Hey everyone, Jack Drees here! Welcome to the 8th Annual Jack Awards Nominations! It is that time to recognize some of the highlights in 2025 cinema! For those who are new around here, the Jack Awards is an annual awards show dedicated to honoring the best movies of the year, as well as their standout qualities whether they are on camera, or behind the scenes. The show, while intended to be presented through text, also features video content including comedy bits such as the annual Film Improvements. You will get to see some of those videos when the actual show drops, specifically on Sunday, February 8th.
This post serves as a bit of a preview for the show itself, as it lists all the films and people who will be nominated for their individual works. Each category will have five nominees, except for Best Picture, which will have 10. The winners will be determined by yours truly, except for, again, Best Picture, which will be decided by a public vote through a Google Form. Of course, for a movie to qualify for the Jack Awards, I have to have seen it. So, I will not be counting nominations from films including “Train Dreams,” “It Was an Accident,” “The Testament of Ann Lee,” “Blue Moon,” or “Die My Love.” I missed those, unfortunately. Also, another thing to note is that each of the films nominated are theatrical releases. No straight to streaming movies. No straight to TV movies. No straight to DVD movies.
With all of this out of the way, here are the nominees for the 8th Annual Jack Awards!
Best Animated Feature
The Bad Guys 2 (Pierre Perifel, JP Sans, Damon Ross)
The Colors Within (Naoko Yamada, Euyoung Choi, Yoshihiro Furusawa, Genki Kawamura, Wakana Okamura, Kōhei Sakita)
Elio (Adrian Molina, Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Mary Alice Drumm)
A Celebration Song – Maya and Ayumu Matsuda (Scarlet)
I Lied to You – Raphael Saadiq and Ludwig Göransson (Sinners)
Last Time (I Seen the Sun) – Alice Smith, Miles Caton, Ludwig Göransson (Sinners)
Best Director
Mary Bronstein (If I Had Legs I’d Kick You)
Chloe Zhao (Hamnet)
Josh Safdie (Marty Supreme)
Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another)
Ryan Coogler (Sinners)
Best Actor
Paul Mescal (Hamnet)
Will Arnett (Is This Thing On?)
Timothee Chalamet (Marty Supreme)
Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another)
Dwayne Johnson (The Smashing Machine)
Best Actress
Emma Stone (Bugonia)
June Squibb (Eleanor the Great)
Jessie Buckley (Hamnet)
Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs I’d Kick You)
Kate Hudson (Song Sung Blue)
Best Picture
The Fantastic Four: First Steps (Kevin Feige)
Friendship (Raphael Margules, J. D. Lifshitz, Johnny Holland, Nick Weidenfeld)
Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond in the Desert (Jerry Bruckheimer, Paul Dugdale, John Featherstone, Simon Fisher, Steven Kofsky, Michael Marto, Omar Saab)
If I Had Legs I’d Kick You (Sara Murphy, Ryan Zacarias, Ronald Bronstein, Josh Safdie, Eli Bush, Conor Hannon, Richie Doyle)
Is This Thing On? (Bradley Cooper, Weston Middleton, Will Arnett, Kris Thykier)
The Life of Chuck (Trevor Macy, Mike Flanagan)
The Long Walk (Roy Lee, Steven Schneider, Francis Lawrence, Cameron MacConomy)
One Battle After Another (Adam Somner, Sara Murphy, Paul Thomas Anderson)
Sinners (Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian, Ryan Coogler)
And those are your nominees, based on the best of 2025 in cinema! Congratulations to all of the aforementioned crews and their respective movies! As a reminder, you have the power to choose this year’s Best Picture, and you can do so by clicking this link and casting your vote! You can vote for the nominees by the deadline, 12 a.m. on February 8th. The official ceremony will premiere later that day. Good luck to everyone, and may the best movie win. You can check out the Jack Awards as soon as it drops on Flicknerd.com. Keep in mind this is a text-based ceremony, but we will also have video content to go along with it. All of those videos will be available on my YouTube channel. While you are here, please subscribe to the channel and hit the notification bell that way you are up to date on my latest videos! If you have followed Scene Before already, do so know with an email or WordPress account so you can stay tuned for the Jack Awards as soon as it drops. Also, check out the official Facebook page! If you want to prepare yourself for the Jack Awards, check out the trailer above! Build the hype as I build the show! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!
“Song Sung Blue” is directed by Craig Brewer (Dolemite Is My Name, Coming 2 America) and stars Hugh Jackman (X-Men, Real Steel), Kate Hudson (You, Me, and Dupree, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery), Michael Imperioli (The Sopranos, Oh Canada), Ella Anderson (The Glass Castle, Henry Danger), Mustafa Shakir (Brawl in Cell Block 99, Love Hurts), Fisher Stevens (Succession, Key West), and Jim Belushi (According to Jim, Saturday Night Live). Inspired by true events as well as a documentary of the same name, this film is about Lightning and Thunder, a husband and wife Neil Diamond tribute act. The story explores the couple’s relationship and adventures in performing.
I was first alerted to “Song Sung Blue” by my mom, back when she told me she wanted to see what she referred to as “the Neil Diamond movie.” Color me shocked and surprised, I figured if there were a Neil Diamond movie, I would have known about it. Not that I am huge Neil Diamond fan or anything, but I figured I would have seen a trailer or even read an article about it through Variety or some other outlet. While I was not surprised to find out there was no Neil Diamond biopic coming soon, I was surprised, however, to see that we were getting the movie that we would come to know as “Song Sung Blue.” I thought the concept for this was somewhat refreshing.
We live in a world where we frequently get some variation of a musician biopic like “Bohemian Rhapsody” or “Elvis” or “Back to Black.” While it is fun to see how select big name musicians rose to fame, there was a novelty to the concept of “Song Sung Blue,” because it is not about Neil Diamond and rather two people paying tribute to him. On the surface, this film felt like a small wonder. Granted, it also has two big name leads, so there is that. Then came my screening of “Jay Kelly,” where I saw the trailer for the first time. While I did not think the movie would reinvent the wheel, the trailer made the movie come off like it would be loads of fun. I was planning to see it when it came out on Christmas, but my aspirations did not quite work out, hence the late review. That said, there is a saying that good things come to those who wait. Not to say that I had low expectations for “Song Sung Blue,” but it is still amazingly better than I thought it would be. This film is a rollercoaster in every sense of the word. I was fully engaged for its two-plus hour runtime and it is simply one of the best experiences I had watching a film revolving around music.
When it comes to music-based films, “Song Sung Blue” may not go down in history for being as masterful as “Whiplash,” but its script allows for loads of fun while also allowing time to put the audience’s emotions through the ringer. I went to see this film at an 11:15 am screening, where I was more than likely the only person there under 30. That said, this movie knows no age. I mean… Who doesn’t like Neil Diamond? Or, even if you do not like Neil Diamond, I would even argue this movie is ball, because it revolves around two completely likable, sometimes quirky characters. After all, name me an artist who is not quirky.
I am not going to pretend all of the dialogue is Oscar-winning, granted, a lot of it is really good, but there is a cheesy line here and there. If anything, the script contains dialogue that made me believe that these characters themselves were real. It is dialogue that made me think that this is exactly how these characters would talk. Maybe they differ slightly from their real life counterparts, but even if they did, they allowed me to believe that they could exist. The sometimes exaggerated dialogue is part of these characters’ charm. It is part of who they are as storytellers, artists who are trying to give joy to those around them. It reminds me of myself as an artist sometimes.
The screenplay, by itself, is a compelling idea. Although its execution is just as good, if not better. One thing that separates this film from those aforementioned musician biopics is that if you look at those films, we see certain artists showcase their talent and find great success and riches out of it. “Song Sung Blue” focuses on two people who are simply trying to get by. They do not have loads of money. They do not have a nice house. Seeing their constant struggles to make ends meet only made both of these people more relatable and likable. Sure, they were chasing after fame and fortune, but they came off as people who found joy in each little moment they had, even if they were not Hollywood hotshots.
While I really enjoyed this film, I also realize some creative liberties were taken for the sake of telling a particular narrative. I had not seen the documentary prior to checking this movie out, nor did I know much about this couple in advance. That said, I do not have that much of a problem with this movie and the way it tells its story. For the record, given how much I enjoyed the movie and the story behind it, I ended up checking out the documentary of the same name the day after I saw the feature film. First off, I fully endorse the documentary. Check it out if you get a chance. The film does a good job at presenting a fascinating slice of the main couple’s lives. Second, having watched both the feature film and documentary, I recognize that the feature film takes some creative liberties. For example, the documentary features a story about its subjects’ relationship to smoking. “Song Sung Blue” is PG-13, therefore it should not be a huge surprise that smoking does not play as significant of a part in the film’s story. Alcoholism does play a notable role in Mike’s journey, however, and I thought the film does a good job with that particular aspect. The film sees Mike attending AA meetings as well as celebrating “sober birthdays,” or anniversaries celebrating the end of his alcohol consumption.
“Song Sung Blue” may have my favorite concert scene in film since “Belle.” I will not spoil the movie, partially because you should see it, but not only is the scene itself immersive when it comes to the sound mixing that perfectly blends the music and the audience reactions together, but there is so much going on in this scene in terms of conflict. Something happens to Mike, also known as Lightning, prior to the concert and it makes what should be an incredibly fun scene, also arguably the scariest thing ever. I was so nervous as to what was about to go down.
With this film being about lesser known artists, it does feel somewhat ironic that Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson were cast to play their characters. That said, I have no problem with it. Both actors by themselves are talented. As for their work in this film, both are on their A-game, and their chemistry as a couple is terrific. Kate Hudson in particular gives my favorite performance in the movie, because her character, Claire, also known as Thunder, is going through so much more than her artistic struggles. The film gives Hudson some compelling material to work with around the halfway point based on a significant injury. I am not saying any other actor would have been incapable of playing these characters, but these two stars give some of the best possible performances that a story like this could allow. Both Jackman and Hudson are equally adorable and even make the film’s cheesier moments feel earned.
Depending on which part of the movie we are talking about, watching “Song Sung Blue” is like watching a really good “Spider-Man” movie. In addition to the story being a whole lot of fun, the musicians it chooses to center around are some of the most relatable that I can recall seeing in a film. The script sometimes feels goofy, but in a charming way. In fact, the movie starts with Mike, showing off his jacket with a lightning bolt on the back. When he puts that jacket on, he sort of feels like a superhero. In fact, doesn’t the name Lightning and Thunder sound like a heroic duo? Also, like some of my favorite “Spider-Man” movies, like “Spider-Man 2” or “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” the film is perfectly paced and is capable of delivering on the emotions. When I look back at “Song Sung Blue,” I will remember it for being one of the most gleeful cinematic experiences I had in 2025. But I am not going to pretend that the movie is a happy watch from beginning to end. Towards the film’s final moments, there was some noticeable sniffling in the audience. If you cry easily, make sure you have tissues. You’ll thank me later.
