or, did you read the “Don’t Move” book? How does this movie compare to that? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

Idiots (2026): A Balanced, Over the Top, Sometimes Crude Road Film

Posted on by Jack Drees

“Idiots” is directed by Macon Blair (Green Room, The Toxic Avenger) and stars Dave Franco (Neighbors, Together), O’Shea Jackson Jr. (Ingrid Goes West, Straight Outta Compton), Mason Thames (Regretting You, The Black Phone), Kiernan Shipka (Mad Men, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), Nicholas Braun (Succession, Saturday Night), and Peter Dinklage (Pixels, Avengers: Infinity War). This film is about two people who hit their lowest low and are tasked with transporting a troubled teen to rehab.

It’s funny how much marketing can do to sell you on a movie. I had no idea “Idiots” existed prior to the time I saw “Tony” in theaters, as it wound up being one of the later trailers that played. When it comes to trailers for comedies, “Idiots” is one of the best I can remember seeing. It gives a basic idea of the wild premise and vibe, but did not give too much away. It seemed to have enough gags to keep me laughing, but when it comes to the story, I wanted to know more. Plus, who doesn’t love an unhinged Dave Franco?

Some of you might be asking, does the movie reveal all the funny parts in the trailers? I would not say so. It hides quite a bit. I have seen multiple trailers and I found them all entertaining. Thankfully, the movie is just as solid.

“Idiots” is one of those movies that is not going to wind up winning any awards, but it is one that is effective in its goals. Not only did the film make me laugh, but it also delivers a little bit more. Likable characters. Good performances. An occasional sick action scene or two. Oddball concepts for scenes that end up working. The film has a clear idea of what it wants to be. It has the somewhat laid back vibe of a hangout film like “The Big Lebowski” and packs in a fun road adventure like “The Blues Brothers.” Mix in some hyped-up lines, a little blood, and some dark comedy, you have a recipe for a fun time.

What really makes this film sing is the main trio. You have Mark (Franco), Davis (Jackson Jr.), and Sheridan (Thames). Each actor plays fantastically off each other. It is also easy to root for Mark and Davis in particular as they try to keep Sheridan under control. The film shows Mark and Davis dealing with their personal work struggles, and almost from the getgo, the two have to work together to get a young man who comes from a well-off family from point A to point B.

Part of me imagines another reality where this grouping could have gone very wrong, because a couple of these characters are lunatics. Nothing ruins a road trip movie more than obnoxiously annoying characters. Not only are they likely annoyed by each other, but that annoyance is shared through the audience.

When it comes to the film’s display of lunacy, it is particularly notable with Mark and Sheridan. There is one scene early on in the film where Mark, who is transporting Sheridan to a wellness center because of his problems, is saluting him for some of his out there activities. Yet somehow this film not only works because of these three people, but it is almost hard for me to imagine almost anyone else in their shoes. Each character has a standout scene and the film channels each one of the actors’ comedic strengths.

I sometimes talk about cliches or familiar concepts in movies, and how despite those things being common, they can work if done right. When it comes to comedy, I am sure everyone has heard the “your mum” or “your momma” joke. This movie proves that the “momma” joke is an oldie but a goodie. There is a fantastic scene between Davis and a hotel employee involving the “your momma” cliche that goes in a direction that I could have never anticipated. As the scene goes on, I am laughing less because of the joke, but rather because of its repercussions, which were well written and timed.

“Idiots” is one of those oddball comedies that finds a perfect balance in its tone. It often comes close to getting serious, but never pulls the trigger and goes all the way. Throughout the story, despite it dealing with someone who has some serious issues, it is never completely heartfelt. But I refuse to think that is what Macon Blair was going for. This particular work feels like it was secretly helmed by Quentin Tarantino or the Coen Brothers. While the camerawork and overall look of the film may not entirely match their styles, Blair’s commitment to hard action and snappy moments certainly do. The more I think about it, such a comparison makes sense, as one of Blair’s most recent projects was “Brothers.” He wrote the film’s screenplay while Etan Coen had a “story by” credit. Maybe working with Coen inspired Blair with realizing his future material.

The film becomes rather twisted by its conclusion. Not just because of the crazy scenarios in which the characters find themselves, but the film makes time around acts two and three to introduce a set of new characters who perfectly match, again, the film’s uniquely balanced tone. I have no idea how well this film would play as an animation, but some of the acting in this film is quite over the top. Never once is it annoying, in fact, the cartoony nature plays well into some of these characters’ personalities, and their makeup and costumes match those personalities for a bonus.

I imagine myself looking back at “Idiots” a few years from now and thinking to myself that I had quite a few laughs. There were a few other people in my theater who wound laughing with me. Am I going to remember the film as a whole as those next few years pass? I could try, but maybe not. It almost suffers from tonal inconsistency, but it is just balanced enough to the point where the ship never sinks. While, again, the film is not likely going to win any awards, it is nevertheless clever in its delivery and makes the most of its comedic leads.

In the end, “Idiots” is a good time. It is a wild adventure that is engagingly smart as it is entertainingly dumb. The film is a successful balancing act. It has big names, but an intimate vibe. It has a grounded script that is not afraid to occasionally go over the top. One of my favorite film genres is comedy, and this film brings the funny. I needed a good comedy after seeing whatever “Spa Weekend” was. I am glad I saw “Idiots,” and I am going to give it a 7/10.

“Idiots” is now available to rent or buy on VOD.

Thanks for reading this review! I am happy to announce that my next episode of Movie Requests is going to be available Monday September 28th, and it is going to feature Rosario Dawson! You may know Dawson from movies like “Clerks II,” “Top Five,” “The LEGO Batman Movie,” and “Sin City.” She is also the star of the Disney+ original series “Ahsoka,” whose second season is on its way. The episode will be available here on Scene Before, but please subscribe to my YouTube channel if you want to see the video before anyone else!

And while you are at it, check out the previous episode of Movie Requests, which features actress Melissa Barrera. Give it a watch to see what I thought about her suggestion, “Roma.”

My next review is going to be for “Don’t Move.” Stay tuned! Also coming soon, I will be sharing my thoughts on “The Uprising” and “Forgotten Island.” If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “Idiots?” What did you think about it? Or, what is your favorite comedy you have seen this year? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

Coyote vs. Acme (2026): Don’t Walk, Roadrun.

Posted on by Jack Drees

“Coyote vs. Acme” is directed by Dave Green (Earth to Echo, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows) and stars Will Forte (Scoob!, Saturday Night Live), Lana Condor (Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken, X-Men: Apocalypse), Tone Bell (Whitney, Little), Luis Guzmán (The Limey, Traffic), Martha Kelly (Euphoria, Baskets), P.J. Byrne (The Wolf of Wall Street, The Legend of Korra), Eric Bauza (Looney Tunes Cartoons, Buddy), Kenneth Choi (The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, The Last Man on Earth), and John Cena (Blockers, The Suicide Squad). After many attempts of trying to catch the Roadrunner to no success, Wile E. Coyote has one thing to blame, Acme. Now fed up with the company’s defective products, Coyote decides to sue Acme for each of their products that kept him from catching the iconic blue bird. But winning the case will not be easy as Acme is a dominate corporate force, and Coyote teams up with a lawyer known for settling every case that comes his way.

I am not the biggest “Looney Tunes” guy. I did not grow up watching the property. Heck, even as someone who was born in the late 90s, I did not even watch the original “Space Jam” until I was 21. By the way, the movie is awful. Seriously… What was that? But even I was stoked for “Coyote vs. Acme.”

Even as a novice to the “Looney Tunes” brand, I am well aware, and sometimes amused, by the constant charade of Wile E. Coyote trying to catch the Roadrunner. Never in my life did I think we would ever get a movie where Coyote takes the company who makes his contraptions and gadgets to court. But as soon as I heard the pitch, I was all eyes and ears. This was a brilliant premise, and I really wanted to see it come to life. But Warner Bros. Discovery decided to go full Adam Conover and ruin everything.