In the end, “Song Sung Blue” is a film that has surprised me with each passing moment. When I first heard about the concept, I thought, “Okay…” When I saw who was in the movie, I dug it a bit more. Then I saw the trailer, and I was onboard, even if it looked a little cheesy and cliché. Then I saw the movie, and while I was not wrong about parts of the film feeling cheesy and cliché, I found myself wishing I had been able to check it out sooner. This is one of my favorite films of 2025, and I did not think I would come to that conclusion a month ago. All of the characters are likable, it delivers a rollercoaster of emotions and vibes, and I contend that even if you are not that big of a Neil Diamond fan, I still think you might be able to appreciate this film as a story. The highest highs of the film make for some smile-inducing moments to remember while the lowest lows are haunting as can be. “Song Sung Blue” is in fact, “so good, so good, so good,” and I am going to give it a 8/10.
Also, one last note, this film opened the same day as “Marty Supreme,” which is also a really good film. While the movies vary in terms of tone, style, execution, and the state of their protagonists, they are both really solid flicks about dreamers. If you want a really good double feature, check if your theater is playing both of these movies right now. If they are, take advantage of the opportunity and check out both in the same day. Both flicks are great in their own way.
“Song Sung Blue” is now playing in theaters and is also available to rent or buy on VOD.
Thanks for reading this review! My next reviews are going to be for “Mercy” and “Send Help.” Stay tuned!
In the spirit of dreams, I want to thank 10 people for making my dream come true, and those are my guests in the upcoming series Celebrity Movie Requests! I just dropped a teaser trailer showcasing hints about each special guest. Their actual names will be revealed sometime soon. Be on the lookout. The link for the video is above, which I posted on YouTube. Be sure to give it a like and subscribe to my channel so you can know more about the series and watch it when it drops!
And on Sunday, January 25th, be on the lookout for the nominations of the 8th Annual Jack Awards. The show that celebrates the best of 2025 in film! It is yet another edition of arguably the most over the top awards ceremony in movie blogging history. If you want to see all of these upcoming posts 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 “Song Sung Blue?” What did you think about it? Did you know about Lightning and Thunder before this movie came out? If so, tell me what you think about them, and if you got to see them perform, what was that experience like? Also, have you seen the documentary “Song Sung Blue?” If not, go check it out. It is free on YouTube. Tell them in the comments section that Jack Drees sent you! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!
“All You Need is Kill” is directed by Ken’ichirô Akimoto and co-directed by Yukinori Nakamura, making this their first official directing credits. This film stars Natsuki Nanae (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train, Goodbye, Don Glees!), Ai Makami (Kokuho, Chastity High), Mô Chûgakusei, and Kana Hanazawa (Suzume, The Night is Short, Walk on Girl). This film is based on a light novel of the same name, which also inspired the 2014 live-action film “Edge of Tomorrow.” The film follows a young woman who has relive the same day over and over while dealing with an alien invasion. She crosses paths with a young man, and together, they fight to break the cycle.
I saw the trailer for “All You Need Is Kill” last month and was genuinely shocked I had not heard this movie was going to be coming out. Granted, I should not be too shocked, given how I have not read the light novel or the manga series. That said, I did recall the name “All You Need Is Kill” as soon as it popped up, and that is because I am a fan of “Edge of Tomorrow.” For those who do not know, “Edge of Tomorrow” is a film starring Tom Cruise as an American public relations officer who is forced into battle against aliens by his superiors. He quickly comes to realize that each time he dies, he reverts back to a specific point in his life that he has to relive over and over.
When I first saw “Edge of Tomorrow,” I thought of it as “Groundhog Day” with a sci-fi twist. While that is technically accurate, the film was actually inspired by “All You Need Is Kill,” which was written by a Japanese author and made with a Japanese mindset, so “Edge of Tomorrow” is in a sense, the Americanized version of “All You Need is Kill.”
…Although, now that I think about it… “Groundhog Day” did release before all of these… So, there is that.
As a fan of “Edge of Tomorrow,” I was looking forward to seeing what could be done with a movie that would likely end up feeling closer to the source material that inspired it. Now that I have seen “All You Need is Kill,” I have to say the film is quite solid. It is definitely worth watching if you are looking for a dazzling spectacle in addition to an admirable character piece.
While the characters in “All You Need Is Kill” are identical to those in the light novel, one difference that should be noted is that the roles in the story’s center are reversed. Instead of centering around Keiji, who this time around serves as a supporting character, the film’s protagonist is Rita. I have no problems with this change, mainly because I found both characters to be well written and each one seems to the serve the other in a way that benefits the story overall.
Both of these main characters have excellent chemistry and are not only fun to watch as a team, but it is nice to see how each character allows the other to realize what they are missing. One thing I noticed throughout the movie is Rita’s tendency to become overly emotional and cry on certain occasions. I have no idea how such a thing would play out for certain viewers, but I thought it was a great way to balance Rita out from Keiji, who tends to be a bit more reserved with his presence. By the end of the movie, this allows for some really good dialogue between the two.
I also really like seeing Rita learn how exactly her time loop works. Throughout the movie, we see Rita wake up in the same time and place, and do almost the exact same things each time, but she learns something during each go. She remembers what other characters say, whether they are directed specifically towards her or simply uttered in the background. Each time she dies, she tries a different move to avoid perishing, only to realize that she sometimes ends up doing so moments later in another way.
While the film is not a comedy, the constant cycle of death does allow for a funny moment or two. Every time Rita dies, she is reverted back to her bedroom where she is woken up by the sound of her alarm clock. When this happens, another character in the background yells from the other room, telling Rita her alarm is sounding off. At one point, Rita becomes so familiar with the same old song and dance that she tells the other character to shut up before they could finish reminding her about the alarm. Moments like that, and a couple others, did get a chuckle out of me.
The other standout to me in this film is the animation, which is almost ironic the more I think about it. Because this is a film where characters die on repeat, and yet, it is absolutely gorgeous and picturesque. The alien creatures in this film are presented in a vibrant color palette. They are incredibly easy on the eyes, almost to the point where it works in their favor. If I were in battle against them, I would be so distracted by their glitz to the point where I would die instantly. If you ever watch certain movies, you would notice that the villains would present themselves in a darker costume or a more “negative” color. Look at the “Star Wars” villains over the years like Darth Vader or Kylo Ren. This is not the case with “All You Need Is Kill.” While the aliens may look pretty, there is more to them than meets the eye.
This film is not even an hour and a half. Yet by no means is it rushed. I think the runtime is almost perfect given the story that has been told. I have no complaints about the pacing at all. In fact, it might be one of the best things about this film. It is, no pun intended, all killer, no filler. We come to realize the main character dies hundreds of times. The film does not show each death, but it makes time for ones that are arguably more important to the story and allow the final product to have a more compelling impact. The film gets to the point with each and every scene. Not every scene is presented in a TikTok-pace, but there are no moments that overly draw themselves out. This movie hits the Goldilocks zone in terms of engagement.
In the end, “All You Need Is Kill” is a fun movie. Rita and Keiji are an admirable duo and their journey throughout the film makes for quite the story. The animation is well done and emits a weird sense of peace in what is ultimately a dark world. The musical score in this film is also really good. I have no idea if I will listen to it down the line, but I dug it while watching the movie. Also, the soundwork is amazing. Every time the aliens make noise, it is not only easy on the ears, but also rather ominous. Technically, the film is a beast. I am going to give “All You Need Is Kill” a 7/10.
Again, I did not read the light novel, nor have I read the manga. The best comparison I have to this film is “Edge of Tomorrow.” In preparation for “All You Need Is Kill,” I rewatched “Edge of Tomorrow,” and I think both stories are equally engaging. The styles, while different, each serve their movie’s vibe perfectly. I think “Edge of Tomorrow” is an immersive ride that puts you in the middle of a futuristic war. Its darker color palette tends to serve its tone well. I also like William Cage as a character. That said, I also think “All You Need Is Kill” stands out for its more unique technical presentation and I find it to be the superior character piece. I am not saying one film trumps the other. If anything, both are great for their own reasons. I think certain things stand out in one film more than the other, but if it were a Friday night and I were to pick between either movie to watch, it would be like going to Ben & Jerry’s for ice cream and having to choose between Ameri’Cone Dream or chocolate chip cookie dough. Both choices, in the end, are winners, for their own reasons.
“All You Need Is Kill” is now playing in theaters everywhere. Tickets are available now.
Thanks for reading this review! My next reviews are going to be for “Song Sung Blue,” “Mercy,” and “Send Help.” Stay tuned!
Also, if you missed it, be sure to check out the teaser trailer for Celebrity Movie Requests, the all new series where I review movies requested by your favorite stars, coming to Scene Before, and my YouTube channel! And while you are here, please watch the trailer, give it a like, and subscribe to my YouTube channel, hit the notification bell, that way you are up to date on the latest info Celebrity Movie Requests has to offer! If you want to see all of this 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 “All You Need Is Kill?” What did you think about it? Have you read any of the prior source material? Is it good? And lastly, if you have seen “Edge of Tomorrow,” tell me your thoughts on that movie! Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!
Hey everyone, Jack Drees here! In honor of Scene Before’s 10th Anniversary, this blog is going to be the home of a brand new series called “Celebrity Movie Requests!” It will feature yours truly reviewing films as requested by some faces you might recognize. You might know them from movies, television, or other spans of popular culture. I have gone up to every one of these famous faces in person, and asked them if there is a movie they would like me to talk about. All of these people named their film, each one with a different request than the other. Throughout the year, I will be discussing each pick one by one.
For the first time ever, the series has a trailer! Spoiler, a debut date is still to be determined! But if you need a refresher on some of the guests that are appearing, here you go!
Celebrity Movie Requests will be available later this year on this very site and my YouTube channel! If you want to see this upcoming series and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account. Also, check out the official Facebook page! Be sure to also to like the video and subscribe to my YouTube channel to stay tuned for the latest information and videos! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!
“Primate” is directed by Johannes Roberts (The Strangers: Prey at Night, 47 Meters Down) and stars Johnny Sequoyah (Dexter: New Blood, Believe), Jessica Alexander (Get Even, Penny on M.A.R.S.), and Troy Kotsur (CODA, In Cold Light). This film follows a group of friends who must survive against a rabid pet monkey while on a tropical vacation.
January is genuinely where movies go to die. I did not make a most anticipated movies list for this year. However, if I were sick enough to make a least anticipated movies list, I would probably have “Primate” on there somewhere. I saw the trailer one time in the theater, and it looked like a movie that a character within a movie or TV show would make as part of a joke. Think “Serial Ape-ist” from “The Big Bang Theory” if it had a bigger budget and happened to be way less pornographic.
However, the reviews for this film have been surprisingly good, with the project averaging itself out to a Certified Fresh Rotten Tomatoes score as of this publication. Therefore, my expectations went up a little bit by the time I got to my screening. As soon as said screening finished, I thought the movie could have been better.
Is “Primate” the worst movie ever made? Not really. While I do not think it is good, there are things I like about it. First off, much of the film is set in Hawaii, allowing for some occasionally beautiful shots and scenery. There is a driving scene that sort of reminded me of the beginning of the “The Shining” if it were set in a hotter climate. The film also features Troy Kotsur, who also had a prominent role in “CODA,” one of my favorite projects of 2021. It is nice to see him get more work and he does a decent job here.
The monkey in this film, known as Ben, is presented fantastically. The film often utilizes practical effects rather than CGI. The overall look of this film is not much to sneeze at. I was impressed by how much I bought into the monkey’s mannerisms and movements. Ben ends up showing a lot of character in certain scenes. His backstory is simple, as is the movie itself.
Speaking of simplicity, the movie is simply forgettable.
Am I going to remember “Primate” in five years? That is tough to say. Honestly, if it were not for the fact that this film occasionally looked picturesque, part of me thinks this could have gone straight to streaming. There is not a single moment that I will remember fondly in this film for years to come. There are some creative scare attempts, like one involving “Dora the Explorer,” though if I had one problem with that scene, as someone who grew up watching the series, the film does take liberties with the source material and does a major timejump from one point in an episode to another so the monkey’s reaction to the show is in line with one of the series’ most popular gags. Does this really matter in the grand scheme of things? Perhaps not. But this nevertheless stood out to me.
The overall vibe of “Primate” feels inconsistent. Sure, the whole movie feels campy. Although that degree of campiness varies. The three main girls in the film are sometimes loud and energetic. I would not call them party animals, but they do like to have fun. That said, the movie also occasionally features a couple of horny young men named Drew and Brad. Those two on the other hand are practically party animals. My problem is not that the boys themselves are party animals, but part of me does not buy the boys as characters.
The trailer for this film unveils that these boys cross paths with Ben the monkey. The moments leading up to that point, and even as soon as we get to that point, had me bewildered. No disrespect to Charlie Mann and Benjamin Cheng as actors, but their performances feel way too cartoony for a film like this. Sure, this is a film featuring a killer chimp, but I bought into why the chimp went off the rails. When Drew and Nick enter the frame, “Primate” goes from being a straight up horror flick and perhaps transforms into an unintentional comedy for several minutes. The dialogue uttered between these two as they talk to each other, those around them, and even in private had me perplexed. I had trouble buying that this is actually how these people communicate.
Speaking of characters, it is really hard to appreciate a movie like this when even the main characters do not come with a ton of substance. Sure, in a sense, Ben the monkey is kind of the star of the show. He is not the protagonist, but he is perhaps the most marketable character of the bunch. That said, the movie does not give me a ton of reasons to root for the main cast. Sure, at the end of the day, the characters are all aspiring to survive, but I am not so sure what exactly is so interesting about the main characters themselves. Honestly, of all the people in the movie, the most interesting of the bunch may be the father. He is a famous novelist and happens to be deaf. The rest of the people that make up the film feel like stereotypical, everyday college students. I do not hate any of these characters. Granted, Drew and Nick did annoy me a little bit and threw a curveball at the movie’s tone, but it is hard to say that I outright wanted to see anyone brutally murdered. I just think a little more depth could have helped this movie a little bit. The runtime is just under an hour and a half. The movie may be tight, but one could argue maybe it is too tight.
Perhaps it is interesting that the monkey is not just a strange creature from the wild, and instead someone this film’s characters consider a pet. It is not like “Jaws” where the characters are fighting the creature in its natural habitat. The people in this film are being tormented by the monkey directly from their home.
Does “Primate” have a future in popular culture? Despite my lack of urgency to recommend this film, I will admit that part of me sees “Primate” becoming a popular film to watch amongst young friends or even at sleepovers. “Primate” is rated R, so it is probably not going to be every teen’s movie of choice, but I can see a bunch of teens watching this film with all the lights out if they have cool parents or if their parents straight up do not care about what their children watch. For all I know, this could even be a goto choice amongst adult friends with some alcohol. Again, I am in the minority when it comes to this film. Most people who watched this film seem to like it, even critics. I wish I were amongst the many who admired what this film had to offer. Although if you have seen my review for “Bugonia” recently, you would know that I am not afraid to speak my mind.
In the end, “Primate” is much better than I expected it to be after seeing the trailer, but I still do not think it is a thumbs up. The movie does a have an okay scare or two up its sleeve, but not much else to write home about. The film has a number of intriguing concepts and scenes, but I thought the execution of everything could have been better. I would be curious to know how this film is going to be received with time, because at the moment it feels rather disposable, but for all I know it could stay relevant with the right audience. The film is not broken or anything. In fact, when it comes to the story, the film does a decent job at getting things from point A to point B and tying different threads together. It is just that this movie does not have a ton of personality and feels too surface level at times. I do not see myself watching “Primate” again, but I cannot say I want to cast it into the fire either. I am going to give “Primate” a 5/10.
“Primate” is now playing in theaters everywhere. Tickets are available now.
Thanks for reading this review! My next review is going to be for “All You Need Is Kill,” based on the Japanese light novel of the same name that later inspired Doug Liman’s 2014 film “Edge of Tomorrow.”
Also, stay tuned for Sunday, January 25th as I will unveil this year’s nominations for the Jack Awards! The show will celebrate the very best of 2025 in film, so look forward to seeing some peak cinematic experiences get some extra moments in the spotlight! If you want to see this 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 “Primate?” What did you think about it? Or, do you have any unpopular opinions regarding a recent film? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!
“We Bury the Dead” is written and directed by Zak Hilditch (1922, These Final Hours) and stars Daisy Ridley (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Chaos Walking), Mark Coles Smith (Last Cab to Darwin, Pawno), and Brandon Thwaites (The Giver, Gods of Egypt). This film is set after the U.S.’s accidental detonation of an experimental weapon off the coast of Tasmania. At first, many people die, only for a sizable amount to become undead. From that point, the story centers around a woman named Ava, who is assigned to retrieve bodies and help soldiers maintain control of Tasmania as zombies rise.
Before we begin this review, I would like to wish everyone a belated Happy New Year! “We Bury the Dead” is the first new film I saw in 2026. The first new release of the year is always an interesting watch. Not only because to some degree, it sets a tone for what the movies could bring for the rest of the year, but also because, per usual, January is a 31 day schlockfest for cinema.
I did not know what to expect with “We Bury the Dead.” I missed out on the trailers or spots related to the film, but I was delighted to see Daisy Ridley in the starring role. The actress may not have done anything as big as “Star Wars” this decade, but it is nice to see such a talented performer star in a smaller production like this. As for my thoughts on the film, I found it to be amusing. There are very few adjectives I feel could accurately describe my experience of watching this movie, but I walked out of “We Bury the Dead” won over in more ways than one.
For starters, the movie has a great hook. It kind of has a “Godzilla” feel with a big explosion to kick things off. It took me back to 2014 when I saw that particular “Godzilla” film in the theater for the first time. We find out a weapon goes off in Tasmania, tons of people die. Right from the getgo, the movie has my attention. If you read my top 10 WORST movies list of 2025, you would know that I have seen a few flicks last year that had me hooked in the first minute or two only to have the rest of the film fail to live up to what happened at the beginning. That is not the case with “We Bury the Dead.” While I cannot say the film gets significantly better than what we see at the start, it maintains a sense of quality throughout.
The story, despite having zombies in it, maintains a surprisingly grounded vibe. If you take out the zombie element, then this is simply a movie where a wife is looking for her husband. If you are looking for zombie action in this film, it does exist, though it does feel rather minimal. It essentially happens when the story allows it, but I have no complaints.
Going back to Daisy Ridley, she gives a soulful, engaging performance as Ava. I always had an appreciation for her acting chops and have found all of her portrayals to be solid, even with the couple that I have seen in the era following her “Star Wars” outings. This one is no exception. I found Ridley to blend perfectly with the film’s somewhat minimalist feel while still serving as an occasional beam of emotional power. Ava is the heart and soul of this film and Ridley is a good pick to play her.
“We Bury the Dead” also happens to be Brenton Thwaites first movie role in years. He had a brief rise to fame in the 2010s with films like “The Giver” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.” I am glad to see he is continuing to find work, and frankly, work that is superior to those recently mentioned films. Thwaites has proven that he is talented, but his resume does not quite live up to his potential. “We Bury the Dead” film may not be as recognizable as “Pirates” or as expensive as “Gods of Egypt” or based on something as positively received as “The Giver…” Say what you will on the final results of that last one… Like those previous films, Thwaites does his best here as Clay. Though as I say that, his acting chops this time around match the film’s commitment to quality.
“We Bury the Dead” is a creative flick that makes the most of its smaller budget. That budget sometimes shows, but a smaller film like this one can result in a purer experience. This is most evident in the film’s shot selection. As I write this review, I look back at some of my favorite shots of the film and a couple that come to mind are when the camera’s up high, aiming down at a road, and we see characters passing through or whatever has been left behind. From time to time, the film’s shots look like something out of an art museum. While the film is set in Tasmania, it is actually shot in Australia, and I admire the locations that were chosen for each scene. Each one looks as sweet as the last.
The film also has quite the ending. I obviously will not spoil the ending, though it is worth talking about to a degree. The film’s ending plays a lot into its constant thread of relationships. By the time we get to it, the scene feels earned and I felt for Ava based on what was encountering in the moment. There is a scene around the middle of the film between the two main characters, Ava and Riley (Coles Smith) that sees the two discussing the relationships with their spouses, sharing things they have in common, and perhaps hinting what life could be like should they have a future together. This scene ultimately plays a role in what happens to be the film’s very last moments, which allow things to close on a satisfying note. “We Bury the Dead” is not the best zombie movie, nor is it the best movie about relationships. However, when it comes to both those ideas, the film is much better than I expected it to be despite it having a decent cast. Will I remember this movie five years from now? That is hard to say. But do I regret seeing it? Absolutely not.
In the end, “We Bury the Dead” is one of those movies that gets better the more I think about it. It is not a perfect film. But I do think it makes the most of its budget, introduces some likable characters, and has some really nice cinematography. If you are looking for the scariest, most bonkers, or even the most fun zombie flick ever made, you might want to look elsewhere. Though I was surprised by how engaged I was by this film’s handling of relationships. I do think a rewatch of this film is in order at some point. While I cannot say I loved the movie, it would be wrong to suggest that it is in any way incompetent. If you get a chance, go see it. I am going to give “We Bury the Dead” a 7/10.
“We Bury the Dead” is now playing in theaters. Tickets are available now.
Thanks for reading this review! My next review is going to be for “Primate!” Stay tuned! The 2026 reviews are only getting started! But if you want relive 2025 for a moment or two, be sure to check out my end of the year countdowns where I discuss my worst films of the year, most disappointing films of the year, and best films of the year!
Also, little bit of housekeeping, Scene Before’s annual awards show, the Jack Awards, are back on February 8th! The nominations will be revealed January 25th. In less than a month, it will be time to honor the finest that 2025 has offered in cinema once more.
If you want to see this upcoming awards show 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 “We Bury the Dead?” What did you think about it? Or, what movies are you looking forward to in 2026? I did not make a most anticipated list this year, but I am dying to see Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey.” Based on the film’s marketing so far, the film looks fantastically epic, and I am beyond happy to confirm that I already have my ticket to see the film in IMAX 70mm later this year. Let me know what you are looking forward to down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!
Hey everyone, Jack Drees here! It is time to count down my top 10 BEST movies of 2025. This year has been in a word, complicated. There is a lot going on in the world right now. Granted, there always has been. But there is a lot going on that stands out to me, so I will take any chance I get to escape by watching a movie. Some of those movies have been complete and total bangers. I have reviewed those movies throughout the year, but now you will get to see me sum up my thoughts about them once more. If you are new to these end of the year countdowns, the rules are simple.
No touching of the hair or face. Never cross the streams. And do not feed the Gremlins after midnight.