Following in the footsteps of “Batgirl,” “Coyote vs. Acme” was fated to become Warner Bros. Discovery’s latest tax write-off. The film, while well-liked by people who worked on it as well as others outside the production, was not seen as a moneymaker to Warner Brothers Discovery, in addition to any potential buyers. Except for one. And that is Ketchup Entertainment, who also released another recent “Looney Tunes” project, “The Day the Earth Blew Up.” I did not see that one, but I was eager to check out this one.

I have now seen “Coyote vs. Acme,” and it is not just good. It is actually great. No… I take that back. This is one of the best films of the year.

This film, much like “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”, is set in a world where people and cartoons co-exist. The Acme Corporation is a real company run by actual people, making animated products for cartoons like Coyote. We see that Coyote has had it. He has spent his whole life trying to catch the Roadrunner. He’s gotta eat! So, he gets an idea to sue Acme for each one of their products he got his hands on. None of them worked, and he wants to hit them where it hurts. So, he teams up with a lawyer named Kevin Avery (Forte) to get the job done. However, we find out that these two are opposites. Avery, and by extension, his firm, is known for settling. In fact, the firm has been involved in multiple cases against Acme and there has been a settlement for each one.

You have two core characters, each of whom want to get things done their own way. Coyote and Kevin make for an incredible odd duo. I was pleasantly surprised with not just how well Forte wound up doing in this film as a live-action performer blending in with cartoons, but the same can be said for how I felt about Coyote as a character.

The concept of watching Coyote trying to catch the Roadrunner by itself is fun on paper, but let’s be real. His goal is to end this bird’s life. He is kind of a fascinating character, because despite this movie being made for families, it centers around someone who is so dedicated to killing a bird that you cannot help but appreciate him. It is kind of like watching Mauser from “Marty Supreme,” who is a bit of a moron, but he has this drive that as I watched the film, I could not help but appreciate it. The film is, ironically, fantastic for younger people to watch. Because despite being about someone whose goal is to kill a bird, it also serves as a fine lesson for younger viewers to chase their dreams.

This lesson plays heavily not just into Coyote’s personal motivation, but also the relationship between him and Kevin. Coyote’s drive ends up inspiring Kevin to not just challenge himself to perhaps become a better lawyer, but it seems to instill him with a reason to keep on living.

As the film progresses, it becomes one of the most surprisingly heartfelt features I have seen in a long time. Heartfelt and “Looney Tunes” are two concepts that I did not think I would use in the same sentence, but here we are. I was almost convinced that I was watching a Pixar movie or something from Lord and Miller. A perfect execution of comedic gags that also manages to interweave moments that pull your heartstrings. I nearly cried at the end of this movie. When this movie nearly got scrapped for a tax write-off, I knew I wanted to see it. I did not know that it would be this compelling, this exciting, this moving.

The ending of this film is so satisfying. It is, in a way, a predictable ending, but it manages to pack in an element or two of unpredictability to get there. Regardless, the ending feels earned. It puts the film’s characters in a position that makes sense and overall, the final moments emit oodles of joy. This is a movie about underdogs, and it is perhaps only enhanced by the fact that getting the film to the big screen was a bit of an underdog story by itself.

Speaking of all the behind the scenes drama, one of my favorite things we see, not even in the film itself, but just before it starts, is the WB logo. This is a completely baseless assumption, but there is a subtitle in the opening logo that part of me wants to believe was put in as a response to the whole tax-write off saga. Moments into the title, we zoom in and we see a caption that reads “A wholly owned subsidiary of the Acme Corporation.” On one hand, it is kind of funny because it plays into the joke of Acme’s corporate dominance. But the joke may also have a double meaning. Much like how Acme is the villain of the movie, some people who wanted to see this film succeed saw Warner Bros. as a real life villain that kept this project from seeing the light of day.