Okay, in all seriousness… The rules are simple. Everything you see here is based on my personal thoughts and experiences, which are not based on scientific law, but rather on artistic opinions. If you disagree with something on this list, here is my suggestion. Make your own. Also, I did not see every single movie that came out in 2025. I have seen a lot of movies this year, but if you are wondering about my thoughts on movies like “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere,” “Predator: Badlands,” “Train Dreams,” and “It Was an Accident,” I apologize, but I did not see those prior to making this list. One last thing, I have to say this every year, and I recognize it makes me look like a snob, but I stand by it, the movies on this list have to have had a theatrical release of some kind. Do not expect any straight to streaming movies on here. Do not expect any straight to DVD movies on here. Do not expect any straight to cable movies on here. They have their place, just not here. With that out of the way, let us begin with some honorable mentions.
The first honorable mention is “Jay Kelly.” Clooney leads this film as the titular character, and the story follows his various ups and downs in his family life, his personal life, and his work life. Each scene is as watchable as the last and the film does a great job at establishing the effects Kelly has on the people around him. Adam Sandler also stars, and it is nice to see him continue to expand his resume outside of the pure comedy genre.
This next film has not had a wide release yet, but I am counting it as it did screen for one weekend in select IMAX theaters. “Scarlet” is Mamoru Hosada’s latest anime and boy is it amazing. The film follows a young princess living in Medieval Times who dies before she can get revenge on her father’s killer. She fails to fulfill her goal by the time she dies, at which point she enters an afterlife where she runs into a medical worker from modern times. From then on, the two try to work together despite their differences. It is a thrilling adventure that looks absolutely beautiful. It is my favorite animated film of 2025.
Lastly for the honorable mentions is “Bring Her Back.” This film is directed by the Philoppou brothers, who also helmed another solid horror flick, “Talk to Me.” While I liked “Talk to Me,” “Bring Her Back” clicked with me just a little bit more. Sally Hawkins’ performance is one of the best of the year. The younger cast is well-written and just so happen to ace their roles. The climax is incredibly exciting. There is a lot to like about this movie. It is a definite must watch for horror fans.
With these movies out of the way, we have done the worst list, we have done the most disappointing list, and now, it is time for something positive! These are my top 10 BEST movies of 2025.
My #10 pick is “Thunderbolts*.” I saw this film twice in theaters. I loved it the first time and have only grown to appreciate it more on the second viewing. While “Thunderbolts*” is not my favorite Marvel movie, it is one of the better ones when it comes to dissecting the human condition. The film has a lot to say about mental health and how certain events of our lives could affect us down the road. “Thunderbolts*” also showcases the importance of not bottling your feelings up and keeping them too deep inside. The film shines a much needed light on mental health that I think a lot of people need this year, and probably will need for many years to come. “Thunderbolts*” copies and pastes certain elements from previous Marvel projects, but even this film’s familiarities are well done. Add in David Harbour’s Red Guardian as a solid comic relief, and you have a recipe for a fun but also impactful flick.
I took a trip to New York City in October and I had the privilege of seeing this next film at 8:30 in the morning in IMAX 70mm. Ladies and gentlemen, please do yourselves a favor, if “One Battle After Another” is playing near you, take advantage of the opportunity and check it out on the big screen. Technically speaking, this film is a goldmine. The film is shot on VistaVision, which has an aspect ratio that is a bit taller than your traditional flat screen TV. Not all screenings were capable of showcasing this, but those that did highlighted just how grand this movie can come off at times. Jonny Greenwood’s score is one of the mightiest of 2025, and as the film enters the climax, the music booms so heavily throughout the auditorium that it almost felt like I was in a concert hall listening to it live. Speaking of 2025 bests, Leonardo DiCaprio gives a performance to remember. He is given so much to do throughout the runtime and nails every little bit of it. The film is also likely going to open so many doors for Chase Infiniti, who plays the daughter of Leonardo DiCaprio’s character. The film is a bit long, but I was the engaged the entire time. It is hard to be bored with something as good as “One Battle After Another.”
After years of trying, if you can call it that, I was unsure whether a good “Fantastic Four” movie was a possibility. That is until I saw “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” which may have been the most fun I had watching a superhero film this year. Overall, 2025 was a pretty decent year for superhero cinema, as long as you forget that the box office was not as strong as it was in the late 2010s. Regardless, “Fantastic Four” may not be Marvel’s biggest moneymaker, but it won my heart. The titular quartet are all charismatic and bring their individualities to the table, and that is more than just superpowers.
You have Reed Richards, whose highly intelligent brain results in some unique ideas. Beside him is his wife, Sue Storm, who serves as a core to the story when it dives into its deeply engaging dilemma. Johnny Storm strikes me as the fun party animal of the group, though to the movie’s benefit, he was definitely toned down from his 2000s variant played by Chris Evans. And the Thing is incredibly strong, but also seems to have a soft side while in front of children. Together they must go face to face with two compelling villains. Julie Garner may be the Silver Surfer, but her character has an occasionally ominous presence that is as good as gold. And you have Ralph Ineson as the fearsome Galactus, whose motivation is as simple as satisfying his hunger. I cannot blame the guy. We all gotta eat. The biggest standout of the movie for me is Michael Giacchino’s score, which I have listened to nonstop ever since this movie came out. The main theme from this film may be my all time favorite piece of music in the MCU. It packs in a classical feel that sometimes sounds like something you would hear in an urban nightclub. “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” sometimes feels like what would happen if Tomorrowland from the Disney Parks became a feature film. That is unless you count the actual one with George Clooney from a decade ago. Whatever, I stand by this statement!
I walked out of this next film thinking I may have just seen the funniest comedy in years. If you have not seen “Friendship,” you are missing out on an obnoxiously hysterical masterpiece. Tim Robinson leads this film as a loser dad who tries to befriend his adventurous neighbor, played by Paul Rudd. The latter brings the former out of his comfort zone, the two bond, but their connection does not last very long. Despite its title, the film is not so much about the friendship itself, but more so the complications of Tim Robinson’s character trying to maintain it. We see how his actions affect the people he already knows. This is a wildly entertaining comedy that features some fleshed out characters. Also, it is a tried and true theory that people falling when they hit glass will always be funny, and this movie showcases a shining example of that.
If it were not for “Fackham Hall,” then “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” would take the award for best movie title of 2025. But the positives go far beyond the intriguing name. When I reviewed this movie, I described it as this year’s “Uncut Gems.” For the record, I saw “The Smashing Machine” and “Marty Supreme” sometime after watching this film. Yet even after seeing those two, which were separately directed by the brothers who helmed “Uncut Gems,” I thought “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” was the must see extended anxiety attack of 2025. It is hard to say if this film is going to be for everyone, because it deals with a lot of heavy issues, but the way the film handles all these issues makes for something special. If you are a parent, most especially a mom, I think you are going to relate to “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” in some way. Linda, played by the enormously talented Rose Byrne, deals with one issue after another. Not just the typical issues that many moms have to deal with, but she has a child who is ill, her husband is out of the picture, and when she is not dealing with her child, she turns her attention to her job as a therapist. Also, the biggest surprise of a performance in 2025 can be found in this movie. Conan O’Brien showcases his dramatic chops as a Therapist. I was not sure what to expect out of this performance, but I was floored with O’Brien’s efforts here. 2025 has proven that Conan O’Brien still has a knack for comedy based on his hosting of the Oscars. But if you are looking for him to take on something a bit more dramatic, then I implore you to watch “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.”
A number of Stephen King works were brought to the big screen this year, including “The Long Walk,” which is way more intense than its title might suggest it to be. “The Long Walk” is set following the end of a war. At this time, a bunch of young men compete against one another in an event where everyone must walk together at the same pace, or face certain death. Leading these young men is a very arrogant Mark Hamill as the Major. I sense the dark side in this character for sure. As for the young men themselves, the film does a solid job at fleshing each one out, including the film’s lead, played by Cooper Hoffman. Everything in “The Long Walk” is straight to the point. It contains plenty of killer while dodging right past the filler. The film is pretty bloody and gory. If you can handle that, this cinematic experience may be for you.
This year was a first for Scene Before, I reviewed a concert film! And said film was so electrifyingly epic that it had to end up on my top 10 somewhere. That film is “Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond in the Desert.” I love Hans Zimmer. I even attended the actual concert this film is based on several months before its release, so I felt the need to check this out. Throughout the year, I looked back on this project thinking it gave me two great movies for the price of one. Although one could argue it gave me three. It is part concert movie, part music video movie, and part documentary. All of these elements are done with excellence. When the film is not busy showcasing Hans Zimmer’s music, either at an actual concert or in a video specifically made for this picture, it splices in some fun and insightful interviews. I really enjoyed getting to know more about Hans himself, why he does his work, and the impact he has had on those who worked through the same projects with him. I particularly enjoyed the interview towards the end of the film where Zimmer explains why he ended up embracing “The Lion King,” Not just because it is a favorite film of mine, but the project subverted his expectations upon diving deeper into what it was about, how it reminded him of his own experiences. That said, I watched this film in theaters as part of a Fathom Event, and I do think the sound could have been upped just a smidge. Other than that, this is an excellent project featuring one of cinema’s greatest composers.
“The Long Walk” is not the only incredible Stephen King adaptation brought to the screen this year. A few months before that film came out, I had the privilege of watching the joyous and inspiring flick, “The Life of Chuck.” This is a film that makes me think about life. It sounds like a corny thing to say, but I would not be telling this to you if it was not true. “The Life of Chuck” is presented in a non-linear order, where we begin with act three, time travel backwards to act two, and conclude with act one, which goes even further back in time. Each act, as the title suggests, represents Chuck’s life and legacy. The film implies that to understand one’s life, you have to look backwards. The entirety of act two by itself makes for one of my favorite scenes of the year. It oozes excitement, passion, and happiness. Every performer is on their A-game, including Mark Hamill, meaning he has taken on two Stephen King adaptations this year. The narration is also spot on. If its diction and timing were not enough to make it sound cool, then the use of Nick Offerman certainly does. Despite maintaining a sense of atmosphere, the film is most definitely at its slowest in its first 40 minutes. Although if you can make it through that, you are in for a treat through what is left of the movie.
This is the second-to-last film I saw in theaters in 2025, and boy did this year end with a bang. “Is This Thing On?” is the third film directed by Bradley Cooper. I can confidently say that this is my absolute favorite of his. Granted, my love for this film may be due to some personal biases that would be worth noting. For starters, I love standup comedy, and this film is about someone who tries becoming a standup comedian. Also, this film is about a couple dealing with the potential of divorce. While I have never been married, and as a result, never divorced, my parents are not together, so anytime a movie deals with a topic like this one, I am onboard. That said, it handles both of these topics very well. The movie presents the idea of a couple separating as a new beginning for both Alex and Tess. While the movie does not officially see these two legally divorced, we see the moments leading up to that potential point. During this time we see Alex find a new hobby with standup comedy. AS for Tess, we see her get back into volleyball, which she played when she was younger.
The film also does a fantastic job at highlighting reasons why people fall in love, as well as the difficulties of maintaining that spark that was felt at the beginning of the relationship. “Is This Thing On?” contains one of my favorite scenes of the year, where we find out about a picture of Tess that Alex hangs on the wall inside his apartment. This upsets Tess, even though in Alex’s mind, he hanged the picture as a sign of appreciation. The scene is a fantastic representation of how their relationship started, and how it likely lost its magic. Both Arnett and Dern give knockout performances, and it was also amusing to see how loved ones reacted to the separation. We see the couple’s children and parents asking questions and critiquing the relationship. We see how the separation affects their friends and the direction in which they decide to take their lives. The film has a star-studded cast that also includes Peyton Manning, Amy Sedaris, and Andra Day, all of whom do a great job in their roles. Bradley Cooper handles several responsibilities at once. He is not only credited as the film’s director, but he co-wrote the film alongside star Will Arnett and Mark Chappell. Cooper even has a notable role on-screen as Balls. I have little to no notes on his efforts here.
As of this list’s publication, “Is This Thing On?” is only out in select cities. I was lucky to live close enough to Boston to get a chance to see it a couple days after Christmas. But if you are okay with waiting, or the film is not playing in your area, it is expanding into more theaters on January 9th. Please go check this one out. You’ll be entertained. You’ll be moved. You’ll be wowed.
I had some pretty cool theatrical experiences in 2025, between getting to see “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another” in IMAX 70mm… Watching “Shelby Oaks,” a film I partially funded, finally come to life on the big screen… And seeing an extended cut of one of my childhood favorites, “Spider-Man 2.1,” at a Fathom Event in D-Box… but regardless of how this next movie turned out, I was going to be able to brag to everyone that I got to see it exactly where it was shot.
Thankfully, “Secret Mall Apartment,” to my utter amazement is the best film of the year. Until this very countdown, I have only put one documentary on my top 10 BEST movies lists, and that was “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”, which is about children’s TV icon Fred Rogers. “Secret Mall Apartment” is in rare company with that film, and the recently mentioned “Hans Zimmer & Friends.” It is not like I am against documentaries. But there are only so many that are theatrically released that I have time to watch. But I had to go see “Secret Mall Apartment” the moment I knew exactly what was. The film is about eight people who lived inside Providence Place, Rhode Island’s largest shopping center, between 2003 and 2007. As someone who lives in New England and has had an oddball obsession with malls as a child, I knew about this story for years, but not in its entirety. I am so happy to see it finally be brought to the big screen with archival footage and everything. The movie’s concept got me in the door, but there is so much more than meets the eye.
This movie sold me instantaneously on its larger than life, but completely true concept. It already had me on its hyperbolic nature, but what sealed the deal for me as the movie kept going is how joy-inducing it is. Yes, it is about a group of people who are basically trespassing and secretly taking advantage of the mall’s resources, but these are genuinely kindhearted people who are passionate for the arts and have sometimes used their art to make people’s days better or shine a light on others who deserve it. The movie dedicates an extended period of time to tape art, and it warmed my heart. I was expecting to be floored by “Secret Mall Apartment” in terms of the story’s overall absurdity, but I was not anticipating to be floored by how much the movie made me smile and see the good in humanity. “Secret Mall Apartment” is a genuine feel-good movie about a group of artists that also just so happens to feature a story about that same group living at a mall in which they had no business setting up a home.
The film does a great job at not just establishing its main characters, but also making the mall, as well as the city of Providence, characters of their own. The film does a great job at describing the city’s quirky charm, part of which ties to the characters’ own experiences as artists. I have been to Providence Place numerous times, and this film made realize things about it that amaze me to this day despite how often I have been there. The film does a great job at highlighting how the mall essentially ignored a large part of its own city, even as it was being built. One side of the mall that points west has no entry points from the street. The opposite side does, however, and one could argue that side is the “nicer,” “cleaner,” side of Providence with easy access to places like hotels and the Capitol. As someone who has been to that mall and seen its evolution, it is amazing to me to realize that this mall started out as a place for people who have more disposable incomes. The mall has a lot more down to earth stores than it did back in the day. Also, similar a lot of other properties of its kind, it is somewhat debatable at this point as to whether the mall has a future.
Like I said in my review, the people that make up this story are not troublemakers. They are simply trying to get by. In fact, the film highlights the group living in the mall as a way to move on from losing their homes. The film puts a spotlight on gentrification while also making for one of the most wildly entertaining hours and a half I have ever used up in my life. Now that I have seen this done as a documentary, it begs the question as to whether this concept could work as a written narrative. Honestly, after seeing this film, it is hard for me to imagine it as such, especially considering the B-plot about tape art. These feel like two separate movies that I am not exactly sure if they would blend perfectly if dramatized. But as a documentary, both of these movies combined into one neat package. That said, there was a movie released this year by the name of “Roofman,” about a guy who spent an extended period of time living in a Toys R Us. I have not seen that movie, but as of this publication, both the critic and audience scores for it on Rotten Tomatoes are in the 80s. If that could work, maybe something on this story could work. But for now, I am more than happy with the documentary we got. Go check it out. It is streaming. It is on DVD and Blu-ray. You will thank me later. “Secret Mall Apartment” is my favorite movie of 2025.
Thanks for reading this countdown! You have seen my worst list, most disappointing list, and now my best list! With me doing a most disappointing list you may ask why I did not make a most surprising, or expectation-exceeding list. If I had it in me, I would publish one, but it was much easier for me to think about the films that let me down as opposed to the ones that went beyond my hype levels. I get excited to watch just about any movie, so maybe my constant excitement and hope that a film does well could play a factor. That said, I hope you enjoyed this epic trilogy of countdowns and I look forward to seeing more movies and putting out more reviews in 2026. This is going to be a good year, and I have some proof to back me up.
On a personal note, 2026 officially marks ten years of Scene Before! The official anniversary is in March, but the celebratory spirit is something I intend to carry throughout the year. Thank you to everyone who viewed this blog over the years and made me a very happy Movie Reviewing Moron.
In honor of the 10th Anniversary, I have 10 movie reviews already planned. I did not see the movies yet, but those will be in progress throughout the year, in a series I like to call… Celebrity Movie Requests!
Yes, some of your favorite stars have requested 10 movies for me to talk about and review! This year, you will see reviews as requested by an Emmy nominee, an Average Joe, a guardian, a video store owner, a sci-fi TV icon, a clerk, a game show host, a Jedi, a loudmouth, and a theme park manager. I will unveil the official guests down the line, but these are your hints for now if you would like to make any advance guesses.
Also, per usual, I will be doing the Jack Awards, it is Scene Before’s annual awards show dedicated to the best films of the year! As has been tradition in the past, the Best Picture category is based on my top films of the year, so chances are you could see the entire top 10 listed above represented in that category by the time I announce the nominees. This year’s edition is going to take place a bit earlier than usual… Look forward to the unveiling of the nominations on Sunday, January 25th, followed by the official ceremony on February 8th!
If you want to see these upcoming events 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, what are your favorite movies of 2025? Do you have a list? Do you think I missed a movie? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!
Hey everyone, Jack Drees here! It is time to count down my top 10 MOST DISAPPOINTING movies of 2025. Note the choice of words. These are not my least favorite or worst films of the year. I already made a list dedicated to that. These are not the films that I found the be the most intolerable, but rather the ones that I went into with high expectations, only to have them not be met. Spoiler warning, some of the films on the worst list make their way here. Sometimes a film is just plain bad, like I would anticipate it to be. I look forward to seeing every film that comes my way and hope for the best, but even with that in mind, I have to be a realist. If a trailer or poster does not impress me before seeing the film, it automatically lowers my expectations. That might as well be a long-winded way of saying “A Minecraft Movie” is not on this list. But sometimes a film, like ones that find their way on this list, are surprisingly unwatchable. Do we understand? Okay. Rant over.
That said, some ground rules apply to this list. This is completely subjective. Chances are we are not going to agree on what movies belong on this list. It only makes the world more interesting. Also, I have not seen every single film released in 2025. So, if there is a film that disappointed you that did not make the list, chances are I did not catch it, or I did not find it as underwhelming as you. Also, all of the movies here are theatrical releases. I do not count films that are straight to streaming, DVD, or television. In the spirit of disappointment, I apologize, but if you were looking forward to seeing some honorable mentions, you set your expectations too high. We are diving straight into the main event. These are my top 10 MOST DISAPPOINTING movies of 2025!
Starting off this list is “Riff Raff.” I am not going to pretend I knew a ton about “Riff Raff” months before seeing it, which is part of why it is one of the superior spots on this list. Although the main reason why “Riff Raff” made this list is because I thought it could have utilized its ensemble cast a lot better than it did. You have Jennifer Coolidge, Ed Harris, Bill Murray, Pete Davidson, Gabrielle Union. Some of these people are straight up icons! While it is fun to see a group like this one work together, part of me wishes they could have been in something far better. The film does have a laugh or two and it does get a bit twisted, but I think the positives in this film are quite bare. It is hard to say that I find the redeeming qualities of “Riff Raff” to stand out significantly. The film has some halfway decent comedy and drama, but I ended up forgetting a ton of it upon leaving the theater. That said, at least it is not the worst thing Jennifer Coolidge starred in this year. As much as I admire her, I cannot stand “A Minecraft Movie.” It is not good.
This film made my worst list, but now it is facing double trouble! “The Phoenician Scheme” is just plain insufferable, and it is only made worse because it is helmed by a well-known, respected director. I have a soft spot for Wes Anderson. I got a kick out of “Bottle Rocket.” “Moonrise Kingdom” is a solid flick. I even dug “Isle of Dogs.” But this? No no no. This is not quite doing it for me. The only scheme I see here is the one where this movie steals your money. Another reason why this film made the list is, like “Riff Raff,” because of the cast. And while that film had quite a few big names, it is nothing compared to the amount of superstars that make up the ensemble in “The Phoenician Scheme.” Everyone from Scarlett Johansson to Benecio del Toro to Benedict Cumberbatch to Tom Hanks to Richard Ayoade to Jeffrey Wright… I love all of these people, but again, I wish they all came together to star in something worth watching. This is also the second Bill Murray movie on this list. Not surprising though, he and Anderson have worked together several times. Why not one more?
Benny Safdie does not have the legacy of Wes Anderson, but he has proven to be a solid filmmaker alongside his brother Josh. While the latter ended up directing the terrific “Marty Supreme” this past year, the former unfortunately helmed “The Smashing Machine,” which I thought could have been better. This film, going into it, as well as coming out of it, reminded me of how I felt experiencing “Uncut Gems,” which the Safdie Brothers previously directed. Both films star actors in a main role you probably would least expect them to take on. In “Uncut Gems” you have Adam Sandler, and in “The Smashing Machine,” you have Dwayne Johnson. I am happy to say that Johnson aces his role, and so does Emily Blunt in hers. But those are the only two positive standouts of the film for me. I thought the story was surprisingly boring and forgettable. The film did not feel as experiential as I thought it would be. I remember walking out of “Uncut Gems” kind of anxious. I walked out of “The Smashing Machine” ready to move onto the next movie.