…Or I could be overthinking this and the logo was designed before the tax-write off shenanigans even became a thing. I have to keep all possibilities open to avoid making a fool of myself.

Arguably the most notable physical standout in the film is John Cena, and not just from a looks perspective. He plays Buddy Crane, who is not only a lawyer for Acme, but just so happened to be Kevin’s rival while the two attended Harvard. Despite sometimes playing Crane up as this tough guy, and he is, he also manages to sometimes deliver a kind, calm aura. There is a balance to this character that Cena masters as a performer. Cena has proven in previous roles that he has a knack for comedy, and while this may not be his funniest role, he continues to prove that he has a fine presence on screen.

The movie also comes with plenty of fan service and fun Easter eggs. Sure, you have some classic footage and phrases that even casuals would recognize, but there are sometimes some nice small touches. There is a scene set in the middle of the film set to the DJ Shadow song “Nobody Speak,” which is a good song by itself, but the film adds a slight enhancement to the song and replaces a couple notes with the Roadrunner’s “meep meep.” I almost burst out laughing, but I wanted to avoid embarrassing myself in front of other people.

The film does come with some minor issues. For the most part, the blending of live-action with the animated elements works fantastically. It is actually kind of incredible how seamless everything is. But not all of it is consistent. Not everyone seems to be drawn in the same style. I do not have a problem with this as “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” implements multiple styles, but I thought “Roger Rabbit” did a better job at blending those styles together than “Coyote.” While he is by no means an eyesore, the design for Foghorn Leghorn sometimes looks a little tacky when put next to live-action characters. He is not awful looking, but it is also true at the same time that he looks like a character during the main sequence of “The Simpsons Ride” at Universal Studios.

Even with some tiny issues, this film is not just a blast, it is a triumph. This is perhaps the greatest middle finger to corporate giants encapsulated via film since “WALL-E.” In fact, by happy accident, the film feels like it is throwing an extra middle finger to a real life corporate behemoth at the same time. I say this as someone who loves Warner Brothers as a studio. I am a massive fan of their movies. In fact, “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another” were two of my favorite films from last year. But they made a mistake by nearly axing this film. What one corporation sees as trash, is the audience’s treasure. Please go buy a ticket to this movie, because not only are you supporting a spectacular project, but you will be sending a message to the people who almost kept you from seeing it in the first place.

In the end, while I do not think “Coyote vs. Acme” is not going to get a Best Picture nomination from the Academy, it is one of those movies that you have to see at least once. This is a one-of-a-kind project that wound up being more than a pleasant surprise for me. I genuinely do not know when I am going to stop thinking about it. This film nearly broke me. It presents two completely admirable heroes who not only have fascinating goals, but make a great team. You do not have to be a “Looney Tunes” diehard to enjoy this film, and given the little history I have with this franchise, I am proof of that. Please go see this movie. It will make you laugh and cry. I am going to give “Coyote vs. Acme” a 9/10.

“Coyote vs. Acme” is now playing in theaters. Tickets are available now.

Thanks for reading this review! As a reminder, in honor of Scene Before’s 10th anniversary, I am working on a special video series, Movie Requests, which sees me reviewing movies suggested by celebrity guests. My latest episode features actress Melissa Barrera, who you may know from films like “Abigail” and “In the Heights.” In this episode, she suggests I should watch “Roma!” What did I think? Click the video above to find out! If you enjoy the video, please leave a like, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and hit the notification bell that way you can see more episodes as soon as possible!

My next review is going to be for “Idiots.” Stay tuned! Also coming soon, I will be sharing my thoughts on “Don’t Move” and “The Uprising.” If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, be sure to check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “Coyote vs. Acme?” What did you think about it? Or, what is a movie that you wish you got to see that has never been released? For me, the answer is Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man 4.” I remember that it was supposed to come out in the early 2010s, but it got scrapped in favor of “The Amazing Spider-Man.” No offense to Andrew Garfield, but I would give anything for another solo Tobey Maguire movie. Scene Before is your click to the flicks!