Fun fact, I saw this next film in IMAX 3D. So, I got an extra dimension of disappointment. “Tron: Ares” is a digital mess. I am a sucker for “Tron.” Before going to see “Tron: Ares” I watched both of the previous installments back to back and those two are easily more memorable than this threequel. The film also feels like wasted potential. I thought it could have been cool to see what would happen if characters and concepts from the digital world in “Tron” entered the real world, but the execution of that concept ends up fizzling. This film stars Jared Leto, who seriously cannot catch a break. I do not think he is a bad actor by any means, but for whatever reason, he always ends up in the least watchable projects between “Suicide Squad,” “Morbius,” and now this. I barely remember any of the characters from this film, other than the fact that they sometimes spewed some of the cheapest dialogue of the year. Technically speaking, this film rocks at times. That does save it. The sound mixing is unbelievable. The visual effects are spellbinding. Nine Inch Nails has some good music throughout. And again, I saw this film in IMAX 3D. While I am not a huge 3D fan, the 3D in this film was kind of fun.
At #6, we have “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” or the third film in the “Knives Out” franchise. Like the two previous installments, this one is directed by Rian Johnson. I thought the first “Knives Out” may have been his all time best work, and the second is also quite fun. This third one, like the others, is good, but not great. The cast, like the other movies, contains some big names, but this film seemed to be lacking in the what I would call “the performance.” By that I would mean the performance that I would continue to think about for days after watching this film. In “Knives Out” those were Ana de Armas and Chris Evans. In “Glass Onion,” those were Kathryn Hahn and Dave Bautista. It was hard for me to put a finger on the one actor that gave a performance like those four. Sure, like the other movies, Daniel Craig is fantastic as Benoit Blanc, and he is clearly having a ball. But the rest of the cast almost pales in comparison.
While it is not my favorite horror film of all time, I appreciate the original “M3GAN” for its fine mix of scares and commentary. That film remained on my mind long after seeing it. So, when “M3GAN 2.0” was coming out, I knew I had to see it. Or at least I thought I knew… This is sequel that takes the vibe, tone, and familiar elements of the original “M3GAN” and puts them in a bold new direction. I have no problem with this. Just because one thing is not like the other, it does not mean that both things cannot be good. Except this second installment is not that good in the least. Instead of laughing with the movie, I found myself laughing at it because of how ridiculous things ended up getting at certain points. The action in this film is decently laid out, but not really much else in the film stands out for me as a positive. I do not mind the M3GAN character, although chances are this film did so poorly that I think it may have killed the chances of us getting a major project with her anytime soon.
We have yet another film with a solid cast, but for whatever reason, things did not quite work out. That film, my friends, is “Love Hurts.” And boy, did the experience of watching this hurt. “Everything Everywhere All at Once” was a massive comeback for Ke Huy Quan. I am glad to see him keep finding work in movies. He was just in “Kung Fu Panda 4” and after this film released he was in “Zootopia 2.” While Quan may be on a roll when it comes to voiceovers, I wish this live-action effort had more of an oomph. He is great in the movie, but the film itself does not live up to his charisma. The action scenes are often well choreographed and planned. I could see myself going on YouTube at some point just to watch certain sequences of the film a second time. As for the whole movie, I cannot see myself watching it again. If I were to watch it again, maybe I would mute it. The script and dialogue in this project are no match for the visuals.
A lot of the films on this list have nice casts that are totally wasted, great directors who do not showcase their full potential, or in the case of “The Phoenician Scheme” and “Wake Up Dead Man,” both. Turns out “Materialists” is yet another case of both being an issue. While this film’s cast is not as large as some of the others on this list, the star power is nevertheless strong here. You have Dakota Johnson, who has talent, but much like “Madame Web” in 2024, she felt kind of flat here. Joining her is Pedro Pascal, who quite literally was in a much more “fantastic” project released later this year. Completing this love triangle is Chris Evans, who does his best here, but it is not enough to make a good movie. The film sounds promising, but it ends up being kind of a waste. I had high expectations going into this film not just because of the cast, but because Celine Song ended up helming it. I could see why the three recently mentioned stars took on the project. If you have not seen Celine Song’s excellent 2023 film “Past Lives,” you are missing out on one the most heartwarming, emotionally striking films of the decade. It is sad to see that this is how she followed up that masterpiece. The film deals with fascinating ideas and topics about love, money, and why certain partners stick together, but for whatever reason they could not stick the landing. I would love to see what else Celine Song has up her sleeve, and I hope that this is just the one dud in her career. I think she has a promising future, but this is not the outing I anticipated following “Past Lives.”
I have established many times on this blog that I liked every Marvel Cinematic Universe movie that has come out since “Avengers: Endgame.” Unfortunately, that streak stopped in February 2025 with the release of “Captain America: Brave New World.” This film did not know what it wanted to be. While it is called “Captain America” and places its titular character front and center, the script shoehorns so much extra material to the point where this becomes a crappy sequel to the 2008 “Incredible Hulk.” Marvel movies are known for their visual effects. While they often tend to be a positive in these projects, they have been taking a bit of a downturn as of late depending on the situation. “Captain America: Brave New World” feels like the lowest of the low when it comes to visual effects in the MCU. The action scenes did not even stand out to me that much. For a Marvel movie, the core elements that are typically positives surprisingly fail to live up to their true potential. At times, the movie looked and felt like something that was supposed to go straight to Disney+. Then again, the film made a lot of money at the box office, so maybe dumping it onto streaming would have been a poor choice. The film also feels tonally inconsistent. While I wish nothing but the best for the future of Danny Ramirez as an actor, I do wish his character, Joaquin Torres, were less of a cartoon. Maybe he could have worked in something like “Guardians of the Galaxy,” but “Brave New World” feels mostly grounded, that is until Torres starts talking. If the film proves anything as a positive, it is that Anthony Mackie is incredibly charismatic and I would not mind seeing more projects where he can play the lead. I love him as Falcon and I am happy to see the character get their own movie, but I wish this film lived up to some of the adventures of Steve Rogers. Also, as much as I love Harrison Ford, Red Hulk was kind of wasted.
My number 1 biggest disappointment of the year for cinema is “Fackham Hall.” Yes… That is the actual title. I do not make the rules, I just facking enforce them. Expectations are a funny thing, because the reality is that me disliking this movie could debatably be my own fault. I did not make a most anticipated movies list going into 2025. However, if I knew this movie were a thing at the beginning of the year, chances are it would have ended up on it. For starters, the trailer for this movie blew my socks off in every regard. I found almost every line in the film’s red band trailer, which I had seen for the first time in theatres, to be ridiculously hilarious. “Fackham Hall” is easily one of the funniest trailers I have ever seen. Sadly, the movie is nowhere near as comedic. Or, at least to me it is not. For all I know, I might have given the movie a more positive review had I not watched the trailer on YouTube several times after seeing it in the cinema. For the record, when it played in the cinema, it was not online yet. I kept waiting for the day it would finally drop, and when it did, I was one happy dude. Also, Jimmy Carr worked on this film. I do not think everyone reading this would be familiar with that name, but he is one of my favorite comedians and game show hosts. He happened to be writing this film along with a few other people, including his own brother, Patrick Carr.
Speaking of Jimmy Carr, he is also on screen as a vicar. He essentially has one joke in the movie done on repeat. I have massive respect for Jimmy Carr as a comedian, and if I wanted to hear Jimmy Carr not only tell more jokes, but also a greater variety of jokes, I will just go watch him in one of his specials or even on shows like “8 Out of 10 Cats.” I found him to be wasted here.
“Fackham Hall” is essentially “Downton Abbey” done in the spoofy spirit of “Naked Gun” and “Airplane.” I enjoy both of those movies. But “Fackham Hall” tries its best to make fun of its source material, but only takes the laughs so far. At times, the film feels like it was written by young adults who just learned adult humor but they have not heard enough complicated adult humor. In fact, the film has quite a bit of toilet humor that sounds like it comes out of a more mature Illumination movie. If you think the word “penis” by itself is funny, and that is the pinnacle of comedy for you, chances are you wrote this movie.
And before I forget, this film, while not the worst narrative of the year, at times feels kind of unstructured. While the film does advertise its murder mystery plot ahead of time, its placement in the final product feels rather out of the blue. Does it make sense? Sure. Should the film get rid of it? One could argue that it probably should not. But at the same time, its timing feels rather unexpected.
Prior to watching “Fackham Hall,” I had not watched the “Downtown Abbey” series, nor have I seen any of its feature films. I know enough about the series to understand it to some degree, but it is not for me. But for whatever reason, when the trailer for this film dropped, I lost my mind and I thought it made for an interesting concept. But the execution could not reach my high expectations, even if one could argue that said expectations were unfair. “Fackham Hall” may be cool title, but when it comes to the past year in cinema, there are so many fackin’ better uses of your time and money. “Fackham Hall” is my most disappointing movie of 2025.
Thanks for reading this countdown! So, we did the worst list and now, the most disappointing. Two negative lists in a row… I think it is time to go in a more positive direction. My next list is going to be for my top 10 BEST movies of 2025! I cannot wait to share these picks with you all, it is going to be fun.
Also, before we go any further, I just dropped a new poster for Celebrity Movie Requests! For those of you who saw my previous poster on Thanksgiving, you may think it looks exactly the same. There are some subtle differences though if you look close enough… Celebrity Movie Requests is an upcoming series where I review and talk about movies based on the requests of ten prominent people. I talked to them in 2025 and got their ideas on video to share with you all. I cannot wait to reveal who the special guests will be further down the road, along with the movies they asked me to review. Stay tuned for sometime later this year for more updates!
If you want to see the upcoming best list 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, what are your most disappointing movies of 2025? Do you agree with this list? Do you think I missed a movie? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!
Hey everyone, Jack Drees here! It is time to count down my top 10 WORST movies of 2025. Some of you may call this the fun list. Some of you may call this the unnecessary list. I just call it the list that I have to do in order to remind myself and others that you cannot have good movies without the bad. Each movie I have seen this year has provided with a unique experience. Sometimes that results in something memorable. That said, as these movies suggest, sometimes the word “memorable” is not always a positive. Before we begin this list, I will remind everyone that I have not seen every movie that has come out in 2025. While it is unfortunate that I missed a few titles, it also means that I do not have to talk about certain movies that I have heard less than stellar things about like “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2,” “Flight Risk,” and “Bride Hard.” Do not expect to see those on the list. Also, this is a subjective list. Everything you see here is based on my own experiences, staring at screens of my choice. Also, all the movies on this list have to have been released in theaters. If the film’s not in theaters, than it is technically “television.” Before we get to the top 10, there are a few dishonorable mentions to highlight for hopefully the last time.
And before I announce the first dishonorable mention, I will note that this year’s top 10 WORST list shows what an unfortunate year this has been for Comcast. Spoiler, a lot of their movies, whether they are from Universal Pictures or Focus Features, make the list. And before Comcast blacklists me from working at any of their outlets, I would like them to know that “The Odyssey” is my most anticipated movie of 2026 and I had a blast going to Universal in Orlando this year. I cannot wait to go back to see Epic Universe. It’s going to be sick. With that plea for mercy out of the way, let’s get this roast started.
And if you thought I was bluffing, turns out the first dishonorable mention is in fact a Focus Features movie, “Honey Don’t!.” This film is uniquely boring. While it may have star power courtesy of actors like Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, and Chris Evans, the film ends up being a complete drag. This is one of those movies that as soon as I left, my brain started vomiting out any information related to it that it had previously taken in. This is the second year in a row we’ve gotten a collaboration between Margaret Qualley and Ethan Coen, following 2024’s above average “Drive Away Dolls.” Safe to say, “Honey Don’t!” makes that film look like a masterpiece.
I love Marvel, but even I have to admit that “Captain America: Brave New World” is not quite doing it for me. Other than the admirable lead performance by Anthony Mackie, there is not really much in this film to write home about. I thought some of the action sequences could have been more exciting. The special effects are some of the worst I can recall seeing in a modern superhero movie. And the film almost has an identity crisis! While the movie is called “Captain America,” the script acts as if it is supposed to be an “Incredible Hulk” sequel. That would be forgiven if the movie was good, but that is not the case!
Going back to Comcast, it pains me a great deal to say that my last dishonorable mention is “Love Hurts.” I love Ke Huy Quan, and I am over the moon to see him keep getting work following his comeback in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” While “Love Hurts” does satisfy at times when it comes to action, it often feels like a case of style over substance. If you want to watch a better Ke Huy Quan movie released this year, go watch “Zootopia 2.” Skip “Love Hurts.”
With those movies down, it is time to put the Moron in Movie Reviewing Moron. These are my top 10 WORST movies of 2025!
I was not joking when I said Comcast’s movies would dominate this list. The honorable mentions are just the beginning. Coming in at number 10 is “Wicked: For Good!” The original “Wicked” did not make my top 10 worst list last year, and looking back, I believe a large part of that was because the second half of the film had me hooked at times. So, why did this one make the list? Bear in mind, I knew nothing about the original musical prior to these films coming out, but when “Wicked: For Good” gets to the material that was made famous by “The Wizard of Oz,” the execution of some of it did not sit right with me. By the end of this film, I thought the story lost almost any potential stakes it could have had. I felt like nothing really mattered or had much of a substantial impact. Some of the numbers were okay. I thought “No Good Deed Goes Unpunished” was a highlight. Though I cannot think of any other numbers that quite reached the same level. Much like the original “Wicked,” the film’s color palette is not that easy on the eyes despite the neat production design. I was not a huge fan of either of these movies. And one could argue that these movies were not made for me, and such an argument would probably have a point. Even so, I found myself uninterested in a lot of what this movie had to offer. Parts of it dragged. As a musical it could have been better. And as much as I love Jeff Goldblum, the dude cannot sing.
At #9 is another Comcast movie! I am talking about the forgettable horror flick known as “Him.” Despite this movie starting off with the main character watching a football game, becoming obsessed with the sport, and getting invited to a location where he gets to take on football training sessions, I think football could have used a little extra screen time. For the record, if you know me in real life, I am not much of a football fan. But for a movie that is about football it could have used, I do not know, maybe more football. In my review for “Him,” I basically summed it up as “Whiplash” meets “Ex Machina.” You have a young man aspiring to be the next great in his desired field. That young man gets taken under the wing of an eccentric mentor, all the while staying at a remote facility. The film comes packed with fascinating ideas and concepts, but it ends up wasting every single one.
Lookie here fellas, it is another Comcast film! Part of me was looking forward to this next movie, because I found myself to be pleasantly surprised by the original. This sequel surprised me too, but by that I mean I found myself surprisingly underwhelmed. “M3GAN 2.0” may have just killed its own franchise. If my personal opinion does not verify this claim, then the lackluster box office certainly does. I thought on paper, “M3GAN 2.0” had potential. The first “M3GAN” features its titular character as the baddie, but now she has become the hero. I thought that could have worked, but this idea was botched completely. At times, M3GAN reminded me of a variant of Deadpool who refuses to take their humor beyond a PG-13 level. Also, instead of a horror movie, like the first film was, this installment takes a more action-based route. I am all for franchises experimenting, trying new things, and going in oddball directions. But when it does not pay off, you get duds like “M3GAN 2.0.”
Okay… Last Comcast film for now. Spoiler! Once this segment is over, we get back to bashing them in number five.
Ready for a hot take? I am not sure if you are, because this one’s as scorching as the Equator! “Bugonia” is easily one of the worst film experiences I have had this past year. While I respect Yorgos Lanthimos for delivering the banger of a flick known as “Poor Things,” this film, as well as a couple others he has done, has proven that his style may not be for me. I get that Jesse Plemons’ character was perhaps designed to be so moronic that he has fallen as deep into his echo chamber as he has, but it does not alter the fact that having to watch him be the hero of his own story for two hours was mind-numbing. Emma Stone, perhaps unsurprisingly, gives a solid performance. But it is not enough for me to give this film a pass. I will not deny that this film was disturbing, and that was perhaps the point. But when the point is so effective that I basically left the screening with a headache, I am not going to endorse the movie for that. I watch movies for many reasons. Hurting my brain is not one of them.
Throughout this countdown you are going to mostly see films I reviewed, but this next one is not one of them. I missed this film in the theater, but I ended up buying a used Blu-ray copy, which I ended up watching at the end of the year, and boy do I want my time and money back…
#6: The Alto Knights
This film showcases the talent of a popular actor whose films have influenced audiences worldwide, and this time around, they are playing not one, but two roles! Sounds an awful lot like “Sinners,” right? It is not. That movie was pretty good. Next up on this list is “The Alto Knights.” I am surely glad that I did not review “The Alto Knights” because that would have been a tough one to get through. While the first minute or so delivers an exciting, attention-grabbing scene, the rest of the film could not quite live up to that excitement. While I do appreciate Robert De Niro for taking on two roles, it is almost like the film is inserting two times the Robert De Niro to compensate for the utter boringness that ensues for its two hour runtime. This is one of those films that I was trying my hardest to stare at the screen and digest everything that was in front of me, but it felt near impossible to do so. I cannot name a single aspect of this film that stood out to me, maybe other than the production design. Well, that and some of the accents. This film is overacted to a sick degree sometimes. Overall, “The Alto Knights” could have been intriguing, but it falls flat on its face.
Is it just me? Or is Wes Anderson slowly losing his magic? I had fun with “The French Dispatch,” but after seeing “Asteroid City” in 2023, and now “The Phoenician Scheme” in 2025, which I found even worse, I am starting to question when, or if, he will deliver his next great film. Much like “The Alto Knights,” “The Phoenician Scheme” starts off with an enticing hook. We see our main character caught in a plane crash, and we find out that this is one of several he has been through. As soon as the first minute of the film is complete, it is all downhill from there. The film may have a humungous, recognizable cast, but that honestly makes the experience of watching it much worse! These people could have done anything, but they chose to be in something as dull as this! Yes, I know, a lot of people would kill to work with Wes Anderson. Nevertheless, I wish Anderson himself gave this cast significantly better material to utilize. I do not mind a Wes Anderson quirkfest, but quirks are not enough to make a good movie. I hope he can get out of his slump and deliver the next “Fantastic Mr. Fox.” I would much rather watch that over this garbage.
If you want a horror flick that is a total snooze, look no further, because I present to you, “The Ruse!” The best part of “The Ruse” is Veronica Cartwright’s shining performance, but almost everything else feels insignificant compared to that. Well, okay, some of the locations are nice. There is that. Although, as I look back at the movie, I do not recall a whole ton about the other characters. Nothing really stood out about any of them. Each one felt paper thin. Few things disappoint more than a horror film that is not scary. The film contains plenty of jumpscares, which despite some decent buildup, often came off as cheap. The story gets more absurd as it goes along. As the film’s climax played out, it did not feel that satisfying. Much of the material felt like something that belonged in a second act. Overall, this movie should have been better than what it delivered. Veronica Cartwright deserves better. The rest of the cast and crew deserve better. The audience deserves better.
We come to Comcast’s worst film of the year… The “Jurassic Park” franchise really needs to take a breather. And I think I am being friendly with that sentiment. If you disagree, then chances are you have not been exposed to whatever the heck “Jurassic World: Rebirth” turned out to be. There are a couple positive things I can say about “Jurassic World: Rebirth.” I found the dinosaur action to be an improvement over “Jurassic World: Dominion,” which made my 2022 worst list. And Gareth Edwards, like usual, does a decent job at highlighting scale. He did it spectacularly with the titular monster in 2014’s “Godzilla,” and then he did it again with AT-ATs in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” So, it is no surprise that he does a good job in that regard when it comes to showcasing the dinosaurs in “Jurassic World: Rebirth.” The film has some of the hottest stars working today including Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey, but their star power is not enough to keep this franchise’s engine running. The film’s screenplay leaves quite a bit to be desired. A lot of the film tends to feel like a homage to the original “Jurassic Park,” that is if that homage were exclusively sold at Dollar Tree. It’s not even good enough for Five Below. It’s that cheap. Some of the film comes off as a joke. One idea implemented into the script was that the general public living within the “Jurassic” franchise has become heavily fatigued by dinosaurs. They’ve become boring by this point. To that I say, try walking outside and looking at a bird. Yes, chances are a lot of you reading this see birds everyday. But birds have been around forever and been part of many people’s lives! You think society is bored by something as commonplace as freaking birds? Now you want to tell me people would rather watch paint dry as opposed to even look at a dinosaur? Also, has humanity gotten tired of zoos? We have had zoos and aquariums for many years! I was at an aquarium in Boston over the summer and the place was packed! Perhaps the film was trying to emulate the audience’s reaction to the franchise, as the more recent installments have not been as well received as the older ones. I have no clue. But I did not buy this idea for a second. Add in some cheesy one-liners that sound like they are out of a bad Michael Bay movie and then you get “Jurassic World: Rebirth.”
Even though I refused to play it, this video game was so popular growing up that a feature film with big stars felt practically inevitable. While said feature film, unsurprisingly, made a lot of money, it is also rich in schlockiness. “A Minecraft Movie” may be the most excruciating hour and a half of cinema I watched this year. I caught “A Minecraft Movie” a couple weeks after it was released with a friend. He paid for the tickets, so I thank him for that. And while I saved some money, the movie ended up stealing my time. I was not the biggest fan of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” when that came out, as I thought it was unbelievably cliché. But at least it had a clear beginning, middle, and end with its titular protagonist at the front and center.
It is almost unclear who and what “A Minecraft Movie” is actually about. Maybe that is why it is called “A Minecraft Movie.” Even the title seems unsure of itself and what it wants to be. Is the film about Steve? Is it about the younger brother and sister? Is it about Jason Momoa’s character? Honestly, I do not care about what kind of story “A Minecraft Movie” wants to tell, because whatever it did tell me was a chore to sit through. None of the jokes were funny, and the whole movie comes off as if it were designed to be a meme. I can watch a film that refuses to take itself too seriously, but this one was a bit much. Jack Black gives a slightly less annoying performance than what he gave in last year’s “Borderlands,” but he is still a bit too overly obnoxious for my taste. The film has some notable stars, but few, if any, had decent material to work with. Danielle Brooks sounded like she did not want to be there. Jennifer Coolidge commits to what’s in front of her, but it does not make for the easiest watch. The only actor I like in the film is Jason Momoa, who plays a narcissistic video game shop owner. I thought he played the part well, even if some of his jokes felt like they were made for the under five crowd. Also, while this film is experiencing a cultural impact, I wish that impact did not associate with people bringing live chickens into movie theaters and throwing popcorn around the auditorium. The film is a 90 minute monstrosity through a cubed uncanny valley. I will admit though, my expectations were not that high for this film. So, at least I was not disappointed.
Much like number 2, my final pick for this countdown is a family film. Although whereas I could see how “A Minecraft Movie” would appeal to a lot of young boys and maybe remain as a core part of their growing up, it a bit harder for me to see how exactly 2025’s “Smurfs” is going to maintain a long-lasting cultural impact of its own. I am not going to pretend I am all that into the “Smurfs” property. In fact, I went into this film with absolute morbid curiosity. The trailers irked me, and maybe that is where I should have held my horse. But for some reason, I decided to go see this film in the theater. What a life-affirming choice that was, not! The only “Smurfs” anything I watched prior to this movie was the 2011 live-action film, which to this day is one of the worst pictures I have ever seen. This 2025 animation is almost as infuriatingly awful as that atrocity. The movie may be called “Smurfs,” but at times it feels more like a 90 minute long Rihanna music video. Part of this is because, well, Rihanna plays Smurfette, one of the film’s main characters. The other main character in the film is No Name Smurf, played by James Corden. His resume amazes me to this day. I do not know if James Corden is purposefully picking roles in projects that he knows will end up being crap. Or, if the project starts off great, but Corden has magical powers to make his projects crappier. For all I know, chances are Corden thinks his projects always sound like masterpieces on paper. But between this film, “Cats,” and “The Emoji Movie” just to name a few, it is kind of astounding to see Corden take on one abominable project after another.
Of course, with this film being released in the 2020s, there is a multiverse connection. Admittedly, this might have been the one slight redeeming quality of the movie, as it did allow the animators to go absolutely bonkers with some of the styles, kind of like “Spider-Verse,” but that excitement literally lasts for a minute and then the rest of the film plays out as boringly as possible. Speaking of which, the film constantly blends live-action with 3D animation in certain scenes, and at times, it looks plain odd.
As I watched this film, as well as my number 2 pick for this list, “A Minecraft Movie,” I felt like I was part of the crowd at the Enchantment Under the Sea dance in “Back to the Future.” For all I know, somewhere, somehow, Marty McFly showed up on screen to profess to me that I was not quite ready for these movies, but my kids, should I have them, are probably going to love them, with the disclaimer that they watch them at a certain age. Except I am not so sure if that is the case, based on my own experience of watching this film in the cinema with a good amount of children. Maybe my experience of watching this film was vastly different than yours, but as I watched “Smurfs,” it was really hard to tell how many people were actually enjoying the movie or getting something out of it. When I go to a lot of these family movies, I find the audiences to be a bit more active. Although in this case, nearly the entire crowd was dead silent. Hey, I will take it over the chaos of some of the “Minecraft” screenings, including my own, where a lot of children were busy shouting out the memes. But at least that crowd sounded entertained. Out of everyone in the auditorium, I might have been the only person to even chuckle at the film. Amazing, right?! While it is true that a lot of comedy derives from great pain, it is kind of astounding to me how my one laugh in a film containing the “Happy Song” came from one character opting to sacrifice themself. For the record, this is a film that is chock-full of jokes! Although at the end of the day, the joke is likely on me, as I wasted 89 minutes of my precious time watching what I found to be one of the most cringe-inducing animations that has ever come across my consciousness. Again, like “A Minecraft Movie,” my expectations for “Smurfs” were low, so at least I was not disappointed. Although the film is still unwatchable enough to be the worst of 2025 for me.
Thanks for reading this countdown! As someone who loves movies and wants to make them, it pains me sometimes to make these lists. But I only do it because I love the art form and as someone who reviews these movies, I always believed that honesty is the best policy. If you enjoyed this countdown, I have another on the way! You cannot have the bad without the good! In the coming days I will be sharing my top 10 BEST movies of 2025! I can guarantee that list will bring significantly more joy than this one. I might do another countdown as I have done three around this time in years past. Although I am not going to do a most anticipated list as I already saw one 2026, which I will review later this month. If you want to see that countdown 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, what are your worst movies of 2025? Do you agree with this list? Do you have your own? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!
“Marty Supreme” is directed by Josh Safdie (Uncut Gems, Good Time) and stars Timothée Chalamet (Wonka, A Complete Unknown), Gwyneth Paltrow (Iron Man, Shakespeare in Love), Odessa A’zion (Until Dawn, She Rides Shotgun), Kevin O’Leary (Shark Tank, Project Earth), Tyler, the Creator (Piece by Piece, Jackass Forever), Abel Ferrara (Body Snatchers, Fear City), and Fran Drescher (The Nanny, Hotel Transylvania). Loosely inspired by true events, the film follows Marty Mauser, a shoe salesman who aspires to be a ping pong pro and will do anything, no matter the cost, to make his dream a reality.
Courtesy of A24
The Safdie Brothers have quickly become two of the biggest names working in Hollywood today. Their work together behind the camera has brought forth some excitingly fast-paced films including “Good Time” and “Uncut Gems.” I had the pleasure of rewatching the latter earlier this year, and while it is sometimes hard to keep up with every minute, I appreciate the film’s commitment to delivering one of the most anxiety-inducing cinematic experiences of all time. It is not my favorite film of 2019, but it is certainly one of the most unique.
While the Safdie Brothers may not be working together this year as directors, it allows for both to release their own projects at different points of the year. “The Smashing Machine,” directed by Benny Safdie, released in October. I thought it could have been better. Fast forward a couple months later, that is when Josh Safdie’s “Marty Supreme” hits the big screen. The two films have a couple things in common. Both star big name actors and involve sports. “The Smashing Machine” stars Dwayne Johnson and involves mixed martial arts. “Marty Supreme” on the other hand stars Timothée Chalamet and involves table tennis. These two films have some things in common.
Although one significant difference between “The Smashing Machine” and “Marty Supreme” is that the latter is a much better movie. I walked out of “Marty Supreme” feeling somewhat similar to how I walked out of “Uncut Gems” after seeing it for the first time. While it is not going to be my favorite film of the year, it will be remembered as a one of a kind adrenaline rush featuring a complicated protagonist.
To say Timothée Chalamet plays Marty Mauser would be a disservice because I think the more accurate thing to say is that Chalamet transforms into Marty Mauser. It is quite possible that Chalamet has given the performance of the year, and it is gratifying to end 2025 on such a high note. I had a conversation with a friend in recent weeks and we both agreed that Chalamet has undeniable range between his work in “Dune,” “Wonka,” and even more recently, “A Complete Unknown.” With each and every role he takes on, Chalamet continues to showcase an extreme sense of charisma. But if you go into “Marty Supreme” expecting Chalamet to deliver something as happy go lucky as his lead performance in “Wonka,” prepare to have those expectations subverted. Chalamet’s character is by no means a role model.
Through its marketing and execution, “Marty Supreme” sort of plays out like a classic hero’s journey. Marty wants to get out of his ordinary life as a shoe salesman and will stop at nothing to see his ping pong dreams through. He does not care who he has to push out of the way. He does not care how much money it costs to make something happen. Unlike a real hero, Marty is noticeably self-absorbed. If anything, Marty Mauser is the equivalent of Lightning McQueen from “Cars” if that movie were not filtered for a G-rating. He is a narcissistic brat who wants things to go his way. He clearly passionate about his dreams, but maybe to a sick degree.
As I watched “Marty Supreme,” I could not help but think about “All the Right Moves,” the 1983 film starring Tom Cruise as a high schooler looking for a football scholarship. I found some parallels in my experiences of watching both films. Not only are their protagonists athletic, but they are kind of bratty. That said, “Marty Supreme” manages to present a much more likable lead, at least to me. The protagonist from “All the Right Moves,” Stefen Djordjevic, comes off as a jerk on so many levels. Marty Mauser is also kind of a jerk, but there are moments that despite his selfish tendencies, he has a heart. Though even if he did not have a heart, the movie has such a wild immersion factor that enhances Marty’s journey, as well as those of the supporting characters. I felt completely invested in everything this film had to offer from start to finish.
Speaking of the supporting cast, that aspect of the movie stands out simply because there are some surprising names attached to the project like magician Penn Jillette and venture capitalist Kevin O’Leary (above), the latter of whom plays one of the most significant parts in the project. While “Marty Supreme” may not have my favorite cast of the year, I will give the film props for putting in some eccentric, but nevertheless spot on talent.
That said, while Kevin O’Leary does do an okay job in the film, if you know enough about Kevin O’Leary, chances are you are probably going to walk out of this movie thinking that he played an alternate version of himself. O’Leary’s character, Milton Rockwell, is an influential businessman.
Similarly, Gwyneth Paltrow is also in the film. She puts on a good show as Kay Stone, a retired actress. Paltrow’s role, like O’Leary’s, feels kind of derivative considering Paltrow herself took a break from acting. While O’Leary and Paltrow both play their parts well, they do not hold a candle to Chalamet as the lead, who, as I said earlier, basically transforms into Marty Mauser.
This film, from start to finish, maintains a consistent sense of atmosphere. This film is set in the 1950s, and the production design to match the time spares no expense. The movie is also shot mostly on 35mm film, giving it a somewhat dirty, but also neatly colored look. It kind of reminded me of the look of “Uncut Gems,” which again, Josh Safdie directed. Both films are even shot by the same cinematographer, Darius Khondji. I have to give credit to both of these people because they play a part in taking a sport as simple as ping pong and presenting it as if it happened to be a gladiator match. Not every shot showcases every little bit of action, but there is a breakneck pace to each of the film’s sporting events. I also have to give props, once again, to Timothée Chalamet. His talent leaps off the screen, and it should not be a surprise. Chalamet spent years training for this role by taking lessons and even replacing his living room furniture in his home with a table tennis setup.
On the surface, “Marty Supreme” seems like a sports drama about an aspiring ping pong player, and it is. But the reality is that the film is much more than that. It is about someone who thinks beyond reason. It is about someone whose aspirations are so high to the point where his behavior and actions to achieve the goals he wants to see through become unpredictable. If you want a role model protagonist, this might not be the movie for you. But if you are okay something rough and tough, “Marty Supreme” may be up your alley.
In the end, “Marty Supreme” is a fast-paced thrill of a flick featuring one of the best lead performances of the year. This may be Timothée Chalamet’s greatest demonstration of his acting chops to date, and that is saying something because his portrayal of Bob Dylan in last year’s “A Complete Unknown” is unbelievable. The film packs in a lot of threads, showcases a ton of characters, and never becomes boring throughout its two and a half hour runtime. That said, and not that this is a huge dealbreaker, I wish the movie maybe had a smidge more ping pong, but the ping pong we do get is kinetic and entertaining. That said, I will give credit to “Marty Supreme,” as far as this year’s sports movies go, this is much more of a ping pong movie than “Him” is a football movie. I am going to give “Marty Supreme” a 7/10.
“Marty Supreme” is now playing in theaters everywhere. Tickets are available now.
Thanks for reading this review! With my thoughts on this movie out of the way, that means my next posts are going to be for my top 10 BEST and WORST movies of 2025. I saw nearly all the movies I wanted to see this year. I still have not seen “Song Sung Blue,” “Ne Zha II,” “Sisu: Road to Revenge,” and “Blue Moon.” I only have so much time so I could not quite fit everything in. But some of the movies I did see will be acknowledged in the coming days. If you want to see posts like my upcoming countdowns 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 “Marty Supreme?” What did you think about it? Or, between Benny Safdie’s “The Smashing Machine” and Josh Safdie’s “Marty Supreme,” which film do you think is superior? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!
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